Spectrum's Comments: Our story opens with the Seekers scattered. One group has gone into Whispering Hollow and upon hearing tales of the Mountain Monster are investigating its latest attack. A second group was ambushed by goblins and Ticat valiantly sacrificed himself to save his comrades. Back at the main camp Wendy has disappeared and a search for Ticat has turned up nothing. Now back to our story...
The Frontier # 17
Validar, Araduin and Stephanie dismount and explore the wreckage of the farmhouse. Large footprints are found all around the outside of the house. They are sunk into the ground, suggesting that the beast is big and heavy. They are visible enough to be followed by non-trackers.
The inside the house is a nightmare. Whole walls were shattered as this creature went after its prey. The entire family is still within. It's not a pretty sight. The wounds inflicted are strangely varied. Some appear to have been heavily beaten. Others show wounds insisting that a large pincher, like that of a lobster, killed them. The victims even have bite marks on them.
From the size of the footprints, you can surmise that the creature is almost ten feet tall. And, by the tracks, there was only one attacker.
As you continue to look for clues, you can hear activity outside. Looking, you can see a group of seven goblins outside.
'Come out here! What you do in there? Tell or suffer!'
GM Notes: Very short post, since none of the other groups posted. You are all still in the same situations as the last post.
The creatures' tracks led to and from the farm in the same general direction. Into the mountains and towards the location of the tower.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 12/02/89 S#: 35542
- Vermin! Who does that rabble think they are? -
In goblin: " If you are so anxious to see us, then why don't you come in and get us?"
If they're in range, I shall cast my sleep spell on them. Otherwise, I'll continue taunting them until they move close enough.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 12/03/89 S#: 509072
"I, too, have no fear of goblins. Much less so small a number!"
Validar will allow Araduin to draw the goblins close. Once he casts the spell, or anything happens that won't allow him to cast it, I will spring to the attack behind sword and shield. The goblins that are put to sleep will be killed.
After the goblins have been dealt with, assuming that they will be:
"Well, that was an interesting diversion. We should make sure that there are no more goblins about. This may only be an advance squad."
"It seems we have a choice to return to our groups or make a quick look at this wizard's tower."
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 12/03/89 S#: 91933
"Good plan, guys, let's do it!"
Once Ara casts his spell, I'll join Val in rushing the gobs.
"I got the 3 on the left, you take the 3 on the right. We'll split the one in the middle!"
I smile at Validar, looking forward to the battle to come.
Spectrum's Comments: Lack of confidence does not seem to be one of our heroes' problems.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 12/03/89 S#: 518587
When the others return with the news of what they found at the battle sight, Cereld comes to a difficult decision.
"We must try to track those goblins and learn of the fate of Ti-Cat. Since the trail of Wendy ended so abruptly and there has been no other sign of her all night, I say we abandon camp and hurry after them. There are too many goblins around walking around in broad daylight for us to wait any longer. Let us hurry."
SUBJ: Raeden FROM: Belrek 12/04/89 S#: 462617
(After returning to camp with the results of the assault on Ti-Cat)
"I too, think that we must go after Ti, he may still be alive and we owe it to him to attempt to find/save him. If you like I can talk to the animals in the area and see if they know anything about what has happened to Wendy. They might be our eyes?"
(If it is agreed, Raeden will use Speak with Animals and talk to the animals in the area to see if he can find out anything about a human girl (Wendy) that might have been seen in this area in the last day and which way she went. With whom?)
GM Notes
At the Farm House.
At Araduin's goading, the goblins rush forward, cursing in their native tongue. The Sleep spell hits them, sending 5 of them to la-la land. The remaining two are easily dealt with. Looking around, you can see no other goblins lurking about.
In the forest:
While breaking camp, Raeden uses his druidic talents to speak to the animals in the area. Most of the creatures can offer no clues to Wendy's fate. However, you particularly chatty squirrel recalls seeing a land-giant, human, last night. It came into the clearing mentioned. Stood there for a few moments, rose into the air and flew away. You can get a general direction of off to the southwest. And yes, that is the same direction that Validar and his group has gone.
Spectrum's Comments: That was actually a pretty good idea by Raeden there. Now I've portrayed a whole host of critters in my time, include one very memorable tabby named Trouble, but this was my first squirrel.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 12/06/89 S#: 518516
"Do not slay all the sleeping Goblins, good warrior. I would have one to question, they arrived a little too close on our heels for me to feel that it was an accident."
I'll select the goblin that spoke, assuming it went to sleep; otherwise, I'll pick whichever of the sleeping goblins looks the most important. I'll quickly strip the vermin, and bind it securely.
"You may want to check these others and their mounts for whatever of value they might have."
Once the goblin is secured, I'll wake it none too gently, and begin to question it (in goblin) regarding the action of his band.
SUBJ: Tracking Ti-Cat. (R) FROM: FINROD 12/05/89 S#: 483994
Finrod wakens with a start from his weeklong stupor.
"I am behind you 100% on tracking the goblins who have possession of Ti-Cat, dead or alive. But I would like to add that it is perhaps wise to send a couple of our number to link up with Steph and Val, and to warn them of the open comings and goings of goblins hereabouts."
"Whatever path we choose, we no doubt need to be about it quickly."
Mad DM: do you have my spell list lying about somewhere? Mine got misplaced in the precipitous move I just made. :(
Spectrum's Comments: We did learn that Fin's player was in the military and was frequently moved around. This was in the days before Desert Storm and we can only assume that he was sent overseas when he finally did disappear for good.
SUBJ: Dal FROM: Random0 12/08/89 S#: 417882
"My friends, I will follow whatever course of action you decide on. Unfortunately, my cognitive powers are at a low ebb, due to an attack of PMS
(Petrified Mental State). I beg you to bear with me."
Spectrum's Comments: That's one I am NOT going to touch! :D
Mail From: Lanceson Date: Saturday 9-Dec-89 16:16 EST
Cereld's final decision: We will remain as one group (no division) and go to find Ti-Cat first and then Wendy. First priority is locating Ti-Cat
The Frontier # 18
Upon learning of Wendy's mysterious flight, the group decides to track after the goblins that took Ti-Cat. As you prepare to move out, several strangers approach you. They came from the same direction that you took to arrive at Whispering Hollow.
They introduce themselves as adventurers. They had thought that they were following the trail of their own company, but now realize that they were in error. They explain that the group they were traveling with was attack be goblins and a mage. The mage cast a foul spell that caused the men to flee in terror. They got lost in the forest, but managed to come across the Seekers trail. If no one minds, they'd like to hook up with your group.
Arafel leads the way following the goblins trail. It leads straight into Whispering Hollow. As the band rides in, the town folk seem to avoid you. Doors slam shut and shades are drawn.
You follow the trail towards the far side of Whispering Hollow. As some of you might expect, the trail leads directly to the menacing Temple of Hextor.
At the farmhouse, Araduin questions one of the goblins.
"Filthy Elf!", the goblin hisses. You manage to piece together from the goblins speech, that the goblins work for the Priests of Hextor. They are ordered to capture all adventures that come to Whispering Hollow.
Nothing any real value is found among the goblins. Although Araduin notices that one of the goblins is wearing the boots that belonged to his missing party.
With nothing else to learn here, the group returns to Whispering Hollow. En route they meet the rest of the group. Now reunited, the entire group goes to the Inn of the Whispering Elm to compare notes.
GM Notes:
Everyone is now back together at the Inn. Seems like a sacking of the Temple is order!
Several new PC's will be appearing this week. These new people were all from Araduin's missing group.
For those who missed it, the following characters are now NPC's.
Arafel
Dar Thaltus
Dwaladin
Flint
I've heard from Arafel's player and she hopes to return the first of the year.
SUBJ: Stephanie
While pleased at the reunion of the company, Steph doesn't linger long at the battle meeting. She orders up some ale and takes a seat near the fireplace and stares into the embers. She will greet the newcomers when appropriate. Once a plan of attack is formed, I'll return to the meeting table and pay attention as best I can.
SUBJ: Arathron FROM: RAD DWEEBE 12/11/89 S#: 442920
Greetings! I am Arathron, an Elven Ranger. I would like to help the Company as best I can and in most any ways I can.
Spectrum's Comments: One of the aforementioned new players.
SUBJ: Dantar (R) FROM: Falcon9 12/12/89 S#: 50302
Well met to all. I'm a human thief. If you have any questions please ask me. I will do all I can to help your party.
Spectrum's Comments: And another.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 12/12/89 S#: 808661
"Greetings, friends! It's good to see that I'm not the only survivor of the ambush. Perhaps we will fair better in this new group."
I'll convey what little info I obtained from the goblin to the others, and learn of what happened to the others.
"It seems our immediate concern is with the temple. Ti-Cat may well be there, as well as members of my former group. Still, fighting and siege-craft are not my forte, mayhaps the warriors have an idea how we might accomplish this deed?"
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 12/17/89 S#: 419705
"Greetings and well met to all you new comers. My name is Cereld, leader of the Seekers. If you are as brave and well skilled as you comrade Araduin, you all are welcome members to this group. Now as to our present plans, I think it is time that we see what this temple is made of, especially now that we are all together again. We must find our friend Ti-Cat and rescue him if he is still alive. Also, Wendy, a girl we are guarding, went off to the west, on her own it appears. These woods seem loaded with goblins, so the chances of her being inside there also are great.
Ok here is my plan. Please everyone feel free to comment on it, as it is very rough and could use much polishing. We will split back into two groups for the moment, the original Seekers in one group, and Araduin and his friends in the other. We will each approach the temple from opposite sides. The thieves in either group will climb the walls, being wary of guards of course, and if it is safe, or they have taken care of any MINOR problems, we scale the walls and enter the compound. There we will circle around to the front of the temple and regroup to enter together. That's it so far. I think we should split into groups at first so that if either group gets into trouble, the others can come in from behind their adversaries. Any suggestions?"
Cereld will specifically look at Validar when he asks this last question.
Spectrum's Comments: For the first time in the game, the Seekers actually have the chance to sit down and discuss battle strategy before actually being involved in a conflict. It does make a difference!
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 12/17/89 S#: 812938
"Wendy is gone? This seems to fuel some suspicions that I have had of late. I have no problem with attacking the Hextorites where they sleep. However, I fear we shall not find Wendelaine there. I hope that I am wrong."
"What Stephanie, Araduin, and myself learned seems to suggest that she is looking for an infamous wizard. I have a feeling that there may be more to this 'girl' than meets the eye. It is my thought that she may be an enchantress herself, gone on to reclaim the tower of the Akbar. We may have some problems on our hands. I feel that whatever is plaguing this valley (besides the Hextorites) is from that tower. I feel we should not waste much time between this attack and a similar one on this wizard's hearth."
"Now, as far as my thoughts on the immediate problem: I think that it is wise to make a two-pronged attack on the embattlement. Once we penetrate the outer walls, I feel that multiple groups are still to our advantage."
"We must assume that the alarm will be raised somewhere between the initial assault on the walls and our penetration to the inner compound. If not, so much the better, but we must be prepared. I suggest that we have a group of our better fighters who engage the main body of attackers who no doubt will be there. This group should seek to draw as much attention to itself as possible with burning and destruction at a premium. The rest of the group, with a fighter or two and the rest should wait until the first group has started their rampage and then should be able to penetrate deeper into the complex without as much resistance. This would help facilitate any rescue we need."
"I understand that it is dangerous to split our forces, but in one group we could run into something unexpected and be defeated all at once. I would not suggest splitting to more than 3 groups, as that would leave each one too weak to be effective."
"That is my suggestion. What do you think?"
SUBJ: Stephanie
"My only concern for the plan is the strength of the second group in the split. With all do respect, good sirs, we do not know the how strong that group is. I feel that we should divide into groups of equal strength. Based on my tracking, there would be 12 in one group and 3 in the other."
"If Validar's suggestion of a main attack force is followed, I would like to be in that group. The good citizens of this town have suffered too long at the hands of these foul priests! Lightning is ready to end their foul existence!'
Steph pulls out Lightning, her magic sword, and waves it about to make her point.
"If your suspicions about Wendy are true, Val, then the wench played us for fools! She used us to get her here! But to what end? What can she hope to accomplish? Regardless of that, let us be off to the temple!'
SUBJ: Oops!! FROM: Panther13 12/18/89 S#: 423408
Let's make than 10 to 3 in the first proposed split. Guess Steph can't count! ;)
Spectrum's Comments: Sure, pick on the simple farm girl! In all likelihood, Steph's counting included new players that hadn't posted yet.
SUBJ: Arathron FROM: RAD DWEEBE 12/18/89 S#: 96864
"I think that this plan is a great one. I also think that Stephanie was right when she said to split the groups evenly. If the weaker one gets caught they might be wiped out before the other could help."
Arathron will help carry out the plan the best way he can.
SUBJ: Arathron FROM: RAD DWEEBE 12/19/89 S#: 61303
"Well...It might be a good idea to wait for nightfall to carry out our wonderful plan. Our thieves would not be easily seen and many of the guards or whatever is within may be asleep. I leave the rest for all of you to decide."
SUBJ: Dantar FROM: Falcon9 12/20/89 S#: 64770
I agree with splitting up the groups, but we must certainly attack at night. The element of surprise you know!
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 12/20/89 S#: 84779
"Yes, the attack should definitely come at night. We need time to prepare, and I need time to memorize a new spell. Also, I have a certain familiarity with ropes and knot work. If one of the thieves can scale the wall, then the others should be able to climb over using prepared ropes."
SUBJ: The Plan FROM: FINROD 12/21/89 S#: 438120
Splitting into two groups, as Validar and Cereld suggest, indeed has merit. But I disagree somewhat on their composition and use... the first team should consist of all the Theify types, the second of those more inclined to the straightforward approach... the lead group could then sneak along, eliminating such little things as guards, traps, etc., while the others following some distance behind are available to come a-running if they hear the sounds of pitched battle ahead of them. We Thieves have enough fighter and mage ability among us to have the staying power to last until the reinforcing group arrived.
We could mark our route for the second group to follow with unobtrusive chalk marks on the floors or walls... since the following group would be looking for them, they need not be obvious enough to be noticed by just any observer.
In this way, we can maximize our initial penetration before being decisively engaged. The lead group can wait for the trail group for updates at certain places along the way:
Once a secure wall crossing has been established.
Once a *back* door has been located and secured.
Once the whereabouts of the Mage and Head Priest have been established...
etc.
Well? What do you think?
Mail From: REM9 Date: Saturday 23-Dec-89 14:04 EST
Mad I forgot to give you Cereld's spell list. He will memorize: Bless, CLWx2, Magical Stone, Protection From Evil, Silence 15' Radius, Chant and Strength.
The last he will cast Strength on Finrod before they climb the wall. If we get inside and either there is plenty of guards around, or the other group is being attacked, I will cast Silence on the group before we sneak up. I will cast it on a coin I will carry and be able to dispose of very easily when I wish to cast spells.
SUBJ: Finius Sly (R) FROM: Finius Sly 12/23/89 S#: 450553
Sorry I could not help but overhear your conversation. Besides, its part of my trade. Let me introduce myself, I am Finius Sly........I am also a thief. I have a vengeance for those damn goblins. You see, they were responsible for the death of my wife and only son. The crumbs set my house on fire and left me with nothing but a scar on my back where a goblin blade severed my skin. Luckily for me they thought me dead. If you will allow, Cereld......I will help out the best hahahah I can..........and for my fair share of the wealth. Don't worry I will stay out of everybody's way.
THE LIITLE HALFLING GRINS
"Agreed................?"
Spectrum's Comments: Another new player. Can't be sure its just a coincidence that so many new faces showed up at the same time or if I had placed an ad for new players.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 12/23/89 S#: 33654
"Well Finius, you are more than welcome to join us. In fact, your addition makes the dividing up even easier. Flint, I can see what you are saying in your plan, but I think yours would be better if we were declaring war on the temple and out to destroy it and nothing else. Although it is my wish that we destroy that foul place, this cannot be our first responsibility. We are going in there first and foremost to try and find our friend Ti-Cat and possibly Wendy; although as far as Wendy is concerned I tend to agree with Validar in the fact that I doubt she is in there either. In this manner I still think that the two-fold plan will be our best method of accomplishing our goals. Ok now here is the way we should split. Group 1 will consist of Myself, Dar, Arafel, Dal, Flint, Finrod and Finius. Group 2 will be Validar, Steph, Dwaladin, Raeden, Araduin, Dantar and Arathron. We will start out one hour after sunset. At this time it will be getting dark, but there should still be enough light not to give the goblins with their infravision any real advantage over the humans in the groups. As for what to do now, let us prepare all that we must and rest for the battle to come. May Heironeous watch over us tonight as we crush his enemies and stop their oppression on this town."
Cereld will spend the rest of the day (after any questions or problems are brought to his attention) resting and praying for the spells he will need for tonight.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 12/23/89 S#: 453777
"Very well, it sounds as though we are decided. All that remains are the preparations and these foul denizens who seek to hold the inhabitants of his region in utter captivity shall truly meet the soulless slug they worship. I shall take great delight in removing their vile and putrid existences from this land."
Validar seems to be working himself up for the battle to come. He will spend great care in sharpening and polishing his blade. He will go over his armor and other weapons making sure that all is perfect before the awaited coming battle. Validar will then don his armor well in advance to be more than ready to lead his team on the assault on the Hextorite cesspool.
Validar will take a few moments well in advance of the attack to speak a few words of encouragement to each of the members of his team and help prepare them for the battle about to come.
Spectrum's Comments: It's been a while since Val has spouted the "Soulless Slug" line.
The Frontier # 19
The planning complete, the Seekers begin the assault on the Temple of Hextor. Splitting into two groups, they move in.
Cereld takes his group and leads them to the far side of the temple. Pausing for a moment, Cereld cast Strength on Finrod. Then they proceed over the wall.
Validar's group likewise makes the climb with ease.
The courtyard of the temple seems to be deserted. There is a good-sized stable near the front gate, but no one but horses is there.
Three, bored by the look of them, goblins guard the front gate. The archers quickly eliminate them before they can make a noise.
Both groups arrive at the entrance to the temple almost at the same time. The door doesn't appear to be locked or trapped. In fact, it silently pushes open.
Behind the door is a short corridor. It travels thirty feet and ends at a railing, indicating that the area beyond is below the corridor. The passage appears to go left and right at the railing.
Cautiously, the group proceeds down the corridor. Noise, voices, can be heard ahead.
Reaching the railing, you can see what lies below. A gigantic room, 70' x 100', can be seen. A walkway at your current level surrounds three sides of the room. The room itself is terraced downwards. At the bottom of the room is a 20' x 20' area holding black and red colored altar. This area is 20' below you. Stone benches fill the terraces.
Within the room itself are 7 men in the garb of Priests of Hextor. They seem to be conducting a prayer and have yet to spot you.
However, that rapidly changes. Seemingly stepping out of the very walls, two winged reptile like creatures appear in the midst of the party. Both are about 4' tall with black hide and glowing red eyes. They attack Stephanie and Dar with their claws and fangs. Dar takes minor damage and Steph is unharmed.
The priests hear the conflict above and turn. "Intruders! Kill them!"
GM Notes:
The temple is not brightly lit and there are numerous shadowy areas.
The monsters are in the midst of the party, while the priests are 30' away.
Spellcasters, include what your current spells are. Other wise it will default to the last list you gave me.
Here is the updated character roster:
| Name | Race/Sex | Class/Level | AC/HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Araduin | E/M | M/1 | 4/4 |
| Arathron | 1/2E/M | R/1 | 3/7 |
| Cereld | H/M | C/4 | 4/28 |
| Dalliance | E/F | F-M/2-2 | 1/12 |
| Dantar | H/M | T/1 | 6/7 |
| Finius | 1/2L/M | T/1 | 5/7 |
| Finrod | E/M | F-M-T/2-2-3 | 3/14 |
| Raeden | H/M | D/3 | 7/24 |
| Stephanie | H/F | F/3 | 2/32 |
| Validar | H/M | F/4 | -2/32 |
| --NPC'S-- | |||
| Arafel | H/F | R/1 | 4/9 |
| Dar Thaltus | E/M | R-C/1-1 | 5/10 |
| Dwaladin | D/M | C-T/1-1 | 7/6 |
| Flint | D/M | F/2 | 0/20 |
Spectrum's Comments: The critters were something called a Darkenbeast from one of the MC's.
SUBJ: Arathron FROM: RAD DWEEBE 12/25/89 S#: 86343
"'Tis the time to do some work!"
I will take out my great sword and charge the alter trying to knock the priests off their feet and subdue them if possible. If not, I will fight them till the battle is over.
"Let us destroy this foul stench!"
SUBJ: Dantar FROM: Falcon9 12/26/89 S#: 87420
I quickly try to hide in the shadows and wait for a chance to backstab a creature.
SUBJ: Stephanie
The swordswoman is momentarily startled by the abomination that attacks her.
"Demons!! You'll not find me such an easy meal, Abyss-Spawn!!"
In a flash, Lightning is put into action. Attack the beastie before me until it is no more. Then I'll turn my attention to the other demon, provided that it is still a standing foe.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 12/26/89 S#: 791697
"We'll not die by the likes of your hands foul vermin. Raeden get a rope over the side of this rail so the others can descend on the priests. Quickly lets finish off these demons while he is doing that. Everyone not fighting right now keep their eyes out for more of those things.
Heironeous before they can cast their spells hear my plea, plunge those around the altar in SILENCE to help us achieve victory!" (Yeah I know the poetry is lousy but what do you want from a Silence spell.)
As soon as silence is cast and the demons are taken care of, Cereld will start Chanting the others on.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 12/27/89 S#: 101173
Validar will unsheathe his sword and rush the clerics.
"I shall take the battle to the clerics themselves! They are the true danger and hence the true target of my blade!"
Validar will rush down the stairs [the rope is a romantic idea, Cereld, but wholly unnecessary ;) ] and attack the leader of the bunch as quickly as he can. He will try to avoid any of the others, within reason, if possible.
"Die, you putrid scum-sucking soulless slug!"
Spectrum's Comments: That makes three, three soulless slugs! Ah-Ha-Ha!
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus......... FROM: Kazaroth 12/29/89 S#: 119395
.....having been content to silently tag along the majority of the past few months Dar suddenly comes alive at the sight of the hideous creature assaulting him. Backing away slightly from the wound Dar swiftly reacts with a series of thrusts at the being all the while calling aloud to Ehlonna a gleeful battle cry!
Hello Fellow Adventurers!! I have indeed returned to the realms of Q. Nice to be back and I'll see you all on the boards! :)
Spectrum's Comments: As promised Dar did return.