Battle for Kazragun

[Dicer]

Seeing the ratfolk leap away to spare themselves from his wrath and that Wren had dispatched one of the remaining goblins, Veskassdak turned to the last goblin who was searching for something to help it and dove from the palisade wall at it.


He stretched his arms in front of him with his claws pointed right at the goblin hoping to sink them in when he impacted with it. He knew he was opening himself for a possible attack, but he hoped the sight of him diving at the goblin would rattle it enough to lose its focus to panic. He also hoped his aim was accurate and he would miss the spear it carried. This was the first time he had thought of this maneuver, let alone try it.


Success or failure, he was committed to it.

 

[Silanon]

As the lizardman jumps forward, the goblin turns around hastily, his spear raised to welcome the attacker with its pointy end. The creature aims surprisingly well, especially considering the creature that attacks him. The spearhead finds its way through armor and scales, drawing blood - but as both collide, the outcome is still heavily in Veskassda's favor. Where the berserker only takes a scratch, his claws tear through clothing and flesh, ending the goblin's life with ease.


[Veskassdak takes 2 damage, the goblin falls]


The two rats on land respectively in the water have the choice between fighting the heavily armored cleric in front of them, supported by a crossbowman they have yet to threaten at all - or turning around, jumping onto the raft and getting their butts out of there as soon as possible. Whatever their pay is, it's not enough for them to throw their lives away - beating a hasty retreat, they jump on board of the swimming boards, trying to escape the situation. Let me know if you let that happen - or how you would like to stop them.


[Leaving initiative order - Aeon can easily strike the rat on land down before it escapes, if he so wishes]


As the fighting is mainly over, a quick look around shows several ponts of interest inside the palisade. First and foremost, there is a lengthy plank out of solid, local wood that should allow you to bridge the gap between palisade and land, allowing everyone to get over dry-footedly. Then, there is the wounded commander on top of the palisade, not making a sound despite the obvious pain caused by his wounds. On the ground, we have the pile of things collected by the goblins and ratfolk, as well as the doorlike entrance into the tree, leading downstairs.

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak inhaled deeply as his rage subsided. The pain he had been ignoring hit him fully. He grunted, "Kassta magla!" and kicked the dead goblin's body hard. He then grabbed the spear that he almost missed and used it as a makeshift staff to support himself. Looking around, he took in his surroundings to get a better idea of what was here.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren quickly binds her wounds to keep from bleeding even more, hoping that Aeon will be able to heal her properly soon.  She lets out a hiss of pain as she tightens down the bandage over the arrow wound, but it is a necessary trail to overcome.


With that done, she then turns her attention to the goblin commander up on the palisade.  With one of her knives in hand, she approaches the thug and glares down at him.  "Talk and you might live to run away.  Argue with us and you'll find out what the afterlife looks like for the likes of you."

 

[Silanon]

As Veskassdak takes a look around, he gets a good overview over those things piled up on the ground. There are dozens of alligator skins, simple goblin weaponry, tools for daily use. Some of the woodworks were certainly not made by goblins, ratfolk or orcs - small carvings on them show pictures of the swamps. It almost looks as if the intruders planned to leave in the near future - otherwise, they probably wouldn't have left those wooden chests out in the open. A few potions are in there, unlabelled by the looks of it, some clothes, coins. Quite close to the dead spear-wielding goblin, you can see a stone similar to the one of the commander lying around - maybe the thing the goblin was looking for. When you look in direction of the tree's entry, the same feeling as you had in the water comes into mind - it seems like the draggin feeling has its source in there.


On top of the palisade, the goblin spits out at the sight of Wren. "First killing, then talking - reminds me of home." Although his weapon is in reach, he does not even try to grab it - instead, his hands are pressing on his shoulder wound, trying to stop the blood flow. "Won't stop you from dooming us, won't run away either. He'll welcome me in his lighted halls - I don't fear your butter knife."


What does Baird do outside? Take shots at the escaping rats as indicated, or something else? The two inside should be able to help you get over if you want to join them.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren keeps a close watch on the goblin as she continues to interrogate him. "Dooming you? From whom? Talk to me and you will be treated for your injuries. Continue to be stubborn and I'll leave you to bleed to death. Your choice."

 

[Silanon]

Outside: As the rat in front of him decides to turn around and flee, Aeon takes that opportunity - one step forward, one well-aimed sweep, and the creature plunges into the water lifelessly. The one swimming in the muddy water pulls itself onto the raft, only to be hit by one of Baird's bolts as he takes aim at the easy targets. A second one trips when hit in the neck, the forth one escapes by jumping into the water. There is a short movement underneath the surface, too big to just be caused by the small creature - then you don't see anything of it anymore. With the threat eliminated, you are free to join the others, assuming that one of them helps you to surpass the water by bridging it with the mentioned plank. Both of you might have a vague feeling of anxiety as you get over there - something cold seems to soak this place. At this point, a blessing by Aeon's Goddess seems not to be needed - he does, however, take the time to heal both of the wounded fighters, easing their pain.


On the palisade, the goblin shakes his head. "You wouldn't listen anyway - and even if, you couldn't change anything. Ask the bloody elves what they were thinking - barely stopped them, but now you fools ruin everything. There will only be one winner in this war, and it's him. Not your ignorant order, not us. Ask your scholars what Kazragun means - maybe they'll understand."

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak reached down for the stone near the goblin he had landed on to inspect it. Spotting the coins and potion vials in the chest he shouted to the others, "In chessstsss, sssee clothesss, potionsss, coinsss. Found ssstone alssso. Ssstone magic maybe. Ssshort big head mammal wasss not ssseeing on ground. Armor one sssame type ssstone had."
Pointing to the tree he continued, "Have pull feeling there. Not underssstand. Later check and why sssee."

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird walked over to Veskassdak and saw that he was inspecting one very small stone in his claws. "Veskassdak, you mentioned magic? Why don't I take a look and see if it is magic? Also what kind of potions did you find in the chest?"

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak handed the stone to Baird and said, "Certainty potionsss am I not. Labelsss lacking identification they have. Sssurely determine mammal Baird can."

 

[Silanon]

Assuming that the sorcerer examines the potions as well, he can spot two that are likely to have a restoring effect on your health - though a pleasant taste is not to be expected. The others are unidentifiable for you. As for the stone, your eyes notice symbols carved into it, almost all of them unfamiliar. One in particular, however, reminds you of an old symbol for fire that you've seen in a book a long time ago during your research. That's all you can get out of your examination - if it has any magical properties, they are either well-hidden or too unfamiliar to notice.

 

[Sherwood]

With getting no useable response from the goblin commander, Wren looks down at him with disgust.  "What should I do with you, hmm?"  She ponders her options for a moment, then says. "I won't kill you.  Here.  Take this cloth and bandage yourself up before you bleed out.  When you are done, run away.  If we cross paths again, I won't stay my blade a second time."


She backs away from the goblin before turning her back on him, but as far as she is concerned, he has been dealt with.  Climbing down to see what Baird and Veskassdak have found, she begins to add her keen eyes to the search of the items found.

 

[Silanon]

Puzzled is likely the best word to describe the goblin's facial expression when the rogue decides not to cut his throat open. For a moment, he stares at Wren and the bandage, almost in shock, then reaches out for the offered, life-saving item. "An old being, deep underneath the city. Waiting for blood to be spilled, until he is strong enough to emerge. That's what the harbinger said, at least." He speaks the words as he bandages his shoulder, and only picks up his weapon once she're far enough away to not be threatened by it. If noone stops him, he limbs away as well as he can, supported on his sword.


Downstairs, Wren has a look around, but apart from a handful of ancient-looking copper coins, there's nothing more to discover. On one side, they show a large tree, the other side some emblen she'd probably be able to find in her family libraries' books. Since those are rather far away, you might want to ask someone when the opportunity arises.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Turning back to Veskassdak, Baird elucidates what he found, "Turns out two of these potions are for healing minor wounds, but the rest I can't seem to figure out. On the other hand, there is that stone. It has magical markings on it, but the only one I can clearly see is fire. Would you mind if I hold onto this for the time being?"

 

[Sherwood]

Wren comes up to Baird and Veskassdak.  "The goblin commander mentioned something about a old being underneath the city, building up power, and talked about someone called the 'harbinger'.  I don't know what he was talking about, but it is something to keep in mind.  I wonder what we are getting into here?"

 

[Dicer]

"Not care who hold ssstone," Veskassdak said calmly, "No need crutch me. Pull ssstill pulling there." Again he pointed to the tree.


"If old thing or 'harbinger' there looking problem, sssee problem can give."

 

[Silanon]

Meanwhile, somewhere further west: The Order of the Flame is marching northwards. The last few days have been a struggle - slowly searching a way through the swamps, always on the watch for ambushes or natural dangers. However, since yesterday, things have taken a turn for the better. Rumours are that some local informant, whoever that might be, has pointed out the best routes to take. No matter if this is true or not, the results speak for themselves. Today, the convoys of soldiers, horses and wagons have already made more progress than the day before yesterday, and it's only just after midday.


That does not mean that it's a nice walk through the environment: As they pass by, Renna can still hear enough swearing between both the footmen and knights - they are used to fight the orcs on open terrain, where the cavalry just mows through their ranks. For them, this is entirely new territory as well.


Before she can take a closer look at the next group - most likely part of the Army of the third prince, given the high number of dwarves amonst them - the paladin gets interrupted. A young woman carrying a long bow, and most notably the only one around having pointy ears despite this being former elven terrain, grabs your shoulder, and points at the small group of men and women gathering. Scouts of the order, supposed to scout the areas further east. Both you and Io - her name is the only word the elf has said since dawn - were assigned to accompany them, and it seems like it's finally time to leave.

 

[Psychie]

Renna is quietly humming a hymn to herself as she travels to help pass the miles along.  She has given up trying to sing out loud, due to the complaints of those around her.  So it was a bit of a surprise when Io taps her on the shoulder to get her attention and points out the small group of scouts.  "Ah!  Time to move out!  Excellent."  She adjusts the way her sword is sitting on her back and sets off to introduce herself to the assembled men and women, head held high.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird nods to veskassdak, "Very well then, I'll hang onto it for the moment." Just then, Wren comes up to the two of them and asks about a harbinger of sorts. "Harbinger?" What do you mean by one and what's he known for? Also a power building under the city?


((Can I do an arcana check on the power beneath the city and the harbinger if applicable?))


@Silanon

 

[Sherwood]

Wren shrugs.  "He was not very forthcoming with information.  He only said that in surprise when I didn't kill him and let him go instead.  I have a feeling that we'll be dealing with this hidden power soon enough."  She glances down at the pile of stuff.  "Find anything of interest?"

 

[Silanon]

Goblin camp:


Baird might have read and heard about a few things by now - neither the being called harbinger, nor the power talked about ring a bell, however. Maybe someone more familiar with the local lore could help you out.


(did a roll, though it'd be half a miracle to get something useful out of it. Pending whether Veskassdak might know something, though unlikely - see OOC)


West:


Most of the scouts simply acknowledge your presence - probably not the most talkative bunch of people, by the looks of it. The leader, a dwarf clothed in in light chain mail, musters both of you for a short moment, then nods. "Good to have someone who looks like he'd be able to find the pointy end of his sword without wounding himself for once." He rapidly speeds through a number of names without pointing at anyone in particular - then introduces himself as Ralph Stoneeye. "We got two objectives for now - first and foremost, we're about to follow a small trail, first eastwards, then turning to lead us to the north. There is a watchtower out there somewhere, and Vyran wants us to get a look at the city itself from there before the main forces arrive. Apart from that, one of my cousins sent a bunch of folks into the swamps, searching for something - no knights of the Order, just a bunch of Princes. Asked me if I could watch out for them if we happen to be in the area, so that's what we'll be doing. Any questions?"

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird nods to Wren's question, "I did in fact, two of the potions found are those that heal minor wounds and this stone I'm holding has something to do with fire. However that's all that I could figure out from my eyes."


@Sherwood

 

[Psychie]

West:


Most of the scouts simply acknowledge your presence - probably not the most talkative bunch of people, by the looks of it. The leader, a dwarf clothed in in light chain mail, musters both of you for a short moment, then nods. "Good to have someone who looks like he'd be able to find the pointy end of his sword without wounding himself for once." He rapidly speeds through a number of names without pointing at anyone in particular - then introduces himself as Ralph Stoneeye. "We got two objectives for now - first and foremost, we're about to follow a small trail, first eastwards, then turning to lead us to the north. There is a watchtower out there somewhere, and Vyran wants us to get a look at the city itself from there before the main forces arrive. Apart from that, one of my cousins sent a bunch of folks into the swamps, searching for something - no knights of the Order, just a bunch of Princes. Asked me if I could watch out for them if we happen to be in the area, so that's what we'll be doing. Any questions?"

Renna thinks for a moment, then says, "My only thought is to ask Iomeade to offer her blessing on us as we set forth on our journey."  She waits for a nod from the dwarf before starting her prayer.  If he does, she takes a moment to quickly invoke the good will of her Goddess, and keeps her words brief to avoid irritating those that don't share her faith.  Once done, she says, "Thank you, Master Stoneeye for humoring me.  I shall do what I can to keep pulling my weight, and not be a burden to you."

 

[Silanon]

West:


Your gesture is broadly appreciated - as this war is pretty much a crusade in its own right, many in the ranks of the Order do worship her. The dwarf gives his approval, then waits until Renna has finished. "You're welcome - Torag and Iomedae do get along quite well, and so will we. Everyone, gather up your belongings, we're leaving." Not wasting any more time, the group begins their journey. As Io naturally takes the lead, silently pointing out difficult spots for the others, the group travels at a relatively high speed, despite the rough terrain - after all, the scouts are trained in travelling through the mud by now. For Renna, keeping up is a bit more difficult; Stoneeye, who's marching at the rear to make sure noone gets lost, is usually within arm's reach. "So, how did you end up with that giant sword on your back?"

 

[Psychie]

Renna huffs a bit as she hikes along.  "Well, as a youngster, I grew up in a home with five older brothers. Brothers that liked nothing more than to torture me.  So, in order for me to survive I had to learn how to fight.  So, when I went to the holy order to become a nun, I never quite fit in.  So, that led me to walk a different path, where I show my love for Iomeade with my search to master the blade."  She reaches over her shoulder and pats the hilt of her sword.  "Ever since I made that choice, I have felt the touch of my Goddess as a swordmaid.  This particular sword was a gift to me from the great swordmaker Tull Ramek on the day of my elevation as a paladin."