Spectrum's Comments: Returning to Gateway, the Seekers find the city under siege!
The Frontier #56
Their plans complete, the Seekers continue on towards the besieged Gateway.
The group slowly, and quietly as possible, moves around the lackadaisical guards.
After traveling a safe distance away from the guards, the group stops at a clearing to test the Rod.
Joining together via linking of hands, including the mounts, Zynara utters the command word.
The next thing everyone knows, they are standing in beautiful glade. A small stream flows close by. Many trees bearing ripe fruits grow all around the glade.
Canceling the effect, the Seekers continue on.
Before to long, you come to the edge of the forest, near the rear of the army camp.
As per the plan, Dar, Arathron, Arocken, Bernice, Finrod and Renard move into the unsuspecting camp. The others watch as they move off into the twilight.
GM Notes:
Here's a rough layout of the camp, not completely to scale.... The main party is located to the right side of the screen, back in the forest.
Ballista SD = DoorS
****
S **** **** * *
* * * * D *
*D** *D** ****
******** ****
Catapult * * * *
D * D *
* * ****
******** S
S
***D* ******** ****
* * * * D *
* * * * ****
***** * *
D *
Ballista * * S
* *
****** ********
* D
S * * S
****** ****
* *
**** D *
* D * *
***** **** * *
* * ****
* D
*****
****D***** S
* *
S * *
* *
Catapult * *
**********
****
* * ****
* D * D S
**** ****
Ballista ***D**
* *
******
S
S
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: CatKnight 09/10/90 S#: 51479
"Well...", the mage muses, looking over the camp, "I don't know really..."
He pauses, and then speaks. "See that sentry there?", he asks, pointing behind tent 8, "We have to take him out quickly. Maybe long range missile fire or magic missiles, depending on his race." (Do I recognize the race, Mad?)
"Then we circle around to the north of the leader's tent, ignoring 8 entirely, and strike quickly. It leaves the chance that we'll be surrounded, but I do NOT propose taking on the entire encampment at this point, such as an attack on tent 8 would leave to."
"Also, note that the door is away from us...on the leader's tent. We have to be ready to RUN."
"Or..", he muses then, "If we CAN take tent 8 out quickly, then maybe we can carve a hole in the back...no...that would give the leaders far too much warning."
He sits back, and waits for the strategists to speak.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 09/12/90 S#: 820189
"Well friends how will we undertake this attack?? We must strike fast and hard to get their attention. I would guess the best way would be to hit the Leaders and the Giants tents with flame from both magical and with our arrows when we can draw them out then lead them to slaughter >:)
Also getting to a catapult of ballista and starting it ablaze may also be good allowing the defenders of the city to know that their is someone outside helping them in their battle."
SUBJ: Bernice (R) FROM: Merri2 09/12/90 S#: 447261
The halfling moves quietly toward the encampment. Even though no hand-to hand combat is planned for her group, her hands tremble a little and her eyebrow is twitching. She knows many things could go wrong. The little thief considers Dar the leader of this group, based on her experience in the last battle. She tells him, "I'll take those tents." Bernice points to 8 and 11. "I plan on cutting the ropes to the stakes, and when the tent collapses, I'll throw a flask of burning oil on them. What do you think? Good plan? I'm new to this kind of thing, but shouldn't someone take out the sentries? I guess I could try backstabbing one...If you want." Bernice is clearly not excited about that.
Waiting for someone to take charge,
Bernice
The nervous thief
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus.... (R) FROM: Kazroth 09/12/90 S#: 806075
Realizing that the time for strategy is behind him, Dar stalks off among the tents. He pauses to hear Bernie's plan then smiles his approval. A brief squeeze for encouragement and he disappears into the dark depths of the outer perimeter of the camp.
Dar sneaks around to the side of the camp opposite the main party and takes in his surroundings. Noting the leader's tent a little ahead and the giants' tent south to him he quickly puts forth an attack of his own.....
Watching the sentry in front of tent #4 with concern, Dar waits for Bernice' attack to commence. After this diversion occurs Dar will cast ENTANGLE in front of tent #4 if there is vegetation enough. He will then charge past the sentry if he remains there and move southward towards the giants' tent. Pausing Dar casts FLAME BLADE and begins slashing at the tents as he passes them.
Should there not be enough plants around Dar will cast FLAME BLADE first and overrun the sentry, then set fire to as many tents as possible. His primary target will be the leaders' tent then tent #4 in this case.
After the initial shock, as the enemy begins to regroup and the main group of Seekers arrives Dar will cast ENTANGLE on the largest group of leaders he sees congregation together then flees the scene.
Dar retreats to the prearranged meeting point and awaits the arrival of the others, saving his OBSCUREMENT spell for any unforeseen emergencies that might arise......
SUBJ: Waiting (R) FROM: Zynara 09/12/90 S#: 510030
As I am waiting for the first group to give us our signal to attack, "Blod, will you hold my hand. I am frightened. This is the first real fighting I will have done. I don't know if I could actually kill someone. Before I just fought like I would with one of my brothers. This time I see having to kill the enemy."
I will hold his hand until it is time. My acid arrows at the ready.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 09/12/90 S#: 449757
Validar affirms Bernice's plan. It sounds like just the thing we need in this attack. Validar watches Dar's actions and waits until he completes his strategy. At that point, Validar signals the group riding with him to commence the attack.
Validar will charge his horse directly at the leader's tent, hoping to catch one of the first to emerge from it with his lance on a charge. Once the first attack has been made, Validar will switch to sword to continue the fighting, looking for anyone of obvious leadership abilities.
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Blod 09/13/90 S#: 115260
To Zynara, "Don't be afraid, Zynny. Me not let anything hurt you. When you go to kill them, just remember all the bad things they have done and what happened with the dragon."
Blod will hold Zynara's hand until it is time to go. When it is time to leave, he will kiss Zynara's hand, and mount his horse, preparing to do battle. Throughout this entire engagement, Blod will stay as close to Zynara as possible. If Zynara appears to be in trouble or becomes wounded, Blod will leap to her aid and carry her to the pre-arranged point.
The Frontier #57
The attack begins!
The scouts' stealth fully move into the unsuspecting army camp.
Acting together, Renard, Finrod and Arathron remove the sentries behind tents 11, 13 and 16.
Bernice comes in and sprinkles oil on tents 8 and 11. In quick succession, she cuts the ropes holding the tent up and lights the oil. Screams are heard inside, but no one escapes the fiery tent.
While as distracting as that action is, it pales in comparison to Finrod's. Using Wendy's captured spellbook, he directly casts a Fireball at the leaders tent.
The procedure works and the spell fades form the book.
The Fireball explodes on the tent, igniting the whole tent. As if that wasn't enough, 5 more fireballs explode from within the tent in quick succession! In scant seconds, the entire tent is reduced to ashes. Four, somewhat shell shocked men in armor can been seen in that area. They all wear plate, while two have been painted in the symbols of Hextor.
The entire camp is now active. Men run ever which way, attempting to bring the blazes under control. A group of 8 hill giants emerge from their tent, looking for the source of this attack. They don't have to wait long, as the rest of the Seekers ride into camp!
GM Notes:
The camp is in total chaos. Men that can be identified as Priests of Hextor are seen in the areas around tents 1, 5, and 14. Mage types are seen coming out of tents 4 and 6.
Your turn!
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 09/13/90 S#: 475101
I will begin firing arrows at the mages as they come out the door. When someone comes within hand-to-hand range I will drop my bow and draw my long sword and dagger and begin to duel it out.
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 09/15/90 S#: 790450
Claudius will rein in his horse (if he has one), and dismount in a place of relative safety.. (Behind the front line fighters of 'Brawn' group would be nice), and start chanting..
*Magic Missile # 1* will be saved as opportunity fire, if such exists, and be used on one of the mages the second they start chanting.
*Magic Missile # 2* will be used in Rd 2 on any leader who appears weak enough to be ready to fall to such a spell. If all remaining leaders look like they'd survive, then he'll try and wreck another spell, as per round 1.
While in combat, Claudius is strangely thoughtful. He sees atrocities around him, by his own party! Burning someone, even an enemy to death, is wrong...and pinning them in their tent to do it..
He shrugs. Hopefully, the ends justify the means. Perhaps Heironeous (what- ever) accepts that. But to the shell-shocked initiate..
SUBJ: Araduin (R) FROM: Deslock 09/15/90 S#: 807940
Upon riding into the camp, I'll web up the opening to tent four, and then cast my flaming sphere and use it to set fire to this tent. Once it is fully ablaze, if the sphere is still in effect, I shall move it about to break up any organized groups of resistance forming up against us. Otherwise, I'll use my sleep and color spray spells to achieve these ends, leaving magic missile for personal protection. When my magicks have been exhausted, I'll resort to my quarterstaff for defense.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 09/15/90 S#: 456894
Giving the signal to charge the encampment, Validar will lead the assault by the second group on the disorganized mass ahead. Validar will ride toward those Hextorites coming from the leaders' destroyed tent.
Validar will lower his lance and charge through the area, attempting to pinpoint and attack any of the surviving leaders. He will then allow his charge to carry him through the camp and will make one more pass at a giant before resorting to swordplay, from horseback if possible.
Validar will then attack the leaders as long as not interfered with by any others. However, if a giant moves to attack him, he will engage the brute.
SUBJ: Stephanie
Stephanie is in awe as she watches the powers that Finrod brings into play. She had never thought much of magic in the past, but this is truly awesome!
Upon receiving the single to attack, I spur on Thunder and ride towards the dazed leaders. Nearing the men, I'll jump from Thunder, attempting to drive my heels into the chest of the most inviting target. Once on the ground, I'll bring Lightning into play and begin the task of slaying these evil men.
SUBJ: Casting spells FROM: Zynara 09/18/90 S#: 815481
When I get within range, I will cast my charm person upon one of the priests and yell the order to attack all Hextorites. I will then cast my acid arrows at the 2 closest hill giants. I will then stick close to Blod, where ever he shall lead me.
I will give verbal support when possible to Blod. Once my first 3 spells are off, I will cast my chill touch and assist Blod in any fighting he is doing. (let us see what they think when a woman without a weapon gives them a 1-2 punch. :) )
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Blod 09/19/90 S#: 393625
Blod will join Validar in fighting the leaders, using his 2-handed sword. He will try to stay as close to Zynara as possible, without actually cutting her head off. :D When the retreat is sounded, Blod will sweep Zynara off her feet and carry her to safety.
SUBJ: Bernie FROM: Merri2 09/19/90 S#: 806406
After Bernice pauses for a moment to admire her work, her first instinct is to run, run away as fast as she can! But then she notices the mages leaving their tent, and a plan starts to form. The small thief starts toward the mages tent(s?). She'll do her best to get there unnoticed and peer inside the tent. If no one is inside she'll enter and as quietly as possible search for anything that looks magical. Bernie will take gems, jewelry, any wands (she hopes) and spellbooks. She doesn't really understand it, but she knows the spellcasters in the party seem to value their own spellbooks. She'll creep out with any goodies and run (or is it scurry) when she out of danger to the rendezvous point.
Hoping for goodies,
Bernice
The Frontier #58
The attack on the camp continues!
Validar charges into the camp, riding towards the leaders tent. Seeing one of the priests in his path, he lowers his lance. The priest is unable to avoid the attack and is impaled and quickly dies.
Behind him, Stephanie and Blod attack the remaining leaders. Stephanie lands on the other cleric and finishes him off with her sword.
Blod rushes one of the fighters, wounding him badly with his huge sword.
The fighters fight back, wounding Blod once and Stephanie twice. The two Seekers both connect again, further wounding the two fighters.
Zynara hits one of other priests with a Charm Person spell. She succeeds, causing the priest to attack his brethren. They other 3 clerics fight back and eventually kill the charmed priest.
Arocken spots one of the mages exiting his tent. Seizing the opportunity, he fires off a pair of arrows, both hitting the mage.
