New Frontiers # 54

[GM Mad]

New Frontiers #54


The Guardians and their allies have reached the grand cavern holding the invading army! The wagons bearing the lantern oil are made ready to be sent down upon the enemy while numerous magicks are invoked to aid in the battle.

(Here's a recap of the spells in play. Laucian casts Bless on those around him. Lyonessa uses her bardic ability to Rally the group gaining them an attack bonus. Grondar casts Protection from Evil on Sherra, and then Prayer on those around him. I held off on him casting Protection from Evil, 10' Radius as he wasn't yet at the location where he was going to cast it and trying to cast it early would have caused him to be noticed by the enemy. Chareos casts Fly on himself and Cat's Grace on Grondar. Argent earlier cast Strength on herself and adds a Fly Spell. Ivy casts Silence, 15' Radius on the first wagon and Lord Acerion blows his Horn of Goodness.)

With the preparations complete, the attack begins!


Round #1:

Argent casts Pyrotechnics and one of the campfires unexpectedly begins to produce thick, blinding smoke. The smoke rises and fills a good portion of the far cavern. Everyone in the cavern can't help but notice what is happening and those within the smoke are quickly lost from sight.

The smoke cloud provides an excellent distraction and the two wagons are lit and sent into the cavern. The wagons travel down the ramp rapidly gaining speed as they go along. Anyone caught before them are violently run over by the runaway wagons.

The first wagon travels about fifty feet into the cavern before the lantern oil is ignited. A small explosion is quickly followed by a much larger one. However both are muffled by the Silence spell. The flaming oil is sprayed outwards and covers those too close to the wagon. Dozens of orcs and goblins are covered by the fiery liquid. Most go down in their death throes from the attack. Anything that can burn does so.

The second wagon strikes a tall rock in the cavern floor and coupled with its momentum, it flips over forward. Containers of oil go flying from the wagon and saturate the area before the wagon. Some of the oil is burning, but most remains in liquid form.

While this is going on, those with ranged weapons use them and begin to pick off enemy targets. Only orcs, hobgoblins, and goblins can be seen so far and none of them seem particularly special, so the archers concentrate on the nearest targets. A dozen enemy troops go down from this assault.

Everyone else rushes into position on the terraces and waits for the enemy to arrive.

[GM Mad]

Round #2

Chareos and Argent unleash Fireballs into the enemy camp. Chareos aims his so that it overlaps the wagon with the spilled contents. The fire explodes, engulfing the enemy within the area of effect. Anything that can burn is ignited and covered with flames. The bottles of oil that didn't go off initially, now do. A series of small explosions are heard as the bottles ignite, spraying flaming oil on those too close.

Argent's fireball goes off between the two wagons and yet more goblinoids go up in flames. The foul smell of seared flesh fills the cavern along with the screams of those on fire.

Lyonessa uses the Wand of Lightning once more and a bolt of lightning streaks into the enemy camp taking down anyone in its path before dissipating.

Grondar casts Protection from Evil 10' Radius.

Those goblins in this immediate area of the cave flee away from the Guardians, while orcs and hobgoblins pick up weapons and begin to advance. The archers concentrate on these approaching enemies and dispatch another dozen or so before they can get too close.

Those who do reach the front line are greeted rudely. Lord Acerion blasts a pair of orcs back with his Holy Axe. Their remains are sent backwards in a shower of gore that covers more approaching orcs.

The blades of Lord Corley, Lord Validar, and Rathlar likewise dispatch more orcs back to their foul one-eyed god. Aria screams a loud battle cry and begins to slice hobgoblins in half with her magickal axe.

More enemies rush to fill the void of those fallen. Aria takes a minor wound from a hobgoblin, while Lord Validar and Rathlar are struck by orcs.


Those in the back lines can see that things are beginning to happen in the main cavern as the enemy tries to recover from this surprise attack. There is movement in the cavern leading way to the group's right. Trolls begin to emerge from the various side caves and they start to rush forward! There are well over two dozen of the monsters!

From a cave opening on the left, a swarm of bugbears emerge looking around wondering just what is going on. They number over thirty.

Far on the right side of the grand cavern, a contingent of important looking orcs begins to file in. Several start to take charge of their troops, trying to bring order to the chaos going on before them. Laucian is the first to see them, but some of the Guardians are blocked from seeing them. The orc leader who you battled in the park is among them!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

I do believe that you've gotten their attention!

That covers the first 2 rounds of combat. A battle map can be accessed via the World of Cynalon page. I didn't go overboard in laying out the exact position of enemies. There's just too many of them and it would just clutter an already busy map.

The front-line fighters are engaged with as many as three foes, but none have yet to break through the line. The areas that are on fire are also helping to form a barrier to further limit the number of foes that can rush forward.

The orc leaders can only be seen by those to the south of Lord Corley and Valena. Everyone above them is blocked by the cavern walls.

Hit Points:

Aria - 73 of 75
Rathlar - 62 of 68
Validar - 72 of 76

Now what?

[Validar]

Lord Validar -


The preparations are made and the wagons are lit and sent into the enemy's midst, as Argent causes a thick, dark choking smoke to arise in the middle of the cavern. As the humanoids take notice of this, the two wagons crash into them, taking individuals out as they carreen into the horde.

One explodes, and the other, which crashes spectacularly is alit by Chareos and Argent's Fireballs. A wall of flame cuts off part of the enemy, while a Lightning bolt clears our right flank somewhat of the enemy. Arrows follow the attack and eliminate many of the remaining that are on our side of the fire.

"Well struck!" Lord Validar will exclaim, his sword thrust over his head. He lowers it a moment later as the goblins nearby all seem to run from the unexpected attacks, but the hobgoblins and orcs advance ready for battle. As they reach the Guardians' front line, many of the humanoids are struck down.

"Hold the line!" Validar will instruct. "Close ranks, if needed! Hold your position! Do not advance individually! Stay together!"

From his point on the first terrace, he can see over Lord Acerion furiously swinging his holy Axe and downing the enemy in showers of blood. From one of the tunnels he sees movement. "Trolls!" Lord Validar exclaims, pointing his sword briefly in their direction, then continuing to strike down the orcs near him.

[Argent]

Argent:

"Very good, Argent," Validar will say. "From the center vantage point, you can help to direct the spells of the others, as well as your own. Magic will certainly help us to win this day. Make each of your abilities count as much as possible."

"No need to worry about me, milord. I've had an excellent teacher in the application of spells while in battle. Hold the line and we'll take down the bulk of this foul horde."

Chareos will nod in agreement and say, "I will confine my magicks to the left flank. Hopefully between the three of us we can damage their morale even before a sword stroke falls."

