The Sylvan Realm #31 (#75)

[GM Mad]

The Sylvan Realm #31 (#75)

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

Karn's Keep:

“Are the Belcadiz Elves part of this empire?” Lilia asks. “Arret was among the destinations their vessel was planning on visiting before their unfortunate run in with the scro. It seems like we'll be having friendly visitors soon enough.”

“If I recall my history correctly, the Belcadiz elves are from a world called Glantri,” Captain Roma states. “Glantri also was a former Alphatian Colony who defected during the civil war. It's not unreasonable to believe that they have had contact with the Elfin Empire.”

A thoughtful look crosses Kylie's face. "Honestly, I think it would be a mistake to let any of them leave alive -- if we can prevent it. That may just invite further attacks."

“The ideal solution,” Captain Roma counters, “is for them to encounter a force so overwhelmingly powerful that they will choose not to return on their own. Such a plan only works if there are survivors to tell the story when they get home. Otherwise you are leaving them a mystery to solve or having them rally around getting revenge for a slaughter.”

"I should like to meet them if they do," Kylie says. "I wonder if there are half-elves on many of these other worlds."

“Its been my experience that where are elves, there are also half-elves,” Captain Roma notes.


Into Shelvestra:

Quirin reveals that there is something psionic among the HIVE and that this is a type of magic that works by will and thought.

“I see,” Lilia responds, taking that in. “Elder writings spoke of what they considered to the six elements of their world. Four we know, air, earth, fire and water. They added mind and will. Were the Elders also psionic in nature? Talen seems to be able to control their devices in a similar fashion. By the will of his mind alone.”

“They had to be,” Quirin confirms. “Other racessss with ssssimilar abiliessss can usssse them assss well.”

This exchange causes an idea to occur to Kylie. "I think you're right, Lilia. Does that mean he may be using psionic energy?" she asks, looking back to Quirin.

“Not that I can ssssenssssse,” Kylie hears in her mind from Quirin. “Hissss method of control issss ssssimilar but not the ssssame. It issss mosssst curioussss.”

“I can see why you pursued magery rather then the outdoors.” He says with a hint of a smile.

“I like the outdoors just fine,” Gweyr counters with a grin. “I just don't like smelly swamps all that much.”


The attack force moves out and deeper what remains of the Elder City. The swamp enveloped the city in the past and its clear that the HIVE has been working to restore it. The ruins now sits in a huge cavern with a large tear in the ceiling that lets outside light in. Swamp water follows down in numerous places.

[GM Mad]

The arrival of the attack force has not gone unnoticed. A swarm of HIVE head hunters was dispatched along with a horde of ant-men. Silvarn and her companions reveal their true forms to all, that three of them are dragons of different species. Quirin is actually a couatl, a creature of pure good so rare as to be thought of as only a myth.

The dragons fly off and use their breath weapons to take out many of the head hunters. But some of the swarm do get through. Archers take out many more. While the head hunters are a great danger, they themselves are very fragile. One good strike puts them down and they are not hard to hit. Most of the archers take them out with a single arrow. Thus far it has not been necessary to cast any spells to counter the head hunters.

Once reach the shore of the lake, Lord Sharadin decides to put up a stand here. The Goblin Kickers form a semi-circle around the rest of the group. Andlin and Arlen join the dwarves in their formation while the archers continue their barrage. Lord Sharadin then decides to use a pair of Walls of Fire to guard the groups flanks forcing the enemy to approach them head on.

“If you would do the honors, Gweyr,” Lilia calls out, the Manabow still in her hands. If no one else casts a second Wall of Fire spell, Lilia will cast hers.

“Gladly!” Gweyr calls out.

The magic is quickly invoked and in response a wall of flame 20' high and 240' long erupts along the groups left flank. At its closest, the wall is fifty feet away. A few of the approaching ant-men are caught within the wall and set ablaze. These HIVE attackers continue to move forward to attack, but quickly slow down and then finally fall to the muck as their bodies are consumed by the fire. Dozens of other ant-men share a similar fate.

Lord Sharadin casts the second Wall of Fire erupts along the right flank. This one is also 20' high, but is 320' in length. A narrow opening is left between the walls to allow the enemy access.

“Show off,” Gweyr teases in a good natured tone. “But I suppose the Archmage of Cynalon is a potent spell caster.”

“That he is,” Captain Roma compliments. “But he is not the most potent mage among us.”

“Really?” Gweyr responds, genuinely intrigued.

“Its not a competition, ladies” Lord Sharadin notes.

Captain Roma casts her own spell and in response a cloud of ghastly yellowish green vapors comes into existence just past the ring of dwarves. The cloud is 40' wide and 20' high.

“Haele's Hairpins!” Ma Granite lets out in exasperation. “Ye have to conjure that hellish cloud so close?”

“The spells range is short,” Captain Roma states. “But it will move away from us. You have nothing to fear.”

Seeing the spells already casts, Laucian sets his Entangle spell off to the side of the spell Captain Roma cast. But given the small area, some of it does overlap the Cloudkill and the Wall of Fire on that side.

“Cloudkill is not the most potent of spells,” Gweyr counters, identifying the spell Captain Roma just cast. “But high useful in these circumstances.”

“Agreed,” is all that Captain Roma says about the matter.

Several dozen of the ant-men were foolish enough to try and run through the Walls of Fire or into the Cloudkill and pay the price. Others are able to circumvent the Walls of Fire safely and go around the Cloudkill only to wander into Laucian's Entangle. These make easy targets for the archers to put down. This delays the enemy arrival long enough to give those ready to go hand to hand more time to prepare themselves.

All the while the archers continue their barrage on the head hunters flying overhead. Some do get dangerously close, but are shot down before reaching anyone. Lia takes several out with a spreaded Magic Missile.

Kylie keeps an eye to the groups rear and spots movement! Many somethings are rapidly approaching from underneath the water! They are on either side of the road leading back to the Pillar Artifact!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Here is a crude map for the combat area:

shelvestra01.jpg (92.01 KiB) Viewed 11043 times

The red spot is where the group is at. The orange is the two Walls of Fire. The sickly green is the Cloudkill and the dark brown the Entangle. The yellow areas are the approaching enemy. The gold circle at the bottom is the defensive shield generated by the Spell Engine around the Pillar Artifact.

The things in the water have not yet emerged enough to clearly make out what they are.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“The ideal solution,” Captain Roma counters, “is for them to encounter a force so overwhelmingly powerful that they will choose not to return on their own. Such a plan only works if there are survivors to tell the story when they get home. Otherwise you are leaving them a mystery to solve or having them rally around getting revenge for a slaughter.”

"That's a fair point, Captain," Kylie concedes, pursing her lips in contemplation.

“Its been my experience that where are elves, there are also half-elves,” Captain Roma notes.

A smile crossed Kylie's face. "That is good to hear. I wasn't sure if there would be cultural taboos or whatever that might limit the occurrence of half-elves in other areas."

“Not that I can ssssenssssse,” Kylie hears in her mind from Quirin. “Hissss method of control issss ssssimilar but not the ssssame. It issss mosssst curioussss.”

"Interesting," Kylie replies. "So Talen is unique and special in his own way, as I have long suspected."


The dragons have removed so many of the flying Hive creatures, that the remainder are easy for the various archers to pick off. A few slip past, but Lilia takes them down with a Magic Missile. The ant-men continue to advance, and many of them are slain outright as twin Walls of Fire spring into place. Captain Roma adds a Cloudkill just in front of the squad, while Laucian adds a Web to further protect their flank.

Despite all that is going on before them, Kylie keeps her wits and continues to watch behind the group. It is fortunate that she does, as she spots telltale bubbles rising to the surface of the water on either side of the path they just crossed. Soon, she can make out some hint of creatures moving closer and rising toward the surface. "We have enemy approaching from behind through the water!" she shouts over the din of battle.

Recalling one of Jallarzi's lessons regarding the interaction of lightning and water, Kylie stows her bow for the moment and prepares a Lightning Bolt. She waits until the attackers start to rise from the water, and then casts the spell to fork into the water in their midst on either side.

________________________________________________________________________
Interesting recycling of the Glantri name!

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“If I recall my history correctly, the Belcadiz elves are from a world called Glantri,” Captain Roma states. “Glantri also was a former Alphatian Colony who defected during the civil war. It's not unreasonable to believe that they have had contact with the Elfin Empire.”

“Glantri,” Lilia repeats. “I've heard that name before. That wreckage where we found the Spell Engine indicated that it had come from Glantri, along with the Belcadiz elves. At that time we thought that Glantri was simply a place far away from the Elfholds. It seems we didn't realize just how far away it was.”

“The ideal solution,” Captain Roma counters, “is for them to encounter a force so overwhelmingly powerful that they will choose not to return on their own. Such a plan only works if there are survivors to tell the story when they get home. Otherwise you are leaving them a mystery to solve or having them rally around getting revenge for a slaughter.”

"That's a fair point, Captain," Kylie concedes, pursing her lips in contemplation.

“That would be the ideal solution,” Lilia agrees. “Perhaps between yours and Silvarn's assistance, such a thing might come to pass.”

“Its been my experience that where are elves, there are also half-elves,” Captain Roma notes.

A smile crossed Kylie's face. "That is good to hear. I wasn't sure if there would be cultural taboos or whatever that might limit the occurrence of half-elves in other areas."

“Perhaps our distant cousins are more civilized that we are,” Lilia wonders aloud.

“They had to be,” Quirin confirms. “Other racessss with ssssimilar abiliessss can usssse them assss well.”

“Such as the Illithids?” Lilia adds. “Silvarn mentioned them before.”


Finally we pass through the Pillar Artifact and arrive in what remains of Shelvestra. The Elder City had sunk into the swamp and it seems the HIVE has been working to uncover it, much like the orcs did to the ruins north of the Sylvan Realm. That does somewhat explain just how this city had gone unnoticed for so long.

Our arrival does not go unnoticed and the HIVE comes forth to attack! Silvarn and her friends reveal their true forms and go on the offensive. The rest of us move towards the shore of the lake around the Pillar Artifact and prepare for battle. Multiple spells are cast in preparation. Lilia fires her Manabow at any Head Hunter she sees. While not as skilled as some of her companions, the Elf Maiden is up to the task.

