Up to this point

A party of Mercenaries answered the call for some muscle to escort a wagon of the merchant Master Jimbio from Mordara to Swansbane, a fortified village ~20 miles West of Mordara on the Lower Gift River. The party were tasked with protecting the wagon and discovering what happened to the previous one which disappeared en route. Not only were they successful in finding the ruined wagon they also discovered a Trold Folk lair which appeared to be responsible for the wagon’s destruction. In dealing with the Trold they were able to capture slaves which were offered to Master Jimbio who in turn offered them to the Temple of Ashur. Impressed by the initiative shown Jimbio offered them a higher pay-rate (2SC) if they would exact revenge on some Goblins responsible for the ambush and murder of one of his ‘archaeology’ teams. There is a 7SC bonus for finding and returning an ornate mace.

Accepting the offer the party re-equipped in Mordara and set off for a day’s journey North as instructed. However on their first night out they were also ambushed by some Goblins who used bowmen, spearmen and some sneaks with dagger to nearly cause a disaster. Of the 7 Goblins who attacked 6 were killed, but one escaped…

You are expecting to find a Goblin encampment (could be an underground lair or rough construction) with 5-10 fighting males, there will be about the same number of females who are not the best fighters but still dangerous. Its location is described as being due 20miles NNE from Mordara “as the dragon flies” just inside the ‘Gap of Grace’, it is on the Northern side of the Tongue River. The Gap of Grace is a wide natural valley of about 2miles width between spurs of the Elder Hills. Its entry point is easy to find because it lies between the 2 mountain ranges on the Eastern side of the ‘Mordaran Bowl’ and is split right down the middle by the frigid mountain waters of the Tongue River.

Episode 1.1Location: ~15 miles N of Mordara, at the foot of the Elder MountainsDate: 13th of April, 206DEWeather: Overcast with Fog, Temp (0˚ to 24˚)

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 100% 12m, Strategic -

Mist 100% 21m, Strategic On hoof Warhorse IJace 100% 12m, Strategic On foot

Flax 100% 17m, Strategic On paw Dog ITed 100% x, Strategic -

x 100% 16m, Strategic On paw Hyenax 100% 26m, Strategic On hoof Riding horse II

Yesterday’s fine clear weather has changed into Fog causing visibility to decrease to about 200 feet. Fog occurs often around here thanks to the Swamps that herald the beginnings of the nearby Lower Gift River; it usually burns itself out by mid-morning. The sky is overcast but rain doesn’t always accompany heavy clouds in these parts so the day is likely to stay dry.

The wide flat Donaran Plains are untamed here, they are also broken by the occasional outcrop of rock or even low hillocks as you are truly in at the foot of the enormous Elder Mountains now. This is still excellent horse-riding terrain though.

Despite last night’s ambush and the near disaster which the Goblins brought to your camp the rest of the morning passed quietly and all were able to rest and heal sufficiently to continue on today. Master Jimbio’s directions suggests the Goblins you are heading for should be only another half day’s journey away at your current pace and morning’s light brings confirmation that the bleeding Goblin who escaped you last night is apparently moving in the same direction. If you head to the East today you should find the Gap of Grace with ease.

Draexil and Ted’s ActionsNot hunting but Gathering food (Ted’s Hyena will hunt if the opportunity appears)We'll both be keeping a very, very careful watch on the lay of the land, so to speak. Bows unwrapped, but slung (kept in oil rags usually, of course)If attacked, let us know and survey the land for us.

Jace’s ActionsI would be suggesting to move carefully through the fog, while it gives us cover it also gives goblins cover. Will use my Dog to help find tracks while keeping my eye out searching for track and enemies alike. With the natural valley up ahead being 2miles wide it is also a likely place for ambush, having the high ground will enable archers or other projectiles a significant advantage above us. While it is 2 miles wide, a far distance to be sure, it never hurts to overestimate the enemy. They have been here longer and have had time to arrange their own fortifications. Even if were not attacked a look out will most likely be around that location as well.

Episode 1.2Location: ~18 miles NNE of Mordara, in the Gap of GraceDate: 13th of April, 206DE 4pmWeather: Overcast, Temp 16˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 100% 12m, Strategic -

Mist 100% 28m, Strategic On hoof Riding Horse IIIJace 100% 12m, Strategic On foot

Flax 100% 17m, Strategic On paw Dog ITed 100% x, Strategic -

x 100% 16m, Strategic On paw Hyenax 100% 26m, Strategic On hoof Riding horse II

After the whole day moving at the pace of Jace’s feet the Gap of Grace is reached. Despite the hills that mark the sides of the Gap being low they are sheer enough and high enough to make it abundantly clear where you are. The Tongue River is also another clear marker that you are on the right track. Its waters are cold as they obviously source from the still-frigid Elder Mountains and you pass numerous small streams and rivulets where the River starts to dissipate into the Plains. The water appears clear and clean. The fog lifted early and gave you good visibility over the Plains as they started to rise towards the hills and mountains. Crags and mounds litter this extremity of the Donaran Plains and the sight of them brings to your mind the childhood stories of the evil burial mounds rumoured to be left from ancient empires, it is a chilling thought to be out here essentially alone if those stories are true.

The trail left from the Goblin attack party and its sole survivor was only partially visible to Jace as he followed it intermittently for about an hour. Although he is sure it was coming from the direction you are aiming for the sun warming the grass caused the trail to slip away and he was left without a lead. The first real hint of a potential ‘lair’ came with the sight of a wisp of smoke as from a campfire on the Northern side of the Gap’s wall. It appears to be still a couple of miles off and it is likely to be dark before you reach it. Also, even from this distance, it is apparent that it emanates from within a small copse of scraggly trees though it is hard to guess their height or nature from here.

GM Notes: Remember I keep the Master Character sheet and update itHerbivores were able to take in enough FP today to be sustained due to the slow movement rate (10miles/ Strategic Turn thanks to Jace attempting to Track on foot)Characters and Animals will need to eat rations. (I have noted this on your sheets – I will inform you when your rations are down to less than 2 days unless otherwise noted.)Unless otherwise noted you will drink 1 quart of water a day from your water skins. Animals will forage for it and take none of you own except in situations where it obviously has to be provided (desert etc) Expertise/ExperienceJace picked up 1 Partial in Carrying; he still does not have this skill yet thoughDraexil and Ted pick up 1 Partial in Horsemanship every EL Days

Draexil writes for the GroupWe all move around to the West, and THEN head NNE into the hills. We'll leave the horses IN the hills, in as much cover as possible, staking them out if necessary.We approach from the rear, taking cover in the hills behind the campsite. From there (COVER, IN COVER, ALL OF US FOR CHRIST'S SAKE IN COVER!) we'll scope the place out.If hostile, I think Draexil is the only one with the bow... So he'll leave cover (read: stand up) and loose arrows (slowly, picking targets carefully) at the enemy.Once they start the rush up the hill, and as they start to get into melee range, switch to melee weaponry.Ted and Jace should be able to ambush once they get within range.After the initial ambush (and the lovely, wonderful extra damage from it), Draexil's going to pop a sleep touch to even the odds.Following the sleep touch, Invisibility on himself (EL0) and any friendlies within range. (touching)Once Invisibility has been popped, it's a second ambush (remember the extra damage from Assassin for Draexil, as well as the extra Ambush benefits.)If we're still out-numbered after second ambushes, it'll be a second sleep touch to even the odds as quickly as possible.Let us know when we're left with only sleeping enemies and corpses.

Episode 1.3Location: ~18 miles NNE of Mordara, in the Gap of GraceDate: 13th of April, 206DE 5:30pmWeather: Overcast, Temp 12˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 100% 12, Strategic - Leading Mist

Mist 100% 28, Strategic On hoof Riding Horse IIIJace 100% 12, Strategic On foot

Flax 100% 17, Strategic On paw Dog ITed 100% 13, Strategic -

Yves 100% 16, Strategic On paw HyenaLaurent 100% 26, Strategic On hoof Riding horse II

The smoke wisp ahead gives you, as a group, a feeling that your prey is close by and a discussion soon follows as you seek to formulate a plan. Jace is in favour of a frontal assault, it suits his style after all, but in the end he is persuaded that his beloved sword will be better served by supporting the more stealth-minded Wizard and Scout as they create an ambush for the Goblins.

The plan is agreed upon, together you will return a little to the West before striking back NNE to climb the hills and attack the location from the rear… at the very least this will allow your ranged weapons a chance to attack with complete surprise.

Back-tracking for about a mile only takes half an hour or so. Ted then points out that there is going to be enough light for another 30min of easy travelling so you start to make your way towards the Hills that rim the Gap of Grace. As you get closer you notice scraggly cliffs that take the increasingly broken Plains suddenly up into the feet of the Elder Mountains.It looks as though you might be faced with 2 problems.The Gap of Grace appears to be a sunken bowl with steep sides surrounding it:

The first problem appears to be finding an easy way to climb the irregular cliffs; on foot it will be extremely difficult and for the animals impossible.

The second problem is that even should a path up be found does this sort of terrain continue further along towards the forest you saw? If it does then is there any chance of setting your ambush if your enemies are on the Plains?

Night is starting to fall and movement for now is going to be more difficult, you will be able to keep up a decent pace on the plains, though their undulating surface with crags and boulders could cause problems if you or your horses are unlucky.

Expertise/ExperienceNil

Characters CommandsDraexilLooking at the sheer, vertical wall in front of him, Draexil realises that gaining a little altitude on the enemy is not going to be possible. The element of surprise, however, does not appear to be entirely inaccessible. Considering the terrain briefly, he consults the others:"Unless we've got a sapper crew to carve ourselves out a tunnel system, here, I don't think we're getting up this wall. Instead, why don't we use it to our advantage, such that we can? Well follow the line of the wall and double back around toward the camp. We can picket just inside the tree line, and approach under and using the wall for all the cover it can afford us."As he talks, he rearranges his equipment. With only an hours walk at most 'til engagement, in far less than idealistic conditions, he wraps his Longbow carefully in its oil rags and lays it across the horn of his saddle. He checks and tightens his leather armour, enough that it feels as sure as possible without restricting movement to excess.

JaxJax stands considering the implications of following yet another plan. Wondering at the combat skills of his two companions. The... magic person... seems to have a slight clue.... bit pushy though... the other is rather silent, possibly a good thing. Seems the plan to climb this forsaken walls is a moot point, damn they’re steep... how the hell was I meant to climb that... thankfully I don’t have to. Jax smiles to himself. Now it looks like this could be a face on hammering.... awesome...Jax turns to his companions: If were going to follow the wall and into the forest we run the risk of ambush ourselves.... I am so in for that....Jax grins, the thirst for battle and the bloodshed to follow another point in his belt against his father... I will be better then you old man.... Jax prepares himself, fitting his armour, loosening his sword and tightening his shield for combat. Jax: Remember its going to be dark soon… how are you all for night fighting?... we may miss something or someone, easier for us to be caught... or consider maybe camping here for tonight and using early morning for the ambush when they may be most tired?. Using this night to rest ourselves?

