The Conquering of Haggard Keep - Expedition Summary 6/20-6/21

The vast majority of this report come from Vincent Jones who recorded the events surrounding the capture of Haggard Keep while in the field.

6/20, Longreach

Scorros and Vincent set off with the objective of exploring Haggard keep, thinking that the kobolds that have been harassing the lumber yard with traps might be holed up there. In addition, Sir Calen believes having the fortification available for the protection of the town would be very beneficial so clearing it out was a top priority.

Having worked together previously to scout out the Stirge Pool, the two knew they could count on each other to investigate the ruins safely. Cautiously approaching the keep they found several clumsily made traps consisting of tripwires attached to old crossbows, disabling and marking their locations. It is unclear if they are working with the orcs or not at this point.

Upon reaching Haggard Keep many kobolds were found living here. Despite their obvious numbers not too many of them were out in the afternoon, and Vincent concluded they must be nocturnal.

At Vincent's suggestion Scorros and he stalked one of their trap making parties when they saw two groups form up and head off from the Keep around evening. Scorros managed to track one of the groups until they were found starting to set up their traps. Catching the miserable kobolds completely off guard, they quickly slaughtered them party.
Wanting to get as early of a start as possible the next day, Scorros and Vincent took advantage of the hospitality offered by fellow citizens of Longreach and stayed at the lumberyard that evening.

6/21 Lumber Yard

Scorros skillfully caught and prepared breakfast for the two before continuing on towards Haggard Keep, this time circling around to the east of the structure instead of the southern approach they took before. They came across more kobold traps but made it to their destination in good health and were joined by Tyrdithas.

Upon scouting out the tower, Tyrdithas and Vincent maneuvered stealthily into the keep to determine the best approach to capture it. Climbing onto the roof, Vincent managed to slip into a room full of unsuspecting kobolds. One by one he took out the cretins silently before they could react, potentially saving several Longreach lives in the battle that was to come.

The infiltration party made their way back to Scorros who had been joined by Breknar and Kellen who had lit fires as a distraction which successfully lured some inhabitants out of their protected tower and into their demise. The consolidated party of 5 took some time to rest, compile info, and prepare their attack.

Launching their assault, Tyrdithas and Breknar climbed to the rooftop battlements while Scorros, Vincent, and Kellen attacked the bottom floor from the north. It's unclear what happened initially with the second group, but Breknar has provided a detailed summary of their attack on the roof.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 1: The description of the battlements. Please note that what Breknar refers to as "Jetties" are the roofs of the floor below.

Figure 2: The initial position of the kobolds readying for an assault up the stairs in the southern section.

Figure 3: The order of movement of the Longreach Party.
1- Breknar and Tyrdithas climb over the battlements, eliminating the two kobolds under the central awning and pushing across to the eastern roof in order to eliminate the two shamans and their support there. It was found that the kobolds fear sunlight and are blinded by it, so the two destroyed the awnings and utilized their own defensive palisades against them.
2- Having cleared the eastern tower, Vincent and Tyrdithas climbed up the east wall joining them. Scorros set off in search of reinforcements.
3- The rejoined party moved toward the central tower again, clearing it of kobolds and pushing them to the southern one. Facing stiff resistance they burned the closest awning and palisade with a jar of oil.
4- Having destroyed the kobolds' best position to defend against their assault from the central tower, the group charged into them, driving the few survivors down the stairs into the inside of the tower. Breknar noted that during the final push Solenas was truly with them as Tyrdithas was able to trigger & evade a large trap, opening a massive portion of the floor 30 feet below that closed up after. This not only prevented certain death but also could bring a new source of blinding sunlight down onto the fleeing kobolds.

The party then pulled the palisades into defensive positions against the staircase, preparing for a counter attack by the kobolds, resting and waiting. Tyrdithas ran back to catch up with Scorros and deliver a report on the situation.

Things soon took a turn for the worse.

