It had been a sobering journey for the last surviving Leather Coat. He had not expected the 12 riders to be eliminated from the equation so soon. At least not without the aid of Rextugenous and his 3 hand picked companions.

He would have preferred to make Tathlums from the heads of the fallen riders, but it was not his place to cut off their heads without the permission of his employer.

Instead, he followed the simple orders to spread the pitch over all the corpses, but he made mental notes of each Goblin Raider to be better prepared whenever the others were encountered. He noted their features, weapons and armor ... deciding how best to fight against their ilk in the not too distant future ... while specially noting what Lars had solemnly said about the dead remains:

"Best not to leave behind any parts of friend ... or foe ... to come back and haunt us! We learned the hard way long ago ... that the animated bodies of the UnDead ... have no allegiance to former friends ... or to former loved ones!"
This brought back the pain and sorrow of having to slay and behead his former Leather Coats companions in their decaying undead state! Rextugenous breathed an almost inaudible vow to avenge the 12 riders ... as well as the UnDead Leather Coats he was forced to put to rest several days ago!

What ordinarily would have been a humorous incident the previous night while on guard duty, was somewhat unnerving and a bit eery. Drog and Seg Kargar had almost seemed to be in heat in the partial privacy of their covered wagon. At least it had sounded that way as the wagon shifted numerous times during the times of his watch.

Even their amorous romp among the unseen treasures did not seem to be the ordinary mating rituals of Halflings ... but they were from a land far removed from where Rextugenous had encountered any Halflings ... so he dismissed the thoughts gnawing at his subconscious.

Then there were the Wolves that were prowling around the area on both sides of the wagons, but their glaring yellow eyes were all he had seen, as they moved along each time he took any steps in their direction to keep them away from the horses.

After he ate his breakfast and attended to his 'family' of weapons, the Paladin/Wizard/Bard broke forth into an oration to inspire his companions and comfort the exotic ladies they were hired to protect:

"We all have lost comrades
Whether long ago
Or in the day past
But one thing is sure
My deity Brigit is with me
And I am with you
So Fear Not My Friends!"
Rextugenous finds a place of privacy not far from the wagons to commune with Brigit and renew his focus on his granted spells. He is ever alert and vigilant for any signs of trouble before Fredrico orders the wagons to continue moving forward towards Lasch.

After giving Orion his morning meal, Cal proceeded to do his customary training until breakfast was served. During this time he reflected upon what had happened yesterday.

The travel had been uneventful and after a while Cal started thinking about how his conversation was in the wagon with his new companions and was hoping that his reserved attitude did not reflect upon him unkindly. He thought “May be at the camp I will have the opportunity speak with them. But for now I must do what is asked of me.” So Cal rode Orion near the second and last wagon, observing what was ahead and moving himself between the edge of the road and the wagon’s left and right sides to challenge anyone. His lance and shield ready, he felt ready to handle any comers. Then things changed

Along the road, blood and goblin body parts started to appear. Then in the distance there were scavengers circling over head. Cal knew what that meant he has seen that too many times on patrol. Some type of violence has taken place and it was a large one. Fredrico took notice and drove the wagons post haste to the scene.


Upon arriving it was obversed to all that the riders made camp and were attacked. Cal looked at the area to get an idea what had happened. The raiders came and surprised the hired riders killing all of them and then drove the horses toward Lasch. The Fredrico and Lars had the bodies together in a pile and poured pitch on them and lit the pile and the fire consumed the bodies.

Then Lars spoke: Best not to leave behind any parts of friend ... or foe ... to come back and haunt us! We learned the hard way long ago ... that the animated bodies of the Undead ... have no allegiance to former friends ... or to former loved ones!"

Cal remembered times when on patrol he had to bury some of his comrades on the road since they were too far from home to be taken back. That is why the Knights in each city on the patrol route have a cemetery just for these occasions. During this time he remembered bring back the sword and locket of one of his men back to his mother. How it pained him so to tell her how her son died and to see in her face pride mixed with sorrow at her loss. That was his first one and you never forget those.

Fredrico then drove the wagons until dark over took them. They made camp and setup the watch duties and was limited to the amount of wine they could have which did not bother Cal for he wanted to be ready for anything and has already learned that to much of a good thing leaves him in a poor state the next day. It also seemed that everyone was ready to get some rest after that day’s events and the uncertain tomorrow.

During the night only wolves in the outlining area gave any cause for concern and they were easily driven off. But it was the Halflings that caught most attention with their nocturnal rondevu in their wagon. Cal thought it was a bit peculiar for the day’s events. “Maybe they believe that this could be there last night and are husband and wife” with that thought Cal placed it in the back of his mind and finished his shift.

Now that he was done training and meditation, Cal proceeded to go and check on his steed and then goes to breakfast. As he walked along to where the others had gathered a thought pasted his mind, “What kind of surprises are waiting ahead of us and what is in the wagons that so many lives are spent getting and keeping it. Maybe some answers will be forth coming at morning meal.

Goblins… How he hated goblins. It had been orcs that had burned down his home village and cut down his family and friends alike, but for Danamar there was little difference between greenskins of different sizes. They were all bloodthirsty monsters whose only goal in life was to wreak havoc and destruction. And as far as he was concerned, the world would have been a better place without them. Danamar had made it a mission of his to avenge the deaths of his family members on the goblinoid races. And it seemed now that there might be a good chance to cut down a few of the beasts on this trip in the name of his kin.

Guarding the wagons had seemed like a very easy job that paid very well. There had been no sign of trouble before the corpses of goblins started to litter the roadside. But the ranger noticed their employer wasn't worried, so he tried not to worry too much about it himself. But try as he may, Danamar couldn't help watching the woods more keenly for any signs of would be attackers. But the carefree attitude changed very quickly when his elven eyes caught sight of the flock of carrion crows in the distance…

A few hundred yards down the road the stench hit them and after a couple more, the sight. Danamar quickly counted all twelve riders amongst the dead. They had fought valiantly even if they had been taken by surprise as was apparent from the way they were spread out. Two, perhaps three times the riders' number in goblins lay dead all around the camp site. Danamar lowered his chin to his chest as a wave of sadness washed over him. The druid sent a quick prayer to Oercus and jumped down from the driver's seat well before the wagon came to a halt.

While the others saw to the dead, the elf took a walk around the camp site looking at the tracks on the ground. He tried to come up with a number for the attacking force to see how many had survived. The actions of Frederico and Lars did not go unnoticed even though Danamar was concentrating on the scene of the battle. The thought of burning the corpses was strange to the druid, but he wasn't sure what the tradition was where their employers were from. Lars's words about the undead took him by surprise though. It was the first indication of the unholy creatures in the area he had ever heard… And it worried him. It worried him very much.

If his calculations were any where close to the truth, there had been something like six dozen of the attacking goblins with half of their number now dead and burning. Adding that to the number they'd seen along the road, Danamar came fairly close to a hundred of the ugly and nasty creatures. The riders had done well. They'd managed to cut the greenskin force down to half before they'd been massacred by the bloodthirsty monsters. He could only hope the rest of them were happy with the spoils of the raid and would not decide to come after them as well. He had full trust in the abilities of their little group, but 50 goblins might just prove to be too much.

When the dark deed was done, Frederico ordered the wagons on the move again. The darkness was falling rapidly and they couldn't travel much further. After some five miles or so the small caravan was forced to stop for the night. It was clear to Danamar, that the routine at the campsite was something the drivers and the four exotic women traveling with them were used to. It was also clear that Frederico had given the guard duty orders and kept the same speech about drinking while on duty more than a few times. Danamar and his three new companions were just another group of adventurers hired to do their part. And that was just fine with the elf. He didn't really intend to become friends with the brothers and the halflings anyway.

Travel had been uneventful for much of the day, a fact that, while calming for many, was concerning to Toraad. Noticing the tell-tale signs of skirmishes, the dwarf pondered the implications. Typically, bandits and raiders did not leap out significant numbers of well-armed riders, which Toraad assumed the twelve who had departed from the caravan were. No, from his experience as a mercenary Toraad knew bandits and raiders preferred laying in wait for an easy score, such as the caravan he rode in. Such knowledge left the dwarf frowning in thought as he observed the signs of their escorts passing. Either these riders were especially good at rooting out danger, or there was increased activity within these woods. Although the former was ideal, Toraad had no idea of the capabilities of those who rode before them; hopefully they could handle their own. Unfortunately, the dwarf's question was answered well before he desired.

Within the lead cart, Toraad spent most of his ride with Fredrico in silence, likely due to both of them trying to keep a sharp eye upon the road. As the day wore on however, Toraad became aware that the man was growing more and more concerned over the lack of presence of his riders, although he certainly resisted showing his care; it was surprisingly common amongst merchants, if not out of concern for their hirelings then at least out of concern for themselves and their investments. As they continued to progress, pools of blood as well as the severed limbs of goblins began to appear more frequently. The sight of the greenskins was unwelcoming to Toraad; he'd killed his share of the vile cretins in his time. Rounding another bend brought into view the presence of carrion birds, spurring Fredrico to drive the wagons faster. What they found was certainly tragic; there lay the forms of the twelve riders, surrounded by the only good goblins - dead ones.

From there the members of the caravan took the necessary measured to provide a proper funeral service - at least what Fredrico and Lars deemed appropriate. While it didn't bother him that they were burning the goblin corpses, Toraad could not help but ponder their treatment of their own, but then surfacers were a strange lot, and Toraad still had to accept that. Additionally, a remark by Lars regarding the undead before they set camp caught Toraad's attention; it seemed far too knowing.

Watch had come and gone without any incident. The vivid eyes and dark forms of wolves had been visible moving in the distance, but such was not surprising given the smell of roasted flesh that had wafted through the woods; hunters and scavengers, seeking a meal. At one point it occurred to Toraad that perhaps he should place glyphs of warding to assist in their protection, but he decided against the matter; it appeared that the greenskin forces had long since left.

Come morning, Toraad sought a place to focus his thoughts as the others prepared for breakfast. He prayed to Steel for a chance to prove his mettle as he served as a member of this company; although he had not engaged in battle with these goblins, he hoped that Steel would bless him with a chance to put down those greenskins who had slain his unknown comrades. After his meditation, Toraad moved to join the others to discuss the quiet of the night.

Leather Coats Avengers
Cast & Characters Rextugenous [played by Hammer] a level 5 (Human) Paladin, Wizard, Bard who worships Brigit
Danamar Maeleneill [played by Raven] a level 5 (Elf) Druid, Ranger who worships Oercus
Toraad Ovmek [played by Tuned_Out] a level 5 (Dwarf) Cleric, Monk who worships Steel
Sir Calmindon Jorralan [played by Ziklag] a level 5 (Half Elf) Knight, Illusionist who worships Araulin

Previously in Leather Coats Avengers
(Includes Response Updates)
The previous day had begun uneventfully enough. Each of the Avengers had gotten the opportunity to mentally register and measure the merits of his companions. The three recruits had been caught off guard by the unexpected ride in the Stagecoach, but they held their tongues and kept their thoughts to themselves as they followed the calm lead of Rextugenous.

There had been some conversation along the way, before the adventurers arrived at the camp of the waiting wagons. Fredrico Fortunato and his brother Lars quickly set the tone for their assigned guard duties and soon the wagon caravan was on its way to the city of Lasch.

Travel had been uneventful for much of the day, a fact that, while calming for many, was concerning to Toraad. Noticing the tell-tale signs of skirmishes, the dwarf pondered the implications. Typically, bandits and raiders did not leap out significant numbers of well-armed riders, which Toraad assumed the twelve who had departed from the caravan were. No, from his experience as a mercenary Toraad knew bandits and raiders preferred laying in wait for an easy score, such as the caravan he rode in. Such knowledge left the dwarf frowning in thought as he observed the signs of their escorts passing. Either these riders were especially good at rooting out danger, or there was increased activity within these woods. Although the former was ideal, Toraad had no idea of the capabilities of those who rode before them; hopefully they could handle their own. Unfortunately, the dwarf's question was answered well before he desired.
Toraad noted the scattered remains and missing limbs of the Goblin Raiders, as their tell tale signs of pooling blood all along the trail sparked his warrior spirit to draw upon all his previous experience in recent years to be at the ready to protect the precious cargo inside each of the three wagons.

He noted how Fredrico kept his fears ... or rather concerns ... to himself as they passed each sign of the capabilities of the 12 Riders in the employ of Fredrico and Lars. The dwarf was ready to prove to his employer that he was more than capable to fulfill the job that he had been hired to do!

Goblins… How he hated goblins. It had been orcs that had burned down his home village and cut down his family and friends alike, but for Danamar there was little difference between greenskins of different sizes. They were all bloodthirsty monsters whose only goal in life was to wreak havoc and destruction. And as far as he was concerned, the world would have been a better place without them. Danamar had made it a mission of his to avenge the deaths of his family members on the goblinoid races. And it seemed now that there might be a good chance to cut down a few of the beasts on this trip in the name of his kin.
Danamar took silent note of the bloody remains of his hated foes! How they disgusted the elf as the painful memories of his slain family and friends from the burning remains of his home village reached out with its painful tendrils to try to torment the elf.

His training as a Druid and Ranger helped Danamar to quickly dismiss the tormenting thoughts and put them in their proper perspective as he scanned the surroundings along the trail for any opportunity to avenge those he still held dear in his heart.

