Scales of War: Rescue at Rivenroar: Spizz!

[Goonalan]

A Chat with Morrick

The adventurers are left to their own devices, although members of the Guard hang around – just in case, Eoffram leaves them to it, Morrick the captured Goblin looks less pleased.

Encounter #4 – 200 XP – Level 1 Encounter
Skill Challenge (Level 1 Complexity 2).

PCs
Ah-shahran, Male Deva, Hybrid Shaman-Warlord, Level 1
Freggo, Male Human, Swordmage, Level 1
Kalimaru, Male Razorclaw Shifter, Ranger (Scout), Level 1
Kyalia, Female Elf, Ranger, Level 1
Magnus, Male Dwarf, Fighter, Level 1
Viator, Male Eladrin, Psion, Level 1

Well… wha’dya wan?”

Morrick sneers and picks his nose.

Freggo steps up, as per usual – he likes to chat, the Swordmage, and besides – he’s all smiles, reassuring poor Morrick that he means him no harm.

No worries, my friend. Let me tell you about the time Schmendrick the magician met up with the goblin twins Gory and Mory. And if my story doesn’t make you laugh, I’ll leave you be. Oh, would you like something to drink? Let’s send out for a couple of ales while we talk.

Now then, it seems that Gory and Mory ambushed Schmendrick one day, but fell into an argument over which one of them was Gory. Schmendrick was able to discover that neither of them was too sure, so they had fallen to taking turns…

Freggo does his best to make Morrick forget for a time that he is a captive. Soon after the two of them quaff ale companionably throughout his story.

…and that’s why there’s a florist shop on the hillside called Othergory’s! Ahh ha ha ha ha… Haaaa…

Freggo wipes a tear of laughter away and sighs fondly, reminiscing.

I bet you could tell quite a few swashbucklers yourself, eh Morrick ‘ol lad? Like how you and your mates decided to get all kitted up together, wearing those funny symbols, and form a merry band to go raging about the countryside! How’d that ever come about, I wonder? I’ll wager another round that yarn would leave us both in stitches, eh?!

Freggo enquires.

Morrick kinda hippity-hops on his seat, prevented from getting up to applaud by his shackles, which hamper his movement, he claps – as best he can, and grins from ear to ear.

’Gain. ’Gain tell it ’gain…

Then he looks hard left at the patch on his leather jerkin, the symbol of the ‘Red Hand’… he displays it proudly. The hand is upside down.

Sinruth say weez desend ants ov Red ‘and. Sayz we wur it wiv pride an’ dat… Sinruth make big speeks…

Morrick tries to stand again, he can’t, so he does the best he can sitting and waving his hands about- clearly he is impersonating someone.

I am big Goblin and big ’and red wot is our density, and la-la-la somefing-somefing, and dat!

He finishes with a grin.

Mor abowt Mory and Gory pleese Unky!

He whines at Freggo, his favourite Swordmage, and friend.

Viator, meanwhile, leans against the opposite wall – observing the subtle signs that others might miss, his blue eyes lock onto the Goblin.

Viator reaches out with his Psionic power, gentle tendrils of thoughts caress Morrick’s mind, trying to probe for deeper meanings, or to catch the creature out.

The Psion’s hands move in fits, as if trying to grasp the Goblin’s skull. He reaches deep into his well of power and pushes a little harder.

Blood trickles from one nostril.

Viator wipes way the blood from his nose and quietly asks-

Why did you take some of the people from the town, Morrick? Why those in particular?

Morrick switches direction, stares intently at Viator, as if contemplating some deep inner truth, the silence gathers.

Morrick trumps.

Giggles, and then answers.

Morrick und udder gobs towld ta get prisiners ta feed ta “undeadies” wot gard catykoombs.

Morrick smiles at Viator- happy to be of service.

Ah-shahran redirects Morrick back to tales of the ‘Red Hand’-

Ah yes, the Red Hand. Why, I remember how the original Red Hand laid siege to Fallcrest….

Ah-shahrah tells his tale again about the exploits of the Red Hand, emphasising their ‘triumphs’. After a few anecdotes, he pauses.

Why, I bet Sinruth has picked out other locations within the Vale to attack – that have similar importance! If only I knew where he was staying, I could admire his plans.

Ah-shahran looks wistfully into the distance over Morrick’s shoulder.

Morrick seems to have a lot of new friends- this makes Morrick very happy. The Goblin has almost forgotten about his situation – sitting in a cell, such is his new popularity.

Sinruth an’ Goblinz liv in catykoombs unda ruwins ov Castle Rivenroar.

Morrick continues to grin and swing his feet under his chair- like a dog wagging its tail.

Castle Rivenroar is a ruin the adventurers are vaguely aware of, not its exact position, but with a bit of research it can probably be located… someone in Fallcrest will know where it is. It’s just a question of how long it will take to discover who knows where the place is, and how much they’ll want to be paid to tell…

If only there was a quicker way, Ah-shahran thinks, and then adds-

Will you show me the way? Draw it?

Morrick draw ‘em map, if un’ giv us colours. An’ if wun ov udders...

Morrick points at Kali, Kyalia and Magnus in turn-

...if wun ov um, entertain uz- maybe hairy man dance, Elf laydee tell norty story and fat Dwarf jiggle an’ that?

Morrick adds helpfully.

Kali walks up to the Goblin with a scowl on his face, he hunkers down in front of Morrick, nose-to-nose, looking him dead in the eye. He begins to make quiet grunting noises, growing louder until it becomes clear that he is chanting something in the Goblin tongue. Kali is chanting a Goblin digging song, all about how the Goblin way is to dig deep and hide from bigger folk, striking only when they are few and the Goblins are many.

The song done, Kali stares at Morrick. Angry, and a little humiliated, the Shifter states in the Goblin tongue-

Remember goblin way as song tell us! Attacking human town is dumb, not goblin way! Tell us where Sinruth is so we can tell him he dumb!

It’s like being at a variety show for Morrick, he hasn’t had this much fun since cousin Eggbert fell in the fire and was burned to death…

He giggles and applauds until his manacles cut in to his wrists…

Sinruth bak tew katykoombs… ere!

Morrick thrusts a piece of paper at Kali, a crude depiction of the route to the ruins of Castle Rivenroar, best guess it lies at least two days march from Fallcrest.

Maw! Maw! Maw!

Morrick continues to frolic.

Throughout the proceedings Kyalia has silently hissed and spat, the Elf seems unhappy to be consorting with such a creature. At some point she drifts away from the action – only to then approach as silently as possible – actually completely undetected. She places a dagger at the Goblin’s throat, and then whispers in his ear-

Tell him, what he wants to know! And while you are at it, why don’t you describe your great leader ‘Sinruth’ to us? What is he, a goblin? An orc? Or something else? What does he look like?

Morrick suddenly looks flustered, he wasn’t expecting the Elf- he has nightmares about Elves- nasty pointy eared fiends that eat babies…

Sinruth iz big boss ov goblins, ’e raze army- we carve kingdumb fur us-selves. ’E is right tall…

Morrick gestures- about four feet something-

...an ‘av wun ear bit off, and iz noze is bit too, an wid an eye missin… an he limps cos his leg got bit… an he’s dead ’ansome. All der Gob-laydees say so…

Morrick blinks hard at Kaylia, his best puppy-dog eyes, hoping the Elf will not eat ‘im’.

Magnus, at last, spots his moment – he’s with the Elf, which is an odd place to be, the surly Dwarf barges over to Morrick – knocking chairs flying en route, hardly stealthy.

He leans in and grabs the Goblin, clears a space, cocks his right- and

WHAMMO!

Why dja tek the treasures from the Hall of Glory, ya weasly barmpot?

Magnus gurns and slavers- bristling beard in the now blubbing Morrick’s face, he hisses-

An’ don’tjer be lying ta me laddie, or I’ll shuv dis where da sun don’t shine!

Magnus fetches out his warhammer.

The guards move to break it up…

Morrick don’t kna anyfing abart treshure fro’ ‘all ov Valourmajig. Must av bin Sinruth ’imself, s’pose, he din’t say nuffing abart it. Promise- promise…

Pleeeeeease… I want my mummy!

Morrick snivels and cries.

Magnus grins and the deed is done.

The guards rush in to the cell, Magnus is grabbed and dragged back- still grinning, Morrick lies on the floor wailing and crying. The adventurers are quickly ushered out of the area and back in to the City Hall proper- where Eoffram awaits.

I hope you have all the information you need. If there’s anything I can do to help…

Eoffram lets the sentence hang in the air for a while.

Ah-shahran and Viator soon get together a brief list of requests, mostly mundane equipment and supplies, but also Healing Potions and something to use against the Undead that Morrick mentioned. Eoffram states he will do the best he can.

Well, when can you start for Castle Rivenroar? Tomorrow morning?

Eoffram asks.

It has just gone midnight in the City of Fallcrest, the adventurers have all the information they need, or at least all the information that is available from Morrick and Eoffram. They have a plan of action, a map to their target, and free room and board for the evening in the Nentir Inn.

The adventurers, it is agreed, will leave at first light tomorrow – bound for Rivenroar Castle.


End of Encounter #4

Six successes (One each) & no failures.

 

[Goonalan]

Magnus?

Early the next morning…

Although not as early as it should have been – there have been many events, strange, or otherwise, this morning. It’s probably best to start at the beginning…

The Inn staff wake the adventurers at first light, all save one. Magnus is missing; his room looks like it has seen signs of struggle, although Kyalia is certain no signs of any other occupant – perhaps he was struggling with his own dreams and thoughts. A search of the Nentir Inn ensues, much to the chagrin of the other inhabitants, most of whom are roused from their beds at a little after 5 AM by the hue and cry, but nothing, well nothing save some angry patrons.

Sgt. Thurmina – tired but otherwise in fine fettle, arrives at the Inn soon after, keen to get the adventurers on their way. By-and-large the increasingly desperate Sgt. is ignored – the remaining heroes are desperate to find out what has befallen Magnus, the search expands, although still at silly O’clock in the morning. Eoffram eventually arrives, sees the shape of things and orders that runners be sent to all guard houses and gates to discover the whereabouts of Magnus. He insists in the meantime that the heroes eat, and ‘make ready’.

And thus it is thirty minutes later that the adventurers learn that Magnus left the Inn, and indeed Fallcrest, at least two hours prior to their wake-up call. He left via the Wizard’s Gate. He even left a crumpled note with the Watch Commander there – a Sgt. Murgeddin, a stout dwarf, the note reads –

Sorree

Murgeddin, briefly questioned Magnus it seems – it being strange for a fellow dwarf to be taking to the roads in the half-dark on his own, Magnus however didn’t say much of interest, only that he had to go to Hammerfast, and that it was important…

And thus the mystery is solved, or at least partially solved – for now.

We advance an hour, to 6.30 AM – most people are up and about, the Inn is busy. Eoffram has been as good as his word, he has located a good deal of the mundane equipment requested, and procured two weeks trail rations for each of the adventurers. Eoffram has also managed to locate the following ‘specialist’ items -

Potion of Healing (x1)
Flask of Holy Water (x3)
Everburning Torch (x2)

The Council Member looks pleased with himself… However, that’s not all Eoffram has -

This is Sarge… sorry, I mean Velani – I’ve asked her to come with you. Sarge… sorry – I did it again, Velani is a very resourceful individual, I’m sure she will prove an excellent addition to your group. I wish to assure you – this is not a question of trust, just… well, I will sleep safer knowing that Sarge… sorry again, Velani were there with you…

Eoffram shrugs but looks unmoveable – Velani it seems is going.

Welcome to the Hunt Sergeant Velani. Now let’s away, there’s goblins to kill

Kali’s impatience to be on the road is evident, he welcomes Velani, the others follow suit.

Viator is next up –

It will be a pleasure to have you with us, Sergeant Velani. Are we to continue using your rank when addressing you?

Turning to the others he frowns -

Magnus didn’t seem happy during our interrogation last night. He flew off the handle a little. Either those blows to the head rattled him, or things must be difficult for him right now. Maybe after this we could go and find out what was troubling him?

For now, we hunt.

Viator surmises.

Velani addresses the Psion,

The rank is now more honorary than true, Viator, and I would welcome a break from the city tradition. Velani is fine.

Then turns to address the assembled adventurers, her new companions, as a whole.

And may I say to you what a welcome sight you are indeed. News of your exploits has all the city a-buzz and many this morning will offer prayers of thanks and hope to their god for you. I have served Fallcrest since I was a youngling, as runner, squire, footman, guard, and leader. I place my sword once again at Fallcrest’s feet and pray you would have me as a humble, faithful servant of the people.

It has been some time since my blade found purchase upon the enemies of the state. I too am ready for the hunt. I am in your employ and vow to protect you till my last breath… let us go find my people and our trophies of battles past… and show this Sinruth that Fallcrest will not bow to anyone – Red Hand, or otherwise.

Velani stands tall, proud of her city and her previous position in the Guard.

The spell is broken, farewell speeches made – the adventurers hit the road, at least for a little while, less than a mile out they turn off the road, and in to the wilds.

Next stop, fingers crossed, the ruins of Castle Rivenroar.

 

[Goonalan]

To Rivenroar: Day 1.

And so early the next morning, although late to set off, after running around looking for the missing Magnus, the adventurers hit the road – a full complement of six, with Sgt. Velani, ex of the Fallcrest Guard.

It’s a beautiful day, a little chilly but… the sun is trying to break through the clouds, the going is slightly soft underfoot, there’s been a lot of rain of late, but for now there are tracks and trails to follow. The adventurers pass, initially, through worked land; crops grow tall while animals graze – all is well with the world.

As the group progresses however all signs of habitation swiftly fade. The land undulates, there always seems to be another hill that needs to be climbed, copses of trees grow denser, and the foliage within – mostly bracken and gorse, makes tough going. It also doesn’t help that shallow streams need to be forded here and there, feet get wet – boots and trews become sodden, and by mid-afternoon a fine rain settles in…

Encounter #5 – 300 XP – Level 1 Encounter
Skill Challenge (Level 1 Complexity 3).

PCs
Ah-shahran, Male Deva, Hybrid Shaman-Warlord, Level 1
Freggo, Male Human, Swordmage, Level 1
Kalimaru, Male Razorclaw Shifter, Ranger (Scout), Level 1
Kyalia, Female Elf, Ranger, Level 1
Sgt. Velani, Female Human, Paladin (Cavalier), Level 1
Viator, Male Eladrin, Psion, Level 1

The first day out in the wilds makes for tough going, Kyalia with assistance from Ah-shahran leads the way, using Morrick’s map mostly, but also checking for tracks as they go.

Kyalia is used to travelling in the wilds, the rain does not bother her at all. Although it makes it harder for her to find signs of the Goblins’ passing.

The long walk, and the constant strain of having to keep her mind focused, takes its toll on Kyalia, after a while the Elf grows tired, it seems she has become soft – too long in the city perhaps.

Viator tries desperately to pull his weight, aware that many of his companions are significantly more experienced and capable at this kind of thing. Now and then he reaches out with his power, trying to slide obvious obstacles out of their path; moving aside branches, parting some of the deeper puddles, as the adventurers wend their way.

The Psion, like Kyalia, pushes himself too hard; after a while his head spins and before midday he has a blinding headache. The Eladrin growls to himself as he tries with all his strength to keep on going.

Kali, on the other hand, relaxes somewhat – he’s in his element, surrounded by the natural world – his true home. More than that, he can feel his blood racing beneath his skin – every one of his senses heightened – the hunt is on. Now and then the Shifter stops to sniff the breeze – he can smell them still, filthy Goblins.

