Hammerfall #7

[GM Mad]

Hammerfall #7

Previous Day:

"So much as the furball can understand o'course," Daraden chuckles. "We be getting our points across pretty well."

"Oh, I see," Senoia answers in realization.

Daraden thinks on the last part Senoia says, "Aye, that be true I believe. I wasn't really thinking along those lines, just rather that we free our kin from this hellish prison that was once their home."

"I'll drink to that! Personally, I was just looking for a good scrap! I've seemed to find that and much, much more. I found it very satisfying to pound those lumbering brutes with me hammers and freeing these good folk from their clutches. Tomorrow, we finish the job."

Aria will ask the mayor if there is a save place we can store our spoils for now.

Mountain Lake doesn’t have a strong house or anything of that nature. Keeping it in your guest room at the inn should work for now as most dwarves are honest individuals.


Morning:

It is not long before Grondar meets the priestess foretold to him by Denia, and it is someone he has met previously! "I was told of your coming by Denia Steelstrike, the Revered Mother's intermediary on this world. She asked me to help you, though I would gladly have provided my assistance even if she had not. There is much to do here, though I sure we can get this town back on its feet in no time. I believe your presence will be a boon to them, and they to you as well."

“Ah, you’ve spoken with Denia. She is a wonderful confidant and mentor. I am sure that you will get along fine. However, you should not be so easy to mention her name, at least to those who are not ready to speak with her. It is fine with those of us in the know, but to everyone else, she should remain our little secret.”

[GM Mad]

Into the Mines:

The dwarves have advanced into the mines and reached the first large natural cavern. Tunnels from here lead to a second natural cavern that gives way to the entrance to the lower mines, where the duergar ruins were uncovered. This is where the Iron Orb was originally found and where the menacing Iron Warrior is being built. However, the dwarves are sure that many invisible foes are between them and their destination.

"Der be eyes on us," Daraden comments softly. He keeps an eye on Darkfang to see if the wolf can pick up the enemy any better. If there are no clues from his wolf and no sudden ambushes, Daraden remains near the mayor and waits to see if Aria wants us to split up at this point.

Darkfang will growl a low warning and bare teeth. The wolf knows that there are many foes in the immediate area.

At Aria’s instruction, torches are thrown deeper into the cave, helping to illuminate it further. Grondar adds his Continual Light stone and that gets a reaction. Unseen foes rush to vacate the brightly illuminated area!

“Your target’s are there!” Mayor Arlos cries out.

Oran tosses his flaming warhammer into that general vicinity. It smashes into an unseen foe with a bone-crushing thud. A duergar appears and is dead before he can hit the cavern floor. The Firehammer then flies back to its master’s hand.

“Yep, they be there all right,” Oran observes. “Let see what you overgrown runts can do! Bring it on!”

The unseen enemy swells forward to attack! Sensing the enemy before you, some of you swing and connect! Duergar around 8’ tall appear before you! Still others are attacked first by the enemy. For the most part the dwarven armor holds true and very little damage is taken. Rat remained safely behind the defensive line with his sling at the ready.

Between the attacks and being attacked, over two dozen duergar appear! Finally having a real target to hit, the dwarves surge forward and battle commences!

The battle quickly becomes very one sided. The enemy is nowhere near as skilled as the dwarves are. Both Aria and Oran down Duergars with single hits, while most everyone else can slay one with two strikes. After a few minutes of furious combat, the enemy is slain! Only Daraden, Dougan, and Senoia are harmed during the struggle.

In the aftermath of the battle, Salem can’t help but notice something. There are a few duergar bodies laying on the cavern floor away from the combat area. Apart from the one Oran downed with his Firehammer, all the rest where removed by hand to hand combat. Salem moves to investigate. Spying something, he calls out.

“Lady Aria, it seems that we have unseen assistance. These ones here are asleep!”

Oran holds up a black crossbow bolt. The tip seems to be covered by some sort of liquid.

“Poisoned, I’d wager,” Salem says as he tosses the bolt aside.

“I recognize that,” Oran speaks up as he draws closer to Salem. “It’s a weapon used by the dark elves. Bolts coated with a sleeping agent are common to them. Except this lil’ darlings are never going to wake up.”

Oran and Salem make sure the enemy will not rise up again.

“We should keep moving,” Mayor Arlos suggests. “I’d wager the best troops wait us at the ruins.”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

As noted before, there are two main tunnels between here and the next large cavern. One is more direct; the other takes a roundabout path. Which tunnel are you going to take? Are you going to split the group up or continue on together?

Hit Points:

Daraden: 55 of 59
Dougan: 56 of 62
Senoia: 60 of 61

Now what?

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

The light sources are thrown and the daylight rock startles the enemy into revealing their position.

“Your target’s are there!” Mayor Arlos cries out.

Oran tosses his flaming warhammer into that general vicinity. It smashes into an unseen foe with a bone-crushing thud. A duergar appears and is dead before he can hit the cavern floor. The Firehammer then flies back to its master’s hand.

“Yep, they be there all right,” Oran observes. “Let see what you overgrown runts can do! Bring it on!”

“Nice work, Oran,” Aria says in awe. The Firehammer is clearly a powerful weapon. Seemingly a fiery version of a Dwarven Thrower. “Stand your ground and strike when you think you have a target!”


Aria thinks she see’s a distortion before her and she strikes at it with her axe! Her aim is true and a duergar falls to the ground dead. The enemy attacks, but they lack the strength to damage the armor of a true dwarf! They also seem to lack any real skill as they fall quickly before dwarven steel.

“We should keep moving,” Mayor Arlos suggests. “I’d wager the best troops wait us at the ruins.”

“Orc fodder,” Aria snorts in agreement. “If this was there best, then we’ll complete this mission with just a few scratches.”

“Lady Aria, it seems that we have unseen assistance. These ones here are asleep!”

Oran holds up a black crossbow bolt. The tip seems to be covered by some sort of liquid.

“Poisoned, I’d wager,” Salem says as he tosses the bolt aside.

“I recognize that,” Oran speaks up as he draws closer to Salem. “It’s a weapon used by the dark elves. Bolts coated with a sleeping agent are common to them. Except this lil’ darlings are never going to wake up.”

Oran and Salem make sure the enemy will not rise up again.

Hearing Salem call out, Aria walks in that direction. Seems that some of the enemy fell asleep from poisoned drow bolts!

“So, those blasted dark elves are down here with us. All the more reason to stay on guard. The Mayor is right, we need to keep moving towards our goal. We’ll take the shorter tunnel towards the next cavern. Farian, Salem, and Oran will lead the way. Farian and Salem will watch for traps, while Oran can throw his hammer when able to make sure the way is clear. Mayor Arlos, Daraden, and Senoia will be the rear guard. The rest of us will be the middle rank. Let’s move!”

[Grondar]

Grondar:

“A wise suggestion, Grondar. Aye, material wealth can wait for now.”

Grondar simply nods in response to Aria. It is good that she is open to suggestions.

“Ah, you’ve spoken with Denia. She is a wonderful confidant and mentor. I am sure that you will get along fine. However, you should not be so easy to mention her name, at least to those who are not ready to speak with her. It is fine with those of us in the know, but to everyone else, she should remain our little secret.”

"Ah, no doubt you are right, though I hadn't really thought of it in that light. I'll be more careful in the future."

Looking to Grondar she adds, “Toss the stone into the cave ahead of us. It might rattle the enemy!”

"Yes ma'am!" Grondar exclaims, tossing the enchanted rock a little ways away from the two torches. The reaction is immediate, and the Mayor calls out their presence. Almost immediately, Oran confirms it with his flaming hammer.

The duergar attempt to overwhelm them quickly, but only rush forward to their deaths. Grondar lays about himself with TruthGiver to deadly effect, and the battle is soon over.

After the battle, a few sleeping duergar are located. It is determined that they were felled by a drow bolt with some kind of sleeping agent on it. The duergar are quickly slain in their sleep, an action that disturbs Grondar a little, but he quickly represses the reaction.

Looking about, Grondar notes that only a few of their group have any injuries, and those are light. Not wanting to use up spells this early, Grondar will offer simple bandaging to those who need it.

“So, those blasted dark elves are down here with us. All the more reason to stay on guard. The Mayor is right, we need to keep moving towards our goal. We’ll take the shorter tunnel towards the next cavern. Farian, Salem, and Oran will lead the way. Farian and Salem will watch for traps, while Oran can throw his hammer when able to make sure the way is clear. Mayor Arlos, Daraden, and Senoia will be the rear guard. The rest of us will be the middle rank. Let’s move!”

Grondar approaches Aria and says softly, "Should we not check the other passages? It may be dangerous to get caught in between their forces and thus be attacked from all sides."