“Show off,” Gweyr teases in a good natured tone. “But I suppose the Archmage of Cynalon is a potent spell caster.”

“That he is,” Captain Roma compliments. “But he is not the most potent mage among us.”

“Really?” Gweyr responds, genuinely intrigued.

“Its not a competition, ladies” Lord Sharadin notes.

“Focus,” is all that Lilia adds to that conversation. Other things such as who is more potent than who can wait until after the battle.

The HIVE reach the defensive spells and some are foolish enough to pass through them. But they do realize the danger and start to move around them into the channel Lord Sharadin had created. There Captain Roma adds a Cloudkill as the next obstacle to circumvent. Laucian casts an Entangle spells to slow even more down. In spite of all of this, Lilia gets a peculiar feeling in the back of her neck. What is she missing?

Despite all that is going on before them, Kylie keeps her wits and continues to watch behind the group. It is fortunate that she does, as she spots telltale bubbles rising to the surface of the water on either side of the path they just crossed. Soon, she can make out some hint of creatures moving closer and rising toward the surface. "We have enemy approaching from behind through the water!" she shouts over the din of battle.

“That's what I was sensing!” Lilia calls out in reference to her Sixth Sense spell. “We have enemies from behind!”

Turning, Lilia sees Kylie cast a Lightning Bolt into the swamp water. She'll store her Manabow for now and cast a second Lightning Bolt at the creatures in the mucky lake.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

Onas adds his archery skills to the effort to eliminate the flying head-hunters. Fortunately, not many got past the dragons. Dragons... This is the first time he has encountered dragons up close - at least as far as he knows - and it still seems a bit mind-boggling to be so close to three of them.

The mages add various spells to the mix, hemming the creatures in with fire, spider webs, and billowing gases. Seeing one of the flying bugs coming in above all the magic, Onas takes aim and skewers it out of the air. It's small body is carried into the flames by the speeding arrow, where it disappears in a puff of smoke.

"We have enemy approaching from behind through the water!" she shouts over the din of battle.

“That's what I was sensing!” Lilia calls out in reference to her Sixth Sense spell. “We have enemies from behind!”

Hearing two Heroes of Mother Tree call out a warning of danger to their rear, Onas spins to see what is approaching. He cannot see the attackers, so he waits for a good target to appear. "We could use a front line on this side as well! Arlen! Andlin! We need your help back here!" he calls out, hoping his brother and friend will hear over the roar of battle. He wouldn't mind a few of the dwarves as well, though he's reluctant to call on them. Drawing his Frost Brand and readying his shield, Onas steps forward to near the edge of the water right in front of the path they had crossed to act as the anchor for such a line.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian watches as the Wall of flame spells envelope much of the field and a cloud kill as well. He adds his own entangle spell and watches as the plant life reaches up and takes hold of anything that is nearby, causing the ant-men to slow.

Kylie wrote:"We have enemy approaching from behind through the water!" she shouts over the din of battle.
Lilia wrote:“That's what I was sensing!” Lilia calls out in reference to her Sixth Sense spell. “We have enemies from behind

Hearing the others call out warning, Laucian looks to the water and sees something moving beneath it. His eyes narrow, wondering what is coming forward. Hearing Onas call the others to his aid. His eyes linger upon the cloudkill before him. ‘Could this work?’ he thinks to himself, Hoping that Ehlonna will answer his call and that the spell will not be wasted.
Laucian will attempt to Call Lightning down upon the Submerged swamp things. (Laucian is thinking that with the conditions of it being hot and sticky with the combination of the cloud(Cloudkill) before him that he might be able to call forth the Lightning. I know this is a stretch but there is no harm in trying.) Otherwise pew pew with his Bow with arrows at the head hunters till something appears.

[Lia]

Lia

Kylie wrote:"We have enemy approaching from behind through the water!" she shouts over the din of battle.
Lilia wrote:“That's what I was sensing!” Lilia calls out in reference to her Sixth Sense spell. “We have enemies from behind!”

He cannot see the attackers, so he waits for a good target to appear. "We could use a front line on this side as well! Arlen! Andlin! We need your help back here!" he calls out, hoping his brother and friend will hear over the roar of battle.
Lia hears the call of them being flanked and turns her gaze for a moment to see nothing but ripples in the water. She reaches into her pocket and feels the warm statue within her grasp. She recites the words to her lioness statue, “Come forth Sasha and Misha. There is work to be done!”
To the Goblin Kickers, “I will join Onas and watch your rear Flank!” she calls out as she commands her cats forward and tries to join Onas, bringing her long sword to bare.

Spells that were added due to her ring/Armor
Entangle, Watery Fist, Water walk,Unfailing Endurance

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Glantri,” Lilia repeats. “I've heard that name before. That wreckage where we found the Spell Engine indicated that it had come from Glantri, along with the Belcadiz elves. At that time we thought that Glantri was simply a place far away from the Elfholds. It seems we didn't realize just how far away it was.”

Kylie looks to the queen. "I hadn't remembered that, but it is an interesting point. So that other ship may have come from the other Mother Tree's home. It never occurred to me that it might have come from another world."

“Perhaps our distant cousins are more civilized that we are,” Lilia wonders aloud.

"Anything could happen, I suppose," Kylie replies with a smirk, though her expression quickly turns serious again. "That also leads me to another question, Captain. Does that mean that there are also humans on most of those same worlds, or are some of those 'half-elves' half something other than human?"

________________________________________________________________________
Just to be clear, Kylie won't cast her Lightning Bolt until the new foes are quite visibly emerging from the water. She'd rather be a bit patient and make sure that her shot counts, as it were.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

Karn's Keep:

"Anything could happen, I suppose," Kylie replies with a smirk, though her expression quickly turns serious again. "That also leads me to another question, Captain. Does that mean that there are also humans on most of those same worlds, or are some of those 'half-elves' half something other than human?"

“While I am sure that philosopher's have their ideas on the way things work,” Captain Roma states, “from what I've seen the gods planted their seeds everywhere. So most of the races you are familiar with are out there as well. There are races you are unfamiliar with, of course, but it is a generality. But events on these other worlds just unfolded in a different manner. So on one world, orcs might have become the dominate race. Dwarves on another. It's an endless variety. So there are other races of humans out there. And no doubt where there are half-elves there are humans as well. Probably a few other races that can produce children with elves to.”

A smile crossed Kylie's face. "That is good to hear. I wasn't sure if there would be cultural taboos or whatever that might limit the occurrence of half-elves in other areas."

“Such a thing varies from world to world,” Captain Roma notes. “The only constant is inconsistency.”

“Such as the Illithids?” Lilia adds. “Silvarn mentioned them before.”

“Yessss,” is all Quirin says on the matter.


Against the HIVE:

The HIVE has noted the arrival of the attack force and has counter attacked! A huge swarm of head hunters and ground troops is approaching the elves and their allies. Walls of Fire are erected to channel the enemy to a single path. Captain Roma sends a Cloudkill down the center of this path for good measure. Laucian adds an Entangle spell to one side of the Cloudkill.

Far off in the distance, the three dragons continue their assault on the HIVE. Their breath weapons are used once more, filling the Elder City with frost, fire and gas. More HIVE fall, but more seem to join them. Their numbers seem endless!

[GM Mad]

While the main body of the enemy forces bears down on the attack force, Kylie notes movement from behind. Something is approaching from underneath the scummy water! Kylie alerts those around her to this new danger. This draws the attention of Onas.

"We could use a front line on this side as well! Arlen! Andlin! We need your help back here!" he calls out, hoping his brother and friend will hear over the roar of battle.

“And help you shall have, brother!” Arlen calls out as he and Andlin move towards the rear. The three move past Kylie and take defensive positions with shields and swords at the ready.

Laucian keeps his eye on the rear, while continuing to shoot head hunters out of the sky. Valena does the same.

Lia uses her figurines and summons a pair of lions. The cats join Lia as she stands beside Andlin forming the rear guard.

Gweyr casts another spell and a Halo of Eyes appears above her head, enabling her to see in all directions.

“Wouldn't want one of those creepy bugs sneaking up on me!” Gweyr declares.

Lord Sharadin divides his attention between the front line and the rear ranks, but otherwise holds his action. He looks for where he is needed the most.

Finally, those who are approaching break the surface of the lake. They resemble lizard men, humanoid reptiles, but are in the process of being changed into insect-like members of the HIVE. They all have head hunters on top of them and are various stages of transformation.

Kylie casts a forked Lightning Bolt through an opening between the armored elves and towards one group of the approaching HIVE. The bolt strikes the water and then balloon's out covering a much larger area of water. All the Lizard-HIVE in the area are instantly slain from the magic. Lilia does the same to those approaching on the other side of the path with similar results. In spite of sudden death of dozens of the Lizard-HIVE, more keep coming.

Captain Roma casts her own spell and some sixty feet away on the path the group just came down, what looks like a metal rod appears of nowhere. Electrical energy plays about the rod and then suddenly an electrical arc is fired off striking another approaching Lizard-HIVE creature slaying it. The electrical effect covers the area around the downed creature and three more of the infected lizard men are slain.

“What is that?” Gweyr wonders aloud. “I've never seen a spell like that before?”

“It's a variation of the Chain Lightning spell,” Captain Roma reports. “But unlike that spell, the lightning does not jump from target to target. Instead it unleashes a bolt every minute until the magic expires. It'll last for about twenty minutes. Keep clear of that area while the spell is active!”

Even with the sheer number of enemies slain in the water, more keep coming! They come onto the shore and clash with the rear guard. Swords cut into the Lizard-HIVE and some fall, but others take their place. Lia's lions tear into the enemy.

At the same time, the land bound HIVE reach the dwarves on the front line. The sound of weapons striking flesh fills the area as shields turn aside HIVE attacks.

“I do believe we have their attention!” Lord Sharadin calls out. “Defend yourselves!”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Lots of enemies to deal with! Have fun!

Interesting recycling of the Glantri name!

As Lilia noted, Glantri had come up before, back in Elfquest #7 specifically. For those not in the know, the world map I use is from the old basic D&D game. That was call the Known World at that time and was later called Mystara. Glantri was a magical kingdom from that setting and is where the Belcadiz Elves came from. In my setting I move Glantri to a different planet and had them be a former Alphatian colony.

Laucian is thinking that with the conditions of it being hot and sticky with the combination of the cloud Cloudkill before him that he might be able to call forth the Lightning. I know this is a stretch but there is no harm in trying.

I have no issue with casting a Call Lightning spell. I am very relaxed when it comes to spell casting. The reason I didn't have Laucian cast the spell was that it takes 10 minutes to cast, 1 turn, instead of 1 round or 1 minute. It simply would take too long to cast in a high combat situation.

Recalling one of Jallarzi's lessons regarding the interaction of lightning and water, Kylie stows her bow for the moment and prepares a Lightning Bolt. She waits until the attackers start to rise from the water, and then casts the spell to fork into the water in their midst on either side.

In short, a Lightning Bolt acts like a Fireball spell when cast into water. The spell generates a bolt of lightning and behaves as expected in the air, but once it hits water it expands out to the area of effect for a Fireball, or a 20' sphere from the point if impact in the water. The spell Captain Roma cast did a similar effect, just on a smaller scale. The bolt does not continue any further once it hits the water.

Also a split Lightning Bolt is only 10' wide and the width of the path is wider than that, so it was not possible to cast it into the water on either side of the path back to the Pillar Artifact.

Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“And help you shall have, brother!” Arlen calls out as he and Andlin move towards the rear. The three move past Kylie and take defensive positions with shields and swords at the ready.

"Thank you for coming, both of you," Onas replies as his brother and friend join him on the shoreline. "Not sure what's coming, yet, but Kylie said that something is approaching through the water." He points with his sword toward the nearest stream of bubbles.

To the Goblin Kickers, “I will join Onas and watch your rear Flank!” she calls out as she commands her cats forward and tries to join Onas, bringing her long sword to bare.

Hearing Lia call out her intentions, Onas smiles, pleased to have more help. His look turns to one of trepidation when two full-grown lions step forward to one side. "Nice kitties...?" he asks questioningly, then sees Lia step in between the lions. "Uhm... Friends of yours, Lia?"

It's not long before the danger becomes apparent. Scores of infected Hive-lizard men -- most in various stages of hideous transformation -- begin to emerge from the water. Lighting Bolts from Kylie and Lilia kill dozens of the creatures, yet there seems no end to them as more rise where those have fallen.

Soon the creatures are upon them and there is no time for contemplation. Onas falls into the rhythm of blocking and striking, focused solely on the foes before him. For every one that he cuts down, another steps forward to press their attack. From the sounds behind him, he suspects that the ant-men have reached the dwarves, though he cannot afford to turn to look and verify.

_______________________________________________________________________
Were the ant-men able to survive passing through the Cloudkill in order to reach the dwarves, or did they go around it somehow?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“While I am sure that philosopher's have their ideas on the way things work,” Captain Roma states, “from what I've seen the gods planted their seeds everywhere. So most of the races you are familiar with are out there as well. There are races you are unfamiliar with, of course, but it is a generality. But events on these other worlds just unfolded in a different manner. So on one world, orcs might have become the dominate race. Dwarves on another. It's an endless variety. So there are other races of humans out there. And no doubt where there are half-elves there are humans as well. Probably a few other races that can produce children with elves to.”

As she listens to the Captain, Kylie nods her understanding. "I see. The universe really is an unimaginably big place, isn't it? As I understand it, Alphatians are humans, but you originate from one of those other worlds. Correct? If so, are there races on your home world that aren't known here?"

“Such a thing varies from world to world,” Captain Roma notes. “The only constant is inconsistency.”

Captain Roma's comment draws a snort of amusement from Kylie, but she has nothing to add in response.

===

Calls for aid from herself and others brings several other members of this impromptu band to help with the rear assault. Far below her, she sees Arlen, Andlin, Lia, and her two magical lions join the warrior-priest of Angharradh at the water's edge.

Rising from beneath the water, Kylie sees that the attackers appear to be lizardmen that have been infected by the Hive 'head-hunters'. There seem to be a variety of transformation levels, which seems to indicate that they were not all infected at the same time. Either way, the result is disturbing to say the least; Kylie finds herself feeling a bit sympathetic toward the lizardmen who suffered this fate.

However, now is not the time for contemplation. When she judges the timing to be right, Kylie releases the Lightning Bolt that she had been preparing. In an academic corner of her brain, she dispassionately observes how the forking bolt strikes the water in two places and then spreads out, electrifying the attackers in a roughly circular area around each spot. Glancing to the side, she sees Lilia cast the same spell with similar results. Dozens are slain immediately by the two spells, but more keep rising from the fetid marsh water.

Not to be outdone, Captain Roma casts a spell of her own. Kylie has never seen anything like it, as a hovering metal rod appears above the path. Electricity arcs about the rod and occasionally fires off from one end or the other, killing more of their opponents.

“It's a variation of the Chain Lightning spell,” Captain Roma reports. “But unlike that spell, the lightning does not jump from target to target. Instead it unleashes a bolt every minute until the magic expires. It'll last for about twenty minutes. Keep clear of that area while the spell is active!”

In response to a question from Gweyr, the Captain explains a little about her spell. "Is that variation of your own invention, Captain, or is it familiar to other Alphatians as well?"

Meanwhile, the wave of attacking lizardmen has reached the shore. They drive into the waiting warriors, heedless of their own safety; it appears that they seek to overwhelm with numbers where they lack in skill and discipline. Though many are cut down, it slows their advance not at all.

Looking about, Kylie checks first for remaining Hive fliers. Any she spots will be greeted by Magic Missiles. Otherwise, she'll use another forked Bolt into the densest crowd of foes that are still in the water.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“While I am sure that philosopher's have their ideas on the way things work,” Captain Roma states, “from what I've seen the gods planted their seeds everywhere. So most of the races you are familiar with are out there as well. There are races you are unfamiliar with, of course, but it is a generality. But events on these other worlds just unfolded in a different manner. So on one world, orcs might have become the dominate race. Dwarves on another. It's an endless variety. So there are other races of humans out there. And no doubt where there are half-elves there are humans as well. Probably a few other races that can produce children with elves to.”

“Such a thing happened on the world of Dreatar,” Lilia adds. “The world from which Myev came from. Scro are the dominate race and have nearly driven the elves to extinction.”

“Yessss,” is all Quirin says on the matter.

Lilia frowns slight. Clearly the couatl is a being of few words.

Lilia's Sixth Sense spell warns her that danger is all about, but there is something from behind. Kylie calls out a warning that we are about the be attacked from the water behind us.

Onas calls upon others to form a rear defensive line and his brother Arlen, Andlin and Lia come forth to help with the lions from her figurines. Finally the enemy emerges and it is lizard creatures in the process of being changed into HIVE soldiers. Kylie casts a Lightning Bolt on one side of the path and Lilia adds her own to the other. Many of the enemy fall, but still others remain.

If it looks like the rear line is going to be overrun, Lilia will focus her attention there. If there is enough room to do so in this circumstance, she'll cast a Color Spray as these attackers don't seem particularly strong. Otherwise if there is a large group on her side of the path, Lilia will send another Lightning Bolt into them.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena keeps firing her arrows and bringing down any of the head hunters that she can see. It appears that the ground enemy is rapidly approaching as well as the should of hand to hand combat fills the air.

“Let me help thin their numbers a bit,” Valena will say to the dwarves. “Don't advance any further or you will run into my Spike Growth spell.

She'll cast a Spike Growth spell about ten feet in front of the dwarven line starting at the Wall of Fire on the right and extend it as far to the left as she can make it.

Once that is accomplished, Valena will focus her arrows on those enemy in the rear.

[Lia]

Lia

Hearing Lia call out her intentions, Onas smiles, pleased to have more help. His look turns to one of trepidation when two full-grown lions step forward to one side. "Nice kitties...?" he asks questioningly, then sees Lia step in between the lions. "Uhm... Friends of yours, Lia?"

One of the lions regards Onas with it’s amber eyes, gives him a sniff then moves next in line as Lia steps up to fill the void next to them. “We do not all prefer the comfort of horses about them. As she hint of a smile crosses her lips as Misha comes up on her right rubbing against her legs. “Attack the foes that come out of the water.” She commands them as Sasha and Misha growl in response.

Lightning strikes as the great cats somewhat jump at the flash and crack as many humanoids with bugs attached to their heads emerge from the water. Nightmist’s lessons take over as she brings her sword to action slaying those that come against her, yet still come forward to over run them!
“This must be an entire community if not more!”she says as she grits her teeth slashing at a transformed lizardman.
Lia will continue to hack and slash, urging her lions to do the same while protecting one another.

[Laucian]

Laucian
He hears the call to arms on the other flank as lightning bolts hit the water fanning out causing transformed lizardmen to go falling to the ground. Knowing full well that the danger is to the rear as well as the head hunters. Laucian begins putting arrows into enemies from the rear, while being mindful of the head hunters.( If they get to close fire at them)

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

Karn's Keep:

As she listens to the Captain, Kylie nods her understanding. "I see. The universe really is an unimaginably big place, isn't it?”

“That it is,” Captain Roma agrees. “From the sounds of it you are taking your first steps into it. Tread carefully. Great are the wonders and the terrors that exist out there.”

“As I understand it, Alphatians are humans, but you originate from one of those other worlds. Correct? If so, are there races on your home world that aren't known here?"

“The migration was thousands of years ago,” Captain Roma explains. “The Alphatian home world is more a myth to most of us now. I do not know if there were other races there or not. Such a thing was not my field of study.”

“But we Alphatians do not resemble what we used to look like either. Since coming to Arret thousands of years ago, the typical Alphatian appearance has slowly changed as our civilization mingled with the native races. There are still some families who are what we call Pure Alphatian, but they are becoming rarer and rarer.”