While putting the finishing touches on the barricades chanting was heard from below. A dark cloud formed, blotting out the sun, while dozens of kobolds climbed up onto the two northern roofs. Hopelessly outnumbered and still tired from the fighting before, a familiar banner appeared in the treeline to the south. Lord Dieterich had come! Accompanying him was Scorros and Griknak.

Under the cover of the dark cloud the kobolds began to advance on their tenuous position. Lord Dieterich and company were still a long ways from being able to help on the roof. As thoe on the roof gave battle to the kobolds something seemed amiss. Many of the kobolds attacks seemed to cause us no harm, and even my best shots could not bring them down. Some foul magic was at play.

With their magical advantage those on the roof felt they couldn't safely face horde of kobolds from their current position. Vincent was soon heavily injured and was forced to jump off the battlements onto the roofs below. Soon Kellen joined him in a rapid retreat from the top of the keep, where they joined Lord Dieterich, Grikank and Scorros doing battle on the ground by the main entrance.

The battle on the ground was going well when they heard a battlecry from above. Breknar was still fighting the kobold army on the roof, single handedly! Retreat was not in his blood and he was determined to face his foes to the bitter end.

Moments later Kellen saw him take a hit from a kobold club and fall off the edge of the wall. Scorros, Kellen and Vincent quickly rushed to try to catch his body, hoping he was still alive. Managing to break his fall, Kellen fed him a Goodberry given to him by Scorros and he recovered.

The Kobolds soon began to descend from above. Vincent managed to pull Breknar's unconscious body back into cover, while the rest of his companions prepared for the assault. Just at that moment the cloud the kobold spellcasters had summoned passed beyond the sun. A large number vanished into thin air! This explained why they were impossible to hit and managed to miss all of their own strikes.

With much of the party heavily injured they had to pull back and take and longer rest, tending to their wounds.

6/22, Haggard Keep

In the morning, when he had fully recovered, Breknar thanked Vincent for watching over him while he was injured. The finals assault on the keep was swift and fairly clean. The few kobold forces remaining were quickly demolished and the party then set about securing and searching the keep.

Sir Calen is pleased that his potential new fortress has been liberated in the name of Longreach. the keep need quite a bit of work to restore it, but it should prove a great addition to our defenses.

Members of the 6/20 Expedition:

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent
Stoneleaf, Kellen
Swampshield, Breknar
Tyrdithas

Members of the 6/21 Expedition

Lord Dieterich, Gunter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent
Stoneleaf, Kellen
Swampshield, Breknar


Other News:
    Lady Vern has completed her inspection of the town and has left for Redmoor. There are certainly areas we can improve on and we will work together on them in times to come.

The Pool, the Lady, and the Goblin's Plight - Expedition Summary 6/17

Another large expedition set out under the leadership of Lord Dieterich to make another attempt on the Stirge Pool. Lord Dieterich wisely decided to bring along a canoe for the assault, and performed the portage himself with the aid of only Breknar.

Along the way, at Scorros's request, they made a brief detour to the lumberyard to observe their forestry practices. While the lumber yard was operating at peak efficiency to get our town built it was determined that the current methods might displease the gods of nature which is certainly not in the interest of Longreach. At the urging of Scorros, Kellen, and Breknar, the foreman, Fen, agreed to begin practicing more sustainable forestry practices with Kellen's guidance.

Fen also provided the party with useful information in regards to their mission. A swarm of stirge often attacked at noon, forcing them into hiding. This swarm consisted of the blood-gathering worker stirge earlier presumed to have existed by Scorros.

With this knowledge and Kellen's insight that stirge detest smoke, they advanced to within a short distance of the stirge pool, built large greenwood fires, and planned their assault. Lord Dieterich and Breknar bravely volunteered to make the landing on the queen's natural castle of an island. The rest of the group would provide support from the far shore, shooting down as many stirge as possible and serving as a distraction. They would also build greenwood fires on both flanks, creating a funnel to force the stirge to attack from only their front. The strike was then scheduled for noon to divide the opposition. As a final preparation, they covered ourselves in mud in hopes of deterring the stirge, which helped on the initial approach.

The stirge reached the supporting positions without difficulty. However, they immediately saw that they would not be able to provide direct support for Lord Dieterich and Breknar, as the cliff on this side was so high they could not see the plateau. Nevertheless, the group stuck to the plan as to not be caught repositioning when the attack began and readjusted their tactics to provide optimal support.

At Lord Dieterich's signal, the support team loosed arrows on the stirge. The rest went according to plan. The northern detachment destroyed, at Scorros's count, 17 of the creatures before splitting and circling to support Lord Dieterich and Breknar directly. Tyrdithas also arrived at this time and joined the attack on the island, using himself as bait to successfully lure a portion of the swarm away from our lord.

Lord Dieterich delivered the killing blow to the queen just before the worker swarm could return to defend her. Having already slain the warriors, the party quickly dispatched the workers and filled in the queen's blood pool to prevent another queen from easily taking her place.

Finally, the group returned to the lumberyard and asked Fen to take his workers to fill in or drain the pool as a permanent solution. He agreed and was advised to take guards and exercise extreme caution.

At last, the group returned to Longreach, where they learned that they had slathered themselves in mud and blood just in time for Lady Vern's arrival. After cleaning themselves as well as could be done in a rush, they made it in time to present themselves with the rest of the townsfolk. 

Lady Vern asked to speak to Scorros and Lord Dieterich and told expressed that Lord Dieterich may be granted knighthood and land, possibly Splitriver Keep. This came as no surprise to those who know Lord Dieterich. His valor in battle, effective leadership and noble blood more than qualify him for the job. More surprising was that Scorros is also being considered for lordship or a position equivalent to nobility, a great honor for one not born of noble birth.

After meeting with lady Vern most of the group chose to relax and refit for a few days. However, Lord Dieterich and Vincent Jones-bringing Griknak as a guide, chose to set out the next day to gain some more information on the Cave of the Lost Orc. On route to the cave, past the Statue of Haelus, the two discovered several traps. Griknak seemed to think they were lain by Kobolds. If you are travelling north of town please be cautious of the main trail as this seems to be a target for local hostile forces.

Grinknak was reported to be very scared to be going into the cave. He kept repeating that no one ever comes back out alive from the cave. Lord Dieterich gave a rousing speech and convinced him to enter the cave. They progressed further in the cave, encountering heavy resistance including several new types of fungi, undead and fungi hybrids, including a fungus that exploded poisons when it died. In their last battle Griknak was poisoned very badly by one.

Given their poor condition the small party decided to rest for the night but were ambushed by an orc, two wolves and a goblin. They managed to kill them all, but their resources were completely depleted, and Griknak was completely unconscious. Still 7 hours away from Longreach, lacking sleep and a wilderness guide they bravely strode into the dark night, only becoming briefly lost. With Griknak down and Vincent struggling to maintain the pace, Lord Dieterich managed to carry them both back to Longreach, though once again they fell into traps lain by our foes. Finally, making it back, Father Lyle managed to cure Griknak, saving him from death. 

The disease the goblin fell prey to is new to us and kills within a day. Pustules filled with sportes develop on the skin. It's speculated that the skeletons encountered in the cave were being controlled by spores and may have been previous victims of the disease.

Members of the 6/17 Expedition:

Lord Dieterich, Gunter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent

Stoneleaf, Kellen

Swampshield, Breknar

Tyrdithas

Other News: Lady Vern has arrived and is staying at Sir Calen's compound. Please extend your warmest greetings to our honored guest and show her the extent of our hospitality here in Longreach. If for any reason you need to go into the woods north of the lumber yard exercise extreme caution. Traps continue to be an issue and have caused several casualties. 

