Date: Thirteenth day of the second month.
Recruit: Cween
The campaign began this evening with the Volunteer Militia marching upon Evendim. Not an area of the world I had been to before, and as far as I can tell not an overly pleasant one. We had been called to this Evendim place due to all manner of orcs, goblins, ghouls and other unnamed enemies. If I am honest each patrol makes me more and more concerned about the state of the land around us, it seems that Bree-Land is the only place with any decency left in it and that seems to be running low with all the Brigands about.
We arrived in Evendim in a crude camp mainly just a few tents and the odd stable, no town or real settlement to speak of. I was asked by Provost Ealswifth to lead those gathered in a warm up while she attended to some of the others. I was happy to do so, and proud to be asked.
I have never run my own drill before, and was not quite sure what to get them doing. I soon got them doing some jumping jacks though. I joined in and did a few with them as I don’t mind leaping about. As always there was one lad who had to show off summersaulting in the air, why they feel they have to start doing circus tricks I don’t know. Also got them sprinting across the yard we were in, as I was just the marker they had to come back to I wasn’t able to run with them.
Soon Ealswifth had everyone assembled and I fell back into line. I did think my attempt at leadership was over for the day.
Provost Garriot explained the reason we had been gathered, the roads were becoming unsafe and the Rangers did not have time to bother with them. It was up to us to risk our lives for some place I had never even heard of. It was also announced we would be in two parties, Ealswifth leading one and then I naturally assumed that Garriot would take the other…I was however, wrong. I was to lead the second group. I was both proud and terrified. I did not know the area, nor the other recruits I was with, I did not even know what on earth I would be doing. I luckily had listened to the names Garriot had called so I knew the recruits names Golros, Kreinos and Anatoly. Ealwifth took her patrol off, clearly already briefed and Garriot lead us to the start our task.
We were left at a cross roads with clear directions to follow the road to the east and to kill any un-dead we came across, and not to take too long about it. Garriot was heading back to the camp to prepare for the wounded, which if I am honest did not sound all that hopeful. I do not think he expected us to get back in one piece.
We set off after a battle cry, partly to get everyone fired up and partly for me to make sure I had some control over the recruits. Well actually it wasn’t just recruits I was also leading Hildith. That’s right a recruit leading a guard. Not sure any of the others would have stood for that but she’s a great lass not one to get bothered by things, and well she was late otherwise I am sure she would have been picked.
After unsuccessfully finding some goblins rather than ghouls we continued on towards some large ruins just south of the road. We en countered several ghouls outside and prepared to charge within.
It was strange as although there were many ghouls in the ruins there were also a large number of humans and not a friendly sort either. I thought at first they were cowering in fear but I must have been mistaken as once they had spotted us they let their arrows fly. While clearing the camp we at one point almost became over whelmed. I must admit it was likely down to poor leadership on my part, there was no focus, we were spread out in every direction and suddenly there were some ghouls far tougher than the rest. I called everyone to me when I realised what was happening and we did prevail but not without a good few scrapes. Luckily Hildith is a rather good medic and managed to sort out the injuries we had sustained.
We slaughtered all we could with in the ruins and went out to the south to scot that area and see if any more ghouls were present. They were more spread out in the open lands and there were other beasts as well some rather vicious bats that can give a tough bite and also barghest which just give me the creeps.
Once we had culled all we could find south of the road we headed back to the north and after some discussion about the time we decided to head back along the north side of the road ensuring we had got as many of the foul creatures as we could. The trip back went smoothly until we reached the river at which point I was stumped, I did not remember wading across it and was certain I had us all lost. Luckily recruit Golros had paid slightly more attention, and pointed the bridge not far to the south I was relieved and embarrassed all at once. So we made it back to the camp after what was quite a successful trip and Ext. link: “Return (The Evendim Campaign - Day One)”
We were then asked if we were ready for another patrol, and turning to my troop they were mostly in a fit state to carry on. Anatoly however, had taken the brunt of the attack when I had failed to co-ordinate everyone properly and I allowed him to stay behind to get back his strength, after all it was my fault he was so battered.
We were soon off at a march, and although I had suggested that Hildith may be better suited to leading the group she was perfectly happy to let me continue so with Garriot with us we headed off back into the wilds this time climbing the steep hill path, and my it was steep, up to Ost Forod. A strange place, rather unfriendly and just a ruin full of vagabonds as far as I could tell, although we were able to make some repairs and grab some supplies before heading off again. People went off in all directions and did not seem overly keen to regroup, can’t imagine why, but I eventually got everyone rounded up again and in formation.
Garriot was even nice enough to get the recruits to give me a bit of a clap for managing to lead them, and although it made me blush crimson I am not sure I quite deserved it. Hopefully in the future I will do better.
We then set off quick march with Garriot in the lead, uphill and over dale we went at a tremendous pace. I was beginning to wonder if I would make it to where ever we were headed. When suddenly we heard shouts and clashing blades in the distance and arrived just in time to help Ealswifth and her squad see off some nasty looking folk. I have to admit I was not quite as happy to have helped her when we were told the next task was to band together and assault a Goblin encampment and she happily informed us we would be the scouting party. ‘Forlorn Hope’ Garriot insisted on calling us, even though that was utterly disheartening. Oddly all I was worried about was my dress, strange what you think of in times like that.
We made a good pace covering the ground well on the way to camp. We soon started to move slower and quieter, until the goblins were in sight. Then we of the Forlorn Hope charged upon them. Luckily the second group were not far behind and were there to give back up. We went round slaughtering all that could be found.
After a successful attack leaving no goblin alive, and gathering all we could of any worth off them we made our way back to Ost Forod. Where I sit now completing this report, and keeping a close eye on my personal possessions, ready to face whatever challenge we are set after a successful first day on this campaign.