“While I may look the humans you know from Cynalon, a Pure Alphatian is very pale in appearance, sometimes possessing nearly white skin. They are tall and slender as well with black hair and eyes. To some they might seem as if they come from elsewhere.”



Against the HIVE:

In Shelvestra, the attack force has engaged the HIVE! Spells were cast to hedge most of the enemy forces out, forcing them into a narrow channel or perish. However, a small gap remained on one side and the HIVE grunts were able to reach the dwarven formation. The dwarves put down the initial wave of enemies with great ease as they do not seem to be skilled in hand to hand combat.

The Cloudkill conjured by Captain Roma continues to float away from the dwarves and the leading edge starts to come in contact with the Walls of Fire on either side, effectively sealing the area, at least for now.

“Let me help thin their numbers a bit,” Valena will say to the dwarves. “Don't advance any further or you will run into my Spike Growth spell.

“Me lads are familiar with the magic,” Ma Granite calls out in an approving voice. “A bloody nice spell!”


To the rear, HIVE altered lizard men have started to emerge from the waters around the Pillar Artifact. Spells put many of them down, but more continue to come. The elves form a defensive formation of their own to hold off the enemy.

"Thank you for coming, both of you," Onas replies as his brother and friend join him on the shoreline. "Not sure what's coming, yet, but Kylie said that something is approaching through the water." He points with his sword toward the nearest stream of bubbles.

“Well then we'll just have to give it a warm welcome,” Andlin says.

“This must be an entire community if not more!” she says as she grits her teeth slashing at a transformed lizard man.

“Most likely,” Arlen agrees as he stabs a lizard-hive. “This is their preferred environment after all.”

In response to a question from Gweyr, the Captain explains a little about her spell. "Is that variation of your own invention, Captain, or is it familiar to other Alphatians as well?"

“It is a common Alphatian variation,” is all Captain Roma will say on the matter.

Further back down the path leading to the Pillar Artifact, the Lightning Rod Captain Roma conjured fires off another bolt of electricity, frying more lizard-hive in the area.

“This is the just the first wave of enemies we will have to face,” Lord Sharadin will call out. “Use your spells sparingly for now. These infected lizard men do not seem to be any great challenge.”

“I'll keep my eyes open for trouble,” Gweyr calls back as a Halo of Eyes hovers over her head.

“Indeed,” Captain Roma adds with as smirk.


With the air thinning significantly of head hunters, Laucian turns his attention to the approaching lizard-hive and starts to thin them out with arrows. Any good arrow strike puts them down.

Seeing one particularly large mob approaching, Kylie greets them with another Lightning Bolt. More of the invaders fall. A smaller group approaches and they run smack into a Color Spray cast by Lilia. Five of the invaders drop to the ground, knocked unconscious from the spell.

The rear defensive line continues to hold and the lizard-hive continue to drop. Swords are bloodied and Lia's lions rip into lizard flesh. Lord Sharadin, sword in hand joins the group as the number of attackers starts to thin. Before the rear group can realize it, the dwarves join them in the battle!

“The front line is secured once more,” Lieutenant Stonebeard calls out. “Lets finish up this side!”

The fighting continues on for several more minutes and the number of enemies starts to dwindle until there is finally no more. Looking around you can see that the immediate area is clear of enemy forces. The Walls of Fire continue to burn and the Cloudkill is much farther away now.

“Lets take a moment to recover,” Lord Sharadin suggests. “It will take time for some of these spells we cast for protection to fade away.”

Suddenly, a large shadow appears over the entire group! Looking up, you see that its only Silvarn in her silver dragon form.

“The enemy has withdrawn from the area,” the silver dragoness reports. “But I am sure that new dangers are awaiting us.”

“Very good,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We'll advance towards those weak life signs that Quirin sensed.”

Far away in the cavern that holds the Elder City, a load roar is heard. This is followed by four others. The Walls of Fire prevent those on the ground from seeing what the source is. Silvarn whips her head about in the direction of the noise.

“Move quickly when you can, as you will not want to be out in the open,” Silvarn advises. “It appears that the next wave of enemies has arrived. We'll do what we can to stop them, but know this: they are black dragons!”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The roars of the black dragons are miles away from the group, but still sound uncomfortably close. The weak life signs are closer.

It will take at least several minutes for all the various spells cast to fade out. Laucian's Entangle will be the first to fade, but as of right now it is still active. The Lightning Rod continues to randomly toss mini-lightning bolts around.

Were the ant-men able to survive passing through the Cloudkill in order to reach the dwarves, or did they go around it somehow?

They did not survive going through the cloud. There was a small gap on the right hand side of the map that Valena helped fill in.

No real damage take thus far.

Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“Well then we'll just have to give it a warm welcome,” Andlin says.

Onas laughs, a light musical sound. "Somehow I doubt they'll be very happy about that, my friend."

One of the lions regards Onas with it’s amber eyes, gives him a sniff then moves next in line as Lia steps up to fill the void next to them. “We do not all prefer the comfort of horses about them. As she hint of a smile crosses her lips as Misha comes up on her right rubbing against her legs. “Attack the foes that come out of the water.” She commands them as Sasha and Misha growl in response.

"As long as they don't eat me, I'm happy," Onas replies to the dark elf. Though he's smiling, there is still a note of uneasiness in his eyes.

Waves of Hive-controlled lizardmen wash upon the shore, and the fighting quickly turns into a storm of magic, steel, and blood. Despite the foes vast numbers, they make little headway against the more skilled and determined elves.

“This must be an entire community if not more!”she says as she grits her teeth slashing at a transformed lizardman.

“Most likely,” Arlen agrees as he stabs a lizard-hive. “This is their preferred environment after all.”

"They say that this swamp is truly vast," Onas adds to the commentary. "It's hard to know what all might live here."

“The front line is secured once more,” Lieutenant Stonebeard calls out. “Lets finish up this side!”

Lord Sharadin and the dwarves join the rear line. Onas can only assume that the original front is clear now; that thought gives him a jolt of encouragement that urges him to fight harder. "Your help is most welcome, Lieutenant!"

Within minutes, their opponents lie slain, allowing them all a moment to catch their breaths. Onas sheathes his blade as there are no more immediate opponents. A shadow appears overhead and Onas starts to reach for Frost Brand again, but realizes that the shadow is cast by their draconic companion, Silvarn. The dragon and Lord Sharadin trade comments, but are interrupted by loud roars from further away.

“Move quickly when you can, as you will not want to be out in the open,” Silvarn advises. “It appears that the next wave of enemies has arrived. We'll do what we can to stop them, but know this: they are black dragons!”

At the mention of black dragons, Onas is stunned for a moment. Black dragons are truly fearsome creatures, and there sounded to be several of them. Shaking off his astonishment, Onas looks up at Silvarn. "Black dragons... Fight well, and come back safe, m'lady."

Onas turns to Lord Sharadin. "I am ready." Inside, he's not sure he's as ready or as confident as he tries to sound. Such is the life of a soldier. He wipes the worst of the lizardman gore from his shield and prepares to move out.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Such a thing happened on the world of Dreatar,” Lilia adds. “The world from which Myev came from. Scro are the dominate race and have nearly driven the elves to extinction.”

Kylie nods as the queen describes the situation on Dreatar. "And that is why we hope to rescue them before they are wiped out."

“That it is,” Captain Roma agrees. “From the sounds of it you are taking your first steps into it. Tread carefully. Great are the wonders and the terrors that exist out there.”

Kylie glances over at Lilia, then back to the Alphatian. "We never really intended to. However, sometimes you find yourself in a situation that you feel compelled to respond to. We're trying to do the right thing as best we can, without a lot of information to base our decisions on."

“The migration was thousands of years ago,” Captain Roma explains. “The Alphatian home world is more a myth to most of us now. I do not know if there were other races there or not. Such a thing was not my field of study.”

“But we Alphatians do not resemble what we used to look like either. Since coming to Arret thousands of years ago, the typical Alphatian appearance has slowly changed as our civilization mingled with the native races. There are still some families who are what we call Pure Alphatian, but they are becoming rarer and rarer.”

“While I may look the humans you know from Cynalon, a Pure Alphatian is very pale in appearance, sometimes possessing nearly white skin. They are tall and slender as well with black hair and eyes. To some they might seem as if they come from elsewhere.”

Listening carefully, Kylie tries to take in what the captain says about the history of her people. "So you weren't actually human originally, but have cross-bred with humans long enough to take on a lot of the human appearance and characteristics."


The battle continues on, as wave after wave of the lizardmen rise from the waters and attack. A spell cast by Captain Roma captures Kylie's attention and she asks about the spell.

“It is a common Alphatian variation,” is all Captain Roma will say on the matter.

The captain's reply is short and raises as many questions as it answers. "I see," Kylie says.

Seeing another large group emerging from below the water, Kylie casts her remaining Lightning Bolt. Many of these new attackers are electrocuted by the spell. A smaller group runs afoul of a Color Spray cast by Lia. While neither spell takes out all of the lizardmen that it targeted, many do fall. Fortunately, these prove to be the last significant groups and the warriors on the ground are able to whittle them down until none are left. Soon the field is cleared of attackers, though several of the spells cast previously are still in effect.

Sharadin councils rest, and soon Silvarn returns. A plan is hatched to track Quirin toward the 'psionic' energy he sensed earlier.

Loud roaring is heard from another part of the cavern. Kylie turns her head toward the sounds just as Silvarn does; the lady dragon identifies the source.

“Move quickly when you can, as you will not want to be out in the open,” Silvarn advises. “It appears that the next wave of enemies has arrived. We'll do what we can to stop them, but know this: they are black dragons!”

Kylie has fought dragons before, and knows from experience that even one is a formidable opponent. She suspects that Silvarn, Saryn, and Lothtor will truly be facing a terrible battle. As she starts to drift in the direction toward where the prisoners are thought to be, Kylie calls down to Lord Sharadin. "Sharadin! Should I take point? I have a good view of the landscape from up here..." As she awaits his reply, she scans the area looking for a viable path forward for the team.

[Lia]

Lia

"As long as they don't eat me, I'm happy," Onas replies to the dark elf. Though he's smiling, there is still a note of uneasiness in his eyes.