"Just use one of your major area effect spells in the opening attacking, Chareos", Argent will suggest. "Save the rest for leaders and bigger monsters. No need to waste it on the regular troops. Our warriors can handle them."


The battle begins as Argent casts Pyrotechnics on one of the campfires, generating a blinding smoke. A Fireball follows and much of the area near the entrance is engulfed in flames. It seems that the goblins are on the run, but orcs and hobgoblins are rushing the front line. More monsters can be seen approaching from a variety of locations.

From one of the tunnels he sees movement. "Trolls!" Lord Validar exclaims, pointing his sword briefly in their direction, then continuing to strike down the orcs near him.

"I've got them!", Argent calls out as she spies the approaching trolls. The Invoker will cast Web into those tunnels and will hopefully ensnare all of them within the spell. "Those trolls trapped within the Web will be there for a long time! Ignore them for now and concentrate your efforts on those foes who can actually reach us!"

Looking back out over the battlefield, the Invoker will look for a target worthy of her last Fireball. Should the orc leaders be within her field of vision by then, they will be her target. Otherwise send it towards the bugbears emerging from the left flank.

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

"I have heard tales of that wondrous blade," Grondar replies with a far-away sound to his voice. "It would be a great honor to look upon so storied an artifact."

"There are possibly other treasure to be found there as well. I do so look forward to finding them."

"Practically speaking, I think it would behoove us to start with some of the smaller mines and work our way up to the Gloryhole. That would give up time to build up an appropriate force to meet the dread challenges we are likely to meet - if the tales have any truth to them."

"Hence why I am here in Corunglain. It is said that orcs now hold the Gloryhole, fouling its pristine state with their vile presence. Battling them here will just prepare me for what is to come. My plan was to liberate the dwarf holds along the way to the Gloryhole and hopefully gain friends and allies for the task to come."

Grondar huffs. "Bah! Most of these tunnels look to have been clawed out by rock reptiles or other similar beasts. It is hard to imagine that any intelligent creature would perform such crude work."

"Such is the work of the goblinoids. Even the mighty purple worm digs a truer tunnel!"


Aria is ready when the enemy rushes the front line. She doesn't know much about the skills of this group she finds herself allied with, but their courage cannot be questioned. Shouting a dwarven battle cry taught to her by her father, Aria strikes with her magical axe slicing hobgoblins in half with its enchanted blade!

"Which one of you foul, stinking wretches wishes to feel the bite of my blade next? Who dares to face the mettle of a true dwarven warrior?"

[Grondar]

Grondar:

"There are possibly other treasure to be found there as well. I do so look forward to finding them."

"No doubt you are right, Aria. I would feel very proud to have our people living and worshipping our gods once again in these ancestral homes."

"Hence why I am here in Corunglain. It is said that orcs now hold the Gloryhole, fouling its pristine state with their vile presence. Battling them here will just prepare me for what is to come. My plan was to liberate the dwarf holds along the way to the Gloryhole and hopefully gain friends and allies for the task to come."

"Well, I can assure you that you have gained at least one already," Grondar replies with a smile and a small bow.

"Such is the work of the goblinoids. Even the mighty purple worm digs a truer tunnel!"

Grondar snorts in amusement, but says nothing.

The battle begins even as Grondar is casting his spell. Within moments, large portions of the cavern are filled with fire and smoke. The archers and wagons achieve deadly effect among the goblinoids, felling many just as they are starting to become aware of the possible danger. For the moment, at least, the Guardians have the advantage of momentum and surprise.

However, Grondar is not done with his spellcasting. As he planned, he takes a couple steps back to ensure that he is out of reach of the front line of goblinoids. Then, calling on the power of Berronar, he casts Recitation to bouy his companions.

Once that is done, the dwarf pauses to look around at the current situation. If the leader-types at the far end of the cavern appear to still be active, he will cast Silence 15' Radius as close to the center of the group as possible.

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Sounding his Horn of Goodness, Acerion moves into position in time to see the opening volleys of his companions' attack. Spells and magical effects soon throw the enemy into confusion with very little organized resistance. This allows for further attacks before finally Acerion has to ready his magical axe.

Those who do reach the front line are greeted rudely. Lord Acerion blasts a pair of orcs back with his Holy Axe. Their remains are sent backwards in a shower of gore that covers more approaching orcs.

Acerion finds little satisfaction in slaughtering these lowly orcs. The few his axe has touched so far can not wash away the atrocities already commited by this horde. Soon though, it appears that the leaders and stronger monsters finally awaken from their seeming slumber to wander out into the main cavern.

"Trolls!" Lord Validar exclaims, pointing his sword briefly in their direction, then continuing to strike down the orcs near him.

"I've got them!", Argent calls out as she spies the approaching trolls. The Invoker will cast Web into those tunnels and will hopefully ensnare all of them within the spell. "Those trolls trapped within the Web will be there for a long time! Ignore them for now and concentrate your efforts on those foes who can actually reach us!"

"Understood!" Acerion bellows in response, turning his gaze from the emerging trolls, confindent in the Lady Argent's magic to keep the trolls from being a factor is this battle. "Come then, foul humanoids," Acerion calls out to those enemy nearest him, "surely some of you must have some skill to make this a challenge!"

Acerion waits patiently, axe at the ready and holding his position. There is no eagerness to break formation and he conserves his stamina, waiting until some foolhardy orc or hobgoblin wanders into his axe's reach.

[Laucian]

Laucian

As the battle begins Laucian is ready with an arrow to his bow and continues to fire his arrows into the ranks of the horde. With his comrades efforts as well as his own, chaos erupts within the enemy camp with a roar of a silent mouse followed by the light of flame.

The Humanoids soon begin to gather their strength as Laucian nocks yet another arrow to his bow. He scans the battlefield for a likely target and begins to take aim. As he does so he notices two things: The group of bugbears emerge bewildered at what has occured, though more importantly at the limits of his vision he sees a large group of humanoids emerge from the front(rear) flank of their lines.

Taking a moment he looks at the new group gauging the threat. As he sees a rather large Orc grab a reeling goblin and throw him aside, bellowing as he does so. The goblin soon regains his footing and takes off at a sprint.

He will yell above the fighting the best he can,” Comrades, It appears their Generals have entered the field on the Right Rear of their Flank!”

With the warning out he turns back to the bewildered bugbears and begins firing Arrows(any of his +1’s that remain). As he takes aim on the Bugbears he will add,” Now let us see which is worse your bark or your bite!”

[Chareos]

Chareos

Chareos is pleased as the combined efforts of the archers and mages make a dent in the enemy’s ranks, though he knows now the test shall come: Facing their full combined strength.

He will yell above the fighting the best he can,” Comrades, It appears their Generals have entered the field on the Right Rear of their Flank!”

