A Land Far Away

A parchment scroll with precise Espruar runes has been posted in the Ranger station by Sywyn. ((OOC bits in double parenthesis))
Report: Strategy for Success in the Nightmare Realm of the Dream Needle
To: Ranger Commander of Renvanna Sywyn
Reported by: Green Warder Rothilion Bel’athadhil

Goldheart Ariella and I entered the Nightmare Realm twice utilizing the Dream Needle. The first attempt we defeated two enemies, a scout and a wizard, and saved one of two civilians. One died from the scout’s arrow barrage. The second attempt we faced four wizards and a warrior protecting two civilians that perished. Neither Ariella nor I died in either dream.
Here are my observations of obstacles, enemies and strategic solutions related to my experience in the Nightmare Realm.

Obstacle 1: The terrain of the Nightmare Realm has no natural coke points which prevents blocking enemies from reaching the civilians.

Details: The village in the Nightmare realm has civilian villagers in the center that need protection and three possible ways for enemy troops to enter.

Proposed Strategic Solution: Post one Renvanna member at either end of the village. Their role is to alert the team if enemies are sighted ((using voice chat shortcuts for enemies sighted.)) These Renvanni should either be melee capable warriors or spell casters capable of slowing or stopping the enemy advance. The Renvanni who has the role of healer should stay with the civilians in the center of town while invisible and monitor the third approach.

Enemy 1: Aryvandaar Warrior

Strengths: Skilled Swordsman ((AB+14/+9)) Shield and Heavy Armor ((AC27 or 28))

Tactics: Knocks opponents to the ground will close to melee with opponents

Weaknesses: No missile capabilities, Heavy Armor makes dodging difficult ((Reflex Save +4))

Proposed Strategy: Utilize breath weapon and spells on this opponent. Archers should flee and allow this opponent to chase. Heavy melee fighters can hold this opponent for a short while or a long while if supported by a healer.

Enemy 2: Aryvandaar Wizard

Strengths: Spells ((Spell DC 14+ Level)) Observed casting Acid Arrow Grease, Magic Missile (3 missles) Combust

Tactics: Casts Grease to slow opponents Casts Magic Missile Acid Arrow from Range. Casts Combust or attacks opponents with staff with surprising skill ((AB+6)) in close range.

Weaknesses: No Armor ((AC 14 or 15))

Proposed Strategy: Target and eliminate as soon as possible. Heavy melee fighters should close and engage. Archers should concentrate fire. Priority given to keep away from range of village.

Enemy 3: Aryvandaar Scout

Strengths: Arrow Barrage (3 missles) can kill villages from a long distance. Stealth.

Tactics: Fires at villagers unless engaged in melee

Weaknesses: Light Armor ((AC 15 - 18))

Proposed Strategy: Target and eliminate as soon as possible. Heavy melee fighters should close and engage. Archers should concentrate fire. Priority
given to keep away from range of village.


I will deliver more reports and develop more strategies as I gain more experience in the Nightmare realm.

The tall, dark haired Elf rolled his broad shoulders as he looked over the report, cracking his neck as he tilted his head to one side. With some effort he stifled a yawn (he'd put off reverie the night before while indulging in a bit of beverage consumption) and and managed to remind himself that there was much at stake. Gold flecked blue eyes eventually came into focus to scan the Espruar runes. His mind slowly cleared as he simultaneously replayed the details in his mind of the handful of expeditions he had taken part in, while assessing what he read.

Rothilion's report confirmed what Azaoril's own brief observations had told him. That was reassuring, he thought to himself.

After a brief moment spent in silent rumination, Azaoril realized this was but the outlines of the first steps to victory, awaiting a critical element that was not yet addressed. No doubt Ro meant to seek out more opportunities to become familiar with the foe before making further recommendations.

One thing was as clear as a glass tower gleaming under bright sunlight - the entire thing would be less than a success, even wasted effort... if every foe was defeated yet the villagers were slaughtered. Steps to ensure their survival - in the midst of the chaos and panic - had to be implemented.

"Easier said than done of course..." Azaoril muttered to himself with a soft snort as he jotted down some notes.

Recommend:
- Compile a list of every means available to stop an assailant dead in his tracks/hinder them from taking action against villager
- Evaluate list by effectiveness and reliability
- Evaluate list in terms of risk exposure to initiator
- Evaluate list in terms of time expenditure required
- Evaluate list in terms of opportunity cost
- Evaluate personnel suited to carry out measures
- Evaluate best deployment of said personnel

The villagers must be protected.

"Ril" stared down at his simple memo for a moment, stifling back another yawn. Inexplicably, he suddenly crumpled up the parchment into a ball, and tossed it carelessly over his shoulder. The crumpled ball rolled a short distance away before coming to a stop, slowly becoming damp with the dew of the morning.

"I need breakfast..." the Elf mumbled under his breath as he walked away.