Part 5 - Starting December, 2007:
- Week 46 - "Return to Palanthas, War Approaches"
- Week 47 - "Palanthas At War: Ogre Droppings!"
- Week 48 - "Palanthas At War: Flight of the Filtch"
- Week 49 - "Palanthas At War: Assault on the Leaders"
- Week 50 - "Palanthas At War: Juggernauts & Wrestling Storm Elementals"
- Week 51 - "Palanthas At War: Attack on the Docks"
- Week 52 - "Palanthas At War: The Main Assault"
- Week 53 - "Palanthas At War: Sir Knight, please leave? Part 1"
- Week 54 - "Palanthas At War: Sir Knight, please leave? Part 2"
- Week 55 - "Palanthas At War: Ending the Ogre Threat"
- Week 56 - "Goodbye Palanthas - So long, and thanks for all the Ogres..."
- Week 57 - "Sancrist"
Tales From Tevin, the Gnomish Bard:
I woke this morning to find two blue dragons flying overhead. Both were injured and one of them even crashed into the middle of town. Salo and I were summoned to Jenna a wise and noble Red Wizard she sent us to investigate.
Upon arriving we noticed that the dragon was ripped and torn, almost like it was rended by Ogres. At this point a party of fellow adventurers arrived - this is when this got interesting. I met this Kender well there were 2 of them one in particular seem fascinated with a dragon tooth. He would just not give up on it Salo and I were like (WTF) then he got a hold of one of the dragons eye's in disgust Salo took it from him and ate it. After all the fun we proceeded to investigate the dragon that made its way to the top of the central tower above.
The dragon was being healed and snapped when it saw our new found companions, in particular the knight. It was as if the beast had been magically tortured in the mind. We were forced to battle the Blue Dragon and on his death bed, he looked to the west mountain range, and said with his dying breath "They're Coming". Looking to the horizon we saw the smoke fires of an army approaching.
November 30th, 2007
Tales From Tevin, the Gnomish Bard:
That morning we headed to Jenna's place with our new found companion Eddar Jenna told us to stay in town that the Ogres were going to rain down war on this city and we should be ready to help. We then headed to Captain Edar's ships that were docked near the city. He had me look at the Cannons seeing as how I am the best engineer he has ever seen p.s.(he deemed me Scotty). Here I was working away when 5 Ogres seemed to drop from the sky, naturally I sprung into battle with Salo, Filtch, and Captain Edar. We mopped the floors with them, really I mean it. Upon the rest of the Parties return to the ship they informed us they were under a similar attack, Ogres from the sky!
December 21st, 2007
Tales From Tevin, the Gnomish Bard:
The next day Sir. Lucien Trueblade informs us that he will go see the Taldar the leader of the Knights here in the city, to see if we can lend a hand. Upon his return he informs us of three tasks that we can choose from any one of them would be a big help.
- Choice 1 - Get a message to the High Clerist Tower
- Choice 2 - Scout out the mountain as there is an area that can not be seen or scouted
- Choice 3 - Find the Ogre Titans
After a long debate the party takes on task number two, a debate on how to be stealth like when approaching the area issues. Finally Filtch says I will turn into a dinosaur and we can hop and he will fly us over the area in question. Indeed there was a cloaked area in the mountains. All of a sudden four unknown elemental's emerged from the cloaked area and used lightning attacks on us. We then decided to dive into the cloaked area and sure enough they followed us in with some of the party members taking pop shots at them including myself. We attempted to fly faster to keep a distance from them.
Inside the cloak was a forest the same as the rest of the mountain but in the middle of the cloak it opened to a clearing where we saw a massive stone construct. We found what they were hiding so we high tailed it back to the city. Sr. Lucent True Blade went to inform the Knights of the news while Edar and I went to see Jenna. She informed us that the unknown elementals were Storm elementals and that Sonic attacks heal them - which of course is what we were using!
On our way back to the ship the city alarm went off and Eddar told us to touch him. He transported all but Lucien to the ship, though I thought we should help defend the city but hey - Admirals Orders, a its really Admiral ah what the heck I like Captain better.
Notes from the DM's Desk:
As the hour grows later in the afternoon we find our band of adventurers separated.
Lucien Trueblade, Knight and protectorate has made his way to the West defence wall of the city.