Episode 1.4Location: N edge of the Gap of Grace, up against the cliff-faceDate: 14th of April, 206DE 10:00pm Weather: Overcast with snow, Temp 2˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 100% 12, Strategic Leading Mist Leather Armour, Longbow

Mist 100% 28, Strategic On hoof Riding Horse IIIJax 100% 12, Strategic On foot Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield

Flax 100% 17, Strategic On paw Dog ITed 100% 13, Strategic On RH II Leather Armour, Throwing Axe

Yves 100% 16, Strategic On paw HyenaLaurent 100% 26, Strategic On hoof Riding horse II

Although the reality of the situation is a bit of a blow to an otherwise good plan it is obvious that climbing the hill’s cliff face is impossible thanks to this rather unorthodox geological structure. Ted is

intrigued by it and can be heard muttering to himself about the implications of sub-surface hollows and how this might be a leftover from the eon-old Battles of the Gods. He finally pulls from his reverie to sniff the air and declare that the overcast conditions will assist sneaking up on the forest.

A hurried conference at least confirms that this momentary setback is hardly going to stop the group from a successful ambush on the Goblins, should this indeed prove to be their camp, and they immediately fall to preparations.Jax gleefully dons his Scale Mail Armour, hefts his Banded Target Shield and beloved Sword. He takes a few practice swings before finally declaring himself fit for combat. Noting the ruddy face and almost joyful expression at the thought of bloodletting on the face of his more aggressive companion Draexil can be heard to audibly sigh as he tightens his combat Leathers and makes his Longbow ready. Ted silently walks off to stare ahead as though his eyes could penetrate the gloom into the dangers before them his hand rests gently on the head of the Dwarven Throwing Axe tucked in his simple belt.

Jax and Flax take the point. Walking alongside Mist, guiding her towards the forest a few miles ahead, snatches of prayers to Mushru can be heard as Draexil meditatively prepares to strike a blow at the Kotothic scum so hated by his Lord and Master.Ted sits upon his horse as usual and rides just out from the wall to provide flanking cover and a height advantage for sighting ahead.

4 uneventful hours is what it takes to reach the first trees as the darkness and uneven ground makes travel difficult in the night and it is here that the party stop to take council as to the best plan for picketing the animals and approaching the estimated location of the smoke. About an hour previously a few flakes of snow blew down from the mountains which loom many miles to the North and now the snow fall has picked up in volume. The temperature has dropped considerably and the trees and uncovered patches of ground have a soft covering of white.

There have been no further signs of campfires or any sign of Goblins, but this is definitely the trees in which the smoke was first sighted. The trees are not dense and some can be seen to sprout from the cliffs which tower above you. Visibility into the copse is poor, but the depth of this woody patch can be guessed to be some 300- 500 feet along the cliff wall, it extends outwards to a length of roughly 300 feet. The vegetation is a transition from the ankle- to knee-high grasses of the plains to light shrubs, small trees of 8-12 feet in height with the occasional grand tree of 20-30 feet height.

Expertise/ExperienceDraexil 1 PE Plains Survival (level -39), Carrying (level -19)Ted 1 PE Plains Survival

Characters CommandsDraexilDrae shakes his head to himself. If the brute is intent on announcing himself, I'm sure as hell not going to be standing nearby.“ I suggest we spread out through the trees a little. Keep each other within sight but further than two arms lengths away. Jace, in the middle. I'll take the right, away from the wall.”JaceJace thinks to himself... this isn’t good, its dark, miserable weather, optimal place for an ambush, especially if that goblin got back and warned everyone, which knowing my luck he has... awesome...While waiting for the other two to picket their horses, Jace starts searching the nearby area for track, spore, or any other telltale sign of goblins in the near vicinity.

Episode 1.5Location: N edge of the Gap of Grace, up against the cliff-faceDate: 14th of April, 206DE 10:30pm Weather: Overcast with snow, Temp 1˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 100% 12, Strategic Leather Armour, LongbowJax 100% 12, Strategic Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield

Flax 100% 17, Strategic Dog ITed 100% 13, Strategic Leather Armour, Throwing Axe

Yves 100% 16, Strategic Hyena

PicketedMist 100% 0 Picketed Riding Horse IIILaurent 100% 0 Picketed Riding horse II

Moving as quietly as his brawler’s body will allow Jace takes a bit of time to search the undergrowth and against the cliffwall for any sign of potential Goblin tracks. The snow, overcast night sky blocking the moon and his own general unfamiliarity with areas outside of the Plains and Badlands make this task fruitless, though he feels better for it, at least he knows there are no immediate threats – from this point on the burly warrior knows the biggest threat in the forest is himself. At a whispered sound from Draexil the party move off, the silent scout bringing up the rear initially to take one last chance to check that the horses are well tethered and that the equipment they left behind is not vulnerable to theft then he moves to a few paces ahead of the others.The woods are silent; the snow has a way of making all sounds hushed apart from the occasional crack of a twig underfoot or a branch brushing up against the party. Sticking close to the rock wall they know that only the front and right side presents any danger, so they can focus their attention fully forward.

Slowly and as silently as possible the group move for about 30minutes before they see a glow being reflected off the cliff wall about 120 feet ahead… there is no doubt that someone has an open fire here. No other signs of habitation are seen. Risking another 20 feet forwards movement Ted makes a low sound that brings the attention of both Jace and Draexil to him – the silent Scout rarely speaks, and when he does it is of value.“They are aware of us… at least they know something is out here” he whispers “I saw movement from the fire’s location into the shadows and trees. If it is Goblins then their night vision is far superior to ours they will want to get the fire behind them and let their eyes adjust. I don’t know how many I saw, but they are waiting to draw us closer I feel.” He goes silent again, hunches down and silently moves forward to stare into the gloom to the Right of the fire’s location.

Expertise/ExperienceTed 1 PE Forester (He is only getting 1 PE even for a successful check because he is not playing yet)

Characters CommandsDraexilI don't want to give flavour text to this one. There's simply not that much in it and it's going to be advancing the same way as before. Ted's going to use the wall for as much cover as it can give him. He'll take my bow. Pick targets (ie make intelligent shots. He's a tactician, this should help him at least some in choosing an intelligent target) I'll wrap around to the east/northeast (follow tree line) keeping in cover as much as possible and attempting to flank. The idea will be that Ted takes his first shots with the bow and as soon as he draws attention, I can get in there for an assassination attempt. I'll try to avoid using invisibility if possible. If I'm seen, obviously I’ll be invisible @ EL 0. Basically what it SHOULD look like, if I'm guessing Jace's actions correctly, is sort of an assault from 2.5 angles... Ted on the wall.Jace slightly to the east (I think it's easy) and coming out of the tree lineDrae wrapped around as far as possible to the northeast, again out of the tree line but looking for the assassination.

 (Yes. I'm going to play stealth for the unseen strike/ambush/assassination bonuses as much as possible. I literally can't fight any other way. Unless I immolate the whole fuckin' place.

JaceKnowing he can as usual only depend on himself, Jace slowly moves forward with the wall to his back. The scout’s words hold wisdom - that fire is going to reduce any night vision I may have in defending myself. Using his peripherals to move forward Jace does his best not to stare at the light, using his ears to listen for movement hoping these two are at least gonna slow the goblins down enough for him to assist if need be. Not knowing them well enough to decide if they’re slight distractions or will actually stand and hold their own.Jace nods to the scout showing his understanding of his warning, averting his eyes as much as possible from the glaring light while still keeping attention around him for the attack.

Episode 1.6Location: N edge of the Gap of Grace, up against the cliff-faceDate: 14th of April, 206DE 10:30pm Weather: Overcast with snow, Temp 1˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 100% 12, Tactical Leather Armour, LongbowJace 100% 12, Tactical Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target Shield

Flax 100% 17, Tactical Dog I – By JaceTed 100% 13, Tactical Leather Armour, Throwing Axe

Yves 100% 16, Tactical Hyena – By Ted

PicketedMist 100% 0 Picketed Riding Horse IIILaurent 100% 0 Picketed Riding horse II

Heeding Ted’s warning the group continues forward each in their own way. Quietly and without fuss Draexil hands his Longbow to Ted and then peels off into the scrub and light brush away from the wall.With Longbow in hand and a hefty quiver of 80 arrows available Ted eases himself forward with the wall covering one flank and his hyena friend on the other flank under the command of ‘Protect’. Peering into the silent gloom ahead all he can see is snow dusted ground, the flickering of the fireplace and dark clumps of trees which he is sure holds potential enemies.Jace is also up against the wall and ahead of Ted with his shield up, sword out and Flax by his side. Both master and dog are tense as they wait for a sign that this is the camp they are looking for.

Silently and slowly the group edge forward, the first to see movement is Draexil, from the dark of the forest he can see the silhouette of a small shape crouched in the scrub at the base of a tree, the figure is perfectly illuminated by the lighter cliff face in the background. Now he knows where to look he can see another standing by its side, it is impossible from this distance (~70feet) to decide if they are Goblins or not, but these creatures are either small human children or something else. He moves on wanting to get closer.

The next to see the creatures is Jace, he is by this point about 50 feet away from the campfire location (with Ted 10 feet behind) and as he advances he sees a small humanoid figure walking casually from the trees in front of the fire’s location to the first rock outcrop (which is about 40 feet away). This creature is small (~ 2 foot tall) and although it is indistinct at this distance he is pretty sure it is neither a small Dwarf nor a Human child.

Jace:Well, a few things come to mind, one, this may be a lure...two, maybe it doesn’t know I am here and therefore will still have only a few seconds to react.  First thought is to try and hand signal, using both hands without taking eyes from target signal 1, then lower hand to about 2 foot, then use both hands to signal 10 five times and point in direction hoping they get it... wait a few seconds in case they do understand...

After that, start creeping forward, I suspect this may be a cave opening on the other side of the outcrop (always suspect more than you can see) However this may also be the lone goblin who got away, nothing to say it isn’t just his campfire on the way to his desired location....Once coming to the second conclusion.... kill it... run in low and fast...

Jace breaks from cliff wall with Flax by his side and runs in towards the creature after gesticulating wildly to Ted. He closes until he is only 15 feet from it before a cry erupts in an alien tongue from a tree about 20 feet further on. By now Jace can clearly see that he is facing a Goblin and it looks like a female. She is startled by the cry and looks up in time to see the burly human rush onto her, she is able to present her side to Jace but it is not enough to stop his vicious swing, he cuts her down mercilessly.Ted has followed up behind Jace, though at a lesser pace and keeping an eye out for any other attackers. He was slightly flat-footed by the strange hand signals he received. He is the first to spot another 2 creatures (which he assumes to be enemies after seeing Jace slaughter one of them) break from under a tree; they rush at Jace with clubs raised high. Ted shoots from 30 feet away and despite the darkness he is able to hit the creature thanks to it being unaware of the firer’s existence. The arrow ploughs into the Goblin and knocks it off its feet, but it can be seen to be struggling up again. The last runs straight at Jace heedless of it’s companion’s wounds but Jace is ready and waiting for him and is just able to run him through with enough ‘bite’ to send it crashing to the ground with the kind of wound that is likely to mean it’s doom. Flax has launched himself at the other struggling Goblin and takes it by the neck to end its meaningless existence.

Having seen his prey break cover to run to attack Jace Draexil is left 30 feet from the sounds of combat and unable to see any opponent… he steadily and stealthily moves forward, one does not serve Mushru by charging into events like an animal.

A quick look around him allows Jace to see that he was correct, there is an entry into the cliff wall, it is faced with the rock outcrop which he saw previously; he can hear from inside it the sounds of something talking excitedly in the same foul language and approaching. Ted is now standing just behind Jace and watching the trees like a hawk.

