Appearing Characters: Elissa Cross, Packlord Fangore, Gilveradin Windrunner, Remnii, Rohh the Silent, Sahdi, Seria, Telius/Telagos, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Victor Prestor
Appearing Locations: Emerald Dream, Galardell Valley
Appearing Creatures: Blue Dragon, Dreamrunner, Gnoll
January 3rd
Seria is waiting and meditating, sitting in the grass of the Emerald Dream as she attempts to dream her father. There is a soft, snow-covered valley before her, mirroring the hills of the Galardell Valley.
Occasionally, she sees what looks like wispy after images of people that appear for brief moments. There are sounds of people talking and laughing, and people running.
Then she hears something moving into the clearing behind her. She sees a familiar, four-legged silhouette. It’s the dreamrunner they had seen near Sahdi, and on its back, is Sahdi herself.
Sahdi smiles at her.
Sahdi says: Long time, no see, friend.
Seria nods at her.
Sahdi says: When I came to visit I didn’t expect you to already be here.
Seria says: Tryin’ to get in contact with someone.
Sahdi chuckles.
Sahdi says: I know how that is.
Sahdi slides off the dreamrunner’s back, and with a flick of her wrist, a long, red fruit appears in her hand which he offers to the dreamrunner, who takes it happily. She gestures next to Seria.
Sahdi says: May I?
Seria nods and Sahdi sits.
Sahdi says: If I might ask, who you be lookin’ for?
Seria says: Just trying to get in contact with my father.
Sahdi says: Oh. I guess that may be a bit more complicated. At least for you. I wish you the best of luck on that. It seems you’re a natural at this, though.
Seria says: That sounds like something my mother would say.
Sahdi says: Maybe she was a natural too. Just a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have expected to find you snooping around the dream like this for some time. But I guess I was wrong. I’m glad to see it, but I guess… a bit of a warning. The stronger you get, the more in-tune you get with the dream, the further you be probin’, the more likely it is that the Nightmare will find ya.
Seria says: I been watchin’.
Sahdi says: That’s good. I don’t know much about it myself, but Shan’do told me about it last time we spoke. She said she be goin’ to take a look. Talk to a few friends of her’s to learn what this is about. Maybe consult the Loa themselves. But there’s somethin’... real wrong about it. A sickness, she said it was like. I haven’t been able to speak to her again since she left, but maybe you and I together might have more success than alone, yeah? After all, you been full of surprises as of late.
Seria says: Wouldn’t be opposed to it, seeing I’ve been tryin’ to find her.
Sahdi says: Then I hope we can continue to work together. If I find anythin’, I’ll let you know, and same for you, if you can. No matter how far we go… the Dream always be connectin’ us. That’s the glory of this, you know. Distance is such a mortal thing, ya know?
Seria nods.
Sahdi flops back in the snow and looks up at the sky.
Sahdi says: If you’re already this far in your training, as self-taught as it is--after all, there’s no better teacher than the world. I have a feeling it won’t be long before ya maybe get an opportunity to deepen your connection further. I’m glad to see it.
Seria says: What do you mean, further?
Seria glances over at Sahdi, and she sees the dreamrunner standing over them. Slowly, but gently, he moves his head down and touches Seria’s forehead with his curved horn. The horn begins to glow, and a soft green light outlines her body. It tingles, but after a moment, it dissipates. The dreamrunner speaks in her mind.
Dreamrunner says [telepathically: Not yet… but soon.
Sahdi smiles and pats Seria on the shoulder.
Sahdi says: You’ll know when it’s time.
Seria says: What’s he talking about?
Sahdi says: Just how impressed he is. He gave you his blessing, you could say. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.
Seria looks at the dreamrunner.
Seria says: Thank you.
The dreamrunner nods and gives an affirmative snort. Sahdi sits back up.
Sahdi says: I shouldn’t linger. I don’t want to interrupt if your old man shows.
