Its been five years since you and your small group of friends went in search of any evidence of the true gods. Tonight you are all scheduled to return home and share what you were each able to find.

It has been a long five years. You hope they were luckier than you were.

As winter approached, the weather is cool in the mornings, warmed throughout the day and then dropped again at night making a fire necessary to be comfortable on the road. Full winter was still a few months away and you looked forward to wintering it next to a fire in Solace. The first thing to do would be to find accommodations.

You didnt know how long you might stay in Solace but for the winter at least. Solace was build in the trees of great Vallenwood trees except for the blacksmith shop of Flint Fireforge and a town square which was the weekly site of the market. Otherwise the population of five hundred lived high above the road connected by rope bridges.

For five years they had been apart, all in search of evidence of the old gods. They would all be coming together tonight on the first evening of the fall harvest. The others -  Ocelot, Solara, Tarkin, and the Kender Tarlin you hoped would be there this evening as scheduled.

Together the companions had served on the town militia until five years ago when they separated to search for any signs of the old gods.

Solace was just a few hours away now and you hoped to reach Solace before the Inn of the Last Home closed for the evening. Thoughts of Otik's spiced potatoes had kept you warm many nights along the road.

In the distance down the road you see flames, of torches and a bonfire in the middle of the road. A score of dark shapes move in the light.

OOC - I need a brief description of what you are wearing and how you are armed. I will be grouping a few of you together as you approach Solace. So I want to allow for some introductions. Please send me a PM with your description. You will see that I have advanced the characters so also provide me an equipment list. You are all finished with your basic careers and have 200 experience points to enter your second career with. Dont post here yet. I will post your description and place you on the field.

In the glare of the fires it becomes clear that a large group of goblins, numbering at least twenty, has attacked a caravan looting and setting the carts ablaze. Some of the goblins are set to butchering the animals while other ravage and brutalize the captives.

The leader of the group, a huge hobgoblin sits astride a pony barking orders in dark tongue.

OOC - I will be grouping the characters together and describing exactly how you will be arriving at the scene.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:51, Thu 18 Feb 2021.

Two travellers did gaze at the goblinoid brutality that was ravaging the helpless travellers. They stood away from the flames, unable to help, afraid of revealing themselves.

Two horses, one with two riders and the other single, rounds the bend in the road and stop short.  They watch in horror the fate of the caravan.

The two travelers waited quietly and patiently, out of sight of the savage goblins.

A short figure, looking rather like a child, sits behind one of the riders. He shifted to bring one leg over, about to leap down from the horse.


OOC: Let me know if the private tag is correct, it's been a while since I have used it.

The tall man held his hand palm down towards his companion ushering him to remain calm and quiet. Then his gaze fell at the three riders.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:24, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

The goblins speak in their foul tongue to the hobgoblin rider, clearly they are looking for something among the piles of loot from the caravan.

The apparent commander of the creatures barks back in common. "Bring staffs you find to me. Collect prisoners for our larder. Our troops march south and they will be hungry when they arrive! Slaughter those who resist."

Several caravan guards are hauled forward and the goblins begin the work of carving the captives into easily carriable portions.


OOC - Technically the two groups can not see each other. The fire makes seeing anything outside the circle of light almost impossible to see. Thus the modification to one of the character posts.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

A young woman holds the reins of one of the steeds, looking upon the events going on ahead with growing distaste.  With a gesture, she pulls the hood of her coat up, the jingle of the mail sewn within audible to those around her.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

Ocelot nods to Solara and Tarlin as he unslings his bow and strings it with practiced ease.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:52, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

PL...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

OOC - Remember that the two groups are not aware of each other. Whatever you are planning you need to do it with whatever you have in your group. Also, remember how far your group is away from the scene on the road.

As they study the group fiends they note that they appear to be a lightly armored advance party. They wear light armor and carry curved swords and daggers. About half of the number carry shortbows.

One of their number, who appears to be the butcher for the group, hacks apart a screaming human woman with a lethal looking cleaver as others stuff the morsels into sacks.

The mounted woman nods, and reaches for the helmet hanging from the side of her steed, settling it on nice using her hood as a cushion, then reaching for the weapons strapped to the side.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:04, Sun 21 Feb 2021.

The group on the road begins moving towards the caravan at a trot. One rider leans down to help the kender up to a stirrup where he can stand.

A bolt of silver and blue coursed towards the hobgoblin. For an instant a lone figure can be seen at its origin.

The kender positions himself in the stirrup, working to brandish his hopec correctly in his hands as he kept steady.

Alfred jumps to his feet, then quickly and quietly rushes multiple meters while drawing his bow to be able to shoot. He stays in the shadows.

The riders on the road approach at a trot.  As they near the firelight, one kicks their horse into a gallop while the other slows and enters the edge of the firelight.  As the other continues to charge, One pulls up and fires two quick shots at the Hobgoblin.

14:48, Today: Ocelot rolled 27 using 1d100 ((27))[51]. Hit (body)
14:49, Today: Ocelot rolled 91 using 1d100 ((91))[51]. miss
14:50, Today: Ocelot rolled 4 using 1d10+3 ((1)). damage
14:52, Today: Ocelot rolled 54 using 1d100 ((54))[21]. dodge blow (fail)
14:56, Today: Ocelot rolled 29 using 1d100 ((29))[42]. ride roll (success)
10:22, Today: Ocelot rolled 186 using 3d100, unique dice ((72,75,39)). Extra rolls if needed
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Sun 21 Feb 2021.

PL...

The short figure bounded to the ground, brandishing a small stone in a hopec sling staff, which he fired at the same hobgoblin.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sun 21 Feb 2021.

Out of the darkness suddenly thunders an armored woman mounted on a warhorse with lance and shield. Wordlessly she drives forward toward the goblin butcher (G1). Arrows and sling stones streak from the darkness down the trail.

At the same time from the wood to the north a blue lance of magic streaks forth striking the mounted hobgoblin accompanied by a rain of arrows.

OOC - I working up the combat damage etc. Please wait until I say New Round before you post again.


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:55, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

Hearing the oncoming knight, the hobgoblin is not surprised. He wheels his burdened pony around and moves rapidly away from the charging knight yelling in their vulgar tongue clearly trying to rally the goblins to defend him.  Virtually all of the goblins are completely taken by surprise. Those who are not, turn to flee with their leader.

The knights lance tears into the back of the goblin butcher. A sling stone strikes the hobgoblin in the back of the head almost knocking the beast from his saddle . One of the arrows from the road strikes the hobgoblin in the back but it is deflected by the beasts mail armor.

The arcane bolt from the woods strikes the hobgoblin and it roars in agony but stays on his mount.

The knight drives her warhorse forward over the butcher and drives it down into the mud and blood of the road. The goblins leg is crushed under the hooves of the warhorse.

OOC - New round. As Nick said please make a few extra rolls for possible crits, stuns or Toughness resistance rolls etc. I will use them in the order rolled. Also, make sure you identify the target of your attacks in the dice roller before you roll. If it is not obvious to me you may have to reroll with an identified target. It will not take me so long again now that I have my tables set up.





This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

Another silver blue lance thunders from among the trees.

"One!"  Solara's voice rung out, the butcher crumpling to the ground between her lance and her mount's crushing hooves.  She whirled around, guiding her steed with her legs as the horse moved on past the stricken goblin, leaning forward and shoving her lance towards it.

And then in a feat of impressive strength and fortitude, recalled the lance and drove it forward a second time.

"Flee or fight!"  She called out.  "Your banditry will no longer go unpunished!"

Alfred, staying in the dense brush, shoots at the hobgoblin boss.

The kender plucked a stone from the ground and launched it from the sling on his hopec. He shouted after the goblins: "Back! Back!"

PL...

Ocelot targets a goblin near the captives while guiding his horse around with his knees.

The hobgoblin drives his pony into a mad gallop, disappearing down the road into the darkness.

A sling stone sails into the melee striking one of the goblins in the arm (G5).


An arrow streaks out of the darkness and is driven deep into the shoulder of one of the goblins (G4) guarding the prisoners.

Still surprised, Solara lances one of the goblins (G5) before it has even drawn its sword. Her lance is driven through the things shoulder crippling it permanently. It collapses screaming and in agony. 

From the darkness of the treeline, a lance of blue magic strikes the other nearby goblin (G3) in the chest. The goblin lets out a roar of pain tinged with terror. The knights war hourse tramples down the goblin (G3) driving it into the mud of the road crushing its chest under its massive weight and killing it.

Arrows streak from the tree line striking all around the combatants but not hitting anything.

