Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Last Stand of the Dorinthians
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Deuce Traveler" data-source="post: 3870038" data-attributes="member: 34958"><p>The party continued leading the rest of the men, and although several became sick along the way, all made it to the end of the journey more than a week later. The group was still hidden partially by forest, but before them lay wide plains filled with overgrown wheat and tall grass. In the distance the force led by the party could see the mountains of the dwarves, perhaps only another half day's march away. From their location they could see numerous black specks, like columns of ants, that represented a legion of men: Alexander and Dartis correctly guessed by the campfires that more than a thousand Tallione soldiers were laying a seige against their dwarven allies.</p><p></p><p>Alexander directed his next question at Dartis, that noble warrior, who he felt knew more of working with large numbers of men: <span style="color: Blue">"Say, how do we sneak our numbers through <em>that</em>?"</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Green">"Who said we are going to,"</span> replied Dartis with a grin, clasping the half-orc on the shoulder.</p><p></p><p>Dartis gathered his party up. <span style="color: Green">"Now we have several options here as I see it. But we need to get a message into the dwarven holds. Silas or Kel is there anyway for either of you to get a message into there through your powers?"</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Green">"The first thing we need is to scout out those lands better."</span> said Dartis with a meaningful glance at Rix. <span style="color: Green">"Alexander, take a few men with some woods experiance and circle around and get a better estimation of forces, supply locations, command tents and use of roads."</span> </p><p></p><p><span style="color: Green">"My plan currently is to make a small attack in the rear of the column and destroy their supply lines. If we can get a message, or a messenger into the caverns we can coordinate an attack from the dwarven holds that should catch them turned around trying to find the enemy attacking from behind them. Now at worst, should that fail, I say we surround the plain, and set it ablaze. The fire should burn quickly through this grass, and leave the forest. The fire would drive the Tallione horse wild and cause the men to run about. We can pick them off as they flee. Again it would be best if the dwarves and the rest of the Dorinthians attacked at drive off what they could. What are your thoughts on how we should proceed?"</span></p><p></p><p>Silas looked thoughtful but eventually, reluctantly, shook his head. <span style="color: orange">"Unfortunately, I am unable to use my magics in that fashion. I just don't have the skill."</span> He continued to listen as Dartis outline his plan, nodding in approval, but had little to add.</p><p></p><p>Rix shrugged and said, <span style="color: Sienna">"Sure I can get in there. Although I'm sure those dwarves would love to see a kobold slipping inside their place. Do you want me to go now or at night? If I can't find a way in at the entrance, do you want me to search in other areas? And what's our food situation like?"</span></p><p></p><p>Checking on their food, the party found that they and their men had a week of supplies still left, which was barely enough for a return trip with foraging along the way.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: seagreen">"I'm afraid I have no more magical power to communicate with those inside than you do,"</span> Kel said to Dartis. <span style="color: seagreen">"And I'm afraid I'm not used to this type of warfare."</span> Kel indicated the swarming mass of the enemy army. <span style="color: seagreen">"But I will do what I can, rest assured. And I'll start by going with the scouting party"</span></p><p></p><p>It seemed everyone was standing around looking for guidance and nothing was happening and so Silas sighed, stepped up, and began giving out orders. <span style="color: orange">"We need to know what's going on so Rix, scout for now. Once we find out more then maybe you can make an attempt to gain entrance to the dwarven stronghold. Smaller scouting groups will be less likely to be discovered so no more than one or two together."</span></p><p></p><p>He pointed to one veterans planning to scout. <span style="color: orange">"You. Take several men with you and scout back the way we came. We'll need a camp. This location is a little close; I don't want their outriders to stumble over us. Also look for potential ambush sites where we can lead their troops and...get to it. I want you back here with news before the sun sets."</span></p><p></p><p>He stood looking at the gathered scouts. <span style="color: orange">"Keep low. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Return when you have some information to impart."</span> He raised one fist in salute. <span style="color: orange">"For Dorinthia!"</span></p><p></p><p>Although surprised at Silas' outburst, the camp quickly began to bustle with activity. Rix prepared to go, checking his equipment before disappearing into the tall grass of the plains.</p><p></p><p>As the scouts got ready to leave, one young lad passed the abjurer and yelled in support, <span style="color: YellowGreen">"For Dorinthia!"</span> The pitch was a little high, though, causing some of the party to stop and stare at the youngster suspiciously.</p><p></p><p>The youth blushed, clearly embarrassed from being noticed. Before the lad could walk off, Alexander walked behind the youngster and removed his cap. Long hair fell from the hat, and that's when the group realized the young man was actually a very young woman.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: Blue">"Danica Swann!"</span> Alexander said in surprise. This was trouble. Kyle Radnal was not going to be happy to find that his surrogate daughter had gone off with the militia forces to face the Imperials.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Hi,"</span> said Danica hesitantly. She looked down, and quickly up again, then bit her lip. She quickly grabbed for her cap and put it back on. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"It's been a while..."</span> She was smiling, and looked around nervously in case she was seen by one of Kyle's friends. But then she turned back to smile at her fellow adventurers. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: Blue">"Long time indeed,"</span> Alexander said as he shook her hand while hoping for her to have "matured" and avoid hugging him like the last time. He then took the wand recovered from the goblin shaman and presented it to Silas. <span style="color: Blue">"This is bound to be useful in this situation, I'm not sure if it is still working, though."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Alexander!"</span> Danica squealed, and took his huge hand when it was offered. She felt like even more of a child as she reached up to take it, but enjoyed the warmth of his hand. As they shook, she felt stupid, and her lips twisted into an odd embarassed grimace of mock seriousness. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: orange">"Danica?"</span> Silas grinned from behind Alexander as he took the wand, then laughed as he focused entirely on Danica, genuinely pleased to see the young woman who first welcomed him into the party. <span style="color: orange">"Since you left, I've moved beyond gathering sticks and watching fires. I hope you've been well. Rix should be around here somewhere..."</span> He looked around a bit but turned back shrugging. <span style="color: orange">"It's good to see you."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Oh, dear, sweet Rix,"</span> Danica said impulsively, looking around as she rose to her tip-toes, in hopes of seeing him, but without luck. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"And you, Silas. You have come a long way indeed. I'm still lugging a crossbow,"</span> she said smiling, as she lifted her weapon, as if she needed to offer proof. She was still blushing slightly. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"To be honest, I feel a little out of place here,"</span> she added, looking about as she lowered the crossbow.</p><p></p><p>Silas shook his head. <span style="color: orange">"You shouldn't feel out of place. Your experience with the Ruffians should serve you well here. So,"</span> he motioned in the directions of the Tallione camp over the rise beyond, <span style="color: orange">"do you have any suggestions concerning our situation?"</span></p><p></p><p>Seeing the reunion of old friends, Dartis allowed some time for pleasantries before approaching Silas and Danica. <span style="color: Green">"Well Silas, I take it our stowaway is known to you,"</span> said Dartis with a grin. <span style="color: Green">"Welcome to our small band of fighters. I am Dartis Kalnian. I can only hope your being here is a testament your love of Dorinthia, as our mutual friend here Silas has.</span>"</p><p></p><p>Silas blushed and quickly directed the subject away from himself, <span style="color: orange">"Lord Dartis Kalnian, this is Danica Swann."</span></p><p></p><p>When Dartis introduced himself, Danica unknit her eyebrows and took his hand, too, <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Yes. Hello. Um."</span> She tried again, retrieving her hand and self-counsciously wiping it on her dress, and then stopped when she realized how she must look like. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"My Lord. I'm Danica Swann."</span> She said with more courage as she did a small courtsy. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Let me serve you and Dorinthia as best I can."</span> Dartis welcomed her warmly into the party.</p><p></p><p>The group parted their ways as Silas and Danica spoke... Rix had already gone, and from the distance he had to cross, it would be up until a day until the party would see him again. Unable to find forest that allowed them to get closer to the Imperials, Kel and Alexander cut through the dry vegetation, but their taller bodies were not able to blend into the tall grass in Rix's manner. Still, they moved through the plains, their bodies crouched and moving swiftly, until they became to the watching Dorinthians two dark specks in the large field.</p><p></p><p>What Kel and Alexander experienced: </p><p>It took a number of hours until the duo began to make out some of the Imperial numbers. The Tallione force looked to be a mix of heavy and light infantry, significant cavalry, and some few archers. Still, they needed to get closer and get a better look in order to make a better estimation of numbers and to check on where their logistical supplies were held. They were still about a mile away from the center of the camp, and the grass could hide the two, but disappeared near the start of the mountain side. The pickets of the Imperial formation was perched on a red, rocky and barren hill. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: Blue">"Kel, do we keep approaching and return at night? I see far better than them, and might see when they see not if the Huntress provides a clouded night."</span></p><p></p><p>The elf considered the army and then looked at Alexander <span style="color: seagreen">"Yes I think your plan has merit but I don't think we should return to camp, I think we should just wait here. Night approaches anyway and in the hours that we wait we may observe something useful."</span></p><p></p><p></p><p>What Dartis experienced:</p><p>Dartis and some of the other men started picking up bundles of dried wood and stacking them at the tall grass in order to burn them later and start a fire. They were nearly done when several of the woodsmen came back and reported two possible places to make camp. One was on some large rocky hills inside the forest that could give a height and observation advantage to the defenders, but it was not near a water source and it was not quite autumn yet, making it fairly hot for those standing for long on the rocks. The other one was near where the river the band had followed ended. A small lake was there, shaped like a bowl and surrounded by large trees. It was hard to observe an enemy coming and wasn't very defensible, but the group would have a water source and likely game to hunt. Both were about four miles north of the group's current position, the lake straight north, and the hills northwest.</p><p></p><p>What Rix and Chalik experienced:</p><p>The situation was looking dim for the dwarven clan of Bermax. The Imperials had blockaded the main gates of the underground kingdom for weeks now and it would soon lead to food rationing. What was worse, the king had to feed a number of refugees from the remnants of Dorinth. Some factions advocated giving the humans up to the Imperials. But news of the heroism displayed of late from the remnants of the Dorinthians was brought to the dwarves by their delegation to the humans (which included Chalik) and the gnomes to the southwest had swayed the dwarves to help the Dorinthians.</p><p></p><p>It was still possible for the dwarves to avoid the Imperial blockade by use of secret, alternate entrances. The problem was that small groups of Imperial horsemen had also made steady patrols, making movement outside difficult. Because of Chalik's skill at stealth, he was asked to do reconaissance on the enemy lines. As the dwarven rogue skirted the edge of the enemy lines, he was reminded of the danger of his actions when he saw a struggling, captured kobold tied against a Tallione rider's saddle. As Chalik watched, he realized that the kobold was Rix, an adventurer whose exploits helped make the refugees to the west be seen as heroes. If Rix was here, his companions could not be too far away. Chalik's blood was pumping hard with the realization that the humans were coming to the dwarves' aid, and he moved from behind boulder to boulder, using them for cover until he got to behind the enemy lines and overlooked where the mountains met the plains. If Rix's allies were there, they would be hiding in the tall, dry grass of the plains.</p><p></p><p>Sure enough from Chalik's view through a hole in a boulder he hid behind, the dwarf saw two dark shapes move forward slightly to spy on the Imperials, then drop again to hide within the grass when horsemen were heard. Behind the two adventurers a group of six horsemen rode hard towards the Imperial forces, slowing though as they approached the start of the mountains. If they continued in their direction they would pass right over the two shapes Chalik had just observed...</p><p></p><p>Back to Kel and Alexander:</p><p>The duo agreed to move when it got dark, but they both noticed a small dwarf run from behind a boulder to one closer to you. It seemed to be scanning the tall grass for something, and his eyes peered out from a cleft in the rock. Kel and Alexander were close enough to where the plains met the mountain terrain to recognize him. It was Chalik Bermax, someone who had travelled with the dwarven delegation to the Dorinthian refugee camp, and who was said to have spoken well of the Dorinthian exploits in the court of the dwarven king. The half-orc and elf moved forward a few feet to get a better look at him, and perhaps get his attention. He seemed to see the duo, but then his head disappeared from behind the boulder as the sound of hooves could be heard from behind. Taking Chalik's reaction as a warning, the two men ducked back in the tall grass. They couldn't see what was coming, but it sounded like a handful of riders, all moving close to the duo's position and towards the Imperial lines.</p><p></p><p>What Silas, Dartis, and Danica experienced:</p><p>Because of the low supplies, Dartis and Silas sent the men to the lake to camp, although Danica, Silas, and Dartis along with a handful of men went to check out the site with the rocky hills, in case they had to go somewhere more defensible and would have time to move their small force of men. When they reached the hills, they saw that the hills were actually strangely-shaped piles of red rock surrounded by a large field of short grass. The party's hundred men would have the advantage of high ground if placed here, although archers would quickly ruin their day since the position would be exposed.</p><p></p><p>The group discussed about possible avenues of defense while their three soldiers checked on a previously unnoticed cave near the base of the hill. Suddenly all three men scrambled out of the tunnel, and the party mistakenly found their screams to sound somewhat bestial until Danica realized their yelling was being drowned out by two brown bears that burst from the entrance and seemed most unhappy about being disturbed. Two of the men were armed with spears, and nervously tried to keep the beasts at bay with their weapons. The third that was in the front and armed only with a short sword, made a break for it and tried to run behind the trio of adventurers instead of behind his closer companions, which was the wrong move. One of the two bears broke away from the spear-wielding men and attempted to chase him down, and now both panicking soldier and enraged bear quickly barreled towards the heroes.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: teal">DM's Note: At this point Rix became an NPC, but the party regained Danica (human Sorcerer) as well as had Chalik (dwarven Fighter/Rogue) join.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Deuce Traveler, post: 3870038, member: 34958"] The party continued leading the rest of the men, and although several became sick along the way, all made it to the end of the journey more than a week later. The group was still hidden partially by forest, but before them lay wide plains filled with overgrown wheat and tall grass. In the distance the force led by the party could see the mountains of the dwarves, perhaps only another half day's march away. From their location they could see numerous black specks, like columns of ants, that represented a legion of men: Alexander and Dartis correctly guessed by the campfires that more than a thousand Tallione soldiers were laying a seige against their dwarven allies. Alexander directed his next question at Dartis, that noble warrior, who he felt knew more of working with large numbers of men: [COLOR=Blue]"Say, how do we sneak our numbers through [I]that[/I]?"[/COLOR] [COLOR=Green]"Who said we are going to,"[/COLOR] replied Dartis with a grin, clasping the half-orc on the shoulder. Dartis gathered his party up. [COLOR=Green]"Now we have several options here as I see it. But we need to get a message into the dwarven holds. Silas or Kel is there anyway for either of you to get a message into there through your powers?"[/COLOR] [COLOR=Green]"The first thing we need is to scout out those lands better."[/COLOR] said Dartis with a meaningful glance at Rix. [COLOR=Green]"Alexander, take a few men with some woods experiance and circle around and get a better estimation of forces, supply locations, command tents and use of roads."[/COLOR] [COLOR=Green]"My plan currently is to make a small attack in the rear of the column and destroy their supply lines. If we can get a message, or a messenger into the caverns we can coordinate an attack from the dwarven holds that should catch them turned around trying to find the enemy attacking from behind them. Now at worst, should that fail, I say we surround the plain, and set it ablaze. The fire should burn quickly through this grass, and leave the forest. The fire would drive the Tallione horse wild and cause the men to run about. We can pick them off as they flee. Again it would be best if the dwarves and the rest of the Dorinthians attacked at drive off what they could. What are your thoughts on how we should proceed?"[/COLOR] Silas looked thoughtful but eventually, reluctantly, shook his head. [color=orange]"Unfortunately, I am unable to use my magics in that fashion. I just don't have the skill."[/color] He continued to listen as Dartis outline his plan, nodding in approval, but had little to add. Rix shrugged and said, [Color=Sienna]"Sure I can get in there. Although I'm sure those dwarves would love to see a kobold slipping inside their place. Do you want me to go now or at night? If I can't find a way in at the entrance, do you want me to search in other areas? And what's our food situation like?"[/Color] Checking on their food, the party found that they and their men had a week of supplies still left, which was barely enough for a return trip with foraging along the way. [color=seagreen]"I'm afraid I have no more magical power to communicate with those inside than you do,"[/color] Kel said to Dartis. [color=seagreen]"And I'm afraid I'm not used to this type of warfare."[/color] Kel indicated the swarming mass of the enemy army. [color=seagreen]"But I will do what I can, rest assured. And I'll start by going with the scouting party"[/color] It seemed everyone was standing around looking for guidance and nothing was happening and so Silas sighed, stepped up, and began giving out orders. [color=orange]"We need to know what's going on so Rix, scout for now. Once we find out more then maybe you can make an attempt to gain entrance to the dwarven stronghold. Smaller scouting groups will be less likely to be discovered so no more than one or two together."[/color] He pointed to one veterans planning to scout. [color=orange]"You. Take several men with you and scout back the way we came. We'll need a camp. This location is a little close; I don't want their outriders to stumble over us. Also look for potential ambush sites where we can lead their troops and...get to it. I want you back here with news before the sun sets."[/color] He stood looking at the gathered scouts. [color=orange]"Keep low. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Return when you have some information to impart."[/color] He raised one fist in salute. [color=orange]"For Dorinthia!"[/color] Although surprised at Silas' outburst, the camp quickly began to bustle with activity. Rix prepared to go, checking his equipment before disappearing into the tall grass of the plains. As the scouts got ready to leave, one young lad passed the abjurer and yelled in support, [Color=YellowGreen]"For Dorinthia!"[/Color] The pitch was a little high, though, causing some of the party to stop and stare at the youngster suspiciously. The youth blushed, clearly embarrassed from being noticed. Before the lad could walk off, Alexander walked behind the youngster and removed his cap. Long hair fell from the hat, and that's when the group realized the young man was actually a very young woman. [Color=Blue]"Danica Swann!"[/Color] Alexander said in surprise. This was trouble. Kyle Radnal was not going to be happy to find that his surrogate daughter had gone off with the militia forces to face the Imperials. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Hi,"[/COLOR] said Danica hesitantly. She looked down, and quickly up again, then bit her lip. She quickly grabbed for her cap and put it back on. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"It's been a while..."[/COLOR] She was smiling, and looked around nervously in case she was seen by one of Kyle's friends. But then she turned back to smile at her fellow adventurers. [COLOR=Blue]"Long time indeed,"[/COLOR] Alexander said as he shook her hand while hoping for her to have "matured" and avoid hugging him like the last time. He then took the wand recovered from the goblin shaman and presented it to Silas. [COLOR=Blue]"This is bound to be useful in this situation, I'm not sure if it is still working, though."[/COLOR] [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Alexander!"[/COLOR] Danica squealed, and took his huge hand when it was offered. She felt like even more of a child as she reached up to take it, but enjoyed the warmth of his hand. As they shook, she felt stupid, and her lips twisted into an odd embarassed grimace of mock seriousness. [color=orange]"Danica?"[/color] Silas grinned from behind Alexander as he took the wand, then laughed as he focused entirely on Danica, genuinely pleased to see the young woman who first welcomed him into the party. [color=orange]"Since you left, I've moved beyond gathering sticks and watching fires. I hope you've been well. Rix should be around here somewhere..."[/color] He looked around a bit but turned back shrugging. [color=orange]"It's good to see you."[/color] [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Oh, dear, sweet Rix,"[/COLOR] Danica said impulsively, looking around as she rose to her tip-toes, in hopes of seeing him, but without luck. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"And you, Silas. You have come a long way indeed. I'm still lugging a crossbow,"[/COLOR] she said smiling, as she lifted her weapon, as if she needed to offer proof. She was still blushing slightly. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"To be honest, I feel a little out of place here,"[/COLOR] she added, looking about as she lowered the crossbow. Silas shook his head. [color=orange]"You shouldn't feel out of place. Your experience with the Ruffians should serve you well here. So,"[/color] he motioned in the directions of the Tallione camp over the rise beyond, [color=orange]"do you have any suggestions concerning our situation?"[/color] Seeing the reunion of old friends, Dartis allowed some time for pleasantries before approaching Silas and Danica. [COLOR=Green]"Well Silas, I take it our stowaway is known to you,"[/COLOR] said Dartis with a grin. [COLOR=Green]"Welcome to our small band of fighters. I am Dartis Kalnian. I can only hope your being here is a testament your love of Dorinthia, as our mutual friend here Silas has.[/COLOR]" Silas blushed and quickly directed the subject away from himself, [color=orange]"Lord Dartis Kalnian, this is Danica Swann."[/color] When Dartis introduced himself, Danica unknit her eyebrows and took his hand, too, [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Yes. Hello. Um."[/COLOR] She tried again, retrieving her hand and self-counsciously wiping it on her dress, and then stopped when she realized how she must look like. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"My Lord. I'm Danica Swann."[/COLOR] She said with more courage as she did a small courtsy. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Let me serve you and Dorinthia as best I can."[/COLOR] Dartis welcomed her warmly into the party. The group parted their ways as Silas and Danica spoke... Rix had already gone, and from the distance he had to cross, it would be up until a day until the party would see him again. Unable to find forest that allowed them to get closer to the Imperials, Kel and Alexander cut through the dry vegetation, but their taller bodies were not able to blend into the tall grass in Rix's manner. Still, they moved through the plains, their bodies crouched and moving swiftly, until they became to the watching Dorinthians two dark specks in the large field. What Kel and Alexander experienced: It took a number of hours until the duo began to make out some of the Imperial numbers. The Tallione force looked to be a mix of heavy and light infantry, significant cavalry, and some few archers. Still, they needed to get closer and get a better look in order to make a better estimation of numbers and to check on where their logistical supplies were held. They were still about a mile away from the center of the camp, and the grass could hide the two, but disappeared near the start of the mountain side. The pickets of the Imperial formation was perched on a red, rocky and barren hill. [COLOR=Blue]"Kel, do we keep approaching and return at night? I see far better than them, and might see when they see not if the Huntress provides a clouded night."[/COLOR] The elf considered the army and then looked at Alexander [color=seagreen]"Yes I think your plan has merit but I don't think we should return to camp, I think we should just wait here. Night approaches anyway and in the hours that we wait we may observe something useful."[/color] What Dartis experienced: Dartis and some of the other men started picking up bundles of dried wood and stacking them at the tall grass in order to burn them later and start a fire. They were nearly done when several of the woodsmen came back and reported two possible places to make camp. One was on some large rocky hills inside the forest that could give a height and observation advantage to the defenders, but it was not near a water source and it was not quite autumn yet, making it fairly hot for those standing for long on the rocks. The other one was near where the river the band had followed ended. A small lake was there, shaped like a bowl and surrounded by large trees. It was hard to observe an enemy coming and wasn't very defensible, but the group would have a water source and likely game to hunt. Both were about four miles north of the group's current position, the lake straight north, and the hills northwest. What Rix and Chalik experienced: The situation was looking dim for the dwarven clan of Bermax. The Imperials had blockaded the main gates of the underground kingdom for weeks now and it would soon lead to food rationing. What was worse, the king had to feed a number of refugees from the remnants of Dorinth. Some factions advocated giving the humans up to the Imperials. But news of the heroism displayed of late from the remnants of the Dorinthians was brought to the dwarves by their delegation to the humans (which included Chalik) and the gnomes to the southwest had swayed the dwarves to help the Dorinthians. It was still possible for the dwarves to avoid the Imperial blockade by use of secret, alternate entrances. The problem was that small groups of Imperial horsemen had also made steady patrols, making movement outside difficult. Because of Chalik's skill at stealth, he was asked to do reconaissance on the enemy lines. As the dwarven rogue skirted the edge of the enemy lines, he was reminded of the danger of his actions when he saw a struggling, captured kobold tied against a Tallione rider's saddle. As Chalik watched, he realized that the kobold was Rix, an adventurer whose exploits helped make the refugees to the west be seen as heroes. If Rix was here, his companions could not be too far away. Chalik's blood was pumping hard with the realization that the humans were coming to the dwarves' aid, and he moved from behind boulder to boulder, using them for cover until he got to behind the enemy lines and overlooked where the mountains met the plains. If Rix's allies were there, they would be hiding in the tall, dry grass of the plains. Sure enough from Chalik's view through a hole in a boulder he hid behind, the dwarf saw two dark shapes move forward slightly to spy on the Imperials, then drop again to hide within the grass when horsemen were heard. Behind the two adventurers a group of six horsemen rode hard towards the Imperial forces, slowing though as they approached the start of the mountains. If they continued in their direction they would pass right over the two shapes Chalik had just observed... Back to Kel and Alexander: The duo agreed to move when it got dark, but they both noticed a small dwarf run from behind a boulder to one closer to you. It seemed to be scanning the tall grass for something, and his eyes peered out from a cleft in the rock. Kel and Alexander were close enough to where the plains met the mountain terrain to recognize him. It was Chalik Bermax, someone who had travelled with the dwarven delegation to the Dorinthian refugee camp, and who was said to have spoken well of the Dorinthian exploits in the court of the dwarven king. The half-orc and elf moved forward a few feet to get a better look at him, and perhaps get his attention. He seemed to see the duo, but then his head disappeared from behind the boulder as the sound of hooves could be heard from behind. Taking Chalik's reaction as a warning, the two men ducked back in the tall grass. They couldn't see what was coming, but it sounded like a handful of riders, all moving close to the duo's position and towards the Imperial lines. What Silas, Dartis, and Danica experienced: Because of the low supplies, Dartis and Silas sent the men to the lake to camp, although Danica, Silas, and Dartis along with a handful of men went to check out the site with the rocky hills, in case they had to go somewhere more defensible and would have time to move their small force of men. When they reached the hills, they saw that the hills were actually strangely-shaped piles of red rock surrounded by a large field of short grass. The party's hundred men would have the advantage of high ground if placed here, although archers would quickly ruin their day since the position would be exposed. The group discussed about possible avenues of defense while their three soldiers checked on a previously unnoticed cave near the base of the hill. Suddenly all three men scrambled out of the tunnel, and the party mistakenly found their screams to sound somewhat bestial until Danica realized their yelling was being drowned out by two brown bears that burst from the entrance and seemed most unhappy about being disturbed. Two of the men were armed with spears, and nervously tried to keep the beasts at bay with their weapons. The third that was in the front and armed only with a short sword, made a break for it and tried to run behind the trio of adventurers instead of behind his closer companions, which was the wrong move. One of the two bears broke away from the spear-wielding men and attempted to chase him down, and now both panicking soldier and enraged bear quickly barreled towards the heroes. [color=teal]DM's Note: At this point Rix became an NPC, but the party regained Danica (human Sorcerer) as well as had Chalik (dwarven Fighter/Rogue) join.[/color] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Last Stand of the Dorinthians
Top