Spectrum's Comments: Having escaped the Hextorite ambush, the Seekers plan their next course of action.
The Frontier #64
It is nightfall and the Seekers spy on the enemy from their new camp.
Finrod proposes a plan to attack the enemy. (See last post.)
While Validar contemplates his course of action, a noise is heard behind the camp!
Turning, you see an armored figure leading his horse towards you. His weapons remain sheathed.
The man, an elf you notice once up close, introduces himself as Starkin. He says that he wishes to help you in your task to liberate Gateway.
GM Notes:
Short post this week, but welcome the new PC!
Assuming that Stephanie was given the ring in the afternoon, after Arocken was done healing, her wounds are healed by now. Only took 7.5 hours.
Zynara narrows the magic of the gauntlets down to either Alteration or Abjuration. She fells that the later type of magic is needed to remove the Gauntlets.
Party Status:
| Name | Hit Points |
|---|---|
| Bernice | 25 of 34 |
| Blod | 13 of 31 |
| Claudius | 10 of 12 |
| Finrod | 23 of 28 |
| Zynara | 12 of 14 |
Spectrum's Comments: Hey, you gotta sneak fresh meat in somehow!
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 11/01/90 S#: 820174
"Too much time..", the mage continued to rumble, but finally stopped, pacified, when Finrod gave his plan.
Finally, his spells rememorized, and feeling secure, he stalks to the magic rug. "Come, Finrod..", he calls to the elder mage. "We have some poison to destroy!"
When the newcomer comes, he doesn't answer, intent on his one current goal, favoring him with a curt nod if anything.
When flying overhead, Claudius will basically follow Finrod's plan, and any reasonable directions as the situation warrants. He will want to sneak in, and destroy the poison piecemeal. If that proves impossible, then a *lightning bolt* from the sky.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 11/01/90 S#: 521638
Finrod is pleased to see another Elf join the group...It has been too long since he had another of the Firstborn with whom to chat. He is however; far too busy with what is afoot for more than a brief exchange of greetings welcoming the newcomer.
Provided Validar opts to allow Fin and Claudius to follow through on Fin's plan, he will operate as stated earlier.
To Steph and Val, before leaving camp: "Keep a close eye on that newcomer...he may be all that he claims, and then again he may not. I hope he is, for another sword will be invaluable right now."
With a heartfelt hug and a quick kiss, Fin bids farewell to Stephanie. "Take care. I shall see you about dawn near the goblin camp, I hope! Watch your back, I couldn't bear to lose you."
With a quick smile and a salute to Validar, he fades into the forest, with Claudius' eager, determined footsteps in his tracks. "Save the carpet until we really need it, Claud, old boy... we don't know if it has a limit on usage, and besides, our feet shall serve us better in sneaking into the camp." :)
--Finrod Fasthand
--Elven Mercenary
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Panther13 11/03/90 S#: 424090
"Very well, Finrod. The two of you may sneak into the camp. I must admit that I have my reservations about that since sneaking is not exactly Claudius' forte. Nothing personal, my friend. However, if you are willing yourself to make this attempt, then I shall not steer you otherwise."
"Meanwhile, Bernice and Arocken will get information on the new camps and find us a somewhat clear path from our current location to a point where we can launch our attack."
"The rest of you, I suggest, rest or prepare yourselves for the coming battle. Welcome, Starkin. If you wish to assist in the liberation of Gateway, then we shall certainly accept your offer."
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 11/03/90 S#: 459777
Steph blushes at the attention she receives from Fin.
"Please, Fin! Not in front of everyone..."
"The best of luck on your task, Fin and Claudius. Be careful out there!"
With a happy smile on her face, Steph then turns to Validar.
"Well, leader of us all, shall we attack or are you going to continue brooding?"
Assuming that we are going to engage the goblins, I'll make sure that my equipment is prepared. Sword, shield and armor.
When the stranger approaches I cautiously greet him.
"Hail, Starkin. If you wish to fight against the goblins, then you have come to the right place. I am Stephanie, but just call me Steph for short."
Starkin sees a large, muscular woman standing before him. As we speak, I become uncomfortably aware of my dress. My cloths are worn and torn in many places. Thick blood stains, mostly my own, blotch the garments.
"Hmm... I shall have to do some shopping once we free Gateway."
After the introductions are over, I turn to Validar once more.
"Shall we be off?"
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 11/03/90 S#: 448893
"Before you go, Claudius, I think it would be wise if you were to give the Wand of Fear to Zynara. That way both wands can be used in the attack at the same time."
After a few moments of thinking to himself, Validar will address the rest of the group.
"Since taking over the leadership of the Seekers, I have tried to be as democratic as possible. That is not my upbringing, nor my nature. I suppose because of that, I went too far in that direction. I tried to not just flatly give orders as is my wont."
"Apparently, some of you then felt that I was making suggestions as to a course of action, when in fact the decision was made. I simply didn't want to sound like I was telling everyone to do what *I* wanted you each to do. However, that has caused us to wander about almost aimlessly this day in our discussions."
"Once this battle is ended, I would be happy to confer with you all to determine just what is expected of myself as party leader. However, at this time, I feel that due to my experience and success in leading this group that I am going to take control of this band as though we are in a war, for we are!"
"Therefore, Arocken and Bernice will leave as soon as they have their gear ready. They will determine the forces in the goblin camp and approximate number of guards and their state of readiness. I expect there to be patrols about, so be careful and do not get too close. We do not need specifics, just general details. I shall leave the fine points up to each of you as you are quite proficient in this area."
"Claudius and Finrod will destroy the Hextorites potions as we discussed earlier and meet back up with us at the goblin camp as we attack. Since we have no definite meeting point, you two shall have to merely join in as you see fit."
"The rest of us will prepare our things and once the scouts have found us a suitable launching point, we will attack, using all of the power at out disposal in one simple straightforward attack. We do not have the ability to make any sort of diversion at this time, so it is best if we keep our forces together for maximum strength."
"Zynara, if you do not mind, Bernice and Arocken might benefit from the use of that new wand if indeed it does locate enemies."
SUBJ: Hail, and well met. (R) FROM: Halthron 11/03/90 S#: 437835
My name is Starkin, but you may call me Star if you like. I was traveling from the Dorwynn Elfholds to gateway, when I noticed the city had been taken. Given that these creatures haven't liberated it for the good of its people, I resolved to do whatever I could to free the city from them. I have been wandering this area for a while, marking activity, and trying to stay away from large groups of the goblins until I could find some way of getting the info out.
Be you honorable people, I would be pleased if you were to give me a chance to help you in your undertaking against the vile creatures.
Spectrum's Comments: I can't say that I remember much about Starkin. Some characters left a very lasting impression some did not. In Starkin's case, it was the later.
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 11/03/90 S#: 415847
"Aye, Finrod..", he nods, prepared to walk off. As he leaves, he hears Validar mention the wand of fear.
He considers it for half-a-second, and then decides that the knight's plan is a good one. He walks over to Zynara, hands her the wand, and squeezes her hand lightly. "May we meet again, lady..." He turns to Validar, nods briefly, mutters something vaguely like 'to the bitter end', and then stalks off with Finrod. It's a while before Finrod can convince Claud to try and be sneaky about it.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 11/04/90 S#: 420720
"Come on Bernice, we've some investigating to do!" With that Arocken will leave the group (hopefully with Bernice) and investigate the Goblin Camp.
GM Notes:
Arocken and Bernice return from scouting before too long.
They find the goblin camp to be somewhat in disarray. They count at least six different goblin tribes and not all of them appear to be getting along that well.
Minor skirmishes are a common sight. All the tribes seem to be answering to one, unusually large goblin. This overall leaders tent seems to be in the middle of the goblin camp.
A few patrols are seen, but they appear to be lazy, only really paying attention to what they are doing when a superior is close by.
As for a suitable point of attack, no one place in the camp seems better then any other.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 11/04/90 S#: 813181
For the information of the new PC and any others who may have missed it:
Validar is a tall man, just over six feet tall. He holds himself confidently and appears dangerous in his plate mail armor. In combat, he wears a great helm, but now you see that he wears his brown hair closely cut and a mustache adorns his face. His brown eyes show both the experience of combat and the wisdom and knowledge of a noble.
Both his shield and the now somewhat ragged tabard over his armor bear a coat of arms. A black griffon is displayed on a field of blue and silver.
A rich-looking hilt can be seen riding in the scabbard at his belt, along with a few other weapons: a hand axe, horseman's mace and two daggers. Nearby, the noble warrior's armored warhorses stand ready for another combat.
Validar takes up his lance when the Seekers are ready to move out. The pinion flying from its tip sways in the gentle breeze as he mounts Havok. He studies the group for a moment as they mount up and then signals them forward along the route outlined by the scouts, Arocken and Bernice.
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Blod 11/05/90 S#: 49994
"Hail Starkin, Me Blod. Me hope you have as much fun killing goblins as me!"
Blod stands well over 6 feet tall and is now adorned in Plate mail. He carries his huge sword with ease and always has a grin, unless his love, Zynara is in trouble or hurt.
When the time comes to depart, Blod says "Maybe we could attack the goblins from the direction of the human camp. They might think we was sent from the camp and decide they been double crossed. 'Specially when they see me in this armor!"
Blod will keep his sword handy and continue to try to remove these durned gauntlets until it is time to leave. If the struggle becomes hopeless, he will just sit and stare lovingly at Zynara.
:* for Zynny!
SUBJ: Going waaay back... (R) FROM: Merri2 11/05/90 S#: 423566
After the battle
Bernice showed a calm unusual for her during the fight. When things calm down though she notices the blood on her cloak. When she looks down, she sees multiple gashes. She looks up, in shock. Her mouth moves but nothing comes out. The little halfling slumps over and faints.
Coming to, she sees a circle of concerned faces around her. (She does doesn't she?) Figuring she has their sympathy she starts ::moan:: ::groan:: 'Almost at death's door, I guess. Musta lost a lot of blood, I guess.' ::moan:: She starts to rise. 'I think I can get up.' She falls back 'No, I guess not.' She offers her hand. 'Validar, please?'
Assuming he helps her up, she'll stand. Trying to be brave she says 'If someone could bandage these...I'll be OK. Halflings are made of pretty tough stuff. Yep. Minor scratches. I'll be just fine.' Bernie is as white as a sheet and her voice is shaky.
Whe Bernice has recovered from the shock, she smiles at Finrod. 'Finrod! You made it! Some people had doubts - But not me! I knew you'd make it! Some other time, we'll have to exchange stories. She moves closer and grips his arm. Looking intently into his eyes ' Any news of Araduin?'
Spectrum's Comments: Most of Bernice's posts bring a chuckle to me. This one in particular.
SUBJ: Now, up to date.. (R) FROM: Merri2 11/05/90 S#: 393717
Bernice finally realizes she is not at death's door. When Validar tells her and Arocken to go scouting, she asks about maybe borrowing that ring first. But when he BARKS the orders, she jumps. 'Yes, sir! Right away, sir!' There is almost un-noticeable sarcasm in her voice.
As they leave, Validar barely hears unhappy grumbling, "Practically die and this is the thanks I get. Who got those wands, anyways....' and the soft voice fades away.
To the newcomer. You notice a somewhat homely halfling wearing no armor. She wears a cloak that might have been green once, but is now covered in trail dirt. A short sword and dagger are on her belt along with a halfling's favorite weapon, a sling. 'Name's Bernice, but you can call me Bernie.' She says extending her hand. 'My specialty is in sleath, though you might know the profession as thief. Such an ugly word. Perhaps you've heard of my uncle. Bernard Winesapper? No? Well I was named after him. Famous adventurer... So glad to have your help.' She leans in closer. 'And watch out for that one's snake.' She points to Zynara. Don't think it's quite tame, you know.'
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 11/05/90 S#: 413307
For our newcomer, Zynara stands 5'11" and weighs between 125 and 135 pounds. She has a brilliant blonde hair down to her knees that is usually kept tied in a bun unless relaxing. Her figure is 35-22-34. The one thing that is noticeable is her eyes. They are an emerald green with silver flecks. When she is around Blod though, her eyes become more silver than green. She also carries with her a 10' long python by the name of Sheba. When Bernie is around, Zynara keeps a close eye on Sheba. Seems Sheba likes scaring the halfling.
When the new comer comes into the camp, Zynara trust the more experienced of the group that the wand is a wand of enemy detection and activates the wand. If the wand points to the newcomer, I will scream for Blod, "BLOD! Wand says he is enemy!" If the wand doesn't respond to the newcomer, I will greet him cheerfully alongside Blod.
When our leader asks me to give the Enemy wand to the scouts, I will happily give it to them. When Claud gives me the wand of Fear, I smile and give him a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you. I will use it as best as I can."
When alone with Blod, "Love, the metal gloves are magically being held on. We will have to wait for a while till one of us can use some magic to remove them. Till then, be very careful on picking up and using ANYTHING." With this, I give him a big kiss and do what I can to help prepare for the upcoming battle.
SUBJ: Oof! Uhn! Aarrgghh!! FROM: Blod 11/06/90 S#: 456643
Durned gauntlets! :D
Spectrum's Comments: Blod was getting into the spirit of things.
SUBJ: GM Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 11/07/90 S#: 393859
Zynara points the wand at Starkin and says the command word. Several moments pass and the wand remains inert.
Guess he's not an enemy! ;)
SUBJ: Trusting :) FROM: Zynara 11/07/90 S#: 459334
Since I trust magic, which any wise mage wouldn't, I welcome the newcomer and continue on. Hopefully this guy will be able to pull his share in battle. If he doesn't and Blod gets hurt, I feel sorry for him. :D
The Frontier #65
Finrod and Claudius slip out of the Seekers camp, moving towards their goal in the leaders camp.
The rest of the Seekers mount up and prepare to follow Validar in a charge against the goblins.
Riding hard, you reach the goblins in moments. They are surprised by the attack and several flee. Finally, they gather in large numbers and battle begins!
Validar's warhorse surges forward, trampling the enemy in his path. His lance stabbing those before him.
Arocken, Blod, Starkin and Stephanie dismount and engage the enemy hand to hand. Blod fumbles his blade and it falls to the ground. Having no other weapon, he punches the nearest goblin knocking him back almost ten feet!
Goblins drop left and right as the warriors go to work. Arocken fells 4 of the creatures, Stephanie 5. Starkin slays one.
Bernice remains behind the warriors, stepping forth to thrust her new shortsword at an open enemy and then retreating to safety.
Behind them all, Zynara, still on horseback uses the Wand of Fear. Turning it on a huge group of goblins, she causes over fifty of them to flee.
Aided by the commotion in the goblin camp, the guards in the leaders camp fail to notice Finrod and Claudius slipping in. In near silence they move from tent to tent, ever closer to their goal.
Validar joins the warriors the massacre continues. Sixteen more goblins are removed from the battle.
Blod tries to reclaim his sword, but fumbles it away again. Seeing one goblin rushing towards Zynara, Blod intercepts him, lifts him into the air and throws him twenty feet into a group of goblins.
Zynara activates the Wand again and still more goblins flee.
Suddenly everyone's attention is drawn to a fiery explosion elsewhere in the goblin camp! Everything in a circle 40' wide was just consumed by the fire. For a moment, all fighting stops as you watch the Fireball go off.
Turning once more, you see the gates of Gateway are opened! Riders are seen emerging from both sides.
Given everything that's happened to them in the last three minutes, the goblins turn tail and flee! They are scampering back to the forest!
Back in the leaders camp, everyone's attention is also riveted on the Fireball. Ceasing the moment, Finrod and Claudius make for the tent with the evil liquid.
Their progress does not go unnoticed however. A hill giant follows after them...
GM Notes:
Party Status:
| Name | Hit Points |
|---|---|
| Arocken | 35 of 38 |
| Bernice | 19 of 34 |
| Claudius | 10 of 12 |
| Finrod | 23 of 28 |
| Zynara | 12 of 14 |
Now what, Seekers?
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 11/08/90 S#: 472215
When Validar sees the riders come bursting from the city's walls, his heart leaps. He thrusts his sword high into the early morning air with a flourish as he watches the goblin horde rout.
Seizing the opportunity, Validar will turn to his fellow Seekers and exclaim, "This tide has turned in our favor now, my comrades! Let us ride on the Hextorite camp and drive them from this place! Victory is ours!!"
Validar will then wait a brief moment for the Seekers to reach their mounts and will spur his warhorse on toward the Hextorite's camp. There will not be much subtlety to this attack. Mostly brutal mayhem.
SUBJ: Stephanie
I turn to watch all that is going around me. Steph sees the fireball go off and silently says "Wow!" to herself.
Hearing Validar speak, I rush towards Thunder.
"I am with you, Validar! Let us crush these evil dogs!"
Glancing about, I notice the mage Zynara on her horse. How beautiful she is, I think to myself. No wonder Blod is so smitten with her.
Then I notice myself. Dirty, covered with blood and cuts. What does Fin see in me?
"We must make sure Fin and Claud are alright! They could be overrun by goblins."
I'll spur Thunder on, riding at full speed after Validar.
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 11/09/90 S#: 99766
After the deed of defeating the goblins is taken care of I will move toward the tent that Finrod Claudius, and the hill giant went into. (Assuming that I could see them) If not I will follow Validar's lead.
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 11/09/90 S#: 481068
"Hill giant...", the younger mage hisses as he slips into the tent.
He looks around wordlessly at the bottles, surprisingly a little too battle-numb to comprehend is last words.
"So it's true..", he whispers, scowling.
Suddenly he spins, assuming the hill giant is about ready to join the fray, and *lightning bolts* the newcomer. He then faces Fin. "Can you finish that while I take care of these?"
Assuming he assents, Claudius will start destroying the bottles piecemeal...
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 11/10/90 S#: 433823
After seeing the fireball and the riders burst forth from Gateway, Blod will first look for Zynara. Making sure she is safe, he will retrieve his mighty sword (:D), mount his horse and try to catch Validar.
"Durned gauntlets! At least they are metal.! Nothing like playing catch with goblins! Lets get those Soulless Snot-Bags! :D"
:*:*:* for Zynara!
SUBJ: Trying her best... FROM: Zynara 11/10/90 S#: 18881
I sit on my horse trying to keep it calm while all the fighting is going on. When the horse is steady enough, I activate the wand of fear and send as many of the goblins on their way as I can. When the gates open and the horses and soldiers come rushing out, I smile and think, 'Seems we have caused enough trouble that we finally get help.'
When Val gives the order to attack the main camp, I hold my horse ready until Blod is on his horse then I ride beside him towards the main camp. When we arrive, I will follow Blod using the wand where it would get several of the enemy or I will cast my acid arrows at single targets, helping Blod as much as possible unless someone else is in trouble. In that case, I will use the arrow to help them.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 11/13/90 S#: 470315
Noticing the Hill Giant following the valiant pair of raiders, the powerful elven warrior turns quickly to Claudius, but that worthy young mage is acting quickly... the lightning emerges from the wand that he carries, and he offers exactly the plan that Fin had been about to outline. "Of course, Claudius! Go to it on the bottles, I will hold off this Giant, and any others who approach!"
With that, Finrod fires off a COLOR SPRAY into the face of the approaching hill giant, then moves in to take advantage of it's blinding effects and finish off the evil interloper. The lightning, color, and combat will no doubt have aroused the Hextorite camp. As they come to investigate, Fin will defend the entrance to the tent, buying time for Claudius to accomplish his task. Any approaching groups of spell-casters will be quickly enveloped in DARKNESS 15', then Webbed. Fin will then mercilessly set fire to the WEB with his BURNING HANDS. He laughs gleefully at the results, singing:
"Burn, baby burn! Hextor inferno!"
He will then settle in to the serious business of defending the tent entrance. To reduce the number of foes who can see him, he will stand just within the opening, and engage any who approach in hand-to-hand combat. "I hope," he thinks to himself, "that those Clerics will be too afraid of damaging the contents of this tent to toss any heavy-duty spells in here. If they do, Claud and I are goners for sure!"
Just then he catches a glimpse over the shoulder of an opponent of the rest of the party riding towards the encampment with Validar and Stephanie at their head. His heart soars! He wonders how any woman could be so beautiful. Steph's hair flows in the wind, and the light of combat is in her eyes. Battle-hardened muscles ripple under the bloodstained skin of her sword-arm, and the lungs beneath her armored breast drive forth a bellowing war cry.
"That is more Woman than the likes of me deserves," he thinks to himself. "I must strive to be worthy of her! Gods, grant me the strength of arm and will, and the good fortune to survive this combat, and I will sacrifice to each and every one of you in gratitude for what you have given!"
He fights on, with increased strength and ferocity, owning now more than mere battle-lust and righteousness, but also a consuming NEED to survive.
"Have at thee, pawns of evil, creatures of the Dark!"
SUBJ: Starkin FROM: Halthron 11/14/90 S#: 52878
While glad that the city can participate, he will get back to work, and try to stay out of the others ways. Kinda make himself useful until he can find out just what is needed/expected.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: the conclusion to the battle, the Seekers receive a heroes welcome at Gateway, and several couples grow closer.