Jace:Jace Whispers to Ted: “Can you see any others? There was a cry out from up high.”Move slightly away scanning the trees for the look out, while keeping out of LOS of the cave. The light from the fire will illuminate me as soon as I get near the cave entrance so stand away from it to try and retain what night vision I have to see the lookouts. Also while doing this prepare myself mentally for a possible charge into the cave mouth, the longer we wait to do it the more chance they will have to fort up in the entrance making a storm of the cave potentially high risk. I can’t see our third member so will assume he is still out there under cover watching our backs.Ted replies that he sees no others and edges back to be sure he has Jace covered. Jace is standing to the non-fire side of the cave entrance with his shield and sword ready but otherwise using the cliff wall as much as possible to stay hidden. The rock outcrop which hides the cave entrance from view is also likely to have hidden the proceedings out here from the creatures inside so Jace figures he has got them in an ambush, as long as they run towards the fire first.

Meanwhile Draexil is still creeping through the woods.He is amused to see a pair of legs wiggling from a tree’s branch no more than 10 feet ahead of him and judging the time and distance to be adequate he successfully casts Invisibility on himself before he strolls forward to time his arrival at the base of the tree as a quiet but careless Goblin climbs down a small rope with knots in it. He smiles as he looks up to a see platform and a metallic pipe with a brass bar attached, this was obviously meant to be some form of alarm. The Small Goblin never even knew what hit him as Draexil breaks its scrawny neck with a slightly fumbled twist. Taking advantage of the invisibility whilst it lasts the Mage quickly moves deeper into the forest past the point where the other 2 are obviously fighting, if there are any other nasty surprises out there then it falls on him to find them.

Oblivious to these goings on Jace watches 3 Goblins pop out of the cave in front of him, his guess was right, they are running to the fire and as the 3rd, a smaller one with a club in it’s hand, runs past he lunges forward with a ferocious swing and cleaves the filthy creature almost in two. Ted lets fly with an arrow at the back of the second one to run out and despite the shot being a poor one he is able to

do enough damage to leave his opponent downed as dark blood pumps from a major vessel in its upper arm. The first goblin to come out is larger than the others; it swings around in surprise and lifts his spear ready to fight with a hiss even before he can see the attackers. Ted fires and the arrow cuts across its leg but this is not enough to even ruin his aim as he throws his spear at the more forward Jace; it is a weak throw and one Jace can avoid easily. There is no doubt things are getting hotter out here though. There is a smaller Goblin with a club running up behind the spear-thrower from the trees behind, and this larger Goblin is pulling another spear out of a make-shift quiver on its back. The cave has more sounds inside it and one of the club wielding creatures is thrust out in front of Jace by another Spearman behind it (Jace’s swing hurts it dearly and carves a chunk of flesh off of it shoulder, but it is still strong enough to take a swing and a miss with its club.)

Draexil meanwhile has seen another of the larger Goblins hiding in the bushes from where the smaller club carrying Goblin just jumped out to reinforce against the others in the party. It is about 15 feet ahead of him with his back turned and whilst Drae is still invisible he is also feeling the tingling of the Mana loosening from his psyche. Moving as quickly as possible he is able to strike with his lethal hand-to-hand skills before the creature can turn towards the sounds of approach, but his rapid movement combined with the dark and the invisibility spell wearing off ruins his balance and his strike is not as well timed as he would like. The target is missed completely by the blow. As Jace and Ted face down a pair of Spear and Club armed creature (with one of each pair wounded) Draexil trades blows with the solitary brute in front of him. It took only 2 attacks to leave the creature broken and unconscious, but that was enough time for Draexil to be cut across the side by a thrusting spear (5HP damage)

JacePlay carefully, even though I hunger for victory and a swift destruction of my foe, my training has taught me not to over extend, face my foe but be aware of those around me and ready for someone to come from sides or behind, so I don’t rush in.  On the other hand... I want to kill them all....  Jace moves in determined to destroy the fiend before him, these monstrous deceptive abominations must be wiped from the face of this earth. No holds barred, kill without mercy; male, female, adult or child it dies. However even with that desire, keep my eye out for Ted; make sure I am there if he needs me. Dispatch my foe ASAP so I can assist. Then we can move together to kill everything else... Jace: DIE HELL SPAWN!!!!!

Desperation gives the immediate opponent to Jace the power to sneak his attack through the Human’s defences and the club strikes him soundly on the calf (4HP damage), behind him the Spear-armed Goblin manoeuvres for some room and can be seen in the gloom to be preparing to throw his spear. The other pair of Spear/Club Goblins are charging forward to the attack and unfortunately Ted is again thrown off by a combination of darkness and erratic movements he pulls back the string and lets another fly at the biggest but his aim is totally off again and he has no option but to drop the bow, draw his Dwarven Throwing Axe and meet them head on. His Hyena moves to protect his master by lunching himself at the larger of the two but is unable to do any damage to him. A casual flick of the wrist is all it takes Jace to finish off the clubman and again he is able to avoid a clumsily thrown spear. As his opponent reaches for his back up spear Jace slashes him across the chest, side-steps the return thrust and plunges his sword into its back for the killing blow.

Draexil meanwhile is on the outskirts of this battle watching it unfold, with it being 20 feet or so away from him it makes no sense to go running into battle when it appears that things are, reasonably, under control… he decides to search further back to see what else might be of interest. A few short paces through the shadows allows him to see another of the smaller Goblins moving up rapidly in the dark shadows, this one spots Drae at the same time and raises his bow to fire, the arrow runs true – if it were against a normal person - but Drae’s reflexes and special training allows him dodge a shot that most people would have been forced to fend off with their shield. He leaps at his opponent; they are only separated by a dozen paces, but is again forced to throw his body into contortions to avoid another excellently placed arrow. Finally there is an excited shot which misses by a wide margin and this places Drae within range of his target, he is able to take the pathetic creature down after a few attempts. Standing for a moment in contemplation Drae thinks to himself… “Why are my skills failing me?” he sighs, only more training, more dedication can turn him into the perfect way to work Mushru’s will on this plane. Apart from the sounds of the combat behind him it is quiet now. He looks around and spots another entry point into the cliff wall, “ah…” he thinks, “That was unexpected.”

Back at the other entrance Ted has his hands full, and his leg too as the spearman pierces him with a nasty strike to the thigh (6HP damage) this will serve to slow him down (-25% MR).Thankfully the club strike immediately following is a poor one and misses completely. The Goblin with the spear is unable to gloat for long as an axe-blow further injures it and the sharp smell of foul blood fills the night air fro his now multiple wounds. Jace swings around to strike but is not fast enough to save Ted from another blow from the spear (2HP) which leaves him further incapacitated (-50% MR). Revenge is impossible for Ted as the night causes him to misjudge his return strike completely and Jace is able use his skill with the sword to compensate for the lack of visibility to finish the creature off. That is enough for the other smaller Goblin, he turns to run and Ted flicks his Throwing axe into its back, as it stumbles Flax again jumps on it and mauls it till it no longer struggles.

Draexil is staring at other cave entrance; it is still silent in there (as far as he can tell from 15 feet away). He is on 14 of 21 HP and -25% MRJace is back to watching the first cave entrance, noises are still emanating from inside it. He is on 17 from 21 HPTed is on 8 of 16 HP and on -50% MR. His leather armour is in a bad way and he has retrieved the axe from the back of the last Goblin to die. He has picked up the longbow and notched it with an arrow.

Jace:Move closer to the cave entrance to keep their remaining numbers from over whelming us all at once and give Ted a chance to stand and move to a better position for him to shoot from. If he stays close it could kill him, with him at my back with bow he gives me cover from behind and he doesn’t have to move much, focusing on his offensive ability if he so choses.  Jace: Move back Ted and cover my back.  Move to cover the cave mouth without silhouetting myself to much in front of the fire. Also if I stand a little aside on this side of the fire they will see me first, if Ted moves to the other side he will be able to see them and shoot hopefully before they get to me so I can finish them off.Although there is noise in the first cave entrance still it has subdued slightly and after roughly a minute waiting it stops almost completely. There are more Goblins and Inniana-knows-what in there but it doesn’t sound like they are rushing out anymore. With Jace and Ted covering both sides of the first entrance they are confident of dealing with any other threats. Likewise it is quiet by the entrance over which Drae is watching.

Minutes pass and no things changes, Drae decides to scope out the area a little more in the lull to make sure there are no more surprises, it only takes 10 or so steps before he opens the angle on a bush which had been blocking his view of a 3rd cavern entrance, unlike the other 2 entrances it is silent (from 20 feet away) but there is a much stronger glow inside and woody-smelling smoke can be seen escaping from the caverns roof. Ted can actually see Draexil from here thanks to the glow from the still burning outside fireplace (a rough shallow pit with logs and branches aflame inside and more logs spread around as makeshift seats). He motions to Jace who also swings around to see their missing companion.

Draexil:With everything quiet outside, and the area effectively secured, there seems only one viable course of action: an assault on one of the cave entrances. Common sense would suggest that these cave entrances, however, form some kind of system deeper down - three entrances this close by would be an oddity if they were entirely separate. With recently encountered strange and unexpected formations, however, it seems wise to confer with the others on this.Drae takes a few paces back toward Jace and Ted. He waves them over, taking cover nearby the middle cave entrance. In hushed tones, he asks what the others think.

Jace:Well with three entrances so close they surely bound to join up together, so I will head to the left hand cave, motioning Dreax to follow me in.... going in.

Ted:

Okay, great. So I am half dead, down to half movement, have a faggy little axe and a longbow, no apparent fighting skills and it is dark. I want to retire into a little corner and just die. I want to stick with Jace and be lookout for this round. Being half dead, I much more useful like that than in a fight.

More time passes before the 3 of you come together to meet between the Left and Middle entrance near the camp fire. The adrenaline rush of the combat has waned and the cold night air bites even stronger then it did before. The still burning fire at your back feels good. Snow continues to fall and dark purple-red patches amongst the white show where their Goblin victims lie.

Calmly you share your understanding at the layout you face.Jace and Ted are told about the Middle and the far entrance, Draexil learns about the fighting and the noises deep in the first and left-most cave. A quick and slightly exasperated discussion leads Jace and Draexil to consider the first entrance as their most likely target. Ted volunteers to guard their backs with the longbow and stands facing away from the fire to allow his eyes to remain as accustomed to the night as possible. Jace lights his pitch torch and hands it to Draexil; with Jace in the lead it will be better if the torch is held behind him

Shouldering weapons the Mage and the Warrior head back towards the first entrance leaving the Scout behind. The cave is dark and filled with the stench of unclean habitation, it is fairly dark though there is a slight glow from up ahead, someone has a light source inside. The cave is roughly hewn and despite being mostly natural it has obviously been expanded by its inhabitants. Its rough walls extend forwards for about 8 or 9 feet before turning to the right into a larger cavern, this cavern seems to then duck back deeper inside. The height is a comfortable 8-9 feet thanks to the fissure it is formed from being extended upwards.

You can see no evidence of enemies, but scraps on the ground indicate this area was used as a living area. It is also obvious that your arrival in the camp caused its denizens to clear out in a hurry. Half eaten food and kicked over items litter the ground.Before stepping any further in a cry from behind rouses you. Ted is calling out “Fellows! Quick! We are beset!”

