New Frontiers #71

[GM Mad]

New Frontiers #71

The Guardians have cleared Fort Fletcher of any immediate threats. Work begins on making the fortress functional again. The entry blocks have been placed down, sealing off the fortress. The furnace has been started and slowly the cold is being driven away.

While exploring the underground pen the wolves were placed in, Farian tries to determine if there are any concealed passageways. He walks around the vast cavern tapping the walls. No hidden exits are discovered.

The horses are brought down to the second level of the fortress and secured in the middle of the level. It's much warmer down here compared to the upper levels of the fort. They’ll be more comfortable there.

After a long day of working and exploring, most of the group turns in for the night. Most take up resident in the Secure Shelter that Argent conjures.

A guard rotation is posted for the long night. They have to watch the furnace to make sure the fires don’t go out, keep an eye on the prisoners, and watch for any unexpected arrivals. They do see Dusk fluttering around the fortress at times during the night.

Visiblity greatly worsens during the night as the snow starts to fall from the sky. The wind picks up tremendously and there’s near white-out conditions.

The weather remains unchanged come the dawn. The night passed without incident, but near white-out conditions remain, effectively canceling any attempts to scout for the enemy.

Instead work is focused back on restoring the fortress. Stones are gathered near the Broken Lands' side of the entry blocks to be used as a barrier if needed. The defensive blocks that sealed sections of the fortress off are moved away to open them. The latter task requires the five who worked on the entry blocks to carry out successfully.

The blocked off areas are then searched, but nothing of any great interest is found. The Helm temple is revealed for the first time. There is an altar there, much like in the Heironeous temple. However there are no statues present. Engraved in the front of the altar is the holy symbol of Helm. It is an armored gauntlet with an open eye in its palm.

Ivy takes several dozen candles down into the underground corral, spreads them out, and lights them in an attempt to remove the smell of the wolves. Argent assists by using a Cantrip to help remove odors from the air. By midday the smell has been removed and the horses will not resist being moved into the underground chamber.

The supplies from the arrival area are moved to their desired locations. Lyonessa and Chareos attempt to determine if any of the orcs' gear is magical. Several are enchanted, so Identifying them becomes the next task.

Sherra takes up the task of examining the ropes on the remaining lifts. They are all old and show sings of beginning to dry rot. The lifts are raised up to the second level and placed up on blocks once again. From there, each rope is removed and replaced with new. Rat assists in this task and he skitters amongst the ropes and pulleys arrangement as easily as his namesake. By midday the first lift is fully functional, the second by day's end.

Grondar, along with Aria and Farian, goes to speak to the prisoners. The non-priest is the first chosen. He tries to fight back and will spit at the dwarves when he has the chance.

“Earthen worms!”, he growls at them in the orc tongue. “We orcs will overrun your lands, burn your homes, rape your women, and take anything of value from you! What is now yours will one day be ours! I will not dishonor my kind by begging for my life. Kill me now, you worthless scum! I will not grovel before your kind!”

The priest is even worse and has a near fanatical devotion to his one-eyed god. “You cannot cheat us out of what is rightfully ours! We shall come back in wave after wave until your kind is washed from the face of the earth! One day we shall rule over all! Surrender to us and we might let you foul heap of pig droppings live!”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Any other tasks you wish to undertake during this day? One of the openings in the forth level in the ballista hallway is still open. Snow and ice cold winds continue to blow in through it.

Those tending the furnaces will note that the coal supply is dwindling rapidly. You might have another week before the fuel source is exhausted. Burning the damaged wooden items in the fort will buy you a few more days beyond that, but new fuel sources are going to be needed in the long run.

Here’s a rundown on the magic items:

2 Plate +1
1 broadsword +1
1 shield +1
10 arrows +2
2 spears +1
1 leather armor +2
1 scroll with Dispel Magic, Magic Missile, and Burning Hands
1 Net of Entrapment
1 longsword +1
1 chainmail +2
1 Boots of Warmth (functions as per a Ring of Warmth)

3 potions were also found that I forgot to list with the orc gear last post. They ware a Potion of Extra-Healing, Potion of Healing, and a Potion of Fire Resistance.

Now what?

[Sherra]

Sherra:

When Yusef isn't too busy with other things, he spots Sherra working on the ropes and winches and approaches the beautiful woman. "Hello, Sherra. How is your work going? Can I lend you a hand?"

Sherra appears in one of the lifts upsidedown, her legs locked around a beam, her long curly hair cascading down. Seeing it is Yusef, she smiles and says, "Sure Yusef. Anything you can do would be helpful. We are probably going to have to replace most of these ropes it looks like."

Sherra takes up the task of examining the ropes on the remaining lifts. They are all old and show sings of beginning to dry rot. The lifts are raised up the second level and placed up on blocks once again. From there, each rope is removed and replaced with new. Rat assists in this task and he skitters amongst the ropes and pulleys arrangement as easily as his namesake. By midday the first lift is fully functional, the second by days end.

Just as Sherra thought, they have to end up replacing everything. She tells Validar whenever she sees him what will need to be done and that it looks like a full day's work, "It's going to use up a lot of our rope supply, but I'll have two working lifts for you by the end of the day, Validar. Rat is already up there and I think Yusef was going to lend some more aid today as well."

Sherra is definitely thankful that Rat is helping out, as he can get into places she can't quite manage and give her an extra set of hands that are very comfortable moving in and around the ropes and pulleys. She will be exhausted after a full day of work, but will tell the others, "Great job everyone. I'm up for some food and strong drink, anyone want to join me?"

Getting whatever is available from the kitchen, Sherra will find a place to relax and stretch out. Hopefully some of the others doing different things in the fort are finishing up too so that she can find out how everything is coming along.

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Before heading off his guard shift, Acerion looks for Ivy. Finding her just before she heads off for bed, Acerion smiles and takes her hand in his. "Sleep well, my lady," Acerion says, kissing her hand. "I will ensure you and the others are not in danger this night."

A guard rotation is posted for the long night. They have to watch the furnace to make sure the fires don’t go out, keep an eye on the prisoners, and watch for any unexpected arrivals. They do see Dusk fluttering around the fortress at times during the night.

Visibly greatly worsens during the night as the snow starts to fall from the sky. The wind picks up tremendously and there’s near white out conditions.

Acerion notices Dusk out and about during his watch. Beneath his helmet he says softly, "Thanks for your eyes, friend." The watch is uneventful, but hardly dull. As it nears the end of his shift, he notices snow begins falling. He doesn't ponder much on what it will mean for tomorrow, because dawn is still a long way off.

Waking up, he learns that the snow still falls and visibility is almost non-existent. After breaking his fast, Acerion looks for Sir Corley. Upon finding him, he will greet his fellow knight, "Good morning Corley, I hope you slept well. It looks like I will be here today due to the weather, so if you need me to take another guard shift, I certainly will."

Unless assigned additional tasks, Acerion will move up to the temple of Heironeous. There he will start to clean and clear the temple area, cleansing it so it may be blessed and used once more properly. Even the slightest smudge will be cleaned. He will then offer up prayers to his deity.

If any time remains in the day between guard duty and cleaning the temple, Acerion will help out wherever needed and join his companions for the evening meal.

[Chareos]

Chareos

Waking up far too early Chareos gives out a yawn as he looks about the makeshift corral. He can’t help but notice the chill in the air even though the furnaces are running.

He heads for the meeting room where several of the items they gathered from the orcs are laid about. He casts his Detect Magic and several items are detected!!! Separating them he goes about Identifying them. In doing so several would be of use to them.

He will approach Validar and give him his findings, “Several of the items the orogs carried were indeed magical, as I guessed. While not the most lucrative find we have found to date, there are several things that may be of great use. Several of the arrows were enchanted along with two of the swords. Their armor were also enhanced though I am not sure if anyone here could use it save for Po,” he explains.

Later on he soon finds the scouting will more than likely be postponed as they could barely see their hands before their faces!! Chareos will then go to the Temple of Helm and have a look about, seeing if the room is similar to that of Heironeous.

Afterward he will head to Heironous’s temple and excuse himself to Lord Acerion who is working diligently to restore it to its former self. “I will be just a moment,” he explains to the Paladin. “I just would like to see what is in there…” pointing to the hole/chamber. He will then cast his Wizard’s Eye moving it through the hole and into the wall.

During a partial break Chareos will approach Corley,

“I was wondering if there was time that you could show me how to use this.” Indicating the sword he took from the armory back in Corulgain.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

"Indeed we did... Grondar, was it?" he says uncertain he got the dwarf's name right. "I found a small hole running through the wall back into a room inside the mountain that wasn't marked on the maps. From the indications I saw, I believe that room has something to do with the Shield. The trouble now will be getting in; I suspect there must be some way to get there, but it will take some time to locate the entry. As a result, I've mostly abandoned the ideas we had about some sort of extradimensional space, and will select my spells tomorrow accordingly."

"Yes, it was.. and is," Grondar replies with a mischievous grin. He listens to Yusef's description of what he found. "Fascinating. As you say, I too will remember this when requesting Berronar's blessings on the morrow."

Uncharacteristically, Grondar remains out of the discussions of strategy and tactics. There are simply too many other things that need doing.

Eventually, Validar gathers the group and goes on a long-winded exposition of his thoughts regarding their best strategy and tactics. Grondar listens quietly as the newly-knighted warrior goes on, and on, and on...

“It is my contention that this plan maximizes our chances to defeat the enemy and also maximizes the overall safety of our individuals. It will take some daring, but so did the attack we just made in the caverns below Corunglain. If anyone is not with me, please say so now.”

"My greatest concern with your aggressive strategy, Sir Validar," Grondar replies, "is that of our own casualties. With a sizable force, I do not doubt that we could do as you say. However, the truth is that there is only the small handful of us. Against an army, even if we can remove 100 of them for every one of us that is lost, we stand every possibility of being overrun and wiped out. We did well in the tunnels under Corunglain, but there is no guarantee that we will enjoy the terrain advantages that we did there. We also lost a few of our number, who were only returned to us by the grace and mercy of the gods. I don't believe that we can count on that to happen repeatedly."

Rising in the morning, Grondar notes the substantial snowfall of the previous night, which appears to still be coming down. He suspects this is likely to reduce the progress of the enemy army, as well as their own ability to attack.

Once he has conducted his devotions and prayers, Grondar returns to help with the last of the work with the defensive stones and blocks. Since most of that work was done the previous day, it does not take terribly long. As a form of rest, Grondar makes his way up to the temple of Helm that has been opened by the others. He looks about the temple, more out of professional interest than anything else, noting how the humans have designed this place of worship.

Afterwards, they go to interrogate the surviving orogs. Unfortunately, they are as irrational and of as little help as had been feared. Grondar has little choice but to turn them over to Aria's tender mercies. At least they can cause no more trouble.

With most of the heavy lifting done, Grondar will turn his efforts to repair of the fort. The missing door in the ballista hall concerns him. Grondar requests the assistance of any that are not busy with other tasks and works to find a means of sealing off that entry.
______________________________________
Sorry about the misunderstanding regarding the blocks.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"That is noted. I will be certain to have a list of needs when Lord Sharadin returns in two more days. Tomorrow we should be able to make a better assessment of the overall condition of this place."

"I will let you know whatever else I find," Yusef says before departing back to work.

Sherra appears in one of the lifts upsidedown, her legs locked around a beam, her long curly hair cascading down. Seeing it is Yusef, she smiles and says, "Sure Yusef. Anything you can do would be helpful. We are probably going to have to replace most of these ropes it looks like."

"Well, count me in. I'll do what I can to help, though I'll probably need lots of instruction." If nothing else, he can help with lifting as well as handing things to Rat and Sherra. In truth, just being in Sherra's company is quite pleasant. As they work, he asks her about her life prior to when they met and her interests.

There is a very long discussion of how to deal with the approaching army. Yusef listens with interest; while he's not well versed in strategy, he has some background in tactics. Still, as the newest member of the group, he doesn't feel it's his place to barge into the discussion. Better to listen and learn, than to demonstrate one's own ignorance.

As Yusef starts his watch, the snow is already falling and has covered the ground to a depth of several inches. It continues during his entire watch, and does not let up with the dawn. At the end of his shift, Yusef gets a couple more hours rest, then engages in his rites and prayers.

Once his fast has been broken, Yusef returns to help Sherra and Rat with the indoor rigging. This occupies most of his day. However, he does take a couple hours to go investigate the temples upstairs.

Chareos' spell is of great interest to the young monk. "Pray tell, Chareos, what is that spell you cast?" Yusef will examine the wall with the hole in it as well as the matching wall in all nearby rooms, including those up one level and down one level. It seems to him that there must be some way of reaching the room, so perhaps he can find the access.

Yusef also examines the temple of Helm and it's altar. In particular, the god's symbol on the altar attracts his attention. He examines it carefully, both the hand and the eye - even going so far as to see if he can see inward through the eye. Additionally Yusef will examine the wall facing the eye to see if perhaps it is looking at something of note.