Seria manifests an illusion of Riff’s egg to show Sahdi.
Seria says: Do you know what this is?
Sahdi says: I don’t know. I ain’t never seen anything like that before. But ah… it ain’t anything like I’ve ever seen before. And I don’t think it’s somethin’ from here, that’s for sure. It don’t seem very natural to me.
Seria explains what Vel had discovered about it, and the place she had found it.
Sahdi says: I know this ain’t much help, but why do I have the feeling Shan’do may have more of an idea than either of us.
Seria says: She probably does.
Sahdi says: Have ya tried talking to it?
Seria shakes her head.
Seria says: I’ve been tryin’ to practice with this first. I dunno if it will work.
Sahdi says: I don’t know if it will, but it probably can’t hurt to try. Just be careful, if you do.
Sahdi stands up.
Sahdi says: I’ll be in touch if I can, but I don’t want to linger. I don’t know if the two of us being in one place will attract the Nightmare quicker, but I don’t want to put you in danger. It was good seeing you Seria, and I hope you can be connected to your dad. Family is important. Or it can be, if you make it.
Sahdi hops onto the dreamrunner again, and she waves to Seria as they trot back toward the west.
Sahdi says: Take care of yourself, Seria. I look forward to seeing how much stronger you get. If you don’t slow down, I might have a new rival, ya?
Seria chuckles as Sahdi rides away, and Seria is once again left alone. However, while she continues to wait, her father had never gone to sleep before the spell ends, and she awakens.
Gil, meanwhile, had been sent to speak to Telius via dream as well after he had asked Vel if that was possible.
The dream manifests as the grove beneath Thas’alah, pictured as Gil had last seen it. Sticking out a bit like a sore thumb in comparison to the autumnal and green colors of the space, is a blue dragon who is half-sitting in the grove a bit out of his element. He is bigger than Nori, but significantly smaller than Tyranastrasz. He has a pair of small horns that curl back from his brow, and his pale white-blue eyes seem to be the same exact color as his human form.
Somehow, he still seems to be a bit uncomfortable.
Telagos says: Hello, Gil.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I can’t say I expected you to be in your actual form… for some reason.
Telagos says: Yes, when I returned to my sanctum, I had a desire to… well, stretch my wings, ha, so to say. It’s more comfortable to sleep in this form than that of a man. Personally. Some actually disagree, but that’s a discussion for another time I suppose.
Gil nods.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I suppose you’d rather I just cut to the quick?
Telagos says: I suppose you had something you wished to speak to me about, yes?
Gil gives the gist on the situation and asks for his advice on the matter.
Telagos says: Hm. Well. Um. You know, Gil, would try something for me? A thought experiment. I wager your sister, capable as she is, sent you here, yes?
Gil nods.
Telagos says: This grove, it must have some significance, yes?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s where I got the acorn of Thas’alah.
Telagos says: I see. This is in Quel’thalas then. I see, I see. Well, if it was your sister that sent you here, you should be able to shape the environment. If you wished this to look like your childhood home, or the tower, you could shape it. You could even create the image of any person, place, or thing you wish. So if you have a visual confirmation, I could provide some further advice.
Gil does so.
Telagos says: Huh. Not bad for a first go, my boy.
He creeps around examining the scene.
Telagos says: Very curious. You know, I’ve never gotten close to the tower. The leylines that connect the tower of Ilgalar and the tower of Azora and similar places are ancient, and I believe that this is a manifestation of that energy. I don’t know how much you learned, but from what I’ve been able to discover, the tower of Azora is of a purpose to observe and control, while the tower of Ilgalar has the purpose to destroy and create. I believe the barrier is a manifestation of it. It’s a wall of pseudo-magical energy--a manifestation of the leyline deployed in a destructive manner. You haven’t touched it, have you?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I’ve been advised not to.