[Daraden Stormbeard]

Daraden Stormbeard:

The battle quickly becomes very one sided. The enemy is nowhere near as skilled as the dwarves are. Both Aria and Oran down Duergars with single hits, while most everyone else can slay one with two strikes. After a few minutes of furious combat, the enemy is slain! Only Daraden, Dougan, and Senoia are harmed during the struggle.

"The battle be joined!" Daraden calls out, releasing Darkfang with a drop of his hand to engage the Duergar. There are a fury of blows exchanged and Daraden escapes with only a couple minor cuts. The battle is over far too quickly for their foes to have been very skilled.

"They send this rabble against us?" Daraden spits, cleaning blood from his weapon. "What an insult."

Oran holds up a black crossbow bolt. The tip seems to be covered by some sort of liquid.

“Poisoned, I’d wager,” Salem says as he tosses the bolt aside.

“I recognize that,” Oran speaks up as he draws closer to Salem. “It’s a weapon used by the dark elves. Bolts coated with a sleeping agent are common to them. Except this lil’ darlings are never going to wake up.”

"So they be here," Daraden huffs, "not that I expected anything different. Long as they not be making a grave error in attacking us, let 'em cull the abominations' numbers I say."

Looking about, Grondar notes that only a few of their group have any injuries, and those are light. Not wanting to use up spells this early, Grondar will offer simple bandaging to those who need it.

"Yeah fer these cuts, we won't be needing yer magical healing quite yet Grondar," Daraden says, but will accept the bandaging.

“So, those blasted dark elves are down here with us. All the more reason to stay on guard. The Mayor is right, we need to keep moving towards our goal. We’ll take the shorter tunnel towards the next cavern. Farian, Salem, and Oran will lead the way. Farian and Salem will watch for traps, while Oran can throw his hammer when able to make sure the way is clear. Mayor Arlos, Daraden, and Senoia will be the rear guard. The rest of us will be the middle rank. Let’s move!”

"So be it," Daraden says, not catching Grondar's hushed words to Aria. He will instead call Darkfang back to his side and prepare to move out once more.

[farian]

Farian

"They send this rabble against us?" Daraden spits, cleaning blood from his weapon. "What an insult."

“The young and untried. Perhaps even those who fell to ill favor.” the wayfinder says as he squats by a prone body. “There will be more, perhaps they will have pets that thirst for blood,”

“So, those blasted dark elves are down here with us. All the more reason to stay on guard. The Mayor is right, we need to keep moving towards our goal. We’ll take the shorter tunnel towards the next cavern. Farian, Salem, and Oran will lead the way. Farian and Salem will watch for traps, while Oran can throw his hammer when able to make sure the way is clear. Mayor Arlos, Daraden, and Senoia will be the rear guard. The rest of us will be the middle rank. Let’s move!”

“Let them come when they will. We are no worse for ware. It does not do us well to dwell on such things.”

Farian will be ready to move forward and check for traps. If he does hear/see something out of the ordinary her will hold up his hand to halt the column to get a better look before committing the group to a fight.

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

“The young and untried. Perhaps even those who fell to ill favor.” the Wayfinder says as he squats by a prone body. “There will be more, perhaps they will have pets that thirst for blood,”

“The runts of the litter,” Aria agrees. “It matters not if they are the runts or the pick of the pack. They will all fall.”

Grondar approaches Aria and says softly, "Should we not check the other passages? It may be dangerous to get caught in between their forces and thus be attacked from all sides."

“In time, yes, but it is not necessary right now.” Sensing that more is required, Aria continues. “There is no advantage for the enemy to attack us in the mining tunnels. They seem to prefer to grow into giant size and engage us that way. The mines would limit their mobility and effectively blunt what they consider to be their advantage. The tunnel is wide enough for us to put up a 2 to 3 man front where they could only have 1 or 2 men attacking us. Given those odds and the battle we just went through, who do you think is at the advantage?”

“We have a three man crew in the lead and another three man crew in the rear, therefore our front and rear lines are secured. Should we be attacked, those in the middle can move to which ever front they are needed.”

“As I see it, the only danger we face in the mine passages are whatever traps those vermin might have left behind. By all of us taking one passage, then we’ll face fewer traps then if we had split up. And we will be in no danger of being overwhelmed as all of our forces are within proximity to each other. There is risk no matter what action we take. I believe that this plan puts us in the least amount of danger. Tactically speaking, our next big battle should be in the next natural cavern.”

“Besides we should leave a few traps in place for our dark elf friends to find”, Aria concludes sarcastically.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The first wave of duergar has been decisively defeated. The dwarves now move deeper into the mines, towards the ruins of the duergar fortress.

