Ch 3: Part 2: The Battle for Celwynvian: Session 38

[15:17] <KIlarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:17] <KIlarra> ~~~Chapter 3: The Armageddon Echo~~~
[15:18] <KIlarra> -Session 38-
[15:19] <KIlarra> The elves spend the rest of the day setting their camp up, and making various preparations. The party are left to their own devices until dusk rolls around
[15:20] <KIlarra> Just before dusk, one of Eviana's guards informs the party that Eviana has requested their presence at dinner to discuss preparations, and the role they were to play in the coming conflict.
[15:23] * KIlarra gets up and stretches. It was difficult to do any proper relaxing without a proper bed. Stupid elves and their not-sleepingness.
[15:23] * Aluthyra nods, standing and following the guard. She slings her bow over her shoulder, wary of the area, being so near to the enemy.
[15:23] <KIlarra> Kjell keeps his swords sheathed, but ready to draw at a moment's notice.
[15:23] <@Aluthyra> Tognik hops up onto his feet. He grumbles. The meeting will probably have high chairs that he can't reach, too...
[15:25] <KIlarra> Arriving at dinner, the PCs find Eviana seated with Kaerishiel, a host of her personal guard, and a few important-looking elves wearing gleaming armor. These elves represents the leaders of the Celwynvian Watch, a group that has been patrolling the edge of the city for the past few years in an attempt to keep the drow inside.
[15:25] <KIlarra> Eviana is currently speaking with an attractive elf woman who seems strangely at ease in spite of being on return from scouting dangerous enemy territory.
[15:26] <@Aluthyra> Being that they were there to discuss over food, Tognik checks on the chair situation.
[15:27] <KIlarra> Tognik would be able to get onto the chairs without help, though his feet would still be off the floor.
[15:28] * Aluthyra once again dips her head in a polite bow upon entering, waiting to be spoken to.
[15:29] <KIlarra> Dinner is a plain affair of steamed turnips, potatoes, and carrots, served in a light vegetable broth along with some simple bread. The wine is light and fruity, but it is served in moderation. Eviana refuses to speak of the conflict during dinner, asking Shalelu and the other scouts about the flora and fauna in the area.
[15:30] * KIlarra seats herself and digs in, although she was starting to miss meat a bit. Even a nice piece of fish would be fantastic
[15:30] <KIlarra> Kjell makes no comments on the food, still remembering his promise to himself to take advantage of the lighter, healthy eating.
[15:31] * Aluthyra sits next to Kilarra, taking small portions for herself.
[15:32] <@Aluthyra> Tognik huffs. High chairs. He climbs, only to be disappointed when he finally reaches his perch-- /Vegetables/. He eats nonetheless. Can't adventure on an empty stomach.
[15:34] <KIlarra> After dinner is cleared away, soldiers bring forth a large map of the ruined city, unfurling it out onto the table. The elves look over the map for a moment, and then Eviana turns to Shalelu and, for the party's edification, asks her to explain what they’re looking at.
[15:35] <KIlarra> Shalelu nods, then speaks: "“This is a map of Celwynvian, based partially on old records from Kyonin and modified as appropriate to the current state of things. In some cases, we’ve had to make educated guesses as to the condition of streets and buildings from our observations, and much of the interior is not well known to us since venturing inside can be quite dangerous. The streets are patrolled by both drow and demons, making r
[15:35] <KIlarra> drow and demons, making reconnaissance difficult."
[15:38] <Kilarra> "There are only a few unobstructed ways into the city, and we must secure them first if we are to have any chance of reclaiming the site.”
[15:40] * Aluthyra nods, looking over the map, checking for any obvious, discernable details.
[15:41] <Kilarra> Eviana begins to lay out a plan for an attack on Celwynvian, bringing out the pair of journals and marking a spot called 'The Academy of the Arts' in the heart of the city that was their obvious goal. However, that still left the issue of securing the routes into the city so that the army could be brought against the drow in force.
[15:42] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow. "So then, with this knowledge, what would you have of us?"
[15:42] <Kilarra> Eviana looks to the party, "This is where you come in." She gestures to a spot on the eastern side of the map. (http://wiki.griffcrier.com/images/8/81/Celwynvian.png marked '2')
[15:44] * Kilarra takes a look at the layout of the map. The point indicated did seem to be right at an intersection of two roads leading further into the city.
[15:44] * Aluthyra nods. "Then... after we enter from that point, do you have anyplace specific you'd like us to venture to?"
[15:47] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "This is the best road into the city, crossing in front of the Library of Reenai. Shalelu reports that the drow have been using it to intercept intruders and prevent easy access to the city. Concurrently with other teams striking at critical junctures around the city, I would like the four of you to infiltrate this structure and uproot the drow within."
[15:47] <Kilarra> Eviana continues, "After this, the army will be able to march properly into the city and engage the drow with our full force."
[15:50] * Aluthyra smiles. "Well then. When will we be initiating the offensive?"
[15:51] <Kilarra> Eviana nods, "Tomorrow morning. The drow are at their weakest during the day, so our best hope for an early success is to use that in conjunction with our element of surprise."
[15:53] * Kilarra flicks her tail idly, "Then what?"
[15:54] <Kilarra> Eviana admits that things are a lot less organized after that, with their discussion turning to contingencies. She does note however, that once the party takes the library, a host of elves will take over the occupation from them, freeing them up for additional assignments as they come.
[15:56] * Aluthyra nods. "Is there any more preparation you need assistance with? I do not need anything else for myself, and would be happy to offer myself until tomorrow morning finishing preparations."
[15:58] <Kilarra> Shalelu goes on to share various bits of intelligence she's gathered. The drow seem to have multiple skirmish groups in an area, backups and ambush favourers. The drow are also using alchemical weapons delivered through special crossbow bolts. There's a good number of demons wandering the city, but the number of drow seems to fluctuate wildly.
[15:59] <Kilarra> Shalelu also claims that drow and demons are not the only thing to be worried about, claiming to have seen a green dragon circling the skies above the city two days earlier. The name 'Razorhorn' can be heard in murmurs through the crowd.
[16:02] <@Aluthyra> Tognik blinks, grinning. A... dragon? He'd like to see it. From a distance, of course.
[16:03] * Kilarra raises an eyebrow at the mention of a dragon. That was... trouble.
[16:03] <Kilarra> Kjell smirks and glances to Tyrant's bane as the dragon is mentioned. "Yes. If we come across this 'Razorhorn', he or she will taste your steel."
[16:04] * Aluthyra frowns. Hopefully, they won't have to deal with such a beast.
[16:05] * Kilarra glances at Tognik. The drakes had been bad enough. A proper dragon could probably swallow him whole.
[16:07] <@Aluthyra> Tognik didn't like the drakes, sure, but he'd still like to see a dragon.
[16:09] <Kilarra> Kaerishiel, who was mostly quiet through dinner, chimes in about the strength of his company where appropriate, but disagrees on several key points, especially the involvement of the non-elven party. He even offers a company of his own soldiers to secure the library instead.
[16:09] * Kilarra frowns at Kaerishiel. She really wanted to show this stuck up elf up.
[16:10] <Kilarra> Kjell chimes in, "I believe we are more than capable of taking care of this assignment, and our experience with drow and demon alike will offer some useful insight."
[16:11] * Aluthyra shakes her head. She's had just about enough of his negativity towards other races. She frowns, replying, "If you could see past your own bigotry, perhaps you would know how to properly use the resources given to you."
[16:13] <Kilarra> Kaerishiel doesn't respond to ALuthyra's comment. However, Eviana, seeing the Party's desire to help, disregards his suggestion. He simply fumes for the rest of the meeting
[16:13] * Kilarra snickers under her breath. Serves him right.
[16:16] <@Aluthyra> Tognik chuckles quietly.
[16:16] <Kilarra> Eviana continues the discussion with Shalelu, but dismisses the party, knowing they needed proper rest, unlike the elves who did not sleep.
[16:17] * Aluthyra exits the tent with a bow, moving out towards the party's own tents.
[16:18] <@Aluthyra> Tognik hops off-- or climbs down, his chair, having a little bit of difficulty. He follows behind after scaling down its side.
[16:21] <Kilarra> Kjell chuckles a bit at Tognik and heads back to the tent with him.
[16:23] * Kilarra puts a little wiggle in her walk as she steps out in front of Aluthyra, her tail swaying.
[16:24] * Aluthyra blushes, her eyes straying to Kilarra's backside for a moment before she moves to the other woman's side.
[16:25] * Kilarra wraps her tail around Aluthyra's waist and pulls her in closer, "You should lighten up a little. You already let me know you're interested, so why all the hesitation?"
[16:27] * Aluthyra sighs. "It is just... a new experience. It is not that I have never felt anything like this, but I've never acted on it, or even reached this point..."
[16:31] * Kilarra rolls her eyes, "Well, considering we could all be dead this time tomorrow, now's not a bad time to take a chance on it."
[16:32] * Aluthyra turns bright red. She clears her throat. "I am... unsure that I am ready." She looks away. "Sorry..."
[16:33] * Kilarra pouts a bit. "Fiiiiine. But if we both make it through this, which we'd better, I'm gonna stop taking no for an answer."
[16:34] * Aluthyra only reddens further, but nods, agreeing. "I... alright. Th-then I will stop saying no."
[16:36] * Kilarra smirks. This was gonna be great. They just had to make it through the next... however long without getting killed.
[16:38] * Aluthyra clears her throat. "Then... we should rest, for the upcoming battle."
[16:39] * Kilarra nods, "OKie dokie." Everyting was coming up Kilarra. All she needed now was a chance to show up that stupid elf and everything would be fantastic. She slips into the tent and risrobes down to her undergarments before laying herself down.
[16:41] * Aluthyra follows, sorting her monk robe into a neat pile, then slips into her bedroll, resting for the night.
[16:46] <Kilarra> Kjell goes to bed
[16:46] <@Aluthyra> Tognik as well!
[17:21] <Kilarra> \Part 3: Library of Dust/
[17:22] <Kilarra> Just before dawn on the morning of the attack, the elven camp is a flurry of activity. The first groups leave well before dawn to reach their appointed battlefields, scattered around the outskirts of Celwynvian.
[17:22] <Kilarra> Kaerishiel, who shakes the tents, awakes the party. He says little to them aside from “I hope you don’t plan on spending the entire battle unconscious,” before wandering off to join his own soldiers.
[17:23] * Kilarra awakes with a grouse, reaching for her whip. If that elf said one more word...
[17:24] * Aluthyra sighs, waking up and quickly slipping into her robes. She stretches, slinging her bow over her shoulder. She nods to Kilarra. "I will be... outside. I know you still need to prepare your spells."
[17:24] <Kilarra> Kjell awakes and pulls out his spellbook, looking it over to decide what would be best to take into the fray. Considering the rank and file drow liked to fight at a distance with their fancy crossbows, her figured a healthy dose of ranged magic was in order.
[17:24] * Kilarra grumbles a bit and goes about her morning devotions a bit more modestly than usual.
[17:25] * Aluthyra waits outside of the tent.
[17:26] <@Aluthyra> Tognik sleeps. He plans on taking advantage of the hour of prep time Kjell and Kilarra need.
[17:34] * Kilarra finishes up and gets dressed, stepping out of the tent looking ready
[17:34] <Kilarra> Kjell emerges at around the same time, closing his spellbook and slipping it away
[17:35] * Aluthyra nods to Kilarra. "Then... are we all prepared?" She raises an eyebrow. "Where is Tognik?"
[17:36] <Kilarra> Kjell chuckles and slips back inside to wake Tognik
[17:36] <@Aluthyra> Tognik groans, mumbling, "Five more minutes..."
[17:38] <Kilarra> KJell shakes his head, "I'm afraid we haven't the time for another five moments, let alone five minutes. We should make haste so that we can be where we need to in time."
[17:40] <@Aluthyra> Tognik sighs, quickly getting ready and into his gear. He nods to Kjell, heading out of the tent.
[17:42] <Kilarra> The party has been informed that the attack will begin when the sun's rays touch the tip of the highest remaining spire in the city. Heading through the forest towards their intended point of attack leaves them with a few minutes to spare in case they had any last minute things to discuss.
[17:43] * Kilarra pulls out her crossbow and loads it with one of the magical bolts she nabbed from Shindiira, hoping to be a bit more effective at a distance if she needed to be.
[17:44] <Kilarra> Kjell looks to Aluthyra, "We know the drow tend to favour their crossbows, but they do not have your range. I have some spells that can reach far enough, but I think for the most part, while we remain at a distance or on approach, we will be relying on you."
[17:45] * Aluthyra nods, switching to cold iron arrows. "Then I will do my best to not disappoint."
[17:46] * Kilarra looks at her own crossbow with a frown. It was larger than those of the drow, but more unwieldy. She sighs and hopes there's something close enough to touch or trip at least.
[17:50] <Kilarra> Kjell watches the spire as the sun continues to rise. As soon as it hits the designated mark, he motions with a hand, "I will lead, in the case of an ambush to draw fire, which will allow Aluthyra to fire back if that is the case. Hopefully she can spot them before that though." He smiles and casts his shield spell, using his arcane pool to keep it charged and ready
[17:51] * Aluthyra keeps her eyes scanning in front of them as she follows, one arrow already nocked and ready to be fired.
[17:52] <@Aluthyra> Tognik follows in the rear, trying to be a bit sneaky.
[17:52] <Kilarra> Leaving the ancient forest behind, the ruins of Celwynvian loom out of the morning fog like ancient bones. Gnarled trees and dense vines cover many of the crumbling structures, making for a strange landscape of leafy walls and verdant towers. Up ahead, a pair of weathered statues loom on either side of the path, marking the entrance to the city. Not far beyond them, a mostly intact library stands in the center of the road.
[17:53] * Kilarra nods, her crossbow up and ready. "That's gotta be it."
[17:54] * Aluthyra blinks. "Much larger than expected..."
[17:55] <Kilarra> Kjell draws Tyrant's Bane and keeps his spell arm loose. "Crying Leaf could barely be called a village. I imagine this was a proper thriving city back in its day."
[17:57] <Kilarra> Most of the outer walls of this ancient stone building remain intact, but they show serious signs of damage and decay. Small piles of rubble litter the ground and twisting creeper vines cling to the pitted surface.
[18:06] <Kilarra> Trying to hide up on the roof are a Quartet of Drow, waiting to ambush anyone who approaches the building. ALuthyra, Kilarra and Tognik all manage to spot them just as they're trying to line up their shots.
[18:09] * Kilarra kicks Kjell in the shin and points his attention to the roof
[18:10] * Aluthyra swings her bow up in the quartet's direction, firing off her first arrow at the closest drow. She quickly nocks a second, firing it at the same target. Her third, she aims more carefully, firing it at a second drow.
[18:14] <Kilarra> Aluthyra's shot gets lucky, catching one of the drow in the stomach and sending him tumbling off the roof to his death. Her other arrows are deflected by the protective cover of the roof.
[18:15] <Kilarra> Two of the drow, wearing mithral chain shirts, aim their crossbows at Aluthyra. She was the sniper, so she had to go first. The others wouldn't be able to scale the room without ranged cover, or so they assume.
[18:17] <Kilarra> ALuthyra is nimble enough to duck one bolt, but another grazes her across the shoulder.
[18:18] * Aluthyra winces, shrugging it off. Not too much damage done.
[18:19] <Kilarra> The lighter drow skirmisher also fires on ALuthyra, aiming to take her out of the fray now that he knows she's capable of picking them off on the roof.
[18:21] <Kilarra> A poisoned bolt whizzes past her and embeds itself in the ground. The drow quickly reload.
[18:22] <Kilarra> Kjell decides to make the drow's cover a non issue by raising his spell hand and unleashing a quintet of magic missiles. He sends three of them at the skirmisher, then one each at the soldiers to soften them up
[18:23] * Kilarra brings up her Crossbow and attempts to return the favour to the drow that shot Aluthyra.
[18:24] <Kilarra> Kilarra actually manages to hit her mark, but only glancingly.
[18:25] * Kilarra pouts and sets her crossbow down, setting herself up to be defensively useful if that's all she could do at a distance.
[18:27] <@Aluthyra> Tognik casts a spell of grease underneath the drow.
[18:30] <Kilarra> One of the drow loses his balance and falls right off the room
[18:30] <Kilarra> roof
[18:31] <Kilarra> the other two manage to hold their spots
[18:32] * Aluthyra aims for the bulkier of the two remaining drow, firing two arrows. She then aims for the second drow, firing her last arrow with extra precision.
[18:34] <Kilarra> Between his mithral armour and the roof, the last drow on the roof is unharmed. However, he is the last drow on the roof now, as his less protected companion is sniped down.
[18:35] <Kilarra> The soldier who fell attempts to stand, then draws his rapier, preparing for melee now that his height advantage is gone.
[18:35] <Kilarra> The last soldier on the roof just holds still and tries to get some return fire on Aluthyra
[18:35] <Kilarra> He misses
[18:36] <Kilarra> Kjell doesn't want to expend too much more of his magic right away when there's a target on the ground. He runs up to the soldier drow and takes a swing at him,
[18:37] <Kilarra> The drow takes a nasty gash from Kjell's enchanted black blade.
[18:38] * Kilarra runs up to the drow and grabs him, "My turn." She pumps him full of negative energy
[18:39] <Kilarra> The drow falls smouldering to the ground as his already nasty gash erupts into a fatal wound
[18:39] <Kilarra> Presumably Aluthyra kills the last one
[18:39] <Kilarra> -End Session-
[18:40] <Kilarra> Rewards: 1 EL 8; 1200 Experience Each.