New Frontiers #43

[GM Mad]

New Frontiers #43


Pre-Departure:

Grondar turns to the aged dwarf. "I'm sorry, I've never heard of Thunderdelve before. Can you tell me of it, sir?"

The grizzled old dwarf, Kromag by name, will tell his story.

"Thunderdelve be the home to a small clan of dwarves. Carved out of the very face of the Silver Sierras, so named for the silver ore we mined there. We were a small, but prosperous clan before the humanoid invaders came and laid siege. The men fought to their last while the women folk and the children fled."

After weeding through a great deal of Kromag's long windedness, you can deduce that Thunderdelve was a small dwarven town or perhaps an outpost in the Silver Sierras. (This is the small mountain spire to the south and west of Ardelphia.) It was overrun by humanoids hundreds of years ago and seemingly wiped out. It's supposedly somewhere up in the mountains.

The other dwarves here think that Kromag's memories are not what they once were and give little weight to his tale. "The only dwarven hold up in that area was the Krypthome. It fell around when the human city fell. Perhaps this Thunderdelve was just a mine in the area operated by dwarves and Kromag is mis-membering the truth."

Grondar will have heard of Krypthome. It was a small dwarven city. Nothing like the stature and size of Illefarn, but something he has heard of before.


Onward:

The morning comes and the Guardians are on the road once more. It is chilly out, temperature in the low thirties. Winter is not that far off now.

The ride to Corunglain is much easier than the journey to the Beleme Swamp was. A well-worn road exists between Rennydale and Corunglain allowing the adventures to move at a brisk pace. Best estimates will place at you Corunglain just a little bit after nightfall. (Mainly because of fewer daylight hours in the summer time. So you have the option to keep going after nightfall or stop and rest for the evening.)

The ride is pleasant enough. The hills surrounding Rennydale level out and you're crossing a grassy plain. By late-afternoon you can hear the roar of the swift flowing Streel River off in the distance.

Not too long after that, you'll notice movement on the road up ahead. Laucian will be the first to clearly make out what is going on and will report what he sees to the others.

There is a large group of people running down the road on foot towards you. Perhaps numbering around fifty. They are running as if they are running for their very lives!

There is a second group chasing this first group, but they are too far away to make out any clear details. Both groups are on foot.

Movement is also spotted in the darkening sky. Half a dozen dark colored creatures fly about on large wings. (Best guess would put them in the 30-40' long range in length.) As you watch, one of these creatures dives down and snatches one of the running people up in its mouth! The beast then flies off with its meal.

Even worse, as the sunlight fades, another light can be seen off in the distance and the outline of Corunglain can be seen. Portions of it appear to be burning!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Are you ready for some combat?

The people fleeing from Corunglain are about 500 yards away at the present. Those chasing them are around 100-200 yards behind them. The flying creatures are in the air over the people. Laucian will recognize them as Wyverns with his superior elven sight.

With all the recent departures, the group has numerous spare horses. At least nine of them. Want to continue on with these extras or leave them back in Rennydale?

There was a small update near the end of last post to wrap up some of the things going on in Rennydale for those who missed it.

Now what?

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

The group pushes on when night starts to fall as Corunglain is close enough to reach and they are travelling by known roads.

As the sunlight starts to fade a large commotion can be seen ahead. Laucian points out the details and indicates what is happening. As the group watches a Wyvern swoops in and snatches one of the desperate people running towards them.

Validar will mobilize for action, upon seeing the situation, especially the fires burning in Corunglain. It is not hard to see that the city is not only under seige, but has been breached!

Validar will change from his riding horse quickly to his war horse, Havok. "Po, your job is to keep the extra horses under control and safe. Stay here off the road until we return."

"We must close distance with them!", Validar will shout. "Then those archers and spellcasters with ranged attack spells should hit the Wyverns hard, but don't waste everything you've got. The rest of us need to interpose ourselves between the pursuers to give the people room to escape and also present attack targets for the Wyverns. Try to concentrate your fire on only one or two targets and drop them before moving on!"

--------------------
We will keep some of the horses, those with warhorses need riding horses anyway, and it may help to have extras to haul supplies (and treasure?) anyway. I would think we'll keep 3 horses in addition to riding horses for the heavy mounted guys.

[Laucian]

Laucian

The bite in the air is noticed as Laucian makes ready for the journey. Pulling his cloak about him he begins to lead the column to Corunglain.

As it grows late in the afternoon the sound of a river catches his ears. "We are making good time," he will say.

A movement catches his eye in the distance and he leans into his saddle so as to peer over his horse. He swallows hard as he takes in the situation.

A large group of people are running towards them. with another group not too far behind. Suddenly a dark figure swoops from the skies and snatches its prey. Peering through the darkness he can barely make out the flying figure. "Wyverns...." he says outloud.


Readying his bow and drawing an arrow from his quiver, he raises his voice so most of the group can hear him. "It appears our vacation has ended my friends," as he looks at the burning city in the distance.

