It was around noon when the Daring Friends approached Drellin’s Ferry. Burned-out farms could be seen in the distance.
A battle had clearly been fought on Dameron’s farmland, but no bodies were found. When they arrived at Drellin’s Ferry proper, they found a pile of slain hobgoblin bodies. Sergeant Hersk was nearby nursing his wounds and guards were building defenses. He told Dameron the bandits working the farm had fought to defend the land and were brought to the Toll House by Captain Soranna. Crossing the ferry, they reached the Toll House where the council was gathered. Iormel was snide, as usual. Captain Soranna explained that they had been able to prepare thanks to some scouting Delora had done the night before. Delora spoke of a history of aggressive hobgoblin tribes from the mountains and suggested that this appeared to be a quick raid in advance of a larger invasion. Wiston was worried they might try to sack the town. Kellin insisted the roads had to be defended and Wiston offered 500 gold coins to clear the North Road, 100 paid in advance. The wizard, Sertieren, appeared at the mention of his name and offered some magic items, including magical Sling Bullets, an Air Charm, and a Cloak of Protection. Camwise confessed to having taken the amber castle, but Sertieren said it was now with its rightful owner. Delora mentioned a living tree in the Borderwood that belonged to Jaervellios, an elf from the Witchwode. At Camwise’s request, they stopped by the Green Apple Inn. Kagdwynn, a hill dwarf merchant leader introduced himself and explained that they came from Bard’s Hold in the East. He offered to hire the Daring Friends to escort them to Skull Gorge. After some negotiating, Kagdwynn agreed to pay 200 gold coins plus a magical item to be escorted halfway to Skull Gorge. After stocking up on supplies, they headed out in the early evening with Kagdynn’s caravan. The Boarderwood was dark and windy. The Daring Friends made pleasant conversation with Kagdwynn and his caravan, Dameron doing a fair amount of preaching, praising St. Aster to whoever showed a modicum of interest. It was late in the night when they made camp at the halfway point to Skull Gorge. Camwise cast Alarm and Gruffudd cast Earth Barrier. Dameron and Gruffudd alerted everyone as they were disturbed in the night by arrows coming from the west. Dameron cast Bless on Balthasar, Camwise, and Gruffudd. Balthasar cast Dancing Lights so they could see into the darkness. There were a few worgs approaching from different directions, each accompanied by a few goblins. Gruffud cast Faerie Fire on one of the packs and pulled out his crossbow. Camwise cast Web on the pack. Dameron attacked Spiritual Weapon and Sacred Flame. Balthasar blasted a bunch of them with his Dragon Breath, roasting one alive. One of the worg packs dropped Kagdwynn’s nephew, but Gruffud quickly revived him with Healing Word and he was dragged inside the tent by Kagdwynn. Kagdwynn’s other nephew followed them. Camwise put one of the wounded goblins to Sleep and retreated into the tent. Gruffud blasted a pack with Thunderwave, dropping the worg. Camwise emerged from the tent to hit a worg with Magic Missiles. After missing with their crossbows many times, the caravan soldiers brought down a worg. Soon the battle was over, and one of the goblins was captured and bound but another had escaped. Camwise convinced Kagdwynn to take his caravan back to Drellin’s Ferry and wait for them there. Kagdwynn paid them the reward he promised and gave them a set of magical bagpipes. Balthasar interrogated the goblin and the frightened creature revealed that her deity was Takhisis and her leader was Wyrmlord Koth, a mighty sorcerer. “His magicks spell your doom!” the goblin snarled, adding that their base is an old keep deep in the Boarderwood and contained many dozens and that more bands like hers were reaving the land around the river town!
No comments:
Post a Comment