“Hail Travelers! I am Captain Ratliffe, Callahorn 7th Mounted Cavalry, out of Dragon’s Helm. We saw your horses picketed as we patrolled and then heard the fighting so we decided to lend a hand. However clearly you did not need it” A huge grin of a smile upon the man’s face.

“So who among you is leader, if you have one?”
"A leader for this band? T'would be as easy ta name the royal cat Shepard. I guess I am as close to one as we had lad but it more like spokesperson than anything else." Cor looked around a moment. "If ya will forgive me, I'd like to check and see if any need healing before we continue our talk." With that, Cor once more turned his attention to checking the survivors.

For Captain Ratliffe the gruffness of the Dwarf leader of this band was a surprise to the Cavalry officer. He was an officer in the service of the King of Callahorn and no Dwarf would talk to him as such! As he prepared to move his horse in front of this ‘leader’, he found instead a very beautiful Elf female blocking his path.

“Mae govannen Captain Ratliffe. Forgive our …,” Sirène paused searching for the right human word. “… Lack of courtesy,” she decided at last. “Dark times and dark deeds have made us cautious of strangers.”

“My name is Sirène Talà Melete; our dear leader is called Cor. What Cor did not say is that we are headed to Dragon’s Helm ourselves. If we are close to the city, we could accompany you back with the survivors and their dead. I’m anxious to hear news of the War, if you have any to share, and you may wish to question the leader of this Orcish band,” Sirène added with a glance at the one surviving Orc encased in stone.

Mesmerized as he was by Sirene’s eyes Captain Ratliffe seemed to forget for the moment about Cor and turned to greet her.

“My greetings to you also my Lady Sirene, yes my platoon would be happy to escort you to our base at Dragon’s Helm, let us finish our work here and I’ll be more then glad to update you the events of the war”
With that decided and the Captain’s ruffled feather’s soothed the clean up began in earnest. The bodies of the dead both Orc, human and the horses of the wagon train were burned in a mass pit. Then the horses of the party were brought forward and enough troopers’ horses from the Cavalry unit were hitched to the wagons to move the surviving women and children back to Dragons Helm.

During this time Ulthok, out of character for one of his class of thief, approached the Cavalry Captain and offered him money.

”Sir, I pray you will take care of these poor women and children. We arrived too late to help and save their husbands and sons. They died bravely trying to protect others. Those left have suffered dearly, please see them safe to the nearest town or village.” Pulling a small pouch of gold coins from his belt, “See to it this is shared among the survivors so at least they may fine shelter for a while as they grieve.” The mage tossed the pouch to the Captain. As the mage walked away, the Captain opened the pouch to find 20 platinum coins.

Ninety minutes later with everything that needed doing done the party surrounded by mounted troopers begin the short half-day trip to Dragon’s Helm. Sirene riding next to Captain Ratliffe was told of the events since the beginning of the war began.

The Shadow King having once more built a huge army the likes never seen before had spilt this army into two fleets. The first hitting the far shores of Paletine to the West capturing the harbor of Tara Kesh and moving forward towards the Paletine capital of Fealavian. The second of the two armies sailed up the Randor Strait landing between the harbor cities of Leaoff and the unnamed harbor in the country of Annoria. In this unforeseen attack the Shadow King flanked all the Coast Watcher forts lining the shores of Paletine, Annoria and Turan in one swift move, leaving the defenders in those forts to be almost slaughtered.

Since then the dark armies had conquered all the lands of Paletine, Annoria, the south, west and east of Atarinn, along with parts of Rim Iclea’s and having linked up now marched on Craggian Core. Clear to all the Shadow Kings intent was to split the main continent of Trilogy in two. With this telling, the walls of Dragon’s Helm came into view and the party entered safety once more............

(DM OOC: Ok short post. I was going to move you forward on the road to Callahorn’s capital city the Citadel but looking at the fort descriptions, I noticed a few shops where you could possibly sell your extra magical items. So let me know what your doing and my next post will be next Saturday.)