Shaking off the surprise of the attack, the goblins are slow to respond to their commanders orders. They were confronted by unknown and unseen enemies including wizards. Goblins were not known for their courage unless they outnumbered their foes by a large margin. Some drew bows (odd numbers) and arrows while others drew swords (even numbers) and readied their small battered shields.

One (G5) flees from Solara after his arm is so badly injured. As turns to run Solara drives her lance once again into the fleeing fiends back driving it through its arm and into its chest killing it.

OOC - New round. Please everyone put all the required information in the dice roller because it takes me longer if I have to go look up information. Id the target of the attack, bonus, and the base target number. It just makes it alot easier and faster for me so I dont have to jump around or try and figure out what everyone is doing etc.



This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

Solara had never been one to shy away from a little danger, especially if it was for a good cause--and given how the guards of the prisoners seem to have forgotten about the survivors they had in their power, in favor of drawing bows and lining up on her...

Well, she'd call that a win.

She whirls in her seat, glancing briefly at the group massing up off to the side.  More of them than she was comfortable with--truth be told.  But she needed to draw their attention for at least a little ways longer.

So with a wordless cry, she spurred her steed back into action, responding to the challenge of the bow-goblins by plunging through them, her lance reaping a terrible toll on the first of their number, even as she took advantage of the greater mass of her mount to force her way to the side of their formation, putting her back to the road behind--and more importantly, keeping the greater mass of foes in the corner of her eye.

No sense getting cornered if she didn't have to.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Mon 22 Feb 2021.

"DAMNATION" Cursing can be heard from the right flank.

The kender rushed ahead (towards G13/G14), turning right into the brush after a short dash.

The rider in the rode directs his horse towards the 3 goblins going against Solara.


  to hit bow 1
19:35, Today: Ocelot rolled 67 using 1d100 ((67))[51].reroll to hit
19:36, Today: Ocelot rolled 88 using 1d100 ((88)). Roll to hit #2
19:37, Today: Ocelot rolled 73 using 1d100 with rolls of 73.[42]  ride roll.
19:38, Today: Ocelot rolled 6 using 1d100 ((6))[21]. dodge blow
19:38, Today: Ocelot rolled 252 using 6d100 ((23,56,23,40,84,26)). extra rolls
because I failed my ride roll I only have one attack.  Move towards goblins 2,4,6 firing at 4]

PL...

Alfred, while getting ready to shoot again, yells at Iralios.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:34, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

The mounted archer on the road fires arrow after arrow at the goblins but misses the mark.

The knight wheels her horse and drives her lance at another of the other fiends. The goblin is able to bring its small shield up to parry aside the attack.

The goblins claim their courage and begin to argue among themselves about what to do. As they argue they are somehow still able to surge forth and attack the mounted knight. One of the fiends is able to almost land a blow but Solara brings her shield up and parries aside the fiends attack.

A group of goblin archers launch a volley of arrows at Solara. One of their arrows gets past her shield striking her in the chest .

Bravely several goblins start to move into the woods looking for the attacking mage and archers but it is taking every bit of their courage to do so.

More arrows fly from the wood line and one of which is driven deep into the goblins (G6) back. The goblin screams in pain and agony turning around looking for whoever his attacker was.


OOC - New round. Im trying not to be a pain in the ass already but I may not be being clear. In the dice roller, before you make your roll, please specify which goblin you are attacking. G2, G3, G4 etc. Then roll.


This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

This was going well!

No, actually, it wasn't going especially well at all, Solara would be outright lying to say otherwise--no single one of the goblins were a match for her--but there was an awful lot of them.

And the iron fisted punch to her ribs did not help matters, knocking the wind out of her--but the mail and leather held, and the poorly built arrowtip failed to fully penetrate, though it would bruise like mad before long.

Problems for later, taking hits is what armor is for

Taking advantage of her greater height and mass, Solara continued to wheel about the goblins, her lance flashing as she sought to finish the job she had begun.

Alfred hiding in the brush, shoots at the goblins approaching (goblin 13)

Tarlin pivoted and loosed the loaded stone at one of the goblins headed toward the woodline. He had wanted a better position, but seeing how the goblins seemed about to overpower his friend Solara, Tarlin quickly changed his tack again and rushed into the fray at her right side, swinging his hopec staff in the air to make a high-pitched warning sound as he approached.

The kender was, unfortunately, not skilled in close contest, but Tarlin was fearless and ready to assist his friend in any way he could.

The rider on the road wheels his horse and shouts. "OUTRIDERS! KEEP UP THE FIRE!  SARGENT! FORM UP THE MEN FOR A CHARGE!"  He slings his bow and pulls out a shield and sword.

"The time of magic is over. Now steel shall feast." And with sword and shield he charges towards the approaching humanoids.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:14, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

The kenders sling stone strikes one of the charging goblins in the arm, succeeding in gaining the goblins attention. The kender then turns and moves to get ready for a charge at one of the goblins attacking the knight.

The second rider dismounts and readies his sword and shield.

The goblins advance into the wood line cautiously looking for the hidden attackers. A human warrior charges from the underbrush. The goblin was waiting and slashes wildly with his sword but misses just as wildly as it had struck out. The human warrior smashes one of the goblins (G14) in the shoulder with his sword. Arrows fly from the wood line but miss their mark.

The mounted knight drives her lance past the goblins (G4) shield and into its face.

The goblin archers are mostly targeting the knight but one is smart enough to target the warhourse. Its arrow finds its mark and thunks into the warhorse flank. (-1 wd) The other goblins are all targeting Solara but all miss completely or are deflected easily off her shield. . One arrow lands in the back of the arm of one of the goblin attackers (G2). Solara lands a telling blow in the arm of her target (G4) and the goblin drops its weapon, its arm completely incapacitated.



OOC - New round. Dont forget your fortune rerolls. G2, G4, G6, G14 are the most injured right now. But G4 is going to be fleeing this round.


This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

"Four to one? I love these odds!" He didn't. He hated these odds. He despised violence or the prospect of dying. Yet the prospect of stopping these marauders from visiting further injustice upon his homeland was a worthy cause. A cause good enough to die for.

He attacked, yet he somehow stumbled on some branches. Both his strikes and his parries would be compromised severely.

PL...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Wed 24 Feb 2021.

With a little assistance, the tide was beginning to turn in the stalwart guardians of this--presumably innocent--caravan, and while it would be impossible to save those already slain...

Well, presuming things didn't go horribly wrong in the next few minutes, the ones still alive should probably be fine.

So it is that as the first Goblin that gained her attention shrunk back, dropping its weapon and looking to-and-fro for a way out, that she turned her attention to the other Goblins that were engaging her.  Setting her gaze on the one injured by its fellow, she gathered up her strength and struck out once more.

Alfred, getting mad, yells “DIE you green pigs!”

The man on the road yell, "ALRIGHT MEN, CHARGE!!"  He runs to aid Solara yelling some battle cry he learned in his travels and banging on his shield.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:03, Thu 25 Feb 2021.

Tarlin tried to push forward, to position himself in front of his injured friend if he could at all, swinging his staff in a wide arc at one of the goblins as he closed in (G6). He howled with fire and brimstone as he closed in. "Run for your lives, knaves! Save your cowardly lives! Any goodly warrior you bring low will be replaced by another!"

The kender charges into the fray and lands a crippling blow to a goblins knee (G6). Its the same goblin that had been shot in the back by one of its fellows and the goblin goes down in screaming pain, its knee shattered by the blow.

The other mounted warrior, now dismounted, charges into the fray and hacks down a goblin (G4) before it can flee. Adding insult to injury, the warhorse stamps the fallen goblin into the mud.

In the wood line the mage-archer stabs at the fiends but misses badly. An arrow from the remaining archer concealed in the woods fires an arrow striking the goblin in the fiends forearm. Entering one side and protruding through the other. The goblin (G14) wails in pain and drops his weapon. The badly wounded goblin (G14) disengages but the remaining three goblins charge forward swinging their swords wildly. None are able to land a blow in their mad change.

Solara delivers a massive blow to a goblins head (G2). The goblin archers fire at the mounted knight. One arrow lands solidly in her leg (-9 wds), the other is deflected by het pot helm.

One of the fiends turns away from fighting the knight and attacks the new dismounted warrior (G8). The warrior is able to avoid the attack easily.

OOC - New round. My apologies, I should have just waited for Tarlins rolls. The kenders intervention took down the goblin that would have struck Solara in the head and actually no fortunes were necessary because Tarlin charged (+10 WS to hit) and Solara never needed a parry reroll. This group now is fighting 2 to 1 odds so they gain a +10% in combat.