Once or twice Ah-shahran looks over at Kali, spots the big man smiling. Kali swiftly turns his smile into his usual frown – but the truth cannot be hidden, at least not from Ah-shahran, the Shifter is enjoying himself.

Ah-shahran otherwise helps Kyalia with the tracking, he keeps one eye on the map always, following it closely, he ensures the adventurers do not deviate. At odd times he summons Gorm to “help” them along, the sight of the hound seems to raise even the lowest spirit.

The Deva also pays particular attention to the wildlife, plant life, and terrain – he seems fascinated by almost everything he sees, at time his enthusiasm is catching. Occasionally, he tries to lift the mood with an encouraging word to his fellow travellers, more than once he addresses Velani as ‘Honourary Sergeant’, which makes her smile.

As the day progresses, and the rain increases its pace, the going gets tougher, and Ah-shahran – like the others, grows quiet. He finds himself forced to call upon his past memories – his previous experiences, particularly those from lives spent soldiering, they help him to push on through.

Freggo, at first, dashes eagerly ahead, acting as though the adventurers were on a picnic in the country. Occasionally he unsheathes his sword, uses it to gesture grandly in the direction, he assumes, the group will be going next… which is more often than not incorrect.

Nonetheless, the young Swordmage throws himself at every obstacle, moving logs and branches out of the way for his fellows. He tries out various routes up hillsides to find the easiest path – he burns energy at a tremendous rate, and yet always seems to have more to give.

In Freggo’s mind he leads, although in reality he is constantly looking at Kyalia and Ah-shahran to assure himself he is taking the right direction.

Late in the day, when the adventurers gait has been reduced to a trudge, Velani decides to break the silence.

It has been some time since I set out this far from Fallcrest. Never had much need to leave town. My friends and family are there…

Velani suddenly realises how far away from home she truly is.

I’m sure Pashon, my husband, will get along fine without me for a spell.

Velani suddenly regrets opening her mouth – she grows silent for a while more, thinking long and hard about those she has left behind.

Eventually she tries again.

Do you know the legend of these woods? Let me tell you…

Velani begins to spin her yarn. A little fiction mixed in with a spoonful of fact, enough to hopefully buoy the adventurers’ spirits.

Alas many of her companions are not listening – their ears filled with the thud-thud of their own footsteps. The journey seems endless, and miserable, in the rain.

All in all it’s a funny old day…

Or at least nothing seems to go exactly right – not that things go badly wrong, supper time sees the group doing their best to hide their various bruises, cuts and scratches from each other. None of the various ailments are anything to worry about, nor collectively are they anywhere enough to think of turning back, it’s just… a dark cloud seems to have followed them on the trail today.

There’s nothing that can disguise how pale Viator looks however, the poor lad has been suffering with his migraine for the majority of the day. When they finally rest the Eladrin is forced to lie on his back with his eyes closed for over an hour – rubbing his temples vigorously.

Kyalia suffers a slight fall earlier on in the journey – again nothing much, a minor thing, Kali had lifted a log in place to aid the crossing of a shallow but fast flowing stream, and at just the wrong moment the log slipped. Again, nothing much, a turned ankle that’s all, and for Kali a little shame for not doing his job as well as he should.

Freggo is at times a myriad of mishap- letting go of branches which swing back to lash a friend –

Sorry

- wandering once into stinging nettles, and twice or more getting caught on briars… Again none of these things account for much, they just chip away at the spirit of the venture, it’s as if the group are struggling a little to find their stride.

At the end of the day Velani is suffering also, she secretly removes her boot to discover the biggest blister. There’s no denying things, a year out of the guard has left her a little out of shape, and later on in the trek, out of breath – she’ll sleep well tonight.

Around the fire, after supper, Ah-shahran – for all to see, traces their progress on the map – they are clearly well-behind schedule, the original idea was that the journey would take two days. Unless things improve drastically tomorrow the group will arrive at the Rivenroar ruins on the third day of travel, at best.

The adventurers post watches, hidden in a dense copse of trees – away from prying eyes, and lie down to rest for the evening – nothing, thankfully, disturbs their slumber.

 

[Goonalan]

To Rivenroar: Day 2

The second day is, if anything, much harder going, the adventurers are really in the wilds now – this land has never been tamed, or so it seems. Twisted briars and thick scrub at best, the wooded areas are much more dense, at times the sun – what little there is of it – disappears entirely from view.

Worse still the rain, which has continued steadily throughout the night has turned dirt to mud. Runnels and ravines, many initially hidden from sight, dot the land. Those sheltered by the trees are mostly dry, they require the adventurers to scramble down short, but dangerous, scree slopes, and then to tiredly plod back up the other side. Those that have been exposed to the rain have become mud pits – the Goblins progress is easy enough to track however, the creatures have cut down saplings to span some of the more difficult to traverse gaps.

And yet still the rain comes down, soaking everything – it’s not heavy, not a downpour, just a fine drizzle that is ceaseless, which gradually over the hours makes everyone in it quiet, sullen and sulky.

That said, and somewhat chastened by the previous day’s bumbling performance, Freggo, it seems, is determined to make better ground today, and not to be such an eager fool. He no longer wastes time and energy gesturing, posing, and dreaming of castles in the sky. He instead falls in-line, marches with the group – stoic in the weather’s assault.

Every now and then however he cannot help himself, the young Swordmage scurries up a tree or hill to scout the area ahead. Today however he reports back all he has seen – this subdued, perhaps more useful, Freggo is certainly better suited to the task in hand.

Kali broods on the first day’s travel, it had been tough, too tough, something didn’t feel right to the Shifter. Kali has walked the wilderness for years, but yesterday’s little trips, falls, scratches, and general annoyances seemed somewhat out of the norm. He can find no answer however, and puts it down to travelling with neophytes unused to the privations and hardships of the wild lands.

Kali searches en-route for the small beasts that surely surround him, asks of the vole, the lark and the lemming, using his empathetic link to try and ascertain that the travellers are on the right route. His replies alas are terse, the creatures as wild as his surroundings; the animals do not wish to be disturbed. Those he finds to communicate with are recently from hiding, the Shifter is certain that the Goblins came this way. Furthermore he learns that the group they seek struggled also with the terrain. The adventurers are, he estimates, gaining on their quarry.

The Shifter shares this news with his companions, and suddenly clouds lift – the adventurers press on, surer of foot and with a quicker, much lighter, tread.

The first day had taken its toll on Viator – today he decides to relax, to not try so hard – he will not push himself as he did yesterday. He rests his powers, lets his mind wander.

The Eladrin also spends the day keeping an eye out for traces of the missing citizens, and the Goblins of course. He trusts, however, that Kyalia, Kali and Ah-shahran, will show them the way. He even enquires of each of them a moment of their time to explain what they are looking for, the Psion seeks to further his skills less reliant on the power of his mind.

Viator’s headache finally fades, he takes to smiling – not all the time, but… the going is not so tough, his keen eyes help him to find the easy track, and the close proximity of his companions bolsters his once flagging spirits.

Viator’s interest stirs something within Kali, the Shifter is not usually one for idle chatter, and yet Kali senses something different about the strange Viator. The Eladrin he thinks seems to perceive the world much differently to he, his manner and action separate him from the average folk – in short, Viator is odd; Kali quite likes odd. He welcomes the Psion’s desire to learn, perhaps even to be able to see, no, not see, to sense some of the things that Kali’s bestial heritage allows him to be innately and instantly aware of. Kali does his best to teach Viator how to read the land, what to look for, how he uses all of his senses to navigate the way.

As he travels, with the Eladrin at his side, he tries to impart the essence of what he senses around him, from the obvious (to him) signs of the Goblins passing, to the different odours on the breeze – and their possible meanings. He translates the rustles and sounds of the undergrowth – the passage of smaller beasts, minding their own business, and mostly completely hidden from sight. He attempts to give words to the various ‘tastes’ of the world around them, Kali hopes that maybe Viator’s unusual skills will allow him to get a glimpse of the world as Kali senses it.

