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 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
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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.
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