Death Approaches
The following excerpt is written in hastily scrawled elvish letters and was taken from a journal that was recovered after the ambush on the Tillerman farm. The pages are torn and soaked in blood.
23:00 Death Approaches
The gentle breeze has turned into a cold chill and the stench of fear hangs heavy in the air. I can hear the clanking armor of an army approaching in the darkness to the North of the farm (though I may have my directions mixed up. I am certain that we also just arrived to the farm from the Northern roads).
The army has come into view and the sight before me will forever be sealed in my memory. The seven giant figures approaching us are marching like men but they have horns as large as mountains reaching towards the sky and their bodies have the shape of bulls. At least, they would look like bulls if they had any bodies left to speak of. This death approaching us is living, but there is nothing left of them save for the decaying sinew dripping from their empty bones. I am now staring at a legion of a thousand skeletal soldiers being led by these giant abominations...
It is clear that I cannot wait for them to come in range of my sword and shield but I fear there will be little hope of escape.
Our donkey has abandoned the cart and run off into the woods. I can’t say I blame him.
Taranis tossed me a light crossbow and some bolts. It was the first time I have used a weapon of this kind, so it took me a few minutes to figure out. but I was finally able to hit one of the skeletons.
My enthusiasm was short lived, and I have been forced to take shelter behind the barn as the creature continues to approach.
0:30 The Darkest Hour
From my placement behind the barn, I have a clear view of the others as they bravely defend this farm. If I make it out of this alive, I’ll make sure to tell the tale of their incredible feats. Taranis using nothing but his fist to smite one of the giants, Neris shooting bursts of energy from his bare hands, Boaz and Radmac remaining calm in the middle of the horde of death, and Handollaf keeping them alive and using his quick wit to throw a torch on the barricades in front of the skeletons.
The fire doesn't seem to be catching as quickly as I would have thought. Perhaps the wood is still damp.
I had to make a mad dash into the farmhouse. I was planning to use the cover of the barn to lay down suppressive cover but one of the giants rushed across half the farm with incredible speed and was getting ready to flank me from behind. I've never been so terrified in my life.
The house is filled with civilians. I need to get them to safety but there doesn’t appear to be a back door. Maybe I can get the farmer they call Old Man Tillerman to come inside so I can arm him and rally his family to prepare for defense.
I thought I could speak common, but I seem to be having trouble with the local dialect of Idriell. Old Man Tillerman called me craven and wouldn’t listen to my plea. I’ll have to figure out another way to protect his family. Why can't they understand me? They're the ones with the heavy accent...
Goat, the majestic warhorse that Boaz rode to the farm, bravely took on two giants by himself. He lowered his head and bludgeoned them with ramming blows until one of them cut him across the side with a rusty battle axe. He fell with a whinny of pain and was bleeding profusely. The valiance of this horse has moved me to the core. I must keep him alive, I must keep hope alive.
Before running to the horse’s aid, I shouted to the Tillermans to stand their ground and defend their home with courage. I am especially impressed with the boy, Jon Tillerman, whose steely resolve showed no signs of fear.
When I rushed out, Old Man Tillerman was outside. I gave him the crossbow and told him to provide cover while I tended to Goat.
Goat’s wounds were grievous but I managed to stabilize him. Now I just need to .... ....
The last line is nearly illegible and trails off in a smear of blood.
(See Jack Tillerman for continuation)
Mikallan Aerendyl's Journal Ordered oldest to newest
-
Arrival
Winterwane 5, 241
-
Hope
Winterwane 6, 241
-
Dreams
Winterwane 7, 241
-
Friendly Fire
Winterwane 10, 241
-
Answering the Call
Winterwane 12, 241
-
Death Approaches
Winterwane 13, 241
Winterwane 5, 241
Winterwane 6, 241
Winterwane 7, 241
Winterwane 10, 241
Winterwane 12, 241
Winterwane 13, 241
The major events and journals in Mikallan Aerendyl's history, from the beginning to today.
The list of amazing people following the adventures of Mikallan Aerendyl.
Social
Birthplace
A temple
Current Residence
Buried at the Tillerman Farm