“You worry far to much.” She says simply as she focuses on the water and the coming threat.

As she continues to swing her blade she is glad for the long hours that Nightmist put her to the task. She recalls albeit briefly the lead rods that she would hold for hours swinging them tirelessly in their practice sessions. Now she fully understood the lessons.
The fighting begins to subside as the goblin kickers move to their side. Elves, dwarves and human fighting as one. As the foes keep coming, Lia takes a moment t catch her breath, her lions at her side purring. Kneeling down she gently pats each and hugs them, “You did well, my friends.” She says to the cats.
Not long after a large shadow appears over head causing Lia to swallow hard as she slowly looks up.

Far away in the cavern that holds the Elder City, a load roar is heard. This is followed by four others. The Walls of Fire prevent those on the ground from seeing what the source is. Silvarn whips her head about in the direction of the noise.

“Move quickly when you can, as you will not want to be out in the open,” Silvarn advises. “It appears that the next wave of enemies has arrived. We'll do what we can to stop them, but know this: they are black dragons!”

“And what does a hive member look like when it ensnares a dragon?” she asks rhetorically.
Lia will be ready to move out, her lions in toe.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“This is the just the first wave of enemies we will have to face,” Lord Sharadin will call out. “Use your spells sparingly for now. These infected lizard men do not seem to be any great challenge.”
“I'll keep my eyes open for trouble,” Gweyr calls back as a Halo of Eyes hovers over her head.

“Indeed,” Captain Roma adds with as smirk.


With the air thinning significantly of head hunters, Laucian turns his attention to the approaching lizard-hive and starts to thin them out with arrows. Any good arrow strike puts them down.

“This is why I bring plenty of arrows. This is a target rich environment!” he says as he knocks and arrow and fires and repeats the motions. Knocking head hunters and lizardmen to the ground in turn.
The thumping of heavy boots comes to his ears as he looks to the the goblin kickers. They seem to have dealt with the front line and are now joining the flank.

“Lets take a moment to recover,” Lord Sharadin suggests. “It will take time for some of these spells we cast for protection to fade away.”
Laucian will gather what arrows he can that are useable.

“Move quickly when you can, as you will not want to be out in the open,” Silvarn advises. “It appears that the next wave of enemies has arrived. We'll do what we can to stop them, but know this: they are black dragons!”

“Out of the pan and into the fire.” He says in reference to the dragons.
Laucian will be ready to move out when the call is put forth.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“That it is,” Captain Roma agrees. “From the sounds of it you are taking your first steps into it. Tread carefully. Great are the wonders and the terrors that exist out there.”

Kylie glances over at Lilia, then back to the Alphatian. "We never really intended to. However, sometimes you find yourself in a situation that you feel compelled to respond to. We're trying to do the right thing as best we can, without a lot of information to base our decisions on."

“Our kin are in danger of extinction,” Lilia adds. “We must do what we can to help them.”


While Lilia learned long ago that the Alphatians had come from elsewhere, she did not know that their appearance had changed over time as well.

“The migration was thousands of years ago,” Captain Roma explains. “The Alphatian home world is more a myth to most of us now. I do not know if there were other races there or not. Such a thing was not my field of study.”

“But we Alphatians do not resemble what we used to look like either. Since coming to Arret thousands of years ago, the typical Alphatian appearance has slowly changed as our civilization mingled with the native races. There are still some families who are what we call Pure Alphatian, but they are becoming rarer and rarer.”

“While I may look the humans you know from Cynalon, a Pure Alphatian is very pale in appearance, sometimes possessing nearly white skin. They are tall and slender as well with black hair and eyes. To some they might seem as if they come from elsewhere.”

Listening carefully, Kylie tries to take in what the captain says about the history of her people. "So you weren't actually human originally, but have cross-bred with humans long enough to take on a lot of the human appearance and characteristics."

“Clearly they were human-like,” Lilia suggests. “Much like how Myev is an elf even thought she is unlike any elf that I have seen before. The older Alphatians were just different looking humans?”


The initial battle against the HIVE is one sided and the enemy falls before the power of the attack force. Clearly the power gathered here today will end the HIVE once and for all.

“This is the just the first wave of enemies we will have to face,” Lord Sharadin will call out. “Use your spells sparingly for now. These infected lizard men do not seem to be any great challenge.”

“Wise advice,” Lilia agrees as she switches to her sword and shield.

Finally the enemy has been defeated, leaving us alone among the spells cast to keep them at bay.

“Lets take a moment to recover,” Lord Sharadin suggests. “It will take time for some of these spells we cast for protection to fade away.”

“Is anyone hurt?” Lilia will call out, visually checking everyone for wounds.

Suddenly, a large shadow appears over the entire group! Looking up, you see that its only Silvarn in her silver dragon form.

“The enemy has withdrawn from the area,” the silver dragoness reports. “But I am sure that new dangers are awaiting us.”

“Very good,” Lord Sharadin calls out. “We'll advance towards those weak life signs that Quirin sensed.”

“Yes, we must remove any hostages from the field of battle,” Lilia agrees. Before she can say more an ominous roar is heard from far away.

Far away in the cavern that holds the Elder City, a load roar is heard. This is followed by four others. The Walls of Fire prevent those on the ground from seeing what the source is. Silvarn whips her head about in the direction of the noise.

“Move quickly when you can, as you will not want to be out in the open,” Silvarn advises. “It appears that the next wave of enemies has arrived. We'll do what we can to stop them, but know this: they are black dragons!”

“Silvarn is right!” Lilia calls out decisively. “We do not want to be out in the open if there is to be a battle of dragons! We must move towards the prisoners with due haste once the spells blocking our way are gone. We need a better defensive position if those dragons get near!”

“And what does a hive member look like when it ensnares a dragon?” she asks rhetorically.

“Hideous,” is Lilia's comment on that question.

"Sharadin! Should I take point? I have a good view of the landscape from up here..." As she awaits his reply, she scans the area looking for a viable path forward for the team.

“Do so,” Lilia calls out as she also rises up into the air. “Everyone who can fly move higher so that you can see over these Walls of Fire. Keep watch on one side, Gweyr covers everything else. Let nothing approach us while the rest are blinded.”

“When the path does open up, Kylie will lead the way to the prisoners,” Lilia continues. “Those of us with flight will follow Kylie, spread out along the flanks. Laucian will lead the elves on the ground as we advance. Eyes open, an attack could from anywhere.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena casts a Spike Growth spell to cover up the only opening in the wall of protective spells. She warns the dwarves of the potential danger.

“Me lads are familiar with the magic,” Ma Granite calls out in an approving voice. “A bloody nice spell!”

“Bloody to them,” Valena adds with a smirk. The spell is known to rip into the feet of the unwary causing catastrophic wounds.

Valena turns her attention back to her archery, first taking out any of the flying head hunters and then to the HIVE on the ground. Eventually there are no more targets.

Lord Sharadin suggests a break while waiting for the protective magics to wane. Silvarn returns and a new danger arises. The roars of multiple black dragons are heard off in the distance. The silver dragon suggests we move on as soon as possible. Those who can fly thanks to magic move higher to see over the walls of fire. As soon as we can we are to move out towards the weak life signs that Quirin located earlier.

“When the path does open up, Kylie will lead the way to the prisoners,” Lilia continues. “Those of us with flight will follow Kylie, spread out along the flanks. Laucian will lead the elves on the ground as we advance. Eyes open, an attack could from anywhere.”

Valena realizes that we elves are much quicker than the dwarves are and should take the point at this stage.

“I'll watch the rear,” Valena says to Laucian. “Wouldn't want our armored allies to get lost along the way!”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

Karn's Keep:

The meeting and greeting of the forces gathered by Lord Sharadin and the silver dragon Silvarn are winding down. Lilia and Kylie speak to the Alphatian Captain Roma, Commander of the Dauntless.

Kylie glances over at Lilia, then back to the Alphatian. "We never really intended to. However, sometimes you find yourself in a situation that you feel compelled to respond to. We're trying to do the right thing as best we can, without a lot of information to base our decisions on."

“Our kin are in danger of extinction,” Lilia adds. “We must do what we can to help them.”

“Of course,” Captain Roma says with a nod. “Very understandable.”

Listening carefully, Kylie tries to take in what the captain says about the history of her people. "So you weren't actually human originally, but have cross-bred with humans long enough to take on a lot of the human appearance and characteristics."

“Clearly they were human-like,” Lilia suggests. “Much like how Myev is an elf even thought she is unlike any elf that I have seen before. The older Alphatians were just different looking humans?”

“My ancestors were human, just unusual looking humans,” Captain Roma confirms.


Against the HIVE:

In Shelvestra, the attack force is finishing up the first sortie against the HIVE. The enemy strategy seemed to be simply overwhelm the attack force with superior numbers. However, these foes did not have the skill or magic of the collation that had been gather.

Onas laughs, a light musical sound. "Somehow I doubt they'll be very happy about that, my friend."

“Those on the losing side of a battle rarely are,” Andlin adds with a laugh.

"They say that this swamp is truly vast," Onas adds to the commentary. "It's hard to know what all might live here."

“Our best estimate places the Great Swamp some 100 miles wide and long,” Lord Sharadin adds. “Its not all swamp, but much of it is.”

Lord Sharadin and the dwarves join the rear line. Onas can only assume that the original front is clear now; that thought gives him a jolt of encouragement that urges him to fight harder. "Your help is most welcome, Lieutenant!"

“We wouldn't be wantin' ya to have all ta fun!” Lieutenant Stonebeard cries out.

A few minutes later the last of the attackers fall and no new threats emerge. Lord Sharadin calls for the group to take a few moments to catch their breath. The spells cast to protect the coalition from the HIVE swarm will take some time to wind down.

The dwarves celebrate by bashing forearms among themselves. A few will offer to do so with the elves wearing armor.

“Well fought, elf!” One will say as he offers to exchange the celebratory maneuver of victory. Andlin accepts the offer, as does Arlen. The dwarves are very accepting of those elves who wear armor and fight in hand to hand combat like they do.