Lothor moved around the camp offering his condolences and showing his sorrow to the wives and children of the men who died. He had seen this before, travelling refugees captured by evil beings, mostly men and not one-eyed magical baby-eaters. However, this was by far the worst. Dead bodies of Orc, Human and Horse alike littered the ground and as he went around the survivors he had to fight back the tears hat welled in his eyes, it was truly a day of great sorrow.

Nevertheless the burials were completed and cavalry had been helpful, that was for sure.

Earlier he had been watching the Captain communicate with the other members of the group and he was displeased at Sirenes apparent politeness. Lothor would not of even acknowledged the troupe. Next he saw Ulthok throw a pouch of coins at the pompous Captain. Lothor had taken one step forward about to intervene, but Ulthok spoke up.

“See to it this is shared among the survivors so at least they may fine shelter for a while as they grieve.”

Lothor was pleased with this and he stepped back, resuming his position next to Lady Althena. He made nervous excuses to the Lady and went off to see the families, so badly scarred from today's events.

After the wagons were harnessed with fresh mounts, Lothors own was used, after he had insisted that he would ride with the refugees. The journey was uncomfortable and the suspension jolted his back at every pothole. He was glad he was a here however he had missed helping the poor, the vulnerable, the weak. Obviously it was a kind thing to do but Lothor had other motives. It felt great to help others it made him feel good he was a legend in a few hundred peoples mind, he had saved lives, built shelters and fed many and, in some parts, he was well known for it.

Soon enough after about half a days ride they arrived at Dragons Helm. Lothor had made his farewells to the people of the wagon he had shared, thanking them gratefully for their hospitality when so much they had lost.

He unattached his horse, since it was not his directly, he felt as though he could not donate it to the refugees. He rode into the town and shortly he arrived at the stables he paid the stableboy and stabled his horse, he needed a bath and a drink. He headed to the Lonesome Dove and paid for a pint of mead and bath.

An hour later he was refreshed and as was his way he wanted to know more of the local happenings, more out of habit than anything else, he could not help any small-folk at this time. Behind the Lonsome Dove was a building a similar size to the tavern. It looked a rowdy and rough a place for men like Lothor. He liked honesty and men who were practical there were sure to be some in a place such as this. Often the roughest places held the nicest people.

He entered into the red rose of ill repute and the first thing that hit him wasn't the acrid smel of stale sweat and spilt drink, neither was it the mean stares from the hardy locals. What did hit him though was a fist, a hard one at that.

Lothor was knocked to the floor instantly. Stars bursted into his vision, he pushed himself up onto shaky legs fearing another punch he lashed out at a would be attacker, punching him in the gut. The man doubled over and Lothor took a step back. After a few seconds his opponent spluttered out a few words, though they were barely audible.

“Let's get a drink!”

Lothor accepted warily and soon enough the pair were sat at a table laughing harder than they ever had before. The mead was flowing and Lothor was gaining the information he wanted, though whether he would remember it was a different matter.

(OOC: Lothor will try and find out what plagues the local area or what is excelling the local area. He will also ask about any small towns or villages nearby and ask if there are any problems.)

rayne fired her arroow at point blank range Turning into powerful ennergy boltsn the struck her intended target full on in the chest. The reseults were may have been spectacular and effective but not to Tayne and the resulting Ord Food covered her like and warm wet blanket of blood and gobbits. SHe reloaded her bow ready to continue when they were joined by another party. There learder asked for ours learder and of course Cor responded,

That response made Rayne laugh--easier to name a Royal Cat Shepard than be a leader of this group. Well it probably was. rayne was going to move up and interact with the newcomers but in her present state she decide it was best if she treied wahing some of the goo off. Grabbing her water skin she poored it over her head to clear her eyes and hair s nothing would frip into her eye or face.