"A group of survivers is heading this way. They are being hunted down like wolves by another party. Though to make matters worse it would appear a pack of wyverns have decided that they are easy prey. What do you say we even the odds?"

"We must close distance with them!", Validar will shout. "Then those archers and spellcasters with ranged attack spells should hit the Wyverns hard, but don't waste everything you've got. The rest of us need to interpose ourselves between the pursuers to give the people room to escape and also present attack targets for the Wyverns. Try to concentrate your fire on only one or two targets and drop them before moving on!"

"This darkness will hinder us a bit. I have a spell that will be of use to us."
He will turn and follow Validar firing his Long bow at the closest wyvern.

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

The morning comes and the Guardians are on the road once more. It is chilly out, temperature in the low thirties. Winter is not that far off now.

Huddled in her cloak, Lyonessa sets the tail of it to drape over Dusk so he can sleep a bit easier. Lyonessa will play a melody or two throughout the day to help the time pass and keep everyone's spirits up in the cold. Once evening draws nearer, she will let Dusk fly about to aid in scouting if needed.

The day passes quietly, but soon commotion is spotted ahead. A scene of dread is unfolding and it looks as though combat is not far behind. Corunglain itself is the victim as it appears to be burning. Once it seems that we will be facing foes from the air and the ground, Validar yells out orders.

"We must close distance with them!", Validar will shout. "Then those archers and spellcasters with ranged attack spells should hit the Wyverns hard, but don't waste everything you've got. The rest of us need to interpose ourselves between the pursuers to give the people room to escape and also present attack targets for the Wyverns. Try to concentrate your fire on only one or two targets and drop them before moving on!"

"This darkness will hinder us a bit. I have a spell that will be of use to us."

Lyonessa also speaks up after Laucian, "I too have a spell that will help us and hopefully hinder them." As Lyonessa rides up and gets into range, she will cast her glitterdust spell trying for as many as she can catch in the area of effect.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

"Indeed he is, my dwarven friend. Thank you for your concern. We have thwarted the enemy and staved off the attacks within our border, thanks to all of those assembled here." Validar will look around at the group, a much more cohesive band than the Seekers ever seemed to be. Of course, the sheer number of deaths that they faced while in the Frontier was sure to put some people more on edge. He thinks back to that time and is glad he is here. This part of the kingdom is where he is needed now. There are many to adventure in the Keln lands.

"I have steeled myself to the fact that I may not see Castle Pyris again for some time. In truth, the feeling that I have is much the same as going on campaign with the army. And this mission of ours is certainly no less important than the claiming of the land around Gateway or the military battles we fought cleansing the humanoids from the Keln border to open up the Frontier there to adventurers."

Validar will raise his goblet to his dwarven friend. "I pray you are correct and that we will accomplish all that we set out to do. If so, then our holiday will be well deserved and well earned and we will return as heroes. And our homes will not only be safer, but also a place to appreciate all the more."

Listening to Validar, Grondar finds himself nodding in agreement. It is good to hear that the Baron is well and that the region there is stabilizing. That will mean less suffering for the common folk. "That is very good news, my friend," he says to Validar.

Grondar listens carefully to Kromag's story of the lost home in the Silver Sierras. Unlike the others, he is not so quick to dismiss the story. It has been his experience that the aged sometimes have wells of knowledge that others have lost.

"I'm sorry, venerable sir, but I have little knowledge of that area. However, I would be happy to look into it as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Could you perhaps draw a map or write down some detailed directions that would help me locate Thunderdelve?" It cannot hurt to look into his story.

In the morning, they press on toward Corunglain. The travel is pleasant and Grondar spends most of the trip listening to Lyonessa's music and chatting with Sherra and the others nearby as they ride. As they near the city, Grondar can hear the river nearby. From the sound of it, he suspects that trying to swim in the rushing waters would be perilous indeed.

It is not long before a chaotic scene unfolds before them. Off in the distance, parts of the city appear to be in flames. A small group of people flee down the road towards them. Others chase behind, as large winged creatures harass them from above. Grondar mutters a quick prayer as one of the fleeing people is slurped up by a what appears to be a smallish dragonoid creature.

Laucian spells out the situation for everyone, and Lord Validar issues orders to the group. Reacting immediately, Grondar digs his heals into his pony's flanks and charges forward. Following Laucian's example, he readies his crossbow and lets loose at the same target.

[Chareos]

Chareos

The time passes as do the miles while listening to Lyonessa's playing.

As the sounds of a river soon catch Chareos' ear, Laucian tells of the scene up ahead.

"They'll be butchered...," he says while kicking his heels into his horse. Moving into action as Validar has indicated Chareos will ready his Wand and fire a Lightning Bolt at Laucian's and Grondar's target wyvern.

[Argent]

Argent:

Ivy is amazed when Argent says that she can change the color of garments with her magic. "That does change things considerably, Argent. If you could do that I would be most appreciative. Is there some way I can compensate you for your efforts?"

Argent will smile in response to Ivy's offer. "No compensation is necessary, priestess. Your presence in the group and the healing power at your command are more than enough to cover my small efforts."