[Validar]

Sir Validar -

"My greatest concern with your aggressive strategy, Sir Validar," Grondar replies, "is that of our own casualties. With a sizable force, I do not doubt that we could do as you say. However, the truth is that there is only the small handful of us. Against an army, even if we can remove 100 of them for every one of us that is lost, we stand every possibility of being overrun and wiped out. We did well in the tunnels under Corunglain, but there is no guarantee that we will enjoy the terrain advantages that we did there. We also lost a few of our number, who were only returned to us by the grace and mercy of the gods. I don't believe that we can count on that to happen repeatedly."

"On the contrary, my dwarven friend, it is because we do not have a sizable force that we should be more aggressive. If we simply try to hunker down and hold this place, we will most likely be overwhelmed."

"I do not intend to lose anyone in this defense, nor do I wish to put anyone in unnecessary risk. However, the risks must be balanced against the success and failure of this mission, which has been charged to us by our King. The battle under Corunglain is a perfect example that if we have superior ground, as we do here, and are basically in a defensive position, as we were after our initial attack and as we are here, that numbers will be a much greater challenge than taking an aggressive stance. With an aggressive stance we can control the time and the length and the means of our engagement with the enemy. With a defensive stance, we have to hold until the enemy breaks. I do not like that option, compared to what I have already offered."

"Further, I contend that we can eliminate many more than 100 each of the enemy. We defeated several hundred of the enemy under Corunglain, perhaps as many as a thousand and we had two temporary casualties. That is more like 400 or 500 per loss and we would define the ground and the method of our attacks more closely in this battle. I do not recommend a full attack as we did in the caverns. There our options were limited. Here, we have many more possibilities. If we remain here and simply try to defend this place, our possibilities and options are limited to a precious few."


"That is noted. I will be certain to have a list of needs when Lord Sharadin returns in two more days. Tomorrow we should be able to make a better assessment of the overall condition of this place."

"I will let you know whatever else I find," Yusef says before departing back to work.

"That would be appreciated. Progress in any form is something we should strive for," validar answers.


Validar awakens then next morning and the fortress is even warmer than it was the night before. Slowly the chill is being driven off and the fortress is becoming more livable. Validar quickly dresses, puts on his armor and weapons and heads up to the ramparts before breakfast.

Validar great Sherra and Aria who are ending their watch as morning is beginning to surface. As soon as he approaches the tower overlooking the valley, he realizes that the weather has turned foul.

Once out on the ramparts, Validar wraps his heavy cloak about himself closer as he stares out into the white nothingness. "How long has this been going on?", he asks. When told that it has been going on most of the night, Sir Validar nods. "At least the enemy did not likely make any progress in advancing on us. Still I am concerned that we are defending this place blind and unaware of the enemy's location and size."

Validar waits a few more moments and then heads back inside. He walks the rest of the available defenses before light completely fills the sky, then eventually meets whomever else may be up this early.

Clearly they will not be scouting until the weather changes. Validar tells the three involved (Argent, Chareos and Acerion) to remain ready in case the weather does break before nightfall and if not, then they will try again in the morning. "There is a huge advantage in that the enemy will be forced back or underground with this weather. At the least, they will be delayed, so we have not lost anything and only gained in our preparations and are closer to receiving reinforcements."

During this day, Validar will mark the teleportation signal with the white chalk, given him by Lord Sharadin, indicating that all is well at the fortress and they are ready for the reinforcements. He will also place the list of needed items here in the hopes it will be seen in advance of the arrival of the reinforcements.


Chareos will approach Validar and give him his findings, “Several of the items the orogs carried were indeed magical, as I guessed. While not the most lucrative find we have found to date, there are several things that may be of great use. Several of the arrows were enchanted along with two of the swords. Their armor were also enhanced though I am not sure if anyone here could use it save for Po,” he explains.

"Very good. Let young Po have the enhanced armor and if anyone is interested in the weapons, they are welcome to take them. Anything not claimed by our group should be moved to the armory and stored separately. Arocken and Po can assist you in this task."

"the scroll should be given to whomever can make the best use of it. Decide amongst yourselves. The healing potions should be given to the clerics, as before."


The group manages to get some more preparations done, opening the closed areas, repairing the lifts more and moving the horses to the underground corrals.

Validar will notate that they have need of more rope and coal for the furnaces, as well as some wood, tools and hardware for replacing doors that have been damaged. They will be needing more furniture, more bedding and likely more food as well.

Validar will do more organization on preparing the rooms there for running this fortress when the troops are there. He will also have Farian and whomever else wishes to go with him, to check on the secret passage to the coal chute and the dwarven mine. When told that the climb would be precarious for even the most skilled thief, Validar will have Argent and Chareos (if he would fit) fly up the chute and see if there is any more coal available in the area. If possible, we will need to try and secure a rope or grapple to something to ease a future climb to the area.

Besides this, any overall organizing and straightening of the place is helpful, as it a general cleaning of the locations damaged by fire. Perhaps on the next day, they can do what they did below for the fire-damaged levels to rid them of their stench.

Just as Sherra thought, they have to end up replacing everything. She tells Validar whenever she sees him what will need to be done and that it looks like a full day's work, "It's going to use up a lot of our rope supply, but I'll have two working lifts for you by the end of the day, Validar. Rat is already up there and I think Yusef was going to lend some more aid today as well."

"I was expecting such and will requisition more rope and other materials that we may need to replace what you use. Do whatever is needed to get these lifts working. They are vital to the proper and efficient use of this fortress. When we get more supplies from Lord Sharadin, perhaps we can repair the pulleys and ropes on the defensive blocks as well. I would like to have them brought back to full use if possible. Good work!"

She will be exhausted after a full day of work, but will tell the others, "Great job everyone. I'm up for some food and strong drink, anyone want to join me?"

"Everyone deserves a bit of a break. And food is always a welcome treat," Validar responds. He does not partake of much in the way of drink, but as always eats heartily. Validar will be sure to update everyone on how progress is going and to ask everyone what they have accomplished as well as what they see as being needed still. All in all, the group effort is very commendable.

[farian]

Farian

As he walks the walls, tapping them in places, he soon finds there is little to no chance of a cavern being penetrated from any hidden walkways. Looking toward Grondar, “It looks like no one will be getting in here, save for the worms.”

As he takes up his guard duty Farian stands ready with his warhammer near. He hears the flapping of wings and Farian goes to investigate it. Spotting Dusk staring back at him through the darkness he mutters, “Ruddy bird! Give a poor dwarf a heart attack!” Then he heads back to his chair as he overlooks the guards.

Farian merely pats his hammer into his hand as he listens to the interrogations unfold. They seem not too taken to tell us anything which doesn’t surprise the dwarf in the least. “Sad to say you won't be here to see your kind ever do that…” Looking at Aria, “Let’s kill em and be done with it. We are wasting good drinkin' time!”

Upon being asked to check out the coal chute and the area leading to it. “Very well, though I’ll be warning ya. Shafts leading to dwarves' mines can run far and deep, and I’m willing to bet this is no exception.” Gathering some rope, and a few other basic needs for climbing he heads off to the shaft to check it out.

If he is able to tell the grade of the shot from the opening he will do so, also he will look down the shaft before proceeding any further.

(Merely check it out, check grade, maybe drop a few stones down it just to see how deep it is. No climbing down the chute.)

[Argent]

Argent:

The Invoker listens calmly as Sir Validar expounds upon his ideas of combat and provides a long history lesson on organized battle.

“Well, you should have said that in the first place. Very well, it seems your plan has the best merit.”


The next morning Argent discovers that winter has reared its ugly head again. White-out conditions have settled into the valley and any scouting is impossible. Instead, she goes to down into the lowest levels of the fortress to help remove the wolf smell so that the mounts will be more at ease. Casting Cantrip, Argent moves about the cavern removing odors as she goes. It is a tedious task as only a small area can be done at a time. But it is certainly not the worst job to have.

After completing that grueling task, Argent learns that some magical gear was found. She just has to investigate! However, the items found are not of particular instance. The Invoker is drawn to the scruffy looking boots however.

“PHEW! These will need to be fumigated before anyone can wear them. I can’t imagine a worse odor than orc sweat! Still, with a little cleaning they might be salvageable. I’ll take them if no one else wishes them.”

"The scroll should be given to whoever can make the best use of it. Decide amongst yourselves. The healing potions should be given to the clerics, as before.”

“I would suggest Sherra. She has the ability to make use of scrolls and her making use of a magical spell would come as a surprise. The magicks on the scrolls are already possessed by the rest of us, so there is no gain for any mage to hold the scroll.”


Later in the day, it is decided to explore the secret hatchway the dwarves used to bring coal into the fortress is located. Argent eyes the filthy hatch with disdain. She had no desire to fly up there!

Fortunately, Farian gets ready to climb up the wall to the hatch.

“Farian!,” Argent calls out. “I believe you’ll find that the shaft runs upwards, not down. Depth is not an issue here.”

When not called away on some task, Argent will be content to spend her time in the kitchen working and chatting with her companions.

[Corley]

Sir Corley:

Sir Corley listens intently as the strategy talks go along. “There is much wisdom to Sir Validar’s words, noble priest,” he tells Grondar. “My father spoke of such strategies in the past. The objective isn’t to defeat the enemy in any one battle, but rather to wear them down with a series of quick strike sorties. Engage the enemy while they are unprepared for battle, inflict losses, and then withdraw from the battlefield. Losses, if any, should be at a minimum as we are not seeking a long term engagement.”

“We do not need to defeat the entire army before us, only inflict enough damage to break their will. Once that is accomplished they will retreat. It will take time for their leaders to reign in their troops once more. By that time the pass should be closed for the winter and this prong of the invaders' forces blunted.”


Sir Corley sleeps easily that night as the toll of the day's work wears him out. He’s up early the next day and looking for Sir Acerion to discover what transpired during the night. All seems quiet and a snowstorm has settled into the pass. Command is transferred and Corley wishes Acerion a good rest.

Sir Validar is located up on the ballista parapet staring out into the storm. Together they stand there for a few moments before speaking.

“It seems that the weather is on our side this day, my friend. Perhaps the pass will be closed before the orc invaders can even reach us.”

After a few moments thought, Corley will add, “Although these numerous snow storms does concern me a bit. Many have told me that they are not common this early in the season. It does make me wonder if the same forces that assaulted us in an attempt to do harm to Lady Kharyna are behind this foul weather. This does seem the ideal weather for a servant of cold.”

There is much work to be done, so Sir Corley will only draw a few away from other tasks to help stoke the furnaces. A casual eye will be kept on the outside weather. As long as the storm continues the chance of unannounced visitors is slim.

"I was wondering if there was time that you could show me how to use this." Indicating the sword he took from the armory back in Corunglain.

“Of course, Lord Chareos! A little sparring will help get the blood flowing again.”

In the combat practice area, Sir Corley will give Lord Chareos a basic introduction into using a greatsword.

Waking up, he learns that the snow still falls and visibility is almost non-existent. After breaking his fast, Acerion looks for Sir Corley. Upon finding him, he will greet his fellow knight, "Good morning Corley, I hope you slept well. It looks like I will be here today due to the weather, so if you need me to take another guard shift, I certainly will."

“All remains quiet, Sir Acerion. I am sure that Sir Validar will need you to take command once more this evening, so in the meantime rest.”

[Ivy]

Ivy:

Lyonessa will show up to help out Ivy and Olivia. She doesn't mind all of the cleaning, but will gladly accept some hot tea once it is available. She will sing a soft ballad to help the time pass as we make a good meal for everyone.

Ivy is grateful for all the help that arrives in the form of Lyonessa and Argent. She’ll even join in with Lyonessa’s ballad, singing if she knows the words or humming to it. Ivy’s singing voice isn’t bad, but is one that is untrained.

Tired as he is, Validar does not respond right away. After a heavy sigh, he replies, "Our steeds are as noble a creature as there might be, my good lady. And I think the orcs have done a far worse job of defiling this temple..."

Acerion smiles at Ivy's outburst, but is in agreeance with her. Walking up and clasping Validar on the shoulder he says, "Yes I would prefer no further desecration to Heironeous' temple if at all possible, no matter how noble our steeds are." He will have a smile on his face to keep his comment lighthearted since he knows Validar meant no ill will.

"Very well. I'll have Po start to bring the horses down. Although they have already been there most of the day," he adds.

Ivy is relieved that the matter is settled so quickly. It is a matter of respect, after all! “Thank you, Sir Validar,” is all that Ivy says.

Before heading off his guard shift, Acerion looks for Ivy. Finding her just before she heads off for bed, Acerion smiles and takes her hand in his. "Sleep well, my lady," Acerion says, kissing her hand. "I will ensure you and the others are not in danger this night."

“I will sleep well knowing that you are watching over me, my love.” Ivy will hold Acerion close for a few moments before letting him go perform his duty. “I will greet you when you rise tomorrow. Until then…”

Next morning, Ivy will rise and say her morning prayers. Then it’s off to the kitchen to get the morning meal started. After that task is finished, she takes a handful of candles down into the underground corral, spreads them out, and lights them. Hopefully they will help clear the air down there.

Several hours later, Ivy prepares a meal that she intends to deliver personally. Loaded down with a tray of food and drink, Ivy delivers it to Acerion’s resting chamber.

“Good morning!”, Ivy says with a smile. “I thought you’d like some warm food and drink to start your day. I trust you slept well?”