Rayyne moved out and about amoungst the surviviors offering first aid healoing, the blessings of Kith Jora and kins words as needed. Stunned women were coaxed to helo others in need, after she had offered then such helps and reassurance as she gound. Shatter bodies, shattered lives lay about her. She greaved mostly for the children, Those toughed her mostly closely. True she had seen much death in hr lifetime but the children always touugged onher heart strings the greatest.

Finally Moving over to Ulthok she asked him over to the side . "Do you have a contrip for cleaning meup or frop a rainstorm on me or something."

Rayne make her way with the other towards Fragon's Helm. She makes sure everyone is healed up of any injuries. Since one never knew what might be around the corner even with an escort.

The trip back to town was not a long one. The cavalry troop acted as if they had somehow rescued the small band and was providing protection during the move. Such was almost laughable to Cor; he knew that the cavalry would be of little use if an enemy capable of troubling the party were to rise its head. None the less, Cor let the troopers have their moment of glory.

Once in town, Cor headed for the inn and after refreshign himself with a few rounds of ale he spoke to the group. "Any who wish can check out the town and its establishments. We will spend the night here and continue in the morning. If one of you would be so good as ta see about selling a few of our collected items. I am headed over to the refugee camp to see if there are any that need healing or saving."

As the battle wound down the party regrouped and started helping the survivors gather their belongings. Ulthok and Valene passed among the people give healing and aid as they fond need. Rayne had stopped Ulthok, she’d remembered how the Mage had aided Valene to rid her of the grime she had to endure as the slave to the giants. The gore from the exploded Orc seemed more than simple water could remove. The simple cantrip of “clean” was challenged to help but the magic and the water Rayne had tried to used seemed to allow the mess to be flushed off the rangers body and clothes.

The party watched as the soldiers disposed of the bodies then the band moved forward under the guard of the local security force. Ulthok seemed to now sense that these men and their leader may not be the most noble of protectors.
Entering the town Ulthok followed Cor to the Inn, Valene joined them for a few tankards of local ale. After a while Cor addressed the group, "Any who wish can check out the town and its establishments. We will spend the night here and continue in the morning. If one of you would be so good as ta see about selling a few of our collected items. I am headed over to the refugee camp to see if there are any that need healing or saving."
Raising an eyebrow to Valene nodded, “Let’s see if there is a market for some of those items.”

The pair adjourned to the streets with the sack of holding to see if they could sell some of the items. As the two walked the town they found there wasn’t a pawn shop and that most of the merchants had little money to spend on items. The conversations though proved interesting.

(O.O.C. Now we’re assume a lot, Tann we can drop the rest if you want us to.)
While at the metal smith Ulthok heard the survivors had to sell their wagons to pay to stay in the refugee camp. The woman behind the counter said, “Those poor women were destitute.”

Ulthok thanked the woman for her time and left, Valene nearly had to run to keep up with him. Storming down the street the mage vented, “That man, he is suppose to be a leader, a protector. He’s a sham.”

(O.O.C., assuming Mischief writes something about questioning Ulthok.)

“The women were supposed to have their stay paid, I gave the Captain enough coin to see to that. I don’t care much what folk do to evens, but there is no need to steal from innocents.”

(O.O.C., Assuming Valene agrees. )

“Let’s find this Captain and see if he may not be too old to learn new tricks. “ The two inquired to the Captain’s barrack’s and found the tent he was using. The pair hatched a sting that would relieve the Captain of his ill gotten gains.

(O.O.C. Valene can write on how she distracts the captain.)

Separating from Valene the mage willed a bit of spirit into his ring and disappeared. While the female Halfling Cleric kept the Captain occupied Ulthok searched the tent.

(O.O.C., Valene spots the coin pouch on the Captain and can pickpocket it and signal Ulthok.)