Kali suddenly, and surprisingly, discovers he has ‘friends’.

Ah-shahran’s attention also has a different focus today. Trusting his companions to keep the path, he instead keeps his eye on his companions. He tells rambling stories, anecdotes mixed in with worldly wisdom – all peppered with humour. His tales are timed to lift his colleagues’ spirits whenever he notices them begin to flag, to re-tune concentration when it too starts to slip. Gorm aids the Deva’s efforts, making many more appearances, acting at times like a playful puppy, and at others like a hunting hound.

Velani is encouraged, she makes a second attempt to break the ice.

Ungh… retirement’s caught up on me faster than I thought! Five years ago, I could have taken to this trail without a missed step, and never short of breath, and now I find myself huffing and puffing like a crone. I’m going to have to dig a little deeper and find a younger version of myself today! Not that I’m old mind you!

Velani smiles and laughs, joking at her own diminished capabilities. She tries and, more often than not, succeeds in lightening the mood, through the clouds and downpours.

Let not this foul weather deaden our hearts or feet, friends. Nay, let it wash away the grime of our travel, and renew our faith in the cycle of all things. Trust in Lady Dol Arrah, and let her Light shine even though the clouds darken our sky.

And the adventurers’ moods are lifted further, higher – the going, against the odds, seems much, much easier today.

Towards the end of the second day’s travel Viator heads over to enquire of Kyalia whether she will explain some of the techniques she is using to guide their steps –

I can certainly do that, Viator.

Kyalia states with enthusiasm.

The elven huntress, like Kali previously, spends most of her time searching for signs of the Goblins’ passage, tracking their movement and comparing it with Morrick’s map.

Where possible, she explains carefully, but in great detail, to Viator, what she is doing and why, and exactly what information she is reading from the myriad tracks she continues to find.

Viator is delighted. Several of the other adventurers less skilled in the art of tracking also gather to hear Kyalia explain – she soon has an audience which, when no-one is looking, makes her smile.

And the second day is glorious, well… rainy and glorious, muddy and glorious, however there are no slips, spills or falls. The adventurers work together to counter the weather and the generally miserable conditions and, seemingly without trying too hard, learn to get along – to work as a team.

Kali learns a little more from his chatterings with the woodland creatures, although communication is limited, most of the creatures of the wild are cunning but not clever, he précises his findings –

Bad pass this way.

Big bad!

Many bad.

The most intriguing thing, repeated by a number of his woodland and wild friends, is the sense that something ‘big’ passed this way, something ‘big’ accompanied the Goblins – a big creature, not a Goblin, he explains?

Kyalia has more to add, her tracking skills have shown her that there were in excess of thirty creatures passing this way. By their tread a mixture of Goblins and Hobgoblins, and… some others, maybe half-a-dozen folk with booted feet smaller than the Goblins, and with a much lighter tread. There are no other clues, nor can she guess what manner of creatures these unknown folk are.

But the ‘big bad’ she knows all about – a four footed Drake, a large creature with a heavy tread that did not go around the natural barriers of briars and thorns, but instead went through. Clearly something that is used to travelling between points A and B in a straight line – a blundering brute of a Drake.

A little later she is forced to break the bad news, although in truth it does little to dampen the adventurers’ spirits – the tracks show the passing of two large Drakes, not one.

And the good news; one of the Goblins’ prisoners has been doing their best to ensure that the trail is still warm, between them Kali, Kyalia and Ah-shahran pick up three buttons, a cork (from a bottle of “South Paw”, a Fallcrest brew), and half-a-dozen small torn-off pieces of cloth. Ah-shahran makes sense of it all – Kartenix, the Guard Captain, the buttons and the cloth are from the uniform of an Officer of the Watch…

The adventurers’ confidence begins to grow, yesterday’s frowns turn to thin smiles, which grow wider – regardless of the miserable weather and conditions – as the day progresses and the clues gather.

And so it is, early on the evening of the second day of travel, with the sun sinking beneath the horizon that Kyalia spies less than two-hundred yards ahead the ruins of some once great structure.

Rivenroar Castle.

The Elf declares and points the way.

The adventurers have not made good time today – they have made great time, surpassing all of their expectations.

Kyalia, with help from Kali, and Viator – a little, further confirms that they have certainly made up considerable time on the Goblins. The adventurers started the hunt 6-8 hours behind the creatures, the trail ahead, which leads directly to the ruins – is probably less than two hours old.

It seems for all their troubles en-route, the Goblins were having a much, much tougher time of it. The adventurers find places to hide, to watch, to rest a while, they whisper thanks to their gods and each other, they cannot hide their smiles.

They have found the ruins of Rivenroar.

End of Encounter #5

Eight successes (One+ each) & one group failure (Multiple failures in Day 1 Group Endurance check).

 

[Goonalan]

Scouting Rivenroar

The adventurers are within the perimeter of Castle Rivenroar before they realise it, the wood is dense here, the ruins sit atop a gentle rise, or at least the few standing walls that remain do.

The group hunkers down in silence for a moment, other than the sights and sounds of the woodland creatures and the coming dark then… nothing stirs, except… perhaps.

Maybe forty to fifty yards ahead is a thin wisp of smoke, it’s difficult to see the source, there’s no fire to be seen or heard however…

Kali and Kyalia scout left and right respectively, twenty or so yards each way. The pair discover nothing of interest, which is to say they see nothing other than ruins – the pair head back to report.

The tracks of the Goblins blaze a swathe through the tall grass, heading straight ahead, directly towards the wisp of smoke that is even now getting harder to see – it gets dark quickly around here.

The adventurers realise they have perhaps 30 minutes of half-light remaining to work in, after which time they will need to employ light sources, particularly beneath the thick canopy of the trees, and in the shadows of the ruins.

Ah, she must have been a thing of beauty in her heyday. Wish I knew more about her, though…

Velani muses.

I’m all for us walking up on the front door like we own the place, but I don’t want to come across as brash. I’ll follow where our, erm… leader goes?

Suddenly Velani realises the group has been operating simply under a common goal, but with no discernable individual ‘in charge.’

Again, a smile crosses her face, she addresses the others -

Amazing how we have not had need of a Captain. This speaks volumes about all of you – a worthy band of warriors if ever there was. And while this may have served us ’til now, how will we fare in the hours to come? I am not worried, mind you, but the fog of war can be chaotic indeed, and without a bannerman to guide our strategy, will we prevail? I am not suggesting my own leadership… I was asked to serve you five, and serve I will. Whom shall we look to for decisions?

Kali suddenly decides he has to be elsewhere.

I’ll take a closer look at where our prey went, and see what sort of guard they’ve left. Happy to have company…

Kali draws his cloak closer around him, and leaves the question hanging in the air.

Whilst I’m gone you guys can decide which of you is best placed to lead us, and let me know the outcome when I return.

Kali turns to leave, but at the last moment looks back.

That way I’ll know whose orders I’ll be ignoring!

Kali grins, on the verge of a chuckle, then turns, serious again, and heads on using the thicker parts of the vegetation to conceal himself.

Yes Kali, scout ahead. I shall scout also. In my way – Viator thinks but does not say, his mind is rested – ready for action. The Psion reaches out with his mind, treads carefully, searches for any sign of traps of the arcane kind or ritual wards in place.

Kyalia meanwhile follows the Shifter ahead in to the undergrowth, imparting a few words before heading in.

I will make myself useful and look for different ways to approach these ruins. Maybe there is some choice in what way we can take.

Kyalia offers, then all-but vanishes into the tall grass. The Elf moves forward, following Kali as best she can, they are both heading towards the centre of the ruined castle.

Meanwhile Freggo hops from one foot to the other.

We’re HERE!

Freggo whispers quietly, although not as quietly as Ah-shahran would like.

The Swordmage shrugs at Velani’s suggestion as regards a leader.

I guess we could use someone to negotiate with anyone we meet. I did a bit of that back at the inn, but ah, I’m a bit new at this.

Freggo smiles companionably.

Is that something you think you could help with, Ms. Velani? Negotiating and what-not? That’d be great, and I could learn from you too. I’ve had lots of teachers! They never lasted that long though… ah, never mind.

Freggo blushes at his inadvertent mention of past failures. Then mumbles –

See, there I go, always saying too much…

Freggo turns to look at Viator, the Eladrin has his eyes screwed shut, beads of sweat in the cool night on his brow – he is clearly concentrating very hard. Freggo stops his jabbering and watches Viator.

Ooh, that’s neat. Maybe I can help a bit…

Freggo mimics the Psion’s look – eyes tight shut, he tries to lend some of his own amateurish magical energy to Viator’s efforts.

A little while later he comes up for air.

I say we go check it out tonight! I’m too excited to sleep anyways!

Viator, he notes is still locked in his trance.

Kali moves silently forward, through the long grass, only from above could anyone hope to see him – thirty or so yards in he comes to a stop. Waits a while – but nothing stirs. Ahead and to his side are areas of fallen masonry – the side walls of the Castle in fact. However, much of the stone and ancient mortar has been eroded by time, but that’s not the interesting thing; slightly ahead the tall grass has been bent and trampled down – a clearing, in the centre of which is a set of ancient stone steps that lead down, a wisp of smoke escapes from the opening.

Kali grins and watches.

Viator, with help from Freggo (perhaps), scans the area ahead for magical emanations, and again, and again, and… nothing. Except – a trickle of power – the source and type the Psion is unable to verify, but it comes from somewhere straight ahead. Viator needs to be closer perhaps, but before that can happen – and awaiting the scouts’ return – Viator considers his knowledge of this place, he regurgitates all he knows -

The castle is indeed ancient, a relic of the Nerath – a sprawling empire that covered the Nentir Vale and most of the known lands. Rivenroar was, in its heyday, home to Lords and Dukes – rulers of the Vale, this when Fallcrest was only a muddy settlement by the Nentir Falls. A number of great families ruled the surrounding lands from Rivenroar, holding court here. The names… the names of…

Viator hesitates – then plunges on-

… the names of the families escape me, they were however martial rulers – not tyrants, but men and women of action, used to fighting the myriad humanoids, and other factions, to keep their place in power.

The Eladrin finishes his tale, and opens his eyes.

Freggo is grinning at him, from ear-to-ear.

Kyalia completes her circuit of the ruins, keeping at all times to the shadows and the vegetation – there are few signs of activity, or even of creatures passing – a few half-hearted trails perhaps that swiftly peter out and lead to nowhere much.

The Elf deduces that the Goblins have not been in the ruins long, or else they are particularly lax when it comes to posting guards. She returns to her start point, and then like Kali edges forward, till she meets with Shifter – he points, and she sees – a clearing with steps down in to darkness.

The pair head back to tell their news, it’s getting dark – day is losing out to night, a decision will have to be made very soon, rest here and wait for a new day, or head on – and down and in.

Kyalia, on her return, and after the scouts have reported, is all business -

I am not too tired yet, I am in favour of entering the Goblins’ lair now – we should not let them rest. They might have had a rougher journey than we, with the prisoners in tow, we would give up a potential advantage if we wait until tomorrow.

Velani is next to offer her opinion –

So, the coast is clear, you say? Lax security either means surety or stupidity. Given their failure to cover their tracks here, I believe it to be the latter. However, they may think that the night is worth posting a guard. My vote is to make our way to the entrance now, before the final moments of daylight falls.

Next up is Freggo, of course – he’s all action, decision made –

Oo, an opening ahead, going into the ground you say? It’s just like a story! I gotta see this!

With that Freggo is gone, the young Swordmage does his darnedest to sneak forward noiselessly, trusting his friends’ assurances that no enemies are about more than his own prowess at staying quiet, which is fortunate as his prowess at stealth is minimal. In one hand he holds his sword, in the other a shuttered lantern.

Freggo, his comrades following, close in on the clearing – within which are the stairs down.

Hmmm, let’s see if I can detect any more of that magic we sensed earlier…

Freggo peers into the darkness and extends his senses as he was taught by old Schmendrick.

Freggo, I also am eager to get in after our prey. I fear for those kidnapped…

Viator’s ice blue eyes, usually so cold, melt slightly for a second.

But I advise caution? We sensed magic from down those stairs. If I could just…

Moving closer to the edge of the clearing, at Freggo’s side, the Psion too extends his senses. Reaches out, he finds the arcane resonance and lets it engulf his mind. The hair on his arms and neck stands up straight.

I feel it…

Viator whispers.

Fingers twitching, holding on to the sense, he attempts to disentangle the signal from its surroundings, tries to work out its location and the type of power he has detected.

Ah-shahran quietly follows the other adventurers forward, so far he has been silent – which is a little odd, he seems distracted. At the clearing his glance absorbs every detail of the area, he breaks his silence, softly mumbles -

Down, down, down the stairs, the Goblins and the captives. Whither light, in dead of night, beneath the bones of earth?

The Deva’s face stretches in to a manic grin.

I agree. Let’s follow now, and deny them time to feed the captives to whatever undead lurk in these ‘katykoombs’.

Viator holds his hand out – signals stop –

Yes, certainly there is magic below, ancient magic – mostly faded but at one time potent, it perhaps still lingers in places.

For the briefest moment Viator sees an image of flickering flame- as quickly, the flickering flame bursts in to a gout of fire and then is gone. He is confident however, the magic is weak, faded and old – Viator is not frightened.

Also a wielder of magic lies below, a small but dark force broods down the stair- somehow the flame and the… individual are connected… no it’s gone.

Viator is back in the real world.

Ah-shahran, edges further forward still, in to the clearing proper – this is the scouts’ job but the Deva presses on regardless, to the stair.

Voices, there are voices coming from below, he looks about wondering why none of his companions can hear them, surely… but, no.

Goblins, and one of them is particularly shrill – barking, or rather screeching, orders- impossible to hear what he’s saying, Ah-shahran is too far away. However the ‘shrill Goblin’ is clearly the leader – he must be addressing his troops.

And another sound, quiet – no more than background noise – the flicker of flame…

Freggo is seriously excited now.

Yeah, let’s be sneaky! Ah man, I wish I knew how to do that! Um, maybe the K’s can scout in there a little for us. Then we can develop a plan of attack!

Freggo indicates Kali and Kylia might want to go down the stairs. Getting a little over-excited, Freggo practices a few swipes and flourishes that he plans on using on any Goblins that don’t fully co-operate.

Ah-shahran cocks his head toward the stairs as Gorm materialises next to Freggo.

Goblin voices, Goblin orders floating up the stairs. They may not have guards above, but there are guardians below.

With a glance at Kali, he continues.

Stealth is decidedly in order. I don’t believe they know we’re here, and the yapping of their leader will help cover our approach. Should we send someone to scout the layout, or tiptoe down below en-masse?

Velani is the first to reply.

I will admit my sword thirsts for retribution and, surrounded by you brave souls, I am feeling somewhat bold. I wish to take the forward line to them, but I am afraid I am not quite skilled at skulking and whatnot. However, should you wish to have me shout a declaration of our presence, I would be honoured to do so, and will take the fore as we descend.

Kali moves to the stair, looks back.

Wait. I will scout ahead to check the lie of the land, and see just what our Goblin friends are up to.

And with that the Shifter is gone – in to darkness.

Kali spots nothing untoward on the stair, it seems the Goblins either believe themselves to be safe, or are very lazy – or possibly have just got back from a raid… Or better still a combination of all three.

Silently he descends, to the bottom step…

 

[Goonalan]

The Rivenroar Crypt

Ahead Kali spies in to a fairly clean guardroom – by Goblin standards, some one has clearly made an effort some time in the past, the place is dank and smells of mildew however.

