Back in town, they heard of an old resident of Miraburg named Kaiketsu. The guardsmen who spoke of him said he had seen Kaiketsu slice a hard-boiled egg 12 times, in mid-air, using a sword. Camen, Axel, and Jos found Kaiketsu's cottage out past the statue, but he did not seem pleased to see them. Nevertheless, he admitted that he would consider taking them as students if they could pass his entrance exams: the first test is for each prospective student to bring him a barrel of fine beer. Unfortunately, Miraburg was suffering a severe beer shortage, but fresh supplies were expected in several days.

The next day, well rested, they turned their attentions to the gargoyles. They sought more info on the attackers, including from the lizard-man pawnbroker, Nessus. The Dardak being shorthanded, Mayor Silver agreed to loan them some of his men-at-arms: Captain Ornak, Galerinnon, and Mirayrin. The weapon smith constructed 4 ballista bolts with magic daggers for heads. The PCs later switched a magical ballista head for a normal dagger. Ropes were attached to the special bolts, so they could be used as harpoons.

So equipped, they sailed out. After only about a half day of searching about, a lookout spotted 7 stony, winged figures diving towards the Dardak from a nearby asteroid. As they closed on the ship, Axel punished them with a barrage of missile spells. At the last moment, Jos hit one with a ballista bolt. Despite the devastating impact, it only seemed slightly chipped by the hit. Then the gargoyles swarmed aboard. In the ensuing chaos, no gargoyles were slain but several were injured. However, two managed to seize Galerinnon and fly off.

The Dardak gathered in its dropped weapons and turned to pursue. They saw the creatures spread out in a line pointing towards an asteroid some 40 miles away. The most wounded ones lagged behind, while the two or three uninjured ones carried Galerinnon out front. The fastest traveled beyond the Dardak's speed.
 
Last modified: Wed Jul 21 17:03:54 MDT