Ulthok saw the simple move as the talented she thief pinched the coin pouch back. Sliding up near the man the mage cast a cantrip of gnats. As a swarm of the small bugs started to gather around the Captain’s head Ulthok, approached. “Captain, I hope those poor woman have been cared for. I would hate to think of the side effects of a selfish act.” The human bearly heard all the mage said as he swatted wildly at the bugs buzzing his face. “ You know I hear honey draws bees, s*** draws flies, I wonder why those gnats seem to find you so endearing.”

With that Ulthok bowed slightly to Valene and the two walked away. The making their way to the refugee village and they sought out the women. Moving from each to each Ulthok saw to they all received enough of the coin to regain their property and to care for their children, at least for a while.

Returning to the Inn Ulthok told Cor that the selling trip proved no more successful in this town either.
The mage then asked their leader if he might cast his spell upon him so that Ulthok might replace his spells in an hour without needing to study all night.

(O.C.C., assuming Cor does.)

Ulthok takes a room and excuses himself from Valene. “If you would care to wait I would be pleased to dine with you later. Perhaps we might find some games of skill and chance to enjoy too.”

(O.C.C., I’ll submit an amended list of spells for our leg of the journey. I’ll let Mischeif fill what fun and games the two Halfling may attempt.)

Cor was asked to cast a spell on Ulthok. "Sorry lad, I didna take that spell today. Besides, a true sleep will do you better than a magic one; we will find sleep in short supply soon enough I think."

Ulthok knew that Cor saw through to his true intent and the mage smiled.

“ Yes mother, you’re right as usual…… Then let us dine now and I’ll take my leave after another tankard or two.”

Looking to Valene, “ Perhaps this old curmudgeon would enjoy some games of cards or dice to fill the evening.”

With a sigh, Ulthok took Valene’s hand, "I should spend my time in my room to prepare for other trials we may soon face…………. Great googly moogly, who’d have thought we meet a beholder here and we are not near the worst of it.”

"I'll show ya curmudgeonly lad. Or I can teach ye ta drink like a real man and not from those tiny mugs." Cor smiled, or at least it might have been a smile. "No need ta go to bed so soon on a fine night as this. Perhaps a few games of dice would be in order. No offense master Ulthok but I would prefer not ta use any dice you might have handy. Tis one thing to be fleeced by a thief unknowingly and yet another to do it on purpose."

“Well then my friend we play using the house dice…., I’ve seen how Dwarves can cut stone. And no calling aid from Odin to bless your roll. I’ve seen what he does for you.”

Ulthok smiled at the companion that has been to hell and back. “Now food, drink and good times with good friends.”

"Barkeep, bring more ale and a set of dice!" Cor didn't really care if he won or lost tonight; it was enough to have a moment or two of distraction from trying to save the world.

Weaver kept to himself after the rescuing, ‘this made me laugh, saving indeed.’

In town Weaver kept his cloak pulled up close around himself, he did not know if it was habit, for he used to always hide his face just incase one of the elders spotted him after many years away. More than once he had to play his own child to save off questions from the old or inquisitive. He stayed with Cor and made his way to the refugee camp to give aid where he might. Also to hear of the goings on in the land, some people seem to want to tell their own stories of woe and what better place for a bard to hear things, saving perhaps the town pub.

Back in the Inn Weaver finds a quite spot out of the way but close enough to the rest of the part to give him some kind of ease. He drank slowly from his tankard and smoked his pipe at ease for once. His mind wondered… ‘A bard who is a ranger? What a fool you are.’ Weaver smiled to himself and once more watched the room.

Weaver watched as Cor and Ulthok played dice and from time to time something would make him laugh only slightly then he would smile again.

Corr looked ot the corner, "Master Weaver, perhaps ye could spin us a yarn that we have na heard before. I trust the townsfolk could use a wee bit of cheering bout now,"

As Ulthok finished the last of his tankard Cor spoke, “"Master Weaver, perhaps ye could spin us a yarn that we have na heard before. I trust the townsfolk could use a wee bit of cheering bout now,"

As Weaver pondered the proposal Ulthok rose from the table.

“Well my friend as much as I enjoy a good story, I need to retire and renew my spells.” Reaching into his pocket the mage pulled a copper and set it before the Cleric of Odin, "You win again, here’s our usual wager. Have a pleasant evening.” The Halfling bowed to friend and left to go study.

As Val and Ulthok walk away from the metal worker's shop, she hears his comment. "Why do you call the Captain a scam?" ~She wiggles a bit more in her walk.~
After listening to his answer, Val nods. "I think he should be taught some responsiblity to those he has been charged to care for. Suffering for his greed is not acceptable in any manner, especially innocent women and children who have endured such horrors.

A while later, Val watches as Ulthok slips into invisibity, then goes to the Captain.
"Hello Valiant Captain. You were very brave today in the fight. Your help was most appreciated. Tell me more of your victories. I know you have shown great bravery and valor." As she listens to him, she spots a heavy pouch on his belt. ~She attempts to gain the coins kept by an act of stealthy pickpocketing.~ As she gains the pouch, she signals Ulthok with the slightest gesture. "Dear Captain, I know your exploits should be told to all. You are truly a brave man." ~Smiling sweetly she walks away.~

Val accompanies Ulthok to the Inn and awaits for him to return to her after some rest. While he does so, she finds Weaver and tells him of the Captain's tales...with a few added details of her own. As she sees Ulthok return for wine, food and dicing, she joins him, her grin and eyes betray a great humor as she awaits the stories to begin.

With the party’s arrival at the Dragon Helm fort, they went in search of lodging and decided upon, really The Inn of The Last Home. With the horses sheltered and cared for the party went their separate ways.

"Any who wish can check out the town and its establishments. We will spend the night here and continue in the morning. If one of you would be so good as ta see about selling a few of our collected items. I am headed over to the refugee camp to see if there are any that need healing or saving."
The first of the party to find a bit of trouble was Lothor as he entered the Red Rose of ill Repute. A fist then a short fight left him in the company of a fellow hard soul. A few rounds later he had found out the gentleman’s name, Jones, the owner of the ill Repute, and that most of the town’s within the circle of mountains surrounding Callahorn were untouched as yet from evil forces.

Yet the large fighter also quickly learned why this ‘tavern’ was named as it was when two ladies he had first taken as waitresses came to stand near him.

“Ah Lothor I see Cherry and Maria have taken a shine to you my friend. You can have them both for 500 gold apiece. What say you?.......

The next to go off per Cor were Ulthok and Valene, raising an eyebrow to his female Halfling companion he nodded,

“Let’s see if there is a market for some of those items.”
Moving slowly to the streets with the Bag of Holding to see if they could sell some of the extra magical items continued within, the two lovers walked the town. However to their dismay as in Gygax they found there was not a pawnshop and that most of the merchants had little money to spend on items. The conversations though proved interesting.

The worst of them the two found out at the weapon smiths the old female proprietor telling them.

“Those poor women are destitute. Their spokesperson came in here inquiring about selling their wagons.”
Hearing this and having it, confirmed Ulthok explained to Valene of the money he had given to the patrol’s captain for the express purpose of passing it on to the surviving women. Clear to the two Halflings thieves that this had not happened. Conceiving a plan both Halflings put it into motion. As one, Valene, distracted the Captain, Ulthok invisible pick pocketed the pouch from him.

Almost too easy was this under taken and within minutes, the pouch and Ulthok’s 20 Platinum pieces were once more in his possession. A quick stop to drop off the 20pp’s to their intended destination and it was back to the Last Home for fun and games with Cor and the rest of the party as Weaver sang a song for all and Lothor quite obvious with his absence.

With the coming of morning, the eight members of this party would be on the road once more................

(OK this will be my last Saturday post as I am once again going back to posting on Sundays. Therefore, my next post will be next week Sunday Sep 30th. Ok per Keeper on the morning, the party will head out so feel free to post on your journey to Citadel, the Callahorn Capital.)