The expedition reaches Ostan O Thuaidh, draconic descendents duel and the Rabid Harbingers meet their end
Score: 583 | 01/24/20 |
It was a cold, rainy morning when Heskan awakened after resting from his injuries. The party took the chance to converse over breakfast. The discussion of note is returning the goods they found with the gnoll and dogs. The party decide to return the goods should they find the owner.
A half day later the expedition reached across Ostan O Thuaidh. They were greeted by Sean and Oonagh. They allowed the party in saying that Bartley, the owner, wanted to talked to them. Bartley offered them fealty in exchange for security for his inn and people. The party agreed. These two problems were theft from the inn at night and gnolls raiding the eastern road. The party began by investigating the thefts. They first spoke to Rufus, who had lost trade goods to the theft. He was an odd, beardless dwarf with an Imperial name and was the trader who owned the goods that the party had found with the gnolls. Despite offering a reward, the party would not accept it and returned the goods. They then set about investigating the thefts.
It wasn't long until they found kobold tracks and a small tunnel from the outside into the storage area. The party debated the course of action but settled upon a trap. They ate well and waited.
9/4
It was the early morning when the kobolds entered the stable. They made it half way across the stable before the party sprung their trap. Elnorin grabbed the kobolds with entangling roots and, as the kobold champion sought to shield his compatriots, he screamed asking for a duel to save them. The party accepted and a space was cleared. Heskan stepped up to face his small, draconic counterpart. The kobold launched two attacks with it's spear and managed to thrust the spear into the arrow wounds Heskan received from the gnoll causing the paladin to collapse. The kobolds victory, however, was short lived as Heskan rose again through some miraculous show of will. He proclaimed that he hadn't yielded and the kobold looked on in fear. The next two blows were absorbed by the dragonborn's shield and he lashed out with a huge, overhead swing. The kobold managed to sidestep the descending blade and attacked again to no avail. The paladin, sensing an opening swung his sword sideways much like a club and staggered the kobold. Heskan, however, did not see his mistake and the kobold thrust in under the paladin's guard. The kobold had triumphed. True to their word the kobolds left. The party would never speak of this again...
The party rested and spent the rest of the day recuperating. They had managed to secure an agreement from the kobolds to not return and they hoped the tiny reptiles would be good to their word.
10/4
The next day dawned and Aine was keen for action. The expedition would march east to face the gnoll raiders, a group of around 30, with the majority of their might. They spent most of the day marching before the scouts came across a gnollish patrol. Rather than face them, they followed them back to camp. The untempered warriors of the expedition, however, gave away the ambush as the Caledonii began a war chant. With the element of surprise gone battle was joined in earnest. It was a brief and bloody skirmish. Around a dozen of the Vannin were badly injured. It was, however, the sacrifice of Grainne of the Queen's guard whose sacrifice will be most remembered.
"The right flank was under heavy assault and the Darini attempted to hold the flank with the undisciplined Lugi. A pack of gnolls bore down on them. Grainne, seeing that this would lead to the Vannin being overrun, did all she could. She leaped into the fray and engaged 6 gnolls, swinging left and right. She shattered spears but, most importantly, she brought enough time for the Vannin to rally. The rest of the Darini came to here aid but when they had slain each of her assailants, they found her dead with her sword still in hand."
It was a great victory, despite the loss, as the expedition had won it's first major engagement. Aine ordered camped to be made and the expedition readied for rest and a heroes funeral.
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Heskan's letter
Greetings Nala, Prior of the Silver Clutch from Heskan, son of Shamash, Acolyte of the Silver Clutch, Eternal Servant of Nymbryxion.
We have met our first locals of the North, an inn that seems to be a centre of much trade here. Blessedly they have welcomed us and seem content to accept the law and order of the Vannin. Indeed they asked us to immediately bring them the benefits of an ordered society by ridding them of a mysterious nighttime thief and a continued Gnoll problem.
The nocturnal criminals turned out to be a band of Kobolds, using illusion magic to conceal a tunnel into the inn. We set a trap and successfully surprised the Kobolds in their next raid. Seeing their plight, the Kobold leader requested a duel with myself to decide the matter. It seemed the simplest way to settle the matter without conflict, with the Kobold agreeing that even if he wins, they were to depart the inn and not return.
Given the reputation given to Kobolds, their leader fought harder and better than I expected. Knocking me down not once but twice in our brief battle. I accept this as a lesson in humility from Abzu. I was bold and too confident in accepting this duel. The diminutive member of the draconic subspecies put me in my place. Furthermore, the Kobolds have honourably stuck by their word. Leaving the inn and not returning.
I have reflected much on the events of that night. I am committed to be more humble and modest in our future encounters. To not prejudge our foes based on my expectations. Should I meet this particular Kobold again, I would hope he has seen the benefits of honour and put his life of crime aside.
This is in great contrast to the near-army of Gnolls who had been terrorising travellers on the roads near the inn. The majority of the expedition marched out to meet these dog like beasts on the field of battle. I am pleased to say the humans fought well and victory was earned, with very few losses. It has been not only a great achievement for the taming of the north, but I think also for the men and women of the expedition. They have been tested and found worthy.
For the soul of honour and in the name of Nymbryxion.
Farewell,
Heskan