By the time Krackle frees jr. from the harness, the fighting is seemingly ended. With a gentle nudge of his legs,the kobold moves the giant lizard forward close to the elf. Now, looking down towards the elf from high on his mount... the kobold sends a fireball streaking off into the sky and gives a small snort.
The elven man recoils at the sight of the fireball "Please keep the fire at bay. I am Thalren and we used to live in the village of Willowford west of here. Raiders in numbered I have never seen before swept through our village killing, pillaging, and burning anything in their way. We are the survivors and fled east. We found this ruined village and decided to make a new start here, but it has been difficult as we have very little in tools or supplies. Winter is around the corner, and we won't make it unless we choose a more drastic measure. So, we turned to banditry."
Thalren looks defeated and you notice even for an elf he is quite thin.
Some of the people leave the ruined homes and you see they are not hardened warriors but men and women in simple homespun attire. Some of them are elderly. Peeking from a window is a young elven girl with blond hair and green eyes. In human terms she looks to be somewhere between 8 -10 years old. She looks concerned but she dares not leave that home.
Ixsas gets the sense that Thalren is speaking the truth.
Ixsas comes out of cover and walks toward Thalren and Serge to examine Thalren's wounds. Ixsas nods encouragingly to Serge and glances at the pitiful rabble that emerges from the ruined buildings.
If there is a pause in the conversation, Ixsas says loudly enough to be heard by the other villagers nearby, "There are evils in this world, but the Lord of Flames give us strength to face them!" He touches his holy symbol as he says this and casts Light on it so that a bright light radiates from it. Then, to Thalen, more quietly, "Tell us more about these raiders. Do you mean goblins or men? And did they have dragons with them?" He points at Krackle Jr, "Or giant lizards, such as that?"
Ixsas sees no reason to dismiss his spell: it is nicely intimidating, and if a fight does suddenly break out, it's better to have it ready. But he leaves the ball of flame to spin where it is for now, near the back of the caravan, in between the wagons and houses.
Movement: Move to Thalren and Serge. Action: Cast spell Light on his holy symbol. Bonus Action: None Free Action: Talking
((OOC: I know that we're out of combat for now, but I'm just sticking with round by round descriptions until the duration on Flaming Sphere has clearly expired. I doubt that the villagers are about to attack, but we're still in troll territory here!))
Zeds is trying to keep half an ear on the exchange between his companions and this band of would be raiders but his main goal is to circle around unseen and try to check that this is indeed their number and that there is not more actual fighters or other threats to be had here.
Thalren looks at the giant lizard and has an angry look for moment "Yes there were human riders on giant lizards wearing strange masks." He describes the raiders, and it identical to the cultist.
"Don't worry, this giant lizard is nice" The kobold says with a smile, feeling a bit bad for trying to intimidate them.
Ixsas nods and says, "My friend has also fought these bandits, and you see that he claimed both victory and this giant sürüngen..." He glances up at Krackle and, thinking out loud, says, "What did you say? This giant liz-ard as a prize."
Ixsas looks to Serge and Krackle to see what they want to do here. Turning aside or delaying their journey just puts more space between them and the cultists who are north of them on the road. But if that caravan has not crossed this ford already, maybe they've turned off the main road. And maybe they would learn more details of value if they spent a day here among these Willowford refugees.
Ixsas asks Thalren, "How far west of here is Willowford? And is it possible to cross the Winding Water there?" Ixsas is thinking that if the cult holds Willowford, perhaps the other caravan headed for that ford.
"I doubt it as the river is quite deep at Willowford. We had a bridge, but the raiders set it on fire as they left. Our village is near the coast so about 5 days of travel to reach it." says Thalren
Serge looks upon the pitiable people. They have lost everything. And if they are turning to banditry as a solution, they are well and truly doomed, because they stink at it.
Yet another crime to be hung around the neck of these dragon cultists. He had set out in search of what he believed was a small band of murderers and cutthroats. Now, it seems, he hunts a veritable army of raiders and lunatics... a menace to the entire region.
But their reckoning will have to come later. He turns to the elf leader again. "Your people have been through a nightmare, and it isn't likely to be over soon. But banditry will solve nothing... even if you score a few successful raids, eventually you will run out of luck, and your elders will be dead and the children orphaned. Surely you realize this."
"It isn't much, but I might be able to offer something... a goal for your people to strive towards. Do you know of Hillsfar? It is many leagues to the east of here, across the Sunset Mountains, past the forests of Cormanthor, on the shores of the Moonsea. My family has lands there. They are not rich lands, but if your people can farm and labor, there could be a place for you there."
"It would be an arduous journey, to be sure, but if you keep to the main roads and avail yourself of the mercy of the churches you pass along the way, its possible that you could make it there together."
"As I said... it isn't much to offer, but it is all I have. The same monsters who destroyed your town have hurt my family as well. If you wish, I will pen a letter to my brother, lord of our holdings, telling him of the pain you share with us. If I ask him to, he will find a place for you, I am sure of it."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"That is a difficult journey but yes please notify your brother. I think most of us might make it, but I would like to ask. Do any of you know of a settlement nearby that is willing to take in some of our elderly. I don't think they can make such of a journey." says Thalren.
(Zeds and Krackle can send word to Governor Nighhill of Greenest who was able to maintain their winter stores of food or contact Leosin of the Harpers or Ontharr of the Order of the Gauntlet.
(Ixsas could contact his fellow worshipers as any Church/Temple of Kossuth would aid him)
Serge will head back to the caravan. He needs a stationary and a writing implement, as well as some sealing wax. Hopefully someone in the wagons will part with some without charging him, but he will pay if he must.
He jots down a quick letter to Davron, his elder brother, explaining that these people were victims of the same group that killed Kost. Serge was in no position to offer them aid, as he was still in pursuit of the villains. But Kost was the type who would have given these poor souls the armor off of his back and the horse he was riding, if they needed it. In Kost's memory, Serge implores Davron to find a place for these people, as they have a bond of shared suffering with their family. The letter complete, he rolls it up and presses his signet ring into the sealing wax.
He returns the letter to Thalren. "Take this, and keep it safe. Give it to my brother, Davron Marshblade, of Mooncliff Hold, just west of Hillsfar. If I get the chance, I will send word to him of your coming, but I can't say what the future holds for us, or if I will ever get the chance to do so. Safe travels, especially so for your little ones."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Greenest is far closer and is in need of able bodies willing to work," Zeds says, stepping out of hiding and basically stepping into the crowd of children and others who had been hiding. "That is where this mess started for some of us, the town of Greenest being sacked by the dragon cult and many of it's strongest cut down... I can't promise they will have much to spare but I am sure there will be work to do and a town to rebuild, if you're of a mind to do so..."
"If you choose that route call on Governor Nighthill," Zeds suggests. "Tell him you met Zeds and Krackle... Krackle is our little lizard rider over there. He'll remember our names. Krackle's description if not. It won't get you as much as Serge's offer, likely, but it is far closer."
Thalren takes the letter from Serge. He is surprised by Zeds sudden appearance and checks on the kids. Once he is sure they are safe, he takes a moment to think "That sounds like a better plan as that way we can remain together. Sir I thank you for you offer but I plan to head to Greenest" says Thalren. He hands back the letter to Serge looking kind of embarrassed that he asked such a high-status man for a letter that he will not use.
He then calls out to all his people "Everyone pack up we are leaving soon." The simple villager smile as they begin packing what little they have left.
On a hill overlooking the ruined settlement everyone can see creatures with thick corded muscles which brings to mind what these hills were named after.
There seems to a be pack of trolls looking down at the with hungry eyes and slavering jaws. They carry crude barbed metal weapons made to tear chunks of flesh off of a person.
There are 4 trolls heading down the hill. They are spread out with 10 feet between each other.
One of the kids points and lets out a scream "Monsters!"
Thalren and the other villagers quickly gather the children. They make way to the Shrine as that building is sturdier and more intact than the ruined homes nearby.
By the time Krackle frees jr. from the harness, the fighting is seemingly ended. With a gentle nudge of his legs,the kobold moves the giant lizard forward close to the elf. Now, looking down towards the elf from high on his mount... the kobold sends a fireball streaking off into the sky and gives a small snort.