Aria decides to leave the group intact and take the shortest mining tunnel between you and the next large natural cavern. Farian and Salem lead the way, checking for traps as they go. Oran Firehammer trails a few steps behind the scouts. The dwarven warrior tosses his hammer down the passage every so often to ensure the path is clear of invisible enemies.

The passage turns to your left about forty feet in. While it turns it also slopes downward, taking you deeper into the earth once more. Along the way a few trip fall type traps are found, but Farian and Salem easily disarm these. The passage then turns to your right and you enter into a V shaped intersection with the passage you are in at the bottom of the V. The passage to your right leads toward the natural cave indicated on the maps. The other passage winds off deeper into this part of the mines.

Farian indicates that the group should stop, as both he and Salem spot something lying on the ground in the intersection. It looks like several bodies!

Moving closer, the scouts discover that the bodies, four in all, are recently slain duergar! Each has a black bolt in them and their throat slashed. There are slender footprints in the area and they all move away from the large natural cavern.

Continuing onward, the passage to the natural cavern is wider then what you’ve been traveling through. Two more traps are disarmed and you reach the cavern. This one is more circular in shape and much larger. At it’s largest; the cavern is 120’ long and 80’ wide. Once more you get the feeling of unseen eyes upon you.


Now what?

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

Moving closer, the scouts discover that the bodies, four in all, are recently slain duergar! Each has a black bolt in them and their throat slashed. There are slender footprints in the area and they all move away from the large natural cavern.

“More dark elf handy work,” Aria snorts. “They seem to be helping us, but I will not trust them not to betray us at some point. But for now, only attack them if they attack us first. We’ll sort this all out later.”

Continuing onward, the passage to the natural cavern is wider then what you’ve been traveling through. Two more traps are disarmed and you reach the cavern. This one is more circular in shape and much larger. At it’s largest; the cavern is 120’ long and 80’ wide. Once more you get the feeling of unseen eyes upon you.

“This seems somewhat similar to the first cavern”, Aria notes. “Therefore, let’s repeat the same strategy. Toss in light sources to get them riled up then let them come to us. Form up a defensive line in front of the passage opening, and a second to rear in case they try to come at us from behind. Keep the ranks tight. I don’t want any of those degenerates gettin' the drop on us!”

Aria holds her axe at the ready.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

“In time, yes, but it is not necessary right now.” Sensing that more is required, Aria continues. “There is no advantage for the enemy to attack us in the mining tunnels. They seem to prefer to grow into giant size and engage us that way. The mines would limit their mobility and effectively blunt what they consider to be their advantage. The tunnel is wide enough for us to put up a 2 to 3 man front where they could only have 1 or 2 men attacking us. Given those odds and the battle we just went through, who do you think is at the advantage?”

“We have a three man crew in the lead and another three man crew in the rear, therefore our front and rear lines are secured. Should we be attacked, those in the middle can move to which ever front they are needed.”

“As I see it, the only danger we face in the mine passages are whatever traps those vermin might have left behind. By all of us taking one passage, then we’ll face fewer traps then if we had split up. And we will be in no danger of being overwhelmed as all of our forces are within proximity to each other. There is risk no matter what action we take. I believe that this plan puts us in the least amount of danger. Tactically speaking, our next big battle should be in the next natural cavern.”

Grondar isn't quite sure how Aria managed to misunderstand him so thoroughly. Perhaps he didn't spell it out plainly enough. "I wasn't referring to being attacked in the passages. My concern is if they wait until we get embroiled in a battle in the next cavern and then pile in behind us. They could come in invisibly and grow to giant size before attacking. However, if you don't believe that's a concern, then do as you see fit."

Grondar pauses to pick up his brightly-glowing rock before proceeding with the rest of the group into the chosen tunnel. After a little while, they encounter the bodies of more drow-poisoned duergar. Clearly the drow weren't lying about their opposition to the duergar's plans here.

More marching brings them to the next cavern. Once again, they have the sensation of foes waiting for them.

“This seems somewhat similar to the first cavern”, Aria notes. “Therefore, let’s repeat the same strategy. Toss in light sources to get them riled up then let them come to us. Form up a defensive line in front of the passage opening, and a second to rear in case they try to come at us from behind. Keep the ranks tight. I don’t want any of those degenerates gettin' the drop on us!”

As instructed, Grondar tosses his enchanted rock out into the cavern, then takes his place in the defensive line. He waits for the attack, TruthGiver and shield at the ready.

[Daraden Stormbeard]

Daraden Stormbeard:

“More dark elf handy work,” Aria snorts. “They seem to be helping us, but I will not trust them not to betray us at some point. But for now, only attack them if they attack us first. We’ll sort this all out later.”

"Aye, I don't trust 'em either," Daraden agrees. Still, help is help for now.

“This seems somewhat similar to the first cavern”, Aria notes. “Therefore, let’s repeat the same strategy. Toss in light sources to get them riled up then let them come to us. Form up a defensive line in front of the passage opening, and a second to rear in case they try to come at us from behind. Keep the ranks tight. I don’t want any of those degenerates gettin' the drop on us!”

Since Daraden is in the back, he forms up as part of the rear line. There's no need to say anything else at this point, so he merely watches Darkfang for any hints of the enemy and has his weapon ready.

[farian]

Farian

Farian indicates that the group should stop, as both he and Salem spot something lying on the ground in the intersection. It looks like several bodies!

Raising his left arm up signaling to the others, Farian casts a gaze towards Salem then back to the darkness that surrounds them. “You be seeing what I be seeing?” he asks his fellow scout.

Moving closer, the scouts discover that the bodies, four in all, are recently slain duergar! Each has a black bolt in them and their throat slashed. There are slender footprints in the area and they all move away from the large natural cavern.

Farian’s eyes narrow as he takes in the scene before him then at at the footprints before him

“More dark elf handy work,” Aria snorts. “They seem to be helping us, but I will not trust them not to betray us at some point. But for now, only attack them if they attack us first. We’ll sort this all out later.”

‘That is of us that are still awake.” He says grimly.

Farian will form up as he was instructed and be ready for any attacks that may come.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The dwarves continue their descent into the mines with the Duergar ruins below being their destination. Light resistance has been encountered thus far. Carefully the dwarves reach the second large natural cavern. Aria has the group set up a defensive position at the entrance with a rear guard to protection against flank attacks.

Daraden and Darkfang join the rear guard, along with Senoia and Mayor Arlos. The rest of the group, except for Rat, line up side by side at the tunnel entrance.

Light sources are tossed into the cave once more, mostly torches but including Grondar’s Continual Light stone. It illuminates everything around it in bright daylight. The conceal duergar react violently to the light. The dwarves can see that several of the mine carts are being used as defensive positions. From these carts a volley of crossbow bolts are fired!

The bolts strike many among the front line, but the majority of the shafts miss completely. Those struck take only minor damage. However, this time the enemy does not rush to attack! They seem content to fire bolts from concealment!


At the rear of the formation, Darkfang’s sharp senses alert him to something and he begins to snarl. Movement is heard before you, although you cannot see anything. Mayor Arlos swings his short sword and a duergar turns visible and then falls to the ground in death. Others attack and Senoia is struck by a footman’s pick causing only minor damage. Another duergar with a pick just misses Daraden.

Best guess would suggest that there are at least half a dozen, normal sized duergar attack the rear flank!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Current Hit Points:

Aria: 95 of 99
Arlos: 68 of 71
Daraden: 55 of 59
Dougan: 48 of 62
Farian: 73 of 75
Grondar: 64 of 70
Senoia: 58 of 61

Now what?

[fanchergw]

Can they actually see the duergar firing the crossbows, or just tell where the bolts are coming from? I'm trying to determine if Grondar could - for example - cast Hold Person on them. Also, can they tell just how many of them are doing the shooting?

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Yes, you can see the duergar firing thanks to the additional light in the cavern. They are normal sized and using the mine carts as cover.

[farian]

Farian

Seeing the archers entrenched in the circle of carts, Farian whispers to those next to em, “Gonna try an flank em.” as he uses his ring and goes invisible Farian will try and hug the cavern walls and slowly creep closer. If there is opening to get around them her will do so. If no opening arises, Farian will wait to the side with crossbow in hand when one pops up to fire he will do the same.

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

“It seems the enemy has gotten smarter,” Aria notes as they attack with ranged weapons instead of rushing our formation.

“If you can attack them at range, take three steps back and proceed,” Aria commands in voice just loud enough for those around her to hear.

“Everyone else take two steps back and hold the formation. We’ll be the shield wall to protect those behind us until they can remove those boltmen or are attacked directly.”

Ideally, those in front will give those behind with ranged attacks the protection they need to do their work. She doesn’t notice that Farian has wandered off during all the excitement.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

Hearing Aria's orders, he figures that works well with his plans. Taking three steps back, he casts Hold Person on some of the duergar assaulting them from behind the mine carts. It won't last forever, but should be long enough for them to remove this small threat.

Once the spell is cast, he'll put away his sheild and TruthGiver, and pull out his crossbow.

[Daraden Stormbeard]

Daraden Stormbeard:

At the rear of the formation, Darkfang’s sharp senses alert him to something and he begins to snarl. Movement is heard before you, although you cannot see anything. Mayor Arlos swings his short sword and a duergar turns visible and then falls to the ground in death. Others attack and Senoia is struck by a footman’s pick causing only minor damage. Another duergar with a pick just misses Daraden

"Oh, you be paying a heavy price fer that mistake!" Daraden says as the pick barely misses him. Releasing Darkfang to attack the duergar, Daraden also swings his own weapon, looking to imbed it into his foe.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

As expected, the explorers have encountered heavy resistance in the second natural cavern. The Duergar have taken cover behind several mine carts and are firing crossbow bolts at the dwarves. Aria orders that those who can attack from range take several steps back, while those who cannot move back to form a shield wall in front of them. Aria, Dougan, and Salem do so.

Farian uses his ring to make himself Invisible. He then tries to sneak deeper into the cavern, only to find himself the target of multiple attacks! A flurry of crossbow bolts strike around him with two actually hitting their target. It’s as if all the duergar can clearly see him in spite of his invisibility!

Grondar casts Hold Person, centering it on those behind one of the mining carts. The spell takes hold and several of the duergar freeze up. The number of bolts being fired from that particular cart goes down drastically.

Oran flings his Firehammer, tossing it right at a different mining cart! The flaming hammer hits, knocking the cart back a few feet, startling the duergar behind it greatly!

Opal and Lotha fire their crossbows each taking out one of the enemy.


In the rear of the formation, Daraden lets loose Darkfang on the duergar attacking. The duergar avoids Darkfang’s bite, but cannot avoid Daraden’s axe. He falls to the ground in death.

Senoia hammers another duergar into submission, while Mayor Arlos takes down two with his short sword. The lone remaining duergar thinks better of attacking and turns to run. Darkfang begins to chase him down.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

That covers 1 more round. There was about a dozen crossbowmen initially attack the main group. Grondar as held three of them, two more were slain, and three others were force to scatter due to Oran’s attack. That just leaves 4 crossbowmen still in position. Other regular duergar without crossbows can be seen further back being held in reserve.

Current Hit Points:

Aria: 95 of 99
Arlos: 68 of 71
Daraden: 55 of 59
Dougan: 48 of 62
Farian: 66 of 75
Grondar: 64 of 70
Senoia: 58 of 61

Now what?

[farian]

Farian

Farian uses his ring to make himself Invisible. He then tries to sneak deeper into the cavern, only to find himself the target of multiple attacks! A flurry of crossbow bolts strike around him with two actually hitting their target. It’s as if all the duergar can clearly see him in spite of his invisibility!

With a sharp intake of breath Farian feels the arrow tips pierce his skin. Roaring his displeasure Farian readies his warhammer and brings his Black shield before him. These duergar messed with the wrong dwarf!!!!

Farian will move forward his shield hopefully taking the brunt of the bolts aimed his way, “Come on then, Let us see if we cannot make your faces all the more prettier!” as he raises his warhammer up and rushes for the opening in the barricade(Assuming he cam visible when he was hit, otherwise he will uncloak)

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

Farian will move forward his shield hopefully taking the brunt of the bolts aimed his way, “Come on then, Let us see if we cannot make your faces all the more prettier!” as he raises his warhammer up and rushes for the opening in the barricade (Assuming he cam visible when he was hit, otherwise he will uncloak)

“Haela’s Hairpins!” Aria cries out upon seeing and hearing Farian decide to charge the enemy. What is he thinking?! This is exactly what she didn’t want to happen. Hopefully these foes will go down as easily as the first batch did.

“Let’s back him up!” Aria calls out, as she joins the charge. “Watch your back and don’t let any of them get past you!”

Aria will attack any duergar who gets close enough to her.

[Daraden Stormbeard]

Daraden Stormbeard:

In the rear of the formation, Daraden lets loose Darkfang on the duergar attacking. The duergar avoids Darkfang’s bite, but cannot avoid Daraden’s axe. He falls to the ground in death.

Senoia hammers another duergar into submission, while Mayor Arlos takes down two with his short sword. The lone remaining duergar thinks better of attacking and turns to run. Darkfang begins to chase him down.

The duergar dodges Darkfang but finds himself in the path of Daraden's axe. "Ha!" he exclaims as he buries the axe deep into his foe.

Despite wanting to take care of the fleeing duergar, we can't afford for the group to be split up, even if it is just his wolf. Daraden lets out a sharp short whistle to cause Darkfang to give up the pursuit and return to him. Behind him he hears Aria.

“Let’s back him up!” Aria calls out, as she joins the charge. “Watch your back and don’t let any of them get past you!”

Hopefully Darkfang has rejoined him as Daraden turns to follow Aria and the others. He will keep an eye out behind them and to the sides to make sure no duergar slip around or come out of hiding to ambush them.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

His spell succeeds in locking up three of the crossbow wielders. Oran's warhammer and bolts from Opal and Lotha take out more of the dirtbags. Less than half the original number remain.

From the sounds behind him, it seems like those defending their rear are having success as well.

Just as Grondar starts to swap his weapons, Aria calls for a charge! Surprised, Grondar nevertheless goes back to his mace and shield, racing toward the enemy behind the carts. As he does so, he can see a much larger group of duergar waiting near the edge of the illumination.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The dwarves use their ranged attacks against the duergar boltmen, somewhat whittling down their numbers. However, Farian tried to sneak deeper into the cavern under the cover of Invisibility. Except that the duergar weren’t fooled and they fired on him, striking him twice! Enraged by this Farian rushes the enemy positions! Seeing this happen, Aria calls a charge to support Farian.

Farian rushes forward, his large shield protecting him from any more bolts fired at him. Reach a boltman, Farian smashes him with his warhammer, downing him.

Aria reaches another boltman position and her axe slashes out twice and two more boltmen go down. Grondar falls close behind her and he too takes out two of the enemy with TruthGiver.


Behind the front lines, Daraden calls Darkfang back from chasing down the fleeing duergar. The wolf responds and returns to Daraden side. The rest of the dwarves surge forward to engage the enemy forces! Reaching the enemy, Daraden embeds his axe into two of them, killing them as he goes.

It’s clear the duergar were not expecting such a charge. Most haven’t turned invisible or grown to giant sized as of yet, giving the dwarves clear targets.

Oran flings his Firehammer once more into a crowd of duergar, downing several of them. Mayor Arlos is there with his short sword, leaving more sliced up duergar in his wake. Dougan pounds any duergar who get in his way.


Almost as quickly as it began, the battle comes to an end. Once more, the duergar were nowhere near as skilled as the opponents they faced. Nearly thirty duergar were slain, while the dwarves just took a few more minor injuries.

While catching your breath, movement is noticed from deeper in the cavern. A slim figure steps from the shadows. She pulls her hood down to reveal a female drow; the same one Daraden spoke to in the woods. Other drow warriors can be seen behind her. The drow female steps forward in a non-threatening way.

“Welcome,” she calls out in heavily accented common. “I am pleased that you’ve made it this far. The way to the ruins is not far now. The way is mostly clear. Go. We will follow.”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Current Hit Points:

Aria: 93 of 99
Arlos: 63 of 71
Daraden: 51 of 59
Dougan: 44 of 62
Farian: 64 of 75
Grondar: 58 of 70
Lotha: 33 of 37
Opal: 29 of 32
Oran: 98 of 102
Senoia: 55 of 61

Now what?

[Grondar]

Grondar:

Charging forward, they are upon the duergar before the foe can prepare. The fight quickly becomes a slaughter as the highly skilled dwarves carve their way through their tainted cousins.

The foe vanquished, the dwarves pause to catch their breath and evaluate their situation. Grondar is very pleased to see that none are seriously injured.

“Welcome,” she calls out in heavily accented common. “I am pleased that you’ve made it this far. The way to the ruins is not far now. The way is mostly clear. Go. We will follow.”

Grondar turns to look at Aria. "I think we should pause a moment to bind our wounds and catch our breaths. The duergar have had hours to prepare; a few more minutes won't put us at any greater disadvantage. It is unfortunate that we do not have Ivy and her magical mace here."

If Aria agrees, then Grondar will go about the group, binding the wounds of all who were injured.

[Daraden Stormbeard]

Daraden Stormbeard:

Behind the front lines, Daraden calls Darkfang back from chasing down the fleeing duergar. The wolf responds and returns to Daraden side. The rest of the dwarves surge forward to engage the enemy forces! Reaching the enemy, Daraden embeds his axe into two of them, killing them as he goes.

With Darkfang once more at his side, Daraden joins the charge, finding ample foes for his hungry axe. "You shall all realize how foolish ye be much too late!" he says as he pulls his axe from another slain duergar.

While catching your breath, movement is noticed from deeper in the cavern. A slim figure steps from the shadows. She pulls her hood down to reveal a female drow; the same one Daraden spoke to in the woods. Other drow warriors can be seen behind her. The drow female steps forward in a non-threatening way.

“Welcome,” she calls out in heavily accented common. “I am pleased that you’ve made it this far. The way to the ruins is not far now. The way is mostly clear. Go. We will follow.”

Daraden resists the urge to spit at the arrival of the drow. He wonders just what they were doing lingering in the shadows watching. Leaning in to Aria, he mutters, "I don't like ta' be having Drow at me back no matter what sort of arrangement we've got."

[Aria Stonehand]

Aria:

Whatever anger Aria had from Farian doing what he did is burned away during the brief, but fierce battle. Once more it’s clear that these duergar are not that skilled when it comes to battle. Without their advantages, they are no tougher than goblins. Perhaps a little, but it’s not a point Aria is ready to concede.

"Don't ever do that again!" Aria will say to Farian.

While catching your breath, movement is noticed from deeper in the cavern. A slim figure steps from the shadows. She pulls her hood down to reveal a female drow; the same one Daraden spoke to in the woods. Other drow warriors can be seen behind her. The drow female steps forward in a non-threatening way.

“Welcome,” she calls out in heavily accented common. “I am pleased that you’ve made it this far. The way to the ruins is not far now. The way is mostly clear. Go. We will follow.”

Aria’s axe remains firmly gripped in her hands when the dark elf scurries from the shadows. She’s deciding whether to let the drow wench spin her lies or simply embed an axe into her and be done with it when Grondar steps up.

Grondar turns to look at Aria. "I think we should pause a moment to bind our wounds and catch our breaths. The duergar have had hours to prepare; a few more minutes won't put us at any greater disadvantage. It is unfortunate that we do not have Ivy and her magical mace here."

“Go ahead,” is all that Aria says, her eyes never wavering from the dark elves.

Daraden resists the urge to spit at the arrival of the drow. He wonders just what they were doing lingering in the shadows watching. Leaning in to Aria, he mutters, "I don't like ta' be having Drow at me back no matter what sort of arrangement we've got."

“No argument from me”, Aria answers. Making her decision she lowers her axe but keeps it at the ready.

Speaking to the drow, Aria says, “So what are you dark elves be getting’ of out this arrangement? This is a dwarf matter, not an elfin one. This isn’t any of your business. Since you know the way to the ruins, why don’t you lead?”

[farian]

Farian

Whatever anger Aria had from Farian doing what he did is burned away during the brief, but fierce battle. Once more it’s clear that these duergar are not that skilled when it comes to battle. Without their advantages, they are no tougher than goblins. Perhaps a little, but it’s not a point Aria is ready to concede.

"Don't ever do that again!" Aria will say to Farian.

“How was I to be knowing they’d do that?” he answers gruffly back, “Besides they only duegar. They be lucky to know if there britches go on before em boots!”

While catching your breath, movement is noticed from deeper in the cavern. A slim figure steps from the shadows. She pulls her hood down to reveal a female drow; the same one Daraden spoke to in the woods. Other drow warriors can be seen behind her. The drow female steps forward in a non-threatening way.

“Welcome,” she calls out in heavily accented common. “I am pleased that you’ve made it this far. The way to the ruins is not far now. The way is mostly clear. Go. We will follow.”

‘Dunno If I like to take a drow’s word for mostly clear… nor them at me back or me front for that matter.” He thinks to himself.

He will look to Aria to lead them but keep his war hammer at the ready.

[Grondar]

Grondar:

Aria yells at Farian for recklessly charging the horde of duergar. It worked out for them this time, but if was foolish and endangered them unnecessarily. Unfortunately, Farian's reply seems to indicate that he hasn't learned from the experience. Hopefully that will change before he gets himself or others killed.

“Go ahead,” is all that Aria says, her eyes never wavering from the dark elves.

"Yes, ma'am," Grondar replies, then begins to circulate among the group. As he goes, he binds any wounded, while offering words of comfort and encouragement. None appear to be hurt badly enough to justify using magic with the main battle still before them.

As he works, Aria converses with the drow. Clearly she doesn't trust them, and well she shouldn't.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed