INTRODUCTION

As the Knights of Argus return to the exotic city of Telflamme to begin the long sea voyage home from their successful campaigns in Thesk, their formation is approached by 2 riders.  They are brought before the High Knights and presented as Torin Hawkwing - Shield Bearer; Rune Warder of the Black Shield; Watcher of Helm's Shieldhall in Elturel; Guardian of Illefarn, and Raelan Thurbrandt - Knight Lieutenant and representative of Lord Haelimbrar, Lord of Imphras II, War Captain in eternal service to her Royal Highness, Sambryl - Queen-Regent, and the Crown King, Imbrar II, Lion of Impiltur, gods smile upon them both.

Torin takes a moment to personally introduce Raelan to the Knights and indicates that he has had time to get to know him in the last few days in Telflamme and believes you will want to hear what he has to say.  Torin will keep his own business a private matter for later - if Killian, Drake and Galagus will grant him an audience.

RAELAN'S STORY

Raelan was dispatched by his Lord to wait in Telflamme for the approach of the legions of the Knights of Argus on a matter of great urgency for the Kingdom of Impiltur and His Highness, Imbrar II, through Her Grace, Queen-Regent Sambryl, gods smile upon them both.  Lord Haelimbrar humbly asks, if your Lordships are so disposed after such a long and valiant campaign, if you would consider coming to the aid of the people of Impiltur, who have been ever faithful servants of the The Three Gods.  He bade him to fully appraise the High Lords of Argus on the situation and treat with them for their aid.

                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 1.  Conflicts with goblinoids out of the Mountains and hill lands in the Northern part of the Kingdom started in earnest about 3 months ago.  By the grace of Tyr, Torm, and Ilmater, these engagements were put down and firmly handled.  But these engagements have increased tenfold in the following months.  What was originally considered a slight increase of aggressive- ness to the usual goblinoid activity has turned into an all-out invasion, as in our memories of the Great War against the Hobgoblins in the Days of Imphras!

2.   Once the scope of the growing conflict was determined, our military leaders - The Lords of Imphras II, under directives from  Her Royal Highness Queen -Regent Sambryl, gods smile upon her, reached out to our sister nations for aid.  Damara has sent no aid, staying secure in their baronies.  No official aid has been given by the free cities of the Vast, but some aid was given in the form of Holy Orders who have sent troops, thanks be the Triad.  Some mercenaries from around the Sea of Fallen Stars were able to be hired to bolster the armies of Impiltur as well.

3.  As we have seen and learned, these armies do not come close to the believed numbers of the enemy.  We believe that this is once again a bid by the Hobgoblins to take over Impiltur as they have tried in long years past.  This time it is different however - Not only have the Hobgoblins come down out of the Giantspire Mountains, but the Earthfast and Earthspur mountains seem to have been emptied of all of their vile  giants, trolls and goblinoids as well - working in concert with the Hobgoblins.  There is an increasing likelyhood that demons are involved as well, possibly working with or directing the invasion.

4.  The situation is dire in the North, very dire indeed.  We have lost many towns and the stream of refugee's - those lucky enough to have survived the barbarism - is constant heading south into the coast cities.  The enemy is battling with a cohesion and military strategy unknown from previous encounters.

TORIN'S STORY

Torin has come on the long trip east to meet with the 3 High Knights of Argus to share information with them regarding the Swords of Power and the Order of the Black Shield.  He informs the PC's about the finding of the Black Shield and the goings on under Illefarn and the gaol of Grim Tabor.  Grim Tabor had escaped his prison some time ago and the seal to his prison was sacrificed to save and liberate the Black Shield.  Killian and Drake share with Torin the information they have learned from Elminster regarding the history of the Shadow War.

Top

THE ADVENTURE

WAR

The High Knights of Argus were quick to get to Sarshel, in Impultur, to meet with Lord Haelimbrar, Lord Rilaunyr, High Priest (Tempus) Delbraum Highaxe and Taldor to discuss the situation and it was grim indeed. The two fronts of the war were being pushed back as the goblinoid army advanced - using hit and run tactics as best they could.  Reinforcement have already been sent but whether it is enough or in time is in doubt.

A quick strategy session was had after the High Knights of Argus pledged their support to the King and country of Impiltur. It was determined that the Order's troops would be best used on the eastern front, in the Farwater theatre, under the command of Lord War Marshall Silmgar. The High Kights quickly diverted their armies to the port at Ilmwatch under Galagus' command and decided to use their magic to head to the Front and assess the situation for themselves.

Drake and Killian decided that they should call in their friends for this important mission, so Trilidir, Var, and Shalandar were brought to Impiltur through Var's magic.  Of course Taldor and Torin committed themselves to this mission as well, the former diverting his troops to Ilmwatch as well to hook up with the Order of Argus throops.

Arriving on the front line showed a massive battle with the Warswords of Impiltur heavily outnumbered by thousands of goblins and hobgoblins, supported by massive giants, Dire Wolves and terrible magic. The lines were near to collapsing when the heroes got there.  The Impilturan calvary were desperately trying to stop a flanking manoeuvre by the enemy wolf riders and the main lines were buckling under the pressure of the sheer size of the opposing forces, as massive giants (Hill Giants and Mountain Giants enlarged through magic) crushed those unlucky under their feet and hurled their boulders with terrible effect.