The elven man recoils at the sight of the fireball "Please keep the fire at bay. I am Thalren and we used to live in the village of Willowford west of here. Raiders in numbered I have never seen before swept through our village killing, pillaging, and burning anything in their way. We are the survivors and fled east. We found this ruined village and decided to make a new start here, but it has been difficult as we have very little in tools or supplies. Winter is around the corner, and we won't make it unless we choose a more drastic measure. So, we turned to banditry."
Thalren looks defeated and you notice even for an elf he is quite thin.
Some of the people leave the ruined homes and you see they are not hardened warriors but men and women in simple homespun attire. Some of them are elderly. Peeking from a window is a young elven girl with blond hair and green eyes. In human terms she looks to be somewhere between 8 -10 years old. She looks concerned but she dares not leave that home.
Ixsas gets the sense that Thalren is speaking the truth.
Ixsas comes out of cover and walks toward Thalren and Serge to examine Thalren's wounds. Ixsas nods encouragingly to Serge and glances at the pitiful rabble that emerges from the ruined buildings.
If there is a pause in the conversation, Ixsas says loudly enough to be heard by the other villagers nearby, "There are evils in this world, but the Lord of Flames give us strength to face them!" He touches his holy symbol as he says this and casts Light on it so that a bright light radiates from it. Then, to Thalen, more quietly, "Tell us more about these raiders. Do you mean goblins or men? And did they have dragons with them?" He points at Krackle Jr, "Or giant lizards, such as that?"
Ixsas sees no reason to dismiss his spell: it is nicely intimidating, and if a fight does suddenly break out, it's better to have it ready. But he leaves the ball of flame to spin where it is for now, near the back of the caravan, in between the wagons and houses.
Movement: Move to Thalren and Serge.
Action: Cast spell Light on his holy symbol.
Bonus Action: None
Free Action: Talking
Concentration: Flaming Sphere, round 3 of 10
((OOC: I know that we're out of combat for now, but I'm just sticking with round by round descriptions until the duration on Flaming Sphere has clearly expired. I doubt that the villagers are about to attack, but we're still in troll territory here!))
Zeds is trying to keep half an ear on the exchange between his companions and this band of would be raiders but his main goal is to circle around unseen and try to check that this is indeed their number and that there is not more actual fighters or other threats to be had here.
Thalren looks at the giant lizard and has an angry look for moment "Yes there were human riders on giant lizards wearing strange masks." He describes the raiders, and it identical to the cultist.
Zeds searched for other combatants but find none besides more children in hiding.
"Don't worry, this giant lizard is nice" The kobold says with a smile, feeling a bit bad for trying to intimidate them.
Zeds stays in hiding, and near the children. It seems like a good place to be if things tale a bad turn.
Ixsas nods and says, "My friend has also fought these bandits, and you see that he claimed both victory and this giant sürüngen..." He glances up at Krackle and, thinking out loud, says, "What did you say? This giant liz-ard as a prize."
Ixsas looks to Serge and Krackle to see what they want to do here. Turning aside or delaying their journey just puts more space between them and the cultists who are north of them on the road. But if that caravan has not crossed this ford already, maybe they've turned off the main road. And maybe they would learn more details of value if they spent a day here among these Willowford refugees.
Ixsas asks Thalren, "How far west of here is Willowford? And is it possible to cross the Winding Water there?" Ixsas is thinking that if the cult holds Willowford, perhaps the other caravan headed for that ford.
"I doubt it as the river is quite deep at Willowford. We had a bridge, but the raiders set it on fire as they left. Our village is near the coast so about 5 days of travel to reach it." says Thalren
Serge looks upon the pitiable people. They have lost everything. And if they are turning to banditry as a solution, they are well and truly doomed, because they stink at it.
Yet another crime to be hung around the neck of these dragon cultists. He had set out in search of what he believed was a small band of murderers and cutthroats. Now, it seems, he hunts a veritable army of raiders and lunatics... a menace to the entire region.