Enraged, the mage produces a wand and fires a bolt of lightning at Arocken! Arocken dives for cover, but is partially hit by the attack. This gets the attention of Claudius, who Magic Missiles the mage.
Bernice, having fled from the fires she started, finds herself north of the camp. Seeing the lightning bolt, she figures that this must be the mages tent. Cutting a small hole in the back, she enters.
Outside, she can see the mage begin to cast a spell. The effect is ruined when the mage is hit by another Magic Missile from Claudius. Undaunted, he goes for his wand again. However, Arocken acts first, sinking two more arrows into the mage. The mage stiffens and falls to the ground. The wand rolls free from his hand.
Within the tent itself, Bernice locates a small locked chest. Oddly enough she cannot get it opened. While she works, she notices that the chest looks a lot like the one that Finrod carries around. The chest is surprisingly light and could easily be carried by Bernice.
Near the siege machines, Dar and Finrod team up to take out one of the catapults. They are attacked by two fighters.
Fin casts Darkness around the group, blinding the fighters. Aided by their elven senses, they are able to slay both fighters.
Elsewhere, Validar's charge has carried him towards the hill giants. His lance sinks deep into one of the behemoths, but it is still alive. An Acid Arrow from Zynara finishes the giant. The remaining giants move to attack Validar.
Cereld and Arathron engage the priests who were forced to slay one of their own. Cereld's mighty battleaxe severely wounds one of the priests. Arathron finishes him off.
Araduin rides into the camp. Casting a Web, he seals the tent. Following up with a Flaming Sphere, he ignites the tent.
There is a ripping sound as the mages cut a hole in the back of the tent. As Araduin watches, one of the mages flies out of the tent on a broom! Araduins' elven sense tells him that the other mage is in the area... somewhere. More then likely invisible.
Throughout the camp, the enemy is noticing the intruders and moving to the attack.
GM Notes:
That covers the first 2 rounds.
Party Status:
Arocken 13 of 27
Blod 14 of 21
Cereld 36 of 43
Dar Thaltus 25 of 31
Finrod 23 of 28
Stephanie 37 of 55
The status of several of the players have changed over the last week. Cereld, Dar and Finrod are all on a leave of absence. Of the three, Fin should be the first back. (He was moving.) Cereld and Dar could be gone for several months.
Here is the official Seeker Roster:
Active Seekers:
Araduin
Arocken
Bernice
Blod
Claudius
Stephanie
Validar
Zynara
On Leave: (NPC's for the moment)
Cereld
Dar Thaltus
Finrod
Cannon fodder:
Arathron (?)
Eagle
Renard
Spectrum's Comments: That was my infamous Cannon fodder post. Sadly, only Fin of the three posted above did return. The player who portrayed Dar was also Montagne in Sword of Doom. Cereld's player, Rem9, was one of our first friends on Q, so he was a big loss. He also played Lord Liberty, Rem, and Starlight over in the Champions games. He was missed.
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 09/20/90 S#: 405356
Claudius, his magic expended, draws his weapon and tenses. A mage is little, if any good in a melee, but he might be able to turn the tide if he can just..sneak..between..that fighter, THERE!
Seeing the army massing for a counter assault, he looks around for the current leader. (Forgive me; I'm a bit unclear on that) He doesn't yell it, for fear of creating an unnecessary rout, but he does speak: "I think it's time we got out of here!"
Claudius is uncertain of just who 'the good guys' are at this point, feeling that his own group pulled some pretty nasty stunts just now, but he is willing to let that pass...at least until those goblins aren't rushing the group anymore... ;)
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 09/21/90 S#: 121340
Still firing arrows at first the mages if I cannot find any of them then the giants or anyone who appears to be leading the group, I suggest that we retreat I will hold my position until everyone has pulled back. still firing arrows and keeping a watchful eye out for Bernice making sure she makes it back O.k.
SUBJ: Actions FROM: Zynara 09/21/90 S#: 414753
Seeing Blod hit, I launch my last acid arrow at one of the hill giants then rush to give Blod a hand. (Let's see what a punch with chill touch can do to an opponent? :) ) I will take my cue from Blod, if he signals for a retreat, I will retreat as quickly as I can, otherwise I will stay near him.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 09/22/90 S#: 420021
Well, it looks like the news about Cereld leaves me back in charge alone again.
Seeing that the battle has gone extremely well to this point, Validar will continue the attack, waiting to signal his own command to retreat. He sees the chance to make a major blow to the Hextorites and their minions and does not wish to let it pass.
Validar will switch to his magical blade to continue the combat. He will attempt to concentrate his attacks on one giant, until it falls before switching targets.
SUBJ: Questions... FROM: Panther13 09/22/90 S#: 420080
A few things just to clarify the situation:
How many giants are there?
What do you mean by "enemy massing"? Just this camp? Or the nearby goblins, too?
How many individuals are we talking about in this organization and do they appear to be mostly normal soldiers?
SUBJ: Stephanie
Smiles to herself as the priest goes down. The memory of the victory is erased when hit by the other warriors.
"Come on, Blod! Let us finish this rabble and make our escape!"
I'll continue to attack, until the retreat signal is given.
GM Notes:
There are 7 giants left.
The other men in the camp, fighters, mages and clerics are organizing themselves for battle. In the distance beyond them, goblins can be seen approaching.
To give you some idea of the time you have, the men in the camp, there are over a dozen of them, will attack next round. The Goblins in round 3.
They are not normal soldiers.
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Blod 09/24/90 S#: 66067
"Me agree with you Steph! We should leave now!!! It is getting too dangerous!!"
Blod will try to finish off whoever is left in front of him and then try to get Zynara and leave.
SUBJ: Bernice FROM: Merri2 09/25/90 S#: 71565
Bernice looks around the mage's tent with a puzzled expression. She thought the mage would have more 'stuff'. Then she spies the chest. "This could be interesting" she thinks out loud and gets out her lock picks. When all her efforts to open the chest fail, she remembers something she heard about magical locks. "Drat!" she says and kicks the chest. When it moves a little, she realizes it must be pretty light. She tries to pick it up and realizes she can.
But she has also noticed the mage dying out front and dropping his wand. Her greed gets the better of her common sense and Bernie runs out and grabs the wand. She runs back in the tent, pockets it, and grabs the chest. She goes back out her hole and runs (as fast as a halfling carrying a chest can).
In retreat,
Bernice
SUBJ: Retreat FROM: Zynara 09/26/90 S#: 447048
Once my arrow has been sent and Blod is clear, I start to retreat with him.
"Blod, you have been hurt. How bad is it? Will you be okay till we get out of here? Shall I get one of our clerics?"
SUBJ: ... FROM: Blod 09/27/90 S#: 448954
"Me ok, Zynny. Let us get out of here real fast! Me don't want to be here when goblins get here!"
Yelling, "Come On!!! It's time to go!!!"
The Frontier #59
The Hextor camp has gotten over the suprise attack by the Seekers and are moving to the offensive!
Validar draws his blade attacks another hill giant. Once more aided by an Acid Arrow from Zynara, the giant goes down.
Two of the giants take exception to Validar's treatment of their brethren and pound him with their fists. Wounded and being surrounded by giants, he retreats.
Within the area where the Fireballs went off, Stephanie and Blod battle enemy fighters. Blod hits with his massive sword, killing one of the fighters. Steph further wounds her opponent, but takes more damage herself.
Zynara steps in and touches the fighter activating a Chill Touch. Distracted, he makes an easy target for Stephanie. She swings, but only succeeds in shattering her blade!
Blod moves in and downs the last fighter. Summoning their horses, the trio rides off to safety, pursued by men and goblins on foot.
Arocken fires more arrows and downs the mage on the broomstick. He crashes on the far side of the camp, out of sight. Seeing that he can do no more good, he also retreats.
Bernice scrambles to the front of the tent and cunningly snags the wand. Rushing back, she picks up the chest and flees out the back way.
Claudius, spells spent and seeing everyone else on the move, moves to the rendezvous point.
Only Validar, Stephanie, Claudius, Bernice, Blod, Zynara and Arocken reach the appointed place.
The forest around the meeting place is alive with activity as numerous goblin patrols hunt for the Seekers. Finally, not daring to wait any longer, Zynara activates the Rod transporting all to the paradise within.
Later, when Claudius and Zynara study for new spells, both feel that they can memorize more then they could before...
GM Notes:
As you might have guess, a few levels have been gained.
The Seekers:
| Name | Race/Sex | Clss/Lvl | AC/HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arocken | E/M | R/4 | 5/38 |
| Bernice | 1/2L/F | T/5 | 6/34 |
| Blod | H/M | F/4 | 5/31 |
| Claudius | H/M | INV/2 | 9/12 |
| Stephanie | H/F | F/5 | -2/55 |
| Validar | H/M | F/6 | -2/53 |
| Zynara | H/F | CON/4 | 7/14 |
The fate of the other Seekers is unknown. They may have escaped the camp, but you can't be sure. There was too much confusion.
Current Hit Points:
Stephanie 20 of 55
Validar 29 of 53
Blod 19 of 31
Bernice has the borrowed goodies with her. Steph, your sword shattered, but you would have had the chance to take one of the weapons from the fighters.
Spectrum's Comments: Araduin's player, Deslock, was gone as well. Much like Rem9, he was another friend from the very beginning and he took multiple characters with him: Ranger and Number 6. If there was any good to come from their departure, it came at a time where they could simply disappear from the group without having to come up with a good reason. If they went missing, it would buy them time until they could come back. But they didn't.
SUBJ: Wonders FROM: Zynara 09/28/90 S#: 454314
As we retreat, I keep an eye on Blod. When we reach the area we are to meet at, I anxiously wait for one of our clerics to arrive. When none of them return and the order is given to activate the wand, I do so reluctantly.
During or day of relaxation, I will keep near Blod and encourage him to rest. I fetch food for him and anything else he needs. If he complains about not being able to get around, "Blod, you have been hurt. Now you just lay back and enjoy. I will be near at all times. Now lay down and be still. How do you expect to heal if you keep moving around and reopening those wounds."
I then push him back down and give him a big kiss. Then go about taking care of the others.
When I discover it easier to remember my spells, I try to remember a few extra. When this succeeds, I am very happy.
(Spells learned: Mount, Chill Touch, Sleep, Charm Person, Melf's Acid Arrow *3)
GM Notes:
As the first day inside the paradise goes by, you notice something strange. Wounds are rapidly healing, in spite of the lack of clerical aid. (At a rate of 6 HP per day.)
How long do you intend to remain here?
SUBJ: Stephanie
Stunned at the lost of Lightning on the field of battle, Stephanie seems to be depressed over the events of the battle. Enraged over the shattering of her sword, she grabs the nearest enemy blade, using it to continue to fight.
Upon fleeing into the place Zynara found, I go to a quiet place away from the others. There I think about those who are missing. This started out with such noble intentions, but it has now gone all wrong.
She thinks of Fin... Cereld... Dar... Even the dour Araduin. They quite possibly are dead now.
Steph curls up, hands on knees, head between arms, hiding her tear stained face.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 09/30/90 S#: 101559
Sitting next to Stephanie and trying to comfort. "Our friends have fought bravely in battle and if the gods deemed that it is their times then they are in a much better place."
Knowing his words aren't much comfort Arocken will then just sit quitely and reflect of the past few months.
Spectrum's Comments: Now that was a bit unexpected. I don't recall Steph having any serious interaction with Arocken. Or maybe he was moving in on Fin's turf... ;D
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 09/30/90 S#: 439065
While she listens to Arocken speak, the dam of tears breaks. She weeps openly and lets Arockens arms comfort her.
"Perhaps you are right."
After running out of tears, Stephanie will lie silently next to Arocken.
SUBJ: Claudius.. FROM: GM Falcon 10/01/90 S#: 440451
...is almost grim once he gets to the paradise. Many preconceptions have recently been shattered, and he feels he must now review the status of good and evil in his own little world.
He watches the hurt and pain of lost friends around him, but grief has yet to come to him. Perhaps it's simply a lack of first-hand knowledge...
(More later, perhaps)
Spells: Chill Touch, 2*M Missile
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Blod 10/02/90 S#: 416448
"Me will be Ok, Zynny. You need to rest, too, ya know. Why don't you rest here beside me? You know, you pretty good with that magic stuff! You helped Sir Clang kill lots of giants! Me very proud of you Zynny!"
After resting awhile, Blod will go over to Bernie and see what she has. "What you got there, Bernie? It looks neat!"
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 10/02/90 S#: 448497
I continue comforting Stephanie till the sobs quiet I will then address the group. "My Comrades it shall soon be time for us to engage in battle again and we must prepare a plan! I think now is the time to alert the city of gateway to our presence so that they may skillful attack while we use our guerilla tactics. I suggest we write 5 notes which we can attach to arrows and fire over the city wall hopefully one of the notes will fall into the hands of someone who saw the previous event or will believe it to be true and inform a commander. Time is of the essence I would hate to return from this paradise to find Gateway run over! What thinks you my friends?"
SUBJ: Bernie FROM: Merri2 10/03/90 S#: 114619
The little thief looks around wildly before the wand is activated. "WHERE ARE THEY! YOU GOTTA WA..." The scream is abruptly cut off as she sees her new surroundings.
She looks around for one minute, awed. Then she bursts into tears. "Araduin! Dar! They can't be... ::sob, sob:: He was the best ::sniff:: friend ::sob:: I ever ha-a-ad!", she wails. "We gotta go back!" After about an hour of this, the sobs die down, but she is a shadow of her former self.
She'll turn the wand and chest over to Zynara for research and explain about the magical lock. She doesn't speak much, and a tear trickles down her cheek now and then. She'll agree with any plan to go back, as soon as possible. The thought of Araduin and Dar all alone, without her guidance is too much. The other alternative is never far from her thoughts either.
::sniffle::sob::
Bernice
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 10/03/90 S#: 419055
Sorry it's been so long since I posted, but I am recovering from an eye injury sustained at work. I haven't been able to see for a few days now, and that sure makes it hard to do anything with this media! Anyway, getting back to normal, so here we go...
Validar is somewhat grim as the party is transported to the pocket dimension of the Rod of Security. He did not expect so many of the Seekers to fail to reach the meeting point. However, he does his best to not let everyone see his worry, as he must take the leadership duties upon himself now.
"Everyone! First of all, let us not spend excess energy mourning the loss of friends whom we know naught of their fates. Just because they did not meet us at the prescribed point, does not mean that we should think the worst. I have battled beside our comrades for some time now, and I refuse to believe that each and every one of those missing is unable to survive whatever kept them from joining us."
"I also know that each of them, if they were to have fallen, would not have wanted us becoming consumed in grief when there is yet much to be done! This was but the first battle of perhaps many more to come. Until we have proof of anyone's demise, let us concentrate our efforts on finding them and continuing the efforts we begun."
"We will make ourselves available to our missing comrades on a regular basis, but we must also make our plans to continue the assault against the Hextorites. There are many more there whose fate we can change than the few we are missing. Each one of us knew the risks before we attacked."
"Now, we will leave this place of rest every few hours to see if any of our mates were merely detained or rerouted away. However, we will make sure that those of us who are wounded will refrain from any strenuous activity so as best to regain our own strength. We will have to hope for the best but prepare to go into battle again only with the numbers we have here."
"I believe that even though we have been depleted in number and power, the attack we made was even more devastating to the enemy. We succeeded in killing a number of leaders and they should be quite disorganized while looking for a force that virtually disappeared from under their very noses. Therefore, I think that we can wait two days before preparing to attack again. We can regain our strength and attempt to locate those missing during this time. Afterwards, we shall prepare for another attack on the camps. Therefore, we will need scouts to spy on the camps again to see what sort of changes have been made in their defenses."
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: Finrod returns!