Barduk & Fort Critwall

[Darklin2]

Sai

Boy. Come here.

Sai kneels to one knee.

Where did you see these Pig men? Can you tell me where they were at? I will make sure the Scar-Faced Man won't bother you any more. He is a bad man as are the Pig-Men, but we need to know where they are so we can take care of them.

He scratches his chin and looks around like he is thinking hard,

If there is an Iuz strong hold inside Furyondy then Iuz could move against us anytime he wanted and the troops would be caught in a two front battle. They would have surprise and could out number any one of the forts and villages we have stopped at on this trip. We can not protect this caravan any longer. We have to go after this fortress and kill every orc in it. Other wise our country may be lost.

[hedgeknight]

Sai
Boy. Come here.
Sai kneels to one knee.
Where did you see these Pig men? Can you tell me where they were at? I will make sure the Scar-Faced Man won't bother you any more. He is a bad man as are the Pig-Men, but we need to know where they are so we can take care of them.

Luke looks up at Jeremiah, then to Alexia, and then to Sai; the other children are paying no attention because they are stuffing their faces with rock candy. Luke swallows a couple of times and then explains: the last time the scar-faced man (who you know to be Krayquer) came to meet Jeremiah, Luke followed him out of the house because he wanted to ask questions about what it was like to live in a fortress. Before Luke could catch up with him, however, the boy saw Krayquer meet with three orcs and a "dark, pointy-eared boy" to give them the book. This happened down by the river.

"Krayquer usually comes down the trail to meet me," Jeremiah says. "The last time...he came by boat, down the river. Thisss wasss only two weeksss ago."
Jeremiah suddenly hugs Luke and then begins to gather his things hurriedly. "Quickly now - I must get the book to Jakartai, and you must return to Barduk to warn Jetero of Krayquer. Hisss life isss in danger!"
Alexia gently takes the book and casts a spell over it before handing it back to Jeremiah. "It is now waterproofed for the journey."
Jeremiah takes the book and tucks in into a pouch he wears across his chest. He and Alexia exchange a look and then he turns to the heroes of the Border Watch.
"We must go. Now!"

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego almost spits his drink out when he hears about the dark, pointy eared boy. He jumps to attention at the command of Jeremiah and readies his gear for the return trip to Barduk.

“Thank you for the hospitality ma’am. It was a pleasure meeting em.......all of you.”

“Is there anything else we should know before we depart?”

[Bluehorse]

Jeremiah cocks his head slightly and says, "The Old One across the river, the demi-god Iuz. He and his demonic mother of witchesss, Iggwilv."

Adelphocleas looks a little stunned. I see. And what are they doing there? Have they been hostile to you?

In reply, Alexia calls for Sarah Jean and asks her to pour Adelphocleas a cup of coffee with some cream and a maybe a drop of honey. ...and takes the coffee to the centuar...which she had never seen before today. She ignores the brothers standing there and hurries over to the other kids.

The large centaur takes the offerings with a deep bow and smiles. Thank you, you are most kind and gracious hosts. This all looks and smells delicious. he will sip and munch on the coffee and treats.

"Boy, I'd say we are, ain't we Mattie?"
The boy named Mattie nods vigorously, looking up at Adelphocleas with childish amazement.

The centaur prince smiles wide and kneels down on his forequarters so he is slightly more on their level as he leans down. Good... Then I have a charge for you both, as knights, I ask you to follow the lessons of the four elements. Be like Water, and move with flexibility and patience, for even the rock must eventually yield to the stream that circles it... to be like wind, and move about the land where fate and purpose send you where you can breath the joy of life with your words and actions, to be like earth, and stand fast before life's challenges, and hear the lessons of the natural world around you, always, and finally... and this is most important, to always have fire and passion in your heart for all you do, especially when you are helping those who cannot help themselves. Can you promise to do all these things for me and in the honor of your parents here? he will gesture to Jeremiah and Alexia with a wink to them. When the boys undoubtedly nod in response: Then with the power invested in my by my birth right as a Son of Silvertree, I dub the both... he draws his massive sword and carefully places it on one boy's head and then the other. Knights of Silvertree, with the rights and privileges of those honors so long as you hold these vows true in your hearts. Now... Arise sir knights, and salute... he too rose and put a fist to his chest. As such.

[hedgeknight]

Adelphocleas looks a little stunned at Jeremiah's response. I see. And what are they doing there? Have they been hostile to you?
Jeremiah "blinks" a couple of times, which for reptiles is really not a normal blink, and then lays a hand on the shoulder of Adelphocleas. "The war itself wasss the doing of the Old One. He isss a demon spawn who thinksss himself a god. The horrorsss he hasss already committed are too terrible to talk about. He would turn thisss beautiful land into a desolation of evil just like he hasss done to the landsss which now bear hisss name. We cannot let that happen!"

