Storm Shadow

2/6/2000

Prelude

At Long Lake
I wonder what those elves are up to...

Near Ansalea
Press the attack! Forward my legions! Forward to victory and death!

Somewhere
Whoa, it's like a whole forest in here
I don't like it, let's get out of here!
Nah, c'mon, I'm sure the good stuff will be just beyond this aaaaackkkkkkkkk!

The Manor
We're under attack Excellency!
Make ready my horse and armor
My Lord, I am afraid those days are long gone.
Nonsense! Do as I say for once Pendergrast!
Yes my lord.

Summary of the Adventure

The company emerged from the temple and joined the battle. The attacking forces appeared primarily to be zombies, although there were other, darker foes among them as well. The town guard was fighting well, and the zombies were advancing only slowly. The battlefield, though, was already littered with the bodies of fallen festival-goers, killed in the initial onslaught.

Androth leapt into the battle, wielding his sword to deadly effect, the other members of the company each attended to their own strategies. Malz took to the air, using a fly spell and began attacking the huge bats which had flown past the guard and were killing townsfolk who hadn't got inside yet. Harkonen flanked the zombies, looking for the evil priest he believed must lead them. Daran and Jameson maneuvered behind the zombies invisibly, hoping to surprise the leader when he emerged. Andi continued drinking.

A crackling bolt of black energy leapt from behind the lines and struck at Androth, leaving him weakened, but still able to fight. He continued to hold the center of the line, while Harkonnen, Jameson, and Darran sought to find the coward who had attacked Androth. Malz struck down three bats with a fireball and sent several more reeling into the night with a mighty thunderbolt from his staff. A thick wall sprung up behind the zombies, but still there was no sign of their enemy.

Malz killed another bat with magical missiles as it attempted to rend him in twain. Androth killed the last of the zombies before him and switched to his bow, feathering any bat which rose too high. The searchers were joined by Andi, but their foe proved too canny and could not be found, despite Andi's skill at tracking.

As they surveyed the damage, Harkonen and the Marquis' Lady began tending the wounded. As the cleanup continued, Several men from Calidon's Deep arrived, too late to join the battle - they too had been attacked and had defeated nearly as large a force of zombies. Calidon and his scout were in pursuit of one man who had fled them. The Marquis had also been attacked, as had Androth's manor, but they had suffered no casualties.

The group made plans to follow the zombies to their nest, but were interrupted by a lone rider bearing the white flag of truce. He bore on his chest the symbol of the deceiver. Though none truly trusted him, he was given safe passage to visit the Baron and Androth, Malz, and Jameson served as his escort until they passed the temple.

There it became clear that Harkonen would not honor his truce. The messenger paid him but little heed, but Harkonen and Androth had angry words which led to a fight as Harkonen did all in his power to slay the messenger and Androth did all in his to honor the truce which he had accepted. At length Harkonen was dissuaded and the messenger entered the keep after being required to surrender his weapons.

Once inside, he made it clear that he was not there to negotiate, offering only unconditional surrender. The Baron refused and the messenger left, a slight smile on his face the only sign that he had enjoyed the encounter. Exiting the manor he made ready to leave, but was thwarted by the sight of Harkonen at the gate.

Of the company, only Androth still honored the truce. The messenger was denied the return of his sword and chose to leave by riding his horse onto the surface of Long Lake. When he did not sink, Harkonen attacked, followed by Malz and several others. The messenger said nothing and he and his horse rode into a blackened doorway summoned from the very air around them.

The members of the company argued then over what had happened and what was to come. Androth was particularly unhappy when Jameson was given the messenger's sword as if it was his to keep. The group rode forth, hoping to meet the enemy outside of town and to eliminate them. Jameson espied them, nearly thirty score, zombies, orcs and hill men. The group retreated to the ford with an eye on an ambush there.