The Second Raid

Disaster / Destruction

Another wave of raiders; bandits and monsters rolled through the town of Ashridge, this time destroying buildings and kidnapping children. Hollowguard gave chase, though not only did they come back empty handed, but their spirits and bodies were broken.

Forestcrest was left in chaos and many of the furthest-out buildings were destroyed. Aezon's own home was nearly lost to a fire, and the Morning Glory Orphanage burnt to the ground. A handful of children were kidnapped from the Orphanage, including a young tiefling girl that Aezon had grown attached to after he and Hollowguard began assisting in supporting the orphanage.
Hollowguard tracked the bandits for 3 days to try and rescue the kids, but after a decisive and quick battle, Hollowguard was nearly destroyed. They were quickly overwhelmed in a fight they had a strategical advantage in. Aezon challenged what was perceptibly their leader, a hulking man who wielded a large flaming blade, and was nearly beheaded when he was overpowered and forced to his knees. Miraculously, and with a well-timed arrow by Ciara Silva, Hollowguard was able to escape and retreat.   What was initially a three day journey turned into a week-long drudge through harsh weather, infected wounds, and illness. And thus the recovery period for Ashridge and Hollowguard began.