The Gnoll Hunt - Expedition Summary 9/15

"Well, there I was talking to Amrof up at Haggard Keep and I guess those guys spotted some kind of dog-human they're calling gnolls skulking around the woodline the other day. He said that elf Scarris running Haggard Keep took off for Longreach to grab those folks who go out into the woods for days at a time.

He came back with Lord Dieterich, a goblin, and that lady with the burned face who was wearing a really nice hat. The four of them went off trying to find where the gnolls had gone.

It's been a few days with no sign of them though, figure they're probably dog chow by now which is a shame. Something was bound to get them eventually livin' the way they do."

-Glenn the Lumberjack

Members of the 7/16 Expedition:

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

Illitor, Scorros
Olivia

Other news:

The infirmary has been completed, 

Doctor Anilise's Chemist and Surgeonry is now open for business and seeing patients!

Expedition Summaries 7/20 - 9/12

Due to inconsistent summaries as well as the illness of Lord Arden a compilation of the last month and a half has been assembled as follows, broken into different aspects:

The Kobolds

Following the initial forays into the kobold territories the expeditionaries continued to attack time and time again, discovering new routes into the cave in the process. The party encountered a much stronger green-scaled strain of kobold and a trap-laden cavern with a giant door with a tree inscribed in it. After defeating the kobolds and their high priest and king they obtained a glowing green gem that fit into one of two inlays in the door. The party believed that the other would be held by Enduld Sveriss, who seemed to have a private room in the cave. See ongoing goals at the end for further updates on this

The Orcs

In order to pursue Enduld Sveriss safely and due to urging from some members of the group, it was decided that peace should be made with the orcs and trade established. After arranging a meeting with Oblika Buttermouth, the representative for the orcs, a meeting was held and the Bernard Accord was drawn up with terms for the peace and trade. A key aspect of this for Longreach was retaining the use of Splitriver Keep which both sides viewed as tactically important.

The Elves

While exploring the river west of Splitriver Keep a well-cared for altar was found along the river edge. In addition a water-filled cave that housed a large obelisk and aggressive animals was found. Unlike the one on Jago River these animals attacked elves as well. 

Upon further exploration of these lands the party was surrounded by 5 elves who questioned the motives of the party given their possession of elven goods, a goblin companion, and dealings with the orcs. Lord Dieterich and the elves had disagreements on how the conversation should play out and tensions quickly escalated to the point where members on both side were injured. After Scorros defused the situation the elves decreed they would not allow members of Longreach to step foot on their side of the river until their trustworthiness could be proven by providing them the heads of King Bolt Eater and Enduld Sveriss. They also took the anti-blight gloves from Scorros to his dismay.

Here is the report from Scorros regarding the encounter:

For some time now, we have been hunting down Enduld Sveriss's unnatural creations to the north of Longreach. Although we've found the stronghold of one of these... growths... our numbers have been so suddenly and severely thinned that we have not been able to risk an assault. The enemy's numbers are too great and their position is too strong for a party lesser than that which once defeated the blight flower, Mauec.

In the meantime, we have done what we can with our lessened strength, exploring the areas around Longreach. Bernard and I have found several sites to the west of Longreach, each marked with similar symbols that appear to be of Elven make. These often control animals. It's an interesting parallel to the elven druid we hunt to our north, who controls plants...

Most recently, Lord Dieterich, Griknak and I crossed the river to our west and entered a dark wood. We soon realized we were being watched. I was able to find a set of light tracks, and instantly suspected that our watchers were my own people--fellow wood elves.

We followed the trail, and unsurprisingly, this was taken as a hostile move. The elves ambushed us and wounded Griknak before I was able to convince them we had come in peace. Negotiations were difficult. When the elves insisted Lord Dieterich surrender his sword, violence erupted again, and people on both sides were severely wounded before we came to another truce.

Ultimately, I was able to convince the elves to consider peace and perhaps even an alliance by telling them of our fight against Enduld Sveriss and how we had saved the Elder Tree. I also agreed to hand over the gloves that I had used to pull the spear from the tree. These were apparently created by the elves and were "not mine." Never before have I struggled so much to part with objects.

We now await the verdict of the elven elders. I can only hope they will join us in the fight, as if we have neither them nor the steady shields of the likes of Breknar and Kellen, I do not know how we will defeat the darkness of the north.

The following letter from Shava Liadon the elven council leader was delivered to the party following this:

Enduld Sveriss

The hunt for Enduld Sveriss began in earnest after finding his study in the kobold caves. In the study the party found a map and notes on what they believed were creations of his similar to Mauec the blight flower. Listed on this were the following: Mauec, Agarix, Vilgor, Tree of Gevelin Lisornus, and Bulpren.

The team agreed that Agarix and Mauec were creatures they had already eliminated and that the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus was likely the Elder Tree. Bulpren and Vilgor were unknown but the party figured that VS was where Bulpren was given its affinity for water and that VX was where Vilgor was since that was the only location not visited so far. On this basis they set off to defeat Vilgor, though found only small spawns of it and were simultaneously ambushed by gnolls they had encountered once previously. The main creature still appears to be at large. 

The team agreed that Agarix and Mauec were creatures they had already eliminated and that the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus was likely the Elder Tree. Bulpren and Vilgor were unknown but the party figured that VS was where Bulpren was given its affinity for water and that VX was where Vilgor was since that was the only location not visited so far. On this basis they set off to defeat Vilgor, though found only small spawns of it and were simultaneously ambushed by gnolls they had encountered once previously. The main creature still appears to be at large. 

Here is a report written by Scorros regarding the discovery of this:

While clearing out the kobold cave in the brambles, we discovered a note written by Enduld Sveriss. He listed five creatures: Mauec, the blight flower; Agarix, the bloated fungus in the Cave of Colors; the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus, apparently his name for the Elder Tree; and Vilgor and Bulpren, which we had not yet encountered.

Sveriss had written this about his abominations:

Vilgor - Self-propagating and free-willed attempt. Unsuitable for use. Control impossible.

Bulpren - Rapid growth allows for denial of lands. Best near sources of clean water and loam. Develop protection heart. Practicality questionable.

In a series of short expeditions, our group set out to hunt these down by following markings on a map we found with the note. Before long, we encountered two plant-creatures that seemed to match the descriptions above.

Vilgor spawn: A bloated, floating mass the size of a small house, trailing a mass of barbed, tentacle-like roots. Capable of grasping and crushing a warrior who gets close enough. If its body is slain, the roots will dig into the ground and grow a new one in a matter of seconds. A swift sword can cut them apart permanently in this brief window.

When facing Vilgor spawn, it is best to defeat the body from a distance, then close with purpose and destroy the tentacles.

I can only assume Vilgor itself is the sire of all the spawn we have encountered. Perhaps it is no greater in size or strength than its offspring. Or, perhaps it will make any man feel like a minnow facing a man-o-war.

Bulpren: A sprawling mass of tendrils covering miles of land. Every fifty strides or so, the tendrils group around a pod capable of spraying poisonous spores on threats. These spores seem to transform creatures killed by it into half-plant, half-undead servants, which are found all around Bulpren. These spore creatures can, in turn, be transported instantly between any two pods to defend their master.

It's worth noting that after an attack or after transporting spore creatures, a pod will go dormant temporarily. An active pod will display bright green sprouts. A dormant pod is helpless and an easy target. In either case, the pod can be destroyed with any weapon, including a well-placed arrow.

But even with pods destroyed, Bulpren is still a threat. The tendrils will attempt to grasp and crush anyone who stands among them. In our first encounter with it, it had slain a wolf, and its pack was standing by and watching it helplessly.

Both tendrils and pods will regenerate as long as they remain connected to Bulpren. If you sever all connections to the larger plant, that section will cease to regrow, but Bulpren will immediately begin to rebuild the connection from any of its nearby tendrils.

It seems the only way to defeat it is to find its heart and destroy it.

