Sugar Plum Yuletide (Elven Archers)

Note: This adventure is based on the "Banquet of Death" module for 5e. It has been adapted for edition and level.

21 Frostkolt 348 AC

Grotto sees the arrows flying at Raven. "Well this isn't going as planned!" Grotto tries to signal to Raven that he is going to subdue those shooting at him. He leaves the road on on its north side, heading toward the rocky cliff where the three elves are shooting at Raven. He reaches the bottom of the escarpment and follows it along its base. The ground gradually rises beneath his feet as the base of the cliff curves away from the road.

On the cliff above Raven, a lone elf sees the trio of archers firing at something below him and leans out over the edge. Upon seeing Raven climbing toward him, he falls back slightly. Grabbing a long branch cut specifically for this purpose, he drives it into a narrow cleft in the rock and begins to pry. His efforts send a dead fall of rocks and  trees over the ledge to rain down on Raven.

The climbing swordsman curses and flattens himself against the rock face as the debris falls towards him. He is struck with several of the smaller stones and is nearly swept from the cliff. He manages to hold on and continues inching his way up. More arrows pelt the wall, eliciting a steady stream of curses from him.

After nearly a full minute of running, Grotto rounds the far edge of the northern cliff. Sweat runs down his face and beard into his armor. About 80' distant, he sees the archers shooting at Raven who, meanwhile, is nearing the top of his cliff.

With the archers within reach, Grotto takes out his great axe and turn it sideways to be more of a paddle that a deadly blade. He cast a spell flight and takes to the air to disrupt the archers' attacks. None see him coming as their attention is focused toward Raven on the far side of the road.

He swings mightily at the first of the elves, smacking him broadside across the back and rump. A wailed moan escapes the elf's lips as he topples to the ground. The other two spin, dumbstruck by the appearance of a flying, axe-wielding dwarf and stand there, mouths agape for several seconds before their minds register that they should DO something a flying, axe-wielding dwarf in their midst.

Their distraction gives Raven enough time to pull himself over the ledge in front of the elf who just tried dumping a pile of rocks and logs onto his head.

Grotto roars and charges in, flinging himself toward the last two elves. He swats with axe, knocking both of the elves about. They stumble and stagger but remain standing although they drop their bows and reach for swords instead.

Raven rolls to his feet and unbuckles his sword belt. He swings Nightwatcher, sheath and all at his opponent, striking him multiple times as the weapon spins in an arc above Raven's head. The elf facing him clutches his head and falls to the ground just in time for Raven to see Grotto smack his enemies again, knocking them down.

Grotto and Raven quickly collect their fallen enemies and tie them to a tree after removing their weapons to prevent their escape. Raven then calls Nala over and tells the dog to lead them to Carla.

The two adventurers soon arrive at a stone cottage built in a clearing, deep in the woods. As they approach, dozens, if not hundreds, of rats crawl out of the half-eaten corpse of a horse lying near the doorstep and run away. As they look around, they notice many more rodents scurrying around the house.

The cottage is a small, one room affair. Its lower half is made of stones fitted together and sealed with mud, the upper half is rough logs topped by thatch. A small fireplace in the back corner has a slow trickle of smoke rising from it. At one point, herbs were hung to dry beneath the eaves but have apparently been forgotten.