[farian]

Farian

“Farian!,” Argent calls out. “I believe you’ll find that the shaft runs upwards, not down. Depth is not an issue here.”

Farian merely laughs at the statement that depth wasn’t an issue. “My dear lady, It would be if I miss a foothold or handhold and slip and fall….. Dwarves don’t bounce all that well.” he says with a grim grin.

After seeing that the climb would be indeed perilous to attempt he reports back to Validar and retells his findings. When the idea is passed to have the mages go fly up the shaft, Farian merely scoffs. “Beggin' ya pardon but that is more toward my line of work. Ye humans wouldn’t be able to move about in our mines none to well. Why not cast the Fly spell upon me as it will be like my second home up there? Besides How would they begin to see?”

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

"Sorry it was so disappointing for you, Aria," Grondar says with a grin. "I'm sure you'll see a much more perilous battle before we're through here. And I don't doubt that all of our skills will be put to the test when we try to regain our peoples' homes."

“They’re just orcs,” Aria retorts with distain. “It is a mistake to expect much from them. The world would be a better place without them.”

Aria considers it a mistake to show mercy to the enemy, as they do not deserve it. She’s fought their kind more than enough times before to know that they would not have shown any mercy on their end. This is just prolonging the inevitable.

"Since we have to watch the prisoners, as well as make sure the fires keep burning, I'm going to need to assign two people per shift," Acerion finally says after thinking it over. "I'll take first watch with Arocken. Second watch will be Farian and Yusef. Last watch will be Sherra and Aria."

“Blasted orcs!”, Aria curses at the inconvenience caused by these creatures. “Aye, I’ll be ready for my duties. A dwarf never shrinks from work.”

Validar smiles a mirthless, tired smile. "We are of one mind on this then, Aria. I trust you to use your best judgment with them."

“The fact that they are still alive goes against my best judgment. Regardless, the situation will be resolved. On that I give you my word.”

"My intention would be to take the fight to them. I do not like defensive battles and it is a liability to fight on your own soil or at the gates of your defenses. Ideally we can blunt their advance and completely stop them before they ever reach this place.

“Aye!”, Aria cries out, raising her axe in response. “Take the battle to the dogs! A foe that is too busy defending themselves cannot launch proper offensive attacks! The greatest battle in dwarven history was a similar type of battle. A full 10,000 orcs marched on Castle Karrak through the Sardal Pass. The orcs expected to meet resistance at Karrak, and not before. Led by King Blystar the 4th a force of four thousand dwarves did march forth. They engaged the enemy before they were ready for battle and laid waste to their army. No orc force has ever advanced into Sardal Pass since that day.”

“Orcs are little better than bullies. They think they are entitled to what rightfully belongs to others. But bloody their mouths and they’ll turn tail and retreat back to whatever foul hole they crawled forth from. Their religious dogma just further perpetuates this myth of entitlement. They falter against organized resistance time and time again. This instance shall be no different.”


Early in the morning, Aria is awakened from her slumber for her guard shift. Some bread and ale is quickly devoured to give her energy. Her armor is set aside for the moment. Barring an attack, it will not be needed. Her partner is quickly located.

“Hail, Sherra! I’ve have experience with maintaining fires, so I’ll tend to the furnace if you don’t mind. You can patrol the upper levels.”

Assuming that this is agreeable, Aria will stoke the fires and add more fuel. Judging by how little coal is left, acquiring more fuel is going to be a priority.

Once out on the ramparts, Validar wraps his heavy cloak about himself closer as he stares out into the white nothingness. "How long has this been going on?", he asks. When told that it has been going on most of the night, Sir Validar nods. "At least the enemy did not likely make any progress in advancing on us. Still I am concerned that we are defending this place blind and unaware of the enemy's location and size."

“Since I’ve been up,” Aria responds. “Maybe the elements will take care of the orcs for us. An unsatisfactory solution, but a solution nonetheless.”

"Earthen worms!", he growls at them in the orc tongue. "We orcs will overrun your lands, burn your homes, rape your women, and take anything of value from you! What is now yours will one day be ours! I will not dishonor my kind by begging for my life. Kill me now, you worthless scum! I will not grovel before your kind!"

The priest is even worse and has a near fanatical devotion to his one-eyed god. "You cannot cheat us out of what is rightfully ours! We shall come back in wave after wave until your kind is washed from the face of the earth! One day we shall rule over all! Surrender to us and we might let you foul heap of pig droppings live!"

Afterwards, they go to interrogate the surviving orogs. Unfortunately, they are as irrational and of as little help as had been feared. Grondar has little choice but to turn them over to Aria's tender mercies. At least they can cause no more trouble.

The interrogations go about as well as Aria suspected they would. Orcs are not creatures much given to reasoning with. The dogma that their One-Eyed god was disrespected back at the dawn of time is inbred into them. They blindly believe that they deserve everything that everyone else has. Hence they rampage and attack everyone to gain it. They know no other way of life.

“I think you should leave now, Grondar. There is no need for you to see what happens next. We warriors will handle this unpleasantness.

Farian merely pats his hammer into his hand as he listens to the interrogations unfold. They seem not to taken to tell us anything which doesn't surprise the dwarf in the least. "Sad to say you won’t be here to see your kind ever do that..." Looking at Aria, "Let's kill em and be done with it, we are wasting good drinkin’ time!"

Once Grondar is gone, Aria grabs her axe and turns back to the orcs. “Listen up, you sons of a gnome! You’ve already dishonored yourself by being captured so easily and being healed by a son of stone and iron! I’ll send you to your one-eyed god, all right. But you’ll find no honor there! Only eternal failure!”

Dispose of the bodies once the task is done.

[Rat]

Rat:

Soon Rat comes stumbling in, drawn by the smell of the food no doubt. Lyonessa glares at him for a second for making her worry so. Then she remembers the few times she's encountered halflings or what her father told her about them. She can't help but smile and shake her head, forgetting her previous worries.

(Stumbling?! Why, the Master Finder never stumbles in! Not without purpose of course…)

Rat seems oblivious to the half-elf's glare at him. His focus is solely on the wondrous aromas present. “Why, something smells delicious! Is it ready yet?”

If it’s not ready yet, Rat will happily put his feet up to the warm fire and get a nap in before dinner.


Next day, Rat is drawn to all the climbing going on near the lifts. “Say, that looks like fun. Can I help?”

He climbs the lines with the ease that only comes from experience. Rat tends to play more than actually work, but his companions seem pleasant enough. Talk turns to more about themselves.

“You served on a pirate ship, you say? That’s amazing! I was on a ship once meself. Cap’n Rat they did call me! Well, at least that’s what I called meself, but that’s beside the point. Was usually found up in the Rat’s nest, high above all the chores down on deck. It was a pleasant life.”

Sherra is definitely thankful that Rat is helping out, as he can get into places she can't quite manage and give her an extra set of hands that are very comfortable moving in and around the ropes and pulleys. She will be exhausted after a full day of work, but will tell the others, "Great job everyone. I'm up for some food and strong drink, anyone want to join me?"

“Now yer talkin’ my language lass! The more food and the stronger the drink the better!”

[Validar]

Sir Validar -

The Invoker listens calmly as Sir Validar expounds upon his ideas of combat and provides a long history lesson on organized battle.

“Well, you should have said that in the first place. Very well, it seems your plan has the best merit.”

"I had tried to avoid such a long-winded, detailed explanation, but everyone apparently seemed to think I hadn't thought through the idea well enough in advance. I can assure you each of my strategies have many reasons. If anyone is curious as to the 'whys', I am always willing to discuss them further."


"My intention would be to take the fight to them. I do not like defensive battles and it is a liability to fight on your own soil or at the gates of your defenses. Ideally we can blunt their advance and completely stop them before they ever reach this place.

“Aye!”, Aria cries out, raising her axe in response. “Take the battle to the dogs! A foe that is too busy defending themselves cannot launch proper offensive attacks! The greatest battle in dwarven history was a similar type of battle. A full 10,000 orcs marched on Castle Karrak through the Sardal Pass. The orcs expected to meet resistance at Karrak, and not before. Led by King Blystar the 4th a force of four thousand dwarves did march forth. They engaged the enemy before they were ready for battle and laid waste to their army. No orc force has ever advanced into Sardal Pass since that day.”

“Orcs are little better than bullies. They think they are entitled to what rightfully belongs to others. But bloody their mouths and they’ll turn tail and retreat back to whatever foul hole they crawled forth from. Their religious dogma just further perpetuates this myth of entitlement. They falter against organized resistance time and time again. This instance shall be no different.”

"I second your enthusiasm, my dwarven friend. They are not to be confused with humans who are also our enemy and may have some redeeming qualities. The humanoid hordes are often the anti-thesis of our own culture, ideals and dreams."

"They are not like a pack of predators who kill to survive; they kill for pleasure. They are not fighting for their own lands; they want to take whatever anyone else may have. They do not respect culture and art and any noble ideals; the are vile and dirty and wretched creatures. They are evil personified. The world would be a much better place if they were all wiped from its face. I am willing to do what I can to further that aim."


Sir Corley listens intently as the strategy talks go along. “There is much wisdom to Sir Validar’s words, noble priest,” he tells Grondar. “My father spoke of such strategies in the past. The objective isn’t to defeat the enemy in any one battle, but rather to wear them down with a series of quick strike sorties. Engage the enemy while they are unprepared for battle, inflict losses, and then withdraw from the battlefield. Losses, if any, should be at a minimum as we are not seeking a long term engagement.”

“We do not need to defeat the entire army before us, only inflict enough damage to break their will. Once that is accomplished they will retreat. It will take time for their leaders to reign in their troops once more. By that time the pass should be closed for the winter and this prong of the invaders' forces blunted.”

"Indeed that is true. Which is why my goal is to delay them and harry them as much as possible. There are many ways to successfully defend an area and the very most effective is to never let the enemy reach what it is that you are defending."


Once out on the ramparts, Validar wraps his heavy cloak about himself closer as he stares out into the white nothingness. "How long has this been going on?", he asks. When told that it has been going on most of the night, Sir Validar nods. "At least the enemy did not likely make any progress in advancing on us. Still I am concerned that we are defending this place blind and unaware of the enemy's location and size."

“Since I’ve been up,” Aria responds. “Maybe the elements will take care of the orcs for us. An unsatisfactory solution, but a solution nonetheless.”

"That is true. It would not be as glorious as a decisive battle which drove the enemy from the valley on their approach. But a victory is still just as sweet, even if no blood were spilt."


Sir Validar is located up on the ballista parapet staring out into the storm. Together they stand there for a few moments before speaking.

“It seems that the weather is on our side this day, my friend. Perhaps the pass will be closed before the orc invaders can even reach us.”

"That would be advantageous to us. Perhaps a bit less satisfying, but a victory nonetheless."

After a few moments thought, Corley will add, “Although these numerous snow storms does concern me a bit. Many have told me that they are not common this early in the season. It does make me wonder if the same forces that assaulted us in an attempt to do harm to Lady Kharyna are behind this foul weather. This does seem the ideal weather for a servant of cold.”

"Funny, that is the same thought I had, as I was looking out into the storm when you approached. Hopefully, they will not be a direct conflict with us, but if they should then we will be prepared for them. Tell the mages to continue to be prepared with fire-based spells in case we are assaulted by the Cold Maiden's lackeys."

"We defeated them before and we shall do so again, if they come looking for battle. We must remain vigilant against such an enemy as well. hopefully we will not be exchanging one enemy for another."


Validar smiles a mirthless, tired smile. "We are of one mind on this then, Aria. I trust you to use your best judgment with them."

“The fact that they are still alive goes against my best judgment. Regardless, the situation will be resolved. On that I give you my word.”

"As it does mine as well, Aria Stonehand. It is only in deference to our dwarven cleric, Grondar Foehammer, that I didn't have them slain immediately. I certainly do not expect them to give us any information. In the future, I will make sure such foes are not able to be kept from death's door."

Later, Aria informs Sir Validar that the orcs and orogs were only beligerent and unwilling to speak at all. Validar nods his understanding that they were killed and the bodies removed from the fortress.


"The scroll should be given to whoever can make the best use of it. Decide amongst yourselves. The healing potions should be given to the clerics, as before.”

“I would suggest Sherra. She has the ability to make use of scrolls and her making use of a magical spell would come as a surprise. The magicks on the scrolls are already possessed by the rest of us, so there is no gain for any mage to hold the scroll.”

"A wise choice, Argent. I agree with your logic. The ability to do things that are unexpected could change the course of a battle or save someone's life. Good thinking."


Upon being asked to check out the coal chute and the area leading to it. “Very well, though I’ll be warning ya. Shafts leading to dwarves' mines can run far and deep, and I’m willing to bet this is no exception.” Gathering some rope, and a few other basic needs for climbing he heads off to the shaft to check it out.

"I understand, Farian. But we need to find out if there is any coal available in storage near the delivery point. My hope would be that with typical dwarven efficiency the have mined more coal than is stored in the Fortress at any time and at some point, had stored much of it ready for the next delivery. If such is the case, then we may be able to lengthen our supply here without having to transport it in. It will be a cold winter without the furnace running."

