*Aesthir presents his notes about his own investigation on how the remanants of magic were shown around the town, upon learning of the events that transpired during the interrogatory, the man nods slowly listening his mind still and his facets unmoving*
Well then .. there is that .... So the portal is that and it has to be closed then, Are we aware of the kind of effects that this may have ? Or what to expect on this kind of events, it sounds like its not appropiate to do a militaric approach, but rather a small group , but of course we are speaking about unknown numbers by the enemy.
What do we know ?
*Aesthir measures the distance beetwen the point of the camp and the Town of Halin, and then to the Portal making a triangulation of distances *
*Danny hears of the ongoings and makes his way to centre , he asks around for a little information and is pointed in Aestir way , aftr seking h out e persn heits at the fire and tries to get head up of what is goin on*
Es bee a whoile Lad ae egoin t bring meh ope speed oike? mahe oi canlen a had ,boi thar sounds of ting ye ned oll thar elp ye ca get....
As Aesthir conveys the information regarding the remnants of magic and minor fluxes in frequency he found around the town of Dapplegreen, Jason purses his lips in concern and states that he is going to investigate that further and excuses himself.
Captain Dreardan nods as he leaves and then addresses Aesthir. “The number of the enemy and their relative strength are unknown at this point. If the Pit Creature is any indication of their power and ability, I would have to respectfully disagree on the smaller party idea. I fully intend on providing my full detachment to bolster the offensive operation. I would agree to hold them in reserve though. If there is no force of adventurers willing to take up this cause though, we are fully prepared to go at it on our own.” He nods approvingly at the figures Aesthir calculates from his triangulation. "It might be prudent to seek out the assistance of a tracker or scout familiar with the geography to perform some reconnaissance."
*Aesthir nods slowy and looks satisfied* Of course that a main offensive idea would be perfectly suited against an army of such creatures, yet the first thing to learn here is the numbers and the situation, only for that the small party would be used, Wars are fought by soldiers and militiamen, but won by strategy and knowledge, I do feel that if we move too close we may lose the advantage of positioning, but again all this is suppositions, we just need to secure a place for the main camp and all the supply lines for those, we can't but to start to get ready for the assault anyway ... Time its not our ally here, nor are the weakness of the creatures.
*he nods* As for the scout, I had one who may be well versed in this, sadly he has been lost to us, a good idea. *Aesthir looks upon the maps, observing how near would be from the borderline with Ulgrid's*
Captain Dreardan, Aesthir, Danny, and Storold look up as a scout throws open the door and rushes into the barracks. The man tosses his quiver and bow to the floor and immediately begins pointing out locations on the map. The Rofirein captain had dispatched him nearly a week ago and all involved were eagerly awaiting his return. He was a free agent with a long record of employ in many large military campaigns, and the fact that he was a griffon rider made him even more valuable because of his speed. His services did not come cheap…
“Your objective is going to be a difficult one captain.”
The scout goes on to explain that the portal appears to be in the ancient crypt as they had suspected. He was not able to gain entry but he was able to observe troop movements and patrols in the area… all of which supported this conclusion. He estimated less than 100 total, but their races and types varied greatly.
“There are large numbers of alien creatures within a day’s ride of the crypt. They are heavily armored, armed, and of various types… most of which I have never seen before.” He gives a somewhat sour grin and continues… “You will not need to worry about the bandits and Rashish the Red though. I observed a feast taking place several nights ago. They were present, but not necessarily “guests”… if you know what I mean.” He shudders a little at the memory. “Evidently their services were no longer required… which means you may be running out of time if you intend on engaging them and capturing the portal.
After receiving all of this information, Captain Dreardan turns to the adventurers present and informs them that his men will depart for Halin the next morning, and any who wish to join are welcome.
Event has been scheduled.
http://layonara.com/calendar/event/the-assault
A parrot is seen to be doing its best to negotiate some information from a parked griffon before fluttering towards the assault group and circling around uncertainly. "This is no place for old parrots." the Druid concludes sinking into the treeline and re-emerging in natural druid form, more an emmissary, a representation from nature, for of course the natural way of things was seriously at odds with the way of things. Didn't need an assault group to work that out. No what they needed was a view from nature right now. She leant heavily on an oak staff and stopped by the guard. "Foresta Fiveoaks of the Five Oak Grove, from within the Forest of Fog, I'm expected!...in an unexpected kind of way. I'm here to represent nature." The time for other shapes would likely be later.
After hearing te news of the scout , Danny maks sure everyhing is allright for a few hours ... He then sets off for Hempstead where he stocks up on supplies , for those that are going to embark on such task.
*Storold Speaks up* I might be able to banish a few of the deamons, however there are way to many for a permanent banishment of them all. I am a little concerned about sending in normal soldiers, as they might not be suited for fighting against these creatures at all. I would suggest that we hit hard and fast once we hit, as they might have ways of alerting allies which are not restricted to mere shouting and watchfulness.
Furthermore they are next to a portal, where more creatures might start pouring out if they get notified about the fighting. So far it seems we have Aesthir, The dwarf and the servant of Nature. Do you know of anyone else who might answer a call for aid Captain or Jason? We are sure to need everyablebodied adventures for this task if we are to have any chance of success.
// Could you please post the time for the event in your own timezone so I can be sure when to get up if I am to make the event.
*Griff rides up on his Warpony as they are making preparations for their trek to Halin. He nods to Danny, Storold, Aesthir and Foresta before turning to Captain Dreardan*
Aye der Captain Dreardan, O'im Griff Silversand of the Order of Valorous Axe. Kin in Ulgrid sent word tah meh Order say'n ye gota Demon problem brui'n. Oi come 'ere tah lend meh axe in deh name a Vorax, the Eternally Vigilant. Let me know how Oi can 'elp.
*He surveys the Captain's men and other's present trying to size up the party's strength and readiness as he smokes from a yew pipe*
// 12:00 PM Pacific Standard Time - Washington, USA. Saturday, May 31st.
The call has been set out, I personally refuse to believe fully that all our enemies will be as the pit fiend we saw here, if it were such raw power may be enough to level the whole continent they had the desire so, alas i don't fully discard it, anyway we should be acting as if they were able to.
I am sure that the call for help has been set out, but the same as that Vincent I am sure that the creature or creatures had other agents among the people, we should be wary upon the actions we see . and hopefully more help manage to come in time. With the hurry this situation its escalating we as you mentioned may need everysingle person we could get on our side.
*He looks upon the dwarves and nods slowly as if having an inner satisfaction*
*Then turning towards the Captain* The horse is ready and Just the night rest separate us of the departure, I say we make it count, The gods know when we may be able to get another.
The Griffon threw back its head a little and let out a sound somewhat between the purr of a great cat and the screech of a bird of prey… a sound of greeting or welcome.
As Foresta made her way into the hustle and bustle of Dapplegreen she felt somewhat saddened by all of those around her that had lost their way from nature and had imprisoned themselves in this artificial walled enclosure they called a town. After she introduced herself to one of the many Rofirein Knights readying for departure she was directed to the barracks and Captain Dreardan. As she approached and introduced herself again the Captain smiled and welcomed her. “Lady Fiveoaks, we are grateful to have a representative of Nature on this mission.”
As this interaction was taking place a well-armed and armored dwarf trotted up on a war pony nodding to the growing assembly of adventurers as he reigned in his mount. Captain Dreardan’s disposition seemed to improve a little more as the dwarf introduced himself, and the air of extreme concern seemed to dissipate from his countenance. “The strong arms of the Order of the Valorous Axe are always welcome master dwarf! ”
Griff’s keen military eye discerns that the Captain’s men are both well-equipped and in a state of high morale. He also notes a noticeable mix of adventurer types, some of which he is familiar with from past expeditions and missions.
---------
Captain Dreardan turns to Storold and listens to what he has to say. “Yes, the tactical situation is indeed delicate. I will strongly consider your words Storold… they hold much wisdom. We still have time to make changes to the plan of attack though. We have a long journey to Halin, and we will reassess our capabilities before making the final leg of our assault. I fully agree that the strike must be hard, fast, and surgical. I have also sent messages to nearby towns and outposts requesting assistance… we’ll see if any more answer the call.”
He then turns to Aesthir, “I hope you are right Aesthir… if they do have the capabilities of the pit fiend though, we may be in for a difficult fight. Their restraint speaks volumes of the control their leaders must have over them. I agree, we should proceed as if they all have the power of Dalianavera.” The Captain then excuses himself to check on preparations.
---------
Before Danny departs on his supply run, Captain Dreardan approaches him and reminds him that they head out for Halin at dawn and hands him a map with their planned camping locations. “If you are not back in time for our departure you can rendezvous with us at one of these sites. See if you can recruit any more able bodies along the way.”
---------
The following morning the men quickly load their gear, mount up, and head out of town. After about a half hour swords are drawn and horses are quickly spurred into defensive formation as a wild club wielding, green skinned, half orc runs screaming out of the trees near the roadside, arrows whizzing by him.
Several Rofirein Knights look to their captain for direction. Captain Dreardan frowns a little and motions some of the closest knights into the woods as arrows strike the half orc’s helmet and club. They spur their horses and disappear into the brush. The brief sound of battle and screaming comes from the trees and when the knights reemerge one shouts “goblins. They are all neutralized sir.”
Captain Dreardan gives Mangus a hard stare while the half orc obliviously pulls arrows out of his equipment and inquires if he can offer help to the assault group. He assesses that Mangus is not a threat and points a thumb towards the other adventurers. “They can get you up to speed if you want to assist. There is no pay involved though, just a sense of duty to your fellow… err, fellow man.”
//Awesome… would love to see a “Tusker” in the group… ;-)
Vincent lay in his bed, sweating profusely, tossing and turning…suddenly awake. Every night had been the same since Dalianavera had done whatever she had done to him. His chest ached. Her words echoed in his mind each time he was dragged from uncomfortable sleep…
“You will be my key to unlock the door when I need to return… Until then, you will be the beacon that guides me back to this world.”
*Aesthir looks at the newcomer with some disdain , yet its not apparent behind his falcon gaze like eyes, he poses a neutral expression, with that polite and creepy smile that he is used to wear , his thoughts go thru all he has lived in the past years, his inquisitive mind first goes thru all the infiltration options that may come with the arrival of this "monster". Alas he keeps it to himself, there are monsters and "monsters", at least this monster that just recently arrived lived on this very pit, there will be time for current punishment if the "man" turned out to be a liability or an inflitration in the ranks, with the fate of the world at stake, and an army of would be cities-leveling monsters on the opposite band, how could the situation of an infiltrate make it worse, if any .. it would make it faster, for good or bad, alas he will keep his eyes upon him.*
**he stirs his black stallion near the newcomer and nods behind the dark hood, his eyes focused on the man* Of course we won't turn any help that comes, yet you must know that the dangers we face maybe are one of the biggest you'll see in your life, or maybe not and you are used to such monstruosities. We are a force of good, be careful though since good can deal punishing blows as well .. .. as the enemy is about to find out.
*he looks forward and then to Magnus again* The name is Aesthir, If you comming get yourself ready.
*He awaits for the man's reply*
As the assault party makes its way toward Halin a large man in mithril half plate riding a battle scarred horse is parked in the middle of the road. A huge great sword is sheathed behind his back. He waits until the forward units are in speaking distance before removing his horned helm, huge biceps bulging from underneath his armor.
Hail! I'd like to speak to who ever's in charge about me joining yer ranks fer a bit. I've come on me own and I'm answering yer call about assistance. Tell yer leader my name is Vrebel. I'm interested to see what ya'll are up against and may have some ideas.
He leads his horse to the edge of the road so not to impede their forward progress while he waits.
Aesthir, ye say? Er'm Mangus. Er seen er brutish thing er two. Hecks, Er nearly felled one er dem goblins all by myself!
*Storold does a final head count as they are getting nearer their target and is very pleased to also see Vrebel amoung their numbers*
We should have a battle plan ready soon. As far as I can tell we are mostly seasoned fighter with a few priests and other divinely inspired people. We therefore have to take great care against the enemys magic, as we have little magic of our own. However by the account given by our outsider friend earlier I do not belive we should fear thte having access to much more than their inate magic. And I doubt they have a strong morale given the tales from our scout. However we should not underestimate the power of strong brutes. Therefore I would like to hear from the more seasoned fighters how you believe it is best to engage a group of atrong deamons?
//It seems that I am currently not able to run nwn from my laptop. Which means I wont be able to make the quest. Sorry everyone
//Big appology here...I swore I thought this started at 8pm and now brother saying its at 4pm..what a dummy I am. I made some RL plans today I can't get out of without facing even more serious demons than will be on this quest. I'll try to get back to join you guys later if I can, but its doubtful. Really wanted to do this one...sorry guys my mistake. Take a demon down for Griffy.
Captain Dreardan, a long column of Rofirein Knights, and a ragtag band of adventurers ride into Halin about mid-afternoon. The local population is both surprised and suspicious of this large group of “lawmen.” Most go indoors and stay there. The local militia captain approaches and when he sees Aesthir he points his thumb at the knights and says” Why’d you bring that bunch?”
Meanwhile, Captain Dreardan instructs his sergeants to resupply the men, break for meals, care for the horses, and be ready to pull out in two hours for the final leg of their journey.
//FYI. Quest time is 12PM Pacific Daylight Time. It has just come to my attention that there may be a glitch with the forums that shows a 1 hour difference from "real time." Please look at an alternate time zone conversion to ensure your arrival time matches up with 12PM Pacific Daylight Time - Washington State - USA.
//Thanks for the heads up. I think you meant PDT (Pacific Daytlight Time). Anyways I'm pretty sure it means the quest starts at 3:00 p.m. for us EST folks instead of 4:00 p.m. as stated in the event clock.
Uh, I'll be showing up at about 3:10 eastern time (Pittsburgh pa) and I'll make sure I bring brownies for everyone!
"Dreardan's dead..."
Captain Dreardan had ordered his men into reserve status 2 kilometers from the ancient crypt and had insisted that he accompany the small group of adventurers spearheading the assault on the portal. Their battles were fierce, and if a skilled bard had been present the stories and poems that could have been crafted would have been epic. Many adventurers fell in the assault, were raised by divine magic, and doggedly continued on with the mission.
Dalianavera had not lied. The power of the Rugnas was immense and of a caliber that few in the seasoned group had ever seen before. Some of the pit creatures were able to stop and bend space and time itself with their arcane abilities. She had also honored her end of the Pact with Storold…. she had not interfered with their mission.
The battered and weary group stumbled forth from the crypt into the dank Co’rys swamps carrying the mangled and lifeless corpse of Captain Dreardan. He had fallen in battle with honor, sword upheld in a futile attempt to take down one of the mighty pit fiends. His shield had been sundered in one swift blow and his sword broken in half.
The scene that greeted the weary group as they exited into the filtered light of the swamp was surreal. A mighty battle had been waged near the entrance of the crypt while they were inside. The losses of the Knights of Rofirein were heavy. Among the surviving fighters was Jason the Lucindite. He rushed to them as they stumbled out and could not voice words when he saw the body of the Captain as sorrow overcame him. The group handed over the lifeless Captain Dreardan to several of the remaining Knights, along with his broken sword conveying his heroic actions. They knew the order would take over from there.
The group quickly learned that the Rofirein Knights had observed a straggling force of Rugnas making their way to the crypt. They knew that if the adventurers were attacked from the rear in surprise that the mission was likely to fail. Lieutenant Vercilaas acted immediately ordering the attack.
Now questions remained for Aesthir and the rest of the group. They had possession of two of the four stones erected around the floor diagram that served as the portal. Script of pure Al’Noth had writhed across their surface before being unseated. The 100 pound artifacts were now dull and dead in appearance. The giant four armed demon guarding the gateway had smashed the other two before they took him down, closing the portal and preventing intrusion into his own Pit.
There were likely to be many interested parties and competing interests eager to get their hands on the stones and Aesthir’s detailed notes if word reached the outside world. What to do?? Perhaps… just perhaps, this story is not quite at its end yet.
Foresta, staff in hand moves slowly and pondering among the scene of devastation taking note of the dead and dying among both the soldiers and nature itself. She wanders more like an accountant taking stock than an adventurer confronting loss among their own. She duly returns to the cause of all the carnage; the two rune laden stones and watches over them. Given time and her watching role, without any obvious conscious thought she shifts to the form of a bird and circles over the stones considering their impact on the balance of things.
*After appearing from the crypt Vrebel wearily observes the swamp that had turned into a battlefield. He wanders amongst the Rorfireinites helping them to carry their wounded and dead while offering words of encouragement to those soldiers still alive. He then sends word for Storold making sure the rocks they found are well protected. Later he will give a full report to who ever is now in charge regarding what they encountered and the strange portal area at the bottom of the crypt.*
*The grim news are passed by Aesthir, as well. the first thing is to report the findings and the fall of the captain the next ranking officer, he will do a verbal inform of the findings and the battles faced down the crypt, he states that in observance and in respect to the Captain, the investigation has been concluded at least on this stage and not without paying a big price for them, for now he recomends to move the camp back to the area near Dappllegreen once the dead have been paid respects of course. He discuss with the ranking officer about the details of the army and what would be his plans orders from now , all in spite of keep things in agreement to the law of course*
*After some time Storold returns to the group summoned by Vrebels message, he seems very somber when he sees the losses suffered by the group*
It seems you have won the day at a terrible cost. I guess I was wrong in considering these creatures a minor treat to the world. However despite your losses you prevailed, I hear that you have captured some kind of magical artifact, do you have any vetter description of its use or the magic it contains?
I am not sure myself how much I can help you with artifacts from other Pits, but maybe you could contact Connor or Moraken about it. Or even the Pit stalkers, however I will see what I can do based on the information you can provide.
After emerging from the crypt, Deverain hands over his stone to the Roferianites, and helps them with the dead and cleaning up after their battle. He answers any questions, but leaves most of the complex details to Aesther and Vrebel.
From her watching place above the group Foresta is reasonably assured there is no more unnatural danger for the moment. She also somewhat irreverently notices Storold has a bald patch on his head which she resists landing on, before settling on a more remote site where she shifts back to human form before moving back into the group circled around the stones. She reflects on the debate so far. "Storold speaks wisely - I think the stones might best be presented to the Pit Stalkers for opinion." She nods at the thought, supporting the action but not necessarily committed to carrying it out.
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