| Session Summaries: |
As the three scouts began the return trip to Hollowfaust, the pace was quickened and the most direct path blocked by the many-limbed goblinoid creatures which had ambushed them in days previous. The first day passed without incident. Late in the afternoon of the second day, however, Feng - the half-orc fighter - spotted the fallen tree.
The three riders slowed their horses and kept a watchful eye on the surrounding forests for signs of another ambush. Sure enough, as Feng, Quarian, and Osmodel approached the tree, two of the spindly-limbed vermin were spotted amongst the trees, waiting to strike. As they approached, Osmodel placed enchantments on his two companions. Then Quarian broke into a charge atop his skittish mount. Unable to control the horse, he fought for control while a volley of javelins was launched at he and his companions.
Feng rode toward the goblinoids dismounting before the horse could buck and run while Osmodel remained behind. Now committed, the rest of the goblinoid war party revealed themselves, jumping atop the fallen tree and onto the road between Osmodel and the two others. During the battle, Feng and Quarian sustained some wounds, but proved a more powerful force in this engagement -- forcing two of the goblinoids to flee. The giant spiders were put down with greater difficulty, but the three companions did succeed.
In need of some rest, they rode their horses around the tree and further from the site of the ambush. With no sign of the creatures that escaped, they located a suitable campsite and settled in for the night.
In the late hours of the night, only a couple hours shy of dawn, the encampment received visitors. While Quarian stood guard, he turned around and there, at the edge of the encampment, was one of the dark elves who had been the subject of scrutiny by Osmodel - the dwarven cleric. Behind, trying to remain out of sight, were the other two -- one a female.
After, eventually, initiating a conversation, Quarian learned a great deal more about the tall, spindly creatures they had battled three days earlier. The githyanki, he learned, were planning an invasion of Scarn and could not be allowed to succeed. Quarian, an adopted dark elf himself, also learned more regarding the contents of the tome which had been stolen from the Faust. It apparently held the secret to opening the tomb of Gith -- the githyanki's falled god.
Many minutes passed before Quarian awakened Feng and Osmodel. After a bit of tension, a temporary alliance was formed as the dark elves informed the scouting party of the gravity of the situation and what would likely happen if the githyanki were able to conquer this world. As the sun creeped over the eastern horizon, the six -- three dark elves and the original three members of the scouting party -- ate a meal with an uneasy silence. The three dark elves remained in the clearing as the scouts left on the final leg back to Hollowfaust. When Quarian looked back, however, they had all vanished without a traace.
Upon returning to Hollowfaust, the scouting party stabled their horses and rushed to the Third Gate, asking to see Isek. Relaying the information to Isek and, later, to the Sovereign Council, the scouts were dismissed while the Council deliberated over matters.
After only a few days, proclamations were issued request volunteers to aid in the defense of Hollowfaust. Citizens flocked to the third gate in droves, wishing to aid their city-state in any way they could. Despite the presence of nearly every man between fifteen and fifty living in the city, the army was a far cry from an adequate defense.
On their return, Feng resumed his employment with Bhaltair, one of the local blacksmiths, and Osmodel continued to wait out his appointed meeting with Hollowfaust's Sovereign Council. Two days later -- a gray, overcast, and rainy Charday -- Osmodel met with the council to present a case for military alliance with his own besieged city of Burok-Torn. His speech was heartfelt, sincere, and powerful. Osmodel left the council chambers with his head held high and returned to The Weary Pilgrim to await the council's decision.
And come it did the following Madraday, just two days before the Carnival of Flowers. It was not, however, the decision Osmodel had expected or hoped for. Standing in the council chambers, Danar -- guildmaster of the Animator's Society -- presented the council's decision. Danar, an aging woman, was chosen as the spokesman for her exceptional wisdom and.
"While Osmodel's plight is well-understood by the Sovereign Council, we can offer little. You may carry an acceptance of alliance with Burok-Torn back to your clan leaders. With regret, however, Hollowfaust is unable to provide any military support at this time. We can offer you resources and information, but little else.
"As you yourself are already aware, Hollowfaust may itself be the target of a githyanki invasion force and we must see to our own defense. For without our own security, we cannot hope to offer aid in another's."
Osmodel left the council chambers that day, returning to the inn to pack his bags in preparation for leaving in the morning. Already late, he turned in for the night...
Written By: Thoth
17 August 2003