Then his senses were jarred into a morbid reality as he beheld the sight of the carrion feasting upon the dead bodies of slain Goblins and fallen Riders!

While the others saw to the dead, the elf took a walk around the camp site looking at the tracks on the ground. He tried to come up with a number for the attacking force to see how many had survived. The actions of Frederico and Lars did not go unnoticed even though Danamar was concentrating on the scene of the battle. The thought of burning the corpses was strange to the druid, but he wasn't sure what the tradition was where their employers were from. Lars's words about the undead took him by surprise though. It was the first indication of the unholy creatures in the area he had ever heard… And it worried him. It worried him very much.

If his calculations were any where close to the truth, there had been something like six dozen of the attacking goblins with half of their number now dead and burning. Adding that to the number they'd seen along the road, Danamar came fairly close to a hundred of the ugly and nasty creatures. The riders had done well. They'd managed to cut the greenskin force down to half before they'd been massacred by the bloodthirsty monsters. He could only hope the rest of them were happy with the spoils of the raid and would not decide to come after them as well. He had full trust in the abilities of their little group, but 50 goblins might just prove to be too much.
Little did the Elf Druid/Ranger realize that 50 Goblins would be a welcome challenge ... in comparison to the countless perils awaiting this group of Leather Coats Avengers over the course of their journey!

Cal remembered times when on patrol he had to bury some of his comrades on the road since they were too far from home to be taken back. That is why the Knights in each city on the patrol route have a cemetery just for these occasions. During this time he remembered bring back the sword and locket of one of his men back to his mother. How it pained him so to tell her how her son died and to see in her face pride mixed with sorrow at her loss. That was his first one and you never forget those.
The Half Elf Knight/Illusionist found it a bit disturbing to his code of honor that the fallen Riders had no such cemetery and no such remembrances to honor their untimely passing into the unknown.

Death had claimed them suddenly and cruelly, but Fredrico and Lars treated their bodies just the same as they did with how they disposed of the rest of the garbage that had claimed their lives. Burning them with pitch and explaining their reasons with a cryptic reply regarding undead friends and loved ones was a bit disconcerting.

He noticed the worried look on the face of the Elf and tried to cover and suppress his own worried look by saluting the fallen in a manner befitting their former station in the employ of the Fortunato brothers.

It was clear to Danamar, that the routine at the campsite was something the drivers and the four exotic women traveling with them were used to. It was also clear that Frederico had given the guard duty orders and kept the same speech about drinking while on duty more than a few times. Danamar and his three new companions were just another group of adventurers hired to do their part. And that was just fine with the elf. He didn't really intend to become friends with the brothers and the halflings anyway.
Left alone with his thoughts, Danamar welcomed the opportunity to stand watch and strained his senses for any telltale signs of the goblins that he almost wished would spring upon the camp under the cover of darkness. He was torn between disappointment and relief when nary a goblin neared the camp.

During the night only wolves in the outlining area gave any cause for concern and they were easily driven off. But it was the Halflings that caught most attention with their nocturnal rondevu in their wagon. Cal thought it was a bit peculiar for the day’s events. “Maybe they believe that this could be there last night and are husband and wife” with that thought Cal placed it in the back of his mind and finished his shift.

Now that he was done training and meditation, Cal proceeded to go and check on his steed and then goes to breakfast. As he walked along to where the others had gathered a thought pasted his mind, “What kind of surprises are waiting ahead of us and what is in the wagons that so many lives are spent getting and keeping it. Maybe some answers will be forth coming at morning meal.
Cal tried to ignore the Halflings after being subjected to their nocturnal noises while on watch. They seemed to be harmless enough ... just different from what he expected ... while unsure of just what he actually expected.

He was a bit disappointed that no new light was shed upon what type of Treasure he had been hired to protect. The morning conversation was a bit strained from the loss of the Riders who had escorted the wagons during their long journey, but everyone seemed to be a bit lighthearted after an uneventful night that could have cost another life or two.

The four maidens went about their duties at the campsite as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened along the way. Either they were used to the danger and bloodshed ... or the country from where they were born was more dangerous than what had reared its ugly head during their long journey to Lasch.

Watch had come and gone without any incident. The vivid eyes and dark forms of wolves had been visible moving in the distance, but such was not surprising given the smell of roasted flesh that had wafted through the woods; hunters and scavengers, seeking a meal. At one point it occurred to Toraad that perhaps he should place glyphs of warding to assist in their protection, but he decided against the matter; it appeared that the greenskin forces had long since left.

Come morning, Toraad sought a place to focus his thoughts as the others prepared for breakfast. He prayed to Steel for a chance to prove his mettle as he served as a member of this company; although he had not engaged in battle with these goblins, he hoped that Steel would bless him with a chance to put down those greenskins who had slain his unknown comrades. After his meditation, Toraad moved to join the others to discuss the quiet of the night.
Toraad found that the mood around the breakfast campfire was a refreshing departure from his past experiences of grim lamentations for fallen heroes and comrades whose lives were suddenly snatched away without proper warning or preparation.

He would soon have his opportunity to experience the blessing of Steel in answer to his morning prayers. For the moment, he would enjoy the good food, along with the good company, that Steel had shone upon him favorably in the face of unknown dangers that awaited his presence.

After he ate his breakfast and attended to his 'family' of weapons, the Paladin/Wizard/Bard broke forth into an oration to inspire his companions and comfort the exotic ladies they were hired to protect:

"We all have lost comrades
Whether long ago
Or in the day past
But one thing is sure
My deity Brigit is with me
And I am with you
So Fear Not My Friends!"
Little did Rextugenous realize how true this morning exhortation would be ... long before the sun would set upon this determined band of adventurers!

Red Eyed Rabble
1pm on Tuesday
March 13, 212awd (After Winter Dark)
Breakfast had been rather uneventful, other than the exchange of pleasantries, coupled with the reports of each guard regarding the pack of wolves that had prowled around the camp during their watch.

Those on watch between 6am and 9am had checked the surrounding area, aided by the rays of light marking the dawn of a new day, but all evidence of tracks confirmed that the wolves had moved off down the trail towards the still smoldering corpses of the unfortunate fallen.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as Fredrico and Lars barked orders and made ready for the wagons to move on towards Lasch, while each of the Avengers made themselves ready with a bit of time to commune with their individual deities, before attending to their final duties before breaking camp.

Toraad, Danamar, Calmindon and Rextugenous remained vigilant as the wagons lurched forward, but as the day wore on past noon the traces of the Goblin Raiders and the stolen horses confirmed to the focused eyes of Danamar that they were well ahead of the wagons with no apparent evidence that any of them were preparing an ambush further up the trail.

The Halflings driving the Treasure Wagon (Drog and Seg Kargar) showed no signs of fatigue from their amorous activities during the previous night, but they seemed to be eyeing the surrounding hills to the north (on the right side) of the wagons.

It was as if they had some unknown ability to sense things that were out of the ordinary, but for the most part, they were regarded as fidgety and a bit unnerved by the slaughter of the 12 Riders the previous day, but no one would actually think that the Halflings were afraid.

Afterall, they had been through much worse during their travels with the Fortunato brothers, who had come to their rescue in an as yet untold tale of adventure. Halflings were not regarded as great adventurers in the minds of humans, but there were some who seemed to be braver than the average Halfling, as Drog and Seg Kargar seemed to be.

Calmindon rode a few yards to the north (right side) to determine if the Halflings had any reason to be uneasy, but as far as he and Orion could tell, there seemed to be no cause for alarm. Several minutes later the Knight spurred his steed forward to circle around the wagons to patrol on the south side.

Toraad was engaged in animated conversation with Fredrico, oblivious to the activity behind him, only concerned with surveying the terrain to the north and south as the wagon master continued his determined trek to Lasch, in spite of the loss of his trusted Riders.

There was no indication to the Dwarf Cleric that anything was amiss, other than the fading tracks of the Goblin Raiders and the rustled horses they were herding well ahead of the trailing wagons.

Danamar was thankful that Lars was not much of a conversationalist. This afforded the Druid/Ranger the opportunity to focus his Elven senses and abilities upon the surrounding country side. He was a bit dismayed that the wooded areas had given way to intermittent hills and plains.

He was now a bit out of his element, longing for the sweet songs of the trees, but the Elf had signed on for adventure that would take him beyond the realm of what he had known as home these past several years. This certainly qualified as seeing a part of the world that he was unfamiliar with; however, he would not be taken unawares by any Goblin Raiders as the fallen Riders had been yesterday.

For another 30 minutes the wagons followed the open trail with no apparent signs of danger. It was not long before another set of rolling hills to the north could be seen in the distance. Danamar weighed the possibilities of an ambush once they would draw nearer to the hills. He put all his focus on those approaching hills, certain that any danger would be found there ... or somewhere beyond up the trail.

At the rear of the Treasure Wagon and almost lost in quiet thought, Rextugenous passively eyed the trail from which they had already traversed. He noted that no suspicious activity seemed to be stalking them from the rear.

Occasionally he would stand up and lean out over the right or left of the wagon to see where they were heading, then survey the horizon to the south or to the north, before settling back into a sitting position to resume his contemplations.

After one such look to the north, Rextugenous shifted his attention towards the south, when the tell tale sound of an arrow thudding into the wagon frame where his hand had been mere moments before, caused the Human Paladin/Wizard/Bard to breathe a quick thankful prayer to Brigit for protecting him from the as yet unknown danger.

He quickly surveyed the nearby plain, but could not determine where the arrow had come from. Then he cautiously glanced at the arrow embedded in the wagon frame, still trying to figure out where the shaft had originated from ... when he did a wide-eyed double take!

He shouted a warning cry as Drog and Seg Kargar seemed to suppress an ironic grin, responding by spurring their horses to quicken their pace, as were Lars and Fredrico, upon hearing Rextugenous bellow from behind the Treasure Wagon:

"Beware My Friends! We Are Under Attack By Kobalds!"

"I Know Not Why This Particular Tribe Be So Far South ... But They Be Worshipers Of Benon Septep ... The Kobold Goddess Of Assassins And The Night ... All Their Weapons Be Laced With Poison ... Make Haste My Friends!"
As the horses responded to the urging of their drivers, the wagons quickly gained speed ... all the while the warning from Rextugenous seemed to hang in the very air round about them!

Time seemed to stand still ... as each of the Avengers scanned the surrounding plain for any sign of an attack ... from Kobolds ... or any other menace ... but for many long ... drawn out moments ... it seemed that whatever Rextugenous was warning them about ... was merely the wild imaginings of a 'Dream Weaver' hallucinogenic experience ... that is until ...

From hidden holes to the north and west of the wagons ... a horde of small ... but hideous murky green reptilian humanoids ... covered with scales and sparse fur ... glaring with defiant flame red eyes ... swarmed towards the wagons like a host of angry ants rudely awakened from a deep sleep!

There are probably 200+ Kobalds rushing to attack the wagons with poisoned arrows notched in their short bows and poisoned short swords dangling at their waists! They are almost in range to shoot their arrows (60 feet maximum) and Fredrico and Lars are driving their wagons like madmen in an attempt to out run the danger!

Drog and Seg Kargar are following the brothers lead ... openly laughing at the danger they are facing!

Each of the Avengers has one opportunity to combine their talents to repel this surprise attack ... before the Kobalds are in range with their poisoned arrows!

Please Post in the LC Avengers QnA which spell your character will use (hint hint nudge nudge) to try to disrupt the attacking Kobald horde!

Also Please Post in the Game Thread the response of your characters to the Red Eyed Rabble entry ... and confirm what action you are taking at the end of your post ... so I can determine the outcome and post the results in the next update!

Rextugenous knew that things to the north were much worse than he could imagine ... that something evil beyond telling had been loosed throughout the lands ... but he never imagined that the first menace he and his companions would be facing along the trail ... were the horrific hordes of Kobalds ... especially those brandishing weapons laced with poison ... the most feared of all Kobald tribes to the north ... the worshipers of The Kobald Goddess Of Assassins And The Night ... Benon Septep!

Something of unimaginable power was certainly orchestrating the taint of evil that had claimed the humanity of his former Leather Coats Avengers ... perhaps Unklar himself ... but Rextugenous and his fellow Avengers would have to live long enough ... to face whatever menace was unleashed from the north ... by somehow stemming the tide of these rabid Kobald warriors ... while saving the wagons!

Rextugenous quickly gathered his wits and breathed a quick prayer to Brigit ... as he firmly gripped the wagon with his left hand ... while pulling Wanda from her place of concealment ... then swinging himself around the north side of the wagon ... wielding Wanda with all the vengeance he could muster!

Rextugenous casts a Lightning Bolt spell from his wand as quickly as the bumpy wagon ride allows. Specifically in an effort to cover their retreat as the wagons race forward toward their destination of Lasch. He is counting on his comrades to clear the way for the wagons to get past the attacking Kobald from their various vantage points from the other two wagons and on horseback.

Toraad was engaged in animated conversation with Fredrico, making him unaware of any activity behind him. Consequently the Dwarven Cleric maintained distracted surveying the terrain to the north and south, regularly glancing either way, as the wagon master continued his determined trek to Lasch; hopefully the others spotted anything he missed.

Shortly thereafter, the journey took a drastic shift. A sudden shout of alarm from Rextugenous spurred the wagons into motion; kobolds were attacking. While Toraad knew little of the specifics the bard described in his warning, his mercenary spirit had him moving in action within an instant.

Moving around Fredrico, Toraad scanned both the Northern and Southern hills wildly, looking for the hidden enemies. A sudden tide of Kobolds emerged from the North, forcing the Cleric to react quickly. Hastily he grasped his holy symbol and gripped the side of the speeding wagon with all his might.

Steel, lend forth yer strength With a prayer, Toraad drew upon the power of his deity and pointed toward the oncoming horde.

Toraad is casting Rock-to-Sand to disrupt the path of the kobolds. Of note, he leans around the North side of the lead wagon and braces himself as Fredrico drives the wagon faster. Due to the surge, and the leaning, the spell will likely be cast at an angle cutting across the kobolds' path.

Red Eyed Rabble
1pm on Tuesday
March 13, 212awd (After Winter Dark


“Crap did he say poison!” speaking out loud as he started looking for the enemy. Cal quickly surveyed area to find were the attackers where coming. Cal outburst was not about for his life or even his fellow adventures, it was for his stead and friend “ One cut to Orion could kill him “ he thought to himself as he finally saw the horde. The Kobolds that the Bard sounded were advancing from the west and north and in great numbers. The critters came forth from the ground as if the gate of three hells open and released it children for a day of amusement and the wagon train was the entertainment.

Cal saw the wagons increase there speed to out run the horde, Cal placed all that concerned him into Araulin hands and aimed himself and his faithful stead into a charge between the second and third wagons to surprise and break the courage of the evil spawn advancing upon he wagons.

With his lance down, the emblem of the Knights of Sedelas blazing forth from the shield, Sir Calmindon Jorralan and his friend made there charge

I will use color spray that will come forth from my lance the first group I encounter and then use the lance on any one else. I will also use my demoralize to effect more. With my horsemanship I can avoid any effects from the spells cast(hoping) I think I will be moving on angle as I come up from the side of third wagon.

Be it sixth sense, premonition or just a hunch. Something in the wide open scenery made Danamar nervous. At first he blamed the change of the landscape for his uneasiness, but when the hills north of the road rolled into view, the ranger started feeling even more anxious. His people were very joyful in nature, but they also tended (or used to be) to be very pessimistic about the future - near or far. They had a saying, which could roughly be translated into common as: "A pessimist is never disappointed". But the wood elven population of Sinaeth (and perhaps other settlements as well) saw it the other way around… When one expects the worst to happen, even a slight success or positive result seems even better and more rewarding.

Yet there was nothing to break the peace of the ride through the empty countryside and the hills were too far away for anyone to launch a complete surprise attack. Yet the elf kept his green eyes on the knolls just to be sure. In a short while they'd be past the spot when someone hiding at hillside could try to ambush them. But it wouldn't be long before the next group of hills would come into view, so Danamar forced himself to remain alert. He sure was glad that Lars was of the quiet sort…

But despite being on guard, the elf was still taken by surprise. It wasn't any threat he could see, but the yell of Rextugenous instead: ""Beware My Friends! We Are Under Attack By Kobalds!"

"I Know Not Why This Particular Tribe Be So Far South ... But They Be Worshipers Of Benon Septep ... The Kobold Goddess Of Assassins And The Night ... All Their Weapons Be Laced With Poison ... Make Haste My Friends!"

Even though he couldn't yet see any kobolds attacking the wagons, Danamar unconsciously drew an arrow from his quiver and readied his bow. The black-haired head turned left and right and his eyes scanned the landscape finding no evidence of an attacker. He was just about to call out to Rex asking about the alert when the small scaly and hairy creatures started appearing from thin air as it first seemed. Quickly Danamar noticed the hidden holes the little monsters had dug into the ground beside the road on the right side and ahead. About the loose the arrow, the ranger thought against it as the number of the ambushers dawned on him. One shaft would make little difference against an army of dozens, hundreds even.

The assessment of the situation caused the elf to lose the initiative, but fortunately it was Rex himself who beat everyone else to it. How the bard had noticed the attackers, Danamar had no clue. But he was glad he had. A bolt of lighting rocketed from the rear wagon as Rextugenous set into action. Having decided on his own course of action, the elf barely noticed the knight - Sir Calmindon - spur his mighty warhorse into a full speed charge. Danamar would have to summon the power of Oercus in order to have any chance to slow down the kobold attack.

---

OOC: Casting Entangle on the kobolds in front of the first wagon if possible. If not then at the ones on the northern side of the road. I just realized that Plant Growth takes three rounds to cast and the landscape probably doesn't have enough bushes and trees for it to work? If it's possible to use Plant Growth before the kobolds kill us, Danamar will for that one instead.

Kobald Confusion
1:15pm on Tuesday
March 13, 212awd (After Winter Dark)
Kobalds seemed to be pouring out of the ground from every direction to the north of the wagons as Rextugenous unleashed a Lightning Bolt spell in the name of his deity Brigit.

Before the vermin could get into attacking range with their short bows and poisoned arrows, Rextugenous had made a desperate wave with his wand 'Wanda' to prevent the Kobalds from attacking and pursuing from behind.

Clinging on for dear life as the wagon bounced along the trail, the Paladin/Wizard/Bard aimed his wand as best as he could and let the bolt unleash with a prayer to Brigit on his lips.

A lightning bolt of bright crimson and yellow crackled through the air, striking the attacking Kobalds along a five foot path wide and hundred feet long, killing an unknown number of Kobalds in its wake as the wagon raced on with the Halflings Drog and Seg Kargar urging the horses onward.

Time seemed to stand still as the Dwarf Cleric Toraad uttered a prayer to his Dwarven God of War Steel, as he unleashed a Rock To Sand spell by grasping and pointing his Holy Symbol, as Fredrico urged the lead horses onward as fast as they could gallup!

A blast of undefinable energy ripped towards an outcropping of rock, a bit beyond the holes where the Kobalds were emerging as if they were one organism of rabid terror. The rock shattered into sand instantly as the vein of rock under the surface dissolved, causing the surface ground to collapse with dozens of terrified Kobalds vanishing beneath the surface of the sand cave-in.

Sir Calmindon mere moments before had spurred his horse Orion forward between the second and third wagons, as the Elf Danamar desperately held onto the wagon driven by Lars for dear life as he tried to focus his Holy Symbol to cast an Entangle spell.

The wagon was bouncing so badly along the rough trail that Danamar was unable to aim where he wanted the spell to go, but he was successful in entangling an undetermined number of Kobalds in a 50 foot radius to his far right as the wagon raced forward.

As the wagon raced past the Kobalds entangled in the rapidly growing vegetation, Danamar had a momentary glimpse of the ground at the far side of the Entangle spell begin to dissolve from view ... plus Calmindon spurring his steed Orion forward towards a small group of Kobalds between his spell and the wagons.

He did not see what happened next as he had to concentrate upon keeping his balance on the wagon seat as Lars urged the horses to maintain their pace with the lead wagon driven like a madman by his brother Fredrico.

Sir Calmindon pointed his lance and breathed a prayer to his deity as a rainbow of colors emanated from the end of his lance towards a small group of bewildered Kobalds. The Color Spray cone struck the foremost 5 Kobalds with blindness ... they staggered around for a few moments as their comrades fled for their lives ... then disappeared beneath the crumbling earth beneath their feet ... as Orion reared up on his hind hooves with a warning whinny snort.

Calmindon had been intent upon charging forward with his sword to cut a swathe into the swarming attackers, but he sheathed his sword and let Orion respond to the imminent danger confronting both horse and rider.

Kobalds were fleeing in various directions northward, having lost their taste for blood ... a surprising result of the unexpected onslaught from the wagon caravan that the vermin had mistakenly judged to be helpless prey by their superior numbers.

Now the Kobalds were disappearing beneath the surface as the ground gave way to the repercussions of the spell that Toraad had unleashed in the name of his Dwarven War God Steel.

Sir Calmindon managed to guide his steed between the second and third wagons, urging Orion to close the gap on the lead wagon as the caravan left a wake of unexpected carnage behind them.

The wagons drew ever nearer to the hills that both Toraad and Danamar had viewed as suspicious possibilities for a surprise attack, but their previous thoughts of an attack from those hills seemed to be unwarranted as their wagons sped between the hills unmolested and unhindered.

Rextugenous was bracing himself on the back of the wagon, watching the Kobalds disappear beneath the crumbling surface ... thanking his goddess Brigit that the Kobalds had been unable to get into range to launch any more poisoned arrows ... as one lone sentry had been able to do before the 4 Avengers had sprung into action with their collective spells.

As the wagon was skillfully guided between the hills by Drog and Seg Kargar, their horses keeping pace with the other two wagons, a pair of sinister red eyes watched the progress of the caravan as they passed close by his place of seclusion.

Fuming from the carnage left in the wake of the fleeing caravan, the lone figure waited until the final wagon had passed his place of concealment, before running to a nearby rise to shout an epithet at the guard standing at the back of the rear wagon:

"Me Sligrat ... Me Make You Pay!"
Then with a swift motion the Kobald Shaman unleashed a Sound Burst spell that struck Rextugenous in the chest, almost as quickly as the Thunderclap echoed throughout the surrounding hillside.

Although not stunned by the sudden attack, Rextugenous fell backward inside the Treasure Wagon as the Kobald Shaman named Sligrat made his escape, undetected by any of the others guarding the wagon caravan, as the drivers sought to control their horses that had reacted to the sudden sound.

Two or three miles further along the trail the hills gave way to more flat plains. Fredrico and Lars pulled hard on the reins of their horses ... with Drog and Seg Kargar following suit ... as they inspected the tell tale signs of Goblin Raiders mixed with horse tracks.

Fredrico ordered the young maidens to distribute some fruit and nuts to everyone as they inspected the tracks. Danamar confirmed that the Goblin Raiders had indeed left the trail to Lasch and herded the horses across the plains to the south southwest.

Rextugenous dismissed his chest injury as a minor inconvenience as he rubbed the sore spot thoughtfully, listening to Fredrico and Lars as they decided to move the wagon caravan along at a much slower pace.

Since the Goblin Raiders were no longer directly in front of them, the brothers insisted (without any argument from anyone) that the horses deserved a few apples and a leisurely walk as a reward for outdistancing the attacking Kobalds.

Therefore the party resumed their journey at a slow crawl without any signs of trouble until the sun began its slow descent to the horizon line before the long fingers of dusk began claiming the land.

Fredrico called another halt to the procession and after a whispered debate with his brother Lars, he turned his attention to the 4 guards and posed the following question:

"We be about 20 miles away from the city of Lasch ... which means maybe 10 miles or less from the Forest of Frie ... So what say ye my stout hearted guards ... Do we make camp here ... or do we press on towards Lasch for a few miles more?"
Okay Gang. Decision Time! Talk it over in the QnA and then make your Posts in the Game Thread based upon what has transpired this day with the Kobalds, the Goblin Raiders trail information and the question just posed to you by Fredrico your employer!

Toraad could only frown as the hills broke away to plains. The Kobolds had been dispersed from the combined might of the companions, but the scale of the assault bothered him. Surely the wave of creatures was not Steel answering Toraad's call for a chance to prove himself to his fellows; no singular champion of Steel could hope to vanquish such a horde, especially armed as they were.

And then there was the split-second warning Rextugenous had provided. While it had allowed them to repel the attack, these particular kobolds concerned Toraad; there had been little time to think on the bard's warning during the exchange and Toraad determined he would need to find out more later.

Between the presence of a large force of goblins, to a hidden ambush of countless kobolds, this simple escort job was certainly becoming interesting. From his past experiences, something seemed off to the dwarven cleric.

The slowing of the horses broke Toraad's chain of thought; it seemed they'd cleared the threat - for now. Tracks were observed, showing the goblins had also left the trail. Without an impending sense of assault the caravan slowed, allowing the horses to rest. Fredrico soon called for a halt so that the group could decide upon their next move.

"We be about 20 miles away from the city of Lasch ... which means maybe 10 miles or less from the Forest of Frie ... So what say ye my stout hearted guards ... Do we make camp here ... or do we press on towards Lasch for a few miles more?"
Ignoring his desire to avenge their riders by pursing the goblins, Toraad spoke up :

"The goblins may be off our path, but lets na forget what dey did. We dunna wan ta shar da fate o' our companions at da hans o' dem kobolds."

The dwarf frowned for a moment, but continued.

"Kobolds be cowards, less'n dey 'ave numbers. Dey were org'nized, an' we dispersed dem once, but dey weren't expecting that. But me thinks dey do now, an' despite der losses thar still be more'o dem than us. T'ween da time we fled an' now dey may'ave regrouped an' moved ta pursue.

Both da horses an ourselves will need ta rest eventually, but I says we should keep movin, at leas for now."

Toraad stopped then, turning to look at his companions.

"What says you friends?"

Rextugenous was more surprised than stunned as he groped around to regain his balance in an effort to pull himself back up to protect the back of the wagon.

Once he was able to regain his position at the back of the wagon, there was no sign of the elusive Sligrat as the wagon continued its fast pace under the guidance of Drog and Seg Kargar, who seemed to know just how much the horses could take along the rough trail towards Lasch.

When they paused for nuts and fruits while inspecting the Goblin tracks heading south of the trail, Rextugenous remained silent as he thoughtfully rubbed the sore spot on his chest. He nodded his agreement as Fredrico ordered the wagons to keep advancing towards Lasch.

He remained vigilant as the wagons resumed their journey at a leisurely pace, but there were no signs of any Kobalds, Goblins or any other vermin pursuing or laying in wait for an ambush.

About 20 miles outside their destination, Fredrico called for a halt and a vote on whether or not to proceed towards Lasch. Toraad spoke his mind and his reasoning was quite sound.

"Sounds like good advice!" Rextugenous nodded in approval. "Best to put more distance between the wagons and any lurking Kobalds!"
He thought it best to refrain from mentioning the Kobald Shaman Sligrat at this point in the journey. No point in alarming his companions any further than they were.

Orange,purple and red were the last signs of the day as the sun settle down for it’s needed rest. It too worked hard; giving light, life and a hope of a promising tomorrow. As like the sun, Cal and Orion and the his new allies, Danamar, Toraad and Rex also worked hard and need rest but that would come much later for them all.

“You did a great job my friends, the gods were smiling on our efforts today” the knight said to his companions as he slowly dismounted form the warhorse. The wagons had come to a stop to inspect the trail of the goblin raiders and to give all the valiant horses a rest and treats. Cal took the time to check his saddle gear and give Orion some rest.

Taking some of the apples that were given out by the maidens, Cal could be heard praising his steed for all the great effort and skill that he had shown in meeting the foe. “You are a noble mount my friend just like your father, thanks for seeing where sometime I can not.” Cal spoke in a loving thoughtful voice in a manner as two brothers might talk. He was reflecting how the ground changed to sand and that in there charge against the Kolbolds could have been a tragic one for the two of them if Orion had not sensed the change.

During the rest it was discovered by the group that the Goblin raiders had change there course away from Lasch so not to be in our path to the city. It was here Federico, near sunset, that he suggested that group travel some more in the dark. There was some comments given by the Toraad and Rex in agreement with Federico.


Cal spoke up after the two “ I agree also, the closer to Lasch the better.” thinking all the while of what other events could occur to the little wagon train and it strange cargo.

OOC: I will walk with Orion as we travel instead of ride.

Leather Coats Avengers
Cast & Characters Rextugenous [played by Hammer] a level 5 (Human) Paladin, Wizard, Bard who worships Brigit
Danamar Maeleneill [played by Raven] a level 5 (Elf) Druid, Ranger who worships Oercus
Toraad Ovmek [played by Tuned_Out] a level 5 (Dwarf) Cleric, Monk who worships Steel
Sir Calmindon Jorralan [played by Ziklag] a level 5 (Half Elf) Knight, Illusionist who worships Araulin

Toraad, Rextugenous and Sir Calmindon spoke up in favor of proceeding with the journey to Lasch under the cover of darkness. Danamar nodded his approval for a unified majority consensus.

The group rested as long as they dared, then took their positions once more as Fredrico barked the command to resume their way towards the city of Lasch.

Sir Cal chose to walk beside his trusted steed Orion, as a reward for keeping the duo from plummeting into the sand cave-in earlier that day while battling the kobalds. There was no telling what dangers lurked between here and Lasch. It was always a good policy to rest your mount as a precaution, in case of an unexpected battle along the way.

The wagon caravan maintained a slow, but steady, pace as they made their way towards Lasch. The 4 hired guards remained ever vigilant, straining their eyes and their ears for any trace of danger, but the night seemed to be uncommonly quiet as they journeyed onward.

Well after midnight Fredrico called a halt to allow everyone the opportunity to refresh themselves with some semblance of sleep. Guards were posted as before, but not even a wolf was found to draw near to the caravan as they had the previous night.

Interlude for Lurkers The kobald shaman Sligrat surveyed the scene of devastation where an untold number of his followers had been swallowed up by the sands from the dwarven spell cast by Toraad.

Infuriated by the failure of his followers to ransack the wagon caravan during their bold daylight raid, the kobald shaman vowed to his deity to make more humans pay for the insolence displayed by the wagon train guards.

Sligrat picked his way through the debris of battle, seeking the best location to begin exacting his revenge upon the humans he had sworn to eliminate. Then he brooded until the midnight hour and set his evil plan in motion.

First he unleashed a blackish purple crackle of evil energy that encompassed a 50 foot by 50 foot area marking the territory of his Desecrate Spell.

Then Sligrat unleasehed yet another macabre bolt of blackish purple energy that blanketed a 25 foot by 25 foot area within the first Desecrated area. Then he waited for the Animate Dead Spell to draw forth from the desecrated ground such as would serve his evil purpose.

"Me Go North ... Me Make Humans Pay!"
Sligrat would spend the next 72 hours formulating a plan that would best suit his evil purposes!

Unknown to the populace in Sherrill, the encounter with the kobalds by the Leather Coats Avengers had spared them the horrors of a merciless kobald attack under the command of Sligrat the Shaman.

On the Horizon
Dawn on Wednesday
March 14, 212awd (After Winter Dark)
As the first rays of daylight began to kiss the ground surrounding the resting wagon caravan, those who were sleeping were jarred to reality by the barking commands of both Fredrico and Lars.

Not far off in the distance the adventurers could see the treeline of the Forest of Frie and that welcome sight meant that their journey to the city of Lasch should be concluded before the noon day sun was high in the sky.

A quick meal of fruit and juice was provided for everyone as Fredrico laid out his morning plan before the wagons got underway for the final leg of their journey:

"The Forest of Frie is but 10 miles long and 15 miles wide. The city of Lasch is located about 7 miles north along the edge of the forest. Which means we should be there before noon ... if we get underway within the hour.

"Now I do not expect any trouble ... because we are near enough to Lasch where periodic patrols are usually guarding the trail along the edge of the forest ... but just in case there is trouble ... I expect you hired guards to follow the orders that I am about to give you!

"We cannot rely on any patrols to protect us from any attacks ... so if there is any sign of trouble ... I want you guards to go fight that trouble head on without question!

"That will allow the wagons to make a run for it ... and I promise you that we will alert the proper authorities in Lasch to send you reinforcements as soon as we arrive safely!

"Those authorities do realize that any danger we may encounter this morning ... is also a danger to the safety and well being of the city! They will do what is necessary to keep their trade route open between Lasch, Sherrill, Domdel and Chinon!

"In case we do get separated ... meet us at the Dragon Claw Inn ... and you will be well compensated for the inconvenience of staying behind to help guarantee the safe arrival of these wagons in Lasch ... as you were hired to do!

"Such compensation will be in addition to what I am already prepared to pay you ... for your excellent services thus far!"
Toraad, Danamar, Sir Cal and Rex nodded their assent. There was no use grumbling about strategies. Afterall, they were in the employ of Fredrico and had signed on to do a job under his command.

Everyone found a renewed vigor as they prepared themselves for the final leg of their journey. Each of the Leather Coats Avengers made their personal preparations and spent some time with their deities, without any trace of murmur or complaint, making the best of the situation presented to them.

Danamar noted that the Forest of Frie seemed to be uncommonly quiet for a forest, but he welcomed the sight of trees, noting that each wooded area has a personality all its own. He also noted the signs of struggle and bloodshed along the trail ... especially near the trees ... but his observations were also obvious to his companions as they too kept a watchful eye all along the tree line.

Although there were the occasional sounds of wildlife emanating from the Forest of Frie, there was indeed a deathly quiet within the forest that did not seem to be natural.

Yet the wagon caravan did not seem to be in any danger from either side of the trail as they drew ever nearer to the city of Lasch. As for the trail behind them, there was no indication that Rextugenous could detect any signs of trouble from the kobalds they had defeated the previous day.

Within another hour the spires of the guard tower in the center of the city of Lasch could be seen on the distant horizon. Fredrico gently urged his horses to quicken their slow pace and Lars quickly followed suit.

Rextugenous noticed that Drog and Seg Kargar were maintaining the slower pace of their wagon. He waited long moments, debating about whether or not to bark a command of his own for the Halflings to keep pace with Fredrico and lars.

He waited longer than usual to say something to the Halflings, as he noted a flock of crows suddenly taking to the air, as if someone or something had disturbed their resting place off in the distance to the north of the wagon trail.

Almost on cue, the Halflings quickened the pace of their horses, but Rex noted they were still being ever so slightly outdistanced by Fredrico and Lars.

In a few minutes there was an unintelligible yell from the lead wagon. Rex leaned forward around the right side of the treasure wagon, trying to figure out what was the matter?

All he saw was Toraad jumping off the lead wagon and pointing towards a hill not far from the trail. In a few moments Danamar followed suit as Sir Cal spurred Orion to join them.

As the treasure wagon drew nearer, Rextugenous noted that Fredrico and Lars were urging their horses forward at a much faster rate of speed than a few moments before. Drog and Seg Kargar quickened the pace of their horses, but still seemed to be falling further behind the lead wagons.

Rextugenous had no time to deal with the Halflings and how they chose to drive the treasure wagon. In a few moments the wagon was passing his 3 companions as Rex could finally see what all the commotion was about. He let out a blood curdling cry to his deity Brigit as he jumped from the wagon to join his companions.

There on the nearby hill was a mysterious hooded figure pointing a weather beaten staff in their direction, as all 3 of the wagons they were sworn to protect were heading for the city of Lasch, as fast as their travel weary horses could pull them!

In a few moments more, Rextugenous realized that the hooded figure was not necessarily pointing the staff at the Leather Coats Avengers ... but rather at a group of 10 human skeletons, armed with medium shields and longswords ... that were slowly advancing towards them from the seclusion of an outcropping of rock nearly a stones throw from where the 4 companions were standing!

On the Horizon
Dawn on Wednesday
March 14, 212awd (After Winter Dark)

Cal awoke from his deep but non-restful sleep. Rubbing the sleep from eyes he proceeded to gather his thought and dressed, his mind trying to replay the dreams that filled his night. Shaking his head and smirking to himself he put aside the thoughts, finished dressing and then went and took care of his faithful friend then his meditation and exercise.

During this time Cal let his mind move thru the events of the previous day. Every swing he made with Aarien his bastard sword, visions of yesterday appeared. Cal reflected upon every action good, bad and what could have been better, then thanking his god for the strength and mercy given to him and the group he was sworn to protect.


After he was done, Cal walked over to Orion to check on his feed and gave him an apple. He scratched the back of his ears and patted him and spoke as Cal made sure his friend was fit for the day.

“I think Araulin is leading us on the right path my friend. I am surprised buy the large force that the Kobold was able to mount, but we were very fortunate that our new allies are very powerful. I believe we will soon find more answers for our King and maybe be able to return to our homeland.” Orion responded with a shake of his head and winnie. He too would be happy to go home, but his devotion to Cal always trumps his desires.“Where he goes I go”.

Breakfast was quick for the forest was in sight and Fredrico spoke to the group.

The Forest of Frie is but 10 miles long and 15 miles wide. The city of Lasch is located about 7 miles north along the edge of the forest. Which means we should be there before noon ... if we get underway within the hour.

"Now I do not expect any trouble ... because we are near enough to Lasch where periodic patrols are usually guarding the trail along the edge of the forest ... but just in case there is trouble ... I expect you hired guards to follow the orders that I am about to give you!

"We cannot rely on any patrols to protect us from any attacks ... so if there is any sign of trouble ... I want you guards to go fight that trouble head on without question!

"That will allow the wagons to make a run for it ... and I promise you that we will alert the proper authorities in Lasch to send you reinforcements as soon as we arrive safely!

"Those authorities do realize that any danger we may encounter this morning ... is also a danger to the safety and well being of the city! They will do what is necessary to keep their trade route open between Lasch, Sherrill, Domdel and Chinon!

"In case we do get separated ... meet us at the Dragon Claw Inn ... and you will be well compensated for the inconvenience of staying behind to help guarantee the safe arrival of these wagons in Lasch ... as you were hired to do!

"Such compensation will be in addition to what I am already prepared to pay you ... for your excellent services thus far!"


“Hmm I wonder what we are going to run into today.” Cal thought to himself “We are on our last leg and the treasure is a mystery, whoever has the desire for it will attack us in the forest.”

So the knight readied Orion and took his position in the wagon train.


As they entered the forest the knight thought it was a beautiful forest, but after awhile the druid pointed out that some type bloodshed had occurred on the edge of the tree line.
Cal and Orion drifted from the first wagon to the second wagon. From this vantage he could see at times all the wagons in the caravan for the road were wide enough.


After seeing the tower of Lasch, the train picked up the pace. As Cal drifted toward the left side of the first and second wagons he spoke to Orion “We are almost there, I wonder if we will run into the city patrol?”
Minutes after the hopeful comment to his friend, they hear someone yelling and then see Toraad leap from the first wagon into the direction of a hill off the main trail.


Remembering what Fredrico had told them earlier that morning Cal spurred off to help Toraad and as he passed the second wagon he saw Danamar leap off also in pursuit.


As he rode toward the hill his eyes started to see why the Druid was moving in that direction. The closer he got he saw a hooded figure with a staff in hand. “Great a spell caster.” Cal thought as he scanned the area and rode toward the Druid. As he scanned the knight saw the spell caster’s defenders. 10 undead warriors slowly moved toward him and his new allies under the command of the hooded figure.

Cal looked at the new foes and made a quick assessment out loud to the outnumbered group. “Well if anyone was wondering where the city patrol was I think we have found them.”