Nearest to him are a pair of bulky looking Hobgoblins, they look to be the real deal, wearing chainmail over thick leathers, clutching heavy shields in one hand and incredibly nasty looking spiked flails in their other hands. The pair keep a constant vigil staring up the stair, and seemingly through Kali.

Every now and then one of them turns around, briefly, to look behind… and with good reason.

Behind the pair a smaller figure, a Goblin, wearing a thick travelling cloak that seems to have something (words, symbols or…) written on it – or else decorated in some way.

The cloak wearing Goblin seems to be berating, in his mother tongue, two other Goblins – Kali is fluent in the language of course. Alas however, because of the angle of the stairs, Kali can only see the other two Goblins’ feet – and he can tell little from their boots.

Dith-piccable, it’th dith-piccable. Behawving lyke a wowdy bunch ov wazzokth!

The cloaked Goblin is quite clearly in charge, and has a pronounced lisp- either that or he’s doing the voice for effect.

It’th thith tha kind ov behavwiour that yew exthibit wen yaw withh Thinrewth?

Kali makes out ‘Thinrewth’, and substitutes ‘Sinruth’, the Goblin leader.

Silence for a moment, it’s odd that Kali can only see the furthest two Goblins’ footwear, as that’s all they’re looking at too.

Wewll?

Lisper asks, nay demands.

No-ow!

The pair chorus back like naughty schoolboys.

Noa, whath?

No-ow, Unholy Jeff

The pair chorus again.

Throughout this exchange, and while the two Hobgoblin Guards to the fore share looks and giggle a little at their compatriots being told off, Kali can see, hear and smell – fire. Or rather he can see the glow, but not the source – it comes from the rear of the chamber.

Kali takes a tentative step forward, the two Goblins at the back are a ragged pair, with short swords at their belts, and hand-crossbows at the ready – one of them wipes his nose and looks forlorn, then goes back to keeping his head down, the tirade continues.

Kali can just make out, both sides of the room – burning braziers with low flames, it is they that illuminate the chamber, ahead a set of important-looking, but very rusted, metal doors. The doors seem to have a plaque above them – alas the Shifter is much too far away to make out what it says there.

Job done, he shuffles back to tell his friends…

Kali looms out of the dark as Ah-shahran speaks –

Did we pick a leader? I’d be happy to give direction in combat, if you’d like. Why don’t you sneaky people move a bit closer, and we’ll time our headlong rush down the stairs with your attacks. Oh, and intimidating battle cries, too.

As Ah-shahran whispers, Gorm ghosts down the stairs a little way.

Upon learning that there is light ahead, Freggo puts away his lantern and readies himself on the stairway. He grins a lot, mostly at Ah-shahran’s talk of leaders, then adds –

I will gladly follow any advice given that seems wise, and Ah-shahran seems to know what he is doing.

The mumbling Deva smiles back at Freggo.

Kyalia, Kali – accompanied by Gorm, head all the way to the bottom of the stairs – silent as the night. The others edge a little way in, but not too far.

Ready.

Velani whispers.

Target the brutes watching the stairs… I’m headed for the Goblin.

The Sgt. of Fallcrest spies the robed leader –

Mine.

She hisses.

And then screams, in Goblin –

The Red Hand was bloodied and beaten years ago, and soon your corpses will add to the tally of dead! For Fallcrest!

And thus the fight begins…

 

[Goonalan]

The Goblin Guards

Encounter #6 – 650 XP – Level 1 Encounter
1 Goblin Acolyte of Maglubiyet (Level 1 Controller)
2 Goblin Sharpshooters (Level 2 Artillery)
2 Hobgoblin Warriors (Level 3 Soldier))

PCs
Ah-shahran, Male Deva, Hybrid Shaman-Warlord, Level 1
Freggo, Male Human, Swordmage, Level 1
Kalimaru, Male Razorclaw Shifter, Ranger (Scout), Level 1
Kyalia, Female Elf, Ranger, Level 1
Sgt. Velani, Female Human, Paladin (Cavalier), Level 1
Viator, Male Eladrin, Psion, Level 1

Velani screams again –

For Fallcrest!

But it’s Kyalia that is the first to attack – crouched in the blackness of the stair, her bow sings.

Alas a little out of tune – the first arrow of her Twin Strike passes harmlessly several feet to the side of the Hobgoblin Warrior to the left, the soldier looks quizzical, what just happened? He scratches his head – while fumbling desperately with his sword.

In the same instant Kyalia sights the second Hobgoblin, to the right <thuk> Her second arrow ricochets off the creature’s heavy shield – that gets its attention. It spies along the line of flight of the missile. The Hobgoblin’s mouth drops open, it tries to make words, eventually – in garbled tones, comes one word.

Bushwhackers!

The Hobgoblin Warrior looks very confused – where did that word come from?

Velani makes it to the bottom of the stairs, continues her charge – still screaming fit to bust.

Freggo follows on, making several graceful bounds, he’s in and at one of the Hobgoblins –

Charge!

He screams, unable to come up with a catchy battlecry, the Hobgoblin still looks shocked – seemingly unable to keep up with events. The Swordmage slices in to the creature, still fumbling for its sword, it does the decent thing and bleeds profusely…

At the far end of the chamber, the Goblins finally look up and register what is going on, with shaking hands they scramble to get their hand-crossbows ready for action.

Unholy Jeff, the cloaked Goblin, is furious at the interruption, and yet continues to berate the pair – still unaware his meeting has been invaded.

Jeff suddenly develops an itch – it’s in the centre of his back, he tries to reach it, scratches furiously – now with both hands, he hops from foot to foot – the mark is Kali’s Assassin’s Shroud. The Goblin, still with his back turned and unaware of all that is happening behind him, is doing some strange clucking chicken dance – or so it seems to those observing him.

Kali charges forward, and is in and hacking at the same Hobgoblin that Freggo sliced, the soldier has still not properly readied its defences, and that’s a second wound it has taken.

Watching his companions enter the fray, Viator calls out –

Beware the robed one! I think he may be the one I sensed! Beware flames!

The Eladrin Psion reaches out with his power, trying to clear a path for Velani to the furious robed leader, he uses his Dimensional Scramble. However the rush of the other adventurers distracts him, he struggles to focus –

Dammit!

Viator’s warning has an immediate effect, Unholy Jeff stops scratching, what’s going…

He turns…

And stares…

Wathhh!

And stares.

With a <wuff>, Gorm dissolves, forming an attenuated line that aims at the already wounded Hobgoblin Warrior’s heart. Faster than a thought, Kyalia launches another arrow, trying to follow the line. The beleaguered Hobgoblin takes its third wound, it’s fading fast – bloodied already, and yet has still not had time to launch its own attack.

From the top of the stairs, Ah-shahran’s voice is barely audible to those entering the room –

We must clear the way to get at the caster, for the Grunts might surrender if we slaughter the master!

The cackle that follows, however, is clearly audible to all in the room below.

The defenders are on the back foot, the attackers are all in play, Velani continues her headlong charge, straight for Unholy Jeff, she screams once more –

For Fallcrest!

This time she really means it…


End of Round #1 (Surprise)

No PCs wounded.
One Hobgoblin Warrior bloodied (47/18 HP).

 

[Goonalan]

The Goblin Guards

Round #2

With the Goblins beginning to stir and get in to the action, Kyalia leaps forward, draws two arrows, and fires them both at the closest targets – a Hobgoblin that has yet to take a wound. The first arrow finds its target, but alas it leaves only a small cut in its passing. Kyalia’s second arrow misses altogether, passes high and wide.

The Hobgoblin snarls at the Elf, and in its native tongue promises the Ranger death.

Meantime the Goblins with crossbows in the back react, the first scampers for cover, while firing its hand crossbow in to the fray. Freggo is struck in his right forearm, the wound stings terribly – the Swordmage grits his teeth and bares it.

The second Goblin Shooter, a young Goblin called Spizz actually, dives forward and uses his boss, Unholy Jeff, as cover – he fires and manages to pin Kali with his bolt, the Shifter growls his anger.

Velani continues to plunge forward, making a bee-line for Unholy Jeff, en route the ex-Watch Sergeant receives a shocking blow from one of the Hobgoblins, leaving her dragging her right leg – which is numb and almost useless – she’s now very slow moving.

Velani recalculates, changes her target, she’s not going to get to attack otherwise – she lurches forward and manages to connect with the already badly wounded Hobgoblin. The creature staggers under the onslaught, it totters – clearly now not long for life.

Freggo points his sword at the second Hobgoblin and shouts,

Watch this, villain, for you are next!

The Swordmage dances around the lethargic Hobgoblin, with feints, side-steps, and yells –

Ha. Ho. Touche!

His sword begins to glow, a mesmerising yellow colour, as he slips behind his foe and finally launches a genuine attack.

He draws blood, Freggo’s magic flares and the Hobgoblin shambles forward following the young Swordmage. He steps back, so that he is next to the robed Goblin, the Hobgoblin follows.

Hi there, mister Jeff. I’ll be your heroic opponent today!

Freggo declares with a grin.

Not best pleased with being used as a pin cushion, Kali is set on ending a few lives quickly, and one of them is Unholy Jeff’s – time to move it up a gear, he drifts through the fray with the Cunning of the Fox. Then marks the robed Goblin for death again – doubling the woe should he land his blow.

En route Kali aims an attack at the already bloodied Hobgoblin, his first victim – hopefully – alas the creature deflects the Shifter’s battleaxe strike.

Kali’s next blows – battleaxe and hand axe, are aimed at His Unholiness – Jeff this time, the robed Goblin is momentarily cast in shadow – he looks… frightened.

The axes come down and the Goblin Acolyte of Maglubiyet is cut to pieces – massacred, what is left of his quivering bloody body flops to the floor.

The chamber is momentarily cast in to silence.

Kali is the only creature moving, silently shifting away to select his next target.

Viator heads to the bottom of the stairs just in time to watch Unholy Jeff’s demise. He takes a moment to appreciate Kali’s feat before throwing his hand out to focus his power.

A blinding headache strikes him, his vision blurs. He steadies himself against the damp stone wall of the dungeon, then curses – the arcane magics in the crypt are affecting his focus.

The mind is the sole self. The mind is the sole self. I am a mental fortress.. I control my body. The mind is the sole self.

He chants.

The Hobgoblin Warriors leap into action, the first smashes his flail in to Velani’shead, the ex-Sergeant thumps to the floor – unconscious. The first of the adventurers to hit the deck ever.

Freggo looks on with distress as the Hobgoblin delivers a devastating blow to his ally.

Noo! Didn’t you hear me! You’re NEXT!

Zaaawwwp

The bewildered Hobgoblin finds itself suddenly standing next to Freggo and its comrade, unable to fully comprehend what just happened – the soldier’s defences are down.

The second Hobgoblin lets out a sigh of relief as his companion appears next to him – clearly the Goblin god, Maglubiyet, has seen fit to favour him. The Hobgoblin silently promises to pray all the harder after the Goblins certain victory here…

The two Hobgoblins lock shields and co-ordinate their defences – blessed by their dark god.

The second launches its attack at Freggo, misses with his flail – leans in and pivots around, repositioning itself perfectly to meet the next attack, a consummate professional.

Ah-shahran marches down the stairs in to the chamber, mumbling inspiring words, the Deva motions regally towards Velani – who blinks open one eye, then two, and although laying on the cold stone floor manages a grin.

Ah-shahran has not finished however, he mutters again and makes strange gestures with his hands – a pair of spectral panthers spring in to existence and race towards the nearest Hobgoblin. Alas the first feline stumbles and flickers as it forms, the Hobgoblin is caught off-guard and yet still manages to deflect the spirit beast. The second panther… the second guts the Hobgoblin, who goes down screaming and flailing as the inky black snarling cat rips and tears at its face. Less than five seconds later the spirit is gone, and the Hobgoblin Warrior is as silent as the grave.

End of Round #2

Three PCs wounded, with one bloodied – Freggo (27/23 HP), Kali (25/16 HP) and Velani (28/11 HP).
Goblin Acolyte of Maglubiyet dead.
One Hobgoblin Warrior deceased, and one wounded slightly (47/42 HP).

 

[Goonalan]

The Goblin Guards

Round #3

Kyalia follows Ah-shahran in to the chamber, equally determined to make her mark.

One of the crossbow wielding Goblins peers around the corner it hides behind, and then suddenly looks terrified, particularly when the big-eared female Elf winks at it.

Kyalia’s first arrow pierces the Goblin’s chest, passing clean through all the important organs en route, blood gushes from the wound, the Goblin sags.

Her second arrow strikes the creature in its left thigh, it yelps furiously – juggles its hand crossbow and looks beaten already.

The creature, all the blood drained from its face, curses – and with shaking hands brings its crossbow to bear… may demons eat the Elf.

It fires, and misses by a considerable distance.

The little terror quickly recalculates the odds, and runs… barging through a set of rusty doors on the west wall of the chamber, beyond is a dirty passage heading further in to the complex. The creature skids around a corner, and out of sight – screaming!

Intrewdurrs!

In its native tongue of course.

The second Goblin Shooter – Spizz, looks concerned, time to get the hell out of dodge – but first.

<Thuukaa>

He lets loose with his crossbow, at Freggo – a perfect shot, catching the young hero in his right hand side, soon enough Freggo’s garments are thick with blood…

SINRUTH! RED HAND!

Spizz adds and pumps his arm several times – a victory salute.

Then backs away, towards the exit through which his comrade departed, grinning all the while and making ready for his next shot, he draws his short sword en route – just in case.

Shaking the cobwebs from her mind, Velani still lying on the cold stone floor looks around – takes in the situation.

Bloody hell, am I that rusty?!

She mumbles to herself.

She jumps to her feet, stares at the remaining Hobgoblin.

Ok, let’s see if I can survive another one of those blows to the noggin…

She makes a Valiant Strike, a Heroic Effort…

The Hobgoblin is unprepared for Velani’s sudden attack, she connects with the creature, skewering the beast through the shoulder and pouring in to the wound her holy radiant power.

And yet still it stands, grunts and looks to bring its flail in to play.

Kill all!

The Hobgoblin mutters, matter-of-factly.

Although, while not yet bloodied, the creature finds it hard to lift its shield in to place.

Velani battles through the pain, gets her Second Wind, grimaces – she’s no age and yet, this is proving to be far more difficult than she expected.

Blinding pain floods Freggo’s body, he staggers, looks down at the crossbow bolt sticking out of his side. That wasn’t there before… maybe I’m not cut out for this hero stuff after all…

But Freggo surprises himself, he adjusts his fighting stance and levels his longsword at the remaining Hobgoblin.

I… told… you…

Freggo spits through gritted teeth, the Swordmage springs forward – his sword begins to glow. Alas his timing is off however, and the Hobgoblin seems to be fighting more efficiently, it brings it’s shield to bear. Undeterred, Freggo swings around to cut off the Hobgoblin’s retreat, or else prepare to chase after the fleeing goblins.

…your turn.

Freggo finishes, hoping that his friends can do a better job.

Kali spots the opportunity that Freggo has provided, he side steps in to the gap that the Swordmage has left – then swings his axe at the last Hobgoblin Warrior’s head.

Well wide, Kali dances out of the way and allows one of his colleagues to get in close.

Viator watches the Goblins departing, he shakes off his headache. Viator moves toward the closest of the pair – Spizz, who meets the Eladrin’s gaze and raises his hand crossbow to… Viator blurs and disappears, appearing a fraction of a moment later behind Spizz, at the corner in the corridor.

The screaming limping Goblin rushes on in to a well-lit chamber ahead, a jumble of bedding on the floor – in the middle of the chamber a group of Hobgoblins stare hard at the creature – then look beyond and spot the Eladrin Psion. All three reach for their weapons.