On their next foray to deal with Enduld they found that their garrison of goblins in the ruins of Haggard Keep had either betrayed them or been killed or imprisoned and the site occupied by Enduld's undead. After killing the traitorous Ooglarg and the skeletons and freeing Argabarg and the remaining 2 faithful goblins, the party continued on the the ruins on the lake. At the lake they encountered all sorts of Enduld's minions, from skeletons to green kobolds to gas spores and so on. After battling these forces for some time, Enduld himself came out to battle Lord Dieterich, Scorros, and Griknak. Luckily, Olivia and Bernard showed up just at that time, providing their aid at a crucial moment. As the battle waged on they managed to nearly drop the elven druid, however his use of Bulpren and a kobold shaman in the right place at the right time kept him alive long enough to retreat to an unknown location utilizing Bulpren. Then, in an attempt to cross the water to a small island Enduld was using to heal, Lord Dieterich quite literally stumbled into a submerged staircase. After mopping up what was left of the enemy forces, the group took a quick rest and prepared to explore the staircase.The first thing they came across as a magic barrier that seemed to separate the water from the air inside the chamber just past. Crossing through they found that the water on their exterior was wicked away and kept outside, drying their clothes and skin. Vines from the lake worked their way into the chamber along the stairs and a hall with different plants being grown in different soils lined the wall. At the end of the hall was a small room with a pool, books of research, and potions and solutions of various kinds. After taking a few potions they set to burning the place down, destroying any and all research so that it couldn't be used again. While investigating, they also found a false wall at the far end of the area and found it opened into a long cavern.Delving into the cave they found it went along for about 15 minutes before turning down sharply. After another couple minutes they found a large are, lit with torches with a pile of vines and buds intertwined with a head of corpses and skeletons. 6 animated skeletons stood unmoving in neat rows near the pile, between two large statues. Just past was a thicket blocking their way.Chopping through, Lord Dieterich found himself in a large chamber with the heart of Bulpren-a massive plant with a blooming red flower atop it-and Enduld himself. Having severed Bulpren's connections outside the room Enduld was trapped and the final battle ensued. Though hard fought, the party suffered no casualties in the battle, destroying Enduld's last creation before his eyes before finally putting him to rest by trapping him in a web, unloading arrows point blank into him, and lighting him on fire. Before he died however he threatened to take everything from them as they had from him and he said a magic incantation that dissolved the anti-water barrier at the entrance. Knowing the dangers, the party opted to loot Enduld as well as some chests in the room, as well as to remove his head for the elves. As they did so, the water from the surface began to reach them, slowly at first, a small stream, but then soon a torrent of ever-rising water. Up and up they pushed, against debris and breaking walls and the very lake itself. As they neared the surface they were completely enveloped by the water. Scorros and Bernard struggled for air as they had to lift the false wall-now jammed-to save themselves. Even as they made it through it was unclear if they would make it. Bernard made a last second decision to give their one bottle of water-breathing potion to Scorros and-seconds before passing out-they burst onto the noticeably lower surface of the lake, coughing up water and blood, but all had survived. Enduld had been defeated.

Current Plans and EventsThe Stone- A member of the Silver Sylvan artisans gave the group a gem that glows faintly. They were told it's glow has increased as it got closer to Longreach.Bandits- Bernard, Olivia, and Scorros encountered 3 bandits from Longreach to the south. After a discussion with them they convinced the group to give up their ways and return to Longreach while they still could.The Treant- Scorros and Olivia set off exploring east of Longreach. We found a treant afflicted by the blight. We want to cure the treant, but the known cure lies in the hands of the elves who were unwilling or unable to assist us when we tried communicating with them. Currently we are trying to transport the treant across the land to the elves in the hope they will come to their senses and let us use the tools we recovered to put an end to the blight. We fulled funded the stable to help us with this project.The Elves and the Head of King Bolt-Eater- To gain the trust of the elves the party needed to acquire the head of Enduld Sveriss and  King Bolt-Eater of the orcs. Since they have Enduld's they are now looking to attain King Bolt-Eater's. In order to not break their pact they are contemplating battling him in honorable 1-on-1 combat, something the orcs understand. Their current plan is to infiltrate the orc lands to scout them by posing as armor crafters checking if the armor the town has made fits them properly as the armorsmith has never worked for orcs before.The Games- Sir Calen is hosting a set of games in Longreach to celebrate its first year and this will be held in the near future. 

This ends the summary of the last 2 months.

The Kobold Cave - Expedition Summary 7/16

Day One [The Brambles]: 

On our way to the Kobold brambles the party was ambushed by a group of wargs. The party attempted to avoid conflict, but the vile beasts are cruel in heart and attacked, of course the brave explorers of Longreach managed to drive them off without too much trouble.

Bernard successfully charmed one of the Kobold foot soldiers to aid us. Although he was limited in his ability to help he was able to heal us, show us exactly where the entrance of the cave where the half-elf had been visiting, and help us fight the other Kobolds. 

The mouth of the cave entrance became Breknar's personal standoff with the Kobolds. The Kobold forces were unable to pass as long as he held his position within the choke point referred to now as Drake Maw Point. Knowing the risks he faced he prepared himself for the afterlife and urged his companions to live another day. However the Gods did deem it his time as his companions refused to waver. Despite grim circumstances, They rallied more courageously than ever seen before. Olivia continued her assault while Tyrdithas carried Bernard to safety and stabilized him. The remaining Kobolds eventually retreated which allowed the party to briefly study the area before returning to town. 

