Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="PHDungeon" data-source="post: 5004702" data-attributes="member: 86320">The game session #2 journal of Bjorn Thorskirk (cleric of Thor)Returning from the vale victorious was very gratifying. Our efforts were rewarded both monetarily and with the offer of a celebratory feast, as well as an invitation to escort the good dwarves home to Hammerfast. Alas our hunt for Flagg takes precedent. I could see the delay had upset Bella as it was. Using Bran's local knowledge and tracking ability, we proceeded to pick up Flagg's already cold trail. Fortunately, the spring waters limited the crossing points of the Nentir river, and we soon found where he had stolen a small boat to cross. It was likely good we had Bran along, as the locals would probably not been as forthcoming with information about our quarry.We crossed over and picked up the most likely trail. We continued on, following the trade road northwest until it looked like night was soon to fall, and with the increased orc activity, it was deemed best to seek shelter for the night at the steading of a local war chief named Ragnar. This was fortuitous indeed, for there we learned that Flagg had indeed come this way and that he was no longer alone, as he had taken five of Ragnar’s men with him after besting Ragnar in a wrestling match. While feasting in Ragnar's hall, Derren noticed a short sword that Ragnar had bearing the Androsax crest, and he prevailed upon Ragnar to wager it in an arm wrestling contest. The contest was very entertaining for the combatants were so closely matched. I am sure Bella's attempt at distraction did not harm the outcome and was enjoyed by many as well. It is good to see her using her “talents” to good effect; there is hope for her yet.The following morning we set out, again Bella attempted, to no avail, to convince Ragnar to sell some horses in order to speed up out pursuit of Flagg, who we learned was proceeding on foot.We continued to follow the road to Winterhaven. As we approached the settlement we came across an outlying farm where an obvious orc attack was occuring. We moved into combat, Deryl taking shelter on the other side of a small stream. Bella and Bran made good use of their bows while Darren myself and Torfinn moved into melee combat. The battle was intense and the enemy many but we eventually prevailed. Unfortunately, we were too late to save those the orcs had taken earlier. Among the dead we found a priest and templar of Rao; their courage could not be denied in coming to the aid of these farm folk, though I question their wisdom in coming so under manned- no doubt a result of their oer'weaning pride. Torfinn and I did take their armour as the just spoils of combat. May the chain better serve us than its former owners. Derren took a cloak that, once the embroidery is picked out, should be very servicable. After the conflict, we proceeded into Winterhaven to the cheers of those on the walls who witnessed the combat.Upon entering Winterhaven, we learned that there was a large band of orcs in the area, and that the village was preparing for an attack any day now. Bella wanted to press on in pursuit of Flagg, who we learned had been in town and recruited a few more for his band. I felt we had to aid these villagers in holding off the orc menace, and only part of this was altruistic. We need bases to work from in the north, and as the followers of Rao had proven in their deaths- to go without proper preparation is fatal. In holding the village we would gain support and thin the numbers of potential opponents at the same time. If the number of orcs in the area was as large as the Village leaders believed, we would not get far in our pursuit of Flagg at the moment. I am sure we will make up the time.The party, after resting, proceeded to help with the preparations for the coming battle. Bella helped both in the forge and planning a pit trap at the gates, again proving her worth. We also set stakes to make the approaches more difficult, and I went among the people bolstering sprits and letting them know they were not alone. Morale was also greatly improved with the arrival of Ragnar and some of his hearty band of warriors. As the sun began to set, we heard the approach of the orc war band and knew that our fates may soon be decided. The battle was soon joined, and I quickly expended my supply of javelins and had little to do until the walls were gained. Bella's little surprise worked very well, allowing the orcs to make it to the gate only to be slaughtered while giving them little opportunity to bring their battering ram to bear. This more than any one thing may have saved the night.Several orcs managed to make the walls and enter the village, but these were killed, though there will also be several new faces in the halls of Valhalla- warriors who fought valiantly but fell. Bran was also nearly carried away by the valkaries, but we were able to get to him in time. I feel his skills will still be needed. It has been a hard night and rest is needed, may the gods guide us until I next have opportunity to put quill to parchment. In service to Thor,Bjorn Thorskirk</blockquote>

Verification