Lord F. Arden, on behalf of Sir Calen

6/18 in the Year 874

Exploring the Coast - Expedition Summary 6/13

   A two man expedition consisting of Scorros and Vincent left early to investigate the Stirge Pool, knowing the recent issues surrounding the lumber mill and the possible connection between the two. On arrival they found that the pond is a stagnant pool of water in a depression. There is no water coming in or out of the pool, creating the perfect breeding grounds for the stirge. In the middle of the pool there is a small island with a disusting, bloated queen stirge that seemed unable to move or fly. Apparently when stirge have an ideal habitat they can grow a queen. It also had a pool of blood it was drinking from and it's suspected the pool is either filled by regular stirge or by some outside force.

   The two decided to try provoking the stirge to see what their response would be. They were met with swift response though as several stirge immediately attacked, with 2 latching onto Vincent they were forced to retreat.

   They suspect that they could try a full on assault of the stirge nest if we had people with heavier armor, but are waiting for research to get to longreach before we try anything else.

   At this point the rest of the expedition party caught up and found group recovering from Stirge encounter at which point they decided to go mapping/looking for Venweed to help aid in the spread of Bloodsucker's Bane. As they moved west to the inlet they found disturbed soil by the river, neary a small island in that forks the river briefly. The other side of the river could be ripe for exploration, but without canoes or knowing about any potential dangers, the party decided to stay the course for now.

   Speculating the area could be a landing area for orcs, they camped out for a few days to ambush any that might walk through

- After a few restless nights and the party becoming growing anxious, a bear walked through. [Note, the recorder may have had a long day, as what follows is unedited:] "It was so exciting. Majestic. Nice bear. Bear is a good bear. Thought it could be a druid. We were barely noticeable from the bushes we were hiding in.

- Decided to continue exploring in the direction of the bear for some reason and found a bare bear cave with evidence that the bears are just bears. Bear in mind we barely approached the bear cave and decided to continue exploring."

   Afterward they found their way back to the  Echo Stone where they heard their own conversation from before and left a terrifying new message for any orcs that listened in the future.

   Continuing on they came across a new cave. It was a deep, sort of twisting narrow path down into the darkness. Lacking visibility, Breknar carried Kellen on his shoulders and held Vincent's hand to guide them through the darkness. Deeper in the cave had strange purple moss growing on it that hid aggressive vine like monsters that attacked the party, who found it was all too familiar to their encounters with the blight, though this was different. Using some fish Scorros had caught earlier and some rope, we were able to safely draw out the tendrils, which were weak and easy to hit, but should absolutely not be underestimated.

   Inside a set of doors they saw an orc, Breknar sensing quite a bit of undead in the area. The orc was not aggressive, and was found to be possessed and told then she came here to save her sisters and requested they don't harm them, instead try and free them by restoring an altar in the cave. Hearing that it was the work of a necromancer it was determined that they may be able to consecrate the altar by removing it. The spirit is bound to the room she was found in and cannot leave. Something about the room also seems to make it safe for us to return and rest and speak with the spirit if we have any more questions. Unfortunately the spirit has been there for so long its memory has began to decay. The ghost identified itself as Selena, and her sisters Meg, Ana, and apparently Phphphphph.

   Deciding to poke their heads into the temple within the cave before returning to town, they found the temple walls had more aggressive vines, and reanimated bodies and skeletons. Although this is necromancy at play here, the bodies are being controlled by the vines as opposed to standard necromantic magics. Tyrdithas is recording as exclaiming "I'm so shocked by blight that I saw vines and just beat the crap out of it!" After exploring the temple a bit further, the party decided they'd learned enough about the cave and to head back to town.

   One of the entities dropped a small red orb made of stone which when dropped into nearby pedestals caused heavy stone doors to budge. The spirit explained that the orb is a key, and can open some doors by placing it into the pedestal and turning in a correct direction. There also may be other orbs matching doors and pedestals by color.

   The group declared this expedition a great success, having drawn up much more of the map we now have much better bearing of the region. The discovery of this cave and the necromancer is also significant. If this necromancer is related to the stirge and or the blight, finding him or her would be monumental in securing the area.

