Marshalling Forth

After the meeting with the King, the party holds a meeting with the Borad-Elamites at Lord Hilchiah's manor. Andreas proposes that before a strong attack should be mounted, a scouting operation should be done. Bahirim of the BE's agrees to this plan and Nobo'ru and Azariah are sent out.

During the scouting mission, Azariah and Nobo'ru encountered flammable tar pits approaching the Ruk-Shol camp. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the tracks that they found, which were chaotic in nature.

Continuing to the encampment, they saw mobile siege weapons, including ballistas and catapults, but there were no advanced or fixed siege weapons such as trebuchets. As they were approaching the blacksmiths at the edge of the encampment, which was several miles wide, Azariah blundered in the dark and made a noise which alarmed the Ruk Shol and drew them out. Unable to encircle the camp and to count accurately, Azariah and Nobo'ru withdrew to Neshuza and recounted what they had seen. Approximately 80 Ruk-Shol came out to fight, and mobilized quickly.

After some discussion at Lord Hilchiah's manor, it was decided that some scouts would approach the camp with sunrods, then break them and run from the camp, drawing off some of the Ruk Shol in the process. There was a brief interruption as Lord Hilchiah became incenced at the idea of the Ruk-Shol being lead to Neshuza for the guards to deal with, and Andreas had to smooth this over and revamp the plan slightly. It was decided that since the Ruk Shol can see for about a mile in the dark, that they should gather a mile from the camp, then break sunrods and move in under full light, so that there would be no disadvantage of darkness. Lord Bahirim made a request to be the first wave, and Andreas acquiesced. Lord Bahirim, as a pledge of honor attached a soldier named Eldeth to the party, a Balkin blooded paladin.

The plan while in the camp was twofold: First, to capture if possible or destroy their siege weaponry, and second to make a clean escape. The use of the tar pits could aid in making an escape, as the pits are flammable.

Dakkon, who was also present at the meeting, was informed of the evil spirit near King Malevus by Abel, and also sent Kassam'dul (sp?), a fey-blooded elemental being (Earthsoul Genasi) and Sword Mage to accompany the party in combat. Andreas requested Dakkon's presence as an observer, and Dakkon replied simply that he had his ways and would help as much as he could.

The attack was mounted and the first battle for the party was fought successfully, with no one falling due to injuries. The new party members performed admirably in their efforts to keep the Ruk Shol footsoldiers at bay while other party members dealt with archers harrying the party. After defeating the Ruk Shol, they advanced on the camp.

Session Ends.