Montego almost spits his drink out when he hears about the dark, pointy eared boy. He jumps to attention at the command of Jeremiah and readies his gear for the return trip to Barduk.
“Is there anything else we should know before we depart?”[/dialog]

"Our enemy, the Old One is very cunning. Who knowsss how long ago he devised thisss plan. He hasss been one step ahead of usss thisss entire time! I hope we are not too late to warn Barduk."

"Boy, I'd say we are, ain't we Mattie?"
The boy named Mattie nods vigorously, looking up at Adelphocleas with childish amazement.

The centaur prince smiles wide and kneels down on his forequarters so he is slightly more on their level as he leans down. Good... Then I have a charge for you both, as knights, I ask you to follow the lessons of the four elements. Be like Water, and move with flexibility and patience, for even the rock must eventually yield to the stream that circles it... to be like wind, and move about the land where fate and purpose send you where you can breath the joy of life with your words and actions, to be like earth, and stand fast before life's challenges, and hear the lessons of the natural world around you, always, and finally... and this is most important, to always have fire and passion in your heart for all you do, especially when you are helping those who cannot help themselves. Can you promise to do all these things for me and in the honor of your parents here? he will gesture to Jeremiah and Alexia with a wink to them. When the boys undoubtedly nod in response: Then with the power invested in my by my birth right as a Son of Silvertree, I dub the both... he draws his massive sword and carefully places it on one boy's head and then the other. Knights of Silvertree, with the rights and privileges of those honors so long as you hold these vows true in your hearts. Now... Arise sir knights, and salute... he too rose and put a fist to his chest. As such.

The twins frown and raise a few eyebrows at the speech of Adelphocleas, but when he draws his sword and knights them, they stand as tall as they possibly can. The put their fists to their chests and then Mattie (Mathew) raises his "sword" and turns to the other children. "We are Knights of the Silver Tree! And we will protect you from pig-men, spooks, and giant spiders until Jeremiah returns! Won't we Johnny?"
The other boy, who has been silent the entire time, nods his head vigorously.
"We'll move like the wind and water and...erm...what were the other two?" Mathew asks his brother.
"Earth and fire," Johnny whispers, looking up at the centaur looming over them. "Right, Mister Son of the Silver Tree?"

Alexia stifles a laugh and then begins wrapping some food for the heroes, accepting the gratitude of Montego and Adelphocleas with a smile and a slight bow of her head. Jeremiah comes to her and the pair share a brief but deep hug and then the brave scout of Furyondy gathers all of the children together, as he does each time he leaves, and hugs them all and tells them, "I trust you will be good to each other and do asss Lexi saysss, while I am gone. And do not worry...I will be back before you misss me."

Jeremiah rises and without looking back, he leaves the cabin. "Follow me!"
As you leave, Alexia gives Sai a pouch. "In it you will find a dozen goodberries. They are not rock candy, but they will give you strength and healing when you need it."
To Cassius she gives another pouch. "There are three acorns inside. Speak the word 'thearn' (thorn) and throw them...then get out of the way." she says with a devilish grin.
And to Muldgarr, she give a small leather bracelet, one too small for the Elf's wrist but..."keep this close to your heart and when you think of your sister, it will give you a general direction of her location. Once all of this is done, return to us and Jeremiah and I will help you find her."
She hugs him gently and says, Shan aul Adon salen Ebrath. (Go in peace, my friend.)

Jeremiah takes you down the path you came in on. The woods are thick and once he reaches the Crystal River, he says, "This will take me to the Veng and from there to Greatwall. I bid you luck and ssspeed back to Barduk, my new friendsss. And pray we are not too late!"
He dives into the river, swimming upstream and is gone from view.

[ChubbyPixie]

Kranston turns his head to follow the developments in the conversation. At the end he finds himself confused. "Wait... is the spy stuff done? I feel like we just started - I was just getting into it," he says as they are shuffled out the door. "Are we fighting orcs now?"

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Cassius receives the acorns with a gracious bow. "Thank you Alexia. I can't wait to see them in action." He follows Jeremiah to the river and bids him luck as he dives in.

"I know what you mean Kranston. But maybe this is just normal for spies. Talk, talk, talk, then rush, rush, rush." He smiles and slaps the dwarf on the shoulder. "Let's go infiltrate an orc fortress!"

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego is slightly embarrassed, putting his outstretched palm back into his pocket after receiving nothing for himself.

Outside he watches the movements of the lizardman closely until he is out of sight.

"I assume we all trust that what he says is actually true? If so, then lets be off. Apparently time is of the essence here."