Members of the 6/13 Expedition:

Illitor, Scorros

Jones, Vincent

Stoneleaf, Kellen

Swampshield, Breknar

Tyrdithas

New Map:

   Other News: Lady Vern is expected to arrive in town on behalf of Baron Bertwyn in order to meet with Sir Calen and Lady Silvain in regards to the future of the town. It is expected that you will treat any such honored guests with the utmost respect during their stay. Stirge attacks on the lumber yard to the point that some are discussing leaving, we want you to know we are sending more resources that way and our expedition part is looking into the subject very seriously.

Lord F. Arden, on behalf of Sir Calen

6/14 in the Year 874

Victory at Splitriver Keep - Expedition Summary 6/8/874

Today, Lord Calen made an unprecedented decision following a meeting with Lord Dieterich. He decided to allow the goblin prisoner Griknak to leave with the party to clear Splitriver Keep at the end of the Jago River. Sir Calen said the decision came after much debating and a week of interrogations of the goblin, stating that the value gained by having this goblin as a guide was worth the effort of keeping him under control. Those travelling with the goblin have been given clear orders to execute the goblin at the smallest sign of attempted escape or betrayal, and he is to be kept under lock between their missions. The orc Vutrak Tongue-Splitter was declared to be of no further use to Longreach and was promptly executed.

Upon arriving at the keep and town ruins, it seemed that they had an increased goblin presence. The goblins seemed prepared for attack. Lord Dieterich led Scorros, Vincent, and Griknak in an ambush against the goblins patrols, killing off many of them before they could raise alarm. After slaughtering the goblins the party assaulted the island keep. With further reinforcements from other members of Longreach's Expedition Team they were able to overcome the goblin's ogre and even their mightiest warriors.
Of special note was Tyrdithas, who showed astounding signs of physical prowess, maneuvering through the castle with a speed and grace not seen before. He bypassed the main goblin defenses to swiftly eliminate the head shaman of the goblins who was aiding their leader, who was locked in a duel with Lord Dieterich. 

Speaking of Lord Dieterich, he once again showed his bravery, skill, and commitment to his men as he singled out the goblin war leader for a duel. While the goblin called for all of his men to aid him, Lord Dieterich held to his honor, fighting against all odds until, bloody and beaten, he rose victorious, slaying the goblin and clearing Splitriver Keep of their presence.

Longreach now controls the area of Splitriver keep as well as the surrounding town. They have also secured the goblin fleet that was harbored there, bringing us several more canoes and two small sailed vessels.

Members of the 6/8 Expedition:

Lord Dieterich, Gunter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent

Stoneleaf, Kellen

Swampshield, Breknar

Tyrdithas

Other News: More guards have been deployed to the lumber yard to aid with the stirge. Lady Silvain has offered a reward to anyone who can figure out a way to stop the pests. The general store is over halfway through it's expected timeline to being completed, within a few weeks we'll have access to a consistent supply of tools and basic goods! Additionally, our first dock was built swiftly following the capture of the goblin vessels. We have received word that Lady Vern is gracing us with a surprise visit and is mere days away from visiting our humble town. Please be on your absolute best behavior for her arrival.

Completed Construction:
Small Dock
Contributors:
376gp: Vincent Jones - Priority Mooring in one Slot
187gp: Lord Dieterich
187gp: Breknar Swampshield

Lord F. Arden, on behalf of Sir Calen

6/09 in the Year 874

Interrogations of Griknak the Goblin Sniper and Vutrak Tongue-Splitter the Orc

Griknak the Sniper

Breknar Swampshield's Results:

Griknaks health was not critical but was very much wounded from the encounter. He had no disease but did seem to be suffering from a mild case of mange.
After healing Griknak, he was very talkative. I gave him a decent meal; roasted chicken, ale, and water. Initially he was very anxious. After earning his trust a bit he seemed to relax. His common is broken, and also seemed to barely have a grasp of his own goblinese. I did not attempt to speak in Orcish.
Griknak confirmed that Vultrak does not speak goblin, though this has not been confirmed. He is not his chief but only leading the small scouting party that we had defeated.
He also mentioned that the orcs mistreat the goblins and beat them. He showed great appreciation of how we’ve been treating him. Considering his conditions, his history, and our experiences with their fear of their commanders, I believe he is not evil by nature. He and the goblins working for the orcs are borderline slaves; indentured mercenaries.
I showed him a map being sure to conceal our location. He was very confused but described a large camp much larger than our own. I spent some time teaching him what a map is and eventually was able to pinpoint an exact location of the major Orc settlement, which seems to be where they are settled. They are by the sea. He gave the name of their Chieftain: Ravug, a Beastmaster, able to control and command animals and beasts.
He described the defenses and military force of the Orcs. They have watchtowers and patrols but does not seem to have artillery. He could not confirm any fortifications or walls.
I offered to return to teach Griknak common, culture, and laws. I believe he is capable of showing true character and assisting us. I am unsure if he's just been telling me what I want to hear. It’s promising that he is willing to stay imprisoned and patient enough to learn.
Griknak is very charming so I would advise anyone speaking to him to consider until he does live up to his promise to consider what he could be saying may be manipulative. He wants to prove his character to Sir Callen, to us and to the people of Longreach. I feel letting him leave wouldn’t be wise or even fair to him. Sending him to Ravug would be a suicide mission, especially after what I learned from Vutrak.

Lord Dieterich

Dieterich talked with Griknak twice. He also tried to talk to the orc, Vutrak, but was unable to get the orc to communicate with him.

The first time Dieterich was mostly trying to find out as much information from Griknak as he could. Griknak was very nice and agreeable. It seems he just wants to be set free. I lauded him with comments of his capabilities as a fighter and he seemed very happy to talk to me. He claims to not be important within their society, just a goblin scout. He mentioned Ravug, who is the leader of the orcs, it seems. According to Griknak, Ravug wants to know where we came from. The land our town is on is allegedly the orc's land as well. Coupled with the fact that we killed two orcs from a scouting party (with the third one running away and not killing any of us) has shamed Ravug. He's mad because it appears as though the orcs are weak. When asked if there was any further information that Griknak could provide, he just said that Ravug wants us dead. Griknak then let it slip that they were trying to find out who the leader in the town was so that they could kill them. When this was mentioned, Griknak claimed he was a friend. Griknak seems to dislike Ravug and wants to work with us.

This ends the first conversation. When discussed with Sir Calen, the man was undoubtedly against working with either the orcs or the goblins. (In this, I agree with not working with the orcs... there is no way that peace could remain between our two groups – they have already enslaved one group of people and they claim that we settled on their land. Any peace that was created between the two of us would end in them attacking us... that much I am certain of).

The second conversation I had with Griknak was to be blunt and honest with him. I told Griknak that the higher authorities wanted to execute him and did not want to let him go. Griknak immediately started bawling. He was very upset that everyone is lying to him. However, I told him that I would free him (as I do think I could make a good case for this) if he told me the honest truth about what he would do if he was let free. He said that the orcs made him a slave, we want to kill him, and he just wants to get away from here and live free. (At this point the conversation ended because the DM disappeared... however, Dieterich would like to free Griknak and make the goblin work with him. If Griknak seems to do well, Dieterich would consider helping Griknak free the goblins from the orcs and establishing an alliance with them... with Griknak hopefully in the leadership position because Dieterich has a good relationship with the goblin).

Vincent Jones:

Here are my general thoughts. I also only was able to speak with Girknak. To me he also seemed to hate the orcs, but I he is just as eager to betray us as he is to betray the goblins. I was hoping we could use Griknak to communicate with the goblin leaders to form a pact to destroy the orcs together.

Vutrak Tongue-Splitter

Breknar-

As you go to leave the orc speaks "What's it like?"

"what's what like?"

"What's it like being a half-blood?”

Vultrak was in poor condition though not life threatening. He would likely survive but may be permanently wounded. I am continuing to visit to assess his health. No disease was found.

Initially refused to speak to me. After comparing our battle scars, trophies of valor or brandings of shame he eventually broke silence. We spoke a while about culture and philosophy. I have to be honest he evoked a fairly emotional response from me. For this reason I will be summarizing quite a bit.

Vutrak was very hesitant to speak on specifics so the intel is vague and there's more to learn, and I’ve made some offers to him to potentially return and learn more.

Families, children. Not only are there children and families in the Orc settlement but they seem to have a vibrant flourishing society. They are not always battling and they are not always raiding. Not all orcs raid. Vultrak himself has a family and children there.

Honorable single combat
Vultrak’s clan would not take him back unless he earned his release through besting our champion and had proof of it.

Oblika Butter-Mouth: Seems to be the only mediator for outside trade or dealmaking. She would be our first and only point of contact prior to communicating with the rest of the clan.

He had nothing left to say to me until I could arrange his single combat. I get the sense we have gained repore with one another. If I can arrange this there's information I want to learn about, such as the name of this settlement.

Chieftain, more information is needed
The Settlement, what are their defenses and economy like. They do not purely thrive on raiding. They are on the sea so I want to know what they have for ships.

Combat, I want to know how they fight and how they raid. If I continue to learn from him learning orc tactics would be the next most crucial intel I can imagine.

Vultrak concerns me. He implies very strongly that war will be inevitable and trade is possible but difficult. He is not able to speak on whether peace would be possible but did say they typically are open to talks and that they are not always kill on sight. I want to stress, they are not one dimensional and do not live up to their reputation. An opportunity for peace is still on the table. We have to be careful about how we approach this.

Preliminary Attack on the River Ruins - Expedition Summary 6/05

A large party set out in search of fishing sources for our town and to clear the path, or in the words of our resident Seivun worshipper "forge a path" to the Vandal Sea. To begin they set off west along the tentatively named Jago River to where it meets the sea's inlet and the other river. On the way they came across another rune stone that was surrounded by small animals who seemed to be protecting it, allowing only Scorros the elf to pass through, who took an etching of the symbols. Please avoid this runestone if you come across it as it is a danger.

At the fork where the rivers meet the sea they came across the ruins of a town and a castle on the tip of the landmass separated by a small body of water and a collapsed stone bridge. Here they saw that the town was inhabited and moved in to investigate.

Moving ahead of the party under the cover of darkness, Vincent maneuvered through the town, locating several goblins and making his way to a canoe by the collapsed bridge, attempting to steal it. However, the goblins managed to spot him and opened fire, and the rest of the party swiftly entered the town to get him out.

In the town the party fought valiantly, clearing the west side while facing new magics not encountered before. Goblin shamans turns sticks into aggressive vipers and called upon powerful fire magicks. Emboldened by their victory, the party continued to push into the keep without regrouping and found themselves pinned in the waterway between the landmasses by withering volleys of archer fire. Those who made it across the river found themselves encountering even greater resistance, a goblin leader showed the cowardice of his race as he pulled his own subordinates into the way of oncoming blows. Then, when things were already looking dangerous a huge ogre burst from the compound, threatening to crush the party.

Weary from the engagement, split up and dealing with a breakdown in communication in the face of such dangerous foes, the group made the call to fall back, recover, and return once they had a new plan in place. It seems widely understood by the group that they had not utilized the terrain to their advantage and were so eager to wipe out the menace they allowed themselves to become spread out and uncoordinated.

Even with these setbacks it's clear that they did serious damage to the goblin garrison and are sure to eliminate the threat soon. Once under control we will have a defensible position from which we can extend our influence over the seaway.

Members of the 6/5 Expedition:

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent

Shorehammer, Rhogar

Stoneleaf, Kellen

Swampshield, Breknar

Tyrdithas

Other News: With the onset of summer the stirge have become more of a nuisance, slowing down production and threatening our chances at continuing growth. Sir Calen has indicated he is focusing on getting some smithies running to ensure we have the tools to defend against possible incursions against us. Additionally there are some new maps that have been completed.

Lord F. Arden, on behalf of Sir Calen

6/06 in the Year 874