But their reckoning will have to come later. He turns to the elf leader again. "Your people have been through a nightmare, and it isn't likely to be over soon. But banditry will solve nothing... even if you score a few successful raids, eventually you will run out of luck, and your elders will be dead and the children orphaned. Surely you realize this."
"It isn't much, but I might be able to offer something... a goal for your people to strive towards. Do you know of Hillsfar? It is many leagues to the east of here, across the Sunset Mountains, past the forests of Cormanthor, on the shores of the Moonsea. My family has lands there. They are not rich lands, but if your people can farm and labor, there could be a place for you there."
"It would be an arduous journey, to be sure, but if you keep to the main roads and avail yourself of the mercy of the churches you pass along the way, its possible that you could make it there together."
"As I said... it isn't much to offer, but it is all I have. The same monsters who destroyed your town have hurt my family as well. If you wish, I will pen a letter to my brother, lord of our holdings, telling him of the pain you share with us. If I ask him to, he will find a place for you, I am sure of it."
"What say you?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"That is a difficult journey but yes please notify your brother. I think most of us might make it, but I would like to ask. Do any of you know of a settlement nearby that is willing to take in some of our elderly. I don't think they can make such of a journey." says Thalren.
(Zeds and Krackle can send word to Governor Nighhill of Greenest who was able to maintain their winter stores of food or contact Leosin of the Harpers or Ontharr of the Order of the Gauntlet.
(Ixsas could contact his fellow worshipers as any Church/Temple of Kossuth would aid him)
Serge will head back to the caravan. He needs a stationary and a writing implement, as well as some sealing wax. Hopefully someone in the wagons will part with some without charging him, but he will pay if he must.
He jots down a quick letter to Davron, his elder brother, explaining that these people were victims of the same group that killed Kost. Serge was in no position to offer them aid, as he was still in pursuit of the villains. But Kost was the type who would have given these poor souls the armor off of his back and the horse he was riding, if they needed it. In Kost's memory, Serge implores Davron to find a place for these people, as they have a bond of shared suffering with their family. The letter complete, he rolls it up and presses his signet ring into the sealing wax.
He returns the letter to Thalren. "Take this, and keep it safe. Give it to my brother, Davron Marshblade, of Mooncliff Hold, just west of Hillsfar. If I get the chance, I will send word to him of your coming, but I can't say what the future holds for us, or if I will ever get the chance to do so. Safe travels, especially so for your little ones."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Greenest is far closer and is in need of able bodies willing to work," Zeds says, stepping out of hiding and basically stepping into the crowd of children and others who had been hiding. "That is where this mess started for some of us, the town of Greenest being sacked by the dragon cult and many of it's strongest cut down... I can't promise they will have much to spare but I am sure there will be work to do and a town to rebuild, if you're of a mind to do so..."
"If you choose that route call on Governor Nighthill," Zeds suggests. "Tell him you met Zeds and Krackle... Krackle is our little lizard rider over there. He'll remember our names. Krackle's description if not. It won't get you as much as Serge's offer, likely, but it is far closer."
Thalren takes the letter from Serge. He is surprised by Zeds sudden appearance and checks on the kids. Once he is sure they are safe, he takes a moment to think "That sounds like a better plan as that way we can remain together. Sir I thank you for you offer but I plan to head to Greenest" says Thalren. He hands back the letter to Serge looking kind of embarrassed that he asked such a high-status man for a letter that he will not use.
He then calls out to all his people "Everyone pack up we are leaving soon." The simple villager smile as they begin packing what little they have left.
On a hill overlooking the ruined settlement everyone can see creatures with thick corded muscles which brings to mind what these hills were named after.
There seems to a be pack of trolls looking down at the with hungry eyes and slavering jaws. They carry crude barbed metal weapons made to tear chunks of flesh off of a person.
The trolls approach the village at a loping gate.
There are 4 trolls heading down the hill. They are spread out with 10 feet between each other.
One of the kids points and lets out a scream "Monsters!"
Thalren and the other villagers quickly gather the children. They make way to the Shrine as that building is sturdier and more intact than the ruined homes nearby.
Combat
Trolls - 18
Party - 14