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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 5052702" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p>The Friday Knights</p><p></p><p>Session 20- Thunderspire here we come...</p><p></p><p>Still in the midst of the fracas in the Haven Inn bar with the Bloodreavers, we only have four players in action, initially, this week.</p><p></p><p>In play this week-</p><p></p><p>Aeolace Eladrin Wizard Level 2 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 3)</p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5</p><p>Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5</p><p>Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 4 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 5)</p><p></p><p>Farkill, or rather Zoran who plays Farkill will be in-game in a short while, as soon as he gets done with work- the bane of any civilised society. Rock is missing presumed on holiday.</p><p></p><p>And so the fight goes on, another of the Spiretop Drakes bites the dirt, the last of them smashes its way through a window and flutters off into the closing night, possibly with a message to deliver.</p><p></p><p>“Damn!” Cathal swears and cuts down the hung-over Human Berserker, the Guardian Drake follows soon after.</p><p></p><p>Shinto, one of the Inn's bar staff, is caught up in one of Aeolace's fiery blasts and slumps to the floor- the Eladrin Wizard makes amends, he teleports over to the dying man, and makes good with his Healing check, saving Shinto's life- although he did set him on fire in the first place, which karma wise makes him about even.</p><p></p><p>The Bugbear Warrior sees which way the wind is blowing and makes a break for freedom, back the way he came into the Inn's vegetable patch and over the wall- he gets as far as the wall when Lucan's dagger locates the spot between his shoulder blades, and ends him.</p><p></p><p>Big Lesley likewise sees the sense in retreat, the exit to the Inn is blocked by Ignaran and the Ogre is engulfed in a swarm of stinging insects- courtesy of the Druid. He therefore tries the second option, to smash his way through the front window of the Inn, taking a little of the wall with him in the attempt, alas he gets wedged.</p><p></p><p>And is quickly slain.</p><p></p><p>Ruda, another member of the Inn's bar staff, emerges from her hiding place- gulps and looks at the destruction, she faints away, but is soon revived by a leering Lucan who gropes her a little- but has a winning smile.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #70 [2005 XP = Level 9] Goblin Cutter x5 (Level 2 Minions); Drake Spiretop x3 (Level 1 Lurkers); Goblin Blackblade (Level 2 Lurker); Goblin Bottlebrigade (Level 2 Artillery); Drake Guardian (Level 2 Brute); Goblin Sharpshooter (Level 3 Artillery); Human Berserker (Level 4 Brute); Bugbear Warrior x2 (Level 6 Soldiers) & Ogre Savage (Level 8 Brute). Nice! My players seem to think I have this thing about starting a fight with a bunch of Minions and some others and then keep drawing in other combatants every round- saving the nastiest to last, <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> my secret is out.]</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- just a brief note to remind you that we are still without maps, this due to the Great Computer Crash, and the Failure To Back Up Debacle of 08- I have been warned.]</p><p></p><p>“Quick. Lola's upstairs- the Goblins have her!” Shinto cries and points to a set of stairs in the kitchen that lead to the Innkeeper's quarters.</p><p></p><p>“Where's the 'keep?” Cathal frowns.</p><p></p><p>Shinto points to a second set of stairs to the common and private sleeping chambers.</p><p></p><p>“More Goblins?” Cathal grimaces.</p><p></p><p>Shinto nods.</p><p></p><p>“The fightback begins now, we must rescue the woman first- Lucan.”</p><p></p><p>Lucan leads the Knights up the stairs in the kitchen, to a door, and peeks within- he looks back at the Knights, ashen faced.</p><p></p><p>“They're...” Lucan can't find the words.</p><p></p><p>There's quite a racket coming from the chamber, the Knights storm in to see what manner of debauchery is being perpetrated on the innocent wench.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- at this point Farkill turns up, yeah... the narrative, but hey-ho, it's just a game.]</p><p></p><p>In play this week (amended)-</p><p></p><p>Aeolace Eladrin Wizard Level 2 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 3)</p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5</p><p>Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 4</p><p>Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5</p><p>Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 4 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 5)</p><p></p><p>The Goblins are mid-pillow-fight, five on to one, Lola, actually the beautiful Lola, is losing badly, but seems not to have suffered too much harm, although her clothes have been pulled about and loosened in the exertions- Lucan springs to attention.</p><p></p><p>“I'll save you fair maiden.” He declares and stabs a Goblin Skullcrusher, armed with a pillow, in the back.</p><p>“Brave sir Knight- would you?” Lola declares.</p><p>“Indeed I would.” Lucan adds with a smirk.</p><p></p><p>It kicks off, and in close quarters, two of the Goblins are Sharpshooters, although they're having problems making use of their bows in the cramped conditions. The other three Goblins are Skullcrushers, and when they finally grab their axes and hammers are more than a match for the Knights.</p><p></p><p>Fortunately for the Knights the surprise round works well for them, one of each variety of Goblin are taken down. The remaining three Goblins get some good hits in but it's only a matter of time- their screams soon abate. </p><p></p><p>The noise fortunately is little different from the cacophony coming from the chamber before the Knights arrival.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #71 [825 XP = Level 3] Goblin Sharpshooters x2 (Level 3 Artillery) & Goblin Skullcrushers x3 (Level 4 Brutes).]</p><p></p><p>Lola is safe and sound, and in the arms of Lucan- why wouldn't she be? Farkill however is a little jealous- Lucan always gets the girl, “where are all the Dwarven women?” He barks.</p><p>“They've taken them to Thunderspire!” Lola exclaims.</p><p>“The Derriere Girls, a group of exotic dancers, they were staying at the Inn, en route to Fallcrest. Skave 'as got them.” Lola adds.</p><p>“Then I shall not rest until the Derriere Girls are free!” Farkill declares, to general agreement, then rearranges his underwear.</p><p></p><p>“Next.” Cathal declares, and the Knights move over to the second set of stairs, and up, Lucan again taking the lead.</p><p></p><p>Through a door the Elven Rogue spies into a larger windowed sleeping quarters, seven beds, there's what looks to a private room over the far side.</p><p></p><p>Four Goblins, with bows- more Sharpshooters, they're creating quite a stir- they seem to be having some sort of competition- who can bounce the highest on the beds, straining to touch the ceiling of the chamber.</p><p></p><p>“Play time's over!” Cathal erupts into the chamber, grabs the nearest in-flight Sharpshooter, and shoves the creature through and out of a window, it's a fifteen foot fall, he wins the competition, and yet fails to collect his prize.</p><p></p><p>The rest of the Knights charge into the fray, in the initial onslaught another Goblin is slain- which just leaves two, and the dangerous looking Bugbear that has just heaved himself out of the linen cupboard.</p><p></p><p>Oh and the pair of Blackfang Gnoll Marauders that arrive from the private bedchamber over the far side- the odds become evens.</p><p></p><p>The Bugbear manages to get his hands around Cathal's neck, begins to throttle the Knight of Kord. The Gnolls are caught in Aeolace's fiery blast, but emerge unconcerned and smash into the Knights.</p><p></p><p>It gets bloody, the Goblin Sharpshooters eventually recover their bows and scatter into a corner, trying to edge behind the Gnolls for protection. Lightning bursts from Ignaran's hand and engulfs the Bugbear Strangler, Cathal works himself free, turns quickly and cuts the creature down.</p><p></p><p>Lucan locates the back of one of the Gnoll Maruaders- the creature doesn't last long. Farkill meantime has made his way over to the Goblin Sharpshooters and is instructing them in the ways of Moradin, via the medium of axe.</p><p></p><p>The last Gnoll Maruader and the pair of Goblin Sharpshooters don't last long, and none are given the option of surrender, the final Sharpshooter flings himself through a window and falls to his death.</p><p></p><p>The fight is over, Cathal and Farkill are bloodied, Ignaran injured, Lucan and Aeolace are without hurt- the Knights catch their collective breath.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #72 [1350 XP = Level 6] Goblin Sharpshooters x4 (Level 3 Artillery); Bugbear Strangler (Level 6 Lurker) & Gnoll Marauder x2 (Level 6 Brutes).]</p><p></p><p>Gingerly, the Innkeeper- Darley, shuffles out of the private bedchamber, spots the Knights- who are now scavenging from the dead, and asks “is it safe?”</p><p></p><p>Cathal nods, grins- a little disconcerting, and then motions for Darley to come over.</p><p></p><p>“We are the Friday Knights, we have come to save your Inn.” The Knight of Kord declares.</p><p>“Er... Good!” Darley declares and ushers his terrified family into the room.</p><p></p><p>A little while later, with restorative drinks in hand by the fire, Darley's story is told- the Bloodreaver's, actually Skave the Sly's Goblin gang, attacked the Inn yesterday, quickly took everyone prisoner and marched the Inn's guests to Thunderspire - Darley heard him say something about 'slaves'. Cathal doesn't look very happy- “this would never have happened if we had got here sooner, bloody tomb robbers.”</p><p></p><p>Darley shrugs and goes on, the guests at the Inn were a group of exotic dancers, “The Derriere Girls”, bound for Fallcrest- five in number; and Randall Halfmoon, a traveller/merchant/trader and some-time innkeep, his family have a trading house in Fallcrest and an Inn in the Seven Pillared Hall in Thunderspire.</p><p></p><p>Darley goes on to explain that the Seven Pillared Hall is the hub of Thunderspire mountain, where merchants from the Nentir Valley go to trade with the denizens of the Underdark, and the Labyrinth.</p><p></p><p>Darley also states that Randall, the Halfling, had a small cloaked and odd sounding companion with him...</p><p></p><p>Darley offers to pay for the rescue of his guests, it wouldn't do for people to find out that the Haven Inn wasn't a safe place to stay- Cathal in turn promises to return the Inn's guests safe to the Haven.</p><p></p><p>One last thing, Darley states- “Skave is coming back for us.”</p><p>“Then we'd better prepare a reception!” Cathal finishes, a twinkle in his eye.</p><p></p><p>The Knights get to work, repairing the main gate, dragging tables up against the windows for cover, barricading the doors, making the Inn ready for the attack, and working out their plan.</p><p></p><p>The night passes- slowly, nothing stirs.</p><p></p><p>That is, until the first mists of morning...</p><p></p><p>The first the Knights know of the attack is the volley of arrows that comes from the three Goblin Sharpshooters that have already clambered into the Inn's courtyard.</p><p></p><p>Less than ten seconds later a Hobgoblin Soldier lands hard on the ground before the gate, inside the courtyard, is bathed for a second in Aeolace's scorching blast, and yet still has the wherewithal to get to his feet and lift the bar.</p><p></p><p>The gate swings open to reveal a bellowing, heavily armoured Hobgoblin Subcommander who unleashes a pair of Dire Wolves into the compound- <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />!</p><p></p><p>An Ogre follows behind.</p><p></p><p>It gets nasty.</p><p></p><p>During this time Aeolace and Lucan, located in the common bedchamber on the first floor, pepper the invaders with flung daggers, which alas have a limited range, and from the Wizard- Magic Missiles and Scorching Blasts.</p><p></p><p>The result of which is... Nothing much, burns and minor wounds.</p><p></p><p>The invaders are at the door, the pair of Dire Wolves snapping and snarling through the Inn's broken front window at the Knights swatting away from behind the upturned tables within.</p><p></p><p>The attackers are very organised</p><p></p><p>Which was neither expected nor desired.</p><p></p><p>A cumulation of hits does for two of the Goblin Sharpshooters, the third alas has made its way round to the upper bedchamber and smashed his way in- the Goblin faces off against Lucan as Aeolace continues to bathe the Dire Wolves and Ogre below in flame.</p><p></p><p>One of the Dire Wolves finally has had enough, swathed in black smoke from its singed and scorched fur it howls, turns tail and scarpers. The respite afforded is short lived, the Hobgoblin Subcommander with two Hobgoblin Soldiers arrive to fill the gap, just as the Ogre finally smashes the front door of the Inn down- the Hobgoblins dash in.</p><p></p><p>The first Soldier, already badly wounded, is instantly cut down; the other two are bottle-necked in the doorway by Cathal and Ignaran, who are defending desperately.</p><p></p><p>The Ogre, having smashed down the door, brings his hammer into play against the already crumbling stone around the window of the Inn, enlarging- rapidly, the hole made by his brother Ogre's earlier attempt to flee the Inn.</p><p></p><p>And as if that wasn't bad enough the rear door of the Inn is shoved open, a pair of Goblin Sharpshooters scatter into the common room and fire- Shinto, saved earlier by Aeolace, takes an arrow to the throat and dies in a gurgling heap. </p><p></p><p>Tabor, Darley the Innkeep's eldest son, is hit also- he takes slightly longer to expire.</p><p></p><p>Stepping through the back door of the Inn is the ugliest, meanest looking Goblin the Knights have ever see.</p><p></p><p>“Morning. Nice day for it.” Skave declares, in faultless common, and shoots Cathal in the midriff with his Hand Crossbow, the Knight of Kord grimaces, and pulls the bolt out, noting the icky-brown paste smeared on the shaft- he's been poisoned.</p><p></p><p>“I'll go.” Ignaran declares, and charges off towards Skave- which even at the time Cathal thinks is odd.</p><p></p><p>En route to Skave, Ignaran completes his transformation, he's a great growling, swatting, swiping and biting Bear by the time he reaches the stunned Goblin trio.</p><p></p><p>Farkill meanwhile is holding back the Dire Wolf and the Ogre through the breach, and has so far dodged every attack that has come his way.</p><p></p><p>Upstairs Lucan finally kills the Goblin Sharpshooter he was tangling with, not before he is bloodied however. The Rogue nods, grins at Aeolace, and then points to the stairs- he heads down, sticking to the shadows, and emerges behind Skave- serendipity.</p><p></p><p>Skave is contending with Ignaran in Bear form, one of his Sharpshooter buddies has already been reduced to a bloody mess- Ignaran having bitten the top off the Goblin's skull.</p><p></p><p>Lucan's dagger emerges through Skave's sternum, quite a feat, the Bloodreaver employee, gulps hard and looks down, blood fills his boots.</p><p></p><p>He pulls himself off the blade, and disappears.</p><p></p><p>Leaving a solitary Goblin Bloodreaver to face the music, he tries to surrender - he doesn't get far - Bears generally don't take prisoners.</p><p></p><p>Back upstairs Aeolace bathes the Dire Wolf and Ogre combo in the fourth or fifth of his Scorching Blasts- the last Dire Wolf turns and runs, straight into the stable wall, its legs go from under it and it splays onto the cobbled courtyard, and smoulders- dead.</p><p></p><p>The Ogre has other ideas, it looks up briefly, waves an angry fist at the out of reach Wizard and steps into the common room of the Inn- through the wall, pushing Farkill and the tables back in the process.</p><p></p><p>The Ogre rages, turns circle once, its hammer smashing anything it can reach in the circuit, then stops and rages some more.</p><p></p><p>Farkill, half-hidden under a table, steps out and slices his axe through the Ogre's right leg- clean through, the creature topples and falls head first into the banked fire- Farkill heaves again and sinks his axe into the huge brute's chest.</p><p></p><p>Cathal meanwhile has hacked his way through the second Hobgoblin Soldier and is working his way through the Subcommander, holding the doorway, preventing the humanoid from getting into the Inn proper.</p><p></p><p>The back door is flung back open and a trail of blood staggers out of the Inn, the invisible Skave beats a hasty retreat, Lucan follows after, judges the distance well and flings his dagger, which connects with... something.</p><p></p><p>Skave flickers into sight, clutching at the dagger in his chest, scrabbles backwards and is hit by a Magic Missile courtesy of Aeolace on the upper floor.</p><p></p><p>Lucan's dagger disappears and reappears in his hand. Lucan looks around, morning is breaking, the sun's rays peep over the palisade wall surrounding the Inn, illuminating the vegetable patch, the intricately carved outhouse and the well.</p><p></p><p>“You're right, it's a lovely day.” He grins.</p><p></p><p>Then he rushes forward and delivers a low blow, a very low blow, to Skave- the Goblin staggers back some more- screaming, hits the lip of the well and...</p><p></p><p>Sploosh!</p><p></p><p>Ends his days.</p><p></p><p>Lucan's dagger reappears in his hand.</p><p></p><p>The last of the invaders, the Hobgoblin Subcommander doesn't get far, he's cut down by a bloodied and battered Cathal half way across the Inn's courtyard, heading for the exit at speed.</p><p></p><p>Then silence.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- the reports (whatchyer readin' now), need a little more spice, I'm going to try to write up one fight or significant moment per turn from here on in, or at least add a little more detail when I have time.]</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Ignaran has finally ported over his Druid from Expeditious Retreat's Advanced Player's Guide to the WOTC version- I know which he prefers. Ignaran loves his Bear-form, as do the other Knights.]</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #73 [2900 XP = Level 10, just short of Level 11] Goblin Sharpshooter x5 (Level 3 Artillery); Hobgoblin Subcommander (Level 3 Controller); Hobgoblin Soldier x2 (Level 4 Soldiers); Dire Wolf x2 (Level 6 Skirmishers); Ogre Savage (Level 8 Brute) & Skave the Slay, Goblin Bloodreaver Bandit Chieftain (Level 9 Elite Lurker). What a corker- the players, and me, loved it.] </p><p></p><p>The Inn is safe, although a little - make that a lot- battered.</p><p></p><p>However Darley is inconsolable, as are his family- the death of Tabor, and Shinto.</p><p></p><p>Eventually things calm down a little, the Knights rest up- Farkill gets a footrub from the beautiful Lola, and pointedly grins at Lucan throughout.</p><p></p><p>Ten hours later the Knights depart, although Lucan has first to be found, he finally emerges from the outhouse with Lola, both of them toting wonky grins.</p><p></p><p>Farkill looks crestfallen.</p><p></p><p>The Knights are soon en route to Thunderspire, the only incident of note, a sharp whispered cry from Lucan which causes all of the Knights to dash for cover. A little while later, a pair of Gargoyles sweep overhead, heading down the road towards the Haven Inn, possibly looking for some one or thing.</p><p></p><p>Cathal debates turning back, but their course is set- the Knights, still weary, trudge on.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- the pictures are back.]</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4069349942_d98058961e_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Duck and Cover!</p><p></p><p>A little over five hours later the Knights arrive at the entrance to Thunderpsire, and what an entrance...</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/4068603401_7b2d9f7c89_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>“I can't reach the bell”, Farkill declares.</p><p></p><p>Ignaran drops to the ground, collapses- his friends grab for him, the Druid seems to be experiencing some sort of seizure. Cathal notes Ignaran has the Rod of Ruin clutched in his hands- he wrestles the foul device from his grip, Ignaran's eyes flicker open.</p><p></p><p>“I have seen... things.” He gasps.</p><p></p><p>A little later Ignaran relays his vision-</p><p></p><p>“A whole host of Demons and Undead- an army of the foul creatures- pouring into the depths of Thunderspire. Slain Minotaur Guards scattered on the cold bloody ground, the general of the army, I saw it all through his eyes, raised high on a palanquin, in the midst of the death-bringing demonic host. An invasion.”</p><p></p><p>Ignaran shudders.</p><p></p><p>“Wheeeeow” Farkill whistles, "have you seen the carvings in here, makes me proud to be a Dwarf.”</p><p></p><p>Aeolace catches up with Farkill, “Minotaur, not Dwarven.” The Wizard corrects.</p><p>“Oh. Oh, in that case- average.” Farkill stomps off- under the mountain.</p><p></p><p>The passage is some thirty feet wide, and possibly the same tall, every 100 or so feet paired statues of great bull-headed axe-wielding creatures- Minotaurs, each thirty feet tall.</p><p></p><p>The passage continues on, descends into the deep dark, for miles seemingly- the Knights, a little awed, have arrived.</p><p></p><p>Three hours later, very tired, and much less awestruck, they hear sounds- familiar sounds, a confrontation- raised Goblin voices, the noise is coming from a side passage in the tunnel, it's clear someone is in trouble.</p><p></p><p>The Knights investigate, sure they'll find what they're looking for- a fight.</p><p></p><p>And so endeth the 20th session of play, the Knights have accumulated 13,654 XP between them.</p><p></p><p>Next time... bit the next.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 5052702, member: 16069"] The Friday Knights Session 20- Thunderspire here we come... Still in the midst of the fracas in the Haven Inn bar with the Bloodreavers, we only have four players in action, initially, this week. In play this week- Aeolace Eladrin Wizard Level 2 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 3) Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5 Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5 Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 4 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 5) Farkill, or rather Zoran who plays Farkill will be in-game in a short while, as soon as he gets done with work- the bane of any civilised society. Rock is missing presumed on holiday. And so the fight goes on, another of the Spiretop Drakes bites the dirt, the last of them smashes its way through a window and flutters off into the closing night, possibly with a message to deliver. “Damn!” Cathal swears and cuts down the hung-over Human Berserker, the Guardian Drake follows soon after. Shinto, one of the Inn's bar staff, is caught up in one of Aeolace's fiery blasts and slumps to the floor- the Eladrin Wizard makes amends, he teleports over to the dying man, and makes good with his Healing check, saving Shinto's life- although he did set him on fire in the first place, which karma wise makes him about even. The Bugbear Warrior sees which way the wind is blowing and makes a break for freedom, back the way he came into the Inn's vegetable patch and over the wall- he gets as far as the wall when Lucan's dagger locates the spot between his shoulder blades, and ends him. Big Lesley likewise sees the sense in retreat, the exit to the Inn is blocked by Ignaran and the Ogre is engulfed in a swarm of stinging insects- courtesy of the Druid. He therefore tries the second option, to smash his way through the front window of the Inn, taking a little of the wall with him in the attempt, alas he gets wedged. And is quickly slain. Ruda, another member of the Inn's bar staff, emerges from her hiding place- gulps and looks at the destruction, she faints away, but is soon revived by a leering Lucan who gropes her a little- but has a winning smile. [DM Interlude Encounter #70 [2005 XP = Level 9] Goblin Cutter x5 (Level 2 Minions); Drake Spiretop x3 (Level 1 Lurkers); Goblin Blackblade (Level 2 Lurker); Goblin Bottlebrigade (Level 2 Artillery); Drake Guardian (Level 2 Brute); Goblin Sharpshooter (Level 3 Artillery); Human Berserker (Level 4 Brute); Bugbear Warrior x2 (Level 6 Soldiers) & Ogre Savage (Level 8 Brute). Nice! My players seem to think I have this thing about starting a fight with a bunch of Minions and some others and then keep drawing in other combatants every round- saving the nastiest to last, :):):):) my secret is out.] [DM Interlude- just a brief note to remind you that we are still without maps, this due to the Great Computer Crash, and the Failure To Back Up Debacle of 08- I have been warned.] “Quick. Lola's upstairs- the Goblins have her!” Shinto cries and points to a set of stairs in the kitchen that lead to the Innkeeper's quarters. “Where's the 'keep?” Cathal frowns. Shinto points to a second set of stairs to the common and private sleeping chambers. “More Goblins?” Cathal grimaces. Shinto nods. “The fightback begins now, we must rescue the woman first- Lucan.” Lucan leads the Knights up the stairs in the kitchen, to a door, and peeks within- he looks back at the Knights, ashen faced. “They're...” Lucan can't find the words. There's quite a racket coming from the chamber, the Knights storm in to see what manner of debauchery is being perpetrated on the innocent wench. [DM Interlude- at this point Farkill turns up, yeah... the narrative, but hey-ho, it's just a game.] In play this week (amended)- Aeolace Eladrin Wizard Level 2 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 3) Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5 Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 4 Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5 Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 4 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 5) The Goblins are mid-pillow-fight, five on to one, Lola, actually the beautiful Lola, is losing badly, but seems not to have suffered too much harm, although her clothes have been pulled about and loosened in the exertions- Lucan springs to attention. “I'll save you fair maiden.” He declares and stabs a Goblin Skullcrusher, armed with a pillow, in the back. “Brave sir Knight- would you?” Lola declares. “Indeed I would.” Lucan adds with a smirk. It kicks off, and in close quarters, two of the Goblins are Sharpshooters, although they're having problems making use of their bows in the cramped conditions. The other three Goblins are Skullcrushers, and when they finally grab their axes and hammers are more than a match for the Knights. Fortunately for the Knights the surprise round works well for them, one of each variety of Goblin are taken down. The remaining three Goblins get some good hits in but it's only a matter of time- their screams soon abate. The noise fortunately is little different from the cacophony coming from the chamber before the Knights arrival. [DM Interlude Encounter #71 [825 XP = Level 3] Goblin Sharpshooters x2 (Level 3 Artillery) & Goblin Skullcrushers x3 (Level 4 Brutes).] Lola is safe and sound, and in the arms of Lucan- why wouldn't she be? Farkill however is a little jealous- Lucan always gets the girl, “where are all the Dwarven women?” He barks. “They've taken them to Thunderspire!” Lola exclaims. “The Derriere Girls, a group of exotic dancers, they were staying at the Inn, en route to Fallcrest. Skave 'as got them.” Lola adds. “Then I shall not rest until the Derriere Girls are free!” Farkill declares, to general agreement, then rearranges his underwear. “Next.” Cathal declares, and the Knights move over to the second set of stairs, and up, Lucan again taking the lead. Through a door the Elven Rogue spies into a larger windowed sleeping quarters, seven beds, there's what looks to a private room over the far side. Four Goblins, with bows- more Sharpshooters, they're creating quite a stir- they seem to be having some sort of competition- who can bounce the highest on the beds, straining to touch the ceiling of the chamber. “Play time's over!” Cathal erupts into the chamber, grabs the nearest in-flight Sharpshooter, and shoves the creature through and out of a window, it's a fifteen foot fall, he wins the competition, and yet fails to collect his prize. The rest of the Knights charge into the fray, in the initial onslaught another Goblin is slain- which just leaves two, and the dangerous looking Bugbear that has just heaved himself out of the linen cupboard. Oh and the pair of Blackfang Gnoll Marauders that arrive from the private bedchamber over the far side- the odds become evens. The Bugbear manages to get his hands around Cathal's neck, begins to throttle the Knight of Kord. The Gnolls are caught in Aeolace's fiery blast, but emerge unconcerned and smash into the Knights. It gets bloody, the Goblin Sharpshooters eventually recover their bows and scatter into a corner, trying to edge behind the Gnolls for protection. Lightning bursts from Ignaran's hand and engulfs the Bugbear Strangler, Cathal works himself free, turns quickly and cuts the creature down. Lucan locates the back of one of the Gnoll Maruaders- the creature doesn't last long. Farkill meantime has made his way over to the Goblin Sharpshooters and is instructing them in the ways of Moradin, via the medium of axe. The last Gnoll Maruader and the pair of Goblin Sharpshooters don't last long, and none are given the option of surrender, the final Sharpshooter flings himself through a window and falls to his death. The fight is over, Cathal and Farkill are bloodied, Ignaran injured, Lucan and Aeolace are without hurt- the Knights catch their collective breath. [DM Interlude Encounter #72 [1350 XP = Level 6] Goblin Sharpshooters x4 (Level 3 Artillery); Bugbear Strangler (Level 6 Lurker) & Gnoll Marauder x2 (Level 6 Brutes).] Gingerly, the Innkeeper- Darley, shuffles out of the private bedchamber, spots the Knights- who are now scavenging from the dead, and asks “is it safe?” Cathal nods, grins- a little disconcerting, and then motions for Darley to come over. “We are the Friday Knights, we have come to save your Inn.” The Knight of Kord declares. “Er... Good!” Darley declares and ushers his terrified family into the room. A little while later, with restorative drinks in hand by the fire, Darley's story is told- the Bloodreaver's, actually Skave the Sly's Goblin gang, attacked the Inn yesterday, quickly took everyone prisoner and marched the Inn's guests to Thunderspire - Darley heard him say something about 'slaves'. Cathal doesn't look very happy- “this would never have happened if we had got here sooner, bloody tomb robbers.” Darley shrugs and goes on, the guests at the Inn were a group of exotic dancers, “The Derriere Girls”, bound for Fallcrest- five in number; and Randall Halfmoon, a traveller/merchant/trader and some-time innkeep, his family have a trading house in Fallcrest and an Inn in the Seven Pillared Hall in Thunderspire. Darley goes on to explain that the Seven Pillared Hall is the hub of Thunderspire mountain, where merchants from the Nentir Valley go to trade with the denizens of the Underdark, and the Labyrinth. Darley also states that Randall, the Halfling, had a small cloaked and odd sounding companion with him... Darley offers to pay for the rescue of his guests, it wouldn't do for people to find out that the Haven Inn wasn't a safe place to stay- Cathal in turn promises to return the Inn's guests safe to the Haven. One last thing, Darley states- “Skave is coming back for us.” “Then we'd better prepare a reception!” Cathal finishes, a twinkle in his eye. The Knights get to work, repairing the main gate, dragging tables up against the windows for cover, barricading the doors, making the Inn ready for the attack, and working out their plan. The night passes- slowly, nothing stirs. That is, until the first mists of morning... The first the Knights know of the attack is the volley of arrows that comes from the three Goblin Sharpshooters that have already clambered into the Inn's courtyard. Less than ten seconds later a Hobgoblin Soldier lands hard on the ground before the gate, inside the courtyard, is bathed for a second in Aeolace's scorching blast, and yet still has the wherewithal to get to his feet and lift the bar. The gate swings open to reveal a bellowing, heavily armoured Hobgoblin Subcommander who unleashes a pair of Dire Wolves into the compound- :):):):)! An Ogre follows behind. It gets nasty. During this time Aeolace and Lucan, located in the common bedchamber on the first floor, pepper the invaders with flung daggers, which alas have a limited range, and from the Wizard- Magic Missiles and Scorching Blasts. The result of which is... Nothing much, burns and minor wounds. The invaders are at the door, the pair of Dire Wolves snapping and snarling through the Inn's broken front window at the Knights swatting away from behind the upturned tables within. The attackers are very organised Which was neither expected nor desired. A cumulation of hits does for two of the Goblin Sharpshooters, the third alas has made its way round to the upper bedchamber and smashed his way in- the Goblin faces off against Lucan as Aeolace continues to bathe the Dire Wolves and Ogre below in flame. One of the Dire Wolves finally has had enough, swathed in black smoke from its singed and scorched fur it howls, turns tail and scarpers. The respite afforded is short lived, the Hobgoblin Subcommander with two Hobgoblin Soldiers arrive to fill the gap, just as the Ogre finally smashes the front door of the Inn down- the Hobgoblins dash in. The first Soldier, already badly wounded, is instantly cut down; the other two are bottle-necked in the doorway by Cathal and Ignaran, who are defending desperately. The Ogre, having smashed down the door, brings his hammer into play against the already crumbling stone around the window of the Inn, enlarging- rapidly, the hole made by his brother Ogre's earlier attempt to flee the Inn. And as if that wasn't bad enough the rear door of the Inn is shoved open, a pair of Goblin Sharpshooters scatter into the common room and fire- Shinto, saved earlier by Aeolace, takes an arrow to the throat and dies in a gurgling heap. Tabor, Darley the Innkeep's eldest son, is hit also- he takes slightly longer to expire. Stepping through the back door of the Inn is the ugliest, meanest looking Goblin the Knights have ever see. “Morning. Nice day for it.” Skave declares, in faultless common, and shoots Cathal in the midriff with his Hand Crossbow, the Knight of Kord grimaces, and pulls the bolt out, noting the icky-brown paste smeared on the shaft- he's been poisoned. “I'll go.” Ignaran declares, and charges off towards Skave- which even at the time Cathal thinks is odd. En route to Skave, Ignaran completes his transformation, he's a great growling, swatting, swiping and biting Bear by the time he reaches the stunned Goblin trio. Farkill meanwhile is holding back the Dire Wolf and the Ogre through the breach, and has so far dodged every attack that has come his way. Upstairs Lucan finally kills the Goblin Sharpshooter he was tangling with, not before he is bloodied however. The Rogue nods, grins at Aeolace, and then points to the stairs- he heads down, sticking to the shadows, and emerges behind Skave- serendipity. Skave is contending with Ignaran in Bear form, one of his Sharpshooter buddies has already been reduced to a bloody mess- Ignaran having bitten the top off the Goblin's skull. Lucan's dagger emerges through Skave's sternum, quite a feat, the Bloodreaver employee, gulps hard and looks down, blood fills his boots. He pulls himself off the blade, and disappears. Leaving a solitary Goblin Bloodreaver to face the music, he tries to surrender - he doesn't get far - Bears generally don't take prisoners. Back upstairs Aeolace bathes the Dire Wolf and Ogre combo in the fourth or fifth of his Scorching Blasts- the last Dire Wolf turns and runs, straight into the stable wall, its legs go from under it and it splays onto the cobbled courtyard, and smoulders- dead. The Ogre has other ideas, it looks up briefly, waves an angry fist at the out of reach Wizard and steps into the common room of the Inn- through the wall, pushing Farkill and the tables back in the process. The Ogre rages, turns circle once, its hammer smashing anything it can reach in the circuit, then stops and rages some more. Farkill, half-hidden under a table, steps out and slices his axe through the Ogre's right leg- clean through, the creature topples and falls head first into the banked fire- Farkill heaves again and sinks his axe into the huge brute's chest. Cathal meanwhile has hacked his way through the second Hobgoblin Soldier and is working his way through the Subcommander, holding the doorway, preventing the humanoid from getting into the Inn proper. The back door is flung back open and a trail of blood staggers out of the Inn, the invisible Skave beats a hasty retreat, Lucan follows after, judges the distance well and flings his dagger, which connects with... something. Skave flickers into sight, clutching at the dagger in his chest, scrabbles backwards and is hit by a Magic Missile courtesy of Aeolace on the upper floor. Lucan's dagger disappears and reappears in his hand. Lucan looks around, morning is breaking, the sun's rays peep over the palisade wall surrounding the Inn, illuminating the vegetable patch, the intricately carved outhouse and the well. “You're right, it's a lovely day.” He grins. Then he rushes forward and delivers a low blow, a very low blow, to Skave- the Goblin staggers back some more- screaming, hits the lip of the well and... Sploosh! Ends his days. Lucan's dagger reappears in his hand. The last of the invaders, the Hobgoblin Subcommander doesn't get far, he's cut down by a bloodied and battered Cathal half way across the Inn's courtyard, heading for the exit at speed. Then silence. [DM Interlude- the reports (whatchyer readin' now), need a little more spice, I'm going to try to write up one fight or significant moment per turn from here on in, or at least add a little more detail when I have time.] [DM Interlude- Ignaran has finally ported over his Druid from Expeditious Retreat's Advanced Player's Guide to the WOTC version- I know which he prefers. Ignaran loves his Bear-form, as do the other Knights.] [DM Interlude Encounter #73 [2900 XP = Level 10, just short of Level 11] Goblin Sharpshooter x5 (Level 3 Artillery); Hobgoblin Subcommander (Level 3 Controller); Hobgoblin Soldier x2 (Level 4 Soldiers); Dire Wolf x2 (Level 6 Skirmishers); Ogre Savage (Level 8 Brute) & Skave the Slay, Goblin Bloodreaver Bandit Chieftain (Level 9 Elite Lurker). What a corker- the players, and me, loved it.] The Inn is safe, although a little - make that a lot- battered. However Darley is inconsolable, as are his family- the death of Tabor, and Shinto. Eventually things calm down a little, the Knights rest up- Farkill gets a footrub from the beautiful Lola, and pointedly grins at Lucan throughout. Ten hours later the Knights depart, although Lucan has first to be found, he finally emerges from the outhouse with Lola, both of them toting wonky grins. Farkill looks crestfallen. The Knights are soon en route to Thunderspire, the only incident of note, a sharp whispered cry from Lucan which causes all of the Knights to dash for cover. A little while later, a pair of Gargoyles sweep overhead, heading down the road towards the Haven Inn, possibly looking for some one or thing. Cathal debates turning back, but their course is set- the Knights, still weary, trudge on. [DM Interlude- the pictures are back.] [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4069349942_d98058961e_o.jpg[/IMG] Duck and Cover! A little over five hours later the Knights arrive at the entrance to Thunderpsire, and what an entrance... [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/4068603401_7b2d9f7c89_o.jpg[/IMG] “I can't reach the bell”, Farkill declares. Ignaran drops to the ground, collapses- his friends grab for him, the Druid seems to be experiencing some sort of seizure. Cathal notes Ignaran has the Rod of Ruin clutched in his hands- he wrestles the foul device from his grip, Ignaran's eyes flicker open. “I have seen... things.” He gasps. A little later Ignaran relays his vision- “A whole host of Demons and Undead- an army of the foul creatures- pouring into the depths of Thunderspire. Slain Minotaur Guards scattered on the cold bloody ground, the general of the army, I saw it all through his eyes, raised high on a palanquin, in the midst of the death-bringing demonic host. An invasion.” Ignaran shudders. “Wheeeeow” Farkill whistles, "have you seen the carvings in here, makes me proud to be a Dwarf.” Aeolace catches up with Farkill, “Minotaur, not Dwarven.” The Wizard corrects. “Oh. Oh, in that case- average.” Farkill stomps off- under the mountain. The passage is some thirty feet wide, and possibly the same tall, every 100 or so feet paired statues of great bull-headed axe-wielding creatures- Minotaurs, each thirty feet tall. The passage continues on, descends into the deep dark, for miles seemingly- the Knights, a little awed, have arrived. Three hours later, very tired, and much less awestruck, they hear sounds- familiar sounds, a confrontation- raised Goblin voices, the noise is coming from a side passage in the tunnel, it's clear someone is in trouble. The Knights investigate, sure they'll find what they're looking for- a fight. And so endeth the 20th session of play, the Knights have accumulated 13,654 XP between them. Next time... bit the next. [/QUOTE]
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