Session XXXV - War Zone (2002-07-23)

Back in the temple, Radagast's coffin had disappered. The overseer explained that Lord Alayn had heard of Sir Radagast's fate, and decided that he needed to be buried in Durenheim, and with proper ceremonies. Hadnir had nothing against this, but Gronthor objected quite a bit. In the end they decided to go with the burial, but still take Radagast's possessions and the message regarging his death to his parents.

At the end of the week, Radagast was buried with all the finesse that Alayn could muster, and Radagast's body was lowered into the crypt of Durenheim's past heros (it was an open coffin, and Hadnir paid a lot of attention to make sure that it was Radagast's body). The overseer also put Hadnir and Gronthor at ease explaining that all the ceremonies and other preparations would make sure that Radagast's body would rest in peace.

After the funeral Alayn summoned Gronthor and Hadnir for a meeting. He was with a man in red cloak. Alayn gave a ceremonial shield to take to Radagast's parents as well as a letter. The companions promised to deliver them both.

In the morning Gronthor, Hadnir and Jobric left for Cador, the last stop before the Cursed Lands. They had four horses, the extra one carrying all the supplies and extra gear. On the third day they met with Landis and his detachment. He had news of Broken Fist orcs who wanted to pledge allegiance to Alayn, and of various beasts like manticores moving away from the Cursed Lands.

On the fourth day they came to a scene of dead orcs. Some wild beast had killed them, and started eating them. Based on the tracks it was huge. As Hadnir was trying to figure out the tracks, a large dire bear charged from the woods and got Jobric in a deadly bear-hug. Hadnir closed in with his short swords slashing a flurry of blows, but the bear was strong and crushed Jobric into a bloody heap before turning to face Hadnir. That was the change Hadnir was hoping for, and quickly bandaged Jobric's worst wounds, ignoring the bear's menacing pose. As the bear tried to hug Hadnir, he slashed a deep wound in its belly which was enough to have the bear think twice. Gronthor, who had been busy casting Haste and other protective spells finally joined in with magical bolts of energy, and before long Hadnir's sword finished the vile creature. Concerned for their friend, they had Jobric drink two potions of healing before he finally regained consciousness and was able to heal himself and Hadnir as well. It turned out Jobric had a wand of healing as well, which he borrowed to Hadnir for future urgent needs.

One of the last villages before Cador got the party suspicious, and Hadnir scouted the scene ahead of the rest. All was good. They stayed with Volgar, who told of them of some of the dangers they would meet in the Cursed Lands. The Spirit of the Necromancer was an unnatural storm that seemed to wake the dead. He also warned of the river that flowed south of the Cursed Lands, saying it was best not to drink of that water. He referred to the orcs in those parts of the Cursed Lands who grew very big but were also extremely dumb. Finally he talked about his grandson Frederick who he had not heard in some time. Gronthor offered to deliver a message to the boy if he ever met him. Just before leaving Gronthor asked if he could recommend a place for the next night; Volgar suggested Furlaf about a day's journey south.

On the way to Furlaf, they saw a large company of men marching north. Jobric recognized the banners they had: more of Cordwelly's mercenaries.

Furlaf turned out to be an old man who was almost deaf. He seemed to be a real expert in dog handling, though, and the party got an impression that the old man was perfectly safe in the wilderness, protected by his loyal companions.

On their last day they noticed the forest on the east side of the road was cleared, and they soon learned why: there was a large orc camp with palisades just north of Cador.

When they entered Cador, Hadnir told everyone to keep their true mission and identities a secret, just in case. The guards let them in, and they spent a peacful night at the last bastion of civilization. In the morning they bought supplies for a month, and started off.

As the day wore on, they noticed the plants started looking different, with more thorns than before, and less leaves. It was like the nature itself was becoming more aggressive the further they traveled.

They stumbled to a group of orcs and ogres, about half a dozen in total. Hadnir tried to talk to them, but the orcs just attacked. They were wearing the blood red symbols of Erythnul. It was not too much of a trouble for the party, but before nightfall they spotted another group of orcs in the distance who immediately blew a horn. Figuring that fighting a whole orc tribe would be foolish, the party fled east. After a while the orcs seemed to give up when it was apparent the party was moving faster on horseback.

Before long the party saw smoke in the distance. They traveled towards it, and Hadnir and Gronthor went to scout ahead. They saw a small village surrounded by palisades being attacked by an army of orcs! Figuring it would be best to not show themselves they returned to Jobric, and slowly moved about a mile north in the darkness to set up a camp for the night.

In the morning Hadnir lead the party to the direction he assumed Cador was in. It seemd pointless trying to cross the Cursed Lands here, with a full blown war going on. By mid-day, as they were traveling in a gully to stay hidden, Hadnir and Gronthor spotted gleaming metal ahead. Hadnir climbed out of the gully and sneaked ahead to investigate. It was a group of four orcs and ogres, and they had prepared an ambush. They had also seen Hadnir sneaking towards them. As Hadnir started retreating, two of the orcs followed him while the other two moved towards Jobric and Gronthor on the other side of the gully. Using Bobo as a means to communicate the party was able to work out a plan. Hadnir chose the best spot he could to make a stand, while Gronthor and Jobric rode back the gully to find a place where they could climb out with the horses. The plan worked, although it was a close call for Hadnir as he was fighting off the two trained soldiers. He was saved by Jobric flying in and healing him just in time. They were also able to fight off the orcs and ogres one or two at a time which helped a lot. The orc patrol had good, masterwork quality weapons, although only a greatsword and bastard sword were of the size usable by humans. They also had 38 gold coins, and a good breastplate. With that loot loaded on the extra horse the party set off towards Cador again.

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