This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Tue 23 Mar 2021.

He fought on, but it looked bad. He was no true warrior yet and in a three to one fight even goblins could be deadly.

"Alfred, I need you"

Ocelot pushes forward still shouting to try and frighten the goblins. "AT THEM NOW.  KILL THEM ALL!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Fri 26 Feb 2021.

Alfred draws his sword and charges into battle along side Iralios.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Fri 26 Feb 2021.

The white mage's relief is visible.

PL...

"Gah!"  Solara hissed as a lucky arrow caught her in the leg...  Which was presently protected by little more than her boots and cloth.

Bloody goblins and their lucky shots!

This did not, of course, stop her from retaliating against her foes with all the force she could muster, though the situation seemed to be growing grim, the uncommon valor of these goblins keeping them steady even when many of their numbers were crippled or dead.

Fortunately, her companions seemed to have the remaining goblins in the melee under control, which gave her an opportunity to rear back, and set her gaze on the archers.  She gestured sharply, and kicked her steed into motion, her lance sailing in for the nearest of them.

Still howling at the goblins, Tarlin took another wide swing, hopec staff whining with the force of the strike. The kender was trying to batter down the pitiful thing to clear the way to the other goblins for himself and his comrade Ocelot.

Tarlin charges forward and slams his hopec into the side of a goblins head and breaks its neck. It collapses into the mud.

The dismounted archer (Ocelot) swings his sword but the goblin is able to parry at the last second.

The warrior-mage strikes out with his sword missing badly and putting himself in a bad position. The archer joins him in the melee but is unable to land a blow. The warrior-mage trades sword blows and parries with one of the goblins.

The knight turns the warhorse and charges into the goblin archers striking one of them (G7) in the head.

The goblins on the road break. They turn and flee as fast as they can. The dismounted archer (Ocelot) strikes down the goblin (G8) brutally as it turns to flee.


OOC - New round. The fight in the woods is still going on. But, they might break and run also soon.

They were winning. He could tell as much with confidence. Despite letting his guard down he pressed on!

"One more push and they break!"

PL...

The dismounted archer finishes off the wounded goblin and then rushes over to help free the prisoners.

"Yeah!  You run for it!"  Solara shouts out as the archers flee, waving her shield and lance threateningly in their direction, doing her best to stifle her wince at the arrow sticking out of her leg

Oh that was going to scar...  Did people care about leg scars?

Tarlin glanced back and forth between the woodline and the captives--he had seen the streaks of the magic spell fly from the woods, and several well-placed arrows. Accordingly, he turned to the captives and rushed to untie them with Ocelot, dropping his hopec staff on the ground before reaching the first of the captives he came to (C2).

“Begone bloody goblins!!” Alfred yells while swinging his sword.

Tarlin and Ocelot set to freeing the prisoners. While Solara holds the road.

But a battle still rages in the wood line. The warrior-mage hacks into one of the goblins arms deeply (G10). The goblin screeches in pain and drops its weapon. The goblin, screams and turns to flee. The warrior-mage hacks it down brutally. The other two goblins break and run.

The goblins quickly disappear down the road.

Alfred and Iralios recover their weapons dropped in the wood line and join the others on the road. It had been five years since they had all been together. This was not what they had planned. A quiet meal at the Inn of the Last Home would have to wait.

The captives are quickly freed.

The prisoners turn out to be the tradesman who was running his goods from Solace to Haven. They were just preparing to camp for the evening when the goblins attacked. The others are the drovers and guards of the caravan. One of the prisoners turns out to be an elf.

With long strides he approached the strangers that have joined the battle against the goblins. It took him more time to recognise them than he liked to admit. They have all been changed by their adventures and their quest to find the gods, the gods that have abandoned them.
His smile was wide and gentle as his eyes, one green, one silver grey, fell on each of them. "My friends, I have missed you."

He turns to the captives. "Are you wounded? Can you walk? Can you travel?"

"I can. We can." He looks over the other members of his group.

"We thank  you for the rescue. They over took us so quickly. We killed many but it was not enough." The caravan drovers shake the hands of the rescuers. But, quickly begin moving to bodies of their fallen comrades. One of the men lays crying at the mutilated corpse of his love.

"When they attacked they claimed that they were about the business of their lord and that we must turn over to them a blue crystal staff or some such." He looks over the slaughtered horses and burned carts.

"What are they doing here. These roads have been safe for years. They have destroyed me. They have....dest...." He shakes the hand of the mounted woman and moves to comfort his friend.

Only the elf remains standing before them.

Seeing his friend Iralios--his dear friend, Iralios!--Tarlin threw his arms up and gripped him around the waist with a hug. He looked about--there was Solara, Ocelot, Iralios, but might it be too much to hope that there is someone else? "Iralios, it's you! Who would ever expect it, us meeting here?"

The kender had indeed changed--hair cut short for some reason, nose bent from a break--but there was a certain determination and optimism that rose to the surface in the kender's features.

Afterwards, he turned to the captives, listening to their explanation. He took particular note of the mentioned blue crystal staff, and turned to the elf. He just asked: "How are you? Are you harmed?"

OOC: I've put a description of Tarlin Steepfeet from earlier in my character description.

Torendil strikes a tall lithe figure standing before the rescuers, his features chiselled into his face and no look of relief, just a cold stare as he weighs up the measure of the rescuers.

He is dressed in quality clothes, though ones made for the comfort and utility of a trip away from civilization. His complexion is pale and he wears his long hair down, letting it hang forward to cover to some extent the red scar that runs from the left side of his chin, up across his cheek and brow to end somewhere under his fringe.

As he moves to the pile of loot that the goblins had made he confirms the human caravan members contention "A blue crystal staff in particular. It in particular is important to them for some reason, no doubt to do with the purpose of the army that they are amassing."

"I know where they are headed, they were not careful with their secrets for they did not expect any to survive." He limps slightly as he walks, and as he turns his back on the humans there is a matt of blooded hair at the back of his head.

Torendil gathers up an sword that he hangs at his hip, a dagger and a bow, then picks one of the backpacks from the pile, checks it and then swings it onto his shoulders. Finally he picks up a staff and leans on it as he walks.

Tarlin's embrace truly surprised the shy warrior-wizard. He has grown quite aloof in his tumultuous travels and far reaching adventures. Nevertheless, Tarlin's attitude always made him smile. He put his fingers in the kender's hair and made a mess of them. "Tarlin I have missed you, it has been a while!" And then of course his eyes fell on Solara, she looked even more beautiful in armor. He gave a shy smile and his voice barely a whisper. "Solara...Solara is that you? Are, are you hurt?"

Ocelot gathers his horse and joins the group. He looks older and just as shaggy. Perhaps a few grey hairs in his beard. Still pining Tarlin? he says with a little chuckle and a shoulder grasp.

"Want some too?" Iralios turns to his old friend and smiles warmly. "This is not the homecoming I have been expecting..." He turn to the madness around him.

"Yeah, just a bit"   Solara winces as her mount ambles around.  "Little creatures took a shot at the horse and got an arrow in my leg--seriously, who aims for the legs!  I was more worried about all the ones aiming for my head!"

She takes her helmet off, and uses her remaining free hand to unlace her chin-strap and push her hood down, hair sweaty after the short but intense combat.  "So if someone can do something about that?  Get a bandage or something and help get this stupid thing out without nicking something important?  That'd be swell, really"

She pauses then, and adds.  "That aside!  It's good to see you all!  I was worried for a bit it would just be the three of us here and that would have gotten spicy, glad to have the extra help!"

"It's been far too long, Iralios! But we should get Solara some help, before we get to reminiscing too much." He added on, with a turn to Solara, followed by a perplexingly ironic and yet heavily concerned chuckle: "Spicy is right, Solara...we'd all probably be dead."

Turning again to the elf they'd just met: "Well, friend elf, you're free to ride with me and my friends into town! Or, I assume so, at least. Since you're taking those arms, I expect you're the courageous type? What do your fellow tall folk call you?" He said but little about the valuable information they had discovered, about this staff.

Tarlin tried not to be taken in by the grief-stricken mood.

He nodded emphatically at Solara. "Yes of course. I think I will be able to help with my magic but I will need some minutes to work on it." Despite his offer a sigh leaves his parted lips.

Lets see if there is a more conventional healer here.  Not that we do not trust your magic Iralios. He says with a grin.  He leans in and speaks with a hushed voice. " You do look a bit nervous."

Ocelot calls out to the recovering caravan folk.  "Any Priests or Physicians here to help a brave knight?" gesturing to Solara.

"I have a man here who can help." the caravan leader says. "See to their wounds." He says turning to his man.

Immediately, the drover moves to help the injured. He has recovered his healers bag from the pile of loot and offers to assist the badly injured Solara first.

The healer sees to Solaras injuries. He is a clearly a skilled surgeon.

He then moves on to helping other injured humans but ignores the injured elf.

Feeling thankful that his arcane skill is not required he joins the strange elf in searching the remnants of the caravan. After a while he addresses him. "You seem to know a lot about these goblins. I am Iralios Tvar, will you share it with me and my friends?" His voice is sombre and he gazes directly at the elf waiting for a reply.

"Thanks!" Solara waved the healer off as he collected his things, climbing to her feet and putting a little weight on her injured leg.  All better now!

Well, she still had a bump on her head from that one arrow that bounced off, and her ribs sore from that arrow that was largely blocked by her mail, but those would be better in no time on their own!

"Feeling better already, Solara?" Tarlin asked hopefully, making sure all his things were where they were meant to be. "Let's help these folks, and we can chatter about the staff as we come into town with them." Tarlin looked over the surviving group to see where his short stature might come in handy.

Torendil considers the strange a moment and then speaks "There were several of us travelling. We were sent by the King, to investigate northward. There have been rumours that the creatures are amassing an army."

He nodded compassionately to the elf. "I am sorry for your loss. How did you end up with the caravan?"

"These are dangerous times are they not? We joined the caravan for safety in numbers, but as is evident, not safe enough. At least I killed many before the knocked me on the head."

He nodded once more. "They are indeed. With their leader fleeing I am afraid we might have not seen the last of them. We need to find out if the caravan indeed carried what they sought and be on our way. Will you travel with us sir...?"

"Yeah, it seems pretty likely they'll take another poke if they really think this spot has what they want?"  Solara observes as she joins in the discussion.  "We'll have something of an advantage in being more coordinated, but if they bring too many more, we're liable to be hard pressed.  I think it might be wiser to get this caravan back on the move as soon as we can, and get to safety--or something a bit better than an open road with cover on all sides"

"Yes, I'd be glad to know your name as well, friend elf. You seem the courageous sort, after all. Do you know anything of this staff? I am trying to think if I do..." The kender, as often he had when he had to think sharply about matters, scratched at his chin, looked into the sky, and waved his staff back and forth in the air, producing a low and quiet whistling noise. Tarlin was fairly certain his textbook said nothing of such a staff, but he might have heard or read something, he hoped...

"My name is Torendil." the elf replies to the mixture of races addressing him. "From what they were saying, they seek it, but do not know where it is. I suspect that they will be attacking all they find in their search."

The bodies are buried in the woods off the road in shallow graves and marked with piles of stones. Because the caravan leader is as concerned as the companions are about the possible return of the goblins and their leader he hustles his men to recover what items they can and get ready to move. They do as commanded.

It is decided among them that they should continue north to Haven rather than return to Solace.

The caravan leader approaches Solara and the companions speaking with the elf. "I know it is dangerous. Yes. But, no more dangerous I think than going south where the hobgoblin leader and the goblins fled. We thank you for your help, but we will continue north. My men have families in Haven so that is where we will go."

"...well, I've no clue about the staff--it sounds just like your run-of-the-mill rare, powerful magic staff." Tarlin said this with some apparent irony. "But it would do to look into it, if there are goblins looking after it as well. No matter; well met, Torendil."

Tarlin allowed for the caravan master to explain his decision, making no comment. Tradesmen could be rather suspicious of kender-kind, the halfling found, and although he thought this a sensible plan, Tarlin doubted his saying so would mean anything to Renard.

He addressed the caravan master first. "Sir, your and your companions were not long for this world had we not arrived in time. The roads are dangerous as they are and it would be unsound to separate. I am sure you will be able to join the next caravan from Solace. It would be much safer this way."

He spoke towards the rest of his companions. "No matter what, I think our objective is clear. Deny the artefact from the enemy for as long as possible until we realise its purpose and use."

Torendil listens to the others talking "To deny them it we either need to possess it ourselves, or to harry them so they cannot find it." he points out.

He slightly grinned at the elf. "Sir Dahlo, are you familiar with the artefact the master Torendil has described?"

"I'll admit to being something at a loss myself, I mean, blue crystals sound magic-like?  But I certainly haven't seen any staves that I'd call a Blue Crystal Staff"  Solara comments, tapping her chin in thought.

"They certainly seem to think this caravan had it though, which suggests that they're expecting it to come along this road at some point, right?  Are there any other caravans on this road at the moment?"

"I've borrowed a few books on magic and I've never heard of anything quite like that blue crystal staff." He scratched his own chin again, making the staff whistle low for a second. "But these guys didn't come off as very smart to me. Who's to say they're not just scouring everything they can around here trying to find it? Say they had knowledge of approximately where it was, but not exactly." The effect of such a short kender twiddling with his staff, discussing the books he's borrowed and the goblins he helped fend off, was utterly comedic.

The caravan master had his men about ready to depart.

"No. We told the beast that we did not have any idea whatsoever about a magical staff, blue crystal or otherwise. We left Solace early this morning and passed a few travelers along the road but no other trade caravans. But this size of a group of goblins along this road is very unusual. These roads have always suffered from the occasional brigand but goblins? You all are coming from the north. Have you heard these rumors of armies gathering in the north? The hobgoblin was saying things about feeding an army."

always the quite one in a group, Ocelot listens to the conversation go back and forth. In response to Torendil. "We are too few to keep bothering them and if they have an army gathered we will need to get the word out.  I say we go on to Solace as fast as possible.  Perhaps see if they have anyone who has heard of this staff."

Torendil human who just spoke "Their numbers are those that you have already fought whatever your name is. They are a scouting party, no more. The army is gathering to the north, but if you wait then there will be time enough for them to search and for the army to march south to join them."

Seeking a compromise Iralios spoke to Torendil and Ocelot. "You are both right. I propose we seek the goblins and capture as many as possible. Then we can bring them to Solace as evidence of something bigger. After interrogating them we will be able to make a more informed search for the artefact."

"Capturing them is a bit of a stretch..."  Solara mused.  "But...  Cut off the ears of the ones we've already beaten, use them as our proof and warn Solace of a major incursion?"  She concludes.

"That seems our best course of action, if we have no idea where their prize is, it would be a fool's game to go chasing it, when we could bring word to Solace of the danger."

"Well, here's hoping the people in Solace are willing to fight, if this is the plan." Tarlin set about collecting the ears of the two goblins he cracked with his staff--disgusted all the while, of course.

While the group is debating on the next course of action, Alfred is searching the dead goblins for clues or valuables. He is also collecting arrows to use in future battles.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Sun 07 Mar 2021.

He joined Alfred in his search. "Tarlin, I think this is far too gruesome. The dead, even the goblinoids, deserve some respect. We are better than them."

The dead goblins have a handful of coins, mostly copper and gold but no steel. They are able also to collect enough good arrows to refill their quivers. There are no other clues to their presence in the area. Except possibly that their armor, weapons, foot gear etc all seem to be a bit higher quality than the trappings typical of their kind. Clearly they are being outfitted by others.

He collects a pair of finely made long knives from the goblins. They were clearly the product of pillage for he knew well enough that the greenskins were unable of such craftsmanship.

"Hm. You're right, Iralios. I'll leave them be." Tarlin paused just before taking his first ear, and stood back from the matter. He took himself to the side of Ocelot's horse, which had become fairly familiar to the kender of late, although Tarlin knew not how to ride or handle the creature himself.

As the assorted party members sort out what they are to do Torendil goes to see whether any of his fellow elves survived, and if not, then to see to it that their bodies are afforded proper dignity and their belongings are not looted.

Torendil finds his comrades bodies apart from the other bodies where they had fought the fiends. He finds their bodies fully ravaged and hacked apart. Their bodies have been left where they had lain after their deaths. Neither the goblins of the human survivors cared to see to their bodies.

Torendil looks about eying the fires and the brush.

He reverently lays out the bodies next to each wiping down their faces and hands, laying their goods with them before covering them over with their cloaks. Finally, he starts collecting rocks to lay over the bodies.

He joins Torendil in gathering stones. He will not put them on the elf's companions. He will only let him do so himself.

Tarlin renders the same assistance as Iralios to their new acquaintance, along with any other services the elf might need at this time. He felt badly for the elf.

Torendil nods his thanks to the two who assist in the burial process.

Ocelot will also aid in collecting the stones.  He will also collect the ears of the goblins in a pile.

Solara provided what aid she could, looking throughtful all the while.

There was something...  Hmm.

The elf mentioned he knew where they were going, right?

She looked up, frowning, and spoke up.

"You did say you knew something more, right?  Where were they headed?  If it's not too far out, we might be able to do that first"

Torendil makes no reply as he finishes another silent prayer over the corpses

Then he turns to answer "They spoke of a fenced camp, an old stockade or similar that local brigands had been using as a camp to raid from. I do not know this area, but they said it was close and they surely cannot be too difficult to track."

After a moment the elf adds to Sorala "What do you intend? The others, your fellow humans at least, seem to listen to what you say, seem to be awaiting your next move."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

Solara was thinking about it, marching back and forth and tapping her chin.

"I think..."  She began.  "We should investigate this--worst comes to worst, our destination is likely not in imminent peril, and if we can acquire more information or spoil matters somewhat, it may be of greater help than slightly greater speed of reaction would be.  It's wise to seek the initiative when you can, right?"

“I’m always up for a little adventure.” Alfred says as he walks over to help with the rocks, “Count I’m in, I do think we need find out how many are already in these lands.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Thu 18 Mar 2021.

After the group has finished with the rocks, Ocelot will move out in the direction the goblins left he returns several minutes later.  I can try to track them in the dark but there is a better chance of missing something on the trail or losing the altogether.  Perhaps we should wait until morning?

He looks at Solara and shrugs.

Torendil finishes up, removing a backpack from the site and suggesting "Well then, perhaps you should arrange a site and a set guards for the night. After all, they may feel the need to return and take a look over what is left."

"It will be hard to get comfortable too close to this site, though. But I think we should be in a good position for monitoring the comings and goings of any goblinoid visitors."

"At light I shall find the stockade and return with directions." Torendil states "Better to know where you are heading and what to expect than to follow tracks and be surprised."

"I don't like giving them a chance to come back, or prepare..."  Solara frowned.  "But the idea of stumbling in the dark isn't appealing either, so we may as well find a safe place to hole up then."

Solara with Ocelots help quickly find a covered clearing where they can make camp. The site is about a bow shot from the road and within hearing of the site of the ambush.

A guard rotation is set up with the least injured going early in the evening.

The next morning dawns cold.

Alfred stirs awake and sits up in his blanket to help pull guard while still warm. Alfred asks the companion on guard "When are we waking the others up?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:10, Thu 18 Mar 2021.

The elf, Torendil, was the most injured among them and stood with Alfred as the sun rose over the mountains. Alfred had kept a watchful eye on the outsider throughout the watch hours.

Tarlin slept well--kender kind always tended to sleep well, even after experiencing troubling events, so this was no surprise--and did not immediately wake with dawn. Slumping over onto his back, he began to snore a bit.

"Wake one when I go to find the stockade. I should be back within an hour." the elf responds to Alfred.

As the first light of dawn starts to push back the darkness from the world he looks at the human "The chorus has started, time for me to scout the area."

"Stand back human."

And he begins speaking in a strange tongue, whilst weaving intricate patterns with his fingers. At one point the tone changes and an abrupt phrase is muttered in what might be another language.

Ocelot is an early riser so he will have been about seeing to the horses.  He will put his hand on his weapon when the elf begins chanting.  Ready to strike if there is any treachery.

OOC: not sure how to RP distrust elves

Staring at the elf, Alfred mumbles and puts his hand on his sword "huh, of course he knows magic."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:11, Thu 18 Mar 2021.

As Torendil finishes his voice becomes harsh, then croaky and his hand weaving finishes with him spreading his arms wide looking out in the direction that the goblins started off in.

His fingers spread wide blacken and fatten as he begins to shrink and his nose grows long and pointed. Feathers sprout all over, poking through his clothes before flattening against his now avian form.

With a sideways look at Alfred and Ocelot the raven standing before them takes to the wing and flies off in the direction the goblins fled. The bird rapidly gains height flying above bowshot as it becomes smaller in the sky.

"Well, that's a new one..."  Solara mumbled to herself, watching the elf turn into a bird and then just...

Fly away.

"...  I mean, I'll take it, but yeah, that's a new one.  Everyone make sure you've got your kit together, we'll be underway within an hour or when he shows up again, whatever comes first."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Fri 19 Mar 2021.

"Going? Already? I've barely woken. Ah, alright." Tarlin gathered his things together, collecting some stones for his slingbag. He made sure to set them against the spine, so they wouldn't mess up the pages of his book. Unless they slipped around the book. He hoped they wouldn't...

When people are ready, Ocelot will start heading you to pick up the trail.  Once he does he will attempt to track the goblin's path.

Ocelot looks for tracks in the forest around the ambush site but is unable to find a good enough trail to follow more than a few hundred feet.

OOC - All Fortune Points refresh at dawn each day.

"Well I guess there isn't much we can do until the elf comes back, just sharpen your swords or something." says Alfred as he pulls out a small wetstone

Tarlin, after a bit of his morning reading from the weighty tome in his slingbag, took to juggling stones for fun for a bit. He could only juggle two at a time reliably, but it was as good a way to pass the time as any.

Torendil returns, on foot, just over an hour later raising his hands as he nears the area they camped at and declaring "Don't shoot, it's me Torendil returning."

Once all are gathered he reports what he has found. "It is about five miles through the woods" he pauses smiling "as the raven flies, to the east of where we were attacked on the road."

"It's a small hillock surrounded by a fifteen-foot-high wooden palisade with only one gate. It's not goblin built, far better and perhaps a few years old."

"There is a river running around the hillock and a fairly steep cliff, about thirty feet up from the river to the bottom of the stockade palisade."

"All very sturdy looking and inside the stockade around the base of the hillock are about forty obviously goblin made hide tents and scattered around are about ten cold campfires."

"On the top of the hillock is a wooden watch tower with a thatched roof. This provides good visibility out to the tree line and clear lines of fire for anyone with a missile weapon."

"A portion of the northern slope of the hill has been cut back to produce a vertical face and there is a stout wooden door over the entrance, probably to a mine or a burrow."

"There is a walkway around the inside of the palisade walls and from the trees it may look like this is manned, but it's only spears and empty helmets."

"I didn't get close enough to look inside the tower, if they have a magic user they may have sensed me and those things would eat a raven as readily as a stuffed pig, so I didn't want to get into bow range in case there were sentries."

"It is all well-made and difficult to approach if they have lookouts."

“Did you see how many there were?” Alfred asks

"I saw none, and the ten or so fires all looked cold. Either they have left, in which case I do not know why the gate was closed, or they were all under cover, in their tents, the watchtower, or in the burrow or whatever it is in the hillside."

"Forty's steep odds, but if they're not all present at the camp, we might be able to pull it off..."  Solara mused.  "It'd definitely be tight though, if we get surrounded, we'd be finished.  If the fires are cold though, they might not all be present, and we can possibly get in and out before they muster on us."

It was definitely going to be a tight matchup though...

"Well, I'm game if everyone else is, what do you all think?"

"We could probably figure out if they're still using their camp there. Once we do that, we could figure out what we do next. I want to start a fire as a distraction."

"I am ready" Torendil says "Though if they are not in the place, then we should be wary of ambush along the way."

Can we take a less than straight route there so we can approach at a different side than what they might expect from pursuit?

"You know, the more I think about it, the more I think they are not there now, at least weren't there then."

"If we can get there before they return, then we have the chance to set our own trap."

Ocelot looks at Solara.  If that is the case we should not waste any time.

"No sense waiting then, we'll try to find a more discreet way around it, but we can't waste too much time."

It does not take long, only about an hour and a half, until the group are able to see the outpost from concealment in the trees. Its exactly as the elf described.

There was no movement whatsoever along the palisade. The helms moved slightly from likely the wind but otherwise it was quiet.

They had taken a careful route to came at the outpost from an approach that would not be detected. They had left the horses tied up several hundred yards to their rear in a thick glade.

THe watch tower provided excellent sightlines over the area but they saw no movement in the tower. The gates were closed.

OOC - Solara please tell me where you would prefer to approach from now that you have a map.


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:47, Mon 05 Apr 2021.

"Well, Solara, what do you think? I should be able to scale the wall, personally, so any approach is good for me, as long as there's no goblins on the wall."

"It makes sense to use the cover to get as close to the wall as it goes, though I think that there is no one home. If we are to enter I would suggest soon. The longer we delay, the greater the chance they return if they are indeed away."

"I can change again and fly in. If they are gone, or even if a small number remain to guard, then it is unlikely they have one left that can sense magic."

"Agreed, you two go first, make sure that tower's actually clear and maybe open the gates for us, the rest of us will follow up--that's the safest choice for us I think."

Nodding to Solara, Tarlin began moving toward the camp, keeping his hopec staff low as he tried to creep along to the wall.

Ocelot stands bow ready for any movement on the wall or tower.

Torendil chants in a way familiar to those who heard him before, and spreading his arms he shrinks once again growing feathers through his clothing.

The raven takes to the skies and flies away from the group to approach from the other side than Tarlin. This time he flies from the river side straight towards the tower to check for any lookout.

Tarlin picked up his pace as Torendil departed, trudging along the ground and taking cover wherever it could present itself.

Torendil flies across the open sky quickly to get a closer look at the watch tower.

Tarlin moves across the open field quickly and quietly reaching the bottom of the palisade wall. Then he starts to climb. Its not an easy climb but he is able to find suitable handholds.

OOC - Tarlin is taking several rounds of action to get over the fence. But Torendil has not so, Tarlin give Torendil a chance to catch up. Torindel you have two narrative rounds of action to catch up. Everyone else I guess is waiting for something to happen like the gate to open.

Torendil the raven lands within the watchtower.

Torendil appears in his true form briefly in the watch tower but quickly ducks down behind the short walls of the tower.

Tarlin quickly climbs to the top of the wall and drops inside the walls near the gate.



OOC - We are in narrative rounds so just describe one action at a time please. Combat rounds are 3 seconds. Narrative rounds are 10 seconds. 

Tarlin waits for an all-OK from Torendil's vantage point, moving to where he would momentarily be able to open the gates as he does so.

Solara remained waiting in position, he sword drawn and her helmet straps tucked in tight.

In the tower...
This message was last edited by the player at 08:14, Sat 27 Mar 2021.

In the tower...

Torendil appears at the edge of the tower and waves down to Tarlin, looking out now from this vantage point across the landscape.

The compound is quiet. There are ano goblins in the tents and the fires remain as Torendil reported.

“Come on guys, get the gate.” Alfred mumbles to himself while he has an arrow at the ready.

Tarlin works to open the gates quickly, opening them just enough to let his friends in before shutting the way behind them once the last of them had crossed.

Ocelot trots up with the rest.  How is the place empty if the gates are locked?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Sun 28 Mar 2021.

"Ummmmmm, they are goblins. Maybe they just climb the walls as well." Alfred says sarcastically as he realizes Ocelot is probably right. "There can't be too many still inside, hopefully."

Torendil climbs down from the tower and moves to the tunnel of warren, whatever the entrance carved in to the hillside is.

He approaches with caution in case there are any within.

"There's likely sentries somewhere"  Solara muses as she takes the lead, shield up and sword on hand, eyes scanning for problems.  "Someone had to be able to open the gates unless they've abandoned this camp already."

Still, it was a good question to ask.

And a troubling one.

Soon they were all inside the stockade...Torendil was at the entrance to the burrow under the hill. The wooden door was stout and closed.

The others were just inside the open gates of the stockade. Nothing moved inside the perimeter except them.

OOC - Time is difficult to measure in a setting like this so time over long periods is usually measured out of game. Its been about 2 hours since you woke this morning. Its about 8 am in the morning.

Ocelot will check the campfires to see if any warmth remains.


Ocelot brushes the ash from his hand after visiting several fire pits.  Looks like these fires are cold from just before sun up or maybe a little longer.  Is there anything left in the tents?  Does it look like they are coming back? 
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:57, Mon 29 Mar 2021.

Glancing in the tents it does appear that they plan on coming back. There are spare weapons as well as bed rolls, cooking equipment and rations.

OOC - I edited Ocelots post slightly. Remember there is no hours etc. Everything is measured from sun up to noon and then to sun down. Ocelot is describing what would be 4 hours or so ago. Feel free to make an OOC comment if you need to help provide context.

Torendil tries the door, assuming that it will be locked, but checking before moving to join the others nearer the entrance.

The lock is a simple thumb lever which would lift a locking latch inside. It opens easily.

These types of doors are commonly barred from within but the bar is not in place on the interior clearly.

Tarlin keeps an eye on his friends from his high spot, watching the tents for movement. "Careful, friends."

Trendil backs away from the door to get a line of site on the others near the entrance and waves them over.

Alfred puts his bow away, while drawing his sword. He lightly runs over to Torendil "What is it Torendil?"

Solara creeps up as best as she can, and waits to hear what the elf has to say.

"They have not deserted this place, there were two guards in the tower. The gate to the warren here is not barred, but I did not want to proceed without alerting you to the facts."

"Archers in the tower could easily dispatch many, there is a good line of sight all about."

The swordmage stays close to Solara. He nods at her direction. "Whenever you are ready, Solara!"

Ocelot nods to the Elf.  I will go into the watchtower.

Torendil looks to Solara as the others seem to take note of what she says and waits to see if she wishes to lead the way into the warren.

Then, with no further word Torendil turns back to the doorway and walks in, sword in hand, to see what the tunnels hold.

Alfred quietly follows Ocelot to the tower whispering “ Do you want me to follow or do you have this yourself?”

"Right, yeah, if you've got line of sight and good aim, take the towers, fighters on the fore."  Solara tugs her helmet to make sure it's properly secured, and takes point, well warned of the threats ahead.

Tarlin positioned himself right behind Ocelot, hopec staff at the ready. He wasn't sure how well his hopec staff would fare, firing it from a tower--actually, it would probably be rather difficult for him--but he would try to ensure his companion took the tower without issue.

He takes his place right next to Solara. Sword and shield at the ready. "Let us rid ourselves and this land of our foes!"

Ocelot makes sure he scans all around the lands from the watch tower before settling down.  To Tarlin: Make sure we look around every once in  awhile so we are not surprised by an army coming back to camp.  I will do the same.

Ocelot and Tarlin find the corpses of two recently dead goblins on the floor of the watch tower. One with a sword cut to the throat and the other with his head bashed in. Both appeared to be asleep before they were killed.

Tornedil steps to the side and lets the humans past as he holds his elven blade out of the way.

Lets toss them down.  I do not want to spend any time up here with a dead goblin stinking it up.  We can hide them in a tent.

Tarlin grabbed onto one of the goblins, dragging him to the stairs where he pushed him down. "Well, I wouldn't want to spend much time around a dead goblin's stinking body, either."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:37, Mon 05 Apr 2021.

Ocelot moves the bodies into a tent then joins Tarlin on the watchtower

Ocelot and Tarlin watched as their friends began to disappear into the tunnel.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Mon 05 Apr 2021.

"Your choice Solara, right or left?" Alfred whispers as he looks as far into the tunnel as he can, sword at the ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Mon 05 Apr 2021.

"Both! We should not be flanked." Iralios makes ready to block the entrance opposite to the one Solara chose.

Torendil waits for those ahead to make their move and space to move into. As he does so he retrieves one of the torches he recovered from the fallen elves and proceeds to light it from his tinderbox.

Seeing that his friends had gone out of sight, Tarlin took himself to the other side of the watchtower to keep an eye out for approaching goblins. "So...know any games for this situation?" He said to Ocelot.

Solara slides in, checking the tunnel to her right, trusting the others to check the other.

Ocelot and Tarlin wait patiently with their eyes peeled for the possible return of the goblins.

A cool breeze blows down from the Crystalmir Lake.

Ocelot scratches his beard in thought.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:33, Tue 06 Apr 2021.

Pl...
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Tue 06 Apr 2021.

OOC - Please make sure you private line everything only to those who can see and hear you. Dont let the other two players know what is happening underground and vis-versa.

PM

Torendil...

Conversations in the tower...

PL

Solara...

Outside there is a muffled howl of wolves clearly coming from the tunnel.

PM

PL
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:25, Fri 09 Apr 2021.

PM

Conversations in a tower...

PL

Chatting about the wolf problem...

Things

PM

PL

In the tower they both hear a bellow of a voice from the tunnel below them. It sounds like the language of the goblin fiends but much much deeper.


Three think black beasts charge forth from the darkness down the tunnel. The group instantly take a few steps back at Solaris command and prepare to receive the charge and making it impossible for the beasts to attack them from the flank tunnels.

OOC - I need Solara to roll Toughness to avoid poison effects. The next action is Torendil and he may want to change his actions since there is a round of ranged combat possible before the wolves are actually in melee with the group. Changing to a ranged weapon is a full action unless you have thrown weapons and a quick draw talent. After I know what Solaras Toughness roll and if Torendil changes his action this round will proceed. Currently , Solara and Iralios have delayed Swift attacks against the charging wolves.]


]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:27, Mon 12 Apr 2021.

In the caves...

PL

The two in the tower. THey can hear something but its hard to make out exactly what it is. Is it a battle? Its impossible to tell.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:59, Thu 15 Apr 2021.

Conversations in the tower...

In the tunnels...

Violence and bloodshed.

PM

Pm...

The sounds of a battle are now heard by Tarlin as he reaches the bottom of the ladder.

OOC - Two rounds from the entrance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:41, Fri 16 Apr 2021.

PM

PM

PM...

PL

]

Tarlin gets closer to the entrance while Ocelot watches the woodline for threats.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:07, Mon 19 Apr 2021.

PM...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Wed 21 Apr 2021.

PM

PM

PM

In the watchtower...

PL...

The sounds of battle are clearly heard from just inside the tunnel opening.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:25, Thu 22 Apr 2021.

Screams of pain echo from the tunnel. It is the voice of the elf Torendil.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Thu 22 Apr 2021.

PM

Outside...

PL

Pl...

The battle inside the tunnel rages.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Fri 23 Apr 2021.

"We need help!" a voice can be heard from inside the tunnels.

In the watchtower...

PM

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 06:29, Mon 26 Apr 2021.

The sounds of the battle can be heard outside.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Sun 25 Apr 2021.

The kender steps around the corner of the tunnel and launches a slingstone into the battle. A scream of pain echoes from the tunnel.

More screams of pain echo from the tunnel.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Mon 26 Apr 2021.

"Focus on the crossbowman!" came Iralios' voice from within the cave.

Rhys takes light cover at the entrance of the tunnel, firing at the figure clutching the crossbow.

Tarlin pauses for just a moment, trying to get a good angle for his shot.

Ocelot will switch to his bow before following Tarlin into the tunnel

Alfred picks up his sword will yelling “Take out that crossbow!”

The battle rages in the tunnel.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Wed 28 Apr 2021.

Ocelot nears the entrance. He can see the unknown elf and Tarlin firing into the tunnel but not their targets.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:09, Wed 28 Apr 2021.

Alfred swings at the goblin still in front of him, screaming into its face to make it flee.

He presses on. "FLEE OR DIE"

Rhys fires at the fleeing Crossbowman.

The unknown elfs arrow strikes the fleeing hobgoblin in the back of the head. The hobgoblin lets out a groan and stumbles going to his knees but keeps moving.

Tarlin lets loose another stone, trying to aim it well for the back of the fleeing hobgoblin.

Solara grips her blade and shield, staggering upright.  She leans, heavily at first, into the wall of the tunnel.  The knight gives a short shake of her head, clearing away the last vestige of the poison's influence.

Iralios swings at the panicked goblin missing. Alfred hacks down into the goblins should laying it open to the bone. The goblin lets out a screak of pain and agony as its weapon falls to the ground.

The goblins turn and flee. Iralios and Alfred attack as they turn to run but neither is able to land a blow.

In seconds all they can hear is their own ragged breath.

Torendil is down with a crossbow bolt sticking out of him. Alfred is badly injured.

Ocelot rounds the corner behind the unknown elf which joined them in battle. One the floor of the tunnel is the body of a goblin and two of their dire wolves. The others having fled into the darkness of the tunnels.

OOC - The entire battle was only about 30 seconds long.

His breathing is heavy and he closes his eyes for a moment, wincing in pain from a wound he really didn't register as adrenaline leaves his body. He sheathes his sword, offering a hand to support Solara. "Someone help Torendil, or I will have to try with unreliable magic." His eyes fall on the newcomer, an elf. "Well met, friend." he speaks with some hesitation in his voice.

Alfred moves to the right of Solara to help her up and support her weight, while keeping his sword out for if the goblins return. "Come on you're good, what are we doing? We are in no shape to fight on but we cant let him get away."

"We should smoke them out, start a fire in the entrance of the cave and wait for them to come rushing out! Is the gate locked?" Tarlin said, rushing to Torendil's side to try and tug the elf away with his meager strength.

The newcomer moves forward to meet the companions.  He glides with typical Elven grace but there is something predatory in his gait.  The Elf seems welcoming all the same, but his features freeze at the sound of his kinsmen's name.

"Torendil?" The stranger quickly scans the ground, his features tightening further upon seeing the wounded Elven Mage.  He rushes to his side, motioning gently for the Kender to back away.  There is a low growl in his throat as he surveys the stricken figure.

Crouching down, his fingers gingerly probing the bolt in Torendil's arm, the elf glances up briefly. "I am Rhys.  Torendil and I are...of the same people.  No.  That's not it...of the same tribe?"  A momentary grin appears on his face, as he shrugs slightly.  "Not everything translates."

He gazes for a moment at the other Elf's wounded arm.  He sighs softly, only a slight fey accent in his voice.  "He will live. Can one of you help me carry him outside?  I think this is a bad place for the dressing of wounds."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:46, Sun 02 May 2021.

The Knight brushes away the offers of assistance though she nods in appreciation of Iralios and Alfred's offers.  Her eyes sharpening, Solara takes in the scene of their recent battle.  "This certainly could have gone better...  Poison!  I should have suspected nothing less from these dishonorable curs."

Solara listens to the exchange between the rest of the companions and seems to weigh the words and the appearance of this newcomer elf.  She taps her chin with a finger for a pensive moment.  Noting the additional wounds they have recently incurred, she draws a deep breath, her voice high but clear.  "Whatever we do, standing around here in this tunnel will solve nothing.  We need to regroup, and mend our wounded."

Turning toward Tarlin, the Knight quirks a tired grin.  "Smoking these creatures out is certainly on the menu.  However, we had best be sure this is the only entrance or exit.  Otherwise, they will simply slip away."

Gazing back toward the rest of the group, Solara nods to herself, seeming to come to a decision.  She gestures towards the fallen Torendil with her sword, looking towards Iralios.  "Can you help this...Rhys, is it?  We've shed blood together.  We owe it to the wounded to see them safely clear of battle.  Let's move to the tunnel entrance."

With a last suspicious glance over her shoulder, Solara sheaths her sword and starts walking toward the tunnel entrance.  "Stay wary.  The enemy is near, and wounded.  Ocelot, will you stand rearguard with me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Sun 02 May 2021.

Helping Solara to her feet his attention was already on Torendil. "Yes we should take him outside."

Hearing the suggestion to smoke the monsters out he protested. "We will not burn anything. They might have slaves or captives in there that do not deserve such a fate. Also they might also have information that we could use. That they retreated instead of calling for reinforcements means that their forces are as depleted as ours."

He assisted in carrying Torendil outside and he placed his hand on his wound. He concentrated and hummed a tune as he started to remove the arrow protruding from his companion's broken body. Miraculously the broken flesh and the torn sinew begun to mend if only sligtly.

Ocelot will make sure the gate is closed and locked then rejoin the group.  He will stay near the tunnel entrance on guard for anything coming out.

Iralios' magic indeed allows the arrow to be easily removed and even heals the woman to some degree and immediately revives the elven wizard.

OOC - Wounds are updated on the character profiles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Sun 02 May 2021.

Sheathing his sword, "I will go up the tower to spot any reinforcements, and to see if I can spot their master fleeing."

"Well, if we're not smoking anyone out, we should consider pursuing them. I could go in with Ocelot and...Rhys, was it? We are fresh, and they are exhausted--we have the advantage."

He nods at his Kender friend. "And I am coming with you."

"Alfred, wait.  All of you...just, wait a moment." Solara takes in the group with a frown, ill at odds with her fair beauty.  "This is my fault.  We should never have split up.  Such a tactic only works, sometimes, when you have the full lay of  the battlefield."

The knight swallows tightly.  "I know that you are all brave.  Yet, I would not see your lives sold so poorly, if at all."  She motions at Alfred's wounds.  "My friend, you're one firm strike from becoming goblin scat.  What happens if any reinforcements find you, before you find them...?"

Solara turns to look the warrior mage and Kender in the eye.  "As I said, your valor is of no question.  Yet we divided our strength, just moments ago.  We walked away alive, but not without a price."  Her winding gaze coming to rest on Torfendil, as though to drive the point home.  "You have no idea what remains in that warren.  There could be a few terrified and wounded foes, but what if there are more then we discerned?"

"Lastly, we have wounded.  Who will guard them?  Will that not further deplete our strength?  Let's think this through."

Rhys nods appreciatively toward Iralios, as he mends Torfendil's arm with his art.  "Thank you."

The Elven warrior continues to check the fallen mage to see if traditional medicine will help further his friend's progress.  He listens to all the companions as they discuss their next step.

