Chapter 8 - The Battle of Triboar

And so, the party found themselves in an open forest in the Elsir's Vale, a pillar of smoke rising a dozen miles away from the town of Yartar.

"This is much nicer than being on the slippery back of a giant turtle," commented Bryllin Stoneheart  and the rest of the group looked at her like she was crazy for she alone had made a saving throw and many of her recent memories remained. The others, it appeared, were clueless. They checked her temperature and moved on.

Before long they noticed a hand bill attached to a tree, curious in the country side.

WANTED - Mostly dead

Theft, Hooliganism, Disturbing the peace, Indecent Exposure, Kidnapping, Banditry and Murder.

REWARD - 5 silver pieces per ear

As the others examined it and wondered about who had placed it, Thorne called the party to alert. He sensed 15 to 20 Hobgoblins with his keen ears and had everyone ready before the assault began.  This is fortunate, but these were infernal hobgoblins last encountered in Session 7 - Dwarf-napping of Bryllin Stoneheart. These fellows were masters of fire and mischief, nearly killing all of the party in the past.

Nameroc lifted his voice and invoked a tidal wave knocking more than a few to the ground just as the ground about Chaotic Gold began to crackle with fire at their slightest movement. Zaila Fanter identified the source, a war mage just emerging from the forest, and as Thorne spoke the elven words to his Oathbow letting loose arrows, Zaila cast silence on the war mage.  This stopped terrible fire magic from striking them in the next round.

Meanwhile, an infernal hobgoblin sprinted and leapt into their midst landing with a splash of fire, putting everyone on notice that these were no ordinary foes, but extra planar hobgoblins. In the next round, Nameroc would go down, crumpling into the ground, but not before hitting the Hobgoblins with another Tidal Wave spell.

"Lend me your spare rapier," employed Ulwai comely hobgoblin and Zaila slid it from its sheath and handed it over, her former prisoner. Wyrmlord Ulwai Stormcaller, not one for fancy fighting sheathed the sword into a nearby hobgoblin before offering Zaila a bit of inspiration.

"Good Luck! Until we meet again" and with that word of inspiration she disappeared.

In her place stood an armored presence, Red hair flying and expression of grave determination.  Enter, Fausta the Red Lion of Triboar, fighting with brutal efficiency, shouldering her way toward Bryllin to compete for the final blows. 

This appears to have motivated Bryllin who swung her axe with purpose and precision until none stood before them.

Fausta invited them to sleep at her nearby estate home (Fausta's Retreat) where they leveled up to 8th.

The party returns to Triboar to find it slightly more fortified, but not enough and there is not enough time. It is Soranna Anita who find them in the streets, warning them of possible assassins and spies within the city walls. She said there is one named Miha Serani wrecking havoc, but that it is only a matter of time until she is caught.  For now, they much report to Keep for an audience with the Council of Triboar

It was Lord Jarmaath who presented Chaotic Gold to the those in attendance and he did so in a shockingly flattering fashion and with each introduction they knew they were seen and understood.

Bryllin Stoneheart - Powerful and wise, yet with an ability to speed into battle and destroy enemies with speed and fury. She serves a higher calling now as it is said the gods speak to her. We will be in need of this. And lest you think her piety is everything she is hands down winner of the Noanar's Hold Harvest Festival Ale Drinking Contest.

It should be noted, Bryllin is of the Clan Stoneheart and for this reason we have dismissed Cpt. Gemdelver for all meetings. Mercenaries should do as they are told.

Nameroc of the Land - summoner of serpents, sentient trees and more. I am told he soars through the skies, scurries across rooms barely noticed and strikes with flood, lightning, claw and talon. He wears curious tatoos, but do not doubt his character or spirit. He is true to nature.

Thorne If any can compare to the stalwart heart of Nameroc, it is perhaps Thorne of Forest. It is said his oath is deadly and his aim is true. Winner of the Festival of Noanar's Archery contest, even beyond 300 meters his enemies cannot hide. He struck a wyrmlord from the back of a flying dragon which is no small feat. Rescuer of Lord Neverember’s daughter. I am grateful to have him here.