Relaying the message to Argent and then replying to Laucian, ”Then let us welcome them to the field!” If the Humanoid leaders are within range he will center his fireball on the leaders (if any shamans or priests can be made out at this range, center it on them).

If they are not in range of his Fireball he will Cast a Magic Missile at a Bugbear.

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

Using the wand of Lightning seems the best choice and she sends a bolt into a mass of enemy bodies. The magic does its work and takes down many foes. She sees a few of the enemy figure out what is going on and charge the front line only to be cut down.

Sweet Mystra, Lyonessa thinks, let us turn the enemy soon! She raises the wand, looking for another packed group of goblins or other foes as she hears the voices of her companions call out, telling her trolls, bugbears and even possibly the enemy command are visible.

Argent says she will handle the trolls, so Lyonessa looks for a group of the enemy that might be rallying in mass with their leaders and will send a lightning bolt into them.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

i did not see you mention that Lyonessa cast Blur on herself just before the battle. did she have time to do that?

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

Before the Battle -

"Very good, Argent," Validar will say. "From the center vantage point, you can help to direct the spells of the others, as well as your own. Magic will certainly help us to win this day. Make each of your abilities count as much as possible."

"No need to worry about me, milord. I've had an excellent teacher in the application of spells while in battle. Hold the line and we'll take down the bulk of this foul horde."

Lord Validar nods his approval. "That is well. We will need to be as efficient and effective as possible. Together, we will all destroy this hated enemy."


During the Battle -

From one of the tunnels he sees movement. "Trolls!" Lord Validar exclaims, pointing his sword briefly in their direction, then continuing to strike down the orcs near him.

"I've got them!", Argent calls out as she spies the approaching trolls. The Invoker will cast Web into those tunnels and will hopefully ensnare all of them within the spell. "Those trolls trapped within the Web will be there for a long time! Ignore them for now and concentrate your efforts on those foes who can actually reach us!"

Lord Validar will cast a couple of glances to be certain that no trolls made it through the webs. If they have all been halted by Argent's magick, then the noble warrior will ignore their threat for the moment, remembering to deal with them permanently later. If any trolls have made it through the web, then he trusts the mages and Lord Acerion and Arocken to deal with these monsters.


Taking a moment he looks at the new group gauging the threat. As he sees a rather large Orc grab a reeling goblin and throw him aside, bellowing as he does so. The goblin soon regains his footing and takes off at a sprint.

He will yell above the fighting the best he can,” Comrades, It appears their Generals have entered the field on the Right Rear of their Flank!”

Word reaches Validar's ears that the horde's leaders have appeared on the field of battle. Using his superior eyesight, honed on the field of battle for just this very thing (identifying and locating specifics), Lord Validar spots the orc leaders, as they step further into the cavern and begin organizing the enemy. To his satisfaction, the leader that they fought in the park appears to be here as well. This battle will end in that creature's blood, Validar thinks to himself.

"Leaders are on the field! Target and eliminate all leaders and priests! Forcefully and quickly!" Lord Validar will prepare himself to move his comrades closer once the next volley or two of magick and arrows is completed and he can gauge the effectiveness of their attack. For now, he continues to hold the Guardians here.

[Sherra]

Sherra:

Having a choice of an infinite amount of regular troops to target, Sherra fires arrows into goblins near the spell effects in hopes to panic them even faster. The opening attacks seem to send them into a swirl of confusion. Soon though, numerous beasties are seen entering from different caverns and even the leaders have made themselves seen, although from much too far away.

"Leaders are on the field! Target and eliminate all leaders and priests! Forcefully and quickly!" Lord Validar will prepare himself to move his comrades closer once the next volley or two of magick and arrows is completed and he can gauge the effectiveness of their attack. For now, he continues to hold the Guardians here.

"As soon as they are in range of our bows, they are dead!" Sherra calls back, looking for these new ripe targets. However, until she can see them and they are in range, she will continue to fire into the regular troops. She will not waste valuable time waiting for an enemy that might not be seen for long minutes yet.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Round 3:

The struggle beneath the earth continues!

Trolls begin to emerge from a cave opening on the right. They are spotted and Argent casts a Web to seal off the opening. However, the trolls move faster than one would suspect and four manage to exit the cave before it is filled with Webs!

Arocken spins and sends arrows towards one of the trolls. They both embed themselves in the troll, but it continues to advance on the elfin ranger. The beast misses with its claws, but bites Arocken.

Another of the trolls rushes Lord Acerion. The Paladin of Heironeous is prepared and slams the troll hard with his holy axe, cutting a huge gash in its shoulder. The troll is undaunted and fights back. A pair of claws slash Lord Acerion drawing blood.

The last two trolls rush the gap between Arocken and Lord Acerion. Ivy slips over to greet them. She bashes the first with her own Holy Weapon and greatly wounds the first troll. The second troll slashes at her with its claws, but her Stoneskin saves her from harm.

Those close to this side of the flank can hear a ripping sound coming from the webbed cave! The trolls are slowly clawing their way through the web! Eventually they will be free of its immobilizing effects!


Grondar casts Recitation and all the Guardians can feel its benevolent effects upon them. Those creatures within the spells effects seem confused as if unsure of their attacks and don't attack with as much viciousness as before.


Laucian calls out that the leaders have entered the field of battle on the far side of the cave. Lord Validar directs those who can to attack them immediately.

Chareos launches another Fireball and it explodes among the goblinoids. The spell is devastating, igniting many of those present and driving most to the cavern floor. Four survive the onslaught and continue to rush forward, gathering troops and issuing orders as they advance.

As they move, the group comes into view for most of the Guardians. Laucian, realizing that every point within the cave is within range of his Hunter's Bow, fires arrows at the orc leader. He hits once, but the leader continues to advance.

Sherra, Valena, and Lyonessa can see the advancing group and act accordingly. Lyonessa uses the Wand of Lightning; once more it rips into the orc group. One of the four surviving leaders goes down.

Sherra and Valena fire a volley of arrows. Sherra takes down what appears to be an enemy priest, while Valena takes out two other orcs in the area. The two remaining orc leaders continue to advance gathering more and more troops to their side.

Those enemy with ranged attacks are encouraged to use them. Arrows, bolts, and spears hurtled by the bugbears are sent the Guardians' way. The vast majority of them fail to hit their desired target, but a few do get through.

Chareos is hit by a spear, but it just bounces off his Stoneskin. Only his augmented strength kept him from being flung to the ground from the attack. Lyonessa is also struck in spite of the Blur spell in action on her. Fortunately, her own Stoneskin saves her from harm.


Unexpectedly, there is movement on the left flank as a small group of bugbears emerges from the cave right next to the entry tunnel. They number three and two of the large, hairy monsters engage Rathlar. Switching to his blades, Rathlar downs one of the bugbears but takes heavy damage from their return attacks. Aria Stonehand buries her axe deep in the other bugbear slaying it. Noise can be heard coming from the cave and even more bugbears begin to emerge.

