1351 Campaign - Act 2: Incoming Calamity from the North

[Moltrazahn]

*Corvus looked over the map he had made with Squire Eleanor's aid. It marked the locations of the spiders, weak and strong, giving a somewhat impression of what direction to conduct his next communion with nature. He glanced up, looking into the trees of the Reaching Woods.

Grunting, he wandered the unseen trails for some hours, reaching what he considered to be deep into the forest. The voyage had surprised him (or rather, disappointing). At least other areas had large animals, feral or dire of kind. Yet these woods were.... quiet. Nature didn't lash out, he felt no sense of toxin in its plants or hostility from the old trees... It was disappointing that its lack of defenses were so clear... Still, here he knelt down, after once more casting the spell to enhance his natural communication.

He closed his eyes, wondering if such a calm place could truly hide an abomination in its soils... or if such abominations presence was the reason for the... lack, of territorial species protecting their home against him.

Either way, he should soon discover the truth, one way of another.*

[DM Golem]

All over the city, Flaming Fist soldiers can be heard discussing a new development. It is said that a company of a hundred and fifty Hellriders led by the notorious Captain Raman will be camping near the city at the expense of their home city, Elturel.

Most of the Fist are pleased to welcome comrades in arms, given the disturbances to the north. Older veterans in fact tell tales of Captain Raman and his iron, and sometimes brutal, resolve to get the job done and see his men home. To these old soldiers this is a good thing.

[Truthiness]

A bearded man emerged from some tree deep in the Reaching Woods near the Shrine of Eldath, the man quickly set to work on scribing a message nearby in some strange script.

In Druidic. I seek out the protectors of this forest as there are unnatural threats that must be dealt with. I will return here on the morrow for any who heed this call.

After leaving the message, the man wanders about the nearby area, seemingly searching for something, whether he finds it or not, he soon disappears from the area.

[Touri]

Eleanor of Illmater, the ranger Vendor Xon, the Heartwardress Erza and Corvus the druid searched a cave in the Troll Claws. Ven knew that there are spiders in the tunnels deep down inside, so he lead the group to a scary descent. With a frown on their faces they climbed down and jumped into the pit for to find any sign of the plaque spiders or the High priestess of Talona; Magmire the blind.



After they had fought some of the glow spiders, the druid, shaped in the form of a treant, stroke his roots to the ground to commune with the nature. The priestess, the squire and the ranger guarded him.

[Touri]

From out of a bush somewhere in the Reaching Woods Vendor Xon is watching another army. Hundreds of Gnolls are trampling through the green fields by the river side.





Once most of them have passed his hiding spot, the forester continues to follow. Maybe he could learn some more about the gnoll marauders.

[mrm3ntalist]

After reading the reports about the plague spitters Mendel get worried about Misty Forest. Once he returns home, he looks for any available rangers and druids and forms a scouting party.



Elindarian, Mendel and Nai cover as much ground as they possibly can, searching for any signs of these plague spitters or the illness they cary



They covered most areas up to the outskirts of the High Moors. Only then they decided to return to the village



Before entering the village they spent some time at the Grove, where Nai Communed with Nature trying to attain as much knowledge of the surrounding territory

[Darkcloud777]

Scouting into the heart of Reaching woods Terri enters a region where the land is dead. Many melted and merged undead roam the landscape. Delving even deeper she comes across a swamp. Spitter spiders emerge from the ground and an evil emanates from an alter on a small knoll within the swamp. Using eternalness to keep the carnivorous plants and melded undead at bay she approaches as close as she can to the source of the site where a ritual of corruption occurs.

[DM Theophanies]

Water... Trolls?



Wild rumors fly from fishing village of Lathtarl's Lantern into the ports of Ulgoth Beard, Roaringshore and Baldur's Gate of several large lumbering, oddly shaped, lifeless looking trolls wander near the edge of Lathtarl's Lantern and then directly into the sea! On one of the last ones there is a tiny figure sitting on the shoulder, laughing manically until it is submerged leaving only bubbles lifting from the surface of the water. How believable these rumors are... especially coming from Lathtarl's... well that's highly speculated! Perhaps their rum barrels went sour again!

[Moltrazahn]

*The plague-spitters, the Gnoll army, the undead army, the mutating rats, the cultists, the blight... Corvus sat in a dark clearing of the forest, his magics giving him the ability to see in the darkness. He was looking at the unfolded map infront of him, tracing the hunt he, and squire Eleanor, had done on the plague-spitters.