"Hammerfall will be liberated, but I doubt the humanoids bothered much with a stash of coal, if they even located the dwarven mines at all. So if they did create storage, then perhaps we will be able to have it brought to us. As you can see, it is an extremely important task."

After seeing that the climb would be indeed perilous to attempt he reports back to Validar and retells his findings. When the idea is passed to have the mages go fly up the shaft, Farian merely scoffs. “Beggin' ya pardon but that is more toward my line of work. Ye humans wouldn’t be able to move about in our mines none to well. Why not cast the Fly spell upon me as it will be like my second home up there? Besides How would they begin to see?”

"There are many means of magickal sight for a mage, my dwarven friend. But you are correct that you would be the best suited for such a mission. Very well. Argent can cast her Fly spell upon you and you can do the exploring." Validar is satisfied that a suitable method to scout the area has been determined.

"This may also be the best route to take in the liberation of Hammerfall. Certainly it will be more direct that circling the mountain and through the valley and much easier than over the top of the mountain itself, especially in this foul weather."

[Sherra]

Sherra:

Early in the morning, Aria is awakened from her slumber for her guard shift. Some bread and ale is quickly devoured to give her energy. Her armor is set aside for the moment. Barring an attack, it will not be needed. Her partner is quickly located.

“Hail, Sherra! I’ve have experience with maintaining fires, so I’ll tend to the furnace if you don’t mind. You can patrol the upper levels.”

"Sounds fine," Sherra replies. She always enjoyed the early dawn the best. Unfortunately this snow will make it a bit difficult to do much but stay inside in the relative warmness that can be found.

Once out on the ramparts, Validar wraps his heavy cloak about himself closer as he stares out into the white nothingness. "How long has this been going on?", he asks. When told that it has been going on most of the night, Sir Validar nods. "At least the enemy did not likely make any progress in advancing on us. Still I am concerned that we are defending this place blind and unaware of the enemy's location and size."

“Since I’ve been up,” Aria responds. “Maybe the elements will take care of the orcs for us. An unsatisfactory solution, but a solution nonetheless.”

"It hasn't let up since we've been on duty," Sherra adds. "I'm doubting anything made much progress in this."

"I was expecting such and will requisition more rope and other materials that we may need to replace what you use. Do whatever is needed to get these lifts working. They are vital to the proper and efficient use of this fortress. When we get more supplies from Lord Sharadin, perhaps we can repair the pulleys and ropes on the defensive blocks as well. I would like to have them brought back to full use if possible. Good work!"

"Thank you," Sherra replies to Validar's praise. "I'm pretty sure I'll be able to get the defensive blocks operating the way they should too once we're re-supplied, but I'll probably need a few more hands for that task due to weight alone."

"Well, count me in. I'll do what I can to help, though I'll probably need lots of instruction." If nothing else, he can help with lifting as well as handing things to Rat and Sherra. In truth, just being in Sherra's company is quite pleasant. As they work, he asks her about her life prior to when they met and her interests.

"Oh, that's perfectly fine," Sherra will tell Yusef. "It really won't be too difficult from what I'm seeing. Now if we were doing rigging on a three-masted ship, that would require some instruction," she'll say with one of her patented smiles.

Sherra's not entirely sure how much of her past she should talk about. She's been pretty quiet about most of it, although she doesn't fear her group knowing. Well, maybe all except for Rat, who would probably spread the news like wildfire, but up here in these frozen lands, she doubts he'll have much opportunity for that.

"I was part of a pirate crew," Sherra finally says. "I learned to survive only by learning as much as I possibly could and to 'endear' myself to the ship's captain. It took a very long time to be accepted, and I know there were many who never truly did accept me."

"It had it's moments," Sherra continues, "like being on the open sea racing ahead of a storm or when dawn first hits the water." She goes nostalgic for a moment, then adds, "There was too much I didn't like though, and so I made my escape when I could. It was quite some time ago, but there are still a few port towns I wouldn't want my face to be seen in."

He climbs the lines with the ease that only comes from experience. Rat tends to play more than actually work, but his companions seem pleasant enough. Talk turns to more about themselves.

“You served on a pirate ship, you say? That’s amazing! I was on a ship once meself. Cap’n Rat they did call me! Well, at least that’s what I called meself, but that’s beside the point. Was usually found up in the Rat’s nest, high above all the chores down on deck. It was a pleasant life.”

"So what sort of ship was it?" Sherra asks, shooting Yusef a quick, hidden smile as she listens to "Cap'n" Rat's story. "I can only imagine the finest sailing vessel for such a notable captain like yourself, Rat. What made you leave such a pleasant life behind?"

“Now yer talkin’ my language lass! The more food and the stronger the drink the better!”

"Everyone deserves a bit of a break. And food is always a welcome treat," Validar responds. He does not partake of much in the way of drink, but as always eats heartily. Validar will be sure to update everyone on how progress is going and to ask everyone what they have accomplished as well as what they see as being needed still. All in all, the group effort is very commendable.

Sherra is glad to hear the report of how things are progressing. She's starting to consider this their home, even though she wouldn't want to be here too long.

When talk of the items that Chareos and Lyonessa identified comes up, she'll gladly accept the scroll. "Thanks for remembering," Sherra tells Argent. If Sherra can claim any of the magical arrows, she will, possibly sharing with Arocken. There aren't very many though, so she isn't getting her hopes up this time.

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Several hours later, Ivy prepares a meal that she intends to deliver personally. Loaded down with a tray of food and drink, Ivy delivers it to Acerion’s resting chamber.

“Good morning!”, Ivy says with a smile. “I thought you’d like some warm food and drink to start your day. I trust you slept well?”

Acerion smiles upon seeing the beautiful Ivy walk into the room. "Good morning, my lady. What did I do to deserve this attention?" he will ask her. "I did sleep well," Acerion replies, "but in truth waking up to see you was much more enjoyable."

"Can you stay for a few minutes?" Acerion asks as he takes the mug and raises it to his lips. Not having much in the way of usable furniture, Acerion makes a spot on one side of the bed for Ivy to sit if she can indeed spare a few minutes.

Acerion will enjoy her company for however long Ivy can stay. He will find out that it is still snowing outside. "That will pretty much postpone the scouting then," Acerion says. "I think I'm going to spend the majority of the day cleaning up the temple of Heironeous. Once the reinforcements arrive, having a clean and usable temple will help morale as much as warm rooms and good food."

Acerion will kiss Ivy's lips softly before she leaves for her busy day. He will get dressed and set out to find Corley and learn if the weather situation has changed any.

Waking up, he learns that the snow still falls and visibility is almost non-existent. After breaking his fast, Acerion looks for Sir Corley. Upon finding him, he will greet his fellow knight, "Good morning Corley, I hope you slept well. It looks like I will be here today due to the weather, so if you need me to take another guard shift, I certainly will."

“All remains quiet, Sir Acerion. I am sure that Sir Validar will need you to take command once more this evening, so in the meantime rest.”

"It is good that there have been no problems, but rest is something I will have to forego, at least for now," Acerion replies. "I intend to clean and prepare the temple of Heironeous for use once more. I shall be there until it is done if any are looking for me today."

Clearly they will not be scouting until the weather changes. Validar tells the three involved (Argent, Chareos and Acerion) to remain ready in case the weather does break before nightfall and if not, then they will try again in the morning. "There is a huge advantage in that the enemy will be forced back or underground with this weather. At the least, they will be delayed, so we have not lost anything and only gained in our preparations and are closer to receiving reinforcements."

"Agreed, any movement in this kind of weather would only result in a loss of troops due to getting lost," Acerion comments. "So even if they made progress, that would be offset by losing a portion of their number."

As he told Sir Corley, Acerion tells Validar of his plans, "I shall be in the temple of Heironeous. Sir Corley already knows as well should either of you need me or if this weather breaks. The temple has long been neglected and I shall give it its due attention this day."

Afterward he will head to Heironous’s temple and excuse himself to Lord Acerion who is working diligently to restore it to its former self. “I will be just a moment,” he explains to the Paladin. “I just would like to see what is in there…” pointing to the hole/chamber. He will then cast his Wizard’s Eye moving it through the hole and into the wall.

"Of course Chareos," Acerion replies. "By all means, do what you need to if it means we can figure out where the Shield may be located."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The reclamation of Fort Fletcher continues.

After he rises, Sir Acerion begins the task of cleaning up the Shrine of Heironeous. The trash and debris from decades past are removed. Much of the frost that covered everything here has evaporated with the return of warmth. The work is hard and tedious and will take several days to restore the holy place to its pristine state.

After finishing up work elsewhere, Chareos arrives at the shrine. He casts Wizard Eye and sends the invisible eye into the narrow opening in the wall. The Eye passes through the wall and emerges on the other side, some ten feet in. The chamber beyond is sparse, only some ten feet square. The primary feature is a great stone shield sitting in a holder on a low stone platform. A lightning bolt is emblazoned on the stone shield.

Looking around to the room itself, there does not appear to be any way in or out of the chamber. No doors and the walls all look the same.


While that is going on, Yusef searches for any clues on how to reach the Shield Chamber. He searches the nearby rooms, to the sides and above and below for any ways in. He finds none.

Next he turns his attention to the Shrine of Helm. This shrine is in much better shape, as it was not directly exposed to the elements. Yusef closely examines the Symbol of Helm that is engraved in the front of the altar. There doesn’t appear to be anything concealed there. You cannot look through the eye, nor does it move in any manner.

There does not appear to be a matching hole in the wall behind the altar like there is in the Heironeous Shrine. When all the doors are opened, the Eye in Helm’s Symbol is directly across from Heironeous altar. (Basically, the two altars are in the same positions across from each other.)

[GM Mad]

Elsewhere, preparations are being made to explore the coal chute. The dwarves from Hammerfall used this chute to dump coal into the fortress. From there, it was transported down the lifts to the furnaces on the ground level. At first the idea is to have Farian climb up and explore what lies beyond the chute. Then the notion of casting a Fly spell on him is reached, making it easier and faster for him to explore. The spell is cast and Argent will warn Farian that the enchantment will last a minimum of 90 minutes, to nearly 2 hours.

The chute cover was designed to be concealed in the wall some 15 feet up. However decades of dumping coal down the chute has discolored the wall to the point that it’s easy to trace the stains back up to where the chute cover is. The cover itself is hinged at the top and any significant weight behind it will push it open. As little as ten pounds will do. Farian has no trouble lifting the chute up.

Behind the cover is the chute itself. It’s a small 2’ square opening that runs upwards at 30-degree angle. The bottom of the chute is composed of pounded sheets of copper. The sheets overlap as you go back up. They provide a slick surface for the coal to slide down. The entire tunnel is smooth, making it difficult for even the most skilled to climb back up.

After twenty feet, the chute opens up into a standard dwarven mine tunnel. The ceiling is almost seven feet high and the tunnel is ten feet wide. Mining tracks lead up to the top of the chute. An arrangement of iron bars prevents the carts from continuing onward. A chain dangles from a pulley overhead. At one end there is a grab ring and a hook is on the other end. The chain was used to lift the back end of the coal carts up to help dump the cargo down the shaft. The mine tunnel leads off into darkness.

Farian follows the mine tunnel and the tracks for some two hundred yards. The mine maintains a level surface and generally proceeds straight. Up ahead he can see the ore cart come into view and the track ends near the edge of a sheer drop off. The ore cart is made of metal. Its shows signs of heavy usage, numerous dents in it, but overall it can still be used. Another set of metal bars keeps the ore cart from falling off the edge of the cliff. There’s a chute that can be opened in the front of the car to help dump the ore, and a large eye is on the back where the hook found earlier can be inserted. There is no coal in the cart right now.

The cavern only extends some ten feet past the drop off. Embedded into the walls over the drop off is a great iron bar. This iron bar supports an arrangement of buckets attached between two chains. When working the buckets are lifted up on the far side of the bar, pass over the top of the bar and then drop their contents into the ore cart before moving down the shaft again.

Farian spots an iron ladder embedded into the side of the shaft, but chooses to fly down the shaft instead. Following the buckets downward, Farian eventually enters into a large cavern some 400 feet below the mine tunnel that ends at the chute. The cavern appears to be deserted. There is another great iron bar down here mounted into one side of the cavern wall that operates the automatic buckets. The other end goes into what Farian guesses to be a water wheel. The entire area is dry however. No water is in sight.

A huge pile of coal occupies much of the cavern. It has been dumped into the cavern from a ledge thirty feet overhead. There, Farian can make out an arrangement similar to the one at the chute, where carts filled with coal are emptied into the cavern below. No cart is present, but more cart tracks lead off down this new mine tunnel. Beside the cart tracks is a two-foot wide wooden chute.

Farian would guess that water was sent into this cavern to power the wheel that moves the buckets that automatically lifted the coal to the upper tunnels. It is a straight path from the end of the chute, down a smooth rock face and that would lead the water to fall down and onto the waterwheel. From the appearance of the chute, no water has run through here in a very long time.

The only manual labor part of the whole arrangement is that the coal needs to moved from the pile to the vertical bucket brigade. Numerous shovels and hand buckets are here to perform that task.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

With most of the heavy lifting done, Grondar will turn his efforts to repair of the fort. The missing door in the ballista hall concerns him. Grondar requests the assistance of any that are not busy with other tasks and works to find a means of sealing off that entry.