Those on the frontline endure more attacks as more orcs and hobgoblins rush towards them. More of the creatures are dispatched with ease, while only Lord Corley takes damage. However, his enchanted ring heals his wound with his very next strike.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

I did not see you mention that Lyonessa cast Blur on herself just before the battle. did she have time to do that?

An oversight on my part. Lyonessa had time to cast Blur on herself.

The orc leaders were within range of bows and spells. Coupled with Validar's directive to target the leaders, Laucian and Sherra's arrows where sent towards them instead.

Given the way things developed, I covered only 1 round this time. Trolls on the right and bugbears on the left!

Hit Points:

Acerion - 32 of 46
Aria - 73 of 75
Arocken - 39 of 49
Rathlar - 50 of 68
Validar - 72 of 76

Now what?

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

As the battle intensifies, Lord Validar sees Argent catch most of the trolls advancing on the right in her Web spell. However a few of the monstrostities manage to avoid the sticky mass and rush our flank. Arocken, Lord Acerion and Ivy meet them, but they are outnumbered for the moment.

As he is about to redirect the Guardians' attack, Laucian makes it known that the enemy leaders are on the field. As they are the more dire threat and will control all of the horde here, Validar trusts his comrades to hold against the trolls for the moment.

While hacking down any enemy that engages him, Validar watches the Orc leaders advance. A Fireball erupts in their midst and takes down all the assembled troops around them, as well as thinning the leaders' ranks a little. Arrows hit the leaders, as well as a well-timed Lightning Bolt, and reduce them to a mere two individuals. Likely, they are heavily wounded, but Validar is not overconfident as he remembers what a foe the orc leader was when they first clashed.

By his memory, Validar realizes that only Argent has Area of Effect attack spells remaining, along with the wondrous wand that Lyonessa wields. "Continue to hit the Leaders!" Validar will instruct. "Chareos! Take my place on the line!"

If Chareos is able to hear him and once he arrives, the noble warrior will move to his right and help to engage the trolls on that side, particularly the closest one fighting Ivy. While he waits, he steals a glance towards the trolls in the web and can see them struggling against the mass that ensnares them. To the left, Validar hears the roar of larger enemy entering the field and sees another mass of bugbears enter the cavern from his vantage point on the first terrace level.

The bugbears are powerful foes, but Validar is confident that the left flank can deal with them, even with Chareos leaving that side. The trolls are more dangerous and deadly foes. "Hold the line!" Validar continues to instruct. The enemy are coming towards them, and there is no need to leave their current spot. They have advantage of terrain currently as well.

"Keep the horde from our archers and mages! Thin the advancing ranks!" When Validar is able (due to Chareos' appearance) or if one of the trolls battling Ivy moves close enough, Validar will smite the monster with all his skill and strength (by all appearances, it is less than 10' away).

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Acerion turns his attention from the trolls, but seemingly he should not have. Four of the monsters prove deft enough to avoid Argent's magic and rush them. Spinning with his axe at the ready, he meets one of them head on.

Another of the trolls rushes Lord Acerion. The Paladin of Heironeous is prepared and slams the troll hard with his holy axe, cutting a huge gash in its shoulder. The troll is undaunted and fights back. A pair of claws slash Lord Acerion drawing blood.

Acerion does his best to shrug off the blows as they don't seem too deep. He spins his axe in his hands, settling his gauntleted hands in a new grip as he prepares to swing at the troll once more.

"Hold the line!" Validar continues to instruct. The enemy are coming towards them, and there is no need to leave their current spot. They have advantage of terrain currently as well.

"Have no fear of that, my noble friend!" Acerion calls back as he lifts his axe up for a devastating swing. "It will take much more than this to break our line!"

[Laucian]

Laucian

As they move, the group comes into view for most of the Guardians. Laucian, realizing that every point within the cave is within range of his Hunter's Bow, fires arrows at the orc leader. He hits once, but the leader continues to advance.

Sherra and Valena fire a volley of arrows. Sherra takes down what appears to be an enemy priest, while Valena takes out two other orcs in the area. The two remaining orc leaders continue to advance gathering more and more troops to their side.

Drawing back his bow he fires two quick volleys towards an enemy leader. Unfortunately only one of which finds its mark.
“Patience…” he says to himself as he nocks another arrow to his bow, while another is in his string hand.

Unexpectedly a few bugbears reach the left flank quicker than anticipated and Laucian watches momentarily as Aria as well as Rathlar exchange blows, downing 2 bugbears before them.

Seeing the immediate threat to Rathlar Laucian will cast his Cure Light wounds(Expert healer priest build) to heal Rathlar's wounds.

[Chareos]

Chareos

Chareos launches another Fireball and it explodes among the goblinoids. The spell is devastating, igniting many of those present and driving most to the cavern floor. Four survive the onslaught and continue to rush forward, gathering troops and issuing orders as they advance.

Chareos watches for a mere moment looking at the damage his spell caused. The young mage is somewhat pleased as most of the leaders are removed from the field.

Those enemy with ranged attacks are encouraged to use them. Arrows, bolts, and spears hurtled by the bugbears are sent the Guardians' way. The vast majority of them fail to hit their desired target, but a few do get through.

Chareos is hit by a spear, but it just bounces off his Stoneskin. Only his augmented strength kept him from being flung to the ground from the attack. Lyonessa is also struck in spite of the Blur spell in action on her. Fortunately, her own Stoneskin saves her from harm.

As his eyes linger on further up the battlefield, Chareos doesn’t seem to notice the spears flying in from ahead. He is painfully reminded where he is as the sheer force of a spear almost knocks him from his feet.

By his memory, Validar realizes that only Argent has Area of Effect attack spells remaining, along with the wondrous wand that Lyonessa wields. "Continue to hit the Leaders!" Validar will instruct. "Chareos! Take my place on the line!"

“On my way, Milord!” he says as he readies his staff and moves forward to fill Lord Validar’s spot in the line.

He will be ready with his quarterstaff to whack anything that comes within his reach, putting full force behind his balanced swings.

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

"Hold the line!" Validar continues to instruct. The enemy are coming towards them, and there is no need to leave their current spot. They have advantage of terrain currently as well.

"Have no fear of that, my noble friend!" Acerion calls back as he lifts his axe up for a devastating swing. "It will take much more than this to break our line!"

"Indeed! I am sure that it is so!" A moment later, Chareos appears, staff in hand and slams it into the advancing humanoids, using his great magickally-enhanced strength. Validar quickly steps to the closest of the trolls battling Ivy and slashes it with his enchanted blade. He will continue to attack these trolls until Ivy's foes are destroyed. He also keeps an eye on the progress of Lord Acerion and his ranger friend, Arocken, as well.

