On the trail of our Heroes

On the evening of the 24th of Flamerule, our heroes decided to explore a cave where they think the hobgoblins they are pursuing are hidden. They indeed found the Hobgoblins, along with the Cave Bear who killed and partially ate them. The fierce beast did not give them any choice but to kill it, which left the cave empty save for the remains of various meals (some unlucky adventurers).

Going through the bodies, they discovered a mark on one of the Hobgoblin's arm. The same symbol they had seen on lizardfolks attacking their ship near Baldur's Gate. Aishar also triggered a strange magical effect that left them puzzled: Something magical left a blade he found, displaying the alarming image of a dragon in a flurry of greenish light. The image them seemed to strike at Aishar and vanished. Closer arcane inspection revealed that Aishar's own blade seemed to be the host of the same magical presence, but its nature is so foreign and obscure that not even Fylikiel could provide any explanation on what it is. Our Heroes know nothing of what inhabits the blade, aside from its apparent interest in storerytelling! During their rest in the cave, Fylikiel took that opportunity to send words to Bunyan of how they were faring.

The next day, the road led them along the Trollbark Forest, in search of tracks to follow, which Fylikiel found: Week old horses and cart tracks in the earth. Our heroes followed them southward until they met with a patrol of hobgoblins and bugbears. An easy skirmish it would seem, but which very soon turned into total chaos after Fylikiel's sudden display of power. Crazed by his spellscar (according to him), Fylikiel unleashed a furious explosion that struck at everything around him. Friends and foes alike were scattered around, and what could have been display of cunning and strategy was turned into a desperate brawl, from which they nonetheless emerged victorious, yet a little smoky.

Pursuing a retreating bugbear, Aishar met with a band of elf. They presented themselves as scouts from a tribe of Wood Elves living in the TrollBark forest, and allies of Bunyan Trollaxe. Their discussion with the players was short, but proved to be invaluable: They learned of a ruined keep to the south, further out of the forest than the elves usually go. In exchange for their help in scouting the keep, the elves would warn their clan, and try to provide some help against the hobgoblins. But only if they can have a good idea of what they are up against.

Using the darkening sky as cover that evening, the heroes closed with the keep, and soon, it was visible. Yet they remained hidden, and Acane set forth with Fylikiel to scout the walls. From the bushes, they could see the repaired walls and keep, with bugbears and goblins all around. A considerable force indeed remained at the keep. They also noticed a group of cloaked humanoids discussing with the hobgoblin leaders just outside of the keep. These humanoids then left toward the coast, and the Heroes decided to ambush them!

This time the fight was much more organized, but their situation was no less dire as they faced the cloaked figures: Shadar-Kai!!! They proved to be fierce opponents and they raged a difficult battle. When they seemed to have lost, the remaining dark-skinned men stopped fighting and offered discussion. A few words were exchanged before Aishar's movement pushed them into renewed violence. But the fight was over and only one Shadar-Kai remained. This one did not let himself be killed or captured and vanished in the night, his very nature leaving no hope to track him. 

Yet, they got some information. Just like the hobgoblins, these beings of shadow were serving a master. And the power of that master was so that it made them laugh at the adventurer's effort. 

One thing would be sure from then on: Not only are our Heroes aware of someone spreading his influence accross the Sword Coast; This elusive Eladrin will now know that adventurers are after him.