Telagos says: Do not do that. If you do, you’ll be down an appendage, I wager. If the tower is capable of projecting a field like this, it may be able to project it further than the tower. A warning. If it is utilized as a weapon, it would be catastrophic if it is even half as efficient as this manifestation appears to be. It would also be exceptionally painful, and I surmise most objects that make contact with this field would have as much success as you. As far as bypassing it… you could perhaps short circuit it with a powerful spell like disintegrate, but barring that, there may be other ways. Transmutation through the wall could be possible, but the wall may be too opaque for things like blink or thunderstep, but a dimension door or direct teleportation would have success. There may be some way to shut it off from outside… after all, the wizard is said to have allies on the outside. It’s possible he has created some sort of key device that allows deactivation of the force field. If you could find any leaders of his group, perhaps they may have something with them. If not, then I do not know. It would likely require strength that I do not personally have direct access to at this point. I hope that helps… but don’t try to run through it. It would be a very short and painful death.
Gil moves the scenery back to the draconic demon wolf.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What about this?
Telagos says: Now that is curious and terrible. It appears to be a chimera, an abomination of alchemical creation that has a demonic base. This proves my fears that this Morganth is very much experimenting with the… twisted science that many among the black flight partake in. Exercise caution, it very likely has the strengths and resistances of both its demonic base and pseudo-draconic pieces.
Gil also explains Remnii’s divination about the fully draconic presence.
Telagos says: well. I don’t know what to think of that. It could possible be a draconic presence heading there now or in the future, not necessarily soon, or it could mean you would take the tower and another presence will come to investigate--perhaps myself or otherwise. I’m not certain.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Would you be willing to help us take back the tower?
Telagos says: That would… it would not be a very wise decision for me. I… mm… I wish you the best of luck as far as the process of this, but it would be not wise to make my presence known. If Morganth is in league with various draconic presences, my revealing myself to them would be exceptionally dangerous. And I… I do not know how much direct involvement I should have. Not without… I have already overstepped my bounds by revealing myself to you and your companions. It would be… I do not wish to breach the Accord. Doing so could be dangerous in an abundance of ways.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: But you live here?
Telagos says: I am a guest, but an unknown guest.
Gil shrugs.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I suppose it would be fair for you defend your own residence.
Telagos says: You are kind, Gilveradin, but this place… there are many reasons my presence here would not be one that many would appreciate. I’ve taken a risk tin reaching out to your master. But I wish to help you in any way I can. If you find anything in the tower that you believe I can assist you with, please contact me. I can derive what insight I can. There is something about these mountains that makes it… that makes my presence in this mountain a potential infringement upon the Accord, and if my hypothesis is correct, then I would impart on you what little I can. If you find any evidence of anything old, ancient, draconic in origin… contact me, and I would inform you of what I know.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I will do so for you.
Telagos says: I apologize I cannot be more forthcoming, but our ancient laws forbid such a thing for a very particular reason.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I do appreciate what help you are able to provide, though.
Telagos says: Of course. I am glad to be of use, and I wish you the best when you confront this monstrous man and his abominations. If you have any other questions, I’ll be glad to answer them.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: My sister did wish to know if you’d be willing to discuss magic with her in the future.
Telagos says: Yes, I would. I always find the mortal approach to magic interesting and we would have a lot to learn from each other. It would be refreshing.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Well, I don’t wish to keep you.
Telagos says: This is a personal matter, perhaps, but in your time… did you perhaps encounter a young boy by the name of Aramar Thorne?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: He’s with us.
Telagos says: Is he safe at present?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: As safe as one can be before marching to battle?
Telagos says: Of course. If you could keep an eye out for him, it would be appreciated.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Could I ask about your interest in him in particular?
Telagos says: Um… I… it is not my place to say, precisely. Part of the… He an… I am… he… his father and I are old friends, I shall say. I should not say anything else. I promised not to say anything else, and please do not tell him about me at all, actually.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t know if he’d believe me if I did anyway.
Telagos says: Good. Very good. But that’s all. Thank you, very much. Good luck and good hunting, I believe? Yes.
When everyone wakes up in the very early morning, they find thick, heavy snow laying over the camp. Everyone has gathered together, and the second-in-command approaches Uther while curling his mustache.
Army Lieutenant says: It’s a snowy day for a battle, your highness.
Uther Menethil says: Not an unusual occurrence where I’m from.
Army Lieutenant says: Some of us aren’t used to fighting in the snow, but those from Redridge should be. The flare should be coming any moment, I wager, if you wanted to give one last word before we move out.
They go to the edge of the clearing so that Uther can address the gathered men. The catapults are being moved into position.
Uther looks around at the gathered men.
Uther Menethil says: My father often spoke of the sword arms of the south. Uther the Lightbringer as well. I’ve only seen a handful of you in action, but I can say their claims were not exaggerated. I consider it a tremendous honor to fight alongside all of you today, and quite privileged for the opportunity to lead you in this battle.
He points over towards the tower.
Uther Menethil says: While Uther the Lightbringer often said there was no such thing as a good day for battle, this is absolutely a bad day to be a gnoll.
As he delivers that with a small, everyone throws fists in the air and clacks swords on shields, and shouts of affirmation. There’s a smile beneath his second-in-command’s mutton chops as he puts a hand on Uther’s shoulder.
Army Lieutenant says: I couldn’t have said better myself, my lad. Lets go show those gnolls what for.
Gil and Vel go with the archers to the top of the ledge, and they can see a pack of about 25 gnolls rushing toward their camp.
Uther and the Brotherhood of the Horse cavalry start to move toward the north to flank the enemy. Meanwhile, from the hilltop, Gil open fires on the fleeing Shadowhide Assassins. More and more of the fleeing gnolls are dropping as they go, their bodies toppling into the snow. The few that remain immediately start to disperse in a panic--all except for a single gnoll (Rohh the Silent) that starts sprinting toward the mountain.
Meanwhile, the first gnoll unit starts to emerge from the gnoll camp. The packlord and his beast are with the group of Fangore’s Elite. The draconic beast, meanwhile, takes to the air.
Seria uses barkskin on herself, materializing leaves along her armor that then harden. She then shifts into the form of a dragonhawk and takes to the air after Uther.
Vel, meanwhile, casts haste on her brother and then molten armor on herself, and the Radiant Company Archers knock their arrows and fires at the last fleeing gnoll assassin. He struggles for another 10 feet, but then drops--a functional pin cushion of arrows.
The rest of the army starts to move, as do the gnolls.
Vel notes that, beyond the camp, there’s something strange occurring at the edge of the valley atop the tower of Ilgalar. There seems to be a disruption. From what Gil had said, she has a feeling this might be a weapon that Telius had warned about. It seems to be in the early stages of charging, but it might do something.
The Brotherhood of the Horse, Uther, Elissa, and Seria ride a bit further, guided by Theocritus, so they are posed to attack as the rest of the gnolls get closer.
Gil drops down to a lower tier and once again open fires, this time on the Shadowhide Slayers that had started to inch forward. They are able to evade the attacks a bit more effectively than the assassins, but he is able to drop four of them.
Elissa casts shield of faith on Uther, and Victor and the footmen continue to move forward, tailed by Remnii.
Fangore howls to the sky, and his beast flies low to join the Shadowhide Slayers, preparing to engage Gil. Vel runs down on the side of the cliff to help her brother, firing off a barrage of frostbolts at the creature as she goes. The archers overhead also volleys down on the creature.
The catapults start to fling their cargo, but the Slayers and Fangore are able to leap over them, and Fangore severs one of the stones in two with his blade. The Slayers break off to start following the draconic demon beast.
Uther and company then charge around the edge of the mountain to start engaging the gnoll army from the rear.
Gil continues firing on the dragon creature as he backs away from the edge. As it flies forward, it falters with one shot, and his second shot strikes it right between the eyes before plummeting and crashing into the ground below it.
However, the slayers dog pile on Vel as she tries to fend them off, her molten armor flaring and the cold snap still whirling around her. She manages to dimension door away to help cover her brother, activating bladesong as she does.
One of the veteran archers from the group fires down on the group attacking the elves
The one that was already at Gil laughs and starts to swing its weapon recklessly. Vel is able to parry a blow, but another blow cuts into her. She grabs her brother and they dimension door away again.
As they reappear, Gil fires off two arrows and manages to drop one of the beasts to critical condition, and the veteran archer drops it completely.
As the Slayers start to charge Vel and Gil again, Vel casts blizzard and manages to catch all of them in it, heavily wounding two of them. Remnii enters the battle at this point and swoops down to heal Vel.
Gil fires another arrow, and drops one of the remaining Slayers. However, one of its comrades is able to reach Gil and swings on him. The second one tries to swipe Vel from her feet, but she able to keep her balance as she comes to the edge. Her molten armor flares and sears the enemy. She fires a frostbolt, but the attack goes wide.
Remnii blasts the gnoll that attacked Vel with a blast of radiant energy.
Gil grabs a dagger from his side and a blade of flame erupts from it as he uses flame blade. The attack misses, but the veteran archer aiding them is able to plant two arrows into the beast. The remaining gnolls start to pile on Gil, but Vel’s sword coats with an icy aura as she uses frigid strike and drives the blade through the throat of one of the gnolls, dropping it as frost spiders out, and spinning her blade around to cut into the arm of his brethren.
Remnii uses holy light, and Gil is bathed in a soft golden glow as his wounds stitch together.
Gil zephyr strikes away and fires an arrow directly through the remaining gnoll’s skull. He then focuses his remaining attacks on the pack lord that is still at a distance. Seven arrows find their mark.
Victor and the Radiant Company holds until the gnolls engage, and Fangore does, in fact. As the armies clash, there is a grant melee of claws and fangs and weapons as the pack lord wades in and tries to carve through shields. However, it seems to be a stalemate. Fangore plunges his blade into the ground, and shadow spreads out, hitting half of the footmen. Vel recognizes the spell as circle of death.
A little less than half of the squad is consumed by the gout of shadowfire, as well as 1 of the captains. Victor is also hit, but he stays up. The archers try to whittle down Fangore’s Elite from their vantage point. The catapults launch into the air, trying to focus on the Tear Horde. The rocks crash into them, as does the second catapult assault, crushing dozens of gnolls.
The Darkweaver Cabal starts to bark orders as the horde closest to them, and they go to try brace their flank against the charging cavalry. The Rip Horde also goes to help them, though its the smallest of the three.
However, as the Tear Horde strikes into Radiant Company, they start to overwhelm them. They start to retreat back to the catapults.
Vel sees the tower beginning to fire its weapon, and making a calculated prediction, she opts to try and shield the archers with a wall of force. The bright blast fires, and it connects with the invisible wall, a black and red inferno, and then the wall shatters--successfully protecting the archers who had ducked in anticipation.
Meanwhile, the cavalry had charged straight into the Gore Horde. There are terrified and pained squeals as the lances find their mark, and they are immediately routed and they flee. The cavalry continues to charge through to the cabal. Uther swings his hammer, decimating the cabal numbers, and they start to scatter.
As Victor tries to get the troops to remain standing, he engages Fangore, trying to hold him off. Gil sends a barrage of arrows at Fangore, and as he turns to see where they are coming from, an arrow skewers him through the eyes, and Victor starts to back up again. The Tear Horde starts to panic and fight amongst themselves, seeing their leader dropped. The strongest among Fangore’s Elite also start to fight amongst themselves.
With the combined efforts of the rest of the army, they start to finish off the remaining gnolls. Seria breathes swathes of fire as she swoops down back and forth, pretty much eliminating the entire squad on her own.
The group is victorious.