Zaila Fanter of the High Elves, she is said to be the last of the flower, fair and bright that survived the horrors of that night, and though she sang a mournful tune, her spirit shines like silvery moon. Charmer of giants, builder of alliances and teller of tall tells. If one can believe it, she stopped a company of hobgoblins with an illusion at Skull Gorge Bridge. Thank you.

And finally, last but not least; winner of the Noanar Festival Hungry Hobgoblin Hide and Seek contest. Said to sow chaos in enemy ranks. Protector of those who are about to fall. Luckbringer, aunt, sister, cousin and niece to half the little people of the Elsir's Vale. Slayer of treacherous worm Venomfang. I present Pimzin Teabottle.

And with the last description, the 1/2 pint halfling emerged from behind Lars Ulverth legs, previously unseen, her smile now lighting the room. The temptation to catch up with each other was difficult to resist, but Lady Kaal interrupted.

"And this merry band, have they a name? I have heard them called the “Destroyers of the Dawn’s Way.” What could motivate them to destroy the commerce of our valley?" she asked locking eyes with the other members of the council as she spoke. "I have heard it said that they did so to slow down the hobgoblin horde, and yet it encircles the city even now. What have the “Destroyers of the Dawn” to say for themselves?"

Nameroc of the Land spoke next answering in no uncertain terms. "We do not live in Elsir's Vale, yet we find outselves here in the middle of your woes. We take them upon ourselves because our nature is good and our hearts are not cold. Everything we have done is with good intent."

"And the Dwarves of Mithril Hall will help to rebuild Skull Gorge Bridge once I return," spat Bryllin.

"I do not expect you understand this, Ms. Stoneheart, but your clan has little control over the affairs of Mithril Hall today," said Lady Kaal.

At this point, perhaps because tensions were rising, Lars Ulverth jumped in, "Tell me more about the battle with the Infernals.  The fiery hobgoblins. Our scouts have not seen them, our spies have turned up no news or even rumors of them, but the Red Lion (Fausta the Red) claims they burst into flame when slain."

The discussion digressed into how horrible the city would fare if flaming hobgoblins breached the walls and for this reason Lord Jarmaath wanted to meet them in the fields surrounding Triboar rather than at the walls.  It was Thorne who said a wall is worth three men and Lars concurred. It seemed their previous conversations on defenses had bonded them in some way.

At this point they began to place units on the battle map and discuss the forces arrayed against them which were formidable. The plans were set, the forces mustered tot he proper places.... only a discussion of the merits of barricades remained. Would they cut off the ability of their forces to retreat? Would they inhibit proper use their highly mobile cavalry headed by Caleb Teskerhill and Owen Teskerwill? 

The evening progressed and Tredora Goldenbrow performed a greater restoration spell on Lord Jarmaath who brightened visibly while many of the others flagged. Dispatches arrived decisions were made and time bean ticking away towards the inevitable moment.

It is said, vampirism is a curse of blood. A curse that hollows out its victims, turning them into mere mockeries of life.  They become beings of pure dark energy; beings that nonetheless hunger for life‘s essence, blood. With that hunger comes power everlasting and the eternal darkness of undeath as they abandon everything they knew and loved before. By feeding of the vampire passes the curse on to their victims. But our heroes did not know they were heading into a vampires lair this evening, only that the local thieves build needed help, discreet help that would pay handsomely.

"Have you a moment, Champions of the Vale?" Before them stands Kellin Shadowbanks a halfling, his eyes dark and merry. He stands tall for one of such a short stature. It is Pimzin Teabottle's uncle Kellin Shadowbanks, innkeeper from Noanar's Hold who was never stingy with bars of soap or warm bath.

"There is trouble within the Black Knives, which you know as the local guild and I find myself representing those of us who remain above ground.  The Others,” and he pauses here, "They are below and they are changed."

He relates the story of the Velvet Hand, a once strong relationship between the  Lady Kaal and the leader of the Black Knives, Rillor Pain. A rogue at heart he fascinated Lady Kaal with his creative ways to smuggle and Lady Kaal ability to smooth over any, 'misunderstandings' was very much appreciated. There was an undeniable bond between them, a secret bond, but also a bond said to be unbreakable.

Now that bond stands broken, Rillor has moved underground, ignoring his duties and for her part Lady Kaal ignores him, as if he never existed.

And this is how Chaotic Gold finds itself in the sewers beneath the city of Triboar, Bryllin Stoneheart with the Gem of Renneverate casting a crimson light to guide the way, when suddenly she feels a sharp pain in her side.

Campbell the rogue has slipped a dagger into the crack of her armor, expertly lifting the Gem and sprinting away. He shouts "--Nox--" and the light extinguishes leaving everyone temporarily night blind.... But what's more shocking is that this rogue knows the magical words that control the gem.

Pursuit begins, as Thorne draws hard on his bow, the low ceilings forcing him to take quick shot, Campbell winces and winces again as Namerochits him with an icy spike. Bry, now enraged pursues, faster than the others, but perhaps not able to match the rogue as they turn a corner. There is a moment of pure adrenaline fueled fury as Bry swings the great axe catching the rogue and stopping his progress just long enough for Nameroc to entangle to two of them in thorny vines that stop the race.

And now something horrific becomes apparent, while Thorne shoots more arrows into the creature, the previous arrows are forced from the wounds that spontaneously close around the holes.

Zaila Fanter grimaces, she is denied a shot, unless.... The unthinkable, she must jump into the sewer waters for too many others are blocking her. With a look of disgust, she jumps in fires a shot with her Longbow of Certain Death whose properties are know to inhibit regeneration and as the arrows strike the regenerating vampire's confident grin fades as does its chances.

Chaotic Gold continues to destroy the creature with holy water, flame and arrow until it is released from the corpse it inhabited. They recover the magical gem and continue until they find a warehouse. From the darkness beyond is inky blacks a voice rasps, "You seek Rillor Pain, do you? Well, you've found him, but not quite as you expected." And he chuckles, "Shadows are my cloak now, adventurer. They cling tighter than any thief's shroud."

There is silence as each member of the party freezes to attempt to locate the origin of the voice. A thick and heavy silence, before the voice resumes, closer this time, yet impossible to pinpoint. "Speak your troubles, mortal. What brings you to bargain with me? But remember, whispers in the dark come at a cost."

"Why did you leave Lady Kaal," asks Bry a crack in her voice that she quickly mends.

And the voice rasps again, tinged the time with a bitterness so profound it makes the air itself seem cold, "Leave? Is that how it appears, mortal? Like a thief abandoning a prized jewel, Perhaps....:

His sardonic chuckle fades into a sign, 'I did not leave, no, the truth is as tangled as moonlight caught in thorns. To protect others, one must sometimes vanish. A love untainted is a love worth leaving for, wouldn't you agree?"

He pauses, "Besides, what use is a rose in the grasp of a withered hand. Better she remembers me as I was not as this....." His last word hangs heave, unspoken, echoing an unspeakable truth. 

"But enough sentiment. You seek the security of the city and the price I demand is that you protect Lady Kaal. I shall flood these sewers and make them impassible, but I need you to be my eyes, ears and hands above ground. See that she does not come to harm.

"Are you an enemy of the city," called Nameroc, "We are under siege and now we fear  these underground passages could be used as an avenue of attack?  

"Plotting, dear adventurer? Plotting takes ambition, and frankly, sunlight burns too much these days. These shadows offer solace where schemes do not."

A pause, the silence punctuated only by the distant gurgle of unseen water. 

"Though," the voice continues, a hint of mischievous amusement creeping in, "the city above does hold... temptations. Information whispers on the wind, secrets hide in every discarded rag. Perhaps a mutually beneficial arrangement could be... negotiated."

And remember, vengeance simmers within me like a dying ember. A name, a whisper, a clue... anything to bring me close to the one who stole may life in the sun and left me a monster in these sewers. For news, I would give much.

The day before the battle, they once again found themselves in Red's Magics and Sundries attempting to make a bulk purchase of ball bearings. Supplies had grown scarce of late, and Alandri had grown stranger and stranger with each encounter.

On any visit she always insisted on posing a riddle to the party. Some nonsensical thing that they brushed of causing Alandri's brow to furrow and her demeanor to darken, but this time she was even more upset... and this before the obligatory riddle. She locked eyes with @Thorne and did not remove her gaze as she recited.

I guard the path with riddles untold,

A creature of riddles, both fierce and bold.

With a lion's body and a woman's head,

My words can bring life or death instead.

Still staring as she finished a smiled played across her lips as she say the country-boy ranger's gears turning. "Why ma'am, you're a sphinx, a lady sphinx if I guess rightly." 

And she sighed, wetness coming to her eyes as a gust of breath left her relieved to finally be able to speak to them freely. "My friends, I've been held prisoner here as a common shopkeeper, forced to handle inventory and the books as cheap bastards attempt to haggle on price. I've been unable to speak openly of my plight, but you noble sir, have guessed correctly."

She went on to share an unusual bargain, for should the Immerstal the Red wizard fall in battle she would be released from her imprisonment. And, should the party have a hand in this, she would grant them a boon. A long rest to recover their spell slots so that they might better face the Talon of Tiamat and the horde that follows them. This is no morally safe argument and possibly not even a logical one, for it is the red wizard who maintains the telepathic link enabling coordination during the battles that night, but tempting, it is.

A massive horn sounded, hitting profound bass notes that you feel in your chest even after it has stopped. A thunderous roar erupts from the camp of the horde and then silence. You think you hear the voice of Stormcaller Ulwai, now the herald casting some arcane bardic spell and then as if supernaturally amplified, the voice of Wyrmlord Kharn, supreme commander of the Horde.

“The Warpriests of the Doom Hand have shown us the way! They have taught us honor, discipline, obedience—and strength! Remember that you stood here this night, warriors of Kulkor Zhul! For a hundred generations your sons and your sons’ sons will sing of the blood spilled by your swords and the glory you win this night! Now, my brothers—to WAR!”

It is two hours after sunset, the stars are out and the moon shines her light on the field, but can make out are shadowy patches passing in front of light-colored foliage.

Nameroc is startled by the voice of Lord Jarmaath in his head, "Nameroc, the walls are assaulted by heavy stones, I fear they will not last much longer."

"Lord Jarmaath, we will stop them," intoned Nameroc and quickly he relays the message. The telepathic link is broken and they mount up. Honeysuckle, Thaco, Rosinate and Pinkslip, saddled and ready are quick to race through the streets and dismounting, Chaotic Gold ascends the walls.

Arriving on the wall a whistling sound followed by the terrible crack of an impact. White-eyed soldiers cringe as another trio of stones impact very near the gate. 

A sergeant approaches, grime and dust clinging to his face. He has been close the the impacts and stands without fear. "Heroes, they attack from a great distance. Our men are firing back with crossbows, but we’ve nothing to aim at except their grunts and groans. It’s giants, for sure, giants of legend with the power to take the gate down in no time."

With little hesitation the order the gates opened as they mount their steeds and ride forward. With the Blade of the Moon Song drawn, Zaila sees more in the darkness than the others and she points the direction as massive stones fly high over head. And in a moment they arrive to see two hill giants next to a mound of boulders lobbing boulders in deadly arcs.

And the battle begins as Zaila cast "Hideous Laughter" and the she giant falls first to her knees, and then as Nameroc tugs and pulls upon here with telepathic force she tumbles forward to land at their feet.  The others dismount, Thorne firing arrows while Bryllin climbs the cliff with two quick strides engaging a second giant.

As they fight they are acutely aware that battle will be a long one and any spells they cast may not be recovered, there was a hint from Alandri, that should the Immerstal the Red fall in battle she could help the party to get a long rest, but flat out killing him would mark them as murder hobos.

One by one the Giants fell. The second toppled by an arrow that delivered a swarm squirrel delivering the killing blow, and the third to Bry's axe. Nameroc, in eagle form took direct hit from a great club and felt the fabled giant power, but this one was quickly dispatched.

Zaila turned, both she and Thorne heard the horses growing disquieted as the yipping of Worgs, horrible wolflike beasts with goblin mounts nearing. She slipped into Honeysuckle's saddle and Thorne deftly gathered the reins of the other three horses, soothing them as they threatened to bolt.

Bry's mount, the obstinate Rosinate was unusually well-behaved as she mounted as Nameroc glided to his mount Pinkslip. He transformed into a less shocking form before mounting and it was in that moment he saw the bag of loot. Signaling to Thorne who saw another, they both decided to loot.

As they grabbed up the bags two words leapt from the small cliff with snarling aggression scoring a minor hit on Thorne. But the yipping excitement of the pack was nearly upon them, 5 more were ready to leap and 25 more after that. The true meaning of a horde was overwhelming, unlimited reinforcing power.

The both wheeled about and kicked their mounts into action. Thorne felling a worg with a parting shot. 

At a full gallop they entered the gates and climbed to the top of the wall. It was damaged but not broken, they were ready to help, but the sergeant brought his men to the task and thus began the desperate struggle that was to be know as the Battle of Triboar.

And it would be unrelenting.

A sudden, blinding flash of light erupted in their peripheral vision and as they turned, orange flames lit upon the southern section of Triboar. Tongues of flame licked along the peaked rooftops illuminating once quaint weathervanes. A heartbeat later, a deafening roar reached their ears and the heat of the intense orange flames caressed their faces. This is Abithriax the Red.

Pinkslip was not a mount to let others lead in a race and she frequently surged forward making it difficult for Nameroc. With the reins wrapped around the Staff of the Stormclouds, Nameroc focused on making it rain, but he found himself leading the others as well. With everything happening, he barely noticed with they arrived at the center of Abithriax's destruction. Knowing his best chancing to stop the flame now engulfing the city was to stay focused on making it rain, he moved to the periphery and maintained concentration as the winds picked up and an occasional spittle struck his face.

Doran Axehaft was there to greet them, crossbow in hand. He stood with a small group of men dressed in Lady Kaal’s livery.  Soot on his face and some burns raising on his cheeks, he’s been close to the action. Nearby a soldier lay broken and crushed, apparently having taken a ‘ride’ with the dragon who even now circled overhead, charging his breath weapon which by the looks of it he’s used, at least, 3 times already.

“I’m glad you’re here," the dwarf said, "There is little time. When he comes, he comes quickly! Be ready.  And little badger,” he said, turning to Bryllin Stoneheart,  “When this is all over, I’ve something I need to share. My emissary has returned from Mithril Hall with a list of names.“

It was Thorne who saw the red fiend enter a dive and both he and Bryllin drank flying potions lifting their feet from the ground. As he rose, Thorne nocked an arrow of dragon slaying as his lips formed the old elvish phrase, "Swift defeat to my enemies."

Abithriax swooped down, fiery saliva dripping from razor sharp fangs the size of short swords as he disgorged a terrific blaze onto those remaining on the ground. It was the salve they applied earlier that saved them... but did not save Doran who fell in that moment. What wicked magic was in that slagflame breath, for as the flames cleared two magma creatures emerged, one vexing Zaila whose moon blade barely slowed it on its chaotic mission to burn everything in its path and the other

Through the flames Thorne's Oathkeeper bow spoke twice sending the shafts of the slaying arrows into previously unseen soft-spots in the dragons hide. 

No one could match the unbridled audacity of Bryllin Stoneheart, once her half-crazed eyes locked onto foolish idea. Without thinking she slammed into the dragons back, grasping at one of the deep-sunken arrow shafts and wildly swinging her great axe, beating the giant lizard around the head and shoulders.

More arrows, as the Dragon wheeled, this time grasping Thorne in one clawed hand and breathing a second time directly on him. Between flames, or the steely grips Abithriax felt the ranger grow limp and as a child discard a doll once it's sighted a new toy, so the dragon flung Thorne to the side and took hold of a dismayed Zaila.

Zaila Fanter swung the moon blade and the shocking electrical jolted through both her and the dragon as he puled her towards his gaping maw.

And in this moment, the druid, Nameroc took action. Seeing one party member down and another about to be eaten, he struck the ground with his staff and the earth erupted beneath the great lizard who slumped lifeless, releasing the bard.

Abithriax let loose one final fiery sigh, venomous liquid leaking from his mouth.

As the wind whipped up, the flames, all that was left of Abithriax, began jumping and multiplying. Everyone began kicking, stamping and slapping wet blankets on flames that put up more fight than the dragon. 

Nameroc stood in concentration; perspiration on his forehead... or was that precipitation. Slowly the clouds opened up and a steady night-time rain gave everyone a the confidence to care for the wounded. As the rains continued it extinguished from the makeshift street lights the residents had created to illuminate the city, but this was a small price to pay for a victory over Abithriax the Red.

In that moment, the telepathic link opened, it was Lord Jarmaath, "I’ve routed the enemy at the west gates, they are pushed back, and I believe the Shining Axes will hold," he breathed in heavy relief.

"However, we are having a rough time with the Dawn Way. Our men have erected a hasty barricade just before of the Marketplace, but they are facing wave after wave of invaders moving down the road. Without your help they will soon be overwhelmed.They defend near Red’s Magic Shop."

Chaotic Gold mounted up and shot to the what would come to be known as the "Street of Blood," for the carnage, mixed with the rains that night painted the streets with a gruesome palette.

Five defenders remained as the party dismounted. Nervously, the defenders wiped water from their eyes as rain pasted lose hair to their scalps. Thorne began receiving their report, as Zaila's Moonblade signaled to her that danger approached, too far distant for the others to see. She dropped a fireball on the first wave, both illuminating the scene and decimating the approaching squadron of hobgoblins.

That was to be the first of many waves that night. Next came the reckless berserker disregarding all pretense of defending and assaulting the team. The leapt the four foot tall barricade walls and Zaila dropped a fist into her palm, Thunderwave and they were blasted back. Bry and Thorne lay into them, but even though their wounds would prove mortal, these bugbear freaks fought on.

When the dust cleared, the party was alone on the barricades, the earlier defenders having fallen before the frenzied fury of the second wave.

What next?

The light rain continued to fall as the defenders caught their breath. Thorne the ranger counting his remaining arrows as Zaila flicked gore from her trousers with the Moonblade. Bryllin Stoneheart's crazed eyes scanned around for enemies, a crackling dark magic empowering the frenzied strength within her. The Dawn's Way was now painted in the blood of their enemies and the rains only spread the crimson canvas with a loathsome finality.

It was Nameroc, in the form of an eagle who spotted them coming in two ranks, Goblins mounted on worgs charging at full speed toward the barricade and behind them something crackled in the air.... and cobbled streets trembled as three colossal Bluespawn Thunderlizards, each the size of a large rhinoceros, lumbered into view, cyan hides pulsing with arcane energies and occasionally shooting electricity from jagged horns. 

Thorne cast a web spell, hoping to channel them towards the Bry's sharp axe even now finishing the goblin and evil wolves, Zaila brought a cloud of daggers in front of the barricades as the first lizard, thunderously met both the barricade and Bry's axe. Nameroc struck with talon and beak only to be met with a sonic blast that brought his health low, but the first lizard fell acrid smoke pluming from its nostrils lending a ozone smell to the air around Bry.

The remaining two surged forward, one towards Bryllin Stoneheart and the other dashed through barricade of overturned carts and wooden planks,  as it focused in on Zaila Fanter. While Bry, Nameroc and Thorne focused on the first of these, Zaila stood her ground, moonblade in hand, and as serpentine neck of the beast turned, so did the hulking mass turn, razor-sharp claws scraping against the cobbles, tearing up stones as it wheeled. And while the other beast fell, so did Zaila beneath massive claws as it passed over her.

The final beast emitted a low, guttural roar as its chests pumped with fury, a sound that seemed to vibrate the very stones beneath the party's feet, but as it turned to trample Zaila, it was met with visage of Bry, malevolent dark fireflies dancing in a aura around her head and shoulders... she struck again, and again and again until there was silence.

Nameroc helped Zaila stand, he in human form once more administered healing words as they watched the deranged dwarf continue to hack at their now dead foes. With three deep breaths she masters herself, muttering "No, we do not understand each other," almost spitting the words.

In the distance they can feel the enemy, murmuring, shouting encouragement to Hill Giants who've destroyed another section of wall.  Isolated skirmishes continue in the streets, and the night is still pierced every few seconds by a distant cry of mortal pain or a monstrous roar.

"Chaotic Gold, you’ve held well. Only stray attackers have made it to the Cathedral Square. I'm pressing forward to route them. Hold there a moment longer, I have orders for you" But in a matter of seconds the link goes dead, and Immerstal the Red all but shouts across the link, "Come quickly, he is fallen."

The very air thrummed with a low, primal vibrations. The drizzling rains, once a god-send, was now the horde's chilling accomplice as the low cloud cover causes their chants and cries to amplify and carry in disconcerting ways.  The lamentations and cries of pain, too, to bounce around the city as do the panicked shouts of disorganized soldiers. The night has become a terrorscape and at one point you even hear the whoosh of the unseen wings carrying the promise of gnashing fangs and searing breath.

Arriving at the Cathedral square, they had expected an army, but instead, their morale was broken as a sniper's arrows had dropped both Lord Jarmaath and Immerstal the Red wizard.. After that the troops had dispersed seeking places to hide, looking for family and friends.

Captain Lars Ulverth, the battle-scarred veteran was on the way, but it was clear to Chaotic Gold they needed to solve this problem quickly and reinvigorate the cities defenses for marching toward the square came General Hravek Kharn.

Nameroc, fierce and bold took the form of an owl and flew through the night, using the overhead cover to obscure his flight, dipping Low enough the see the snipers hideout on the second floor of a two story building. At unpredictable intervals he poked his head out of a random window to shoot again.

Zaila Fanter took charge of the Arrow-Catching Shield and rushed forward, taunting the sniper as she ran forward, "Mosquitos have a bigger sting than you," she blerted as her shield caught his first arrow, poison poison splattering onto it's magical surface.Thorne moved too, finding cover behind a fountain as Bryllin Stoneheart too charged towards hideout. It seems the bard's vicious mockery was the distraction they needed.

Alighting on the roof, Nameroc transformed into a giant constrictor snake and flipped himself into the second floor window. He was alone and isolated from the rest of the party, but this bold move would surely buy them time. Nervously, he struck, but the element of surprise was not enough to stop Skather,  the Sniper who dodged to the left and spat acid across Namer's scaly hide.

Nameroc was down, moving only in convulsive fits.

Skather returned to the window, but the others had reached the house and busted in the doors. Bry knew the danger Nameroc was in and began a desperate sprint through the doors and up the stairs.

Quaffing a potion of gaseous form, Thorne floated upward to the second floor window knowing no arrow or blade could harm him and Zaila.... Well Zaila went in the window and engaged the Kuklor Kor Mindbender, her moonblade positively crackling with electricity as it struck home. This broke the mind bender's concentration and in retaliation he flung a lightning bolt at her, both were badly injured.

On the second floor, Skather engaged Bryllin as Thorne returned to his normal form, gathering his swarm of squirrels and fired two shots, one hitting true as Bry's Axe also sliced deep into the assassin's side.  This was his queue.

Deftly, he stepped into the shadows, and with a slight disruption of dust motes in the air, he was gone. 

Very low on spells, they broke out their medical kit and stabilized Nameroc. Zaila and Bry cast curative magics on him and they returned to the square, but the once powerful army had not yet reformed.

What they found was Jarmaath and Immerstal stricken by a poison that left them weak than men on their deathbeds. "We've not more spells of restoration and these two cannot be help, I fear." This was the voice of Tredora Goldenbrow a sadness in her eyes.

Bryllin Stoneheart, approached the wizard first and whispered into his ear. "I have the spell to help, but you must release Alandri your shopkeeper from your grasp."

"Alandri? I have not hold on her," he replied, but as Bry made to leave, he tugged on her grieves, "Forgive me, it is much that you ask, but it is done." And with that Bry removed the poison from Immerstal and Thorne did the same to Lord Jarmaath and they rose their feet, shaken but once again themselves. 

Alandrii appeared before them in her true form, a Sphinx now and she granted them what she had promised. Before them stood a hut, and on entering, the time stopped for the party, they healed, prepared spells and emerged rested and ready to go where to the other in the square it appeared that not even a minute had passed.

I get joy from watching a party engage with a scenario. In this case, they really wanted to spend a stipend that Lord Jarmaath offered them. Most of the money was spent on magic items, dragon slaying arrows, potions, scrolls, etc. but some went on a scheme:

• Kegs of Gunpowder
• Ball bearings
• Caltrops, etc.

In the final fight, at the cathedral they positioned these things to great effect and as this was our second session using FoundryVTT I went ahead and set up the map for them. I simply added an actor called "Da Bomb' and placed him in front of the barricaded with the explosives and the bearings. Da Bomb can cast Firewall at 6th level. They did the rest.  as the first wave of attackers surged forward, they party's bard (College of Lore) cast fireball on the Da Bomb and Da Bomb cast it as well.  Ball bearings and fire.... the first wave is destroyed.

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Into the square they came running. There was little warning, only a few shouts from a voice, basso profoundo threatening those who moved too slowly. Zaila's moonblade saw them first gifting her sight into the fog cloud and she summoned a fireball, flinging it at them knowing full well they had 'da bomb' in that same space. As the fireball subsided the bomb fuse touched off and a second round of fire, this time laced with ball bearings wiped across the south end of the square leave a horrifying silence in its wake. Three still stood, but bloodied and shaken. Thorne and Nameroc took them. The other defenders stood their ground, hearts racing.

Captain Lars Ulveth spat his cigar out and tightened his grieves, "By Pelor's flaming arsehole!"  He caught himself when Tredora Goldenbrow placed a hand on his shoulder in a wordless rejoinder.

Bugbears scaled the walls pulling up slower goblins behind them and began shooting, spying and barking orders. Behind them war spiders crested the walls a moment later, just as Wyrmlord Hravek Kharn appeared at the edge of the square, His people once frightened were now bolstered by orge, Hill Giant and freakish large spiders flinging goblins left and right. And finally, a Wyrmlord Ulwai Stormcaller riding the black dragon Regiarax who positively cooed with thoughts of victory.

Nameroc summoned a sleet storm and dropped many of the horde to their knees, some to their butts slipping on the sudden icy terrain.

Thorne zeroed in on General Kharn close to shouting at his oath keeper bow, "Swift death to you who have wronged me" and loosed again, again and again. When the first of these struck, frost erupted on the general's armor and in retribution a chill spread up Thorne's spine.  Arrows rained in on the general forcing him at first to shield, then admit