Mission 2: The Tower ~ part II

Hwyll and his companions have cleared the lower levels of the Tower of Tor Varden. They have taken time to tend to their wounds & now they prepare to ascend the darkened stairs to the very top of the tower to meet the evil that awaits.

Mission 2 ~ The Beacon Tower

Scenario 3 ~ The Top Level

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Stepping through a trapdoor surrounded by a dragon-mist conjured by the arcane arts of Osimund, Hwyll catches a brief glimpse of a large beacon pyre atop of which is chained a captive. A ghostly presence is sensed more than seen and orcs stand guard on the cold, dark citadel.

The party has not changed from the previous game, lead by the ranger: Hwyll ~ the Autumn Elf, Osimund the conjurer, Mouni the northern tracker, Vlaka the rogue, the valiant guardsman Malaka, and Gawne the young archer. Hrolf the hound was injured too badly to take part in this scenario so he is guarding the freed prisoners back in the lower levels.

After the previous game Hwyll's experience allowed him to gain a level. As a result he gained +10 Recruitment Points. I don't believe he can recruit new or better followers mid-mission but an extra 10RP can turn a 2 spell conjurer into a 3 spell conjurer. So I did this and I will make it permanent. So, from now the cost of Osimund is 30RP (it's like he's gone up a level too.)

The game begins with three heroes deployed on the table 1" from a trapdoor. The spell Smoke, blocks Line of Sight (LOS) and will prevent the archers from shooting. To explain this illogical sequence I chose to write is as though Osimund casts his Smoke spell before the heroes open the trapdoor and enter the rooftop...

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As Osimund's dragon-mist rose through the trapdoor he, Hwyll and Malaka stepped onto the flat roof of the tower. Hwyll cast a spell to enchant his blade (Enchanted Steel) and Malaka sprinkled some magical Fairy Dust onto the tip of his spear causing it to glow with a faint blue fire.

As preparations continued for the lighting of the beacon an orc guard was sent to investigate the mysterious smoke that seemed to appear from nowhere. (Surprisingly, all of the random movement for the archers would have had them walking off the edge of the tower. I decided to add an extra orc warrior - One walked away & the other moved towards the smoke - Serendipity I suppose).

Catching the hazy movement of the guard through the thick mist, Malaka charged out with his two-handed spear leveled. In a brief clash the orc was wounded but kept up the fight. Osimund moved with a new authority to the right, from where he could see an orc archer turning towards the sound of fighting.

With a commanding word, a bolt of power leaped forth from the conjurer's staff and struck the orc with a mighty force hurling it over the edge of the parapet where it was dead even before it hit the ground.  (He rolled 19 with a +5).

With his now enchanted blade in his hand the elfin ranger dashed towards the ghostly apparition ~ a Shadow Knight ~ that floated above the stones of the tower roof. (Hwyll has the Heroic Ability - Dash - Enabling him to move a total of 12" for the turn. He didn't quite make it but the monster had to lock onto him because he made it to within 1").

In a flash the insubstantial creature spun to face the hero and, holding aloft it's staff of unearthly green flame, flicked out it's ethereal blade with accuracy and strength. Only the enchantment on Hwyll blade caught the flickering spirit-steel of the shadow-knight's blade. He turned the attack aside and retreated from this unexpectedly ferocious attack. 

(What happened is that they both rolled high - Hwyll got +3 and the shadow knight got +4. Any damage would have seen Hwyll almost killed with a single blow but... Another of his Heroic Abilities is Parry ~ So he used this to win the fight. Caused no damage but also allowed him to step back.)

 Now an orc guard rushed in to the attack but the elf turned it's blade inflicted a light wound and put further distance between himself & his adversaries.

At the trapdoor, Vlaka, Mouni and Gawne emerged from the mist on to the tower top. Vlaka immediately went to the aid of Malaka who was now getting the worst in his fight with the orc guard. Drawing his dagger the rogue looked for an opening in the orc's defense. He struck but his blow was easily deflected by the creatures shield. (Both rolled low. Vlaka lost but received no damage.)

Mouni, seeing the unearthly glow of the shadow knight's flaming staff ran fast to the other side of the beacon pyre, whilst Gawne stepped onto the unsafe perimeter walkway. An orc archer stood looking for a target and as it leveled a dart at the young archer, he quickly nocked his own arrow, bent his bow and sent the missile straight into the orcs eye. (20! Critical Hit)

In the far distance a sickly green flame leaped to the sky. The beacon tower of Tor Dargos had been lit. A baleful wave of malice swept over the land from the tower. Every hero felt it sweep through them though only for a second. Only Vlaka, stood mute for a long moment jaws agape and glassy eyed until a shout from Malaka brought him back to the here and now. (TN 10 - Will Roll - Vlaka rolled 9 and only his +1 Will brought him up to 10. All the rest passed easily.) 

Mouni now raised her newly acquired staff and strode toward the shadow knight - Osimund had assured her it could harness the power of the elements and unleash great destructive force (Staff of Elemental Strike). 

With a northern war cry the brave tracker struck the ethereal knight. It was a clumsy blow but it got past the creatures guard. A bolt of energy passed through the staff's length and burst into the darkness sending the shadow knight reeling back. 

The orc guard was shocked at the sight of it's master being bested by a war-crazed maiden wielding bright, flashing magic & Hwyll's blde found an easy opening (20! Critical Hit!) to send it to the underworld. 

Second's later the elf staggered as a thudding pain pierced his side. A hidden guard had stepped from behind a pillar and sent a black feathered arrow into the unsuspecting ranger (11 Damage! Ouch).

Seeing his foe worsted the shadow knight floated above the stricken elf with it's ghost blade held high for the killing stroke. But it's blow was turned aside and a quick flick the ranger thrust his enchanted blade into the apparition where a heart should have sat. With a mournful cry the evil ghost vanished as if it had never existed. (Hwyll rolled another very much unexpected but welcome 20 - Critical hit!)

The only foe that remained was the orc archer which dodged and ducked several arrows sent towards it from both Gawne and Mouni and shooting back when it could. Hwyll removed the orcish shaft and cast a healing spell on himself.

However from behind the dragon mist which had been so useful in concealing the companions, a figure emerged. Pale green flame heralded it's appearance as it stepped from the darkness. Another shadow knight had emerged...

(I had considered from the start that one shadow knight might not be enough of a threat so I decided that if the scenario moved too quickly I would randomly roll & place a second SK - either behind one of the pillars or on the pyre itself).

Unaware of the danger, Osimund peers into the darkness. Only at the last moment does he turn to face the creeping specter raising his staff to defend himself. 

Turning at the last moment Osimund perceives his danger and raises his staf to protect himself. From the other side of the pyre Hwyll moves and, putting arrow to bowstring, lets fly a dart which tears through the phantom, distracting it from it's intended prey. Still it lunges at the mage who, weather due to his arcane knowledge or other magical skills manages to defeat the apparition pushing it back with an eerie cry of frustration.

The guardsman Malaka, now that his own opponent is slain, turned to aid the mage. He saw his spear, enchanted by the so-called Fairy Dust, pass through the apparition tearing off a small part of it's being and seeming to cause it pain. He didn't understand any of this magic but his attack was effective. (Low dice rolls and a minor wound.)

In the distance a second beacon was lit and a green flame erupted from the direction of Tor Hammel. This time a wave of despair and melancholy swept over the land. The companions weathered this spiritual assault but Mouni, the tracker of the north, was visibly shaken (TN12 Will Roll - All except Mouni passed and suffered -2 Fight for the rest of the game).

Both Hwyll & Mouni raced in to the melee but were too late to do anything. The ghostly knight fended off all blows but it sensed weakness and sent it's blade darting toward Mouni. The ranger parried the blow and thrust forward with her staff. Again a mighty bolt of elemental power ran down it's length and the shadow knight vanished in a sickening blast of greenish flame.

The tower was now empty of foes. The companions were wounded in body and spirit but they had prevented the lighting of the beacon and saved the prisoner bound to it's summit and Tor Varden was once again in the possession of the kingdom.

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Back on the ground the companions rest, eat and scout the towers' close environs. They find a fissure in the earth with a long, steep stairway winding down. Their mission is complete but this is the first time a way into the Shadow Deep has been found. They must go down and make a reconnaissance of the realm threat threatens the very existence of all that stands before it.

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This was a dangerous one. I think my strategy was good. The use of the smoke spell worked but, as I mentioned above I had to word it so that the actual game mechanics made sense in the narrative. It allowed the main fighters to prep their weapons without being shot to pieces by the archers. 

Hwyll could have died if it wasn't for his Parry heroic ability. If he'd taken the blow from the shadow knight and then the arrow he would have been done for. I actually used all of his Heroic Abilities in this game: Dash to get to the shadow knight - Parry to save himself & Focus to ensure he passed the second TN roll for the beacon being lit (as long as I didn't roll a 1). 

As for the "Very Unexpected 2nd critical hit." Hwyll could have survived because he still has his Blocking Weapon (1) - This can totally block any attack/damage once. After that one time it's just a sword. So he could have survived.

Osimund with 3 spells is much better, even though he didn't get to cast his final spell. But the spell was there just in case (Burning Light).

Hwyll is 7XP short of being able to gain a level. That's a shame because I feel that the party are going to need all the help they can get for the next mission.

Mouni, Osimund and Vlaka all have 10 Progression Points  so they all gain +1 Health.

Malaka - He's going to get his promotion - "As a carrier of the Sliver Star of Alledore and by order of King Arethic II I hereby promote Malaka to the rank of Captain of the Guard" (Man at Arms).

Malaka started as an footslogger and a bit of expendable muscle for the group but has become an essential member with plenty of memorable brave feats. Because of this he started with a basic guardsman figure. But I have a more heroic figure in the same basic uniform. Rules wise, a Man at Arms and a Guardsman have the same stats. The difference being that the guardsman has a two-handed weapon (+2 damage) and the MAA has better armour (12). They both cost the same (20RP). So basically, Malaka will lay down his spear and take up a sword and a groovy new shield.

Congratulations, Captain Malaka

Terrain

The terrain for this game was easy to make. It might look complex but most of it is printed card-stock and a single vinyl floor tile. The exceptions are the trapdoor and the pyre. The trapdoor took about an hour to make from cardboard, coffee stirrers and cork with some paint slapped on it. The pyre took a bit more effort. It's made from coffee stirrers, balsa wood and a few resin gambions that have been sitting on my desk for a few years. This piece took a couple of hour to put together but it's pretty simple and not a solid as it appears.

Also, the whole thing is sitting on top of the dungeon walls that I made for the previous scenario just to give everything the illusion of height.

Mission 2 - The Tower Part 1

Travelling as fast as caution and stealth allowed Hwyll and his companions delved deeper into danger. With the hound Hrolf leading and sniffing out enemy patrols, the party managed to keep out trouble and close to their path until, eventually, they came to the beacon tower of Tor Varden.

Mission 2 - The Beacon Tower

Scenario II - The Lower Levels

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Standing on a rough path before the gates of the tower, the companions prepare to enter the tower of Tor Varden. Taking the keys found at the river camp Hwyll tries the great lock and it turns smoothly with only a soft clunk. From inside coarse laughter can be heard as the thick oaken doors are pushed wide on silent hinges (Target Number 10 - TN10 - Stealth Roll - Easily passed by Vlaka the Rogue). Hwyll and his companions enter with arrows knocked and ready...

This scenario has same party as the previous one with the inclusion of  Hrolf the

mistreated hound found lurking at the river camp. With Hwyll is Osimund the conjurer, Mouni the tracker from the borderlands, Vlaka the rogue, Malaka the guardsman and Gawne the young archer still recovering from the loss of an eye (and his good looks). 

The first through the door were Hwyll, Mouni and Gawne, determined to prove himself this time around. This was the tower's storeroom & stables. All manner of crates, barrels and sacks filled the floor space. And standing, stunned, amongst this abundance were a pair of beast men - Gnolls, Mouni named them - Hwyll called them Orcs! Three arrows flew and the companions leaped into action.

Gawne took up a position loosed and arrow which went wild. Hwyll's arrow found it's mark wounding the enemy. He then drew his sword and charged. 

Mouni's arrow also missed but she advanced and took up a defensive stance as an orc charged towards her. From the shadows another pair of orc warriors emerged looking for blood. 

Hwyll's foe lunged and the Autumn Elf struck him down but was immediately beset by another of the evil creatures. Gawne took aim at an orc looking undecided in the center of the room. He knocked an arrow and drew his bow...

The rest of the party entered the tower ready to do what needed to be done but, as yet, unsure where they were needed.

Gawne's arrow flew true and his enemy fell with an arrow in it's yellowed eye (20! Critical Hit).  He the drew his sword and ran to the aid of Hwyll who was having trouble with a slippery opponent who's spear got past the ranger's defences drawing blood.  Mouni's foe had the better of her and struck a vicious blow wounding the doughty tracker, as the rest of the party entered the tower ready to leap into action.

Mouni was hard pressed by a tough opponent taking another strong blow from an iron shield boss. Malaka, took immediate stock of the tracker's danger and charging in with his two handed spear leveled, skewered the orc right through it's hairy belly. Osimund raced to the tracker's aid casting a spell of healing.

Seeing his new master in danger Hrolf raced into the melee. Clearly afraid of the hound the distracted orc let it's guard down and Gawne's blade slipped beneath it's guard and between it's ribs. 

Avoiding the fighting taking place all around, Vlaka rushed forward looking for hidden foes and any clues to aid their mission. Both he and Osimund found items of treasure -But time to determine their worth later...

As the party gathered at the door to the next room Hwyll looked to Mouni's wounds and cast his own elfish healing spell, restoring the tracker to full health. Vlaka prepared to hurl the door open with the others ready to rush through... (Game wise they did manage to open the door with the very last action of turn 4. This prevented "the penalty" that might have occurred in the next room).

The door was drawn revealing a darkened but well stocked armoury.

 And more orc folk!

Like a shadow Vlaka rushed silently in taking refuge behind a pillar. Hwyll bound in right behind the wily rogue with an arrow knocked. He loosed but the arrow thudded into a red painted shield.

An orcish archer at the far end of the room took aim at Hwyll but Gawne, next into the room, quickly loosed his own dart at the orc. The arrow missed but it spoiled the enemy's aim and the dart meant for the elf's heart instead ricocheted off a stone pillar. (Two bad shooting rolls)

Not waiting for the heroes to knock any more darts the orc warriors charged. The force of their charge shocked the elf and the archer but neither received any wounds (luckily due to low dice rolls all around).

The others'  burst into the room. Hrolf immediately ran to his master's aid and tore at his foe causing serious wounds. The orc tried to back off but the mistreated hound kept the pressure on the evil creature.

Mouni and Malaka rushed in to the aid of young Gawne who was proving his mettle this time around. Malaka delivered the killing blow but not before the orc's slashing blade bit into Mouni and she was wounded once again. Using the distraction of the melee, Osimund slipped into the room looking for clues and taking what cover he could.

Both elf and hound fought a determined foe which, in it's fear found a renewed strength. With a mighty swing of it's shield the orc caught the hound hard in the chest and a cracking sound could be heard as the brave beast slumped, un-moving to the stoney floor. 

Seeing the orc archer knocking another arrow, Malaka once again leveled his spear and charged into the fray. But this foe was more agile than the last and it skipped to one side drawing a long knife and slashing at the guardsman, opening a shallow cut to his side.

As the fighting continued, Vlaka unearthed another clue. Or was it... Ha! It was a jar of beer. And not just any beer but the famous Golden Beer of great renown.

Vlaka peered from the shadows as the orc archer and the guardsman fought. As he watched the orc's long knife flicked forth once, twice.. Each time cutting the guardsman. No particular wound looked serious but the orc was wearing the soldier down by degrees. There was nothing for it. Drawing his own blade the rogue leaped form the shadows at the orcs back and drove his blade into it's rib cage. The orc fell with a sighing grunt (20! Critical Hit for Vlaka). 
"Here," he said to the guardsman, offering him the Golden Beer. "You look like you need this." ...(The Golden Beer acts as a healing potion restoring 2 Health Points).

In the corner Osimund saw a glitter. An almost unearthly glitter. He reached out and found a tiny bottle. He knew what this was - A  Phial of Fairy Dust (applied to a weapon it will make the weapon count as magical for one whole scenario).

After a long fight, Hwyll slew his orc. He looked to Hrolf and found his friend wounded but still breathing. He would survive but would be of no help in the near future and must rest. Speaking a mystic word and running his hand over his blade (Enchanted Steel spell +1 magic weapon until the end of the scenario) Hwyll stood. With his companions behind him, wounded but still determined, Hwyll ordered Osimund to throw open the next door from which loud voices and the cries of men could be heard.

And beyond was a chamber of horrors. The orcs had brought their favorite toys... Machines of torture!

By the light of a large fire at the far end of the hall orc guards stood by as a huge orc chieftain brutalized a cowering figure in the center of the room. (Once again the party had the time to open the door at the end of Turn 4 and avoided "the penalty" for this room - And a good thing too as it turned out.)

For the third time this day Hwyll ran in, bow in hand. His aim was true and the first torturer fell clutching at the arrow in it's throat (20! another Critical Hit). 

Holding his staff aloft Osimund muttered a magical word and a bolt of magical energy struck towards the orc chieftain (Magic Bolt spell). But the this orc was shrewd and held out his cruel sword dispersing the magic with cold iron (Osimund rolled a 2 - The Chieftain rolled a 20).

Seeing the Chieftain distracted the soldier gained his feet and prepared to fight back as the evil creature gave a halfhearted sword thrust. Mouni, seeing the brave man rise defiantly, ran to his aid with her staff held high for a killing blow. 

But too late, a third guard came from behind and thrust his spear into the soldier's back with a loud bellow of laughter. As the man fell the orc stabbed again and again making sure his work was done.

Gawne saw an opening and shot an arrow which flew off into the darkness and clattered on the stones. Another arrow followed but the darkness was thick and his aim was poor. (This was the start of the Ranger Phase and although it doesn't show in the pics, Gawne ended his turn wihin 3" of Hwyll thus allowing another shot almost immediately).

Seeing that the light was too poor for shooting and following Hwyll's heroic dash, Gawne moved in to help Mouni. (As Hwyll has the Heroic Skill - Dash giving him extra movement, but as he moved into contact with the Chieftain the other orc which was within 1" of him snapped into contact and became part of the fight). 

With blades and spears thrusting & swinging it was Mouni who once again felt the bite of cold steel on this day. She stumbled, sorely wounded but managed to keep to her feet.

Looking for an opening Malaka entered the melee and his spear brought down the orc guard. It was a close fight for the guardsman but the heft and strength of his long spear brought his enemy to the ground (it was only the +2 two handed weapon damage that killed the orc).

This orc chieftain was cunning and tough. Hwyll knew it would keep fighting to the end and hope to take as many of his enemies with him on his way to the underworld. As he drove of the attacks off both Hwyll and Gawne with his sharp blade, he reached out a dirty clawed hand, grappled Mouni and drove his iron helm into her face for a fierce headbutt with a guttural laugh. Hurt but still standing the tracker staggered and pushed the brute back with her staff. (Mouni was now down to 1 Health Point. It was only because I finally remembered that her staff has a -1 to damage inflicted bonus, that kept her standing. If I'd remembered this earlier she wouldn't have been so badly injured. At least I remembered in time so she didn't get down to zero.).

With a quick flick of his spear Malaka finally got under the Orc Chieftains guard causing a cry of pain. It was only a small cut but it was enough to distract. Hwylls blade swung and bit deep, hewing the neck of the mighty foe. It staggered, still on it's feet and pouring blood and belligerence when Gawne's blade found it's back heart and the brute fell like a great ox to the tower's filthy floor.

Forgotten in all the fighting, Vlaka seached a darkened corner and found a hastily written note. What's this? Nothing important is seems. He thew it back to the floor. (He failed a TN5 Peception Roll with a dice roll of 1).

Osimund found a small parcel that looked to contain Fury Leaves. Good for fighting but they also reduced a mans will power. A search of the Chieftain revealed that he was carrying the log book belonging to the Captain of the Tower. maybe this could be useful.

Collecting themselves and looking to their wounds the companions prepare themselves for the next step of their mission - The beacon tower itself! Leaving an injured and sorry Hrolf to look after the injured prisoners, Hwyll leads the way up a winding stair to the very top of the Tower of Tol Varden.

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Conclusion:

Another nail-biter. I thought this one would be hard and it was. Most of the party pulled through pretty well intact but Mouni took a battering. Gawne the archer performed better than last time.

Due to the nature of this scenario I wasn't certain of what to expect which was good. I was hoping to draw the card for the Shaman's Workshop. I even got my flesh golem figure ready for it's first outing.. But alas, it didn't turn out that way - Probably for the better. That Orc Chieftain (Gnoll Sergeant) was tough enough.

Yes, as you may see I once again used orcs/goblins instead of gnolls, because I don't have any gnolls. Doesn't matter they did the same job.

The failed TN 5 Perception test by Vlaka - It was a scribbled note giving vital info (and thus extra attack damage!) for the next scenario. I was sorely tempted to cheat this one... "Should I have rolled that straight away?" - "Can Hwyll use his Focus Skill (+5) for this?" ... But no. I want to keep it honest but it was certainly a test of my resolve. Good to see I passed my own TN Roll!

Book Keeping

Before they continue on their mission I had to roll for the treasure the party found:

A Staff of Elemental Strike (3) - Mouni or Osimund can use this but it will go to Mouni (she needs all the help she can get at this stage).

A bag of Gold and Jewels - Not much good but... It can be exchanged for 10 experience points or +1 Progression Point to one companion. After tallying up Hwyll now has 303 xp. I can boost this to 313 but I think I'll boost a follower - Mouni +1PP (she is down 1pp due to going to zero in the Infected Trees scenario.

Hwyll has gained a level and the result is +10 Recruitment Points. In this situation I don't think I can recruit more followers (and by my own rules I won't do it anyway). But... I can pay another 10RP to make Osimund a three spell conjurer. I think I might need some more magical help soon. So this is what I will do!

This is a shot of how the table ended up looking. All the rooms started blank and I didn't know what was behind each door. So I had to have all the pieces ready for any eventuality - Yes that's my flesh golem sitting next to the big golden cauldron full of green bubbly stuff.

You can see the preparation I did for this scenario on my other blog here: This 28mm Life