Grand Duchy 69

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 69
October 8, 2015

Run the Valley

Tserdain, 20 Yarthmont

The Grey Company manages to get about a half hour of rest, which is just enough to get the exhausted horses moving again. From a lookout high up in the craggy hills, Ree spots several groups of Gnolls moving, two groups to the south and east and one group on the other side of the river, heading for what must be a crossing nearby. It appears that the Gnolls are still enroute to the Burial Mound, called by the shaman's drum signal. 

As the Company prepares to depart, Ree alerts them that she has spotted a small group of Gnolls heading in their direction. The Company rolls out, still making an attempt to remain stealthy, but after a short time, it is clear that the Gnolls are on the trail. 

At one point, when the Company passes a narrow part of the valley, they can see a large group of Gnolls on the far side of the river, heading north. The river looks to be uncross-able by horse, as it passes through a steep sided, rocky ravine through much of the valley. Another small group of Gnolls pursues from behind, moving quickly but trying to maintain cover as it goes. The larger body of Gnolls is assumed to be somewhere further to the south, but no doubt on the trail as well.  In an attempt to shake them, Marcel sacrifices some of his pepper to spice up their opponents tracking.

Trying to sneak through the valley is more difficult that expected!

Eventually, the Grey Company makes it to the north end of the valley. Then can be seen, a high, narrow waterfall cascading down from hundreds of feet up in the black rock peaks to the north. Some angular lines in the cliff side indicate some sort of structure to the west of the waterfall. Possibly some tower or way up into the mountains.

The Company seems to have outpaced the troupe of Gnolls on the far side of the river, but another, larger band has been slowly moving up from behind, threatening to catch up with even the slightest missed step or shortest rest. The Grey Company push their mounts and head toward the river, hoping to find a way across the deep cut that splits the valley in two.

Making a break for the end of the valley

Finally, a crossing is in sight. The Company wastes no time in approaching with the Gnolls hot on their heels. Griffin and Marcel head forward to check it out while Iris and Ree began readying the horses. Draven, Remar and Stephan hang back to keep an eye out for Gnoll outriders. 

The only way across is a narrow bridge

After only a few steps toward the rocky bridge that spans the river, several Gnolls reveal themselves, hiding in the rocks on the near bank. Griffin and Marcel move to engage while Iris and Ree try to calm the now terrified horses. Draven and the others spot several Gnolls accompanying a huge, armored boar break from some nearby trees and begin charging the party as well

The Company checks out the bridge and sees some Gnolls nearby

Remar sends several magic bolts into the oncoming Gnolls and boar, though his magic does little to deter their savage charge. Draven summons a bolt of pure sunlight and aims it at the oncoming beasts while Stephan aims and fires his crossbow, hoping for a lucky shot. The war boar takes the brunt of the attacks but keeps coming, eventually reaching the rear defenders. It slams into Stephan's mount sending it to the ground and sending Stephan flying through the air. Draven dismounts and engages in an approaching Gnoll while Remar remains on his horse, riding around the battle, using his magic to harass their foes.

The War Boar takes out Stephan and his horse!

Meanwhile, Marcel and Griffin battle it out with two Gnolls near the path leading down to the river crossing. They can hear the battle raging behind them, but neither seems to be able to get the upper hand on their opponents.

Griffin and Marcel engage the Gnolls

In the confusion of the fighting, Iris and Ree gather up the mounts and begin leading them down the narrow trail to the chunk of stone that juts out to the other side of the river. The worn trails nearby suggest that this is a commonly used location for crossing the river. When she makes it about halfway down the path, Iris lets out a surprised yelp as a loud splash comes from the river. "We have company on the other side," she loudly informs the remainder of the Company. "Whatever it is, it's throwing big rocks!" Iris can be heard trying to call out something else, but her statement is cut off by a grunt and a call from Ree. "Iris is down. She's been shot again! Gnoll archer on the far bank!" 

Iris leads the horses down toward the bridge...

Cast of Characters: 

Garrett "Griffin" Constantine, a Thyatian rogue of a gambler from Penhaligon rolled by +Arne Jamtgaard 

Marcel Maas, a homely but sincere wielder of spears aspiring to cooking greatness commanded by +Christian Blouin 

Draven Rickart, a Thyatian Acolyte of the Church of Karameikos ministered by +Jason Packer 

Iris Varda, a Thyatian explorer and historian searching for answers and adventure guided by +Alex Safatli 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM