[3.5E] Heretic's Bane Icewind Dale [Archive] - Page 15

mshady

2012-01-12, 01:27 PM

Eoin Shatterbond

"I'm not sure how to phrase this politely..." Eoin starts, drawing out his words for emphasis. "Get. This Nail. Out. Of. My. Head." Eoin blinks, then finishes with a rather lame "...Please."

The effort expended causes his head to throb again, and he slumps a bit more. "By the way, Victor. What happened to the man who decided to use my head for a bit of amateur carpentry?"

Got any methods of dulling pain? Eoin asks the Passenger. It looks like we are both in for a rough one.

Not since he had left Luskan years ago had Eoin seen a doctor work. Hooded and masked individuals, burning incense to ward away the miasma, bloody cleavers and rusted pliers on bloodstained wooden benches. He'd avoided anything remotely resembling a battlefield hospital ever since.

"Do I have any methods for dulling the pain? I've been doing that since ye woke up. Ungrateful human..." The Passenger grumbles. A spike of pain suddenly commences for Eoin, and Eoin moans from the pain for a moment before it is dulled to merely painful.

"See?"

The voice goes quiet as both Eoin and The Passenger listen to Nalrak, who's recommendation seems to be along the lines The Passenger described earlier.

"They may have Milk of the Poppy, but it will diminish us for hours. No" The Passenger says, than pauses. "Tell this Doctor Sawbones that you are a... master of your own mind and you will make yourself unconscious. You will be unconscious for a time. You may enjoy any... pleasurable experience from your past again during that time"

In response to Eoin's question of Victor, the massive man crosses his arms across his broad chest and smiles.

"The one who hit you in the head?" Victor nods. "I tore off his jaw and left him to die" he says and reaches into a bag. He pulls out a bloodied cloth to show the grizzly trophy, to prove his word.

mshady

2012-01-12, 01:30 PM

Nalrak, Eoin, Bundok

Nalrak curses the fact that he doesn't have a full kit of potions, salves, and anesthetics at his disposal, but such luxuries were reserved for hospitals or those with light packs. He looks at the group gaping at Eoin's wound and asks, "Anyone have a means of putting the boy out without a blow to the head? He's going to need to lay mighty still despite some strong pain, so I'd rather he not be conscious."

It occurs to Nalrak he does have some of the Poppy Seed formula that he had given Carmard left. That put him to sleep, not knocked him out. Willow bark might help slightly. Getting the human staggeringly drunk would work, but he'd likely awake and his blood would flow too freely.

Unfortunately, this kind of surgery was often performed with the patient fully awake and screaming. That was why his surgical kit also included straps and a soft wood to bite on.

OMG PONIES

2012-01-12, 01:40 PM

Nalrak, Eoin, and Bundok

Rustling around yet more in his pack, Nalrak withdraws a small vial, nearly empty. "Poppyseed formula," he says with a satisfied grunt. "It'll put you out, but it most likely won't keep you out. What say you take a swig?" He wished he had some willow bark or something stronger, but beggars couldn't be choosers and, judging from the man's moans, the bleed was building up pressure on his brain.

mshady

2012-01-13, 01:18 PM

Arman joins Nalrak & Company

Arman and Talamir spoke softly in elvish, a more common form than what Arman spoke, as they continued trailing their group and falling behind a little bit at a time. Arman let himself use Talamir as a crutch and as the other elf promised, he could bear the weight, for which Arman was grateful. He wasn't looking forward to what had to be done...

Arman sat gratefully when Talamir seem to find a spot for him. Arman declined the offer of Talmir's bow, knowing his would serve well enough still. It also had, familiarities that he was especially fond of and didn't want to lose.

Going mentally through his spell list, he sighed in frustration. He knew that Talamir was trying to judge how strong he really was in his Art, but how much to tell him?

Sure he could throw some powerful spells around, but, there was always a catch to telling someone, just how much.

A shifting of rock told him that Talamir was leaving him where he was

"Time to go earn my pay," said the Elf, without glancing towards Arman. "May our Arrows Fly Swift and our Blades Strike True."

With that Talamir turned and strode away at brisk pace, longsword held out in his right hand, his cloak sweeping out behind him.

"Who they are, not what they are. That is what makes brethren in my mind" Arman spoke quietly, not hiding his words, but not going out of his way to speak his mind to the other elf. Arman wondered how much of the elf was mercenary... It took a toll on ones soul. Arman knew this very well, and was really starting to wonder, if he should retire from everything, and just go away for a while in quiet to study.

He shook his head roughly. There was time enough to think about it later. Until then, he had a few wands he could use. Grunting with the effort to get up, he went to where the triage was set up, looking for whoever was leading it. It seemed to be Nalrak, who at the moment was talking to a patient with a head injury. He spoke softly so as to not disturb Nalraks concentration. "May I be of assistance?" he held up the wand in his hand. "It can cure minor wounds and has some charges left."

With Buelyir's party splitting up and engaging once again, Arman considered his options. There were enough shooters, and he was not about to get into a fight, however skilled he was with his rapier.

So... he limped southward and around the battle, spying a collection of others he had never saw before. As he advances, he recognizes some of his comrades amongst the group. Specifically Duervar, Bundok, Nalrak and Grathalmor.

That must be where Carmard is. Maybe the rest are prisoners?

With the battle breaking up around him, he has little concern for his safety as he approaches the group and waves to them from a distance.

Grunting with the effort to get there, he went to where the triage was set up, looking for whoever was leading it. It seemed to be Nalrak, who at the moment was talking to a patient with a head injury. He spoke softly so as to not disturb Nalraks concentration. "May I be of assistance?" he held up the wand in his hand. "It can cure minor wounds and has some charges left."
[/QUOTE]

loopy

2012-01-14, 01:10 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

Are you sure? Eoin asks the passenger. "Ah... No, no elixirs for me." Eoin responds, looking at Nalrak. "A wandering monk once showed me a method of meditation, I'll be able to lull myself into a state of unconsciousness for a short while. Complete the surgery, and then tell me to wake up. Just do me a favor and do the job right, I'd prefer not to spend the rest of my life a simpleton."

There had been no monk, but these strangers did not need to know about the bargain he had struck just yet. While he was weak and unarmed, it would be far too simple to burn him as a practitioner of dark magics. After the surgery is complete, Eoin will thank the strangers for saving his life, and then depart. It's the safest course of action.

Bluff: [roll0]

mshady

2012-01-14, 11:28 AM

Johanness

Undeterred by the size of the giant's sword - indeed, the sheer perversity of the challenge eggs him on - Johannes simply takes off his pack, inserts the hilt, and slides the rest of the sword in after. Sure, it's a ten foot sword disappearing into a dwarf's backpack. In a battle where they just fought an ogre that turned into a devil and then half-way back into an ogre, 'strange' becomes almost a badge of honour.

Sliding his pack back onto his shoulders, Johannes gets well out of the way of Arum as he begins the ogre butchery. Chacun son gout, he supposed.

"Good luck, my friend. I'm sure that it will make a lovely tent. Or perhaps ten coats."

With a nod, Johannes picks up his bow again and trots after Thordek, using a few well-placed shafts - and his shaft is always placed perfectly - to help encourage along the Aurilites' retreat.

Johannes uses his pack to engulf the ogre's massive sword, if only to prove the point that he could do it. He also notices that, around the stump of ogre's neck is a heavy iron key, with the top enameled in white. It is cold to the touch, and he guesses it might unlock something important, if they had the time.

On its rough belt, he finds three potions, one seemingly a curative, one a potion of haste by the smell of it, and one with a picture of genitalia, a ring,
and some bracers. The ogre also has two golden tusks that may have some value. In its pack, there is a collection of some gems and coins he would have to count up later.

mshady

2012-01-14, 11:31 AM

Devil - Ogre Fight XP

Thordek - 3867 XP
Arum - 3867 XP
Sonnlinor Stonebreaker 2333 XP
Johanness - 1289 XP (missed part of encounter)

I'll adjust your sheets later today

mshady

2012-01-16, 02:02 AM

Battle Conclusion and a New Crisis

The front lines dissolved as the main line of the hobgoblin infantry broke. The duergar, along with the aide of Thordek, Arum, Johannes and the Sonnlinor himself pushed the center while the dwarven mercenaries and allies came in hard to the right. Magnum and Talamir join that fight, relieving the battered minotaurs as they fight back the last of the Aurilite ogres and a scattering of wounded orcs. Buelyir’s group cuts down many of those fleeing with their crossbows, bolts and pistols, slaying a full two dozen on the way out. The remaining stragglers meet with Nega’s mace and Hjalmar’s mace, as they interpose themselves along the path of the route and clean up what they can.

What gets past that gauntlet are very, very few and they are running for their lives. Swords and shields are dropped as they run, scattering the few remaining. The only real opposition comes a pair of ogres that Hjalmar and Nega draw. Despite the exchange of blows, those two are easily felled in their sickened and wounded state.

The center and right flank pursue the rout, and most of the enemy’s main force is felled now. When all is said and done, near two hundred bodies litter the battlefield, mostly the enemy. The ground is slick with blood on the cobblestones and it flows freely between the ancient mortar between the stones. A few of the remaining enemies scream out in pain, while several more are yet alive but unconscious. When this is reported to Buelyir, he orders Black’s Company (what is left of it), out into the battlefield to deal with them.

Soon, silence returns to the area. Relatively speaking.

On the left side though, the former slaves return to the triage center. Where three groups of 8 went out into the battle for a total of 24 armed and armored fighters, they are six fewer and are carrying six more of their wounded brethren back. Leading them is a shrewd looking drow with fading white hair tied in a ponytail. He holds two long swords in his hands, both stained red and he does little to wipe the stolen blades down. The remaining warriors fall in behind him. They make up various races, but each unquestionably follows the drow.

The drow strides into the triage center, flanked by his warriors with a purposeful stride and a sneer on his face. Scars slash his cheeks, but it looks like he suffered no wounds from the combat today. He looks around the area and shakes his head at all the civilians and the signs of treatment. He also seems to be searching for something, or someone.

It takes a moment, but he finds the other drow elf and sits down by his side. The unconscious male merely groans as the other drow reviews the stitching and his state. He says something in a hushed tone and stands up and locates the group congregated around the wounded Eoin. He immediately notes Victor and Tec’lic as well and a slight smile curves on his face. He gestures to several of his followers and motions for them to go into the crowd of those healed, and another into the crowd of those awaiting treatment.

Screams of terror from women and children pierce the relative quiet now, as blades are drawn again and they start corralling the two groups together at sword point, much to their distress. Four more move towards Carmard and Buna, and quickly have them at sword point as well.

The dwarves turn with alarm as the group sweeps into the camp, the slaves that they rescued have now taken some of their own hostage. Without fear or concern, the drow strides towards Nalrak and is quickly met by Bundok and Duergar. Grathalmor stays back by his cousin, but his axe is out now.

“Greetings, dwarves!” the drow says, greeting them with cheer in his voice. “I am Bhineth'lyn Myiryn, a Sword Master of Bregan D’aerthe . I see you have come to our rescue, thanks to the fancy dwarf with the hat of disguise and his clever ruse. You have my thanks” he says, and bows with a playful smile directed at Bundok. When he rises, he sniffs his nose slightly and turns his head away from the dwarf…

“Since I doubt your objective was our rescue however, I presume we are not included in your plans. So, I decided we would surprise you and take all of you hostage. We even have your wounded mages. Most excellent! This seemed the best way to promote honesty, don’t you think?” he says and smiles mockingly.

“Oh yes… and if anyone tries to… join us at this point? I’d have to discourage that. Starting with the children” he beams a smile at the shocked dwarves.

Bundok and Duervar stand no more than 6 feet in front of him, blocking his direct approach to Nalrak.

Gryndel

2012-01-16, 03:22 AM

thorgrim29

2012-01-16, 07:04 AM

Thordrek put down a fleeing hobgoblin with his crossbow, with little place for mercy after seeing the condition of the slaves. He looks weary and not a little disappointed as the drow makes his threats. He reloads his crossbow and replaces it on it's hook on his belt. Unabashed, he moves closer to the drow and, more importantly, Carmard and Buna.

What so you want drow? If it's your freedom and medical care, you have it already. If it's most anything else, things won't be so simple. I presume you'll be looking for revenge, so know we're going after the aurilites leadership in the region, and by delaying us you're helping our common enemy. Finally, if you know anything about the Jilker Patriarchate you know we don't respond well to threats.

sonofzeal

2012-01-16, 08:23 AM

They couldn't... could they?

Bundok advances on the head drow slow and steady. "I'd always know as there was some daft ones, but has t' cold frozen thy noggin? T' only hostages 'ere are thissens. If ye but give someone a scratch there'll be hell t' pay, and you'll all be parkered ev'n if ye win. Or does ye think ye can find yer own way threw? Ye make good on the threat, and eitha we'd be sheathin' in thy vittles, or t' cold'll get ye sure enough. So what'll it be, then? Hmm?"

OMG PONIES

2012-01-16, 10:25 AM

Nalrak Ironfist

Suddenly, a voice booms from over the shoulders of Bundok and Duervar. "If you lads will kindly lend me a minute, I've got a rather involved surgery to perform. It's the least you can do...seeing as how I saved at least one dark elf's life today, I'd assume that buys me the time to save this human's as well." It seems that Nalrak hasn't heard much of what the drow said, lost as he was in his treatment of Eoin.

[roll0] to buy time for Eoin's surgery (will take -10 for rushed check if needed)
[roll1] on Eoin's story (autofail)

"Okay, lad," he says to Eoin, "I trust your tale, but know this: if you're anything less than completely unconscious, any pain you experience will be very severe and, should you move at all, very brief." He waits for the man to render himself unconscious, and then goes to work. His instruments move at a glacial pace at first, careful not to make any errant motion. His eyes stay on the field of surgery, looking for any signs that slow and steady might not win this race. Absent any sign of crisis, Nalrak continues ever so slowly. Should any arise, he moves with his usual speed and finesse, but does so only under great duress.

Taking 10 on Heal as needed for a result of 25. If this looks like it's doing the trick, I'll continue with that until completed. If it seems the surgery requires greater skill, Nalrak will begin to get risky:

[roll2] only if needed
[roll3] only if needed
[roll4] only if needed
[roll5] only if needed
[roll6] only if needed

shaddy_24

2012-01-16, 02:59 PM

Duervar

"Open your eyes, fool. If we had no intention of saving the lot of you, why would we be spending time tending to the wounded. Rescuing slaves wasn't our original goal, but it's been added in since we found you here. So either join us as we fight, sit here and wait for us to finish, or strike out on your own." Duervar rests his pick on the ground leaning against his side and stretches his arms and shoulders before picking his weapon up again and settling into a wary stance. His armour settles into place, the scales locking together tightly. "As long as you play nice, you're free to do as you please. But if you lay a blade on any here, your body will be left with the cold worshippers. Let everyone go, or our negotiations end here."

Maneuvers readied: Moment of Perfect Mind, Bonecrusher, Bonesplitting Strike, Ruby Nightmare Blade. Current stance: Stance of Clarity on the blademaster.

Chepe Nolon

2012-01-17, 08:40 AM

Nega

Of all da daft tings dat could 'Appen we graced wit' da darks too. She sighs.

mshady

2012-01-17, 01:26 PM

The Drow

"Yes, yes... please continue your threats and posturing. It's always may favorite part" Bhineth'lyn Myiryn says, waving for them to continue. He even spares a wink towards Duervar.

Towards the rear of the encampment, Grathalmor stands between the Arcanii and two bugbears. They hold captured javelins in their hands, ready to throw when given the word.

"Now, someone PLEASE tell me why you're here. Also, how did you plan on escaping? I'd like to speak to the fancy dwarf again, Johannes actually. He's the only one of you I can actually understand if I may."

The drow turns towards Nalrak and listens to his words before nodding.

"Oh yes, do continue" he says and squints. "That would be Eoin, wouldn't it? I can't say I'm heartened to see him alive, but by all means, continue. Perhaps your surgery will kill him yet"

"Sir, look what I finds! A knife ear!" a hefty looking orc says. He is dragging Arman by the scruff of his cloak and tosses him down at the drow's feet.

The drow smiles widely at the sight.

"You've done well, Yanni" the drow says, and the orc nods like an over eaged dog before scuttling away. "Forget the children! I'll kill this one first if it comes to it"

thorgrim29

2012-01-17, 02:22 PM

Unless it looks like Buelyir has something to say (is he even here?), Thordrek speaks up again in undercommon.

Bhineth'lyn Myiryn, swordmaster of Bregan Da'Herte, I am Thordrek Torrun of the Jilker Patriarchate, if you have trouble understanding us I can talk like this. Notice that I do not posture, I do not threaten. We're a punitive expedition, the Aurilites have been encroaching on our territory and levying tribute on our allies, so we're going to decapitate their leadership in the area. It's as simple as that. Considering we just freed you and were providing medical attention before you so rudely interrupted us, and we're going to keep on hurting the people who enslaved you, it would be both decent and logical to let us go without interruption. If you do not, we all agreed before leaving that this mission was worth our lives so we will be forced to free ourselves or die trying. While your hostages would be sorely missed, I very much doubt you would come out ahead in such a conflict.

mshady

2012-01-17, 03:25 PM

"A punitive expedition? The best kind, I dare say. I did a few against your Patriarchate and Battlehammer and Feldbarr in my day before my unfortunate capture" he says and smiles.

"No one has answered my question though. How are you leaving?" the drow inquires, a bit irritated now.

shaddy_24

2012-01-17, 04:18 PM

Duervar

The half duergar shrugs and answers in common. "I personally didn't ask. I believe our mages back there have the answer, so I'd recomend you don't attempt to do anything unfortunate to them." He glances over his shoulder, waiting to see if the rest of the army is heading back this way.

Grodech

2012-01-17, 06:58 PM

Grathamlor stands steady, axe in one hand, shield in the other, keeping himself between the bugbears and the arcanii. He could attack one bugbear, but the other could hit one of the arcanii with a javelin. He would have to wait for them to make the first move. He weighed whether he could down both of them fast enough. "This is what comes from saving the lives of drow." he grumbled. He wished Buna and Carmard would come to thier senses and see what was going on.

ooc: Did Buna drink the healing potion?

Toliudar

2012-01-17, 11:58 PM

Johannes shakes his head sadly as he steps forward. He slides his bow smoothly onto his back, making tut tut sounds.

"Bhineth'lyn, Bhineth'lyn. Really? I'd expected better. If you're going to angle for some kind of advantage, wait until you actually know what you want to DO with that advantage. And you don't, do you? You have no idea what's going on here. All you know is that we're killing the people who kept you captive, and that the thought that the slaves were crucian enough to send their most important agent -"

No further explanation is required to confirm exactly who that is.

"To free the slaves. Now, with this hamhanded hostage taking, you've pissed off a group of dwarves powerful enough to assault an entire stronghold of Aurilites. With no escape plan and no idea what's going on, how far do you think you'll be able to take this charade. And after all the trouble that I went through to save you."

Johannes shrugged, seeming disappointed by the apparent waste.

"Now, MAYBE, if you drop this bravado now, we can get you out of here alive. What do you say?"

Johannes will burn an inspiration point to boost his diplomacy skill check: [roll0]. Sense Motive on Bhineth'lyn to try to guage whether he means exactly what he's saying, or is playing some deeper game: [roll1].

ithildur

2012-01-18, 01:51 AM

Magnum

Ending his song as the last foes nearby fell or fled, Magnum waved his gory axe overhead at the paladins and nodded to Talamir, "Well done lad, nice style ye got wid dat blade, deceptively effective! Pleasure fightin' alongside ye. Suffer any wounds?"

Pulling out his wand, he activated a charge on each minotaur. He'll do one on himself and one on Talamir if either got scratched during that last battle - lesser vigor (fast healing 1) for 15 rounds.

If he's taken any wounds Talamir accepts an application of the wand with an appreciative nod. Otherwise he waves him off.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"It seems you're a warrior and healer as well as a singer of songs," the elf said with a small hint of a smile. "I don't suppose you're also a talented baker, brewer, tailor, and dancer? You'd be quite a catch for any dwarf maiden, that is, if you..."

Oddly enough, Talamir did not finish the sentence, but simply shrugged and nodded once more, ending the brief exchange as he let the words hang.

His attention quickly shifted to other matters as he began to look about, his golden brows furrowing at the sight, sounds, and most of all the putrid, sickly sweet smell of the battle's aftermath. Though victory was gained, at least for now, the scene was hardly one that that he could relish.

Talamir wondered what kind of scavengers the Underdark would eventually send forth to this place, and hoped that they would be long gone before then... Still, he hoped for a moment's reprieve even in the middle of this mess.

Soon, silence returns to the area. Relatively speaking.

On the left side though, the former slaves return to the triage center. Where three groups of 8 went out into the battle for a total of 24 armed and armored fighters, they are six fewer and are carrying six more of their wounded brethren back. Leading them is a shrewd looking drow with fading white hair tied in a ponytail. He holds two long swords in his hands, both stained red and he does little to wipe the stolen blades down. The remaining warriors fall in behind him. They make up various races, but each unquestionably follows the drow.

"I'd imagine Buelyr's got something for us next, though it seems a good time to regroup, assess our situation before the next push. Perhaps catch our..."

His eyes then shifted towards the left, narrowing to slits.

"Hold that thought."

King Tius

2012-01-18, 09:39 AM

Hjalmar Crownshield
The Gold Dwarf finally lets his hammer arm fall to his side, its work completed for the time being. He gives Nega a nod as they walk towards the triage center. The old man is feeling every scratch on his body and all of his 240* years of age.

As soon as Hjalmar catches sight of the drow the scowl returns to his face. He calls upon Moradin's might and uses his detect evil ability, judging whether the Drow is evil at heart and, if so, how strongly he radiates his evil filth. The paladin makes note of the other drow lying unconscious on the ground and Bhineth'lyn's concern for his well-being.

When hostages are taken, Hjalmar walks slowly over to the prone Drow and puts his foot on his neck, hammer poised to crush his skull. (Assuming, of course, that he can actually get to the downed Drow. If he can't he'll just stand there, scowling.)

"First the Duergar, and now tha Drow? Blasted fools, the lot of you."

*Myth-Weavers is down in protest of SOPA/PIPA, so I forgot how old he actually is.

mshady

2012-01-18, 01:38 PM

Johannes and the Drow

Johannes shakes his head sadly as he steps forward. He slides his bow smoothly onto his back, making tut tut sounds.

"Bhineth'lyn, Bhineth'lyn. Really? I'd expected better. If you're going to angle for some kind of advantage, wait until you actually know what you want to DO with that advantage. And you don't, do you? You have no idea what's going on here. All you know is that we're killing the people who kept you captive, and that the thought that the slaves were crucian enough to send their most important agent -"

No further explanation is required to confirm exactly who that is.

"To free the slaves. Now, with this hamhanded hostage taking, you've pissed off a group of dwarves powerful enough to assault an entire stronghold of Aurilites. With no escape plan and no idea what's going on, how far do you think you'll be able to take this charade. And after all the trouble that I went through to save you."

Johannes shrugged, seeming disappointed by the apparent waste.

"Now, MAYBE, if you drop this bravado now, we can get you out of here alive. What do you say?"

Johannes will burn an inspiration point to boost his diplomacy skill check: [roll0]. Sense Motive on Bhineth'lyn to try to guage whether he means exactly what he's saying, or is playing some deeper game: [roll1].

"Ah, the Fancy Dwarf. Someone not a donkey who does not bray like an ass. Excellent!" Bhineth'lyn beams, and bows somewhat respectfully to the dwarf. "You assume I don't have an advantage in mind, when I may. Truth be told, maybe I'm just trying to overcome a disadvantage, hmm?"

He looks around at the very mixed group of slaves here.

"It's ironic really, that I ended up here. Here I was, delivering some slaves to these Snow Flakes, and get betrayed by own people simply for murdering a rival and being found out. Such is our way. Lucky guess it was, really. Where were we though... oh yes! A couple things to note here.

I AM a drow. So is my brother, who I am not ungrateful for your doctor for saving... but well, he is only a brother so that gratitude only goes so far. Your group, despite the gray skinned company you keep" he pauses and winks at Duervar "are dwarves from a religious group who punishes evil, heresy and whatever you don't like. Had you found me at a fire in the Underdark, you'd have shot me and moved on without a care. Now that I have hostages, well.. I matter a bit more, now don't I? Hmm?

You ALSO take slaves yourself, monstrous ones of some intelligence instead of just wiping them out. Put them to work in your mines. I applaud your evolution from the normal genocidal approach your kind has towards its enemies, but from the perspective on the monstrous of some intelligence... well, how are you better than the Aurilites?" he smiles and pauses before switching to the drow language, one that Johannes understands.

"I do have an advantage, and I do want more than just escape. I want money, the run of their armory, and either a map out of here or to follow you out. After that, well I am a mercenary and I hear your Patriarch has worked with my kind before. Naughty little King..."

Gryndel

2012-01-18, 03:15 PM

"It seems you're a warrior and healer as well as a singer of songs," the elf said with a small hint of a smile. "I don't suppose you're also a talented baker, brewer, tailor, and dancer? You'd be quite a catch for any dwarf maiden, that is, if you..."

Oddly enough, Talamir did not finish the sentence, but simply shrugged and nodded once more, ending the brief exchange as he let the words hang.
Magnum shrugged and replied with well earned pride, "Master brewer actually, the rest..." then followed the elf's gaze with a scowling frown.

OOC:Nothing from the minotaurs Mike?

"I'd imagine Buelyr's got something for us next, though it seems a good time to regroup, assess our situation before the next push. Perhaps catch our..."

His eyes then shifted towards the left, narrowing to slits.

"Hold that thought."
After urging the minotaurs to join him, Magnum marched straight toward the area of newest confrontation, "Indeed, s'go! What can yer elf eyes make out, Talamir?"

As soon as he recognizes a drow and other potential and traditional threats (orcs?), or Talamir says he sees them, Magnum breaks into a hustling jog (or run if possible). He chuckled wickedly and spoke in a deadly serious battle bantering tone, "Seems our work is unfinished. Room on yer fine blade fer more blood, Bladesinger?"

Strangie

2012-01-18, 03:26 PM

Wyatt

Wyatt has caught on to all of this commission, and jogs his way over while putting away his shortbow, following along Magnum, like he had been. "Don't get too hasty 'dere, Mag. Look." He points out the conversation between Johannes and the drow leader. "We've got a negotiation going on. And I heard our side already make the point 'dat I wanted to make... oh well."

Wyatt frowned at the use of Arman as a sort of bargaining chip. He liked the elven wizard, for sure, as he'd always been nice enough to handle Wyatt's random inquiries about whatever was on his mind at the moment. He said nothing on the matter, though, and continued looking around at the group of gathered former slaves...

He looked around to see who he might recognize, until he spots Eoin on the ground, with a nail in his head and Nalrak performing delicate surgery. "Eoin... he's still alive... hardy bastard, for sure..." He wanted to go for a closer look, but he didn't want to interrupt Nalrak's procedure.

He seemed to want to do a lot of things at this time, but seemed to be at a loss for how to handle them...

OMG PONIES

2012-01-18, 03:57 PM

Nalrak

Nalrak closes his eyes for a moment at the drow's comments. He was already nervous enough about the possibility of abruptly ending Eoin's life without a reminder. The dwarf takes a deep breath, steadying both his nerves and his shaking hand before continuing with the procedure.

Gryndel

2012-01-18, 04:31 PM

loopy

2012-01-18, 09:24 PM

Eoin Shatterbond

"You can start the procedure when ready, Nalrak." Eoin starts, trying to ignore the flight-or-fight response building adrenaline in his system. The blasted Drow's hostage situation didn't improve his chances of survival, but the injury wasn't giving him many options right now anyway.

Alright, Eoin tells the Passenger. Knock me out.

mshady

2012-01-19, 01:40 AM

Eoin's Passenger

"Very well" the voice says. Eoin concentrates for a moment, or at least fakes it well enough, while the real work goes on inside. Moments later, he feels like he is in an unconscious state indeed.

Except that he was conscious still.

"I have "knocked you out", as you say it. Doing so requires a great deal of my own concentration, however. I actually did learn this from a monk" the voice pauses for a moment.

"Unfortunately, while you are paralyzed and unable to move, you're about to feel everything. I'll no longer be able to suppress the pain either. I would have mentioned this earlier, but well... you wanted the nail out, yes?"

"Now, be brave. Or be quiet. I'm busy. This shouldn't take longer. One way or the other. I'm not sure which I prefer..."

mshady

2012-01-19, 02:01 AM

Magnum, Talamir and the Minotaurs

With the last of the fighting complete, the two minotaurs shoulder their massive weapons and look around. Their red eyes blaze with murderous ambition, but it seems no one was around that would quite do the trick. Gore muttered something about looking for Thordek next. Neither Talamir and especially Magnum thought it was NOT for directions.

The dwarf and that particular minotaur had a long standing grudge centered on the minotaur having a long standing issue with authority, and Thordek representing authority. The other minotaur, Kerik, was older and far more dangerous, but was his blood thirst was matched by his reasoning. While Kerik was around, controlling Gore was that much easier.

Around their portion of the battle field, dozens of severed heads lay in the ground. Some with the spines still attached. The two kept track of heads in exchange for gold from the Patriarchate, althought Magnum believed those instructions had not been as specific as these two made them out to be.

Both of them were badly wounded, however. The shafts of a dozen arrows protruded out of their armor, most snapped off and a few in red rimmed holes. Their armor was torn and their exposed flesh was cut badly in several cases. Both would require serious stitches and healing magic. Kerik was the worst of the two, for it looked like he had taken a spear in his belly plate and it had sunk deep enough to at least give him some concern.

"Now what?" Kerik looked at Magnum. He was breathing a little more heavily than Magnum had ever noticed before. The other, younger minotaur watched his elder. Looking for any sign of weakness. Perhaps noticing that, Kerik beat his chest with a meaty paw. "Where did rest go? Not done yet!"

Magnum explained quickly enough and headed towards the triage center, to get treatment for the two mercenary beasts and see what was going on. What he found going on was not what he expected, for a drow and some of the slaves that had rescued had repaying their gratitude by taking hostages.

Seeing the scene, Gore unshouldered his bloody sword and looked at the scene before speaking in his growling, angry tone.

"Never trust an elf. Especially the burned elves" he pronounced. Than he swung his massive head toward Talamir and smiled, broken teeth and all.

"You fight like dancing painted whore. Pretty to watch. Mmmm!" the minotaur said to Talamir, and reached for his groin in mockery.

"Stupid calf" Kerik observes, than cuffs Gore on the back of his head with a yowl from the junior minotaur. Gore glares at him, but says nothing, as his attention turns back to the scene.

mshady

2012-01-19, 02:11 AM

Successful Check for Nalrak

The drow turns his head to regard whatever Nalrak is doing with an impatient sigh.

"That can't wait?" the drow says, exasperated. "I'm talking with yon comrade about terms, so bother me not again and I'll extend the same courtesy for the time"

He turns more fully to see the instruments Nalrak is retrieving from his bag and the blood on Eoin's head.

"If its any consolation, if you kill that one accidentally, it may save us both the trouble later. I won't mind. Just don't tell me you're trying to relieve him of a headache with a drill. That's just barbaric" the drow says, before turning back to his conversation.

With Eoin now unconscious, Nalrak is free to begin.

His diagnosis is successful and he feels like he had the right treatment in mind.

He can now begin the surgery.

Starting with roll 2...

Nalrak Ironfist

Suddenly, a voice booms from over the shoulders of Bundok and Duervar. "If you lads will kindly lend me a minute, I've got a rather involved surgery to perform. It's the least you can do...seeing as how I saved at least one dark elf's life today, I'd assume that buys me the time to save this human's as well." It seems that Nalrak hasn't heard much of what the drow said, lost as he was in his treatment of Eoin.

[roll0] to buy time for Eoin's surgery (will take -10 for rushed check if needed)
[roll1] on Eoin's story (autofail)

"Okay, lad," he says to Eoin, "I trust your tale, but know this: if you're anything less than completely unconscious, any pain you experience will be very severe and, should you move at all, very brief." He waits for the man to render himself unconscious, and then goes to work. His instruments move at a glacial pace at first, careful not to make any errant motion. His eyes stay on the field of surgery, looking for any signs that slow and steady might not win this race. Absent any sign of crisis, Nalrak continues ever so slowly. Should any arise, he moves with his usual speed and finesse, but does so only under great duress.

Taking 10 on Heal as needed for a result of 25. If this looks like it's doing the trick, I'll continue with that until completed. If it seems the surgery requires greater skill, Nalrak will begin to get risky:

[roll2] only if needed
[roll3] only if needed
[roll4] only if needed
[roll5] only if needed
[roll6] only if needed

mshady

2012-01-19, 02:26 AM

Bundok and Duervar meet old friends...

They couldn't... could they?

Bundok advances on the head drow slow and steady. "I'd always know as there was some daft ones, but has t' cold frozen thy noggin? T' only hostages 'ere are thissens. If ye but give someone a scratch there'll be hell t' pay, and you'll all be parkered ev'n if ye win. Or does ye think ye can find yer own way threw? Ye make good on the threat, and eitha we'd be sheathin' in thy vittles, or t' cold'll get ye sure enough. So what'll it be, then? Hmm?"

The two stand between Nalrak and the surronding hostage takers, quite outnumbered but hardly unsure of their chances. By them stand the massive Victor and Tec'lic.

In the crowd of slaves, a couple of instigators are still trying to whip them up against the dwarves, and it makes their ears burn in anger at the lies and outlandish statements.

That was when an older orc, missing a hand and bearing some other injuries, shuffled towards where Nalrak began his work. It looked at Bundok for awhile. It took the dwarf a moment to notice it was really LOOKING at him before he looked back at it. It had a slightly blue hued skin instead of a greenish one, usually a sign of long exposure to the cold, but that was all he could determine at first.

"Here! Here!" it cried out suddenly, and recoiled away from Bundok. "It is Walking Stick! The dwarf who brought the soldiers to us! Who sent us into the mountains and into the mines!"

Several growls rose from the crowd of slaves, including the seemingly docile ones now.

Recognition dawned on Bundok now as well. With his father, he had patrolled the tundra and the edge of the Spine. When the Patriarch came, settlements of humanoids he had merely noted and avoided before become the targets for surprise raids by the Forgemark Legion, or at least detachments not unlike the one he was part of now. The faintly blue skinned orcs had been a curiosity to him, but little more. He got a much closer look when the Legion laid out a hundred dead villagers.

It seemed they had not got all of them...

Toliudar

2012-01-19, 05:33 AM

Johannes and the Drow

"Ah, the Fancy Dwarf. Someone not a donkey who does not bray like an ass. Excellent!" Bhineth'lyn beams, and bows somewhat respectfully to the dwarf. "You assume I don't have an advantage in mind, when I may. Truth be told, maybe I'm just trying to overcome a disadvantage, hmm?"

Johannes nods slowly.

"Dear Bhineth'lyn, I would never think to insult you so much as to believe that you do NOT have an angle to work. I admire that about your people - finding opportunity in adversity as it were. Even if sometimes it's the adversity of others."

He gives a low chuckle, the feather in his cap bobbing slightly.

He looks around at the very mixed group of slaves here.

"It's ironic really, that I ended up here. Here I was, delivering some slaves to these Snow Flakes, and get betrayed by own people simply for murdering a rival and being found out. Such is our way. Lucky guess it was, really. Where were we though... oh yes! A couple things to note here.

I AM a drow. So is my brother, who I am not ungrateful for your doctor for saving... but well, he is only a brother so that gratitude only goes so far. Your group, despite the gray skinned company you keep" he pauses and winks at Duervar "are dwarves from a religious group who punishes evil, heresy and whatever you don't like. Had you found me at a fire in the Underdark, you'd have shot me and moved on without a care. Now that I have hostages, well.. I matter a bit more, now don't I? Hmm?"

Johannes shakes his head slightly.

"Now, you see, here's where you're miscalculating. You have it exactly backwards. Before you took hostages - and can any skilled magic worker ever be said to be a hostage? - you were an 'us' - a part of the relatively unsorted mass of people who I was working to save. But now, through this precipitous action, you have become a 'they' - one who acts in direct opposition to the great dwarven machinery of the patriarchate, and so must inevitably be ground under that machinery, whatever the cost."

Johannes looks over at the battlefield to drive home the point about the effectiveness of said machinery.

"You ALSO take slaves yourself, monstrous ones of some intelligence instead of just wiping them out. Put them to work in your mines. I applaud your evolution from the normal genocidal approach your kind has towards its enemies, but from the perspective on the monstrous of some intelligence... well, how are you better than the Aurilites?" he smiles and pauses before switching to the drow language, one that Johannes understands.

"I do have an advantage, and I do want more than just escape. I want money, the run of their armory, and either a map out of here or to follow you out. After that, well I am a mercenary and I hear your Patriarch has worked with my kind before. Naughty little King..."

Johannes steps a bit closer, also responding in the language of the drow.

"My friend, do not think to insult my intelligence by suggesting that you care one whit whether we are better or worse than the Aurilites. Such flourishes of rhetoric might serve you in a more formal debate, but we are somewhat pressed by time and circumstances here. Circumstances which, again, you have precipitated by playing your card too early.

"If it's mercenary work you're looking for, I can put in a good word for you with the Patriarchate. There's always jobs for the quick - quick of body, quick of tongue, and quick of mind, and I can see that you're all three of those. I think you can see, though, that killing unarmed and injured members of their order on the battlefield is hardly the first impression you wish to make on a prospective employer. So, again, let's set aside this hostage nonsense and focus on getting somewhere warmer, where we can share a brandy and sort this out properly. What do you say?"

Gryndel

2012-01-19, 05:46 AM

Magnum

With a shrug the Alaghor activated several charges from his wand en route to the triage center.

"Now what?!", Magnum grumbled irritably as the scene opened up before him. Hostages never concerned him, that fate was an unfortunate circumstance that arose occasionally during war. While armed and free to act, anyone claiming him as hostage had a serious misunderstanding of the term, and would soon learn some wisdom on the edge of his axe. Threats to kill hostages as a means to negotiate always failed in his mind, and displayed a weak position. This situation tendered no reason to change that attitude now.

Standing between the minotaurs he chuckled to himself at their banter and shrugged at Talamir at the comment about trusting elves. He personally never had, and likely never would, trust one completely, particularly drow. He'd seen his share of their treachery and dishonorable battle tactics during his decade of battles in Earthfast, and suspected this one wouldn't be so bold without some insidious plan in mind.

Magnum grinned dangerously as Gore drew his blade, fingering the hilt of Arctis as he assessed the situation. A well placed blade barrier, which waited his whim on a scroll within reach, could well change the entire scene, but precision in such a spell was vital, and he had no experience with such. He waited, for now, and watched the drown and those who spoke with him carefully and closely for any sign of violence.

If he can use the blade barrier to separate the hostages from most of the antagonists, particularly the drow, and even catch some of them in it to start, he'll pull the scroll and wait for the right moment (ie when violence finally brims over, ready action!)

ithildur

2012-01-19, 06:54 AM

As soon as he recognizes a drow and other potential and traditional threats (orcs?), or Talamir says he sees them, Magnum breaks into a hustling jog (or run if possible). He chuckled wickedly and spoke in a deadly serious battle bantering tone, "Seems our work is unfinished. Room on yer fine blade fer more blood, Bladesinger?"

Talamir was hardly surprised that he was seeing Dhaerow in the Underdark, of course, but something seemed strange as he hustled towards the scene. The movements and positions of drow, dwarf, and all the rest did not look like they were getting ready for battle... yet.
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"Always room on my blade for the blood of the Cursed Ones," replied Talamir. His mind, however, for a split second turned towards his time in Silverymoon, and the odd stories he'd overheard with skepticism.

He needed to take a closer look regardless, he decided, but his attention was momentarily diverted.

Seeing the scene, Gore unshouldered his bloody sword and looked at the scene before speaking in his growling, angry tone.

"Never trust an elf. Especially the burned elves" he pronounced. Than he swung his massive head toward Talamir and smiled, broken teeth and all.

"You fight like dancing painted whore. Pretty to watch. Mmmm!" the minotaur said to Talamir, and reached for his groin in mockery.

"Stupid calf" Kerik observes, than cuffs Gore on the back of his head with a yowl from the junior minotaur. Gore glares at him, but says nothing, as his attention turns back to the scene.

Talamir paused briefly at the words of the bloodied minotaurs, his face impassive. Unexpectedly the elf reached for the potion belt he wore, tossing a vial of curative potion towards Kerik. Without further word or glance at them he continued towards the Drow.

Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds from the bear fight

Approaching the scene, his mind reeled briefly at all that awaited him: the apparent standoff, the beginning of what appeared to be crude surgery, the wounded and unconscious dwarves, all of it. As his eyes came to rest on Arman at the feet of the Drow the Bladesinger spoke three words.

"Faer. Aegis. Theur."

A Shield spell activated from the wand inside his blade, evoking an invisible moving disc; emerald eyes sought to make contact with the Moon Elf's, then moved to silently consider the lead Drow.

His longsword had already been drawn long before.

Don't want to be too close to them yet, in case the Shield spell activation is seen as a threatening move (if any of them can recognize the spell being cast), but within 60 feet seems reasonable to make eye contact with Arman? If they react to his trigger words with a threatening move towards Arman or any hostages, Talamir will make a point to deliberately sheath his blade and show open outstretched hands.

If they do not make threatening moves yet, ready action to cast Benign Transposition swapping places with Arman (assuming he's willing), Trigger: if any action is taken to harm Arman.

Strangie

2012-01-19, 07:29 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt placed his hands at his sides, his eyes panning the lines of former slaves... nobody had told them yet that the whole place was rigged to go down in a glorious explosion. Glorious to anybody on the OUTSIDE, maybe...

He knew there seemed to be no way to evacuate everybody here out in time. Was there enough time? The thought that the same dwarves who saved his life might not be standing with him the next day bothered him greatly. He had only come up with an escape plan involving Sable and himself, and that odd little mage from Black's Company, were he still alive. If it had to come to that...

It looks like it might have to, if Johannes is unsuccessful with negotiating a truce with this drow whose name he doesn't feel like trying to pronounce. Bhineth'lyn? What the hell? He shortened it to 'Ben', in his mind, and he smiled a little. Maybe 'Benny'. Yeah, that'll work. "Heh."

"I need to ask Eoin if anybody else survived in our group, but he looks... preoccupied," Wyatt said, mostly to himself. "I'll wait until Johannes has 'dis whole thing straightened out before I go about asking questions..."

sonofzeal

2012-01-19, 08:24 AM

Bundok and Duervar meet old friends...

The two stand between Nalrak and the surronding hostage takers, quite outnumbered but hardly unsure of their chances. By them stand the massive Victor and Tec'lic.

In the crowd of slaves, a couple of instigators are still trying to whip them up against the dwarves, and it makes their ears burn in anger at the lies and outlandish statements.

That was when an older orc, missing a hand and bearing some other injuries, shuffled towards where Nalrak began his work. It looked at Bundok for awhile. It took the dwarf a moment to notice it was really LOOKING at him before he looked back at it. It had a slightly blue hued skin instead of a greenish one, usually a sign of long exposure to the cold, but that was all he could determine at first.

"Here! Here!" it cried out suddenly, and recoiled away from Bundok. "It is Walking Stick! The dwarf who brought the soldiers to us! Who sent us into the mountains and into the mines!"

Several growls rose from the crowd of slaves, including the seemingly docile ones now.

Recognition dawned on Bundok now as well. With his father, he had patrolled the tundra and the edge of the Spine. When the Patriarch came, settlements of humanoids he had merely noted and avoided before become the targets for surprise raids by the Forgemark Legion, or at least detachments not unlike the one he was part of now. The faintly blue skinned orcs had been a curiosity to him, but little more. He got a much closer look when the Legion laid out a hundred dead villagers.

It seemed they had not got all of them...
"Aye, tha' 'ts. An' others ye might well call to mind, closer'n I kin spit. I'll say same to you as to the darkie - if you're fixin' to bensel here, win or loose you'll dee sure as darkfall. It's bein' us or the mountains, lad. I fair reckon there's some as'd take tha' swing ev'n kennin' there's a grave behind it, and I can't say as I'd choose any different 'tween life and honourin' tha lost. So who'll it be then? Thee?" He jabs in the direction of the orc with his staff. "Or thee?" He points at another of the growing figures. "You'd not be the first to come at me for satisfaction. Well, any as'd wager their necks may as well step off with me now so's we can settle this quick-like." He raised a silent prayer that none would take him up on the offer, but that would be too easy and nothing was ever easy. Least he could do would be to separate out the real troublemaker now, and split off that branch of resistance rather than having it fall under the Drow's sway.

OMG PONIES

2012-01-19, 09:04 AM

Nalrak

"If its any consolation, if you kill that one accidentally, it may save us both the trouble later. I won't mind. Just don't tell me you're trying to relieve him of a headache with a drill. That's just barbaric" the drow says, before turning back to his conversation.

The dwarven surgeon laughs, equal parts chuckle and scoff. "A bit more than a headache, this. The only way to cure some large pains is to cause a lesser one," he muses. Whether this was to respond to his drow heckler or to appease his own conscience, Nalrak couldn't be sure. He begins to lay into the man's head with his tools, but finds the skin incredibly thick and resilient. Remembering his training, he applies the slightest bit of additional pressure, and the skin is punctured easily. The dwarf moves in slow, steady lines; some field surgeons sawed to and fro like they were carving a roast, but that type of work was guaranteed to leave an ample number of both scars and corpses.

Nalrak pauses once more, but not to pray or steady himself. Instead, he closes his eyes and freezes as he envisions the procedure in his mind. He walks himself quickly through the steps and opens his eyes, trying desperately to hide the tears that were forming in their corners. It was one thing to practice this procedure on cadavers, but another thing entirely to perform it on a living patient. These were the moments where Nalrak knew he was working out his salvation with fear and trembling, ever clamoring for repentance. He was no longer a foolish dwarf who burnt down buildings through carelessness, but a trained professional. However, that young foolhardy dwarf was still somewhere within him. The thought that the lad could surface again at any moment through a twitch or sneeze was enough to keep Nalrak on edge. With a quavering breath, Nalrak begins to enact the steps he had visualized in his mind.

[roll0] to focus and recall the procedure
Taking 10 on Heal for a result of 25 as before. If that still doesn't seem to be doing the trick, rolling as follows:
[roll1] if needed
[roll2] if needed
[roll3] if needed
[roll4] if needed
[roll5] if needed

Chepe Nolon

2012-01-19, 12:01 PM

Nega
Nega whispers to Hjalmar:
Jalmar ifn ye 'ad been born wit' luck I d nay spect dis muc' devilry to 'appen on us. Now lets go closer and see wat da dark tounge speak on. I tink it mite be some to gain by dis.
She walks into listening range and litens intently at the conversation.

Gryndel

2012-01-19, 02:02 PM

Magnum (just before leaving the battle with frost giant knight)

Taking the Aurelite Battle Standard (non magical one) and a weapon from a foe he had killed in personal combat, the Alaghor knelt and rumbled out a rhythmic utterance to Clangeddin. Sacrificing both honored symbols, he tossed the ioun stone in the air to activate the enhancement it provided and prayed for any additional spells he might gain from such magic.

Not sure if he can get anything out of this, but thought it was a cool idea and forgot to post it before. It would grant him another 1st level spell bonus, as well as other increases in battle intuition and such. I believe all but the spell would be instant gains, and the spell bonus is DM call I suppose.

loopy

2012-01-20, 12:47 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

The waiting was the worst. Between one breath the next, Eoin was plunged into a state of waking sleep. You could have told me about this part, you utter bastard!

His eyes were closed, which was a small mercy. While he could feel the dust and stone pressing into his cheek, the sensation of a drop of sweat beading on his nose, the sight of the dwarf preparing to cut into his skull would have unnerved him entirely.

The pain started, and the sheer intensity of it made Eoin want to faint. Or, to be more accurately, it would have made him faint if he had been capable of it. This waking sleep kept him at complete consciousness through the entire procedure, a prisoner inside his own mind as the drills and knives did their messy work.

This was worse than anything that Eoin had endured thus far in his life. In fact, he was now sure that not many people had experienced worse.

mshady

2012-01-21, 02:20 AM

mshady

2012-01-21, 03:18 AM

Bundok

"Aye, tha' 'ts. An' others ye might well call to mind, closer'n I kin spit. I'll say same to you as to the darkie - if you're fixin' to bensel here, win or loose you'll dee sure as darkfall. It's bein' us or the mountains, lad. I fair reckon there's some as'd take tha' swing ev'n kennin' there's a grave behind it, and I can't say as I'd choose any different 'tween life and honourin' tha lost. So who'll it be then? Thee?" He jabs in the direction of the orc with his staff. "Or thee?" He points at another of the growing figures. "You'd not be the first to come at me for satisfaction. Well, any as'd wager their necks may as well step off with me now so's we can settle this quick-like." He raised a silent prayer that none would take him up on the offer, but that would be too easy and nothing was ever easy. Least he could do would be to separate out the real troublemaker now, and split off that branch of resistance rather than having it fall under the Drow's sway.

The growling orcs, a knot of twenty or so, snarl at Bundok in reply. The dwarf steps away from his position near Duervar and stands out in front of the orcs, alone now. Words were not his nature though, nor was intimidation by anything short of act. Still... some of the orcs looked at "Walking Stick", with his fur lined cloak and staff in one hand and other hand on the hilt of his axe.

Suddenly, the orcs started hooting as one of their number pushed forward. He was a massive brute, bare chested and covered in scars, with tusks filed down to spears. It wasn't the largest orc Bundok had ever saw, but it certainly ranked. It ranked high indeed.

"I am Rook. Champion of our Clan. Protector" it snarls. "You offer satisfaction. We demand it from yu! What say you?" Rook growls back at Bundok.

The orcs gathered around them hush for a moment, waiting on the reply.

sonofzeal

2012-01-21, 06:05 AM

Bundok

Suddenly, the orcs started hooting as one of their number pushed forward. He was a massive brute, bare chested and covered in scars, with tusks filed down to spears. It wasn't the largest orc Bundok had ever saw, but it certainly ranked. It ranked high indeed.

"I am Rook. Champion of our Clan. Protector" it snarls. "You offer satisfaction. We demand it from yu! What say you?" Rook growls back at Bundok.

The orcs gathered around them hush for a moment, waiting on the reply.
"Aye. Thy clan deserved betta than it getten." Though they had been cruel and malicious, few people deserved to be slaughtered like animals. Bundok missed the simpler times that had come before, when it was just him and the wilds and its natives - natives like those orcs. Ugly and brutal as they were, they were also a memory of what was, by Bundok's standards, a better time. "Under un fettle - win or lose, 'onor is satisfied by t' challenge."

He trudges off to the side, looking for a good spot to fight.

He'll try to pick a spot where the footing is a little treacherous, from snow or ice or blood. Not that he's got ranks in Balance himself, but at least his foe will be distracted and open to attack as per this:

Being Attacked while Balancing
You are considered flat-footed while balancing, since you can’t move to avoid a blow, and thus you lose your Dexterity bonus to AC (if any).

That should help level the playing field somewhat. I'll leave it up to you whether Deepwarden's Con-to-AC disappears in the same situation; I have a feeling it might, same way as it doesn't bypass Max Dex Bonus of armor... but I can always hope.

Too bad Dwarven Stability doesn't apply on Balance checks... hm. This will get interesting.

(edit) Oh, and bright light as his back of course, given Orcish eyes. I don't know if the sun is up though.

Strangie

2012-01-21, 06:55 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt watched Bundok trudge off to go pick a fight with the orcs. He sighed, looking up at the ceiling for a moment. "Pride... matters not which race it is, it's all the same..."

He looked at Nalrak, and his poking of sharp objects in Eoin's head, which unsettled him, and then at Joh and Benny, and frowned. Sable wasn't around for him to talk to. All of this standing around was driving him crazy, in a situation that ultimately might not matter in the end as everybody in this room is probably a dead man walking given the circumstances.

He muttered a prayer quietly to himself.

"Shaundakul, wind walker, please show me and my friends the path so we can get the hell out of here and not die." He didn't expect his prayer to be answered any time soon, but it was worth a shot.

ithildur

2012-01-21, 07:14 AM

There is no time for this foolishness, any of it.

Talamir knew delays could cost dearly in battle, especially if surprise was important at all to success. They needed to press on, or use the precious opportunity for a breather to their advantage; if it weren't for the possible danger to the hostages and others, he would have preferred to deal these Dhaerow, who were resorting to their usual treachery, with quick and decisive lethal force. Or given their urgency, perhaps... even let them go without a fight, at least til another day, another time.

The others were already engaged in exchange of pleasantries, and oddly enough the lead Drow did not seem to note Talamir's presence yet. A number of options raced through his mind, but Talamir decided to wait patiently for the moment, standing ready in case Arman was threatened, watching him in the hopes that perhaps the Faern had his own means of escape readied, but prepared to cast the spell that would swap places with him if needed. For a split second he glanced about, looking for the unusual dwarf that had gained a good measure of his trust.

Where was Buelyir?

His gaze shifted back to the Drow for a moment, and though he willed himself once more to temper the deep, ancient racial enmity that ran in his bones, his left eye twitched imperceptibly in anticipation.

Gryndel

2012-01-21, 02:05 PM

Still prepared to unleash the scroll spell, the Alaghor noted the tactical situation and said, "Kerik, we oughta position ourselves better fer da inevitable, c'mon Wyatt, back us up."

Making no pretense about his maneuver, Magnum moved closer to the orcs. He put them between himself and the drow and watched Bundok and the orc champion closely.

Toliudar

2012-01-21, 02:35 PM

Strangie

2012-01-21, 03:38 PM

Wyatt

Wyatt seemed incredulous. A dwarf was actually asking to back him up? It seemed to take a moment to register to him.

The thought of standing rank with Kerik Many Skulls of all people set him with unease, though. He'd worked with big, dumb brutes before - although that particular case was very, very different. He shook his head and gathered his senses, and joined rank with Magnum. "You got it, Mag. Ready to move when you need me to."

Chepe Nolon

2012-01-22, 09:56 AM

Nega

Nega whispers to Hjalmar:Jalmar get ready to move ifn em don't take da offer. Need to take out as many as we can ifn called for. Don't like it but it can be only way out. She scowls looking at the drow and his companions.

shaddy_24

2012-01-22, 12:26 PM

Duervar

Duervar shifts again as Johannes makes his offer. They didn't have time for this to carry on, and if the drow didn't accept this, it would be time to finish it off. He does his best to catch the drow's eye and let him know, silently, that his time was running out.

Intimidate: [roll0]

mshady

2012-01-22, 04:57 PM

Hostage Central

Johannes takes another step toward the headstrong drow, his hands open at his sides to show that he isn't reaching for a weapon. Indeed, his argument is that he doesn't have to.

"Time's ticking here, Bhineth'lyn, thanks to you. What's it going to be? Dying horribly for the dubious satisfaction of slitting a dwarven throat, or living another day?"

The confident drow looks for Johannes with a moment of confusion on his face.

"How does time tick? It may flow like a river, be wasted, spent, earned or lost, but does it tick?" he says and sighs with a measure of exasperation.

"Well, suffice it to say I plan on living for another day regardless. I have no desire to slit a dwarven throat... although I'd love to see the Elven gimp here with a leash around his neck and licking my boots. If I had boots. Which I add to my demands by the way..."

Bhineth'lyn glances around and looks at the the very serious, deadly look on Duervar's face and wheels towards him, pointing at him with a finger.

"Now he concerns me. He's got that "I don't care, so long as I kill you first" look I so love to use myself. So...." he looks around, and finally marks Talamir in the group. Victor makes a growling noise as well, as he stands between the drow and the gruesome surgery taking place on Eoin.

"Oh, you have another elf. If one of them should die, Lloth has sent me another"

From ten feet to his left, standing between the two groups, Buelyir appears suddenly, from behind some kind of veil. His katana sits on his shoulder and he has a canteen in his hand, and appears fairly lackadaisical.

"Oh, hello lad. Please, keep stalling. We've nothing better to do" Buelyir says, unlimbering his large sword. He puts the point into the ground and turns it so the rune covered adamantine blade's width can be seen. The blade scrapes against the stone, creating a powder around its tip as it grinds the flagstone, rather effectively making the point it is sharp as hell.

The drow smirks at the dwarf's sudden appearance and shakes his head.

"Very well. Before we deal though, I would note that hostage taking is merely a way for two parties who do not trust each other to keep each other honest for pavaler or to enforce an agreement. I would have offered my own, but truthfully would you have believed I wouldn't have readily sacrificed someone if it suited me? Of course not. If you had, I'd be insulted!" he smirks sarcastically.

"Yes... so, deal? We either go with you or given a map and a path out. We want first run of the armory and larders to equip and get food. You treat our wounded. Neither side attacks each other. Except whatever is going on between the bear dwarf and the orc. That seems to be their own affair, and I think I'd like to watch it. So does that sound reasonable enough? If we have more common cause, we can even share some killing if you like. It's been too long, and I have evil hands" he says and wiggles his fingers enthusiastically.

"Reasonable?" he says, glancing at Buelyir to see if he moved.

thorgrim29

2012-01-22, 05:20 PM

Thordrek

Thordrek non-threateningly goes closer to Buelyir. He addresses the Arcanni in dwarven in the hope that the drow does not speak it, but still tries not to give away too much.

Sir, glad to see you in one piece, unlike Carmard unfortunately. As much as I hate the thought of travelling and fighting alongside another mercenary group of dubious character, I don't think we have much of a choice. If we just let everyone we freed go, the drow and his band will most likely just enslave the others again no matter what we make them promise. Plus, I don't think we can in good conscience let these poor people go without an escort. I don't think paying them would be any concern, there's bound to be more riches then we can carry where we're going anyway, so maybe we could sent the Sollinor and his men back with the slaves, they've bled enough for a day, and take the drow and the others with us.

mshady

2012-01-23, 10:30 AM

Buelyir stands with his palms laid across the top of the pommel of his sword. It is carved in bone, and is an intricate dragon design. He peers over the pommel at the drow with narrow, suspicious eyes.

"Yes, I think getting us to agree to terms to let him leave with the slaves, and than enslaving them himself to buy his way back in with his friend might be his game" Buelyir notes quietly.

"Question is if that's the better fate for them. There's nigh two hundred of them, walking wounded and weak. I've not enough magic to get them all out too, so it'll be walking through the mountains for them. The Sonnlinor may nay be able to take them either. Many aren't the nice kind o'humanoids. Let's resolve this first. If I need to double cross him later, I will. Decisions like that be why I'm here..." Buelyir remarks quietly.

It takes Thordek a moment to process what he heard. Than he realizes he had heard it in his mind, not his ears....

Toliudar

2012-01-23, 11:18 AM

Hostage Central

Blithely unaware of the mental conversation going on between Thordrek and Buelyir, Johannes faces down the drow.

"A slight counter-proposal. You leave with us. No one was stopping you from doing anything, but I'm not trying to hold any of these dwarves back from any spoils they get, so you get whatever's currently available, not first pick. What you find, you keep. We treat your wounded, just as we've been doing - as we are able, when we are able. And yes, neither side attacks the other. Nor do they attack the other slaves. With the exception of, um..."

Johannes gestures vaguely towards the orc/dwarf pairing that seems to be taking shape, and then dismisses it with a wave. Johannes turned to his superior.

"I take it this is acceptable?"

Who does Johannes report to?

loopy

2012-01-23, 11:23 AM

Eoin's Passenger:

Eoin finds himself standing in a vacant cave in his own mind. It is black, with only a single point of light. He curled up naked, in a fetal position on the floor of the cave as he is wracked with pain. The rumble of laughter echoes throughout the chamber.

"I am an utter bastard?" the voice says, seemingly hurt by the accusation. "I am not the one of questionable parentage."

"Let me educate you. I did not tell you because you would object. If you objected, you would have allowed medicine to put you under. Waking would have taken some time. You may need that time"

The voice pauses.

"It would have also put me under. This is a dangerous surgery. I can't protect you"

Once again, the voice pauses as pain wrack's Eoin's consciousness.

"If it makes you feel better, I feel your pain"

Eoin Shatterbond

In the dream, Eoin's back arches in pain as he feels an all-too-real incision into his scalp. Reflexively bringing his arm up to his head, only to find that his dream-self is unharmed.

Fighting down the pain, Eoin remarks. "Still, this isn't the best of situations. Did you see that damned drow just before we went under? That can't end well."

All too aware of his nakedness, Eoin pulls himself into a sitting position and looks around at the darkness. "So what is your name, anyway? Letting you in my mind has told you everything to know about me, yet I know next to nothing about you."

Eoin raises a hand to belay any dismissive comeback. "Granted, I was in a tight spot when we made the accord, but we are travelling together for now, so it would pay to get to know each other a little better."

Another arc of pain sends Eoin back into his prior fetal position. "Besides..." He snarls through clenched teeth. "It would help distract me from the pain."

mshady

2012-01-23, 01:24 PM

The Drow, Johanness and Duervar

Hostage Central

Blithely unaware of the mental conversation going on between Thordrek and Buelyir, Johannes faces down the drow.

"A slight counter-proposal. You leave with us. No one was stopping you from doing anything, but I'm not trying to hold any of these dwarves back from any spoils they get, so you get whatever's currently available, not first pick. What you find, you keep. We treat your wounded, just as we've been doing - as we are able, when we are able. And yes, neither side attacks the other. Nor do they attack the other slaves. With the exception of, um..."

Johannes gestures vaguely towards the orc/dwarf pairing that seems to be taking shape, and then dismisses it with a wave. Johannes turned to his superior.

"I take it this is acceptable?"

Who does Johannes report to?

The drow looks over his shoulder and frowns at the pending engagement between Bundok and a burly looking orc, which was some sort of champion to the blue skinned orcs.

"Is that acceptable? There a reason I should care? Looks like good entertainment to my eyes. Care for a flutter? You seem the betting kind." the drow asks with a quirked eye brow, the hair white as snow. He smiles slyly at the suggestion.

He thinks for a moment and raises his hand for a moment, than walks away from Johannes and everyone else.

The drow approaches the scene and looks at Duervar, even stealing a peak at the surgery.

"You know, you should get a different weapon there, Duergar whatever yer name be. I confuse you with the rest of the slaves. If not for you sour disposition, I'd hardly remark you at all" he says cheerfully to Duervar.

"Say though, a query for your thoughts. You friend there, what does he do? His smell is as righteous as your faith, he's covered in fur and the orcs seem to know him. He some sort of ranger who knows the land? If so, watching his gruesome death might be marginally less useful to me than a guide through your hellish cold. None of the rest of you really seem to be trig landsmen"

The drow says and smiles as Bundok and the Orc march towards a separate area near the river, where the mist has made the stone very slick.

He leans around Duervar and watches Nalrak using a hand cranked drill as blood flows from Eoin's head in red rivulets.

"I hope that's going very poorly. Try not to twitch or get distracted. I can hum you a little tune if you'd like the accompaniment" he says, smiling and twirling one of his blades lazily.

mshady

2012-01-24, 12:43 AM

Wyatt, Magnum and the Minotaurs

Wyatt

Wyatt seemed incredulous. A dwarf was actually asking to back him up? It seemed to take a moment to register to him.

The thought of standing rank with Kerik Many Skulls of all people set him with unease, though. He'd worked with big, dumb brutes before - although that particular case was very, very different. He shook his head and gathered his senses, and joined rank with Magnum. "You got it, Mag. Ready to move when you need me to."

Kerik looks down, and down, and down at Wyatt and smiles through bloodied teeth... who's Wyatt is unsure.

"Ah, the little halfing with his terrible little club!" the massive minotaur says, following it with his rumbling chuckle. "You done well. Stay out from under foot, and Kerik and half man will do well. Only unarmored slaves and a mouthy black elf. Not sure why we bother even talking"

Gore grunts next to them both. His eyes are scanning the crowd, and he seems to be in an unhealthy state of excitement at the prospect of mass, easy slaughter.

"Kill them all" is Gore's only advice. That he seems particularly focused on what most be a family rather than the armed combatants is bit.. disturbing. Even Kerik gives him a sideways glance.

Still prepared to unleash the scroll spell, the Alaghor noted the tactical situation and said, "Kerik, we oughta position ourselves better fer da inevitable, c'mon Wyatt, back us up" Magnum says.

The massive minotaur nods and they move up a bit. They now stand in a 4 wide line in the middle of the dwarven group. Both minotaurs make a show of hefting their weapons on their shoulders, displaying the massive implements. The two share a glance, and reach into heavy burlap sacks. They unhook them and give them a shake.

Dozens of blood heads, all fresh and juicy yet, tumble on to the floor in front of them. Some roll in front of Magnum and Wyatt, even.

Screams from the children and shouts of horrified alarm rise up from some of the slaves as well.

Than the two minotaurs begin pounding their chest in rthym and droning out a song in their own language. It sounds dark and horrible, if they are truly even words. Occasionally they snort powerfully and paw at the ground with their hooves...

The display is quickly gathering attention, and it occurs to Magnum that these two may not be so easily controlled. That they were not just big dwarves with a small vocabulary, but at their hearts, really monsters....

Gryndel

2012-01-24, 01:26 AM

Magnum

With a chuckle rumbling deep within his chest, the Alaghor nodded at Wyatt and slapped him roughly on the shoulder. He turned to grin fiercely up at Kerik, "I'm gettin' closer ta da drow, naught but trouble dat one."

Without waiting for reply of any kind, Magnum marched purposefully over toward the drow. Noting the people he recognized, it pleased him to see so many of his compatriots and fellow Patriarchates had survived the battles.

Occasionally kicking a bloody head out of his path, he made his way closer to the drow, angling to get closer to Buelyir too, and hopefully in sight of Carmard.

Strangie

2012-01-24, 02:02 AM

Wyatt

"And the big minotaur with the terrible great axe. Different in stature we may be, but neither of us are strangers to 'dis sort of thing, eh?" Wyatt smirked and shrugged at Magnum and Kerik's acts and words. "Thanks... hah. Hey, don't worry about me gettin' caught underfoot. I've been gettin' plenty of practice of 'dat from breakin' the kneecaps and faces of giants all day."

He ignores Gore's comment. It didn't really surprise him in the slightest, knowing what he knows of minotaurs and what he has seen with his two sharp eyes...

A head from the minotaur packs rolls in front of him. He sort of frowns at the garish display, but he says nothing of it, keeping up with Magnum, his new partner in battle it seemed. He sort of swiftly steps around the avalanche of heads... this sort of thing might have disturbed him in the past, but witnessing acts of atrocity weren't new to him, especially in this crew, and he kept a strong face for those who might be watching...

mshady

2012-01-24, 02:34 AM

Nalrak's Surgery

Nalrak

The dwarven surgeon laughs, equal parts chuckle and scoff. "A bit more than a headache, this. The only way to cure some large pains is to cause a lesser one," he muses. Whether this was to respond to his drow heckler or to appease his own conscience, Nalrak couldn't be sure. He begins to lay into the man's head with his tools, but finds the skin incredibly thick and resilient. Remembering his training, he applies the slightest bit of additional pressure, and the skin is punctured easily. The dwarf moves in slow, steady lines; some field surgeons sawed to and fro like they were carving a roast, but that type of work was guaranteed to leave an ample number of both scars and corpses.

Nalrak pauses once more, but not to pray or steady himself. Instead, he closes his eyes and freezes as he envisions the procedure in his mind. He walks himself quickly through the steps and opens his eyes, trying desperately to hide the tears that were forming in their corners. It was one thing to practice this procedure on cadavers, but another thing entirely to perform it on a living patient. These were the moments where Nalrak knew he was working out his salvation with fear and trembling, ever clamoring for repentance. He was no longer a foolish dwarf who burnt down buildings through carelessness, but a trained professional. However, that young foolhardy dwarf was still somewhere within him. The thought that the lad could surface again at any moment through a twitch or sneeze was enough to keep Nalrak on edge. With a quavering breath, Nalrak begins to enact the steps he had visualized in his mind.

[roll0] to focus and recall the procedure
Taking 10 on Heal for a result of 25 as before. If that still doesn't seem to be doing the trick, rolling as follows:
[roll1] if needed
[roll2] if needed
[roll3] if needed
[roll4] if needed
[roll5] if needed

Nalrak realizes one unfortunate part of the circumstance here is that he had no table to work on and just had to lean over his patient. He carefully positions himself and reaches for a tin, some shaving lather and a razor first. He carefully shaves away the hair around the area of the surgery himself. In normal settings, an attendant would do that for him, but than again this was why many surgeons were actually surgeon barbers in the cities.

With the site suitably clean, he washes it with a cloth for a moment than finds a grease pencil and traces around where he will cut the flap of skin away from the skull. With the marks made, he takes the scalpel firmly in hand and cuts around the area. He cuts, and blood wells from the incision as he creates the flap. Before he folds it back, he dabs away the blood as best he can and tries to keep his own fingers dry...

Surgery Check DC 15 - Roll of 17.

Next, Nalrak rolls back the flap from the nail head ahead and the site where he is going to drill. It was such a relatively small spike, pull it out with the pliers seems more reasonable than he thought before but he disregards the idea. Next, he reaches for the circular bit and the hand cranked drill. He centers it on the site. The next part, at least for a professional, requires a very steady hand to make a clean cut and avoid bone chips. It also required enough precision to not go a fraction deeper than needed, and the constant checking made this part tedious...

He tenses, than begins to the next part of the operation, turning the crank and pausing every few turns to brush away any fragments...

Surgery Check DC20 - Roll 24

It takes several minutes, but the adamantine bit cuts a small, neat hole and he is left with a coin sized bone fragment floating just above the brain. Clear liquid dribbles a bit, and it makes Nalrak wince a bit. Supposedly that was normal, but what did he know for sure? This was stretching his skills enough.

That was when the drow arrived, thinking the whole affair was a lark and joking about killing his patient. It was enough to break the tightly focused concentration he had to maintain.... but only for a moment. Nalrak pauses just enough to flash a serious glare at the drow before returning to his work, quickly regaining his concentration....

Concentration Check +12: Roll of 30 v. DC20.

The next part would be even more difficult. The extraction. Fortunately, the nail worked in his favor after a fashion. He looks at his instrument tray and calmly reaches for a pair of forceps and firmly grasps the broken nail. It was still tricky, for it was a square forcep grasping a relatively round object. It was also have to be extracted not just straight, but at the precise angle that it went in to avoid any other damage. That and the bone fragment would have to be pulled free without tearing any membrane beneath, at least badly.

He takes a deep breath and prepares for the extraction...

Surgery Check - Roll 33 versus DC25.

With great relief, the nail and bone fragment come away neatly, without catching on anything. He carefully moves it all over to his instrument tray and sets it down and ponders what to do next with it exactly. He turns it over and around and notices the poorly made barbs on the nail, designed to tear flesh and stay wedged in bone or shields. With his thumb, he pushes the nail forward as much as he dares to better expose the barbs. Than he reaches for what are really fancy versions of smithing tongs and puts the barbs between the flat grips of the tongs. Taking a mallet, he gives the tongues a careful, yet strong whack to flatten out the barbs. It takes several minutes, but he is able to flatten the barbs enough he is able to pull them through the entry point. Looking at the puny spike now, he only shakes his head and sets the bloody thing down on the tray.

With the bone fragment in hand, he returns to his patient and looks at what is exposed beneath. Sure enough, the nail had pierced the membrane and a small, red mark in the brain beneath shows the slightest of punctures...

Nalrak concentrates against for a moment, and reaches for a specific wand from his kit. It casts a cure light wounds spell, but it had a focusing crystal that allowed very precise application. He holds it as gently as a quill, and wills it awake than channels the spell out of the wand into Eoin's brain itself...

Surgery Check - Extraction DC 25 - Roll 31
Concentration Check - DC20 - Roll 24

With that part of the wound tended as best he can now, he can only pray to Dumathion no more damage was done.

Many surgeons would replace such a hole with a silver coin, but Nalrak decided to put the bone fragment back where it came from. He neatly seats it from whenst it came. It slots in well enough, not after a moment of fumbling though.

He curses, but reaches for his wand again. He touches the fragment itself, using two charges as he bonds the fragment back to the rest of the skull. Next, he touches the nail hole itself and watches as the bone fragment is quickly rebuilt.

Surgery DC 15 for Bone Chip Replacement and Roll of 17.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he sets the last of his tools back on his tray. The good news was that Eoin was stilll breathing. The rest.... well, he would soon see when, or if, he came around. He had to shake his head though in admiration.

He had let a drow's mockery intrude on his concentration. This Eoin fellow was focused enough to ride out the entire surgery through the sheer power of concentration. Whatever he was.... he was impressive, assuming no unusual tricks. Which would still be impressive, wouldn't they?

mshady

2012-01-24, 02:58 AM

Grathalmor and the Arcanii

Sorry for the belated posting on this!!!

Grathalmor stands in front of the two Arcanii, the tattoo on his face a blazing blue in color. His shield is held in a rigid stance, and his urghosh is held at the ready. His eyes sweep between the two hobgoblins, left and right with precise regularity. He stands tense, ready to spring either in the Arcanii's defense or right at the two orc slaves.

Both orc slaves stand with their javelins hefted and ready to throw, both focused on the vulnerable Carmard. He is still unconscious from the pain killer administered by Nalrak, in a heavy dose at that.

Behind him, he hears a clatter, but cannot afford to shift his head, or even eyes to see what his two charges are doing. A moment passes before he sees Buna standing next to him, her head bandaged and looking a bit glassy eyed, but an axe is in her hand and shield in the other.

"Oi, hey there lad. Thought ye could use a hand" she says. She stands unsteadily and struggles for a moment to hold up her shield, but indeed she does it.

In her right hand, she holds her axe and she makes sure to send some unfocused arcane energy into the hand. A blue haze envelops her hand and the axe, and it makes her hand tingle but she maintains it for the intimidation value.

"Yes, you two green err.. blue skinned orkies. I'm a mage! If I'm not fighting with me axe, I'll burn ye alive and all sorts of horrible things. I took a beating and I'm nay sure where I am, but I don't care and got a temper look'n for place to vent somethin' fierce, aye if I do" she says and smiles.

"Glad ye two are handy" she says and winks at them.

mshady

2012-01-24, 03:13 AM

Bundok and the Orc

Bundok looks around for where he would like to fight. The orc seemed satisfied to fight wherever he could actually get into a fight. It all seemed so misguided and pointless, and this orc seemed so very big. He heard how Grathalmor almost got killed by The Black Orc in Sigil, and he knew he was not the warrior Grathalmor was. Hopefully this orc was not as strong as that other orc. Here he was, in the middle of a hostage crisis, where he should have been guarding Nalrak, accepting a duel with an orc over an old, if perhaps justified, grudge.

So he wanted to find any advantage he could find, and found it near the river. The mist from the river hitting some rocks created some very slick looking rock. He had some measure of training, but mostly he counted on his squat dwarven form to give him a bit of an advantage over this hulk.

Some of the other orcs trailed the two as they walked off for the duel, happy to see satisfaction for a long time grudge against the first dwarf they recognized.

Orcs.

Bloody, stupid, orcs.

The older orc called from some distance.

"Walking Stick! You do your tribe honor by taking this challenge. Ours was a peaceful clan and you killed us all and drove us into arms of slavers. You show honor facing your sins. Shocked we are. You must be very brave, or very stupid, to fight our champion!"

The other orcs murmured in agreement, than began hooting and hollaring.

With the rush of water in the background and the hooting orcs around him, Bundok stood and faced the hefty orc. It was dressed in chainmail and had a heavy mining pick, not unlike Duervar's in its hand. One lucky hit with that point, driven deep, would be the end of him he figured....

sonofzeal

2012-01-24, 03:57 AM

Bundok

Marching over to the river, Bundok pondered the absurdity of the situation. It made no sense, but felt proper in a way he could never define, as if it was meant to be. That made just as little sense, Bundok put fairly little stock in fate or destiny, but here he was.

His fingers drummed on the quarterstaff he was so known for. Lethal violence was something he'd always found distasteful. Not that he was a pacifist by any stretch of imagination, just that bloodshed was so often senseless. Especially here, today, when there'd been so much. But this orc would not accept nonlethal combat, and for all Bundok knew the use of it might constitute a further insult. To avoid unnecessary bloodshed would be best... but to honour the past and the dead would mean fighting without reserve. Hmm. His fingers twitched, his mind keenly aware of the axe handles ready to be taken in hand at a moment's notice. For now though, he held the staff.

Reaching the river bank, he took his bearings carefully. Check the ground behind him in case he must retreat. Keep the sun over his shoulders and in the Orc's eyes. Find a nice spot where the footing was slightly better, a depression in the rock or a bit of moss to get some extra purchase. Finally, settle into a defensive posture, staff near vertical, ready to parry any strike.

He turned and looked at the Orc with neither hatred nor fear in his eyes. He merely nodded, signalling his readiness, and waited for the Orc's response.

Total Defensive Action for +6 AC

Taking 10 on Balance right now since he's not immediately threatened, so 13.

ithildur

2012-01-24, 04:38 AM

Talamir could feel the mounting tension; in the midst of the so called negotiations a dual was about to commence, as well as an apparent standoff near the unconscious Carmard!

Unexpectedly, the lead Drow was walking away from Arman. Buelyr made his appearance as well, though he did not seem to be in a hurry to issue orders.

When he saw what the Drow was doing to distract the rough surgery, Talamir decided it was time to act. He called upon the wand of Shield spell once more and approached Arman calmly, longsword drawn but the blade held downwards. He was quite willing to take on anyone that made a threatening move towards the mage, though his ultimate focus was elsewhere.

The fact that Arman was neither gagged nor bound was not lost on the Bladesinger.

Keeping exact movement/location/etc vague for now until I can see map and we go into combat rounds (if it happens):smallsmile:

shaddy_24

2012-01-24, 07:38 AM

The drow approaches the scene and looks at Duervar, even stealing a peak at the surgery.

"You know, you should get a different weapon there, Duergar whatever yer name be. I confuse you with the rest of the slaves. If not for you sour disposition, I'd hardly remark you at all" he says cheerfully to Duervar.

"Say though, a query for your thoughts. You friend there, what does he do? His smell is as righteous as your faith, he's covered in fur and the orcs seem to know him. He some sort of ranger who knows the land? If so, watching his gruesome death might be marginally less useful to me than a guide through your hellish cold. None of the rest of you really seem to be trig landsmen"

Duervar bared his teeth again and spits to the side. "Yeah he's a ranger."

He grinds his teeth at the rest of the statement, but sees no need to start an argument with the dark elf, especially not over theology. There are better times for that.

He leans around Duervar and watches Nalrak using a hand cranked drill as blood flows from Eoin's head in red rivulets.

"I hope that's going very poorly. Try not to twitch or get distracted. I can hum you a little tune if you'd like the accompaniment" he says, smiling and twirling one of his blades lazily.

Duerver growls deep in his throat.

OMG PONIES

2012-01-24, 10:39 AM

Nalrak

"I hope that's going very poorly. Try not to twitch or get distracted. I can hum you a little tune if you'd like the accompaniment" he says, smiling and twirling one of his blades lazily.

Nalrak is so focused on his task at hand that he barely even notices the drow's occasional heckling until the end of his last jab. "Save your tunes, spider man," the dwarf chides the drow with an odd amount of cheer, "I'm done here." Nalrak looks to the two humans attending Eoin and says, "Stay with him, lads, and don't let him do anything that strains himself for the next few hours. The magical aid should mean he heals quicker than--"

The surgeon's attention is stolen by Bundok's imposing battle with the orc. Seeing that the clash is friendly enough, Nalrak chuckles and shakes his head in mock disapproval. "Patch one up and another runs right into a fight, eh? Looks like I may not be seeing an end to my work till tomorrow." He keeps an eye on the duel but also scans the crowd for any others that need his attention.

shaddy_24

2012-01-24, 11:08 AM

Duervar

The half duergar sticks to Nalrak's side if he moves anywhere, glaring at any of the drow's crew if they come within 20 feet. He checks up on the drow's location as often as possible, making sure he wasn't causing trouble.

mshady

2012-01-24, 01:27 PM

Hostage Central

Seeing that the drow had moved off, Buelyir is content to wait until his return. He figured it for as much a delaying tactic as, well, something to be expected. With the distraction of blood sport at the least, how could the drow really resist? It was bit like expecting a moth to stay away from a torch, he supposed...

When Bhineth'lyn Myiryn moved away though, leaving Arman behind, Talamir started to move forward to yank the elf away from the drow. The minotaurs were getting riled up as well, which was certainly drawing enough attention, but Magnum and Wyatt began to move forward as well.

The move was noticed immediately, as they crossed into the "no man's" land between the two group. Some of the slave soldiers shouted in warning, and immediately a dozen rushed out of the crowd with a panoply of weapons and armor in hand.

Hearing the uproar, the two bugbears by the Arcanii look around and than raises their javelins, drawing back their arms and taking a step back from Grathalmor.

Some more armed slaves, holding mining picks, shovels and length of chain push away the non combatants and move forward too. Talamir and the rest don't get more than 20 feet before there is a stiff reaction.

Bhineth'lyn Myiryn himself comes flying forward, both longswords held at the ready. He stands in an unusual stance, slightly crouched and ready to jump forward with his, albeit crude, blades.

One of the bugbears grabs Arman and yanks him backwards, sending the off balanced elven mage to the hard stone floor.

"What do you think you're doing?" Bhineth'lyn snarls. "I step away for a moment, and you try to grab one of your people away? What part of "hostage" is confusing here. I keep him and the others so we can talk in good faith. If you take him, it is NOT good faith.. and quite rude too!" he says and purses his lips.

He marks the shimmering oval and Talamir behind it, and levels a glare at the elf from 40 feet away. He slowly points one of his blades at him, a damning metal finger marking him as a nemesis.

"You shouldn't have tried saving your kin. No you shouldn't" he says, than turns and delivers a vicious kick to Arman's belly.

"See what you made me do now? I was working something out with the dwarf there, and an elf tries to sabotage it. So predictable!" he rages, if a bit dramatically.

He turns back to Johannes and lowers his blades with a sigh.

"Now you see why we felt a need for this?" he says and shakes his head. "I think I am owed a concession for that little incident. Seeing how he almost caused a blood bath. I want the elf's sword" he says, gesturing at Talamir with a wily smile.

Buelyir turns his head and looks first at Talamir, Magnun and Wyatt, than at Johannes.

"Did you hear me order anything?" he says gravelly. He has a sour look on his face.

He turns back to Johannes and gives him a nod.

Grodech

2012-01-24, 01:29 PM

Strangie

2012-01-24, 01:46 PM

Wyatt

Wyatt winced a little at Buelyir's scathing remark. "Uh, no... but." He sort of gestured with his hand at Magnum a bit, and tried to come up with something witty and take some of the heat off himself, but failed, and just waved his hands in dismission. "Damnit."

He shrugged and threw his hands up a little bit at Magnum, in confusion. He said, in a quieter voice to Magnum, "Can you remind me again exactly what you were doing, or wanted to do since I forgot to ask 'dat part?"

Gryndel

2012-01-24, 02:19 PM

Toliudar

2012-01-24, 06:33 PM

Hostage Central

Johannes keeps his hands lowered, and isn't waving any swords in his hand.

"You want to talk about rude? How about ignoring my counter-proposal to go be a spectator at some kind of brawl. You want the elf's sword, you negotiate with him for it afterward."

The dwarf's voice takes on a low seriousness that had, heretofore, been lacking.

"You are vastly overestimating both our patience and the strength of your position, Bhineth'lyn. Consider it an act of good faith that I haven't put four arrows in your eye. Good faith that came very close to an end when you started assaulting your prisoners."

Johannes takes a deep breath, and achieves a lighter tone.

"So, to reiterate. You leave with us. You get whatever spoils you can find of the Aurilites stores. We treat your wounded as we are able, when we are able. Nobody gets hurt. Now, do we have a deal, or do we kill you and find somebody else here who can speak reasonably?"

ithildur

2012-01-24, 07:08 PM

Talamir was not the least surprised by the chain reaction of responses to his deliberate approach, and it had served it's purpose: it confirmed his suspicion that the Mage probably did not have any escape or contingency spells available. Not completely surprising perhaps - after all Arman was traveling in the company of a small army, and he had already cast Greater Invisibility earlier.

His movement, along with those of others, also broke the gridlock of inaction and paralysis; it was dangerous, he deemed, but not a bad thing. For the moment at least.

Buelyir turns his head and looks first at Talamir, Magnun and Wyatt, than at Johannes.

"Did you hear me order anything?" he says gravelly. He has a sour look on his face.

Hearing Buelyir's voice, Talamir reminded himself of three things: one, that his path here had been that of a mercenary, a hired adventurer. Two, that defenseless lives were in danger. Finally he reminded himself, that underneath it all, in spite of everything he was still El'Tael, a Bladesinger... and that one of those in danger, was an elven mage with a lame leg. Silently and quickly, he sorted through his priorities.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"I'm all ears," replied the elf with a nod and polite tone, but one edged with irony. "But my arms and legs will not remain idle forever. Nor will those of others, I suspect."

"You shouldn't have tried saving your kin. No you shouldn't" he says, than turns and delivers a vicious kick to Arman's belly.

"See what you made me do now? I was working something out with the dwarf there, and an elf tries to sabotage it. So predictable!" he rages, if a bit dramatically.

"Now you see why we felt a need for this?" he says and shakes his head. "I think I am owed a concession for that little incident. Seeing how he almost caused a blood bath. I want the elf's sword" he says, gesturing at Talamir with a wily smile.

Talamir's eyes narrowed at the kick, though inwardly he scoffed.

The mage is already safe, Dhaerow; it's the others that cause me to delay his rescue, and put up with your shenanigans for the moment. But not for much longer...

"Nothing would please me more than to give you a better look at my blade," replied the Bladesinger.

Still need to know if there are any innocents/helpless targets in danger from coup de grace within view.

Strangie

2012-01-24, 10:09 PM

Magnum

Eyes locked on potential opponents as they move from the other freed slaves, the Alaghor barely noticed the rebuke from Buelyir. But it was enough, with the addition of Wyatt's reaction, to cause a pause in his advance. After all, he didn't want to turn a tense situation worse, but he was determined to gain an advantageous position for when the inevitable treachery he fully expected from the drow and humanoid slaves occurred.

With only a shrug as response to Buelyir, given that he often acted without direct orders from the unusual commander, Magnum smiled fiercely at the reaction of the slaves. Shield still in one hand, his other hand rested lightly on the scroll, inches from the handle of Arctic, prepared to use either if the situation merited.

Speaking in his normal tone, a deep and rumbling voice that tended to carry farther than most, he replied to Wyatt without care if others heard, "We're focusin' da attention o' potential enemies where it belongs while changin' da tactical situation on da next battlefield. After all, my patron deity [B]ISB] da Father o' Battle, not negotiation. Fret not my friend, I'll take full responsibility. Just stay close until violence erupts, den flank whoever wants a piece o' my axe."

"I hope not to have to kill anybody - that guy over there that Nalrak is peforming head surgery on was someone who was in my mercenary party before we got rounded up and captured. I don't know if anybody else survived... last thing I need right now is havin' to fight old faces. But... I'll do what I have to, to survive."

Wyatt frowned at this prospect. He'd much rather bonk that stupid smug drow over the head for putting everybody in such an annoying position, but he couldn't. He kept his mace out at the ready and stuck close to Magnum. "Don't anybody get any funny ideas, now. I ain't lookin' to slug ya. I'm watchin' out for my own skin... just as you are your own," he commented to anybody nearby slaves who looked like they were wanting to attack him or any of his allies nearby.

It was going to be a long day...

mshady

2012-01-25, 06:47 AM

Hostage Central

Hostage Central

Johannes keeps his hands lowered, and isn't waving any swords in his hand.

"You want to talk about rude? How about ignoring my counter-proposal to go be a spectator at some kind of brawl. You want the elf's sword, you negotiate with him for it afterward."

The dwarf's voice takes on a low seriousness that had, heretofore, been lacking.

"You are vastly overestimating both our patience and the strength of your position, Bhineth'lyn. Consider it an act of good faith that I haven't put four arrows in your eye. Good faith that came very close to an end when you started assaulting your prisoners."

Johannes takes a deep breath, and achieves a lighter tone.

"So, to reiterate. You leave with us. You get whatever spoils you can find of the Aurilites stores. We treat your wounded as we are able, when we are able. Nobody gets hurt. Now, do we have a deal, or do we kill you and find somebody else here who can speak reasonably?"

The drow looks at Johanness, than back at Talamir, than swings back to Johanness. He smiles slightly.

"I'm not underestimating the strength of my position" he informs Johanness and tips his head slightly.

"We get whatever spoils we want from the Aurilites, after your lads have first run. You treat our wounded. Nobody gets hurt. We leave with you. So long as I and the rest have the option of going our own way at any point as well, I find that acceptable. I hardly want to be delivered to your Patriarch's door step.

Also, I lay claim on my old equipment, which should be in the armory or on someone on the floor out there. Two drow blades and my armor should be recognizable enough.

So long as that counter proposal is acceptable, well, I most graciousless accept" he says and smiles.

He glances towards Buelyir, who is staring at the drow.

Buelyir seems to be considering things for a moment before he turns to Johanness and gives him another nod of agreement.

Seeing the consent, Bhineth'lyn turns to Talamir and smiles at him.

"They say we can negotiate for your blade" he smiles. "When my own are returned to me, I think we just might. What do you say, friend? Dance with me? Just don't expect it to end well for you, whelp. I've held a sword longer than you've held a breath. Fair warning" he says and bows towards Talamir with a cocky smile on his face.

It was bad enough that drow were evil. This one was absolutely aggravating as well!

mshady

2012-01-25, 07:01 AM

Eoin

The voice is silent for what seems an eternity in consideration, while Eoin writhes in pain from the surgery. The drill was the worst. Until what came after that.

Finally, the voice speaks.

"Greather knowledge of myself requires another bargain. I fail to see what you have to bargain with when I already have everything I need. For right now, be content with living and your power, such as I allow you to have" the disembodied voice replies to Eoin.

The surgery goes on for an eternity, and he hears no more from his passenger. Than he feels the bone being put back in and the warmth of curative magic... than it stops.

"The dwarf doctor is done" the voice says after a moment. "Now, you may awaken as you wish. You will experience a moment of discomfort upon waking" the voice says.

Laughter rumbles like thunder in the empty cave.

Eoin sensed those final words were a profound understatement.

It was going to hurt. A lot.

loopy

2012-01-25, 07:32 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

"Gods, a little politeness never hurt anybody." Eoin mutters, before attempting to will himself awake. Several attempts later, he realises he has succeeded after an entire platoon of Cormyran Purple Knights rides roughshod over the back of his head.

"ARRGH-H!" A fit of coughing interrupts his scream before it even really starts, and he convulses on the floor for what seems like hours.

Tentatively opening his eyes, he sees the Dwarven healer packing away his surgical kit. "Thank you, Master Nalrak. Didn't think I was going to make it out of that one... I'm in your debt."

He reaches an arm out to Viktor, using the leverage to raise himself off the floor. Looking around with blurry eyes, he spies the drow, and remembers the last few seconds before he went under. "Bhineth'lyn, you aren't in one of your unpronouncable Drow cities any more. Resist your nature, stop being a righteous ****, and work with these people."

Yeah, Eoin is a bit of a hypocrite.

ithildur

2012-01-25, 10:18 AM

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png"You and I may indeed negotiate, and dance as well, before all this is over," replied Talamir cooly. "But perhaps not in the way you think."

Though he had in mind to speak further, he checked himself and waited to see what Buelyir or Johannes would say.

His emerald eyes remained locked on the Drow.

Toliudar

2012-01-25, 10:23 AM

Johannes

Johannes manages a return to his lopsided grin as Eoin manages to summarize the situation beautifully.

"Well then, Bhineth'lyn, sheathe your blades and let's go see if the Aurilites have any ice wine. We have a deal."

Johannes extends a hand to seal the deal.

thorgrim29

2012-01-25, 01:16 PM

How many people can we take back to Faithholme with the runes again?

mshady

2012-01-25, 01:24 PM

Thordek and Buelyir

Buelyir looks at Thordek and shakes his head.

None. Carmard used all of the Gate runes we had planned to use chasing the Stoneburner he lost into Sigil. We can get some of us out with magic, but maybe not all. Two hundred slaves too? Doubtful. At best, they'll have to brave the mountains.

Sometimes you can't save them all. Or most.

OMG PONIES

2012-01-25, 01:38 PM

Nalrak

Tentatively opening his eyes, he sees the Dwarven healer packing away his surgical kit. "Thank you, Master Nalrak. Didn't think I was going to make it out of that one... I'm in your debt."

Nalrak listens to the human's words of gratitude and smiles broadly, a grin caused just as much by the words as by the fact that their very presence confirmed the dwarf hadn't rendered the poor boy mute for the rest of his days. He chuckles and says, "My line of work is a calling, not a business. I'll be collecting no debts, lad. Just go easy on it so it can heal; I'll be checking in on you every now and again."

The doctor pauses to wipe the sweat from his brow. A surgery like this was more than a normal day's work; unfortunately, today was no normal day. He tries to scan the crowd from his squatting position and calls out, "Who's next?"

thorgrim29

2012-01-25, 03:04 PM

My concern isn't that... If we take the drow and his band with us to the dragon's lair, anyone who doesn't escape magically is going to be in trouble

mshady

2012-01-25, 03:26 PM

Buelyir's Response

Levtokuld Thordek, We are already in the dragon's lair. Thordek hears in his mind.

He can see Buelyir chuckling softly to his left as he watches the end of the negotiations.

thorgrim29

2012-01-25, 05:52 PM

Oh, aren't dragon lairs usually more treasure-y

mshady

2012-01-25, 10:31 PM

Buelyir laughs at the mental remark, and speaks this time, the old fashioned way.

"Yes they are. We're just not in that part yet"

Gryndel

2012-01-26, 01:17 AM

Magnum

Speaking so only Wyatt could hear, there was an odd edge of humor to his voice as Magnum said, "Well done, I wanted ta draw attention an' get ahead o'da minotaurs but make it look like dey were under our ordered direction. Stay close."

Having all but ignored the orcs who had come out to intercept him and Wyatt, the Alaghor had instead focused on his companions and leaders and most particularly on the drow. Now that it seemed things had been settled for now, at least to Buelyir's satisfaction, Magnum narrowed his gaze to the score of potential combatants closest to him. A hearty chuckle accompanied his words, ground out in a deep rumbling tone in Common as he fingered the hilt of Arctis with thick fingers itching to draw the weapon, "Barely fit for a fight it seems. Well lads, seems yer freedom's at hand. Unless ye want yer skulls ta join da pile yonder, stand aside."

With a glance back at the minotaurs he motioned for them to follow him and walked directly towards Buelyir.

Chepe Nolon

2012-01-26, 11:12 AM

Nega whispers to Hjalmar:Trust a darkie. Dwarven 'Onor is s'amed dis day. But time is not done yet. Remind me to stay close so if 'E forgets 'Is place I can slay 'Im quickly.'Jalmar we will be 'Ard pressed to take dis insullt. she spits and moves towards Carmard to see what he has ordered.

Toliudar

2012-01-26, 06:26 PM

Johannes

The deal sealed, Johannes makes sure that he's got faces noted for those prisoners who sided with the drow, and which ones remained passive. He strolls over to Wyatt and gestures at the bugbears with a nod.

"Well, for what it's worth, my money would have been on you."

Strangie

2012-01-26, 06:45 PM

ithildur

2012-01-26, 08:41 PM

Disappointment. Disbelief.

These were what Talamir felt as he heard Johanne's reply, and Buelyr's silence which was broken only by unexpected laughter from the unusual dwarf. As the elf's eyes noted the changes of body postures and his ears heard the spoken words, it seemed, as difficult to believe as it was, that they were willing to travel with Drow in their midst, willing to risk that they would not prove treacherous a second time, and willing to capitulate to the demands of a poisonous serpent in their midst.

For these were no mere frightened wild animals, who were most dangerous when threatened, wounded, or cornered, who would often let matters drop once they felt safe and secure. These were not even goblinoids, or even orcs, who though vile were not cunning or treacherous enough to take full advantage of such a situation. These were Drow.

Talamir's gaze shifted briefly to Buelyir once more. Even without the use of his spell he could guess at some of what might have been going through the strange dwarf's thoughts. He was no fool - surely he did not trust the Drow any more than Talamir; nor was Buelyir afraid of ordering them to battle against the motley and ill equipped lot they faced if it came to it, though likely many of the dwarves and spellcasters would not be at full strength after the already long day.

The elf's gaze shifted back to Arman, then to the figure of Carmard, who seemed to be unconscious, some distance away. He almost smiled at the defiant words of Buna, though he noted even from the distance that she was staggering a bit.

Time ... a bomb... mention of a dragon... a dual...

Talamir looked towards Buelyir once more, and decided reluctantly to trust that he knew what he was doing.
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"So be it," conceded the Elf, the words seemed to be directed towards Johannes and Buelyir, though he did not take his eyes off of the Drow. "I believe there is a lone dwarf who is about to begin a battle to the death, no? Or have you all forgotten?"

It did not mean however that he would allow the Drow to have his way in everything. If his payment or even his life be forfeit, so be it, but he would not tolerate some things. Once more, deliberately and methodically, the Elf took a step towards Arman, emerald eyes still locked on the enemy, his left hand moving towards his belt pouch.

"Touch him once more, Dhaerow," spoke the Elf, his voice utterly calm. "And I swear by Corellon Laraethian, Fenmarel Mestarine, and all of the Seldarine, your blood will be spilled on the ground this day,"

There was a matter of fact note in his tone which made it abundantly clear he was not bluffing.

"No matter the outcome in the end here, I guarantee, you will not be pleased with the results."

His next words were addressed to Arman.

"Can you stand, cousin? I would not have you sit like a helpless slave and remain an easy target."

Ready action to Benign Transpose with Arman if Arman is attacked in any manner, including unarmed, nonlethal attack, a kick, punch, whatever.

Toliudar

2012-01-27, 12:24 AM

Johannes glances over at Talamir, confused.

"Weird. I thought that, what with all the dumbass stuff going on, Buelyir here had kiboshed that particular bit of insanity. But, by all means, continue to harangue the person who just negotiated the safety of your friend, instead of going over to help him."

He offers a small mock-apologetic bow to the sombre elven swordsman, and turns to watch Wyatt walk over to Eoin. Funny, how the connections formed in battle sometimes felt the strongest. Johannes turns back to Talamir.

"Since you're so concerned, care to observe with me. Perhaps you can be his second, and I his...third?"

ithildur

2012-01-27, 02:41 AM

Though a choice repartee for the sarcastic dwarf came to Talamir's mind, he dismissed it and remained silent, ignoring Johannes completely.

Let him mock, if he wishes. This is no time to explain myself to him.

loopy

2012-01-27, 05:46 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt replied with a smirk. "Hah. You woulda made a solid bet." His expression turns more serious for a second. "Listen, Joh... thanks for everything you do. I'd think our company would be in a mess were it not for your ability to negotiate. I mighta not have told ya before, but... thanks." He looks and points at Eoin. "I gotta go see to him. He was in my merc crew when we got rounded up."

Once things have appeared to settle, Wyatt turns and moves toward Nalrak and Eoin, who is now awake. He is relieved to see his comrade still alive. "Nalrak, I don't know what it is you did, but you saved 'em. You and Joh are miracle workers in your own ways. Eoin!" He gestures at the man with the hole in his head to get his attention. "Eoin, do you remember me?"

Eoin Shatterbond

Eoin breaks into a wide smile as he hears a familiar voice. Making a show of looking directly above Wyatt's head in an attempt to find someone, he looks down in exaggerated surprise.

"Wyatt! They told me the rest were dead, how did you make it out? And what are you doing with this crew?" He hooks a thumb towards the rest of the party.

"Still too short to bother killing, I take it?" Eoin extends a hand towards his old comrade.

mshady

2012-01-27, 07:10 AM

The drow nods his consent to Johannes and accepts the deal with a smile, and an overly courteous bow that borders on mockery.

"Ser dwarf, bargained well and on your word, I release all under my detainment" he says and gestures towards Arman and Nalrak and the rest.

"If you'll not mind terribly, I'm going to take a glance at my brothers condition for a moment and than see how tough you dwarfs are. That orc is rather large and had a foul reputation that I quite admired!" he says and smiles.

Always with the smiles...

Strangie

2012-01-27, 07:12 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt waves a hand dismissively. "Pff. I am too indispensable to 'dis here group for anybody to just kill me off. 'dis is the lot 'dat got me out of here in an earlier time, some days ago." He returns the handshake. "I've been ridin' with 'dem since. It's the least I owe 'em."

He sort of frowns a bit and places his hands at his sides, seemingly disappointed in Eoin's remark that the rest of his colleagues were dead. He knew, however, for this not to be entirely true. "Are 'dey all dead now? Well... I'm a testament to 'dat statement's falseness. 'dere was another, too, a halfling druid, but I think he cut his losses and ran off at some point while he was with us. I don't blame 'em... so 'dat's it, huh? Just the two of us left from our little group? 'dere isn't anybody else in 'dis group of former slaves 'dat was with us before? I didn't see anyone..."

He turns and pans his eyes over the slave groups again, trying once more to see if he recognized anybody, though he didn't keep his hopes up.

thorgrim29

2012-01-27, 09:28 AM

Thordrek

Relieved, Thordrek walks up to the tense bladesinger

Talamir was it? Believe me, I'd like nothing more then to wipe the sneer off the drow's face with my axe, but let's face reality here. We're about to set off a huge bomb that we'll have to outrun. We can hardly afford to risk more wounds. Besides, you never know, we might get lucky and he'll trip a trap and die.

ithildur

2012-01-28, 12:00 AM

((Again, assuming Talamir is some distance away from Drow/Arman))

At the drow's response, Talamir seemed to relax, just a tiny bit. He turned and replied to Thordek.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"Venomous viper, strutting peacock he may be, but I do not think him an idiot," replied the Elf in low whisper. "It's a pragmatic choice. The deal was already done; if he tempts me to act on my words now he risks losing far too much of what he has already gained. Would he see that as worth any satisfaction he might gain from myself or Arman? I do not believe so."

"But if it came to it and I was wrong, I would not have hesitated to do as I promised. Preferably after ensuring the safety of ... Carmard."

Talamir shrugged slightly before clarifying, giving a small nod.

"Arman is in fact quite safe; it was Carmard I was concerned for, though I see he is not unguarded. I had a small plan in mind to get him to safety, but I think the opportunity has passed."

There remained a fierce glimmer in Talamir's eyes, suggesting that his mind was still working. It would've been quite reasonable perhaps for an observer to dismiss him as paranoid.

Unless that observer was an Elf, that is.

mshady

2012-01-28, 02:16 AM

Buelyir addresses Johannes, Thordek and Talamir

Seeing the bargain struck and the end of this disturbance, Buelyir watches the back of the drow as he saunters off. He does no more than glance at his wounded brother as he passes, offering a half hearted wave as he goes off to observe Bundok's duel. He shakes his head and flips his blade's tip off the ground. He rolls it over his hand and reverses the grip before rocking his katana back into its ornate scabbard with a "swish" as it goes.

He rolls his neck back and forth to deal with an apparent cramp from scowling for so long and than walks over to where Johannes, Thordek and Talamir have all gathered.

"Johanness, good to see ye friend" he says warmly. His eyes twinkle as he smiles and pats Johannes on the back. "Ye did a fine job handling that. Fine job getting those slaves out of there too. I know this all went as sideways as a brick in the arse in the end, but looking at things, they probably kept the duergar alive. Thank ye for that. They took their lumps, but if this be the price paid to save'em than I'd glady do it. Not that I trust that drow. I'm sure he cannae wait to get his slaves free o'us and use his goons to come right back here or take them back to where he came from."

Next, he turns to Thordek and nodded towards him.

"Fine job here as well. Looks like ye led us out of a good ole mess here, doing what ye could. Carmard's condition is a hard loss, but at least it was leg and nay a hand or his head. I'll have to go see'em and tell him how lucky he is! I nay want to know what did this to him. I saw the remains o'it. Nastiness that be..."

He looks around towards the battlefield and sees Arum hard at work skinning the fallen ogre mage with a razor. He sniffs a bloody chunk of hide into a bag and seems to be talking to himself. His badger is greedily munching away on an ogre's arm.

"No one ever told me where ye found him. I'm start'n to wonder if I want to" Buelyir says and shakes his head. "I don't think that boys right in the head"

"Speaking of which...." he says mildly and turns towards Talamir. His hand flashes out and grabs the elf by his tunic and draws him close. The dwarf was a lot stronger than he looked...

"Just what the FRAK did you think ye were doing?" he bawls at him. "What ye did provoked'em. What were ye trying to do? Go for Arman? Just wanted to get at him? Yer lucky that he didn't kill someone over that! It certainly made Johannes job harder. And mine! Don't ye think for a moment ye frakking know better than me, because ye frakking don't!" Buelyir continues on, spittle flying from his mouth. "I know I didn't hire Black Company for their smarts, but all I asked o'Marcus is that y'all do what the frak I tell ye and I DIDN'T TELL YOU SHAT!" he says and pushes Talamir away roughly.

"We had Nalrak in there, who's the best healer we have. We have Duervar, who knows these bloody tunnels. We have Bundok, who we need if we want to get through these bloody mountains. We have the Arcanii and Grathalmor in there, who we need to set off the bomb. We had Arman, who does our scrying. I cannae take a frakking chance with any of them, and I don't need anyone else trying their own thing. It was handled. It was negotiated. They got a little something, but so the frak what? Nine Hells, lad. Nay even the first time I haggled with a drow over slaves. I've been to the Menzoberranzan slave market, Moradin forgive me" he says, his voice cooling a bit, before it heats up again.

"Next time, do what I want too. I couldn't afford to look any weaker by fighting over ye with it, but if I ever tell ye to turn yer sword over again, ye bloody well do it. Some sorta family heirloom?" he asks. "Well, here and now it's my sword, or did ye miss the part 'bout being a sellsword? Think 'bout what that means. If I tell ye to give up yer blade, ye do it. If I tell ya to gut a lass with babe in hand, ye do it. If ye don't like the ride, get off the horse and find a horse ye can share a stall with, eh? That's the business yer in, and yer choice to be in it, which means ye be the soldier and nay the hero." he grumbles than looks at the surely shocked Talamir.

"Fer Moradin's sake Talamir, just when I was start'n to respect ye, this happens! I've to see to that other knucklehead Magnum on this, but don't do it again. I get ye want'n to protect yer kin, even though ye hardly know the fella, but it's nay job. Don't assume I'm lack'n for a plan. I cannae afford to lose anyone at this point, least o'all Arman." he says and shakes his head.

"Now, I think now be a good time to make yerself scarce and check in with Marcus. I need to see'em. We've got to look in on their temple at the least and they're up for that one..." he says and gestures to the battlefield. "Try to catch Marcus 'fore he drinks all the swill the Ice Kickers were carry'n. I actually need him comprehensible"

mshady

2012-01-28, 02:36 AM

Gryndel

2012-01-28, 03:28 AM

Magnum

Having set off toward Buelyir, the Alaghor caught the last of the commander's words to Talamir. Not even a hitch in his step marked any reaction to what he heard, and he shifted angles slightly when Buelyir moved over to the paladins. He glanced around the battlefield again, eyes alert to any sign of unexpected disturbance, but marched right toward Buelyir.

OOC: I have to admit I wasn't really aware he was moving into "no man's land" as posted later, but acted quite ic after I did. Not to try excusing anything perceived as error, just an observation about lack of map and not really knowing the situation completely.

mshady

2012-01-28, 03:34 AM

The Wayward Sons

"Victor, look!" exclaims Tec'lic. "It's Wyatt!" the half elf says. He moves over to Wyatt and reaches down and gives him an awkward hug ouf of the sheer joy of the moment.

"We thought the old orc witch got ye and made ye a stew. Being small saves you again!" Victor declares. He lofts Wyatt off the ground and gives him a bear hug that crushes the breath from his lungs from a moment.

"Tellar got killed trying to escape though. Tully got a disease from the food. Or something. We think the drow poisoned his food" Tec'lic says and frowns, thinking back about Tully.

Tully was the Company's cleric. He travelled with them, but he was never a fighter. He cooked, he tended wounds, he taught them of Shaundakul around camp fires. He also kept a small, fluffy dog on a leash that he took everywhere. They used to joke about how they could Wyatt in the satchel that he used to carry that dog in. The dogs the orcs devoured. Tully was completely harmless, and had very popular among the slaves.

The guards had thrown him in the river, Tec'lic explained. That was the end of anyone trying to keep the morale up. That was also the start of Eoin trying to organize some of the slaves. The capture had broken him, and even his powers fled him. A few weeks ago though, he had gone out to work another site and scavenge somethings in the complex. Something happened during that trip that Eoin never fully explained. That was when the blue and black light came back to his fingers again, althought kept that hidden he did. Right to the very end, when the revolt started, thanks to Johannes.

"So Wyatt. Your new friends look to be a trig bunch. You're taking us with you, right? Tec'lic asks hopefully. "I'm not for braving the Underdark again by ourselves. Last time didn't end so well for us..."

That Tec'lic looked a litte scared of Wyatt's answer unsettled the halfling considerbly.

mshady

2012-01-28, 03:43 AM

Magnum

OOC: I have to admit I wasn't really aware he was moving into "no man's land" as posted later, but acted quite ic after I did. Not to try excusing anything perceived as error, just an observation about lack of map and not really knowing the situation completely.

I think Buelyir's point is, whether there was a map to show things on the OOC side, that something was tried, some move made, anything, without him saying so during a sensitive chat.

He's flipping out, and its not an OOC criticism/IC reaction thing because it was all incredibly IC from Talamir's end. The words aren't completely fair and nor is he interested in understanding. All he needs to know is a Black Company Mercenary acted without orders and could have caused a problem. When his game face is on, he does need to be in charge, and hates it when the pawns go and try to move themselves. I imagine Talamir's IC reaction, and Magnums, will both be fantastic and this has all been great RP after way too much battle :) Hats off to both of you on the OOC level for the involvement :)

ithildur

2012-01-28, 06:42 AM

Thanks for the complement Mike. Yep, staying IC as a Sun Elven Bladesinger even if it rankles poor Beulyir. :smallsmile:. It's understandable why he's upset, although Talamir did wait at several different points for Buelyir, almost waiting for him to point blank order him (not something subtle) to back off. Unless I missed something, ultimately Beulyir did not do so.

Talamir did take a gamble, banking on the fact the Drow already had gotten what was important to him and would not risk either 1. a possible free for all or 2. dual with Talamir without his equipment, in exchange for another cheap shot at Arman/Talamir. He bet that whether he himself lived or died, the Drow would almost certainly have been hurt in a dual, and possibly the entire negotiations broken down if a general free for all occurred, that he'd have lost far more than he'd have liked... and significantly lowered his chances of getting out of this place alive unscathed.

The key was, again, he got what he wanted. A response to Talamir which resulted in blades being drawn (regardless of whose/results) could've risked that. :smallsmile: Maybe both Tal and I are entirely misreading things, but then that's why it's a gamble.

He also did have a plan (a bit more iffy) for getting Carmard to safety, and figured everyone else who was conscious had a fighting chance, IF a free for all occurred, but this was more risky and less desirable. It's why he ultimately conceded to the results of the negotiations, which I believe was pretty clear that he did agree to terms. He just added the bit 'don't touch Arman again'. Felt it would be stretching his credulity as both Sun Elf and Bladesinger to simply let things go and concede everything.

He also had a plan to kill the Drow, regardless of whether he was a better swordsman or not, if it came to a dual... figuring that without the drow having access to his equipment this was a far better time to engage him than after he possibly recovers it.

Whether or not he would've succeeded, we'll never know, since if they fight again it won't be under the favorable circumstances he has at the moment (equipment, choice of dualing spot by the river which may be the difference maker, 'fair' chance with everyone watching, etc)

Talamir remained calm through the entire rant. He considered whether he should allow the enraged dwarf to keep his hand on him, but for the moment decided the small expenditure of effort was not worth the bother; likely it would lead to an even more ridiculous scene, hardly a sight that would impress anyone friend or foe.

He understood to some extent the dwarf's unhappiness at losing control, first to the Drow's shenanigans then at the actions of several others. He also understood the delicate state of Carmard and vulnerability of several others.

But the light in his eyes did not dim; if he regretted any of his actions, his face did not show it.

"Next time, do what I want too. I couldn't afford to look any weaker by fighting over ye with it, but if I ever tell ye to turn yer sword over again, ye bloody well do it. Some sorta family heirloom?" he asks. "Well, here and now it's my sword, or did ye miss the part 'bout being a sellsword? Think 'bout what that means. If I tell ye to give up yer blade, ye do it. If I tell ya to gut a lass with babe in hand, ye do it. If ye don't like the ride, get off the horse and find a horse ye can share a stall with, eh? That's the business yer in, and yer choice to be in it, which means ye be the soldier and nay the hero." he grumbles than looks at the surely shocked Talamir.

Those words, however, did cause him to tilt his head for a moment, and made Talamir wonder. Surely it was the rage talking, for it made no sense at all? Still, spoken in anger or no, the words had been spoken, and they were not to be taken lightly, unless he were to completely disregard the authority of the Dwarf and dismiss him for a fool. Right or wrong, Bueliyr was no fool... though the Elf began to wonder.

With a command word, Talamir drew upon the powers of his anklets, and vanished from view for a split second, appearing instantly ten feet away. He dusted himself off calmly, then gave a small, perfectly polite bow.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"I would agree that it is time for me to find another horse then; I am no mindless slave, and my blade will be given to none other for mere coin, much less commanded to gut open a mother with babe. I would rather it be used against better fitting targets like the Drow."

"I will indeed, make myself scarce with my former comrades, and when, if we are out of this place in the end, scarcer still."snorted the Elf. "You may, of course, keep your payment, for it seems I am no sellsword fit for the hire of the Patriarch."

Talamir paused to give a single crisp nod to Arman, then began his trek to rejoin Black's Company. His thoughts strayed for a fleeting second to the small casket in his pack, but he willed himself to dismiss them.

The once wayward Bladesinger had regained, in some measure at least, his sense of self.

Good time I think to back off of the spotlight and let others, especially newer folks, do their thing with their characters. :smallsmile: I realize btw there's a good chance that Talamir may be written out of the campaign as a result of these events.

Strangie

2012-01-28, 07:24 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt allowed himself to be manhandled by Tec'lis and Victor. Just this once. He'd rarely seen anybody actually so pleased to be in his presence!

After that, he listened to Tec'lis' story, shook his head, and frowned. At least someone had survived all of this.

"Ah, Tully... 'dose bastards. 'dats a shame about Tully and Tellar... I had almost figured you all for dead too, until I finally made it back to 'dis godsawful place," Wyatt remarked. "As for getting out of here... well, I sure as hell hope so. But it won't be easy. A lot of folks are going to have to make it out on foot... ain't no problem for us 'dough, eh?" He said with a smirk. "We're used to 'dat."

Wyatt went on to explain his exploits with the Patriarchate so far - about how he swung into a window to convince Harold, another priest of Shaundakul, to stop fighting the dwarves, and how he helped defend some fop noble in Sigil after one of the other dwarven guards got suckered into an arena pit fight with a tough-looking orc, and how he broke down some traps in Sigil to help lead the dwarves on a raid, during which he beat up a sniper and broke a circle magic ritual with a jury-rigged alchemy bomb with Sable. Sable was real sharp, he says, and talented. Pretty too. But don't cross her. She wasn't around at the moment, though... which made Wyatt worry in the back of his mind, but he didn't mention it. And then there were the giants and hobgoblins they'd been fighting since they got back here...

Didn't make mention of the bomb, though. Not yet. He needed to talk to Buelyir at the moment, but he seemed.... occupied with Talamir.

"'dat's Buelyir. He's the guy I'm reportin' stuff to right now. But he seems, er... busy at the moment. We'll catch him in a minute and figure out what the next step is, methinks..."

Wyatt tapped his chin in thought. He had a plan to escape with Sable through that odd Black's Company mage and teleporting, but that might not work as well now... perhaps it could, with some finangling of extradimensional spaces, if he could take Eoin, Tec'lis and Victor with him, but... he needed to actually FIND Sable, and Werner. Was that his name?

He hoped the plan was enough.

Chepe Nolon

2012-01-28, 10:15 PM

Buelyir addresses Nega and Hjalmar

Walking away from the first group, Buelyir hustles over to where Nega and Hjalmar look like they are looking for something to do.

"First Mace, seeing as there are wounded, why don't ye take Hjalmar and go see how the Sonnlinor Stonebreaker is doing over there. Tell him the time's about here for him to be moving out. Ask him if he needs Nalrak. We got a bomb to set, but its just as important he gets clear first. Ask him his route and if he'd take some of the slaves too."

Buelyir gestures towards where Sonnlinor Stonebreaker is standing some distance away. Almost half the duergar that came with him are on the ground, and half of them aren't moving whatsoever.
__________________
Nega
Yes of course Buelyir I will look into it at once. Come on 'Jalmar we make duergar feel better. She laughs and drags Hjalmar with her as she walks over towards the Sonnlinor. As they walk over she whispers to Hjalmar.It's a good day fer grey comfortin ain't it old one eye.She smiles and yells Sonnlinor!! 'Elp on da way.

shaddy_24

2012-01-29, 01:24 AM

Duervar

Duervar watches the drow carefully as he marches off towards Bundok's duel. He wasn't worried about the wandering dwarf's safety for now; these orcs seemed to have some sense of honour, considering they set up a duel in the first place. If they had wanted to, they could have swarmed them all together, and Duervar wasn't sure if he could hold them all off, especially if he needed to keep them away from Nalrak as well.

He'll leave keeping an eye on Bundok to someone else. His job was to protect Nalrak while the healer was vulnerable. Any slaves who at any point during the negotiations showed signs of siding with the drow get viscious glares if they approach the half-duergar, and he'll stand between them and the healer. Keep as many alive as possible. That's all you can do right now. That's better than what you've ever been able to do before.

mshady

2012-01-29, 02:48 AM

Nalrak

Looking around for more work to do, he is not long in the looking for a human woman yells for him and comes running. She is carrying a small boy in her arms, and his tunic is stained a deep red from a wound. A spear, by the looks of it.

"Mr dwarf! Thank the Gods, my son! My son! The slaves cut him, but he's held on for hours. But...but he started in convulsions during all... whatever happened. Please look at him. They are saying you're a miracle man. Please, look at my little Lud, he is all I gots!" says the frantic mother. Her eyes are red from tears, and her clothing is nearly as bloody as Nalraks.

She sets the boy down on the ground for Nalrak to examine. That was when he noticed how... still the boy was. He started an examination though, but of a different kind. No pulse. No breathing...

The boy was dead. Dead in the time of the surgery and this latest crisis...

mshady

2012-01-29, 10:25 AM

thorgrim29

2012-01-29, 10:29 AM

mshady

2012-01-29, 10:54 AM

mshady

2012-01-29, 10:58 AM

Thordrek replies to Buelyir

Yes, Arman is rather odd. When he's focused he's a very powerful ally, and without him I'm fairly certain that thing over there would have killed the Sollinor and I, but I'm always nervous around alcoholic wizards with a mean streak the size of Thay. So, what did you and the others find ahead? And where's Sable, haven't seen her in a while.

Buelyir chuckles and points to the elf, Arman.

"I thought the elf wizard was Arman and the mad little gnome there was Arum? Arumfaerwed? If that elf has a mean streak, I hope to see a little more o'it. If its as wide as Thay, and I've been dere, with some booze in hand I'd nay want to be on his bad side. Maybe I should send'em a drink to keep'em in his buzz for the next go around? What do ye think?" Buelyir says and winks at Thordek.

mshady

2012-01-29, 11:05 AM

Duervar

As Duervar scans the area, waiting for some more interesting orders than standing about while Nalrak did surgeries that turned his stomach, he sees a hand raise from where one of the slaves lay on the ground. He squints a moment, and sees that it is the wounded drow. The brother of the other drow that had held them under duress. He turns his head and beckons toward Duervar for him to come over...

Seeing that Nalrak was with someone, and he didn't want to hear the dwarf tell someone their child had died, he takes the ten foot walk over to where the drow is and looks down at it. His eyes are as hard and imcompassionate as the drow's eyes show the twinkle of lethal cunning under the dull haze of exhaustion it now wears.

"Oh... a duergar" the drow says with some disappointment. "Well tell me, did we escape or am I laying on the cold floor of the mess hall? I see no benches or people drinking, but yet the smell of desperation and broken lives still stings my nose. Do you know if my brother lives yet?" the drow asks of Duervar.

thorgrim29

2012-01-29, 12:07 PM

Arum I meant... it's been a long week.

Chepe Nolon

2012-01-29, 07:26 PM

Nega and Hjalmar

The two paladins clank off towards where Sonnlinor Thordek Stonebreaker is with his duergar followers. They count 12 of the duergar soldiers milling around, checking on friends or checking equipment. Most appear to have been battered themselves, and are really more walking wounded than capable soldiers at this point. Two of the duergar are the ones with the flame throwers, who sit on the flagstone floor and are pouring a cask of oil into their tankards to refill their terrible weapons. As one pours, the other watches on with a cigar firmly in his mouth.

On the ground, four of duergar have tarps over their faces, and are beyond help. Of the other four, one is sitting up and conversing with the Sonnlinor but his arm seems badly broken. The other three look to have deep abdominal wounds, from the looks of it as the two paladins approach. As they walk up on the scene, the Sonnlinor greets them with a wave but returns to the examination of his follower's arm. His own wounds still seem somewhat serious, after his heroic stand against the ogre devil.

"Nega of the Valkyries and Hjalmar of the Shields of Moradin, to what do I owe the pleasure o'year company?" he says, only glancing in their direction as he speaks. His head is tipped down, as he looks through a pair of wire framed glasses.

The other duergar looks at Nega and Hjalmar with a sad look on his face; something that seems almost unnatural to see on a duergar.

"I hope dis was worth it..." the soldier says, his eyes a sad accusation. It takes a moment, but the two paladins realize just how young the soldier is. Barely an adult. He is sitting next to one of the black tarps. It would seem to be someone he knew...

"Garlot, stop" the Sonnlinor says with a soft accusation. The duergar nods in numb consent.
Nega
Sonnlinor how are yer men doin. Buelyir asked me to ask if ye need Nalrak to 'Elp yer men. Myself and 'Jalmar 'ere can try to do somewat too of course. Ifn ye tell me wat ye need aid in I'll look to it. And let me also say dat even if I do not keep deep love fer a grey I always aid dose fall and 'Urt in doin battle fer da Mordinsamma. My deepes condolences Sonnlinor now lets see to your men and if need be call fer Nalrak.
You can see the stern facial expression on Nega change to a deep felt sorrow as she inspects the Sonnlinors soldiers and that she devotes all her healing abilities into easing their pain. She for the first time inn her life felt for a duergar. Her hate for atleast a brief moment let them benefit from their valor and courage. She looks to Garlot and says in a clear voice:Fitin evil is always good, and fallin to da glory of Moradin is da best 'Onor one of 'Is fait'ful can get. So look at dis sacrifice as needed fer yer lord and master Moradin da just and fat'er of even yer people in 'Is 'Eart. Loss is never good but I tell you Garlot Duergar I cry muc' on da days our c'ildren fall to eac' ot'ers weapons. C'ildren is our onlly 'Ope and yet dey peris' eac' day to our scaubles needlessly. She looks to the Sonnlinoor and says before she continues her inspection:Yer men did not fite in wain dey fite wit' 'Onor and respect is needed. She bows her head to him and goes back to her task.

Grodech

2012-01-29, 09:41 PM

Grathalmor

When the two bugbear see things are concluded and the drow waves them back over, they both snarl at Grathalmor. Their beady, devious eyes reflect their anger at having to back off. Grathalmor assumed the two thugs were unaccustomed to backing off from anyone.

"Yeah, that's right ye two. Run along, I nay wanna get fleas!" Buna mocks them. Whether they understood a word of it, it was hard to tell. Neither seemed to be cunning linguists. The stomp off, without giving the dwarfs a second look.

"Ehhh" Buna says than, and shakes her head, trying to clear her mind again. Blood dribbles from the wound on the side of her head again where it stitched roughly.

"Grath, lend me a hand. Off my feet 'gain for a moment. Oi, but I'm feeling better though!" she smirks at him and steadies herself on his shoulder for a moment before sitting down.

She goes to take a seat near Carmard and takes a drink from her skin. Nothing but water, at this point, Grathalmor figures.

"Ye want a drink too, Carmy?" Buna offers Carmard, a look of concern on her face. "Did Nalrak even say if I could give ya water? I don't even know that"

There was no response, besides the continued breathing and peaceful, if pale, look on his face.

"Nalrak needs to check on him again soon, I think" Buna says sadly. "We need'em to put things together again. I'm a little afraid of what Buelyir will do next" she says, a strokes the other dwarf's graying hair. "I don't want to tell his wife I lost'im" she admits to Grathalmor.

"So Grathalmor, I never really asked but how did ye end up with Carmard? Or with the Patriarchate in general? Ye were with the Ironfists, but most o'them that could went home after the train'ng. Good job keep'n those two buggers off us too. I could barely look my axe nor see straight, so dat was all on ye"

Grathalmor gives the scowl to the departing bugbears, then sets down his axe to aid Buna in sitting. "I got more o' dem potions we scavanged from the dead." he offers. He had given one to Eoin and Buna, leaving him with 9 more to distribute as needed. It didn't dawn on him until just now that he should have left them with Nalrak. "If'n dem bears had swords instead of javelins, dey'da been done for a'fore you'da known dey was near." he boasted. Indeed, they didn't seem afraid, but they'd never faced Grathalmor before either.

To her question of how he came to be with Carmard or the Patriarchate... He never really had thought about it. "I guess I figger'd dere'd be more opportunities fer battle if I stuck around. Becoming Sworn Shield just seemed da right thing ta do, Gorm be praised. I jest wish I'da been able ta keep him from losin 'is leg."

If anyone else was within earshot, Grathalmor waves them over and asks them to bring Nalrak over to check on the two arcanii. If not, he'll raise his voice as necessary to get his cousin's attention.

shaddy_24

2012-01-29, 10:58 PM

sonofzeal

2012-01-30, 12:49 AM

Bundok

The dwarven ranger dugs his feet through the loose stones of the river bank to find more solid footing; he'd need it soon. No backing out now. Quarterstaff firm in his hands, he called to mind the lore he'd been trained in, how to deflect and absorb attacks when there was no space for shifting footwork. He'd need it here.

Across from him, the orc Rook grew more impatient. He'd charge soon, his kind were never much for waiting and luring enemies in. The charge would be deadly, but if he could deflect it... and then the orc was charging, a mass of muscle speeding fast over the dangerous ground. Slick rocks would throw off almost anyone's footing, but the orc maintained his charge through sheer force of momentum - and just at the last moment, Bundok twisted slightly and parried the deadly pick.

Focus. Focus. Remember you basics. No time to contemplate. A series of quick retorts with the staff caught the orc off-guard. Without firm footing his guard was full of holes, and Bundok knew just where to strike. A blow to the knees distracted the orc, but a ringing strike to his head only seemed to enrage him. And then a horrible cleaving strike from the pick, and Bundok's signature staff cleaved in twain.

Axes it was. No choice now. Rough-hewn hands were swinging deadly blades towards the orc before the pieces of the broken staff had even hit the ground. A strike cut along the orc's shoulder almost to his neck, as the pick pierced Bundok's arm - but neither wound was lethal, and still they struck at each other until a lose bit of footing caused the orc to stumble just enough, and a crushing blow took off the orc's leg at the knee - and the other axe buried itself in his massive chest as he hit the ground.

The orc did not rise.

Bundok stood, panting, over the fallen foe. The orc was lucky he'd started with the quarterstaff - that first blow to the head had left him dazed just enough to stay down now. If not for that, they'd still be trading blows and the orc would like as not be dead at the end of it. Instead he was merely in shock, passed out, but might recover on his own in time. Except for the leg, of course.

He turned to the assembled orcs, ignoring his own wound tfor the moment. "Honor is sated! Let all t' lookers-on say Rook fought brave an' true, and gave honor t' his kin. I rack he'll live if'n he wants. 'is fate is thine, I give 'im to ye as ye see fit."

loopy

2012-01-30, 02:25 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

While Wyatt catches up with his companions, Eoin looks around the area, trying to assess this new group of... mercenaries... soldiers? He couldn't determine which. Certainly, they seemed to be on an important mission for someone, but they were considerably better equipped than your average mercenary party.

Regardless, trying to make his way out of the Underdark with no provisions and only Victor and Tec'Lic for company seemed like a suicide run. The next step, clearly, was to find someone who seemed to be in charge, and see if he could negotiate for some equipment.

Spying Buelyir wandering through the camp, Eoin hobbles over to him and waits, intending to converse with him as soon as he is free.

OMG PONIES

2012-01-30, 03:14 PM

Nalrak

Nalrak smiles with his mouth at the hopeful mother, though his eyes frown and fill with tears. He suddenly feels the weight of a millstone around his heart. In his pack at this very moment, he carries a scroll for this very purpose, as well as the pricey gem required to restore life to the lost. Unfortunately, he has but one such scroll; many among the slaves have lost a loved one today, and he lacks the resources to bring any others back. Raising this boy would elate his mother, but infuriate the other mourners among the slaves, even to the point where one might kill him all over. In addition to that, it was uncertain if the boy would even survive the trek out of the dragon's lair. The scroll would have to stay hidden until a time when it could be used with a clearer conscience. The doctor motions towards Eoin, Grathalmore--any of his allies who are nearby--to come and support this woman as he prepares to deliver the worst news she has ever heard.

" 'Tis okay, lass," Nalrak quavers as he attempts to hold back tears, "your lad feels no pain any longer. He's at peace. I can nay work any miracles, but Dumathoin himself is watching over your boy now, and that's a blessing in itself. You did all you could for your son; he would want you to rest now, child. He's gone from us, but he's at peace," the dwarf says before muttering, "which is more than I can say for the rest of us."

His heart breaks even further, but one of the first things he learned in the field was that sometimes the right decision is the hardest one to make. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean there are any words that can lessen this blow.

mshady

2012-01-31, 02:33 AM

Buelyir and Magnum

Working his way through his list of people to cuss out, Buelyir heads towards where Magnum is standing. He watches as Talamir walks off, but instead of a scowl of contempt on his face, he has a odd little smile.

"Alaghor Ruriksson, over here! Standing tall! Right now!" he bawls out once more, pointing to the ground in front of his feet. The battle cleric looks at Buelyir and walks, not runs, over to where his erstwhile commander stands.

Buelyir looks at Magnum with a sour, twisted look on his face.

"What the frak did ye think ye were doing? Was the chain o'frakking command unclear? Did ye or did ye not see me standing there, watch'n this play out? Was there something I said, or did that suggested? Or did ye think minotaur was in charge? Did you get confused? Do I look like a bull? With horns on my head?" Buelyir snarls.

He clutches his head and shakes in frustration, than points his finger at Magnum.

"Ye spent how long at that temple? Did ye not learn how to follow order? Did ye not learn to think? Or think 'bout some strategy? Or maybe ye just think 'cuz I'm not an Arcanii or Forgemark Legion, that I don't know my business? That with all yer training, years of experience, cunning, learning and glory in the name of Clangeddin, that ye earned the right, the discretion to do what ye want? Eh?" Buelyir said, tipping his head to the side.

"If I want yer opinion or advice, I'll ask ye. In the meantime, ye do what yer told and ye sure as hell don't do what yer NOT told. Now I'm nay gonna slap my prick on the table with ye to demonstrate I'm badder and wiser than ye, cuz right here, right now, that don't matter. Ye know why?!" Buelyir snarls at Magnum.

"BECAUSE I'M THE FRAKKER IN CHARGE!" he screams at Magnum, heedless of the audience, spittle flying. "That's all ye need to know, or think about. If you have a question, you come to me. Ye have an idea, ye tell me. Ye want to do something, ye ask me. We're in a stupid standoff, with a stupid drow, and ye can't even so much as stand the frak still for a few minutes while the grown ups are talking!" he says, continuing his rant.

"I swear on Moradin's hairy pair, that if ye or those damned, blood thirsty minotaurs had cause a blood bath just now, I'd leave ye to ride the handsome all the way home with that damned bomb" Buelyir says, pounding his index finger into the breastplate of Magnum's armor.

He pauses, takes a deep breath and composes himself before proceeding in a far more mild, if stern, tone.

"In short, ye disappointed me and the expectations of Prince Tolrin as well. I'll tolerate many things, but that kind of insubordination cannae be allowed here. There was 'nough of a blood bath here already without ye, those minotaurs or that idiot elf risking more. Yer too important an asset and leader to behave like that. Now, I'd like to hear what ye have to say for yerself and that ye understand me words. Ya?"

mshady

2012-01-31, 02:36 AM

Eoin

Seeing that Buelyir was, once again, occupied with another dwarf for reasons unknown, Eoin waits a moment as the two exchange. He seemed to be screaming at this one too, and very much "in his face".

"I think that one needs a moment" the Passenger says, with a titter of laughter.

Next in timeline post will be after Buelyir and Magnum's exchange...

Gryndel

2012-01-31, 03:07 AM

loopy

2012-01-31, 06:48 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

Wandering back over in the general direction of Wyatt, Eoin gestures back towards Buelyir. "Is your commander always so... loud?"

It was the thing he disliked most about mercenary work. Jumped up captains, with no official military rank, constantly screaming like they were addressing conscript militia at first muster.

Still, to assemble a diverse group like this, the dwarf must have something working for him... Eoin hopes to himself that it's a large warchest.

Strangie

2012-01-31, 07:13 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt winced a bit from all the shouting from Bueylir's direction. "Uh... no... he's had a long day today. Just give him some space." He shrugs. "I'm sure he'll come after me next, since I was followin' Magnum's order for backup when all of 'dat happened. Not 'dat I care. It might not all even matter soon anyway..."

He shrugged again. "Anyway, I'm thinkin' of a plan 'dat involves you, me, Tec'lis and Victor getting out of this damnable place. 'dere's one other 'dat needs to find me, you'll meet her soon enough."

mshady

2012-02-01, 07:07 AM

Magnum

The Alaghor marched right up to Buelyir and stood toe to toe, beard to beard; so close the air shared their breath. The only reaction whatsoever to the dressing down was a slightly raised right eyebrow when his battle experience and judgment came into play.

Waiting until the commander finished and indicated he expected a reply, Magnum shrugged and stated plainly, without any hint of chagrin in his deep tone, “If’n I wait fer orders on da battlefield, people die needlessly. In dis situation, I figured it best if’n I appeared ta be in charge o’da minotaurs, however foolish dat decision turned out. Da good sense I learned durin’ my years in battle be why I stopped immediately upon command, which oughta tell ye more ‘bout me.”

Shrugging as he nodded, he changed his tone to one of sincere respect and proper subordination, “Understood completely commander, it’ll nay happen agin.”

Looking around the immediate area, Magnum sighed, “Now what?”

"Wait for orders on da battlefield? What battlefield?" Buelyir says, looking to the left and right. "Ye mean the one where both sides are stand'n and talk'n to each other? Seems like da only way people would've been dy'n is if the talk'n stopped."

Buelyir sighs, rubbing his temples in frustration once again.

"If ye want to appear in charge o'the minotaurs in a delicate situation, get'em to calm the frak now. Ye have any idea how close those two, particularly Gore there, were to a full on blood lust? They ain't like us, lad."

Shaking his head, he looks skyward and mutters something than regards Magnum once more.

"The only answer ye should've gave me was ye understood. Now get ya gone for a few. I've more shat to sort"

mshady

2012-02-01, 07:13 AM

mshady

2012-02-02, 01:29 PM

OMG PONIES

2012-02-02, 01:59 PM

Nalrak

The dwarven doctor nods sadly at the woman's request. "Take yer time, lass," he says, "but we'll all have to be heading out soon. Do be sure you're with us."

Gryndel

2012-02-03, 03:31 AM

"Wait for orders on da battlefield? What battlefield?" Buelyir says, looking to the left and right. "Ye mean the one where both sides are stand'n and talk'n to each other? Seems like da only way people would've been dy'n is if the talk'n stopped."

Buelyir sighs, rubbing his temples in frustration once again.

"If ye want to appear in charge o'the minotaurs in a delicate situation, get'em to calm the frak now. Ye have any idea how close those two, particularly Gore there, were to a full on blood lust? They ain't like us, lad."

Shaking his head, he looks skyward and mutters something than regards Magnum once more.

"The only answer ye should've gave me was ye understood. Now get ya gone for a few. I've more shat to sort"

Again Magnum stood there motionless while Buelyir talked, something he learned at an early age that had served him well in many situations. He nodded once and grunted a simple reply in respect, "Aye Commander."

Turning toward the area where the wounded Carmard and others had been taken, the Alaghor marched straight toward them. He glanced around to see what others he'd recently been with where doing, noting in particular the minotaurs and bladesinger. Once he began to see allies who were wounded he pulled out his wand and activated it no those who appeared moderately wounded or worse.

OOC: estimate about half or less HP? He'll use up to 12 charges, lesser Vigor for 15 rds

Reserving a few charges for later, he tried to talk with Buna and others who were badly wounded, and those in charge of healing who they could.

If he spotted Wyatt during any of this, he'd go have a word with the halfling as well.

loopy

2012-02-03, 06:17 AM

mshady

2012-02-03, 07:03 AM

Buelyir and Johanness

With his dressing downs done and out of the way, Buelyir circles back to find Johannes. He approaches with a smile and an easy gait, the black mood from before utterly banished from his demeanor.

"Johanness, Johanness fine job there lad. It's good ye handled that as ye did, prolly a fair bit better than I ever would've" he says with a smile and places an arm on Johanness shoulder. "Just thought I'd let ye know that"

Looking around, Buelyir shakes his head as he takes in the size of the slaves that Johanness had rescued with both respect and trepidation.

"That was some mighty fine work gett'n them clear, althought what to do with'em now represents a vexx'n problem o'quite a proportion I reckon. So does that drow, and his brother, whatever his name is" he says, as much to himself as Johanness.

He than continues in a lower voice...

"I think we might regret not kill'n the one, and if that needed doing I'd like Sable handy for it if needing. Lett'n Talamir try his hand at it was too chancey, for I think that drow was right and our elf would be outmatched. Have ye any thoughts on it? We could seperate him. Hell, I could even hire'em on seein' how Carmard hired a whole Yugoloth army. Curious for yer counsel for I decide someth'n"

Strangie

2012-02-03, 07:07 AM

Wyatt

"Well, 'dat's the thing... I'm still thinkin' of it. Sable had it more laid out 'dan I did. But basically we hitch a ride through someone's teleport and we shove as many people as we can in extradimensional spaces. 'dat being said, 'dis plan was much easier when I thought it was only me and Sable - I'm much easier to fit in a magic backpack, you see - but now 'dat we've got you guys..."

Wyatt rubbed his chin. His haversack wasn't large enough to carry anybody more than himself. "Might not work so well now. We might just have to leg it on foot through the snow if it don't work. But I'm pretty good at not gettin' lost, we'll be fine if 'dat happens... I hope."

He frowns, folding his arms. "'dere's too many folks here... 'dis'll be hard... any of you guys happen to notice where you might have winded through to get down here in the first place? Someone around here has to know..."

For Magnum and anybody else's purpose, Wyatt is standing amidst a circle of his comrades Eoin, Tec'lis and Victor discussing an incomplete plan of escape.

mshady

2012-02-03, 07:13 AM

Grathalmor and Buna

Grathalmor gives the scowl to the departing bugbears, then sets down his axe to aid Buna in sitting. "I got more o' dem potions we scavanged from the dead." he offers. He had given one to Eoin and Buna, leaving him with 9 more to distribute as needed. It didn't dawn on him until just now that he should have left them with Nalrak. "If'n dem bears had swords instead of javelins, dey'da been done for a'fore you'da known dey was near." he boasted. Indeed, they didn't seem afraid, but they'd never faced Grathalmor before either.

To her question of how he came to be with Carmard or the Patriarchate... He never really had thought about it. "I guess I figger'd dere'd be more opportunities fer battle if I stuck around. Becoming Sworn Shield just seemed da right thing ta do, Gorm be praised. I jest wish I'da been able ta keep him from losin 'is leg."

If anyone else was within earshot, Grathalmor waves them over and asks them to bring Nalrak over to check on the two arcanii. If not, he'll raise his voice as necessary to get his cousin's attention.

Buna listens to Grathalmor and acknowledges him with a nod as she sits on her haunches. She looks up at him and flashes him a quick smile.

"Well, sounds like a good decision. Yer pretty good at what ye do. I 'ppreciate how ye stood off those two bugbears there like that. Big, strong and all dwarf, ye are. Surprised they didn't just run off at the sight o'yer marking there" Buna says, touching her own face where Grathalmor's tattoo was.

"Noth'n to be done for Carmard losing his leg, and he'd be the first to tell ya anyways. Likewise what happened in that arena in Sigil there, there was beldarak (betrayal) at work there and they near killed ye" Buna says, shaking her head. She reaches out and pats Grathalmor's boot, which is the only part of him she can really reach.

"When we get back home, care to join me fer an ale or three? We both got a few regrets to work out over this whole trip" she says and smiles.

Sense Motive not required here, it's clear Buna's smile is more than just a warm one here.

sonofzeal

2012-02-03, 08:22 AM

Bundok

The gathering of orcs look amongst each other, stunned at the short, brutal fight. Well, brutal for their champion Rook at any rate. Bunduk’s deceptive choice of terrain gave him an important advantage in the contest, keeping the orc literally off balance enough to allow Bundok to rain down lethal blows at him. Now, the biggest orc in the crowd lay on the ground unconscious, short a leg and bleeding. Bleeding badly enough that, if not tended, would soon bleed to death.

The eldest orc, the one who had recognized Bundok as “Walking Stick” from when the Forgemark Legion had nearly exterminated their settlement, looked upon his fallen champion with sadness.

“Honor is sated. Once again, your dwarfs take our best from us. Now Rook, poor son, be a burden to our tribe as he is crippled so. The weak have no place amongst the White Tusk clan.” He reaches for his rope belt and withdraw a hand fashioned dagger with a blade of black stone.

The orcs are silent as the old one walks to where the fallen Rook lays, moaning and coming around. He sits for a moment and places a hand on his forehead gently as his eyes flicker open. They are wide at first in recognition of a friendly face.

That was when the old one pushed all his weight down on to the orc’s forehead, pressing him intp the ground. With the other hand, the knife is drawn across his neck in a heavy, strong cut. What happens next is messy and ultimately, quickly, lethal and the once flailing orc lays silent. There is no hesitation, not even for his own apparent son.

“Honor is sated...” the orc repeats, voice trembling. He wipes the bloody blade on his now very stained robes and returns to the knot of quiet orcs, still in shock at the loss and justifiably so, considering the orc’s massive size. Bundok had been very luck to catch it without real armor or weapons, and even than it was a thin margin where the crippling blow could have easily come from orc instead of dwarf.

“Go back to your Clan, dwarf. We be done with you. Vex us no more”
Bundok felt his gorge rising. Not at the blood, the Old Gods knew he'd seen no end of that. This very day had shown him far worse sights than a single dead orc, and he'd seen more than his share of those over the years too.

Nor the coldblooded murder either. If he'd been the orc chieftan, he'd have done the same thing. Rook had lost a duel for the honor of his tribe, and only disgrace awaited him now. He had fought bravely, and could depart completed here, but any further lingering would accomplish nothing. Far more importantly, it'd be a mercy, given the time and place. A one-legged man would have little hope of safe return - Bundok tried desperately not to think about the own amputation he'd so recently performed - and to carry a man of Rook's size would slow the whole tribe down, not to mention the food he'd undoubtedly need to recover, or even just to maintain his size. No. As he was now, his life had become a burden none in this place could afford. Honour and reason agreed the chieftan was right. A quick and respectful death was what Bundok would have wanted had it been him, and what he would have given had he been the chief.

Was it guilt? He'd drawn Rook into the duel by playing on what must have been his biggest weak point. To be a champion and protector of a shattered tribe must have pressed on Rook's spirit for years - and Bundok was partially responsible for that too. To finally be offered a chance at revenge, to honour his fallen friends and family, was an opportunity no honourable man in Rook's place could have passed up. A dishonourable one would have abandoned the tribal loyalty to find whatever shreds of happiness were still within reach, but an honourable one would have no choice but to take the chance. And Bundok had known that when he'd invited the challenge, had counted on it.

He'd counted on a man being honourable, and repaid him with butchery. There was no other word for it. On even ground it would have been a fair fight. No, on even ground the orc would likely have won. He'd have been stronger, bigger, able to force Bundok down through main strength. Rook had been the better warrior. No, Bundok had won through deceit and trickery, luring the orc to a ground he could never have won on. Not in a dozen years could Rook have beaten him there, in that place, at that time. It hadn't been a fight. It had been a slaughter. And now the victim of that slaughter - an honourable man - lay dead at his feet. And it was totally and irrevocably Bundok's own fault.

He couldn't speak. There were no words. Near-choking on bile he turned away and began the trudge back to the others, to Nalrak and the more mundane insanities of battlefield medicine, where you saved some lives and lost others and could go to sleep knowing you'd done your best in a good cause.

Not for the first nor the last time, but perhaps with the greatest sincerity he'd ever felt, Bundok wished for the days before the Patriarchate came to the Battlehammer Halls.

Grodech

2012-02-03, 08:50 AM

Grathalmor and Buna
Buna listens to Grathalmor and acknowledges him with a nod as she sits on her haunches. She looks up at him and flashes him a quick smile.

"Well, sounds like a good decision. Yer pretty good at what ye do. I 'ppreciate how ye stood off those two bugbears there like that. Big, strong and all dwarf, ye are. Surprised they didn't just run off at the sight o'yer marking there" Buna says, touching her own face where Grathalmor's tattoo was.

"Noth'n to be done for Carmard losing his leg, and he'd be the first to tell ya anyways. Likewise what happened in that arena in Sigil there, there was beldarak (betrayal) at work there and they near killed ye" Buna says, shaking her head. She reaches out and pats Grathalmor's boot, which is the only part of him she can really reach.

"When we get back home, care to join me fer an ale or three? We both got a few regrets to work out over this whole trip" she says and smiles.

Sense Motive not required here, it's clear Buna's smile is more than just a warm one here.

Grathalmor hoped the combination of grime and the tattoo covered the slight shade of red he now felt on his face. The thought of having a woman in his life had never occurred to him before, but this one's touch had set his blood to boiling almost as well as a good fight did. "Aye." he replied. Another comment was on his lips, but he became too flummoxed to get it out, so he turned and yelled for Nalrak again.

thorgrim29

2012-02-03, 09:30 AM

After looking around and seeing there were no more pressing matters, Thordrek moved towards Carmard, Grathalmore and Buna. He motions Nalrak closer and when he arrives asks:

What about him Nalrak? We need and conscious and mobile for this whole mess to have a conclusion. We need a plan and we need to get a move on, no telling if they got word of our attack to the main army, and we're in no shape to fight dragons.

OMG PONIES

2012-02-03, 09:49 AM

Nalrak

Nalrak's ears perk up at the sound of his name. "'Scuse me, lass," he mutters to Gerard's mother and waddles away. Best to check on her later, he makes a mental note, no use having a perfectly healthy person stay here mourning over a dead one and wind up all the same.

The doctor approaches the small assembly gathered around Buna and Carmard. He has to bite his tongue as the questions fly; he so desperately wanted to scream and curse like Buelyir had, but that was not his place. Then again, neither were tactical discussions like this...still, he felt the need to help, as always. "Hmm, I suppose we could have a stretcher fashioned for him," Nalrak thinks aloud. "Two could carry it, but then we'd have three slow movers instead of one. We could have him lean on another and hop along, but that's still two slow movers." Suddenly, an idea comes to him. "Could any of our magicians get him flying? You could have no legs or a thousand; doesn't matter one whit if you're taking wing."

shaddy_24

2012-02-03, 11:56 AM

Duervar

Duervar turns away from the drow again. There wasn't anything he cared to hear from the dark elf. Moving back over towards Nalrak, he voices his opinion on Carmard, "We could put together a sled. Lets one or two people carry him without slowing down very much. Might have some trouble in the tunnels, but it'd move very well over the snow if we get outside."

Toliudar

2012-02-03, 12:18 PM

Buelyir and Johanness

"Johanness, Johanness fine job there lad. It's good ye handled that as ye did, prolly a fair bit better than I ever would've" he says with a smile and places an arm on Johanness shoulder. "Just thought I'd let ye know that"

Looking around, Buelyir shakes his head as he takes in the size of the slaves that Johanness had rescued with both respect and trepidation.

"That was some mighty fine work gett'n them clear, althought what to do with'em now represents a vexx'n problem o'quite a proportion I reckon. So does that drow, and his brother, whatever his name is" he says, as much to himself as Johanness.

He than continues in a lower voice...

"I think we might regret not kill'n the one, and if that needed doing I'd like Sable handy for it if needing. Lett'n Talamir try his hand at it was too chancey, for I think that drow was right and our elf would be outmatched. Have ye any thoughts on it? We could seperate him. Hell, I could even hire'em on seein' how Carmard hired a whole Yugoloth army. Curious for yer counsel for I decide someth'n"

Johannes pauses, looking over at Buelyir. Gemeye's relationship with the Patriarchate was both delicate and complex. It was nice to see that at least one of the more hierarchically minded didn't object to having him around.

"The drow are a wildcard, to be sure, but effectively, we didn't offer to do anything that I didn't think we'd already be doing, so the concessions were pretty minimal. Having Sable watching over them can't hurt, and I think she'd enjoy it...but I haven't seen her around for a bit. Can't help there."

He looked around and surveyed the chaos that was the aftermath of the big battle. Lowering his voice, Johannes leans in closer to Buelyir.

"It seems like everything's ready. With this many of us, and especially with the slaves, I'd suggest we loot the place for as much food as we can carry, and enough weapons for the freed slaves to protect themselves. Then we send the slaves and a few of us to watch over them - to make sure that they don't get themselves killed in the ambush, and that the drow don't do something even stupider than before - we send all of them on ahead into the mountains. We tell them the rest of us will be along as soon as we finish with some munitions work on the stronghold. Then we activate...you know. And get the hell out. If you've got the ability to get out using magic, a couple of your most trusted people should stay to guard the...you know...until the last minute."

Johannes shrugged. He was no military tactician, but it seemed like a reasonable progression.

Keep in mind that I have only the foggiest sense of the local geography, or where we are now. I get the sense that we're outside the Aurilite stronghold, but I don't know if we've actually been inside - or even if it's important that we go inside, given our desire to make it go boom. Nor do I know how long a walk we face to get to a place of safety after all this.

mshady

2012-02-03, 01:26 PM

Buelyir to Johannes

Buelyir nods curtly and looks at the slaves again.

"My plan had been similar" he agreed. "Some stay with... you know what... and the rest go over the mountains. We'll need Bundok for that, I think. Thank Moradin for Bundok now" Buelyir says and sighs, looking at the slaves again.

"Unfortunately, there's another question" he says, than pauses. "All those slaves... half are humans and such, or at least humanoid. The rest are of a more base ilk" he says, disdain creeping into his voice now. "Taking both halves would be trouble. They need to be separated. That's a problem wait'n to happen and the human side o'them is not the stronger side. That could explode at any time" Buelyir grimaces slightly at the thought.

"We'll have the minotaurs cut the herd, so to speak. I'm nay of a mind to expect any of us to risk our lives for orcs, bugbears or drow. I'm of a mind to tell'em to take a cave outta here and not bother to hurry and be done with them. Can't be more than a hundred, all trouble and none to be missed. The rest might be useful in the Dales". Ye have any thoughts on how to go about that without a riot?

Buelyir's eyes sweep over the crowded knots of slaves and he seems to be counting, his eyes moving in short, quick motions.

They also look terribly cold.

Grodech

2012-02-03, 02:29 PM

Toliudar

2012-02-03, 05:12 PM

Buelyir to Johannes

"Unfortunately, there's another question" he says, than pauses. "All those slaves... half are humans and such, or at least humanoid. The rest are of a more base ilk" he says, disdain creeping into his voice now. "Taking both halves would be trouble. They need to be separated. That's a problem wait'n to happen and the human side o'them is not the stronger side. That could explode at any time" Buelyir grimaces slightly at the thought.

"We'll have the minotaurs cut the herd, so to speak. I'm nay of a mind to expect any of us to risk our lives for orcs, bugbears or drow. I'm of a mind to tell'em to take a cave outta here and not bother to hurry and be done with them. Can't be more than a hundred, all trouble and none to be missed. The rest might be useful in the Dales". Ye have any thoughts on how to go about that without a riot?

Johannes looks faintly concerned at Buelyir's change of heart. He keeps his voice low and a smile on his face.

"That's your call boss. And you're right. I mean, we just had the first bit of friction, and there's already a man dead from it."

He shrugged.

"On the other hand, what you're saying runs directly contrary to what we just agreed to, oh, five minutes ago. So yeah, I'd say there'd be some concerns there. Be hard to disguise the fact that we're washing our hands of those prisoners in favour of the ones we like better because of their race."

The feather in Johannes cap darts about as he looks around the impromptu hospital.

"If we do this, of course, we'll have no credibility with the prisoners. If you care about that kind of thing. And before you announce anything like that, you should give me time to assemble a team prepped to kill Bhineth'lyn and his brother quickly, and as quietly as possible, because he's NOT going to want to get left behind."

The slender dwarf rubs his bare chin, clearly not relishing the thought. The plastered on smile fades as he pauses, waiting for orders.

sonofzeal

2012-02-03, 10:27 PM

Bundok, Buelyir, Johannes

Bundok trudges past the pair, his bearing grim, his face a mask. His eyes meet Buelyir's for one dark burning moment.

"No. We take everyone."

And he continues past.

Toliudar

2012-02-04, 03:06 AM

sonofzeal

2012-02-04, 07:37 AM

Bundok, Buelyir, Johannes

As grim Bundok makes his comment and moves to trudge along, Johannes deftly snags the back of his cloak to gently draw him back into the conversation.

"OH no you don't. If you're going to stick your nose in, I want the full face. Our illustrious leader was just going over a possible plan from here. But clearly you knew that. So...what do you think our next step should be?"
Bundok stops and sighs, suddenly weary beyond belief. "I dunnot ken. Wit 'alf as many, I dunnot ken. Wit just t' human-sorts, I dunnot ken. Freezin' an' starvin' will kill many, whate'er we try. Any as march wit' us 'ave lil enough chance of seein' next moon. But it's a dam sight better chance tha' thee wi' see stayin' 'ere, or at thine chopper. An' I rack they'n earned t' right ta stand an' try. Mayhap they'n popped ‘ere cloggs, mayhap not. T' gods'll soart tha' oot, sore enough. Me, I'll find tha' path, an' any as'll walk it will. So say I."

He seems repentant for his early outburst, not really meeting anyone's eyes. He seems to mean what he says though. And, mostly, he just seems weary. This hasn't been a good day for anyone.

lakhena

2012-02-04, 10:55 PM

Sable

A quiet voice floats out from the shadows, revealing a familiar, perhaps welcome figure to some. It's uncertain how long she has been there.

“Perhaps it’s time I shared what I’ve found, before further plans are made.”

Her eyes appraise each of the gathered, noting carefully their condition, the state of their arms and armor, and their expressions as she speaks in a calm voice that does not indicate any concern over her absence in the slightest. “I’ve been thinning the ranks of the ones likely to cause us the most trouble… a few officers, several wizards… we shouldn’t have any more problems from at least one ice golem…” The corner of her lips twitch into the slightest of smiles, a slender finger brushing the polished oak staff of her bow.

Her faint smile fades quickly however.

“I would have returned sooner, but I followed a few of those who fled. They’ve holed up in the temple…” Her eyes flicker over to Buelyir and the other dwarves, with a meaningful look. “…now dedicated to Auril. This appears to be the last area of resistance. The gates are well barricaded, and there are guards on the ground, patrolling.”

She holds up a finger before any questions are raised.

“There are three things of particular interest to note. The first: the roof of the temple is partly removed and judging from the claw marks and the opening to the surface several thousand feet above it, I would venture to say there was a dragon quite fortunately not in residence now. Second, there’s an armory within a hundred yards of the temple, open and with freely available basic weapons and armor. Last, but certainly not least in importance, there’s a doorway and a set of stairs leading upwards, nearly half a mile behind the temple. I caught the scent of fresh air from it.”

She lowers her hand, letting it rest lightly at her side once more.

Toliudar

2012-02-04, 11:21 PM

Bundok stops and sighs, suddenly weary beyond belief. "I dunnot ken. Wit 'alf as many, I dunnot ken. Wit just t' human-sorts, I dunnot ken. Freezin' an' starvin' will kill many, whate'er we try. Any as march wit' us 'ave lil enough chance of seein' next moon. But it's a dam sight better chance tha' thee wi' see stayin' 'ere, or at thine chopper. An' I rack they'n earned t' right ta stand an' try. Mayhap they'n popped ‘ere cloggs, mayhap not. T' gods'll soart tha' oot, sore enough. Me, I'll find tha' path, an' any as'll walk it will. So say I."

Johannes smiles, a bit pained.

"Ah yes. The spirit of the age. The gods will sift out the wheat from the chaff, conveniently off stage when and where there's no one to second guess their actions. Don't get me wrong. I love the gods. All of them.

"I have to admit, Bulyir, I agree with his main point. If we stay together, we have some chance of seeing the majority through. Until we're out of the mountains, most will have enough common cause with us that there'll only be violence in small bursts. If we try to carve off a small subgroup, I see no reason why the others wouldn't try to take away our food and supplies, purely for survival.

"Plus, you know. Strength in numbers, and all of that military received wisdom stuff. Anything that we can get a hundred slaves through, we can get two hundred slaves through, if you see what I mean."

Strangie

2012-02-05, 07:04 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt turned around when Sable began to speak, his eyes lit up a bit from the sight. He listened to what she had to say of course, before speaking up.

"By the gods, you're still alive! I knew you'd pull through, somehow," he said, walking toward her a bit. "You never cease to amaze. And all of 'dat is great news... we actually know where the hell we're going now! Leave it to the sneaks to always save the day, eh?" He turns back to Eoin and the others, throwing his hands up into the air. "Well, I don't see any reason to waste any more time here. We've got our truce, we've got a way to arm 'dese folks, we've got an escape plan... and we've got some arses to kick, too."

He swings back around toward Johannes, in his usual animated way. "We oughta get 'dese folks moving right away, give 'em a head start..." His voice lowers a bit. "... so 'dey can beat the... you know..."

mshady

2012-02-05, 02:12 PM

Johannes smiles, a bit pained.

"Ah yes. The spirit of the age. The gods will sift out the wheat from the chaff, conveniently off stage when and where there's no one to second guess their actions. Don't get me wrong. I love the gods. All of them.

"I have to admit, Bulyir, I agree with his main point. If we stay together, we have some chance of seeing the majority through. Until we're out of the mountains, most will have enough common cause with us that there'll only be violence in small bursts. If we try to carve off a small subgroup, I see no reason why the others wouldn't try to take away our food and supplies, purely for survival.

"Plus, you know. Strength in numbers, and all of that military received wisdom stuff. Anything that we can get a hundred slaves through, we can get two hundred slaves through, if you see what I mean."

Buelyir frowns, having the same kind of look one might have if they just bit into a lemon, as he listens to Johanness.

"You may be right that they'd have common cause with us. It nay changes the fact that they're still orcs, bugbears, drow and goblins. We get back to Hundlestone, 'den what? Tell'em to go back into the world to raid, pillage and be a nuisance or we just save us da trouble o'killing them later? Or do we shackle them and put'em to our own mines? Or do we just tell'em to go somewhere that nay bothers us, but bothers someone else? There's a reason the Patriarchate wiped out every bit o'filth within a 100 miles o'our Halls. Forget the Gods sort'n them all out, I'm quite happy to do it here and now." Buelyir says and sighs with exasperation. This was about the last thing he wanted to bother with, considering everything else going on.

He glances at the two minotaurs, and he spies two more hauling up the Stoneburner's case. In chains, he sees Kaladus and Regina, the two captured arch mages from the Godsmen's Foundry that both tries to betray them.

"I forgot 'bout those two. More problems" he says and growls.

"Well, at least they can fight and will depend on us to get outta the mountains. If we run into a dragon, a hundred more might be useful to have 'round. If only to give it a full belly" Buelyir states, his voice cold and eyes hard. Its clear to both dwarfs that the only advantage he sees is they might make good fodder, but at least he was not going to send them off to die directly.

"Johannes and Bundok, go talk to that Eoin fellow that Nalrak was just carving on. Ask'em how many of the humanoids would follow him and have him make it clear the lay of things to them. Than, ye go find that damned drow and tell him what's what and make it clear to'em that any "small outbursts o'violence towards us or Eoin's followers will end badly for them.

When we get back to Hundlestone, they're all goin' into a stockade until the Patriarch decides what to do with'em. It's either that or they can leave on their own and good luck on that choice. I 'xpect he'll send most to the Kingdom o'Many Arrows, and than they're Obould and Battlehammer's problem. Them and their unnatural treaty. We'd never sign such a thing, but I don't mind dumping these critters on to them." he says, adding the last bit with a bit of distaste. "Oh, and tell the drow I'll want to talk to'em 'bout his future plans. I may want'em to carry a message somewhere for me"

Gryndel

2012-02-05, 02:52 PM

Magnum

As talk of moving Carmard progressed, the Alaghor added in abruptly, "I've obtained a new spell dat oughta help. It grants hours o' easy travel atop ice'n snow." He purposely looked at the two sworn to protect Carmard and shrugged, "A sled pulled by da recipient oughta go easier."

Magnum quietly walked among those nearby, nodding at those he knew and checking for obvious harm obtained in battle. As talk turned to discriminating qualities of the rescued slaves, he growled deeply in his throat, more than willing to help separate the slag, made obvious from previous actions and the way he rested a hand on his axe. Saying nothing he simply shrugged, what to do with them was out of his hands, though he stood more than ready to follow whatever orders were issued.

OOC: see ooc thread, and just assume Magnum is in the midst, ready to flee the bombastic monstrosity and help deal with whatever might want to fight.

some random roll, just in case... [roll]1d20]/roll]
EDIT: haha so much for that!

Grodech

2012-02-05, 05:01 PM

shaddy_24

2012-02-06, 10:50 PM

mshady

2012-02-06, 11:32 PM

Buelyir to Duervar

Hearing Duervar speak, Buelyir stiffens a moment. His back is facing the half duergar and he doesn't bother to turn around when he responds.

"...and how will word get out, if there's none o'them left to say anything?"

shaddy_24

2012-02-06, 11:43 PM

Duervar to Buelyir

"If none get out, I suppose no one would talk about it. But the Patriarch tried to wipe out those orc tribes to a man, and look what happened there. We find, what, forty of them trapped here? We're outnumbered and I would bet at least a few of the slaves here have what it takes to survive out there. Wouldn't put it past the damn dark elf to somehow walk through a blizzard to safety. They don't trust us, and some of them have no reason to." Duervar shook his head and turned to keep near Nalrak and the Arcanii.

"My vote, if I get one, is we take them all with us for now. Keep an eye on the ones who've caused trouble, but treat 'em fair. Show them that we're not mindless and destructive, that we can and will take care of those that don't oppose us. And if we can, make it clear that the same does not apply to those who do. I was given such a chance years ago. Dwarves or orcs, hell, even dark elves. We're trying to create a world where everyone can live in peace. At least that's what I'd like to believe. There has to be a way to get there that doesn't involve destroying everyone else along the way. Might as well start here."

mshady

2012-02-06, 11:53 PM

Buelyir to Johannes, Thordek, Bundok and Duervar

Glancing in the direction of Carmard and the group clustering around his area, Buelyir starts in that direction. That was when he noticed Sable's sudden reappearance as she floats out of the shadows near where Wyatt and his comrades are and starts to turn in that direction before halting.

He nods to Johanness and Bundok, but ignores Duervar, and excuses himself from the conversation.

"If you'll 'xcuse me, I've a lady to talk to" he flashes a wily smile at Johanness. "You two get those slaves organized and help Nalrak and Grath keep the peace. Duervar might be good with the slaves too, some common cause I reckon. I'll relent and take'em all, but that's all I'll promise. I need'em organized and ready. We'll find that armory and get'em settled, I reckon we'll need'em. They're not a bunch o'under paid Yugoloths, but they'll do for now"

He pauses and looks at Bundok, giving him a quick nod.

"Well thought, that duel. Sorry 'bout yer stick. I think I recognized those orcs. 10 years ago? The blue boys out north o'Kelvin's Cairn? Small world, guess we missed a few."

Finally, he turns back towards Duervar...

"Lad, I'm going to keep an eye on the troublemakers. Ye can set yer watch and warrant to that. Why I'm going to go see Sable" he smiles darkly. Sable was the party's assassin, someone Buelyir had hired and sent with them, and had just returned. "They can think what they want 'bout us, but I know our kinds been at war with all o'theirs for millenia. Tis the order o'things and call me a traditionalist. If King Bruenor weren't such a respected king, I'd name him a fool for thinkin' we can live in peace with any of them. I'd love to see us all live peaceful lives, walkin' the path o'light, justice and a rothe steak on every plate. As Glorian says, we want to create a perfect world for our race. We just might nay have a place in it"

If he cared that he offended the half duergar, he didn't seem to show he cared one way or the other. He seemed more concerned with Bundok's loss of his staff and going over towards Sable.

Buelyir crosses the distance towards where Wyatt, Eoin, Victor and Tec'lic stand with Sable...

shaddy_24

2012-02-07, 12:16 AM

Duervar to Buelyir

"I doubt I'll have a place in it myself. An old, bitter ex-slave, angry at the gods and the world. The only skills I can turn back to are mining, and I've had enough of that to fill a life time." He stops for a second, then begins laughing. "Listen to me. Moaning and crying about a peaceful future. Heh. I'll worry about that later." He gives Buelyir one final glance, meeting his eyes "I bet against tradition. Change is everywhere, who knows how long the old viewpoints can survive? Whoever lives, whoever dies, and whatever you believe in life, it's time to place your bets. If we both make it, I'll see you next time we roll the dice." He leaves the conversation there. There was a lot of work to do, no point in carrying on any further.

lakhena

2012-02-07, 12:19 AM

Sable to Wyatt and Buelyir

Her lips twitch into a slightly wry, bemused smile at Wyatt's reaction to her words. "What would that do to my reputation if I let you wander out of this place without me?" She lowers her voice to a slightly conspiratorial tone. "I never leave business unfinished."

Sable offers Wyatt a subtle wink, before turning nimbly on her toes towards the dwarf advancing towards her. She blows Buelyir a quick kiss with a graceful wave of her hand, before smiling and showing her pearly white teeth.

mshady

2012-02-07, 12:33 AM

Nega, Hjalmar and Sonnlinor Stonebreaker

Nega
Sonnlinor how are yer men doin. Buelyir asked me to ask if ye need Nalrak to 'Elp yer men. Myself and 'Jalmar 'ere can try to do somewat too of course. Ifn ye tell me wat ye need aid in I'll look to it. And let me also say dat even if I do not keep deep love fer a grey I always aid dose fall and 'Urt in doin battle fer da Mordinsamma. My deepes condolences Sonnlinor now lets see to your men and if need be call fer Nalrak.
You can see the stern facial expression on Nega change to a deep felt sorrow as she inspects the Sonnlinors soldiers and that she devotes all her healing abilities into easing their pain. She for the first time inn her life felt for a duergar. Her hate for atleast a brief moment let them benefit from their valor and courage. She looks to Garlot and says in a clear voice:

Fitin evil is always good, and fallin to da glory of Moradin is da best 'Onor one of 'Is fait'ful can get. So look at dis sacrifice as needed fer yer lord and master Moradin da just and fat'er of even yer people in 'Is 'Eart. Loss is never good but I tell you Garlot Duergar I cry muc' on da days our c'ildren fall to eac' ot'ers weapons. C'ildren is our onlly 'Ope and yet dey peris' eac' day to our scaubles needlessly. She looks to the Sonnlinoor and says before she continues her inspection:Yer men did not fite in wain dey fite wit' 'Onor and respect is needed. She bows her head to him and goes back to her task.

Garlot looks up at Nega and frowns at her. The young duergar's face hardens as he looks at her. Even with only wing of her Valkyrie helmet remaining, a bit of recognition dawns on him.

"Falling in service o'Moradin be da best honor we can have? All the same to ye, but I'd rather have my Da back than have him so honored. Ye make it sound like me old faith too much. Tis sacrifice best be worth his life, and what yer doing here best be enough glory to see'em through those gates or... or..." he shakes in anger at her, her words providing little comfort. "I know who ye are, Valkyrie. They told us stories of the dwarf lady who slew duergar by the hundreds up and down da Underdark to frighten us of yer kind. How ye raided our homes and our holy circles. I know now most of it be lies and ye be faithful to yer Goddess as I am Moradin, but yer as sanctimonious as they said too. Those stories, they're true enough those ones" he scowls at Nega and bites his lip. "Ye should go, Valkyrie. My da's already dead. There's nothing for ye here"

Looking at the scene, Sonnlinor Stonebreaker looks a bit dismayed and motions the two paladins over to his side. He wears a look of exasperation as he looks at Nega.

"Sorry for his words, honored Valkyrie" the Sonnlinor says, his tone as neutral as it is respectful.

"Sometimes when words are nay enough to salve a grief, its best to say noth'n at all. A wisdom I learned some time ago I pass on from to you" he smiles one of those serene smiles only someone of powerful, peaceful faith could seem to manage.

"Please forgive his words, for he is in a moment of great pain. I am really the only person of Moradin's faith they have ever known, and you are some of the first dwarfs he has seen alive or outside of a slave pen. Their adoption of Moradin's faith is often a bit... different than mine. It is the faith of rebellion to us against oppression to them, when in truth the faith is merely a lighter reflection of our own dark principles of work, labor and sacrifice. They all have much to learn. I have much to learn. Us visiting your Sunderhelme and the religious schools there may do much for our kind, as we go forth as missionaries. As far south as Shanatar and the war between the Army of Gold and Steel, Gold Dwarf and Duergar at war. I am too far removed from that area to be more than intellectually saddened to see both sides fight over their shared home land. Mayhaps the sharing of faith may help a common cause be found. Both sides have worse enemies than each other, but no war is more brutal than those between brothers"

He turns and looks at the three soldiers who lay on the ground, bandaged and moaning in pain and frowns.

"Yes well, enough theology for this day and time. If your doctor is able, we could use his ministrations here. I am a healer, but no surgeon and my healing is all but spent between our wounded and my own battling. I can only do so much with Moradn's blessing when there be a spearhead in a belly or bones broken. I sense it is time we get moving, and not all may last the trip in their condition but they are stable for now" the Sonnlinor says. His polite message is clear enough; they were not leaving until they received some assistance and the bomb would not be set off until they were far clear of the area, for they intended on falling back into the Underdark as fast as their legs could take them rather than brave the light of the surface and cold of the mountains. It was just too much to ask of them.

DM Note: Sorry for the late reply here!

Strangie

2012-02-07, 12:49 AM

Wyatt

"Heh." Wyatt just chuckled a little at Sable's comment. He then noted Buelyir's approach, turning to face him. "Here comes Buelyir now. Now maybe we can get the hell out of 'dis godsforsaken place."

Wyatt gives a simple wave to Buelyir as he approaches. "I think our chances of successfully pulling 'dis off just went up, at least a little. Everybody always sees the warriors with 'dere bright and shining armor and gives 'em all the credit... but it's the ones 'dat work behind the scenes 'dat deserve the real credit." He gestures at Sable, Buelyir, and himself. "I'll leave you both to it, 'den."

He shrugs, and turns to Eoin, giving him a thumbs up. "It's all good. I hope you can still fight, we'll need all the help we can get."

mshady

2012-02-07, 01:18 AM

Buelyir to Sable and Company

Seeing Sable blow him a kiss and raises an eyebrow at the gesture and decides to return the gesture with a wave of his own, sans the kiss. People might get the wrong idea, like he had hired her for her looks instead of her capacity for murder. He didn't want to damage either of their reputations with his response.

"Ah Sable, good to see ya lass!" Buelyir says, as he approaches the knot of mercenaries and recently freed slaves. He doesn't seem to think anything of it, not even bothering to drop his hand to his sword or pistol.

He nods towards Wyatt and gives Victor, Tec'lic and Eoin an appraising look than returns back to Wyatt.

"These friends of yours, Wyatt?" he looks at the halfling and there is a twinkle in his eyes. Wyatt is not sure if it is a good twinkle or not.

"Yes we are, dwarf" Victor says, answering for Wyatt. "We are the Wayward Sons. Captured by these damned devil orcs and sent here. We thought Wyatt was lost, but he comes back to us now. With friends" the massive, dark skinned giant of a man says.

Buelyir looks up and up and up at Victor and shakes his head in appreciation.

"Well ain't you a tall drink of water?" Buelyir says and laughs, than turns to look at Eoin.

"So, yer the one old doc Nalrak was cutting on eh? Welcome back. That drow seemed to think highly of you, wherever he got off to. I'm sure ye got some questions, and I got some stuff for ye too but I have to talk to the lass first"

"So Sable, what do ya hear? Nothin' but the rain?" he smirks at her. He seems quite friendly at the moment, for some reason. "Ye went off freelancing for awhile. I saw some trees grow'n outta the back of a few folks heads and figured ye did the planting. Fine work, that. Where ya been all this time and what did ye find? We're look'n for the way out and any dragon sign, as its gett'n time to set the fire and get to runn'n."

He than lowers his voice to a little above a whisper only she can really hear.

"Keep an eye on that drow. Not the wounded one, but the other one workin' the monstrous slaves. That one's trouble and caused me some grief. Might be we need to lose that baggage. He seems a trig fellow though, carries two blades and carved up a lot o'those hobgobs"

mshady

2012-02-07, 01:49 AM

Talamir and Black's Company

Chastened by Buelyir's words and with much on his mind, Talamir makes his way back to Black's Company with his head held higher than it had been held in a long time. It had been a clarifying rebuke, making him consider his path with a bit more ambition than he had in sometime. Not the idle regret that came with drink and lost gambles that had so often left him bemoaning his life, but thinking he deserved all the ill he got on some cosmic level.

With those thoughts in mind, that was when he came upon Marcus Black with a set of bolt cutters clipping the finger off some poor lost soul to get a silver band off his finger. The mercenary pops off the finger and than pulls it off the stub before pocketing it in his satchel. He does it with such smoothness, it seemed like he had done it a thousand times and probably had. He also knew what the pliers were for that sat looped in his belt. At least focused on looting the dead, he had not had time to drink for only the smell of death followed Marcus and not alcohol, yet.

Marcus stands to his full height of 6'5, and while he had enough of a paunch to make his plate bulge, he was still a very solid fellow even just north of 40 or so. Old for a human warrior, barely of age for an elven one... which seemed just about right, didn't it?

Near his stands a man of medium build with platinum blonde hair in a ragged spike. He recognized this as Barakas, the Company's cleric of Beshaba who they kept around to ward off bad luck. He was spattered with bloody, but hardly seemed bother as none of it seemed to be his. A rough looking dwarf and a half orc stood by Barakas and served as his body guards when they weren't scrapping with each other endlessly. A bit behind them, Talamir marks Werner, the Company's mage and Santana, their archer and scout. He was supposed to be Sable's replacement and seemed to have caught on well enough. The two seem to be engaged in a conversation. Werner, or as he was nicknamed Weedle, had a bloody bandage around his wrist though where he had suffered some kind of wound and he looked a bit pained.

On the grond, the bodies of 7 of the 10 new soldiers they had brought lay on the ground, covered in their own bed roll as some measure of respect. Two of them had missing fingers, and Talamir had a guess what happened to those poor fellows. The other 3 stand about, cocky and confident yet no more than human teenagers. Few things were more stupidly dangerous than an armed human teenager, full of male aggression with none of the wisdow or caution. If they gave a damn about their fallen mates, it was hard to tell.

They'd fit right in with this crowd.

Yes, these fellows would most certainly slay a mother with babe in hand if so ordered. Some of them might do it for the gold, some for the fun. Quite a company he kept... Quite the company for a Bladesinger.

Barakas, unfortunately, is the first to mark Talamir's return.

"Oh Marcus, looks like the dwarfs sent back their butt boy" the cleric says, tittering with a most vexxing laughter. "What brings you crawling back to our honorable Company? Come to kiss my ring and ask I keep the bad luck away from you again?" he smirks at Talamir.

The two had a history of needling each other. From what little he knew of Sable before he had met her in person, he knew Barakas had done much the same to her.

"Meh" Marcus grunts as he looks at Talamir, marking the elf's return with benign disinterest. "If ye came back for the loot, ye can forget it, knife ears. We're clean' up before the dwarfs move us out. Buelyir mentioned we'd get the run of any temples we find, and I aim to be first in the door when we find one. So what do you want, or ye just come back to take my coin and be miserble some more?" Marcus asks him, his face half smile and half frown underneath his salt and pepper beard. The words stung a bit, for some of them were true in a sense. "Ye back for awhile or ye just a messenger pigeon look'n for some seed and a reply?"

mshady

2012-02-07, 02:05 AM

Meeting at Carmard's

The knot around where Carmard slumbers is perhaps the largest at this point, as they discuss ways to move him. Either to get him flying or in some sort of sled to drag across the snow. Buelyir had so far been absent, dealing with the near hostage situation with that uppity drow, dressing down Magnum and Talamir, talking to Johanness and now conversing with Wyatt's mercenary friends and the returned Sable.

All of them noted that coming to see Carmard, the commander that Buelyir had replaced upon his arrival and now short a leg and unconscious, apparently was not a terribly high priority for Buelyir. Or perhaps just many other things just simply were priorities too. It was not like Buelyir was needed to figure out how to make a sled or that Carmard was awake to talk...

Buna takes in the discussion as best she can, occasionally holding her head and riding out the latest headache or simply becoming distant. It was a serious enough blow that she might not be right for days, but she was lucky her head had not been split by the wizard's guardian or felled earlier when she had took a lightning bolt square in the chest.

"Moradin and Berronar help me!" she mutters as she listens to them go back and forth on what to do. "Go have the slaves put together some damn sleds for their own wounded and send one here. Have that human lass and that elf carry him, so our best warriors our out front but he has a good guard too. We're too beaten down for Grathalmor to hang back out of the fight, nor Nalrak. Keep the steel forward" she tells them all. She also takes a moment to smile towards Grathalmor. The smile lingers a bit longer than strictly necessary, and he had to fight the blush once again. She seemed to like making him do that. "Now who wants to go tell the slaves? I would, but I'm a bit wobbly aight now. This needs to get going, come on!" Buna says, hurt and frustrated at the same time.

Finally able to get a good luck at Carmard after what seemed an eternity, Nalrak inspects him carefully. His wounds were not bleeding, blessedly enough, nor were there any read streaks on the stump of his leg. The arrow head that had stuck his leg had been yanked free by someone, and while it would leave a scar, that wound had been largely healed already. He was still very pale from the blood loss howeverm and being wrapped in blankets and resting was probably the best thing for him.

Nalrak knew that, but somehow he thought Buelyir would have other ideas. Nalrak actually did have smelling salts in his kit to awaken people in a slumber like this, but he would be groggy from the milk of the poppy he had given him earlier regardless. At the time, it had not occured to him that Carmard was needed to activate the Stoneburner although it should have, as he had activated it once before as part of a desperate gambit.

mshady

2012-02-07, 02:17 AM

Tasster Arrives - Carmard's Group

While they were conversing over building sleds and getting organizad, they do not see the approach of Tasster.

"My boy!" he cries out as he stumbles forward. He is holding one of his twin sons in his arms. His arms hang limply and blood covers much of them, but who the blood came from was hard to tell. A broken haft of a spear sticks out of his belly and out the side, and blood drips down the haft and spear tip leaving drops of blood on the flagstone floor.

Prince Tasster, heir to the Tethaymar Mines after his brother and a fiend hunter, was a wild dwarf. He was taller than most, broader than all and certainly one of the strongest dwarfs anyone else here had occasioned to meet. When his fire burned, it burned hot, and he had covered himself in bloody glory in ultimately futile attempts to regain his ancestral home over the years.

Nalrak immediately looks at the approaching dwarf, noting his wounded and possibly dead son and Tasster's own wounds. There must be at least a dozen serious wounds that would require stitching and perhaps divine attention. He walks with a heavy limp as well, and his knee seems cut badly, and that could be bad for him as well. Yet he seemed to ignore the multitude of wounds, at least for now.

"Where's Nalrak? Where he be? Come, look at me son! He's still with me, just need to get this outta him. Where are ya??" he yells, almost wails in grief.

Trailing behind him are his two other sons, also wounded but walking. They both carry massive boar spears, with the eldest carrying both his and his fallen brothers. The four of them worked together, with the spears pinning powerful foes for their father to cut down, and it seemed as unorthodox as it seemed effective. Except perhaps this time.

More wounded....

loopy

2012-02-07, 03:11 AM

Eoin to Wyatt and Buelyir

Eoin laughs a little in response to Wyatt's comment. "Indeed I can, my lucky friend. In fact, I may have picked up a trick or two." He punctuates his statement by flashing 5 feet to the right in a flash of black, blue, and bronze smoke.

As Buelyir approaches, Eoin nods in his direction. "Hello there, I hear that you are in charge around here. Eoin, Victor, and Tec'Lic, formerly of the Wayward Sons. I suppose some thanks are in order, not sure being slaves really suits my sunny disposition."

Seeing the dwarf pull Sable into a conversation, he sighs a little, and continues to wait until someone feels like enlightening him as to what is going on.

Katasi

2012-02-07, 08:38 AM

"Gah, just leave me alone!" Arum says, coming out from a dark corner, apparently talking to himself as there is noone there with him. He goes over to the others and begins trying to figure out what they are doing.

OMG PONIES

2012-02-07, 08:49 AM

Grodech

2012-02-07, 01:54 PM

Before Nalrak leaves Carmard's side, Grathalmor hands him a small sack containing the other 9 curative potions that had been scrounged from the bodies. "Ye may need these."

OMG PONIES

2012-02-07, 01:57 PM

Nalrak

Nalrak smiles at Grathalmor's offer, but refuses politely. "Nay, cousin," he says, "you keep them. Never know who may need more care when I'm out of reach." As the doctor speaks, his eyes linger on Carmard before turning back to the Prince and his family.

Katasi

2012-02-07, 02:45 PM

"Someone care to fill me in on what's going on?" Arum asks, tilting his head to the side, clearly still hearing something odd.

Chepe Nolon

2012-02-07, 02:57 PM

Nega

I'll get Nalrak at once Sonnlinor. As for 'Is sorrow I understand. I never killed C'ildren in my fites and sadly many of yer kind fell to my mace and 'Ammer. I was never a fiter fer blood mind ye. But as ye say grief is not easy.She turns and walks towards where she saw Nalrak last. She is still wounded and the blood coovers her armor and shield. The only thing not soiled is the mace. It shines strongly. She mutters a few words to herself as she walks. As she closes inn she looks for Nalrak and goes with determined steps towards him.

thorgrim29

2012-02-07, 03:27 PM

sonofzeal

2012-02-08, 06:57 AM

Bundok

Seeing that Eoin was being talked to by someone much better at such things than he, Bundok slipped off by himself. Company was intolerable right now; he needed some time to recover his mental balance.

His feet brought him in the direction Sable had come from, the rumoured armory and the potential passage to the surface. Best confirm the reports there if he could. Not that he seriously doubted Sable, she'd proven her loyalty and competence often enough, but it was what he was trained for and the others would look to him when it was time to travel it in force, and laying eyes on it himself would be an asset. Mostly though, it was merely a pretense to separate himself from the crowd for a while.

Well-worn boots carried him swiftly and smoothly over the broken ground.

Grodech

2012-02-08, 12:29 PM

Thordrek is appalled that the mighty Tasster could be so badly wounded, and moves closer to Grathalmore and whisper's to him.

Be prepared, I like Tasster but he's not stable at the best of times, let alone wounded, grieving and still gripped by bloodlust. If his son dies we might have to protect Nalrak

"Best go with him, then." Grathalmor replies to Thorgrim. "Give a yell if ya need me."

I'm assuming they're within 20-30 feet of where Grathalmor stands with Carmard, Buna and the other when Nalrak gets to them Let me know if not.

King Tius

2012-02-08, 10:47 PM

As the two Paladins stood listening to the conversations with the Drow, the scowl on Hjalmar's face returns in full force. In truth the look is as much a reflection of his disapproval as it is a mask; this old dwarf was wounded, tired, and wholly out of his comfort zone. At least he still had his hammer.

Age and weariness set in as Nega tries to banter with him. He acknowledges her remarks with a grunt or a scowl but other than that maintains his silence. Even as a youth he wasn't known for his verbosity and age certainly hasn't helped.

Grunting at Buelyir's order, he marches off with Nega towards the Duergar, ignoring the sharp pains in his back and the aching in his joints. He meets the vacant and sad looks of the grey dwarves with a steady one-eyed gaze. He'd sent hundreds of their kind to the Nine Hells with his hammer and wouldn't even blink doing so to these whelps, whether they claimed to worship Moradin or not.

When Nega wanders off to find Nalrak, Hjalmar is suddenly left standing alone by the Sonnlinor. He stares at the Duergar for a long minute before he speaks. Though he addresses the man by his formal title, he spits out the word, finding the term preposterous for one such as this.

"I would stay far away from Shanatar if I were you. Sonnlinor or no, it'd be hard to tell your corpse apart from the other Duergar that have been defiling our homeland for so many ages."

Hjalmar can't resist his instincts. He taps into the powers bestowed upon him by Moradin and scans the Sonnlinor and the surrounding Duergar with his Detect Evil ability. If anything, it will help remind him that these grey dwarves are not evil, despite every fiber of his being saying otherwise.

OOC: Typing in Pirate is tough and confusing. For ease of reading, I'm going to type him in normal English from now on. From here on out, please read him in a Pirate accent to properly emulate the dialect of the Gold Dwarves.

mshady

2012-02-09, 02:19 AM

Sonnlinor Stonebreaker and Hjalmar

The Sonnlinor regards Hjalmar cooly, his serenity not as firmly in place as it was before. He crosses his arms and looks at Hjalmar, matching the dwarf's steady gaze and bites his lip.

"In point of fact, it tis not your homeland, but it is ours" he says calmly, correcting Hjalmar. "It tis the Homeland of the Shield Dwarves who fled your homeland for the freedom to worship and live as they liked. They found it faithless, confining and decadent. Tark Shanat led the Great Crusade from your homeland, conquered Shanatar. It was only when Moradin chose Dumathion as the patron of the shield dwarves over Laduguer that the race began to split. By split, I mean did not lift a finger when mindflayers dragged our cities off to slavery. When we freed ourselves, we returned for vengeance and extinguished the last embers of Deep Shanatar, already wracked with wars and decay not of our doing. So don't ye talk to me of yours having more right to it than mine, for it was our home"

As history went, all of what the duergar said was a bit beyond his own formal education but he knew his own Kings and Sonnlinor's claim well enough. Deep Shanatar was founded by Gold Dwarf colonists through a Crusade authorized by their own Church and they had first right to it. No doubt there was some jingoism mixed with that message, but it was dwarf land not duergar land and certainly none of any race should continue to defile its holy sites.

His surface scratched though, it was clear Sonnlinor Stonebreaker was still just a duergar, even if he shared the same faith as Hjalmar. The duergar continues though.

"I fully intend to return to my homeland and visit my people's holy sites. Than I intend on trying to convert some my brethern, or at least a broader view and claim one of our old cities. From there, maybe I can negotiate a peace and a unified kingdom. For all. Like it once was. As Moradin intended.

Well I appreciate yer warning, let me share an irony. The Patriarch here, he is a direct descendent of the Shanats. That was why we meant with Prince Tolrin and came here, you see. He negotiated with your Gold Dwarf ambassadors for safe passage for me" he says. Instead of sounding smug about it though, he strikes a tone of slight pity for Hjalmar.

"Now, friend, would ye be so kind as to see about your doctor? We have a pressing need for him, and I daresay you do as well"

Gryndel

2012-02-09, 12:50 PM

So counting up charges for the Wand of Lesser vigor (fast healing 1, for 15 rounds)...

Nega, Hjalmar and Sonnlinor StonebreakerHe turns and looks at the three soldiers who lay on the ground, bandaged and moaning in pain and frowns.

3 charges here...

Tasster Arrives - Carmard's Group

More wounded....

3 or 4 more...

Nega

I'll get Nalrak at once Sonnlinor. As for 'Is sorrow I understand. I never killed C'ildren in my fites and sadly many of yer kind fell to my mace and 'Ammer. I was never a fiter fer blood mind ye. But as ye say grief is not easy.She turns and walks towards where she saw Nalrak last. She is still wounded and the blood coovers her armor and shield. The only thing not soiled is the mace. It shines strongly. She mutters a few words to herself as she walks. As she closes inn she looks for Nalrak and goes with determined steps towards him.

1 more here...

...and 1 on Hjalmar?

so that's either 8 or 9 charges, depending on whether the third young Tasster is dead or living!

mshady

2012-02-10, 07:11 AM

Nalrak

The doctor resolves to let Carmard rest more; the sled would still be able to pull him. Buelyir would probably have little of it, but absent a direct order to the contrary, Nalrak wasn't prepared to rouse the one-legged Carmard just yet. Surely someone else would be able to activate the Stoneburner.

At the sound of the Prince's voice, Nalrak peels himself away from the group. "Ho, prince!" he calls out to Tasster. Nalrak fights through whatever crowd there is to tend to Tasster's family; while the prince put on a noble face, Nalrak still needed to evaluate whose wounds were more serious between father and sons. Who was more in need of saving? Who wasn't there enough time for? Nalrak hated these questions, but had to ask them all the same.

[roll0] to evaluate Tasster's condition
[roll1] as above, for son #1
[roll2] as above, for son #2
[roll3] as above, for son #3
[roll4] as above, for son #4

Nalrak examines Tasster and his son, in that order. Looking at him for a moment tells him enough of a tale....

Tasster is Badly Wounded (25% or less HP), and has several lacerations. One on his arm is particularly bad and still bleeding. Judging from the rents in his chest plate, the armor had probably saved his life as he was overwhelmed. While it is splattered with blood, none appears to running out or down the armor. Nalrak's only concern there is that a spear tip or arrow head might be broken off in his torso. Nalrak counts at least a dozen nasty wounds on the dwarf, ones that will leave scars most likely, but nothing seemed to land really square on him.

Tasster's bleeding arm is costing him 1 HP/turn and won't be stopped unless stitched or a specific healing spell is applied to it.

Tasster's wounded son is alive but unconscious. Likely being moved started the bleeding again, although it was hard to fault Tasster for doing so. He has a spear shaft stuck in his belly, but it hit sideways. If it had hit a vital organ, the dwarf would have been dead already. As it was, his intestines and bowel were probably cut up badly and that would be a mortal wound without surgery. Considering his concern for using his Raise Dead scroll before, if Tasster's son died and he knew Nalrak had that scroll... and he didn't use it? Well, that could get very ugly. He looked of the type that would do anything to save his son or bring him back. Anything at all, and however badly the Prince was hurt, there was still fight in him if it came to that.

Tasster's son is bleeding at 1 HP/turn too, and he didn't look like he had too much longer at the rate it was going... A minute maybe?

The other two sons look like they've gone through hell, but are alright enough.

None of them would be doing much more fighting without attention too. Nalrak could only imagine the wreckage this bloody minded family had just caused on the battlefield though.

mshady

2012-02-10, 08:19 AM

Magnum's Location

After following Nega and Hjalmar, Magnum uses his wand on the paladins and fallen soldiers. He mostly revives the Paladins, but the soldiers need Nalrak yet. The Sonnlinor himself thanks Magnum for his healing touch.

Magnum follows Nega back, for Hjalmar lingers to provide the Sonnlinor a grim warning and gets a history lesson and upbraiding for his trouble.

When he returns to Nalrak's location, he offers the use of the wand again but holds off until Nalrak gives him specific direction to do so.

Chepe Nolon

2012-02-10, 02:23 PM

NEGA

Nalrak w'ere are ye. Da Sonnlinor needs ya over at 'Is men at once. Nega calls out as she closes in on his position.She heades for Buelyir after talking to Nalrak.A' Commander Buelyir wat is da next move ye planned. And 'Ow is da lad Carmard and lass Buna?

(Explanatory text in spoilers. Testing)
Nalrak where are you. The Sonnlinors need you over at his men at once.
Ah Commander Buelyir what is your next move you have planned. And how is Carmard and Buna

Gryndel

2012-02-10, 03:17 PM

Magnum

The grim guardian's wondrous and wicked work lingered on, much on the mind of the Alaghor who played part in its eventual but costly demise. Grumbling as he nodded to Nalrak after Nega spoke, he walked over to check again on Carmard. No healer by training, he had nothing beyond a few potions and the dwindling wand, all best saved for the near future he strongly suspected.

With a shake of his head, Magnum approached Buna, "Best steel forward indeed!" The fact that she was suffering from a traumatic head wound was not lost on his dry humor, "Easy Arcanii, ye've enuf on yer mind now. Rest while ye can, da road ahead's likely ta be long."

Glancing at Grathalmor with a slight smile hidden under his whiskers, the Alaghor grumbled and watched Tasster and sons.

Katasi

2012-02-11, 02:54 PM

Arum, feeling rather bored, pulls out his rapier and begins twirling the blade through the air, making invisible shapes with the tip.

Strangie

2012-02-11, 04:07 PM

mshady

2012-02-11, 06:38 PM

Bundok

Seeing that things were being tended to, and not wanting to be part of or around the conversation surronding the disposition of the slaves, Bundok decides to check out the temple for himself.

Being the group's scout was supposed to be his job, not some human gutter snipe, however deadly she might be. Even if they didn't feel more comfortable about it, he would feel more comfortable about it, so Bundok headed in the general direction.

Walking past the battlefield, he saw Talamir talking to what was left of Black's Company. Their tall, alcoholic, commander Marcus seemed irate with the elf. That was hardly surprising. Their presence here was surprising. Why Buelyir felt that, on such a sensitive mission, tavern found mercenaries were at all appropriate surprised him. Than again, considering how cold blooded Buelyir was, maybe he just figured he would be doing the area a service by getting some honorable use out of them, and get rid of them.

Soon enough, he found himself looking at a short bridge over a black chasm. It was large, made of stone of course, and has a railing with enough room to walk on either side. Sconces of fire burn along the 50 foot length of bridge to provide illumination. Trails of blood streak the bridge, no doubt from where the enemy had hauled their wounded. Under the circumstances, Bundok was surprised they bothered. They were certainly running scared.

The Aurilites had long been the "big bad" of the region. They hovered over the area as some sort of distant evil. The shoe that could always drop, always worried about. Mainly they stayed in the mountains, but sometimes they did not. They had dragons too, were lead by one even. Seeing them running certainly gave Bundok some faint cheer under the circumstances.

Behind the bridge, he can see several squat, stone structures. The biggest was, indeed, a dwarven temple of significant proportion. A desecrated hammer and anvil has been chiseled away and covered in ice and symbols of Auril. Next to it were the twin rings of Berronar. THAT he found surprising. No doubt Sable missed the significance of that.

In the distance, he can see guards. If he wanted to get any closer, perhaps closer than Sable got, he would have to get across the bridge. The nearest guard was a hundred feet away, as far as he could tell. There weren't many of them, but they were there.

How does Bundok proceed?

sonofzeal

2012-02-12, 05:10 AM

Bundok

Hmm. A Truesilver temple, here? That bears investigating. And where was that exit Sable suggested?

Bundok bend low, loping almost on all fours. There wasn't much for cover, but the distance was far and he watched the lights at his back so that he didn't silhouette himself and draw unwanted attention. He worked his way in this animal posture circling off towards the nearest wall, where there'd be more cover.

As he went he sniffed there air. Sable said she'd "smelled" fresh air, and Bundok would wager any money his nose was better than hers.

Hide [roll0]
Move Silently [roll1]
Spot [roll2]
Listen [roll3]

Also, Search/Survival [roll4] <- Bundok's martial training have given him the Scent ability (ToB, Tiger Claw stance "Hunter's Sense"), which IIRC can use either Search or Survival. Fortunately for me, Bundok's got a +17 either way.

loopy

2012-02-12, 07:22 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt watches Eoin's little teleport dance, and rubs his chin. "New trick, huh? Where'd you learn 'dat from? I didn't learn much different. Just improved on what I'm already good at - traps, sneaking, and clobberin'."

He shrugs. "Once Buelyir's done rendezvousin' with Sable, I propose 'dat once we've got the slaves ready to leave 'dis place, the Wayward Sons can lead the way using Sable's info. If anybody can lead 'em out of 'dis craphole it'll be us. Maybe we can get a head start and the dwarves can, uh..." He gestures with his hand vaguely. "Do what 'dey gotta do."

Eoin Shatterbond

Eoin taps his nose with an index finger. "Trade secret," he answers Wyatt with a wink. "My skills in theft and pilfering have suffered a little. Getting caught skulking around the slave camp was a quick way to end up staked or worse."

"Let's hope your Buelyir has some supplies for me, I'm not one for traipsing around in a state of near nakedness in the Underdark."

Strangie

2012-02-12, 09:15 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt frowned and raised an eyebrow. "Trade secret? Pff... whatever. I haven't been gone 'dat long. I'll get the full story from you at some point, I'm sure."

He straightens his vest. "Anyway, Sable said she found an armory of sorts, so 'dat's the best we can do. We might be able to scrap together some spare gear from fallen enemies as well, but 'dat's about the best you're going to do until we get out of 'dis dump."

mshady

2012-02-12, 09:41 AM

Bundok

After a moment of consideration, Bundok gets on all fours and moves across the bridge. He stays near the high shoulder of the bridge, in the shadows as best he can. Likely the remaining Aurilites would be vigilant but the distance was far enough. They probably counted on being able to see a group cross, but not a lone scout. If he was noticed, at worst he could pull back if needed.

As he crosses though, he keeps a careful watch ahead and sees no real reaction from the hobgoblins standing around in front of the massive double door in front of the ice-glazed temple ahead. Bundok does steal a glance down as he crosses the bridge. All he sees is a deep, black chasm. As engineering went, the bridge was quite a feat considering there was no central support. Not that 50 feet was a huge span, but still...

Once on the opposite side of the bridge, Bundok looks around some more. He counts 11 guards now in front of the temple. There are a couple of thrown-together barricades. No siege weapons or ballistas, either. All at least appeared to have crossbows or longbows. From the plate armor one was wearing, it was probably another of those lieutenants they had been tangling with. Tough, but not that tough. Probably wounded too.

...and that was it, for the guards.

Beyond, he sees the temple. It was a big, imposing structure glazed in ice with a crude holy symbol of Auril overlaying the one of Moradin and Berronar. The fact the two were together was interesting. It was rare to see a joint temple, for it was either done to save space or for some grander purpose. It was not a symbolism lightly invoked, but the meaning beyond that was unclear.

Looking above the structure, he can see where the grand dome atop the cathedral had been simply ripped off. Rubble was strewn around the around the area. Bundok could even see the claw marks on the side of the temple. No, there was no smell of brimstone or other element that was the mark of dragons he was told, but there wouldn't be one with a White.

Above the temple, his eyes follow the bacm of the wall and he looks up and up. His nose sniffs, trying to learn what he could. It must be a thousand feet up, but he does indeed see light high above. Flakes of snow float down from above. It was rocky and rough, and while it was perhaps no problem for a dragon, it was hardly something that could be climbed quickly.

Beyond the temple though, he could indeed see a wide stair case. It was on the back wall of the chamber and must be 50 feet wide. His people certainly built in grand gestures, once upon a time. From there, he could indeed smell not just fresh air but he sensed the movement of it. It could be ventilation, but it was likely what he thought: an exit.

Next to the temple is what must be the armory. Could only be the armory. It is a great, but not as grand as the temple, building. The building is a massive dwarf, swing and axe in hand, looking grim and right at the bridge. The great doors, carved out of the shield, are wide open and torches burn inside. There appear to be no guards around that.

mshady

2012-02-12, 05:52 PM

Buelyir and The Wayward Sons

Having finished with Sable for the moment, he drifts back towards Eoin, Wyatt, Victor and Tec'lic...

"Sorry 'bout that. Had to take a report" he gives them a sideways grin as he says it, for he was not sorry at all about being drawn away but at least he bothered to put a diplomatic face on it. He had so many faces, Wyatt reflects. It scared him a little.

"So, the one with the hole in the head is Eoin, right?" he looks for a moment at the group, than focuses on Eoin.

"Straight to business, time's as pinched as a boxum wench' arse at the moment and fer once, that's not my doing" he chuckles slightly at his own remark. "I need ye, for I assume yer the leader of the "friendly" slaves here, to get them organized, armed and ready to move. Tell me what they need. Tell me what ye need. There's an armory ahead I intend to pillage, so I need to know how many can grab a sword and get in some armor. Yer all gonna need cold weather gear, so if ye can't find a coat, grab blankets. We may 'ave to search their living quarters to get what we need, so be ready for that to get resisted a bit in doing that. I reckon we have a couple hours to patch up folks, get the duergar on the way and loot what we can before we move to the next stage. Got it?" Buelyir asks Eoin. "If ye have any questions, get'em off yer chest while ye can"

sonofzeal

2012-02-12, 10:53 PM

Bundok

Bundok works his way around to the side, arching his way gradually closer to the armory while trying to keep it between him and the guards. He started to relax, the muscle memory of scouting distracting him from all the questions he had no answer to.

Smoothly, methodically, he worked his way forward.

loopy

2012-02-13, 10:41 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

"That's right, Mr Buelyir. Eoin, scout, diplomat and arcanist at your service. This is Victor," he gestures at the burly human. "and Tec'lic. Both are skilled warriors, though of markedly different approaches to combat." Eoin nods his head pleasantly, trying to make an impression with the leader of his rescuers. "Before I get the remnants of the Sons rallied, I do have a few questions."

Diplomacy: [roll0]

"Now, I do notice that you have a couple two many soldiers around for a simple cave-fishing excursion, not to mention an exceptionally skilled surgeon. Before you hire on the Sons, and the remnants of the freedmen who want to join on, I'd ask what exactly our objective is."

"Secondly, the matter of pay. Now, I'm undoubtedly grateful for the rescue, and I'm willing to sign on at a discounted rate in gratitude for that. However, I'd like my companions and the rest of the freedmen to get paid at standard mercenary rates, with the usual cut of any loot we may find. I don't want them thinking that In addition, I'd ask that the wounded, the infirm, and those too young or old to fight be deposited somewhere safe as soon as it is feasibly possible. They've been through enough."

Diplomacy: [roll1]

"Next, equipment. If the battlefield hasn't been picked over already, the men will be able to outfit themselves to a reasonable standard. In fact, Viktor, gather a few of the men and get scrounging, if you please. Tell the others I'll be with them shortly." He nods at the burly warrior, and then returns to his conversation. "I'll be fine with some leather armor and daggers, but my main talents lie elsewhere." Eoin raises a hand and allows sparking energy to coalesce around his fingers.

"Finally, I'd offer a word of advice, though you have probably figured this much for yourself. The drow who was causing the ruckus just before Nalrak extracted that nail? He was the leader of the other group of slaves in the camp you just liberated. He was in real tight with the guards, and brutalised the other slaves. Even if his cronies don't try and muscle in on my boys, the situation isn't likely to get better now that both sides are armed. Don't trust the drow further than you can throw him, unless you find a cliff, in which case you have my recommendation."

"Now Buelyir, do you have any questions for me or the others before we get started?"

Strangie

2012-02-13, 02:52 PM

Wyatt

Wyatt points a thumb at himself. "Count me in with Eoin. I'll be going with him and helping lead 'dis band along, if 'dat's fine. Sable can come too, if she wants. Having some forward scouts trailblaze for the rest has always worked when we were working under Carmard, so I don't see why it won't now. 'dere's my two coppers for ya."

OMG PONIES

2012-02-13, 03:12 PM

Nalrak

"M'lord," Nalrak says to Tasster with a slight bow, "lay your son down gently before me and I'll tend to him. Carrying on holding him isn't doing him any favors..." Nalrak glances at the seeping wound in the prince's arm before adding, "...or you, m'lord. I need to act quickly here; you can either wait for me to stitch your arm or let one of my kin do it now." He breaks out his tools and begins to evaluate the wounded son's laceration.

They were worse than he feared, but he tries to keep his expression from betraying that sad truth to the prince. In attempt to distract Tasster, Nalrak says "Count yourself blessed, m'lord. That breastplate saved yer life by the whiskers of Moradin's moustache. I'll still--" He is interrupted by Nega's request. "Busy," is all he can mutter between prayers as he places his scalpel against the dying dwarf's skin and pushes.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

Grodech

2012-02-13, 07:50 PM

Grathalmor wondered how much longer his cousin could keep this up. He looked at Magnum and said "Da prince and 'is boy look like dey're in dire need right now. Between yer wand and these potions, we should be able ta keep the Sonnlinor and his men alive 'til Nalrak can get to 'em." The whole thing made Grathalmor wonder why they hadn't brought more healers with them. "Let's go wit' Nega and see if we can help" Assuming Magnum agrees, he will hand the prince a potion before they head over to see the Sonnlinor, saying "'Ere, dis should help wit' yer bleedin' while Nalrak works on yer boy."

Gryndel

2012-02-13, 10:17 PM

Magnum

The Alaghor shrugged and joined Grathalmor, wand ready to use as needed... again. He was anxious to get this business finished and be on the way out. The details embroiling the aftermath of battle were always tedious and a real test on his nerves. Curing wounded allies, searching the battlefield and corpses for valuables, and arming the freed slaves were things within his realm of expertise. Scouting the way out and organizing the exodus were beyond his ken. So he went about his business as best he could manage, always ready to answer the call of the commander.

OOC: already offered a charge on the Sonnlinor and his men, some used there already and personally thanked by the Sonnlinor. But given the circumstances he's prepared to use all but 10, so that leaves 12 to use now.

mshady

2012-02-14, 01:29 AM

Buelyir's Response to Eoin

He listens to Eoin's questions and proposal, and touches his lips with a gloved hand as he listens. He stands stiffly, the black leather trench coat over his exotic armor hanging just over the cobblestone floor. While a beautiful coat once, it was torn badly and black with blood. When Eoin finishes, he tries to gauge Buelyir's reaction and finds only a mask of studied neutrality instead.

"Well son, we're not here cave fishing. Whatever that is" Buelyir says, adding a dry chuckle for good measure. "We're from the Patriarchate of Moradin near Kelvin's Cairn up north o'here. Our objective is to destroy this here base. Ye were all a bit o' a surprise. We brought a large...demolition charge to do that. It's in the trunk with the minotaurs over yonder. With the two robes in chains. We picked'em up along the line. They tried to steal my magic box. I'll deal with'em later" he smiles wickedly at THAT particular thought.

"I'm glad ye noticed our "highly skilled surgeon" who saved yer life, and ye have my thanks for offering me a discounted rate for yer services after we rescued ye. However, circumstances move me to propose a counter offer to ye" he gestures towards Eoin with an open hand and a diplomatic smile. For a moment, it is a chilly smile and turns into something ugly and predatory.

"How 'bout instead of yer 'reduced rate' I have my 'highly skilled surgeon' put that nail back in yer head and throw all of ye, the half man too, back into the mines and we just leave ye here? How's that for a counter offer? Don't think I won't. Ye may have noticed we're not out here cave diving.

"So ye can help us get outta here alive and we call it even, on account o'the free rescue and treatment or I go find a doctor, a nail, some chains and a hole? How's that for an offer?" Buelyir snarls back at Eoin.

mshady

2012-02-14, 02:17 AM

Nalrak

Nalrak takes 10 on his examination and procedures for rolls less than a 25.

Tasster nods towards Nalrak and sets down his son, seeming a bit numb now and lost in his surroundings. Probably not a good sign.

"Aye, take'em. I... I don't know what to do for him no more" the big dwarf says. Gently, he lays his son down and steps away. His other two sons come over to him and share a look between each other.

"Ye should sit down too, father" one can be heard saying. Tasster nods and they help him down and place a rag over his wounded arm, applying pressure as they do so.

Nalrak pushes aside other distractions and sets to work with his scalpel, and is glad for curative magic as this spear was not coming out of Tasster's son with him still alive without that magic.

Taking a saw blade normally used for bones, he cuts the spear off as close to the flesh as he can on both sides and discards the two sections to stabilize the wound. Only enough is left for a firm grip on the top part.

As the wound was diagonal rather than straight through, Nalrak weighed some options before settling on one that would only work with Magnum's wand.

His scalpel cuts around the site of the wound and into the thick abdominal muscle and he pulls it away from the wound. He has to move quickly, and taps Magnum's now bloody wand on the area and offers a quick prayer that the dwarf does not wake up. Not that he could stop if he did. Another reason battlefield medicine was awful...

Luck was with him though, and with enough cleared away to prevent any more suction that he could handle, he sets down the bloody scalpel and looks right at Tasster.

The next part would determine if the dwarf would live or die, and from the way Tasster was watching him, possibly himself too.

Grasping the spear with one hand, he presses down on the bloody wound site and gives the spear shaft a steady pull and pulls it loose while trying to make sure that was the only thing that came out. He hears unpleasant sounds as he pulls it from and blood pours between his fingers and he hopes he did not just kill the dwarf.

As quickly as it was freed, Nalrak tosses the bloody thing away and jams the healing wand deep into the wound to stop the bleeding than spends a moment looking into the wound. Like the drow, the bowel was punctures and other intestines sliced to ribbons and that was no easy or quick fix. It would require stitching and the careful application of healing potions poured on to the wounds.

Reaching for his scalpel and a rag, he cleans the slick instrument and begins to settle in for the delicate part of the surgery. It would take at least an hour, he figured. An hour he was not helping the duergar... The dwarf's breathing is shallow, but steady and his heart still beat, even if it was pumping a nearly dry well.

The thought of a coma crossed his mind, but he needed to save the dwarf's life before he could allow himself to care for the long term prognosis...

loopy

2012-02-14, 02:22 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

Eoin's eyes go flat as he swiftly re-evaluates Buelyir. "Patriarchate, eh? You are no normal soldier. Special forces?" Slashing his hand, he re-enters negotiation.

"No need to start with the threats, Buelyir. Now, I figure a man like you isn't sent out on any old errand, which leads me to believe most of us won't make it back from whatever mission you are planning anyway. In that case, if it's a choice between rotting here and potentially getting out of here intact, I'll accompany you on your mission as a gesture of gratitude, and as a testament to my honorable and forthright nature." Eoin's lips quirk up in a half smile at that last part. "No charge."

Diplomacy: [roll0]

"Now, before we start in on our amenable business dealings, I'd offer a word of advice, if you care to hear it. These men and women you have just rescued have been through hell. You'll probably get many who want to sign up just for a chance at revenge, but these are all recently freed slaves. They'll fight better if they are getting paid, even if it is just a little. It's not like they have anywhere to spend the money at this time, and you'll likely get back most of it on their corpses. Give them hope that they'll make it out of this, or continue with the threats and watch them flee at the first opportunity." Eoin shrugs, palms upward, to make clear that he isn't presenting a threat. "Your call."

Looking over to Tec'Lic, he asks. "Got anything to add or ask? How is this sounding by you?"

To the Passenger, This guy is a hardass, what do you think of the situation? What do you know of this Patriarchate?

Knowledge(Local): [roll1]

mshady

2012-02-14, 02:37 AM

The Passenger

"Yes. He is a hard ass" the Passenger observes. "You expected him to pay you after he rescued you? Well... it was bold"

"He is flagrantly not like a dwarf, yet serves a religious order? Yes, he is a dangerous one. As dangerous as the drow and as trustworthy. For kin, I find him... odd. If you plan on dying, please introduce me to him. An interesting host he might be" he voice rumbles with laughter.

"You ask about this Patriarchate and I know little more than the Aurilites saw them as rivals. In my time though, Patriarch was a term only invoked as title for a Chosen of Moradin AND one as having deed and title to claim of the entire dwarf religion. It has not been invoked since... time immemorial by anyone but Pretenders. If their leader claims lineage, he and his come from a long line of those famous for many thing, not including tolerance of others"

The voice is silent for a moment, as if thinking.

"Yes, do not tell him another rides in your carriage Eoin. He might separate head from shoulder with little consideration. I do not think he would be a good host, after all"

mshady

2012-02-14, 02:47 AM

Buelyir

"No charge, eh? Finally, we are talking value" Buelyir says with a chilly smile once again. "I guess I won't need to find a nail"

"I'm not paying anyone, so we're clear. Not you, not some slaves, I wouldn't even pay Wyatt but the one who commanded before he who now has limited leg room struck that deal. Why? Ye folks owe me, not the other way 'round so I'll keep our money, thank ye kindly.

They should have gratitude for the rescue, unity through a common foe and be depend'n on us for their own survival. I don't need money to keep'em in line. I have four minotaurs and real mercenaries who would murder their own mothers, and at least one o'them actually did just that deed. If anyone on either side gets outta line, I'm going to thin the herd out. Hard."

"I don't have time for nonsense and I won't play silly games. Ye better frakking get anyone who will follow ye ready to go and tell'em what happens if there is trouble in our own ranks. Ye clear on that, or do ye have any other amicable business proposals to discuss?"

loopy

2012-02-14, 03:07 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

"Well, you are no fool Mister Buelyir, and you have our balls collectively in a vise, so I've no choice to agree." Eoin shakes his head, conceding defeat. "I would ask that you agree to escort the remainder of the freedmen back to a safe location after all this is done. I have to give them something to look forward to, at least."

Provided Buelyir has nothing more to say, Eoin departs and walks through the groups of freed slaves, informing them of the situation. "Alright, ladies and gents. The group that freed us is on a mission to destroy the leaders of the slavers who captured us. In exchange for equipping us and escorting us somewhere safe after the fighting is done, I've agreed that we do our bit to pitch in and get revenge on the sorry bastards who captured us. Anyone who is fit to wield a blade or hammer, go scrounge one from the battlefield or the camp. It's not much, but it's that or be left here, so I say we take them up on their offer."

Diplomacy: [roll0]

He then looks around for Viktor, who should about be done looking for weapons and armor.

Strangie

2012-02-14, 11:09 AM

Wyatt

Wyatt whistles quietly at Buelyir's verbal slamming of Eoin. "Ouch. Technically, I've been paid only once 'dus far, but it was for services rendered as sammikon - Sable or just about anybody else I've been working with up to 'dis point can attest to 'dat, so I ain't a freeloader. No worries anyway, I wasn't expecting you to pay me Buelyir. Let's just do 'dis thing and get the hell out of here - I'll talk business with whoever I need when we all get out of here."

Wyatt nods to Tec'lic and Victor, and follows with Eoin. He remains silent through Eoin's words - Wyatt was not one for handling business discussions or leading troops. He had people with better forces of personality do that for him.

He says quietly to Eoin, "Sure was a damn good try, 'dough, I'll give you credit for 'dat."

mshady

2012-02-16, 12:48 AM

Tasster and Grathalmor:

Prince Tasster sits on the flagstone floor, wearing every bit of exhaustion now on his face. His battle rage spent, he returned to merely mortal endurance and that was expended now.

He looks up at the offered potion and gives Grathalmor an indignant look and waves off the potion.

"Nay. keep it. Cut myself worse shaving" Tasster says, giving Grathalmor a wry smile. The Prince bears a dozen serious lacerations, most nearly to the bone on his arms and legs. Flecks of white dot the flesh and blood oozes from them, with the exception of the deepest laceration that nearly bisected his bicep. That one splashed blood with every heart beat, only the compress itself kept it from being worse.

His two sons share a look, and the eldest looks skyward in exasperation.

"Yes, Father..... and that is why ye don't shave anymore, aye?" the eldest son says and laughs at the remark and his father's stubborn pride.

"I'll take that" the eldest says. He reaches out and takes the potion from Grathalmor and uncorks the bottle. With a nod towards his brother, they raise their Father's arm and the bloody compress is removed. On the site of the wound, they pour the contents of the potion into the wound. The golden tinged liquid hisses for a moment and it closes the wound near completely.

"Thank ye for the potion. We must've gone through no less than 20 with how it went, and be out now. Hell of a row we followed ye into" the eldest son says, and smiles.

mshady

2012-02-16, 01:16 AM

Bundok

Bundok works away from the bridge now, going to the left and towards the rear of the statuesque shaped armory building. As he gets closer, he notes the detail and decides that if he had the time to examine it in detail, it would be as detailed as it was grim and imposing.

As he rounds the edge of the building, he can hear the sound of water splashing on the ground around the corner of the building. He also detects a foul smell. When he peaks his head around, he sees one of the hobgoblins squatting over a slit trench carved out of the floor with a pickaxe some time ago. His back is, more or less, turned to Bundok as he squats and strains to his task.

Bundok recalls that Sable had poisoned the food of some of the guards, sneaking in and putting some kind of seed into the giant cauldrons that fed the troops. Could the current scene be a result of that?

The hobgoblin is 10 feet away from the courner of the building. Bundok stands at the end, so the distance between the two is 10 feet.

sonofzeal

2012-02-16, 08:18 AM

Bundok

Well then. There were certainly times a keener nose was not an asset, and a trough of hobgoblin effluence was not an aroma to be cherished at the best of times, let alone after Sable had her way with their digestion.

Killing the hobgoblin quickly and silently now might actually be a mercy. The full force would come this way, likely as not, and it wouldn't stand much better chance there. Might even cause some trouble for someone Bundok knew; fate was capricious like that.

On the other hand, Bundok could ill-afford to raise the alarm right now. And he'd had his fill of bloodshed for the day. Not that being sick of it ever stopped anything, but half the reason for this walkabout was to get some peace of mind, and killing - and possible alarm - would certainly put a damper on that.

On the gripping hand... killing the hobgoblin would involve stepping even closer to the vile trough.

He slid along the wall past the hobgoblin.
Hide: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]

I'm actually a little confused on where the hobgoblin is and how feasible it might be to get inside the armory without being spotted. If it's impossible or unfeasible, Bundok will use the same rolls to 5-foot-step towards the hobgoblin.

thorgrim29

2012-02-16, 10:19 AM

Thordrek

Without saying a word, Thordrek takes a skin of ale from his backpack and passes it around.

Grodech

2012-02-16, 01:28 PM

Tasster and Grathalmor:
"Thank ye for the potion. We must've gone through no less than 20 with how it went, and be out now. Hell of a row we followed ye into" the eldest son says, and smiles.

"Aye." Grathalmor replies. He pulls another potion and hands it to the boy. "Hang onta 'dis one, in case Nalrak needs it fer yer brudder." Then he heads off with Magnum.

ooc: 7 potions remaining...

mshady

2012-02-17, 01:35 AM

Buelyir to Thordek

Seeing that the Wayward Sons had been handled cheaply and effectively, Buelyir smiles to himself as he trots off. He chuckles softly to himself now.

"Aye, I still got it. Yes I do" he smiles and reaches into his satchel. He lifts a heavy purse from inside the bag and gives it a satisfying rattle, and he hears the coins and gems inside clank around the bulging bag.

It wasn't that he couldn't afford to hire anyone. He just didn't see any justification to.

He comes across Thordek, who is standing around in the middle of everything but not really part of any group. The dwarf has a drink out and seems to be making the most of a free moment.

"Spare an old dwarf a drink?" Buelyir asks Thordek. It wasn't REALLY a question so much as a request, but Buelyir decided to be polite.

After presumably taking a pull on the bottle and passing it back to Thordek, Buelyir looks around at the approaching minotaurs. They are dragging Regina and Kaladus in chains behind them as they walk, and quite roughly at that.

"Thordek, can ye be a good fellow and direct them to set the Stoneburner's Case down over in the middle o'all the enemy dead more or less? Have them clear out a patch o'land and than I want ye to bring those two damned mages over here. Before ye go though, anything ye want to talk to me 'bout before we go? I'd like ye to get those two and join Sable and some others to take a look at the enemy temple, if ye don't mind the jaunt"

mshady

2012-02-17, 01:37 AM

"Aye." Grathalmor replies. He pulls another potion and hands it to the boy. "Hang onta 'dis one, in case Nalrak needs it fer yer brudder." Then he heads off with Magnum.

ooc: 7 potions remaining...

The dwarf nods to Grathalmor in thanks.

"Aye, he'll need it. Look's like me da made time with a barbed devil or someth'n. He's a right mess. Saw him worse though. Course, he near died from that too. Good fights ye all bring us too" the dwarf smiles at Grathalmor, a bit weakly.

mshady

2012-02-17, 01:55 AM

Bundok

Passing up the chance to put the squatting hobgoblin out of his noxious misery behind the armory, Bundok can no longer go around behind the building. Standing on the side facing the bridge and friendly forces, he has two options remaining.

He can scroll around the side of the building and try to slip into the front of the armory. He did not see any guards posted there, although he assumed the fellow behind him must have been one. Or, this just happened to be where the latrine was. It was hard to tell.

Slipping around the front would require doubling back the way he came and trying to slip in the front. The church was roughly parallel in position to the temple, so the guards there were not exactly looking in the direction of the armory. It could be done, but there was some risk involved. Especially if he was discovered inside the building and there were no other exits. That many hobgoblins could pose a problem for him, and he expected more around that he could not see.

He could also try to climb the side of the armory. It was carved into the shape of a dwarf, so the irregular construction afforded him plenty of hand holds to climb with. Hopefully there would be a sky light or vents he could use. He could not guarantee that though, and he might end up climbing up there for nothing but some aches and pains.

A third option would be to bypass all of this and take a look at the passage and see if it truly was a way out. That might be the most useful thing he could do, and surely there must be SOME way out of here and one big enough for all their soldiers and logistic train to boot. He suspected the sweeping ramp ahead was it, but he could not possibly be sure. The danger was that all manner of things could be heading down the ramp from the surface or other levels of this complex, or reinforcements. Or a dragon. Who knew? It would be pushing his luck, he was certain of that and it did not address their immediate need for intelligence. It would also mean he would likely exceed how much time Buelyir would allow before leading an attack in blind. He was certain Buelyir would have no issues doing that, because he was a ruthless son of a... The ramp upwards is probably another 200-300 yards away from him.

Bundok pauses a moment to think of his options.

sonofzeal

2012-02-17, 08:06 AM

Bundok

The weathered Ranger sighed again, and likely not for the last time. Knowledge of the armory's present contents would be useful information. Exploring the passage would also be useful, but he had other methods for that. That was the thing about magic - as much as it sometimes felt dishonest, it did indeed make life a great deal easier in the right situations. And his fellow Rangers had found long ago that map-making was one of those.

But one issue at at time. Slowly, methodically, Bundok began to climb. steel-tipped toes and steel-boned fingers found their purchases with regular precision. He didn't rush, there was no need. Each ledge was tested before being trusted with his not-inconsequential weight. A crack, and he rose another foot. A knife-edge gap between stones, and he rose another foot. A blank section - his hand felt around and found nothing but smoothest stone - and he circled off to the side until the way opened up again. Up. Up again, and circling back the way he'd come to reach a likely contour in the sculpture, then up some more. Muscles hewn from Icewind Dale's bones strained, and he rose again.

Taking 10 on Climb, so 24. He won't take any risks, but his magic boots help here and he should be able to make 75 feet in a minute, without rushing, unless there's a particularly difficult section.

Chepe Nolon

2012-02-17, 11:03 AM

Nega
Nega walksover towards Nalrak. As I said da Sonnlinor needs ya and I ask ye to go over dere at yer convinence. Da greys are beat up an need yer assitance lad. So i expect ye to aid em . After yer tasks 'ere. She then continues towards Buelyirs position.

OMG PONIES

2012-02-17, 03:18 PM

Nalrak

Nalrak Ironfist allows himself to curse. Usually, a man of his position was called to be above reproach in both speech and conduct, a beacon of righteousness and mercy for all around, a sterling reflection of Dumathoin...But here and now, beard-deep in the gore of the prince's son, he lets himself step off that pedestal for a moment. Frak, he says silently. To say it aloud would ring an alarm in Tasster's ear, but not to say it at all would cause Nalrak's tension to raise to a boil. An hour here meant an hour not treating Tasster--though he looked well enough from the potion--but more than that, it meant not treating anyone else. Still, Nalrak was in the middle of it now; there was no backing out.

At Nega's order, Nalrak can't help but lose his cool a bit. "Nega," the doctor calls out without moving arm nor eye from his current patient, "my convenience is a foregone luxury. Please tell the Sonnlinor that, unless any of his men are skilled in surgery and well enough to perform on royalty, they'll be waiting the north side of an hour." Nalrak deftly weaves a suture through his patient's side and pulls it taut, biting the end between his teeth. "There's plenty of men with potions scurrying about," the doctor grimaces through his teeth as he reaches for his scissors. "Have the healthier collect them and administer them to the weaker. I cannot and must not be interrupted again while tending to this boy. This is much more than a task; I am saving a life here."

Nalrak adds in his head, and a life that means more to me than that of some dirty underdwarves. He immediately remembers his oath to help all, regardless of race or creed, and his face flushes with shame. He swallows the emotion and refocuses on his surgery. The Fathers will forgive me my rudeness, but Prince Tasster will not forgive a single error, he reminds himself.

Heal Checks for any surgical tasks with DCs greater than 25:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

thorgrim29

2012-02-17, 05:58 PM

Thordrek

Thordrek takes the skin back from Buelyir and tosses it to one of Tasster's sons before making a visible effort to refocus and discipline himself. He straightens and looks back to the odd dwarf.

Sorry, was lost in thoughts there. Aye sir, I'll fetch the mages and go check out the temple. However, I'd rather you send someone else to tell the minotaurs to go do menial tasks, one of them hates me already and until I can handle that problem I try not to antagonize them too much, don't want to end up gored in the middle of a battle of taking a leak.

He smiles at his private joke before continuing

I do have 3 questions before I go. First, don't we need Carmard to use the Stoneburner? Second, what's the plan with the drow and his merry band of asshats? And third, what do we do when we find the dragon's hoard. If we find it that is, I'm hoping it's in the temple myself. Nothing kills discipline and fragile alliances like huge piles of riches

Though he tries to hide it, his concern for the treasure clearly has as much to do with getting his share then preventing problems.

Chepe Nolon

2012-02-18, 05:30 AM

Nega

Nega turns around and walks back to Nalrak. She stops beside him and speaks in an earnest but stern tone:I appreciate dat yer busy Nalrak but ye will assist the Sonnlinor and 'Is men at da time ye are abel. And if ye need send Sonnlinor a message use an errand boy since I am not one. She turns on her heel and walks towards Buelyir. Tired of this whole mess she ponders on what to say when she reaches him.

(Edited after OMGPonies pointing out that indeed Nega cannot read thoughts.)

ithildur

2012-02-18, 08:09 PM

Talamir and Black's Company

Marcus stands to his full height of 6'5, and while he had enough of a paunch to make his plate bulge, he was still a very solid fellow even just north of 40 or so. Old for a human warrior, barely of age for an elven one... which seemed just about right, didn't it?

Near his stands a man of medium build with platinum blonde hair in a ragged spike. He recognized this as Barakas, the Company's cleric of Beshaba who they kept around to ward off bad luck. He was spattered with bloody, but hardly seemed bother as none of it seemed to be his. A rough looking dwarf and a half orc stood by Barakas and served as his body guards when they weren't scrapping with each other endlessly. A bit behind them, Talamir marks Werner, the Company's mage and Santana, their archer and scout. He was supposed to be Sable's replacement and seemed to have caught on well enough. The two seem to be engaged in a conversation. Werner, or as he was nicknamed Weedle, had a bloody bandage around his wrist though where he had suffered some kind of wound and he looked a bit pained.

On the grond, the bodies of 7 of the 10 new soldiers they had brought lay on the ground, covered in their own bed roll as some measure of respect. Two of them had missing fingers, and Talamir had a guess what happened to those poor fellows. The other 3 stand about, cocky and confident yet no more than human teenagers. Few things were more stupidly dangerous than an armed human teenager, full of male aggression with none of the wisdow or caution. If they gave a damn about their fallen mates, it was hard to tell.

They'd fit right in with this crowd.

Yes, these fellows would most certainly slay a mother with babe in hand if so ordered. Some of them might do it for the gold, some for the fun. Quite a company he kept... Quite the company for a Bladesinger.

Barakas, unfortunately, is the first to mark Talamir's return.

"Oh Marcus, looks like the dwarfs sent back their butt boy" the cleric says, tittering with a most vexxing laughter. "What brings you crawling back to our honorable Company? Come to kiss my ring and ask I keep the bad luck away from you again?" he smirks at Talamir.

The two had a history of needling each other. From what little he knew of Sable before he had met her in person, he knew Barakas had done much the same to her.

"Meh" Marcus grunts as he looks at Talamir, marking the elf's return with benign disinterest. "If ye came back for the loot, ye can forget it, knife ears. We're clean' up before the dwarfs move us out. Buelyir mentioned we'd get the run of any temples we find, and I aim to be first in the door when we find one. So what do you want, or ye just come back to take my coin and be miserble some more?" Marcus asks him, his face half smile and half frown underneath his salt and pepper beard. The words stung a bit, for some of them were true in a sense. "Ye back for awhile or ye just a messenger pigeon look'n for some seed and a reply?"

If Talamir heard Barakas or even noted his presence he did not show it, walking past him without so much as a glance. The Bladesinger felt a clarity that he hadn't had in some time, and stopping to waste his breath on the contemptible cleric did not interest him presently. Instead he strode straight towards Marcus.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png
"How much are you aware of, as far as their plans?" Talamir queried quietly, ignoring Marcus' question. "Are you aware of the fact they plan to level this area with a bomb?"

mshady

2012-02-20, 02:10 AM

mshady

2012-02-20, 02:55 AM

Buelyir

"Ye have problems with Gore too?" Beulyir smiles, his face somewhat dark and sardonic now. "Good, yer perfect to go than. Obviously he respects ye enough to bother hatin' ye, let alone consider kill'n ye. Any leader to him marks ye as someone to frak with. Just how he is. I'm certainly not send'n someone he doesn't respect over. Besides, the two with the case are not Gore and Kerik. It's Three Horn and someone else, I forget" Buelyir says and shrugs.

"As for yer questions, I'll give ye some answers. We don't need Carmard to activate the Stoneburner, but we do need'em to deal with any issues with it. See'n as he helped with its build a bit and has plenty o'training with it. See'n as its in a damaged state, also thanks to him, yes... having him will be nice. Now, I can just blow up the thing with a wand I carry, but it would hardly be full force. Just enough to wipe this area all out.

For the drow and his merry band of asshats, it would be better if he were outta the picture. He knows that I know that, and he knows that I know that he knows that too. Expect'em to surrond himself with his friends now and gett'n to him would be too hard. I'd rather prefer'em outta the painting', but the work is the work, eh?

With the dragon's horde, if we find one? Take what we can, and leave the rest. Since it be a prize on a Patriarchate operation, ye get shares o'a few percentage and the rest goes to the treasury. This tis hardly a charitable organization funded by good wishes eh? Figure 80% for the Patriarch's treasury vault."

thorgrim29

2012-02-20, 11:08 PM

Thordrek

Thordrek shrugs and mutters a Netherese proverb meaning roughly "No rest for the wicked, and gold doesn't grow on trees" before replying to Buelyir.

All right then, I'll be off. I'm thinking Sable, Wyatt and his friends to see what they can do, along with any frontliner who's not too banged up and still has some fight left in him or her. The paladins perhaps? The fist mace looks like she could stand a bit of reminding that she's not in charge... I'll think it over and tell you my choice when I get back with Regina and the betrayer.

Before he goes he makes sure everything is stable and pays a short visit to some of the people in the field hospital, taking no more then a minute in total and not waiting beyond a reply from any of them

First he visits Tasster and his sons.

Looks like you had it rough today, but I'm sure the other 100 guys are looking even worse. But me and a few others did manage to kill an ogre mage/bone devil hybrid, something I'd wager even the Fiendslayer can't say, at least I hope not, the thought of a bunch of them is not one I like

He grins weakly before glancing at the operation.

For what it's worth, I really hope he makes it, and pray to Moradin and Glanggedin he has many more fights ahead of him.

As he moves to Nalrak he ponders his shifting attitudes towards the gods

Funny, I used to sacrifice to Dumathoin and Moradin much more then Glanggedin or the other gods... Well, I have been in more real battles in the last months then ever before, guess it makes sense

He waits for the surgeon not to be elbow deep in dwarf and talks softly enough not to be overheard by Tasster and sons:

Nalrak, not to tell you how to do your job, but I would take it as a personal favour if you treated Tasster and his sons over other non dying patients other then Carmard... They're only here because I asked them to be, I wouldn't forgive myself if they died because they were too banged up to outrun the blast. Moradin guide your hand

That done, he stops by a fire (I'm assuming there's a fire somewhere near the hospital, to boil water and such) and eyes closed, throws into it a few items as sacrifice to the gods as he prays silently.

Hardly a temple, but it'll do

First, he casts into the flame the greatsword he used in the fight with the ogre mage/devil and a few drops of his blood

Glanggedin, I thank you for guiding me through this battle, and give you the sword of my enemy, covered in his blood, and my blood, spilled in battle. I ask you to guide my and my allies' hands for as long as we do the god's work

Then, figuring his magic was the closest thing he had on hand to his soul, he casts a level 0 spell into the flames

Moradin, as you guide the souls of the fallen to your side or their new lives, I thank you for protecting me and the other survivors. I go to reclaim and then destroy a temple build in your name by my ancestors, and beg for forgiveness for that necessary evil. Tasster and hi sons still have many of dwarvenkind's foes to slay before you greet them to your side, please protect them.

Finally, he takes a garnet from the pouch of gems the wizard had carried and throws it in the flame (goal, around 50 gp in value, appraise : [roll0])

Dumathoin, I give to you the fruit of the mountains. I ask you to guide me to new secrets, and thank you for the knowledge I have gained in the last weeks.

Then, finally, he heads for Sable and the Wayward sons.

He cheerily salutes Sable and Wyatt

Good to see you two in one piece. You'll have to tell me your side of the battle, but we still have some business. I gather those are some of your friends from before we found you in the orc's pantry Wyatt?

More formally, he bows his head slightly to them

Happy to meet you, I'm Levtokuld Thordrek Torrun, call me Thordrek. If Wyatt can vouch for you, I'm sure you'll be great assets to us for as long as you still feel you owe us, and maybe beyond if you can convince my bosses to pay you. Speaking of pay, Buelyir has me running a few errands here, and afterwards I'm to go clear out that temple Sable found with all the dragon claw marks. I'm hoping to get first pick at the treasure myself, and I'm sure an enterprising bunch such as yourselves would like to be along for the ride, right?

Toliudar

2012-02-21, 01:56 AM

Johannes

Sorry for my absence. I'll see if Katasi is up for a scene.

Arum hears a footstep behind him.

"Fine work with that rapier. If I've gauged correctly, that last shape was either the magical glyph Aleph or a naked gnomish woman."

He turns and gestures towards the bridge and the buildings beyond.

"On Buelyir's orders, I've organized the surviving slaves as best I can, poor benighted creatures that they are. It sounds like we've got a bit of time before we debark. Decamp? Debugout. I never was very good with all this military stuff. Regardless."

He glanced over at the temple and the armory beside it.

"It's occurred to me that Moradin rewards those who reward themselves. And two quite likely places for that self-rewarding are just over there. Fancy joining me in taking a quiet look?"

mshady

2012-02-21, 02:03 AM

Viktor Returns

Trailing a long tarp loaded with a variety of battered armor, shields and weapons, Viktor returns to Eoin, Tec'lic, Wyatt and Sable.

"Heh, Viktor's been busy" he announces with a rumbling laugh. "Help yourselves! Mostly chainmail and breastplates in here. Swords and hammers too. Nothing magicked, but good stuff!" Viktor says with a great deal of enthusiasm. He took is now sporting a rusted set of chainmail armor that seems a bit tight but welcome none the less. A greatsword sits in a crude backsheath as well.

Chepe Nolon

2012-02-21, 05:39 AM

Nega

Nega heads over to Buelyir.
Commander Buelyir. Hows our situation? Wat need be done?

loopy

2012-02-21, 08:29 AM

Eoin Shatterbond

Eoin nods at Viktor, welcoming him back. "Alright Viktor, good job. Disperse it amongst the freedmen as best you can. Find anything that would suit my fighting style? The swords and breastplates are a bit too cumbersome for me."

Strangie

2012-02-21, 12:38 PM

Wyatt

Wyatt nods to Thordrek. "Hey, good to see you're still tickin'. Yeah, 'dese guys are a good bunch. 'dis is Eoin, Tec'lic, and Viktor, and along with myself, we're the Wayward Sons. While I think my debt for you guys savin' my arse is clear at 'dis point, I might as well see 'dis through now. I'll work out pay with Buelyir or whoever I need to after I'm assured I'll actually be alive long enough to use it! Hah..."

He chuckles to himself a bit, then stops and scratches his head. What if he ISN'T alive long enough... his train of thought is stopped by Viktor's return with gear galore, and watches the pile dump on the ground. "Hey, good work, Viktor. Nice find! Don't worry, Eoin, I bet 'dere's gotta be some light armor and daggers or somethin' your style in 'dere somewhere."

He turns back to Thordrek. "You know, I was just lookin' for somethin' to do. Let's get our men geared up and count us in." He looks toward the rest of his friends. "Sound good to you guys?"

mshady

2012-02-22, 01:44 AM

The Wayward Sons

Eoin's request elicits a rumbling laugh from the big man.

"You have style, Eoin?" he says and smirks. He gestures at the tarp he used to drag all of the equipment. It was an ungainly method, but it worked well enough...

"I find some chain shirts, studded and just regular leather armor. All has a certain.. odor to it. Some blood stains too. It is mostly their heavy old swords, but there are knives with straight blades and curved forward blades, short swords and a couple of rapiers. Bucklers and such too. I got us all boots too. Rough, but should fit" he says and shrugs. "Are those things what you use?" Victor asks Eoin.

After Eoin's response, if any, Victor turns towards the knots of freedman. At least the humanoid ones.

"Come everyone!" he bellows out to them. "We have armor and weapons for all who'd fight! Come here and claim what you wish!" he announces with a loud, rumbling barritone.

The group looks around at each other, already curious after Eoin's prior words.

"Aye!" yells one. Others follow, and soon as many as 30 have came forward from the crowd.

Assume standard kit for these fellows will be chainmail, a small shield and an iron longsword.

mshady

2012-02-22, 07:32 AM

Bundok

With skill and considerable strength, Bundok is able to scale the statue shaped building with only some difficulty. It takes him up about 60 feet, but he soon finds himself standing on the relatively flat stone room of the building. While the statue façade of the building looked to be in as good a shape as the day it was carved, with the exception of the defilement by the Aurilites, the building behind it was in sadder shape. Chunks of stone slabs were loose and at several points, parts of the roof had been knocked completely out. Looking at the claw marks here, it looked like a dragon had spent some time up here. Perhaps not a large one, but perhaps there was more than one here as well. Clearly, it had not been able to take the weight and little surprise that was. Being the roost for a massive lizard was not something many roofs were designed for.

Still, it afforded Bundok a good view. He looked down inside the armory and saw where tons of weapons and armor were stockpiled. Racks and racks of every conceivable weapon type an infantrymen could use. Armor stacked or on dummies. Walls lined with shields. It looked almost like things were being prepared to be shipped, for dozens of crates were strewn around the area. Towards the back of it, it looked like a vault as well. The vault was closed, but if there were any particularly valuable items, he expected they would be in there.

Outside of the ill hobgoblin, Bundok’s trained eyes see no one inside the armory after 5 minutes of observation. After losing most of their soldiers in a crushing defeat by the dwarves, oddly enough they seemed a bit short handed…

ithildur

2012-02-22, 03:38 PM

Talamir

Talamir gets a sardonic look from Marcus. He crosses his arms and scowls down at Talamir for no other reason than he was there to scowl at.

"How much am I aware of their plans?" Marcus asks, chuckling at the question. "I'm sorry Elf, no one told me this started to be a business where we started asking questions?"

Marcus laughs at Talamir, and he is joined by Barakas as well. They share a look and the laughter dies down after a moment.

"Well, ye don't become an old mercenary by not keeping my ears open" Marcus pauses for a moment and looks at he elf sternly. "They're going to level this place? Couldn't happen to a nicer cave" he smirks. "That is news to us though. We were told this was just a crazy arse, high paying raid. What's that crazy dwarf up to? What else do ye know, Elf?"

Sense Motive (just in case Marcus isn't being straightforward here)
[roll0]

So he does not know any of this...? Or is he lying?

For a moment Talamir considered taking advantage of the current situation but quickly shook off the thought. Some of their ranks certainly deserved whatever might come to them, but he had no right to play with a situation in a manner that could potentially cost the entire lot their lives.

It also seemed likely that his own survival of this mad venture was tied to the survival of Black's Company as well... for now at least.
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png

"Two things I will say," replied the Elf quietly. "One, you'll need to ensure a quick and sure exit when the dwarves are ready for the deed. Two, this is as good a time as any to begin asking questions. I suggest you speak with Buelyir himself if you wish to learn more."

sonofzeal

2012-02-22, 06:27 PM

Bundok

High on top the building, Bundok takes a minute to rest his arms. The climb had not been too demanding, but he still had to work his way down, and there would be more to do before the day was over.

While resting, he idly examined the damaged portions. The last thing they needed was to fight a dragon on their way out, and it behooved him to figure out how lately the beast had been there.

When he was satisfied he had all the information he could gather there, he settled in, drew a scroll from his pack, and began to invoke the contents. He still distrusted magic, but it was the right tool for the job.

I'm adding Stonecunning to these; if that's inappropriate, just deduct two.

Appraise: [roll0]
Know{Architecture}: [roll1]
Search: [roll2]

Scent:
Survival: [roll3]

The scroll is "Lay of the Land". It gives cartographical information akin to a good map, out to a 50 mile radius. The specific phrase used is "good understanding of the terrain", with the caveat that it doesn't reveal traps or similar obstacles.

Katasi

2012-02-22, 07:07 PM

Arum laughs at Johannes' observation. "I wish it was a naked gnome woman." he says. "Yes, I believe it would be fun to take that quiet look." He walks over to the armory and begns looking around.

[roll0].... or take 20 if there's time.

Toliudar

2012-02-23, 12:44 AM

Johannes slips easily alongside Arum as he heads towards the bridge, looking for any impediments to a quiet crossing.

Mike, I'm not sure if the bridge is outside of our held territory, or clear sailing. Regardless, looking for more details about what they see there. Possibly useful rolls:

Knowledge (architecture & engineering): [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]
Search: [roll2]

mshady

2012-02-23, 01:14 AM

DM Note: Okay everyone, I’m going to impose some order to chaos here. We’re going to get a couple groups organized and proceed from there.

Pretty much everyone is going to the temple, except Nalrak, Duervar, Grathalmor and Talamir, for now at least.

Bundok is already out there. Buelyir and the rest are not, however.
Setting the scene…

The Bridge and Temple

The group gathers to the north of the triage center and the slaves, and it is a larger group. They are off to see about the last bastion of Aurilite resistance.

Johannes, Thordek and Hjalmar stand at the front of the group. The group moves northwards, past the battlefield and towards the area where Buelyir’s group cut down many of the fleeing hobgoblins soldiers. Almost two dozen lay on the ground, cut down by a hail of arrows, bolts, bullets and flying hammers.

Ahead of the group is a squat, stone bridge that covers a chasm about 50 feet wide. Ahead of them, sconces of flame burn along the bridge to provide illumination for the area.
Beyond the bridge, the group can see a large, squat structure shaped vaguely like an anvil stands 100 feet beyond the bridge. To its left, another structure shaped like a massive stone dwarf stands holding shield and axe. A set of great doors sit in the middle of the shield, and they appear to be open. Torches burn inside, but it is too far away to really too far away to tell anything for sure.

The group can make out as many as a dozen guards standing in front of the temple, backlit by more torches so while you can see them, they cannot see you. From here, at any rate.

mshady

2012-02-23, 01:26 AM

Bundok

Now atop the armory, Bundok looks at the broken rubble on the roof and tries to learn what he can from it. Over to the corner of the structure, he can see where the stone is discolored and scratched up significantly. That is also the site of the most damage. At this point, he doubted it could bear any serious weight. At least a dragon's weight.

One had certainly been here though. It make sense, as it was the highest point in the immediate area near the things lair inside the Temple. Dragons were quite fond of their perches. Still though, it looked like this one had not been used in sometime due to the structural damage.

Having learned what he can on that matter, Bundok carefully withdraws a scroll tube from his pack and unfolds the parchment carefully. He concentrates on it for a moment and carefully invokes the magic.

The spell, a slightly modified version of Lay of the Land that allowed it to work underground, takes a moment to come into effect. The gentle green magic gathers around the parchment and he feels it reach out into the area.

Soon, the scroll begins to rewrite itself into a map of the area to give him a good understanding of the terrain. It was hardly a surveyor's map, but it would do. He squints at the map as it writes and taps the scroll in his immediate area. It "zooms" somewhat to the area around him and indeed the massive flight of stairs do seem to go up to the surface. He breathed with some relief at that. Unfortunately, Hundlestone itself was not on the map but the Icewind Pass that led to it was on the very edge of the map. From what Buelyir had indicated, the Patriarchate's forces were engaged in a battle with the Aurilite ones on the pass at a location to the south of here. Unfortunately, it would mean they would come out on to the pass behind enemy lines.

The good news, at least, was that there was likely a developed path through the area to allow the movement of the troops here out to the pass in the first place.

Looking around the area, he looks back across the bridge for a moment and squints. With a much higher vantage point, he can see a line of squat, black shadows forming up across the way he came.

It would seem his friends were not going to wait for his turn after all....

Toliudar

2012-02-23, 01:47 AM

Johannes

Reaching the bridge, Johannes steps to the side to glance over the edge, to get a better sense of what this was a bridge across. The feather in his hat bobs annoyingly as ever.

"All righty, then, ladies and gentlemen. With a group this large, it's only a matter of time before they notice us. May I suggest that our more axe-oriented form up and ready to rush across the bridge, while the rest of us try to take out the guards from this distance?"

mshady

2012-02-23, 01:56 AM

Sense Motive (just in case Marcus isn't being straightforward here)
[roll0]

So he does not know any of this...? Or is he lying?

For a moment Talamir considered taking advantage of the current situation but quickly shook off the thought. Some of their ranks certainly deserved whatever might come to them, but he had no right to play with a situation in a manner that could potentially cost the entire lot their lives.

It also seemed likely that his own survival of this mad venture was tied to the survival of Black's Company as well... for now at least.
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7632/talamirs.png

"Two things I will say," replied the Elf quietly. "One, you'll need to ensure a quick and sure exit when the dwarves are ready for the deed. Two, this is as good a time as any to begin asking questions. I suggest you speak with Buelyir himself if you wish to learn more."

Talamir

The elf tries to get a sense of Marcus and see if his erstwhile commander knew of the dwarven plan or not, or if he just didn't care one way or the other. It was hard for Talamir to tell one way or the other. Unfortunately, Marcus has not the most intellectually curious person Talamir had ever met.

Or was he?

He was, after all, a middle aged warrior that led a band of borderline cut throats that hired on as muscle for criminal elements as often as it did any other legitimate cause. Black's Company were the hard men for quite a few interests, and throughout it all, Marcus had not gotten himself killed.

So was he really stupid? Or did he really just live by his code of not asking questions and doing what he was paid for that he was trusted enough to be a loyal mercenary?

Perhaps. Would he cut down a mother with her baby in hand though? Only if he was paid for it, but he would indeed.

For his part, Marcus thinks about Talamir's questions though for a moment before responding.

"Elf, it always crosses my mind an employer would rather be rid of us than pay us first chance they get. I'll go see Buelyir about what we do next, course I will. After all, we stripped every bit of loot we could off of these fellows. Like locusts, tis time we made for another field I say" he smiles an ugly smile towards Talamir.

"Now don't assume I'm a fool and think survival never crossed my mind here. I've been at this longer than you've been a drunken disgrace to yer ears" Marcus says, half snarling at Talamir.

"All true, Marcus" Barakas adds cheerfully. "All the same, it is news they intend to blow this place up. It tis a nice ambition, but the doing of it quickly seems rather... ridiculous. We saw there trunk hauled by those minotaurs. It does make us wonder what is in it..." Barakas adds, actually saying something useful for once.

"Well, its not the pay master's chest ye blonde arse" Marcus snaps back at Barakas, who doesn't seem bothered by the remark at all.

"Oh elf, did you happen to see Sable?" Barakas asks him, and touches the holy symbol of Beshaba on the copper chainlink around his neck. "I've been looking forward to seeing her again, ever so much"

The slight sneer in his voice seems to indicate that is not to exchange pleasantries.

Marcus gives Barakas a sideways glance and shakes his head.

"I think she'd like to catch up with you as much as you her. She works for the dwarf now, remember?" Marcus says, giving warning to the cleric.

He merely flashes a cocky grin back at Marcus for his trouble.

Marcus shakes his head and reaches for a whistle that hangs around his neck. He blows the shrill little thing, and it pains Talamir's ears when he does so.

"Come on everyone! Time to go see the dwarves! Get yer arses in line and moving! Now! Now! Now, ye worthless arse rags!" Marcus snarls at what remains of his command.

Troops start falling in, conscripts and the few veterans. It takes a couple minutes for everyone to get organized, but organized they become and Marcus begins heading towards the field hospital with a purposeful march.

As they march, they pass duergar encampment as they wait for Nalrak and do their level best to ignore them as they do so.

sonofzeal

2012-02-23, 09:08 AM

Bundok

So the group was on the move earlier than expected. Well, that was that for Bundok's vacation. Time to return to the group. Stowing the new map with care, Bundok grunted his way to his feet.

Getting up was the hard part, getting back down was relatively trivial. A grappling hook latched onto a convenient outcropping, a test for weight, and then the dwarven ranger was descending. A flick, a sinusoidal wave travelling up the rope, and Bundok had his grapple back.

He trudged back to the group and hailed Hjalmar, Johannes, and Thordek at the lead. "Hey-up, the column. Bundok here." Didn't want to spook anyone. Instead he simply stood within easy sight and let them approach him.

"Been scoutin' ahead. Armory's still stocked, best be makin' use o' it. No sign of dragon, but can't say as it's long gone neither. I'll gamble a week's wage it'll turn up just as it's least welcome, if'n any o ye will take that. An' I got us a map, seems our passage up ahead is clear to t' surface, but'll leave us deep in t' Aurilite's behind. Not sure as that's fair news or foul, but I'll be leavin' that to t' rest of yees t' ponder. Seems Buelyir's set himself t' march it one way or t' other."

Katasi

2012-02-23, 12:15 PM

You've gotta be blasted kidding me! More fighting? Arum growls "Let's slaughter them quick, this is starting to get annoying." He pats his badger gently.

Chepe Nolon

2012-02-23, 04:23 PM

Nega

Ifn I can suggest lets see if may'aps we can solve dis wit'out fitin. Dem seem pretty beat up. As are many of us. I suggest we send fort' a group to parley wit' em. Again it's just my opinion Levtokuld Thordek. She looks at Thordek quizzickly.

((Edited when I noticed that I was talking to someone not present haha))

Gryndel

2012-02-23, 04:38 PM

Magnum

Actually anticipating another fight, albeit one he suspected would hold little real challenge, the Alaghor grinned fiercely and made his way forward when they reached the bridge. Listening intently to Bundok, a trusted and well known loyal scout, he belayed any vocal comment beyond a deep grumble. With a nod to Johannes, he expressed his opinion by gripping his shield tightly and fingering the hilt of Arctis casually. A subsonic scowl shot through the stone under his feet while his bushy brows furrowed in a fierce frown at Nega. But he waited dutifully for Buelyir to decide a course of action and issue orders, ready to serve the cause in whatever capacity commanded as he stared across the bridge and mentally reviewed the best Ehontar stanzas for the situation.

Listen [roll0]
Spot [roll1]

mshady

2012-02-23, 11:25 PM

DM note: Buelyir is back at base camp. You guys and gals can figure this out :)

thorgrim29

2012-02-24, 02:16 PM

Thordrek

Thordrek greets the scout with relief, and turns to the others.

Johannes, what would you say your chances of talking this door open are?

Strangie

2012-02-24, 06:25 PM

Wyatt

"More fightin'... saw 'dat one comin'. I think my talents will be better put to use in the thick of combat - I can't make the most of myself from too far away." Wyatt shrugs. "I can only do so much with a shortbow from 'dis distance. I like to get up in someone's face and break 'deir teeth in instead. Joh, Thordrek, or whoever, I'm sure you can find a good use for me."

Toliudar

2012-02-24, 10:27 PM

Thordrek

Thordrek greets the scout with relief, and turns to the others.

Johannes, what would you say your chances of talking this door open are?

Johannes, clearly unhappy about becoming an authority figure, grimaces for a moment.

"Um. The doors to the temple? They're open, just guarded, yes. So...I'd say our chances are pretty good. We could parlay, but I don't know what we have to negotiate. Presumably, we've got to clear out this group to make the travel of the rest of the group safe as well. What do you think we can offer?"

thorgrim29

2012-02-24, 10:48 PM

Thordrek

Honestly? I don't know. Just felt like I should bring it up... So we should keep them from keeping us out... Can anyone get invisible and go inside, wait the battle out and open it up? It's not like there's much glory to be had fighting a dozen hobgoblins... Then we open up with a sustained ranged assault by the fastest of us while the others cross the bridge. Then we all join up, kill them, and go in. How does that sound?

Chepe Nolon

2012-02-25, 04:50 AM

Nega
Nega frowns.It's not an option of wat we can offer.It be a opportunity fer em to surrender wit'out blood bein spilt. I recognize yer posistion Thordek but I must insist dat we parley first. Killin is been done to easy amongst us. Ifn Jo'annes wont I will try to parlay. I'll take dat risk even ifn ye wont. She walks out infront of the group turns and look at them.
Well will ye atleast try before ye forfit or yer bloodlust know no end?She stand defiantly looking at Thordek and Johannes.

sonofzeal

2012-02-25, 07:49 AM

Bundok

Bundok adds one more detail in to the discussion. "Mebbe it'd be makin' a difference and mebbe nay, but Sable's had her hand at t' water supply for t' gobbies. T' un I saw were ailin', sore enough. If dey all be ailin' t' same, t' will t' fight mebbe long gone from dem."

thorgrim29

2012-02-25, 08:06 AM

Thordrek

The thing is, First Mace, if they surrender what do we do with them? We're about to run for our lives, presumably in the middle of aurilite territory. We're already going to be accompanied by a potentially hostile group. In no way can we take prisoners, we can't send them before us because they'll alert their bosses, and we can't send them back because then they'll run into the duergar and get killed. I'd rather give them death in battle myself then have then executed by Buelyir. Even so if they weren't goblins I'd consider it, but honestly when is the last time you heard of a goblin having a positive effect on the world? The closest we have is Obould, and it's far too soon to tell if he's even remotely honest. Even if he is the odds of his work surviving him are vanishingly small.

Gryndel

2012-02-25, 02:30 PM

Magnum

The Alaghor strutted up to Nega, his gaze across the bridge the whole time. He paused to look her square in the face with a steely gaze of a veteran of war, and priest who worshiped the battle itself, "Thordek's got it right, First Mace. If dey wanna fight, we'll know soon enuf. But if dey'll talk, we won't be targeted on our way. One way ta know fer certain, lets go."

With a shrug he nodded to Wyatt and began to cross the bridge, "Regardless, we need ta take da last bastion of da enemy now."

mshady

2012-02-25, 03:52 PM

Hjalmar Crownshield

Standing across the bridge now, the massively armored dwarf stands silently with his arms crossed across his chest. His once fine cloak hangs across his shoulders, while his near waist length beard is still stained with blood. With a deep, deep sigh, Hjalmar listens to the conversation.

Hjalmar turns, and the clank of his armor announces his joining of the conversation. He looks specifically at First Mace Hjalmar and takes one massive, mailed fist in the other and cracks his knuckles. His one eye crinkles slightly as he looks at her, one damning, judging eye, and he swings his look back to Thordek and Johannes.

He than looks over towards the former temple of Moradin and takes several deep, meaningful breathes and looks back at Thordek. His face twists into a scowl and than he extends a hand, than a finger towards the temple. Not just the doors, but the defamed holy symbol of Moradin that was covered in paint and hewn into something foul.

The hand returns to his side, and he withdraws his hammer and gives it a testing swing. Next, his massive shield is unlimbered and the old dwarf rolls his shoulders. Muscles and bones pop as he does so.

"Kill them all" Hjalmar announces, his voice grave and rumbling.

Without looking to see if anyone would follow him, Hjalmar raises his shield into a perfect covering stance. His eyes are just above the rim line of his shield and he starts walking towards the enemy position. In his hand, his hammer glows with a brilliant golden nimbus.

He doesn't get more than 20 feet before a hail of arrows comes whistling through the air at Hjalmar. Most hit the ground around Hjalmar, but three strike his shield and two more bounce off his armor. They snap and spin off into the ground.

Hjalmar doesn't break his relentless pace as he moves forward, ignoring the feeble arrows of the Aurilites....