Liberation of Nightstone

## Combatants

Daggerford
Goblins

## Leaders

Varragh il Sunayn
Varis Aloro†
 Harminil
Goblin King†

## Strength

Varragh il Sunayn
Varis Aloro
Harminil
Tyavos
Vahayon
Bandagh
47 Goblins
4 Bugbears
4 Worgs

## Casualties

Varis Aloro, Bandagh
Total

The Liberation of Nightstone took place on the 7th of Flamerule, 1492. It was fought between the group of Varragh, Harminil and Varis (on behalf of Daggerford) and the goblins who were occupying it.

# Prelude

After the flight of the group from Waterdeep, Varis had made his way in the vicinity of Nightstone, being almost mortally wounded by the siege machines on top of the keep. Varragh had informed the authorities of Daggerford about the occupation, stating the group's intent to liberate it, for the right price. Daggerford's Master of the Hunt, Kelson Darktreader offered them access to the reclaimed Nightstone and any treasures to be found within as a reward, should they succeed.

## Strategy

The group arrived at Nightstone, carrying the mentally disabled (in reality possessed by a Yochlol) Nicholas Remay with them. Tyavos and Vahayon would bind Nicholas Remay at a tree at a safe distance so that he wouldn't interfere with their plans. Varragh, Varis and Harminil would Misty/Fey step into the keep to take out any goblins that would be inside of it, as well as the Ballistai at the top. Tyavos, Vahayon and Bandagh would approach the gate to avoid being in range of the Ballistai and create a distraction there, whilst the siege machines and the keep where being cleared.

# The Battle

## Change of Plans

While everything was ready, Harminil's younger twin brothers were preparing to bind Remay, when he unleashed his magic powers in resistance. Tyavos' screams were heard all the way down to the height of the keep, prompting Harminil to dash and try and help his wounded brother. This left Varragh and Varis alone with the task of clearing the keep. Having lost all elements of surprise, many goblins and some worg riders stormed the gate to face Tyavos, Vahayon and Bandagh. Bandagh tried to set the bridge on fire, but failed to ignite it.

## Battle at the Gate

The goblin onslaught at the gate was faced by the combined powers of Tyavos, Vahayon and Bandagh, while Harminil assisted by striking down goblins from afar with his longbow. Harminil's intervention was crucial, as otherwise the Goblins would have overwhelmed and inflicted casualties. The battle at the gate was chaotic and violent, leaving the already mangled twins bloodied and battered. After Harminil healed Tyavos as much as he could, he and Bandagh continued to the keep whilst Tyavos and Vahayon would guard the gate to defend from any possible reinforcements, as well as recover.

## Battle at the Keep

Varis and Varragh climbed stealthily around the fortress, approaching its gates. Hearing the noise of battle from up north, they stormed the Keep, ready to do their part in the battle plan. Varis’ entrance alerted a whole squad of goblins to their presence. In order to avoid being overwhelmed, Varragh managed to wedge the doors, forcing all goblins to attack from one direction, via the partially ruined walls of the keep. Despite receiving numerous wounds, the duo proceeded to the second floor. Varis' necrotic sword proved devious in the prolonged combat, as it drew on Varis' energy with each successful hit. Eventually, Harminil and Bandagh joined them to help clean up the second floor of goblins.

## Bugbear counterattack

After approaching the top of the keep, a group of 4 bugbears attacked the group, forcing them to flee back to the second floor. Varragh managed to prepare some makeshift traps for them, while they prepared to face the onslaught. In the ensuing combat, Varis, already wounded and weary was grappled by a bugbear, throwing him down the steps. Isolated and wounded, the Bugbear finished him off. Bandagh was also knocked out, following numerous wounds sustained by the Bugbears. Despite Varragh's best efforts, she was unable to stabilize any of her two fallen comrades. Together with Harminil, they finished off the bugbears.

## Conclusion

With only the siege machines remaining, Harminil took some pot-shots to weaken the goblins manning them. With Varragh's fey step, they sneak teleport behind the left-most ballista and quickly dispatch all the goblins manning the machines. The Goblin King, unprepared and left alone, fled down the steps while the rest of his surprised forces are cut down. Varragh manned the ballista and shot the Goblin King, clearing Nightstone.

# Aftermath

Tyavos and Vahayon, seeing Harminil and Varragh mop up the top of the keep, enter the now cleared Nightstone, having dispatched any Goblins that tried to flee. After briefly lamenting the loss of Varis and Bandagh and dividing the treasury. The Finderwelians returned to Daggerford, where as Varragh buried their fallen comrades. Upon arrival, the Finderwelians saw the aftermath of the attack of the Baneites at the Temple of Tyr in Daggerford. In Daggerford, they informed Kelson Darktreader of their victory. Duchess Morwen granted citizenship and nobility upon all the victorious members as well as a charter for Varragh to rule Nightstone as vassals to Daggerford. The Duchess also offered a small garrison of troops to help guard and man Nightstone, which Harminil accepted. The head of the troops was Daratha, under the alias of Rowan Ilitul.
Varragh in the meantime had hired the services of Zaerk, to have him help her clean the mess that was caused after the battle. Varragh managed to negotiate a truce with Daratha and her associates, Torq and Stav, both parties being aware of each other's exploits in Waterdeep. Varragh travelled to Daggerofrd herself after the return of the Finderwelians, formally accepting the ducal charters and preparing to rebuild Nightstone.