Just outside of range he sees the army of Ogres, screaming and hollering and cat calling. The
noise is unnerving and there are more than a few foot soldiers nearby getting ancy and nervous.
Alas the attack never comes. Achingly you stand there, waiting for something to happen.
The rest of the group has been teleported to the Filtch by Eddar. So far today has been a fairly
nice day, warm and with clear sky's. You can make out the dust cloud of the army approaching
the gates. While there is a cocaphony of noise, nobody thinks anything major has happened yet.
One hour... Two hours... Nothing. The noise never lets up, the Ogres always looking like they're
ready to stampede. Nearing the afternoons wane, several crew members start shouting and pointing
at the sky.
From seemingly nowhere, over the span of a mere 10 minutes, the clear skys grow overcast, then
grows into an unnatural storm. To anyone aboard ship it's obvious that there will be no sailing
this day...
January 4th, 2008
Eddar mulls over why he should defend the city, after some contemplation it was realized that not only is
it his superior's home city, it was also home to the great Library of Palanthas! Save the books!
The party then goes and investigates the main west gate where all the ruckus is going on. Eddar casts a
spell of Weather Control to try to dim the cloud of dust obscuring true vision. After casting it, he
discovers that the frenzying Ogre army isn't frenzying at all, they're resting for the night, letting
an illusion get the defenders overworked and jumpy.
The defenders rest for a time. Eventually the next day the attackers mount a real offensive. It is at
that point that the party encounters a Nerakan Knight who seems to be "In Charge". He ignores Lucien who
they have been dealing with until now and addresses Eddar instead. His actions seemed to feel like he was
ignoring Lucien like a master ignores a displeasurable servant. He requests that the party either look to
destroying the siege weaponry, or attack the command group of Ogres and Ogre Titans that are visible.
The party attacks the Titans! Buffing up, then Eddar casts a sphere of invisibility. Sallow, thinking himself
invisible, decides to moon the Knights of Neraka - much to Eddars displeasure since he had see invisible on!
The party teleports just behind the command squad. They make short work of the Titans and their defense, only to
see the approach of the "real" commanders. An Ogre Titan of which no doubt was more powerful than the ones
fought thus far. Flanked by several dozen Ogres, including a half ogre who was dressed all in hides and a very large
Wolverine. Sneering at Sallow's insults, the Titan calls on the group who quickly teleport's to safety.
January 25th, 2008
DM's Note - Filtch Returns!
With the Ogre army in retreat with the loss of it's commanders, the defenders were granted a repreive from the assault.
After a time, the party was summoned to Jenna's as the Ogres had regrouped and were making a double assault. A major
contingent of the army was swinging South to the main gate, while the Juggernaut and Storm Elementals which the party
had discovered earlier were making a move against the gate.
The majority of the defenders moved towards the South Gate, while the party stood against the large threats. Devising
a defensive plan involving sinking the Construct then turning the earth back into stone, they slowed the Juggernaut
down while they attempted to take out it's flying defenders.
With almost the entire party taking to the air, Filtch made himself immune to Electricity, turned into a plant and wrestled
with one of the Storm Elementals! The party concentrated most of it's firepower on the Juggernaut, plowing damage into it
from the air. However disintergrates, walls and mud seemed to just delay the inevitable.
Reaching charging distance to the gate, Telvin went after the Juggernaut, ending up UNDER it as it reached the gate. Chunks
falling off of it, it seemed to about to breach the gate. With it in range, Gabriel jumps off of the battlements, shouting
an oath of revenge for the theives guild of Palanthas, and drove his daggers into the Juggernauts head - stopping it just
short of the gate.
Unfortunatley the 10 Ton construct then fell on Telvin, crushing the gnome under it. Using a limited Wish, Eddar removed
the Gnome to safety. The landing of the construct however was such a earth shattering crush that it in fact 'cracked' the
gate.
February 8th, 2008
The party was called to Jenna's tower. She was in the midst of coordinating defence
points in the city.
She took Lucien and Eddar aside to deal with the state of affairs.
Healed and then dispatched the remainder of the party to the docks section of the city,
as there were several 'ogre drop' patrols heading that way. The party was tasked with
finding out what they were after and to stop them.
The party then flew across town, Filtch carrying Gabriel and Sallow carrying Cricket and Tevin.
Filtch being the faster of the two groups scouted out the area and found three groups of 8 Ogres.
The party ambushed the groups with entangles and fireballs, slowing down the groups. Filtch
and Gabriel fought one group, while the others fought the group near the docks.
Gabriel sussed that they had discovered the location of the elves on board ship.
After fighting off the two groups, the party convened at the end of the docks. After
arriving the third group of Ogres descended upon the docks. Filtch warped the dock to make passage
near impossible.
As the Ogres were about to break over the rampart, Cricket shot an arrow - except it turned
into a hail of arrows. Thinking that worked pretty good, he did it again, and 40 more followed!
The elves on board the Pinch have now (thanks to the Kender) acquired Longbows and arrows.
While the party was picking the ogres off from range, a fireball joined their onslaught. An
elf, better dressed than the rags most were wearing, had cast it from the middle of the pack.
Gabriel recognized him as the elf who fought off the Sladd back in North Keep.
February 22nd, 2008
Returning to Jenna's, the party regrouped with Eddar and Lucien. Eddar had been busy with Jenna
in her private alchemy chamber, and built pills which would heal and rejuvenate the eater, gave one to
each in the party.
Tyldor, without giving away who or what was comming, formed a defensive plan to stop the Ogres at
the gate. With their ruse at the South Gate discovered, they were now comming at the West gate full
tilt. It was devised that a select group of highly skilled knights would form a defensive wedge at the
gate to defend it against the horde. It was determined that they need only hold the gate for 10 minutes
until Tyldor's assistance arrived. He said that his "new liege" had called in a favor from an old friend...
The spell casters of the party devised their own tricks, using walls of stone and force to force the
Ogres at the defense, forcing them to drive at the party. While not a part of the original plan, arriving
late Flitch thew down a veritable wall of tangled brush, which poisoned the Ogres as they approached the defense.
The party's plan worked, slowing the advance, but eventually the Ogres stormed over their dead companions and
reached the line. The fighting was fierce, Ogres dying by the second. Time passing, the assault became more bloody
as the defenders started to wear, and loose dark knights.
On a whim, Filtch decided to check what he had picked up over the last while, and in his pouch found an "instant-grow"
seed for a Whomping Willow! Throwing it down in front of the defenders, a 20' radius Whomping Willow sprang to life,
spraying Ogres across the field! As the party became more worn down, they threw down a wall of stone to staunch the flow of
Ogres. Taking a brief time to lick their wounds, the assault started back up.
Throughout the battle Eddar was keeping post in the air over the
battlements. The walls were covered in defenders, Kender, Elves, defenders of the city alike. Among the group
Eddar saw two peculiarities - one was the Elf that was spotted on the Pinch earlier that day, casting spells into the
fray that even Eddar had to admire. He contributed to the fight untill the dying minutes, when he dissapeared. Second
Eddar kept seeing a strange Elf - clad not in armor but in the trappings of a traveler, surrounded by cloaked, obviously
heavily armored guards. The first time he spotted him Eddar made eye contact, and in that gaze could be seen a wisdom
and knowledge far beyond a normal lifetime. He looked at Eddar, then looked to the horizon. Eddar could just make out
a glint of something in the far reaches of the mountain range.
With the dying minutes of the battle approaching, and the defensive line being pushed back as tight as could be stood,
Lucien called out to his father, invoking the words of his order "Est Salarus oth Mithas", My Honor is my Life. In a
glaring beam of light, two things happened - Lucien's disguise that was hiding his armor from view of the Knights of
Neraka was torn away, and nine beings appeared. Six obvious Knights of the Crown, Thomas (The Tank Engine!), a White
Robed Wizard / Solomnic Auxiliary and Lucien's betrothed! Stunned, Lucien saw only his love for a time, then was brutally
returned to the fight.
With the additional defenders, the line was reinforced. As time continued to pass, the party started to notice a gleam
comming from the horizon. It didn't take long to identify that a Gold Dragon was approaching! While it seemed to be not
much bigger than others the party had encountered, it seemed to be taking a long time to approach. It got bigger, and
bigger until the party realized it was still a long ways away. It attacked the Ogre army taking out swaths of Ogres with
each pass of it's deadly fire and claws. It finally came to land on the battlements, and in awe the party realized this
was possibly one of the largest dragons they'd imagined. Colossal in size, it's fear aura tore at even the battle hardened
PC's.
