Date: November 13, 2022
It’s only a few hours before a roaring flame erupts down the road, engulfing much of a large building and sending a thick pillar of smoke drifting through the sky. Donovan and Bronwen recognise the building as the inn, quickly rushing to investigate. Breadstick chooses to stay behind in an attempt to defend the mercenary outpost. Donovan and Bronwen speed down the dirt road, rapidly approaching the flaming inn. Otto stands outside the building, trying to peek in the windows though clearly staying hidden from whatever lurks inside. The front door is open slightly and after some conversing the three sneakily attempt to investigate. Three goblins and their two hobgoblin leaders stand within the building, looting what they can from among the fire. Bronwen locks eyes with one of the hobgoblins as he begins to shout loudly in a strange guttural language none in the party understand. The goblins rush the group with a flurry of attacks, slashing and thrusting with their rusted weapons.
The fight is brutal, as swords clash with axes and javelins with knives. Donovan sends a magical blast careening into one of the goblins, killing him instantly. Bronwen and Otto likewise vanquish a hobgoblin with their joint attack. Filled with confidence, Bronwen swings her battleaxe at the remaining hobgoblin who narrowly avoids her attack before slashing at the barbarian with his shortsword. The hobgoblin’s strike lands true, swiftly felling the mighty warrior. Donovan looks over in horror, as his friend lies limp on the ground. In the momentary distraction, he too is defeated by a goblin’s sudden attack. Otto soon finds himself overpowered by the three remaining goblin assailants. Using his remarkable agility, he is able to slip away from the attacks and run in search of assistance. He runs down the dirt roads of Montmurr, frantically searching for someone who can help him. After what seems like an eternity, he spots two mercenaries fighting a horde of goblins. Rushing to help, Otto fells a goblin alongside both of his mercenary allies.
Otto asks the mercenaries to help Bronwen and Donovan, but they refuse, suggesting the two are already dead and implying it would be dangerous to return. The three frantically rush to the bastion, as it is the only place safe from the wrath of the orc horde. Goblins swarm the drawbridge, armed with javelins hoping to rush the defences before anyone can react. Otto and the mercenaries fight their way across the bridge, though one of the mercenaries is killed in the process. The two sides are locked in a stalemate, with neither able to land a decisive blow. Otto readies himself, before suddenly casting Charm Person upon his foe. The goblin is stunned for a moment, until Otto tells him to go home. The goblin complies, leaping into the lake and swimming to the shoreline. The massive chains of the drawbridge begin to grind and pull, as the path is now clear of goblin adversaries. Otto grabs the steel shortsword once wielded by the fallen mercenary, hoping to use it for self-defence. He runs into the bastion, followed by the other mercenary who carries his deceased friend.
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