(( Large ))

Hidden: show

The tracking had led to the Reaching woods... yet before they had managed to explore it, quite a few revelations had come upon them, at the heartwarders meeting at Baldurs gate. The Lathanderites had scryed bloated abominations at the forests center, undead that were welded together to form monstrosities, followed by literal swarms of bloated flies, feeding and spreading the blighted pus carried by these... things.... Equally bad, was that the "so-called" phoinex company, had seen hundreds, if not thousands of undead, dozens of plague-spitters, and some foul alter at the center of the woods.

The more Corvus thought about it, the more it became clear that they were still but grasping for the true size of this operation. This tainted blight upon nature...

He groaned and rubbed a hand against his head. He -hated- working with them, the self-righteous over-condescending, egotistical and outright obnoxious denizens of this land. From their outright door-frame-stature intelligent "would-be-heros", to the suicidelly self-proclaimed "defenders of the realm"... he was not sure what was worst... Lay down and die, or suffer through more of their political games and "lets see who has most secrets" -agenda.

Still... he sighed, nature was at stake. And tho' not his home jungles of the chultian peninsula, it was the best thing he had here.

His eyes fell upon the troll-hills, and the most recent plague-spitter he had located. A singular one of these monsters could take a group to vanquish, tens? dozens? ... he might as well return to the Dragonwing and set of to some shore elsewhere... if such were true. Still, till such a horde came before his eyes, he would annihilate these abominations. One un-natural specimen at the time.*

[MopKnight]

The following script is written in common, translated from dwarven. It is dated the tenth day of The Melting. and carries the authors name, Reine of the Ilmateri. Copies of this missive find their way to every single major authority present at the meeting in question.

"The Record Keeper submits this to all concerned as a true and factual record of the meeting of the Holy Orders, 10th Day of The Melting in the Freemans Reckoning, 1364. Details of internal frictions and quakes within the Orders are omitted out for brevity. This shall focus upon discussions mooted and actions agreed,

The meeting was held at the compound of the Order of the Radiant Heart. The members present include representatives of the Order of the Silver Rose, the Order of the Radiant Heart, the Ilmateri Temple congregation, the Phoenix Company, the Flaming Fist mercenary company, Master Stonehold of Kraak Helzak, the Everwatch Knights, the Hellriders of Elturiel, several druidic orders of loose affiliation and the Doombringers.


The Advance Of The Dead

Kheldivver has been offered by the mayor of the village for use as a militarized bastion against the undead. The author references the texts "The Killing Field" (Master Groundhaven) and the Tempus philosophical treatise "Beauty In The Defense" for possible strategies to hold this position.

The region has effectively been overrun by the dead but abandoned by all but a standing garrison of shamblers. It would be trivial in the estimation of the council to retake but a task to hold. The reasons given were that the horde would be forced to turn around and engage a threat in their shadow, rather than press onward towards the Moors and the Misty Forest.

- Supplying any garrison will rely on external help due to the damage caused to the fields around the village. While the druidic orders and the Ilmateri have offered to help, it was suggested that this would be difficult were the settlement under siege.
- It is believed that the undead had an objective for taking this town: the library was attacked
- The town has extensive food stores but they are under undead control.
- Master Stonehold reminded the moot that the local sources of food are severely depleted
- The Flaming Fist implied that once local tensions have fallen, they will send a patrol to assist in the defense.


The Yaun-Ti Flank

The Doombringer brought word of a Yaun-Ti force capable of rapid strikes deep behind enemy lines, withdrawing before they suffer losses. It is believed that a number of Yaun-Ti queens have begun to work under a greater monarch and are currently fighting a harassment campaign for their own personal gain.

- It was suggested that this is a relatively minor threat. The Doombringers concerns were dismissed.
- The Doombringer is engaging in conflict with these creatures and will likely lead the effort to defend against their attacks


Plague Spiders And The Reaching Wood

The plague spiders (also known as spitters) are an ongoing threat which is slowly being driven back. Over half a dozen have been slain of varying strengths and sizes. It is believed that their strength diminishes with increasing distance or time from their broodmother. A magi named Griselda, believed to be Talonite, has been aiding in their destruction and has provided artifacts of unknown intentions for this purpose which serve to imprison the spiders. A high priestess of the local Talonite sect by the name of Magmire is believed to be behind the undead plague spiders spreading through the local region. Their locations have been checked and marked.

Recently a cluster have been discovered in the Reaching Woods. It is believed their nest rests within the woods. Druidic orders have noted unusual animal movements in that area. Investigations are ongoing.

- An excursion to the Reaching Woods leaves within the day
- Animals have fled to a defensive line within the Reaching Wood and are believed to be defending territory against the damned.
- The Woods were also infested with the undead including welded plague golems and undead constructs


Talonite Tomes

A number of accursed tomes have been located and captured by the Holy Orders. The Red Wizards of Thay are known to hold three, charging over a thousand trade bars for their release. It is believed that these tomes hold information key to ensuring that the Talonite sects who trade in them do not advance their plans further than they have already been advanced.

- It is believed that the altar within the Reaching Wood is connected to these tomes
- Locating them is of a high priority



Conclusions And Addendums

- The Record Keeper respectfully disagrees with the assessment of the Yaun-Ti and is of the considered opinion that their sheer savagery and field advantage of teleportation makes them a lethal threat for consideration.
- The Record Keeper notes that she was unable to provide an itinerary of planned action beyond ideas mooted by the various orders involved. This was not due to faux record keeping.

The Record Keeper swears in the name of the Martyr that no lie of omission nor deceit has marred these runes and would admit to any lapses of memory or keeping were they found in the future. The Record Keeper would submit them for consideration to all authorities involved."

[Ghost]

Merchants, adventurers and other travellers coming from the north speak of meeting darkly robed figures, humanoid in shape, just as they start feeling an unexplainable sense of dread. These figures have asked for the travellers to retrieve or sell them various artifacts of power. There are no reports yet of these figures actually causing harm upon people, but it is clear they can be associated with the sense of dread many feel at the same time.

[DM Theophanies]

Something Sinister This Way... Swims?



The docks of Roaringshore were a buzz today as a large troll shaped mass pulled it's way onto the docks, tossing pirates off the dock as it went. Enforcers swarmed to the waterfront to put it down. Joined by an adventurer, the large intruder was finally put down, spilling into the deep as it went. The locals gave quick praise to Umberlee, hoping to ease her wrath. Rumors along the docks said that one adventurer whom went into the deep, saw many more moving southward, accompanied by a small figure riding the last in the column...

Participants:
Sergei Dracovitch
Talisen

///As a reminder, the next event will be on Thursday May 21st at 22:00 GMT.

[DM Theophanies]

Onward to... Candlekeep?



As predicted by those in Roaringshore the mass of troll golems and their gnome lich broke the surface at Ulgoths. The water was broke by nearly 20 troll heads and a tiny gnomish lich. There was a brief sending spell after the gnome cleared it's lungs of water to speak. The gnome spoke out to the air and then the lich turned and sent the mass of the army into the depths. A few golems accompanied by a mass of undead went to shore. After a brief but violent conflict, the shore went quiet again, the undead repelled. The liches force was predicted to head south, towards Candlekeep via the bottom of the sea. Adventurers rushed to Candlekeep to warn them in time...

Participants:
Talisen
Tigraina
Xavier Aylomen
Cara Joriani
Liliana Cross
Sergei Dracovitch
Guide Teo of Candlekeep (end)
Flynn Heartly (end)
Ivan (end)

//as a reminder, next event is on Sunday May 24th at 16:00 GMT

[PiaMango]

Missives are sent out to the factions of the coast of a battle plan to address the approaching threat to Candlekeep

The Defence of Candlekeep

I am writing in beseech of your aid against the undead threat marching upon Candlekeep. It is estimated we have nigh on seven hours before they are expected to surface. Given the northern ridge it is expected the undead are to come to shore south of Candlekeep and march north.

It is suspected the undead move, and act much similar to the undead faced in the Misty Forest. The Lich, who is known to be short statured, will likely be in the center of the army, surrounded by its legion of undead and constructs. When the Lich of the Misty Forest fell its undead returned to their rest, and constructs were deactivated. With that, felling the Lich is our priority barring ensuring the walls of Candlekeep are not breached.

Should you wish to be apart of the efforts gather at the ridge facing the shoreline south of Candlekeep. Should the undead be ahead of schedule defenders of the walls are to report to Isabella Villame at Candlekeep and those to the strike force below the druid's circle as indicated on the maps below.

Should the battle progress as I expect there shall be three stages to the battle:

• Weakening the advance at the shoreline
• Holding the pass of Candlekeep
• Striking at the Lich when it is identified

---

Weakening the advance at the shoreline

The aim in the first stage of the defense is not to defeat the army but to weaken its advance and take a skirmish with as little cost to our own forces as possible. Once our defensive lines receive too much pressure we shall retreat with haste to our defensive positions at Candlekeep and the Druid's Circle.

Limiting their speed, and enhancing our own to make a swift retreat shall be crucial to seeing we suffer no casualties. Fishing nets have been set in the shoreline that should tangle, and hamper their movements, however spells such as grease and entanglement will be needed to be placed carefully in front of our green defensive lines. It is requested two of those capable of be prepared to cast haste upon the defensive lines when ordered so that a swift retreat may be made.

The likely path the undead shall take from their beaching.


The lines of barrage of spellcasters and bowmen.


Two defensive lines shall be held until command is given to break them when the pressure is too fierce upon them. There shall be two calls. The first a thirty second warning to prepare the retreat ensuring haste is upon the defensive lines. The second call shall mark the retreat.

---

Holding the pass of Candlekeep

The defense of the pass leading into Candlekeep shall be lead by Isabella Villame and Candlekeep itself. The pass is narrow, and that shall be our strength.

It is noted that the golems stand approximately 12 feet tall. It seems possible for the golems to be tipped off of the edge of the pass into the ocean below. This could be achieved by unbalancing its step should one tread near the edge of the pass and the ground beneath its foot be blown away. It may also be possible for druids, in the form of dragons, to at high speed, crash into, and topple the golems off of the path.

It is being bid for artillery support to be stationed into Candlekeep for its defense.


The defensive line before the wall. It is being investigated whether the inactive golems left within the Misty Forest will be able to be reactivated by the Arcanists of Candlekeep to fight on our side, using their own machines of war against themselves.

The passage is in the process of being trapped with alchemist fire and other explosives, be mindful of these when making your way up to the defence of the keep.

Should the defensive line being to falter word will need to be sent to the strike force to attempt to alleviate the pressure. A sending shall need to be held in preparation.

Possibilities of destroying the passage way to stop the advance of the army would be explored.

It has been noted that it may be plausible for the undead to climb the sheer cliff up to Candlekeep, an eye will have to be kept upon this possibility and prepared for.

---

Striking at the Lich when it is identified

Felling the Lich in the Misty Forest caused his legion to fall defunct. Should we be able to strike out the Lich the battle shall be won. Like the last, it is likely the Lich is within the center of its army, by that it means we shall have to allow a large portion of the army to march up towards Candlekeep before the Lich is sighted along the path.

The ideal situation is to strike only from our cover behind rockline until the Lich has been identified. We wish to reserve as much strength as possible in battle against the Lich and swift dispatch of him. Should we engage early we will have to fight through legions of undead that would be otherwise unnecessary. Discipline in our time to strike is vital.

The path of the Undead to Candlekeep. We shall let them pass until the Lich has been identified by our scout or druid.


There is a vantage point upon a hill with a tree where our assigned scout will survey the army for sight of the Lich. It is likely due to the Liches short stature that it will not be an easy feat to track sight of him, given that it will be requested a druid survey above in the skies for sight of the Lich also.


This marks where we are to gather and wait for the scouts orders to strike at the Lich.


Once the signal has been received by the scout there shall be two calls. The first a thirty second warning to prepare for the battle to ensure. The second to mark the start of the charge.


Should the defensive wall of Candlekeep falter and require aid, or the Lich be unable to be sighted we shall fight through the green line, striking directly at the pass, fighting our way the pass, ignoring the undead behind us as much as possible to unite with the forces at Candlekeep.

---

The undead horde within the Misty Forest was counted to be in their hundreds, prepare for a bitterly long fight as the undead will not be docile to circumvent like the last. When we engage the Lich he will have support. I request at least 10 men to be apart of the strike force, the rest to the defense of the wall of Candlekeep. Bring what arsenal you have against undead, or their constructs. It is plausible the artifacts used to contain the plague spitters may be able to delay the advance of the undead.

Helm's guidance,
Sveta Asperan
Head Watchknight of the Everwatch

OOC: This is only my interpretation of the RP that has been shown so far. I do not know how DM Theophanies planned to run the siege, or if any custom maps will be used. It is likely these plans may not be applicable, but hey I felt like a Helmite doing this.
16:00GMT tonight. Bring your raise dead scrolls.

[Tsidkenu]

A blue-robed priestess of Mystra entered the Library-Fortress of Candlekeep alongside Ivan in the early hours of the morning. Her single and sole intention was to consult with the Keeper of the Tomes and fellow diviner, Ulraunt, and the First Reader and fellow Mystran cleric, Tethtoril, about the sufficiency of Candlekeep's wards to repel the invaders should they be foolish enough to assault the Library directly, and should that be the case discuss ways in which she might assist reinforcing or empowering their protective magic with her own arcane talents and divine connection to the Lady of Mysteries.

Hidden: show

The citadel bears mighty, many-layered wards that prevent anything from burning except wicks and wax, prevent the operation of teleportational magics and many other destructive spells, kill all molds and insects (such as paper wasps), prohibit the entry of bookworms, and have other, secret properties. Because of these wards candle lamps are often used, but no paper can ignite anywhere in the Keep. An additional ward, whose token is shown at the far left, prohibits entry into the Inner Rooms except to those bearing a token. The Inner Rooms are where the most powerful magical tomes are kept and where none but the Great Readers may go, except in the direct company of the Keeper or the First Reader.

((I am not able to attend the event time but would like to participate via forums in this passive manner if I may.))