Campaign Chronicles

06 Deepkolt 349 AC PROTECTOR'S TOWER On the dawn of the day after the battle, two platoons of elves arrive to reinforce the city's defenders. Commander Parnitha summons all of the city's defenders to meet with her at the Protector's Tower, a slender crystal-topped spire overlooking the river. Dozens of elves have gathered in the entry hall, known as the Ranger's Gate. Living trees are interwoven through the pale stone walls, supporting the upper levels while narrow windows of crystal admit wan winter light. A banner bearing the sigil of House Protector hangs from the central pillar. Racks of weapons, mostly bows and spears, line the walls. A large map of the Thon-Thalus River Valley is carved into the floor. Colored miniatures mark the locations of scout patrols, supply caches, safe places to cross the river, and Dragonarmy sightings. The overwhelming victory less than thirty-six hours earlier has left the defenders in high spirits, despite the discovery made at...

THE BUS STOP Dusty pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward town. The tension in the air was thick. The only sounds were those of the tires on asphalt and the purr of the engine. Greta sat up front in the passenger seat, giving Dusty directions and in less than five minutes, the van pulled up to the bus stop and its shelter. He parked and killed the engine. Everyone sat quietly for a moment. Then Greta threw open her door and stepped out of the van. She grabbed the handle of the sliding door and pulled it open, allowing everyone else to get out. The streetlight buzzed overhead, casting a harsh yellow-white glare. The glass shelter reflected everyone's movements as they piled out. Professor Avery switched on his EMF scanner and was sweeping the area. Max placed the oscilloscope on the front passenger seat and got it started before digging out a rugged-looking camcorder and hitting the "RECORD" button. Greta pointed at the shelter. "That's where it was,...

05 Deepkolt 349 AC PARNITHA'S COMMAND CENTER Cedron steps into the role of administrator. He begins coordinating resources and responsibilities of units of healers, communications, field transport back into battle readiness. “There’s no time to waste. We must be prepared to stand strong!. Prepare the children and elders to be ready to take shelter!” He commands, having seen first hand the fury that can be unleashed by dragons. Romulus nods, "They know what we can do now. They won't commit their full strength against us. They will probe, draw us out, and then strike elsewhere, knowing we can't be everywhere at once." The archmage walks over to Commander Parnitha's war table and looks at the map, looking for vulnerable spots. "And they will send dragons to everywhere we are not." The elven warrior looks at the map as well, circles and dots show the locations of villages. Lines show the roads and trails that connect them. "Supply depots, farmst...