The Battle for Cormyr

[Big_Mac]

Last night was the first night of my new campaign. We used MapTools and it was a pretty good test for my group. A few stumbles with using the tool but over all good.

The premise for the campaign is continuing from right out of the FR campaign setting. Cormyr is in tatters, I has lost many good Purple Dragon Troops and Leaders. Lost many of it's War wizards. Worst of all, it lost it's king. His heir is only an infant. So our base story line is off of that.

Last night was only a simple fight in which they all met for the first time. The small town of Espar was attacked by a small group of goblins. After a short fight the goblins were all dead. The party found a crudely written note in common oddly with the schedule of the local Purple Dragon Patrol.

[Big_Mac]

HaHAAA Finally got the silly image to display. Stupid User!!! O' wait that's me.

[trevor]

Sounds like you guys had a good time.

Tell us about your picture. What are you using the halos and "O" and "X" for ?

Looks like you created your map with drawing tools and house stamps. How did that work out for you ?

[Big_Mac]

Ah, the X's and O's of a battle plan.

Actually the map is Dorpond's Town Final, thanks Dorpond, from the gallery. I plan on more draw stuff with building stamps. I just had not had time. The party who had never meet prior to this were all in town for different reasons. These 5 goblin attacked for unknown reasons.

The green Halos around the Goblins(Top Downs) was to make them more visible to the players. The Halos around each individual was just them messing around with the tool.

The X's and O's were a little kludged by me 3 of the 5 goblins were affected by sleep spells. The red O's were the 2 that were obliterated. One unconscious goblin VS war hammer cou-de-graw (Crit x 3), the other was also dead. I need to formalize the system of identification.

Quick question: Can the names of all tokens be turned on, all the time?

[trevor]

Yeah, there's a menu item, and a shortcut, I think it's CTRL-T

[Big_Mac]

Day 1 - Kythorn 1st, 1365 dr

It was a beautiful day it the small town Espar. When a cry of alarm goes up. Goblins!

Arctor a young mage is leaving his Master Galavos, the aged Master of many wizards and surrogate father. This gifted young man hears the alarm and cautiously goes to investigate.

This cry is heard by Arkus, a young man of this town. He has just said good bye to his Master Leonot and is leaving his school, that he has been training at for the last several years, to find fame and glory. The school has tempered his energy into a fine warrior, from a once troublesome boy. He sprints towards the trouble.

As he steps outside, Candito wonders what to make of the alarm. Having been safe in Suzail for his whole life, he was here in Espar with a special delivery of his families chocolates, to the local Magistrate Trame Swift. He is curious to confront the goblins as he has yet to test his magical abilities on any larger than some of the Suzails' cats.

Loc Nar the dwarf says good bye to a kindly human family that had found him wondering their farm. They helped him to get back to normal over the last few months. He does not seem to recall who he is. Though he know what he is suppose to do, destroy goblins and their kind. With these words the cleric of Tharmekhul steps out and hears his calling again.

Shamgar a new monk of Illmater is being sent to Suzail to see what injustices he can right. This dwarf is not totally comfortable fighting without armor but those family obligations. His first injustice is happening. He will see it through.

For some strange reason a group of 5 goblins attack a small town in broad daylight. This is all but unheard of. With the use of a few well placed sleep spell, the goblins are quickly reduced to 2. The remaining ones, proved to be pesky fighters. The Shamgar was wounded but also brought one down with a punishing hit from his unarmed fighting style. The last was then attacked by multiple PC's and brought down in a heap. The characters also had found the local Purple Dragon patrol's schedule. It was a crude copy that was in common not goblin.

The Magistrate had come out and congratulated the PC on a well fought battle and invited them to stay at the local inn for the night. He recognized Arkus and Candito. He mentions that he was glad that they were here and asked the PC's to stop by in the morning to pick up a temporary adventurer permit, when several of the party were heading to Suzail.

[Big_Mac]

Day 1 - Kythorn 1st, 1365 dr

The evening is one of drinking and getting to know one another. The local Purple Dragon patrol show up in the inn where the new adventures are enjoying themselves. The patrol's leader is told about the note with the schedule that was found on the goblins that had raided earlier. That was of some concern, but then, the Purple dragons are stretched thin. It is all they can do to keep the roads free of trouble, let alone the whole area.

Day 2 - Kythorn 2nd, 1365 dr

The party woke early to meet with Magistrate Swift. He was in his office waiting for them. He looked very nervous. When questioned on it. He said that it was do to the unusual attack by the goblins. He handed the official temporary adventuring permit to Arctor. During this moment he also slipped a note to Arctor. When the note was read outside of the building, It revealed that Magistrate Swift was being watched. Loc Nar also spotted someone watching them from one of the magistrates' windows. It was just a quick glimpse.

The party decided to go on to Suzail to get their full adventuring permit. There was some discussion about methods of travel. It was decided that walking was the only one they could afford. This distressed Arctor because he was use to his easy comforts. To quote "Walking and Dust and sleeping on the ground. Bleck!!!"

As they traveled the road to Waymoot in the afternoon they came to a bridge. This bridge crossed a small slow moving river. As they approached the bridge they were set upon by 5 dire rats. Loc Nar the cleric was attacked by one but it was unable to get past his armor. Actor attempted to kill one with a crossbow bolt launched from his hand and payed for it with a dying attack from one rat. He was almost saved by Loc Nar whom hit the rat with a solid blow but the rat made it's hit with it's dieing breath.

On the other side of the bridge Shamgar was fairing little better than Arctor. He also received 2 hits and dispatched one of the rats quickly. Arkus was having some difficulty with his ability but still managed to take a rat out and Candito decided to use his crossbow and stay out of harms way.

Some excellent healing work on the part of Loc Nar. May have saved Actor and Shamgar from feeling any ill effects from the bites of the rats.

After lunch by the river side the party continued on. As they got to the edge of the Kings Forest they decided that they should find a spot off the road for the night. As they searched they found a trail. As the trail opened into a clearing they were surprised by a group of goblins.

The ensuing fight proved quite dangerous. As 5 goblins with spears made a wall and attacked Arkus and Shamgar. There was a 6th standing back from the rest. He cast a sleep spell on the back of the party and successfully put Arctor and Candito to sleep. Some quick thinking by Loc Nar again saved them as proceeded to wake the 2 sleeping mages. Arkus again proved effective at keep the goblins away but less so at talking them down. Poor Shamgar had another mixed blessing he quickly took out one goblin but was then mortally wounded and went down in a heap. At this point the mages were back in action and Candito managed to effectively take the other caster out of the fight when he returned the favor and put the goblin adept to sleep. At this point Loc Nar stepped into the fray and took on the goblin that had put down Shamgar. The other 3 remaining goblin feeling blessed by their Adept before he took a nap fought on but were quickly overwhelmed.

Loc Nar was able to revive Shamgar who is feeling very sorry for not wearing armor as a good Dwarf should. Those pesky family obligations and promises that speak for future generations.

Upon searching the clearing they found a large sack that was complaining and groaning about being let out. When the person was let out, it was found to be Shana Swift. The daughter of Trame Swift, the Magistrate of Espar. She had been captured about a week before as she was sending the patrol schedule to Waymoot. The original had been found on the body of the Goblin adept. She told her story and said that she heard mention of blackmail.

Shana was not totally surprised by the presence of Arkus. Seeing as they had been childhood friends even when he was always getting into to trouble with her father. The party was discussing what to do next. Go back to Espar or on to Waymoot.

[Big_Mac]

The saga continues. Maptool has been pretty good for us. It is allowing 2 of our former members play that have not played with any regularity in since we ended our 2nd addition campaign.

We have had some technical hiccups for this session I had to do it via description only for the remote players because I had layered routers. The port forwarding would not work through both routers. I ended up buying a switch, after and testing it out. the switch works really well and give me 8 ports to use. The switch is tiny and cheap $22 shipped.

Day 2 - Kythorn 2nd, 1365 dr

During the discussions and the setup of camp some of the member heard a noise in the near by woods. They prepared to attack when they found it was a single scout. He had been lead to the Goblins by following a strange man from his home town. The man had disappeared during the fight. They attempted to check the area to see if he was around but all trace of him had vanished. Tobias Ironsoul told his story.

The party was now 6 strong. Shana wanted to continue on to Waymoot. She felt it would be a safer way for her to notify her father from there that she was alright.

Day 3 - Kythorn 3rd, 1365 dr

In the morning they 7 headed down the road to Waymoot. All was quite on the journey until they got within site of Waymoot. They saw off in the distance a Cart being attacked. The cart was being defended by one individual with 3 of bodies around. There were 5 orcs about to press home the attack when the party started to charge up to the fight. This diverted 4 of the orcs and left one to try to finish off the last defender of the cart.

The fight at the cart went back and forth with no real blows being landed. The 4 that decided to tackle the 6 party members inflicted some serious wounds on Arkus, then they all fell quickly as the party ranged in. At this point the Orc who was fighting with the remaining Dwarf, at the cart, decided to retreat. He was brought down by a couple of well placed bolts from Candito, a mage.

