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Story Hour
Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
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<blockquote data-quote="sniffles" data-source="post: 2295885" data-attributes="member: 30035"><p><em><span style="color: #c0c0c0">The PCs are at about 3rd or 4th level at this point. Telemnar is still a fighter, but several of the others have now taken levels in other classes. Erim is a sorcerer/wizard, Liadan is a fighter/cleric of Lathander, Rock is a barbarian/fighter, and Sandrue is a sorcerer/cleric of Azuth. </span></em></p><p> <em><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></em></p><p> <em><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></em></p><p> <em><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></em></p><p><em><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><strong>Previously</strong> <em>(Player's note: session missed due to illness)</em></span></em></p><p><em><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></em><span style="color: #c0c0c0">It seems that our party has gained a new member, a captured goblin called Pakkin. Though Rock is none too pleased with its presence in our camp, Sandrue and Nekaya have taken the creature into their care. Pakkin claims that the orc army will return to Camber when they run out of food.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Sandrue is much disappointed that we were unable to convince most of the Puffleweis family to go to the safety of the town. He seems to feel personally responsible for their actions.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We camped among the ruins on Lookout Hill to keep watch for the orcs. When we saw movement we attempted to set a trap for our foes. Orcs mounted on worgs circled our vantage, firing arrows at us. It seemed that they were led by a snow-white wolf with the wit of a humanoid. To our good fortune Rock was able to slay the beast. But during the fight we lost two of our horses and my Aratan was stolen by the orcs. Several of us were wounded as well, myself included.</span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><strong>Lookout Hill, Winter</strong></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Erim mounted one horse and set off in pursuit of our missing mounts. I checked the remaining mounts and tended to a wound on Sandrue’s horse. Liadan and Nekaya went in search of Erim. When they returned they employed their healing magics to aid those of us who were injured, including the horses. I moved our mounts inside the ruins of the fort. The remainder of the night passed without incident.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">The following day we continued our watch for the orcs. We gathered wood and searched for an escape route from the hill in the event that our camp was overrun. We also patrolled the area around the hill. We discovered the remains of Erim’s horse. To my immense pleasure, Aratan returned to me later that day, though wounded. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">During the evening, Pakkin told Sandrue that he suspected the other worg riders would return after dark to harry us again. We prepared our defenses. During our first watch we heard wolves howling from the east and southwest.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">During the second watch Erim called an alarm. To our surprise, Nekaya rushed downhill to draw off the enemy. She was charged and dismounted by two worgs. In the darkness I could not get a clear shot. Nekaya was able to regain her feet and struck one worg a mighty blow. Liadan summoned up her magical floating mace and hit the second worg. Phaele was also able to injure it with her magic. The worg facing Nekaya fled. After I put an arrow into the remaining worg and Liadan's mace struck it again, it fell. Rock charged downhill while Phaele plied her wizardry against the beast. The worg's orcish rider tried to flee but was brought down by Nekaya and Rock, who used his own hard skull as a weapon to subdue the orc. We chose to take it prisoner rather than slay it. We heard two worgs in the distance, but they did not return during the night.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">During the night, Sandrue and Rock questioned our prisoner. The remainder of us kept watch. The following morning Sandrue and Liadan used a spell to compel the orc to speak truth and questioned it further. They learned that the orc army is extremely large and is led by a human named Micah, who possesses a blue metal gauntlet of some note. Micah evidently intends to use his army to take control of this entire territory.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Once the spell came to an end, the prisoner attempted to escape. In the end Rock slew him.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Later, as Nekaya patrolled below the hill, we heard a goblin squeal followed by the cry of a horse. Phaele, Rock and I went out to investigate. We found Nekaya unhurt, though she had been attacked by a worg rider. I noticed at once that her steed had grown larger. Through some blessing of Nekaya's god, Pekawa has been changed.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">May Corellon Larethian extend similar blessings to my beloved, wherever she may be.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We determined that it was now time to return to Camber with our news of Micah and his army. We considered at first attempting to warn the Puffleweis clan of the approaching army, but concluded that we should return to town as swiftly as possible. At night we heard the signal horns of the army's outriders. Late on the evening of the third day, we arrived in Camber.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"><strong>Waiting</strong></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">When we returned to Camber, we were greeted with pleasure by our friends there, despite the late hour of our arrival. Pakkin, however, was not greeted so pleasantly. We reported to Captain Puffleweis and Mayor Briar, and when it was learned that the goblin was under our protection, he was allowed within the walls on the requirement that he leave our house only on pain of death. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Rock and I then went to prepare our house and stable for the party's arrival. Rock found a large wooden chest on the table in the main room. When Sandrue and Erim returned they determined that it had been sent by Master Gadron. In addition to some items for the use of the mages, he sent a package that he asked us to deliver to one Cal Brimstone of Brimstone Keep. He requested that we deliver the package by summer. We have vowed to complete this task if we are able. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">The following day I moved our horses to the stable. Our spellcasters paid a visit to Master Sonnohm to inquire about the blue gauntlet Micah is reputed to possess, but the aged wizard would not see them. They then visited his former apprentice, Olson. Rock is performing some labor for Olson, though he does not say to what purpose. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Liadan visited the temples of Chauntea and Tempus to ask if their priests had any knowledge of an item such as Micah's gauntlet, for Sandrue thinks it possible the gauntlet gives Micah his power over the orcs. But the temple folk had no knowledge of such a thing. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">In the evening we attended a military conference. Mayor Briar suggested bargaining with the orcs, but was convinced that this would be unwise. The townsfolk are determined to protect their property. Phaele suggested a ploy of planting poisoned foodstuffs outside the town to be found by the orcs. We all discussed various subterfuges and traps that could be prepared to deal with the army. The wizards planned to send a message to Gadron asking for his aid. Liadan planned a prayer vigil to seek Lathander's guidance. Sandrue intended to make a similar vigil at the prayer rock that lies within the town wall, for it has been here longer than the town and may hold some secret of its own. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">For myself, I have been working with the townsfolk in preparing some of the traps we discussed, such as laying a sheet of ice around the walls. It keeps my mind from worry for my dear Erendis.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"><strong>To Battle a Giant</strong></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Sandrue completed his vigil at the prayer rock. He reported that he received a vision, perhaps from his god. The message of this vision was clearly that Micah must be slain. Sandrue also revealed that his staff, which was gifted to him by Havin Wayfinder, contains some entity that can communicate with him. The staff has suggested that it would be best if we did not face the orcs directly and instead evacuate the town. Sandrue and Phaele brought this suggestion before the mayor, but the mayor has declined to accept this advice.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Liadan has decided to hold a vigil of her own at the prayer rock. We have heard that the advance scouts of the army may be only one day's travel from town.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We have now been summoned to carry out a new mission in defense of Camber. A hill giant has been seen, and we are asked to eliminate it. Now more than ever I miss my wife and her companions, for no doubt they would find a giant little challenge. But those of us here in Camber have never seen a giant. Sandrue has elected not to accompany us on this venture. He feels he has little to contribute to our effort. I will miss his keen observations. I can only hope that he can keep Pakkin in check while we are absent, for the goblin has already set fire to the house.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We set out at once in pursuit of the giant, though it was late evening. We must find the creature before it can reach Camber. Billy Tanner joined our party as a scout. We will do our best to see that he returns safely to the town, for not only is he the son of the owner of our house, he is also soon to be wed.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We had not traveled far from the town when a rider was detected following our trail through the deep snow. Some of our number had chosen to carry lights because it was too dark for any but Rock to see well. We quickly put out our lights and waited silently for the rider to approach. When the rider came near enough for me to see, I observed that his mount was Sandrue's horse, and he bore Sandrue's unusual staff. He had fortunately repented of his earlier choice and come to aid us. Rock, who had elected to come last in our line, could be seen dismounted, burrowing through the snow like some creature of the earth burrowing through a garden. His cloak of winter wolf hide makes him difficult to see in the snow, but he is not able to move as quietly as Billy Tanner.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">As we rode on with Sandrue in our midst, we made some effort to determine how we should deal with the giant. Though none of us have seen a giant, Rock has knowledge of them through his people. He is familiar with the dwarven tactics for combating giants. Through his wisdom we have learned how truly formidable our foe may be. It is possible that some of us will not return to Camber.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Billy Tanner called a halt to our journey when he heard the cry of a bird that is not native to this area. He forged ahead on foot to investigate. As we waited we heard noises among the trees. The sounds of fighting could be heard in the direction Billy Tanner had departed. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Suddenly there was a burst of cacophonous sound from my right. Liadan had called upon the aid of her god to stun some of the orcs that were approaching us. Nekaya rode off to aid Billy Tanner. The orcs rushed toward the rest of our group. Liadan and Sandrue both directed magical energies at the enemies. An orc charged me and managed to inflict a minor wound upon me. As I faced the attacks of two orcs, Nekaya returned bearing Billy Tanner. She and I defeated the two orcs who opposed me. Billy Tanner had leapt down from Pekawa and fought another orc on his own. He was able to slay it without my aid. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Though the orcs had outnumbered us, the fight was over swiftly and all the orcs were slain or stunned by magic. Sadly most of our number had been wounded. Nekaya and Liadan plied their divine healing on those who were most hurt, particularly Sandrue, who it seemed had rushed forward to fight with little heed for his own safety. I trust that he will not be so reckless when we meet the giant.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Most of the stunned orcs were quickly dispatched, but two were revived and questioned regarding the giant's whereabouts. We learned that it is likely to be accompanied by two giant dogs and at least one orc. Realizing that our group now lacked sufficient magical aid to face the giant at dawn as we had intended, we located an abandoned farm where we could rest and prepare for the coming struggle.<u></u></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><u></u></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><u></u><strong>The Ambush</strong></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">As we took our rest in the barn, we examined the items we had taken from the bodies of the slain orcs. In addition to a small sum of coin, Erim found that one orc wore a finely crafted pendant, which Rock determined was made of white gold. The pendant carried a symbol of two clawed white hands with thumbs interlocked. Those who know more of Faerun's religions than I identified this as the emblem of Yurtrus, an orcish deity of disease and death. The amulet is magical according to our mages, but they did not have time to determine the nature of the magic. Nekaya avers that the amulet is not evil.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We formulated a plan for our encounter with the giant Hillfang. Sandrue wisely suggested that we eliminate his giant dogs first so that they would not make battling Hillfang more difficult. We agreed that I would act as a decoy to lead the dogs away from their master and into an ambush prepared by my companions. At about midmorning we set out in the direction the orcs had indicated the giant was traveling. The weather had cleared and the snow glared brilliantly in the sunlight. Near midday Billy Turner returned from scouting to tell us that he had found something we should all see. From a ridge we looked down to see the giant and his companions some distance off. Their path would lead them to cross a wagon road leading from Camber. We decided to prepare our ambush by having me wait on the wagon road. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">While the others set up their position some distance off, Aratan and I waited on the road. I could hear the giant chuckling in a deep rumbling tone as he neared, and a good deal of crashing. Then a large tree limb hurtled past me. The two giant dogs, which resembled wolves more than dogs to my eyes, burst from the forest in pursuit of the tree branch. One of the large canines observed me at once but the other appeared more interested in the tree branch until it noticed what its companion was looking at. The first beast lunged at Aratan and I spurred him to the fastest gallop he could achieve in the deep snow. The chase was on.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Aratan was as swift as the wind despite the snow. We maintained a satisfactory lead on the two canines, enough to prevent them from catching us but not so far ahead that they might lose interest in the chase. When we came to the location that my companions had chosen they began to fire upon the dogs with crossbows. As I turned Aratan to join the fight, Liadan emerged from her hiding place and one of the dogs sprang upon her. It bore her to the ground, but she was able to rise again before I could reach her. I could not see much of what happened with the rest of my friends, though I caught a glimpse of Rock facing the second dog. The first animal knocked Liadan off her feet again. A few well-placed blows eliminated him. The second dog was also quickly dispatched. Liadan was somewhat injured but not seriously. We employed potions to heal those who were hurt so they could be at their best to face the giant. </span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We decided to remain in position and wait for the giant to come seeking his dogs. We buried the dogs in snowdrifts and swept away some of the evidence of the fight, but not before Rock asked me to cut off the head of one of the dogs. Then we all assumed positions under cover. We could hear the giant speaking with his two orc companions as he drew near our hiding place. As they approached it seemed that they grew suspicious, for the two orcs turned off the path and moved among the trees. Rock then flung the severed dog's head out into the giant's view and stepped out to face our largest foe. Though I would have liked to ride straight at the giant to aid my friend, I chose to attack the orc that was nearest to my position.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">My arrows did not much trouble the orc. As I steered Aratan closer to my enemy I could hear Rock bellowing at Hillfang, and whistling sounds that I think were Erim's magical missiles being flung at the giant. But the trees blocked my view of much of the combat. The orc I faced moved away to aid the giant against Rock, so I turned my attention to the giant, though I could not find the proper angle to make my bowshots strike true. It seemed that the spells Sandrue, Erim and Phaele had carefully prepared were most effective, however, for the giant suddenly toppled into the snow. I made certain that he would not rise again. His two orcish compatriots were also slain. Praise be to Lord Corellon, we had succeeded in defeating the giant with relatively little harm to ourselves.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Neither the giant nor the two orcs carried any missives or maps containing useful information. We found a wounded fox in a sack slung over the giant's back. Liadan put it out of its misery. Among the detritus the giant carried Rock found a silver tankard set with jade. It was damaged but he intends to repair it. Though it was difficult, we removed the giant's head, both to serve as evidence of our success and to display for the benefit of the giant's orcish comrades. Before departing from the battle site we uncovered the corpses of the giant canines for the orc army to discover.</span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We were greeted with enthusiasm on our return to Camber. Though we learned that Hillfang's head is not the only giant skull within the walls of the town, we are nonetheless proud of our accomplishment. The severed head makes an impressive sight above the main gate. No doubt my Erendis would be amused by my pride, for she has certainly encountered much more impressive foes. I look forward to hearing her tale of her experience with the abyssal dragon when next I see her.</span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><strong>The Siege</strong></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">We did not have much time to bask in the pleasure of our accomplishment. Reports from the scouts indicated that the army was very near. After a few hours of rest we prepared ourselves for battle. During our rest period Erim and Sandrue examined a black iron rod found among the giant's possessions. It had a sort of button at one end which they presumed was intended to activate some magical feature of the rod. As a precaution Rock took the rod outside before pressing the button. Once the button was depressed the rod became immobile in midair. Rock and Sandrue found this quite exciting and began proposing various uses for the rod as a weapon or aid to combat. Rock even suggested sitting upon the rod to rest during battle!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">The orc army arrived during darkness, naturally. They did not show much evidence of good tactics, surging against the walls in small groups as they reached the town. Though their attacks were poorly planned they were effective in that the defenders had no time to rest between waves. I could not see much of what befell my companions, being too occupied with defending my own section of the wall. The palisade around Camber is little more than three times my height and made of logs, and the orc corpses piling at the foot of the wall soon began to provide a means for their fellows to climb up and try to pass over the wall. The other giants among Micah's forces also caused considerable difficulty, as they were able to reach up to the top of the wall and snatch down unwary defenders.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">I heard reports that the wall was breached in several places as the night wore on. At one point not far from my position, the wall fell to a giant. Rock leapt down from the wall and faced the creature. I fired as many arrows at it as I could to aid my friend. Fortunately the wizard Master Sonnohm was able to repair the broken section of wall with a spell. Rock was barely able to get back inside before the new stone section appeared.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">At one point in the night I heard that Erim had fallen, but it seems that he was saved from death by the intervention of Liadan or the priestess of Chauntea. I am relieved that I need not mourn a fallen companion yet, particularly one of my own people who is so young and full of promise. To my knowledge none other of my friends has been so near to the end of life, though all of us were hurt in the battle. Rock has been able to withstand numerous wounds that would have been grievous to one not of dwarven kind. So many arrows pierced his armor that he resembled a hedgehog. I think that he sees himself as competing with Stone, the doughty dwarf who endlessly watches the main gate of Camber</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">When full light came the orcs retreated from their assault. Much to our surprise, they vanished entirely from the immediate area of the town. We could only presume that they had gone to forage for food. We had observed during the fight that many of them seemed in poor condition, which may have accounted for their reckless behavior in attacking the walls. My companions and I rejoined one another and formed a plan to make an attack upon Micah. As we had seen in previous encounter, he kept a bodyguard of ogres, but we hoped that a stealthy attack might give us an advantage. There was no guarantee that the orcs would be greatly troubled by his death, but based upon their behavior during the night we suspected that the loss of their leader would send them into confusion.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">In the evening we disguised ourselves in orcish garb taken from the bodies of the slain, and crept out through one of the breaches in the wall. Much to our disappointment – particularly Sandrue, who took it almost as a betrayal – Rock elected not to accompany us. I hoped that he had some plan he had not had the opportunity to share with us. We worked our way around the town to the south side where the gate lies and hid among the trees. But before we could begin making our way toward the orc camp where we believed Micah could be found, a group of orcs and ogres approached the gate, bearing a flag of truce. We observed a Man walking among the ogres. We watched in confusion from our hiding place as the Man spoke with the mayor of the town for a short while, then he and his company of orcs and ogres were admitted to Camber.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">The all-clear signal we had agreed upon went up at once, but we were reluctant to simply stroll back inside through the gate, though we could see that it had been left ajar. As we made our way back to the place where we had exited the wall, we carried on a hushed discussion of what our next actions should be. I had been rereading my journal entries during our rest the night before, and it had brought to my attention the fact that Covenant sought a single gauntlet. I thought it odd that another solo gauntlet should appear so near to where Covenant sought his goal, and I mentioned this to my companions. Sandrue thinks it unlikely that there is any relationship between Micah's blue gauntlet and the Gauntlet of Dawn that Covenant seeks to acquire, and I agree with him for the most part. I wish that we knew what power Micah's gauntlet possesses. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><strong>The Gauntlet</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">After we reentered the town we were told that negotiations were taking place at the First Gate Inn. We made our way there as quickly as we could. We were able to observe Micah's party ahead of us and see how many orcs and ogres were in his company. At least two of the orcs appeared to be magic-wielders. There were three ogres with him. We had heard that his gauntlet gave him great strength, which caused me to wonder why he had need of the ogres.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">By the time we made certain that the gate had been closed and approached the inn, Micah's party had already been within for a short while. A guard at the door told us no one was else was to be admitted on the mayor's orders, but Sandrue cleverly persuaded him to permit us entry. As we set foot inside it appeared that Micah had already stated his demands, but he called out to us that he wished no spellcasting to occur. Though Erim had feared we would not be welcome, Mayor Briar seemed relieved by our arrival. We spread ourselves out and Rock began to converse with Sandrue in a low voice, telling him what had occurred prior to our appearance. Micah was evidently curious about our presence. He recognized Phaele and Sandrue as natives of Halruua, and spoke in the tones of an educated man. I cannot imagine what his purpose was in commanding the orcs.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">I observed that Micah's gauntlet was indeed blue as we had been told. It appeared to be made of a blue metal rather than painted or enameled. On the back of the hand was a white symbol resembling a horseshoe. According to those with more knowledge of history than I, this was the symbol of some great general of the past who gained infamy for betraying his own army. We had wondered if this might be Micah's intention as well. But that will not persuade us to forgive him for the death and destruction he has caused.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">One of the orcs with Micah spoke up and made threats at the townsfolk. Micah chastised him. Then to my surprise Micah shouted out, "Kill him!", seeming to direct this command not at the orcs but at us! The orcs did not react well to this. One of the ogres nearest to Micah moved to attack him. My attention was caught by another ogre moving on one of the town militiamen. Liadan and I stepped forward to oppose the ogre, as there were also wounded townsfolk in nearby alcoves. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">The ogre proved a difficult opponent. He badly wounded Liadan and myself and was difficult for me to harm. I had little awareness of what went on around me. I heard Commander Puffleweis whistle at one point, and caught a glimpse of the power of the gauntlet when Micah used it to fling some magic at someone behind me. When at last Liadan slew the ogre I turned to oppose an orc who was already engaged against Nekaya, Rock and Commander Puffleweis. Rock brought down this foe. Once all the orcs and ogres in the common room had fallen, Phaele and I volunteered to go out to check the gate. We feared that some of Micah's party might have fled to open the way for the army. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">As we departed the inn I caught sight of Micah fleeing. I gave chase, fearing that if he reached the gate he might admit his compatriots, or return to the army and command them to attack at once. Despite the snow he was able to outpace me. At one point I struck at him with my longsword and he deflected the blow with his gauntlet. It left a terrible gouge in my blade. When we reached the top of the wall Micah simply flung himself off into the snow. I drew my bow and fired on him, as did several of the archers on the wall. We struck him, but he was not injured enough to fall. He vanished into the darkness. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Much to our relief the orcs did not return to swarm the walls. One of their shamans had escaped from the town, reportedly by transforming herself into a crow. By all appearances she must have warned the other orcs of Micah's betrayal. Within a few days the orc army appeared to have dissipated as the starving orcs either fought with one another or left the area to seek food. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Though we have succeeded in preserving Camber, it is not by our own strength of arms. Sandrue seems despondent over the turn of affairs and takes little pleasure in the survival of the townsfolk. Rock has moved his sleeping quarters to the town militia barracks and speaks to no one. I am uncertain why my friends are so disturbed. Perhaps it is because the preparations for battle took our minds off our concerns for our absent companions. I dearly desire to be with my beloved Erendis again and hear her thoughts on such matters. With Corellon's mercy we will be together soon.</span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><em>This portion of the story took place out of game via email.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><strong>Interlude</strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">As the snows of winter fade from this land, I begin to think of Evereska, wishing for the grand trees and gentle lights of my home. But I know that I would not feel at home there without my Erendis by my side. Now that I have tasted some small measure of what her life in the world beyond Evereska is like, I am not certain I could ever be content there.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">My heart is dark with foreboding now. Perhaps the dour moods of my friends are to blame. I have spoken with Rock, but he is not yet willing to share his thoughts with me. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Liaden called upon all of us to meet with her at the South Gate Inn a few days ago. She asked us to make a pact with her to seek out our absent companions wherever they may be. She is still convinced that Covenant is no more. I was at once willing to join her in this venture, but some of the others were not so eager. I had forgotten that Sandrue and Phaele had only traveled with Havin Wayfinder for a few weeks before meeting the rest of our group, and hence do not have the depth of feeling for him that Liaden has for Covenant. Erim, too, has no great attachment to Jastra Moondown, and would likely be just as pleased to return to Evermeet and his studies there, though he did not say as much. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Rock would make no commitment, announcing that he would give his answer in three days time. Liaden was much disappointed by this response, I think. Sandrue and Phaele have indicated that they may wish to travel to Arrabar and possibly from there seek passage back to their native land of Halruua. Sandrue is having great difficulty adjusting to the ways of people other than his own. Before I parted from them to speak with Rock, I remarked to Sandrue that if he is so unhappy in the company of those who do not know Halruuan ways, then it is unlikely he will ever be happy anywhere other than his homeland. I hope he did not take this as an insult. I too find the ways of the people I have met strange, even Erim's ways and he is of my own kindred, but I will seek a way to live among them despite their strangeness.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0">Rock and I have spoken regarding his troubles. It seems that he sees the affairs surrounding Micah's entry into the town much differently than the rest of our companions. He is convinced that the orcs did not return for a concerted assault because Micah somehow persuaded them not to do so. The rest of our friends - myself included - had assumed that Micah merely fled, and that when the orc shamaness advised her folk of his betrayal the orcs became divided amongst themselves and lost their will to fight. I still do not believe that treating with Micah would have been wise, but perhaps if affairs had followed a different path we might have been able to eliminate the orcs of this region altogether, and spare Camber from future depredations. I do not regret what might have been. Rock takes a different view.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span> </span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #c0c0c0"><span style="color: #c0c0c0"></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="sniffles, post: 2295885, member: 30035"] [i][color=#c0c0c0]The PCs are at about 3rd or 4th level at this point. Telemnar is still a fighter, but several of the others have now taken levels in other classes. Erim is a sorcerer/wizard, Liadan is a fighter/cleric of Lathander, Rock is a barbarian/fighter, and Sandrue is a sorcerer/cleric of Azuth. [b]Previously[/b] [i](Player's note: session missed due to illness)[/i] [/color][/i][color=#c0c0c0]It seems that our party has gained a new member, a captured goblin called Pakkin. Though Rock is none too pleased with its presence in our camp, Sandrue and Nekaya have taken the creature into their care. Pakkin claims that the orc army will return to Camber when they run out of food. Sandrue is much disappointed that we were unable to convince most of the Puffleweis family to go to the safety of the town. He seems to feel personally responsible for their actions. We camped among the ruins on Lookout Hill to keep watch for the orcs. When we saw movement we attempted to set a trap for our foes. Orcs mounted on worgs circled our vantage, firing arrows at us. It seemed that they were led by a snow-white wolf with the wit of a humanoid. To our good fortune Rock was able to slay the beast. But during the fight we lost two of our horses and my Aratan was stolen by the orcs. Several of us were wounded as well, myself included. [b]Lookout Hill, Winter[/b] Erim mounted one horse and set off in pursuit of our missing mounts. I checked the remaining mounts and tended to a wound on Sandrue’s horse. Liadan and Nekaya went in search of Erim. When they returned they employed their healing magics to aid those of us who were injured, including the horses. I moved our mounts inside the ruins of the fort. The remainder of the night passed without incident. The following day we continued our watch for the orcs. We gathered wood and searched for an escape route from the hill in the event that our camp was overrun. We also patrolled the area around the hill. We discovered the remains of Erim’s horse. To my immense pleasure, Aratan returned to me later that day, though wounded. During the evening, Pakkin told Sandrue that he suspected the other worg riders would return after dark to harry us again. We prepared our defenses. During our first watch we heard wolves howling from the east and southwest. During the second watch Erim called an alarm. To our surprise, Nekaya rushed downhill to draw off the enemy. She was charged and dismounted by two worgs. In the darkness I could not get a clear shot. Nekaya was able to regain her feet and struck one worg a mighty blow. Liadan summoned up her magical floating mace and hit the second worg. Phaele was also able to injure it with her magic. The worg facing Nekaya fled. After I put an arrow into the remaining worg and Liadan's mace struck it again, it fell. Rock charged downhill while Phaele plied her wizardry against the beast. The worg's orcish rider tried to flee but was brought down by Nekaya and Rock, who used his own hard skull as a weapon to subdue the orc. We chose to take it prisoner rather than slay it. We heard two worgs in the distance, but they did not return during the night. During the night, Sandrue and Rock questioned our prisoner. The remainder of us kept watch. The following morning Sandrue and Liadan used a spell to compel the orc to speak truth and questioned it further. They learned that the orc army is extremely large and is led by a human named Micah, who possesses a blue metal gauntlet of some note. Micah evidently intends to use his army to take control of this entire territory. Once the spell came to an end, the prisoner attempted to escape. In the end Rock slew him. Later, as Nekaya patrolled below the hill, we heard a goblin squeal followed by the cry of a horse. Phaele, Rock and I went out to investigate. We found Nekaya unhurt, though she had been attacked by a worg rider. I noticed at once that her steed had grown larger. Through some blessing of Nekaya's god, Pekawa has been changed. May Corellon Larethian extend similar blessings to my beloved, wherever she may be. We determined that it was now time to return to Camber with our news of Micah and his army. We considered at first attempting to warn the Puffleweis clan of the approaching army, but concluded that we should return to town as swiftly as possible. At night we heard the signal horns of the army's outriders. Late on the evening of the third day, we arrived in Camber. [b]Waiting[/b] When we returned to Camber, we were greeted with pleasure by our friends there, despite the late hour of our arrival. Pakkin, however, was not greeted so pleasantly. We reported to Captain Puffleweis and Mayor Briar, and when it was learned that the goblin was under our protection, he was allowed within the walls on the requirement that he leave our house only on pain of death. Rock and I then went to prepare our house and stable for the party's arrival. Rock found a large wooden chest on the table in the main room. When Sandrue and Erim returned they determined that it had been sent by Master Gadron. In addition to some items for the use of the mages, he sent a package that he asked us to deliver to one Cal Brimstone of Brimstone Keep. He requested that we deliver the package by summer. We have vowed to complete this task if we are able. The following day I moved our horses to the stable. Our spellcasters paid a visit to Master Sonnohm to inquire about the blue gauntlet Micah is reputed to possess, but the aged wizard would not see them. They then visited his former apprentice, Olson. Rock is performing some labor for Olson, though he does not say to what purpose. Liadan visited the temples of Chauntea and Tempus to ask if their priests had any knowledge of an item such as Micah's gauntlet, for Sandrue thinks it possible the gauntlet gives Micah his power over the orcs. But the temple folk had no knowledge of such a thing. In the evening we attended a military conference. Mayor Briar suggested bargaining with the orcs, but was convinced that this would be unwise. The townsfolk are determined to protect their property. Phaele suggested a ploy of planting poisoned foodstuffs outside the town to be found by the orcs. We all discussed various subterfuges and traps that could be prepared to deal with the army. The wizards planned to send a message to Gadron asking for his aid. Liadan planned a prayer vigil to seek Lathander's guidance. Sandrue intended to make a similar vigil at the prayer rock that lies within the town wall, for it has been here longer than the town and may hold some secret of its own. For myself, I have been working with the townsfolk in preparing some of the traps we discussed, such as laying a sheet of ice around the walls. It keeps my mind from worry for my dear Erendis. [b]To Battle a Giant[/b] Sandrue completed his vigil at the prayer rock. He reported that he received a vision, perhaps from his god. The message of this vision was clearly that Micah must be slain. Sandrue also revealed that his staff, which was gifted to him by Havin Wayfinder, contains some entity that can communicate with him. The staff has suggested that it would be best if we did not face the orcs directly and instead evacuate the town. Sandrue and Phaele brought this suggestion before the mayor, but the mayor has declined to accept this advice. Liadan has decided to hold a vigil of her own at the prayer rock. We have heard that the advance scouts of the army may be only one day's travel from town. We have now been summoned to carry out a new mission in defense of Camber. A hill giant has been seen, and we are asked to eliminate it. Now more than ever I miss my wife and her companions, for no doubt they would find a giant little challenge. But those of us here in Camber have never seen a giant. Sandrue has elected not to accompany us on this venture. He feels he has little to contribute to our effort. I will miss his keen observations. I can only hope that he can keep Pakkin in check while we are absent, for the goblin has already set fire to the house. We set out at once in pursuit of the giant, though it was late evening. We must find the creature before it can reach Camber. Billy Tanner joined our party as a scout. We will do our best to see that he returns safely to the town, for not only is he the son of the owner of our house, he is also soon to be wed. We had not traveled far from the town when a rider was detected following our trail through the deep snow. Some of our number had chosen to carry lights because it was too dark for any but Rock to see well. We quickly put out our lights and waited silently for the rider to approach. When the rider came near enough for me to see, I observed that his mount was Sandrue's horse, and he bore Sandrue's unusual staff. He had fortunately repented of his earlier choice and come to aid us. Rock, who had elected to come last in our line, could be seen dismounted, burrowing through the snow like some creature of the earth burrowing through a garden. His cloak of winter wolf hide makes him difficult to see in the snow, but he is not able to move as quietly as Billy Tanner. As we rode on with Sandrue in our midst, we made some effort to determine how we should deal with the giant. Though none of us have seen a giant, Rock has knowledge of them through his people. He is familiar with the dwarven tactics for combating giants. Through his wisdom we have learned how truly formidable our foe may be. It is possible that some of us will not return to Camber. Billy Tanner called a halt to our journey when he heard the cry of a bird that is not native to this area. He forged ahead on foot to investigate. As we waited we heard noises among the trees. The sounds of fighting could be heard in the direction Billy Tanner had departed. Suddenly there was a burst of cacophonous sound from my right. Liadan had called upon the aid of her god to stun some of the orcs that were approaching us. Nekaya rode off to aid Billy Tanner. The orcs rushed toward the rest of our group. Liadan and Sandrue both directed magical energies at the enemies. An orc charged me and managed to inflict a minor wound upon me. As I faced the attacks of two orcs, Nekaya returned bearing Billy Tanner. She and I defeated the two orcs who opposed me. Billy Tanner had leapt down from Pekawa and fought another orc on his own. He was able to slay it without my aid. Though the orcs had outnumbered us, the fight was over swiftly and all the orcs were slain or stunned by magic. Sadly most of our number had been wounded. Nekaya and Liadan plied their divine healing on those who were most hurt, particularly Sandrue, who it seemed had rushed forward to fight with little heed for his own safety. I trust that he will not be so reckless when we meet the giant. Most of the stunned orcs were quickly dispatched, but two were revived and questioned regarding the giant's whereabouts. We learned that it is likely to be accompanied by two giant dogs and at least one orc. Realizing that our group now lacked sufficient magical aid to face the giant at dawn as we had intended, we located an abandoned farm where we could rest and prepare for the coming struggle.[u] [/u][b]The Ambush[/b] As we took our rest in the barn, we examined the items we had taken from the bodies of the slain orcs. In addition to a small sum of coin, Erim found that one orc wore a finely crafted pendant, which Rock determined was made of white gold. The pendant carried a symbol of two clawed white hands with thumbs interlocked. Those who know more of Faerun's religions than I identified this as the emblem of Yurtrus, an orcish deity of disease and death. The amulet is magical according to our mages, but they did not have time to determine the nature of the magic. Nekaya avers that the amulet is not evil. We formulated a plan for our encounter with the giant Hillfang. Sandrue wisely suggested that we eliminate his giant dogs first so that they would not make battling Hillfang more difficult. We agreed that I would act as a decoy to lead the dogs away from their master and into an ambush prepared by my companions. At about midmorning we set out in the direction the orcs had indicated the giant was traveling. The weather had cleared and the snow glared brilliantly in the sunlight. Near midday Billy Turner returned from scouting to tell us that he had found something we should all see. From a ridge we looked down to see the giant and his companions some distance off. Their path would lead them to cross a wagon road leading from Camber. We decided to prepare our ambush by having me wait on the wagon road. While the others set up their position some distance off, Aratan and I waited on the road. I could hear the giant chuckling in a deep rumbling tone as he neared, and a good deal of crashing. Then a large tree limb hurtled past me. The two giant dogs, which resembled wolves more than dogs to my eyes, burst from the forest in pursuit of the tree branch. One of the large canines observed me at once but the other appeared more interested in the tree branch until it noticed what its companion was looking at. The first beast lunged at Aratan and I spurred him to the fastest gallop he could achieve in the deep snow. The chase was on. Aratan was as swift as the wind despite the snow. We maintained a satisfactory lead on the two canines, enough to prevent them from catching us but not so far ahead that they might lose interest in the chase. When we came to the location that my companions had chosen they began to fire upon the dogs with crossbows. As I turned Aratan to join the fight, Liadan emerged from her hiding place and one of the dogs sprang upon her. It bore her to the ground, but she was able to rise again before I could reach her. I could not see much of what happened with the rest of my friends, though I caught a glimpse of Rock facing the second dog. The first animal knocked Liadan off her feet again. A few well-placed blows eliminated him. The second dog was also quickly dispatched. Liadan was somewhat injured but not seriously. We employed potions to heal those who were hurt so they could be at their best to face the giant. We decided to remain in position and wait for the giant to come seeking his dogs. We buried the dogs in snowdrifts and swept away some of the evidence of the fight, but not before Rock asked me to cut off the head of one of the dogs. Then we all assumed positions under cover. We could hear the giant speaking with his two orc companions as he drew near our hiding place. As they approached it seemed that they grew suspicious, for the two orcs turned off the path and moved among the trees. Rock then flung the severed dog's head out into the giant's view and stepped out to face our largest foe. Though I would have liked to ride straight at the giant to aid my friend, I chose to attack the orc that was nearest to my position. My arrows did not much trouble the orc. As I steered Aratan closer to my enemy I could hear Rock bellowing at Hillfang, and whistling sounds that I think were Erim's magical missiles being flung at the giant. But the trees blocked my view of much of the combat. The orc I faced moved away to aid the giant against Rock, so I turned my attention to the giant, though I could not find the proper angle to make my bowshots strike true. It seemed that the spells Sandrue, Erim and Phaele had carefully prepared were most effective, however, for the giant suddenly toppled into the snow. I made certain that he would not rise again. His two orcish compatriots were also slain. Praise be to Lord Corellon, we had succeeded in defeating the giant with relatively little harm to ourselves. Neither the giant nor the two orcs carried any missives or maps containing useful information. We found a wounded fox in a sack slung over the giant's back. Liadan put it out of its misery. Among the detritus the giant carried Rock found a silver tankard set with jade. It was damaged but he intends to repair it. Though it was difficult, we removed the giant's head, both to serve as evidence of our success and to display for the benefit of the giant's orcish comrades. Before departing from the battle site we uncovered the corpses of the giant canines for the orc army to discover. We were greeted with enthusiasm on our return to Camber. Though we learned that Hillfang's head is not the only giant skull within the walls of the town, we are nonetheless proud of our accomplishment. The severed head makes an impressive sight above the main gate. No doubt my Erendis would be amused by my pride, for she has certainly encountered much more impressive foes. I look forward to hearing her tale of her experience with the abyssal dragon when next I see her. [color=#c0c0c0][b]The Siege[/b] We did not have much time to bask in the pleasure of our accomplishment. Reports from the scouts indicated that the army was very near. After a few hours of rest we prepared ourselves for battle. During our rest period Erim and Sandrue examined a black iron rod found among the giant's possessions. It had a sort of button at one end which they presumed was intended to activate some magical feature of the rod. As a precaution Rock took the rod outside before pressing the button. Once the button was depressed the rod became immobile in midair. Rock and Sandrue found this quite exciting and began proposing various uses for the rod as a weapon or aid to combat. Rock even suggested sitting upon the rod to rest during battle! The orc army arrived during darkness, naturally. They did not show much evidence of good tactics, surging against the walls in small groups as they reached the town. Though their attacks were poorly planned they were effective in that the defenders had no time to rest between waves. I could not see much of what befell my companions, being too occupied with defending my own section of the wall. The palisade around Camber is little more than three times my height and made of logs, and the orc corpses piling at the foot of the wall soon began to provide a means for their fellows to climb up and try to pass over the wall. The other giants among Micah's forces also caused considerable difficulty, as they were able to reach up to the top of the wall and snatch down unwary defenders. I heard reports that the wall was breached in several places as the night wore on. At one point not far from my position, the wall fell to a giant. Rock leapt down from the wall and faced the creature. I fired as many arrows at it as I could to aid my friend. Fortunately the wizard Master Sonnohm was able to repair the broken section of wall with a spell. Rock was barely able to get back inside before the new stone section appeared. At one point in the night I heard that Erim had fallen, but it seems that he was saved from death by the intervention of Liadan or the priestess of Chauntea. I am relieved that I need not mourn a fallen companion yet, particularly one of my own people who is so young and full of promise. To my knowledge none other of my friends has been so near to the end of life, though all of us were hurt in the battle. Rock has been able to withstand numerous wounds that would have been grievous to one not of dwarven kind. So many arrows pierced his armor that he resembled a hedgehog. I think that he sees himself as competing with Stone, the doughty dwarf who endlessly watches the main gate of Camber When full light came the orcs retreated from their assault. Much to our surprise, they vanished entirely from the immediate area of the town. We could only presume that they had gone to forage for food. We had observed during the fight that many of them seemed in poor condition, which may have accounted for their reckless behavior in attacking the walls. My companions and I rejoined one another and formed a plan to make an attack upon Micah. As we had seen in previous encounter, he kept a bodyguard of ogres, but we hoped that a stealthy attack might give us an advantage. There was no guarantee that the orcs would be greatly troubled by his death, but based upon their behavior during the night we suspected that the loss of their leader would send them into confusion. In the evening we disguised ourselves in orcish garb taken from the bodies of the slain, and crept out through one of the breaches in the wall. Much to our disappointment – particularly Sandrue, who took it almost as a betrayal – Rock elected not to accompany us. I hoped that he had some plan he had not had the opportunity to share with us. We worked our way around the town to the south side where the gate lies and hid among the trees. But before we could begin making our way toward the orc camp where we believed Micah could be found, a group of orcs and ogres approached the gate, bearing a flag of truce. We observed a Man walking among the ogres. We watched in confusion from our hiding place as the Man spoke with the mayor of the town for a short while, then he and his company of orcs and ogres were admitted to Camber. The all-clear signal we had agreed upon went up at once, but we were reluctant to simply stroll back inside through the gate, though we could see that it had been left ajar. As we made our way back to the place where we had exited the wall, we carried on a hushed discussion of what our next actions should be. I had been rereading my journal entries during our rest the night before, and it had brought to my attention the fact that Covenant sought a single gauntlet. I thought it odd that another solo gauntlet should appear so near to where Covenant sought his goal, and I mentioned this to my companions. Sandrue thinks it unlikely that there is any relationship between Micah's blue gauntlet and the Gauntlet of Dawn that Covenant seeks to acquire, and I agree with him for the most part. I wish that we knew what power Micah's gauntlet possesses. [b]The Gauntlet[/b] After we reentered the town we were told that negotiations were taking place at the First Gate Inn. We made our way there as quickly as we could. We were able to observe Micah's party ahead of us and see how many orcs and ogres were in his company. At least two of the orcs appeared to be magic-wielders. There were three ogres with him. We had heard that his gauntlet gave him great strength, which caused me to wonder why he had need of the ogres. By the time we made certain that the gate had been closed and approached the inn, Micah's party had already been within for a short while. A guard at the door told us no one was else was to be admitted on the mayor's orders, but Sandrue cleverly persuaded him to permit us entry. As we set foot inside it appeared that Micah had already stated his demands, but he called out to us that he wished no spellcasting to occur. Though Erim had feared we would not be welcome, Mayor Briar seemed relieved by our arrival. We spread ourselves out and Rock began to converse with Sandrue in a low voice, telling him what had occurred prior to our appearance. Micah was evidently curious about our presence. He recognized Phaele and Sandrue as natives of Halruua, and spoke in the tones of an educated man. I cannot imagine what his purpose was in commanding the orcs. I observed that Micah's gauntlet was indeed blue as we had been told. It appeared to be made of a blue metal rather than painted or enameled. On the back of the hand was a white symbol resembling a horseshoe. According to those with more knowledge of history than I, this was the symbol of some great general of the past who gained infamy for betraying his own army. We had wondered if this might be Micah's intention as well. But that will not persuade us to forgive him for the death and destruction he has caused. One of the orcs with Micah spoke up and made threats at the townsfolk. Micah chastised him. Then to my surprise Micah shouted out, "Kill him!", seeming to direct this command not at the orcs but at us! The orcs did not react well to this. One of the ogres nearest to Micah moved to attack him. My attention was caught by another ogre moving on one of the town militiamen. Liadan and I stepped forward to oppose the ogre, as there were also wounded townsfolk in nearby alcoves. The ogre proved a difficult opponent. He badly wounded Liadan and myself and was difficult for me to harm. I had little awareness of what went on around me. I heard Commander Puffleweis whistle at one point, and caught a glimpse of the power of the gauntlet when Micah used it to fling some magic at someone behind me. When at last Liadan slew the ogre I turned to oppose an orc who was already engaged against Nekaya, Rock and Commander Puffleweis. Rock brought down this foe. Once all the orcs and ogres in the common room had fallen, Phaele and I volunteered to go out to check the gate. We feared that some of Micah's party might have fled to open the way for the army. As we departed the inn I caught sight of Micah fleeing. I gave chase, fearing that if he reached the gate he might admit his compatriots, or return to the army and command them to attack at once. Despite the snow he was able to outpace me. At one point I struck at him with my longsword and he deflected the blow with his gauntlet. It left a terrible gouge in my blade. When we reached the top of the wall Micah simply flung himself off into the snow. I drew my bow and fired on him, as did several of the archers on the wall. We struck him, but he was not injured enough to fall. He vanished into the darkness. Much to our relief the orcs did not return to swarm the walls. One of their shamans had escaped from the town, reportedly by transforming herself into a crow. By all appearances she must have warned the other orcs of Micah's betrayal. Within a few days the orc army appeared to have dissipated as the starving orcs either fought with one another or left the area to seek food. Though we have succeeded in preserving Camber, it is not by our own strength of arms. Sandrue seems despondent over the turn of affairs and takes little pleasure in the survival of the townsfolk. Rock has moved his sleeping quarters to the town militia barracks and speaks to no one. I am uncertain why my friends are so disturbed. Perhaps it is because the preparations for battle took our minds off our concerns for our absent companions. I dearly desire to be with my beloved Erendis again and hear her thoughts on such matters. With Corellon's mercy we will be together soon. [i]This portion of the story took place out of game via email.[/i] [color=#c0c0c0][b]Interlude[/b] As the snows of winter fade from this land, I begin to think of Evereska, wishing for the grand trees and gentle lights of my home. But I know that I would not feel at home there without my Erendis by my side. Now that I have tasted some small measure of what her life in the world beyond Evereska is like, I am not certain I could ever be content there. My heart is dark with foreboding now. Perhaps the dour moods of my friends are to blame. I have spoken with Rock, but he is not yet willing to share his thoughts with me. Liaden called upon all of us to meet with her at the South Gate Inn a few days ago. She asked us to make a pact with her to seek out our absent companions wherever they may be. She is still convinced that Covenant is no more. I was at once willing to join her in this venture, but some of the others were not so eager. I had forgotten that Sandrue and Phaele had only traveled with Havin Wayfinder for a few weeks before meeting the rest of our group, and hence do not have the depth of feeling for him that Liaden has for Covenant. Erim, too, has no great attachment to Jastra Moondown, and would likely be just as pleased to return to Evermeet and his studies there, though he did not say as much. Rock would make no commitment, announcing that he would give his answer in three days time. Liaden was much disappointed by this response, I think. Sandrue and Phaele have indicated that they may wish to travel to Arrabar and possibly from there seek passage back to their native land of Halruua. Sandrue is having great difficulty adjusting to the ways of people other than his own. Before I parted from them to speak with Rock, I remarked to Sandrue that if he is so unhappy in the company of those who do not know Halruuan ways, then it is unlikely he will ever be happy anywhere other than his homeland. I hope he did not take this as an insult. I too find the ways of the people I have met strange, even Erim's ways and he is of my own kindred, but I will seek a way to live among them despite their strangeness. Rock and I have spoken regarding his troubles. It seems that he sees the affairs surrounding Micah's entry into the town much differently than the rest of our companions. He is convinced that the orcs did not return for a concerted assault because Micah somehow persuaded them not to do so. The rest of our friends - myself included - had assumed that Micah merely fled, and that when the orc shamaness advised her folk of his betrayal the orcs became divided amongst themselves and lost their will to fight. I still do not believe that treating with Micah would have been wise, but perhaps if affairs had followed a different path we might have been able to eliminate the orcs of this region altogether, and spare Camber from future depredations. I do not regret what might have been. Rock takes a different view. [/color] [/color][/color] [/QUOTE]
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Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
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