[GM Mad]

Silvarn is noted hovering overhead and reports that the immediate area is clear of enemy threats. However, the roars of distant creatures reaches everyone's ears. Silvarn reports that the source is a quintet of black dragons! Have these monsters been corrupted by the HIVE?

Silvarn flies off with her fellow dragons to engage this new enemy. Lord Sharadin suggests the group locate the weak signs of life that Quirin found and look for shelter should the black dragons come this way. In the meantime, the coalition waits for the Walls of Fire to come down.

Onas turns to Lord Sharadin. "I am ready." Inside, he's not sure he's as ready or as confident as he tries to sound. Such is the life of a soldier. He wipes the worst of the lizardman gore from his shield and prepares to move out.

“For those here who have not fought a black dragon before,” Lord Sharadin will call out, “while they are not as smart or as magical as Silvarn and her friends, they are still powerful creatures in their own right. They breath a stream of acid that will melt the flesh from your bones. As always when battling a dragon, spread out so as to not be caught up in their breath attacks.”

“How charming,” Ma Granite remarks. “Me boys have faced powerful critters before. They fell as will these overgrown lizards!”

“Silvarn is right!” Lilia calls out decisively. “We do not want to be out in the open if there is to be a battle of dragons! We must move towards the prisoners with due haste once the spells blocking our way are gone. We need a better defensive position if those dragons get near!”

Kylie has fought dragons before, and knows from experience that even one is a formidable opponent. She suspects that Silvarn, Saryn, and Lothtor will truly be facing a terrible battle. As she starts to drift in the direction toward where the prisoners are thought to be, Kylie calls down to Lord Sharadin. "Sharadin! Should I take point? I have a good view of the landscape from up here..." As she awaits his reply, she scans the area looking for a viable path forward for the team.

“Do so,” Lilia calls out as she also rises up into the air. “Everyone who can fly move higher so that you can see over these Walls of Fire. Keep watch on one side, Gweyr covers everything else. Let nothing approach us while the rest are blinded.”

“When the path does open up, Kylie will lead the way to the prisoners,” Lilia continues. “Those of us with flight will follow Kylie, spread out along the flanks. Laucian will lead the elves on the ground as we advance. Eyes open, an attack could from anywhere.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Lord Sharadin will add. “Get ready to move out.”

Laucian's Entangle spell peters out and the vegetation in the area stops moving and holding on to the fallen HIVE in that area. Gweyr's Wall of Fire should be the next spell to cease. The petite fire mage drifts closer to the Wall of Fire she had cast.

“I'm going to make use of this fire before it goes out,” Gweyr says to no one in particular.

“You're going to summon an elemental?” Captain Roma guesses.

“Of course,” Gweyr responds. “You should know that I like to play with fire!”

Hovering in place, Gweyr spends the next ten minutes casting her Conjure Elemental spell. Once complete, a portion of the Wall of Fire steps away on its own accord. The conjured elemental looks like a sheet of flame, some 8' high and nearly as wide. Two 'arms' appear on either side of the elemental that seem to move unnaturally. A pair of fiery blue eyes appear on the sheet.

“That will give me some extra fire power,” Gweyr proudly announces.

“You have complete control of that?” Captain Roma wonders in mild concern.

“Not to worry,” Gweyr counters. “It's under my complete control.”


Those hovering overhead keep their eyes on what is going on around the group. Miles away in a different section of the city the good dragons are battling the black dragons. Occasionally the battle site is illuminated either by blasts of fire or frost breath weapons. Thus far the combatants are keeping a safe distance.

Finally, the first Wall of Fire goes down. Lord Sharadin gives the command to move out and the group starts to move. Kylie flies overhead, while Laucian takes the point on the group on the ground. It quickly becomes clear that the elves can move much faster than the dwarves and if the group goes too fast they'll be left behind. Even the fire elemental is faster!

Overhead, Kylie spots the remains of buildings up ahead. Its mostly a few walls and no ceilings, but its at least some cover in this otherwise barren part of the Elder Ruins. It seems to fit the bill of cover that Lord Sharadin requested.

“Head towards that structure!” Lord Sharadin calls out upon being made aware of it. “The dwarves and I will take shelter there, the rest of you scout ahead while you can. Don't get caught out in the open!”

With the black dragons still far away, Kylie continues forward with Lilia and Gweyr in tow. Soon she spots something unusual up ahead. There is an area where it looks like rows of something ovoid in sitting on the ground. They are milky white in color. There are row upon row of these strange objects that seem to encircle another area where a few ancient buildings still stand. There does not seem to be a way to reach the buildings from the ground without going through these weird things.

As the three elves watch, one of the white objects bursts open and a grayish slug-like creatures emerges. It's maybe about a foot long and three inches wide. Clearly these white objects are eggs! The slug lands on the ground and after getting its bearing, it starts to slowly slither across the ground towards the buildings in the center of the egg field. Those with better hearing think they hear soft moaning sounds as if something is in pain from those buildings.


Back at the area where the dwarves took shelter with Lord Sharadin and Captain Roma, a watcher notes that one of the black dragons has separated from the rest and is flying closer! It seems to flying directly towards that location!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

As noted in the post, the dwarves are much slower than the elves. The average dwarf has a movement rate of 6. A few dwarves are faster, but the group can only go as fast as the slowest member. All the elves who are on foot are at least a movement rate of 14 or higher. So those elves on foot, basically Laucian, Lia, Onas and Valena need to decided if they stayed with the dwarves or continued on with those flying ahead, Kylie, Lilia and Gweyr. Gweyr has her Fire Elemental with her. It moves faster than the dwarves as well, but has to weave around any puddles on the muddy ground.

The approaching black dragon is 1 round out.

Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“You worry far to much.” She says simply as she focuses on the water and the coming threat.

Onas chuckles. "I like to think of it as being wary, m'lady. And it has kept me alive thus far..."

“Those on the losing side of a battle rarely are,” Andlin adds with a laugh.

Fortunately, the battle does not drag out long and a quick rest is all that is needed to recover fully. "That is so true, my friend," Onas replies.

“Our best estimate places the Great Swamp some 100 miles wide and long,” Lord Sharadin adds. “Its not all swamp, but much of it is.”

"Wow," Onas exclaims, shaking his head as he tries to envision such a large swampland. "That is truly vast. I had heard that it was very large, but had not anticipated it to be that big."

“We wouldn't be wantin' ya to have all ta fun!” Lieutenant Stonebeard cries out.

"It's a party and you're all invited, lieutenant," Onas answers with a laugh. "We need to throw out the party-crashers, though."

The dwarves celebrate by bashing forearms among themselves. A few will offer to do so with the elves wearing armor.

“Well fought, elf!” One will say as he offers to exchange the celebratory maneuver of victory. Andlin accepts the offer, as does Arlen. The dwarves are very accepting of those elves who wear armor and fight in hand to hand combat like they do.

After the battle, the dwarves are in a festive mood, and Onas catches a bit of their spirit. When offered a celebratory forearm-bashing, Onas agrees. Having often heard of the great strength of the dwarven physique, he braces himself in hopes of not getting knocked down by the force. "Huzzah!"

“For those here who have not fought a black dragon before,” Lord Sharadin will call out, “while they are not as smart or as magical as Silvarn and her friends, they are still powerful creatures in their own right. They breath a stream of acid that will melt the flesh from your bones. As always when battling a dragon, spread out so as to not be caught up in their breath attacks.”

Onas takes in Lord Sharadin's offered information. "Acid. Sounds like an ugly way to die," he muses to no one in particular.

“How charming,” Ma Granite remarks. “Me boys have faced powerful critters before. They fell as will these overgrown lizards!”

Onas can only wish that he felt the dwarven priestess's confidence. Still, he will do what must be done.

“When the path does open up, Kylie will lead the way to the prisoners,” Lilia continues. “Those of us with flight will follow Kylie, spread out along the flanks. Laucian will lead the elves on the ground as we advance. Eyes open, an attack could from anywhere.”

As they prepare to move toward the life signs that the couatl named Quirin sensed earlier, Lilia provides instructions for the elven contingent. Onas notes the assignments, then readies his weapons and pack.

The mage Gweyr talks about summoning a fire elemental with Captain Roma. Onas has never seen this done before and watches, fascinated, as she appears to pull a creature of pure flame from the flaming walls that were created earlier. "That's amazing..." he stammers.

“Not to worry,” Gweyr counters. “It's under my complete control.”

"I sure hope so," Onas proclaims in awe.


Not long after, one of the fiery walls burns away, leaving a path open ahead. The fliers head out first, with the elven ground troops next, and the others following behind. As they travel, Onas keeps his eyes peeled for any dangers around them. Eventually some ruined structures are spotted and the group moves to investigate.

“Head towards that structure!” Lord Sharadin calls out upon being made aware of it. “The dwarves and I will take shelter there, the rest of you scout ahead while you can. Don't get caught out in the open!”

After reaching the damaged structures and finding little there, Kylie leads Lilia and Gweyr further on in hopes of discovering the source of the life signs. Onas turns to Laucian. "Lilia appointed you as leader, Laucian. Do we follow?" Personally, Onas would rather not leave the trio of ladies on their own in this dangerous place.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“For those here who have not fought a black dragon before,” Lord Sharadin will call out, “while they are not as smart or as magical as Silvarn and her friends, they are still powerful creatures in their own right. They breath a stream of acid that will melt the flesh from your bones. As always when battling a dragon, spread out so as to not be caught up in their breath attack.”

‘Good to know’, he thinks to himself as the thought of being melted and eaten comes to his mind.

“When the path does open up, Kylie will lead the way to the prisoners,” Lilia continues. “Those of us with flight will follow Kylie, spread out along the flanks. Laucian will lead the elves on the ground as we advance. Eyes open, an attack could from anywhere.”

“Rangers lead the way.” He says in return to his queen as he finishes gathering his arrows.

“You have complete control of that?” Captain Roma wonders in mild concern.

“Not to worry,” Gweyr counters. “It's under my complete control.”

“Your knowledge f the arcane is awe inspiring. Remind me not to upset you.” He says with a quick grin at the fire mage.

Lord Sharadin calls for the advance, and Laucian is quick to the call. Looking to the others he gives a nod and then looks to the dwarves. “Be as quiet as you can and try to keep up. I’ll come back for you if we lose you.” He says recalling how slow Grondar was.
With that Laucian moves out through the puddles. He will pick the best route he can through the puddles and rocks. He will stop occasionally and look to the rear then move forward. He sees a structure in the distance and calls it back to the other Elves, dwarves and Lord Sharadin.

“Head towards that structure!” Lord Sharadin calls out upon being made aware of it. “The dwarves and I will take shelter there, the rest of you scout ahead while you can. Don't get caught out in the open!”

After reaching the damaged structures and finding little there, Kylie leads Lilia and Gweyr further on in hopes of discovering the source of the life signs. Onas turns to Laucian. "Lilia appointed you as leader, Laucian. Do we follow?" Personally, Onas would rather not leave the trio of ladies on their own in this dangerous place.

“Lilia is not only my queen but a member of my clan.”He silently thinks of Gweyr as well. “Where she goes, I follow. Stay here with the dwarves if you’d rather.” Knocking an arrow to his bow and moving out past the shelter.
Laucian will move to cover and look about. As he does so he will keep an eye on the mages.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“My ancestors were human, just unusual looking humans,” Captain Roma confirms.

The discussion with Lilia and Roma continues, with Lilia drawing a parallel between the Alphatians and Dreatar elves like Myev. "That makes sense. It seems that there are many variations of the known races living among the stars. Some may be more difficult to recognize than others."

“Out of the pan and into the fire.” He says in reference to the dragons.

Hearing Laucian's comment, Kylie chuckles with just a touch of nervousness. "That's one way to put it, Laucian."

“Do so,” Lilia calls out as she also rises up into the air. “Everyone who can fly move higher so that you can see over these Walls of Fire. Keep watch on one side, Gweyr covers everything else. Let nothing approach us while the rest are blinded.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Lord Sharadin will add. “Get ready to move out.”

First Lilia and then Sharadin confirm Kylie's suggestion for her to take point. Initially, she just hovers well above the magical barriers keeping watch until they are able to proceed.

“That will give me some extra fire power,” Gweyr proudly announces.

The fiery mage summons an elemental from one of the Walls of Fire before it fades away. Kylie looks on appreciatively. "That's a great spell, Gweyr. Sadly, it is a type of magic that I am unable to learn."

After the defensive spells dissipate, Kylie leads the way forward. As she flies she watches her surroundings for any dangers or points of interest. After a time, she spots a small group of structures not far away that appear to offer shelter and calls the information down to Lord Sharadin.

“Head towards that structure!” Lord Sharadin calls out upon being made aware of it. “The dwarves and I will take shelter there, the rest of you scout ahead while you can. Don't get caught out in the open!”

Kylie proceeds to inspect the structures from above. They appear to be buildings, though none have roofs anymore - if they ever did. Once everyone has reached the buildings, Kylie, Lilia, and Gwery continue on.

A little further on, Kylie spots some strange milky blobs on the ground and approaches to investigate. As she looks around, it becomes apparent that they encircle a few more ancient buildings. Suddenly, one of the blobs starts to quiver and shake, then burst open, revealing a slug-like creature. The creature begins to squirm its way toward the buildings. Flying over the slug towards the buildings, Kylie hears what sounds like someone moaning in pain.

"Oh no! I think people are being used as food for these things," she exclaims. Anger getting the best of her, Kylie pivots in mid-air. She whips out an arrow and fires at the slug. "Not today, you filth!"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The HIVE infected lizard men are downed or driven off leaving the immediate area free of danger. The dwarves celebrate their victory by bashing their forearms together with a loud crash as metal strikes metal.

“Well fought, elf!” One will say as he offers to exchange the celebratory maneuver of victory. Andlin accepts the offer, as does Arlen. The dwarves are very accepting of those elves who wear armor and fight in hand to hand combat like they do.

“All-Father be praised!” Lilia adds joining in on the celebration. She'll engage in the decidedly dwarven activity, trusting her amplified strength to keep her from being bowled over.

Lady Silvarn returns and a new threat arises. Black dragons are spotted elsewhere in the ruined city!

“For those here who have not fought a black dragon before,” Lord Sharadin will call out, “while they are not as smart or as magical as Silvarn and her friends, they are still powerful creatures in their own right. They breath a stream of acid that will melt the flesh from your bones. As always when battling a dragon, spread out so as to not be caught up in their breath attacks.”

Lilia takes in the information presented by Lord Sharadin. Moorkroft had a black dragon in his service, but we never actually fought the beast, so this will be a new experience and any advice is welcomed. Lord Sharadin confirms Lilia's thoughts on how to advance next.

“Sounds like a plan,” Lord Sharadin will add. “Get ready to move out.”

“Rangers lead the way.” He says in return to his queen as he finishes gathering his arrows.

“As it should be,” Lilia answers with a smile.


The Entangle spell gives out. Gweyr makes use of the wait by casting a Conjure Elemental spell using the Wall of Fire as the source.

Hovering in place, Gweyr spends the next ten minutes casting her Conjure Elemental spell. Once complete, a portion of the Wall of Fire steps away on its own accord. The conjured elemental looks like a sheet of flame, some 8' high and nearly as wide. Two 'arms' appear on either side of the elemental that seem to move unnaturally. A pair of fiery blue eyes appear on the sheet.

“That will give me some extra fire power,” Gweyr proudly announces.

“You have complete control of that?” Captain Roma wonders in mild concern.

“Not to worry,” Gweyr counters. “It's under my complete control.”

“Good to know,” Lilia adds. “How long will it last?”


Finally, the first Wall of Fire fades away and we are off. Kylie has the point as she, Gweyr and I fly ahead. The rest trail on the ground at a much slower pace. Far off in the distance, the dragon battle can be seen unfolding. Lilia is thankful to be far away from that!

The remains of some ruined structures are spotted and Lord Sharadin decides to use them for cover in case the dragons get closer. It make sense since the dwarves are not as fleet of foot.

“Head towards that structure!” Lord Sharadin calls out upon being made aware of it. “The dwarves and I will take shelter there, the rest of you scout ahead while you can. Don't get caught out in the open!”

“We'll return as soon as we are able!” Lilia will call out to those below. “Those who are following, try to keep up!


A bit further along from the remains of those ancient structures, a field of strange white objects is spotted. As we circle overhead, wondering just what they are, one bursts open to reveal a slug-like creature!

"Oh no! I think people are being used as food for these things," she exclaims. Anger getting the best of her, Kylie pivots in mid-air. She whips out an arrow and fires at the slug. "Not today, you filth!"

“They're eggs!” Lilia realizes in horror. “That's why those life signs are so weak-- they're being eaten by this monsters!”

“Gweyr, use your friend to burn these eggs!” Lilia commands. “Kylie and I will see if there is anyone to safe in those buildings. If there is anyone left to save...”

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“Lilia is not only my queen but a member of my clan.”He silently thinks of Gweyr as well. “Where she goes, I follow. Stay here with the dwarves if you’d rather.” Knocking an arrow to his bow and moving out past the shelter.

Onas gives Laucian an odd look for a moment. "I wouldn't rather. I'll be right behind you." He'll do his best to keep up, though he doesn't doubt that the experienced ranger could leave him behind in this environment.

[Lia]

Lia

“For those here who have not fought a black dragon before,” Lord Sharadin will call out, “while they are not as smart or as magical as Silvarn and her friends, they are still powerful creatures in their own right. They breath a stream of acid that will melt the flesh from your bones. As always when battling a dragon, spread out so as to not be caught up in their breath attacks.”

“How charming,” Ma Granite remarks. “Me boys have faced powerful critters before. They fell as will these overgrown lizards!”

“Dragggggon?” she hears her Uncle say. Lia inadvertently touches her skin beneath her chainmail armor. Imagining the acid hitting her skin melting it from her flesh. She looks at her two lions purring next to her their amber eyes looking about. “I’ll do my best. Hopefully we do not meet more than one at once!” She says evenly as she dismisses her lions from the field. “Rest my pets.” Figuring what can a Lion do against a Dragon….
Gweyr calls forth an Elemental from the Wall of fire. Taking a step back she watches as the eyes open and arms begin to appear. “I hope so. I do not wish to be toasted let alone melted!” she says to no one in particular.
Lia follows the others out into the darkness of the cavern following Laucian and Onas as they go. A structure is seen and they make their way forward. Lis looks about to see what she can see, Her skin taking on the appearance of the darkness around her.
A slight debate as to stay or to follow is heard. “Let us be on our way we waste time.” Lia says as the Laucian and Onas speak.
Following the others and trying to keep to cover. Lia sees the Black dragon.
Back at the area where the dwarves took shelter with Lord Sharadin and Captain Roma, a watcher notes that one of the black dragons has separated from the rest and is flying closer! It seems to flying directly towards that location!
Not knowing if the dwarves or Sharadin would see it, "Too Arms, Dragon!!!" Lia casts her Faerie Fire upon the Dragon in the hopes that they can see it better.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 7th, CR 571 or Deepnight 29th, 20,519 AP

The coalition of elves, dwarves, humans and fantastic creatures continues their march through the remains of the Elder City of Shelvestra. Silvarn has flown off once more as five black dragons have made their presence known elsewhere in the ruins. There are flashes of energy and breath weapons as the dragons fight miles away.

The initial attack from the HIVE was turned aside and the group waits for the protective magicks invoked to fade away. Gweyr uses the Wall of Fire she cast to summon a Fire Elemental.

“Your knowledge of the arcane is awe inspiring. Remind me not to upset you.” He says with a quick grin at the fire mage.

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Gweyr teases back with a smile.

The fiery mage summons an elemental from one of the Walls of Fire before it fades away. Kylie looks on appreciatively. "That's a great spell, Gweyr. Sadly, it is a type of magic that I am unable to learn."

“We all have our separate areas of interest when it comes to magic,” Gweyr offers. “Mine tends towards burning things down.”

“Good to know,” Lilia adds. “How long will it last?”

“About two hours, Your Majesty,” Gweyr explains. “Long enough to reduce many enemies to ash.”


Once the first Wall of Fire is down, the coalition starts to advance deeper into the ruined Elder City. They are seeking the weak life signs that Quirin sensed earlier, suspecting them to be hostages in need of rescuing. Kyle leads Lilia and Gweyr as they fly ahead. Laucian is at the point for the group on the ground.

It quickly becomes apparent that the dwarves are not as fleet of foot as the elves are. Kylie spots a few walls left standing up ahead and relays this information to those on the ground. At Lord Sharadin's direction, he and the dwarves take cover there. Captain Roma chooses to remain there as well.


The elves continue on, with the fliers pulling ahead. Fortunately, all the elves are faster than the Fire Elemental and the summon creature dutifully trails after Gweyr, letting you know what direction to go in. The rest of the elves on the ground can keep pace with Laucian, so the group stays together.

After traveling maybe a mile or so, the elves reach a strange area of pod-like things laying on the ground, circling around a few intact buildings. One of the pods bursts open and a larva comes out! The small creature starts to slither its way towards the buildings where faint groans can be heard.

"Oh no! I think people are being used as food for these things," she exclaims. Anger getting the best of her, Kylie pivots in mid-air. She whips out an arrow and fires at the slug. "Not today, you filth!"

Kylie's aim is true and the larva is pinned by the arrow and quickly dies. More larva are noted in this vast area, all making their way towards the buildings ahead.

“They're eggs!” Lilia realizes in horror. “That's why those life signs are so weak-- they're being eaten by this monsters!”

“Gweyr, use your friend to burn these eggs!” Lilia commands. “Kylie and I will see if there is anyone to save in those buildings. If there is anyone left to save...”

“With pleasure,” Gweyr responds disgust thick in her voice.


Once her elemental arrives, the petite mage sends it forth. All the Fire Elemental has to do is pass over an egg, causing it to super heat and explode showering the immediate area with larva goo. A loud popping sound fills the area, like popcorn being made.

Laucian, Lia, Onas and Valena arrive along with the elemental. They only see Gweyr hovering overhead. Kylie and Lilia not in sight.

“Stay back!” Gweyr calls out. “Those things are eggs and the Queen directed me to destroy them!”


A bit further ahead, Kylie and Lilia fly toward the collection of buildings in this egg field. Many walls and some of the roofs of these ancient buildings are still intact. The pair hover overhead and see a nauseating sight.

Many lizard men and a few frog-like humanoids are laying strewn through out these structures. A few can still feebly move, but most are motionless. The pair can see that many larva are eating these creatures! Even worse some tunnel into the bodies and emerge on the other side. The over powering smell of death fills this area.

Many of the bodies have a milky white shapes attached to them. These shapes are about the size of the larva themselves. As the elves watch, a few of these white eggs burst to reveal a baby head hunter! These just born head hunters test their wings a few times and then rise up in flight!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Gruesome, isn't it?

Since all the elves moved along from the dwarves, you were not able to see the black dragon approaching them. It was too far away and mostly behind you.

I finally put together a web page to collect all the information for this game much like I did for the Operation: Graystone game.

Here is the link for it.

Now you know where the Head Hunters come from, but did you really want to find that out?

Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

“Stay back!” Gweyr calls out. “Those things are eggs and the Queen directed me to destroy them!”

“Eggs of what?” she calls back to the fire mage as she hears popping and sizzling of the eggs.
“Where are the others?”she calls out not seeing the other mages.
Lia will keep a look out for any other dangers..

[Laucian]

Laucian

“Stay back!” Gweyr calls out. “Those things are eggs and the Queen directed me to destroy them!”

Laucian wonders what Lia says and awaits an answer from the fire mage. He looks about to see what is about him listening to the sounds about them. Aside from the hissing and popping of the eggs. He can’t help but wonder is about them.
Also seeing as the Fire elemental is a beacon of light. Laucian casts Detect evil and looks about him. Trying to gauge where they need to go after this as well as know what dangers may be lurking near.

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

The elves on the ground move rapidly across the ruined city following the fire elemental.

“Is she always this headstrong?” Andlin wonders as he keeps pace with the others. “Hard to protect her when she won't stand still.”

“That's been my experience,” Arlen says with a laugh. “Our Queen if very hands on and tends to be in the thick of things.”

Finally, the elves reach the vast egg field. Gweyr is there, hovering overhead as her fire elemental sweeps across the field its intense heat causing the eggs to burst.

“Eggs of what?” she calls back to the fire mage as she hears popping and sizzling of the eggs.

“HIVE I guess,” Gweyr calls out. “Something like a giant slug came out one and it slithered off that way.”

Gweyr points off to an area near the center of the eggs. A few walls and ceilings of ancient buildings stand in that area still.

“Where are the others?”she calls out not seeing the other mages. Lia will keep a look out for any other dangers..

“Same place,” Gweyr calls out. “I'd stay away from these things if I were you. Unless you want to be hip deep in baby HIVE!”

Those with really good sight can see Kylie and Lilia hovering in that area, but they are too far away to engage in conversation.

Also seeing as the Fire elemental is a beacon of light. Laucian casts Detect evil and looks about him. Trying to gauge where they need to go after this as well as know what dangers may be lurking near.

Laucian does not detect any evil in the area. A larva from the egg is spotted close by, but it does not register as evil.

Now what?

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

The dwarves are left behind in the remains of a building. Given their slower speed, it makes sense to seek shelter when there are dragons on the loose. Valena continues to bring up the rear as Laucian leads us onward. Finally, we come to a stop.

Strange objects are up ahead and Gweyr is using her fiery friend to burn them. She says that those things are eggs for baby HIVE!

“I have nowhere near enough arrows to shoot all these things,” Valena mutters.

And then a horrible thought hits her.

“In nature, mothers are very protective of their eggs and offspring,” Valena notes. “By destroying these eggs we might be bringing a very angry mother here...”

Instead of focusing on the eggs, Valena keeps watch on what is going on elsewhere around us. If something is coming, she wants to be ready!

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Gweyr speaks on how long her fire elemental will be active.

“About two hours, Your Majesty,” Gweyr explains. “Long enough to reduce many enemies to ash.”

“Very good,” Lilia says approvingly. At some point she needs to take the time and learn more mage spells to improve her abilities. Having such a powerful creature at her disposal could only be useful.

The field of eggs is found and one hatches, revealing a horrible larva. It tries to slither off towards a nearby building, but Kylie shoots with an arrow first. Lilia realizes that these are eggs and order Gweyr to burn them before they all can hatch.

Continuing on the building we discover that the weak life signs are the food for larva! These poor creatures, lizard men and some kind of frog creatures are being feasted upon! Once gorged, the larva cocoon themselves and a head hunter eventually emerges!

“There's nothing here to save,” Lilia grimly deduces as the smell of flesh decaying overwhelms her. “They are either dead or close to it. We have to destroy these new head hunters and their food source! Let's put them out of our misery!”

Lilia will move higher up and once Kylie is clear send a Fireball into the largest group below.

“Burn them," Lilia cries out. "Burn them all!

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“We all have our separate areas of interest when it comes to magic,” Gweyr offers. “Mine tends towards burning things down.”

"I had been getting that sense," Kylie says with a chuckle, "though you are rather subtle about it... Personally, I tend to approach magic from a somewhat academic bent; I really enjoy gaining a deeper understanding of how the universe works."

After leaving the archmage and dwarves in some ruins to rest, the elves continue on toward the life signs noted earlier. They encounter a large area around some more ruined buildings that is crowded with white pods of some kind. As they watch, one of the pods bursts open and a white slug-like creature emerges and starts moving toward the ruins. Realizing that the pods are eggs, Kylie shoots the slug, but more can be seen. Lilia then instructs Gweyr to have her elemental burn all of the pods. Kylie nods her head in agreement, then flies on toward the ruined buildings in the center of the area.

They reach the ruins and it quickly becomes apparent why the life signs have been so faint. A small number of lizard folk and some type of frog-like people are being eaten by the slugs. The slugs eventually turn into the flying Hive bugs, illustrating the missing portion of their repulsive life cycle. Kylie is momentarily shaken by the horrific sight. Try as she might, she cannot think of any way to save these unfortunates.

“There's nothing here to save,” Lilia grimly deduces as the smell of flesh decaying overwhelms her. “They are either dead or close to it. We have to destroy these new head hunters and their food source! Let's put them out of our misery!”

Adjusting to the horror more quickly than Kylie, Lilia makes a grim decision, then releases a Fireball spell into the scene of carnage. Gritting her teeth, Kylie casts her own Fireball into the next largest group.

_________________________________________________________________________
If by chance there are no other large groups for her spell, Kylie will instead fly down low and cast Burning Hands into an appropriate area.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

They continue on, following the flying women while Lord Sharadin and Captain Roma wait for the dwarves to catch up and catch their breath. Onas continues to follow Laucian as best he can, though the woodsman nearly merges with the forest around them and Onas occasionally has to rely on noting the direction that Gweyr's elemental is moving.

After nearly an hour of this, they come in sight of some more ruins. Around them is a wide field sporting thousands of milky white pods as far as the eye can see. Just as they arrive, one of the pods bursts and a slimy slug-like creature squirms out. More of the white slugs can be seen, all moving in the direction of the ruined buildings. At LIlia's request, Gweyr has her summoned elemental begin destroying all of the eggs.

“Stay back!” Gweyr calls out. “Those things are eggs and the Queen directed me to destroy them!”

"Understood," Onas replies as he backs away to the edge of the field. At Lia's question, the fire mage indicates that the queen and Kylie have gone on toward the walled area.

“I have nowhere near enough arrows to shoot all these things,” Valena mutters.

"Nor I," Onas says to the leader of the Silver Maidens. "Perhaps we should focus on those that have already hatched." Onas draws his bow and begins shooting any of the slugs that he can see moving towards the walls.

“In nature, mothers are very protective of their eggs and offspring,” Valena notes. “By destroying these eggs we might be bringing a very angry mother here...”

Onas nods. "Good point, Valena." While he is loathe to stop shooting the slugs, he keeps his eyes open for other, more dangerous targets to appear.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed