[3.5E] Heretic's Bane Icewind Dale [Archive] - Page 12

mshady

2011-02-20, 10:55 PM

Aurilite Bridge

With the inspection of the speaking tube complete, if only in dispair, Buelyir convenes the group by motioning for them all to join him. While they had been talking, he had been rummaging through the guard house looking for anything of use while mulling over other weighty matters.

"So who'd like some canned meat?" Buelyir asks, deftly tossing a tin of meat in the air. By his feet is a sack of other rations; enough for the detachment for a week or so by a rough estimate.

"No? Well, don't blame ye. What's inside is an important question though"

"Where would they even be getting cans from down here?" Arman inquiries, curious about the find.

"I expect they're mining tin and iron down here. For cans mostly. Probably use the river for fish"

"A mighty blow yer striking there. Don't tell me this whole thing was about wiping out a fish caning operation?" Flint snorts derisively.

"A grain mill as well" Kelith adds helpfully.

"Not intentionally, but quite fortunate. We could never figure how the Spine supported so many of these Aurilites. We've been finding these cans for years. Makes perfect sense really. Why they need slaves too" Buelyir smiles widely at Flint, widely enough to aggravate the duergar, who didn't completely grasp the significance.

"Am I not wrong to say this changes the nature of this place we are attacking? If it is their bread basket and not just their main base of operation, would it not still remain well guarded? Were we not counting on it being more... vacant?" a concerned Arman asks.

"Yes, we were" Buelyir nods in agreement.

"So do we continue with the attack?" Arman asks, rubbing his throbbing leg reflexively.

"Course we do, ye pointy earred gnat!" Flint answers for Buelyir. Their commander nods in agreement.

"Sometimes ye don't know how to win a fight until ye start the thing" Buelyir supplies, by way of explaining his plan at this point. "If they are keeping slaves though, I expect we can count on their aide if freed. One hopes we can find a way to arm them" he adds.

Flint just sighs and shakes his head.

"How do I get outta this loony outfit?" Flint grumbles. Buelyir hears him nonetheless and swiftly strides over to him, an intense look on his face now.

"The rivers over there, if you'd like to jump in it"
The two look at each other, measuring one another for a moment before Flint relents.

"Yes well, speaking of the river, I think we have to take a barge. Lets pile in and get going. Be prepared. I don't know what else we'll find down there"

Strangie

2011-02-20, 11:29 PM

Wyatt - Bridge

"Hey, lay offa Arman." Wyatt says, interjecting. He had a certain liking for that particular elf for some reason - they got along well, and Arman was willing to put up with Wyatt's pestering about magic questions when they came up. Nevertheless...

"Barge it is, 'den. Let's do it." Wyatt goes with the others (presumably) to the barges.

ithildur

2011-02-21, 02:10 PM

Talamir shot a displeased look towards the Duergar, but allowed the remark to pass. The fact the comment was coming from a Grey disturbed him more than the name calling itself, but there were bigger concerns presently, and he'd heard worse.

This job definitely was turning out to be a bit beyond... what he'd anticipated. Perhaps that wasn't a bad thing; in spite of what he was hearing now, a part of him that had been sleeping for a long time was stirring.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"Let us hope, then, that at least some of the slaves were kept in good enough condition that they can contribute to our effort," said the Elf finally. "As for arming them, we can start with the hobgoblins' donations. Do we have any bags of holding to carry their armor?"

Strangie

2011-02-21, 02:31 PM

Wyatt - Bridge

"Er... I have a haversack, but I dunno how much I can stuff in 'deir... it'll be pretty tight. Probably not all of it, and I'd rather not have to put anything more in 'deir 'dan what I plan on using myself. Anybody else have one, hopefully...?" Wyatt says with a shrug.

mshady

2011-02-22, 12:23 AM

A bag appears at Wyatt's feet with a thump. It is a purple sack, and looks like little more.

"Throw everything in this one. I saw another ten swords on racks in the guard house. Toss in all the rations, armor and shields too." Buelyir tells them. "Problem solved, I trust?"

Consider the amount of things he just told them to put into that bag of holding, it must be one of the very largest ones. It would come in handy...

When everyone has gathered the last of equipment, they head over to one of the barges. It is crudely made, with metal over a wooden hull and a bit leaky. There are several poles and oar locks, as well as two poles with carabiner hooks on them to attach to the rope that runs from a hard point on the bridge down the not quite gently river. Bits of refuse cover the floor and the smell of the barge is fairly deplorable. Apparently they were also used for moving garbage out of the main base.

That they did not simply throw it in the river was surprising, actually. Kelith rationalized it by pointing out that rivers or vents of lava were highly respected by the followers of Kossuth and that rivers of ice cold water may hold similar esteem for the Aurilites.

With little else to do at this point, Beulyir asks Kelith, more on the basis of his height, to hook the carabiners on to the guide rope. A minute later, the barge is pushed off and it floats down the river. The rope swishes as it goes through the carabiners. That and the water are the only sounds so far...

Strangie

2011-02-22, 12:33 AM

"Oh, er... well... 'dat works!" Wyatt says with a shrug. He picks up the bag, and gets some assistance to help him throw everything in it.

Once that task was done, he joins up with everybody on the barge. He waves his hand in front of his face from the smell. "Bluh! 'dis thing smells terrible. What a stink. I hope 'dis awful thing holds together..."

ithildur

2011-02-22, 04:39 AM

Talamir stepped onto the barge looking fairly comfortable, until the smell hit him. The stench was nearly overwhelming for him as he was forced to concentrate and mentally dial down his ability to operate with enhanced olfactory senses.

He blinked hard and shook his head, holding a piece of his hood over his mouth and nose for the first several minutes of the journey downstream.

The Elf found himself almost wishing that the vessel would fall apart at some point, washing away the stink...

I'm guessing his Scent ability would be affected adversely... not a good thing. :smallredface:

mshady

2011-02-22, 10:15 AM

Next turn on wednesday for the fort group. If anyone would like to try and resolve the next turn, that'd be great. I am going to be away until Monday on a trip.

mshady

2011-02-23, 01:48 PM

The barge moves down the river, the rope occasionally hissing in the hoops that hold it. It is truly dark now, and both Arman and Talamir are completely blinded by it. Sable wears her goggles and stands at the bow of the barge, bow in hand, on the look out for the giants or anything else. Wyatt stands with her, and the two converse quietly. Flint sits next to them, his vision best of all in the darkness, but his attention is split between looking ahead and gnawing on some jerky quietly. The duergar scout seems the least tense of anyone in the boat, perhaps due to a natural disposition of not really worrying about anything, or anyone. Certainly he more than anyone else was in his environment.

Mercifully, Kelith conjures the smallest of fires in a small pile of refuse at the bottom of the creaking barge. The light is well shielded, but enough for the elves to see again. Around them, they see the wide river and low cieling, made lower by flats of rock that stick out from the sides or stalagmites that hang from above. Along the side, a broken tow path runs. It is crumbled and dangerous to look at, even from afar. Sable had reported some traps laid across it as well, cleverly hidden but crude.

Buelyir paces around the boat, always looking at some detail along the sides, sniffing the air and even watching the water. The threat of a water elemetal would be a real danger. Certainly that might explain why giants were running the barges, although their strength certainly had its own benefits for moving cargo.

An hour into the boat trip, Buelyir relents and takes a seat next to Arman and Talamir, who sit next to each other. He sets his katana across his lap and draws the blade before cleaning it in an almost ritualistic fashion. As he finishes, he looks across the bow again to make sure things are safe, and looks at Talamir. He seems to examine the elf, almost to the point of being unnerving, but perhaps that was the point.

"Holding up okay without sky over yer head, lad?" Buelyir asks him. If it was not for his seeming sincerity, the odd question might have been a mockery. "I figure being so deep is not natural for yer kind. I've known a dwarf or two who thought he'd fall off the ground with nothing but sky above him" Buelyir says, laughing softly.

"Been meaning to ask ye something. Not how ye ended up with Black's Company. I know yer new to them from last time I hired dem. But what do ye plan to do if we all survive this? Not making an offer o'employment, just one curious old merc to another. Also, since we have a moment, was wonder'n if you had any questions of me? Hasn't been much time of respite lately" he smiles and laughs softly at that thought. Remembering his naked sword is still laying on his lap, he slides the sword back into its sheath and stretches his arms.

ithildur

2011-02-23, 04:10 PM

Talamir had eyed reluctantly the last available seat as long as possible before finally taking it, next to the other elf. Once he did sit, he kept his hood raised and head looking straight ahead. It was times like this, he reminded himself, when bonds of battle would naturally form with another of The People, times like this when it became tempting to lower his guard.

Times like this, that lead to danger, and required caution, especially with a keen minded Faern.

When the small amount of light was provided he rose to his feet again; at least now he could use the excuse of wishing to take in the sights to move about. He was also relieved someone other than Arman addressed him first in the silence. Talamir studied the unusual dwarf's face for a moment before replying.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"I am not unfamiliar with caves, dungeons, and underground places, master dwarf," he replied. "And I have been in the Underdark before, though briefly and not as deep in. You are right, however; being beneath earth and rock so far down is not something I will ever find comforting. And yes," he paused with a small smile as he added, "I miss the moon and stars, and green things that grow."

He considered for a while before replying to the other questions. A pang of something... regret perhaps, though not quite despair, flashed through his heart, but he brushed it off.

"At some point I shall need to travel back to the Silver Marches to settle some debts, but there is no great hurry for that. Other than that, I have no set plans whatsoever; I drift like a twig tossed into river currents, going where it takes me."

"None of that will matter much, if this endeavor goes poorly, will it?" he added, a grim smile forming on his lips.

"As for questions? I could ask several perhaps, beginning with your well made weapon. A blade of the East, is it not? I'd imagine there's a tale behind it, a tale that might help explain the unusual dwarf who wields the strange weapon."

mshady

2011-02-23, 11:21 PM

"Yer an odd fellow, I'll give ya that" Buelyir declares with a slight smile. "Back there was nay my first fight, ya know? The way ye fight requires a lot of training, or at least experience" he pauses and looks at Talamir, sensing his response to the statement. "I'd guess before ye were a twig in the stream, ye were a rock" Buelyir says, and shrugs. "Well, I respect a man's privacy. Just an observation. A compliment too" he smiles slightly.

Talamir gets the sense that the dwarf is not judging him or overly caring about the specifics. He seemed like someone more concerned with the here and now, open minded in his ambivalence. He seemed curious for answers; he just didn't seem to care what they were.

"Interesting that yer first question would be about my sword and not some other things" Buelyir says, looking at him with curious, probing eyes. Talamir felt like he just told the dwarf something important about himself, but he was not sure what.

Buelyir looks down at the sword's red, polished scabbard with a smile and open fondness for it.

"She's quite a sword, aye" he smiles. "Yer right about their being a tale behind it" Buelyir says. He rests a hand on the scabbard affectionately before continuing.

"I did a fair bit of travel. I needed to see the world for awhile. Not to the Far East. Too much water for my tastes for that. I did spend some time with an enclave of easterners though, in Sembia. Selgaunt specifically. I was passing through and one of their clan elders needed protection and an advisor of sorts. His kind are not treated... well there. Solving that problem was beyond me, but I helped him with a few deals and such. Even learned the language. The elder and I became close, and when he was killed, his son had offered to sell me their family sword, explaining they had no use for it as merchants and smiths now.

I was reluctant, but I bought it anyways for a magnificent price. They used the funds to start a trading company and got out of Selgaunt and now are in shipping. It was important if they sold it, that they knew it would be used well" Buelyir smiles slightly. "First thing I did with it was find who killed their elder and returned the favor"

"I stayed on long enough to learn its use from some of the others there. One of my teachers, upon learning what the sword truly was, dueled me for its possession even. A friend, but a jealous friend and no more a friend, I'm afraid" Buelyir says and shrugs.

"Now I try to make sure it is used well. To honor their wishes. Tis why I rarely draw the blade in anger. When it is, it is a killing sword."

ithildur

2011-02-24, 02:36 AM

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"You are well traveled it seems, much more so than most of the stout folk I've met in the Marches."

Talamir regarded Buelyir once more. Very much a Dwarf, and yet, definitely unusual, even down to his scent as he recalled. Perhaps they had some things in common - he himself a strange Elf who had to remain guarded, keep his distance, from his own People.

"A worthy tale, behind a worthy blade," he nodded, as he managed a hint of a smile briefly. It faded quickly however as he noted with a more grim tone in his voice.

"Betrayal is among the darkest of evils in this world. One must guard against it always."

His thoughts, though showing no visible indication, turned to Arman.

"Especially when it can come from friends, from one's own."

mshady

2011-02-24, 01:12 PM

“I would agree about betrayal” Buelyir says quietly. He thinks to himself for a moment before a dark look passes over his face. “It’s one of the worst things that can be done. Dwarves call it belderak. Ugly word that. One of the few things worse than oath breaking… Both things a dwarf holds a grudge over. Vengeance over. When you live a long time, you accumulate a great number of slights ye hold on to” he says, a bit wistfully.

“By and large, I try to carry less of that baggage than most o’my kin. But I’ve a long memory too, but I try to live for today than yesterday. Some stuff burns like a furnace in yer soul though, and there be only one way to quench it” he says and pauses for a moment, before actually laughing. Not because he thought something was funny, but perhaps ironic.

“Yeah… I’ve learned a few lessons on betrayal in my time” he muses. “Once I was asked to take some other dwarves to uh… scout an area. We did a fine job of it, brought back artifacts and such. Problem was, what we learned and found was dangerous to my.. . employers. So rather than pay or reward or even thank us, their guards fell upon my crew and I. Killed my company and I just barely got out. That one’s burned me a long, long time” he says and shakes his head.

“Thing of it is, ye cannae live in fear the next person ye trust will betray ye. Hell, it’s a good idea often enough, but if ye can’t trust something, believe in anything… well, yer just living life scared all the time, and what kind o’life is that? Used to trust no one, especially after that. The reality is ye have to sometime, and better to open yer mind to it before ye do it out of some desperation and it be the wrong one. Kinda like lov'n the wrong lass, just so ye have one.

But eh, what do I know? Valina’s the philosopher, not I. She’s a bard with the Patriarchate. Happy, smart and sharp lass. I hear Prince Tolrin sent her to meet with Conrad, a dwarf with lycanthropy that lives in the ice and hates the Aurilites. Enemy of my enemy, eh? With the delays here, the army's going to need all the help they can get up top.” he smirks.

"So anything else ye want to know? This being a barge, I think we have a bit" he laughs softly.

mshady

2011-02-24, 10:58 PM

Ogre Skeleton 1 (Init 22): The ogre swings its clawed hands at Gore's face once again, but it stops mid swing as its bone clank together and its body shudders as bones grind on bone. The damage done to it already seems to have damaged its shoulder enough that it can't swing with its left well...

The skeleton rolls a natural 1.

Ogre Skeleton 2 (Init 21): The skeleton swings at Thordek once again, but this time he is able to block the swing not with his shield but his axe. His swing meets the skeleton's swing and sends it's axe flying back.

The ogre skeleton rolls a 25.

Bundok Battlehammer (Init 19): Bundok moves back in against the skeleton, swinging his quarterstaff but his staff hits the skeleton's blocking axe instead.

Bundok rolls a 14.

Grathalmor Ironfist (Init 16): The Sworn Shield moves back into the fray against the skeleton, hoping his urghosh would take a sufficiently large bite out of the skeleton. Unfortunately, his attack is a miss as well. This time, it seems like some sort of ward protected the skeleton. Perhaps the ring it was wearing...

Gore Turrock (Init 15): While it might be able to shrug off an axe from a dwarf, Gore was a different matter entirely. His axe swings and connects with the skeleton, and hard. His axe crashes through its shoulder and severs the thing's spine. Bone and bits of flesh go flying as the skeleton, finally, collapses!

Gore hit on a 20, doing 21 HP damage and destroying the skeleton!

His swing continues, and it cleaves into the second skeleton nearly as hard. The axe cuts through its ribs and spine, splitting the skeleton and sending it to the ground in pieces.

Gore rolls a 26 on his cleave and hits for 19 HP, destroying this skeleton too!

With nothing else to hit, Gore pounds his chest with his free hand and roars victoriously. The sound could only be described as massive and frightening.

He steps through the pile of bones and blackened, smoking flesh that had fallen from the skeleton as bones crunch beneath him as he advances on the cluster of hobgoblin leaders with murder in his eyes.

Alaghor Magnum Ruriksonn (Init 15): Done with being distracted by the hobgoblin, Magnum calls on the power of Clangeddin to invigorate him. Divine power surges into him. His muscles bulge and he stands somewhat taller now as his heart thunders in his chest now, ready to do battle. Ready for Ton'Ray...

Levtokuld Thordek Torrun (Init 15): With the skeleton suddenly, and utterly, destroyed he finds his initial plan for the next few moments suddenly up in the air. He is badly wounded at the moment and could go for a potion. Or he could go for his axe, which lay on the ground to the north but that would put him just steps away from Ton'Ray and the rest of his cohorts.

Not wanting to use a spell but knowing he doesn't have much choice at the moment, he conjures twin rays of fire and aims the fiery beams of death at the distant Ton'ray. One ray just misses the damned creature, but the other hits him very solidly. The disciplined fighter howls in pain at the blast of fire...

Thordek moves up 5 feet and to the right, then uses a Scorching Ray spell. He rolls a 14 and just misses, but the second one does serious damage to Ton'ray... Thordek rolls a 29 and does 17 HP damage.

Hobgoblin Guard 4 (Init 15): The guard retains his defensive stance... Between the deadly dwarf and his confused sergeant, he had enough to worry about!

Hobgoblin Cleric (Init 14): Seeing his leader once again wounded, the cleric moves to heal him dutifully. The cleric heals Ton'ray of 12 HP, removing most of the damage that Thordek had done.

Arcanii Buna Soulhammer (Init 14): Buna moves up, but doesn't have a clear shot at anyone with a spell now.

Hobgoblin Leader - Ton'Ray (Init 14): Ton'ray moves to engage the reeling Hjalmar now, who sees that he is the clearest threat to his shaman.

His blade flashes from his defensive stance, and in a blink Hjalmar's war hammer is ripped from his hands and sent flying to the ground with a loud bang.

Ton'ray next blow is a hard slice aimed at Hjalmar's head, but the dwarf still has his shield and blocks the blow with ease.

Hobgoblin Shaman (Init 13): With a clear line of sight, the shaman out into the open with a malicious look on his face. He sends a blazing pea sized object flying at the group, whereupon it explodes in a fury. Not an explosion of fire, but of cold and ice.

DC16
Thordek Rolls 16 - Pass 13 HP
Bundok Rolls 10 - Fail 25 HP
Buna SR Fails, Rolls 11 - Fail 25 HP
Grathalmor Rolls 21 - Fail 25 HP
Nega - SR Fails, Rolls 30 on Reflex - Pass!!! 13 HP
Gore Rolls 22 - Pass 13 HP
Magnum - Rolls 7 - Fail 25 HP

Duergar Stonespite (Init 11): - Confusion Roll 18 - Acts Normally

Shaking off the confusion, at least temporally, Duervar is shocked to see that he had attacked Hjalmar. Knowing he was under the influence of a spell suddenly, he uses his few moments of lucidity to attack the hobgoblin's cleric.

His first swing is a complete miss, hitting the ground instead of his foe (natural 1). Unable to recover enough to aim his next attack properly, it too misses.

Kerik Many Skulls (Init 10): Confusion Check - Rolls a 50 - Does Nothing. Kerik stands and does nothing.

First Mace Nega Silverhammer (Init 10): Having been blasted by the shaman, Nega's wounds are clearly starting to add up. Nonetheless, she tries to keep Thordek on his feet first. She presses her hand against him and heals his wounds completely now, but it nearly exhausts her ability to continue to heal.

Nega heals Thordek for 52 HP, leaving her only 33 HP left in her Lay on Hands pool. Only a restoration like spell can heal the wounding damage.

Hobgoblin Sergeant Confusion Roll - Does Nothing. The hobgoblin sergeant does nothing but stand, looking confused.

Delvesonn Nalrak Ironfist (Init 09): Infuriated at how long this battle was taking, Nalrak swings his hammer at the already wounded sergeant. His first blow staggers him. The next blow hits him in the head, crunching his helmet and bones beneath. He falls to the ground, lifeless.

Tasster Fiendshredder & Sons (Init 09): Tasster's sons move to clear the way for their father, as they try to hold one of their brothers down. Axe in hand, Tasster's axe crashes through the last hobgoblin guard's defenses. The blow is powerful enough to cut through his torso and lop off the hobgoblin's arm in passing...

Arcanii Carmard Grindstaff (Init 8): Confusion check - Rolls a 44, does nothing.

Arum Faer Wed (Init 08): Stays and observes the flank with great enthusiasm.

Paladin Hjalmar Crownshield (Init 03): With his primary weapon on the ground and not wanting to his withdrawing his maul, Hjalmar falls into a defensive stance and tries to grab for his war hammer. He armor holds when Ton'ray slashes at him with his greatsword...

Everyone Else: Nothing...

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Gryndel

2011-02-25, 12:16 AM

Magnum - Fort

"We've had about enuf o'dis!", Magnum exclaimed as he moved up (5' step AE13) to engage the leader, "Fun time is over!" The fire, now burning even hotter, in his heart for victory completely overwhelmed the cold of the enemy spell as he attacked.

Attack 1:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
Ice Damage (if applicable):[roll2]
Attack 2:[roll3]
Damage:[roll4]
Ice Damage (if applicable):[roll5]

BaB +7/+2, +6 Str, +7 HP
Shield of Faith, Mass in effect (+4 deflection bonus to AC)
AC 29
HP 64/89
DR 1/blunt

thorgrim29

2011-02-25, 12:33 AM

Pleasantly invigorated, but still feeling weak due to blood loss, Thordrek eyes the stony hide of the goblin shaman and, smiling wickedly, walks up to his adamentine axe and picks it up (that would be a move action right? As far as I know the axe is 5 feet away from Thordrek, if it's a full round, forget what's below)

For good measure, hoping to, if nothing else, make the goblin casters expend their spells, he fires another pair of rays at Ton'Ray. (BTW that would be a +11 to hit vs a goblinoid with a ranged spell Mike, just making sure you added it right, cause I have a feeling 15 might hit)

to hit 1: [roll0] +11
Damage 1: [roll1]

to hit 2: [roll2] +11
Damagec2: [roll3]

HP: 61/61 (the bleeding cancelt the bonus from animalistic power)
AC: 26

Edit: LOLdice strike again

mshady

2011-02-25, 01:28 AM

Yup, I used the same bonuses as you have been. It was just a miss.

Almost done writing up next round. I'll post it as soon as I hear from everyone. Anyone see Scow2?

Chepe Nolon

2011-02-25, 06:03 AM

Nega - Fort Battle
Nega seeing she can't do much in the battle but make it even more tight goes around gore and squeezes and touches tassaters son with a protection from evil spell (Makes him leave confusion until end of duration for the spell Nega casts)Guys go help yer father dis one is safe fer now She also sets her aura of devotion on +1 ac for every friend ;)
Init 10 moves to AC13

mshady

2011-02-25, 06:24 PM

Bundok Battlehammer (Init 19): Having already been hit by an arrow, the shaman's ball of exploding ice had only added to his wounds. Not wanting to block the minotaur or get in the way of any of the other combatants, he pulls back momentarily to draw his crossbow.

Grathalmor Ironfist (Init 16): Wounded, but not badly yet, Grathalmor motions for Buna to fall back behind cover. Having taken a couple of blows before the spell, the Arcanii did not look well at all. Blood runs down her face and from her side. Grathalmor's role now was to focus on shielding her as directly as possible. He curses himself for letting himself get so separated...

Gore Turrock (Init 15): Gore moves northward a bit, having the tactical sense to open the way up for the other dwarves to move forward. He uses his reach to thrust his sword over Tasster's head right at Ton'ray, but the hobgoblin's finesse is no match for the strength of the straight thrust. He drives the sword through the hobgoblin's plate armor and opens up a bloody wound.

Gore rolls a 30 and does 25 HP to Ton'Ray.

His second attack though, is swatted aside by the hobgoblin. However bad his accumulated wounds, he was still completely in the fight...

Alaghor Magnum Ruriksonn (Init 15): Magnum moves forward to engage Ton'ray, finally. He steps into the fray and swings hard at Ton'ray. His first attack is blocked and driven away, but his second one comes right back at the same area and that blow gets through his defense.

Magnum does 23 HP to Ton'ray.

Levtokuld Thordek Torrun (Init 15): Thordek reaches out for his axe, and sheathes his other one. He then uses another Scorching Ray spell to light up Ton'ray. Two more fire spells bore in on the hobgoblin, but the damage is underwhelming even if it is cumulative.

Thordek does 17 HP to Ton'ray with two scorching ray spells.

Hobgoblin Cleric (Init 14): The cleric, seeing that Duervar was still a threat, curses the dwarf and then focuses on a spell and truly curses the dwarf. He shudders as the curse takes over, weakening his strength and abilities significantly and being held back.

The cleric has hit Duervar with a Bestow Curse spell, and he failed the Will save.

Arcanii Buna Soulhammer (Init 14): Reeling from her wounds, her face splattered with blood and armor torn by the blows and magic that wounded her, Buna ignores the Sworn Shield. Grathalmor was Carmard's man; she had always eschewed such protection.

"All in a row for me..." she hisses. Her hands vibrate with electrical energy as she conjures the necessary power before sending a lightning bolt hurtling towards the shaman and cleric, who stand back to back.

The bolt strikes them both, doing 27 HP apiece. The shudder and scream in pain from the spell's powerful strike.
Hobgoblin Leader - Ton'Ray (Init 14): Ton'ray, now surrounded and wounded, fights to keep the dwarves and their allies at bay. His first attack is a flashing slice that slashes open Magnum's side. Blood flows from the wound, but it is nowhere near enough to fell the dwarf.

His next attack is a complex maneuver, and once again, Ton'ray manages to hook an axe and cast it to the ground with a bang. Magnum is now disarmed.

Ton'ray hits Magnum for 16 HP, and -1 Constitution loss from bleeding. He also disarms Magnum.

Hobgoblin Shaman (Init 13): Deciding two can play that game, the shaman conjures his own spell and sends a bolt of lightning hurtling right back at Buna. The spell sizzles across the gap. Buna tries to get out of its way, but is still caught by the spell. So is Thordek, who Buna had stepped in front of. He isn't so lucky, and takes the full brunt of the spell.

While Thordek is still standing, Buna screams out in pain and falls to the ground unconscious. Blood trickles from her ears and nose. Grathalmor watches her go down in shock and surprise....

Buna takes 13 HP and goes down. Thordek takes a 25 HP hit, and now at 36/61 HP.

Duergar Stonespite (Init 11): - Confusion Roll 5. Attack caster. While he may have been confused, he had a better idea who to attack. He tries to get towards the one who had clouded his mind so badly, but settles for the cleric who had cursed him.

Both of his swings are wide and slow; the cleric easily dodges the blow. Duervar rolled a 14 & 10, easy misses.
Kerik Many Skulls (Init 10): Confusion Check - Rolls 17. Attacks Normally.

Confused, but clearing his mind, Kerik finally moves forward. His axe swings once, than twice, both times hitting the cleric. The first blow staggers the cleric; the second swing takes the cleric's head off at the shoulder and continues, hitting the shaman as well. Stone flies, as well as blood, but the shaman's stone skin spell saved its life.

Tasster Fiendshredder & Sons (Init 09): Tasster's sons drag their confused brother away from the battle, confident that it was well in hand. With them clear, Tasster moves northwards and flanks Ton'ray and the shaman now. His axe lashes out, but Ton'ray's defenses once again frustrate the dwarf.

First Mace Nega Silverhammer (Init 9): Nega delays a moment to let Tasster's sons to get clear. He moves up and uses a spell on Tasster's son, drawing a circle of powdered silver around him before casting the spell. Moments later, the effect of the spell seems to be lifted but it leaves him in a natural state of confusion now about what happened. He smiles though and thanks Nega.

Delvesonn Nalrak Ironfist (Init 09): Recognizing what Nega has done to Tasster's son with the spell to clear his confusion, he debates between using a similar spell on Kerik or Carmard. Deciding that Kerik was a great physical threat, he does similar and casts the spell on the hulking old minotaur. Sure enough, moments later the dazed, angry look clears from his eyes and his inner furnace comes alive again.

Now Nalrak really didn't want to get in his way!

Nalrak uses a Protection from Evil spell to neutralize the Confusion spell effect on Kerik.

Arcanii Carmard Grindstaff (Init 8): Confusion check - Rolls 86. Attacks nearest creature.

Confused by the spell's effects, Carmard looks around frantically and thinks he is cornered by some foe. Looking between Kerik and Nalrak, Carmard decides to lash out at Nalrak. His hammer bangs against Nalrak's solid armor, but he comes to no harm from the blow.

Arum Faer Wed (Init 08): Arum watches the battle and seems to think it is well in hand without him...

Paladin Hjalmar Crownshield (Init 03): Hjalmar holds his ground and swings twice at Ton'ray. One blow misses, but the other hits the hobgoblin squarely. The hit strikes the battered hobgoblin commander in the side of the head and sends him reeling, but it as much the force of the blow as the surprise of it that causes the effect.

Hjalmar hits Ton'ray for 12 HP.

Everyone Else: Nothing...

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thorgrim29

2011-02-25, 08:54 PM

Thordrek gasps as the lighting bolt that had felled Buna hits him straight in the chest. Amidst all the stars he sees, the shaman is very clear. He shouts:

Nega! Buna's down, she needs healing

He steps over Buna, and engages the shaman, using a more subtle invocation then he casts normally, seeing the battle is more or less won, he hopes to wear down his foe.

(walking up to the shaman and arcane channelling touch of fatigue DC 13 to beat, I might get lucky and it's a level 0 spell so...)

Attack: [roll0] + 11
damage: [roll1] + 3 (adamentine)

Gryndel

2011-02-26, 01:23 AM

Magnum - Fort

A grim look came over the Alaghor's bearded face, though not from being wounded or disarmed as Ton'Ray would likely believe. It came when his sight glanced passed beyond Ton'Ray and saw Taster flanking the hobgoblin. He had little love for the murderous lunatic, but welcomed the help in this fight that turned out to be a bit tougher than expected.

Ignoring Arctis for the moment, he focused on the task at hand and grinned fiercely as he pulled his other waraxe (move action) and attacked, "Nice try hobgobbo scum, but ye have only moments left now!"

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

BaB +7/+2, +6 Str, +7 HP
Shield of Faith, Mass in effect (+4 deflection bonus to AC)
AC 29
HP 48/82 (-1 con)
DR 1/blunt

Chepe Nolon

2011-02-26, 09:21 AM

Nega Fort - Battle

Now known as the wandering healer she runs over to buna and places her hand on the fallen magic user.
Finish them off now. Drop your weapons and live or keep them and die. She yells at the goblins/hobgoblins.

Strangie

2011-02-26, 02:20 PM

For the most part, Wyatt had been sitting quietly with Sable on the barge. He had been listening in on Talamir and Buelyir's conversation, though, raising his head to look at them when Buelyir started speaking of trust.

"Ah... I used to live my life suspicious of everybody... maybe I still do, to an extent, but, I've come to trust the group I've been with for a while now... truer words haven't been spoken 'dere, Buelyir," Wyatt says with a nod. "Can't live your whole life on the run, eh? At least, figuratively. I do it in the literal sense."

Gryndel

2011-02-27, 03:23 AM

Madnum - Fort

The Alaghor glared at Ton'Ray after Nega spoke, the look on his stony bearded face one of determination and battle hardened lack of any sympathy for a hated enemy, tinged with a slight respect for the foe's training in battle. He truly hoped the hobgoblin would fight on, and appeared ready and more than willing to strike him down if it even looked like he might surrender.

Oh I misunderstood, ye know, in me battle ragin' state, wid da power o'Clangy flowin' in me like lightnin'!, he thought as one 'excuse' to any who might complain, particularly the paladin. Adding mentally with nasty a chuckle, Well ye see, me udder axe 'ere needed bloodin' too. After all Arctis was slapped form me 'ands by dat hobby gobby! Fair's fair, First Mace!

mshady

2011-02-27, 09:49 AM

Bundok Battlehammer (Init 19): Bundok flanks out to the left and pulls out his crossbow, ready to take a shot at anyone who stuck their head out.

Grathalmor Ironfist (Init 16): Shocked to see Buna go down, Grathalmor rushes to shield her from the shaman's attacks and yells for Nega to help. The Plan, in case Carmard ever went down, was for Grathalmor to shield the Arcanii and have Nalrak heal him, but the two had become separated. He cursed Buna for ignoring his protection and stepping back into the fray, already so wounded. Reckless certainly described the Arcanii, that was sure... He sincerely hope he lived for her to chastise her.

Gore Turrock (Init 15): Seeing how dangerous and skilled the hobgoblin was with hits sword, Gore raises his sword high and swings it down in a scything strike. Ton'ray moves to block the sword, but that was a mistake.

The blades collide, with sparks and metal bits flying through the air. Fragments of Ton'rays blade fly and the tip of the blade is sheared from the sword, along with part of its sharpened edge, already covered in dwarf blood.

Gore recovers his sword and sends it flashing back at Ton'ray's sword. This time, he tries to avoid the blow but Gore's strength and skill is too much. Ton'ray sword shatters from the blow in a flash of blue light as fragments explode from the sword as not only the blade is destroyed but its magic. Angered, Ton'ray throws the hilt back at Gore.

Alaghor Magnum Ruriksonn (Init 15): Now facing a disarmed Ton'ray, Magnum takes the opening and lands a hard hit against the reeling hobgoblin. His blade cuts through the side of Ton'ray's armor, finally opening him up to a grievous wound. That was apparently all the hobgoblin could take, because it gasps for air and clutches its wound. With no cleric left now to keep him on his feet, he falls to the ground. Blood flows from the wound as he keels over and falls to the ground, but he is not dead yet...

Levtokuld Thordek Torrun (Init 15): Thordek uses his adamantine axe to cut through the shaman's stone armor. In fact, it ignores the stone armor and cuts deeply into the hobgoblin. The blow doubles him over and he staggers backwards...

Arcanii Buna Soulhammer (Init 14): Currently contemplating what is for dinner in Moradin's Halls...

Hobgoblin Leader - Ton'Ray (Init 14): At the moment, a blood donor... Still alive and pumping though.

Hobgoblin Shaman (Init 13): The shaman reaches for a scroll desperately. It's hands are covered in blood at this point, and it smears the page. It starts to try to cast, but blows from Thordek, Tasster and Magnum rain down on him. No one is sure which blow was the fatal one, for each one struck a mortal blow. The battered body of the shaman falls to the ground in a heap, its white and blue robes stained red and hacked to pieces.... The shaman is quite dead..

Tasster whoops with joy, and for good measure stands over the shaman before anyone has a chance to tell him otherwise. His axe rises and falls, cleaving its head from its shoulders. It rolls and he stops it with his foot, before he snatches it up by its hair and holds it aloft to show Kerik.

"Call me Tasster Many Skulls now, eh!" he yells at the minotaur, waving his trophy.

The shocking display causes several of the dwarves to blanche. Ever Gore and Kerik share a look of apparent dismay at that garish display. He laughs loudly and drops it to the ground.

"You want to get the other one Mags?" Tasster asks Magnum, who stands by the gasping, choking Ton'ray. "Or ye want to let'em croak first?" he smiles, revealing his missing teeth.

Nega sits by Buna now, as she had apparently revived Buna now. The Arcanii sits up, but still looks badly beaten if nearly reinvigorated now. She seems dazed and slowed, for the moment.

Kerik is shocked to see Carmard swing his hammer at him in his continued state of confusion. He reaches down and lifts the Arcanii up by his armor and holds him aloft until his mind clears. Hjalmar holds Duervar against the wall his heavy shield until his own mind clears.

Gryndel

2011-02-27, 03:57 PM

Though a hated enemy, Magnum had no interest in seeing warriors such as Ton'Ray suffer needlessly before their inevitable demise. He also held no interest in collecting skulls. In response to Tasster he simply brought his axe up and struck the dying hobgoblin in the chest with sudden surety to slay the enemy leader.

Looking around the battle scene, Magnum grinned fiercely as he sheathed his giant bane axe and retrieved Arctis. Kissing the cold blade, he checked for damage, "The fort should be searched while we cure our wounded."

Sheathing Arctis he scanned the area for any noteworthy enemy weapons, then began to help cure the wounded. He cast a spell on himself, a few spells on others, then started handing out potions.

C'mon all (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0006.html)

Convert Spells to Cure:
Cure Moderate Wounds (me) [roll0]
Use 4 CLW (1d8+5)
Use 1 more CMW (2d8+8)
Use 1 CSW (3d8+8)

Potions:
6 CMW (2d8+6 each)
2 CSW 3d8+6 each
1 CSW 3d8+8
Any left he will keep one and give the rest to those who were wounded the worst in this engagement (Gore, Cormard, etc)

What will remedy the con loss?

Gryndel

2011-02-27, 04:12 PM

While searching, Magnum casts Detect Magic.

thorgrim29

2011-02-27, 04:27 PM

Thordrek casts detect magic and starts searching.

mshady

2011-02-28, 10:17 AM

OOC: Will try to sort out loot and XP for both battles tonight, but it could be Wednesday. You both should make out reasonably well :)

On the XP note, wednesday I'm going to sort everything out with that and due some back dating of XP. Anyone recall when everyone moved up a level? That was after the cavern and devil orcs, right?

Mike

Chepe Nolon

2011-02-28, 01:34 PM

mshady

2011-02-28, 11:31 PM

XP for Bridge Group

Party Level: 10.7
Encounter Level: 10 - Easy

Combat XP

Wyatt, Kelith and Talamir: 950 XP
Johannes: 304 XP
Sable: 304 XP
Arman: 304 XP
Buelyir & Flint: N/A

RP Bonus - Arbitrary

Sable: 200 XP for removing the Frost Giants, 100 XP planning

Johannes: 200 XP for successfully talking down the garbage monster
300 XP for getting surrenders, capturing prisoner

Wyatt and Talamir: General RP, character development 200 XP

mshady

2011-02-28, 11:46 PM

XP for Aurilite Fortress Battle

Encounter XP

Party Level: 12.8
Encounter Level: 14 - Very Difficult

All Level 7 Party Members: 1322 XP
Gore: 1022 XP
Nega Silvermace: 639 XP

RP Bonus - Arbitrary

Thordek, Nega, Magnum & Nalrak: 300 XP
Gore: 150 XP

Strangie

2011-03-01, 01:45 AM

Barge - Wyatt

Wyatt got bored of sitting around in silence, until a thought occurred to him.

"Hey, did anybody happen to check what the hobbos had on 'em? I know we took 'deir stuff, but I don't think we really gave it a once-over, unless someone did while we were escortin' 'em off..."

If the response to that question was no, Wyatt takes it upon himself to give the gear a search. "Hopefully it doesn't reek of wretched hobbo stink too much. I'm sure the stink from 'dis boat probably overpowered it by now anyway..."

Gryndel

2011-03-01, 02:38 AM

(( OOC:I haven't hehe ;)))
Nega looks at what is left of the enemies.
Anybody of em alive? She asks looking around.we need to rest and do 'ealin. Carmard any ideas? Nega looks at Buna.Lass ye need rest bad I do not (h)ave any (h)ealin left I'm sad to say. We need find a place to rest. Hjalmar set up a perimeter defense wit(h) Duervar and da duergar and da mercs.

She stands reluctantly going around tying bandages and fixing wounds.

Beard twitching in agitation, Magnum approached Nega. While not disrespectful, nor one to challenge lawful authority, he was certainly gruff, "Curin', sure, I'm on it. But rest, First Mace? Are ye serious? We need ta get movin' ta da main gate soonest! Like I suggested earlier, a search o'da fort seems in order, but a quick'n it must be. Meanwhile shouldna we move on tow'rd our main objective in dis mission post haste?"

OOC:
Used all the listed potions? Anybody still need healing after that?

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-01, 10:39 AM

Well dat looks better but we need some restoration I'll (h)ave it by morning fer now we'll just (h)ave to do.
Nega helps Buna to her feet and gets ready.

ithildur

2011-03-02, 03:01 AM

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"I would disagree," Talamir replied to Buelyr, his lips curling slightly after a brief pause. "That you are no philosopher; often the best philosophy is the most simple and direct is it not? Hearing you speak makes me think perhaps there is more of a philosopher in you than you say. It makes me curious, how you came to lead this expedition."

"As for carrying 'baggage'..." The Elf let out a barely audible sniff, sounding more resigned rather than put off as his smile faded. "Some do not have a choice in the matter; some are born with it, by other's deeds, and are destined to carry it with them going back generations to their forebearers."

Talamir seemed to grow rather quiet at that, but replies quietly to Wyatt with a nod.

"Then happy you must be, for finding trust among unlikely companions. You've found something much more valuable than gems. Perhaps someday..."

He paused, not saying more and leaving it at that.

He does respond when Wyatt mentions the hobgoblins' spoils.

"If no one else does, I have a spell of Detect Magic prepared."

mshady

2011-03-02, 10:30 PM

"Oh I don't know about that" the dwarf exhales, actually a bit bashful. "Philosophy is for the big view. Although I suppose that is a sort of big view" he says, thinking about it for a moment. "Tis just an observation by an old dwarf" he says and shrugs.

"By birth or deed, reckon we're stuck with it, eh?" he smiles calmly and leans back against the hull of the boat. "I got past it. I've lived a damn long time. When so much happens, individually it all means a bit less to ya. But ye gotta let it. Live long enough, ye can tend to forget it.

Tis why dwarves tend to write down a good grudge and pass it on. Just mov'n on helps a lot. The new folks aren't the old ones. So aye, I'm happy I can trust folks again. It's only too a point, though" he admits. "It's almost insulting to someone else to trust'em completely!" he laughs at that. "I always keep a core of distrust to myself to fall back on. I know its there. My anchor, I reckon. But eh, I'm an odd beard" he smiles.

"As for why I'm in command?" he shrugs and smiles slightly. "Rank"

"Ye don't know me, I keep forgetting... Long story short, I helped found the Patriarchate. With the actual Patriarch, mind you. Him, Glorian, a few likeminded others. Unlike all o'them, I don't have a lot of responsability that ties me down though. So I go out to the problems. Make sure they're dealt with. Am I better commander of dwarves than Arcanii Carmard, a professional soldier with a century of experience at that? I doubt it. An unorthodox mind is rare amongst my kin. That and... make sure if anything happens, we're not surprised. Dwarf business and such, and this is an important task. Between all that and knowing the duergar, seemed like a good fit so I decided to take over. Helped smooth things over, I thought" he smiles widely.

mshady

2011-03-03, 01:16 AM

The group at the fort does their best to heal their grievous wounds, but the bite of Ton'ray's shattered sword remain felt. The recovery from that degree of blood loss would take time, or perhaps spells of restoration.

There was not much time, so some set to stripping the dead of valuables and piling up arms, armor and equipment. Much of it was damaged and tattered. The weapons most carried were basic, clearly not forged but poured into molds. The equipment of the leaders and their guards was all together different, and reflected surprising expertise. Hjalmar examined them closely and grumbled that it looked like they were dwarf forged and the shame that his kin were forced to make such. That they might be doing so willingly was not even a consideration for him.

Thordek takes a group inside the crumbling old fortress, which is very similar to the one the duergar had taken earlier. Inside, he finds little of value but there is a respectable shrine to Auril. The room is cold and icy, unlike the rest of the fort. It was hard to tell without melting the ice away, but the room felt like it must have been a dwarven chapel at one point.

He finds a significant amount of provisions inside, mainly canned fish and biscuits. Indeed it seems like it was stock piled here, for it was more than the garrison here could reasonably eat in a month's time. Grain and shanks of long meat are stored as well, no doubt for the ogres and minotaurs.

The armory is mostly empty. What is there is only basic equipment. When they go up a level, they find a lab filled with tubes and brewing equipment and it seems to have been shared by the cleric and shaman that were recently slain. A spell book is also found. Another room turns out to be Ton'rays quarters, and it includes little more than a bed, some food, a map of the area not unlike what the group already knew and a journal. It is bound in leather with a lock on it, with the book held shut by an iron bar. A quick search does not reveal the key, so the assumption is the body is on the fallen leader.

Nothing else of importance is noted during the search, beyond that the fort was still barely standing. Surprisingly, it seemed that supplies were being stored to refurbish it, including cut stone and lumber. Two ballista are also found in an armory, along with several heavy bolts.

With nothing else to find, Thordek and his companions return to the main group to report to Carmard and look for the key...

Gryndel

2011-03-03, 07:15 AM

The group at the fort does their best to heal their grievous wounds, but the bite of Ton'ray's shattered sword remain felt. The recovery from that degree of blood loss would take time, or perhaps spells of restoration.
Magnum just happens to have exactly that spell! Alas, he has only 1, so during the searching of the fort he would determine who needs it the most and use it.

He'd also help search the dead, then check out the battering ram for damage, "Anybody else believe it might be wise ta carry dis ta da main gate?"

OOC: If its damaged, maybe his Make Whole spell would work? It depends on the size, he can affect 70 cu ft.

Well before the search of the fort was complete, the Alaghor went to stand near the gate that led to their next destination. Beard twitching in agitation occasionally, his fuming state of urgency increased with each passing moment. He began to wonder how Buelyr and that group had fared, and what they were doing at this very moment.

If Nega happens to be within earshot he grumbled, "First Mace, ye couldna motivate 'em ta a bit more haste?"

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-03, 12:25 PM

We do our best Magnum. Get a move on we are pressed fer time nad get em searc(h)in groups toget(h)er dar be some to reac(h).
Form up again we move so we reac(h) em scouts.
Nega frowns and curses under her beard. whispering to herself:Damn ye silver mace fer fergettin to keep dat spell. Mot(h)er I ask yer fergiveness.

thorgrim29

2011-03-03, 05:51 PM

(25 hp down BTW)

Thordrek takes from the keep the two books, any stocked potion or alchemical concoction and a few days worth of fish and biscuits.

He comes out of the keep eating and joins the others and reports.

I found this, was there a key on our annoyingly persistent friend? Also, this fish is pretty good, there's a stockpile of it and meat inside if anyone's hungry. There's also a few ballistae, maybe one of the minotaurs could shoot one like a crossbow? I don,t know if it would work, but overkill like that sounds like their kind of fun.

mshady

2011-03-04, 09:29 PM

Aurilte Fort Battle Loot

3,000 Gold Pieces

11,000 in solid gold and white gold religious icons (Including a 6000 GP dragon of gold)

12 x Manacles
1 x Spyglass
2 x Everburning Torch
1 x Ton'rays Journal

40 x Chainmail
40 x Lg Shields
40 x Longswords
40 x Crossbows

2 tons - canned fish
200 barrels water
50 barrels various alcohol
2 tons - biscuits and dried fruit

+2 Banded Mail
+2 Full Plate Armor
4 x MW Large Suits Suits of Chainmail
2 x +1 Large Suits of Chainmail
+2 Cloak of Resistence

1 x MW Warhammer
2 x MW Flail
1 x MW Short Sword
1 x Large +1 Greataxe
4 x MW Large Greataxes

2 x Ballista/20 Bolts

4 x Potion: Cure Serious Wounds
4 x Potion: Cure Medium Wounds
2 x Scroll: Teleport
1 x Scroll: Circle of Death + Material Components
1 x Scroll: Cone of cold
1 x Scroll: Cloudkill
1x Divine Scroll: Blade Barrier
1 x Divine Scroll: Divine Power
1 x Divine Scroll: Sleet Storm
1 x Divine Scroll: Dismissal
1 x Divine Scroll: Gentle Repose

mshady

2011-03-04, 09:45 PM

Aurilite Bridge Loot

Greatsword +1
MW Dire Flail
MW Sling & 40 bullets

Full Plate +1
MW Half Plate

1 x Boots of the Winterlands
Brooch of Shielding (Unusued)
1 x Cloak of Resistence +1

Potion: Cure Serious Wounds
Potion: Cure Medium Wounds

12 x Longswords
12 x Chainmail
12 x Large Shields
12 x Light Crossbows + Ammo

1 x Everburning Torch

1500 Gold Pieces
1000 GP Gems

1000 lbs canned fish
500 lbs biscuits & dried fruit

mshady

2011-03-04, 09:59 PM

Thordek and Ton'rays Journal

"Ye mean this?" Tasster asks, and tosses it to Thordek. "Didn't figure it went to a chastity belt" the prince smiles nastily.

Thordek catches it easily enough. It is a small steel key and he inserts it into the and opens it carefully, wary of any traps. None seem to be present, so he starts leafing through it.

The journal is... surprisingly professional, and written in undercommon which Thordek can at least get the jist of. It includes a daily duty log going back a year, detailing rosters and troop movements in and out of the base. There are constant notes concerning supplies, and there are several notes about requesting more food for storage in case of a siege, as well as construction material and siege weapons. Ton'ray apparently seemed intent on rebuilding the fort as well.

Ironically enough, he justifies the project in the copies of letters due to his worry about duergar or dwarven attack using the underground tunnels. Replies back to that sound skeptical, but he eventually seems to have convinced them...

One thing that immediately draws attention was his request for a work crew of 50 slaves and extra guards to aid in the construction. Estimated arrival for that, he finds as he leafs forward, was next week.

His requests also include a request for 4 frost giants to be added to his garrison and shelters created for the oversized creatures.

Interspersed in the pages are also copies of letters to his family back at the old dwarven stronghold they were planning to attack. He sees several sketches of children and a female hobgoblin, some in the form of a portrait, some in far more intimate poses.

The most recent notes go back to mentioning his request to join the attack on the dwarves and a desire to gain slaves for himself. He notes most of the garrision has left and he convinced the "Frost Lord" to send him a quartet of minotaurs and the ogres to better protect the approaches to the weakened base.

Much of the rest of the journal include sketches of unknown locations, notes on personnel, details of mundane training and an order for one of the hobgoblins to be executed for something involving a crime against nature. Blessedly, that part is neither described, nor sketched.

mshady

2011-03-04, 10:17 PM

Magnum & Tasster

Tasster saunters up to the grumbling Magnum and places a hand on his shoulder and smiles at him, his missing teeth making it all a bit more disturbing. Splatters of blood are still in his beard, as well as over his armor. He seems to have smeared some of the blood into a pattern, who's significance was known only to him if he had any at all.

"Now that was a fine little massacre, eh?" he says and laughs. "Off with their heads and out with their guts! I cannae wait to get into their fort proper and get after a good giant or one o'them ice devils I hear about! Damn, I was bored out o'me mind in yer little pocket plane. I ain't killed a thing in awhile and now I be having all manner o'fun!" he tells Magnum with bloody minded delight.

"Hope they nay have womenfolk and runts in this here base. Gotta figure they're living there and have their families. Deal'n with them is always a nasty bit o'work, but ye cannae leave'em to start up the nest again. That'd be worse business, aye?" he says and shakes his head. "I just tell meself my axe did it and not me. Than I have a few drinks. Year or two ago we knocked over an orc den and used barrels o'oil, lit it and caved it in. Burns out the air, ye see. Quicker dat way for all o'us" he says and pauses.

"I tell ye, what vermin and filth do to a dwarf hold that gets sacked is bloody awful. When the Tethyamar Mines fell, me father King Ghellin ordered the warriors to make sure none o'the women and children who nay made it out were taken alive. That bit near broke the old man than and their, more than losing his kingdom. Thinkin' o'that, makes my heart break whenever I think o'how Clan Prattlehammer, heh, made peace with the orcs that near wiped'em out. A dwarf bend'n to any greenskin, especially a Delzoun king, is a shame. Can't say I like yer Patriarch's way of enslaving prisoners much better. That'll bite his beard someday too, I'll bet ya. Better dwarves do dwarf work, I say!" Tasster says and laughs.

"Ye think I should leave the blood on me axe? I always thought it makes it look scarier to the runts, but maybe these godly dwarves be offended by that. Ye be caring for a swig o'some stiff spirits by the way?" Tasster asks, and offers Magnum a flask.

mshady

2011-03-04, 10:48 PM

The Barge - Fish and Crossbows

"Well I'm always one for a good ramble I guess" Buelyir admits to Talamir. He looks over the side of the barge down at the water and sees some fish following the boat and shakes his head. He dips his hand in the water and smiles slightly as it cools his hand. He lets it trail and splash in the water, almost playfully as he forgets himself for a moment of presumably rare tranquility.

Flint looks over at Buelyir with an incredulous look and shakes his head. Dwarves normally had a profound dislike for water, it was said, but Buelyir seemed to actually enjoy it.

"This rivers teeming with fish. Big ones too. No light down here, just the little we have seems to be draw'n them like flies. Guess we know how they get the fish he says. Hold on..." he says.

He deftly secures his legs around the bench and leans far over the railing, his hand in the water searching. It takes him a minute of intense concentration, but he hooks a fish under the gills and pulls it out.

The thing has white, milky eyes and must be two feet long with something of a gut on it. It has silvery scales and tiny, yet sharp teeth. He smiles proudly and quickly produces a knife. He gives everyone one last look at it lays it down on the bench. Mercifully, he stabs it through the head to spare it what comes next and than he quickly begins to cut and clean the fish, through the remains over the side. His knife glides along its spine and ribs and within a minute or two, he has two fat fillets. The rest goes over the side, which instantly draws the attention of the other fish to the carcas.

"We got some time. Was think'n I'd cook us a little food. I like a good meal before a fight, eh? Can't stand a good white fish put into a can" he says and smiles. His hands reach into the same pack he put all the hobgoblin's spare equipment to produce a large frying pan and some lard, plus some seasoning and oil. He lays the fillets on the smoldering fire and waits patiently for it to start to heat. It takes longer than he expected, but eventually it starts to cook and cook well...

In the interim, the barge continues to slide down the river. Nothing else seems to be happening. The long, slow ride continues...

With the fish done, he passes the skillet around the group for everyone to get a portion. It's not enough for a meal for everyone, but it's satisfying enough to any who want it...

As Sable finishes her fish and passes on the skillet, she gives Buelyir a long, silent look as she considers something. Buelyir notices it and returns the gaze with a neutral expression before smiling at her.

"What's on yer mind, lass?" he finally asks her.

"Your crossbow broke" she says.

"Yes, I noticed that too" he laughs. "Enjoy the fish?"

"I did" she says, smiling slightly, respectfully. "I happen to have a spare, if you'd like it" she says.

"Oh? Can I see?" he asks with obvious curiousity.

Sable unlimbers the unusual, long crossbow taken from the Godsmen sniper from the battle of the foundry. It is a squat thing, made of as much metal as wood, with short limbs. Instead of the normal 2 limbs, it has 4 limbs and bottom mounted clip full of metal bolts. Atop it is a overly large spy glass kind of arrangement she was quite unfamilar with.

"Ah...." he says in appreciation. "I'll take yer word for it dat its a crossbow" he says and smiles. He takes the hefty crossbow and examines it carefully, seeming to study every part with a craftsmens eye. "I don't suppose ye know how it works, do ye?" he asks Sable.

"Yet to fire it. From what I saw, drawing it is difficult. More than I care to try" she says and shrugs.

"Well thank ye. I think I'll have occasion to use it soon enough" Buelyir says and smiles. "Damn if it isn't heavy though!" he admits, hefting it proudly.

"Let me know what ye think a fair price for it is. Try before you buy, they call it?" Sable smiles at him ruefully.

"Ack! Do I look like I have money?" he says and laughs at her. "Ok, actually I have a lot. I mention I'm the Treasurer after a fashion? I'll let ye know"

Strangie

2011-03-04, 11:54 PM

"Nicely done," Wyatt says in approval of the fish kill.

He has himself some of the skillet after doing the work of sorting the loot out that they had found. "Winterland boots? I wish I had 'dose like a week ago. Walkin' through snow at my height is no joke, you know. In some places I had to almost pick my foot up over my head just to get it out of the snow, heh, 'dats how deep it gets sometimes," he says with a smirk.

He gestures at the crossbow that Sable and Buelyir are talking over. "'dat thing is a fine piece of work. The last guy who used it actually managed to hit me with it," he says, rubbing at his leg where the bolt had struck during the battle with the Godsmen. "I don't seem to have much luck with crossbows... Don't think he was aimin' for my leg, 'dough. I beat his face in for 'dat and we took 'dat as our souvenir. Right Sable?" Wyatt says with a nod.

mshady

2011-03-05, 12:23 AM

"We did indeed" she smiles sweetly. "Wouldn't want it in the wrong hands, of course. Wrong hands being not ours" Sable laughs softly and reaches for a piece of fish, snatching it from the skillet before passing it.

"As for the loot, just my share of the gems and coin. Preference being for the gems before coin" Sable gestures towards the glittering bag of multi-hued gems. "Fairly won wealth not coming out of my... our... pay, I assume?" she says, eyeing Buelyir for his response.

"Pay's just for the job lass. Help yerselves. I'm fine" Buelyir laughs at the question.

"Understandable. Been on yer side of it before. No need for that with me. We're dwarves. If we want more gold & gems, we get it the old fashioned way. We Mine it" he says, reassuring her that he was not offended.

"I saw a sling in there. Don't ye halflings like them things?" he asks Wyatt.

Strangie

2011-03-05, 02:38 AM

"Oh yeah! We do. We've got a good eye for throwing and slings and all 'dat. But if it's sized for a larger person, like a hobbo, it's kinda awkward to swing around, y'know?" Wyatt says with a shrug. "Most stuff like 'dat is too large, I could probably wear 'dat thing as a hat if I wanted, which I don't."

ithildur

2011-03-05, 09:05 AM

Talamir watched the unusual dwarf's flurry of activity curiously. He realized that he was smiling faintly in spite of himself, especially at the successful catch, the deft preparation, and then the appealing sounds and smells of fish cooking. It helped lessen the lingering stench.

The Elf gave an appreciative nod as he sampled the cooked fillet, eyeing Buelyir once more curiously, then the rest of the group as he ate. His handkeg of Firewine had not been completely drained yet he remembered, and he began to pour himself some when he paused thoughtfully and stared at his goblet. He found himself offering the beverage to the others, while he himself settled for a small amount barely enough to fill less than quarter of the goblet.

It had been a while, years, since he had not filled nearly to the brim, and even longer since he had ate and drank while in the proximity of another elf. Drinking in the midst of dwarves was something he'd gotten somewhat used to, though not quite in this fashion.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"Gems and coins will suffice for me as well," he nodded as Sable expressed her preference. "Preferably gems, though I defer to the maiden."

He leaned against the side of the barge, looking out towards the darkness where he guessed the shore was, then leaned further slightly so as to look down into the water. He then glanced back at the banter and discussion of equipment, the sense of comradery among the group quite apparent. Arman, the other Elf, had not pressed him with questions so far.

For a moment he relaxed, found himself lowering his guard, and even hoping. Perhaps here, in the midst of this unlikely group, he could find rest for his soul.

But then again, a voice inside him reminded, that had proved to be a foolish and false hope for he and his sires more than once.

thorgrim29

2011-03-05, 11:22 AM

Thordrek rifles through the pile of stuff, adding in the spellbook he'd found, and he takes for himself the spyglass and the cloak.

I'll be taking this if no one objects, plus of course my share of the potions and the stuff no one wants. Let's take only what's worth it's weight in gold or more, we are attacking a dragon's cave after all, and not everyone seems to have extradimentional storage, tough you really should.

After the dividing is done, he goes to the barrels of booze, and asks to those there:

Is any of that drinkable, or flammable? Setting frost giants on fire would be a simple means of defeating them.

Werewhale

2011-03-05, 12:03 PM

Nalrak Ironfist

After doing what he can to heal the various injuries of the group, Nalrak has a look at the loot, mostly paying attention to the divine scrolls. He takes Gentle Repose, explaining that it is only fitting as he is a priest of Dumathoin. He'll also take Dismissal unless anyone objects, and thereafter any scrolls no-one else wants.

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-05, 03:46 PM

Nega - Fort
Nega makes sure everyone in the party take food stuffs for atleast 3 days and takes a couple of manacles with her. She also takes control of the religious items and the divine scrolls.
If anyone need any of dem scrolls tell me I'll keep em fer now. And da religious items will be under my control. I'll make da money claim on behalf of Berronar w(h)en er reac(h) da Patriarch. Now get ready we are movin out. At yer pleasure commander Carmard.

Gryndel

2011-03-05, 03:48 PM

Treasure: Magum expressed an interest in some of the divine scrolls; Blade Barrier, Divine Power, Sleet Storm. The +2 full plate interested him as well, though changing armor here and now was directly opposed to his sense of urgency. So he merely mentioned that he might like it at some point in the future when they had time for such leisurely choices, and packed it away of nobody else wanted it.

Unless Tasster & Sons wanna help him change out quickly?

A grin tainted with a slight distaste for such garish displays crossed the face of the Alaghor of The Father of Battle as he shrugged, "Aye, a good beginnin', but it took too much time fer my mind. As ta da current occupants o'da main fort, if'n dat doomsday weapon works as planned, I doubt we'll need ta be concerned much 'bout such personal morality issues."

Listening solemnly to the bit about the Tethyamar Mines, Magnum nodded agreement with Tasster's concluding statement, "Indeed, no bet on dat! Prisoners o'war, always a tricky issue."

He accepted the flask and took a sniff of the contents, then drank some if it was acceptable to his brewer's palate. Handing back the flask he chuckled wickedly, "I prefer ta avoid da whole situation, whenever possible. But its a tuff lesson from da past fer any from a clan o'warriors, leavin' yungins alive ta breed more trouble in da future. Its just a bad strategy, no quarter asked nor given I say!. I've 'eard some argue dat it leaves opponents fer future generations o'dwarves. But der's always gonna be plenty more humanoid scum ta fight, da Gods see ta dat!"

After cleaning his giant bane axe, Magum sheathed it and grinned fiercely again as he added enthusiastically, "Aye Tasster, some real giants'n outsiders oughta be a grand challenge fer us! Do what ye want 'bout da blood, seems a personal choice ta me. I prefer a clean blade meself. But whatcha dink 'bout takin' da batterin' ram? Once I shape da stone'n loosen da gate, da minotaurs charge'n ram it down, den we all follow in..."

Suddenly motivated by this he went over to discuss it with the leaders and minotaurs.

Use wand of lesser vigor on any who are still wounded, including himself
fast healing 1 for 10rds +1 rd/CL = 11 rds min

HP 79/82

mshady

2011-03-08, 01:31 AM

3,000 Gold Pieces

11,000 in solid gold and white gold religious icons (Including a 6000 GP dragon of gold)

12 x Manacles
1 x Spyglass
2 x Everburning Torch
1 x Ton'rays Journal

40 x Chainmail
40 x Lg Shields
40 x Longswords
40 x Crossbows

2 tons - canned fish
200 barrels water
50 barrels various alcohol
2 tons - biscuits and dried fruit

+2 Banded Mail
+2 Full Plate Armor
4 x MW Large Suits Suits of Chainmail
2 x +1 Large Suits of Chainmail
+2 Cloak of Resistence

1 x MW Warhammer
2 x MW Flail
1 x MW Short Sword
1 x Large +1 Greataxe
4 x MW Large Greataxes

Carmard sorts out the loot...

Magnum: Divine Power, Blade Barrier, Sleet Storm, Torch, 1 CMW
Nalrak: Gentle Repose, Dismissal, 1 x CMW
Grathalmor: +2 Full Plate, 1 CSW, 1 CMW
Thordek: Spyglass, Cloak of Resistance +2, 1 CSW, 1 CMW
Nega: 11000 religious art objects, 3 sets of manacles, 1000 x GP for Berronar
Carmard: 3 x Manacles, 1 x Teleport, 1 x Cloudkill
Buna: 3 x Manacles, 1 x Teleport, 1 x Cone of Cold
Hjalmar: 3 x Manacles,
Bundok: +2 Ring of Protection, 1 x CSW
Duervar: MW Short Sword, 1 x CSW
Arumfaerwed: Scroll of Circle of Death + Components

Gore: +2 Ring of Protection, +1 Greataxe, Ballista, 20 bolts, 1000 GP
Kerik: Ballista, 20 Bolts, 4 x MW Greataxe, 1000 GP

Black's Company: 1 x warhammer, 2 x heavy flail, 4 suits of MW chail mail, 2 x +1 chainmail and +2 banded mail are given to Black's Company's for their poorly equipped recruits. 2 x Everburning Torches so they can see!

"Well, that's my take on this. Ye can trade amongst yerselves. I think the armor best goes to Grathalmor. It's gonna be a stand up fight and his armor was wrecked in his little... adventure in Sigil" Carmard declares.

The one remaining scroll, the necromatic spell known plainly as a Circle of Death, remains unclaimed. Arum glances at Nega and shrugs, than takes the necromatic spell for himself. Carmard raises an eyebrow but says nothing, verbally anyways.

"What?" Arum asks with irritation. "Spells kill. Some do it better than others. Like its worse than putting a traitor's soul in a bomb?" he asks, than shakes his head and sticks it in his scroll case.

Gryndel

2011-03-08, 04:48 AM

Magnum couldn't repress a chuckle at Arman Arum, "Not all spells kill, but if'n yer gonna use magic ta kill, best ta be as deadly as possible eh?"

Taking his share of the treasure and gladly storing it appropriately, he also snagged as many cans of fish and biscuits as he could stuff in his pack. He ate several, though not much of the fruit, washing it down with ale from a small keg pulled from same pack. At least one more barrel of alcohol was going with him, packed or carried, it mattered little.

Magnum helped Grathalmor put on the armor, and when all was ready, he took up his place in order, more than ready to continue toward their next goal.

HP 79/82

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-08, 10:08 AM

Nega Fort
Good wisdom commander you display. As fer tings dat kill Arum you do wat ye feel is best. Only da divine will judge ye. But it ain't a spell fer me or me kind. All praise be to da fat(h)er mot(h)er and Battlefat(h)er fer da fortune in battle but lets nay tally more as Magnum spoke da time passes quickly and da wind may yet turn upon us if we do not make speed towards our goal. Make sure ye take food and drink and if da commander do not mind and I dear tink (h)e do not. FORM RANKS AND LETS MOVE OUT YE WARMIN.
Nega smiles big and then speaks again:Levtokuld ye take da lead wit(h) me.

Nega smiles and not after long in march with her not extremely good singing voice leads in a song of dwarf battle honor.

mshady

2011-03-08, 10:22 AM

"Aye, get all the food and water ye can carry" Carmard adds. "Anything warm you'll need too. Odds are, if we get outta here alive, we'll have to walk out through the Spine of the World mountains. It's still their mountains, and there still be the white dragons.

I'd rather everyone who lives through this not die o'the cold when we get out. Could be a week or two till we make it to Hundlestone. Unless someone comes and gets us. Rightly so, the Aurilites chasing us may be the distraction our forces defending the Icewind Pass may need to get to clear"

Carmard regards the two teleport scrolls as well. He shares a grim look with Buna. The two share an acknowledgement of some grim reality.

"We're lucky to have these scrolls" he says quietly, regarding them. "We may not all be able to leave at once"

mshady

2011-03-09, 01:21 PM

Arum seems a bit bewildered by the paladin's support, actually.

"Eh?" he asks, a bit confused. "So ye have no problem with me taking a necromatic scroll? Yer not going to smile and than bonk me on the head later? I heard about ye...." Arum looks at her skeptically. He sniffs his nose and looks at her again.

"Well hell, why don't we ask Kaladus and Regina back there to raise all these deaders and use'em as fodder 'gainst our enemies? I thought the Patriarchate banned all that. Guess the bar moved when we started putting a traitor's soul into a soul destroying bomb and trying to knock down a mountain after hiring an army of fiends, murderers and rapists" Arum smirks and waves the scroll around. "That's what this does. That yugoloth was using these in Sigil on the Godsmen, wiped out a whole bushel of'em. Oh yeah, and we brought along two mages as allies who just tried to kill us all, one after betraying us. So yeah, I'll just let it rip whenever we need it and let my Divine sort that one out. It's all magic, aye? What's this compared to all that?" he shakes his head ruefully.

Carmard and Buna look at each other, than Buna.

"It's a rare day when Arum criticizes ethics" Buna crumbles.
"It's a rare day when he isn't hacking up the fallen to make some new brew or components, either" Carmard remarks.

"True. I'm loaded up and gotta stay light if we're runnin' for it. That said, could use a minotaur horn, and maybe some testicles too" he smirks and fiddles around in his pack for a hack saw. Gore and Kerik glare at him with deadly intent.

"What? Not you, them!" he says, pointing to the fallen minotaurs.

That does nothing to ease the glares, but the gnomish butcher could care less, it seems.

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-09, 01:40 PM

Arum my approval or disapproval is not important. Da gods will punis(h) ye if dem tink ye break da rules. As I said I wouldn't use it and I would not encourage da use of it but it's yer own soul ye burn lad. And I'm not da commander of da expedition. But if ye were to use it fer evil I'd knock yer (h)ead off. But ye don't seem like da fellow dat would try it. Nega smiles and goes back to her leading the troops.

mshady

2011-03-09, 10:52 PM

"Huh" the gnome says. "I was expecting a speech or something" Arum shakes his head.

"Aye, the Gods will punish me. An argument that only works if I believe in a God that's into judgin' on that. I thought the whole point of a paladin was to enforce your God's will and ideals in the mortal realms?" the cantankerous gnome says, continuing to prod Nega.

"I mean, ye got on Sable's ass for using a frakking laxative in the cook pots of our foes. Ye couldn't abide by THAT. But hey so long as I use a spell that may as well be labeled EVIL for yer goals, which be a bit... umm, call it complicated, frak that's alright. So long as it's not yer soul gett'n soiled, who the frak cares about the gnome? If i'm gonna die with y'all, I'd at least like to see a little dedication to an ideal from the senior frakking paladin in the whole frakking Patriarchate at least." Arum snarls at her. His breath reeks of alcohol. Apparently he had been drinking, and recently, and now it was catching up with him.

"That's enough, Arum" Carmard says gently. "This is tough enough without us antagonizing each other"

"Oh frak you, Carmard" he snaps at the senior Arcanii. "Yeah, it's been tough. I've walked through the snows, the sands, the caves, the stinking cities, through a restaurant and been shot, beaten, stabbed, ran through, burned, pounded and rode a madman's tornado.

After all that, we've got no way out and even if we prevail ahead, that thing will probably kill us all anyways, plus destroy our souls. You'll set it off with a smile and take us all with ya, because hell ye did it once before because it was too risky to lose. If it's that damn dangerous, why ye make it? Really. Because it ain't for landscaping and burning down the snow bunnies. Yes, the long slow walk to my approaching death has been TOUGH" he growls at Carmard.

Not caring at this point, he uncorks a large flask and takes a drink from it. His eyes dare someone to say something to him about it.

"Reason I point out what a hypocrit ye sound like, First Mace, is because I know full well what that spell is and the toll it takes on the unprepared. That kind o'taint right before I'll probably die ain't the kind of burden I delight in. It's too powerful to pass up, so I'll do what the rest o'ye won't and just like ye to remove stick from ass and thank a gnome fer once. Hopefully it'll tip the damn frakking prick bending fight" he grumbles.

"Now if ye don't have anything else, I'm gonna go butcher a minotaur"

thorgrim29

2011-03-10, 12:31 AM

He does have a point you know, about the evil. The only reason I didn't walk straight back to Mirabar when Tolrin explained the mission was that this mockery of Moradin's work and will is already done, and I like to think of myself as an idealist pragmatist. Hell, I'm surprised the paladins aren't going after Glorian instead of following us around, not that their help isn't tremendously appreciated.

But, as I said, the evil's already done, so if it can be used to save lives and help free the North from the aurilites, I'll willingly face any punishment the afterlife has in store for me.

I suggest we press on, this is not the place to be discussing philosophy. As for the ice wall, barrels of spirits and flamethrowers should do the trick.

His piece said, clearly not interested in further debate, Thordrek continues sorting through the stuff, seeing if he missed a possible use for any of it.

mshady

2011-03-10, 01:07 AM

Carmard looks between Arum and Thordek and frowns. The look is frozen on his face for a long, sad moment.

"I asked those same questions" Carmard finally says. "I knew Barauk in life. He professed his faith and loyalty, than betrayed us and tried to kill Glorian. Considering he betrayed both his Oath and Faith, his fate was not in Moradin's Halls but the Wall of the Faithless, where he'd spend an eternity until his soul dissolved or taken by demons and either tortured or raised up. Ending him was deemed more...merciful."

He sighs and regards the scroll he had taken and frowns.

"Call it evil if ye like, but the gain is profound for this region. It tis not a cruel fate for him. Better than he deserved."

"I think the Patriarch has a better idea of Moradin's Will on this than any of us" Buna interjects acidly. "Even the duergar cleric's on board with this"

From out in the cavern, a single figure approaches from where Black's Company sits. He seems to be rushing forward toward them, a scroll tube in hand and wearing the hobgoblin's chainmail now.

"I've a message from Commander's Black" he says breathlessly. Apparently the short distance of the run was enough to tax him, although the air was thin down here. He hands the scroll tube to Carmard and bows slightly.

Carmard grunts and takes the scroll, reluctant to see if there was going to be a problem with the unruly mercenaries. Carmard had already had his fill of mercenaries and was loath to deal with more problems.

"Well, lets see what he says..." Carmard says, before reading the letter aloud....

Arcanii Carmard,

I spake with the two mages you have us guarding. The one called Kaladus says he thought things over and tells us attacking the fortifications are suicidal. He says that since he does not want to die, he and Demios Regina have agreed to fight on your behalf. They have some spells left. If we can hold here for several hours, he can restore his full powers. He requests your reply immediately.

The mage is very demanding and I would be rid of him. If you have no further use for him, I ask you to let us be done with him. His demands were only silenced when I offered to let our half orc make him a woman. Should you here such sounds of delight, trust I am having matters resolved.

Sincerely,
Marcus Black

Carmard regards the letter and the messenger, before turning to his lieutenants and the rest.

"Speaking of difficult choices... any thoughts before I decide on my reply to that?"

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-10, 01:30 AM

Nega now being brought to the brink of being nice as not to cause problem walks over to the gnome picks him up and holds him at her face height.
I'm being polite ye drunk little big nosed gnome. It's evil and if ye ever try you use it I'll smas(h) yer (h)ead inn wit(h) my mace so far dat ye will be lookin out yer feet. Now did dat (h)elp you out lad. Concerning dat letter Commander I don't tink ye s(h)ould leave em were em are in my opinion.After making these statements she tosses the gnome to the ground and goes on with the marching preps. She is not in a good mood as she was.

mshady

2011-03-10, 02:01 PM

Arum falls on his rump and looks up at the heavily armored paladin he had just provoked into heaving him off his feet and dropping him on the ground. He rolls on his back as she walks away and suddenly starts laughing hysterically.

Carmard and Buna share a look and shake their heads.

"I think he's lost it finally" Buna says.

Gryndel

2011-03-11, 03:00 PM

Watching the interaction between Arum and Nega closely, Magnum chuckled at the outcome. He joined Carmard and Buna in a head shake and shrugged. Buna's comment brought the thought that the gnome had little to lose to begin with, so no great loss there.

His only comment about the message from Black was, "Da mages could prove useful ta da cause. But I'd not be lettin' em prepare spells fully. First, time is essential ta success, an' I feel dat little remains. A delay o'several hours be far too long ta wait, an' sounds like naught but an effort ta let da defenders prepare. Second, if we succeed enuf ta prove dis isna suicidal, its likely dey'd reconsider.who's side dey take. So da potential fer betrayal dat hinders us greatly increases."

King Tius

2011-03-11, 03:38 PM

Hjalmar Crownshield

The old Gold Dwarf harumphs loudly as he listens to the conversation with the drunken gnome. After stowing his manacles, he gets to his feet and walks over towards Arum, completely ignoring Nega and in fact getting somewhat in her way. He extends a hand down to the gnome and waits for him to finish his laughing and take it.

"Not enforce; Live by. Something these Northerners seem to have forgotten."

The one-eyed Paladin's voice is deep and grumbly, though his accent is different compared to the Shield Dwarves. While they sound "Scottish" he sounds more "Pirate" but not so much as to sound silly. More of an emphasis/replacement of the As while the others tend to lean on the Es.

Assuming the gnome takes his hand, he gently pulls him to his feet before walking off without another word.

Should the gnome not take his offer, he still turns and walks away without any real emotional reaction.

Though his face remains generally impassive, he can't help but have the slightest of squints in his good eye...a reaction that betrays the seething anger that stays bottled inside the veteran warrior.

OOCs:

OOC1: And I'm back! Going to try and make Hjalmar more of a central party member. I think it's about time!
OOC2: If calling the Shield Dwarves "Northerners" is incredibly out of place, I'll change it.
OOC3: I've read up to about page 78 so far, so I am just behind enough to not know where we are. If I get all the way caught up this weekend, I'll edit this post.
OOC4: I promise I won't always have this many OOCs! (or if I do, I will put them in the OOC thread.)

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-11, 06:14 PM

Nega turns and looks at Hjalmar:
You make it rite den (H)jalmar and sober da daft ting up so (h)e will be(h)ave (H)imself. Ye bein da better dorf. Nega mood seems to sour more over the rightous stands of (H)jalmar.

mshady

2011-03-11, 09:19 PM

"Only ones that worry me with betrayal would be Black. Buelyir knew what he was getting into when he hired'em on, so he seems to trust'em with the circumstance and trust'em enough to be absent from'em. He's bad, but he's not Hextros" Carmard replies. He seems to be thinking things through for a moment.

"Now that's faint praise..." Buna laughs sardonically.

"Magnum, why don't ye go over and talk to the mages? See how much time they need to get something ready and what they have left in the bucket. I'm not waiting the whole time, but we need to find a way to move those barrels. If we're melting down the icy armor on their walls, I'd rather not come up short with Buelyir going inside" Carmard tells Magnum.

"Thordek!" Carmard than yells. "Come here a moment, eh?" he asks the Levtokuld.

When Thordek comes over, he addresses him.

"I want ye to take some o'the duergar inside the fort again. Look for any barrels of lamp oil ye can find, as well as any carts. Tell Sonnlinor Stonebreaker to get his boys tearing down enough carts and stripping the fort down. We're going to put that ram on wheels and construct a roof over it. If the minotaurs don't break it down on first or second hit, they may not survive the burning oil and archers. Soak whatever is goin' on the roof in the water as best ye can" he ask Thordek. "I know the plan's to melt down the ice and use spells to open the walls, but they could be warded against that and we'll need a distraction to get that close anyways"

Gryndel

2011-03-12, 03:17 AM

Gryndel

2011-03-12, 03:19 AM

D'oh!
Sense Motive[roll0]
Diplomacy[roll1]

mshady

2011-03-12, 02:37 PM

Aurilite Ferry...

Buelyir divides the loot after the fish dinner...

Claimed

Talamir: 500 GP gems, Potion: CSW
Wyatt: Boots of the Winterlands, +1 sling & bullets, Broach of Shielding
Sable: 500 GP gems, Potion CMW
Johannes:500 gold
Arman: 500 gold
Kelith: 500 gold, 1 x Everburning Torch
Flint: +1 Cloak of Resistence

Unclaimed:
+1 Full Plate, MW Half Plate, Greatsword +1, MW dire flail,

12 x Longswords
12 x Chainmail
12 x Large Shields
12 x Light Crossbows + Ammo

1000 lbs canned fish
500 lbs biscuits & dried fruit

mshady

2011-03-12, 04:29 PM

OOC: Ended XP POST COUNT HERE

See OOC thread for your official XP!

mshady

2011-03-12, 05:31 PM

On the Barge...

"Huh?" Flint asks suddenly. He looks up at the rope above them as it starts to sway wildly. It bumps up and down in the hooks that are holding the barge on its path along the river.

Everyone in the barge looks at with confusion, before it settles into a steady, unnatural sway. They look out into the gloom, straining to see anything but nothing can be found.

"That's not good..." Flint says, his voice filled with concern.

"Oh, I don't know " Buelyir says with a smirk. "At least we know where the Frost Giants got off to now..."

Buelyir reaches down for the mechanized crossbow and unfolds the stock, than raises the scope. The tip of a heavy bolt sticks out of the end of the crossbow before the dwarf strains to pull back a heavy pump action. He leans it against one shoulder and walks to the front of the barge...

Strangie

2011-03-12, 06:37 PM

"We ain't really in the best spot to be fighting 'dose damned things..." Wyatt muttered. He had his new boots on, though he saved the brooch for a later date and had put it away for the time being. He also stashed his new sling and ammo away in his haversack, since sling bullets were pretty heavy and Wyatt wasn't the strongest of folks around.

Instead, he readied his mace and buckler, preferring to stay on the defensive. While he had contended with giants rarely in the past, it was in much better circumstance than this.

Gryndel

2011-03-14, 12:31 PM

thorgrim29

2011-03-14, 07:50 PM

On it.

He leads a party inside to recover the goods, and organizes the building party. If there is room for it he will also have them take the ballistae.

(+1 Str, [roll0], learning touch of idiocy)

mshady

2011-03-15, 12:23 PM

Thordek and others set to work in stripping the hobgoblin's fortification of anything they can find to use for the battering ram's protection. However much everyone else wanted to proceed immediately, the time it took paid benefits.

The catapult on top of the fort was stripped down and its wheels & axles lowered to the ground, along with its frame in pieces. Reassembled, the ram was now able to be rolled along the underway. Hjalmar oversees the construction of it, assisted by Duervar. The two make an unlikely match; the old paladin and a young, self avowed athiest and a half duergar at that. The shields are used to provide a sturdy roof for it.

The minotaurs were the most happy to see the ram rolling now, as they no longer had to carry the thing. Gore and Kerik are joined by their two comrades carrying the case holding the Stoneburner.

Several dozen carts and wagons are available, sitting around the keep and are used to load up the barrels of alcohol. The dwarves are under strict orders to stay out of the booze and Buna oversees it as she prepares. The duergar provide most of the labor, as the Patriarchate dwarves heal their wounds and prepare.

There is enough downtime where each one able to cast spells is able to recover two of their spells over the four hour delay.

Carmard paces about, consulting with Sonnlinor Stonebreaker and fretting about what Buelyir and his team is doing. Buelyir's orders were to wait until the main attack began, and while they were his own orders, he was clearly a freelancer and being in charge, could do anything he deemed neccesary.

"I hope Buelyir is as good as he says he is" Carmard remarks as he observes Hjalmar's preparations with the critical ram. "Once again, plans just aren't coming together..." the Arcanii grumbles. That he was confiding anything really to Hjalmar is only a another sign of his growing frustration.

King Tius

2011-03-15, 08:36 PM

Hjalmar grunts at Carmard's comment. He stops hammering down a shield on the ram and turns towards the Arcanii. "Ma clan's been fighting 'gainst the Duergar for ages to take back our homeland but ya're in bed with em. Guess thar ain't much of a chance gettin' ya pasty Northerners to help us drive them back to their holes." The deep glare he has leveled at Carmard lessens slightly as he sighs and dusts his hands off. "Still, ya've managed to get them praisin' the All-Father, so I suppose I'll resist puttin' ma hammer t'ween there eyes." The gruff, one-eyed Paladin gives Carmard a good, long stare before giving a nod. "Best keep an eye on that Nega. I've seen enough young power-drunk whelps like her to know a risk when I see one." He chuckles, though it almost sounds more like a cough. "One minute they're pushing around gnomes, the next tha're butcherin' half the order to "cleanse" it. These young ones forget that Moradin, well, he's like us." He taps his breastplate a few times and grabs another nail.

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-16, 05:11 PM

Nega being in a sour mood sits for a while in prayer to Berronar. After the prayer she walks around to fine the Levtokuld Thordek.Now lad lets see if we can fix up dat bloodloss ye suffered in da fite. Nega cast Restoration on Thordek and on herself.
Dat fix it I (h)ope lad.((If Nega heard Hjalmar she will be back with reparte but waiting to hear it hehe))

mshady

2011-03-16, 09:37 PM

The Barge

Buelyir looks out over the front of the barge and watches the rope swaying violently now. There is not even the sound of splashing at this point; whatever is causing the rope to sway is far down the path now. He looks at the rope and back and his companions and raises his eyebrows in amusement.

"It occurs to me we have a few options... " Buelyir advises the group.

"Obviously, the giants are coming back. Hopefully they don't know what happened. If they did, I'd expect they would have been back sooner. For all we know, they might think the hobgoblins played a trick on them" he says, providing his assessment.

"So if we stay on the rope... and they stay on the rope, we'll collide. I would nay mind a boat load of hobgoblins, but this is a different. So that's out...

Now, we could let them get close enough and let Arman and anyone else with magic just attack the barge. I'd hope we could collectively sink a rust bucket like these, but it's magic lost we may need. But how much would it really take? Figure the giants are armored now and drown in the river though...

Or we could just cut the rope. They drift back and eventually get back to land and friends who might think it odd the rope was cut and raise an alarm.

Lastly, we could unhook the barge from the rope and use oars, poles and the current to hit shore where the path is and walk by. Giants just keep on going in the other direction and miss us entirely. Certain elegance to that...

Otherwise, Sable, Johanness and I use some disguises to look like hobgoblins. We even got the props. Try to talk'em down and send them back to the bridge. Have to let Johannes do the talking on that one" he says and smiles, glancing at Johannes.

"What say ye? Time's not really on our side on this one"

mshady

2011-03-16, 09:45 PM

Carmard and Hjalmar

Hjalmar grunts at Carmard's comment. He stops hammering down a shield on the ram and turns towards the Arcanii. "Ma clan's been fighting 'gainst the Duergar for ages to take back our homeland but ya're in bed with em. Guess thar ain't much of a chance gettin' ya pasty Northerners to help us drive them back to their holes." The deep glare he has leveled at Carmard lessens slightly as he sighs and dusts his hands off. "Still, ya've managed to get them praisin' the All-Father, so I suppose I'll resist puttin' ma hammer t'ween there eyes." The gruff, one-eyed Paladin gives Carmard a good, long stare before giving a nod. "Best keep an eye on that Nega. I've seen enough young power-drunk whelps like her to know a risk when I see one." He chuckles, though it almost sounds more like a cough. "One minute they're pushing around gnomes, the next tha're butcherin' half the order to "cleanse" it. These young ones forget that Moradin, well, he's like us." He taps his breastplate a few times and grabs another nail.

Carmard looks at the old paladin, suddenly remembering who he was talking to. He frowns and grunts in response to the statement, but verbalizes nothing for a minute.

"Careful what ye say about Nega, Hjalmar. Her and her order would be the first out the Halls to aid the gold dwarves, if we went to war for ye. She might just go anyways. That dwarf has a famous hatred for duergar. She's killed more than all the rest o'us here, excepting perhaps ye. No silver flower that one. Her skill speaks for itself.

For that matter, so does that duergar's faith, it coming from Moradin's blessing and personal recognition be my understanding. I expect in battle ye above all to do yer utmost to protect him. Look at'em closely. He might be the way o'things to come. Ye may've noticed all yer wars with the duergar and they're still there. Ye'd be lucky to take him home with ye. He might just be yer future. Like it or not." Carmard says, stiffly. The two had long irritated each other, and this time was starting to become no different.

"Nega is Nega. I'd not doubt that she'd butcher half her own to cleanse them and consider it doing a favor" he frowns slightly, a distaste in his mouth for saying such. "Of course, so would I. We all would. What do ye think that bomb were carrying be for?" the Arcanii says stiffly, a touch of anger in his voice.

"Get this ram done, Paladin. I want to be rolling it out of here in an hour's time, or less"

mshady

2011-03-16, 10:00 PM

The Alaghor of The Father of Battle thought to add, "If dar be any betrayal, I'll see ta da battlefield consequences immediately." He stared steadily at the mages while he spoke, though it was clearly a general statement to all who could hear his deep voice.

Oh, on the way to see Black, Magnum used another charge of the wand of Lesser Vigor, which would bring him back to full health.

"Yes, yes dwarf. Your voice rumbles and beard shakes with all of your dire warnings about consequences of betrayal. The face remains I actually HAVE betrayed you once already and am quite alive, struck a bargain, and should I live through this madness, no doubt I'll be free" Kaladus laughs, mocking Magnum's warnings.

"Good dwarf, I respect ye but I hardly fear ye so don't bother. There are many things there truly frightening. Far more so than your unruly beard, even. As it stands, my goal is the same as yours at this point. Fight, win and escape. So you my support in fighting for MY survival, and I will lend every spell I have to that end. So will Regina, for that matter. Give us what time ye can and we'll work a miracle of death on your behalf. So you run along. I have vastly more important things to do than talk to another ugly old dwarf. Did your know your entire race smells not unlike a latrine? I suppose your glorious All Father has prohibitions against cleanliness and perfumes... Bah!"

King Tius

2011-03-16, 10:12 PM

The paladin's face remains unmoved at what the Arcanii has to say. "Losing sight of Moradin's Will has little ta do with how ya handle a weapon. Say what ya will about these Duergar, but I've seen too many of ma kin die by their hands to trust em. I'll fight beside them 'cause those are ma orders, but I'll not take any pleasure in it."

At the mention of the Stoneburner he points a finger Carmard, his expression darkening and anger seeping into his voice. "Ya twistin' my words, Mage. There's sacrifice and then there's slaughter. Bah! Ya've all gone mad."

At the mention of the ram, he simply grunts.

Strangie

2011-03-16, 11:02 PM

"Well... in all of our jobs so far, Sable's been the one comin' up with the plans. I do kinda like 'dat idea of just letting 'em drift by us, 'dough... even better if we could find a way to sink 'em on their way back and let the river take 'em away, but might be askin' for too much, eh?" Wyatt says with a shrug.

ArmanMadero

2011-03-17, 11:28 AM

Arman sat next to Talamir and Buelyir listening to them talk about small things and past doings. He wasn't sure how to ask Talamir about why he was with Blacks company, so, he came outright and asked. Unsure if Buelyir understood Elvish or not, but knowing not many on the barge did, he spoke softly to Talamir when Buelyir fell silent for a moment.

"How is it that a Bladesinger, comes to be with a company like Black's? Oh yes, I know what you are. And it surprises me. What happened?"

There was no condescension in his tone. Just curiosity. The paths that others walk were not for him to judge, but he was curious.

He will listen to the story if its told.

After a while, Buelyir mentioned the second barge working its way upstream. After hearing all the options, Arman spoke his say on it.

"I could use my magic, but I would prefer to save it for when its necessary. I think we should just unhook ourselves from the line, use oars and what not to pass them on the current. Use the props we have as we pass, so they may not think anything was amiss, and perhaps reattach ourselves to the line after we pass. I am assuming that the barges have this happen every so often when running for supplies or whatnot. Maybe they wouldn't notice anything different, and we could still use the barge to get to the bridge faster."

Gryndel

2011-03-18, 03:02 AM

Doubtless most expected some violent reaction, or at least an angry one. But Magnum simply grinned and replied evenly, "If dat be da way ye show respect fer allies, I can't wait ta see yer display o'contempt fer da enemy. Da past has passed Kaladus, an' none o'me doin' fer yer bargain." He shrugged as the grin vanished, "I s'pose maybe dat's why Carmard sent me eh. Regardless, ye got an hour 'ere we go."

He chuckled humorlessly and added, "Dar be much worse in war den smell, an' some latrines smell better'n udders eh?"

OOC: Is Black there, as requested? Since you didn't seem to respond at all to anything in this (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10540819&postcount=2824) Magnum would reiterate.

mshady

2011-03-18, 09:26 AM

Whoops! I'll adjust! :(

mshady

2011-03-18, 12:29 PM

A soft sigh escaped Magnum, though he nodded and wordlessly tromped over to Black's Company in obedience to his commander.

When he got to where he could find Black he nodded once in greeting and repeated his instructions. Presuming the mages aren't present, he added, "I'd prefer ta be in yer presence when I speak wid da mages. Not sure why Carmard didna send over one o'da Arcanii, but..." He let the rest hang with a shrug and a chuckle.

While speaking with the mages, Magnum was all business, but not harsh or disagreeable about his appointed duty. Though he didn't spend any more time than was absolutely necessary to get the job done well, he didn't rush through the meeting either. Focusing on any means to help with moving the barrels, melting the ice, or boosting the defense of the ram, he discussed possible spell strategies and tactics concerning him getting to the gate once the ice was melted. He also asked if they had any further information to offer that might be helpful.

Not sure either is appropriate, but just in case...
Sense Motive[roll]1d20+3/roll]
Diplomacy[roll]1d20+3/roll]

Little bit of retcon here... sorry!

Black is of an imposing size, closer to 7 foot than 6 foot and wearing, creatively enough, black armor that didn't look very well cared for and shows sign of patching. Magnum figures he probably killed someone for it. He has a greatsword strapped to his back and holds a helmet in his hand as he leans against the wall talking with the group's cleric.

Magnum immediately notices the blonde haired cleric, his hair spiked and red robes with the symbol of Beshaba, the goddess of bad luck, covering it. An evil god. The cleric Barakas gives Magnum a sneer when he sees his holy symbol and chortles a laugh that Black silences with a glare.

"Oh Beshaba be praised! Another dwarf!" Barakas says in greeting to Magnum.

"You come to see Kaladus?" Black asks. He rubs his jaw, ruffling a graying beard in the process. The man appeared to be in his 40s; almost too old for this line of work, even if he'd barely be an adult by dwarven standards.

"Kaladus the Magnificent deigns to offer us his help. We have him shackled in an alcove. Either take'em up on the offer, or I'll have Santana cut his throat. That braying ass is unbearable" Black growls to Magnum. "Yer a fool if you think he can be trusted, but figure he's more of a mind to escape that attack ye. I'd say kill him, but only because we'd all enjoy that more. Even do that one for free"
Black and Barakas share a laugh. It certainly sounds like they'd sincerely enjoy it. When they weren't working with the dwarves, they were clearly thugs and unrepentant mercenaries.

"We'll keep the woman though. I've a place for her" Barakas smiles slyly.

"Go talk to him, but yer on your own. If I never talk to that mage again, I'll be happy" Black announces, and gives a look to Magnum like he done with the conversation.

mshady

2011-03-18, 12:31 PM

Magnum's reaction to Black

A soft sigh escaped Magnum, though he nodded and wordlessly tromped over to Black's Company in obedience to his commander.

When he got to where he could find Black he nodded once in greeting and repeated his instructions. Presuming the mages aren't present, he added, "I'd prefer ta be in yer presence when I speak wid da mages. Not sure why Carmard didna send over one o'da Arcanii, but..." He let the rest hang with a shrug and a chuckle.

While speaking with the mages, Magnum was all business, but not harsh or disagreeable about his appointed duty. Though he didn't spend any more time than was absolutely necessary to get the job done well, he didn't rush through the meeting either. Focusing on any means to help with moving the barrels, melting the ice, or boosting the defense of the ram, he discussed possible spell strategies and tactics concerning him getting to the gate once the ice was melted. He also asked if they had any further information to offer that might be helpful.

Magnum goes to see Kaladus...

"Yes, yes dwarf. Your voice rumbles and beard shakes with all of your dire warnings about consequences of betrayal. The face remains I actually HAVE betrayed you once already and am quite alive, struck a bargain, and should I live through this madness, no doubt I'll be free" Kaladus laughs, mocking Magnum's warnings.

"Good dwarf, I respect ye but I hardly fear ye so don't bother. There are many things there truly frightening. Far more so than your unruly beard, even. As it stands, my goal is the same as yours at this point. Fight, win and escape. So you my support in fighting for MY survival, and I will lend every spell I have to that end. So will Regina, for that matter. Give us what time ye can and we'll work a miracle of death on your behalf. So you run along. I have vastly more important things to do than talk to another ugly old dwarf. Did your know your entire race smells not unlike a latrine? I suppose your glorious All Father has prohibitions against cleanliness and perfumes... Bah!" he sneers.

Regina sits sullenly in the corner and says nothing.

Doubtless most expected some violent reaction, or at least an angry one. But Magnum simply grinned and replied evenly, "If dat be da way ye show respect fer allies, I can't wait ta see yer display o'contempt fer da enemy. Da past has passed Kaladus, an' none o'me doin' fer yer bargain." He shrugged as the grin vanished, "I s'pose maybe dat's why Carmard sent me eh. Regardless, ye got an hour 'ere we go."

He chuckled humorlessly and added, "Dar be much worse in war den smell, an' some latrines smell better'n udders eh?"

Katasi

2011-03-18, 09:37 PM

Arum looks around him, trying to figure out what he should do next. He decides to give the necromancy scroll to one of the captured godsmen. He goes to find one.

While he is looking for one he thinks he hears someone following him. He looks behind him, but noone is there. A few steps later he thinks he hears it again. He sends his falcon to check it out, but the bird reports back nothing. He shakes his head and hopes he isn't going crazy.

mshady

2011-03-18, 09:54 PM

Magnum and the Arcanii

When Magnum returns to the group, he finds Carmard waiting for him. The Arcaii is flanked by Buna, and both seem to have more than a passing interest in what he has to say.

Without much other choice on where to go, Magnum approaches the two Arcanii and stops in front of few. He's immediately hit with the inevitable questions...

Buna actually speaks first, while Carmard seems to study Magnum far more than unusual. It was unnerving the way the Arcanii silently observed things and people.

"So what'd that rothe humping dandy have to say for himself? We might be able to use them, but I'd nay shed a tear if that ranger of theirs with the sharp knives gave him a new smile" Buna smiles, delighting enough in the prospect of Kaldus meeting a cruel death it even drew a glance from Carmard.

mshady

2011-03-18, 10:00 PM

Arum and Black's Company

Arum heads towards Black Company, which is guarding the two Godsmen mages for the dwarves. They sit in an alcove, shackled to an immovable rod standing upright on the stone and wear a sour look.

While the towering figure of Marcus Black and his cleric appear engaged in a conversation, their mage approaches Arum instead. He is rail thin and wears tattered brown and black robes. He almost seems shy, but is hiding a measure of frustration as he glances at the cleric from time to time to make sure he knew where he was.

"Hello gnome!" he says, with an almost simple enthusiasm. "Seems everyone is visiting suddenly. Can I...um, help you?" he asks. Arum remembers the mage's name is Werner, from what Sable had told everyone. "Oh, another message? I see you have a scroll with you" he smiles, gesturing at it.

Katasi

2011-03-18, 10:07 PM

Arum replies "A spell scroll. I cannot use the spell, I taught myself against these kinds of spells, but I think perhaps one of our captives could use it to save some of our lives in the coming battle." He opens the scroll and hands it over. "It's necromancy and could do some serious damage to the enemy." he says.

mshady

2011-03-18, 10:08 PM

Duervar and Hjalmar

The half duergar, who's name Duer-Var or best shortened to just Duervar, approached Hjalmar as the paladin finished working on the battering ram. A dozen duergar work on the ram, but none approach anywhere near the paladin. They keep their distance; any who tried to get closer had received a withering glare from the taciturn old paladin.

"Um... Paladin Hjalmar?" Duervar asks quietly, interrupting the busy paladin. "I just wanted to apologize for thinking yer a slaver, heretic and well, trying to kill ye with my pick. It was all the hobgoblin's spells, ye see" Duervar explains. "He messed me up good too. Whatever spell he hit me with, it's just wracking me with a numb pain and I just can't move right. Some kind of curse I reckon" Duervar tells Hjalmar, explaining his offer ongoing suffering.

"Ye know I don't think the Gods ain't for real, 'least like they say they are, and I know how ye feel about duergar but that's nay all of me. Wanted to tell ye I'm sorry for wounding ye so badly. Also wanted to tell ye thanks for telling those Arcanii we should draw a line on what's wrong. Just 'cause I don't believe in any Gods, its don't mean I don't stand for something"

mshady

2011-03-18, 10:11 PM

Arum and Black's Company

"Necromancy?" Werner asks. His eye brows raise with interest. "I'd not let either of them dabble with necromancy. They tried to kill your group once already. I'm with your side though. I could use it. Most well, I could. Such things are neccesary in time like this" he tells Arum. He takes the offered scroll and reviews it quickly and smiles.

"Yessss..." he says. "If you'll not be giving it me, I'd pay you a price for it, if you'd take that too"

Katasi

2011-03-18, 10:27 PM

Arum says back "If you can use it, excellent. Maybe we'll survive with the extra firepower." He thinks for a moment. "Don't bother with paying, just promise me you'll use it well." He thinks he hears a sound behind him again and looks, but again sees nothing.

mshady

2011-03-18, 10:41 PM

Arum and Black's Company

The mage takes the scroll and looks at it fondly, his long, thin fingers running along the scroll tube. In his other hand, he weighs the pearls in his other hand and seems satisfied.

"Yes..." he says with a smile. "I'll put it to good use. Anything to help us survive at this point. Something to only be used if we have to" he says, than glances back towards the cleric. His fingers twitch.

"I don't think we all survive this" he says, with sudden sadness. "We won't all be so... lucky as that. Thank you though. This will be put to good use, if good use it must be put to" he smiles slightly, than waves and wanders off to nowhere in particular.

Katasi

2011-03-18, 10:44 PM

Arum ponders the guard's parting comments as he goes to find one of the dead minotaurs. When he finds one he looks around to make sure noone else is around. If he sees noone else he takes out his quickrazor and begins to skin the corpse, after which he will pull out the various organs. When he is done he will seek out a way to preserve and hide the pieces.

Gryndel

2011-03-19, 01:40 AM

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-19, 08:27 AM

Nega walks around fuming at herself and the elder paladin Hjalmar actually having a point. Still she is mad at the gnome for breaking her peace. Drinking on a job of this importance. After using sometime to herself in this way she returns to Carmard.
Any orders fer me Commander?

King Tius

2011-03-19, 11:57 PM

Hjalmar Crownshield
The grumpy old Paladin stops his hammering and stares at Duervar with his typical glare as he speaks. An awkward, drawn out silence follows as the paladin continues to stare down the half-duergar before he scoffs and points his (carpentry) hammer at him.

"I've been hit harder by yar kin before and if I make it out of these damn frozen wastes it will happen again, that's far sure."

He turns to scowl at the duergar working around him and raises his voice to yell at them.

"That's right, ya fraking fools. While ya hold hands and play nice up here yar damn kin are still dying under our axes and hammers."

He turns back to Duervar, his anger renewed and any semblance of civility washed away.

"Bah! Get yar half-breed arse out of my face, there's work ta be done. Ya want to apologize? Go do yar job. The sooner we're finished here the sooner we take back Deep Shanatar."

Hjalmar uses his Detect Evil[ ability again, focusing on Duervar and the other duergar. More of a reminder to himself than anything else, but hey, it never hurts to re-check.

mshady

2011-03-21, 10:32 PM

Duervar and Hjalmar

Duervar physically takes a step away from Hjalmar, and shakes his head in disgust at his reply. He takes a deep breath and audibly sighs, as all eyes are on him now. Hammering and work songs stop as the duergar soldiers look at Duervar for his response. He looks around, noticing all the eyes, than addresses Hjalmar.

"Frak ye, longbeard" Duervar snarls back at Hjalmar. "I'll have ye know I've been insulted by narrow minded bastards like ye all me life, and quite a few of them have hit harder than ye too, turd whiskers"A couple of the duergar look at each other and laugh, mentioning how they've never heard that one before.

"If ye don't want to accept me apology because o'what I said, or that I almost put my pick through yer miniscule heart, fine. If it's just 'cause I'm part duergar though, well yer an ogre's arse. I get why ye hate duergar so much. I cannae believe I'm arguing faith with a paladin, but they believe same as ye do and I'd think it'd count for something. Ever think that if they all followed Moradin, ye'd have no more wars to fight? Or maybe ye just like'em" the disgusted Duervar says.

"I'm glad these duergar here get to see what the rest of ye are like. Ye just wear yer heart on yer sleave. They need to know they'll have to fight their way through their enemies first, than their friends on the way back" he says to Hjalmar, than addresses the duergar.

"Hjalmar Crownshield! Paladin of Moradin! Guarding of the High Sonnlinor of Moradin himself, a living example of his faith! Look close and see why I don't bother with Gods?" Duervar pronounces to the gray dwarves. He pivots on one foot and turns to walk away, than pauses.

"Yer worse than the First Mace. So ye know, I once liked duergar less than ye, Paladin" he says, pronouncing the title with acid. "One o'them raped my mother and my own father sold me into a slave mine. Prince Tolrin opened my eyes a wee bit. Ye may as well wear a patch over both of yers" he tells Hjalmar, than stalks off.

There is the sound of one gray dwarf clapping as he goes, followed by several others as they applaud the departing Duervar....

mshady

2011-03-22, 12:11 PM

Nega, Magnum & Carmard

Nega walks around fuming at herself and the elder paladin Hjalmar actually having a point. Still she is mad at the gnome for breaking her peace. Drinking on a job of this importance. After using sometime to herself in this way she returns to Carmard.
Any orders fer me Commander?

Carmard stands with his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold between Hjalmar and the duergar. Finally Duervar storms off and his half kin applaud him, leaving an infuriated paladin standing within arms reach of his ancestral enemies, at least racially speaking.

"Aye, I got some orders for ye Nega. You too Magnum. Why don't ye two go try to get Hjalmar to... do something else for awhile and get the battering ram finished. Grab Thordek and Nalrak if they're free. Be quick about it before he kills someone" Carmard says and sighs heavily, shaking his head.

Hjalmar was a very powerful dwarf and Carmard was happy to have him along. His prejudices and attitudes had not been a problem before, or at least enough of one, but put shoulder to shoulder with the duergar, it was going to be a real problem.

He just hoped Hjalmar's problem with the duergar didn't become his problem with Sonnlinor Stonebreaker and wished Buelyir was here to help defuze any situation.

He turns his eyes towards the grubby gnome wizard as well and sighs, as he butchers the fallen minotaurs with a practiced hand. Kerik and Gore stand at a distance, but watch the whistling gnome work in disgust. At one point, he noticed Kerik push Gore heavily back against the wall of the keep.

They needed to get this mission done soon, before frustrations boiled over and the next fight was amongst themselves....

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-22, 04:52 PM

Negs sighs and looks at Magnum:
Come on Magnum lets go entertain (H)Jalmar. I can discuss my failure at gnome (h)Andlin. She smiles to Carmard and says before she she goes:
Tensions are running a little tuff Commander maybe ye need to control yer troops and silence up dat bloody gnome before da minotaurs kill im. She pats Magnum on the back and sighs again as they walk off.

King Tius

2011-03-22, 07:33 PM

Hjalmar lets the heathen half-breed walk off without a word. He turns towards the clapping Duergar(s) with the full force of his scowl in effect. In a low, barely controlled voice seething with anger, he addresses his ancient foes.

"Know this: it be arr shared faith that stays ma hand." His next words somehow miraculously escape his gritted teeth. "Get. Back. To. Work. NOW."

Hefting his carpentry hammer once again, Hjalmar gets back to his work. His blows strike the nails so hard they leave deep divots in the wood around it. This type of craftsmanship would normally embarrass even the least skilled of Dwarves but the Paladin is so seething with anger that he barely seems to notice. As he raises his whole arm again and again for each blow, his eye seems to be staring well past the wood. One can only imagine the thoughts boiling in his old skull, but Hjalmar is not one for sharing.

Gryndel

2011-03-23, 12:56 AM

Magnum nodded once to Carmard, though he was clearly unhappy about such orders, he had no reason to disobey them. He shrugged and looked around for Thordek and Nalrak while he waited for Nega to finish her most recent speech. If he saw either and caught their eyes he motioned with his arm for them to join him as he walked beside Nega.

On the way over he teased her a bit, chuckling as he said, "Oh what I saw was some nifty gnome 'andlin', if'n a bit ruff. But maybe it sobered 'im up a bit eh?"

In a more serious and lower tone, Magnum admitted, "Ye know First Mace, I'm none too glad 'bout dependin' on duergar'n Black's Company in dis lil war. We 'aven't seen 'em do much yet. Even da minotaurs be a risk, but I like fightin' beside dem two. But it ain't my place ta decide such, only ta deal wid it every day."

As they approached Hjalmar and the duergar, Magnum began inspecting the work and estimating what remained to be done. Noticing the dents from Hjalmar using too much force used with a hammer he simply sighed softly, knowing the old paladin must be very angry to allow such shoddy work to result from his efforts.

Ever diplomatic when it came to dealing with paladins, though no diplomat, he said simply, "Carmard sent us over ta help get dis project done quicker." He grabbed a hammer and began working on shielding the ram.

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-23, 06:48 AM

Nega just smiles at Magnums comment on the gnome but listening to his other comment and says: Sometimes one must do w(h)at one is told lad. I (h)Ate dem greys wit(h) a passion but reason tells me em got good (h)Earts dese ones. As fer mercs I never liked em and never will but t(h)ank Berronar it's not ma problem. I'm not in c(h)arge. And ye silly lad stop callin me first mace and call me by me name it's Nega even if ye don't t(h)ink so She laughs heartily for a moment until she sets eyes on Hjalmar. She looks at him and listens as Magnum says his piece about helping him then she says: Well well lets see if we can give ye a some assistance den (h)Jalmar. W(h)at ye need done and w(h)ere can one be of assistance? She smiles at the old Paladin.

Gryndel

2011-03-23, 04:08 PM

Enroute to ram...

Magnum chuckled a bit and replied, "Sure Nega, ye know I follow da commands o'da rightful leader in war. Dis be war, so me duty ta follow da lawful orders o'da Patriarchate be bound by me loyalty ta Clangeddin, reinforced by me clan oath ta same. Me personal views only apply off duty, an' we ain't seen a day off in a while eh?"

Katasi

2011-03-24, 09:49 PM

Arum goes looking for one of the more martial members of the group. When he finds one he ask that they help him practice with his weapon, as he is looking to combine magic and martial skills more and more from now on. As he goes he takes out his quickrazor and makes sure it is sharp. He still thinks he hears someone following him, but when he glances back he still sees noone.

King Tius

2011-03-24, 10:16 PM

Hjalmar turns to regard Magnum and Nega with an expression of lingering anger. "Grab a hammer and see if ya can keep these duergar in line."

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-25, 11:45 AM

Still smiling Nega looks at Hjalmar and says:
You one eyed old sourpuss. I'll do more dan (h)elp ye I'll be nice about it. As da old slavers used to say " Be (h)Appy in yer work lads! She smiles grabs a hammer and starts to hammer while she sings:
Dar was an old pally wit one eye and 'e didn't like tossin da gnomes ney. But em greys 'e 'd yell at all day long til 'Is eye took a roll out da socket She winks at the duergar and says: All sing a long as we work now lads Option 1: If the Duergar sing a long she will finish and then laugh hearilty before stopping it there.
Option 2: If they don't sing a long she will nag them to do so till they do while hammering away. But just until it's song once.

(NEGA GOES SILLY ONE TIME OFFER ONLy)

mshady

2011-03-25, 12:03 PM

Haha that's awesome :)

Gryndel

2011-03-26, 02:23 PM

Magnum chuckled softly as Nega began to sing, keeping time with his hammer strokes. He joined in vocally on the second go in his his deep baritone voice as he grinned at Duervar and the duergar. Tempted to add another verse about Nega specifically, he simply chuckled again and thought more about that for a later time. He smiled at Hjalmar and spoke for his ears alone, "S'all good fer morale," raising his voice again to boom out in bold bantering rhyme, "Plus everybody knows, paladins suffer da blows, but still take out da foes!"

Perform - Sing [roll0]
Dwarven haiku at the end, 6, 7, 6!

mshady

2011-03-27, 10:39 AM

The singing continues and Hjalmar apparently decides to suffer it in silence, working alongside the duergar. They make sure to keep their distance from the paladin, but seem to understand to some extent how difficult the idea of duergar being different must be for him and all the others. Certainly other duergar had difficulty accepting their change of faith too. Each of them had a likely death sentence on their heads for their faith now, Sonnlinor Stonebreaker most of all.

It takes another hour for the cobbled together battering ram gallery to be completed. It now is surronded by a frame covered is discarded shields and tattered armor, as well as any other material. The pieces are soaked in water as well, so it was less likely to burn. The ram now has several new hand holds on it and it is suspended on spare ropes and chains. It is long enough for most of the duergar to use the ram.

Unfortunately, it had no protection from any kind of magic and it would not take much for a mage to damage it, but at least there was a barrier between the duergar and any enemy mages. It was better than nothing.

Of course, the whole thing was distraction to allow the Patriarchate dwarves to melt away enough of the ice to tear open a hole in wall and pour through that. Hopefully the duergar survived long enough for that to happen. Even they knew the odds were bad for that, even with their Sonnlinor's healing and defensive spells. If twenty soldiers with a ram could breach a dwarven fortress, there would be no dwarven fortresses and they knew it.

Soon the ram is rolling away from the Aurilite fort, down the dark tunnels of the dwarven deep roads. The Patriachate forces and Black's Company follow beside them now...

Katasi

2011-03-27, 06:09 PM

Arum goes to find his badger after practicing with his quickrazor. He gives the badger some grapes, then begins to saddle it for battle. "Hope you're as ready as I am." He says quietly.

Dwarven haiku This almost sounds like something out of "Things I'm not allowed to do while gaming." It's awesome.

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-29, 09:30 AM

Nega now get herself ready and just before she takes her place she walks over to Arum.
Lad I apologizes fer me anger and da (h)Andlin of ye. It was not worty of a Valkyrie. She strethes out her hand to Arum. And after he has shaken se walks and takes a place at the ram.
Give me some roome lad and go back te da troop. No greys gonna sacrifice (h)Imself wit(h)out a (h)Ealer in place.

mshady

2011-03-30, 07:34 AM

At the Wall...

The dwarves, duergar and mercenaries march along the wide stone road, with only the modest light from torches to light their way. It was more than enough for the dwarves and minotaurs, but Black Company's mercenaries were on edge and stayed close to the torch light. This was the second recent Underdark expedition for Marcus Black and his cadre at least, so at least they knew what to expect. While many such roads had once been lit by magicked torch light or rivers of lava flowing through ducts along the side of the roads, neither remained now. The duergar take shifts pushing the battering ram, as it rolls and creaks unsteadily down the rough, old, road.

After six hours of grueling marching, they see real light ahead of them now and quickly extinguish their own torches now, to give their foes as little surprise as possible. Not that much really was possible, considering they were a large group pushing a creaking, jury rigged battering ram. Hopefully their foes would not even consider an enemy advance and deceive themselves into thinking they were not enemies.

As they roll up towards the end of the tunnel, the area opens up into a wide chamber. It is strewn with garbage, but also several obstacles of wire and spiked wooden barricades as well. Outside of the road itself, it looked fairly impassable for a large group. The only route would be straight at the gates. The wall itself stands 20 feet tall and is indeed covered with a layer of ice white and blue ice that shimmers in the torch light from the barricades. If there was anything left of the old dwarven walls under that ice, they certainly could not see it. The gate house is flanked by two enclosed turrets, and one more turret on each side of the wall. While the gate house ones are stone, the extra ones are made of wood and sit next to the remains of old dwarven ones that have since collapsed or been pulled down and now look like empty sockets in a monstrous mouth.

Although they are well out of range, the wall is lined with archers and a couple robed figures as well. Columns of smoke rise from the gate house towers; no doubt the result of oil being heated to a boiling temperature. Behind the wall, the outlines of a large tower can be seen as well. It is painted an ice blue and white. An enormous holy symbol of Auril is painted on the tower, giving the appearance of it overlooking the wall and all who pass. No doubt it was a second layer of defenses.

"Well, that looks fun..." Marcus Black remarks dryly to Carmard, as the commanders of each group stand together and look at the enemy fortifications.

"Not the term I'd use to describe it" Carmard replies. ignoring the dry humor. Black sighs and looks again through his spy glass, a frown on his face.

King Tius

2011-03-30, 04:34 PM

Hjalmar endures the jeering from his allies and the duergar without so much as a word. During the march, he walks just in front of the battering ram, letting the gray dwarves have a good look at his backside. While they may ponder picking up their pace and ramming the old Paladin with the very ram he helped make, it would probably only irk the grumpy old dwarf further. Unless spoken too he marches in silence, though at the sight of the fortress he does haul his hammer and shield off his back and mutter a quick prayer to Moradin. He stands ready in front of the ram, awaiting orders from Carmard.

mshady

2011-03-30, 10:35 PM

Meanwhile, back on the barge...

Buelyir stands at the front of the barge and watches the rope sway, pondering what to do. He listens to what input he gets and frowns slightly as the rope sways violently.

"Well this is a tough one" he finally admits with a sigh. "If we cut the rope, who knows what happens but whatever happens, it gets delayed. Could be good. Could be bad. Getting into a fight with'em is a bad idea. Why we didn't before and its gonna be less fun like this"

He looks at the broken tow path 20 feet away and shrugs.
"Well, what the hell. Let's get out of the barge and head to shore. We take the foot path, be careful, and hide when they come by. By the time they get to where they came from, we'll be where we need to be and not a thing they can do about it. I hope"He turns to Sable with a mischievous.

"How do ye like to swim?" he asks her. He quickly explains to her that he wants her to swim to shore with a rope and haul in everyone from the barge to shore along a line suspended between her and the barge. He hands her a heavy iron bar and one end of a strong, silk rope. Sable puts it in her pack, where it becomes effectively weightless, gives him a rakish smile and dives into the water...

Moments later, she is swimming straight to shore with little difficulty and finds a hand hold to pull herself ashore as Buelyir feeds her rope. She ties it to the rod while Buelyir ties his end of the rope to the barge. The rod holds fast, utterly unmovable and the barge is brought to a halt. Water froths around the barge as it stubbornly stays in place. Flint works quick to toss overboard any evidence of them being on the barge while the group gets ready to get off the barge.

Your options are either to climb along the rope or swim and use it as a safety line. Either a swim check or a climb check, the line will give you a +10 bonus and since you're taking 10 too... it's reasonably safe.

Strangie

2011-03-30, 10:41 PM

thorgrim29

2011-03-30, 11:35 PM

Well, that doesn't look particularly good does it?

Thordrek says dryly after observing the fort with his newly acquired spyglass.

Gryndel

2011-03-30, 11:38 PM

"Well, hell, if she's doing it..." Wyatt shrugs. He prepares to get wet and goes after Sable does, climbing his way across the rope.

Gonna go with Climb, since I have a +10 in that, so a +20 total if I am taking 10. Go, Agile Athlete!
What, no tightrope walking? hehehe

****
Magnum marched along behind the ram. As they jostled for position to start down the road he tried to get in a place where he could view the captive wizards held by Black's Company.

One thing he always enjoyed was the rhythmic percussion often associated with marching. Though with this lot it seemed randomly discordant and unorganized, there was always a pattern. Those hauling the ram naturally fell into step in a combined effort to move the bulk along smoother, their boots and clanking armor (in some cases) formed the basis of the beat, often offset by the tromping of the larger minotaurs. He soon began to hum an old clan cadence, not so much intended to bolster the morale of marchers, but to ease the mind of the monotonous burden on long journeys.

Upon entering the last part of the tunnel and seeing the wall and tower beyond, Magnum walked ahead of the ram to join those nearest the tunnel exit. He thought first about what lie between them and the wall that could be used to their advantage. Certainly some of the debris and barricades could be set to fire, though whether that would really help much was doubtful... for now. It also held the possibility of concealing a small enemy assault force. Though he doubted they would be so clever, or stupid as the case may turn out, he mentioned it to Carmard.

His only other comment was a gruffly confident statement, "Da inner tower'll be da real challenge, ev'n as we breach da wall. Maybe we can use da boilin' oil ta our advantage somehow? I'll use da last o'da Shield o'Faith Rune on dem dat charge wid da ram." This implied that he considered the wall between a minor obstacle, though it seemed formidable enough.

mshady

2011-03-31, 09:18 AM

Buna frowns as she looks at the wall, wearing a mournful look for a moment. Her review of the ice covered ramparts, archers and robed figures guarding it, along with the fortified towers and boiling out give her pause.

She lowers her spyglass and folds it up and casts a look at the duergar.

"I think we're going to need a bigger ram..."

Werewhale

2011-03-31, 12:01 PM

Having remained silent for most of the trip so far, Nalrak speaks up, peering at the wall: "If those pots can be turned backwards, I can summon a band of earth elementals to roll them back on to the defenders. Or at least away from us," he suggests, then frowns, "If there's room."

mshady

2011-03-31, 12:12 PM

"Oh, there's room" Carmard laughs dryly for a moment. "Hard to tell, but could be fifty archers up there. If we can get some summoned things atop the ramparts, that'd help but it'll have to be several. Good idea, and ye had the right idea before too..." he says.

"I wish Kelith was here" Buna muses.

"Why?"

"He likes to play with fire" she smiles mischeviously. "You and I will do just fine too though... What would ye think of a wall of fire atop the wall? Where all the archers are?"

Carmard raises an eyebrow and thinks about it, but Marcus Black is the first to reply to that idea.

"Yer a nasty piece of work, dwarf. That'd to the trick, till they dispel it anyways. They'll go leaping before that though" he says with a bark of laughter.

"Any other ideas?" Carmard asks the gathered group. "What can an earth elemental do to the wall itself, Nalrak? Can that big iron fist of yours do anything to the wall, I wonder? Any ideas on dealing with the tower behind it? I think I'll have to get in the air and throw some fire down at the top of wall too, but I'll be exposed with other mages up there too."

Chepe Nolon

2011-03-31, 03:32 PM

Nega frowns and shakes her head. She listens to the conversation but remains silent for a time. She thinks: If we (h)Ad some ballistaes and a big army we'd (h)ave no problem but we don't. Mot(h)er wat we gonna do bout dis. She looks around to see if there is anyplace the fortress has a weakness. Then she finally speaks:We need more time. Do we Ave anyting dat could gie us more time. We need find some weakness.She looks at Carmard.

mshady

2011-03-31, 04:49 PM

Nega's rebuke, A question for Hjalmar

"Oh, we have all the time we need" Buna snorts, answering on behalf of Carmard. "We just sit here till we figure something out. Not like time's important or anything. Especially with Buelyir coming up the river. He'll be fine..." she says, sarcasm dripping from every word.

"I'm sure yer a fine one fer the Silver Maces, but if that's all ye got for this problem is wait for a better idea, I'm... not surprised" Buna snaps back at Nega,

Carmard watches the exchange silently and says nothing, before turning to the veteran Hjalmar.

"Ye've been a soldier for a couple centuries. Any better ideas?" Carmard asks him in a flat tone of voice.

Werewhale

2011-04-01, 08:09 AM

Nalrak answers Carmard's question: "The elementals can't do much. They can glide through the ground but leave no tunnel behind them. It means I could cast from cover and have them glide up through the wall, avoiding missile fire but not much else. As for the gauntlet," he flexes his fingers, eliciting a small creaking sound from the heavy gauntlet, "It will not do appreciable damage to the wall but could punch through the ice. Unfortunately I have no spell prepared to take advantage of that." To his thought of flying up above them to cast fire from above, he clears his throat into his fist awkwardly and replies: "Let's, er, leave that idea until absolutely necessary. My beard curls up in worry every time you do that."

Chepe Nolon

2011-04-01, 09:41 AM

Nega smiles at Buna and says:
Ifn yer so good at magics den do some kind of fire trick on it. My suggestion was just to send in a scout to look fer a weakness. But we don't (h)Ave da time ye say. Well den we must do a diversion. Nalrak and I can assault to give ye less resitance. Wat about dat. If we draw da attention ye can use all yer fire to melt and form. I just need da elementals and da duergar to do it. I'll lead it ye just need to start after I'd got em intersted. Em will tink em on a big assault. It's da best I can do on quick Buna. I'll da (h)eat so ye can give (h)eat. Dats my offer. Ifn ye cannot speak proper on dis I say (h)Old yer tung lass. She frowns and looks at Carmard.
I suggested it before and I say we do it again. Da miones and magnum can (h)elp me. Ifn we (h)Aven't got time fer notin else we got time fer dat. We'll fite til we drop and ye best get da ting open by dat. Bombard wit(h) fire and soften rock so da (h)Inges fell off. Dat was talked on and I suggest we do so. She smiles bows her head and turns to walk away. But suddenly turns back and says one final thing: Ifn ye got better plan den come get me w(h)en ye're ready With that she goes off to talk with the duergar on the ram.

King Tius

2011-04-01, 09:54 AM

Hjalmar ignores the jab and studies the wall, squinting because of the distance.

"Aye. A Stonefire/Stonefall pairing aught ta do tha trick on tha tower. We'd get a priest of Dumathoin and Moradin ta drop that on tha Drow and send those bloodly Elves runnin'. If ya can ward tha ram, it should handle the doors. Not sure if ya can pull it off, but if ya can drop tha tower onto tha wall, it could do tha job for us. We're going to be naked on tha approach, so anything to keep them mages on the walls busy will save lives. Might be a good use for the Elementals."

thorgrim29

2011-04-01, 10:56 AM

Thodrek joins in the planning:

If we have to get someone in, I have a short range dimention hop spell, it should get people through the wall, assuming it's not warded against that kind of thing. I can cast it a few times, but after that I'm down to swinging my axe in combat.

mshady

2011-04-04, 09:39 PM

"I'd hold on to that for now, Thordek. Lets try to let Magnum open the wall and have Nalrak and the Sonnlinor bring down the tower" Carmard says and shakes his head. "I thought the Arcanii were supposed to have the offensive power?" he remarks.

Carmard looks at the soon to be battlefield and shrugs, satisfied with some sort of a plan.

"Buna, take a Sending crystal and tell Buelyir what's going on. We've got an attack to start" Carmard says.

"Marcus, get with the duergar and start CRACKING the barrels and roll them forward, light them and keep it up so we have some smoke. I'd get some rags over your faces too, fer da smoke. Once we get it nice and smokey and all that junk alight, roll in the ram. We'll try to get right to the wall and let Nalrak crack open the ice and Magnum crack open the wall. Expect a lot of regulars on the inside of the wall waiting by the gate. Sounds like a good plan to me"

mshady

2011-04-05, 11:33 PM

Black grimaces, almost looking indignant at the task requested and shrugs.

"I hope ye have more in mind for us than watching the rear flank again, dwarf" he growls at Carmard. The dwarf turns and glowers at him and says nothing. Black grunts at him, apparently the alpha male way sound for grudging acceptance, and walks off. He immediately starts shouting orders at his new recruits that consist of instructions and expletives in equal measure.

"As for the rest of ye..." Carmard says, stroking his heard. "Nalrak or Magnum, put some elemental protection on the ram or ask the Sonnlinor too. Why don't ye explain the plan with the tower to Sonnlinor Stonebreaker, Nalrak?" he suggests to the cleric.

"Rest of ye, once it gets burning... move up as you're able. Do what ye can to suppress whomever is on the wall when ye get there. I trust ye to all figure that part out, yer big lads. Remember that the ram is a distraction, but its a vital one. They NEED to knock down that gate. If we try to force our way in through just one point, we'll have to fight through every last one of them. If ye time it right, when the gate breaks and the duergar, Black's Company and the minotaurs meet the Aurilites, ye can open the wall and come in on their flank and cause a rout if done with sufficient violence" Carmard instructs them all.

"On this, I want ye to follow Thordek's lead with Magnum as his second. If ye see the attack fail, Nega and Hjalmar will hold off as many as they can here while the rest of us fall back to a defensible position and..." he pauses for a moment "Set off the Stoneburner and defend it our last breath" Carmard informs the group, his voice suddenly becoming stiff and formal.

"Hu.. what?" Duervar stammers in shock. "Well damn! Why don't we just withdraw all the way home and try again?" he asks, shocked by the announcement.

Carmard looks at him for a moment, hoping the half duergar can work things out but he remains silent.

"Because there's no other choice" Buna answers, interjecting herself between Duervar and Carmard. "Anyone who gets clear will be badly wounded and out of any magic or potions. Slowed down and weak, the chances we escape their hunters in their own tunnels is too risky. It takes an hour to detonate the Stoneburner and it could be disabled. Disabled far easier than before, as Barauk inside it would be strongly suppressed. If they capture the Stoneburner, expect them to turn it back on us. That cannae be allowed. Get through yer thick head now, Duervar?"

Carmard clears his throat for a moment to bring everyone's attention back to him now.

"Last chance fer questions. Anyone have any?"

thorgrim29

2011-04-06, 04:03 PM

Sounds good

Thordrek nods and, having nothing pertinent to add, he checks his weapons to make sure everything is in order.

Chepe Nolon

2011-04-06, 04:39 PM

Nega stand over at the ram waiting to see what happens.

Gryndel

2011-04-09, 01:14 AM

Magnum remained quiet, observing others, listening to suggestions that pertained to battle, and ignoring the tension displayed by certain individuals. When Carmard commanded him to ward the ram he shrugged, "I've got a Glyph, but I doubt it'll do much in dis case. Magic Weapon, perhaps? O'course I've got da Rune of Mass Shield o'Faith ready fer da ram wielders."

Since Nalrak was due to discuss things with Sonnlinor, the Alaghor nodded at Thordek and reiterated the plan a bit, "So we intend ta melt da ice'n put a hole in da stone off ta one side, a good distance from da gate ta create two breaches? I've got a wand holdin' two charges o'Flame Strike. Combined wit da Wall o'Fire we oughta melt enough ice in one spot ta do stone shape. What say ye Buna? Den we use da oil'n whatever fire spells ta melt da ice at da gate'n let da ram do its work?"

Katasi

2011-04-10, 07:25 PM

Arum watches everyone around him to decide what he should do next. He hopes that he can decide before trouble comes.

mshady

2011-04-12, 12:22 AM

With the attack plan finalized, everyone moved into position.
The Black Company mercenaries, at least their newer recruits, set to work breaking the kegs open with hatchets and rolling them into the debris, trying to get them into it as deeply as possible. The flammable spirits spill into the debris and run in streams deep into the debris field.

Atop the ramparts, the Aurilites look on with curiosity in regards to what their apparent attackers are up to. The answer comes soon enough when Black and his cadre heave their torches into the debris, and the flames comes alive with a smoking vengeance. Flames quickly engulf the field of debris, and every grenade and can of oil in the entire group is tossed into the inferno. For all the fire, care has been taken to avoid the main path to the gate. The fingers of burn through the debris and the black smoke rises from the oil and alcoholic spirits.

Once the area is in full conflagration, Werner steps up and begins working a spell. Moments later, he forms a wall of wind and blows the smoke towards the walls to blind and choke everyone on the wall and giving the dwarven attack desperately needed cover.

"Go!" Carmard can be heard yelling. The duergar answer with a cheer and begin rolling the battering ram forward with a creek and a groan. Sonnlinor Stonebreaker, of course, accompanies his duergar in the attack. The ram shimmers with defensive and elemental wards that the Sonnlinor he has laid on the ram and its drivers. Hopefully it would be enough... In the rear of the ram's crew are the two duergar equipped with their terrible flame throwers.

Through the smoke and flames, Thordek takes point and leads the Patriarchate through the smoldering debris field. They stay between the long tendrils of flame that penetrate deeply into the debris field, but still have the protection of the smoke's cover. Each wears a damp rag over their face to filter the air somewhat. The men of Black's Company and the minotaurs accompany them as well as they pick their way forward. Arrows rain down into the smoke, but it is accurate and uncontrolled and more of an annoyance than a threat, for now.

Carmard and Buna move ahead as well, taking their own path, but trying to get close enough to the wall to use their fire wall spells to clear. The smoke limited their ability to see where they would cast, so they had to get beyond the flames and in front of the smoke to see the wall and begin their casting. The problem was it would instead leave them vulnerable to the dozens of archers on the wall as well. Knowing this, when they reached the edge, they took cover and waited until the ram cleared the smoke and the archers focused on it instead.

As soon as the ram cleared the smoke, the hobgoblin archers did indeed focus their fire on the ram and sent volley after volley of flaming arrows ripping out towards the ram. Dozens of flaming arrows hit the ram, but most are snuffed out by the elemental protection of the Sonnlinor's spells. The spells were effective, but they would only last so long under the bombardment. One of the duergar is even hit by an errant ballista bolt fired from the edge of a tower. The armored dwarf slumps to the ground, the bolt piercing his gut...

Now quite distracted, Carmard and Buna signal Thordek to rush for the wall and quickly rush ahead themselves. Able to see now, they both begin conjuring a Wall of Fire spell and lay the flames on opposite sides of the gatehouse.

Their efforts are rewarded as a wild line of fire erupts on top of the icy wall and hobgoblins begin to scream in fear and pain. No less than a dozen of them fall to the ground, either jumping to their death to avoid the flames or already flaming. Their efforts rewarded, they now stand their ground and look for an enemy mages that might be under the cover of the gate house or the towers, which while surrounded by flame are themselves still protected.

With a boom, the battering ram begins its work on the door now that it has rolled up far enough. The strength of all the duergar slams the ram into the gate and shakes it from the force. Again and again the ram batters the wall as the Sonnlinor urges his duergar to continue. Each time the gate creaks, but to little effect until finally the crack of hinges can be heard giving wall. Soon the battered wood yields and a hold is driven through the gate. Two duergar run forward as the rest pull back the ram and try to dislodge whatever is barring the gate with poles. They succeed and the ram returns to its position to finish the job and the gate bursts open. The two duergar armed with flame throwers immediately step out from behind the cover of the ram and blanket the waiting hobgoblin spearmen with flame and send what's left of the gutted unit backwards... The duergar and their Sonnlinor immediately surge forward as well.

Right into the center of dozens of other hobgoblins waiting at the gate. They are immediately surrounded by their foes and quickly put on the defensive...

Now at the wall, the Patriarchate forces lead by Thordek prepare to break open the wall and flank their adversaries and hopefully rout them with a surprise attack...

OOC: Game on, everyone. Crack open that wall and get going!

King Tius

2011-04-12, 07:29 PM

Hjalmar stands ready to defend the fallback position. His hammer held ready, he holds the first of his enchantment prayers ready for the first sight of trouble. As soon as he gets the feeling that he will be needed to protect or provide support, he casts, in order:

Silverbeard
Bull's Strength
Divine Favor

OOC: Am I interpreting Hjalmar's orders correctly? It's hard to protect the retreat if I'm up ahead fighting.

Chepe Nolon

2011-04-12, 09:32 PM

Nega casts Bless and Prayer.
Okey Levtokuld lets go visit some Aurelites
She grins. And takes up position on Thordreks left side.

Gryndel

2011-04-13, 05:10 PM

Once the stone wall was exposed Magnum stepped up and cast his spells, placing them strategically to make the biggest hole he could. He then prepared for battle by casting a few other spells to enhance his battle prowess and used one of the recently obtained scrolls. Arctis in hand to start, he was prepared to switch weapons at the first sign of any giant, as he sought to join the fight as soon as possible and tried to make his way to the inner tower.

Spells cast:
(2) Stone Shape
Protection From Evil
Bull's Strength

Use the scroll of Divine Power (just before engaging in melee)

Werewhale

2011-04-14, 08:33 AM

Nalrak Ironfist

Nalrak follows the rest of the group into the smoke. As he reaches the walls, he breathes "Right, then!" and flexes the fingers on his right hand, which wore the adamantine gauntlet. He mutters a quick prayer to Dumathoin, pulls his fist back, then drives it into the ice, muscle strength coupled with a touch of his will to activate the magic of the Ironfist gauntlet. There is a loud, deep crack and a spray of ice shards and particles which coat Nalrak's face and beard and those around him.

Nalrak lets out a jubilant whoop and pulls out his magma hammer.

"Go on, Magnum, the stone is clear!" he shouts to the other cleric, a fire in his eyes, "Let's give these bastards a reckoning!"

Once the way is open, he follows the others through, looking up to the walls for another target for creative uses of his summoning spells.

mshady

2011-04-15, 12:33 AM

OOC: I really am still here! But... I'll be away this weekend too. Back monday. Sorry!

The duergar surge forward through the gates and their flamethrowers wreak a terrible toll on the hobgoblins and send them falling backwards at first. They regroup and reform and surge back towards the waiting duergar...

It gives Thordek's group a chance to move through the gap opened up by Nalrak and Magnum. What they see are a hundred hobgoblins, ready to mob the woefully small duergar force. Behind them stand two frost giant, ogres and another group of guards protecting another cleric, shaman and officer.

Behind them is a large tower where two ballista sit, along with another group of crossbowmen on each of the walls. In the center of the tower stands a figured in blue robes, standing with a stave and watching. To each side of the tower is a heavy gate protecting the inside of the Aurilite stronghold...

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thorgrim29

2011-04-15, 06:22 AM

Before breaching, Thordrek uses his wand of animalistic power on himself. Once inside, he takes a moment to survey the future battlefield and starts giving orders.

initiative

Tasster, you and your sons go after these ogres, Kerik, go with them, Black, your and your fighters concentrate on the hobs, roll them up. Mages, your targets are the the ballistae and the giants, in that order. The rest of you: charge the goblins, after that move up towards the giants and leadership.

For Moradin!

He charges the lowest goblin on the exposed flank.

Power attack for 3 To hit: [roll]1d20+12
damage: 1d10+7

thorgrim29

2011-04-15, 06:25 AM

Power attack for 3 To hit: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

King Tius

2011-04-15, 07:44 AM

Hjalmar Crownshield
HP: 82/82 AC: 26/11/26 (+whatever silverbeard does)
Hammer A/D buffed to: +15/+10 / 1d10+8+(2d6/Evil)

Since he is part of the attack group and not simply covering the rear, the aged paladin casts his three buff spells (Silverbeard, Bull's Strength, Divine Favor) as he's waiting for the wall to be breached. Once inside, he hear's Thordrek's orders and launches himself at the nearest Hobgoblin.

Hammer Attack: [roll0]
Hammer Damage: [roll1] + [roll2]

EDIT: I messed up my buff calcs. Please add 1 to both my attack and damage rolls!

Chepe Nolon

2011-04-15, 09:17 AM

Nega charges the goblin closest to Hjalmar. She cast bless and prayer while the breaching is going on so most are covered by them.

Gryndel

2011-04-16, 12:17 AM

Tempted to test the robed one as his first action, Magnum considered pulling out his wand and giving him a blast of fire. He then considered making straight for the giants, ready to fight whatever got in his way. Instead the Alaghor decided to follow Thordrek's orders and utilize his spells to his best advantage. He charge forward to attack the closest hobgoblin to his right.

Initiative
Attack [roll1]
(+11 normal, +1 vs hobgoblin, +1 bless, +1 prayer, +3 divine power BaB, +3 divine power str +2 charge)
Damage [roll]1d10+11[ +Frost [roll2]
(+7 normal, +1 prayer, +3 divine power str)

AC 24 (26 -2 charge)
HP 90 (+8 temp divine power)
Active Spells:
Guidance
Divine Power
Protection From Evil

OOC: Since Divine Power and Bull's Strength both grant enhancement bonus, I'm saving the latter for later.

Gryndel

2011-04-16, 12:18 AM

Damage [roll0]

Katasi

2011-04-17, 06:46 PM

Arum cast summon monster 3, summoning a celestial bison. It appears next to him with a quick flash. He pats it on the head and says "Go smash those hobgobs to bloody **** bits!" He yells, sending it charging directly towards the nearest hobgoblin formation.

Werewhale

2011-04-18, 06:27 AM

Nalrak Ironfist

Nalrak nods at Thordek as he bellows his orders. He may not be an arcane mage, but his expertise still lay in staying behind the frontline, so he surveys the large tower, pondering how he can do the most damage with his elementals. First off, however, some protection is due. He grasps his holy symbol and mutters a prayer, summoning his Entropic Shield again is a small storm of colours, then moves to the side of the group once the minotaurs and Tasster and sons have moved past him.

(Casting Entropic Shield and moving to AL27)

mshady

2011-04-20, 05:46 PM

(22) Thordek: Thordek gives his orders, "Tasster, you and your sons go after these ogres, Kerik, go with them, Black, your and your fighters concentrate on the hobs, roll them up. Mages, your targets are the the ballistae and the giants, in that order. The rest of you: charge the goblins, after that move up towards the giants and leadership. "

He then attacks into the teeth of the hobgoblin formation, and immediately fells one of the hobgoblins with his axe.

Rolls 20, hits and does 15 damage, killing a hobgoblin.

(21) Carmard: With the wall taken, Carmard moves as quickly as he can towards the battlefield.

(20) Hjalmar: Seeing the mass of hobgoblins, the old paladin charges in as well. He runs at the group and swings his terrible hammer, and he splatters a hobgoblin's skull for good measure.

Rolls a 31 and does 21 damage, killing the hobgoblin.

(20) Sonnlinor Stonebreaker: Now in close proximity to his foes, the Sonnlinor clutches his holy symbol of Moradin and cries out a resonating prayer in Moradin's name. The power of the prayer emboldens and empowers his own troops and causes his foes to recoil from him.

Sonnlinor Stonebreaker casts a Prayer spell, granting his soldiers an additional +1 on all rolls and a -1 to all the hobgoblin rolls for all 4 blocks on infantry.

(19) Nalrak: Moves up to AL27 and casts Entropic Shield to protect him from enemy archers.

(19) Magnum: Following Thordek's orders, Magnum charges into the mass of hobgoblins. His first blow strikes true, splitting open the hobgoblin and sending it to the ground.

Rolls a 31 and does 16 HP damage, killing a hobgoblin.

(19) Frost Giant 1: It moves towards the minotaurs, but does not close to engage just yet. It does produce a boulder however, and it throws the stone at Nalrak!

Despite his spell and training against giants, he uses his shield to block the blow. As he had not got into a melee yet, there was no reason to stow or drop the shield when it could be used against enemy ranged attacks.

(18) Arumfaerwed: He casts a summoning spell, and sends a celestial bison in his stead charging into the hobgoblins. His celestial bison bowls over one of the hobgoblins, and it lays still.

(18) Ogre 4: Seeing new foes, the ogre charges Kerik. Before it gets a chance to swing at the minotaur, Kerik swings his own axe at the ogre and slashes it badly. Unfortunately, its own aim is true as well and it wounds Kerik as well. Nalrak also gets a swing in as well as it runs by him.

Kerik does 31 HP to the ogre barbarian, but the ogre does 24 hp to Kerik. Nalrak does 12 HP as well. Ogre Barbarian 4 is at 36/79 HP.

(17) Tasster & Sons: "Oi! Ye leave him alone!" Tasster howls at the ogre. His axe flashes back and forth in a bloody arch. His first flow takes it in the knee, than as the ogre falls to his height the mad dwarf chops at the ogre twice more. His sons stab it with their pikes as well, but by that time the ogre is already mortally wounded. Tasster ignores the opportunity to take the monster's head and looks for his next kill.

(14) Buna: She follows Carmard towards the battlefield now.

(14) Kerik: With one of the ogre's already mortally wounded, Kerik roars and charges at the next ogre. The hurtling minotaur lowers his head and points the lance mounted atop his helm right at his foe. The Ogre stupidly thinks it can block or avoid the hurtling minotaur, but instead Kerik's lance spears the creature right through the belly and out the back of its rib cage, narrowly missing its spine or heart. He yanks the lance free and stands to his full, massive height over the wounded ogre...

Kerik does 60 HP damage to ogre barbarian 3 19/79 HP remain.

(14) Black's Company: Black's Company advances, but they do not charge, nor does their mage or cleric cast any spells.

(13) Ogre 2: Moves towards Kerik and Gore, joining the Frost Giants.

(13) Frost Giant 2: Not bothering with boulders himself, the frost giant heads towards Gore. His first swing strikes true and cuts the minotaur badly but the next blow is deflected.

Frost Giant 2 does 23 HP to Gore.

( 11) Duervar: He charges into the battle as well, and his war pick claims one of the hobgoblins as well.

(11) Ogre 1: Moves around the hobgoblins to position itself to attack the duergar.

(09) Nega: Swinging her mace, Nega charges into battle and kills one of the hobgoblins as well.

She rolls a 35 and does 20 HP in wounds.

(9) Hobgoblin Group 1: Already battered, they hobgoblins flail away at the attacking dwarves but to no avail. Clearly they don't have the skill to keep up, unless they get lucky.

(08) Bundok: Bundok moves up as close as he can, but can't quite get in range.

(08) Gore: The minotaur moves up, but it can't get close enough to the ogre to finish it off.

(07) Ogre 3: Although wounded badly, the ogre swings hard at Kerik and connects with a loud wham! Blood flows from a wound...

The ogre does 22 HP to Kerik.

(05) Duergar Group 1: The duergar launch their attacks and immediately take down four of the hobgoblins. The flame thrower in the group kills up to four of the hobgoblins in group 1 as well, terrifying their foes.

(03) Hobgoblin Group 3: Weakened by food poisoning already, the hobgoblins do little more than beat noisily on the duergar shields.

(02) Hobgoblin Group 2: They have almost as much luck as the other group, but at least manage to wound one of the duergar.

(01) Duergar Group 2: The duergar take down three of the hobgoblins with practiced efficiency. The flame thrower spits death at the hobgoblins, and eight of them are hit by the flames and six are killed. The ogre barbarian is hit by the flames as well, burning it badly. It also does 22 HP of wounds to the ogre barbarian.

(01) Hobgoblin Group 4: The hobgoblins reel from the flames but hold their ground.

None of the hobgoblins break and run from their wounds, so far....

The hobgoblin's command group stays in place for now, ready to see which way the battles going...

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2972/aurilgate1.jpg (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/aurilgate1.jpg/)

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Gryndel

2011-04-21, 01:31 PM

Magnum grinned under his beard, calling out his dwarven war cry to the Father of Battle, "Hail Clangeddin, fighting foes in your name, Lord of Battle, is my true honor!"

Attacking the foe in front of him, he attacked to his right if the first was slain in one strike. His own effort, to whatever extent, was to push everyone toward the giants and enemy leaders.

Attack 1 [roll0]
Damage [roll1] +Frost [roll2]
Attack 2 [roll3]
Damage [roll4] +Frost [roll5]

Attack: +11 normal, +1 vs hobgoblin, +1 bless, +1 prayer, +3 divine power BaB, +3 divine power str
Damage: +7 normal, +1 prayer, +3 divine power str

AC 26
HP 90 (+8 temp divine power)
Active Spells:
Guidance
Divine Power
Protection From Evil

Strangie

2011-04-21, 02:53 PM

Duervar didn't respond to Magnum's call to battle verbally, but he responded to it in another way.

That is, stabbing things in the face with his pick. He picked any hobgoblin not already being engaged by someone else, and let his pick do the talking for him.

Attack 1: [roll0]
Damage 1: [roll1]
Bonus Acid damage: [roll2]

Attack 2: [roll3]
Damage 2: [roll4]
Bonus Acid damage: [roll5]

Katasi

2011-04-21, 06:25 PM

Arum takes out his blast globes and sends them to square Z25. "See how you like that, you freaks!" He yells.

[In case you want me to do the damage. Take this in whatever order you want.]

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]

[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]
[roll15]

[roll16]
[roll17]
[roll18]
[roll19]

[roll20]
[roll21]
[roll22]
[roll23]

[roll24]
[roll25]
[roll26]
[roll27]

[roll28]
[roll29]
[roll30]
[roll31]

[roll32]
[roll33]
[roll34]
[roll35]

[roll36]
[roll37]
[roll38]
[roll39]

[roll40]
[roll41]
[roll42]
[roll43]

[roll44]
[roll45]
[roll46]
[roll47]

[roll48]
[roll49]
[roll50]
[roll51]

[roll52]
[roll53]
[roll54]
[roll55]

[roll56]
[roll57]
[roll58]
[roll59]

[roll60]
[roll61]
[roll62]
[roll63]

[roll64]
[roll65]
[roll66]
[roll67]

[roll68]
[roll69]
[roll70]
[roll71]

[roll72]
[roll73]
[roll74]
[roll75]

[roll76]
[roll77]
[roll78]
[roll79]

[roll80]
[roll81]
[roll82]
[roll83]

I may have rolled to many or not enough, not really sure how many are effected. Hope these rolls help though.

thorgrim29

2011-04-21, 06:33 PM

Dude, friendly fire! They grey guys are with us. Try z 21 (giants and command group) or v 28 (hobbos) instead please

Katasi

2011-04-21, 07:23 PM

Dude, friendly fire! They grey guys are with us. Try z 21 (giants and command group) or v 28 (hobbos) instead please

[Opps, my bad. I never caught that the gray guys are with us. I'll fix that.]

mshady

2011-04-22, 12:48 AM

The River...

The group abandons the barge, but with some difficulty. Sable and Wyatt get over easily enough, and Sable assists the rest as best she can. Flint and Johannes come over, but his enthralled hobgoblin takes some effort. The wisdom of bringing Arman along with his crippled leg is called further into question as he has great difficulty getting across the rope, but he finally does. Buelyir and Flint make it across as well. While Flint is the last across the rope, Buelyir remains behind and actually strips out of his equipment, stows it in an impossibly small bag and swims across the river.

"Huh, he swims too..." remarks Talamir, as they collectively watch the dwarf swim through the water with a perfect butterfly stroke as he cuts through the current and the barge starts drifting down the current again.

"I thought dwarves hated water?" Sable says, looking at the sight incredulously.

"Him?" Flint snorts. "You tell him that. It's damned odd. All he talks about is finding the next hot bath or a skin of wine. Bah, nothing but watery elf piss"

That earns Flint a reproachful look from Talamir and Arman, but he merely shrugs it off and resumes shaking his head in dismay.

When he reaches shore, Buelyir tosses the rope up and pulls himself up out of the water, runs a hand through his soaked hair and flashes a reckless smile to the group.

"Now let's find some cover and let those giants move on by down the river, eh?" he says.

Strangie

2011-04-22, 02:57 AM

Wyatt - River

Wyatt dusts his hands off after making his way across, watching the others make their own way across. He looks a bit nervous as Arman tries to make his way across on his broken leg, though is relieved when he doesn't plummet into the river.

"Hell, Arman, I didn't think you were gonna make it. For an elf mage with only one workin' leg, pullin' 'dat off, well you've got my respect." Wyatt nods with a grin, then turns to Buelyir. "And 'den we got you swimmin' with the fish... 'dis lot just gets more interesting by the second. So much for stereotypes, huh? Okay, let's get the hell out of here before 'dose hamfisted giants show up, or anybody else for 'dat matter..."

Wyatt quickly takes to scouting out the area for a good place where the group can take cover, as well as any other things of interest that catch his eye.

King Tius

2011-04-22, 02:49 PM

Hjalmar Crownshield
HP: 82/82 AC: 28/13/28
Hammer A/D buffed to: +15/+10 / 1d10+8+(2d6/Evil)

Hjalmar sidesteps to AF33 to get at some of those neglected hobgoblins on the side of the phalanx. He'll go after the one at AE32 first, then AF32 if his first attack kills the one at AE32...

First Hammer Attack: [roll]1d20+15/roll] (27 from OOC thread)
First Hammer Damage: [roll0] + [roll1]

Second Hammer Attack: [roll]1d20+10/roll] (18 from OOC thread)
Second Hammer Damage: [roll2] + [roll3]

OOC: I know Dwarves get the +1 vs Goblinoids but I don't see it on Hjalmar's sheet. I don't know if it was substituted out or something, but I haven't included it in my rolls. Please add it in if he gets it!

thorgrim29

2011-04-22, 05:32 PM

Thordrek continues to split heads with abandon.

Attack 1:
Hit: [roll0] Damage [roll1]

Attack 2:
Hit: [roll2] Damage [roll3]

(I added the goblinoid bonus but not those from the group because I'm not clear on them)

Thordrek: AC 26, HP 80

Chepe Nolon

2011-04-25, 09:33 AM

Nega continues on the target closest to her.

Werewhale

2011-04-26, 07:26 PM

Nalrak moves to AH21 to bring himself nearer the tower, intending to summon a gravel* of earth elementals and send them at the ballistae next turn(if you resolve two turns).

*What do you call a group of earth elementals?

mshady

2011-05-01, 06:10 PM

Turn 2

(22) Thordek: The dwarven leader continues to assail the enemy hobgoblins, empowered by magic and inspired by battle song, Thordek cuts down first one than another hobgoblin.

(21) Carmard: The Arcanii moves northward to join the main battle as swiftly as he can, not bothering to slow to cast a spell at a lesser foe.

(20) Hjalmar: The paladin continues to smash his way through the hobgoblin formation, claiming two more hobgoblins. He steps deeper into their group, sending them squealing with fear.

(20) Sonnlinor Stonebreaker: With no spells in mind, his hammer swings out and claims one hobgoblin but misses the second…

(19) Nalrak: The dwarven cleric moves closer to the tower, intending to summon a gravel of earth elementals to assail the archers.

(19) Magnum: Thanks to his divine magic empowering him, Magnum kills off two of the hobgoblins.

(19) Frost Giant 1: The frost giant ignores Nalrak and focuses on Gore. Both swings hit come, and it sends the minotaur reeling from the blows.

The frost giant inflicts 22 than 25 hp on Gore. 40/87 HP remaining.

(18) Arumfaerwed: Reaching into his sack as he sends his badger northwards, he fervently hopes being mounted on something doesn’t make him interesting enough for those archers to shoot at. From his unorganized sack of junk, trophies and a minotaur’s horn he pulls out a battered metal case lined with cotton and holding his blast globes. He knew they at least were originally made by the Zhentarim, but had been copied elsewhere, which is what he figured his were. He counts the glowing red balls to make sure all 12 had been restored and pulls it carefully from the case, holding them like a bunch of grapes fresh off the vine.

Through focused will, he activates the temperamental weapons and they hover in the air, waiting for him to send them zipping into his enemies. He surveys the area and wonders just how much fun this is going to be…

They zip out towards his enemies with a deadly whistle and a trail of flames and explode. They explode in balls of angry flame and with a booming report, sending bodies and their parts flying. He focuses them on the command group and the giants, one of which is disintegrated in the blast, with the blast flooring the ogre by it. Two globes destroy the archers standing atop the tower. With his ears ringing from the blast, he sends the last two blast globes over the heads of the hobgoblins and explode in an air burst of fire and fragments that wipes out a unit of hobgoblins, knocking them down like long grass on a windy day.

When the booms finally stop, one badly burned frost giant rolls in pain on the ground by a maimed ogre. Gore and Kerik make quick work of them with sword and axe.

Smoke and smoldering bodies fill the battle field now, and a long engagement looks settled now. Utterly.

Atop the tower, the robed figure that had been overseeing the battle is gone though….

Arum smiles and leans back in his saddle with a satisfied smile and laughs at the carnage, delighted at the destruction he had wrought...

mshady

2011-05-01, 07:18 PM

On the River...

The group is lucky to find a hiding spot quickly, as several areas of the wall have tunnels cut through them. Umberhulks, is what Flint pronounces it as, but it hard to truly know for sure. Many things tunneled in the Underdark, and many things made tunnels to get towards any source of water, which was hard to find in any quantity. While something big had made that tunnel, they had no plans to stay and find out what. They just needed to wait long enough to for the giants to go by, and go by they do.

The two giants, male and female and probably mates, stand in the barge and drag it back against the current and they look like they have been at it awhile. Both are breathing heavily and sweating, and if they were planning an ambush, it would be the perfect time for one.

When they get to the barge empty barge, they bang their own barge against it noisily and groan as the barges wobble from the impact. They grumble and look at the barge, trying to figure out how this barge too got loose. Unable to go around the barge, they throw their belongings into the empty barge and attach a tow line to their old barge.

Than they return to their labors, dragging themselves back upstream one pull of the hand at a time on the guide rope, cursing the whole time. Or at least they imagined they were curses, as it is clearly not in common they are speaking.

"Maybe they think someone pulled a prank on them?" Buelyir suggests hopefully, surprised at how trouble free things went.

"Maybe someone did" Sable replies, with a wink.

Buelyir laughs for a moment and shakes his head.

"As I said at the time, clever, clever girl. We'll have to talk about how you did that some time" Buelyir tells her, and Sable only nods.

"Come on" Flint implores Buelyir. "It'll take'em two hours to get to the docks again at their rate, and we better hope that speaking tube was disabled good. It'll be almost that much time till we get to where we be going."

King Tius

2011-05-03, 10:03 AM

Hjalmar Crownshield
HP: 82/82 AC: 28/13/28
Hammer A/D buffed to: +15/+10 / 1d10+8+(2d6/Evil)

With his hammer still at the ready, the old gold dwarf surveys the damage wrought by the crazy gnome with his good eye. Seeing no immediate threat, he moves towards Carmard and shouts gruffly:

"Orders?"

Strangie

2011-05-03, 02:55 PM

Wyatt - River

"Heh... well, whoever did, 'dey must be very talented," Wyatt says with a grin.

"Okay, 'dey're gone. For now. Good enough for me. Flint's right - Let's get goin'."

thorgrim29

2011-05-03, 03:50 PM

In stunned silence, Thordrek finishes off a faintly squirming goblin and walks up to Carmard.

Can I get some of those blast globes too? What's the next part of the plan? There's still hostiles in that keep.

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-03, 06:50 PM

Well we better get dem out of dat keep den. Is da ram still intact den lets go visit a keep or ye got oder plans Carmard?
Negs looks at the burnt boddies and smiles

Katasi

2011-05-04, 12:33 PM

Arum laughs maniacally and urges his badger towards the group of burning bodies, searching for anything left intact he can take as a trophy.

mshady

2011-05-05, 05:17 PM

As the echoes from the blast globes stop, the battlefield is still with the exception of the duergar and minotaurs finishing off their remaining shocked foes. The tower smolders from where two of the blast globes had struck, slaughtering the archers.

With the battle over, the Patriarchate dwarves gather around Carmard and look for direction at this point. The tower and formidable gates on either side of it still stand, and look incredibly solid yet. The stone of the tower itself is blackened and pitted by the fire and explosion, but remains structurally solid. No doubt it had survived worse to survive so long, although this would still be its last day regardless.

"Impressive look'n tower isn't it" Carmard reflects as he evaluates it, stroking his beard. "They should have made their stand inside its gates and let this be a choke point. Lucky for us. Assum'n they really aren't making their stand inside" the dwarf says and shrugs. "They won't want a stand up fight with us again, for fear we'll do what Arum just did again" he smiles slightly.

"Nalrak, go get Sonnlinor Stonebreaker. It's time to bring the tower down" he says with stern conviction. "Next, Magnum... ye go tell Black's Company they'll be flanking right to clear the main halls, and come back. The duergar will go left and we'll be up the center when it comes down. Buna, ye go with with the duergar. They may need an Arcanii with'em. We need to secure at least the central chamber and quick. Outside o'the main road out, any entrance into that main chamber I want sundered or blocked. Now get about it, everyone"

thorgrim29

2011-05-06, 09:49 PM

Thordrek lifts his black headed axe

Well, I've got just the thing to wreck doorways, anyone else want to do some constructive destruction?

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-07, 01:18 AM

I'll assist ye with great pleasure lad.
Negs smiles and walks over to Thordrek.

Werewhale

2011-05-07, 05:17 AM

Nalrak nods at Carmard in acknowledgement and walks to Stonebreaker.
"Sonnlinor," he greets the duergar priest and jerks his head towards the tower, "Think the two of us could do some damage to that tower?"

Gryndel

2011-05-08, 01:04 AM

Magnum relayed the message to Black then returned, ready for the next phase of their attack.

Katasi

2011-05-08, 08:26 PM

Arum rides until he is near the fallen ogres and frost giant. He takes out his quickblade and makes short work of cutting out the ogres' hearts, livers, and parts and sticks them in his bag of trophies. He does the same with the frost giant before skinning it if he has time, all the while humming merrily.

mshady

2011-05-09, 12:32 PM

"Where did ye find that gnome again?" Sonnlinor Stonebreaker asks, twisting his mouth into a frown of disgust as Nalrak approaches. "Foul thing. Why is he doing that?"

"Sonnlinor," he greets the duergar priest and jerks his head towards the tower, "Think the two of us could do some damage to that tower?" Nalrak asks.

Not expecting Nalrak to make apologies for a gnome, the Sonnlinor nods in agreement.

"Aye, lets tear that thing down before their magickers come back. It be a threat from front or rear. Moradin cries to see it go, I'm sure, but we do what we must" he says with resignation.

He looks at the tower and examines it from a distance and frown slightly.

"We'll have to hit it a third o'the way up. I'll need a look to see where supports may be inside. It's all seamless stone though I'm sure; the weight holds it together. Enough of it goes at the bottom, it'll all come down like a stack o'blocks. I suggest we do it in the center and let its fall block the entrance. Ye ready?" the Sonnlinor asks.

The duergar behind him raise and ready their crossbows, ready to cover their Sonnlinor's movement.

Werewhale

2011-05-10, 05:03 PM

"Trophy collecting, I think. Or he's collecting reagents," Nalrak shrugs. He had become quite jaded towards the gnome's unsettling antics. He studies the tower as the duergar priest speaks. "Aye, I'm ready. Better to see this thing in ruins than used by our enemies," he grunts as Sonnlinor finishes, hefts his shield and belts his hammer.

thorgrim29

2011-05-10, 05:12 PM

Before heading through the tower, Thordrek speaks up.

Shouldn't we search the place before we destroy it? Plus that mage or whatever it was maybe is still there. We should also search the command group, last one had some fairly powerful stuff

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-11, 04:53 AM

I agree wit ye dere T'ordrek. I'll go wit ye.

mshady

2011-05-11, 06:29 AM

"Oh, I'm sure there's interesting 'hings in there" Carmard remarks with a frown. "Do ye want to fight whomever is still in there to get'em?"

"What if I said yes?" Black says, as he stomps closer in his battered plate mail.

"How about ye don't say anything, and we're all the happier?" Buna snaps back at him for butting into the conversation.

"Bitch" he replies tartly back to her.

"Drunk" she scowls at him.

"Not yet, today" Black smiles back at Buna with a twisted smile, and slaps a skin of wine at his hip. Her face turns red with anger and is about to explode back with something. Carmard looks between the two with a reproachful look and waggles his finger at Buna. She frowns and says no more to Black, who merely smiles at her again.

"We can fight and clear it, than use it against the next line of defense. Put some archers up there ourselves or a caster. Time that takes, they'll have surely formed up any defense.

If that wizard of theirs is still in that tower, we may miss the chance to drop it on his head, or fight him needlessly. Of course, they're just as likely to have fallen back completely as no one's attacking us from there yet either. I'm open to suggestions though, but quick ones only" Carmard informs everyone. "Do search the commanders though, that's a good idea. Potions and such are most needed"

Gryndel

2011-05-11, 03:27 PM

Magnum watched the interaction between Black and Buna with a slight smile, "I'll join da search o'da tower, if'n its decided ta be done." He went without a word to search the bodies of the dead enemy leaders. He cast Detect Magic to aid in his search.

mshady

2011-05-12, 07:16 AM

Looting

While the others discuss the merits of sacking the enemy tower, Magnum goes off to where the presumed command group lays fallen. That they are in rough condition from Arum's blast globes is a bit of an understatement.

The leader of the group looked like a mean piece of work, with tattoos and a mohawk that reminded him of a hobgoblin version of Tasster. It has several ropes of gold and silver jewelry, most of which survived. It also has a nasty looking battle axe with a gleaming blade to it. Looking closer at it, it appears to be diamond tipped. That seemed rare to him. It's shield was barely respectable, and the armor on most of them was either mundane and roughly made or otherwise warped from the heat and fires.

He does manage to gather a satchel with a few scrolls, and a couple bandoliers of minor curative potions. Both the cases and bandoliers seem untouched by the fire and seem... cold to the touch slightly. No doubt something to do with their enhancement...

With nothing else to find, he returns to the group...

mshady

2011-05-12, 10:33 AM

The River Group...

As the river carried the giants upstream, the group breathes a sigh of relief and moves forward again. The path is already longer than anticipated, but they make good time through the broken path. Kelith has the most problems on the uneven path, but he manages not to fall into the water. A difficult feat considering there is no light!

After an hour, they see lights at the end of the towpath and start moving more carefully. The area opens up into a wharf that would make Waterdeep proud. Several crumbling warehouses sit in the area; some still seem to be in use. Several large paddles spin lazily in the water across river, as the river drives the flour mill. A constant creaking noise can be heard.

For all the infrastructure here, there is not a soul to be seen however.

Buelyir surveys the area, first with his spy glass and than by taking Sable and Wyatt forward with him to look into a guard shack and barracks. No one is there; everyone seems like they left quickly. Sticking a finger in some warm porridge, Buelyir tastes the bland meal and remarks that it was still warm.

"No one's home. Hope we didn't miss the party?" he asks no one in particular.

Moments later, the booming of explosions ripping through something distant can be heard. Dust shakes from the ceiling and the vibration can be felt through the stone.

"Nope. Just in time!" he smiles madly to Wyatt.

Katasi

2011-05-12, 02:12 PM

Arum smirks as he rides to join the rest of the group. "Are we ready to attack that tower?" He says eagerly.

Strangie

2011-05-12, 04:01 PM

Wyatt - River

Wyatt instinctively clutches his mace, glancing around in paranoia. "What the freaking crap was 'dat?" he asks to anybody who will answer. "'dere must be somethin' going on up ahead... what're your orders, Buelyir?"

mshady

2011-05-14, 07:55 AM

Tried to post last night, but the database was updating...

Magnum returns to Carmard and the rest with what he was able to collect from the battered enemies....

Weapons:

+1 Coldsteel Battleaxe w/diamond edge (1d4 cold, +4 to confirm crits)
+1 Metamagic Rod 2 x Day (Expower)
+1 Horn (Aim it and casts Sound Burst 3xDay + Sounds like a big horn!)

Scrolls:

1 x Cloud Kill, 2 x Cone of Cold, 2 x Ice Storm, 1 x Bless

Potions:

1 x Haste, 2 x Cure Medium Wounds, 1 x Bull Strength

4200 gp in gold, jewelry and gems.

mshady

2011-05-14, 08:57 AM

Thordek and the Tower

Thordek heads for the tower to get a closer look at it, as well as the prospects for creative demolition with his adamantine axe. The good thing about such an axe was that it could cut through nearly anything, eventually. While he didn't like his chances of cutting through the thick gate itself, it certainly did have hinges he could cut through...

As he approaches the squat tower, the smell of roasting hobgoblin stings his nostrils. Arum's blast globes had not been kind to the two squads of archers atop the walls of the tower. At least the last of the screaming had stopped.

The tower itself has only a single door at ground level. It is made of stone and has what looks like wrought iron hinges. He knew his axe would make swift work of it, if he wanted to enter.

With three quick strikes, his axe chops through the hinges and he has to dodge away as the stone door fell to the ground with a bang. A powerful scent of oil is immediately noticed, and he sees several freshly broken barrels oozing lantern oil. It only adds to the scent of the dead and fires still raging behind him that they used for cover to get this far into the old dwarven fortress.

Thordek looks behind him to see who would be joining him in the tower...

(OOC: Who is going up into the tower with Thordek? I'll post the rest of this Sunday when I know, thanks!!)

mshady

2011-05-14, 09:25 AM

River Group:

"No idea" Buelyir says and shrugs in response to Wyatt's question. "Either our attack just wiped out the opposition, or the opposition did the same to us. I don't recall even an Arcanii able to do something like that though" Buelyir frowns. "Lets just say I hope to be pleasantly surprised"

"Either way, we're doing what we came for" Buelyir informs Wyatt and the rest. He opens his leather duster to reveal a rod made of a green hued metal with a square head on it covered in silver set runes and jewels. It has a faint blue glow to it.

"Carmard may have shown one like this to ye. If they didn't make it, we can set off the Stoneburner from here. It won't be quite as... dramatic, but it'll destroy this place. Course, there's no fuze to it this way and ye have to be close when ye do it" he says and looks at each member of the group.

"So you'll just blow it up and all of us too?" Flint asks, glaring at Buelyir.

"You're going to do what?" Talamir asks, a touch of concern in his voice. "No, Buelyir's right. It would be very... bad if someone else got ahold of it. Sigil all over again. Or they use it on the dwarves" she says and shakes her head.

"Let's just hope for the best and do our job"lint snorts. "Let's just go"

Buelyir nods and leads the group away from docks and the ware houses, deeper into the complex to try and hunt down their leadership...

thorgrim29

2011-05-14, 12:41 PM

Ah, the aftermath... When the noise dies down and you start smelling the offal. No fires people. Let's split in 3 groups, stay on the same floors, wreck everything we don't want.

Strangie

2011-05-14, 12:53 PM

Wyatt - River

"... Right. If we go down... might as well be with a bang, eh?" Wyatt says, and simply shrugs. Having likely stared death in the face for the longest time in this place already while being captive, he seemed somewhat okay with this idea. "Lead on, 'den."

King Tius

2011-05-14, 03:55 PM

Hjalmar Crownshield
The gold dwarf gives Thordrek a nod as he turns back to indicate that the paladin will have his back. He eyes the magical horn with some interest, but quickly turns back to the business at hand.

Gryndel

2011-05-15, 03:43 AM

Magnum kept the icy axe, at least for the time being. He suggested that one of the arcane casters use the metamagic rod, and that those who could use them take the scrolls and potions. He'll keep those nobody wants, again for now at least.

The Alaghor nodded at Thordek, but frowned at seeing the oil. He scoffed and grunted,"No fires, heh... tell whoever's left inside!" He cautiously entered to the left, Giantbane axe and shield ready.

Listen [roll0]
Spot [roll1]

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-15, 04:48 AM

Nega smiles again brandishes her mace and says: I'm ready. Lets finis da place off. She walks up to Thordrek and waits for orders.

thorgrim29

2011-05-15, 11:02 AM

Magnum, Nega, take roughly a third of us each and head out, as I said, we stay on the same floor as the others, and try to keep in shouting distance.

Thordrek motions roughly a thirs of those who followed him to go with him and he heads right

Katasi

2011-05-15, 08:10 PM

Arum rides up and to join Thordek. "Let's bring this tower down!" He yells. "We're coming to get you, whoever's left in there!" He laughs loudly and draws his rapier.

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-16, 07:49 AM

Nega waves her third to her and heads left. Lets 'unt some rats

mshady

2011-05-16, 09:16 AM

Who's on what team? In case that's important.

Thordek, if you can just name the names, that'd be great :)

thorgrim29

2011-05-16, 10:57 AM

I have no idea who's with us so....:smallconfused:

Send me a pm or roll a dice I guess

mshady

2011-05-16, 12:08 PM

OOC: Lets just go with PCs on this...

We have Thordek, Nega, Magnum, Nalrak, Hjalmar and Arum.

Lets go with Thordek, Nega and Nalrak followed by Magnum, Hjalmar and Arum.

That way everyone gets a paladin :) Unless anyone objects, lets roll that way for expediency.

mshady

2011-05-17, 12:47 AM

The two groups of three head up the stairs, one lead by Thordek and the other lead by Magnum. Parts of the stairs are slick with oil, but at least the conveniently provided railings stop anyone from tumbling down. While the lower level was clearly a storage and mustering area, the next level is an armory.

Dozens of heavy stone weapons racks sit largely empty. Many still hold basic weapons, including dozens of barrels full of arrows and cases of crossbow bolts. Along the far wall is an opened chest full of large containers of alchemist fire with ropes attached to them. Simple fuzes hang from the grenades. There are at least forty of them. After a moment's inspection, it would seem the grenades are lit and swung on the ropes and let go, giving much larger range for the larger grenades. The area is surprisingly tidy, if sparse.

Should you decide to take them, the trunk weighs 75 pounds, if you or your soldiers could make use of them.

As you try to ascend to the next level however, a door in the ceiling the stairs take you to is closed and locked. It seems like it is barred from the other side. Fortunately, it is made of wood - albeit thick wood. There are no windows on this level of the tower.

thorgrim29

2011-05-18, 04:10 PM

((I'm assuming everyone's ok with me taking the empower rod))

Thordrek got a slightly manic grin as he opened the grenade chest

Neat, wonder if I can hit a giant with one... And Sable will love these

He stuffs 20 of the alchemist fire grenades in one of the compartments of his haversack.

When he gets to the door:

Let's wait for the others, we may have company on the other side, keep your senses peeled.

King Tius

2011-05-18, 06:50 PM

Hjalmar Crownshield
The brooding Dwarf will wait patiently to advance, having no interest in grenades. He'll also eye the door and try to decide if he could bash it open from below with his awesome hammer.

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-18, 07:53 PM

Nega stuffs some of the grenades in to her pack and instructs the troops to take what she cannot carry.Leave da c(h)est we only need em grenades. Nega takes up a stands opposite of Thordrek.

Katasi

2011-05-19, 05:35 PM

Arum look at the door and thinks to himself then says. "Anyone else think that if we took the remaining grenades from that chest and stacked them against the door before lighting them we could blow that door into the next room? he says, grinning.

mshady

2011-05-21, 10:39 PM

Dealing with the door....

The door is blocked and likely with a cross brace. Its wood so not too bad.blindly it is not the original. A dwarven door would be stone and metal. Hjalmar or anyone else fairly strong cut turn it to splinters. Thordek's adamantine axe could cut it up easily. Hjalmars hammer would be just a hammer unless its an evil door :)

Using the bombs would burn it up but they're not gunpowder grenades. Just alchemust fire.

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-22, 10:39 AM

No flame lads just crus(h) it. EM knows we are (h)ere anyway Nega nods to thorderk.

thorgrim29

2011-05-22, 11:42 AM

Here goes...

Shrugs Thordrek as he whacks at the door repeatedly until it opens.

Gryndel

2011-05-22, 12:53 PM

Having no personal interest in the grenades, Magnum suggests they be issued to some of the troops for use against frost giants and white dragons. He stands near Thordek as the door is dealt with, ready to bring instant violence to whatever enemies might be found behind the door.

Katasi

2011-05-22, 04:25 PM

Arum sighs waits as they smash the door open.

Gorgondantess

2011-05-22, 07:58 PM

Johannes approaches Buelyir.
"Well... Looks like you've certainly got all this under control."
He shakes his head.
"Seems you'll do just fine without me. You folks go on ahead and take care of things- I'm going to hang back and talk to my friend here. You're a big boy, I'm sure you'll manage."
He winks, and once the group has left, sits across from Gratch.
"So. Gratch. Tell me about these mines."

mshady

2011-05-23, 02:37 PM

Johannes & Buelyir

“So yer off to cause some trouble eh?” Buelyir looks at him than shakes his head. “Doubt I can be stopping ye and not sure if’n I want to. Just don’t count on that hob too much, the magic’ll only go so far as ye know. Maybe ye want to use one o’them Sensate stones and just get what ye need out of’em and leave’em” Buelyir smiles slightly.

“Just make sure yer here when we plan to be leaving, ‘right?” he says, and reaches into his duster to pull out a dull crystal with a spark of something blue in it. “In case ye miss the signal to go, by which I mean the stoneburner winding up and shredding the Weave, Mystra forgive us, a sending crystal from me to ye. Now don’t get yerself killed. I’m off to find a way to misbehave” Buelyir says and winks at Johannes.

Buelyir waves and rejoins his group, leaving Johannes alone with Gratch now. The dazed looking hobgoblin is still compliant, although also with an offensive scent from his sweaty armor, if nothing else. Johannes asks him to tell him about the fortress, and the hobgoblin looks around the area and points to some chains laying near the water’d edge.

“What do you want know, friend? We make things. Those chains, my armor? Slaves dig them up, hobgoblins make things, boats send them out. Very proud we are” he says and smiles stupidly. He didn’t know just how stupidly, however…

mshady

2011-05-27, 12:28 AM

The Tower:

The tower's door swings open with surprising speed as Thordek's axe cleaves through it. They brace themselves, but there is no trap, no explosion or anything but falling wood chips. The stairs lead up to the next level, where they find barracks and a rudimentary kitchen, where cookpots still simmer. Doors on the left and right lead to the wall, where Arum's blast globes and immolated the dangerous archers standing atop them. To the relative south is the door for a room, that they quickly realize must have been where the robed figure had been standing. That door too is open and they can see out it; the robed figure was gone and it appears to be a basic room. Several brass tubes stand out of the stone, and appear to be some sort of communication system.

It occurs to both Arum and Thordek, at the least, that a magic user could use gaseous spells in those same tubes to escape to parts unknown, and since there appears to be no door to the other side so far, it might have been what happened.

Another set of stairs go upwards, presumably to the top of the squat old dwarven tower. While there was no view or exit to the other side of the tower, which seemed an odd piece of engineering, going up would seem to be the only way to get a view of the other side.

As they move towards the stairs, they hear a noise from a corner as something shifts and there is a panicked yelp.

"Oof!" is all they hear, as a crude tapestry of Auril tumbles to the ground with a clatter.

"Please don't hurt me!" the figure under the tapestry pleads, before scrambling out of it and backing up towards the wall.

It takes everyone a moment to realize the words come in dwarven, not common. Before them stands a dwarven boy, less than 4 feet tall with tangled red hair and short, scruffy beard. He could be no older than 12-15 years old, and is thin and bruised.

"Who are you?" the voice asks, suddenly surprised to be looking at dwarves. "You're not duergar, are.. are you?" he says and squints.

mshady

2011-05-27, 01:12 AM

Buelyir, Wyatt, Sable, Arman and the rest...

"So what now?" Sable asks Buelyir quietly. "This all seems a little more... exploratory than I figured"

"Just so!" Buelyir nods and smiles, which only earns him an exasperated look from Sable.

"No plan survives first contact with yer foes, so why waste time planning too much? Takes the artistry out of it all" Buelyir informs the group. "Johanness is off to cause a little trouble that he seems to have in mind, and I expect he knows how to cause some mischief. I heard he was a Sensate? I can only imagine what he can get up to" Buelyir barks with laughter.

"What I'm going to do is take everyone here to that warehouse and going to start some fires. Big ones. Did ye know that flour mills are explosive? Amazing what some dust can do. Best way to seal the exit, ye know. Than we go and join Carmard and finish this thing" he smiles menacingly.

"You and Wyatt though.... I want you to sneak in and kill anyone you find that looks like they can cast a spell or you can disrupt anything else. Leadership if ye can. Got it?" Buelyir asks. His question is rewarded with a professional nod of acknowledgement.

"Come on, Wyatt. We've got trouble to raise" she smiles at the halfling.

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-27, 03:32 AM

Now wat am I seein. A lad of our own. Now wat ye doin (h)ere little one? Nega walks over to the lad and tried to calm him down.

Strangie

2011-05-27, 04:16 AM

Wyatt

"Oh, good. I was startin' to get bored." Wyatt says in reply with a smirk of his own, spinning his mace around his wrist idly. "Let's get to it, 'den, shall we? Someone's about to have a very bad day..."

King Tius

2011-05-27, 12:34 PM

Hjalmar Crownshield
At the sight of the young dwarf the Paladin lets out a simple harumph and goes about inspecting the place. He eyes the communication pipes and glances out a window. His brow furrows and a hand involuntarily moves up to stroke his beard. Suddenly his good eye goes wide in a mix of shock and realization.

He turns and makes his way towards the young Dwarf, grabbing him by the back of the shirt. He yells at the group as his feet start pumping towards the trapdoor.

"Everybody OUT! This tower be rigged to come down. We need to get out and away from tha front of it, and warn the others!"

Hjalmar does not stop to look back.

thorgrim29

2011-05-27, 05:50 PM

As he searches the room, Thordrek thoughtfully looks at the youngster. The enemy mage could have escaped as a cloud of sentient gas, but he might also have not escaped at all. Just as he was about to ask the paladins to use their powers, Hjalmar panics and runs off. Seeing the dwarf he'd watched charge a living tornado flee in terror is enough for him, and he reacts with lightning speed.

You heard him, go!

Thordrek pauses only long enough to make sure everyone is going, and sprints down the stairs.

Chepe Nolon

2011-05-27, 05:52 PM

Nega Silverhammer
Ye (h)'Eard da man get out all of ye! Get out!! Nega starts herding the other infront of her

mshady

2011-05-29, 02:14 AM

Seeing Hjalmar grab the dwarven child and make a run for it surprised the beardling as much as anyone else in his group. For such a large and heavily armored dwarf, never mind his age, he moved remarkably quickly for the stairs. If not for his dwarven stability, he may have lost his balance and taken a nasty tumble but he kept his feet.

Others were quick on his heels, not asking questions.

Regardless, the questions would have been quickly answered by the time Hjalmar reached the armory level. There is a loud bang and a groan as supports break, followed by the tower lurching forward beneath their feet. The whole construct wobbles and they can hear stone blocks, carved by their ancestors thousands of years ago, crash to the ground outside.

It would seem the foundation under the tower must have been undermined as it leans forward, and now the only door into the tower is only half open; the other half blocked by the floor. It is all they can do to get through it before it closes and the tower falls atop them. Hjalmar and Thordek pull others to safety and they all sprint towards the outer wall and get as far as they can from the collapsing tower. Duergar and mercenaries run as well now in random directions, yelling out in warning.

They turn and watch the squat old tower topple, as stone blocks first fall from the top. When the tower reaches its tipping point, stones slide from atop one another and tower collapses forward, stone blocks flying in all directions and crashing towards the ground. The land on the ground and roll, or shatter into fragments. The heavy blocks cover the ground in front of the gates and a hundred feet forward, with a pile blocking the only exit; the main gate through the outer wall. When the rumble and crash stops, all the dwaves and gnome can do for a moment is just be thankful they were not inside.

"Wh-what happened?" the dwarven boy asks, clearly frieghtened far more of what happened than his erstwhile and unknwon rescuers.