He nods towards Solara. "Our lives are precious and valuable, almost as much as the lives of those who will suffer if we do not end this now. I have a feeling, a premonition if you will, that there is something foul and grand about to take place. We need information, information that we cannot retrieve if we don't press on. In an orderly fashion, without anyone left behind."

The Elven Warrior looks up from his ministrations, nodding in agreement to both Solara and Iralios.  "It would be wise that we stick together."  Deft movements of his hands show the smooth tracery of thread closing the partly healed wound on Tarendil's arm.  He draws tight the last row of stitches, and ties off the knot.

Rhys stands, his kit bag still open, needle, thread, bandages and poultices, in abundance within.  "I can try my hand at aiding anyone in need.  I am no mage, nor herbalist.  However, my small craft might be of help."  He gestures his offer to the rest of the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Wed 05 May 2021.

"So we go back in at full numbers but not strength." While walk over to the Elf to get help.

Tarlin looked back and forth between Solara, Rhys, and the depths of the cave. He seemed, repeatedly, about to say something, before blurting out: "So we let those goblins escape, then?"

Iralios approached Alfred and begun humming a gentle tune. "Let me have a look at your hand." And a look he had indeed. And the warrior's wound were healed a bit.


OOC: +1 wound to Alfred.

Torendil's eyes open and he looks about at the gathered companions "What happened? Are they all dead?"

Then he seems to recognise the elf amongst them for the first time "Rhys, you are alive! I would thank the gods if they were still here!"

"Thank you my friend. No they are not all dead." Alfred says while looking at his hand.

The warrior turns at Toredil's voice, relief clearly evident on his face.  "I'm afraid there are at least a few vermin left in the tunnels."  He casts a quick glance at Solara before continuing.  "I believe a plan is in the making to solve that...erm, dilemma."

"I am indeed, among the living."  Rhys gives a short bow and smiles.  Walking toward his Elven companion, his voices thickens slightly as his voice loses its amusement. "I thought all of you dead.  In the confusion, I was struck in the head, and I lost consciousness."  The warrior reaches down to help the mage to his feet. "When I came too, I found myself in a dense thicket of shrubs.  My guess is it concealed me while I was out.  Fortuitous I suppose, all things considered, but it was a harsh awakening..."


Noting Iralios' healing and Alfred walking toward him, Rhys continues while reaching for a bandage. "Once I collected my wits, I starting searching for you and the others.  I found your track leading away, and followed you."

Rhys says something quietly in Elven.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Fri 07 May 2021.

Easing her mail coif back, and resting her helm by its strap on her sheathed sword pommel, the Knight brushes back, a damp lock of silken hair from her face.  She takes a long pull from her water skin, pondering the various musings of her companions.

Solara grits her teeth at Tarlin's suggestion, shaking her head sharply.  "No, my friend, that simply will not do."  She then looks at the warrior mage, and nods her affirmation.  "You have the right of it Iralios.  We do need information.  We also need to be smart about how we obtain it.  Though I am tempted to smoke these creatures out from their den, there are too many poor outcomes that could arise.  We'll have to do this the hard way."

"We take only as much time as we need to catch our breath and see if our new...friend, can do anything about our wounded."  The petite Knight glances at the Elves as they converse pensively, before continuing.  "Then we go back in."  With a last pull from her water skin, she places it back in her sling bag.

Solara pulls her coif back into place and looks around the group of companions. "This time, we move as one.  From back to front, it will be Ocelot and Tarlin as rear guard.  Then our inestimable Alfred, Torendil and Iralios will make up the middle.  Rhys and I will lead.  This will allow us to protect our wounded, and those who can shift the outcome of a fight with a word."  The Knight shifts her weight slightly, stretching muscles that are beginning to tighten.  "One crossbowman was almost the end of us.  When we face these disgusting creatures again, any archer is the priority from the out set.  Call your targets.  Good communication as we fight will see us through it.  Lastly, we will likely need light down there.  Those in the middle, be ready to provide it.  It will allow the fore and rear to fight more effectively."


The battle maid catches Ocelot and Tarlin with her gaze.  "Be wary of our rear.  These are treacherous creatures.  They will undoubtedly try to catch us unawares.  Make no mistake, yours is the most important role in this venture"

Reminded of his task by the knights words, the Elf turns towards the approaching Alfred.  Wincing in sympathy at his wounds, Rhys looks at the man frankly.  "This...well, this is unfortunately beyond my craft.  What you really need are a few days of rest, with herbal poultices and several hearty meals."  The Warrior gently peels away the filth from Alfred's wounds.  "I will do what I can."  Rhys sluices Alfred's wounds with clean water, washing away the dried blood and tunnel muck.  He pulls out a small capped skin and unstoppers it.  "This will sting."  The Elf then splashes Alfred's wounds with a clear liquid and applies bandages.  "Its not much friend, but it should keep you free from infection."

Rhys then approaches Iralios and Solara, applying his healing craft as he can.

Ocelot will position himself in the rear of the party.  To Tarlin " We will need to spin around and watch the group's back.  We can take turns walking backwards."

It still hurt quite a bit but at least it was cleaned now.
"My gratitude, friend. So will you be joining us?"
He turned towards the rest of them. "So, we are moving on?"

Solara looked at the others. "Lets get moving. The longer we wait the more time they have to prepare for us."

Solara moves toward the entrance of the tunnels.

As Solara moves forward they all begin to stack up behind her.

OOC - Please tell me where you are placing yourself in the stack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:21, Tue 11 May 2021.

Iralios stands next to her. Shield and sword ready.

Alfred takes up a position behind Solara, Rhys and Iralios with his bow ready. "If we can sneak up on them we might have a chance."

Tarlin keeps himself in the back, taking his turn viewing the rear. He put a hand on Ocelot's cloak, adding to Ocelot's plan: "I'll tug your cloak hard if we're being attacked from behind, Ocelot."

Ocelot nods.  He will lightly keep his hand on Tarlin's shoulder when the Kender is walking backwards. "Keep going backwards unless I push to stop you. "

"Also, if you spot that scum of a hobgoblin again he is our first target. I am not dying poisoned and unable to fight back."

Once they are ready the companions move back into the tunnel. Once back inside the door they are able to get a better look around the corner to their left. They can see and feel that the tunnel slopes down from the entrance.

The only light is a faint light coming from the side passage to their left. The passage to their front and right are dark.

Somewhere deep in the tunnel they can hear what sounds like chains rattling and the grunting of something or someone seeming the struggle against the chains. Somewhere deep in the tunnel was the faint screeches of the goblins seeming to argue among themselves. But the voices are too indistinct to make out what is being said.

The tunnel to their front is just wide enough to put two abreast but the side passages narrow rapidly.

OOC - If you dont like where you are positioned please tell me now. Also, please articulate exactly what you have in your hands. Dont forget to call delays. But you dont have to roll until your trigger event occurs. The hobgoblin had escaped down the front tunnel which is where the wolf also fled. The goblins all fled down the left passage toward the dim light.


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Wed 12 May 2021.

The Knight wrinkles her nose, as the stench of goblin seeps into her nostrils.  She looks at the three paths before the group and motions towards the tunnel to the left.  Solara turns for a brief moment, an upraised finger to her lips, before moving forward.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:28, Fri 14 May 2021.

Rhys blends into the seams of shadow, while keeping pace with the lady knight.  The silver tip of his spear dances in small, graceful circles.  The warrior grins wolfishly in anticipation, as he advances.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Fri 14 May 2021.

Tarlin kept pace with Ocelot, keeping a calm view of their rear in case of any attack.

Alfred, bow at the ready kept a watchful on the tunnels they past and ready to fire an arrow at any threat.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 15:48, Sat 15 May 2021.

"I suggest heading to the left and trying to engage the fiend and force them towards us. Do not overextend and keep an eye out for a possible flank."

The group moves down the corridor. Despite all efforts they are not very quiet as a group. Only the elves and Tarlin having any real ability to move quietly when necessary.

As they near the turn at the end of the left corridor the smell of animals emanates strongly from the hide curtained entrance directly in front of them. Iralios stifles a couch but the sound carries down the tunnels.

The hide covered tunnel entrance is silent and dark beyond while the light comes from likely lanterns down the corridor to the right. The right corridor seems to open up slightly into a wider tunnel or room.

The rattling of the chains and the grunting continues but now sounds it is coming from behind them. The goblin voices can still be heard but they are growing fainter are coming from the area of light.

Ocelot is looking everywhere but ahead.

Iralios takes two steps to the right, shield raised and sword in hand. "Care to cut down that leather?"

Tarlin, like Ocelot, kept his eyes trained backwards, attentive to any approaching threat.