With the Dragons presence, the army of Ogres retreated in earnest, leaving the ground in front of the gates coated in
blood, with the bodies of Ogres and defenders alike littering the ground in heaps.
April 4th, 2008
After the battle at the gates, most of the party returned to the ships. Gabriel only reported back to the ship at dawn.
After a while Lucien confronted Tyldor regarding the general strengths of the Knights of Neraka remaining in Palanthas.
He answered that with the chaos of battle, he hasn't been able to get an accurate reading of numbers. He informed
Lucien that there was at least one Lord Knight of the Lily (Which the party had met) and one Lord Knight of the Thorn.
As well there was a continent of high ranking Skull knights currently tending to the wounded.
Some of the party noticed that they were being followed back to the docks.
Come morning, a continent of Knights were at the docks informing the party that their requested meeting was
prepared. Unbeknownst to the party, Lucien and Gabriel had requested a meeting with the Knights Council at dawn.
Upon entering the main keep, they were escorted into a high ceiling'd room, with high strung curtains on both sides of
the room. Tyldor leaned close to Lucien and informed him this was not normal, that the group should be on his guard.
Approaching the head knight, he spoke in gracious words that were both appropriate and diplomatic, congratulating the
party on their work defending the city.
But then he asked the party to leave. He could no longer stand for having Knights of Solomnia spying in his midst. To
his declaration Lucien informed him that their stay as guardians of the city was at an end. While they argued back and
forth one of the Kender decided to see what was under the curtains. Upon reaching for them, they fell from the ceiling
revealing contingents of armed soldiers. On both sides there were 20 men in full plate and 10 humans up in the balcony who
were obviously casters. The head Knight offered to let the party go, and that if they refused his men were already in
a position to take the Filtch and Pinch.
Seeing the numbers rallied against them, most of the party, without a predisposed plan were inching for the door. However
Gabriel put into motion his work, stating that the Guild would not stand for this. At this the head Knight laughed, and
invited his mole in the theives guild to step up. Mulciber, Gabriel's mentor walked forward reveiling himself to be
a traitor to the guild.
With both sides at an impasse of words, the head Knight sighed and offered a Knightly duel to determine what would happen.
Lucien stepped up and accepted, however Gabriel challenged Mulciber at the same time. The two Knights clashsed for several
rounds, with Lucien being beaten on every front. Seeing the duel going only one place, the Dark Knight disarmed Lucien and
offered him quarter. Meanwhile the battle was going poorly for Gabriel, who without the ability to sneak attack his
superior was being defeated.
Lucien dropped to one knee, grasped his sword and lunged up at the Dark Knight, yelling the Solomnic oath, suprising him.
However surprise was not enough, and he was cut down shortly after. But his oath was enough to spur his companions, who
lept into action. Sallow took up Lucien's place challenging the Dark Knight, and the whole room erupted with battle.
With the assistance of Cricket, Gabriel dispatched his mentor, eliminating the threat to the guild and at the same
time inheriting it. However victory held short for Gabriel, who quickly fell to some Skull Knights.
Part way through the battle, a portal opened up, with Henny (The Afflicted Kender) walking through. Noise of a
second battle at the docks could be heard. He motioned for the party to retreat to defend the boats, but the party kept
the battle going. Battle raged, with causalties on both sides. Just as it seemed to be going in the party favor, a
second group of Knights approached the door, being led by who could only be the head sorcerer.
Throwing up a wall of force to delay them, the party regrouped to retreat. Looking at the wall in resigned disgust, the
sorcerer casually disintergrated it! The party then grabbed their dead and retreated.
April 18th, 2008
Licking their wounds, the party raised Lucien and decided that their best course of action was to return and attack
again. Healing, buffing and then turned their attention to the attack, they sent Kender to ask the Dragon to come to
their aid, and took the Elvin Archers with them.
Arriving in the throne room again, it appeared that the Knights were doing cleanup and deciding *their* next move.
Running to the offensive, the party soon realized the dynamic was different this fight. However persistance, a few more
bodies on both sides (And a DM's skull melting down) and the Dark Knights were retreating. Eddar traded Disintergrates with
the sorcerer and ended on the wrong side. Cricket maintained his spell of "lots o damage to badguys" spell the whole time.