Come the morning, Argent will note Lyonessa's new friend. She's a bit shocked to find the owl with her, but quickly realizes that it must be a familiar to be this docile while indoors. Argent will give the owl a wide berth until it becomes more comfortable around us.

"Good luck with your new friend, Lyonessa."

"Had there been advance notice, then it wouldn't have been a surprise, now would it," Validar says with a grin. "Sherwood and I felt the group deserved one last dinner together before splitting up."

"While there is truth to your words, I'm the type of girl who likes to look good at special events such as this. Fortunately I was able to make myself presentable with my magicks."

Validar will notice Argent's arrival. It is clear she is dressing for a statement. He takes a drink from his cup. "You look quite wonderful, Argent. I see you have quite an impressive collection of jewels. It seems that the gifts here will certainly suit you well."

"Why thank you, Lord Validar", Argent will say with a curtsey. "You are most kind. While my collection of trinkets is not as impressive as Kharnya's, I haven't done badly for myself either."

"As before, the thanks are all mine. As for adding to your collection, my hopes are that our escapades will be most profitable as well as noble. The reconstructions we will face will take much wealth and therefore it is certain that we will need to liberate much treasure from whatever evil may have hoarded it."

"With words like that, you make it hard for me to be greedy when it comes to treasure, Lord Validar. What you say is true and somewhat refreshing. A noble putting the needs of the people above their own."


The morning comes far too soon than Argent would care for. A quick hot meal is welcomed on this chilly morning as another day of riding lies ahead. Argent dresses in her oversized fur coat to protect herself from the elements. The trip should be uneventful, the Invoker hopes.

Finally, we near the end of the ride and Corunglain comes into view. Argent has never been to this city before and only knows of it by reputation.

She hears Laucian calling out that people are rushing towards us and they are being chased by unknown foes while Wyverns are threatening them from overhead! Upon hearing Lord Validar's command, Argent will urge her horse on faster to keep pace with the others. Once in spell range, Argent will cast Lightning Bolt at the closest Wyvern, attempting to strike one that the others are targeting. If she can catch two wyverns, she'll cast a single fork bolt. Otherwise just use a double fork.

[Ivy]

Ivy:

Argent will smile in response to Ivy's offer. "No compensation is necessary, priestess. Your presence in the group and the healing power at your command are more than enough to cover my small efforts."

Argent's comments momentarily surprise Ivy. "Oh, well then, thank you very much. I can't wait to see how they turn out!"

Later Argent works her magic and the dresses are changed into the desired color. It seems that the sorceress was true to her word. She found reasonably priced garments and made them better with sorcery.


When Lyonessa introduces her new friend, Ivy will say, "Hello there, Dusk. How are you?" She will keep her distance and respect the owl's talons.


Ivy dresses as warmly as she can for the trip to come. She is shocked when they come upon the refuges who are being pursued and that portions of Corunglain are burning!

"We must help these people!"

Ivy will spur her horse on in an effort to reach the fleeing people. Once there, she'll circle around them and try to keep the refuges between her and the advancing force. She'll brandish the Kiss of Azrella and will be ready to use it on the approaching foes.

[Corley]

Corley:

As per his nature, not much is heard from Lord Corley while in Rennydale. The sight of Cynalonians being attacked by monsters brings him back to reality.

"By the Crown, this cannot be allowed! Corunglain must not fall!"

Spurring Destrier on, Lord Corley will grab his lance and be ready to use it. He'll ride past the refuges and charge the advancing enemies. The young noble will look for any leader types in the front ranks to engage. He'll charge the enemy, lance down, and ride through them!

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

Listening to Validar, Grondar finds himself nodding in agreement. It is good to hear that the Baron is well and that the region there is stabilizing. That will mean less suffering for the common folk. "That is very good news, my friend," he says to Validar.

"That it is. And my hopes are that with the defeat of Lothar and the breaking up of his bandit cells as well as our increased presence in the Twin Forks region and a build up of forces and defenses on the Timberline border with Elcadan that the area should be safer even now. Therefore my biggest concerns are helping to defeat the enemies flooding in from the Broken Lands."


"Had there been advance notice, then it wouldn't have been a surprise, now would it," Validar says with a grin. "Sherwood and I felt the group deserved one last dinner together before splitting up."

"While there is truth to your words, I'm the type of girl who likes to look good at special events such as this. Fortunately I was able to make myself presentable with my magicks."

"Indeed so."



"As before, the thanks are all mine. As for adding to your collection, my hopes are that our escapades will be most profitable as well as noble. The reconstructions we will face will take much wealth and therefore it is certain that we will need to liberate much treasure from whatever evil may have hoarded it."

"With words like that, you make it hard for me to be greedy when it comes to treasure, Lord Validar. What you say is true and somewhat refreshing. A noble putting the needs of the people above their own."

"It is my understanding that the people rely on their leaders. That is what a good leader does and what qualifies one to truly lead. They must do what is best for their territory. Sometimes the people benefit more than others."

