Up to this point
A party of Mercenaries answered the call for some muscle to escort a wagon of the merchant Master Jimbio
from Mordara to Swansbane, a fortified village ~20 miles West of Mordara on the Lower Gift River. The party
were tasked with protecting the wagon and discovering what happened to the previous one which disappeared
en route. Not only were they successful in finding the ruined wagon they also discovered a Trold Folk lair
which appeared to be responsible for the wagon’s destruction. In dealing with the Trold they were able to
capture slaves which were offered to Master Jimbio who in turn offered them to the Temple of Ashur. Impressed
by the initiative shown Jimbio offered them a higher pay-rate (2SC) if they would exact revenge on some
Goblins responsible for the ambush and murder of one of his ‘archaeology’ teams. There is a 7SC bonus for
finding and returning an ornate mace.
Accepting the offer the party re-equipped in Mordara and set off for a day’s journey North as instructed.
However on their first night out they were also ambushed by some Goblins who used bowmen, spearmen and
some sneaks with dagger to nearly cause a disaster. Of the 7 Goblins who attacked 6 were killed, but one
escaped…
You are expecting to find a Goblin encampment (could be an underground lair or rough construction) with 5-10
fighting males, there will be about the same number of females who are not the best fighters but still dangerous.
Its location is described as being due 20miles NNE from Mordara “as the dragon flies” just inside the ‘Gap of
Grace’, it is on the Northern side of the Tongue River. The Gap of Grace is a wide natural valley of about
2miles width between spurs of the Elder Hills. Its entry point is easy to find because it lies between the 2
mountain ranges on the Eastern side of the ‘Mordaran Bowl’ and is split right down the middle by the frigid
mountain waters of the Tongue River.
Episode 1.1
Location:
~15 miles N of Mordara, at the foot of the Elder Mountains
Date:
13th of April, 206DE
Weather:
Overcast with Fog, Temp (0˚ to 24˚)
Name
Draexil
Mist
Jace
Flax
Ted
x
x
Status
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Move
12m, Strategic
21m, Strategic
12m, Strategic
17m, Strategic
x, Strategic
16m, Strategic
26m, Strategic
Other Notes
On hoof
On foot
On paw
On paw
On hoof
Warhorse I
Dog I
Hyena
Riding horse II
Yesterday’s fine clear weather has changed into Fog causing visibility to decrease to about 200 feet.
Fog occurs often around here thanks to the Swamps that herald the beginnings of the nearby Lower
Gift River; it usually burns itself out by mid-morning. The sky is overcast but rain doesn’t always
accompany heavy clouds in these parts so the day is likely to stay dry.
The wide flat Donaran Plains are untamed here, they are also broken by the occasional outcrop of
rock or even low hillocks as you are truly in at the foot of the enormous Elder Mountains now. This is
still excellent horse-riding terrain though.
Despite last night’s ambush and the near disaster which the Goblins brought to your camp the rest of
the morning passed quietly and all were able to rest and heal sufficiently to continue on today. Master
Jimbio’s directions suggests the Goblins you are heading for should be only another half day’s
journey away at your current pace and morning’s light brings confirmation that the bleeding Goblin
who escaped you last night is apparently moving in the same direction. If you head to the East today
you should find the Gap of Grace with ease.
Draexil and Ted’s Actions
Not hunting but Gathering food (Ted’s Hyena will hunt if the opportunity appears)
We'll both be keeping a very, very careful watch on the lay of the land, so to speak. Bows unwrapped, but slung
(kept in oil rags usually, of course)
If attacked, let us know and survey the land for us.
Jace’s Actions
I would be suggesting to move carefully through the fog, while it gives us cover it also gives goblins cover. Will
use my Dog to help find tracks while keeping my eye out searching for track and enemies alike. With the natural
valley up ahead being 2miles wide it is also a likely place for ambush, having the high ground will enable
archers or other projectiles a significant advantage above us. While it is 2 miles wide, a far distance to be sure, it
never hurts to overestimate the enemy. They have been here longer and have had time to arrange their own
fortifications. Even if were not attacked a look out will most likely be around that location as well.
Episode 1.2
Location:
~18 miles NNE of Mordara, in the Gap of Grace
Date:
13th of April, 206DE
4pm
Weather:
Overcast, Temp 16˚
Name
Draexil
Mist
Jace
Flax
Ted
x
x
Status
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Move
12m, Strategic
28m, Strategic
12m, Strategic
17m, Strategic
x, Strategic
16m, Strategic
26m, Strategic
Other Notes
On hoof
On foot
On paw
On paw
On hoof
Riding Horse III
Dog I
Hyena
Riding horse II
After the whole day moving at the pace of Jace’s feet the Gap of Grace is reached. Despite the hills
that mark the sides of the Gap being low they are sheer enough and high enough to make it
abundantly clear where you are. The Tongue River is also another clear marker that you are on the
right track. Its waters are cold as they obviously source from the still-frigid Elder Mountains and you
pass numerous small streams and rivulets where the River starts to dissipate into the Plains. The
water appears clear and clean. The fog lifted early and gave you good visibility over the Plains as they
started to rise towards the hills and mountains. Crags and mounds litter this extremity of the Donaran
Plains and the sight of them brings to your mind the childhood stories of the evil burial mounds
rumoured to be left from ancient empires, it is a chilling thought to be out here essentially alone if
those stories are true.
The trail left from the Goblin attack party and its sole survivor was only partially visible to Jace as he
followed it intermittently for about an hour. Although he is sure it was coming from the direction you
are aiming for the sun warming the grass caused the trail to slip away and he was left without a lead.
The first real hint of a potential ‘lair’ came with the sight of a wisp of smoke as from a campfire on the
Northern side of the Gap’s wall. It appears to be still a couple of miles off and it is likely to be dark
before you reach it. Also, even from this distance, it is apparent that it emanates from within a small
copse of scraggly trees though it is hard to guess their height or nature from here.
GM Notes: Remember I keep the Master Character sheet and update it
Herbivores were able to take in enough FP today to be sustained due to the slow movement rate
(10miles/ Strategic Turn thanks to Jace attempting to Track on foot)
Characters and Animals will need to eat rations. (I have noted this on your sheets – I will inform you
when your rations are down to less than 2 days unless otherwise noted.)
Unless otherwise noted you will drink 1 quart of water a day from your water skins. Animals will forage
for it and take none of you own except in situations where it obviously has to be provided (desert etc)
Expertise/Experience
Jace picked up 1 Partial in Carrying; he still does not have this skill yet though
Draexil and Ted pick up 1 Partial in Horsemanship every EL Days
Draexil writes for the Group
We all move around to the West, and THEN head NNE into the hills. We'll leave the horses IN the hills, in as
much cover as possible, staking them out if necessary.
We approach from the rear, taking cover in the hills behind the campsite. From there (COVER, IN COVER,
ALL OF US FOR CHRIST'S SAKE IN COVER!) we'll scope the place out.
If hostile, I think Draexil is the only one with the bow... So he'll leave cover (read: stand up) and loose arrows
(slowly, picking targets carefully) at the enemy.
Once they start the rush up the hill, and as they start to get into melee range, switch to melee weaponry.
Ted and Jace should be able to ambush once they get within range.
After the initial ambush (and the lovely, wonderful extra damage from it), Draexil's going to pop a sleep touch
to even the odds.
Following the sleep touch, Invisibility on himself (EL0) and any friendlies within range. (touching)
Once Invisibility has been popped, it's a second ambush (remember the extra damage from Assassin for Draexil,
as well as the extra Ambush benefits.)
If we're still out-numbered after second ambushes, it'll be a second sleep touch to even the odds as quickly as
possible.
Let us know when we're left with only sleeping enemies and corpses.
Episode 1.3
Location:
~18 miles NNE of Mordara, in the Gap of Grace
Date:
13th of April, 206DE
5:30pm
Weather:
Overcast, Temp 12˚
Name
Draexil
Jace
Ted
Status
100%
Mist 100%
100%
Flax
100%
100%
Yves 100%
Laurent 100%
Move
12, Strategic
28, Strategic
12, Strategic
17, Strategic
13, Strategic
16, Strategic
26, Strategic
Other Notes
On hoof
On foot
On paw
On paw
On hoof
Leading Mist
Riding Horse III
Dog I
Hyena
Riding horse II
The smoke wisp ahead gives you, as a group, a feeling that your prey is close by and a discussion
soon follows as you seek to formulate a plan. Jace is in favour of a frontal assault, it suits his style
after all, but in the end he is persuaded that his beloved sword will be better served by supporting the
more stealth-minded Wizard and Scout as they create an ambush for the Goblins.
The plan is agreed upon, together you will return a little to the West before striking back NNE to climb
the hills and attack the location from the rear… at the very least this will allow your ranged weapons a
chance to attack with complete surprise.


Back-tracking for about a mile only takes half an hour or so. Ted then points out that there is going to
be enough light for another 30min of easy travelling so you start to make your way towards the Hills
that rim the Gap of Grace. As you get closer you notice scraggly cliffs that take the increasingly
broken Plains suddenly up into the feet of the Elder Mountains.
It looks as though you might be faced with 2 problems.
The Gap of Grace appears to be a sunken bowl with steep sides surrounding it:
The first problem appears to be finding an easy way to climb the irregular cliffs; on foot it will be
extremely difficult and for the animals impossible.
The second problem is that even should a path up be found does this sort of terrain continue further
along towards the forest you saw? If it does then is there any chance of setting your ambush if your
enemies are on the Plains?
Night is starting to fall and movement for now is going to be more difficult, you will be able to keep up
a decent pace on the plains, though their undulating surface with crags and boulders could cause
problems if you or your horses are unlucky.
Expertise/Experience
Nil
Characters Commands
Draexil
Looking at the sheer, vertical wall in front of him, Draexil realises that gaining a little altitude on the enemy is
not going to be possible. The element of surprise, however, does not appear to be entirely inaccessible.
Considering the terrain briefly, he consults the others:
"Unless we've got a sapper crew to carve ourselves out a tunnel system, here, I don't think we're getting up this
wall. Instead, why don't we use it to our advantage, such that we can? Well follow the line of the wall and
double back around toward the camp. We can picket just inside the tree line, and approach under and using the
wall for all the cover it can afford us."
As he talks, he rearranges his equipment. With only an hours walk at most 'til engagement, in far less than
idealistic conditions, he wraps his Longbow carefully in its oil rags and lays it across the horn of his saddle. He
checks and tightens his leather armour, enough that it feels as sure as possible without restricting movement to
excess.
Jax
Jax stands considering the implications of following yet another plan. Wondering at the combat skills of his two
companions. The... magic person... seems to have a slight clue.... bit pushy though... the other is rather silent,
possibly a good thing. Seems the plan to climb this forsaken walls is a moot point, damn they’re steep... how the
hell was I meant to climb that... thankfully I don’t have to. Jax smiles to himself. Now it looks like this could be
a face on hammering.... awesome...
Jax turns to his companions: If were going to follow the wall and into the forest we run the risk of ambush
ourselves.... I am so in for that....
Jax grins, the thirst for battle and the bloodshed to follow another point in his belt against his father... I will be
better then you old man....
Jax prepares himself, fitting his armour, loosening his sword and tightening his shield for combat.
Jax: Remember its going to be dark soon… how are you all for night fighting?... we may miss something or
someone, easier for us to be caught... or consider maybe camping here for tonight and using early morning for
the ambush when they may be most tired?. Using this night to rest ourselves?
Episode 1.4
Location:
N edge of the Gap of Grace, up against the cliff-face
Date:
14th of April, 206DE
10:00pm
Weather:
Overcast with snow, Temp 2˚
Name
Draexil
Mist
Status
100%
Move
12, Strategic
Other Notes
Leading Mist
Leather Armour, Longbow
100%
100%
28, Strategic
12, Strategic
On hoof
On foot
Riding Horse III
Scale Mail, Sword, Banded
17, Strategic
13, Strategic
On paw
On RH II
Dog I
Leather Armour, Throwing
16, Strategic
26, Strategic
On paw
On hoof
Hyena
Riding horse II
Jax
Target Shield
Flax
100%
Ted
100%
Axe
Yves 100%
Laurent 100%
Although the reality of the situation is a bit of a blow to an otherwise good plan it is obvious that
climbing the hill’s cliff face is impossible thanks to this rather unorthodox geological structure. Ted is
intrigued by it and can be heard muttering to himself about the implications of sub-surface hollows
and how this might be a leftover from the eon-old Battles of the Gods. He finally pulls from his reverie
to sniff the air and declare that the overcast conditions will assist sneaking up on the forest.
A hurried conference at least confirms that this momentary setback is hardly going to stop the group
from a successful ambush on the Goblins, should this indeed prove to be their camp, and they
immediately fall to preparations.
Jax gleefully dons his Scale Mail Armour, hefts his Banded Target Shield and beloved Sword. He
takes a few practice swings before finally declaring himself fit for combat. Noting the ruddy face and
almost joyful expression at the thought of bloodletting on the face of his more aggressive companion
Draexil can be heard to audibly sigh as he tightens his combat Leathers and makes his Longbow
ready. Ted silently walks off to stare ahead as though his eyes could penetrate the gloom into the
dangers before them his hand rests gently on the head of the Dwarven Throwing Axe tucked in his
simple belt.
Jax and Flax take the point. Walking alongside Mist, guiding her towards the forest a few miles ahead,
snatches of prayers to Mushru can be heard as Draexil meditatively prepares to strike a blow at the
Kotothic scum so hated by his Lord and Master.
Ted sits upon his horse as usual and rides just out from the wall to provide flanking cover and a height
advantage for sighting ahead.
4 uneventful hours is what it takes to reach the first trees as the darkness and uneven ground makes
travel difficult in the night and it is here that the party stop to take council as to the best plan for
picketing the animals and approaching the estimated location of the smoke. About an hour previously
a few flakes of snow blew down from the mountains which loom many miles to the North and now the
snow fall has picked up in volume. The temperature has dropped considerably and the trees and
uncovered patches of ground have a soft covering of white.
There have been no further signs of campfires or any sign of Goblins, but this is definitely the trees in
which the smoke was first sighted. The trees are not dense and some can be seen to sprout from the
cliffs which tower above you. Visibility into the copse is poor, but the depth of this woody patch can be
guessed to be some 300- 500 feet along the cliff wall, it extends outwards to a length of roughly 300
feet. The vegetation is a transition from the ankle- to knee-high grasses of the plains to light shrubs,
small trees of 8-12 feet in height with the occasional grand tree of 20-30 feet height.
Expertise/Experience
Draexil
1 PE Plains Survival (level -39), Carrying (level -19)
Ted
1 PE Plains Survival
Characters Commands
Draexil
Drae shakes his head to himself. If the brute is intent on announcing himself, I'm sure as hell not going to be
standing nearby.
“ I suggest we spread out through the trees a little. Keep each other within sight but further than two arms
lengths away. Jace, in the middle. I'll take the right, away from the wall.”
Jace
Jace thinks to himself... this isn’t good, its dark, miserable weather, optimal place for an ambush, especially if
that goblin got back and warned everyone, which knowing my luck he has... awesome...
While waiting for the other two to picket their horses, Jace starts searching the nearby area for track, spore, or
any other telltale sign of goblins in the near vicinity.
Episode 1.5
Location:
N edge of the Gap of Grace, up against the cliff-face
Date:
14th of April, 206DE
10:30pm
Weather:
Overcast with snow, Temp 1˚
Name
Draexil
Jax
Flax
Ted
Yves
Status
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Picketed
Mist 100%
Laurent 100%
Move
12, Strategic
12, Strategic
17, Strategic
13, Strategic
16, Strategic
Other Notes
Leather Armour, Longbow
Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield
Dog I
Leather Armour, Throwing Axe
Hyena
0
0
Picketed
Picketed
Riding Horse III
Riding horse II
Moving as quietly as his brawler’s body will allow Jace takes a bit of time to search the undergrowth
and against the cliffwall for any sign of potential Goblin tracks. The snow, overcast night sky blocking
the moon and his own general unfamiliarity with areas outside of the Plains and Badlands make this
task fruitless, though he feels better for it, at least he knows there are no immediate threats – from
this point on the burly warrior knows the biggest threat in the forest is himself. At a whispered sound
from Draexil the party move off, the silent scout bringing up the rear initially to take one last chance to
check that the horses are well tethered and that the equipment they left behind is not vulnerable to
theft then he moves to a few paces ahead of the others.
The woods are silent; the snow has a way of making all sounds hushed apart from the occasional
crack of a twig underfoot or a branch brushing up against the party. Sticking close to the rock wall
they know that only the front and right side presents any danger, so they can focus their attention fully
forward.
Slowly and as silently as possible the group move for about 30minutes before they see a glow being
reflected off the cliff wall about 120 feet ahead… there is no doubt that someone has an open fire
here. No other signs of habitation are seen. Risking another 20 feet forwards movement Ted makes a
low sound that brings the attention of both Jace and Draexil to him – the silent Scout rarely speaks,
and when he does it is of value.
“They are aware of us… at least they know something is out here” he whispers “I saw movement from
the fire’s location into the shadows and trees. If it is Goblins then their night vision is far superior to
ours they will want to get the fire behind them and let their eyes adjust. I don’t know how many I saw,
but they are waiting to draw us closer I feel.” He goes silent again, hunches down and silently moves
forward to stare into the gloom to the Right of the fire’s location.
Expertise/Experience
Ted
1 PE Forester (He is only getting 1 PE even for a successful check because he is not playing yet)
Characters Commands
Draexil
I don't want to give flavour text to this one. There's simply not that much in it and it's going to be advancing the
same way as before.
Ted's going to use the wall for as much cover as it can give him. He'll take my bow. Pick targets (ie make
intelligent shots. He's a tactician, this should help him at least some in choosing an intelligent target)
I'll wrap around to the east/northeast (follow tree line) keeping in cover as much as possible and attempting
to flank. The idea will be that Ted takes his first shots with the bow and as soon as he draws attention, I can get
in there for an assassination attempt. I'll try to avoid using invisibility if possible. If I'm seen, obviously I’ll be
invisible @ EL 0.
Basically what it SHOULD look like, if I'm guessing Jace's actions correctly, is sort of an assault from 2.5
angles...
Ted on the wall.
Jace slightly to the east (I think it's easy) and coming out of the tree line
Drae wrapped around as far as possible to the northeast, again out of the tree line but looking for the
assassination.
(Yes. I'm going to play stealth for the unseen strike/ambush/assassination bonuses as much as possible.
I literally can't fight any other way. Unless I immolate the whole fuckin' place.
Jace
Knowing he can as usual only depend on himself, Jace slowly moves forward with the wall to his back. The
scout’s words hold wisdom - that fire is going to reduce any night vision I may have in defending myself. Using
his peripherals to move forward Jace does his best not to stare at the light, using his ears to listen for movement
hoping these two are at least gonna slow the goblins down enough for him to assist if need be. Not knowing
them well enough to decide if they’re slight distractions or will actually stand and hold their own.
Jace nods to the scout showing his understanding of his warning, averting his eyes as much as possible from the
glaring light while still keeping attention around him for the attack.
Episode 1.6
Location:
N edge of the Gap of Grace, up against the cliff-face
Date:
14th of April, 206DE
10:30pm
Weather:
Overcast with snow, Temp 1˚
Name
Draexil
Jace
Flax
Ted
Yves
Status
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Picketed
Mist 100%
Laurent 100%
Move
12, Tactical
12, Tactical
17, Tactical
13, Tactical
16, Tactical
Other Notes
Leather Armour, Longbow
Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield
Dog I – By Jace
Leather Armour, Throwing Axe
Hyena – By Ted
0
0
Picketed
Picketed
Riding Horse III
Riding horse II
Heeding Ted’s warning the group continues forward each in their own way. Quietly and without fuss
Draexil hands his Longbow to Ted and then peels off into the scrub and light brush away from the
wall.
With Longbow in hand and a hefty quiver of 80 arrows available Ted eases himself forward with the
wall covering one flank and his hyena friend on the other flank under the command of ‘Protect’.
Peering into the silent gloom ahead all he can see is snow dusted ground, the flickering of the
fireplace and dark clumps of trees which he is sure holds potential enemies.
Jace is also up against the wall and ahead of Ted with his shield up, sword out and Flax by his side.
Both master and dog are tense as they wait for a sign that this is the camp they are looking for.
Silently and slowly the group edge forward, the first to see movement is Draexil, from the dark of the
forest he can see the silhouette of a small shape crouched in the scrub at the base of a tree, the
figure is perfectly illuminated by the lighter cliff face in the background. Now he knows where to look
he can see another standing by its side, it is impossible from this distance (~70feet) to decide if they
are Goblins or not, but these creatures are either small human children or something else. He moves
on wanting to get closer.
The next to see the creatures is Jace, he is by this point about 50 feet away from the campfire
location (with Ted 10 feet behind) and as he advances he sees a small humanoid figure walking
casually from the trees in front of the fire’s location to the first rock outcrop (which is about 40 feet
away). This creature is small (~ 2 foot tall) and although it is indistinct at this distance he is pretty sure
it is neither a small Dwarf nor a Human child.
Jace:
Well, a few things come to mind, one, this may be a lure...two, maybe it doesn’t know I am here and therefore
will still have only a few seconds to react. First thought is to try and hand signal, using both hands without
taking eyes from target signal 1, then lower hand to about 2 foot, then use both hands to signal 10 five times and
point in direction hoping they get it... wait a few seconds in case they do understand...
After that, start creeping forward, I suspect this may be a cave opening on the other side of the outcrop (always
suspect more than you can see) However this may also be the lone goblin who got away, nothing to say it isn’t
just his campfire on the way to his desired location....
Once coming to the second conclusion.... kill it... run in low and fast...
Jace breaks from cliff wall with Flax by his side and runs in towards the creature after gesticulating
wildly to Ted. He closes until he is only 15 feet from it before a cry erupts in an alien tongue from a
tree about 20 feet further on. By now Jace can clearly see that he is facing a Goblin and it looks like a
female. She is startled by the cry and looks up in time to see the burly human rush onto her, she is
able to present her side to Jace but it is not enough to stop his vicious swing, he cuts her down
mercilessly.
Ted has followed up behind Jace, though at a lesser pace and keeping an eye out for any other
attackers. He was slightly flat-footed by the strange hand signals he received. He is the first to spot
another 2 creatures (which he assumes to be enemies after seeing Jace slaughter one of them) break
from under a tree; they rush at Jace with clubs raised high. Ted shoots from 30 feet away and despite
the darkness he is able to hit the creature thanks to it being unaware of the firer’s existence. The
arrow ploughs into the Goblin and knocks it off its feet, but it can be seen to be struggling up again.
The last runs straight at Jace heedless of it’s companion’s wounds but Jace is ready and waiting for
him and is just able to run him through with enough ‘bite’ to send it crashing to the ground with the
kind of wound that is likely to mean it’s doom. Flax has launched himself at the other struggling Goblin
and takes it by the neck to end its meaningless existence.
Having seen his prey break cover to run to attack Jace Draexil is left 30 feet from the sounds of
combat and unable to see any opponent… he steadily and stealthily moves forward, one does not
serve Mushru by charging into events like an animal.
A quick look around him allows Jace to see that he was correct, there is an entry into the cliff wall, it is
faced with the rock outcrop which he saw previously; he can hear from inside it the sounds of
something talking excitedly in the same foul language and approaching. Ted is now standing just
behind Jace and watching the trees like a hawk.
Jace:
Jace Whispers to Ted: “Can you see any others? There was a cry out from up high.”
Move slightly away scanning the trees for the look out, while keeping out of LOS of the cave. The light from the
fire will illuminate me as soon as I get near the cave entrance so stand away from it to try and retain what night
vision I have to see the lookouts.
Also while doing this prepare myself mentally for a possible charge into the cave mouth, the longer we wait to
do it the more chance they will have to fort up in the entrance making a storm of the cave potentially high risk. I
can’t see our third member so will assume he is still out there under cover watching our backs.
Ted replies that he sees no others and edges back to be sure he has Jace covered. Jace is standing
to the non-fire side of the cave entrance with his shield and sword ready but otherwise using the cliff
wall as much as possible to stay hidden. The rock outcrop which hides the cave entrance from view is
also likely to have hidden the proceedings out here from the creatures inside so Jace figures he has
got them in an ambush, as long as they run towards the fire first.
Meanwhile Draexil is still creeping through the woods.
He is amused to see a pair of legs wiggling from a tree’s branch no more than 10 feet ahead of him
and judging the time and distance to be adequate he successfully casts Invisibility on himself before
he strolls forward to time his arrival at the base of the tree as a quiet but careless Goblin climbs down
a small rope with knots in it. He smiles as he looks up to a see platform and a metallic pipe with a
brass bar attached, this was obviously meant to be some form of alarm. The Small Goblin never even
knew what hit him as Draexil breaks its scrawny neck with a slightly fumbled twist. Taking advantage
of the invisibility whilst it lasts the Mage quickly moves deeper into the forest past the point where the
other 2 are obviously fighting, if there are any other nasty surprises out there then it falls on him to
find them.
Oblivious to these goings on Jace watches 3 Goblins pop out of the cave in front of him, his guess
was right, they are running to the fire and as the 3rd, a smaller one with a club in it’s hand, runs past
he lunges forward with a ferocious swing and cleaves the filthy creature almost in two. Ted lets fly
with an arrow at the back of the second one to run out and despite the shot being a poor one he is
able to do enough damage to leave his opponent downed as dark blood pumps from a major vessel in
its upper arm. The first goblin to come out is larger than the others; it swings around in surprise and
lifts his spear ready to fight with a hiss even before he can see the attackers. Ted fires and the arrow
cuts across its leg but this is not enough to even ruin his aim as he throws his spear at the more
forward Jace; it is a weak throw and one Jace can avoid easily. There is no doubt things are getting
hotter out here though. There is a smaller Goblin with a club running up behind the spear-thrower
from the trees behind, and this larger Goblin is pulling another spear out of a make-shift quiver on its
back. The cave has more sounds inside it and one of the club wielding creatures is thrust out in front
of Jace by another Spearman behind it (Jace’s swing hurts it dearly and carves a chunk of flesh off of
it shoulder, but it is still strong enough to take a swing and a miss with its club.)
Draexil meanwhile has seen another of the larger Goblins hiding in the bushes from where the smaller
club carrying Goblin just jumped out to reinforce against the others in the party. It is about 15 feet
ahead of him with his back turned and whilst Drae is still invisible he is also feeling the tingling of the
Mana loosening from his psyche. Moving as quickly as possible he is able to strike with his lethal
hand-to-hand skills before the creature can turn towards the sounds of approach, but his rapid
movement combined with the dark and the invisibility spell wearing off ruins his balance and his strike
is not as well timed as he would like. The target is missed completely by the blow.
As Jace and Ted face down a pair of Spear and Club armed creature (with one of each pair wounded)
Draexil trades blows with the solitary brute in front of him. It took only 2 attacks to leave the creature
broken and unconscious, but that was enough time for Draexil to be cut across the side by a thrusting
spear (5HP damage)
Jace
Play carefully, even though I hunger for victory and a swift destruction of my foe, my training has taught me not
to over extend, face my foe but be aware of those around me and ready for someone to come from sides or
behind, so I don’t rush in.
On the other hand... I want to kill them all....
Jace moves in determined to destroy the fiend before him, these monstrous deceptive abominations must be
wiped from the face of this earth. No holds barred, kill without mercy; male, female, adult or child it dies.
However even with that desire, keep my eye out for Ted; make sure I am there if he needs me. Dispatch my foe
ASAP so I can assist. Then we can move together to kill everything else...
Jace: DIE HELL SPAWN!!!!!
Desperation gives the immediate opponent to Jace the power to sneak his attack through the
Human’s defences and the club strikes him soundly on the calf (4HP damage), behind him the Speararmed Goblin manoeuvres for some room and can be seen in the gloom to be preparing to throw his
spear. The other pair of Spear/Club Goblins are charging forward to the attack and unfortunately Ted
is again thrown off by a combination of darkness and erratic movements he pulls back the string and
lets another fly at the biggest but his aim is totally off again and he has no option but to drop the bow,
draw his Dwarven Throwing Axe and meet them head on. His Hyena moves to protect his master by
lunching himself at the larger of the two but is unable to do any damage to him. A casual flick of the
wrist is all it takes Jace to finish off the clubman and again he is able to avoid a clumsily thrown spear.
As his opponent reaches for his back up spear Jace slashes him across the chest, side-steps the
return thrust and plunges his sword into its back for the killing blow.
Draexil meanwhile is on the outskirts of this battle watching it unfold, with it being 20 feet or so away
from him it makes no sense to go running into battle when it appears that things are, reasonably,
under control… he decides to search further back to see what else might be of interest. A few short
paces through the shadows allows him to see another of the smaller Goblins moving up rapidly in the
dark shadows, this one spots Drae at the same time and raises his bow to fire, the arrow runs true – if
it were against a normal person - but Drae’s reflexes and special training allows him dodge a shot that
most people would have been forced to fend off with their shield. He leaps at his opponent; they are
only separated by a dozen paces, but is again forced to throw his body into contortions to avoid
another excellently placed arrow. Finally there is an excited shot which misses by a wide margin and
this places Drae within range of his target, he is able to take the pathetic creature down after a few
attempts. Standing for a moment in contemplation Drae thinks to himself… “Why are my skills failing
me?” he sighs, only more training, more dedication can turn him into the perfect way to work Mushru’s
will on this plane. Apart from the sounds of the combat behind him it is quiet now. He looks around
and spots another entry point into the cliff wall, “ah…” he thinks, “That was unexpected.”
Back at the other entrance Ted has his hands full, and his leg too as the spearman pierces him with a
nasty strike to the thigh (6HP damage) this will serve to slow him down (-25% MR).Thankfully the club
strike immediately following is a poor one and misses completely. The Goblin with the spear is unable
to gloat for long as an axe-blow further injures it and the sharp smell of foul blood fills the night air fro
his now multiple wounds. Jace swings around to strike but is not fast enough to save Ted from
another blow from the spear (2HP) which leaves him further incapacitated (-50% MR). Revenge is
impossible for Ted as the night causes him to misjudge his return strike completely and Jace is able
use his skill with the sword to compensate for the lack of visibility to finish the creature off. That is
enough for the other smaller Goblin, he turns to run and Ted flicks his Throwing axe into its back, as it
stumbles Flax again jumps on it and mauls it till it no longer struggles.
Draexil is staring at other cave entrance; it is still silent in there (as far as he can tell from 15 feet
away). He is on 14 of 21 HP and -25% MR
Jace is back to watching the first cave entrance, noises are still emanating from inside it. He is on 17
from 21 HP
Ted is on 8 of 16 HP and on -50% MR. His leather armour is in a bad way and he has retrieved the
axe from the back of the last Goblin to die. He has picked up the longbow and notched it with an
arrow.
Jace:
Move closer to the cave entrance to keep their remaining numbers from over whelming us all at once and give
Ted a chance to stand and move to a better position for him to shoot from. If he stays close it could kill him,
with him at my back with bow he gives me cover from behind and he doesn’t have to move much, focusing on
his offensive ability if he so choses.
Jace: Move back Ted and cover my back.
Move to cover the cave mouth without silhouetting myself to much in front of the fire. Also if I stand a little
aside on this side of the fire they will see me first, if Ted moves to the other side he will be able to see them and
shoot hopefully before they get to me so I can finish them off.
Although there is noise in the first cave entrance still it has subdued slightly and after roughly a minute
waiting it stops almost completely. There are more Goblins and Inniana-knows-what in there but it
doesn’t sound like they are rushing out anymore. With Jace and Ted covering both sides of the first
entrance they are confident of dealing with any other threats.
Likewise it is quiet by the entrance over which Drae is watching.
Minutes pass and no things changes, Drae decides to scope out the area a little more in the lull to
make sure there are no more surprises, it only takes 10 or so steps before he opens the angle on a
bush which had been blocking his view of a 3rd cavern entrance, unlike the other 2 entrances it is
silent (from 20 feet away) but there is a much stronger glow inside and woody-smelling smoke can be
seen escaping from the caverns roof. Ted can actually see Draexil from here thanks to the glow from
the still burning outside fireplace (a rough shallow pit with logs and branches aflame inside and more
logs spread around as makeshift seats). He motions to Jace who also swings around to see their
missing companion.
Draexil:
With everything quiet outside, and the area effectively secured, there seems only one viable course of action: an
assault on one of the cave entrances.
Common sense would suggest that these cave entrances, however, form some kind of system deeper down three entrances this close by would be an oddity if they were entirely separate. With recently encountered
strange and unexpected formations, however, it seems wise to confer with the others on this.
Drae takes a few paces back toward Jace and Ted. He waves them over, taking cover nearby the middle cave
entrance. In hushed tones, he asks what the others think.
Jace:
Well with three entrances so close they surely bound to join up together, so I will head to the left hand cave,
motioning Dreax to follow me in.... going in.
Ted:
Okay, great. So I am half dead, down to half movement, have a faggy little axe and a longbow, no apparent
fighting skills and it is dark. I want to retire into a little corner and just die. I want to stick with Jace and be
lookout for this round. Being half dead, I much more useful like that than in a fight.
More time passes before the 3 of you come together to meet between the Left and Middle entrance
near the camp fire. The adrenaline rush of the combat has waned and the cold night air bites even
stronger then it did before. The still burning fire at your back feels good. Snow continues to fall and
dark purple-red patches amongst the white show where their Goblin victims lie.
Calmly you share your understanding at the layout you face.
Jace and Ted are told about the Middle and the far entrance, Draexil learns about the fighting and the
noises deep in the first and left-most cave. A quick and slightly exasperated discussion leads Jace
and Draexil to consider the first entrance as their most likely target. Ted volunteers to guard their
backs with the longbow and stands facing away from the fire to allow his eyes to remain as
accustomed to the night as possible. Jace lights his pitch torch and hands it to Draexil; with Jace in
the lead it will be better if the torch is held behind him
Shouldering weapons the Mage and the Warrior head back towards the first entrance leaving the
Scout behind. The cave is dark and filled with the stench of unclean habitation, it is fairly dark though
there is a slight glow from up ahead, someone has a light source inside. The cave is roughly hewn
and despite being mostly natural it has obviously been expanded by its inhabitants. Its rough walls
extend forwards for about 8 or 9 feet before turning to the right into a larger cavern, this cavern seems
to then duck back deeper inside. The height is a comfortable 8-9 feet thanks to the fissure it is formed
from being extended upwards.
You can see no evidence of enemies, but scraps on the ground indicate this area was used as a living
area. It is also obvious that your arrival in the camp caused its denizens to clear out in a hurry. Half
eaten food and kicked over items litter the ground.
Before stepping any further in a cry from behind rouses you. Ted is calling out “Fellows! Quick! We
are beset!”
The final cave had obviously not been unmanned and the creatures inside had used the lull in the
combat to fortify their courage and spill forth. Ted’s Forest Craft was not enough to pick them up as
they sniffed the night air for the invaders of their home but once they started to move towards the
camp fire he picked them up immediately. Raising the longbow he sighted the first arrow and loosed a
shot right into the skull of the foremost Goblin, it made no sound as it fell and as its soul started its
journey to damnation. The others hesitated at the shock of the shot from the dark until a much larger
one at their rear roared at them; this coincided with Ted calling out for his companions.
Ted could see that there were at least 4 of them, 3 of the smaller Clubbers and a much larger one
with a Buckler, Spear and ragged strips of metal fixed on a leather frame as armour. 1 of the clubbers
charged as the others spread out and advanced with relative caution. Draexil had withdrawn from the
cave in time to see the next arrow fly and the almost emotionless “yes” from the Scout was enough to
convince him the arrow had struck home even though he could not see its target.
At this Drae dropped the torch he was holding, he can see Jace backing out so he know that the need
for it is no longer there… he runs forward intent on evening the numbers against Ted as quickly as
possible.
Jace has also withdrawn from the cave; he turns, assesses the situation, grins, and gives a mighty
roar before also charging into the fray.
The Goblins are close enough now for Ted to smell their unwashed bodies. They seem confident
knowing that they out-number him 3:1. He launches another arrow, knowing that if he receives no
backup soon then he will be caught short-handed. This arrow flies wild though and is lost in the night.
His Hyena, still on ‘Protect’ next to his side is told to ‘Attack’ and it bounds forward as the Goblins
throw themselves at the lone archer.
The Hyena draws blood on his target and this Goblin turns his attention towards the faithful animal.
This still leaves 2 more Goblins to face – the biggest throws a spear that misses by a wide margin and
then draws a decent short sword from a scabbard on his side. Unfortunately the Club-wielding enemy
does not waste the chance to hit Ted as he drops his bow to pull out his weapon of last resort, the
Throwing Axe (2HP damage).
The Hyena savages his opponent with only a minor wound to show for the successful kill (2HP) but
again the club strikes Ted and he knows that any more damage will see him done for (2 HP
remaining), he is starting to grey out from multiple concussive strikes and is not sure if he can
continue for much longer.
The Hyena seeks to protect his master whilst the largest Goblin perceives that Draexil is the biggest
threat now and lunges towards him as he races in for an attack. Drae dances around the attack but is
unable to strike in return as the Goblin moves just as smoothly to effectively avoid the attack. The
Human is not as lucky a moment later when the goblin cuts his arm with a glancing blow, Draexil is
able to connect in return but his hand-to-hand skills are not proficient enough to penetrate the armour
this time. Out of the corner of his eye he can see the cavalry-like charge of Jace though and knows
that he can afford to fight on in confidence.
Ted meanwhile is barely able to hit his opponent who was distracted by the Hyena attacking him from
behind. The hit is far more damaging than one would have expected considering its desperate nature
and the Goblin squeals in pain and clasps his chest with his free arm attempting to staunch the rapid
flow of blood as he backs off slowly using his rough club to hold his opponents at bay. It is only a
matter of time before Ted is able to finish it off.
Jace hits the melee like an avalanche and despite underestimating Draexil’s considerable magic
abilities the large Goblin recognises where the greatest combat threat lies – it raises its buckler to
defend against the huge humanoid bearing down on him but it is just wasted effort as Jace’s sword
rips through his face and armour leaving a terrible gash and throwing the Goblin to the ground with a
sickening crunch. Stunned on the ground he has no possible defence and Drae crushes his windpipe
with his heel.
Silence descends for a few moments as each looks around at the carnage. Ted breathes a sigh of
relief, drops to the ground and nurses his many bruises. “I am not sure how much more I can take of
this” he mutters and then picks up the longbow, notches an arrow and stares into the woods. Now
standing close to the middle entrance Jace has raised his shield and is inspecting his sword, notched
from the armour worn by his last victim. Drae pours some clean water on his cut and also turns to look
at the middle entrance. The faint light inside is wavering, it looks like something is coming out.
Jace:
Prepare for attack, whisper to Drae to stand behind me and keep an eye on Ted... I will face this threat alone for
now... but be ready to assist if need be.
Draexil:
Half step back and wave him on.
Ted:
Although injured, I can't let my mate face this alone. I stand quietly behind Drae with my bow and arrow out,
ready to shoot if needed.
The movement in the cave stops after a few seconds. Something is definitely there though but it is
waiting to come out. Bracing his feet for a strong defensive position and lifting his sword and shield to
prepare for a charge Jace mutters to Draexil, “I can handle this, watch my back and make sure Ted is
OK”. Ted has raised the longbow to cover the entrance and also support Jace. With their backs to the
fire and their attention firmly drawn to the cave entrance their night vision is starting to reveal a
number of small humanoids a short distance inside the cave, Goblin, of course.
Jace knows that rushing into the cave against them is useless without illumination; he also knows that
the cave’s width of 4-6 feet will favour their shorter arms; he has no option to wait.
Again seconds pass…
Then Drae feels it, the kind of prickling at the back of the neck which can only mean one thing, spell
casting! He turns to look towards the source of power and sees at the first entrance another of the
much larger Goblins standing with his eyes closed and arms extended as he casts his spell. This
Goblin is dressed in proper (child-sized) leather armour with a leather cap. Next to him kneel 2
archers with their puny Goblin Bows cocked… the enemy in the middle tunnel was a feint!
From the creature, who is obviously their leader a flash of sickly yellow-green light erupts, but no
effect can be seen. The arrows fly, both of them at Draexil and one of them hits him right on the chest
but it lacks the force to penetrate the armour and thankfully drops to the ground. With a yelp the
Goblins waiting in the cave charge forth!
There are at least 2 of the slightly larger ones with spears charging from the middle tunnel at Jace
another smaller runt is with them. At the other entrance is the much larger leader and the 2 runty
archers
Draexil
Shouts to Ted: Spearmen to the north!
Rush Leader with Invisibility for the ambush. I want to be close enough to the two archers that I can fight them
defensively after the ambush -- keep those bows as close as possible so I can dodge effectively, twist out of the
way, that sort of shit. After the ambush, I'll try for EL0 sleeps on each archer. If they both drop, kill them both.
If one drops, concentrate on the other.
Jace
Fight to the death kill these slimy disgusting creatures of evil, hack them limb from limb... THEY MUST ALL
DIE
Ted:
Call me paranoid, but a certain Admiral tells me that there is more to these fuckers than this... Never the less,
we're here, so I plan to shoot the fuck out of this spell casting bastard.
This fight has been a constant flow of action and inaction, and when the time for action comes there is
rarely the chance to hesitate. Drae draws the attention of the group to the Goblin charge from the
cave, but Jace knows about these creatures and he is sure he can take them apart by himself. He
waits for them to approach and certain the little runty one (armed with a dagger of sorts) is little threat
he focuses on the spearmen.
Draexil summons mana through his body but is unable to complete the spell preparations for
Invisibility in time to avoid getting shot by one of the poor Goblin arrows – it again fails to penetrate his
armour, but his concentration is disrupted and his attempt to turn Invisible fails. This also allowed the
main Goblin long enough to cast his spell at poor Ted who does not have the will-power to block its
effects… Ted feels rage filling his heart as he knows deep within that Jace and Draexil are the cause
of him being stranded out here in the wilderness with serious wounds and that the only logical solution
is to kill them both.
Jace has a lucky escape when his Metal Helmet and Ring Mail stop a serious spear thrust to the neck
from biting too deeply (2HP damage) in return his strike against the overextended Goblin is so
fearsome that it passes right through its chest, midriff and hips before exiting in a cascade of innards.
He knows this is not the best way to treat a sword and that he probably damaged it again (1 fatigue)
but it felt damn good!
He faces the other spearman now and trusts Draexil and Ted to watch his back against the smaller
sneak who is working around to his rear. The last spearman and he trade blows and Jace is able to
wing it but feels a bite against his back as he suffers a sneaky little stab from the Goblin with the
toothpick (2HP). Blow after blow is traded with the only decent attack by the Goblins being blocked by
Jace’s stout shield; finally a quick little thrust slides through the spear-Goblins defences and ends him
before Jace swings around to decapitate the little runt behind him. Now he can see the rest of the
action and it is not a pretty sight.
Drae is oblivious to Ted’s predicament and again attempts to turn Invisible with no success. He feels
the Goblin cast a spell at him but is able to shrug its effect off as well as avoiding 2 more arrows but
things are starting to get out of control and it might be time to charge into action without the benefit of
Invisibility.
Meanwhile Ted is has worked himself up to a Berzerker-like rage and is pulling out his Throwing Axe.
Draexil runs forward and the lead Goblin lifts a mace of obviously non-Goblin manufacture to meet
him. His charge draws 2 more arrow shots, but they both miss. Deciding to even the odds Drae takes
out the easiest opponent first. He launches himself in the air and with a kick directed at an archer who
is obviously wounded is able to retard his fall as a satisfying crunch tells him this foe’s fate is sealed.
Keeping his feet has allowed him to back up against the rocky wall and save himself from too much
injury from a mace blow (1HP now on 10HP); it also ensures that no more than 2 opponents can
attack him at once.
The archer Goblin is running back toward Ted who Draexil is happy to see is charging into battle…
although he is surprised to see the archer running with his BACK towards Ted and with his guard
down. The leader Goblin and Drae exchange blows and in the midst of this he can see that Ted has
ignored the smaller archer and looks like he is ignoring the Leader as well… he is unsure what this
means (failed an Empathy test).
Another mace blow is avoided with only minor damage (1HP) but again the return strike is impossible.
Ted entering the battle should even the score, but even as his axe scythes down towards Draexil he
is finally able to see from his party mate’s face that something is terribly wrong. The axe misses but
now Drae has to decide how to deal with 2 opponents, one of whom is a badly wounded friend. Even
worse his friends Hyena is standing at the back ready to attack Draexil now that he can see who his
master is fighting.
(Jace can see the melee and knows that some thing is quite wrong. The archer Goblin is about 12
feet away from him and actually seems to have his back to Jace as it is watching the fight looking for
a chance to loose an arrow into Draexil)
Draexil
Seems relatively straightforward...
If enough Mana is available, Sleep Touch EL0 Ted, then focus on the mage with fists and kicks ... and head
butts and elbows and bites and scratches and hair-pulling and whatever-the-hell-else Mushru might suggest in
order to tear this thing apart.
Jace
Kill the archer first, charge from behind, then push into the larger melee, targeting to the goblin but if ted gets in
the way he goes down... with a fist trying not to kill but incapacitate
Ted
<insert mindless gibberish>
Draexil knows that only his magic can save him from having to kill a friend but at the same time he
has to somehow deal with this Goblin Mage before he suffers much more damage. The mace crashes
into him again and deals him a bone-jarring blow (4HP damage), he could be in trouble if help doesn’t
arrive soon. He attempts to channel mana through his touch and send Ted off to sleep, but is
unsuccessful, he does physically hit him with a stunning blow for 1 HP damage and this combined
with the damage he has already suffered is enough to knock him out.
Ted slumps to the ground and Draexil uses the wall to position himself behind Ted’s unconscious
form to gain protection against the Hyena.
Jace foregoes the usual battle cry and instead rushes silently upon the lone archer, even a slight
misstep in the dark is not enough to cause a miss and he cuts the archer down before it knew what hit
him. Not hesitating over such an unworthy foe he rushes to the melee in time to see Ted fall to the
ground. If he can get there fast enough then this will all soon be over.
The last Goblin and Drae exchange attacks with no success until the Goblin gets his footwork caught
on the prone figure of Ted, his stumble allows Drae to really catch him with a sharp blow to the head
that sets the Goblin back for a second, luckily this is not enough to allow the Hyena a chance to attack
through the gap. The stumble carries him back into Jace’s range and a massive swing cuts him right
across his back – it falls to the ground, tries to lift itself up and then expires. Not wishing to cause his
friends animal companion any pain Drae is able to summon the powers of sleep into his touch and
without any compunction he steps across Ted’s prone figure and bats the Hyena on the back, it
immediately falls into a deep slumber.
Again silence fills the grove.
It looks like this battle is complete. The cave remains unexplored though
Expertise/Experience
Jace
Sword – 4PE, Shield – 2PE
Exp:
106
(+2 Characteristic Point)
Draexil
Assassin – 2PE, Acrobat – 4PE. SleepTouch 2PE.
Exp:
50
(+1 Characteristic Point)
MExp: 2
Ted
Throwing Axe (Fight) - 2PE and (Throw) – 2PE, Longbow – 2 PE
Exp:
14
Group Decision
1. Loot + pyre
2. Retrieve horses (leaving Jace to defend and keep vigil)
3. Rest up, eat, sleep (it's probably quite late) (keep a one in two watch, let T sleep)
4. (Morning) break fast, exercise (stretching, prayer)
OPEN from this point:
Time should be spent in equal parts hunting (food) gathering (materials) and constructing.
Construction should be divided between shelter and defence-works (both will be crude and rudimentary with
only basic tools available. Make use of anything on Drae's equipment list for this)
Thinking reinforced earth-works (with logs) will probably be the maximum we can get away with there. Consult
Ted, the Tactician and Strategist (from memory) on emplacements.
Mornings should always include prayer and exercise.
Eating will be as plentiful as hunting/foraging allows for the replacement of.
Healing as needed.
Episode 1.7
Location:
N edge of the Gap of Grace, Goblin Camp in a makeshift camp
Date:
15th of April, 206DE
12:00noon
Weather:
Overcast, Temp 8˚
Name
Draexil
Jace
Ted
Status
5/21 HP
32/40 Mana
Mist
100%
15/21 HP
Flax
100%
2/16 HP
Yves 100%
Laurent 100%
Move
At Camp
Other Notes
Leather Armour
At Camp
At Camp
At Camp
Resting
Sleep-Touched
At Camp
Riding Horse III
Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield
Dog I
Leather Armour
Hyena
Riding horse II
With the death of the apparent leader of the Goblin band the two conscious party members feel safe
enough to start to prepare their own camp. Despite it being the middle of the night they waste no time
in pitching a 2-man tent from Draexil’s pack near the fire so that they can put Ted and Yves the Hyena
inside that they might rest and recuperate. Until his master is woken the two feel that it might not be
safe to waken the magically sleeping animal.
With the tent pitched and no further incident thanks to their noise and the 20-30 minutes which have
passed Draexil moves off into the forest to recover the horses and their gear which was left behind.
Jace, though tired from combat and his wounds hefts his shield and sword once more to stand guard
over the camp alone. He feels good; feels that things are finally moving in the way he needs to take
control of his own destiny. He looks over the motionless Goblin corpses on the ground and feels
proud that most of them fell beneath his blade. This reminds him to check his sword and sure enough
there are 3 notches on it (3 Fatigue) from the mightiest of his blows. He chuckles to himself; they
never had a chance…
Drae slips quietly through the forest, keeping away from the rock wall he continues for 15minutes
before sending his mind out with a Mind Search spell, its range is limited and he detects nothing but it
goes a way to restoring his confidence as many times tonight his excitement blocked his mana from
flowing as smoothly as it needed to.
He recovers the Horses, they are unharmed, and he returns to the camp.
It takes another hour to drag the 22 corpses to pile them near the campfire.
They start to separate potential items of value from the pathetic creatures and set the items to one
side all the time keeping one eye set of eyes on the caves and another on the forest. Another hour
passes.
Finally they drag the corpses to the side and pile them over logs and some old wood they find lying
around. Draexil meditates and draws some of the Fire of his glorious God out of his hand and despite
it not being quite as effective as he hoped is able to set the logs and bodies aflame.
Draexil feels that in his exhausted state it would not be the best time to attempt to heal Ted or anyone
else for that matter. Jace volunteers to wash Ted’s wounds so Drae washes his own wounds with
some water boiled in Jace’s pot and then unfurls his bedroll and blankets and falls into a deep
slumber (+2 Mana)
For Jace, despite being active now for nearly 24 hours, the air feels clean and fresh… he feels alive
and his strength and martial prowess fills him with a huge sense of confidence which he lacked under
his father’s oppressive roof.
At dawn he awakens Draexil, the Mage rises and together they eat. Ted is still deeply unconscious.
A quick discussion sees agreement that staying here for a week to heal to clear out the rest of these
caves is the best idea. Even though Jace is low on food (2 days worth) they can hunt and trap to
increase their stocks. They move a few logs to cover the 3 entrances and in the morning light from
their campsite it is decided that they have enough of a viewpoint to offer protection from the woods
and caves alike.
Jace takes his turn to rest and Draexil meditates to give thanks and praise to Mushru to prepare his
mind for the spells he must cast today. His healing blessings are effective with Ted immediately
looking brighter and coming to consciousness enough to ask for some water. A short explanation of
the nights events fills him in on the story after his cursing by the Mage; then he rests some more.
Draexil casts the same Healing spell upon himself and is also immediately greatly improved (Ted +5
HP, Draexil +6 HP, 4PE and 6MEP).
With this holy task completed Draexil searches for more wood with which they can build some devices
to cover the caves entrances and also use to build a hut for protection.
Your Horses will be able to feed themselves on the available foliage. You have been resting after 24
hours non-stop activity and thus hunting has been impossible.
You will also need to share the watch tonight as Ted is likely to need rest until tomorrow morning. He
doesn’t sound good and it appears as though this experience has been too much for him; his selfconfidence is shaken.
It is now noon and whilst neither Jace nor Drae are fully rested they are rested to the point where they
are confident of functioning well enough. There are 5-6 hours of daylight left today do you have any
plans?
Loot Gathered from corpses
2x Very Poor Quality Daggers
(-2 WSB, Fat 3)
3x Goblin Short bow
(-2 WSB)
9x Goblin Spears = Javelin
10x Poor Quality Clubs
(-1 WSB, Fat 5)
5 Sets of Animal Pelts
(Various qualities and types)
Short Sword
(Human Manufacture, average condition)
Buckler
(Av 5, +2%)
1x Poor Leather (teen)
(Av1 Fat 6)
1x Leather Helmet (Teen)
(Av1 Fat 14)
1x Leather Armour (Teen)
(Av1 Fat 13)
Excellent Quality Ornate Mace
4 GC was on the Magic Casting Goblins body
14CC was on the other Large Goblins body
29CC from various coin purses
Jace
My day then will be spent cutting wood for fire and stakes to use in defence. Use the shovel to dig holes and
plant stakes pointing toward the cave entrances making a smaller exit for any rushing forces coming out of it
making it easier to take them on. When possible, turn the dog lose to hunt in the region, get him sniffing out
whatever he can, rabbit, bigger game etc. Spend time during my watch slowly grinding out the nicks in my
sword. The following days are spent getting sleep, healing and digging a dirt wall facing outwards for further
defensive purposes. Keep looking after T as well.
Draexil
Hunting for this afternoon. Then tomorrow morning it'll be prayer/exercise (standard) and D digging out
earthworks according to T/J's plans, J hunting/armour care, and if T's up to it, woodcutting (we'll need him to
gather timber, etc, for earthwork reinforcements and shelter.)
Episode 1.8
Location:
N edge of the Gap of Grace, Goblin Camp in a makeshift camp
Date:
16th of April, 206DE
11:30noon
Weather:
Cloudy with Storms, Temp 12˚
Name
Draexil
Status
Mist
Jace
Flax
Ted
Yves
Laurent
Move
13/21 HP
32/40 Mana
100%
19/21 HP
100%
11/16 HP
100%
100%
At Camp
Other Notes
Leather Armour
At Camp
Hunting
Hunting
Hunting
Hunting
At Camp
Riding Horse III
Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield
Dog I
Leather Armour
Hyena
Riding horse II
The afternoon of the 15th sees Draexil take up his bow and head out of the Woods to search for some
food. While the horses have enough time to graze to their hearts content Jace is limited to just 2 more
days of food and unless he is to start dipping into the other’s supplies then more food must be found.
Flax is let loose and the dog finds enough small game to satisfy his needs, Drae is able to rustle up
enough obviously safe roots and small meats to satisfy most of Jace’s needs (2FP).
Ted wakes Yves and is forced to feed him from the meat supplies he carries as the Hyena is still too
groggy from 12 hours of magically induced sleep to scavenge on its own.
Since Jace is left at the camp he uses his time to cut down young branches and sharpen them into
spikes. He gathers a good amount of them and then with Ted’s direction (he is sitting up now at least)
he is able to start to position them in front of the cave entrances to arrest any charge from within. Jace
is thankful for the shovel he brought; it makes light work of the rocky soil and saved him from having
to use his sword.
After covering and closing the leftmost entrance (Westernmost) with the spikes he starts to work on
the middle entrance. The caves had been silent up to this point but obviously the creatures inside
figured that their chance of escaping was now or never… without any warning 3 figures rush out of
the darkness into the mid-afternoon shadows… more Goblins! But they are obviously too small to be
fighters, could they be female?
Their rush does not catch Jace by too much surprise, he swings the shovel around at the last to exit, it
is carrying a young Goblin to its chest. The shovel is an excellent makeshift weapon and it leaves the
female lifeless on the ground, her child is thrown forward but does not appear to be too badly injured
by the fall. A quick word to Flax and Yves sends the faithful animals at the last 2 as they flee, one is a
female, the other an older child, they are brought down and savaged.
The caves remain silent; Jace picks up his shield and draws his sword but 10 minutes of watchful
waiting draws no more out of the depths.
Jace finishes the middle cave’s fortifications and then assists Ted to the 3rd cave, the firelight and
smoke have died down inside and placing the stakes here with Ted watching over him is a matter of
formality.
Drae returns with his meagre find and as they eat and discuss the incident today the others scoff at
the small bounty brought in from the plains. “Let me show you how this is supposed to be done” says
Ted. “If you cannot find enough food for even one of us then you need an expert doing the gathering”
adds Jace. At this point Drae starts to laugh reminding Ted that at least he knows how to avoid being
hit over the head repeatedly by Goblins.
Each take their turn to Guard through the night, even Ted is wedged up and placed nearby Jace so
he can take his turn. During the night a Storm brews up, Jace and Ted share the 2-man tent, Drae
pitches his other single tent.
There are no incidents.
The next morning occasional rain squalls and lightening flashes hit the camp. Despite that everyone
feels much better (Drae +2 HP, Jace +4 HP, Ted +4HP) though unfortunately Drae is unable to
successfully call down the Healing power of his God for Ted today.
Ted feels well enough to move again and together he and Jace head out to the Plains by foot so their
combined Survival skills can be put to the test. They manage to triple Draexil’s haul of yesterday
(12FP) which is enough to feed everyone. Again the animals are able to support themselves.
On their way back to the camp near noon Ted spots some figures approaching the Woods from the
same location you first entered 2 nights ago. He cannot tell how many there are, but they seem to be
human or humanoid enough to pass for human and there is the glint of what little sun is shining
reflecting on metal from their bodies and the weapons they hold in their hands. Jace and Ted are
currently 30 min away from the camp in a direct line at hunting pace; running will get you there in 15
minutes. Draexil is watching the gates and generally guarding the camp, he is unaware of what you
have seen.
Expertise/Experience
Jace
Exp:
3, Survival Plains (1PE)
Ted
Survival Plains (1PE)
I have assigned some of the loot from the Goblin bodies: 1 GC each, 14CC each. Ted has taken the Buckler,
Short Sword and 2x Javelins.
I also just want to remind you that for a successful elimination of the Goblins there is a 2SC reward each, for
finding and returning an Ornate Mace believe to be stolen by the Goblins there is an additional 7SC reward.
These must be claimed from Master Jimbio in Mordara
Jace
Jace gestures to Ted understanding he has the better sneak skills, "Can you run past without them
seeing to warn Drae? I will follow this lot, you warn Drae.... I can follow from a distance and charge
from behind to take them down if need be... agreed?"
How many are there?
Draexil
If they make it up to warn me, invisibility and edge up against the walls.
If I'm surprised by the approach (if hostile, assuming) then defend from within camp w/ fire darts.
Just too bad the Bow I don’t carry my bow with me as a matter of course. Otherwise this'd be a relatively quick
and easy win.
Ted
Okay, I'm running back to the camp. Hope I don't trip over anything >_>
Episode 1.9
Location:
N edge of the Gap of Grace, Goblin Camp in a makeshift camp
Date:
16th of April, 206DE
1:00pm
Weather:
Cloudy with Storms, Temp 12˚
Name
Draexil
Status
Mist
Jace
Flax
Ted
Yves
Laurent
Move
13/21 HP
32/40 Mana
100%
19/21 HP
100%
11/16 HP
100%
100%
At Camp
Other Notes
Leather Armour
At Camp
At Camp
At Camp
At Camp
At Camp
At Camp
Riding Horse III
Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield
Dog I
Leather Armour
Hyena
Riding horse II
Ted and Jace quickly confer about the humanoids they saw. Jace saw them too and insisted that
there were just three of them, Ted says there are four. In either case someone needs to go to the
camp to warn Drae. Even with his wounds Ted believes he can make it in time, so he heads off with a
javelin in his hand just in case.
Jace meanwhile runs as fast as he can in his leather armour with his stout shield slung over his back
and his sword sheathed for ease of movement. His plan is to follow up behind them and use his
tracking abilities to detect what they are and their number. Then, if he is fast enough, or his prey is
slow enough, he can catch up with them and attack from behind if necessary.
Long minutes pass as the 2 warriors race towards their destiny for this afternoon. Meanwhile, Draexil
back at camp is cooking up some rations for their lunch whilst keeping an eye on the blockaded
caves.
Jace is the first to reach his target, the wet grass easily retains the story of the passing of the
intruders. His keen plainsman skills tell him that they are three in number and likely to be human; they
are moving cautiously. It is also apparent that they are tracking the trail left by Jace, Drae and Ted on
the night of their attack on the Goblin camp however their speed does not quite match the speed that
Jace can muster, their skills are inferior to his he notes with a sense of self-satisfaction. He moves
more cautiously now, their trail is clear and he needs not spend too much time in tracing it. He quietly
draws his Sword and Shield and follows.
Ted runs as fast as he can, 3 days in these Woods has given him enough local knowledge that unless
the humanoids make a sudden detour he knows can afford to run until he enters a short way into the
Woods before slowing down to control his noise.
He is easily able to reach the camp and urgently, but not without caution, warn Draexil.
Drae hands Ted his bow and retreats to the shadows under a tree… if they don’t know he is here then
his invisibility trick will be even more of a surprise. Ted stands in the camp with some logs offering him
cover but otherwise standing strong and proud with the bow at the ready.
Again time passes slowly.
Even Ted’s knowledge of the ways of the Woods and Forests was not enough to forewarn him of the
approach of the newcomers and Drae is totally out of his element.
A voice, slightly hesitant, calls out in un-accented Donaran from a patch of forest near the cliff wall.
“We have you covered stranger, we mean no harm but we will fire upon you if necessary”.
Ted draws the arrow back on the bow but keeps it pointing to the ground, although Drae cannot see
the source of the call, Ted can clearly see two assailants. One is kneeling with a bow raised and
aimed, the other stands to the left of the first by about 10 feet with a spear hefted for the throw.
Ted replies, “You approach our camp with weapons raised and ask me to submit, on whose authority
do you dare challenge us?”
The voice calls again “Us? So there are more of you? Do you know the names Ted, Jace and
Draexil?”
“I know these names” replies Ted, “what is your business with them?”
“My name is Carn and I call no town home, I bring word for these 3 on the request of Master Jimbio of
Mordara. To whom to I speak?”
“My name is Ted, my companions are watching you, come forward with your weapons lowered and
we will speak.”
Stepping from the shelter of the trees into the rain swept clearing where the camp has been erected is
the speaker. A thin and wiry man dressed in shabby clothing but wearing gleaming chainmail, he
carries a Bastard Sword with his hand’s grip reversed and its blade facing down in a symbol of peace.
He bows slightly, “My name is Carn. I speak for my companions when I say we mean you no harm
and bring you a message of import.” Looking at him you sense contradictions, his equipment is a mix
of the lowest beggar’s and a mighty warrior’s. He has a gleam in his eye which shows fire and a steel
will back his actions but he also carries the burden of many trials upon his soul.
Next to step out is another man, just past his youth and carrying a little weight on sturdy frame. He is
dark haired, round of face and with an aura of mild fatigue surrounding him. His clothes are a little to
good for the road, to old for fashion and too worn for the high street. “I am Besthan” he says with
neither bow nor disrespect. “I am a Merchant and have travelled far and wide seeking worthy items for
purchase and sale. I am known to Master Jimbio. I travel this way for reasons of my own, but was
asked to assist in finding and greeting you on his behalf. Well met Ted.”
Ted greets him in return and asks for the last of the band to come forward
Carn smiles and mutters “This one is proud, treat her lightly at your own risk”
Stepping forward is a female dressed as one who feels very much at home in her leather armour. “I
am Ishtar Al Abina, my actions speak for themselves”. This woman, though tall for her sex, looks
young and it is only the well-maintained arms and the ease with which she carries them which betrays
her experience with combat. She looks like a horse maiden from one of the mercenary Barbarian
tribes, even wearing a leather skirt like their women do. She also has her dark hair plaited back like
the warrior women of the Kaz (Barbarian Horse Warriors from across the Elder Mountains) unlike
them though her hair and cloak are held by clasps and broaches of metal and not bone or sinew.
Strangely she must be Donaran though as her voice has no taint of foreign accent.
Last to emerge from the trees is Jace - Besthan and Carn wheel in surprise, Ishtar seems unmoved.
“Well!” he booms “Guests, and just in time for lunch! Sit down then and let us hear your story, and you
shall share our bounty of twigs, leaves and roots”.
They sit near the fire and allow the rain to fall over them as they draw their own rations of meat and
cheese to add to the feast. After watching for 10 minutes to be sure of no surprise Draexil also leaves
his watching place and glides forward to introduce himself.
Their story is a brief one and while it is told Ishtar goes back into the forest to bring forward their
animals from where they were tethered.
After sending the first party out to deal with these pesky Goblins and retrieve the mace so that Jimbio
might honour his dead friend one of his ‘staff’ noticed a party of 6 of the local bandits leaving with a
tracker following the trail which was, by now, a day old. Fearing that the party would be waylaid
Jimbio called together some new people (Carn and Ishtar) and tasked them to join his associate
Besthan in finding the travellers and bring them home safely.
Their journey was relatively uninterrupted and marred by only by a single incident, 4 of the bandits
and the tracker were found dead and partially eaten only a few miles from this point. They were killed
by either massive bite wounds or concussion from mighty blows and left to rot under the sky. Their
equipment was not stripped, but thanks to their condition there was little worth salvaging. This
happened near the entrance to the Gap of Grace.
I have assigned some of the loot from the Goblin bodies: 1 GC each, 14CC each. Ted has taken the Buckler,
Short Sword and 2x Javelins.
I also just want to remind you that for a successful elimination of the Goblins there is a 2SC reward each, for
finding and returning an Ornate Mace believe to be stolen by the Goblins there is an additional 7SC reward.
These must be claimed from Master Jimbio in Mordara
Jace
Jace gestures to Ted understanding he has the better sneak skills, "Can you run past without them
seeing to warn Drae? I will follow this lot, you warn Drae.... I can follow from a distance and charge
from behind to take them down if need be... agreed?"
How many are there?
Draexil
If they make it up to warn me, invisibility and edge up against the walls.
If I'm surprised by the approach (if hostile, assuming) then defend from within camp w/ fire darts.
Just too bad the Bow I don’t carry my bow with me as a matter of course. Otherwise this'd be a relatively quick
and easy win.
Ted
Okay, I'm running back to the camp. Hope I don't trip over anything >_>
Jace and Draexil:
We are thinking of heading back into town after clearing the tunnels, restocking then coming back for more
goblin ears and maybe raid a ruin or two… then once we have a bit more xp, hit up Donara for some serious
work....
Besthan
Besthan stays aloof for the first day, only responding when he can either add expertise or is directly spoken too.
In the exploring of the Caves Besthan will prepare with his heavy armour and act as a rear guard if that is
suitable to the party, able to hurl a spear forward if there is trouble or provide warning if there is something
behind.
Carn
Cave exploring sounds good. Afterward though, I'm not too sure. Certainly one of the reasons my character
came out here to bogan country was to get away from the city of Donara, but we can deal with that later.
Ishtar
Cave exploring sounds good, then back to Mordara. When it comes to the caves I feel that I can deal with
anything that comes up so I will take another entrance and show them how it is done.
Episode 1.10
Location:
Donaran Plains 1 day North of Mordara
Date:
18th of April, 206DE
8:00am
Weather:
Overcast with Fog, Temp 2˚
Name
Besthan
Name?
Name?
Carn
Clive
Draexil
Mist
Ishtar
Miu Miu
Jace
Flax
Ted
Yves
Laurent
Status
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
30/40 Mana
100%
100%
100%
19/21 HP
100%
100%
100%
100%
Move
12
18
17
11
28
12
Other Notes
Riding WHII - Encumbered
War Horse II
Tethered to WHII
Walking, Leading Horse
Riding horse III
Riding Mist
22
12
17
12
17
13
16
26
Riding Horse III - Encumbered
Walking, Leading Miu Miu
Mule
Walking
Dog I
Riding Laurent
Hyena
Riding horse II
A conversation after lunch continues for a number of hours and each shares what they are willing to
have the others know.
Jace and Drae talk about their plans to return to the Hills and search out tombs and lost places before
striking for the great capital of Donara to make their fortune.
The newcomers each seem to have their reasons for not making for the big city, but the idea of
hunting through the hills at the base of the mountains certainly seems appealing.
Ted on the other hand seems to consider that the past few days has been more than enough
excitement and might re-think his plans to build on his experience before joining the army, he thinks it
is time to retire and seek a more stable profession.
Each agrees that before heading back to Mordara to meet with Master Jimbio (and claim their pay)
that they need clear these tunnels first.
By roughly 3pm preparations are completed. Jace offers to take the lead into the middle cave
entrance and Carn backs him up with a pitch torch in his off hand. Besthan also offers to work with
them and cover their rear.
Ishtar on the other hand believes that a lightning attack to outflank the enemy would be the best of
plans and she heads off to the first cave entrance, Draexil moves with her carrying her Oil Lantern.
Ted will again stay in camp and guard their rear and reinforce where needed
Jace, Carn and Besthan start off with Jace in his full armour carrying sword and shield. Behind him
stands Carn with his brutal club out, a weapon he seems to be quite attached to and has modified
with iron nails and shards of metal. Besthan was gifted 2 Javelin from the pile left by the Goblins and
he hefts one of those and is also carrying his Shield. Like Jace he is wearing Ring Mail over Leather
whilst Carn has his chain mail shirt.
At the other entrance Ishtar stands eager to charge in with her Leather Armour and Target Shield for
protection whilst she wields her horsewoman’s Scimitar, a weapon perfectly suited to the tight
environment of the cave. Draexil, backing her up, is unarmed as usual standing on the balls of his and
is a picture of meditative calm as he draws Mana through every pore in his body for the fight ahead.
Entering the lair all is quiet.
Jace’s mob ease down a fairly straight but narrow corridor which enters into a slightly wider cavern of
about 8 feet across; from here they can see the light of Ishtar and Draexil bobbing as they navigate
through a few moderate curves and bends, past some sleeping gear and then into the same cavern.
To the left of the 5 members of the party is a wider open area in a very rough elliptical space, this
area too is littered with detritus like a hastily abandoned living area for foul scum. The only way
forward is an opening close to where Jace’s team entered; it is about 6 feet wide and leads into what
appears to be another cavern.
Jace and Ishtar take the lead this time with Carn and Draexil following, Besthan seems content to
hold back and take the rear.
The corridor is walked for only a few feet before the quality light of the lantern reveals another
cavernous room. Inside there is a large poorly thrown together chair with some cloth draped over it at
the far end of the room (~12 feet away) and again this room is full of litter from former habitation. It
can be seen that the room is indeed still inhabited, with Goblin females (2) and children (3). They look
weak and though the females lift themselves to protect their young there is no challenge in snuffing
out their insignificant lives, the children are dispatched as a matter of course.
Each of you fans out and briefly searches the room in case of another entrance or exit, but no
evidence of alternative paths are found.
What is found is a large animal fur of good quality and a bolt of cloth which may have 5 or 6 yards of
decent-enough fabric on it. A large 20 quart keg is also found almost half full of what looks to be salt.
It only takes another 15 minutes to leave this cave with these items and then enter and explore the
last cave. This one is a rough teardrop shape and opens into a cavern with a long-dead fireplace in
the middle of it. This cavern is uninhabited and it looks like items were taken when the former
occupants fled.
After all this time waiting it seems that whatever prey was in these caves has now bolted.
With a sense of anti-climax the party take the newly found items and come out to spend a final night
at their camp before returning to Mordara.
The next morning, after an uneventful night, they strap their accumulated loot to their horses and
mules and make their way out of the Gap of Grace. There is a rain falling and the morning is cold and
unpleasant. By leaving as the sun rises at roughly 7: 30 there is hope that even at the pace of the
slowest member taking opportunistic game and food you can reach a point close to Mordara before
making camp. Since none of the wounded were recovering as fast as might be hoped Drae casts
Healing spells on himself (+4HP) and Ted (full recovery) with great success. To save time there is no
plan to seek out the location where the Bandits were eliminated.
During the day the animals are able to forage successfully while as a group your foods needs are
barely met with edible berries from shrubs and the many small birds and animals around.
The 17th passes uneventfully and camp is made before nightfall. Lots are taken to decide watches and
a pit is dug in which to light a small camp fire. Each of you shares stories of renown before resting.
[Draexil heals fully during the night]
Morning greets you with fog which whispers across the plains and muffles the sights and sounds of
the land. Again you saddle up and start off to Mordara, confident of reaching the little town by mid-tolate afternoon.
However, after only 20 minutes of journeying the horses start to get fidgety. Flax stops and starts to
growl looking ahead and slightly to the right.
 “What is it Boy?” whispers Jace as he pulls the shield from his back and draws his sword.
 Ted also notices that Yves is hesitant to move forward and has stopped to sniff the air. He grips
the Javelin he has in his Buckler hand halts Laurent and stares into the mist quietly.



Draexil feels something is not right and draws his horse to a halt, he reaches down to its saddlemount and unwraps the longbow from its oiled cloths.
Carn sees Drae do this and somewhere in his mind it registers that the repugnant swamp-like
odour he can smell is not something that should be found out here in the middle of open grassy
plains, he slides his Bastard Sword from its back-sheath and stares into the swirling fog.
Only Ishtar and Besthan seem to have not noticed the change in the air, Besthan is coming up
from the rear on his horse and cannot see much apart from Ted stopped upon his horse shading
his eyes as he peers into the foreground. Ishtar up in the lead with Jace has found her pig-headed
embarrassment of a Mule has decided to stop walking and she is pulling on its bridle to get it
moving.
Tense seconds pass for those aware that something is wrong and then, in the mist, to the right, no
more than 12 feet from Jace a mound arises, not slowly, not with undue haste, just at the speed a
creature of 18 foot height rises when it knows it has something tasty in its reach. The monstrosity has
just a single eye which glares at Jace with bloodshot whites and on its head is a single horn. It
releases a deep throaty bellow and lumbers towards Jace, reaching out with arms as thick as a
horses head and rippling with muscles.
“ORCHI”, screams Carn as loud as he can, “Oh sweet Inanna save us, it is an Orchi!”
There is a Map of your positions (Orchi = X) after this.
What are your actions?
Ishtar and Besthan are surprised and lose their first action; they have not any weapons at hand. The
rest of you are prepared as explained in the narrative.
Carn is in Chainmail, as this is all he has. The rest of you are in Leather Armour.
Expertise/Experience
Besthan
Carn
Mountaineer (2PE)
Draexil
6 MEXP: Healing (8PE), Horsemanship (1PE)
Ishtar
Carrying (1PE)
Jace
Carrying (1PE)
Loot Gathered from Caves
20qu Keg with 8 Quart of probably Salt
5-6 yards of Cloth
A Fur (Bear?) in good condition
Jace
Poos himself... no not really... needless to say I would be shocked maybe a little stunned... but then totally
excited... here is a glorious tale if we win, a worthy foe.... hold my ground, be ready to fight and hope to the
gods my team mates help...
Drae
1. Mind Burn
2. Mind Scan
3. Strafe w/ arrows, moving around to the side
4. From the side (or, if I can't get there, at any moment that looks good) I'll drop a lightning bolt on him.
5. Depending on strength remaining, A/B
a. Still strong, arrows and fire-darts - see 6.
b. Weak, invisibility to rush for the assassination.
6. Continue moving around, with arrows and fire darts, looking for optimal assassination angle and opportunity.
Rush in when he's weakened, but don't let up on the assault in the meantime.
Rules: Keep MOBILE. Keep fuckin' moving. If I stand still, I'm going to get ripped apart.
If after the first lightning bolt this thing's still obviously kicking strong, slam a second bolt into it.
No more than two lightning bolts.
Emphasis split evenly between Arrows and Fire Darts otherwise.
Invisibility should be used only in emergency (GTFO) or when making an assassination attempt.
Besthan
Besthan will, when able to act, retrieve his spear and a javelin and move to the right of the Orchi, hoping to
strike with the javelin to distract its attention allowing better fighters an opening, if threatened he will attempt to
use his spear to fend it off while working around to the left again to assume a consolidated front with the rest of
the party.
Carn
Ok, my action will depend upon what Jace or the mini giant does (so I will hold until after Jace's or the Orchi's
turn, if I go first that is).
If Jace decides to fight the thing or the Orchi goes first and engages him, I'll support (hacking time). If Jace
decides to back off, I will also, getting close to other members of the party so we fight this thing together.
Despite backing off, I'll make ready to sword the damn thing if it comes close.
Not too sure how holding actions, bracing for charges or whatever works, so do what you think would be best.
Ishtar
I have no idea what this monster is; I’ve never come across anything so big before! I sit on my pig-headed mule
and hang ready to ride out of trouble if necessary. Anyway, Miu Miu has proven himself better than me at
noticing danger. I take out my longbow and arrow and point towards the monster. Ready to fire at any given
moment.
Episode 1.11
Location:
Donaran Plains 1 day North of Mordara
Date:
18th of April, 206DE
8:00am
Weather:
Overcast with Fog, Temp 2˚
Name
Besthan
Name?
Name?
Carn
Clive
Draexil
Mist
Ishtar
Miu Miu
Jace
Shield
Flax
Ted
Yves
Laurent
Status
17/23 HP
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
26/40 Mana
100%
100%
100%
14/21 HP
Move
12
18
17
11
28
12
Other Notes
Riding WHII - Encumbered
War Horse II
Tethered to WHII
Walking, Leading Horse
Riding horse III
Leather Armour, Leather Cap
22
12
17
12
Run off
Leather Armour, Leather Cap
Mule
Leather Armour, Metal Helm, Sword, Target
100%
100%
100%
100%
17
13
16
26
Attacking Orchi
Leather Armour, Leather Cap, Buckler
Hyena
Riding horse II
Jace sees the monstrosity looming in front of him; it is lightly furred and reeking of such a repulsive
odour that only the dire need to focus or be killed where he stands stops him from gagging.
“An Orchi” he thinks “now I know the name of the thing that is going to kill me. I would prefer to know
how to kill it!” He also would have liked to have braced himself for an attack but this creature lumbers
straight into the offence and allows him no time to prepare like a normal sentience would.
It punches straight at Jace’s chest but he is able to use his shield to deflect the blow, the shield holds
against a muscular, but still fleshy attack. In return he manages a weak slice against its arm, but the
blade fails to do any more than cut some of the dirt and dead skin. [You are now EL1 in the Target
Shield]
Flax throws himself at the beast which is attacking his master and bites into its lower leg, Jace can
see a trickle of blood from the area of the bite and suddenly understands that if this thing can bleed
then it can die. Unfortunately it doesn’t even seem to notice the bite so it might be a race to see who
dies first!
Draexil considers burning the mind of this thing to a crisp but realises he would have to get within 5
feet of it to achieve that. Another option would be to Mind Scan it and find out exactly what they are
dealing with here but this would mean getting close enough for it to attack him whilst he was
preparing the spell. Instead he climbs off his horse, which immediately bolts away from the fight. Drae
runs to his right to get around to its flank.
Ted runs forward with his arm pulled back and a Javelin ready to fly, he wants to get close enough to
make the shot count and cries out “Hang on Jace, we are coming”.
Once with 20 feet of it he throws and hits, though it would have been almost impossible to miss it
considering its size. The Javelin is clearly able to pierce the flesh of the Orchi, but only with the
equivalent force of a human stepping on a nail, the weapon doesn’t even penetrate deeply enough to
stick in the skin and fall weakly to the grassy plain. Ted takes hold of the other Javelin in his tiny
arsenal and prepares to launch it too.
Barely registering the pin-pricks it has received it slaps down at Jace again, determined to stop this
tasty morsel from wiggling so much. The hit this time makes it past the armour with enough force to
hurt [5HP damage], but luckily his helmet and armour are able to absorb some of the damage though
his leathers suffer a nasty scratch from its dirty claws.
Carn slashes again on the turn as he tries to draw it to his advantage, he is aware that unless he
moves to the left he will be blocking the others from firing at it, so he twists and slices but the
combination of attacks is too complicated and whilst he might have put himself out of the firing line he
is not able to successfully strike. Flax continues nipping at its heels.
There is a simple strength in Jace which Carn admires, his apparent willingness to stand and fight
against the odds tugs at something deep inside. Right from the start of this fight he knew he would
stand there against this foul beast to buy the party time to help him finish it off. Carn also recognises
that one man, no matter how brave, against this creature will not have much of a chance though. He
runs forward determined to stand aside Jace.
By the time he gets close he can see that Jace has manoeuvred himself to the left so he jumps
around to the right of it to stand on the opposite side of this monster. Remembering the tales the old
Mountaineers would tell about Orchi he recognises that its thick skin will offer it quite some protection,
so he steadies himself and takes a two-handed chop at the small of its back, the thick skin does not
allow the blade to penetrate far though and whatever brain resides inside this massive body doesn’t
even register the pain.
Ted has readied his second Javelin and lets it fly at the unprotected flank of the beast and is again
able to hit but this time the Javelin just bounces off of its horrendously thick hide for no damage
whatsoever
Jace is still the main focus of the Orchi’s attack, the sheer size and strength of it is more than enough
to compensate for its lack of skill in fighting, it is just bludgeoning around in the hope of a hit, but a hit
is all it needs to make Jace’s teeth rattle in his head. This time, thankfully, it misses due to a powerful
double hit from Jace and Flax. Flax doesn’t seem to have hurt it much, but the sword cut crashes into
its leg with a satisfying but jarring crunch. This sword has been battered a lot in the past week and
now would be a particularly poor time for it to fail. [You are now EL3 in the Sword]
Carn takes another overheard chop at the back of this beast but bad luck has it move at the moment
of his blow and it is barely even caught by the blade.
Having reached a good enough location and braced himself to fire Draexil lets fly with his longbow,
the shot flies true and strikes the creature at the base of the neck on its back, the arrow penetrates
deeply enough to leave it embedded in the creature. His keen eye notices that the multiple cuts and
wounds it has received are starting to wear it down, it is not time for a killing blow yet but it might be a
good time to give it a shock. He runs forward to get within range, recognising that Carn and Jace will
keep it occupied for the moment and draws in a calming breath. Cleansing Fire starts to course
through his veins as he raises his hands.
Shock at being caught unawares is the first thing that registers in Besthan’s mind. He is far to the
back of the group and his first reaction is to look around for any other possible threat. He has not
heard of such beasts, do they attack alone or in groups? By the time he has checked his surrounds,
settled his Shield on his arm and grabbed his Javelins and Spear the combat had already been
joined. He can see from where he stands, about 30 feet away from the main combat, that Jace and
Carn are fighting it up-close whilst Ted has his laughably small Throwing Axe out and is dancing
around knowing that he is well out of his league now. Draexil the Mage has a longbow out, the first
time Besthan has seen a weapon in the calculating and arrogant Mage’s hands and is firing at the
huge target standing not 20 feet from him. Ishtar seems to be climbing on that ridiculous mule for
some reason and he wonders if the child is going to run.
Besthan moves forward, testing the weight of the Goblin Spear in his hand and knowing that it will
make a fine Javelin for his size. He is running forward to build up as much momentum as possible
and launches when he comes alongside Draexil, the missile flies straight and true but like Ted before
him he can see it puncture the skin, draw some blood but not stick in the thick hide. He raises another
Javelin and aims again but this one goes off wide. [You are now EL1 in the Javelin]
Besthan now has no option but to lift his Spear and Shield lock them together and move forward, he
has no more long-range ammunition; it is time to kill this thing up-close.
Ishtar also found herself shocked at being caught by surprise. It is a humiliating thought that she was
at the point of their column across the plains and she did not even see the enemy. She jumps up on
her Mule; while she knows she cannot ride this stupid beast into battle she is aware that from atop it
she can fire her longbow above the head of Jace with less danger of missing the beast and hitting him
instead. Also, she is born to the saddle and even if this is the only creature she can afford it still feels
better to be on it.
She draws her bow and fires, but the Mule fidgets beneath her and the shot goes wide enough to be
just a glancing blow which doesn’t even penetrate. With her legs she tries to calm the animal and
draws another arrow and this one does not miss, it penetrates both hide and flesh and sticks out.
Ishtar’s confidence starts to rise as she recognises that ambush or no she can hurt this thing. [You are
now EL2 in the Horse Archer]
With increasing desperation the Orchi lashes out at Jace, the damage is starting to it hurt now as it
has multiple arrows stuck in it and cuts from wounds front and back. Unfortunately for the beast it
chose to attack Jace, probably the only person there with the strength and skill to hold it off long
enough for the others to take care of it and yet another mighty punch is deflected with ease by Jace’s
Shield.
Again the former brawler is able to strike true with his trusty sword and leave a slashing mark across
its skin but Carn is ineffectual as the creature is moving erratically to try and murder Jace. From
where he stands he can see Besthan moving in to stand by his side and also a red hot flash of light
spear from Draexil’s outstretched hand at the Orchi but it only singes some of its hairs and appears to
do no damage.
Poor Draexil is devastated, he knew he cast that spell correctly, how could something that stupid
shrug it off so easily? He takes a deep breath and tries to launch another fire dart and this one flies
straight, true and easily penetrates the creature defences. It doesn’t seem to hurt it much but the
effect is startling… the Creature roars as it is touched by energy which is the antithesis of its own
creator’s and turns to stare at the upstart food which dared sully its perfect imperfection. The Orchi
roars with greater hatred than any it has shown thus far and ignoring Jace turns to lumber at Draexil.
Jace grabs this opportunity to stab into its side but he misses completely. At least he has the
satisfaction of seeing one of Ishtar’s arrows catch it high on the arm and stick it deeply. Carn finally
has a blow strike, and deeply too. His blade is helped by the creature wheeling around and it leaves
quite a rent in its upper thigh. Likewise Besthan uses the creature’s sudden movement to help his
Spear penetrate so deeply that it is stuck deep inside its belly muscles [You are now EL1 in the Spear
Fighting] The beast roars in pain and forgetting Draexil in its agony lashes out at his assailant, there is
no doubt it is gravely wounded now.
Thrown slightly off balance when the spear was ripped from his hands Besthan catches the punch
square on his shoulder and reels backwards (6HP) but taking this hit buys the rest of his associates’
time to attack again. Drae attempts to flame it once more but the creature is unaffected, Ted stands
next to Jace protecting him as well he can with Buckler and Throwing Axe raised. Unfortunately only
Carn is able to strike true and this cut, added to the others makes it stagger on its feet.
The Orchi throws itself forward, as fast as its massive frame and weakened body can stand right into
arrows from both Ishtar and Draexil and this is enough. The shot from Ishtar hit it on the side of its
ugly head and penetrates the bone whilst Draexil’s flies into its chest. With a dull thump it crashes
face-first into the Plains, dead.
By the time you have chased down the horses, gathered your Javelins and arrows (one of Ishtar’s
was lost) and cleaned your weapons another hour has passed.
Expertise/Experience
Besthan
EXP 77, Javelin - Thrown (14PE), Spear – Fight (14PE)
Carn
EXP 42, Bastard Sword (14PE)
Draexil
MEXP: 11, EXP 105, Longbow (14PE), Fire Dart (22PE)
Ishtar
EXP 112, Horse Archery (14PE)
Jace
EXP 35, Shield (14PE), Sword (14PE)
Episode 1.12
Location:
Mordara
Date:
18th of April, 206DE
9:00pm
Weather:
Overcast with Light Rain, Temp 3˚
Name
Besthan
Name?
Name?
Carn
Clive
Draexil
Mist
Ishtar
Miu Miu
Jace
Flax
Status
17/23 HP
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
26/40 Mana
100%
100%
100%
14/21 HP
100%
Move
12
18
17
11
28
12
Other Notes
22
12
17
12
17
While the others round up their mounts, chase down spent arrows & javelins and clean themselves
and their equipment down Jace looks at the mighty corpse in front of him. He looks at his shield and
back at the corpse and an idea starts to form. Pulling out the poor quality goblin dagger he found on
one of their reeking corpses he starts to (inexpertly) cut the hide of the creature in an attempt to make
something useful out of its skin. Ishtar seeing what he is up to and annoyed by his inability to do such
a simple task moves over and produces a sharper knife from her belt pouch; she starts to expertly
skin the Orchi. It takes a while but when the job is done they both feel like they have achieved
something [Ishtar now EL40 in Tanner]. They both take enough to each have a fair portion of its skin.
When all are finally settled the caravan starts off again and as the morning turns to noon and noon to
late afternoon you arrive in Mordara.
The trip across the plains was generally uneventful but slow as each of you contribute what you can
to gather enough food and fodder to supply your own needs and the needs of your animals. While the
village or Mordara is certainly safer then most cities for a weary traveller it is no cheaper for this fact
and you might as well gather the fruits of the wild and save a bit of cash.
As you approach the village you see the flat undulating plains start to flatten into the outlying farms
and pastures. Horses, Goats, Sheep and Cows are all kept here, far enough from the village to avoid
drawing the more aggressive predators close but close enough to the monolithic Fortress Mordara
that the guards there can respond quickly if needed.
You are stopped twice upon return.
Once by a group of 6 Donaran Infantry (Scale Mail, Sword, Spear and Banded Target Shield) who ask
you to state your names and business. Once they are stratified you are not from Caldo or some threat
from the Elder Mountains they let you pass.
As you come closer to the village you are stopped again, this time in the middle of a small orchard
which is full of Apple trees waiting for Spring to bring them to leaf and then fruit. This next group is 3
men in Leather with Longbows and 7 men with leather and buckers with spear and sword. They are
obviously Bandits. As they approach Besthan flicks at them a small piece of metal which was given to
him for just this purpose by Master Jimbio. The Bandits wave you on with stray eyes wandering over
your saddle bags and back packs.
The sun is starting to close on the far peaks of the Elder Mountains to the West and the chill builds in
the air as you give up grassy plains for The Great Road (leading from Caldo to Donara) and then
finally for the streets of the village of Mordara itself.
Mordara is home to 700-800 people, they mostly labour in the fields or in the least dangerous jobs in
the mines near Fortress Mordara (the miners are prisoners). There is a fair craftsman base for a town
this size with ironwork, tanning and bowyers being some of the main types available.
The village itself runs straight down both sides of The Great Road with branches leading out to the
North West (the road to the powerful Baron Doran’s estate and further to Swans Grace), the South
West (the Road leading to the popular Baron Samalin’s estate) and the North East (the road leading
past Castle Mord and thence to the tiny hamlet of Pina).
In the village are most of the kinds of merchants and services you might need, the most noticeable
being:
 The Silver Tusk Inn, the only inn in Mordara thanks to any others having terrible accidents or
burning down
 Ardain’s Delight, a jewellery shop which is the main sales point for miners and traders
coming from the Elder Mountains.
 Temple to Innana
 Bersan’s, this shop is the home of the well-known Bersan, easily the wealthiest commoner in
Mordara. He is a trader in most gear but specialises in Armour and Weaponry.
 Hosen’s Emporium Naturale a shop specialising in buying and selling herbs, animal parts
and rare minerals
Your destination is that of Master Jimbio’s; the third-most wealthy Merchant in town.
You reach his door with only an hour or so of sunlight left. He listens to your story and takes
possession of the Mace. In doing so he also hands each of you a slip of paper to be redeemed from
his shop-keep. Master Jimbio does not seem to be interested in tales of heroics, he is only interested
in some of the details of the cave (“How far back did it extend”, “Were there any other entrances” etc)
and also asks some questions about the trip (“Did you see any evidence of ruins”, “Did you take time
to check for ward stones on the Plain’s mounds”).
He lets you go; you receive your payments and are shown to the door. An underling comes with a
final mug of ale for each of you to drink, “On the doorstep if you please, the Master believes it is good
luck to conclude a successful transaction with a commemoration” and a final message “More work
should be available for you if you will avail yourself of the town and await my Master’s pleasure”)
You now stand in the midst of Mordara with a belly of decent ale and some new coins jingling in your
pockets. Ted looks at you all, “Thank you all for the adventure, but that is more than I can stomach. It
was exciting but far too exciting for me.” He bows politely to each of you and turns and walks off, Yves
the Hyena by his side and Laurent clip-clopping by his side.
Episode 1 has ended and what happens next is up to you
I would suggest you deal with me individually over the next day(s) as I sort each of you out for purchases and
any other fancies
If you choose to work together then I will deal with you together too.
If you are going to wait for Master Jimbio to summon you then you will want to linger in town
If you are going to leave choose your own fate as a group then you will want to communicate with each other
and make your plans.
Lastly, if anyone wants to leave, quit, replace a character now is the time to do it!
Expertise/Experience
Besthan
Carn
Survival – Plains (1PE)
Draexil
Survival – Plains (1PE)
Ishtar
Tanner (5PE), Carrying (1PE)
Jace
Tanner (1PE), Carrying (1PE)