3 Months Later.. (Wizards)

[Drakon]

Andronicus slams the Faerie Staff to the ground, and a white mist envelope the room. Satisfied that time is working its magic into the area, He replaces his current equipment with more warlike implements. The mist recedes, revealing a more quiet surroundings. The party (and a certain mahogany stand..) finds itself in the same room only with little Calaglin cowering in the arms of an elven woman, whom you guess is the duchess.

"My lady! We are here to get you out of the Undercity! Please, take the Royal Passage out - we will rescue the duke!"

After finally sorting out the confusion as to why so many bearded men with pointy hats are suddenly in the room, and what they're here for, the duchess agrees to take her son and flee the Undercity. From your estimate, the Goblin are still a good twenty minutes away from entering the room. The assault has already begun however, and you can hear sounds of battle outside.

You can either wait here and take on the goblins, or leave the room and go find the Duke.

Sylvos also wants at least one member of the party to escort the duchess and her son back to Riverside.

[notjarvis]

Uther subtly changes back from his wooden state when he sees no immediate Danger, and when he thinks no-one is watching.

He doesn't really want to go back with the Duchess, as the thought of travelling alone through those caves with Goblins around appeals almost as little as going into battle.
(But he could get browbeaten into it if the others decide he has to go back with her).

[Andon]

"R'rud. Uther. You two should protect the Duchess and make your way back to riverside. We should look for a way around the goblins before they break in."

Grab the Faerie Staff, hand it to the Duchess.

"I hope you don't have to use this, but just in case...."

[Solarflux]

Just Uther would be sufficient dont you think? I would prefer to go after the Duke.

[Andon]

It is a long trip. And your Barrier spell is a hardy defense. I don't think one person would be enough.

[Solarflux]

Very well.

[Drakon]

*rolls dice* Hmm. Lucky.

R'rud and Uther introduce themselves to the Duchess, who doesn't say a word of reply and holds Calaglin close to her. In any case they lead the way out of the Royal Passage and the elves follow. The Passage is secure, and you can hardly hear the sounds of battle from here. Soon enough, you have exited the tunnels and resurfaced into the desert, where night has fallen. Do you make camp or press on?

*rolls dice* Hmm.

Meanwhile, back in the Undercity..

It seems that the goblin hordes have yet to break through the inner defenses, and all is quiet as you make way to the walls where Sylvos' apparent high station grants you an audience. The Duke however, is adamant that he must hold the line and defend his people, as they have nowhere else to go.

Do you...

1. Stand with him?
2. Tell him that we can try evacuating as many as possible through the Royal Passage.
3. Ah fuck it, lets just leave.

Backstep has expired. You have returned to real time.

[Andon]

Try to convince him that evacuating people via the royal passage would be the best thing for all of them. Once the people are safe, a smaller force could be used to contain the goblins while a larger force -Perhaps from Riverside or even the Human lands - is gathered to recapture the city.

[Solarflux]

My Lady, even now that we are out of the tunnels we are still far from safe. Would it be possible for you and your son to travel a bit further? A few hours would do. Then we can rest and continue on in the morning. Also, if you have any spells, skills or equipment that could help us, now might be the time to share. My mana is hardly full and even though I am trained as a duellist I can only do so much to keep us safe.

[id3nt1ty]

A small force could hold the entrance to that tunnel for a long time. I suggest the Duke sends a group of soldiers through to secure the entrance and then send the citizens through. We can stay behind with a group of soldiers and the Duke to cover their retreat.

[Raveen]

I agree with Ident, we'll fight a rearguard action to buy time for the evacuation. If the opportunity presents itself we could turn the tables on the goblins by pushing them back from the tunnels.

[Drakon]

The duchess is reluctant to go any further, travelling by night is an ill omen in elven culture, apparently. And they are of course exhausted. Do you force them on regardless? Or make camp? Cast spells?

Meanwhile, in the Undercity...

"The Royal Passage is narrow, but it is worth a try. Sylvos, take some men and lead the people to the tunnel. The others will stand with me!"

And so it was done, and the Undercity's army laid out upon the walls, surveying the black tide that comes for their blood... the Cactus Warriors form a shield wall and make their stand at the gates. The Duke looks over at Andronicus, whom he assumes is the leader of the Wizards.

"Before I order the volley, would any of you like to cast some spells into the horde?"

[Solarflux]

We rest then. At least make sure we are well hidden. The duches has nothing to help us?

[Drakon]

Nope. She's pretty much just a very rich elf.

[Drakon]

Team Duke, no spellcasting?

R'rud and Uther makes camp and all is well... until they hear the howls of jackals in the distance..