The swamp gas lights the group had witnessed were unusual. They moved precariously and attacked without provocation. There was also a noticeable lack of swampland for lights like this to appear. Wisps are generally found in swamps, however these lights are most certainly sentient, undead, and malevolent. They are illusive spiritual vultures that drain the life of the nearly deceased. Anyone who encounters these are to immediately vacate the area. If you cannot do this, you will have to ensure any of your foes' lives are ended completely. 

While they resist injury from normals weapons they seem to take damage from spells just fine.

Day Two [Brambles - Kobold Cave - Beyond the Maw:  A cave was found just past the maw, its entrance little more than a mouse hole. The party pushed through the trap infested Kobold Den until they found a completely safe and well protected little corner that they would be able to rest at. However the kobolds tracked them down and threw a vial of poison into the confined area.

The group cleared through more of the den and also found another exit.



Members of the 7/16 Expedition:

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

Bernard

Illitor, Scorros
Olivia
Swampshield, Breknar

Tyrdithas

Other News:

A Meeting with Enduld Sveriss - Expedition Summary 7/12

A small diplomatic party consisting of Scorros, Layla, and Breknar were dispatched to parley with Enduld Sveriss, an elven druid who admitted to being behind the impalement of the Elder Tree, the fungal undead in the Cave of Colors, and the blight. He asked the party to join him against the orcs. The group, with Sir Calen's Blessing, declared war against him instead, and are considering other options for diplomatic relations. The orcs may be a source of temporary aid in battling this greater foe.

Members of the 7/12 Expedition:

Illitor, Scorros
Layla
Swampshield, Breknar

Other News:

Bramble Scramble - Expedition Summary 7/10

Lord Dieterich, Olivia, and Griknak set off to explore the Silent Cave just northeast of Longreach. There they found quite a few zombies as well as some sort of mud imp. The only thing of note found in the cave, aside from the creatures, was evidence that a worshiper of the treacherous goddess Flit lives in the cave. To this end they found bedding and an altar to Flit, as well as a symbol that resembled the tree symbol found on the evil tainted stone fused to alter in the Cave of Colors.

Finding no further leads in the cave they decided to follow the map obtained at Haggard keep. First, they mapped out the area east of Lake Stirge, finding nothing of note. Next they proceeded north. The center of the northern area was overgrown with thick brambles and had a thick layer of fog. The small group quickly encountered Kobolds and their traps in heavy numbers. In addition they found wisps and large lizard creatures fighting along aside the Kobolds. The three managed to carve a path through many of them, but eventually they were forced to turn back after heavy injuries.

Updated Map: 

Members of the 7/10 Expedition:

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

Olivia

Other News: Rook's Quarry is now open! Gilvess Falloway has been brought in from the great city of Redmoor to run the shop. His first task will be refitting our town guard with better armor emblazoned with the Steed and Tower of Sir Calen's livery.

The Cave of Colors - Expedition Summary 6/26, 6/30, 7/01, 7/03, 7/07

6/26

A small group consisting of Lord Dieterich, Vincent, and Griknak returned to the Cave of the Lost Orc to see what they could find. Griknak showed his cowardice by refusing to enter the cave until Lord Dieterich overpowered his weak will with his commanding presence and forced goblin to enter. Moving into the cave they encountered skeletons animated by vines and more fungus. Pushing further in they encountered a large spore-filled fungal orb that, when damaged, violently burst. Luckily only the goblin Griknak was caught in this and became very ill, with spores growing under his skin and becoming weak. Understanding that he was dying, the three left the cave and began their journey back. In the dark they got lost for a while before stumbling onto the road, Griknak looking worse with each passing minute. Soon Griknak slowed to the point where Lord Dieterich had to carry him. Treacherous Kobolds had laid traps in the road since their departure and the group was hit by hidden crossbows and fell into pits dug under the roadway. Forcing themselves to continue, Vincent also was unable to keep up. Lord Dieterich, sensing the urgency of the situation and putting his own needs aside, picked up Vincent as well and carried them both heroically to the edge of the Jago River. Exhausted, he single-handedly rowed them across the flowing river back to Longreach where he woke up kind and knowledgeable Father Lyle who promptly aided the group and over the next few days brought them back to health.

Members of the 6/26 Expedition:

Lord Dieterich, Gunter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jones, Vincent

6/30

Most info contained in the 6/30 and 7/1 reports is from Scorros Illitor.

Hoping to eliminate the threat of disease posed by the Cave of Colors, also known as the Cave of the Lost Orc, Vincent, Scorros, and Griknak set out under the leadership of Lord Dieterich on the third Longreach expedition to that dangerous grotto. Griknak at first refused to return to the place where he had nearly died, but Lord Dieterich displayed excellent leadership in convincing him to face his fears.

The group traveled through territory still believed to harbor orcs and goblins to reach the cave. Fortunately, they encountered no threats.

they found the ghost orc soon after entering the cave. She seemed utterly indifferent to us, responding calmly and blandly when addressed. They made their way respectfully past.

Violet fungi and skeletons animated by a similar fungus posed minor inconveniences as they explored. Interestingly, Griknak seemed unable to distinguish moving violet fungi from the completely still fungus on the floor, suggesting the eyes of goblins are less attuned to movement than those of higher species.

The party soon encountered one of the great gas spores that had proven nearly fatal to previous expeditions. Scorros asked the others if they covered a great area with their deadly spores when burst, and was told the spores would not fly far. He judged fifteen feet to be a safe distance based on this information. This turned out to be insufficient. The spores immediately inflicted grievous harm, and Scorros fell ill shortly thereafter, blisters covering my skin.

The explosion also alarmed a shrieker, which alarmed several undead, including a giant skeleton. Lord Dieterich served as the rearguard and guided us through an effective fighting withdrawal.

Returning to Longreach, Father Lyle cured Scorros Illitor of the spores. 

Members of the 6/30 Expedition:

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

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent

7/1

Wasting no time, the group began their fourth expedition to the cave.

This time, they were much more successful, using what they had learned. The group destroyed the great skeleton and all other resistance encountered, including an undead shadow that may have been a sister to the ghost orc and a strange new myconid-like species. They also discovered that if we placed the orb we had found earlier in one of the colored pedestals and spun it, it would reverse the position of all doors of the same color, opening them if closed and vice versa.

While they explored much of the Cave of Colors more remains. Perhaps the fifth expedition will reveal the last of what it holds.

Members of the 7/1 Expedition:

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

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent

7/03 

Extremely busy with their continuing mission to clear the Cave of Colors the information being turned in has been generally truncated. The following 3 entries are from Vincent Jones:

Lord Dieterich, Scorros, Vincent, and Griknak went back into the Cave of Colors again and entered a gold/orange area with a pedestal of that color. Sensing a dangerous situation, Lord Dieterich selflessly decided to turn the keystone in the pedestal in the pedestal. The walls collapsed and an enormous fungal beast and many minions were revealed. The party was starting to tire in the face of such overwhelming odds-both Griknak and I were getting crushed by the fungal monster-when Tyrdithas came in and turned the tides. The group managed to destroy the monsters, but had to return to Longreach before they could continue their exploration.

Members of the 7/3 Expedition:

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

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent
Tyrdithas

7/07 

 Scorros and Vincent attempted to finish exploring the Cave of Colors, but encountered resistance. Breknar came to their aid, allowing them to clear the rest of the cave, finding plenty of riches with which to aid Longreach. In the heart of the ruins they found a corrupted altar of Solenas in the depths of the cave. It appeared to have evil forces acting upon it similar to the evil that was effecting the elder tree. After purifying the altar, Solenas gave her blessing to them and anyone who prays at the altar. The stone fused to the altar that was corrupting it bore the following sigil:

After leaving the cave Breknar and Scorros felt concerned about the well-being of the elder tree, but Vincent decided he had risked death one too many times and decided to retire from the adventuring life. Olivia and Tyrdithas met up with Breknar and Scorros at the Elder Tree where they found evidence of orcs attempting to damage the tree. They hunted down the Orcs and slaughtered them all.

Members of the 7/07 Expedition:

Illitor, Scorros
Jones, Vincent
Olivia
Swampshield, Breknar
Tyrdithas

Other News: the Silver Sylvains have shown an interest in the lumber from Longreach and have begun investing in the town thanks to a deal brokered by Kellen Stoneleaf! Their interest will certainly be a boon to us and attract the attention of artisans everywhere.
Warning: Due to sightings of large and dangerous looking humanoid figures on the main road any travel to or from Longreach requires a minimum of four (4) guards. Speak to me if you need to arrange a trip but don't have the means to hire guards yourself and I will arrange caravans.

Lord F. Arden, on behalf of Sir Calen

7/08 in the Year 874

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.