Seeing the battle going poorly, the sorcerer stunned Sallow and fled. The Dark Knight also ran, but all the damage
left him weak, and Lucien slayed him just as he was about to get away.
May 2nd, 2008
Licking their wounds... Hrm, already started with that one didn't I?
Healing up, the party decides to recuperate overnight. During the evening Henny (The Afflicted Kender) teaches Eddar
the Fistandantilus's Portal spell. It takes some doing and translating, but they figure it out in the end. Also after
the sun rises the party hears word that there was some destruction in the Southern part of the city due to an Earthquake.
Deciding a quick foray into the Ogre's den would be better, the party teleport's into the jail cell where they free'd the
elves from. Finding a couple more elves, the party sent them back through the portal before going through.
Using invisibility and silence spells, the party cloaks themselves and enters the main courtyard of the fortification.
Sneaking up to the main keep area, they decided to search for a back door. They find one, leading into the kitchen areas.
Eventually making their way into the keep, they find the gathering hall. Having Filtch turn into an Ogre, he sneaks into the
den of the Generals. Immediately the party spots the lead Ogre Titan, and his 1/2 Ogre Druid. Positioning such that Filch
was right behind the Druid, Sallow positioned himself flying in the air above the Titan. At this point the Druid notices
something was amiss and cast True Seeing on himself and raised the alarm. Before the Druid could do so much as twitch Filtch
turns into a large shambling mass of leeches, and grapples with the Druid. Between Filtch and Sallow they cut down the Druid.
However this costs Filtch his life, as the Ogre Titans and Barbarians ravaged him. Eddar casts a Forcecage on the Ogre Titan
leader, containing him for the fight. The fight is brutal, the party sorely missing their extra members. However the party
pulls it out with some last second teamwork, and contain the room. Setting a muddy trap for the leader, they quickly dispatch
him alone.
With the chaos of the battle, the Ogre army is set into fleeing into the surrounding mountains. The party retreats to
Palanthas, the sky clears and the shadow of war retreats!
May 16th, 2008
The party returns to Palanthas and works to secure the city. In the week following the city celebrates the victories
over the Ogres and the defeat of the Nerakan Knights. The Lord of the city welcomes the party as Heros, and there is
a day of parade, festival and celebration. Each of the party members is given residence in the upper echelon of the
city (not too far from Jenna's Tower).
Gabrielle goes to work establishing himself as leader of the Thieves guild, providing final proof of the deceit of
their former leader. He works (Unofficially of course) over the following month with Lucien and his Solomnics to contain
the Nerakkan Knights who were running rebellions throughout the city and restore (profitable) order to the city.
The party of course shops, selling their bounty from the Ogres and upgrading equipment. Eddar spends alot of time studying
his new spells, as well as "talking shop" with Henny (The Afflicted Kender). The two of them discover something in their
discussions, that not only could he keep up with Eddar, he was interested in what the Wizard of High Sorcerery could offer
him. Eddar presents Henny to Jenna and after some convincing she and Dalmar agree to administer the Test to him, for
entry into the Red Robes. The test has not completed as of when the party leaves Palanthas.
During the exodus of the Knights, Eddar seized one of the Nerakan Knights ships, adding a third ship to his fleet! During
down time he recruits for the vessel, finding that his ships were now manned by thus: The Filch, with 90% Kender;
The Pinch, with 75% Elves, 15% Gnomes; and The Third with 50% Elves, 25% Humans, 10% Minotaur.
With their equipment almost complete, Sallow meets a dwarf named "Rothak Hammerfell" while drinking at his local pub. A
stout and stable fellow, rarely seen without his incredibly heavy set of Full Dwarven Mountain plate.
On the second last day of enchantment, Sallow went to check on his sword. He was met with a destroyed room and the master
weaponsmith on the floor dead. Finding his sword, he sets to finding out what happened. Bringing in the rest of the party,
they discover that he was attacked by a "Large Cat Like" thing. No tracks lead away that they can find. Finding nothing,
the party continues on their plan to leave Palanthas.
Just before leaving, Sallow and Rothak are attacked on the docks by three large metalic cats. The party dispatches them
with haste, but it adds to the mystery of what was happening. It ends up that Rothak is a weaponsmith as well. Finding
nothing else, the party departs Palanthas, setting course for Mt. Nevermind.
May 30th, 2008
June 13th, 2008