[Validar]

Arocken, the Ranger -

Arocken sees the trolls emerge from the cave, but relaxes his guard on them as Argent says she has them under control. Unfortunately, while she was correct on most of them, four of the inhuman beasts manage to rush the Guardians' line before the Web spell can snare them.

He lets his planned targets go and spins to face the advancing abominations. With a snarl, he fires two arrows before the troll can reach him. They both connect, but the troll latches onto this shoulder with its vile teeth.

"Prepare to die, monster!" Arocken will shout as he switches to blades. He will use his long sword and another blade in his off-hand and fight the troll until it is dead.

Arocken has 56 HPs normally, not 49 BTW. So is he really at 46 of 56?

[Grondar]

Grondar:

Hearing that the approaching trolls are handled, Grondar focuses on spreading Berronar's blessings upon the group. Her gently guiding hand offers its protection and assistance to every member of the Guardians, while hampering their enemies.

The goblinoid leaders, including the foul orc priest, are hit by Chareos' fireball. This is followed by a lightning bolt from Lyonessa's wand and numerous arrows from the others. Still, two of the leaders survive, including the priest. It's hard to imagine that they will be able to take much more, and they are still quite some ways away.

Noting that a few of the trolls escaped Argent's Webs and are tearing into their right flank, Grondar decides that this is the most pressing issue. Unfortunately, there is little he can do to aid them magically. However, he still has his crossbow. If he can get a clear shot, he'll shoot at the trolls menacing Ivy and Lord Acerion. If not, he'll fire at the bugbears coming from the left.

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

Sherra, Valena, and Lyonessa can see the advancing group and act accordingly. Lyonessa uses the Wand of Lightning; once more it rips into the orc group. One of the four surviving leaders goes down.

Lyonessa smiles as the wand is able to do terrific damage once more, including claiming one of the orc leaders. It still seems that the mob pushes forward, but soon there will be none left to lead them effectively.

Chareos is hit by a spear, but it just bounces off his Stoneskin. Only his augmented strength kept him from being flung to the ground from the attack. Lyonessa is also struck in spite of the Blur spell in action on her. Fortunately, her own Stoneskin saves her from harm.

Lyonessa lets out a yelp even though she will find that she is unharmed. The impact of the spear rattles her, and she had forgotten about the Stoneskin protection still upon her. Bless Mystra she thinks, surprised that the attack was successful against her even with magical defenses in place. Still she must weather the storm and prepares to send yet another blast from her wand into the packed masses.

[Sherra]

Sherra:

Sherra and Valena fire a volley of arrows. Sherra takes down what appears to be an enemy priest, while Valena takes out two other orcs in the area. The two remaining orc leaders continue to advance gathering more and more troops to their side.

Sherra smiles wickedly as her arrows bite deep into an orcish priest. If their gods aren't protecting their chosen this day, then maybe it will be a swift victory for her and her companions.

Some trolls threaten the line, but none break through, and Validar is already handling the situation. That leaves Sherra free to continue to rain arrows down on the enemy's heads.

She will fire first into any enemy leaders that might be in range and visible, then into any that seem to be interested in taking over as a new leader. If, or when, none of those targets are available, she will fire into the closing ranks to thin their numbers and hopefully shake up their foes.

[Argent]

Argent:

Trolls begin to emerge from a cave opening on the right. They are spotted and Argent casts a Web to seal off the opening. However, the trolls move faster than one would suspect and four manage to exit the cave before it is filled with Webs!

Those close to this side of the flank can hear a ripping sound coming from the webbed cave! The trolls are slowly clawing their way through the web! Eventually they will be free of its immobilizing effects!

"Mystra no!", Argent cries out as she see that her spell is not as effective as she thought it would be. The trolls must be far stronger than she first imagined!

However, the trolls can no longer be the Invoker's main concern. She hears that the enemy leaders are on the field and are advancing. That makes them worthy of Argent's last Fireball.

[Ivy]

Ivy:

The last two trolls rush the gap between Arocken and Lord Acerion. Ivy slips over to greet them. She bashes the first with her own Holy Weapon and greatly wounds the first troll. The second troll slashes at her with its claws, but her Stoneskin saves her from harm.

"I'd rather be facing a horde of zombies," Ivy mutters to herself as the trolls attack. She gets a good lick in on the first one, but the second one tears into her, only to be stopped by the Stoneskin. Ivy can't help but wonder just how much longer that protection is going to save her from harm.

Having little choice, Ivy will continue to attack the troll that she wounded earlier in hopes of putting it down for good.

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

"Well, I can assure you that you have gained at least one already," Grondar replies with a smile and a small bow.

"I accept your offer, noble priest. Together may we gather allies to help in this great quest. Let the halls of the Dwarven King be filled with news of our exploits!"

Unexpectedly, there is movement on the left flank as a small group of bugbears emerges from the cave right next to the entry tunnel. They number three and two of the large, hairy monsters engage Rathlar. Switching to his blades, Rathlar downs one of the bugbears but takes heavy damage from their return attacks. Aria Stonehand buries her axe deep in the other bugbear slaying it. Noise can be heard coming from the cave and even more bugbears begin to emerge.

The fighting continues fast and furious around Aria. She continues to swing her axe and hand out death to those who dare get too close. Unexpectedly, her voice rises up into song as she fights! It is a jaunty dwarven work song, although it is hard to follow for non-dwarves. Each axe stroke coincides with a lyric about either smashing rocks or bashing in orc heads.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Round 4:

The fighting intensifies as more and more foes rush the Guardians! To make matters worse, more ranged weapons are being fired upon them. Out among the horde, orcs with longer weapons-- long spears and pikes-- can be seen advancing toward the front lines.

Trolls are engaging the right-hand flank. A troll scores another claw while Lord Acerion strikes back with his axe. The pair are locked in close quarters' combat and the monster bites Acerion's arm, its sharp teeth penetrating his armor! Lord Acerion's axe lashes out once more and the troll goes down in a bloody heap. The beast's green blood covers the landscape.

Arocken switches to his swords and attacks another troll. His longsword bites deep, but the shortsword is wide. The troll fights back, but misses the nimble elf. From out of nowhere, a spear slams into Arocken's side and the elfin ranger is flung to his right and into the rock face. Arocken hits his head and appears to be stunned and unable to defend himself.

Lord Validar calls for Chareos to take his place so that he can assist against the trolls. While this is going on, a pair of trolls swarm at Ivy. One, in a surprise move leaps at Ivy, its jaws locking around the Priestess' neck. Unlike the previous attacks, there is no magical Stoneskin left to protect her. In a quick and brutal motion, Ivy's throat is ripped out and blood showers the immediate area. Ivy falls to the cavern floor and lies unmoving.

The second troll leaps upon her, tearing into her defenseless body with its claws and teeth. Blood and bites of flesh go flying everywhere. The Kiss of Azrella is dropped and rolls away from the body of the lifeless priestess.

Chareos finally reaches Lord Validar's position, taking three crossbow bolt hits in the process. Fortunately, each was blocked by Stoneskins. Validar is stabbed in the back with a broadsword as he attempts to disengage from the front line.

Lord Validar arrives to aid Ivy too late. He downs one troll with a sword strike, but the other still stands over her gruesome remains. Grondar fires a pair of bolts into the same troll and both embed themselves into the monster's chest. Still it stands, its claws and mouth covered with Ivy's blood.


Bugbears are the menace on the left hand flank. Laucian casts Cure Light Wounds on Rathlar, healing some of the damage done to him. Rathlar avoids the bugbears' attacks this time and downs one of them in return.

Several enemy arrows fill the area. Laucian is hit twice, as is Rathlar and one of the wolves. Another wolf is struck once. Ignoring their injuries, the wolves attack as a pack on one bugbear. Their numbers take the bugbear down.

Aria's battleaxe is brought into play once more while the dwarven warrior sings. Two bugbears go down in bloody heaps. A short distance away, Lord Corley continues to hold his position. Two more orcs fall at his feet.

Next to Lord Corley, Chareos fills in on the front line. He smashes an orc with his quarterstaff.


Out in the crowd, the remaining leaders continue to advance. The one that was fought in the park dashes forward through the masses moving far faster than what normally could be possible.

The other orc priest gets his own spell off before the Guardian Mages can strike again. There is no visible effect for the spell, buts affects are dramatic! The center of the spell seems to be right before Argent. Suddenly, all magical effects in that area are Dispelled. Argent feels her magically enhanced Strength drain away and she can no longer fly. The Blur spell protecting Lyonessa is now gone.

Lyonessa and Argent fire back. The Songstress uses the Wand of Lightning once more and it takes down the enemy priest. Upon completion of the attack the wand crumbles into dust; its charges spent.

Argent's Fireball explodes out amongst the throng. If the priest had survived the Lightning Bolt, then the Fireball surely finished him off. The orc leader seemingly escaped both attacks with little damage.

Slowing, the orc leader flings a spear toward the Guardians. His target is Chareos and the fighter/mage takes the hit right in his chest. Much to his surprise, Chareos discovers that his own Stoneskins have been exhausted. The spear penetrates his flesh and the force of the impact sends him hurtling backwards. The strength behind that spear toss was considerable!

Lacking their protective magic, Lyonessa and Argent are much easier targets. Lyonessa is struck by a trio of arrows and to her horror she discovers the hard way that her Stoneskin has also been Dispelled. Argent is struck once as well.

Sherra and Valena target the orc leader with arrows. Sherra misses the fast moving orc and Valena only connects once. It fails to slow the orc leader down as he commands his army to continue the assault.

Laucian picks out movement at the far left hand side of the cavern. Half a dozen dark elves seem to be watching the combat with great interest!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

That was very messy! Only two trolls remain on the right flank and no others have escaped the Web so far.

The combat map has been updated. The yellow's indicate fire zones from the Fireball and the exploding wagons. These area are not completely filled with flames. Someone could go through them if they were careful and took their time. However, large groups of troops would be slowed down considerably. They are not impassible, but do present something of a bottle neck.

Magical Effects in the green zone on the map have been dispelled. The spell affected Lyonessa, Sherra, Argent, Valena, and Grondar. Sherra didn't really don't notice any difference. Lyonessa's Blur and Argent's Strength and Fly spells are all gone.


Hit Points:

Acerion - 13 of 46
Argent - 36 of 40
Aria - 73 of 75
Arocken - 38 of 56 Stunned
Chareos - 39 of 57
Ivy - RIP
Laucian - 56 of 64
Lyonessa - 26 of 42
Rathlar - 43 of 68
Sherra - 29 of 38
Valena - 39 of 50
Validar - 67 of 76
Wolves: Brushrunner - 9 of 17
Wolves: Woodstalker - 14 of 16

Now what?

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Trolls are engaging the right-hand flank. A troll scores another claw while Lord Acerion strikes back with his axe. The pair are locked in close quarters' combat and the monster bites Acerion's arm, its sharp teeth penetrating his armor! Lord Acerion's axe lashes out once more and the troll goes down in a bloody heap. The beast's green blood covers the landscape.

Acerion grits his teeth through the pain and continues swinging his enchanted axe. "Not this day!" he cries out as his axe bites deep and the troll slides from him, falling limp at his feet. He glances down at the damage to his armor before sounds off his shoulder distract him.

Lord Validar calls for Chareos to take his place so that he can assist against the trolls. While this is going on, a pair of trolls swarm at Ivy. One, in a surprise move leaps at Ivy, its jaws locking around the Priestess' neck. Unlike the previous attacks, there is no magical Stoneskin left to protect her. In a quick and brutal motion, Ivy's throat is ripped out and blood showers the immediate area. Ivy falls to the cavern floor and lies unmoving.

The second troll leaps upon her, tearing into her defenseless body with its claws and teeth. Blood and bites of flesh go flying everywhere. The Kiss of Azrella is dropped and rolls away from the body of the lifeless priestess.

"What..? No..!!!" Acerion can only turn in time to see Lady Ivy torn apart by a pair of trolls. Tears hot in his eyes mix with the sweat dripping from his brow as his heart plunges. He lowers his head as he fights back the swelling grief, knowing there is no time in this combat to mourn.

Lord Validar arrives to aid Ivy too late. He downs one troll with a sword strike, but the other still stands over her gruesome remains. Grondar fires a pair of bolts into the same troll and both embed themselves into the monster's chest. Still it stands, its claws and mouth covered with Ivy's blood.

Acerion lets out a hiss between cletched teeth as he leaps at the remaining troll, his eyes wide and wild and his axe gripped tightly between his gauntleted fists. He brings his axe down in a killing arc as he lands next to the vile troll.

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

As the fighting intensifies, Lord Validar waits for Chareos to fill his spot on the line. He is conscious of not letting anything past to reach the mages or archers, as they do not have defenses for such and the group needs their firepower to continue.

Lord Validar is very conscious that the leaders need to be removed to blunt the attacks of the main humanoid armies. Once they fall, the moral of the humanoids can be smashed.

With arrows and spearss falling around them, and some starting to hit the Guardians, Chareos arrives in the line. Lord Validar feels a slight familiar bite across his back as a sword strike hits him while disengaging. As he turns, ready to slash at a troll, the noble warrior sees the bloody battle on that flank. Lord Acerion creates a shower of green blood as he hacks the troll to death. At the same moment, Ivy is assaulted by the trolls and while closing in, the monsters rip the Priestess apart!

Lord Validar's eyes go wide as he slashes one of the trolls down. His heart drops as he realizes that their healing ability has been drastically reduced, not the least of whch, one of their number has dropped. Validar has seen too many allies and friends fall on the battlefield already for this sight to even slow him down however.

A moment later, Validar also notices Arocken go down from the spear hit and smack his head against the rock wall. With a yell of anger and frustration, Lord Validar attacks the troll over Ivy (one attack). Lord Acerion lets out a yell and then leaps at the troll that killed Ivy. Validar sidesteps just a moment and directs another swordstrike at the troll that was fighting the now-stunned Arocken.

Lord Validar takes a glance at the trolls in the Web and tries to gauge how much longer it will be before the first one manages to get free. Meanwhile, he will shout out more instructions. "Hold the line! Continue to target the Orc Leader! He dies and the humanoids' morale will crumple!"

Lord Validar sees another Fireball and a Lightning Bolt explode in the enemy's midst, so Lyonessa is still getting use from the magickal wand. Looking towards the leaders as he battles, he only sees the Head Orc, so he assumes that the magickal area affects downed the remaining priest.

The battle is now getting tense and they are at a turning point. If they can down these trolls with no more losses and the orc leader can be killed then the bulk of the enemy will be in shambles. Lord Validar is pleased that the enemy leader is coming to his flank. The Orc leader moves closer, stopping only to throw his spear. Backed by unnatural strength that he witnessed in their previous battle, the spear drops Chareos to the ground.

"Kill the enemy leader! He had protection against Magic Missiles! They rebound!" Validar remembers the sight of Chareos' Magic Missile rebounding and hitting himself when they first fought in the park. "Silence or Hold him if we can!"

As Validar continues to battle the trolls on the left flank, he is conscious of their regenerative abilities. "Lyonessa! Sherra! Can one of you deal with the remains of these trolls?! Our torches should be sufficient!" The last thing Validar wants to see at this juncture is a regenerated trolls biting at them from within their ranks.

So far they are holding their own, despite mounting wounds and the loss of their best healer. "Let us redouble our efforts! Guardians Attack!"

[Chareos]

Chareos

Chareos finally reaches Lord Validar's position, taking three crossbow bolt hits in the process. Fortunately, each was blocked by Stoneskins. Validar is stabbed in the back with a broadsword as he attempts to disengage from the front line.

As he reaches the frontline, he is struck by several crossbow bolts. Thankfully they merely bounce away as his Stoneskin remains active. Upon reaching the front line he whacks an orc with his quarterstaff and it drops with a groan.

Slowing, the orc leader flings a spear toward the Guardians. His target is Chareos and the fighter/mage takes the hit right in his chest. Much to his surprise, Chareos discovers that his own Stoneskins have been exhausted. The spear penetrates his flesh and the force of the impact sends him hurtling backwards. The strength behind that spear toss was considerable!

Out of nowhere a spear comes in aimed at Chareos. He tries valiantly to deflect it, though his efforts are in vain. The spear pierces his flesh and he is sent reeling back. “Hold the Line!", comes from the muffled armor of Validar.

He rips the spear from him and forms up where he was. He spits blood from his mouth into the face of an orc as he steels himself for the worst. “You will not take this Son of Cynalon without a fight!” he bellows as he holds the anchor of the front line.

He will begin to deflect attacks that are directed at him while answering those with a staff strike.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian picks out movement at the far left hand side of the cavern. Half a dozen dark elves seem to be watching the combat with great interest!

“Drow!” he says to himself, the taste within his mouth going very bad.

"Kill the enemy leader! He had protection against Magic Missiles! They rebound!" Validar remembers the sight of Chareos' Magic Missile rebounding and hitting himself when they first fought in the park. "Silence or Hold him if we can!"

“Validar’s orders are heard faintly over the roar of the battle but Laucian soon sees the appointed leader target. Drawing back his Hunter’s Bow he takes aim at the lone Orc Leader. As he aims he prays to his patron. “Ehlonna guide my hand and let this shaft fly straight and true.” Compensating for the Orc's speed Laucian will let fly with his arrows hoping that they find and kill their target.”

[Grondar]

Grondar:

"I accept your offer, noble priest. Together may we gather allies to help in this great quest. Let the halls of the Dwarven King be filled with news of our exploits!"

"Thank you, my lady warrior. I care not for glory or fame, but pray that our deeds will bring greater glory to Berronar and her husband, Moradin."

Unexpectedly, her voice rises up into song as she fights! It is a jaunty dwarven work song, although it is hard to follow for non-dwarves. Each axe stroke coincides with a lyric about either smashing rocks or bashing in orc heads.

Hearing and recognising Aria's song, a smile breaks across Grondar's craggy face as he raises his voice to join her in song.

As the battle grows more intense with each passing second, Grondar turns his crossbow toward the trolls attacking the priestess Ivy. Alas, he is too late, as the monsters tear her to shreds. "Ivy!" he yells, pain and sorrow combined with shock and rage in his voice.

*Blessed Berronar, please hold your sheltering hand over the human priestess Ivy that she might yet be saved!* he prays quickly.

Lord Validar is able to slay one of the trolls, but the other still stands. Though he himself puts a pair of bolts into the other, it remains standing, a horrid outrage made flesh.

It is clear that Lord Acerion, himself fighting the trolls, is badly wounded and in need of healing. He hears Validar's shouted orders, but Acerion's need is urgent. Grondar shouts over his shoulder, "Aria! Corley! Can you hold this flank? Acerion is gravely in need!"

If Aria and Corley reply positively, Grondar will take a moment to switch to mace and shield. Then, he takes off like a shot racing over to the left flank. Coming up behind Acerion, he touches the noble lord with Berronar's Kiss.
_____________________________________________________________
Lay on Hands for 14 HP to Acerion.

[Sherra]

Sherra:

Sherra and Valena target the orc leader with arrows. Sherra misses the fast moving orc and Valena only connects once. It fails to slow the orc leader down as he commands his army to continue the assault.

"Cursed orc, stand still," Sherra mutters, knowing full well the orcish leader is not going to comply. Attacks are raining in against them from everywhere as it seems like something drastic occured to aid their enemies. She's not even sure where she gets hit from, but there are wounds on her that weren't there a mere moment before.

Suddenly, the trolls find their mark and Ivy is lost beneath a flurry of claws and teeth. Acerion, who seems battered and visibly bleeding, spins to assist, but Sherra knows it's too late. Even Validar, who was closer, can not save the priestess.