The final cave had obviously not been unmanned and the creatures inside had used the lull in the combat to fortify their courage and spill forth. Ted’s Forest Craft was not enough to pick them up as they sniffed the night air for the invaders of their home but once they started to move towards the camp fire he picked them up immediately. Raising the longbow he sighted the first arrow and loosed a shot right into the skull of the foremost Goblin, it made no sound as it fell and as its soul started its journey to damnation. The others hesitated at the shock of the shot from the dark until a much larger one at their rear roared at them; this coincided with Ted calling out for his companions.

Ted could see that there were at least 4 of them, 3 of the smaller Clubbers and a much larger one with a Buckler, Spear and ragged strips of metal fixed on a leather frame as armour. 1 of the clubbers charged as the others spread out and advanced with relative caution. Draexil had withdrawn from the

cave in time to see the next arrow fly and the almost emotionless “yes” from the Scout was enough to convince him the arrow had struck home even though he could not see its target.

At this Drae dropped the torch he was holding, he can see Jace backing out so he know that the need for it is no longer there… he runs forward intent on evening the numbers against Ted as quickly as possible.Jace has also withdrawn from the cave; he turns, assesses the situation, grins, and gives a mighty roar before also charging into the fray.

The Goblins are close enough now for Ted to smell their unwashed bodies. They seem confident knowing that they out-number him 3:1. He launches another arrow, knowing that if he receives no backup soon then he will be caught short-handed. This arrow flies wild though and is lost in the night. His Hyena, still on ‘Protect’ next to his side is told to ‘Attack’ and it bounds forward as the Goblins throw themselves at the lone archer.The Hyena draws blood on his target and this Goblin turns his attention towards the faithful animal. This still leaves 2 more Goblins to face – the biggest throws a spear that misses by a wide margin and then draws a decent short sword from a scabbard on his side. Unfortunately the Club-wielding enemy does not waste the chance to hit Ted as he drops his bow to pull out his weapon of last resort, the Throwing Axe (2HP damage).The Hyena savages his opponent with only a minor wound to show for the successful kill (2HP) but again the club strikes Ted and he knows that any more damage will see him done for (2 HP remaining), he is starting to grey out from multiple concussive strikes and is not sure if he can continue for much longer.

The Hyena seeks to protect his master whilst the largest Goblin perceives that Draexil is the biggest threat now and lunges towards him as he races in for an attack. Drae dances around the attack but is unable to strike in return as the Goblin moves just as smoothly to effectively avoid the attack. The Human is not as lucky a moment later when the goblin cuts his arm with a glancing blow, Draexil is able to connect in return but his hand-to-hand skills are not proficient enough to penetrate the armour this time. Out of the corner of his eye he can see the cavalry-like charge of Jace though and knows that he can afford to fight on in confidence.

Ted meanwhile is barely able to hit his opponent who was distracted by the Hyena attacking him from behind. The hit is far more damaging than one would have expected considering its desperate nature and the Goblin squeals in pain and clasps his chest with his free arm attempting to staunch the rapid flow of blood as he backs off slowly using his rough club to hold his opponents at bay. It is only a matter of time before Ted is able to finish it off.

Jace hits the melee like an avalanche and despite underestimating Draexil’s considerable magic abilities the large Goblin recognises where the greatest combat threat lies – it raises its buckler to defend against the huge humanoid bearing down on him but it is just wasted effort as Jace’s sword rips through his face and armour leaving a terrible gash and throwing the Goblin to the ground with a sickening crunch. Stunned on the ground he has no possible defence and Drae crushes his windpipe with his heel.

Silence descends for a few moments as each looks around at the carnage. Ted breathes a sigh of relief, drops to the ground and nurses his many bruises. “I am not sure how much more I can take of this” he mutters and then picks up the longbow, notches an arrow and stares into the woods. Now standing close to the middle entrance Jace has raised his shield and is inspecting his sword, notched from the armour worn by his last victim. Drae pours some clean water on his cut and also turns to look at the middle entrance. The faint light inside is wavering, it looks like something is coming out.

Jace:Prepare for attack, whisper to Drae to stand behind me and keep an eye on Ted... I will face this threat alone for now... but be ready to assist if need be.

Draexil:Half step back and wave him on.

Ted:

Although injured, I can't let my mate face this alone. I stand quietly behind Drae with my bow and arrow out, ready to shoot if needed. 

The movement in the cave stops after a few seconds. Something is definitely there though but it is waiting to come out. Bracing his feet for a strong defensive position and lifting his sword and shield to prepare for a charge Jace mutters to Draexil, “I can handle this, watch my back and make sure Ted is OK”. Ted has raised the longbow to cover the entrance and also support Jace. With their backs to the fire and their attention firmly drawn to the cave entrance their night vision is starting to reveal a number of small humanoids a short distance inside the cave, Goblin, of course.

Jace knows that rushing into the cave against them is useless without illumination; he also knows that the cave’s width of 4-6 feet will favour their shorter arms; he has no option to wait.Again seconds pass…

Then Drae feels it, the kind of prickling at the back of the neck which can only mean one thing, spell casting! He turns to look towards the source of power and sees at the first entrance another of the much larger Goblins standing with his eyes closed and arms extended as he casts his spell. This Goblin is dressed in proper (child-sized) leather armour with a leather cap. Next to him kneel 2 archers with their puny Goblin Bows cocked… the enemy in the middle tunnel was a feint!From the creature, who is obviously their leader a flash of sickly yellow-green light erupts, but no effect can be seen. The arrows fly, both of them at Draexil and one of them hits him right on the chest but it lacks the force to penetrate the armour and thankfully drops to the ground. With a yelp the Goblins waiting in the cave charge forth!

There are at least 2 of the slightly larger ones with spears charging from the middle tunnel at Jace another smaller runt is with them. At the other entrance is the much larger leader and the 2 runty archers

DraexilShouts to Ted: Spearmen to the north!Rush Leader with Invisibility for the ambush. I want to be close enough to the two archers that I can fight them defensively after the ambush -- keep those bows as close as possible so I can dodge effectively, twist out of the way, that sort of shit. After the ambush, I'll try for EL0 sleeps on each archer. If they both drop, kill them both. If one drops, concentrate on the other.

JaceFight to the death kill these slimy disgusting creatures of evil, hack them limb from limb... THEY MUST ALL DIE

Ted:Call me paranoid, but a certain Admiral tells me that there is more to these fuckers than this... Never the less, we're here, so I plan to shoot the fuck out of this spell casting bastard. 

This fight has been a constant flow of action and inaction, and when the time for action comes there is rarely the chance to hesitate. Drae draws the attention of the group to the Goblin charge from the cave, but Jace knows about these creatures and he is sure he can take them apart by himself. He waits for them to approach and certain the little runty one (armed with a dagger of sorts) is little threat he focuses on the spearmen.

Draexil summons mana through his body but is unable to complete the spell preparations for Invisibility in time to avoid getting shot by one of the poor Goblin arrows – it again fails to penetrate his armour, but his concentration is disrupted and his attempt to turn Invisible fails. This also allowed the main Goblin long enough to cast his spell at poor Ted who does not have the will-power to block its effects… Ted feels rage filling his heart as he knows deep within that Jace and Draexil are the cause of him being stranded out here in the wilderness with serious wounds and that the only logical solution is to kill them both.

Jace has a lucky escape when his Metal Helmet and Ring Mail stop a serious spear thrust to the neck from biting too deeply (2HP damage) in return his strike against the overextended Goblin is so fearsome that it passes right through its chest, midriff and hips before exiting in a cascade of innards.

He knows this is not the best way to treat a sword and that he probably damaged it again (1 fatigue) but it felt damn good!He faces the other spearman now and trusts Draexil and Ted to watch his back against the smaller sneak who is working around to his rear. The last spearman and he trade blows and Jace is able to wing it but feels a bite against his back as he suffers a sneaky little stab from the Goblin with the toothpick (2HP). Blow after blow is traded with the only decent attack by the Goblins being blocked by Jace’s stout shield; finally a quick little thrust slides through the spear-Goblins defences and ends him before Jace swings around to decapitate the little runt behind him. Now he can see the rest of the action and it is not a pretty sight.

Drae is oblivious to Ted’s predicament and again attempts to turn Invisible with no success. He feels the Goblin cast a spell at him but is able to shrug its effect off as well as avoiding 2 more arrows but things are starting to get out of control and it might be time to charge into action without the benefit of Invisibility.Meanwhile Ted is has worked himself up to a Berzerker-like rage and is pulling out his Throwing Axe.Draexil runs forward and the lead Goblin lifts a mace of obviously non-Goblin manufacture to meet him. His charge draws 2 more arrow shots, but they both miss. Deciding to even the odds Drae takes out the easiest opponent first. He launches himself in the air and with a kick directed at an archer who is obviously wounded is able to retard his fall as a satisfying crunch tells him this foe’s fate is sealed. Keeping his feet has allowed him to back up against the rocky wall and save himself from too much injury from a mace blow (1HP now on 10HP); it also ensures that no more than 2 opponents can attack him at once.The archer Goblin is running back toward Ted who Draexil is happy to see is charging into battle… although he is surprised to see the archer running with his BACK towards Ted and with his guard down. The leader Goblin and Drae exchange blows and in the midst of this he can see that Ted has ignored the smaller archer and looks like he is ignoring the Leader as well… he is unsure what this means (failed an Empathy test).Another mace blow is avoided with only minor damage (1HP) but again the return strike is impossible.Ted entering the battle should even the score, but even as his axe scythes down towards Draexil he is finally able to see from his party mate’s face that something is terribly wrong. The axe misses but now Drae has to decide how to deal with 2 opponents, one of whom is a badly wounded friend. Even worse his friends Hyena is standing at the back ready to attack Draexil now that he can see who his master is fighting.

(Jace can see the melee and knows that some thing is quite wrong. The archer Goblin is about 12 feet away from him and actually seems to have his back to Jace as it is watching the fight looking for a chance to loose an arrow into Draexil)

DraexilSeems relatively straightforward...If enough Mana is available, Sleep Touch EL0 Ted, then focus on the mage with fists and kicks ... and head butts and elbows and bites and scratches and hair-pulling and whatever-the-hell-else Mushru might suggest in order to tear this thing apart.

JaceKill the archer first, charge from behind, then push into the larger melee, targeting to the goblin but if ted gets in the way he goes down... with a fist trying not to kill but incapacitate

Ted<insert mindless gibberish>

Draexil knows that only his magic can save him from having to kill a friend but at the same time he has to somehow deal with this Goblin Mage before he suffers much more damage. The mace crashes into him again and deals him a bone-jarring blow (4HP damage), he could be in trouble if help doesn’t arrive soon. He attempts to channel mana through his touch and send Ted off to sleep, but is unsuccessful, he does physically hit him with a stunning blow for 1 HP damage and this combined with the damage he has already suffered is enough to knock him out.Ted slumps to the ground and Draexil uses the wall to position himself behind Ted’s unconscious form to gain protection against the Hyena.

Jace foregoes the usual battle cry and instead rushes silently upon the lone archer, even a slight misstep in the dark is not enough to cause a miss and he cuts the archer down before it knew what hit him. Not hesitating over such an unworthy foe he rushes to the melee in time to see Ted fall to the ground. If he can get there fast enough then this will all soon be over.

The last Goblin and Drae exchange attacks with no success until the Goblin gets his footwork caught on the prone figure of Ted, his stumble allows Drae to really catch him with a sharp blow to the head that sets the Goblin back for a second, luckily this is not enough to allow the Hyena a chance to attack through the gap. The stumble carries him back into Jace’s range and a massive swing cuts him right across his back – it falls to the ground, tries to lift itself up and then expires. Not wishing to cause his friends animal companion any pain Drae is able to summon the powers of sleep into his touch and without any compunction he steps across Ted’s prone figure and bats the Hyena on the back, it immediately falls into a deep slumber.

Again silence fills the grove.

It looks like this battle is complete. The cave remains unexplored though

Expertise/ExperienceJace Sword – 4PE, Shield – 2PE

Exp: 106 (+2 Characteristic Point)Draexil Assassin – 2PE, Acrobat – 4PE. SleepTouch 2PE.

Exp: 50 (+1 Characteristic Point)MExp: 2

Ted Throwing Axe (Fight) - 2PE and (Throw) – 2PE, Longbow – 2 PEExp: 14

Group Decision1. Loot + pyre2. Retrieve horses (leaving Jace to defend and keep vigil)3. Rest up, eat, sleep (it's probably quite late) (keep a one in two watch, let T sleep)4. (Morning) break fast, exercise (stretching, prayer) OPEN from this point: Time should be spent in equal parts hunting (food) gathering (materials) and constructing.Construction should be divided between shelter and defence-works (both will be crude and rudimentary with only basic tools available. Make use of anything on Drae's equipment list for this)Thinking reinforced earth-works (with logs) will probably be the maximum we can get away with there. Consult Ted, the Tactician and Strategist (from memory) on emplacements.Mornings should always include prayer and exercise.Eating will be as plentiful as hunting/foraging allows for the replacement of.Healing as needed.

Episode 1.7Location: N edge of the Gap of Grace, Goblin Camp in a makeshift campDate: 15th of April, 206DE 12:00noon Weather: Overcast, Temp 8˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 5/21 HP At Camp Leather Armour

32/40 ManaMist 100% At Camp Riding Horse III

Jace 15/21 HP At Camp Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target ShieldFlax 100% At Camp Dog I

Ted 2/16 HP Resting Leather ArmourYves 100% Sleep-Touched HyenaLaurent 100% At Camp Riding horse II

With the death of the apparent leader of the Goblin band the two conscious party members feel safe enough to start to prepare their own camp. Despite it being the middle of the night they waste no time in pitching a 2-man tent from Draexil’s pack near the fire so that they can put Ted and Yves the Hyena inside that they might rest and recuperate. Until his master is woken the two feel that it might not be safe to waken the magically sleeping animal.With the tent pitched and no further incident thanks to their noise and the 20-30 minutes which have passed Draexil moves off into the forest to recover the horses and their gear which was left behind.

Jace, though tired from combat and his wounds hefts his shield and sword once more to stand guard over the camp alone. He feels good; feels that things are finally moving in the way he needs to take control of his own destiny. He looks over the motionless Goblin corpses on the ground and feels proud that most of them fell beneath his blade. This reminds him to check his sword and sure enough there are 3 notches on it (3 Fatigue) from the mightiest of his blows. He chuckles to himself; they never had a chance…

Drae slips quietly through the forest, keeping away from the rock wall he continues for 15minutes before sending his mind out with a Mind Search spell, its range is limited and he detects nothing but it goes a way to restoring his confidence as many times tonight his excitement blocked his mana from flowing as smoothly as it needed to.He recovers the Horses, they are unharmed, and he returns to the camp.

It takes another hour to drag the 22 corpses to pile them near the campfire. They start to separate potential items of value from the pathetic creatures and set the items to one side all the time keeping one eye set of eyes on the caves and another on the forest. Another hour passes.Finally they drag the corpses to the side and pile them over logs and some old wood they find lying around. Draexil meditates and draws some of the Fire of his glorious God out of his hand and despite it not being quite as effective as he hoped is able to set the logs and bodies aflame.

Draexil feels that in his exhausted state it would not be the best time to attempt to heal Ted or anyone else for that matter. Jace volunteers to wash Ted’s wounds so Drae washes his own wounds with some water boiled in Jace’s pot and then unfurls his bedroll and blankets and falls into a deep slumber (+2 Mana)

For Jace, despite being active now for nearly 24 hours, the air feels clean and fresh… he feels alive and his strength and martial prowess fills him with a huge sense of confidence which he lacked under his father’s oppressive roof.At dawn he awakens Draexil, the Mage rises and together they eat. Ted is still deeply unconscious.

A quick discussion sees agreement that staying here for a week to heal to clear out the rest of these caves is the best idea. Even though Jace is low on food (2 days worth) they can hunt and trap to increase their stocks. They move a few logs to cover the 3 entrances and in the morning light from their campsite it is decided that they have enough of a viewpoint to offer protection from the woods and caves alike.

Jace takes his turn to rest and Draexil meditates to give thanks and praise to Mushru to prepare his mind for the spells he must cast today. His healing blessings are effective with Ted immediately looking brighter and coming to consciousness enough to ask for some water. A short explanation of the nights events fills him in on the story after his cursing by the Mage; then he rests some more. Draexil casts the same Healing spell upon himself and is also immediately greatly improved (Ted +5 HP, Draexil +6 HP, 4PE and 6MEP).

With this holy task completed Draexil searches for more wood with which they can build some devices to cover the caves entrances and also use to build a hut for protection.

Your Horses will be able to feed themselves on the available foliage. You have been resting after 24 hours non-stop activity and thus hunting has been impossible.

You will also need to share the watch tonight as Ted is likely to need rest until tomorrow morning. He doesn’t sound good and it appears as though this experience has been too much for him; his self-confidence is shaken.

It is now noon and whilst neither Jace nor Drae are fully rested they are rested to the point where they are confident of functioning well enough. There are 5-6 hours of daylight left today do you have any plans?

Loot Gathered from corpses2x Very Poor Quality Daggers (-2 WSB, Fat 3)3x Goblin Short bow (-2 WSB)9x Goblin Spears = Javelin10x Poor Quality Clubs (-1 WSB, Fat 5)5 Sets of Animal Pelts (Various qualities and types)Short Sword (Human Manufacture, average condition)Buckler (Av 5, +2%)1x Poor Leather (teen) (Av1 Fat 6)1x Leather Helmet (Teen) (Av1 Fat 14)1x Leather Armour (Teen) (Av1 Fat 13)Excellent Quality Ornate Mace4 GC was on the Magic Casting Goblins body14CC was on the other Large Goblins body29CC from various coin purses

JaceMy day then will be spent cutting wood for fire and stakes to use in defence. Use the shovel to dig holes and plant stakes pointing toward the cave entrances making a smaller exit for any rushing forces coming out of it making it easier to take them on. When possible, turn the dog lose to hunt in the region, get him sniffing out whatever he can, rabbit, bigger game etc.  Spend time during my watch slowly grinding out the nicks in my sword.  The following days are spent getting sleep, healing and digging a dirt wall facing outwards for further defensive purposes. Keep looking after T as well.

DraexilHunting for this afternoon. Then tomorrow morning it'll be prayer/exercise (standard) and D digging out earthworks according to T/J's plans, J hunting/armour care, and if T's up to it, woodcutting (we'll need him to gather timber, etc, for earthwork reinforcements and shelter.)

Episode 1.8Location: N edge of the Gap of Grace, Goblin Camp in a makeshift campDate: 16th of April, 206DE 11:30noon Weather: Cloudy with Storms, Temp 12˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 13/21 HP At Camp Leather Armour

32/40 ManaMist 100% At Camp Riding Horse III

Jace 19/21 HP Hunting Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target ShieldFlax 100% Hunting Dog I

Ted 11/16 HP Hunting Leather ArmourYves 100% Hunting HyenaLaurent 100% At Camp Riding horse II

The afternoon of the 15th sees Draexil take up his bow and head out of the Woods to search for some food. While the horses have enough time to graze to their hearts content Jace is limited to just 2 more days of food and unless he is to start dipping into the other’s supplies then more food must be found.

Flax is let loose and the dog finds enough small game to satisfy his needs, Drae is able to rustle up enough obviously safe roots and small meats to satisfy most of Jace’s needs (2FP). Ted wakes Yves and is forced to feed him from the meat supplies he carries as the Hyena is still too groggy from 12 hours of magically induced sleep to scavenge on its own.

Since Jace is left at the camp he uses his time to cut down young branches and sharpen them into spikes. He gathers a good amount of them and then with Ted’s direction (he is sitting up now at least) he is able to start to position them in front of the cave entrances to arrest any charge from within. Jace is thankful for the shovel he brought; it makes light work of the rocky soil and saved him from having to use his sword.

After covering and closing the leftmost entrance (Westernmost) with the spikes he starts to work on the middle entrance. The caves had been silent up to this point but obviously the creatures inside figured that their chance of escaping was now or never… without any warning 3 figures rush out of the darkness into the mid-afternoon shadows… more Goblins! But they are obviously too small to be fighters, could they be female?

Their rush does not catch Jace by too much surprise, he swings the shovel around at the last to exit, it is carrying a young Goblin to its chest. The shovel is an excellent makeshift weapon and it leaves the female lifeless on the ground, her child is thrown forward but does not appear to be too badly injured by the fall. A quick word to Flax and Yves sends the faithful animals at the last 2 as they flee, one is a female, the other an older child, they are brought down and savaged.The caves remain silent; Jace picks up his shield and draws his sword but 10 minutes of watchful waiting draws no more out of the depths.

Jace finishes the middle cave’s fortifications and then assists Ted to the 3rd cave, the firelight and smoke have died down inside and placing the stakes here with Ted watching over him is a matter of formality.

Drae returns with his meagre find and as they eat and discuss the incident today the others scoff at the small bounty brought in from the plains. “Let me show you how this is supposed to be done” says Ted. “If you cannot find enough food for even one of us then you need an expert doing the gathering” adds Jace. At this point Drae starts to laugh reminding Ted that at least he knows how to avoid being hit over the head repeatedly by Goblins.

Each take their turn to Guard through the night, even Ted is wedged up and placed nearby Jace so he can take his turn. During the night a Storm brews up, Jace and Ted share the 2-man tent, Drae pitches his other single tent.There are no incidents.

The next morning occasional rain squalls and lightening flashes hit the camp. Despite that everyone feels much better (Drae +2 HP, Jace +4 HP, Ted +4HP) though unfortunately Drae is unable to successfully call down the Healing power of his God for Ted today.

Ted feels well enough to move again and together he and Jace head out to the Plains by foot so their combined Survival skills can be put to the test. They manage to triple Draexil’s haul of yesterday (12FP) which is enough to feed everyone. Again the animals are able to support themselves.

On their way back to the camp near noon Ted spots some figures approaching the Woods from the same location you first entered 2 nights ago. He cannot tell how many there are, but they seem to be human or humanoid enough to pass for human and there is the glint of what little sun is shining reflecting on metal from their bodies and the weapons they hold in their hands. Jace and Ted are currently 30 min away from the camp in a direct line at hunting pace; running will get you there in 15 minutes. Draexil is watching the gates and generally guarding the camp, he is unaware of what you have seen.

Expertise/ExperienceJace Exp: 3, Survival Plains (1PE)Ted Survival Plains (1PE)

I have assigned some of the loot from the Goblin bodies: 1 GC each, 14CC each. Ted has taken the Buckler, Short Sword and 2x Javelins.I also just want to remind you that for a successful elimination of the Goblins there is a 2SC reward each, for finding and returning an Ornate Mace believe to be stolen by the Goblins there is an additional 7SC reward. These must be claimed from Master Jimbio in Mordara

JaceJace gestures to Ted understanding he has the better sneak skills, "Can you run past without them seeing to warn Drae? I will follow this lot, you warn Drae.... I can follow from a distance and charge from behind to take them down if need be... agreed?"How many are there?

DraexilIf they make it up to warn me, invisibility and edge up against the walls.If I'm surprised by the approach (if hostile, assuming) then defend from within camp w/ fire darts.Just too bad the Bow I don’t carry my bow with me as a matter of course. Otherwise this'd be a relatively quick and easy win.

TedOkay, I'm running back to the camp. Hope I don't trip over anything >_> 

Episode 1.9Location: N edge of the Gap of Grace, Goblin Camp in a makeshift campDate: 16th of April, 206DE 1:00pm Weather: Cloudy with Storms, Temp 12˚

Name Status Move Other NotesDraexil 13/21 HP At Camp Leather Armour

32/40 ManaMist 100% At Camp Riding Horse III

Jace 19/21 HP At Camp Scale Mail, Sword, Banded Target ShieldFlax 100% At Camp Dog I

Ted 11/16 HP At Camp Leather ArmourYves 100% At Camp HyenaLaurent 100% At Camp Riding horse II

Ted and Jace quickly confer about the humanoids they saw. Jace saw them too and insisted that there were just three of them, Ted says there are four. In either case someone needs to go to the camp to warn Drae. Even with his wounds Ted believes he can make it in time, so he heads off with a javelin in his hand just in case.

Jace meanwhile runs as fast as he can in his leather armour with his stout shield slung over his back and his sword sheathed for ease of movement. His plan is to follow up behind them and use his tracking abilities to detect what they are and their number. Then, if he is fast enough, or his prey is slow enough, he can catch up with them and attack from behind if necessary.

Long minutes pass as the 2 warriors race towards their destiny for this afternoon. Meanwhile, Draexil back at camp is cooking up some rations for their lunch whilst keeping an eye on the blockaded caves.

Jace is the first to reach his target, the wet grass easily retains the story of the passing of the intruders. His keen plainsman skills tell him that they are three in number and likely to be human; they are moving cautiously. It is also apparent that they are tracking the trail left by Jace, Drae and Ted on the night of their attack on the Goblin camp however their speed does not quite match the speed that Jace can muster, their skills are inferior to his he notes with a sense of self-satisfaction. He moves

more cautiously now, their trail is clear and he needs not spend too much time in tracing it. He quietly draws his Sword and Shield and follows.

Ted runs as fast as he can, 3 days in these Woods has given him enough local knowledge that unless the humanoids make a sudden detour he knows can afford to run until he enters a short way into the Woods before slowing down to control his noise. He is easily able to reach the camp and urgently, but not without caution, warn Draexil.Drae hands Ted his bow and retreats to the shadows under a tree… if they don’t know he is here then his invisibility trick will be even more of a surprise. Ted stands in the camp with some logs offering him cover but otherwise standing strong and proud with the bow at the ready.

Again time passes slowly.

Even Ted’s knowledge of the ways of the Woods and Forests was not enough to forewarn him of the approach of the newcomers and Drae is totally out of his element.A voice, slightly hesitant, calls out in un-accented Donaran from a patch of forest near the cliff wall. “We have you covered stranger, we mean no harm but we will fire upon you if necessary”.Ted draws the arrow back on the bow but keeps it pointing to the ground, although Drae cannot see the source of the call, Ted can clearly see two assailants. One is kneeling with a bow raised and aimed, the other stands to the left of the first by about 10 feet with a spear hefted for the throw. Ted replies, “You approach our camp with weapons raised and ask me to submit, on whose authority do you dare challenge us?”The voice calls again “Us? So there are more of you? Do you know the names Ted, Jace and Draexil?”“I know these names” replies Ted, “what is your business with them?”“My name is Carn and I call no town home, I bring word for these 3 on the request of Master Jimbio of Mordara. To whom to I speak?”“My name is Ted, my companions are watching you, come forward with your weapons lowered and we will speak.”

Stepping from the shelter of the trees into the rain swept clearing where the camp has been erected is the speaker. A thin and wiry man dressed in shabby clothing but wearing gleaming chainmail, he carries a Bastard Sword with his hand’s grip reversed and its blade facing down in a symbol of peace. He bows slightly, “My name is Carn. I speak for my companions when I say we mean you no harm and bring you a message of import.” Looking at him you sense contradictions, his equipment is a mix of the lowest beggar’s and a mighty warrior’s. He has a gleam in his eye which shows fire and a steel will back his actions but he also carries the burden of many trials upon his soul.

Next to step out is another man, just past his youth and carrying a little weight on sturdy frame. He is dark haired, round of face and with an aura of mild fatigue surrounding him. His clothes are a little to good for the road, to old for fashion and too worn for the high street. “I am Besthan” he says with neither bow nor disrespect. “I am a Merchant and have travelled far and wide seeking worthy items for purchase and sale. I am known to Master Jimbio. I travel this way for reasons of my own, but was asked to assist in finding and greeting you on his behalf. Well met Ted.”Ted greets him in return and asks for the last of the band to come forwardCarn smiles and mutters “This one is proud, treat her lightly at your own risk”

Stepping forward is a female dressed as one who feels very much at home in her leather armour. “I am Ishtar Al Abina, my actions speak for themselves”. This woman, though tall for her sex, looks young and it is only the well-maintained arms and the ease with which she carries them which betrays her experience with combat. She looks like a horse maiden from one of the mercenary Barbarian tribes, even wearing a leather skirt like their women do. She also has her dark hair plaited back like the warrior women of the Kaz (Barbarian Horse Warriors from across the Elder Mountains) unlike them though her hair and cloak are held by clasps and broaches of metal and not bone or sinew. Strangely she must be Donaran though as her voice has no taint of foreign accent.

Last to emerge from the trees is Jace - Besthan and Carn wheel in surprise, Ishtar seems unmoved. “Well!” he booms “Guests, and just in time for lunch! Sit down then and let us hear your story, and you shall share our bounty of twigs, leaves and roots”.

They sit near the fire and allow the rain to fall over them as they draw their own rations of meat and cheese to add to the feast. After watching for 10 minutes to be sure of no surprise Draexil also leaves his watching place and glides forward to introduce himself.

Their story is a brief one and while it is told Ishtar goes back into the forest to bring forward their animals from where they were tethered.

After sending the first party out to deal with these pesky Goblins and retrieve the mace so that Jimbio might honour his dead friend one of his ‘staff’ noticed a party of 6 of the local bandits leaving with a tracker following the trail which was, by now, a day old. Fearing that the party would be waylaid Jimbio called together some new people (Carn and Ishtar) and tasked them to join his associate Besthan in finding the travellers and bring them home safely.

Their journey was relatively uninterrupted and marred by only by a single incident, 4 of the bandits and the tracker were found dead and partially eaten only a few miles from this point. They were killed by either massive bite wounds or concussion from mighty blows and left to rot under the sky. Their equipment was not stripped, but thanks to their condition there was little worth salvaging. This happened near the entrance to the Gap of Grace.

I have assigned some of the loot from the Goblin bodies: 1 GC each, 14CC each. Ted has taken the Buckler, Short Sword and 2x Javelins.I also just want to remind you that for a successful elimination of the Goblins there is a 2SC reward each, for finding and returning an Ornate Mace believe to be stolen by the Goblins there is an additional 7SC reward. These must be claimed from Master Jimbio in Mordara

JaceJace gestures to Ted understanding he has the better sneak skills, "Can you run past without them seeing to warn Drae? I will follow this lot, you warn Drae.... I can follow from a distance and charge from behind to take them down if need be... agreed?"How many are there?

DraexilIf they make it up to warn me, invisibility and edge up against the walls.If I'm surprised by the approach (if hostile, assuming) then defend from within camp w/ fire darts.Just too bad the Bow I don’t carry my bow with me as a matter of course. Otherwise this'd be a relatively quick and easy win.

TedOkay, I'm running back to the camp. Hope I don't trip over anything >_> 

Jace and Draexil:We are thinking of heading back into town after clearing the tunnels, restocking then coming back for more goblin ears and maybe raid a ruin or two… then once we have a bit more xp, hit up Donara for some serious work....

BesthanBesthan stays aloof for the first day, only responding when he can either add expertise or is directly spoken too. In the exploring of the Caves Besthan will prepare with his heavy armour and act as a rear guard if that is suitable to the party, able to hurl a spear forward if there is trouble or provide warning if there is something behind.

Carn

Cave exploring sounds good. Afterward though, I'm not too sure. Certainly one of the reasons my character came out here to bogan country was to get away from the city of Donara, but we can deal with that later.

IshtarCave exploring sounds good, then back to Mordara. When it comes to the caves I feel that I can deal with anything that comes up so I will take another entrance and show them how it is done.

Episode 1.10Location: Donaran Plains 1 day North of MordaraDate: 18th of April, 206DE 8:00am Weather: Overcast with Fog, Temp 2˚

Name Status Move Other NotesBesthan 100% 12 Riding WHII - Encumbered

Name? 100% 18 War Horse IIName? 100% 17 Tethered to WHII

Carn 100% 11 Walking, Leading HorseClive 100% 28 Riding horse III

Draexil 100% 12 Riding Mist30/40 Mana

Mist 100% 22 Riding Horse III - EncumberedIshtar 100% 12 Walking, Leading Miu Miu

Miu Miu 100% 17 MuleJace 19/21 HP 12 Walking

Flax 100% 17 Dog ITed 100% 13 Riding Laurent

Yves 100% 16 HyenaLaurent 100% 26 Riding horse II

A conversation after lunch continues for a number of hours and each shares what they are willing to have the others know.Jace and Drae talk about their plans to return to the Hills and search out tombs and lost places before striking for the great capital of Donara to make their fortune.The newcomers each seem to have their reasons for not making for the big city, but the idea of hunting through the hills at the base of the mountains certainly seems appealing.Ted on the other hand seems to consider that the past few days has been more than enough excitement and might re-think his plans to build on his experience before joining the army, he thinks it is time to retire and seek a more stable profession.

Each agrees that before heading back to Mordara to meet with Master Jimbio (and claim their pay) that they need clear these tunnels first.

By roughly 3pm preparations are completed. Jace offers to take the lead into the middle cave entrance and Carn backs him up with a pitch torch in his off hand. Besthan also offers to work with them and cover their rear.Ishtar on the other hand believes that a lightning attack to outflank the enemy would be the best of plans and she heads off to the first cave entrance, Draexil moves with her carrying her Oil Lantern.Ted will again stay in camp and guard their rear and reinforce where needed

Jace, Carn and Besthan start off with Jace in his full armour carrying sword and shield. Behind him stands Carn with his brutal club out, a weapon he seems to be quite attached to and has modified with iron nails and shards of metal. Besthan was gifted 2 Javelin from the pile left by the Goblins and he hefts one of those and is also carrying his Shield. Like Jace he is wearing Ring Mail over Leather whilst Carn has his chain mail shirt.

At the other entrance Ishtar stands eager to charge in with her Leather Armour and Target Shield for protection whilst she wields her horsewoman’s Scimitar, a weapon perfectly suited to the tight

environment of the cave. Draexil, backing her up, is unarmed as usual standing on the balls of his and is a picture of meditative calm as he draws Mana through every pore in his body for the fight ahead.

Entering the lair all is quiet.Jace’s mob ease down a fairly straight but narrow corridor which enters into a slightly wider cavern of about 8 feet across; from here they can see the light of Ishtar and Draexil bobbing as they navigate through a few moderate curves and bends, past some sleeping gear and then into the same cavern.To the left of the 5 members of the party is a wider open area in a very rough elliptical space, this area too is littered with detritus like a hastily abandoned living area for foul scum. The only way forward is an opening close to where Jace’s team entered; it is about 6 feet wide and leads into what appears to be another cavern.

Jace and Ishtar take the lead this time with Carn and Draexil following, Besthan seems content to hold back and take the rear.

The corridor is walked for only a few feet before the quality light of the lantern reveals another cavernous room. Inside there is a large poorly thrown together chair with some cloth draped over it at the far end of the room (~12 feet away) and again this room is full of litter from former habitation. It can be seen that the room is indeed still inhabited, with Goblin females (2) and children (3). They look weak and though the females lift themselves to protect their young there is no challenge in snuffing out their insignificant lives, the children are dispatched as a matter of course.

Each of you fans out and briefly searches the room in case of another entrance or exit, but no evidence of alternative paths are found.What is found is a large animal fur of good quality and a bolt of cloth which may have 5 or 6 yards of decent-enough fabric on it. A large 20 quart keg is also found almost half full of what looks to be salt.

It only takes another 15 minutes to leave this cave with these items and then enter and explore the last cave. This one is a rough teardrop shape and opens into a cavern with a long-dead fireplace in the middle of it. This cavern is uninhabited and it looks like items were taken when the former occupants fled.

After all this time waiting it seems that whatever prey was in these caves has now bolted.

With a sense of anti-climax the party take the newly found items and come out to spend a final night at their camp before returning to Mordara.

The next morning, after an uneventful night, they strap their accumulated loot to their horses and mules and make their way out of the Gap of Grace. There is a rain falling and the morning is cold and unpleasant. By leaving as the sun rises at roughly 7: 30 there is hope that even at the pace of the slowest member taking opportunistic game and food you can reach a point close to Mordara before making camp. Since none of the wounded were recovering as fast as might be hoped Drae casts Healing spells on himself (+4HP) and Ted (full recovery) with great success. To save time there is no plan to seek out the location where the Bandits were eliminated.

During the day the animals are able to forage successfully while as a group your foods needs are barely met with edible berries from shrubs and the many small birds and animals around.The 17th passes uneventfully and camp is made before nightfall. Lots are taken to decide watches and a pit is dug in which to light a small camp fire. Each of you shares stories of renown before resting. [Draexil heals fully during the night]

Morning greets you with fog which whispers across the plains and muffles the sights and sounds of the land. Again you saddle up and start off to Mordara, confident of reaching the little town by mid-to-late afternoon.

However, after only 20 minutes of journeying the horses start to get fidgety. Flax stops and starts to growl looking ahead and slightly to the right. “What is it Boy?” whispers Jace as he pulls the shield from his back and draws his sword. Ted also notices that Yves is hesitant to move forward and has stopped to sniff the air. He grips

the Javelin he has in his Buckler hand halts Laurent and stares into the mist quietly.

Draexil feels something is not right and draws his horse to a halt, he reaches down to its saddle-mount and unwraps the longbow from its oiled cloths.

Carn sees Drae do this and somewhere in his mind it registers that the repugnant swamp-like odour he can smell is not something that should be found out here in the middle of open grassy plains, he slides his Bastard Sword from its back-sheath and stares into the swirling fog.

Only Ishtar and Besthan seem to have not noticed the change in the air, Besthan is coming up from the rear on his horse and cannot see much apart from Ted stopped upon his horse shading his eyes as he peers into the foreground. Ishtar up in the lead with Jace has found her pig-headed embarrassment of a Mule has decided to stop walking and she is pulling on its bridle to get it moving.

Tense seconds pass for those aware that something is wrong and then, in the mist, to the right, no more than 12 feet from Jace a mound arises, not slowly, not with undue haste, just at the speed a creature of 18 foot height rises when it knows it has something tasty in its reach. The monstrosity has just a single eye which glares at Jace with bloodshot whites and on its head is a single horn. It releases a deep throaty bellow and lumbers towards Jace, reaching out with arms as thick as a horses head and rippling with muscles.“ORCHI”, screams Carn as loud as he can, “Oh sweet Inanna save us, it is an Orchi!”

There is a Map of your positions (Orchi = X) after this.What are your actions?Ishtar and Besthan are surprised and lose their first action; they have not any weapons at hand. The rest of you are prepared as explained in the narrative.Carn is in Chainmail, as this is all he has. The rest of you are in Leather Armour.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan -Carn Mountaineer (2PE)Draexil 6 MEXP: Healing (8PE), Horsemanship (1PE)Ishtar Carrying (1PE)Jace Carrying (1PE)

Loot Gathered from Caves20qu Keg with 8 Quart of probably Salt 5-6 yards of ClothA Fur (Bear?) in good condition

JacePoos himself... no not really... needless to say I would be shocked maybe a little stunned... but then totally excited... here is a glorious tale if we win, a worthy foe.... hold my ground, be ready to fight and hope to the gods my team mates help...

Drae1. Mind Burn2. Mind Scan3. Strafe w/ arrows, moving around to the side4. From the side (or, if I can't get there, at any moment that looks good) I'll drop a lightning bolt on him.5. Depending on strength remaining, A/B    a. Still strong, arrows and fire-darts - see 6.    b. Weak, invisibility to rush for the assassination.6. Continue moving around, with arrows and fire darts, looking for optimal assassination angle and opportunity. Rush in when he's weakened, but don't let up on the assault in the meantime.Rules: Keep MOBILE. Keep fuckin' moving. If I stand still, I'm going to get ripped apart.If after the first lightning bolt this thing's still obviously kicking strong, slam a second bolt into it.No more than two lightning bolts.

Emphasis split evenly between Arrows and Fire Darts otherwise.Invisibility should be used only in emergency (GTFO) or when making an assassination attempt.

BesthanBesthan will, when able to act, retrieve his spear and a javelin and move to the right of the Orchi, hoping to strike with the javelin to distract its attention allowing better fighters an opening, if threatened he will attempt to use his spear to fend it off while working around to the left again to assume a consolidated front with the rest of the party.

CarnOk, my action will depend upon what Jace or the mini giant does (so I will hold until after Jace's or the Orchi's turn, if I go first that is).If Jace decides to fight the thing or the Orchi goes first and engages him, I'll support (hacking time). If Jace decides to back off, I will also, getting close to other members of the party so we fight this thing together. Despite backing off, I'll make ready to sword the damn thing if it comes close. Not too sure how holding actions, bracing for charges or whatever works, so do what you think would be best.

IshtarI have no idea what this monster is; I’ve never come across anything so big before! I sit on my pig-headed mule and hang ready to ride out of trouble if necessary. Anyway, Miu Miu has proven himself better than me at noticing danger. I take out my longbow and arrow and point towards the monster. Ready to fire at any given moment.

Episode 1.11Location: Donaran Plains 1 day North of MordaraDate: 18th of April, 206DE 8:00am Weather: Overcast with Fog, Temp 2˚

Name Status Move Other NotesBesthan 17/23 HP 12 Riding WHII - Encumbered

Name? 100% 18 War Horse IIName? 100% 17 Tethered to WHII

Carn 100% 11 Walking, Leading HorseClive 100% 28 Riding horse III

Draexil 100% 12 Leather Armour, Leather Cap26/40 Mana

Mist 100% 22 Run offIshtar 100% 12 Leather Armour, Leather Cap

Miu Miu 100% 17 MuleJace 14/21 HP 12 Leather Armour, Metal Helm, Sword, Target Shield

Flax 100% 17 Attacking OrchiTed 100% 13 Leather Armour, Leather Cap, Buckler

Yves 100% 16 HyenaLaurent 100% 26 Riding horse II

Jace sees the monstrosity looming in front of him; it is lightly furred and reeking of such a repulsive odour that only the dire need to focus or be killed where he stands stops him from gagging.“An Orchi” he thinks “now I know the name of the thing that is going to kill me. I would prefer to know how to kill it!” He also would have liked to have braced himself for an attack but this creature lumbers straight into the offence and allows him no time to prepare like a normal sentience would.It punches straight at Jace’s chest but he is able to use his shield to deflect the blow, the shield holds against a muscular, but still fleshy attack. In return he manages a weak slice against its arm, but the

blade fails to do any more than cut some of the dirt and dead skin. [You are now EL1 in the Target Shield]Flax throws himself at the beast which is attacking his master and bites into its lower leg, Jace can see a trickle of blood from the area of the bite and suddenly understands that if this thing can bleed then it can die. Unfortunately it doesn’t even seem to notice the bite so it might be a race to see who dies first!

Draexil considers burning the mind of this thing to a crisp but realises he would have to get within 5 feet of it to achieve that. Another option would be to Mind Scan it and find out exactly what they are dealing with here but this would mean getting close enough for it to attack him whilst he was preparing the spell. Instead he climbs off his horse, which immediately bolts away from the fight. Drae runs to his right to get around to its flank.

Ted runs forward with his arm pulled back and a Javelin ready to fly, he wants to get close enough to make the shot count and cries out “Hang on Jace, we are coming”.Once with 20 feet of it he throws and hits, though it would have been almost impossible to miss it considering its size. The Javelin is clearly able to pierce the flesh of the Orchi, but only with the equivalent force of a human stepping on a nail, the weapon doesn’t even penetrate deeply enough to stick in the skin and fall weakly to the grassy plain. Ted takes hold of the other Javelin in his tiny arsenal and prepares to launch it too.

Barely registering the pin-pricks it has received it slaps down at Jace again, determined to stop this tasty morsel from wiggling so much. The hit this time makes it past the armour with enough force to hurt [5HP damage], but luckily his helmet and armour are able to absorb some of the damage though his leathers suffer a nasty scratch from its dirty claws.Carn slashes again on the turn as he tries to draw it to his advantage, he is aware that unless he moves to the left he will be blocking the others from firing at it, so he twists and slices but the combination of attacks is too complicated and whilst he might have put himself out of the firing line he is not able to successfully strike. Flax continues nipping at its heels.

There is a simple strength in Jace which Carn admires, his apparent willingness to stand and fight against the odds tugs at something deep inside. Right from the start of this fight he knew he would stand there against this foul beast to buy the party time to help him finish it off. Carn also recognises that one man, no matter how brave, against this creature will not have much of a chance though. He runs forward determined to stand aside Jace.By the time he gets close he can see that Jace has manoeuvred himself to the left so he jumps around to the right of it to stand on the opposite side of this monster. Remembering the tales the old Mountaineers would tell about Orchi he recognises that its thick skin will offer it quite some protection, so he steadies himself and takes a two-handed chop at the small of its back, the thick skin does not allow the blade to penetrate far though and whatever brain resides inside this massive body doesn’t even register the pain.

Ted has readied his second Javelin and lets it fly at the unprotected flank of the beast and is again able to hit but this time the Javelin just bounces off of its horrendously thick hide for no damage whatsoever

Jace is still the main focus of the Orchi’s attack, the sheer size and strength of it is more than enough to compensate for its lack of skill in fighting, it is just bludgeoning around in the hope of a hit, but a hit is all it needs to make Jace’s teeth rattle in his head. This time, thankfully, it misses due to a powerful double hit from Jace and Flax. Flax doesn’t seem to have hurt it much, but the sword cut crashes into its leg with a satisfying but jarring crunch. This sword has been battered a lot in the past week and now would be a particularly poor time for it to fail. [You are now EL3 in the Sword]Carn takes another overheard chop at the back of this beast but bad luck has it move at the moment of his blow and it is barely even caught by the blade.

Having reached a good enough location and braced himself to fire Draexil lets fly with his longbow, the shot flies true and strikes the creature at the base of the neck on its back, the arrow penetrates deeply enough to leave it embedded in the creature. His keen eye notices that the multiple cuts and wounds it has received are starting to wear it down, it is not time for a killing blow yet but it might be a good time to give it a shock. He runs forward to get within range, recognising that Carn and Jace will

keep it occupied for the moment and draws in a calming breath. Cleansing Fire starts to course through his veins as he raises his hands.

Shock at being caught unawares is the first thing that registers in Besthan’s mind. He is far to the back of the group and his first reaction is to look around for any other possible threat. He has not heard of such beasts, do they attack alone or in groups? By the time he has checked his surrounds, settled his Shield on his arm and grabbed his Javelins and Spear the combat had already been joined. He can see from where he stands, about 30 feet away from the main combat, that Jace and Carn are fighting it up-close whilst Ted has his laughably small Throwing Axe out and is dancing around knowing that he is well out of his league now. Draexil the Mage has a longbow out, the first time Besthan has seen a weapon in the calculating and arrogant Mage’s hands and is firing at the huge target standing not 20 feet from him. Ishtar seems to be climbing on that ridiculous mule for some reason and he wonders if the child is going to run.Besthan moves forward, testing the weight of the Goblin Spear in his hand and knowing that it will make a fine Javelin for his size. He is running forward to build up as much momentum as possible and launches when he comes alongside Draexil, the missile flies straight and true but like Ted before him he can see it puncture the skin, draw some blood but not stick in the thick hide. He raises another Javelin and aims again but this one goes off wide. [You are now EL1 in the Javelin]Besthan now has no option but to lift his Spear and Shield lock them together and move forward, he has no more long-range ammunition; it is time to kill this thing up-close.

Ishtar also found herself shocked at being caught by surprise. It is a humiliating thought that she was at the point of their column across the plains and she did not even see the enemy. She jumps up on her Mule; while she knows she cannot ride this stupid beast into battle she is aware that from atop it she can fire her longbow above the head of Jace with less danger of missing the beast and hitting him instead. Also, she is born to the saddle and even if this is the only creature she can afford it still feels better to be on it. She draws her bow and fires, but the Mule fidgets beneath her and the shot goes wide enough to be just a glancing blow which doesn’t even penetrate. With her legs she tries to calm the animal and draws another arrow and this one does not miss, it penetrates both hide and flesh and sticks out. Ishtar’s confidence starts to rise as she recognises that ambush or no she can hurt this thing. [You are now EL2 in the Horse Archer]

With increasing desperation the Orchi lashes out at Jace, the damage is starting to it hurt now as it has multiple arrows stuck in it and cuts from wounds front and back. Unfortunately for the beast it chose to attack Jace, probably the only person there with the strength and skill to hold it off long enough for the others to take care of it and yet another mighty punch is deflected with ease by Jace’s Shield.Again the former brawler is able to strike true with his trusty sword and leave a slashing mark across its skin but Carn is ineffectual as the creature is moving erratically to try and murder Jace. From where he stands he can see Besthan moving in to stand by his side and also a red hot flash of light spear from Draexil’s outstretched hand at the Orchi but it only singes some of its hairs and appears to do no damage.

Poor Draexil is devastated, he knew he cast that spell correctly, how could something that stupid shrug it off so easily? He takes a deep breath and tries to launch another fire dart and this one flies straight, true and easily penetrates the creature defences. It doesn’t seem to hurt it much but the effect is startling… the Creature roars as it is touched by energy which is the antithesis of its own creator’s and turns to stare at the upstart food which dared sully its perfect imperfection. The Orchi roars with greater hatred than any it has shown thus far and ignoring Jace turns to lumber at Draexil.

Jace grabs this opportunity to stab into its side but he misses completely. At least he has the satisfaction of seeing one of Ishtar’s arrows catch it high on the arm and stick it deeply. Carn finally has a blow strike, and deeply too. His blade is helped by the creature wheeling around and it leaves quite a rent in its upper thigh. Likewise Besthan uses the creature’s sudden movement to help his Spear penetrate so deeply that it is stuck deep inside its belly muscles [You are now EL1 in the Spear Fighting] The beast roars in pain and forgetting Draexil in its agony lashes out at his assailant, there is no doubt it is gravely wounded now.Thrown slightly off balance when the spear was ripped from his hands Besthan catches the punch square on his shoulder and reels backwards (6HP) but taking this hit buys the rest of his associates’

time to attack again. Drae attempts to flame it once more but the creature is unaffected, Ted stands next to Jace protecting him as well he can with Buckler and Throwing Axe raised. Unfortunately only Carn is able to strike true and this cut, added to the others makes it stagger on its feet.

The Orchi throws itself forward, as fast as its massive frame and weakened body can stand right into arrows from both Ishtar and Draexil and this is enough. The shot from Ishtar hit it on the side of its ugly head and penetrates the bone whilst Draexil’s flies into its chest. With a dull thump it crashes face-first into the Plains, dead.

By the time you have chased down the horses, gathered your Javelins and arrows (one of Ishtar’s was lost) and cleaned your weapons another hour has passed.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan EXP 77, Javelin - Thrown (14PE), Spear – Fight (14PE)Carn EXP 42, Bastard Sword (14PE)Draexil MEXP: 11, EXP 105, Longbow (14PE), Fire Dart (22PE)Ishtar EXP 112, Horse Archery (14PE)Jace EXP 35, Shield (14PE), Sword (14PE)

Episode 1.12Location: MordaraDate: 18th of April, 206DE 9:00pm Weather: Overcast with Light Rain, Temp 3˚

Name Status Move Other NotesBesthan 17/23 HP 12

Name? 100% 18Name? 100% 17

Carn 100% 11Clive 100% 28

Draexil 100% 1226/40 Mana

Mist 100% 22Ishtar 100% 12

Miu Miu 100% 17Jace 14/21 HP 12

Flax 100% 17

While the others round up their mounts, chase down spent arrows & javelins and clean themselves and their equipment down Jace looks at the mighty corpse in front of him. He looks at his shield and back at the corpse and an idea starts to form. Pulling out the poor quality goblin dagger he found on one of their reeking corpses he starts to (inexpertly) cut the hide of the creature in an attempt to make something useful out of its skin. Ishtar seeing what he is up to and annoyed by his inability to do such a simple task moves over and produces a sharper knife from her belt pouch; she starts to expertly skin the Orchi. It takes a while but when the job is done they both feel like they have achieved something [Ishtar now EL40 in Tanner]. They both take enough to each have a fair portion of its skin.

When all are finally settled the caravan starts off again and as the morning turns to noon and noon to late afternoon you arrive in Mordara.

The trip across the plains was generally uneventful but slow as each of you contribute what you can to gather enough food and fodder to supply your own needs and the needs of your animals. While the village or Mordara is certainly safer then most cities for a weary traveller it is no cheaper for this fact and you might as well gather the fruits of the wild and save a bit of cash.

As you approach the village you see the flat undulating plains start to flatten into the outlying farms and pastures. Horses, Goats, Sheep and Cows are all kept here, far enough from the village to avoid drawing the more aggressive predators close but close enough to the monolithic Fortress Mordara that the guards there can respond quickly if needed. You are stopped twice upon return.Once by a group of 6 Donaran Infantry (Scale Mail, Sword, Spear and Banded Target Shield) who ask you to state your names and business. Once they are stratified you are not from Caldo or some threat from the Elder Mountains they let you pass.As you come closer to the village you are stopped again, this time in the middle of a small orchard which is full of Apple trees waiting for Spring to bring them to leaf and then fruit. This next group is 3 men in Leather with Longbows and 7 men with leather and buckers with spear and sword. They are obviously Bandits. As they approach Besthan flicks at them a small piece of metal which was given to him for just this purpose by Master Jimbio. The Bandits wave you on with stray eyes wandering over your saddle bags and back packs.

The sun is starting to close on the far peaks of the Elder Mountains to the West and the chill builds in the air as you give up grassy plains for The Great Road (leading from Caldo to Donara) and then finally for the streets of the village of Mordara itself.

Mordara is home to 700-800 people, they mostly labour in the fields or in the least dangerous jobs in the mines near Fortress Mordara (the miners are prisoners). There is a fair craftsman base for a town this size with ironwork, tanning and bowyers being some of the main types available.The village itself runs straight down both sides of The Great Road with branches leading out to the North West (the road to the powerful Baron Doran’s estate and further to Swans Grace), the South West (the Road leading to the popular Baron Samalin’s estate) and the North East (the road leading past Castle Mord and thence to the tiny hamlet of Pina).

In the village are most of the kinds of merchants and services you might need, the most noticeable being:

The Silver Tusk Inn, the only inn in Mordara thanks to any others having terrible accidents or burning down

Ardain’s Delight, a jewellery shop which is the main sales point for miners and traders coming from the Elder Mountains.

Temple to Innana Bersan’s, this shop is the home of the well-known Bersan, easily the wealthiest commoner in

Mordara. He is a trader in most gear but specialises in Armour and Weaponry. Hosen’s Emporium Naturale a shop specialising in buying and selling herbs, animal parts

and rare minerals

Your destination is that of Master Jimbio’s; the third-most wealthy Merchant in town.You reach his door with only an hour or so of sunlight left. He listens to your story and takes possession of the Mace. In doing so he also hands each of you a slip of paper to be redeemed from his shop-keep. Master Jimbio does not seem to be interested in tales of heroics, he is only interested in some of the details of the cave (“How far back did it extend”, “Were there any other entrances” etc) and also asks some questions about the trip (“Did you see any evidence of ruins”, “Did you take time to check for ward stones on the Plain’s mounds”).He lets you go; you receive your payments and are shown to the door. An underling comes with a final mug of ale for each of you to drink, “On the doorstep if you please, the Master believes it is good luck to conclude a successful transaction with a commemoration” and a final message “More work should be available for you if you will avail yourself of the town and await my Master’s pleasure”)

You now stand in the midst of Mordara with a belly of decent ale and some new coins jingling in your pockets. Ted looks at you all, “Thank you all for the adventure, but that is more than I can stomach. It was exciting but far too exciting for me.” He bows politely to each of you and turns and walks off, Yves the Hyena by his side and Laurent clip-clopping by his side.

Episode 1 has ended and what happens next is up to youI would suggest you deal with me individually over the next day(s) as I sort each of you out for purchases and any other fancies

If you choose to work together then I will deal with you together too.

If you are going to wait for Master Jimbio to summon you then you will want to linger in townIf you are going to leave choose your own fate as a group then you will want to communicate with each other and make your plans.

Lastly, if anyone wants to leave, quit, replace a character now is the time to do it!

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan -Carn Survival – Plains (1PE)Draexil Survival – Plains (1PE)Ishtar Tanner (5PE), Carrying (1PE)Jace Tanner (1PE), Carrying (1PE)