Remnants of the Horde:Storming the Walls...

[Uriel]

Minute after minute went by, with Gargoyles and Manticore carrying Goblins, Hobgoblins and Orcs,Gnolls and Giants up the wall. The massive Manticore could just barely get the smallest Giant upon the wall, and he then let down a long coil of rope and chain (from a huge bag that he carried), with which the other giants then scaled upwards, while he pulled from above.

The Hobgoblins were the first to touch down, forming a line facing the dorr that sat across this expanse of wall, some 80 feet away. As well, a small wall-platform housed a ballista, though this had been destroyed by some attack fro the air, most likely. Finally, all were upon the Wall, with all eyes looking to Vespazian for the signal to advance inwards.

Nilgo suggested that the Goblin Scouts (under Wekerak's command) should preceed, along with the Gnolls. Orcs to the fore and Hobs (with Vespazian) in the center. Giants to the rear, as this would give them a line of fire for the massive chunks of rock that each had gathered upon the plateau.
Sroka seconded this idea,wishing to keep a bodyguard around Vespazian. Of course, this was all subject to the Captain's word.

 

[Capellan]

"You and you pair off. And you and you -" Wekerak begins organising the goblins into teams of two. In a pitched battle, stealth would only go so far: each scout would need a partner to back him up.

He doesn't despatch them yet, however, waiting to see what the word from the human will be.

 

[Uriel]

"You and you pair off. And you and you -" Wekerak begins organising the goblins into teams of two. In a pitched battle, stealth would only go so far: each scout would need a partner to back him up.

He doesn't despatch them yet, however, waiting to see what the word from the human will be.

The Goblins muster together, pairing off. They seem content, finally seeing someone with sense in command of them. Goblins were always happier when one of their own commanded them, or at least a Hobgoblin.they seemed to pay attention to Sroka as well, since he wanted top get as many f them through this alive (for the Glory of Zuregath and all of that...) as possible.

 

[deadestdai]

The ride to the castle battlements wasn't all that pleasant and Vespazian noticed with a grimace that his particular "courier" was the gargoyle he had struck earlier.

Once alighted on safe ground, the captain looked about him. He had made sure that he and Krong were the last two to have been lifted up so he could make sure of the safety of the area and try to see more of the position of his troops as they all landed.

Stood amongst the hob's, he looked over the available troops. He thought to himself how he had never attacked such a fortification - he was used to villages with stockades and small towers and keeps, not grand palaces made to withstand armies. He sighed inwardly, Perhaps the bard was right? No, he wasn't. Zuregath would not have put his trust in a fool and Vespazian was no fool.

He turned to Sroka. Get those orcs moving, our giantish friends will fend our enemies off from afar as will the goblin infantry. Set those engineers ready and offer them adequate protection so that they can rid that doorway of any obsticles that we may come across. He turned to Krong, noticing that the ugly, but wiser Ogre (than Durgo that is) was watching the human intently. When the doors are broken through, lead the giants through to batter anything that may get in our way. Though, I leave it to you to make sure they don't trample our allies should any be foolish enough to put up too much of a fight. Vespazian smirked at the giantkin then roared for the order to move out.

 

[doghead]

Tsu'koka watches and waits as the troops are sorted. Unless told otherwise, he will move out with whatever leads. The hobgoblins have Vespazian and Sroka to stiffen them. And Tsu'koka is itching for a fight and a wild ride through the gatehouse with a pack of Hell Hounds would be just the ticket (he speaks Infernal, for what its worth).

ooc: Do the gnolls up front have the Hell Hounds? Were the mounted hobgoblins dismounted and brought up or were some troops left outside the gates? Appart from what was gathered, how much more of of the Iron Kings army lies outside?

 

[Uriel]

Tsu'koka watches and waits as the troops are sorted. Unless told otherwise, he will move out with whatever leads. The hobgoblins have Vespazian and Sroka to stiffen them. And Tsu'koka is itching for a fight and a wild ride through the gatehouse with a pack of Hell Hounds would be just the ticket (he speaks Infernal, for what its worth).

ooc: Do the gnolls up front have the Hell Hounds? Were the mounted hobgoblins dismounted and brought up or were some troops left outside the gates? Appart from what was gathered, how much more of of the Iron Kings army lies outside?

OoC: The Fire Giant who originally had the Hounds still has them, as they were taken up, alonh with the Dire Wolves. The Manticore/Gargoyles with ropes were enough to lift them, and/or the goblins could rig harnesses and have the Giants haul them up.

We have all of the troops peering at the Door leading into the Keep...

 

[doghead]

Tsu'koka grabs Blood's halter (if the beast has been brought up) and pushes through the lines to the front. He breaks out from the Hobgoblin ranks and casts Detect Magic across the space centered on the door once the door is in range (60ft).

~ If it reveals something, he pauses a while to see what else comes up.

~ If it reveals nothing, he strides across the open space to the door. The possibility that the area has been mechanically trapped has occured to him, so he keeps watchful eye out as best he can, given his complete lack of skill in trap detection.

Assuming that he makes it to the door in one piece, he gives it a quick look over. Wekerak is the goblin for this. Tsu'koka looks around to see if the scout is nearby. If not, one of the gnoll engineers. We need to get inside quickly. He will motion over whoever. As they do, he works the 2 Thunderstones and the Smoke Stick into a more accessable place. Then pulls out his heavy mace.

When the scout or engineer arrives, he repeats his thoughts to them.

"We need to get inside now. Is this door trapped?"

~ If the scout or engineer thinks not, Tsu'koka will open it, keeping to one side. Then he'll take a quick peak.

~ If the scout or engineer thinks it is, Tsu'koka will let him get to work on it, doing whatever mechanically thingies need doing.

ooc: sounds like the castle is built for giant sized creatures, so riding the Dire Wolf is feasible?

 

[doghead]

Tsu'koka scratches the back of his leg with his mace.

 

[Capellan]

Wekerak turns and barks orders at the goblin scouts.

"Move out! Scout ahead, and tell if you see any enemies. Don't get seen."

 

[Uriel]

OoC:Sorry all I was waiting on some further command from Vespazian...

IC

The Orcs quickly move to the fore, goblin Engineers close at hand, their tools and ready, pouches bulging with all manner of picks,spanners and mechanisms.

As the lead Orcs press at the door, Wekerak feels the hairs on the back of his neck suddenly come afire. Tsu'Koka sees Blood glance skywards, whining plaintively and Wekerak hears Frostbite's sibilant whisper 'Inside we should be, that is most disturbing...'

Overhead, the sky seems darkened black, then the occassional flap of wings shows that indeed it is still day, but day obscured by hundreds of sets of wings...

Massive bats wheel overhead, riders perched upon their backs,malevolent eyes cast downwards at your band, massed upon the wall, as they are.
With a high pitched laugh, resounding with feminine guile, almost sensual, a call in impeccable Elven exclaims 'Send them to the Queen, my Brethren!' and a hail of crossbow bolts begin to pelt your group, along with lightning bolts and magic missiles,flaming Orbs and Acidic bombs.

The Orcs and Goblins are panicking at the fore of the group, as a fireball has just smashed into them, leaving many charred husks.
Sroka looks to Vespazian for orders, while Nilgo throws orcs aside, urging Krong forward towards the door, the Ogre Warhulk lifting a flail comprised from a massive wharf-chain attached to a Dwarven Anvil from his pack, killing an Orc who didn't move quick enough aside as he eyes the obviously locked door with disdain and vehemence.

The Gargoyles launch skywards, heading to engage the Bat-Riders.

Nilgo calls bac to Vespazian 'Drow! Many Wizards,Lord! These are they who drove us from the walls yesterday!'

Te Giants begin hurling hunks of wall upwards, with impressive results, though it is obvious that there are many,many bats in the sky.

OoC:
There is a press of orcs and the other various troops at the front of the Mob.
Once Krong smashes the door open, anyone mounted can try and Bull-Rush their way through, or decide to fight if preferred.

Sroka and the Hobgoblins, as well as the Bugbears ad Gnolls are pushing through to the door. Vespazian can go with them if he wishes, making the door an easier thing to reach. Likewise, Tsu-Koka and Wekerak are right behind,with the Giants at the rear.