A House Divided?
A House Divided?
Elsewhere:
Lord: He was nearly caught!
Advisor: Yes, my lord, but he is not suspected.
The province of Bellam rushes to defend the Kingdom from the invading army of Oserode. Rayad and Heidrek scout the area and select good terrain for the Bellam Troops to defend. Soon, both the armies take the field, with about 150-200 soldiers on each side. Both sides have archers, calavary, pikeman and infantry. Notably the Bellam army seemingly led by Heidren, lets the noble Ludwig and the party give the orders, as prefers to lead his elite calvary unit into battle.
The battle takes place on a field with a stand of trees in the middle. As the sides line up, the Oserode Archers and Pikemen enter the woods hoping to use it for cover against the defending Bellams. A massive entangle spell calls the woods to life and holds both units for several rounds, effectively removing them from the battle. Meanwhile the battle rages on, as calvary is used by both sides with good effect.
However, the tide soon turns in Bellam's favor as the Group decides to gang up a unit of pikeman and infantry on an Oserode calvary unit. This unit is quickly dispatched, and a whole has opened in the Oserode lines. Pressing the advantage the Group gives the order for the Bellam calvary to charge and finish the Oserode army. Heidren, orders his unit to retreat in a blatant act of cowardice. The party realizing the day may hinge on their next action, quickly rallies the troops to fill the gap.
The Oserode Army is routed, beaten and killed. A unit of Archers and some infantry are left to escape to tell their sad tale. Rayad tries to track Heidren and his unit. Soon over a large hill the unit is standing by awaiting orders. They explain that Heidren fled east and told them to wait here. After a few more hours of checking the trail, the elusive Heidren cannot be found.
On the way back, a lone, dirt caked and shifty looking messenger delivers a message to the "Head of the Bellam Army". The party takes the message and decides to keep its contents sealed until they meet with the Duke. The group returns victorious to River Hall and gives the Jonathan Bellam (brother of the Duke) the news. Jon is surprised, but not overly, by the traitorous actions of his nephew. The Duke is suitably shocked, but the invasion has been repelled and the people are safe.
The message is now delivered and states that a renowned Bandit known as the Claw has information about the Traitor. Jonathan discreetly offers the party 20gp each to track down and capture Heidren. The party accepts and seeks out the Claw. After travelling in the general vicitiny of the Bandits, the party soon realizes they are being watched. There is a short parlay and the group is blindfolded and led back to the bandit leader's Cave.
Tempers flare and soon there is a brief scuffle during the conference. Some quick movement by the group ends up with the Claw with a blade to his throat. The 10 score bandits seeing thier leader helpless let the party leave their Cave. A distance from the Cave, the group decides to interrogate the Claw. The manage to cajole, threaten and bribe him (with his own gold) to give up the information: Heidren is in a Oserode stronghold (home of Durien) and the group and 2 dozen men should be enough to take it.
The claw is then let go to wander back to his bandit group. The group now returns to River Hall to plan the upcoming capture.
Group Experience
War +400 Info Gathering +300 Individual
Player Bonuses Total Heidrek Good Spells: +500 5125 Quoted "Hawk the Slayer": +250 Ludwig Assertive Noble: +350 Ftr: 2013
Mage: 2550Haddath 3825 Rayad Scouting: +500 4575