"I am certain that we will all be much richer when our adventures are completed. You shouldn't worry that all we do is rush off to everyone's rescue. I am not as altruistic as you may make it out to be. I have my own goals, which are dear to me. I just tend to look at a larger picture than some."

[Sherra]

Sherra:

The cold doesn't hit Sherra quite as hard as some, and she doesn't seem to mind it even though she has her cloak around her as well. The ride is pleasant, especially with the light conversation between her and Grondar and the music provided by Lyonessa. She will mostly be asking Grondar about the places that he and the other dwarves were talking about the other night, since she has been to none of them.

As evening closes around the group, Sherra soon learns of the situation that is going on inside Corunglain. It sounds almost worse than anything the group has faced so far, and so she quickly readies her bow. At Validar's order, she rides up and tries to pick out the wyvern that everyone else has targeted and adds her arrows to the mix. She will not use her shrinking number of magical shafts unless her normal arrows appear to do no damage.

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Moving closer but far enough away not to spook the pegasus, "I beg your pardon but I couldn't help but overhear the commotion. Perhaps I could be of some assitance to you, my friend."

Seeing Acerion's concerned features he will add, "I have always been good around animals, even as a child." Motioning to Starfire, "He is a spirited stallion, one of which many of my temple could not approach or handle. I was one of the few that could."

"I would not want to distress your mount any further than he has been. Though I could try when you and your mount are better acquainted."

Curious he will ask, "Have you named him yet?"

"Any help would of course be appreciated, but I do believe that merely by removing the presence of the stable hands has made a significant difference already," Acerion will reply. "My main purpose was to see about getting a custom saddle made, but that might prove to be more of a hinderance than a help. I have never been blessed with a flying mount before and know very little. Riding bareback in combat, especially when airborne, is not something I can accurately weigh the pros and cons over, but instead might be merely trial and error. Of course, in combat, that could prove fatal."

Thinking over the last question, Acerion finally answers, "No, I have yet to find a suitable name, but I know it is something I should decide sooner rather than later."

Ivy had intended to spend some time with Lord Acerion today, provided he was not busy with his pegasus. She'll happily sit with him and sample small portions of wine while listening to Lyonessa's epic ballad.

Acerion enjoys the evening spending time with Ivy, but soon the road will beckon and he must eventually turn in. The morning proves to be quite chilly, and so he makes sure that all of his animals as well as himself will be adequately protected against the cold.

Acerion is mostly within his own thoughts during the day. He will chat with any who speak to him, but for the most part he appears lost in seemingly serious thought.

The situation with Corunglain brings him immediately back from his thoughts and he rides up to get further information and see if he can make out what is transpiring as well.

"We must close distance with them!", Validar will shout. "Then those archers and spellcasters with ranged attack spells should hit the Wyverns hard, but don't waste everything you've got. The rest of us need to interpose ourselves between the pursuers to give the people room to escape and also present attack targets for the Wyverns. Try to concentrate your fire on only one or two targets and drop them before moving on!"

Without hesitation, Acerion retrieves his horn and waits until everyone begins to move forward, keeping himself near the middle of the group. Once everyone is as close together as possible, he sounds his horn, and hopes the sound of it will also buy a few precious seconds for those who are fleeing as hopefully the attackers react to their arrival. After securing his horn, Acerion will wrap his gauntlet-encased fist around the Axe of the Valorus and charge to reach those who are giving chase to the fleeing people of Corunglain.

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

Validar will lead the Guardians toward the people running and around them to cut off the pursuit of those trailing.

While some of the Guardians and continuing into the (humanoid?) pursuers, Validar will keep his eyes on the Wyerns and attempt to attack any that come close.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Rennydale:

"I'm sorry, venerable sir, but I have little knowledge of that area. However, I would be happy to look into it as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Could you perhaps draw a map or write down some detailed directions that would help me locate Thunderdelve?" It cannot hurt to look into his story.

"Never learned how to write", Kromag will say. "Travel west from the human city and up the mountain pass and there you'll find Thunderdelve. If ye do find it, priest, promise me that you'll drive the invaders from its halls. Promise me!"


Corunglain:

The trip to Corunglain has taken an unexpected turn. As the Guardians ride closer, they can see that portions of the city are burning. A group of refugees are fleeing down the road. They are being chased by large band of beings and being menaced by wyverns overhead!

Lord Validar and Lord Corley change mounts from their riding horses to their warhorses. Po is instructed to hang back and tend to the horses.

The Guardians begin to ride to assist the fleeing people of Corunglain. Lord Acerion blows his Horn of Goodness, giving the group the benefits of its protections.

As the group rides along, Laucian is the first to slow down. Taking his Hunter's Bow in hand, Laucian takes aim at one of the Wyverns overhead. In spite of the great distance between himself and his target, the Elven Ranger takes aim and fires. The first shaft imbeds itself in the flank of one of the wyverns. The second sails wide to the right.

Sherra slows next and takes aim at the same wyvern. One of her shafts connects while the other falls short. Grondar and Arocken add their own missiles, but fail to hit a wyvern.

