Date: Truffandu, 14 Akroeg 424 (6/29/2017)

NPCs present: Amlach

players present: Auradric, Felicini, Hammerfist, Isharon, Nimthiriel, and Ternith

[Theren Keep, Approach]
A timeworn gatehouse rises to the north, its twin towers bearing conspicuous scars from a long-standing siege. The stone and mortar look patched in key places where catapult stones bombarded the stout facade, but there's no indication the gates have ever been breached. A stagnant semi-filled moat impedes further progress towards the Keep, and the sickly-green slime bubbling inside looks and smells like it dates back to the Old Empire.
You also see an ironwood drawbridge, a tri-shot munitions crate, a cable barrel, a narrow ledge descending into the moat and a tri-bolt ballista.
Obvious paths: south.

[22:37] * Marshal of Therengia Amlach Urulokie joins the adventure. (special notice)

[22:39] [Local][Isharon] "Has anyone seen Marshal Amlach? I was wondering if he had any news of Viggu or his recent activities?"

No one answered me, so I spent some time searching within Theren Keep. After not finding Amlach, I was about to give up when I happened to stumble upon him talking with Hammerfist and Nimthiriel outside the drawbridge.

[22:52] Hammerfist says, "Well sir being not but 4 or 5 others helped me slay the orc's i was held up in haven."

[22:52] Amlach says, "And the road was flooded with them."

[22:52] Amlach says, "You can only be in one place at a time."

[22:52] Nimthiriel says, "It is difficult being in multiple places at once."

[22:53] Amlach says, "Greetings."

[22:53] Hammerfist says, "Isharon was near the stones."

[22:53] Isharon says to Amlach, "Good evening."

[22:53] Amlach says, "I am taking reports on the attack."

[22:53] Isharon says to Amlach, "When I heard the news, my first thought was of the Warding Stones in the Zaulfung."

[22:54] Isharon says to Amlach, "At first, all seemed quiet at the Stones."

[22:54] Hammerfist says to Amlach, "We had been going back and forth and saw none. hey must have slipped in behind us."

[22:55] Isharon says to Amlach, "Yet shortly after I reported this observation, I was beset by several orc savages that were beyond the reach of my humble blade."

[22:55] Nimthiriel says to Isharon, "They were quite tough."

[22:55] Amlach says, "Yes they are tough uglies."

[22:55] Isharon says to Amlach, "I held out for as long as I could but was forced to concede the ground lest I be unable to summon aid."

[22:55] Isharon says to Amlach, "Several died in the defense, including the Guard's own Auradric."

[22:56] Amlach says, "He sent a great deal of troops for one piece of stone."

[22:57] Isharon says to Amlach, "Auradric tells me that a necromancer performed some kind of ritual on his corpse. This person may be working with Viggu or at least toward the same awful end."

[22:57] Amlach says, "And we must assume that he has that piece of stone in his possesion now."

[22:57] Hammerfist says to Amlach, "He lost a greal deal of troops as well."

[22:57] Isharon says to Amlach, "I did not see anyone take a piece of the Stones, and they appeared unchanged to my untrained eye, but I have heard reports that a piece of one of the stones was taken for some unholy end."

[22:58] Nimthiriel says, "The streets of Riverhaven ran with the blood of orc scum."

[22:58] Amlach says, "His attack was province wide and he always takes more innocents to make more orcs."

[22:58] Hammerfist says, "An orc was spotted running off with a chunk of grey stone."

[22:59] Amlach says, "You did well but I am concerned with the lack of troops north of the lake."

[22:59] Hammerfist says, "But they looked unharmed to me as well."

[22:59] Isharon says to Amlach, "To be honest, I assumed the attack was to distract resources from the Stones, which both Viggu and the Elpalzi wretch have shown interest in."

[22:59] Nimthiriel says to Hammerfist, "May their captives die before they are violated."

[23:00] Amlach says, "We have reports that they have been digging near the stones, perhaps the piece was taken from were the stone is sunk into the ground."

[23:00] Isharon gravely asks, "Who was taken captive?"

[23:00] Nimthiriel says, "He is known to take people...for..."

[23:00] Amlach says, "Farmers and villagers."