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocleas looks a little stunned at Jeremiah's response. I see. And what are they doing there? Have they been hostile to you?
Jeremiah "blinks" a couple of times, which for reptiles is really not a normal blink, and then lays a hand on the shoulder of Adelphocleas. "The war itself wasss the doing of the Old One. He isss a demon spawn who thinksss himself a god. The horrorsss he hasss already committed are too terrible to talk about. He would turn thisss beautiful land into a desolation of evil just like he hasss done to the landsss which now bear hisss name. We cannot let that happen!"

Adelphocleas nod grimmly. Thank you for your words and patience. I am new to these lands... well... times. It is a long story I will relate to you one way when we are not so pressed. But know this, I will do all I can to keep the blight from reaching this happy home.

"Boy, I'd say we are, ain't we Mattie?"
The boy named Mattie nods vigorously, looking up at Adelphocleas with childish amazement.

The centaur prince smiles wide and kneels down on his forequarters so he is slightly more on their level as he leans down. Good... Then I have a charge for you both, as knights, I ask you to follow the lessons of the four elements. Be like Water, and move with flexibility and patience, for even the rock must eventually yield to the stream that circles it... to be like wind, and move about the land where fate and purpose send you where you can breath the joy of life with your words and actions, to be like earth, and stand fast before life's challenges, and hear the lessons of the natural world around you, always, and finally... and this is most important, to always have fire and passion in your heart for all you do, especially when you are helping those who cannot help themselves. Can you promise to do all these things for me and in the honor of your parents here? he will gesture to Jeremiah and Alexia with a wink to them. When the boys undoubtedly nod in response: Then with the power invested in my by my birth right as a Son of Silvertree, I dub the both... he draws his massive sword and carefully places it on one boy's head and then the other. Knights of Silvertree, with the rights and privileges of those honors so long as you hold these vows true in your hearts. Now... Arise sir knights, and salute... he too rose and put a fist to his chest. As such.

The twins frown and raise a few eyebrows at the speech of Adelphocleas, but when he draws his sword and knights them, they stand as tall as they possibly can. The put their fists to their chests and then Mattie (Mathew) raises his "sword" and turns to the other children. "We are Knights of the Silver Tree! And we will protect you from pig-men, spooks, and giant spiders until Jeremiah returns! Won't we Johnny?"
The other boy, who has been silent the entire time, nods his head vigorously.
"We'll move like the wind and water and...erm...what were the other two?" Mathew asks his brother.
"Earth and fire," Johnny whispers, looking up at the centaur looming over them. "Right, Mister Son of the Silver Tree?"

Adelphocleas smiles and leans down again. Remember the most important part of your vows. You protect those that cannot protect themselves. That means those not as strong as yourselves. You will be needed to protect your siblings, and since I cannot always be around, you should follow your highest authority... do you know who that is? he smiles and turns to look at Alexa. Protect and follow her like a queen. No other woman will ever be so deserving of your love and devotion as the one you honor and call mother.

Adelphocleas will give proper goodbyes to Alexa and the children as they part. He will tug off a simple beaded leather bracelet and hand it to the woman and nod. If ever you need help, give this to one of my people and evoke the name Silvertree, and they will do what they can for you in my name if I cannot be there myself.

He will give Jeremiah a hardy handshake before he leaves. Be well until we meet again, honored friend. I look forward to the day we can tell each other stories of our ancestors.

[Hotgoblin]

And to Muldgarr, she give a small leather bracelet, one too small for the Elf's wrist but..."keep this close to your heart and when you think of your sister, it will give you a general direction of her location. Once all of this is done, return to us and Jeremiah and I will help you find her."
She hugs him gently and says, Shan aul Adon salen Ebrath. (Go in peace, my friend.)

Muldgarr receives the bracelet graciously…he places his enclosed fist on his heart and smiles at Alexia.
Thank you, sister of the wood! You will see me again… He bows towards her and takes his leave.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Waterday 19, late morning > Return to Barduk, with haste!
Having said their farewells, the group heads out from the river with all haste to return to Barduk and warn Jetero of the danger he is in. They've only been gone a few hours and should make it easily back to Fort Critwall by mid-afternoon. As if knowing they must hurry, the cloudy skies above darken and open up in a downpour mixed with rumbling thunder and flashes of lightning.

storm cloud 1.jpg (483.22 KiB) Viewed 578 times

The wind whips the rain in their faces as the group presses on, praying to the gods not to be struck by lightning. Adelphocleas wonders about the children back at the cabin, but is satisfied that the newest Knights of Silvertree will protect them, even from storms. As the group continues to move forward, keeping the river on their right as a guide, Sai suddenly holds up his hand, calling for a halt. He closes his eyes as he receives a message from Talon. How the giant owl is even able to fly in this deluge is beyond understanding...but then, Talon is quite unusual and has proven a reliable ally since the caravan left Greatwall.
Suddenly, Sai grabs his head and cries out in surprise and...pain!
Sai:

Talon was several yards ahead of your group before the storm opened up. He took shelter in a pine tree, hoping to avoid the worst of the weather under its boughs while you caught up. That is when he sent you this message: Roost in long-leaf. Flashes of light not good for eyes. Pig men below me! Hunting...you! Many pig men and a --- SCREEE!
Talon has been severely injured with an arrow!

Actions?

[ChubbyPixie]

Alarmed but not sure what is transpiring in the stormy deluge, Kranston pulls his sling from his belt and readies a stone in it.

[Darklin2]

Sai

Wrecked with pain. Staggers a few paces. Both hands holding the sides of his head.

OOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRCCCCCCCCCCCCSSSSSSSSS. Today you meet Grummish One- Eye.

Talon: Where are you? I am on my way.

He drags his shield over to his left arm and stuffs his hand in his belt pouch for a pinch of sand and charges into the woods, towards his fallen companion.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

He immediately pulls his bow, reluctant as he is in this weather. "Sai? What's going on?" Sai's rendition of a screaming vengeful starship captain is enough explanation for now.

"We'll follow you."

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocleas readies his lance and follows Sai. Point me to the danger! I am ready!

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego doesn't like the looks of his distressed companion. The big man searches all around their current position to see if he can spot any danger, ahead or behind.

"We should avoid a fight if we can. Anything accustomed to this weather would have an advantage over us in this deluge."

Drawing his massive sword, the ranger readies for trouble.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr Petri hears his comrade yells”Orccccccsssss”, so he goes on the defensive. He heads to the nearest tree and climbs up it and readies his bow. He hopes to get a better view of what is going on.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Waterday 19, late morning > Return to Barduk, with haste...AMBUSH!!

Screaming a death promise to his hated enemy, Sai charges on ahead in search of his animal companion, Talon. Adelphocleas readies his lance and follows, as does Cassius with his bow, and Kranston with a sling stone ready. While drawing his massive sword, Montego voices caution as he and Muldgarr follow after the others.

The pounding rain dampens most sounds and blurs the vision of the heroes as they charge ahead, expecting an ambush any second...and their expectations are soon affirmed. As Sai spots a large white owl on the ground about 20 feet ahead, Orcs step out into the open and fire!

Orc archers.jpg (47.08 KiB) Viewed 547 times

Orc Archers: [1d20]=6 [1d20]=5 [1d20]=19 [1d20]=8
Orc Archers: [1d20]=1 [1d20]=11 [1d20]=3 [1d20]=10
Arrow damage: [1d6]=2

Sai gets clipped by a black arrow but he barely feels it as a spell comes to his mind.
Adelphocleas either gets missed entirely or arrows deflect off his breastplate; he lowers his lance and charges.

A few feet behind them, the rest of the group see the archers appear...but Montego's warning comes to fruition as three more figures burst from the underbrush near them. Two are Orcs wielding swords; the third is a larger creature, a mixture of Orc and Ogre...an Orog! The Orcs attack Cassius and Muldgarr, ancient enemies in an endless battle. The Orog charges toward Montego and Kranston ready to deal death with a wicked looking battle axe!

Actions!
Sai and Adel > you may attack!
The rest of the group > please roll initiative and your first round actions!

Stats:
Adelphocleas > full hp
Cassius > full hp
Kranston > full hp
Montego > full hp
Muldgarr > full hp
Sai > down 2 hp

Orc Archer 1
Orc Archer 2
Orc Archer 3
Orc Archer 4
Orc Sword 1
Orc Sword 2
Orog

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocleas

Seeing the orcs as they reveal themselves and already anticipating the trap... is it really a trap?

It's only a trap if you don't know you are walking into it. -Flint Fireforge, Dragonlance.

He couches his lance and gives a whoop! as he charges directly into the middle of the fray.

Initiative: [1d10+2]=6+2=8
I'm fuzzy on the rules for charging. Is Adelphocleas able to get the +2?
Lance [1d20+3]=7+3=10 DMG S[1d8+2]=5+2=7 L[3d6+1]=11+1=12
Hooves [1d20+3]=5+3=8 DMG [1d8+1]=1+1=2

[Darklin2]

Sai

Angered at seeing his owl injured. Throws a pinch of sand in the air and cast Sleep spell at center of the Orc line. And Rips his long sword free from it's sheath. While running to Talon, shield up.

Time to die, Scum!!!
===========

[2d4]=5 Sleepers