A temporary solution could be to use some of the downed doors, such as the ones to the Heironeous temple, and secure them over the opening.

What are you going to do with the bodies you pulled up from the parapets on the first day? They’re still laying in the ballista hallway.

From the magic item disbursement, I have Argent taking the scruffy, furry boots, Sherra getting the scroll and at least half the magical arrows. Po is getting a suit of armor, but which one? There are three there that are better than what he has now.

Now what?

[Lyonessa]

Lyonessa:

Ivy is grateful for all the help that arrives in the form of Lyonessa and Argent. She’ll even join in with Lyonessa’s ballad, singing if she knows the words or humming to it. Ivy’s singing voice isn’t bad, but is one that is untrained.

Lyonessa will smile at Ivy's accompanyment. She will sing more common ballads so Ivy can join in. She will point out a couple things Ivy can do to improve her singing should she wish.

He heads for the meeting room where several of the items they gathered from the orcs are laid about. He casts his Detect Magic and several items are detected!!! Separating them he goes about Identifying them. In doing so several would be of use to them.

Lyonessa helps Chareos as needed for Identifying the magical items he detected. There are quite a few which suprise her. "This is a lot for such a small group," she tells Chareos. "The leaders must have been very important. Only the strongest could claim so many items as their own, right?"

When Lyonessa hears that the coal is getting low, she will offer up using her spell. It will greatly lengthen the amount of time their wood supply will last. Not sure of the effects it will have for the furnaces, it could still be used to ensure the fires don't go out for many hours.

[Validar]

Arocken -

Satisfied with the dealing of the Dire Wolves, Arocken goes about making himself useful the rest of the day. He is on first watch with Sir Acerion and Arocken's watchful eye is on the ramparts as required, as well as tending to the fires of the furnace as needed.

As his shift nears an end, the snow begins to fall. Arocken considers this and watches as it picks up in intensity. "It will be a long hard snowfall this night, he says to Acerion before turning in for the night.

The next day, Arocken helps as needed. He will go about in the corals below the fortress helping to remove the stench of the wolves so that the horses will be less worried.

When there is some free time, he will also examine the Heironeous temple, looking for anything secret. His elfin eyes have been successful at finding secret areas in the past. He will search the altar as well as the statues and the area immediately around both as well as the wall in the back, with the hole in it. He will check to see if the Battleaxes that the statues hold are a solid part of the statues as well.

Arocken will gladly accept the half of the magickal arrows that are found. "Thank you, Sherra, for you considerations. I shall save these for a special enemy."

Po -

Po does his best to do as he is told. He helps everywhere he can and rests as he is able. Since Sir Validar is sleeping outside the Secure Shelter, he will as well.

When offered the better armor, Po is happy to accept at first. "I don't particularly want to look and smell like an orc though," he finally says. "Maybe I will pass." He doesn't quite understand how Arget could consider wearing those orc boots either. She seems too foofy for that. Po continues to eye the armor almost warily. The magicks in them are powerful, but what he has seems sufficient.

Po continues to do as he is told.

[Validar]

Sir Validar -

Once out on the ramparts, Validar wraps his heavy cloak about himself closer as he stares out into the white nothingness. "How long has this been going on?", he asks. When told that it has been going on most of the night, Sir Validar nods. "At least the enemy did not likely make any progress in advancing on us. Still I am concerned that we are defending this place blind and unaware of the enemy's location and size."

“Since I’ve been up,” Aria responds. “Maybe the elements will take care of the orcs for us. An unsatisfactory solution, but a solution nonetheless.”

"It hasn't let up since we've been on duty," Sherra adds. "I'm doubting anything made much progress in this."

"Not likely," Validar will add. "The weather is both a blessing and a curse."


"I was expecting such and will requisition more rope and other materials that we may need to replace what you use. Do whatever is needed to get these lifts working. They are vital to the proper and efficient use of this fortress. When we get more supplies from Lord Sharadin, perhaps we can repair the pulleys and ropes on the defensive blocks as well. I would like to have them brought back to full use if possible. Good work!"

"Thank you," Sherra replies to Validar's praise. "I'm pretty sure I'll be able to get the defensive blocks operating the way they should too once we're re-supplied, but I'll probably need a few more hands for that task due to weight alone."

"Yes, I would imagine so. Try to determine what we will need and make a list so that we have more than enough supplies. I do not know how often we will be supplied after Lord Sharadin returns with our first reinforcements. Anything that can be done in the next two days would be an advantage as well."


"Agreed, any movement in this kind of weather would only result in a loss of troops due to getting lost," Acerion comments. "So even if they made progress, that would be offset by losing a portion of their number."

As he told Sir Corley, Acerion tells Validar of his plans, "I shall be in the temple of Heironeous. Sir Corley already knows as well should either of you need me or if this weather breaks. The temple has long been neglected and I shall give it its due attention this day."

"We can only hope the weather has affected them more than it has us," Validar responds in regard to the subject of the impending orc army arrival.

"Very well, my friend," Validar says. "If the weather does not break soon, we will not have much of a chance to do any scouting at all. Until then, please feel free to indulge yourself in the temple."


Validar will ask Sir Acerion what his intentions are for the bodies that were recovered. Since the leader, at least, was a member of his temple, Acerion should have the say on how to properly inter the bodies.

Validar awaits word from Farian on what he finds in the dwarven tunnels.

When Lyonessa hears that the coal is getting low, she will offer up using her spell. It will greatly lengthen the amount of time their wood supply will last. Not sure of the effects it will have for the furnaces, it could still be used to ensure the fires don't go out for many hours.

Validar considers for a moment. "Unless there is a large supply of coal awaiting arrival here in the the tunnels, that may be a necessary need. I would rather prolong the heat supplied as much a possible until the storage here is filled. Do what you can to enhance the fires," he tells the half-elven bardess.

[Chareos]

Chareos

Chareos' spell is of great interest to the young monk. "Pray tell, Chareos, what is that spell you cast?" Yusef will examine the wall with the hole in it as well as the matching wall in all nearby rooms, including those up one level and down one level. It seems to him that there must be some way of reaching the room, so perhaps he can find the access.

Chareos is a bit taken aback by the monk though doesn’t show it. Not many are so inclined to know many of the lesser used spells or their uses. “It is known as the Wizard’s Eye. It merely creates a movable extension of my sight. We may not be able to get within the confines of those walls, but If my theory is correct, this should let us see into that hole.”

Lyonessa helps Chareos as needed for Identifying the magical items he detected. There are quite a few which suprise her. "This is a lot for such a small group," she tells Chareos. "The leaders must have been very important. Only the strongest could claim so many items as their own, right?"

Chareos considers the songstress’ question, “Aye it is, a rather large take considering the group.” After some thought, “I have heard that it is their ways…. Unless someone is hording magical items and then outfitting these creatures to better their chances of success.”

After finishing up work elsewhere, Chareos arrives at the shrine. He casts Wizard Eye and sends the invisible eye into the narrow opening in the wall. The Eye passes through the wall and emerges on the other side, some ten feet in. The chamber beyond is sparse, only some ten feet square. The primary feature is a great stone shield sitting in a holder on a low stone platform. A lightning bolt is emblazoned on the stone shield.

As he wills his Movable eye forward he wonders just what he will find on the other side… A sudden thought comes to his mind; hoping that nothing can attack him through the use of his eye but quickly pushes on. As the eye comes into the room he stops it and moves it to see the dimensions of the room.

Surprisingly the room is very sparse. “Definitely a safe of some sort,” he surmises as he checks the entrance wall. Turning the eye about, his eye catches a platform raising up, his smile is apparent as he realizes what they have found as elation soon finds his voice, “Its here!!! The Shield Of Justice lies within!!” he exclaims. Seeing no way in or out he let’s the eye merely sit.
He will then turn his gaze on Yusef wondering, "Have we found anything else that may hint to how to open it?"

Looking at the hole within the wall with great thought Chareos looks to Acerion then the reinactment comes again..... and a sudden thought comes to mind and he soon voices it, "What if on the onslaught of battle the Cleric and those who else remained here helped secure the Shield within!"looking about the room to the others, "There is no visible entrances or exits meaning there has to be some way of opening it.... Perhaps the cleric has the key after all this is a temple of Heironous." he trails of as he begins thinking.

Turning to Acerion he will ask,"Perhaps Heironous holy symbol is the key."

Askign the Paladin, "Could you not ask the tomb to open in Heironous's good name? Much like Lady Ivy banished the zombies with Azerlla(sp)'s blessings?" he asks.

[Argent]

Argent:

"I had tried to avoid such a long-winded, detailed explanation, but everyone apparently seemed to think I hadn't thought through the idea well enough in advance. I can assure you each of my strategies have many reasons. If anyone is curious as to the 'whys', I am always willing to discuss them further."

“In spite of all that we’ve been through, Sir Validar, we do not necessarily know each other all that well. Orders without explanation will usually cause me to ask questions. But I see now you do put a great deal of thought into your strategies. I shan’t question them again.”

When talk of the items that Chareos and Lyonessa identified comes up, she'll gladly accept the scroll. "Thanks for remembering," Sherra tells Argent. If Sherra can claim any of the magical arrows, she will, possibly sharing with Arocken. There aren't very many though, so she isn't getting her hopes up this time.

“You’re welcome, Sherra. May the scroll be useful to you.”

When offered the better armor, Po is happy to accept at first. "I don't particularly want to look and smell like an orc though," he finally says. "Maybe I will pass." He doesn't quite understand how Argent could consider wearing those orc boots either. She seems too foofy for that. Po continues to eye the armor almost warily. The magicks in them are powerful, but what he has seems sufficient.

(FOOFY!?)

Seeing the surprised look on Po’s face Argent responds, “It is possible to cleanse these with the use of magic. The odor will be removed. I may even change the color to match one of my dresses. Don’t be afraid of the armor just because it smells and is unsightly, Po. Those are only temporary states. If you wish, I can cleanse them for you.”


Next morning, Argent will take the boots with her down into the underground corral and work on them in between removing orders from the air. First she’ll dry the boots, to remove any moisture that might have been left behind. Next she’ll use her Cantrip to delouse them, just in case any vermin were left behind. Removal of odors will come next. Once she is satisfied that they are properly cleansed, Argent will dye them dark green to match her dress.

By the afternoon, Argent will be wearing the boots and will finally feel warm again. She’ll store her heavy winter coat and will simply be wearing her matching dark green dress.

Farian merely laughs at the statement that depth wasn’t an issue. “My dear lady, it would be if I miss a foothold or handhold and slip and fall… Dwarves don’t bounce all that well.” he says with a grim grin.

“No, I imagine that they do not,” Argent agrees. “Halflings perhaps, but definitely not dwarves.”

When directed, Argent will happily cast Fly on Farian. Better him up in those dirty tunnels than her!

“The enchantment will last for at least ninety minutes, but not more than two hours. You can feel the magic waning as it begins to fade. You’ll need to find solid ground as quickly as you can.”


Later, she’ll find her way to the Heironeous Shrine. She’s curious as to how the search for the Shield of Justice is coming.

“Find anything yet?”

[Ivy]

Ivy:

Lyonessa will smile at Ivy's accompaniment. She will sing more common ballads so Ivy can join in. She will point out a couple things Ivy can do to improve her singing should she wish.

“I mostly only know the hymns of my faith,” Ivy will sheepishly admit. “While those might be uplifting, they are not always the best to work to. You have such a beautiful voice that I didn’t want to ruin your songs by adding my own.”

Ivy will thank Lyonessa for any insights she can add to her rough singing.

Acerion smiles upon seeing the beautiful Ivy walk into the room. "Good morning, my lady. What did I do to deserve this attention?" he will ask her. "I did sleep well," Acerion replies, "but in truth waking up to see you was much more enjoyable."

“Asking me for my hand, certainly qualifies,” Ivy responds with a warm smile. “This is something you should get used to as the days go by.”

"Can you stay for a few minutes?" Acerion asks as he takes the mug and raises it to his lips. Not having much in the way of usable furniture, Acerion makes a spot on one side of the bed for Ivy to sit if she can indeed spare a few minutes.

“I would love to stay here for the rest of the day, but alas our individual duties will not permit it.”

Ivy will indeed sit down while Acerion eats his meal.

Acerion will enjoy her company for however long Ivy can stay. He will find out that it is still snowing outside. "That will pretty much postpone the scouting then," Acerion says. "I think I'm going to spend the majority of the day cleaning up the temple of Heironeous. Once the reinforcements arrive, having a clean and usable temple will help moral as much as warm rooms and good food."

“That it will. I’ll come help if I am able to slip away from the kitchen.”

Acerion will kiss Ivy's lips softly before she leaves for her busy day. He will get dressed and set out to find Corley and learn if the weather situation has changed any.

Sadly the time spent together does not last long enough and it is time to get on with their work. Ivy will gather up the tray so that it can be returned to the kitchen. She’ll hold him close and return his kiss.

“Until later, my love. May the Blue Lady watch over you.”

[Corley]

Sir Corley:

"Funny, that is the same thought I had, as I was looking out into the storm when you approached. Hopefully, they will not be a direct conflict with us, but if they should then we will be prepared for them. Tell the mages to continue to be prepared with fire-based spells in case we are assaulted by the Cold Maiden's lackeys."

