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Hammerfall #14


The skirmish between the hobgoblins and the derro has ended with the defeat of the Underdark Dwarves. The last of the derro break away and try to flee. Most of the hobgoblins give chase, intent on wiping out their enemy.

The derro are fleeing in the direction of Grondar’s group. Plans are made and the dwarves step up almost right in front of the derro! Grondar’s crossbow fires twice, each bolt striking a different derro. It is obvious that the derro are tired and bloody already from the long battle. The two struck with bolts tumble to the ground unmoving.

On one side Daraden and Darkfang greet the new arrivals. Daraden slices into a pair of derro with his axes and much like Grondar downs them both. Darkfang leaps; taking another derro to the ground as the wolf attacks with is fangs.

Senoia introduces two of the last three derro to her warhammers, knocking both flat. That leaves just one lone derro who skids to a stop and starts to run off to the dwarves right away from both them and the approaching hobgoblins.


Upon hearing the signal, the rest of the dwarven force acts. Farian had moved right behind the hobgoblin that he suspects of being the leader and slams into his back with his warhammer! The hobgoblin goes flying forward and lands hard on the plaza pavement. He does not move any more.

The hobgoblins realize that something is wrong and start to look around, but more attacks come their way. Arrows fly in from Virae and they take out a hobgoblin holding the groups battle standard. Oran flings his Firehammer and it slams into a different hobgoblin in a bone crushing collision. The hobgoblin is dead before even hitting the ground.

All of a sudden where there had been five hobgoblins, there were only two. One spotted Farian and makes a clumsy attempt to strike him with his sword. The other stands there confused at the sudden turn of events.


The larger band of hobgoblins becomes aware of trouble on three sides. The leader of that group has them split up into three parties of equal sizes. One group continues on towards the lone surviving derro along with Grondar, Daraden, and Senoia.

The second group makes their way back towards Farian’s position, while the third splits off and charges towards Oran and Dougan who are already charging towards them.

GM Notes:

There are 2 hobgoblins by Farian, with 5 more running back.

There are 5 hobgoblins charging Oran and Dougan.

There are 5 more hobgoblins rushing towards Grondar, Senoia, Daraden, and Darkfang. The last derro is trying to run away.


Now what?

Grondar:

Stepping out into the path of the derro, Grondar fires twice with his crossbow. Both bolts strike home, dropping the victims quickly. His companions have similar success and the group of derro are soon reduced to one, which turns and attempts to flee.

"Daraden! Send Darkfang after the derro!" Grondar shouts over the noise of battle. As he does so, he prepares and casts Hold Person on the hobgoblins racing toward them. He wants to take this group down as quickly as possible so that they can help the others.

Virae


The second group makes their way back towards Farian’s position, while the third splits off and charges towards Oran and Dougan who are already charging towards them.

Seeing the Five hobgoblins turn and run towards Farian’s position Virae lets her wings spread, as she glides down to the ground covering the ground between her and Farian. She will draw her shortsword on the ground and help Farian stand and fight.

Farian


Upon hearing the signal, the rest of the dwarven force acts. Farian had moved right behind the hobgoblin that he suspects of being the leader and slams into his back with his warhammer! The hobgoblin goes flying forward and lands hard on the plaza pavement. He does not move any more.

“Take a dwarven home will ye!” as a second hobgoblin goes down in a barrage of arrows and a fiery war hammer.

“Come now feel me warhammer. He says to the hobgoblin as it swings at him with a sword clumsily. Farian easily turns the weapon aside with his shield as another looks at him stupidly.

Farian will use his war hammer on the swordman hobgoblin.

Daraden:

On one side Daraden and Darkfang greet the new arrivals. Daraden slices into a pair of derro with his axes and much like Grondar downs them both. Darkfang leaps; taking another derro to the ground as the wolf attacks with is fangs.

Senoia introduces two of the last three derro to her warhammers, knocking both flat. That leaves just one lone derro who skids to a stop and starts to run off to the dwarves right away from both them and the approaching hobgoblins.

"Daraden! Send Darkfang after the derro!" Grondar shouts over the noise of battle.

"Aye," Daraden calls back, pulling his axes free from the fallen derro. He lets out a short, shrill whistle followed by a clack of his tongue and that's all Darkfang needs to know. The wolf chases after the fleeing derro.

Turning his attention to the charging hobgoblins, he waves them forward awkwardly with one of his axes, "C'mon then, let's see if ye fare better than these at me feet!"

Oran:

Oran catches his Firehammer and then charges towards the hobgoblins. The Gobs become aware of his approach and split up into easier to manage groups.

“Five against one dwarven warrior?” Oran wonders aloud. “That’s not much of a challenge for the dwarf!”

Hammer the hobgoblins once they arrive.

Senoia:

The dwarven runts go down easy enough. Of course, they’ve been through a long battle and are already wounded and worn down. Just putting down a foe already beaten is all that it amounts too. Now the approaching hobgoblins, they are a different matter!

“Come on, you long-legged sons of pond scum!” Senoia cries out. “Me hammers have our name written on them!”

She’ll smash the enemy with her hammers as soon she’s able.

Dougan:

The Priest of Moradin follows Oran into battle, ready to smite their foes with his warhammer.

Post Continued:

The battle between the derro and the hobgoblins is over and the dwarves sweep into the clean up those that remain.

On one side of the plaza, Grondar, Daraden and Senoia remove most of the derro from the battlefield. One tries to get away but is dragged down by Darkfang.

A group of five hobgoblins rush the dwarves, but Grondar gets a Hold Person spell of first. Three of the five hobgoblins stiff up and stop, leaving only two remaining. Daraden and Senoia make short work of them.


Not far away, Oran charges the hobgoblins with Dougan behind him. The dwarven warrior smashes his way through the enemy, dropping two hobgoblins with as many strokes. Dougan downs one.

The last two hobgoblins attack, but neither can land a damaging blow on their target. These two do not survive the dwarves counter attack.


Farian smashes his warhammer into the hobgoblin that attacks him and puts him down. The other hobgoblin continues to be oblivious and pays for it with his life as Farian puts him down too.

Virae flies in on her leathery wings and lands before the last group of hobgoblins. With shortswords in hand, she lays into the hobgoblins taking down two of them.

The last three hobgoblins attack, and one manages to graze Virae. The winged woman retaliates taking another hobgoblin down. Farian is by her side by now and he removes another hobgoblin.

The last hobgoblin misses Farian and then is put down for good. The battle of Rockhaven is now truly over.

GM Notes:

There are several crippled hobgoblins on the battlefield. Most are dying, but could be saved if you so desire. There are also the three hobgoblins that Grondar held. They’ll be like that for about fifteen minutes or so.


Hit Points:

Virae: 66 of 70.


Now what?

Grondar:

At Grondar's request, Daraden sends Darkfang after the fleeing derro. The sub-dwarven creature doesn't get far as the wolf pulls it down and rips out it's throat. Moments later, Grondar's spell paralyzes three of the onrushing five hobgoblins. Daraden and Senoia have no trouble putting down the remainder. Almost before they know it, their part of the battle is done.

Grondar is just about to send Daraden and Senoia off to help Oran and Dougan while he himself joins Farian and Virae. However, it quickly becomes apparent that they do not need the help as all of the hobgoblins are vanquished.

Turning back to his two companions, Grondar says, "Looks like the battle is over. Well done, my friends. Let's get these three tied up so we can question them later."

Once that's done, they will meet the others in the middle of the square. "That battle was short but fierce. You all did very well and should be proud. Is anyone in need of healing?" Grondar is not particularly concerned with the dying hobgoblins, as they have three for questioning.

When it becomes clear that no one is hurt beyond Virae's small cut, Grondar will approach her. "Virae, will you please fly a circuit about the other blocks of the city to see if there are any other invaders? I would like to make sure that we are now alone here in Rockhaven."

Oran:

The hobgoblins are made short work of. Not surprising, since they were just through a hard fought battle and were unprepared for a fresh opponent.

Grondar wrote:Once that's done, they will meet the others in the middle of the square. "That battle was short but fierce. You all did very well and should be proud. Is anyone in need of healing?" Grondar is not particularly concerned with the dying hobgoblins, as they have three for questioning.

“It was nothing special,” Oran mentions. “I am uninjured.”

Grondar wrote:When it becomes clear that no one is hurt beyond Virae's small cut, Grondar will approach her. "Virae, will you please fly a circuit about the other blocks of the city to see if there are any other invaders? I would like to make sure that we are now alone here in Rockhaven."

“Aye, there might be stragglers about. We should remain on guard.”

Oran will patrol the immediate area in case any of the enemy still remains.

Dougan:

Dougan is breathing hard by the time the battle is over with and yet Oran hardly seems to have broken a sweat. The dwarven warrior in action is truly something to be behold. Looking around, the battle seems to be over and the dwarves are reunited. None seem to have taken any serious injury.

“How do we get these prisoners to talk? Can anyone speak their language?”

Senoia:

Grondar wrote:Turning back to his two companions, Grondar says, "Looks like the battle is over. Well done, my friends. Let's get these three tied up so we can question them later."

“They didn’t have much fight in them,” Senoia notes in a disappoint voice. “Not much of a challenge for warriors of our skill.”

After wiping her hammers clean, Senoia joins the others. The present tasks seem to be either gathering information from the captured hobgoblins or guard duty.

“Well, I can’t speak their twisted tongue one bit, so I guess I’ll keep guard.”

Farian

"That battle was short but fierce. You all did very well and should be proud. Is anyone in need of healing?" Grondar is not particularly concerned with the dying hobgoblins, as they have three for questioning.

“Aye, Me warhammer gave me a nasty splinter, Don’t want it to fester now.” He says with a wry smile.

Farian will help watch the perimeter.

Virae-

Virae flies in on her leathery wings and lands before the last group of hobgoblins. With shortswords in hand, she lays into the hobgoblins taking down two of them.


The last three hobgoblins attack, and one manages to graze Virae. The winged woman retaliates taking another hobgoblin down.

Cursing as the hobgoblins blades lashes against her wing, Virae brings her short swords to bear, burying them deep into the offending critters chest. With a few moments Farian is by her side putting an end to the threat.

As the fighting comes to and end, Virae changes her wings to that of a feathered varieity, still the blood from her wound seeps and stains the white feathers. Reaching her hand to the cut she takes her hand away seeing how bad it is, then bringing it to her lips.

When it becomes clear that no one is hurt beyond Virae's small cut, Grondar will approach her. "Virae, will you please fly a circuit about the other blocks of the city to see if there are any other invaders? I would like to make sure that we are now alone here in Rockhaven."

“I can. But you may want to be ready for a welcoming committee.It is not hard to keep me within sight while airborne.

Virae will do just that but something catches her ear

“How do we get these prisoners to talk? Can anyone speak their language?”

“Fear, Intimidation are one way. It depends on what languages they speak, It is possible I know a language they do.” Though she doubts that Hobgoblins know undercommon.

Post Continued:

The battle of Rockhaven is over with and both sides lost. The dwarves took down what remained of the two forces pretty easily. Three of the hobgoblins were captured so that they can be questioned later.

Grondar has Virae scout the rest of Rockhaven from overhead. Stretching her wings once more, Virae takes flight. She does a quick circle above Rockhaven and spots two things of interest. Virae gets closer to these targets to get a better look from a safe distance.

In the first location, Virae spots what appear to be three trolls. They are just standing in front of an apartment building. Each troll wears what looks like a collar of some type. They appear to be guards.

The second spot is just outside the estate on the edge of town. A pair of gray skinned humans’ stands outside the main entrance. They are dressed in fine, but ancient looking livery of green and black. These two also seem to be on guard duty.

Other than these sets of radically different guards, no other creatures are noted in Rockhaven.

GM Notes:

Here’s the Rockhaven map again. The gray skinned guys are outside the building in block E. The trolls are in the A block on the lower right, diagonally across from the main plaza battlefield, but far enough away that you didn’t notice them before. Both are indicated in below in blue.

------E----
----A-M-A---
----A-M-A---
--G-M-P-M-G---
----T-M-T---
----F-W-F---
------W----
------G----

Key:

E = Estate Block
A = Apartment Block (more spacious than a Tenement Block)
M = Main Street (has shops along the sides)
G = Gatehouse Block, the way into and out of Rockhaven.
P = Plaza Block
T = Tenement Block
F = Forge Block
W = Warehouse Block

Now what?

Grondar:

It seems that everyone survived the battle with little more than scratches, which pleases Grondar and he offers Berronar a quick prayer of thanks. A quick bandaging should suffice for Virae's injured wing.

Dougan wrote:“How do we get these prisoners to talk? Can anyone speak their language?”

Grondar grimaces. "That's a real problem, Dougan, and one I cannot help much with. I have neither the language nor any kind of spell that would surmount that barrier."

Virae wrote:“I can. But you may want to ready a welcoming committee. It is not hard to keep me within sight while airborne."

"We'll certainly do that, Virae. Any friends you bring home will be greeted appropriately," Grondar replies with a grin.

When Grondar returns with her report*, Grondar considers for a moment. "That's two more parties of outsiders than I would like. Let's start with the trolls and whoever or whatever they are guarding. Farian, please lead the way; get us as close as you can without us being noticed. I'd like to get a better look before we engage the trolls."
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* I'm assuming that Virae reports what she found on her overflight. If not, please disregard the last paragraph.

Oran:

'Dougan wrote:“How do we get these prisoners to talk? Can anyone speak their language?”

“Sorry, the only language I speak is with my hammer.”

Virae returns with her findings.

“Trolls you say?” Oran says. “Just standing there? That’s not normal. Someone must be controlling them, otherwise they would have attacked both the hobgoblins and derro while they were fighting for food. My Firehammer will make short work of those trolls, it’s who’s holding their strings that concern me.”

Senoia:

Oran wrote:“Sorry, the only language I speak is with my hammer.”

“Now there’s a tongue I can speak!” Senoia says with a laugh.

Virae wrote:“Fear, Intimidation are one way. It depends on what languages they speak, It is possible I know a language they do.” Though she doubts that Hobgoblins know Undercommon.

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Senoia states. “I do know a smattering of goblinoid languages, so perhaps we’ll find common ground there.”

Grondar wrote:"We'll certainly do that, Virae. Any friends you bring home will be greeted appropriately," Grondar replies with a grin.

“Oh, yeah, a nice warm welcome,” Senoia adds as she brandishes her warhammers.

Later after Virae reports.

“Trolls? Filthy destructive beasts! No reason to keep them around.”

Daraden:

“Trolls you say?” Oran says. “Just standing there? That’s not normal. Someone must be controlling them, otherwise they would have attacked both the hobgoblins and derro while they were fighting for food. My Firehammer will make short work of those trolls, it’s who’s holding their strings that concern me.”

"Aye, trolls not be the docile kind," Daraden agrees. "Best to be done with 'em quick and see who or what they be guarding." Daraden is ready to move out whenever the others are.

Virae

In the first location, Virae spots what appear to be three trolls. They are just standing in front of an apartment building. Each troll wears what looks like a collar of some type. They appear to be guards.

The second spot is just outside the estate on the edge of town. A pair of gray skinned humans’ stands outside the main entrance. They are dressed in fine, but ancient looking livery of green and black. These two also seem to be on guard duty.

As Virae does a fly by she spots something that resemble to trolls making her skin crawl at the discovery. “Trolls, why did it have to be trolls. I hate trolls.” She says to herself as she moves past the location and continues scouting.

Flapping her feathered wings she spots something in the distance thanks to her mother’s blood. For a few moments she peers into the cavern then realizes these creatures look like humans though they are colored oddly from what she has encountered.

She quickly double backs and lands near the dwarves, her wings vanishing from sight as she does so. “It seems we are not alone. There are two camps One to the North and one to the Northeast of the dwellings. Of Their number I cannot say though there were guards outside, three trolls lingered infront of one and the other looked like humans but their tone was of that I never seen. Their skin was almost of that of a duerro, gray in color. I dared not look closer for fear of being seen.

Before hand

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Senoia states. “I do know a smattering of goblinoid languages, so perhaps we’ll find common ground there.”

“I know of some languages, though the duerro may speak the language I know. When your with Kharnya and Swanny, you tend to learn things you never wished to.”

After telling the others of the guards, Virae will find the most lively of the Duerro. Slipping into undercommon with ease she will ask, “Whom are you? What is your business here, Who ordered it? Why the fighting is going on?”

Farian

Let's start with the trolls and whoever or whatever they are guarding. Farian, please lead the way; get us as close as you can without us being noticed. I'd like to get a better look before we engage the trolls."

“Strangers in a strange land. We know neither know who dwells here nor their number. I hope you know what you are doing, or you will have many deaths on your head.” He says seriously wishing the dwarf would allow them to scout more.


Farian will take them toward the trolls.

Post Continued:

Virae returns from her scouting and the dwarves consider how to question their hobgoblin prisoners. It is suggested that while no one here speaks hobgoblin, a common language might be found. Virae starts the questioning.

Virae wrote:After telling the others of the guards, Virae will find the liveliest of the hobgoblins. Slipping into Undercommon with ease she will ask, “Who are you? What is your business here” Who ordered it? Why the fighting is going on?”

The hobgoblin looks at Virae, seemingly unable to comprehend what she said. It says a few defiant sounding words, but they too make no sense to the dwarves and Virae.


After dealing with the hobgoblins, Farian leads the way to the location with the three troll guards. The creatures are right where Virae last saw them. Still standing guard and not rushing to attack you.

GM Notes:

Some corrections from Virae’s post. There are two types of Underdark Dwarves. Derro, whom you just encountered in Rockhaven have white skin. Duergar, whom you fought back in Mountain Lake have gray skin and are commonly called gray dwarves.

However, it was only hobgoblins that survived the battle, not derro. The hobgoblins slew the derro, while the derro were more intent on crippling the hobgoblins so that they could torment them later on.

I adjusted my post to the correct races.

I have considered in the past putting up some monster pics to keep these critters straight in the private area. You think this is a good idea?


Now what?

Grondar:

Oran wrote:“Trolls you say?” Oran says. “Just standing there? That’s not normal. Someone must be controlling them, otherwise they would have attacked both the hobgoblins and derro while they were fighting for food. My Firehammer will make short work of those trolls, it’s who’s holding their strings that concern me.”

Oran makes a good point, and Grondar pauses to consider it as the others continue the conversation.

Daraden wrote:"Aye, trolls not be the docile kind," Daraden agrees. "Best to be done with 'em quick and see who or what they be guarding." Daraden is ready to move out whenever the others are.

Farian wrote:“Strangers in a strange land. We know neither know who dwells here nor their number. I hope you know what you are doing, or you will have many deaths on your head.” He says seriously wishing the dwarf would allow them to scout more.

Farian's comment puzzles Grondar greatly. He had specifically said that he wanted a better look and to stay out of view for the time being. Perhaps the Wayfinder has been taking nips off a bottle while Grondar wasn't looking. "You seem to be becoming the prophet of doom and gloom, my friend. Is something bothering you?"

Soon they are nestled into a darkened corner of a building from which they can spy on the trolls without being particularly obvious. Grondar eyes the building and the trolls for some moments, trying to estimate the distance of the creatures as well as the purpose of the building. He also watches the windows for any sign of other occupants.

"Farian, Virae, are you two interested in taking a closer look? Any chance you can get inside the building and find out who or what might be within? At the very least, it might be worth knowing if there are any other entrances to or exits from the building - even on the roof."
________________________________________________________________
Well, at least Farian is consistant. So far he has predicted disaster as the result of every decision Grondar has made. Fortunately, his prognostications haven't come true... yet. Perhaps we are all doomed and just don't know it.

Virae

(whoops)

The hobgoblin looks at Virae, seemingly unable to comprehend what she said. It says a few defiant sounding words, but they too make no sense to the dwarves and Virae.

With one of her short swords in hand, she grabs the hobogoblin by the front of his jerkin, Virae pulls him forward looking into its eyes with her own red ones. “I grow tired of this.” But then pushes the hobogoblin away from her. “And what are we to do with them?” looking to the others. If nothing is immediately said to save them or keep them prisoner, she will kill them where they are.

"Farian, Virae, are you two interested in taking a closer look? Any chance you can get inside the building and find out who or what might be within? At the very least, it might be worth knowing if there are any other entrances to or exits from the building - even on the roof."

“It beats standing out here waiting.” She says with a slight grin upon her face. Virae will go a looking flying away from the trolls vision and landing on the roof, she will look for a way in.

Farian

"You seem to be becoming the prophet of doom and gloom, my friend. Is something bothering you?"

"Farian, Virae, are you two interested in taking a closer look? Any chance you can get inside the building and find out who or what might be within? At the very least, it might be worth knowing if there are any other entrances to or exits from the building - even on the roof."

“Aye, would ye care for a tome? Bah, it aint worth it.” Shaking his head as he begins walking away, as he makes himself invisible as he mutters, “Blasted noble tree hugger, probably hasn’t see the dark of a tunnel since he came screaming from his….” As he bumps into Oran not seeing the other dwarf, “Will you be watching where ye be going?”

Farian will go have a looksy of the building trying to stay down wind(if there is one) of the trolls.





(OOC: Farian doesn’t care for Grondar leadership quality to much; nor his treehuggerness. Farian is happy when he is complaining and also knows that creatures have more then sight to detect things, such as smell, sound and traps to boot. Bringing a whole party close saying go scout doesn’t make sense to him, hence his gloom bringer comments.)

Oran:

The trolls are reached. Oran is confident that they don't pose much of a threat. Unlike the group's scout.

Farian wrote:"Aye, would ye care for a tome? Bah, it aint worth it." Shaking his head as he begins walking away, as he makes himself invisible as he mutters, "Blasted noble tree hugger, probably hasn't see the dark of a tunnel since he came screaming from his...." As he bumps into Oran not seeing the other dwarf, "Will you be watching where ye be going?"

"You're the one who's invisible," Oran retorts. "Besides I thought scouts were supposed to be silent?"

Senoia:

Daraden wrote:"Aye, trolls not be the docile kind," Daraden agrees. "Best to be done with 'em quick and see who or what they be guarding." Daraden is ready to move out whenever the others are.

"That's my policy!" Senoia eagerly adds. "Hit'm hard, hit'm fast! Just give the word and we'll pound those things into mush!"

Post Continued:

Virae tries to question the hobgoblins, but they can’t seem to find a common language. She appears on the verge of slaying the prisoners unless someone intervenes.


Afterwards, the group moves to where the troll guards were spotted. They are in an apartment block. This type of block has four small apartment buildings in it, one in each corner with the middle fairly wide open. The trolls stand guard before the main entrance to the apartment building in the northeaster corner of the block.

All that can be seen from the outside are the trolls at their guard posts. There are no lights and no movement can be noticed inside the building.

Farian turns invisible and sneaks off to investigate. Virae flies off to investigate from overhead.

Farian notes two side entrances to the apartment block both of which are out of sight of the trolls. However, someone has sealed the entrance off placing timbers across the doorway. Prying them off to get in this way might alert the trolls. Both side entrances are sealed in this manner, insuring that the entrance guarded by the trolls is the only way to get in from the ground.

The windows on the ground floor of the building are constructed so as to prevent the passage of only the smallest of creatures.

Virae lands on the roof and finds it deserted. The only structure up here is a wedge shaped construction with a door at the higher end, suggesting that stairs going down are behind it. This door does not seem to be barred or locked.


Daring a closer look at the trolls, Farian notes that each has a golden collar locked about its neck. Each troll remains at its post and does not wander.


Now what?

How far are the trolls from the group's current position and how far apart from one another are they? Grondar is trying to determine if he can reach them with a Flame Strike and if so, if he can catch more than one in it's 10' diameter.

I'd figure around 130 feet or so at the moment. That puts the main group near the lower 2 apartment buildings. You can move much closer and still be out of sight of the trolls. You should be able to catch 2 trolls within 10' of each other.

Grondar:

Grondar has other things on his mind, so doesn't pay much attention to Virae's attempt at interrogation - or it's aftermath. While he's personally not fond of killing helpless sentients in cold blood, he's also well aware that he wouldn't get much agreement on those sentiments from the others. Additonally, the current situation requires a certain expedience if they are to be successful. Cleaning out the dwarven cities and rescuing Aria are his primary concerns right now.

Farian wrote:“Aye, would ye care for a tome? Bah, it aint worth it.” Shaking his head as he begins walking away, as he makes himself invisible as he mutters, “Blasted noble tree hugger, probably hasn’t see the dark of a tunnel since he came screaming from his….” As he bumps into Oran not seeing the other dwarf, “Will you be watching where ye be going?”

Grondar isn't certain to whether or not to take Farian seriously at this point or not. Thus, he just shrugs as the man disappears from sight. Eventually, they will probably need to work this out, but now is not the best time.

[Once again, I'll assume that Virae and Farian report back their findings.]

"From what you're telling me, it sounds like the only way to find out who or what is inside that building is to enter it. Anyone employing trolls is unlikely to be our friends. Personally, I'm not inclined to leave enemies at our back while we press on Hammerfall. Is there anything I'm missing here? Is there some way to get more information before entering?" Grondar pauses a moment to see if there are any disagreements or other input.

"Since there are two entrances, it is my thought that we should split the group and go in through both after removing the trolls. I'd like to do that without allowing them to raise an alarm. If Farian and Virae can get us closer without being noticed, Oran can take out that one that's off to the side a bit with his hammer, and my spell should remove the other two. Once that's done, we wait for a bit to see if there's any response. If not, Virae, can you fly Dougan and Oran to the room and lead them in that way while Farian leads us in through the front? Does anyone see problems with this plan or have one they like better to propose? I suppose one alternative might be to split the group before attacking the trolls; I'm sure Oran can hit the one just as easily from the edge of the roof." Grondar looks about the group - particularly at Farian - to see if anyone has any objections or suggestions.
________________________________________________________
It was pretty important to Grondar that he get a good look himself, as he wasn't sure that Virae or Farian would be able to accurately judge the use of his spells for him. Admittedly, he doesn't have a lot of experience leading a group - having just become a "noble" a couple days ago (game time) - and didn't particularly covet the position of leader. He would probably benefit from learning more about other approaches and how best to use his companions' skills. (Yes, that's a hint.) Otherwise, he's likely to continue with his fairly straight-forward approach.

Daraden:

"Nah I dun' see any problem with yer plan," Daraden responds to Grondar. "The only other thing that might work would be tah see if we could pull 'em away from the doors unless they be rooted to that spot fer guarding. Yer way ensures the trolls be dealt with instead o' leaving 'em wandering about."

Daraden will just wait since he isn't included in the first part of the plan. He's sure he'll be part of the next stage though.

Oran:

Oran listens to the discussion at hand without any real show of emotion.

“It’s been my experience that one can over think and over plan any combat situation. To me, it’s best to keep it simple and be able to adapt as the situation changes.”

“Our goal is remove those trolls and find out what they are guarding, correct? Given the choice, I’d rather fight at a place of my choosing and not that of the enemy. To that end, we fight them and try to lure out any more that might be in the area. After all, if there are three we can see, there could be a dozen more inside.”

“If there are two entrances then this is how I would mount the offensive. The scouts go up to the roof entrance and wait. The rest of us engage the trolls and draw out any others in the area. Let the alarm be sounded and then if faced with a superior size force, slowly withdraw, drawing the enemy away from what they are guarding.”

“Then the scouts go in through the other entrance and see what the trolls are guarded. By this time any guards inside should be outside, so it should be safe for them to get the lay of the land. They then report back and we have a better idea about what we are dealing with. That’s what I would do.”

Senoia:

All this talk and planning makes Senoia head hurt!

“Subtle I’m not! Let’s just go bash the lankly buggers and be done with it! Dwarven steel is what will win the day!”

Senoia makes no comment as Virae removes the hobgoblin prisoners. It’s probably best in the long run.

Dougan:

Dougan is surprised at the speed at which Virae takes out the prisoners. It’s not something that he would support, but alas the choice was not his. The groups attention turns next to the trolls standing at guard.

“Aye, I have to agree with the sentiment that this is not normal. Perhaps those collars are what is controlling them? If those are removed, then they might revert to normal behavior, perhaps either fleeing or turning on their masters.”

“I would also recommend caution when it comes to fighting an enemy on their home ground. There could be other dangers and traps in there to snare the unwary.”

Farian

Daring a closer look at the trolls, Farian notes that each has a golden collar locked about its neck. Each troll remains at its post and does not wander.

“Who holds the leash.” He wonders to himself as he moves back to the others. He will retell his findings as well as mention the gold collars on the trolls.

“What do I got something in me beard?” he asks patting at his short beard. “I just be wondering fit those collars might be alerting those inside as well as keeping them there trolls there.”

Farian will go along with the plan.

Virae


Virae lands on the roof and finds it deserted. The only structure up here is a wedge shaped construction with a door at the higher end, suggesting that stairs going down are behind it. This door does not seem to be barred or locked.

Virae will look for the door being trapped before heading back to the others and telling them of her findings.

Grondar:

Daraden wrote:"Nah I dun' see any problem with yer plan," Daraden responds to Grondar. "The only other thing that might work would be tah see if we could pull 'em away from the doors unless they be rooted to that spot fer guarding. Yer way ensures the trolls be dealt with instead o' leaving 'em wandering about."

"Not a bad idea, Daraden. If I didn't think we could eliminate them quickly, leading them away and ambushing them in a place of our choosing would be an excellent strategy."

Oran wrote:“It’s been my experience that one can over think and over plan any combat situation. To me, it’s best to keep it simple and be able to adapt as the situation changes.”

“Our goal is remove those trolls and find out what they are guarding, correct? Given the choice, I’d rather fight at a place of my choosing and not that of the enemy. To that end, we fight them and try to lure out any more that might be in the area. After all, if there are three we can see, there could be a dozen more inside.”

“If there are two entrances then this is how I would mount the offensive. The scouts go up to the roof entrance and wait. The rest of us engage the trolls and draw out any others in the area. Let the alarm be sounded and then if faced with a superior size force, slowly withdraw, drawing the enemy away from what they are guarding.”

“Then the scouts go in through the other entrance and see what the trolls are guarded. By this time any guards inside should be outside, so it should be safe for them to get the lay of the land. They then report back and we have a better idea about what we are dealing with. That’s what I would do.”

Dougan wrote:“Aye, I have to agree with the sentiment that this is not normal. Perhaps those collars are what is controlling them? If those are removed, then they might revert to normal behavior, perhaps either fleeing or turning on their masters.”

“I would also recommend caution when it comes to fighting an enemy on their home ground. There could be other dangers and traps in there to snare the unwary.”

Farian wrote:“What do I got something in me beard?” he asks patting at his short beard. “I just be wondering fit those collars might be alerting those inside as well as keeping them there trolls there.”

"The collars and unusual behavior concern me as well. Clearly someone else is controlling the trolls, and I figure they are likely to be smarter and potentially more powerful. I don't know what all the collars do, but I don't see any good way to remove them without getting hurt, and I wouldn't want the beasties running loose anyway. Putting them down fast and hard seems like the best first step.

"As for their masters, if they are at all intelligent, they are unlikely to willingly give up their defensible position inside the building. Plus, as Dougan said, they may have traps and such to assist in that defense. That is why I planned for keeping one scout with each group. Sending the scouts in by themselves puts them at risk of accidently encountering opposition that they cannot handle alone. Virae, Oran and Dougan, on the other hand, constitute a powerful team. Going in as two groups gives us the chance to catch those inside between us, and prevents their escape.

"That said, Farian and Virae, if you feel your chances are better with Oran's plan, I'll support that. We can certainly cause a ruckus out here and try to draw the attention of those inside."

Another idea occurs to Grondar. "Oran, do you think your hammer is powerful enough to destroy the building if you throw it enough times? Collapsing the it on the inhabitants would certainly take away their defensible position. Of course, the noise might well draw investigation by the group in that other block to the north, which could leave us caught between two opponents."

Oran:

Oran listens to Grondar’s plan.

“I have no problem with your plan in principle, Grondar,” the warrior notes, “but I see potential trouble. The Firehammer is a powerful weapon, but not even it can down a troll in just one strike when thrown. Were we face to face then I could slay it quickly, but not from a distance. That’s been my past experience.”

Grondar wrote:Another idea occurs to Grondar. "Oran, do you think your hammer is powerful enough to destroy the building if you throw it enough times? Collapsing it on the inhabitants would certainly take away their defensible position. Of course, the noise might well draw investigation by the group in that other block to the north, which could leave us caught between two opponents."

Oran runs his hand through his beard in deep though. “Were this built by any other race than dwarves, it might be possible in a reasonable amount of time. But dwarven construction? I’d wager against it falling quickly.”

Grondar:

Oran wrote:“I have no problem with your plan in principle, Grondar,” the warrior notes, “but I see potential trouble. The Firehammer is a powerful weapon, but not even it can down a troll in just one strike when thrown. Were we face to face then I could slay it quickly, but not from a distance. That’s been my past experience.”

"Yeah, I was wondering about that. In truth, I'm not entirely certain that even the spell I intend to use will be sufficient by itself," Grondar admits. He pauses for a moment to consider. "It seems to me that if we stick with my original plan, we're going to need to be ready to rush in and finish off the trolls once we make our first strike. They should be wounded badly enough as to not put up too much of a fight. If this draws out others, then we deal with them there or withdraw - depending on their numbers and power. Once that's done, we heal up and proceed with the rest of the plan as outlined, or go with Oran's variation if Farian and Virae believe that's a better use of their talents."

Grondar waits for any further feedback on the various plans and ideas for dealing with the current situation.

Post Closed