Argent and Chareos slow their advance and prepare to use their magic. Argent casts Lightning Bolt at the wyvern Laucian injured, striking the winged monster. Chareos follows up with another Lightning Bolt from his wand. Between the two bolts, the wyvern is slain and plummets from the sky.

The lightning bolts have an unexpected reaction from three of the other wyverns. The magic spooked them and they turn and fly off in search of easier prey. One wyvern remains flying overhead.


The remainder of the Guardians continue to advance, circling around the fleeing Corunglain citizens. Realizing that they are being helped, some of them stop to catch their breath. Others thank the Guardians for their assistance as they ride past.

Lord Validar rides to a point that puts him between the people and their pursuers. In the dark he can't clearly make out what they are. However, he can tell that they are man-sized.

Ivy soon joins him. The Priestess of Azrella dismounts and holds her enchanted mace before her, waiting for the enemy to arrive.

Lord Corley does not slow down and continues to ride full speed at the enemy. Lowering his lance, the young lord rides through the enemy. Most scatter upon his approach, while a few are impaled on his lance. A few unfortunates are trampled with the passing of his warhorse. Lord Corley's charge takes him into and out of the charging band. He estimates that there are at least fifty beings in the pursuing group.

Lyonessa moves a little past Validar and Ivy and casts Glitterdust. In response, a cloud of glittering particles comes into being around the leading edge of the advancing horde. The entire area is lit up and many inside the cloud are temporarily blinded. The glittering particles envelope those within the cloud and they cling to their bodies. The particles continue to sparkle, clearly outlining the enemy.

Thanks to Lyonessa's magic, the identity of the pursuers is revealed. The majority of the horde are burly humanoids standing over six feet tall. They each wear blackened chain mail. Their hides range from dark reddish-brown to dark gray in color. Their faces show dark red to reddish-orange skin. Some of the Guardians well recognize the creatures as being hobgoblins.

There is a second type of humanoid among the hobgoblins that is even taller than they are. It is a large, muscular creature with yellowish-brown hides. They look more like a large upright carnivore than a person. Their eyes have a savage look to them and are greenish-white in color with red pupils. Their ears are wedge shaped and rise from the top of their heads. Some of the Guardians will recognize this second race as being Bugbears.

Many of the horde slow down in response to the passage of Lord Corley and the magic invoked by Lyonessa. Those not caught by the Glitterdust spell continue to rush forward, screaming battle cries. As they close in on Lord Validar and Ivy, Lyonessa and Lord Acerion join them.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Only 1 wyvern decided to hang around. It's flying overhead. Rough estimate would put the hobgoblins at around 40 strong and there are 10 bugbears among them.

I've created a rough combat map and it can be accessed via the reference page. The map shows the relative positions of everyone, but should not be considered to scale.

That covers round 1.

Now what?

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

As Validar leads the Guardians around the refugees, the sky lights up not once, but two times and with the bright light from the Lightning Bolts, one wyvern is seen dropped from the sky and three of the others turn and wing off.

"First blood is ours," the noble lord thinks and he is pleased that they have taken care of 4 wyverns in one volley. That will make this rescue all the less bloody for the people of Corunglain. "Now we turn our attention to the humanoids."

Validar could make out the enemies as various humanoids, but little else in the brief light. However, Lyonessa moves past and casts a spell that shows more of the enemy. Validar recognizes the bulk of them as hobgoblins. He fought them in the Frontier while serving under Captain Randar. The other, taller and more feral ones are new to the young noble, but do not even give him a moment's pause.

"Try to drive off that last Wyvern," Validar shouts above the din of battle.

Not willing to let Lord Corley get cut off and surrounded after his initial charge, Lord Validar rushes forward and meets the enemy moving towards him, his sword flashing as he rides into the humanoids.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

"Never learned how to write", Kromag will say. "Travel west from the human city and up the mountain pass and there you'll find Thunderdelve. If ye do find it, priest, promise me that you'll drive the invaders from its halls. Promise me!"

"That is no problem, as I was taught to write as part of my training." Grondar will copy down the directions in Dwarven, then make a second copy in Common. The second copy he gives to Sherra.

"Please hold on to this, my friend, just in case mine copy gets lost somehow."

Then he turns back to Kromag. "You have my word as a priest of our Revered Mother, Berronar Truesilver, wife of Moradin, the Soul Forge, that I will do my best to locate Thunderdelve. And should I find it, I will not rest until it is back in the hands of our people."

=============

The battle is joined. Grondar adds his crossbow to the attack on the wyvern, but without success. Fortunately, the others manage to bring it down. Even better, the lightning bolts cast by his friends seems to scare several of the others away. Only one remains.

Meanwhile, Lord Validar and the other warriors cut the refugees off from their pursuers. It is only when Lyonessa casts her spell, does it become possible to identify the attackers. Grondar recognises the hobgoblins, but the other creatures are not familiar to him. He will have to ask about them later.

Grondar rides closer to the band of refugees. "Please give us a minute to resolve this battle. Then we will see to your well-being." There are still opponents to be vanquished, so that must come first. Raising his crossbow once again, Grondar sights in on the remaining wyvern and lets loose.

[Corley]

Corley:

Lord Corley charges into the enemy on top of Destrier. His lance lowered, several of the large goblinoids are skewered along the way and they hang limply from the weapon. Corley slows his mount after riding out of the humanoid horde and discards his lance.

Turning, Lord Corley rides back to the enemy, but at a much slower pace. Once close enough, Corley dismounts and shoos Destrier away. He draws his two-handed sword and runs after the humanoids, hacking anything that gets in his way!

"Devils! Invaders! You'll pay for the evil you've done here this day!!"

[Ivy]

Ivy:

Once past the mob of people, Ivy drops from her horse and sends it away from the battle. Brandishing her mace before her, Ivy waits for the humanoids to reach her. Suddenly, the priestess remembers one of the abilities of her Holy Weapon. With just a thought, the mace begins to glow brightly, illuminating the area around Ivy.

"The better to see them with," Ivy says to no one in particular.

Ivy will wait for the enemy to reach her and then she'll only strike each hobgoblin once with her mace. She's unsure of the potency of her new weapon and still has to be careful when it comes to combat. While she is sure that Azrella would approve of her saving a large group of innocents, killing others is strongly discouraged. She's not sure if that prohibition extends to goblinoid invaders.

[Argent]

Argent:

The Invoker allows herself a smile when the wyvern goes down after the Lightning Bolts. Even better, three others fly off after the display of power.

"Be stingy with your magic, Chareos," Argent will call out. "Judging by the state of Corunglain, it may be a long time before we can rest and regain spells. Use your spells only as necessary!"

To that end, Argent will cast Magic Missile at the remaining wyvern and then hold back on her magic. Between her effort and those with bows, the wyvern should no longer be a threat.

Afterwards, Argent will ride slowly towards the others engaged against the hobgoblin horde. Hopefully they'll be able to deal with them without magical assistance.

[Chareos]

Chareos

Chareos watches as the wyvern's limp form falls to the ground. A smile crosses his face as he watches three more fly away.

"Be stingy with your magic, Chareos", Argent will call out. "Judging by the state of Corunglain, it may be a long time before we can rest and regain spells. Use your spells only as necessary!"

"Yes of course! The night is just beginning," he says with a smile. Stowing his wand he will taking his fire breathing potion from his pouch and ride closer to the other fighters. Before he reaches them he will take a draft from his potion.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Taking aim with the Hunter's bow he lets loose his arrow. It soon finds it mark as he readies a second shaft. His next volley isn't as fruitful as the first, as he watches it sail wide of the target.

Moving forward amongst Chareos and Argent, Laucian will take aim at the last wyvern and let loose with his arrows

[Sherra]

Sherra:

Sherra slows next and takes aim at the same wyvern. One of her shafts connects while the other falls short. Grondar and Arocken add their own missiles, but fail to hit a wyvern.

Sherra curses to herself at having to slow down a bit to fire at the wyvern, and then only one of her shafts manages to hit anyway. She knows it's going to take some time before she truly gets the hang of firing from a moving mount. The combination of arrows and spells do take its toll on the wyverns; driving off or killing all but one.

"Try to drive off that last Wyvern," Validar shouts above the din of battle.

"Already on it," Sherra says, although she isn't concerned if her voice carries far enough to reach anyone's ears right then. She will loose two more shafts and see what effect those have combined with further spells and arrows from her companions.

She sees the other battlefield and the horde of humanoids that Lyonessa's magic has revealed, but can't concentrate on them just yet. With just a glimpse of the numbers of that group of foes, Sherra steels herself for the fact that this battle could become very drawn out.

[Acerion]

Acerion:

The lightning bolts have an unexpected reaction from three of the other wyverns. The magic spooked them and they turn and fly off in search of easier prey. One wyvern remains flying overhead.

The battle in the sky is nearly won, but the one on the ground has the potential to be more grim. Seeing the archers and Argent preparing to make short work of the remaining wyvern, Acerion stows his horn and presses onward.

The remainder of the Guardians continue to advance, circling around the fleeing Corunglain citizens. Realizing that they are being helped, some of them stop to catch their breath. Others thank the Guardians for their assistance as they ride past.

Acerion raises a hand as he passes and calls out, "Fear not, for we shall deal with these vile enemies."

Thanks to Lyonessa's magic, the identity of the pursuers is revealed. The majority of the horde are burly humanoids standing over six feet tall. They each wear blackened chain mail. Their hides range from dark reddish-brown to dark gray in color. Their faces show dark red to reddish-orange skin. Some of the Guardians well recognize the creatures as being hobgoblins.

There is a second type of humanoid among the hobgoblins that is even taller than they are. It is a large, muscular creature with yellowish-brown hides. They look more like a large upright carnivore than a person. Their eyes have a savage look to them and are greenish-white in color with red pupils. Their ears are wedge shaped and rise from the top of their heads. Some of the Guardians will recognize this second race as being Bugbears.