As the party rushed up to see it they could help any of the fallen, it was found that they had been used for Javilin practice by the orcs. None of them, lived. It was also found that one of the dwarfs was Shamgar's father. He had not seen his father in 10 years, since before he had been sent to the temple to learn to be a monk to follow a family promise that had been made over 150 years before. The loss of his father made him want to rush his fathers body home immediately, with out care for danger. The party only just managed to talk him out of such a brash thing. Seeing as the danger in the Kings forest was now much higher level than it had been in the last 2 years.

They collected the equipment from the Orc and continued onto Waymoot. Once their they informed the Local Purple Drgaon guards about what had happened and were sent to the the Magistrate of Waymoot. He heard their story and told them that they would receive assistance from the local temple of Tyr, for healing and the preservation of Shamgar's father. The other 2 dwarfs were buried in the local Cemetary. The party sold the goods and used that money to buy some Healing potions.

Day 4 - Kythorn 4th, 1365 dr

They headed on to Suzail. This was an uneventful day as this road is much more traveled than the road to Espar from Waymoot.

Day 5 - Kythorn 5th, 1365 dr

The party of 7 traveled on with out interruption and arrived at the city of Suzail in the late afternoon. This is the home of Candito and his family's growing confectionery business. The guards told them to head right to the Castle. Once at the castle they were escorted in and asked to wait.

Arctor was then asked inside for a private meeting with The Princesses Regent of Cormyr. When the meeting finished the rest of the party were asked into the main meeting hall. There she was presented with the armor that had been born by the party, in the cart. It was a finely made mithral full plate. It had been repaired by Shamgar's father. The father was delivering it to her as members of his family had done for the Oskabyrs over the centuries for all the armor they crafted and repaired.

She said that that the transport that was sought to bring body of Kildak Thragen, back to his home would be arranged by her staff. She also said that they would be issued their full Adventures license in the morning but they would have to come up with a name first. They were then escorted out.

[trevor]

Fun write up.


Hmmmm, a name for the adventuring party. The Kick-Your-Butters !

[Big_Mac]

Updates damnable back log.

Day 5 - Kythorn 5th, 1372 dr

After the party left the Castle to find a place to stay for the night. They encountered a group of thugs looking for what they thought would be easy picken's. These thugs also decided that Dwarfs did not belong in the city and were going to do something about it. The party was surrounded and the fight ensued. The thug were no match for the now experienced adventurers who were feeling good about things. When the fight ended the party had taken some minor wounds and none of the thugs got away. When the Purple Dragon Patrol showed up they took the thugs and locked them up. The party found a place to stay for the evening, "The Mug and Sword". The party discussed what to call themselves. After many names including "Snow White and the 3 Dwarfs" they settled on "The Espar 7". The rest of the evening was spent drinking and eating then the party retired for the night.

Day 6 - Kythorn 6th, 1372 dr

When the party arrived at the Castle, first thing, they were ushered into the the main hall. There they found the princess regent and her adviser waiting for them. When she ask what they named themselves, they told her and she seemed pleased with the name. They adventuring certificate was signed by all and then stamped with the Royal seal they were all but ready to go. The last thing they received was a Letter of Travel so that they would find access to the next ship traveling toward the Sunset mountains. The home of all the dwarfs in the party and the planned final resting place of the father of Shamgar. With those 2 documents in hand the party immediately headed to the docks to find their passage.

On the dock they found a small merchant vessel called "Marlene", captained by John Jones. He said that his was ready and that it would take 2 days to get to the Docks that the Sunset Dwarfs use to trade. The ship set off and all members of the party experienced the ship differently but it was a first time for all. The day of sailing went well. As night approached the shipped slowed because it was difficult to continue traveling as fast, for the Captain liked to stay close to shore for better breezes.

Day 7 - Kythorn 7th, 1372 dr

As morning approached there was a fog. The ship lurched to a stop. Throwing some of the just waking party to the deck. As people ran forward to see what happened they heard a sound over the starboard side of the ship. It turned out to be a small boat manned by 6 able looking men. One threw a Grapple hook to the side and another started to climb up and made the deck. A color spray was cast by Arctor and the pirate that threw the grapple fell in a clump stunned. As the party moved up another pirate made his way up the rope. The remaining 3 either fail to get up the rope or were unable to board the ship. Next Candito cast sleep and the 3 in the boat all collapsed. The remaining 2 took up the fight one managed to grievously wound Arctor, who again may yet learn the value of not being in the front of the fight, the other faired less well and went down under a series of blows. Then another pirate showed up at the port side of the deck and was engaged by Shamgar. This one look a little more dangerous than the rest. The pirate that took down Arctor also managed to take out Loc Nar. He was finally fell under a series of blows. The timely application of healing potions saved both Arctor and Loc Nar. Shamgar's fight with the new target went very poorly for the Pirate he was unable to connect with monk but was solidly hit by Shamgar and taken down. The party then secured all of the pirates and planned to interrogate them when they awoke.

[Big_Mac]

Day 7 - Kythorn 7th, 1372 dr

After cleaning up the party find that the "Pirates" were using very high quality armor and weapons. The party took the Pirates boat ashore and found their hideout. It did not look as thought they had been there very long. Based on the 2 crates of food they found that it was from Willies Adventurers Shop in Suzail. The party guess that these pirates are most likely from there.

When back on ship they decide to question the "Pirates". What they find out is interesting. Well after they almost throw one of them into the water, bound. These guys were funded by the tough guy who was still out. He was a bored rich boy. His family was one of the newer minor noble families in Suzail. His name is Hardy Brikenback. These guys were his gang that he hung around the city with. Boredom makes one do silly things. These guys learned that.

The way they stopped the boat was buy using some large trunks of trees braced in the relatively shallow water. luckily the boat was going slow and was undamaged. Once the crew dismantled the break, the ship was able to continued on. At the end of the day it was decided to stop for safety sake. They were already delayed so a little long would not be dangerous.

Day 8 - Kythorn 8th, 1372 dr

The next day as they set off all was well. At the end of the day as they sailed into the Dwarven docks they realized that the dock was under attack. The worker were fighting a band of goblins when the ship arrived. The crew docked the ship when the party realized that the workers were in real danger because there was a group of goblins coming up behind them. The party quickly intervened. 2 of the 8 were put to sleep by Arctor because they moved up first. Arkus quickly moved up to the front to engage the next set of foes. Candito also put another to sleep. bodies started to pile up around Arkus as the rest moved up to support him. The goblin were all finished when all of a sudden a group of orcs rushed the party.

The orcs started in and seriously wounded Arkus but he was still able to fight. One of the orc's moved up and knock Tobias down with 1 solid hit. Again more bodies were added to the pile except one that was trying to get away after being grievously wounded. That orc was taken down with a crossbow bolt from Candito.

The dock defenders also were ok. A few had be knocked down but none were dead. The leader of the dock invited the party to stay the evening to drink to the success. He also told them how they were to be reinforced in the morning by a troop of guards. Many orc and goblin had been raiding in the area so they wanted to beef up the docks defenses. So the party spent the night.

[Big_Mac]

Day 9 - Kythorn 9th, 1372 dr

After a good night of drinking there was no new attacks. The party set off from the docks and walked along the river toward the Dwarven Strong Hold. As they travel along there are no incidents. They do see a barge load of Dwarfs fully loaded for battle heading down the river. As they get to the end of this trail they meet the main road and travel to the entrance of the Dwarven City. Once they gain entrance to the city which is heavily guarded. they head straight to home of Shamgar. This delivery of the body sets into motion the burial ceremony. Priests of Mordain are called and they begin the fully preparation of the body. Shamgars mother is Happy and sad. She is seeing her son again after these 10 long years and she lost her husband all in one fell swoop. The rest of the party go and explore the city and trade goods and buy goods. They also rest and heal up.

Day 10 - Kythorn 10th, 1372 dr

This is the day of the burial ceremony. It is a very lavish affair. The body of Shangar's father if laid to rest in the family crypt. At the end of the affair the party is taken aside by one cleric he asks them if they are looking to do a little work. There have been these incursion into the city. It is a quiet spot that few live near but since the external attacks by goblin kind they have not had the time to check it out. He offers it to them. They agree to do so tomorrow because Arkus is waiting for his New Kukuri to be made. The rest and join in the Dwarven morning which is really a drinking lots of ale and telling tales of the dead.

Day 11 - Kythorn 11th, 1372 dr

After picking up the finely made weapons for Arkus. The party is lead to this crack in a wall. It is barely passable for 1 at a time. They head in as their light reaches a room at the end of the crack there is a loud screeching sound coming from it. As they start to enter the room they are set upon by Darkmantles. The fight gets a little scary as the creature try to grapple various party members. No one is knock down but it is an experience they will not forget....

[trevor]

Thanks for the update, it's a fun read. What better way to get a free night of party and lodging than saving the city

I don't suppose you have any pics of your battle with the pirates on the boat ? That sounds very interesting.

[Big_Mac]

Thanks for the update, it's a fun read. What better way to get a free night of party and lodging than saving the city

I don't suppose you have any pics of your battle with the pirates on the boat ? That sounds very interesting.

I might. I know I still have the map in the campaign.

[Big_Mac]

So here is my physical setup. Before players arrive.