As Validar continues to battle the trolls on the left flank, he is conscious of their regenerative abilities. "Lyonessa! Sherra! Can one of you deal with the remains of these trolls?! Our torches should be sufficient!" The last thing Validar wants to see at this juncture is a regenerated trolls biting at them from within their ranks.

"I've got it!" Sherra yells, trading her bow for a torch and one of her knives. "Wasn't like I was hitting anything just then anyway," she adds, more to herself than anyone. As she looks to Lyonessa to confirm she heard the reply, Sherra sees the bard's wand disintegrate in her hands and several arrows sprouting from her. There is no time to make sure the bard is alright, and so Sherra moves quickly past and up to the slain trolls, burning their remains to put a permanent end to their threat.

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

Lord Validar calls for Chareos to take his place so that he can assist against the trolls. While this is going on, a pair of trolls swarm at Ivy. One, in a surprise move leaps at Ivy, its jaws locking around the Priestess' neck. Unlike the previous attacks, there is no magical Stoneskin left to protect her. In a quick and brutal motion, Ivy's throat is ripped out and blood showers the immediate area. Ivy falls to the cavern floor and lies unmoving.

The second troll leaps upon her, tearing into her defenseless body with its claws and teeth. Blood and bites of flesh go flying everywhere. The Kiss of Azrella is dropped and rolls away from the body of the lifeless priestess.

Lyonessa's voice catches in her throat as she witnesses Ivy's demise. She can hardly believe what she sees and feels tears roll down her cheeks. Her throat tightens, but she tries to concentrate on the rest of the battle. Still she feels so useless.

The other orc priest gets his own spell off before the Guardian Mages can strike again. There is no visible effect for the spell, buts affects are dramatic! The center of the spell seems to be right before Argent. Suddenly, all magical effects in that area are Dispelled. Argent feels her magically enhanced Strength drain away and she can no longer fly. The Blur spell protecting Lyonessa is now gone.

Lyonessa and Argent fire back. The Songstress uses the Wand of Lightning once more and it takes down the enemy priest. Upon completion of the attack the wand crumbles into dust; its charges spent.

It's a strange sensation that washes over her as her protective magic is dispelled. Still, the wand is unaffected and makes short work of the enemy priest. That will be the last use of the wand as it crumbles in her hand, turning to dust that slides through her fingers.

Lacking their protective magic, Lyonessa and Argent are much easier targets. Lyonessa is struck by a trio of arrows and to her horror she discovers the hard way that her Stoneskin has also been Dispelled. Argent is struck once as well.

Lyonessa does her best to keep her feet as arrow after arrow pierces her. A feeling of hopelessness is growing large in her belly, but she manages to fight back the pain, biting hard into her lower lip. Validar's voice cuts through her gloom, reaching her mind and willing her on.

"Kill the enemy leader! He had protection against Magic Missiles! They rebound!" Validar remembers the sight of Chareos' Magic Missile rebounding and hitting himself when they first fought in the park. "Silence or Hold him if we can!"

As Validar continues to battle the trolls on the left flank, he is conscious of their regenerative abilities. "Lyonessa! Sherra! Can one of you deal with the remains of these trolls?! Our torches should be sufficient!" The last thing Validar wants to see at this juncture is a regenerated trolls biting at them from within their ranks.

"I've got it!" Sherra yells, trading her bow for a torch and one of her knives. "Wasn't like I was hitting anything just then anyway," she adds, more to herself than anyone. As she looks to Lyonessa to confirm she heard the reply, Sherra sees the bard's wand disintegrate in her hands and several arrows sprouting from her. There is no time to make sure the bard is alright, and so Sherra moves quickly past and up to the slain trolls, burning their remains to put a permanent end to their threat.

"Alright," is all Lyonessa can manage, watching Sherra dart down to where the fallen trolls lay. She looks up past the grissly scene to where the orc leader is. Concentrating, she casts Blindness on him.

[Argent]

Argent:

Words fail the Invoker as she catches Ivy fall close by. If only her Web had sealed all the trolls in!

Matters continue to get worse as an enemy priest dispels magic around Argent. Her enhanced strength is gone as is her ability of flight. Even worse, her protective Stoneskin is no more.

Argent casts her last Fireball and that priest is gone for good. The orc leader still remains. Arrows come flying in and Argent is wounded. Something that she's not accustomed too.

"Kill the enemy leader! He had protection against Magic Missiles! They rebound!" Validar remembers the sight of Chareos' Magic Missile rebounding and hitting himself when they first fought in the park. "Silence or Hold him if we can!"

"Pity, I would have dearly loved to strike him down! No matter, I have other options available."

Hearing Lord Validar's warning, Argent will cast her own Lightning Bolt at the fiend. She'll spread the fork to increase the area of the bolt to better strike the leader. The Lightning Bolt will begin twenty feet before the leader, which will place it well clear of the front lines.

"I still have the Fire Wall available should we have to retreat!"

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

"Thank you, my lady warrior. I care not for glory or fame, but pray that our deeds will bring greater glory to Berronar and her husband, Moradin."

"Do not forget Clangeddin Silverbeard. It is the Father of All Battles we Stonehand's hold in high esteem, next to Moradin Soul-Forger. Regardless there is much yet to be done here in Corunglain. Our plans will have to wait a while longer."

It is clear that Lord Acerion, himself fighting the trolls, is badly wounded and in need of healing. He hears Validar's shouted orders, but Acerion's need is urgent. Grondar shouts over his shoulder, "Aria! Corley! Can you hold this flank? Acerion is gravely in need!"

"Go where you are needed, Grondar. The line will hold and the blood of our enemies shall drench the parched ground!"

Blissfully unaware of the tragedy that occurred on the other side of the line, Aria continues to sing and swing her axe.

[Validar]

Lord Validar -

The Guardians continue their attack. As Validar attacks one troll, Acerion moved towards it as well. A quick glance sees Sherra approaching with a torch to permanently deal with the slain trolls.

Hearing Lord Validar's warning, Argent will cast her own Lightning Bolt at the fiend. She'll spread the fork to increase the area of the bolt to better strike the leader. The Lightning Bolt will begin twenty feet before the leader, which will place it well clear of the front lines.

"I still have the Fire Wall available should we have to retreat!"

Lord Validar hopes the Lightning Bolt will be enough to kill the Orc Leader, but he somehow doubts it. For the moment, he will be pleased if they can wound him more and deal with these trolls with no more losses.

"I have no intention of retreating as yet!", Validar shouts over the ruckus. "We can turn this battle to our side! Fell the Orc Leader!" Validar remembers the other assaults that the Seekers fought in and how many died before they were victorious. This time he hopes that no more will fall, but the Guardians aura of invincibility has been breached with Ivy's tragic death. Validar is conscious of keeping everyone alive, but even more of winning this battle to save all of Corunglain.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed