Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Date: 9th Month (Eleint), day 28
The dawn has finally arrived. Garth has sung his prayers and the others have prepared their spells. It should be a short ride today -- a few hours at most.
[spot the army and the halflings as we ride in]
[greet and talk to the halflings]
[plan our next move]
[implement our plan]
[fight the first wave - 20 wargs w/goblin-troll riders, 6 ogres, 20 goblins firing arrows]
[discuss our next move - decide to forge on]
[fight the second wave - 10 ogres, 10 wargs, more goblins firing arrows]
Tired and battered, we finally get back to the halfling camp. Yonda insists on healing the group.
[we all heal and begin to plan for when the enemy's reinforcements arrive....any minute now]
The dawn has finally arrived. Garth has sung his prayers and the others have prepared their spells. It should be a short ride today -- a few hours at most.
[spot the army and the halflings as we ride in]
[greet and talk to the halflings]
[plan our next move]
[implement our plan]
[fight the first wave - 20 wargs w/goblin-troll riders, 6 ogres, 20 goblins firing arrows]
[discuss our next move - decide to forge on]
[fight the second wave - 10 ogres, 10 wargs, more goblins firing arrows]
Tired and battered, we finally get back to the halfling camp. Yonda insists on healing the group.
[we all heal and begin to plan for when the enemy's reinforcements arrive....any minute now]
Monday, July 14, 2003
Date: 9th Month (Eleint), day 27
The night has passed quietly. We arose before dawn and prepared for our journey. Zylan prepared a quick meal to break our fast. The group is nervous -- we are already behind schedule and the task ahead of us may well end in our deaths. The tension in the air is palpable. Our usual friendly banter is non-existent. Even Fumple is mostly quiet, apparently sensing our apprehension about the coming battle. Gregory tries to be funny, though, and we all scowl at him.
We mount up and ride off to the southeast, toward the foothills, vigilant for any sign of ambush or scouts.
It is early afternoon. Zylan is the first to see them. A small pack of creatures is travelling toward us quickly overland. They appear to be goblins on foot.
[I can't remember the details of the fight]
With the final sounds of combat still ringing in our ears, we take a closer look at these bizarre goblinoids. They appear to be some kind of goblin-troll half-breed. They also seem to be more vicious and hardier than the usual goblins -- let's hope there aren't too many in the army we're riding to face!
Garth and Elise expend the last of their energies healing the party and we ride on. Finally, just before nightfall, we halt and make camp, later than usual and without the benefit of a fire -- with so many enemies in the area, we can't risk it. It's a clear night, but there's no moon in the sky, so it's black as pitch. We're lucky if we can see 10 feet in front of us.
We decide to keep double watches from here out. Garth and Fumple take first watch. The horses are restless because of the stiff southeast wind. Fumple is crouching near Gillian and talking to her while she sleeps. Garth, intent on listening for trouble, moves away from Fumple and stands near the north edge of the camp, peering out into the darkness as best he can.
Suddenly, Fumple stops talking. Hey! D'you hear that? he hisses.
Garth turns his head side to side but cannot hear anything. Hear what?!
That! He points eastward, apparently oblivious to Garth's inability to see in the dark.
Silence.
*hmph!* Fumple stands up, walks slowly past Zylan and Onia, both still sleeping, and stops just in front of Spyder. Suddenly flames erupt from his upturned palm and he looks out to the east. Eh? he says questioningly into the dark. He points at the fire in his hand and out into the darkness, then pulls a finger across his throat as if slicing it. Then he looks at Garth, smiles and nods his head, quite pleased with himself. Troll. he says grinningly and goes back to staring into the darkness to the east.
Garth feels the blood drain from his face. He strains to see what Fumple is looking at, but can't make out anything in the darkness. I ... can't ... see anything... he mumbles and shakes his head at Fumple.
*harrrumph!* Stupid man! He's right there! and he points into the darkness. Garth continues to look fruitlessly to the east, and begins to slowly walk toward Fumple. With a quick flick of his wrist, Fumple tosses the ball of fire about 30 feet to the east. As it hits the ground and flashes out, it illuminates a troll who winces and steps back with a grunt. Fumple grins as more flame appears in his hand. Heh. Warning shot.
Garth can feel his heart beating in his throat. What ... what's it doing? Drooling. No, no, I mean why is it just standing there? I think he wants to eat one of the horses. Maybe we should just give him one....? No! .... Fumple. Can't you ... scare it off or something?
Fumple sighs and points to his hand. That's what the fire's for, stupid! But he doesn't seem to be leaving...
No, no, no. I mean can't you do your... Garth puts his thumbs in his ears and wiggles his fingers around ...boogety-boogety thing? OOOHHH! Fumple frowns Ehhhhhhm.... that never seems to work on trolls. Garth shakes his head and sighs. Ummmmm. Hang on, Fumple. Don't let it come any closer, ok??
Garth turns around and walks back into camp as quickly as he can. He kneels down next to Zylan and Onia and shakes them. Wake up! Garth hisses. There's a troll outside camp! Mmmm...wha..? Zylan says sleepily. Then the words register. A troll!? Onia is already awake and standing up. Over there points Garth as he makes his way thru camp. He quickly rouses Gillian, Gregory, and Elise in turn, telling them about the troll.
Zylan has strung his bow but cannot see the troll either. He mutters some words under his breath and waves his hand, and suddenly the darkness rolls away from his vision. I can see him, he says, right there, about 30 feet away from Fumple. What should we do? I don't want to fight it if we don't have to!
Onia says some words in Elvish and light flares out of a small rock in her hand. She tosses it onto the ground in the middle of camp so everyone can walk around more easily.
Gillian is standing by Copper pulling down her bundle of chain mail. A troll, huh? OK, can you give me a few minutes to get my armor on?
Here, let me help you with that purrs Gregory, stretching and walking over. Gillian rolls her eyes.
Zylan, getting antsy, shouts over his shoulder, Should I shoot it?? I'm going to shoot it unless somebody has a better idea!
Give me a minute! shouts Gillian.
Garth, still at a loss, puts the tips of his fingers to the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes. Milil....I need guidance.
Tense seconds pass. Then Garth turns to Elise. Elise, do you think you can tell it to go away? Your bardic skills are stronger than mine now. I can help you if you need me to.
Elise thinks for a second. I can't speak troll, though! Oh.....Oh, wait a minute. Yeah. Yeah I think can. It's worth a try anyway.
Should I shoot it!? I'm gonna shoot it!
Wait! Nobody do anything! Let me try something! Elise shouts.
I'm gonna shoot it!
Don't do anything! Just a second!
Elise and Garth run over to Fumple. Now, just a second, Elise closes her eyes and sings softly...
Change my words and change my speech
Magic tongue be heard by each
Ok, it should be able to understand me now. Garth puts his pipes to his lips and starts to pipe a slow, hypnotic melody. Elise turns toward the troll and begins to sing again, weaving a musical spell of fascination. The troll's arms drop limply to its sides. I think it's working! says Zylan. Elise continues to sing for a while, struggling to shake off the cobwebs of sleep and think of how she can make the troll go away. Finally she says to the troll Leave here and do not come back! Find your food elsewhere! The troll cocks its head and takes a step back. Then it slowly turns and lumbers off. As it leaves, Fumple runs after it brandishing his fire but keeping his distance, just to keep an eye on it. After a few moments Fumple returns. Looks like he's leaving! He smiles.
Everyone takes a deep breath. From the other side of the camp Gillian shouts It's gone? Man, I was almost ready. Now I gotta take this all off again. Oh, I can help you with that, too! says Gregory happily. Oh, for pete's sake. Gillian shakes her head and starts to take off her armor.
Everyone heads back to bed nervously and waits. When it appears the troll really is not coming back, people start to nod off again.
[switch watches]
[warg encounter]
Uneasily, we drift back to sleep once again while Gillian and Onia continue their watch.
The night has passed quietly. We arose before dawn and prepared for our journey. Zylan prepared a quick meal to break our fast. The group is nervous -- we are already behind schedule and the task ahead of us may well end in our deaths. The tension in the air is palpable. Our usual friendly banter is non-existent. Even Fumple is mostly quiet, apparently sensing our apprehension about the coming battle. Gregory tries to be funny, though, and we all scowl at him.
We mount up and ride off to the southeast, toward the foothills, vigilant for any sign of ambush or scouts.
It is early afternoon. Zylan is the first to see them. A small pack of creatures is travelling toward us quickly overland. They appear to be goblins on foot.
[I can't remember the details of the fight]
With the final sounds of combat still ringing in our ears, we take a closer look at these bizarre goblinoids. They appear to be some kind of goblin-troll half-breed. They also seem to be more vicious and hardier than the usual goblins -- let's hope there aren't too many in the army we're riding to face!
Garth and Elise expend the last of their energies healing the party and we ride on. Finally, just before nightfall, we halt and make camp, later than usual and without the benefit of a fire -- with so many enemies in the area, we can't risk it. It's a clear night, but there's no moon in the sky, so it's black as pitch. We're lucky if we can see 10 feet in front of us.
We decide to keep double watches from here out. Garth and Fumple take first watch. The horses are restless because of the stiff southeast wind. Fumple is crouching near Gillian and talking to her while she sleeps. Garth, intent on listening for trouble, moves away from Fumple and stands near the north edge of the camp, peering out into the darkness as best he can.
Suddenly, Fumple stops talking. Hey! D'you hear that? he hisses.
Garth turns his head side to side but cannot hear anything. Hear what?!
That! He points eastward, apparently oblivious to Garth's inability to see in the dark.
Silence.
*hmph!* Fumple stands up, walks slowly past Zylan and Onia, both still sleeping, and stops just in front of Spyder. Suddenly flames erupt from his upturned palm and he looks out to the east. Eh? he says questioningly into the dark. He points at the fire in his hand and out into the darkness, then pulls a finger across his throat as if slicing it. Then he looks at Garth, smiles and nods his head, quite pleased with himself. Troll. he says grinningly and goes back to staring into the darkness to the east.
Garth feels the blood drain from his face. He strains to see what Fumple is looking at, but can't make out anything in the darkness. I ... can't ... see anything... he mumbles and shakes his head at Fumple.
*harrrumph!* Stupid man! He's right there! and he points into the darkness. Garth continues to look fruitlessly to the east, and begins to slowly walk toward Fumple. With a quick flick of his wrist, Fumple tosses the ball of fire about 30 feet to the east. As it hits the ground and flashes out, it illuminates a troll who winces and steps back with a grunt. Fumple grins as more flame appears in his hand. Heh. Warning shot.
Garth can feel his heart beating in his throat. What ... what's it doing? Drooling. No, no, I mean why is it just standing there? I think he wants to eat one of the horses. Maybe we should just give him one....? No! .... Fumple. Can't you ... scare it off or something?
Fumple sighs and points to his hand. That's what the fire's for, stupid! But he doesn't seem to be leaving...
No, no, no. I mean can't you do your... Garth puts his thumbs in his ears and wiggles his fingers around ...boogety-boogety thing? OOOHHH! Fumple frowns Ehhhhhhm.... that never seems to work on trolls. Garth shakes his head and sighs. Ummmmm. Hang on, Fumple. Don't let it come any closer, ok??
Garth turns around and walks back into camp as quickly as he can. He kneels down next to Zylan and Onia and shakes them. Wake up! Garth hisses. There's a troll outside camp! Mmmm...wha..? Zylan says sleepily. Then the words register. A troll!? Onia is already awake and standing up. Over there points Garth as he makes his way thru camp. He quickly rouses Gillian, Gregory, and Elise in turn, telling them about the troll.
Zylan has strung his bow but cannot see the troll either. He mutters some words under his breath and waves his hand, and suddenly the darkness rolls away from his vision. I can see him, he says, right there, about 30 feet away from Fumple. What should we do? I don't want to fight it if we don't have to!
Onia says some words in Elvish and light flares out of a small rock in her hand. She tosses it onto the ground in the middle of camp so everyone can walk around more easily.
Gillian is standing by Copper pulling down her bundle of chain mail. A troll, huh? OK, can you give me a few minutes to get my armor on?
Here, let me help you with that purrs Gregory, stretching and walking over. Gillian rolls her eyes.
Zylan, getting antsy, shouts over his shoulder, Should I shoot it?? I'm going to shoot it unless somebody has a better idea!
Give me a minute! shouts Gillian.
Garth, still at a loss, puts the tips of his fingers to the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes. Milil....I need guidance.
Tense seconds pass. Then Garth turns to Elise. Elise, do you think you can tell it to go away? Your bardic skills are stronger than mine now. I can help you if you need me to.
Elise thinks for a second. I can't speak troll, though! Oh.....Oh, wait a minute. Yeah. Yeah I think can. It's worth a try anyway.
Should I shoot it!? I'm gonna shoot it!
Wait! Nobody do anything! Let me try something! Elise shouts.
I'm gonna shoot it!
Don't do anything! Just a second!
Elise and Garth run over to Fumple. Now, just a second, Elise closes her eyes and sings softly...
Change my words and change my speech
Magic tongue be heard by each
Ok, it should be able to understand me now. Garth puts his pipes to his lips and starts to pipe a slow, hypnotic melody. Elise turns toward the troll and begins to sing again, weaving a musical spell of fascination. The troll's arms drop limply to its sides. I think it's working! says Zylan. Elise continues to sing for a while, struggling to shake off the cobwebs of sleep and think of how she can make the troll go away. Finally she says to the troll Leave here and do not come back! Find your food elsewhere! The troll cocks its head and takes a step back. Then it slowly turns and lumbers off. As it leaves, Fumple runs after it brandishing his fire but keeping his distance, just to keep an eye on it. After a few moments Fumple returns. Looks like he's leaving! He smiles.
Everyone takes a deep breath. From the other side of the camp Gillian shouts It's gone? Man, I was almost ready. Now I gotta take this all off again. Oh, I can help you with that, too! says Gregory happily. Oh, for pete's sake. Gillian shakes her head and starts to take off her armor.
Everyone heads back to bed nervously and waits. When it appears the troll really is not coming back, people start to nod off again.
[switch watches]
[warg encounter]
Uneasily, we drift back to sleep once again while Gillian and Onia continue their watch.
Date: 9th Month (Eleint), day 26
Having vanquished the western encampment of the Goblin King's army, the Fellowship rested and recuperated for the day. The Band of the Furry Foot is supposed to be waiting near the foothills to the south, delaying the Goblin King's main army as best they can. Although we are already days behind schedule resting is considered a necessity to ensure the best chance of success -- assuming all is not already lost!
If the night passes without event, the group will rise early in the morning and ride long and hard tomorrow to cover as much ground as possible. The halflings and the goblin army should be over a day's ride away if all has gone as planned.
Having vanquished the western encampment of the Goblin King's army, the Fellowship rested and recuperated for the day. The Band of the Furry Foot is supposed to be waiting near the foothills to the south, delaying the Goblin King's main army as best they can. Although we are already days behind schedule resting is considered a necessity to ensure the best chance of success -- assuming all is not already lost!
If the night passes without event, the group will rise early in the morning and ride long and hard tomorrow to cover as much ground as possible. The halflings and the goblin army should be over a day's ride away if all has gone as planned.
Cast:
Fellowship of the Dragon's Song:
Elise Filwater - Level 6 Bard - Female Human PC
Garth Greywool - Level 1 Bard/Level 5 Cleric of Milil - Male Human PC
Gillian Finesaddle - Level 6 Fighter - Female Human PC
Gregory Coalbrow - Level 3 Rogue/Level 3 Fighter - Male Human PC
Zylan Green - Level 6 Ranger - Male Human PC
Fumplenitwit - Level 7 Rogue - Male Spriggand NPC
Onia Sedi - Level 5 Sorceror - Female Elf NPC
Copper - male 3HD light warhorse mount of Gillian
Galanai - male(?) 4HD wolf companion
Goldheart - female 3HD light warhorse mount of Garth
Spyder - male 3HD light warhorse mount of Zylan
3 unnamed 3HD light warhorses
Band of the Furry Foot:
Fidia - Female Halfling Wizard NPC
Gret - Male Halfling Fighter NPC
Jeckyll - Male Halfling Bard NPC
Pheesa - Female Halfling Fighter NPC
Yonda - Female Halfling Cleric NPC
Fellowship of the Dragon's Song:
Elise Filwater - Level 6 Bard - Female Human PC
Garth Greywool - Level 1 Bard/Level 5 Cleric of Milil - Male Human PC
Gillian Finesaddle - Level 6 Fighter - Female Human PC
Gregory Coalbrow - Level 3 Rogue/Level 3 Fighter - Male Human PC
Zylan Green - Level 6 Ranger - Male Human PC
Fumplenitwit - Level 7 Rogue - Male Spriggand NPC
Onia Sedi - Level 5 Sorceror - Female Elf NPC
Copper - male 3HD light warhorse mount of Gillian
Galanai - male(?) 4HD wolf companion
Goldheart - female 3HD light warhorse mount of Garth
Spyder - male 3HD light warhorse mount of Zylan
3 unnamed 3HD light warhorses
Band of the Furry Foot:
Fidia - Female Halfling Wizard NPC
Gret - Male Halfling Fighter NPC
Jeckyll - Male Halfling Bard NPC
Pheesa - Female Halfling Fighter NPC
Yonda - Female Halfling Cleric NPC