Two other Hobgoblins, sprawled in bedrolls on the floor, stir as if from slumber.

Catching sight of the new foes, Viator pushes his power out towards them.

In a storm of movement his mind tears at their bodies attempting to relocate them, throwing them towards their just-roused companions – Dimensional Scramble.

Um… We have more company!

Viator calls back.

A burst of psionic energy erupts through the Hobgoblin ranks, one groans as the molecules in his body are momentarily disassembled – then slumps to the ground, bleeding from ears, eyes and mouth – dead. Another is left suitably scrambled, and suddenly finds itself teleported further away.

Wha’s goin…

The Hobgoblin worries and wipes his brow.

Of the remaining four Hobgoblins left standing in sight, three are not as heavily armed or armoured as those fought previously – they wear rough leathers and have longswords sheathed at their belt or in hand. The fourth Hobgoblin is armed and armoured the same as the belligerent buggers in the previous chamber- in chain, with a heavy shield and cruelly spiked flail.

Intrewders!

The Goblin Shooter – Spizz, continues to scream… now in an ‘I told you so’ fashion.

Back in the entrance chamber the remaining Hobgoblin Warrior shakes his head violently, trying to dislodge the angry bees that buzz there, he cannot- he remains out of sorts – dazed.

The creature sticks to its task, smashes its flail in to Freggo, the Swordmage slumps to the ground, lies still and bleeds profusely.

Oh, Freggo.

Ah-shahran shakes his head.

I know you like Velani, but really, imitation is kind of inappropriate right now. Gorm, see if you can get him up!

Ah-shahran mutters, Gorm materialises next to the fallen Swordmage and licks at Freggo’s face, then turns to Velani, wags his tail, and leaps across Freggo’s body briefly distracting the stoic Hobgoblin Soldier as he fades away, allowing Velani to snap off a rapid slash.

Freggo blinks open his eyes, the Swordmage looks angry and frightened, above him the Hobgoblin still rages and swats – this time at Gorm. Velani slices once more at the Hobgoblin, the creature staggers, goes to take a step back but steadies itself. Blood pours from a myriad wounds on the beast -

Sinruthhh…

The last of the word a hiss, it fights on yet.

Note the Encounter has just got a little harder -

Encounter #6 – 952 XP – Level 3 Encounter
4 Hobgoblin Grunts (Level 3 Minion)
1 Goblin Acolyte of Maglubiyet (Level 1 Controller)
2 Goblin Sharpshooters (Level 2 Artillery)
3 Hobgoblin Warriors (Level 3 Soldier)

End of Round #3

Three PCs wounded, with one bloodied – Freggo (27/6 +4 HP), Kali (25/16 HP) and Velani (28/23 HP).
One Hobgoblin Grunt killed.
Goblin Acolyte of Maglubiyet dead.
One Goblin Sharpshooter bloodied (31/5 HP).
One Hobgoblin Warrior deceased, and two wounded – one bloodied the other only slightly (47/10 & 47/37 HP).

 

[Goonalan]

The Goblin Guards

Round #4

Kyalia rushes to Viator’s aid, past Spizz the Goblin who juggles his hand crossbow and short sword, the Goblin slices as the Elf dashes by, but fails to connect. Kyalia is still not quite sure what is going on around the corner, and her quarry has fled, she jogs to a halt – pulls out two arrows and aims at the fleeing goblin.

Uh-oh. Four more Hobgoblins down the corridor.

She calls back, and then fires…

Her first arrow flies – and thuds in to the fleeing Goblin’s back, the creature falls and skids to a halt on the cold stone floor – stone cold dead.

Kyalia re-aims in an instant, picks out one of the lightly armoured Hobgoblins in the chamber ahead. The Hobgoblin spots the Elf, looks distraught and unprepared, Kyalia’s second arrow flies, catches the creature in the throat. It clutches the spot and goes down gargling blood and fighting for air – in seconds the Hobgoblin is dead.

Kyalia turns back and winks at Spizz. The Goblin gulps – surrounded.

Spizz looks left, then right, then left – and right again, it sucks to be him, and yet. He moves… dodging in between the nasty Elf that winked at him (his mind conjures all manner of terrible perversions – Elves, they give Spizz nightmares), and the other poncey looking Elven one – here goes nothing.

Viator is shocked, he swings hard with his staff attempting to teach the foul Goblin a few manners – alas the troublesome beast is away before he can get a proper grip on his weapon…

Woo-hoo!

Spizz screams and rushes into the second chamber, he screams and rants in his foul Goblin tongue, bringing bad news.

Meanwhile, back in the first chamber Velani hopes to finish off the last of the defenders there, the Hobgoblin Soldier – slices her longsword hard in to the dazed Hobgoblin, the creature is left a bloody mess on the floor. The good ex-Sgt. heads out of the chamber at speed, dashing to help her new found friends.

Freggo is somewhat surprised and delighted that he is still alive.

Wow, that Ah-shahran does good work!

He remarks, and then gingerly stands up and moves reluctantly onwards – to the front line. Hopefully there are not too many Hobgoblins there, he’s still bloodied, battered and bruised.

Kali moves off also, following his companions, preparing himself for more Goblins that need slaying – he feels invigorated, the big Shifter grins at the thought.

Aware of the wounds his fellow adventurers have taken, Viator steels himself. Stepping out into the corridor he exerts his power, he pulls the shield wielding Hobgoblin Soldier a little towards him, then unleashes his power.

The creature alas avoids the unseen explosion that tears his fellow Grunt apart.

Viator’s eyes shine as he braces himself for the Hobgoblins’ onslaught.

That said, the Hobgoblins are much depleted, only two of the five remain. A leather armour clad Grunt scrambles to its feet, draws its longsword and rushes down the corridor towards Viator, screaming all the while –

FOR SINRUTH!

Clearly the creature is unfazed by the killing it has seen.

The Hobgoblin Soldier is the leader of this group, it calls the shots – shouting and screaming in the Goblin tongue…

Kali, a little way back down the corridor, listens in and relays all that is said -

Get down there, slow them…

And,

What are you waiting for, Maglubiyet’s birthday? Get Eggnog, and the Gimp!

And,

Stop blabbering, shift that… and then cover me…

Shouting done, the Soldier barrels down the corridor, looking for things to kill – its flail already at the ready.

The Soldier rumbles forward, building up a head of steam, before finally breaking in to a charge –

RED HAND! RED HAND! FOR BLOOD!

Straight at Viator…

Who suddenly disappears, only to be replaced with Velani, who appears in the Eladrin Psion’s place.

I don’t think so, mister.

The ex-Sgt. attempts to intercept the Hobgoblin’s blow with her Righteous Shield, but fails and pays the price – sliced and cut badly.

The Hobgoblin looks left and spies the massed ranks gathered there, the other adventurers moving towards the fracas.

Is that all you’ve got!

The Hobgoblin bites off and spits. Clearly it means business.

Ah-shahran moves up next to Freggo and pats him on the shoulder.

Looking a bit winded there, young man. Might want to take a moment to catch your breath.

Ah-shahran lowers his voice to a whisper and then mutters to himself.

I’m afraid I’m running out of tricks, here.

Meanwhile, Gorm makes a brief appearance at Velani’s side, growling at the nearby Hobgoblin, then dissolving into mist that flows into Kyalia and empowers her to snap off an arrow at the Hobgoblin Soldier.

Almost at point blank range the arrow hits, and with devastating effect, the Hobgoblin is badly wounded, blood pours from a gaping wound in its side, made all the worse when the brutish thug rips the arrow out, causing the flow to increase dramatically.

End of Round #4

Three PCs wounded, with two bloodied – Freggo (27/6 +4 HP), Kali (25/22 HP), Velani (28/13 HP).
Three Hobgoblin Grunts killed.
Goblin Acolyte of Maglubiyet dead.
One Goblin Sharpshooter dead.
Two Hobgoblin Warriors deceased, and one wounded – bloodied (47/20 HP).