"We defeated them before and we shall do so again, if they come looking for battle. We must remain vigilant against such an enemy as well. Hopefully we will not be exchanging one enemy for another."

“It’s not an attack upon us by their forces that does concern me right now,” Sir Corley admits. “After all, the fair Kharyna is no longer among us and has not been for some time. How would they even know that we were here in Fort Fletcher? My fear is that perhaps they are building a stronghold in this area from which to launch further attacks. That could be a problem as this region is already very unstable.”

"It is good that there have been no problems, but rest is something I will have to forego, at least for now," Acerion replies. "I intend to clean and prepare the temple of Heironeous for use once more. I shall be there until it is done if any are looking for me today."

“I understand, Sir Acerion. Go do what you must. We’ll tend to things in the meantime.”


Later in the day after his turn as being in command is over, Corley will place his belongings in one of the officer’s quarters. His armor will be removed and cleaned. He’ll go down into the corral to tend to Destrier. Feeding his mount and brushing him down.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

“They’re just orcs,” Aria retorts with distain. “It is a mistake to expect much from them. The world would be a better place without them.”

Grondar nods. "It is true that most orcs are not fearsome opponents. However, we have already encountered a few that were more troublesome, and I suspect we may again." In truth, he does not entirely share the conviction that all orcs - or any sentient species, for that matter - are incapable of redemption, but does not bother saying so.

“I think you should leave now, Grondar. There is no need for you to see what happens next. We warriors will handle this unpleasantness."

"Gladly, dear lady," Grondar replies, then departs in search of a better use for his talents.

As he walks the walls, tapping them in places, he soon finds there is little to no chance of a cavern being penetrated from any hidden walkways. Looking toward Grondar, “It looks like no one will be getting in here, save for the worms.”

"And that is how it should be. Thank you, Farian. I'm sure Sir Validar will be happy to hear that."

When the time comes to divide up the takings from the orcs, Grondar happily seconds the motion to give the scroll to Sherra, smiling at her as it is done. He will accept the healing potions if none of the other clerics want them. As for the rest, he has no interest in any of it. The chainmail and shield are no better than what he already has, and the plate is too large for him anyway.

Sir Corley listens intently as the strategy talks go along. “There is much wisdom to Sir Validar’s words, noble priest,” he tells Grondar. “My father spoke of such strategies in the past. The objective isn’t to defeat the enemy in any one battle, but rather to wear them down with a series of quick strike sorties. Engage the enemy while they are unprepared for battle, inflict losses, and then withdraw from the battlefield. Losses, if any, should be at a minimum as we are not seeking a long term engagement.”

“We do not need to defeat the entire army before us, only inflict enough damage to break their will. Once that is accomplished they will retreat. It will take time for their leaders to reign in their troops once more. By that time the pass should be closed for the winter and this prong of the invaders' forces blunted.”

Grondar cocks an eyebrow at his large friend. "I well understand the concept, Sir Corley. Remember, we dwarves were battling the orcs long before you humans figured out how to sharpen a stick with a rock."

He then turns back to Validar. "In theory, it makes sense. However, anyone with significant battle experience knows that strategies and tactics don't always go the way you plan them. The trouble here is that if we make one mistake in execution, or we encounter a sizable force of them where we don't expect them - whether by design or by accident - it could cripple our ability to hold this fort as charged. Keep in mind that we have already learned that they are working with some unusual leaders; one good leader could well turn such an aggressive strategy back upon us. I don't propose that we simply hide here in the fort, but a more balanced strategy with tactical consideration given to protecting our flanks and path of retreat may serve us better."

With regard to repairing the ballista gate, Gondar figures that covering the opening with whatever they can find is their best bet. With the assistance of whatever assistance he can round up, he'll collect a few loose doors from around the fort and attach them to the wall over the opening with spikes or whatever he can find. Hopefully, that will block the worst of the wind and help with warming the keep.

When not otherwise busy, Grondar will aid Acerion in cleaning the temples.

[Validar]

Sir Validar -

"I had tried to avoid such a long-winded, detailed explanation, but everyone apparently seemed to think I hadn't thought through the idea well enough in advance. I can assure you each of my strategies have many reasons. If anyone is curious as to the 'whys', I am always willing to discuss them further."

“In spite of all that we’ve been through, Sir Validar, we do not necessarily know each other all that well. Orders without explanation will usually cause me to ask questions. But I see now you do put a great deal of thought into your strategies. I shan’t question them again.”

"Indeed we do not. It is a learning experience that is ongoing. I will do my best to give a brief explanation for plans as they are presented, since that would seem to make everyone more satisfied. In truth, I do enjoy the discussion of strategies and tactics and likely avoided more in depth explanations in order to overcompensate for my own personal enthusiasm. Also, this is not a true military unit and therefore the methods for giving orders to troops is not exactly the same as that to a group such as this. It is a learning experience for us all."


Sir Validar will make a point of checking with everyone before the day is out to see how they progressed and what they might need, either personally or in regards to duties at the fort.

"Funny, that is the same thought I had, as I was looking out into the storm when you approached. Hopefully, they will not be a direct conflict with us, but if they should then we will be prepared for them. Tell the mages to continue to be prepared with fire-based spells in case we are assaulted by the Cold Maiden's lackeys."

"We defeated them before and we shall do so again, if they come looking for battle. We must remain vigilant against such an enemy as well. Hopefully we will not be exchanging one enemy for another."

“It’s not an attack upon us by their forces that does concern me right now,” Sir Corley admits. “After all, the fair Kharyna is no longer among us and has not been for some time. How would they even know that we were here in Fort Fletcher? My fear is that perhaps they are building a stronghold in this area from which to launch further attacks. That could be a problem as this region is already very unstable.”

"That is an interesting thought that I had not considered, my friend. If such is the case, then we have another powerful foe to do battle with. While I welcome the challenge, I would prefer to have to fight only one enemy at a time. The region is indeed unstable and would be a sensible place to set up a stronghold. We may need to explore this avenue further. I will ask the other priests what they know about the Cold Maiden and how best to oppose her and her minions. We may also need to take a short visit to Kharyna, as she has first-hand knowledge of their workings."

"As for whether she knows we are here, I am sure that if she were interested in our whereabouts, she could find that information. We did kill her dragon. I imagine one who is supposedly so petty would not take this slight without desiring vindication. If they are not planning a direct attack against us, so much the better. But once they find out we are here, if they don not already know, then we shall be a target for their forces in order to further solidify their power base."

Validar will speak to Grondar, Lyonessa, Ivy, Yusef and Acerion about what they may know about Auril and her minions. He will also ask if any of them have any spells to get extra-planar answers to questions. Certainly this is something serious enough to not let it pass unheeded. "As the great general Napellor Bataporan once said, it is a commander's right to occassionally loose a battle, but never to be surprised."

Validar will also suggest to the clerics and mages that they have some fire-related spells available in case we encounter some of Auril's minions. He warns the guards to be on the look-out for not only humanoids, but any of the minions that Auril has used before, such as the Ice Lizards, Ice People and Ice Dragon, particularly. Validar will also ask the clerics and mages if they have any spells to trigger alarms that can be placed on the upper ramparts and the entrances, as the ice creatures are often virtually unseen in bad weather. Validar will also ask if any mages or clerics have weather related powers and if not, which priest would, in case they need to request one be brought to them here.


Grondar cocks an eyebrow at his large friend. "I well understand the concept, Sir Corley. Remember, we dwarves were battling the orcs long before you humans figured out how to sharpen a stick with a rock."

He then turns back to Validar. "In theory, it makes sense. However, anyone with significant battle experience knows that strategies and tactics don't always go the way you plan them. The trouble here is that if we make one mistake in execution, or we encounter a sizable force of them where we don't expect them - whether by design or by accident - it could cripple our ability to hold this fort as charged. Keep in mind that we have already learned that they are working with some unusual leaders; one good leader could well turn such an aggressive strategy back upon us. I don't propose that we simply hide here in the fort, but a more balanced strategy with tactical consideration given to protecting our flanks and path of retreat may serve us better."

"Indeed, Grondar, in most cases, in all but the simplest battles things change. As it has been said, 'a plan rarely survives contact with the enemy', although that is usually the case with large masses of opponents, armies fighting each other. A group like ours, which is much smaller, has much better command control and much better communication, by definition."

"Contingencies are necessary to be ready, depending on what happens once the clash begins. And to be honest, it is often not the initial strategies that define a good commander, as almost anyone can determine a method of attack or defense, based on initial observation. It is in the swirl of combat, when it is too late to make any additional changes, anything not already planned for is unable to be reacted to. It is here where the difference comes in a good general and a poor one."

"I am well-aware that we are not dealing with an army of normal orcs or other humanoids. I tasted the spear of Dek myself and it left a lasting impression in my mind. I will never underestimate such an opponent again."

"As for an enemy leader able to turn an aggressive attack against itself, that is true, if they are prepared for such and if they and their troops can the capabilities of doing so. A commander is still limited by the quality and abilities of his troops. But your comment makes it even more vital that we strike well, when we make our initial attack, as this will be our easiest and most undefendable attack. It will come with surprise and unexpectedness. If they are prepared for it, we have the mobility to break it off. And if that is the case, we will have the fight of our lives on our hands, as it means that the enemy already knows we are here and was expecting us."

"Unless I am missing something, the mobility of those making the initial attack gives them a clear line of retreat. The multiple Fly spells makes them redundant enough to continue even should a spell be cancelled or Dispelled and we have the courageous Sir Acerion on his mount to cover the two mages. None of the rest of us have flight abilities, nor can we simply leave the Fort unattended in order for all of us to go forth to battle. The three of them will be an efficient, powerful and mobile force ready to deal with what they need to accomplish."

"As for covering flanks, in a combat such as this, it does not really enter into it. We are not engaging the enemy, nor are our forces large enough to even have flanks. Their mobility will allow them to not be encircled as will the fact that they are aerial and not land-bound. By definitial an aerial attack does not truly have any flanks, even when two completely aerial forces are facing each other."

"Our plan already takes into consideration what would happen if there is a sizable number of the enemy. I, in fact expect that this force could be larger than the one that initially assaulted Corunglain, which is why we are taking the overall strategy as presented. If their forces are indeed small enough for us to engage them in direct combat as we did in the caverns, so much the better, but until we have that knowledge, we need to assume that there are too many enemy to defend this fortress against. Our plan has to take that into consideration and if it does, then we can more easily win against a lesser foe."

"Now, if you are referring to future attacks, please be aware that we have not even begun to talk about the second attack we shall make on the enemy. I have many plans for assaulting them in unexpected and creative ways that will give us the best chance for ultimate victory. And it is certainly my contention to do my best to assure that we do not have a single casualty as a result."

"We will be certain to make mistakes in our execution. No plan is foolproof and no soldier or general makes the exact decisions that his commander might expect. However, the enemy will also make mistakes. It is important that we make as few mistakes as possible and that we make good decisions when each of us is presented with them."

"Everyone was surprised when I lead us directly into Castle Rennydale and faced their trap directly, but it was the best strategy I could imagine to accomplish what we wanted, which was to confront Lord Cavius directly and whoever was assisting him. This is not the time for direct confrontation. We need to halt the enemy and force them on the defensive. If they have leaders who are well-versed in strategy, it may even cause to impede their progress further, if they become to concerned with defenses. That would play exactly into our hands. If they come at us all the more aggressively, they still have to cross the remaining ground to the Fortress and we can use that to our benefit. In some ways, it is very much a game and the best way to defeat your enemy can be found, if you are observant, if you prepare for every reasonable contingecy and you control the conflict."


Validar will take some time to see to his armor and his horses, when he has the time. He continues to check on their overall progress and their defenses and asks regularly about the weather.

[Validar]

Po -

Seeing the surprised look on Po’s face Argent responds, “It is possible to cleanse these with the use of magic. The odor will be removed. I may even change the color to match one of my dresses. Don’t be afraid of the armor just because it smells and is unsightly, Po. Those are only temporary states. If you wish, I can cleanse them for you.”

"Really?", he says with a surprised look on his face. "You can turn those things into something.... nice?"

Later when Argent has completed her conversion of the boots and is wearing them, Po will approach her hesitantly.

"Lady Argent? If yer still willing, I would like the armor then," he says simply, looking away as he speaks.

If asked which one, he'll answer simply, "Well, I guess, the best one..."

[farian]

Farian

By the afternoon, Argent will be wearing the boots and will finally feel warm again. She’ll store her heavy winter coat and will simply be wearing her matching dark green dress.

Farian eyes the boots with a little amusement within his eyes though says nothing. He listens intently as she retells of the Fly spell.

“The enchantment will last for at least ninety minutes, but not more than two hours. You can feel the magic waning as it begins to fade. You’ll need to find solid ground as quickly as you can.”

“With any luck I will be back long before then,” he says, “but I will take your warning to heart.”

As he flies up he moves the hatch after a moment and then wills his ring to cover him in a shroud of invisibility, thinking it best as who knows what has mad a home with.

His eyes adjust just after a moment as he goes about his appointed task. Coming to the main mine Farian takes out his Warhammer and looks about in the immediate area. Seeing nothing of a threat he moves about surveying the mine.

Most of the equipment seems to be in working order considering seeing neglect for some time. Seeing a Ore pulley system Farian goes to inspect it then sees the ladder, normally he would take it but advises not to, instead flying down near it.

He looks about and sees another pulley system though this one seems to be hooked to a water wheels of sorts. An audible groan comes from his mouth as he can see there is no water, and judging by the waterbed not for some time.

Farian will see if the stream is possibly damned up if he is able.

Guessing that he doesn’t have an infinite time left he tries to gather as much coal as he can using his backpack, to show what he found.( Fill up his backpack.)

If he feels as though the spell is beginning to wane he will use the ladders as well as rope he brought to help him move about. If the spell is extinguished when he reaches the coal chute he will anchor the rope onto the iron bars and check that it will hold his weight then slide down the coal chute!

Upon returning to the others you can’t help but see the gathered coal dust clinging to his sweaty brow. He will report his findings to Validar soon after. Taking off his pack and showing the noble the coal. “The mine still has a vast amount of coal within, a mere 400’ in. There is a concern though,” he goes on seeing the pleased face of Validar. “The lower pulley system will not work without water. It seems that the underground stream that turned the great wheel has dried up. We will have to commit some men to gathering it as needed.”

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"the scroll should be given to whomever can make the best use of it. Decide amongst yourselves. The healing potions should be given to the clerics, as before."

Yusef will volunteer to carry the healing potions. None of the other items are of any possible use to him.

Chareos is a bit taken aback by the monk though doesn’t show it. Not many are so inclined to know many of the lesser used spells or their uses. “It is known as the Wizard’s Eye. It merely creates a movable extension of my sight. We may not be able to get within the confines of those walls, but If my theory is correct, this should let us see into that hole.”

"Interesting," Yusef says. "I have heard of such a spell, but never seen it in use. Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me."

Surprisingly the room is very sparse. “Definitely a safe of some sort,” he surmises as he checks the entrance wall. Turning the eye about, his eye catches a platform raising up, his smile is apparent as he realizes what they have found as elation soon finds his voice, “Its here!!! The Shield Of Justice lies within!!” he exclaims. Seeing no way in or out he let’s the eye merely sit.
He will then turn his gaze on Yusef wondering, "Have we found anything else that may hint to how to open it?"

"That is exciting news, Lord Chareos!" Yusef exclaims in uncharacteristic excitement, which departs quickly. "No, I'm sorry to say - at least, not yet."

Turning to Acerion he will ask,"Perhaps Heironous holy symbol is the key."

"That is an excellent idea. Acerion, by any chance does any part of your holy symbol fit into that small opening?"

“Find anything yet?”

"Why, yes, we have, Lady Argent," Yusef replies. "Our wizardly friend Chareos used a Wizard Eye spell to look in the room and discovered that the Shield of Justice is indeed within. Unfortunately, we are no closer to finding a way to access it. Have you any ideas?"

After spending a fair bit of time searching, Yusef is no closer to finding a way into the hidden room. He does note, however, that the two altars face one another. Since his patron diety is associated with the sun, moon and stars, it occurs to Yusef that it might have something to do with light from outside. Thus, as one last test, he opens all of the doors between the two altars. Then, he sits in front of Helm's altar with his head just in front of the eye. He looks around in all directions to see it there is any direction from which light from outside could strike the eye. If so, he attempts to estimate what time of day or night that might occur. Regardless of success or failure, Yusef will return to his work with Sherra and Rat when finished.

As they work, Sherra tells Yusef and Rat of her days aboard ship. It is a fascinating tale, and Yusef listens with interest. "That must be an invigorating life, Sherra. I hope someday I get the opportunity to set sail for other ports and see the wider world."

"So what sort of ship was it?" Sherra asks, shooting Yusef a quick, hidden smile as she listens to "Cap'n" Rat's story. "I can only imagine the finest sailing vessel for such a notable captain like yourself, Rat. What made you leave such a pleasant life behind?"

A hint of a smile seems almost to flicker across Yusef's features, but perhaps it was just a trick of the light...

When Lyonessa hears that the coal is getting low, she will offer up using her spell. It will greatly lengthen the amount of time their wood supply will last. Not sure of the effects it will have for the furnaces, it could still be used to ensure the fires don't go out for many hours.

Hearing Lyonessa's idea, Yusef will volunteer that he has a similar spell which he is happy to contribute for this purpose.

At the end of the day, Yusef will happily join, Sherra, Rat and any others for dinner. He drinks only water, however.

[Validar]

Sir Validar -

Upon returning to the others you can’t help but see the gathered coal dust clinging to his sweaty brow. He will report his findings to Validar soon after. Taking off his pack and showing the noble the coal. “The mine still has a vast amount of coal within, a mere 400’ in. There is a concern though,” he goes on seeing the pleased face of Validar. “The lower pulley system will not work without water. It seems that the underground stream that turned the great wheel has dried up. We will have to commit some men to gathering it as needed.”

Validar listens to the dwarven scout's information and is pleased to hear that indeed there is some coal not far away.

"I expected as much," he will say. "It sounds like we have some work to do in order to bring it to us, but I will accept that condition, provided the fortress will have a continued heat source."

"Farian and Aria will be in charge of organizing what we need to do to get more coal here, as well as investigating what, if anything, we can do to get the automated system running again. That however, may be impossible until Hammerfall is under our control again."

"Do what you can tomorrow and then we will have further assistance in reserves, including some dwarves. Any preparations cannot be done too soon. In addition, at some point, we will need to further explore the caverns beyond the first storage point. This will be our attack avenue in claiming Hammerfall."


"The scroll should be given to whomever can make the best use of it. Decide amongst yourselves. The healing potions should be given to the clerics, as before."

Yusef will volunteer to carry the healing potions. None of the other items are of any possible use to him.

"I like to keep the healing potions spread throughout the group, but there is no reason you cannot keep one available. The other can be held by Ivy. We used several of the healing potions that she carried during the battle in the caverns under Corunglain."

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

Grondar nods. "It is true that most orcs are not fearsome opponents. However, we have already encountered a few that were more troublesome, and I suspect we may again." In truth, he does not entirely share the conviction that all orcs - or any sentient species, for that matter - are incapable of redemption, but does not bother saying so.

“Aye, a few of the curs survive long enough to become skilled. Perhaps that is the only similarity we civilized races share with them.”


Aria listens as the Wayfinder returns from his explorations up the coal chute.

“Aye, This is not unexpected,” Aria adds. “The mines between here and Hammerfall change levels frequently. We’ll probably find multiple coal depots in the mines. However, I do not expect the way to open for its entire length. A powerful earth tremor shook Hammerfall and it was this, coupled with the fall of Fort Fletcher and the humanoid attacks, that led to its abandonment.”

“We might be able to work the pulley system by hand, or by using counterweights to let gravity move it along. If there were wooden troughs that fed water to the water wheel, then I would have to surmise that the flow was deliberately channeled to that location. It wasn’t a naturally flowing stream, but water diverted from elsewhere.”

“Another possibility is that the earth tremors either changed the course of the water flow or the tunnels were beyond the first coal reserve have caved in. Either the water cannot reach it or needs guidance to reach it. We’ll know more when we examine it tomorrow.”

[Argent]

Argent:

"Really?", he says with a surprised look on his face. "You can turn those things into something.... nice?"

“But of course. Magic is a very powerful tool. You can do far more with it than you can by hand. It can make ones life much easier when used properly.”

Later when Argent has completed her conversion of the boots and is wearing them, Po will approach her hesitantly.

"Lady Argent? If yer still willing, I would like the armor then," he says simply, looking away as he speaks.

If asked which one, he'll answer simply, "Well, I guess, the best one..."

“Hello Po. Sure, I’ll clean I up for you. Which one do you want?”

And after Po selects his armor, “Any particular color you want it to be? Alas, any color change is only temporary, but will last for a month or so.”

Validar will also suggest to the clerics and mages that they have some fire-related spells available in case we encounter some of Auril's minions. He warns the guards to be on the look-out for not only humanoids, but any of the minions that Auril has used before, such as the Ice Lizards, Ice People and Ice Dragon, particularly. Validar will also ask the clerics and mages if they have any spells to trigger alarms that can be placed on the upper ramparts and the entrances, as the ice creatures are often virtually unseen in bad weather. Validar will also ask if any mages or clerics have weather related powers and if not, which priest would, in case they need to request one be brought to them here.

When asked, Argent will say, “The problem with such spells that I know is that their durations are short. None would offer any long-term protection. The best spell I have would be Alarm and I do have one in memory. The down side is that it only covers a twenty foot wide area, but it would last for as many as 8 hours.”

"Why, yes, we have, Lady Argent," Yusef replies. "Our wizardly friend Chareos used a Wizard Eye spell to look in the room and discovered that the Shield of Justice is indeed within. Unfortunately, we are no closer to finding a way to access it. Have you any ideas?"

“That is good news indeed,” Argent agrees. “So the problem is getting to the Shield then? A Passwall spell seems like the simplest solution, but unfortunately that magic is beyond my skill at the moment. I am sure Lord Sharadin could do that upon his return.”

Argent ponders the problem for a few more moments before inspiration hits her. “A pair of Dimension Doors would do the trick. One to move into the vault, the other to move back out with the shield. That is assuming of course there isn’t any magic in place that blocks that type of movement. A Dig spell could be used to directly breach the wall.”


Upon learning about the finding of more coal, but that the problem now is to get it to the fort, Agent will add, “I could also cast Levitate to one of these moving buckets on the pulley system to give it movement. That might work temporarily to make the whole thing move without water.”

[Ivy]

Ivy:

"That is an interesting thought that I had not considered, my friend. If such is the case, then we have another powerful foe to do battle with. While I welcome the challenge, I would prefer to have to fight only one enemy at a time. The region is indeed unstable and would be a sensible place to set up a stronghold. We may need to explore this avenue further. I will ask the other priests what they know about the Cold Maiden and how best to oppose her and her minions. We may also need to take a short visit to Kharyna, as she has first-hand knowledge of their workings."

“I’m afraid that I don’t much about her either,” Ivy admits. “Its not a faith that you see much in our area as its generally too warm. What little I know about her comes from Kharyna. She is the embodiment of cold and is cruel and evil. Her followers use fear as a way to gain worshippers. If her powers are diminished in our world, then her priests will also be limited in their powers. If she is gathering her forces in this area, then perhaps it’s an attempt to regain her lost status? Regardless of her motives, her followers must be dealt with. They only plague the innocent with pain and suffering.”

Validar will also suggest to the clerics and mages that they have some fire-related spells available in case we encounter some of Auril's minions. He warns the guards to be on the look-out for not only humanoids, but any of the minions that Auril has used before, such as the Ice Lizards, Ice People and Ice Dragon, particularly. Validar will also ask the clerics and mages if they have any spells to trigger alarms that can be placed on the upper ramparts and the entrances, as the ice creatures are often virtually unseen in bad weather. Validar will also ask if any mages or clerics have weather related powers and if not, which priest would, in case they need to request one be brought to them here.

“Glyphs of Warding might be an option,” Ivy suggests. “They can be tailored to target only those who do evil and unleash a variety of effects when triggered. Even better they last until expired. For instance, you could create a Glyph that only affects evil beings and erupts into fire when triggered. Unfortunately I’m not usually permitted to use that type of Glyph as I am forbidden to kill living, sentient beings. Grondar might be able to make use of them.”

[Rat]

Rat:

"So what sort of ship was it?" Sherra asks, shooting Yusef a quick, hidden smile as she listens to "Cap'n" Rat's story. "I can only imagine the finest sailing vessel for such a notable captain like yourself, Rat. What made you leave such a pleasant life behind?"

A hint of a smile seems almost to flicker across Yusef's features, but perhaps it was just a trick of the light...

“It was a sailing ship,” Rat simply answers. “I spent most of me time up in the Rat’s Nest and left the actually operations to those who do those sort of things.”

(Long story short: Rat was part of an adventuring group who had a long voyage while on ship. During it, Rat took to calling himself “Cap’n Rat”. He wasn’t in charge, and probably can’t even tell you who else was in the group. His memory is funny like that.)

[Chareos]

Chareos

Argent ponders the problem for a few more moments before inspiration hits her. “A pair of Dimension Doors would do the trick. One to move into the vault, the other to move back out with the shield. That is assuming of course there isn’t any magic in place that blocks that type of movement. A Dig spell could be used to directly breach the wall.”

“Or perhaps two Wraithform spells,” he surmises. “If we couldn’t get through the hole we know we couldn’t breach it that way. As for the Dig spell You really think it wise to defile Heironous’s temple? I would rather not take such an action, ” he asks with skepticism etched on his face.

If no one else is interested Chareos will take the Magical broadsword from the magical items.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

“Aye, a few of the curs survive long enough to become skilled. Perhaps that is the only similarity we civilized races share with them.”

"Perhaps," Grondar says, though in truth he doubts that Aria is right.

Validar responds to Grondar's concerns with another barrage of verbage. Must be a human trait, to fling barrels of words about like they were grains of sand. Grondar just shrugs; he's had his say, and as leader it's up to Validar to decide what to do with the input of the rest of the group.

"Farian and Aria will be in charge of organizing what we need to do to get more coal here, as well as investigating what, if anything, we can do to get the automated system running again. That however, may be impossible until Hammerfall is under our control again."

"Do what you can tomorrow and then we will have further assistance in reserves, including some dwarves. Any preparations cannot be done too soon. In addition, at some point, we will need to further explore the caverns beyond the first storage point. This will be our attack avenue in claiming Hammerfall."

Grondar looks over at his fellow dwarves. "Let me know if you can use any help in the tunnels. Validar's idea of using this as a starting point in our reclamation of Hammerfall may have some merit, and it would be good to know more of the situation there."

Aria speaks up regarding Hammerfall and the coal mines. Apparently, she doesn't think that they'll be able to reach the main part of the city from the mines. Well, there's only one way to find out for sure, and the coal supply is the most pressing need at the moment anyway.

Noting Validar's decision regarding the newly-acquired healing potions, Grondar will leave them to the younger priests to divvy up.

Discussion turns to spells that may be of use, both for warding areas and for dealing with creatures of cold. "While I don't have any such blessings currently, I have access to several that may be of use in warding entrances and such. These would include Glyph of Warding, as Ivy has suggested, as well as a few that are similar in nature to Argent's Alarm. I'm not certain that a Weather Stasis spell - which is the only weather-related magic I could access - would be of much use, though."

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"I like to keep the healing potions spread throughout the group, but there is no reason you cannot keep one available. The other can be held by Ivy. We used several of the healing potions that she carried during the battle in the caverns under Corunglain."

Yusef nods, then turns to Ivy and gestures at the potion bottles. "Ladies first."

“It was a sailing ship,” Rat simply answers. “I spent most of me time up in the Rat’s Nest and left the actually operations to those who do those sort of things.”

"Probably is best to leave sailing to the sailors," Yusef says with a straight face.

“That is good news indeed,” Argent agrees. “So the problem is getting to the Shield then? A Passwall spell seems like the simplest solution, but unfortunately that magic is beyond my skill at the moment. I am sure Lord Sharadin could do that upon his return.”

Argent ponders the problem for a few more moments before inspiration hits her. “A pair of Dimension Doors would do the trick. One to move into the vault, the other to move back out with the shield. That is assuming of course there isn’t any magic in place that blocks that type of movement. A Dig spell could be used to directly breach the wall.”

“Or perhaps two Wraithform spells,” he surmises. “If we couldn’t get through the hole we know we couldn’t breach it that way. As for the Dig spell You really think it wise to defile Heironous’s temple? I would rather not take such an action, ” he asks with skepticism etched on his face.

As Argent and Chareos discuss the problem, Yusef just listens in. "It is possible that one of those methods may prove successful, though I'm inclined to agree with Chareos with regard to any spell that may damage the temple. Still, it seems to me that there may be a way specifically designed for reaching that room, and I think it would be a good idea to attempt to find it if we may." Yusef heads off down the hall toward Helm's temple, wondering if the two are connected in some way.

Yusef joins the discussion of spells for the priests and mages, listening to the others before commenting. "I, too, could request some blessings that might be of use in protecting the fort."

[Validar]

Sir Validar -

Validar responds to Grondar's concerns with another barrage of verbage. Must be a human trait, to fling barrels of words about like they were grains of sand. Grondar just shrugs; he's had his say, and as leader it's up to Validar to decide what to do with the input of the rest of the group.

Validar looks strangely at the dwarf for a second, then dismisses it without saying anything. Odd that someone would bring up a contrary strategy suggestion and then shrug it off so easily. "This is not a military organization," he reminds himself and with all discussion seemingly ended, Validar moves on to other details which need attention.


“Aye, This is not unexpected,” Aria adds. “The mines between here and Hammerfall change levels frequently. We’ll probably find multiple coal depots in the mines. However, I do not expect the way to open for its entire length. A powerful earth tremor shook Hammerfall and it was this, coupled with the fall of Fort Fletcher and the humanoid attacks, that led to its abandonment.”

"That would be unfortunate. Nevertheless, I think it prudent to explore the caverns as far as they do go, both for the possibilities of entering Hammerfall without having to travel overland and also for our defense as well."

“We might be able to work the pulley system by hand, or by using counterweights to let gravity move it along. If there were wooden troughs that fed water to the water wheel, then I would have to surmise that the flow was deliberately channeled to that location. It wasn’t a naturally flowing stream, but water diverted from elsewhere.”

“Another possibility is that the earth tremors either changed the course of the water flow or the tunnels were beyond the first coal reserve have caved in. Either the water cannot reach it or needs guidance to reach it. We’ll know more when we examine it tomorrow.”

"I will trust your expertise to determine the best course of action. Eventually, we will restore everything that has fallen, both here and Hammerfall and all other holdings in this area. For now, we will do what we can."

Upon learning about the finding of more coal, but that the problem now is to get it to the fort, Agent will add, “I could also cast Levitate to one of these moving buckets on the pulley system to give it movement. That might work temporarily to make the whole thing move without water.”

"That could prove helpful. Aria will determine if there are any other methods of moving the coal normally and if not, then that would be a helpful reduction of the work load, my lady."


Validar will also ask the clerics and mages if they have any spells to trigger alarms that can be placed on the upper ramparts and the entrances, as the ice creatures are often virtually unseen in bad weather. Validar will also ask if any mages or clerics have weather related powers and if not, which priest would, in case they need to request one be brought to them here.

When asked, Argent will say, “The problem with such spells that I know is that their durations are short. None would offer any long-term protection. The best spell I have would be Alarm and I do have one in memory. The down side is that it only covers a twenty foot wide area, but it would last for as many as 8 hours.”

"At this point, it may prove helpful. Until the reinforcements arrive, we are vulnerable simply due to the few number of eyes we possess in total. Any magickal alarms or defenses, temporary though they may be, are not wasted, I believe. Argent, you will be in charge of coordinating any of the defense or detection spells that we might possess, both now and tomorrow. If there are ones that need to be replenished daily, then I suggest we continue to do so for the time being, as long as utilizing those spells does not hamper our offensive capabilities. It is still very important to be ready to locate and attack the humanoid invaders."


“I’m afraid that I don’t much about her either,” Ivy admits. “Its not a faith that you see much in our area as its generally too warm. What little I know about her comes from Kharyna. She is the embodiment of cold and is cruel and evil. Her followers use fear as a way to gain worshippers. If her powers are diminished in our world, then her priests will also be limited in their powers. If she is gathering her forces in this area, then perhaps it’s an attempt to regain her lost status? Regardless of her motives, her followers must be dealt with. They only plague the innocent with pain and suffering.”

"Yes, I understand. The sect was strong for a time in the land of Neverwinter. From what I learned from Kharyna, they generally are small in number, but they are still a powerful threat, especially if they are determined to succeed in their mission here."

"I think you may be correct in it being an attempt to regain status. They lost such not long ago and I would imagine she is looking for a new bastion to build her power from. We will oppose her at every opportunity, of that you can be certain."


“Glyphs of Warding might be an option,” Ivy suggests. “They can be tailored to target only those who do evil and unleash a variety of effects when triggered. Even better they last until expired. For instance, you could create a Glyph that only affects evil beings and erupts into fire when triggered. Unfortunately I’m not usually permitted to use that type of Glyph as I am forbidden to kill living, sentient beings. Grondar might be able to make use of them.”

"That is a viable option. Can you set them against magickal or summoned beings only, or some other variable that would allow you to use them? If not, then we shall see who else has them available. Argent will be coordinating the magickal defenses and alarms."


Discussion turns to spells that may be of use, both for warding areas and for dealing with creatures of cold. "While I don't have any such blessings currently, I have access to several that may be of use in warding entrances and such. These would include Glyph of Warding, as Ivy has suggested, as well as a few that are similar in nature to Argent's Alarm. I'm not certain that a Weather Stasis spell - which is the only weather-related magic I could access - would be of much use, though."

"Very good, my dwarven friend. Argent will be coordinating the selection and placement of these spells. If you feel that this Weather Stasis spell has a chance to succeed, then perhaps we should try it in the morning. Otherwise, whatever you can add to our defenses would be appreciated. I am concerned we could be seeing an attack at some point and I do not wish to be taken unawares."

Yusef joins the discussion of spells for the priests and mages, listening to the others before commenting. "I, too, could request some blessings that might be of use in protecting the fort."

"I do not think we can be too redundant or too careful at the moment. As each of you are quickly replenished by your patrons, using these powers on even a daily basis may make the difference between repelling an attack successfully and not. Let Argent know what you have available, both now and new possibilities in the morning."

[Acerion]

Acerion:

Validar will speak to Grondar, Lyonessa, Ivy, Yusef and Acerion about what they may know about Auril and her minions. He will also ask if any of them have any spells to get extra-planar answers to questions.

"I only know what you and the others know in the broad, general sense," Acerion replies about Auril. "There is another force of evil we as followers of Heironeous are directly opposed to and she is not viewed as a major threat."

"As far as my spell abilities, I am far from a full priest and have a very limited range of spell options that are granted to me," Acerion explains. "I have nothing currently that can help in extra defense of the fort or to contact any extra-planar entities."

Looking at the hole within the wall with great thought Chareos looks to Acerion then the reinactment comes again..... and a sudden thought comes to mind and he soon voices it, "What if on the onslaught of battle the Cleric and those who else remained here helped secure the Shield within!"looking about the room to the others, "There is no visible entrances or exits meaning there has to be some way of opening it.... Perhaps the cleric has the key after all this is a temple of Heironous." he trails of as he begins thinking.

Turning to Acerion he will ask,"Perhaps Heironous holy symbol is the key."

"That is an excellent idea. Acerion, by any chance does any part of your holy symbol fit into that small opening?"

Askign the Paladin, "Could you not ask the tomb to open in Heironous's good name? Much like Lady Ivy banished the zombies with Azerlla(sp)'s blessings?" he asks.

Acerion gives pause to his cleaning of the temple upon hearing that the Shield has been located. Acerion didn't remember seeing anything on the deceased priest, but will double check. "If he had a key in a pocket or secured to his wrist, it may have fallen and been covered by years of weather and growth," Acerion says. "Let us hope there is a different way to get to the shield."

Acerion will also take Chareos and Yusef's ideas and see if either his holy symbol or some part of his holy axe can be used as a key. He will also check the staute and altar and see if the axe can be laid over or into a space.

If none of these ideas provide a solution, Acerion will hold his axe before him and attempt to open the room through divine blessing. "By my honor and the word and blessing of Heironeous, allow me to see the passage to the hidden room beyond. Allow me, your servant, access to where the Shield of Justice rests."

If this doesn't work either, Acerion will go into extended prayer later in the day within the temple. He will forego rest and food during this time, hoping he is worthy enough to be granted a vision or some insight as to how to get into the secured room.

[Validar]

Sir Validar -

Validar will speak to Grondar, Lyonessa, Ivy, Yusef and Acerion about what they may know about Auril and her minions. He will also ask if any of them have any spells to get extra-planar answers to questions.

"I only know what you and the others know in the broad, general sense," Acerion replies about Auril. "There is another force of evil we as followers of Heironeous are directly opposed to and she is not viewed as a major threat."

"Fair enough, my friend. My understanding is that the Cold Maiden is not a very well-known patron despite the hold they had on Neverwinter for some time. As for the enemy of Heironeous, I am well aware of the emnity for Hextor and his evil minions. With the Seekers we have faced them before and I am sure we will cross swords with those souless slugs again in the future. The appearance of their six-armed witch with the Dragon at the attack on Corunglain is enough proof of that."

"As far as my spell abilities, I am far from a full priest and have a very limited range of spell options that are granted to me," Acerion explains. "I have nothing currently that can help in extra defense of the fort or to contact any extra-planar entities."

"I understand the situation. I was more concerned about what counsel you may have regarding the defenses and any knowledge of the Cold Maiden you may have. One never knows where vital information may come from," he answers easily. Validar makes a point not to mention the name of Auril. There is no reason to attract her attention until they are ready for her. Validar certainly isn't voicing the Cold Maiden's name out of respect or fear. Soon enough they will be ready to confront this threat, if it is a valid one, but their mission must come first and searching for new enemies when their current ones' whereabouts are unknown does not make good sense.

"I think it best to prepare for the eventuality that her forces may discover us, if they do not already know we are here. We seem to have the knack lately of trading one foe for another, larger, more deadly one," he says with an easy smile and a chuckle. "It is indeed a glorious time that we live in."

[Validar]

Po -

Later when Argent has completed her conversion of the boots and is wearing them, Po will approach her hesitantly.

"Lady Argent? If yer still willing, I would like the armor then," he says simply, looking away as he speaks.

“Hello Po. Sure, I’ll clean I up for you. Which one do you want?”

If asked which one, he'll answer simply, "Well, I guess, the best one..."

Po will select the most normal looking of the two Plate +1. This will definitely be an improvement on his current armor.

And after Po selects his armor, “Any particular color you want it to be? Alas, any color change is only temporary, but will last for a month or so.”

"Well, I understand the troops of Sir Validar wear green and blue, so either of those would be fine I guess."

[GM Mad]

Post Closed