[23:00] Nimthiriel says, "Women."

[23:00] Nimthiriel says, "Children."

[23:00] Amlach says, "Some as food and others as....."

[23:00] Hammerfist says to Isharon, "Viggu steals the locals almost every raid."

[23:01] Isharon says to Felicini, "Hello."

[23:02] Nimthiriel says to Amlach, "I have no answer for the protection north of the lake."

[23:02] Felicini says, "Hello."

[23:02] Amlach says, "So now we must plan because he will want a piece of the black stone next."

[23:02] Isharon says to Amlach, "I am not of this land, but that which sleeps beneath the swamp imperils all of Kermoria, so I answer the summons when I am able."

[23:02] Amlach says, "And we are thankful."

[23:03] Amlach says, "As for north of the lake..."

[23:03] Amlach says, "I was hoping to see the commander of the watch."

[23:04] Amlach says, "An effort must be made to guard the keep."

[23:04] Isharon says to Amlach, "Do you recall the commander's name? I might be able to send word of your request."

[23:04] Felicini says, "Ternith."

[23:04] Amlach says, "Ternith."

[23:04] Felicini says, "The Theren Guard patrols the Keep regulary."

[23:05] Amlach says, "Yes but the orc attack went unchecked from Langenfirth to the gates of this city."

[23:05] Hammerfist says, "Commander has been training lately in lava drakes and i have been to his training nights."

[23:05] Amlach says, ""The defenders in Haven could not come here."

[23:06] Isharon says to Amlach, "Perhaps my thought will reach an ear closer to his."

[23:06] Felicini says, "I see Ternith from time to time as well, I can let him know you wish to speak with him."

[23:06] Amlach says, "Well if I dont see him now I will speak with him later."

[23:07] Amlach says, "In the meanwhile we need to be alert for a follow up attack."

[23:07] Amlach says, "He will no doubt with a piece of the black stone."

[23:07] Amlach says, "And he always wishes to do us harm."

[23:08] Hammerfist says, "I will keep a sharp eye on the stones."

[23:08] Isharon asks Amlach, "Have your scholars given any thought to what exactly Viggu might accomplish with two pieces of the Warding Stones?"

[23:08] Felicini says, "I have been checking the stones periodically as has others of the Theren Guard and we will continue to."

[23:08] Amlach says, "Not yet though they are puzzling over it."

[23:09] Amlach says, "I am not sure the actual material of the stones hold the answer."

[23:09] Isharon says, "I mean, we can certainly assume that it is nothing in our best interest. But knowing more about his goal might help us mount a more effective defense."

[23:09] Amlach says, "I could be wrong."

[23:09] Isharon says to Amlach, "Perhaps he wishes to study some trace of the enchantment away from our prying eyes (and swords)."

[23:10] Amlach asks, "No doubt but do you think the actual stone itself holds that residue?"

[23:10] Nimthiriel says, "Sometimes people take something apart to see how it works so they may change it or corrupt it."

[23:10] Nimthiriel says, "Like a clock...make it run backward..."

[23:11] Isharon says to Amlach, "It is possible that it holds some clue, but I confess my ignorance of such arcane matters. I am but a sword of the Temple."

[23:11] Amlach says, "Viggu is more than a mere warlord he is some kind of shaman."

[23:11] Amlach says, "He looks like a brute but there is a brain there."

[23:11] Hammerfist says, "He's very powerful and cunning as well."

[23:12] Amlach says, "But I always wonder if there is not a power behind him."

[23:12] Isharon says to Amlach, "I hear that Ternith may be on his way here."

[23:13] Isharon says, "Indeed, it will be our folly to underestimate our foe."

[23:13] Amlach says, "People are great deal less obtrusive than me have scouted the orc lands and see no signs of a higher lord than Viggu."

[23:13] Amlach says, "Ahh."

[23:13] Ternith says, "Greetings all."

[23:13] Ternith says to Felicini, "Thank you for sending me the thought."

[23:13] Amlach says, "I was taking reports of the orc attack and I had some concerns."

[23:14] Felicini says, "Of course."

[23:14] Ternith asks Amlach, "How may I be of service?"

[23:14] Amlach says, "My main concern was the unchecked orc attack from Langenfirth to the gates of the city."

[23:15] Ternith says, "I know we have been watching the stones and the keep close."

[23:15] Amlach says, "The defenders of Haven could not come here but no one else did either."

[23:15] Ternith says, "Forgive me for not taking notice of the orcs between Lang and here."

[23:15] Amlach says, "The orcs flooded the road and attacked the gates."

[23:16] Amlach says, "The baron was in residence so this is a concern."

[23:16] Ternith says, "I will be sure to share with Speaker of the Theren Guard, together we will work to keep a closer eye on the roads and the area sir."

[23:17] Ternith says, "I don't know how it was missed, but it wont be missed again."

[23:17] Amlach says, "I think you know your business so I will leave it at that."

[23:17] Ternith asks, "Is the Baron okay? Do we know if anything was damaged?"

[23:17] Felicini says, "There were some Theren Guard adventurers who did fight with all their heart, th ey immediately went to the stone to fight."

[23:17] Felicini says, "And they also fought around Haven."

[23:18] Ternith says to Felicini, "That is good to know."

[23:18] Amlach says, "No the baron was fine and in a pince he would have stepped out to fight."

[23:18] Amlach says, "Pinch."

[23:18] Amlach says, "But I much prefer he does not."

[23:18] Ternith says, "Agreed."

[23:18] Isharon says to Amlach, "This is the Guardsman I mentioned earlier, Paladin Auradric."

[23:18] Ternith says, "We will tighten up the patrols."

[23:19] Amlach says, "We have to assume given Viggus usualk tactics that he always spreads out his attack."

[23:19] Amlach says, "He wants to prisoners."

[23:19] Ternith says, "We will also be sure to watch Rossmans too."

[23:19] Amlach says, "Also.."

[23:20] Amlach asks, "I had a report about some bickering over precedent?"

[23:20] Amlach asks, "Who does what where?"

[23:20] Amlach asks, "Has that been worked out?"

[23:20] Felicini says, "As far as I'm concerned we are all iln this together."

[23:21] Amlach says, "Because I assure you if the baron sees such a report there will be unpleasentness."

[23:21] Ternith says, "I think there are some that might have concern, but we are still working to make certain the province is safe."

[23:21] Auradric says, "There is no bickering that I am aware of."

[23:21] Hammerfist says, "I help everywhere but my first thing is haven and the stones."

[23:22] Amlach says, "The baron feels like he should never have to speak to the subject again."

[23:22] Ternith says, "Understood."

[23:22] Amlach says, "My good advice is don't make him have to."

[23:22] Ternith says, "It is clear in my mind sir."

[23:23] Auradric respectfully says, "Good advice, indeed."

[23:23] Felicini says, "Ternith and I have always worked well together."

[23:23] Amlach says, "So to recap."

[23:23] Amlach says, "Watch the stones and don't forget to watch up the lake."

[23:24] Amlach says, "He also crossed the river."

[23:24] Amlach says, "Or rather his orcs did."

[23:24] Isharon asks Amlach, "The Faldesu?"

[23:24] Isharon darkly says, "I wonder what interest he has south of the river."

[23:24] Nimthiriel says, "Victims."

[23:25] Amlach says, "We should try to contain them before they cross the border."

[23:25] Isharon says, "I hope the relics that were recovered from Sorrow's Keep are safe from orcish hands."

[23:26] Amlach says, "So we have a lot to watch."

[23:26] Auradric says, "With too few eyes."

[23:26] Felicini says, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention."

[23:26] Amlach says, "Arrange it do it and let me know the arrangements."

[23:26] Amlach says, "Well if it was easy everyone would do it."

[23:26] Isharon says to Auradric, "The quality of those eyes can often compensate for the lack of quantity."

[23:27] Felicini says, "We are up to the task."

[23:27] Auradric lightheartedly says, "If everyone did it, we might have the problem solved by now."

[23:27] Amlach says, "Service is not for everyone."

[23:27] Isharon exclaims to Auradric, "Do not tell me that my cynicism is rubbing off on you!"

[23:27] Amlach says, "You can dismiss."

[23:28] Nimthiriel says, "Be well, sir."

[23:28] Amlach says, "Eyes open."

---

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