"A battle worth fighting, although their spilled blood will only barely fertilize these plains because of the very foulness of hobgoblins," Acerion calls out and he spurs his mount faster to reach where his beloved Ivy and Validar already stand. He has lost sight of Corley but seriously doubts the young noble is finished.

Many of the horde slow down in response to the passage of Lord Corley and the magic invoked by Lyonessa. Those not caught by the Glitterdust spell continue to rush forward, screaming battle cries. As they close in on Lord Validar and Ivy, Lyonessa and Lord Acerion join them.

Acerion slows until he is just past Validar and Ivy's position. Quickly, he dismounts and shoos his mount away, bringing his holy axe to bear upon the first foolish humanoid to charge him.

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

Lyonessa moves a little past Validar and Ivy and casts Glitterdust. In response, a cloud of glittering particles comes into being around the leading edge of the advancing horde. The entire area is lit up and many inside the cloud are temporarily blinded. The glittering particles envelope those within the cloud and they cling to their bodies. The particles continue to sparkle, clearly outlining the enemy.

Lyonessa is elated that her spell worked so well. Not only are several of the advancing horde of hobgoblins blinded, but they are illuminated to make much easier targets. In order to get into position for the spell, Lyonessa finds herself out near the front with very few companions around her.

Many of the horde slow down in response to the passage of Lord Corley and the magic invoked by Lyonessa. Those not caught by the Glitterdust spell continue to rush forward, screaming battle cries. As they close in on Lord Validar and Ivy, Lyonessa and Lord Acerion join them.

Lyonessa casts her Blur spell on herself and braces for the coming melee. She will ready her new magical mace and hope that its magic and her own will hold long enough for the last wyvern to be slain so that the others may join and help even the odds.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

While traveling to Corunglain, the Guardians are shocked to find the city besieged and burning! A group of refugees attempted to flee to the south and are being chased by a force of hobgoblins and bugbears. A lone wyvern circles overhead looking for easy prey to devour. Part of the group deals with the wyverns, while the others take on the charging humanoids.


Grondar's crossbow neatly re-cocks itself and the dwarven priest loads another bolt. He quickly fires at the lone wyvern, driving the shaft into the animal's flank.

Argent casts Magic Missile and a stream of five sparkling missiles issue forth, illuminating the night sky like glittering diamonds.

The other bowmen continue the attack on the Wyvern. Now at closer range, their shots are more accurate. Laucian and Sherra both have two hits and Arocken adds another. Between the magic and missiles, the wyvern plummets to the ground lifelessly. It lands with a sickening thud close by and does not stir.


Spurring Havok on, Lord Validar rides towards the charging humanoids. Grasping the reins in one hand, he holds his longsword in the other. A pair of hobgoblins fall to his blade as he clashes with the enemy.

Multiple attacks come his way, but none penetrate his enchanted plate armor. Multiple arrows streak past the young lord, but none find their mark. A spear is thrust forward and it penetrates Havoc's chain barding, causing a minor wound to the warhorse's flank.

Lord Acerion stands his ground and awaits the arriving horde. The Axe of the Valorous begins to tingle and glow in his hands. The first two hobgoblins to reach the Paladin of Heironeous are sliced in half by the holy weapon. Three more hobgoblins rush Acerion and one manages to stab him with its spear for minor damage. A few arrows pass overhead missing Acerion.

A few dozen feet away, Ivy is swarmed by goblinoids. A pair of bugbears and two hobgoblins rush the Priestess of Azrella. The Kiss of Azrella glows bright, fully illuminating the area. The holy weapon rings out, smacking each of the bugbears, but downing neither of them. Ivy is struck by a club and by an arrow from an unseen archer. Both harmlessly bounce off her protective Stoneskin.

Lyonessa casts Blur on herself and her form shifts and wavers. A pair of hobgoblins rushes the Songstress of Mystra, but they miss with their clubs.

Back behind the humanoid horde, Lord Corley comes rushing in with his massive two-handed sword. Two hobgoblins fall in his wake and others rush to engage him, but his armor saves him from injury.


Chareos rides up after having taken a sip of his Potion of Fiery Breath.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The wyverns have been defeated. All that remains now are 38 hobgoblins and 10 bugbears.

The combat map has been updated.


Updated Hit Points:

Acerion - 44 of 46
Havoc - 22 of 24

Now what?

[Grondar]

Grondar:

This time, Grondar's quarrel strikes home. He murmurs a quick prayer of thanks to Berronar as he watches the wyvern fall from the sky amidst the hail of attacks. The wyvern threat has be removed, but quick look shows that the refugees' pursuers have shown up in force and appear inclined to make a fight of it.

Climbing down from his pony, Grondar hangs his crossbow and quiver of bolts from the saddlehorn. "If one of you would be so kind as to hold Rockgrinder's reigns for me, I'll go see if I can't help with the hobgoblins. Oh, and if any of you are skilled with the crossbow, feel free to use mine; just note that I will want it back after this battle is done."

Preparing his shield and TruthGiver, he takes off running. The thought of perhaps making use of some of Berronar's blessings crosses his mind, but the sight of Corunglain burning indicates that they may well have greater need of them later. Instead, he goes looping out around Chareos and Ivy and comes at the band of goblinoids from the side. Spotting one of the larger, animalistic creatures near the edge of the group, Grondar makes that his target, striking hard with TruthGiver as soon as he's in range.

==========================================
Did Sherra accept the copy of the directions to Thunderdelve from Grondar?

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

With a shout, Lord Validar charges into the swarm of hobgoblins and his hacking blade slashes down two of their number. Soon he is surrounded by the vile humanoids but his armor and that of his warhorse hold off most of the attacks, including arrows which fly past his head or bounce off his enchanted shield.

Validar will continue his push forward, hacking at the hobgoblins before him and ugung Havok to trample those who don't move from his way. Movement is not as important as fighting however, and he will make sure to stay close to the hobgoblins and continue his attacks.

Validar will note the wyvern dropped from the sky and also try to see whether the arrows are from nearby humanoids or some other threat.

Arocken -
The elf will let out a cry of elation as the last Wyvern is dropped from the sky. Arocken will circle as needed to clear the refugees and continue to fire his bow at the humanoids, concentrating on those near the hand-to-hand fighters, but not those engaged with them.

If Ivy or Lyonessa are in trouble from the attacks, he will draw his sword and close in to help them.

Note -
Spotting one of the larger, owl-beaked creatures ...
Is it possible that Grondar is confusing owlbears with bugbears or am I missing something?

[fanchergw]

Clearly, I got confused. My appologies.

No problem. Personally am glad they're BUGbears and not OWLbears!

In truth, I don't know the game well enough to know the difference. I'll take your word for it that the other option would be worse.

I once knew the game much better, but have forgotten so much over the years. However, I do know that I'd rather face 10 Bugbears, which are a humanoid race, albeit bigger, stronger and nastier than many such as orcs or hobgoblins, than even 2 owlbears. "The owlbear attacks prey on sight, always fighting to the death (ignore morale rating for purposes of determining retreat). It attacks with its claws and snapping beak." They are big, mean, foul-tempered and nasty!

[Chareos]

Chareos

After taking a draft from his potion he looks up to find Ivy begin to be surrounded by the humanoids. Dismounting he quickly moves to Ivy's right flank.

He will spit out his potion at the creatures before him trying to angle it so that he doesn't get any of his comrades in the line of fire.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian lets out a smile as the last of the wyverns plummets out of the sky by their combined efforts.

Gazing across the battlefield he can't help but notice the hole in the left flank exposing Argent, Lyonessa to being surrounded.

Forgoing his bow he will dismount and move to Lyonessa's side. Drawing both Sword and Dagger he will attack the first hobogoblin that comes with in his reach.

[Sherra]

Sherra:

"That is no problem, as I was taught to write as part of my training." Grondar will copy down the directions in Dwarven, then make a second copy in Common. The second copy he gives to Sherra.

"Please hold on to this, my friend, just in case mine copy gets lost somehow."

"Of course," Sherra says with a grin that tells him she doesn't believe he would lose anything. Despite that, she diligently rolls the copy up and puts it in her scroll case where her other parchments reside.

The other bowmen continue the attack on the Wyvern. Now at closer range, their shots are more accurate. Laucian and Sherra both have two hits and Arocken adds another. Between the magic and missiles, the wyvern plummets to the ground lifelessly. It lands with a sickening thud close by and does not stir.

Laucian lets out a smile as the last of the wyvern's plummets out of the sky by their combined efforts.

Sherra smiles as well, but the celebration is short lived. The hobgoblin and bugbear horde is closing quickly on those who rode ahead. She spurs her horse past the refugees and sees several of the enemy fall to devistating attacks from Validar and the others, but there are plenty of targets to be had and Sherra fears her companions maybe be overrun. She will ride out to the right and position herself to fire into the hobgoblins from horseback.

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Lord Acerion stands his ground and awaits the arriving horde. The Axe of the Valorous begins to tingle and glow in his hands. The first two hobgoblins to reach the Paladin of Heironeous are sliced in half by the holy weapon. Three more hobgoblins rush Acerion and one manages to stab him with its spear for minor damage. A few arrows pass overhead missing Acerion.

Acerion cuts down the first pair of foes that faced him with little effort. His holy axe humming in his hands, several more hobgoblins seem intent to try to make him pay for slaying their kin. One takes a jab with his spear and catches Acerion as he concentrates on avoiding incoming arrows. The wound is minor, but still impressive that it struck true. That hobgoblin will be the first one Acerion will swing his axe at next.

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

Lyonessa casts Blur on herself and her form shifts and wavers. A pair of hobgoblins rushes the Songstress of Mystra, but they miss with their clubs.

my spell was successful, and not a moment too soon Lyonessa thinks as she watches the pair of hobgoblins menacing her. She will swing her enchanted mace in hopes to bring one of the mangy humanoids down before turning to face the other. She also notes that she is losing sight of the others in the swarm of foes and she hopes not to be surrounded and dragged down by their numbers.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed