[3.5E] Heretic's Bane Icewind Dale

[mshady]

Raltise:

Before Raltise walks off, Knute glowers at him.

"More often then not, "different" is what gets people killed around here. We had one like ye come through here a few months back, a mercenary, called himself Sniper. Kilt two folks and we ain't seen'em since. Now... get ye gone, scaring folks..."

Arum:

RPed via IM with Katasi

Arum departs from the barracks and wanders around town, wearing his new robes. It occurs to him that these robes are well fitted for a gnome, leading him to wonder how the goblins acquired it. Any emblems, monograms or embroidery has long since been removed. The robes also have the distinct smell of the goblinoids race, which most would recognize as the smell of stale urine, blood and bad alcohol. Good wizard robes are hard to find, but this one could use some laundering.

Strolling through town, Arum soon finds the only gnomish stables in town. Small ponies mill about in a cramped pen while a gnomish boy mucks out the stalls in a squat, white, bar. Next to the pens is a large, open air, training arena with a wooden roof over it. Adjacent to that structure is a square, stone building where an occasional squeal and hiss of what can only be a dire badger can be heard. Arum walks up to the boy as he cleans a stall out.

"Excuse me, where is the owner, I would like to purchase one of those dire badgers." He says, shifting comfortably in his new robes.

The young gnome looks at Arum and wrinkles his nose involuntarily at the new arrival. "Who're you? I don't recognize you from town."

"I'm Arum Faer Wed young one, and you should be more respectful when you're talking to your elders, boy." Arum says coldly.

The boy looks at Arum for a long moment and chews on a piece of straw, not overly moved by what Arum said.

"I'm the 'young one' that'll be waking up Yondel and telling him what you want, actually. You new here? I don't know that name", he says. The boy takes his pitchfork and throws a pile of fouled hay out of the stable again.

Arum nods softly. "I am here temporarily and will be leaving soon, I require a good strong mount on my travels shortly though, so I will be needing a dire badger." He says. "Now please go get Yondel for me. I'll give ye 1 gold now and 1 gold after if you do..."

"Oh. You're one them, aren't you?" He pauses a moment and chews on the hay again, examining Arum once again. "Sure you don't want a pony? Easier riding….", the boy says.

"No..." Arum grates.

The young gnome shrugs and takes the gold and looks at it suspiciously. He tries to look like he knows how to examine a gold coin and finally bites down on it and nods.

"I'll get'em if you want, Mr. Arum, but you don't seem the riding type to me. You'd really be better off with a pony. The badgers aren't really for sale either. Really for the Hundlestone militia. Course, they're the only ones who buy'em anyways." The boy smiles suddenly. "Hate to see one o'them hurt you."

The young gnomish boy walks up to the old house and disappears inside for a quarter of an hour. Oil lamps come on and he can hear people talking inside. Eventually, an old gnome is escorted by the boy back out of the house. He is greeted by an old, white haired gnome who is missing a finger and what looks like a chunk of his leg. To a gnome, this is the sign of an experienced badger trainer. An old, experienced, badger trainer amongst the living is a rare find as most eventually get killed by their charges.

"Arum Feed Wheat or Feet Wet whatever ye said your name was? Doesn’t matter… I'm Yondel. The boy said a stinky gnome cousin wanted a mount, right farking now. Ye look like ye might be able to handle a pony” the gnome says pleasantly enough, but his tone suddenly turns sour.

“Why can't ye come back at a decent hour? Think I'm on the bloody Stone Council like my niece? Eh? Eh?” He pokes Arum with his finger repeatedly as he makes his point and grumbles. "Bloody barg'n in makin' demands... So what do ye want? The boy said ye wanted a pony?"

Arum shakes his head. "I'm afraid I can't" He replies. "I leave in six hours to protect the caravan, and I need a badger, there's going to be some tough fighting."

Yondel looks him over and snorts derisively. "Oh, so ye had a sudden need for a big badger, eh? Why didn't ye say so? My badgers are for the militia. Why'd I want to sell ye one?"
Arum gives him a small smile.

"Because I'll pay you 25% extra for it and it's saddle" He replies. "…and it's in the best interests of Hundlestone that the caravan not get taken, isn't it?" The old gnome looks at him suspiciously and his big, bushy eyebrows raise.

"Eh? Best interest eh? That some kinda threat?"

Arum sighs and shakes his head.

"Not at all, but doesn't Hundlestone lose money if the caravan fails to get through?" He says.

Yondel shakes his head. "Once ye pay the tariff and leave, what happens north o'here is yer luck." The gnome pulls at his beard pensively. "My interests though? Lemme see your coin…." Yondel says quietly and looks around to see if anyone is watching.

Arum sighs again, starting to get annoyed. "As I said, I'll pay extra." He says, opening his coin purse for Yondel to see. Yondel holds the lantern in the air over the bag and looks.

"So long as yer coin's good."

"Check for yourself." Arum says softly.

"Heh, I will, I will… well, the boy will for me. I’ll sell ya a badger, but it'll be one o'the younger ones. Only one I can spare."

"Fine by me, as long as it's at least trained for a rider."
"..and you've rode a badger before?" Yondel says, with very obvious skepticism.

Arum shakes his head. "Not really" he admits.

"Heh, then I'll sell it to ye for the amusement than."

Arum rolls his eyes, thanking his lucky stars for rudimentary training and being too stubborn for his own good. Yondel gestures towards the stone barn.

"I know just the one too. Boy! Bring out Baurus!" The boy looks at him and smiles. A few minutes later, he returns. Arum begins to wonder if this is really a good idea as the boy is leading a leading a snarling brown and white badger with a noose around its neck at the end of a long pole. The badger is trying to pull itself back towards the barn and it hisses and the boy is fighting it the whole way.

Yondel laughs as the boy struggles with it and smiles wryly. He approaches the snarling badger and reaches into his satchel. Pulling out a cluster of grapes, he holds it out towards the badger and it calms down, watching the berries. It reaches for them tentatively and Yondel pulls them back. The creature hisses.

"This is the one?" Arum asks.

"Here... take the berries. Ye try and feed it. If he doesn't take off yer arm, ye have a new friend. If he does, remember Garl Glittergold gave ye got two arms." Yondel says. Arum takes the berries from Yondel and hold them out gently to the badger.

"Come, take the berries..." He says softly, hoping to soothe it. The badger lunges at Arum violently and only the boy planting the pole in the ground saves him from being wounded. Arum does his best to get out of the way of the badger as it lunges while Yondel laughs and wheezes with delight.

"Can’t ye spare a couple fingers? Try again, lad." Yondel says. He then tries again, wondering if Yondel is playing him.

This time the badger hisses and snarls at him. Turning its head, it surges forward again and nearly bites Arum. He can feel the hot breath of the animal on his hands as its sharp teeth snap.

Arum sighs and speaks in the badger's own tongue this time telepathically. "Please, do not attack me, I need your strength great one. Be my friend?"The badger tips its head and looks at Arum, a glint of recognition in its eyes. It gestures with its nose towards the berries this time, a bit more gently. Arum hold his hand out, hold the berries within reach of the badger.

"Thank you." Arum says softly to the badger in its own language.

"Boy... drop the pole. Lets see if Baurus likes him..." Yondel says. The boy smirks, drops the pole and quick falls back, going to the point of jumping the fence. Arum stand his ground, hoping his words soothed the badger enough. Baurus looks at the berries and steps forward.

The badger reaches out and snatches the berries from his hand and chews on them happily. It appears contented for the moment. Arum smiles softly. And then it starts sniffing the air again for more berries and looking at Arum.
Yondel smirks

"Now what?" The trainer takes a couple steps back as well. Arum speaks softly in the badgers own tongue again.

"I don't have more berries at the moment, but I assure you I'll keep you well fed." The badger does not particularly react, but it does not react aggressively either in response. It stands there and sniffs the ground instead and claws at the cold earth tentatively.

"So... what did ye just learn?" Yondel says.

"The badger prefers being talked to in it's own language, and it likes berries” Arum replies.

"Somethin' like that..." he says. "It needs to understand ye. It’s a fierce animal. Territorial. It needs to recognize ye as one of its own. Why only gnomes can really ride'em. Safely, anyways."

Arum nods softly. "I just hope I can stay on it's good side, if it has one." He replies.

Yondel reaches into his satchel and pulls out another bunch of berries. He hands it to Arum and smiles, slightly. Arum takes the berries and goes to the badger.

"Here friend." He says in its language once again, as he offers the berries.

"Dire Badgers?” Yondel laughs. “They don't have a good side really... They're simple and they be fierce. If they see ye as a source o'its favorite food, it'll protect you. If you talk to it like ye did, it'll be protective of ye but ye have to be careful around others with'em.”

Yondel says, and smiles slightly.

“Ye do have some intelligence though..." Yondel says. “Ye didn't try to hit it. To show it who's in control. Ye do that, the damn things go frothing, raging mad at whomever did it, or looks like they did it. Won't stop till its ripped yer guts out and tore out yer throat. No training for that, just what they do. I train'em to do it better o'course” he smiles, proudly. Arum nods in response.

"Not much sense trying to show control over something bigger and stronger than me." Arum says.

"No. Good way to get yerself killed." Yondel nods, "I think ye can work the rest out yerself?"

Arum smiles. "I believe so. How much do you want for him and a saddle for him?" He replies.

"Hmm." Yondel says. "Boy, how much we charge for this one?" The young gnome smiles at Arum. Arum looks between the two silently for a long moment while the boy tries to figure out how much he can get away with charging Arum.

"Oh… I call that one... three hundred and ten for Baurus, fifty for the saddle. Five more for a bushel o'the berries he likes", the boy says.

Arum replies. "I will happily pay you that." He says. "A good badger is a great thing."

Yondel looks at the boy and smirks. "His first badger, that’s for sure." Arum sighs. "Fine, hand over the gold to the boy. I'm goin' back to sleep. Ride it 'round town to get used to'em a bit and don't run outta berries, eh? That one rather likes a good berry juice or wine in a bucket every now and then too. Course, he ain't much good for rid'n after that!" Yondel laughs to the point of snorting at that.

After the young gnome, very carefully, adds the saddle to the badger and gathers the bushel of berries for Arum, he takes the payment and the extra. Rooting around in the bag of gold Arum gave him, he takes a couple extra coins for himself.

"Been a pleasure, Mr. Arum. Try not to get yerself killed or Baurus, eh?"

Arum replies before leaving. "I will do my best." Arum nods and gives the gold to the boy, include the 1 gp tip he had promise the boy, then mounts up and rides around town for awhile in the darkness. The badger is difficult to control, but doesn’t attack anyone largely thanks to the bit in his mouth.

After riding for an hour, Arum returns to the barracks and leaves Baurus in the stables while he talks with the dwarven armorer there. When Arum explains what he needs done, the tired smith is none too happy with it but agrees to fit some chain barding for the badger. The total charge for it would be 435 gold and it would take him five hours to alter some chain and fit it to the creature, as he had worked with badgers before and there was an armorer in town he could work with. Arum also asks for a lance, choosing between a 10 gp stock lance or a 160 gp for a more finely made one.

While the armorer works to ready the barding for Arum’s new mount, Arum gathers the thick rubbery skins taken from the ogres and giants. He has a total of seven roughly cut pelts, five from ogres and two from the frost giants. The most prized is the blue skin taken from the ogre mage. He brings the skins to a tanner in a wheel barrow to the tanner, who is actually working late at night which he says is due to the stink of the tanning. Arum finds the tanner, an older human male, standing in a large pot walking around in it and kneading the leather in the stinking pot, likely a mix of urine, feces or animal brains necessary for the curing process. It was one of the oldest methods of tanning and perhaps the easiest to perform in rough conditions. Brains were particularly common, as It was said that most animals had enough brains to preserve their hide, dead or alive. Arum can see several dogs of various size and barrels full of ‘material’ in the corner. Standing in the pot and continuing to work, the tanner looks at Arum as he steps into the barn.

“Pick’n up or dropping off, short one?” He looks at Arum and then at the hides in the wheel barrow. The man asks what kind of hides he has and Arum explains. Curious, the man steps out of the fetid water and examines them. Explaining he only rarely gets to work with these, the man explains it will cost him 5 gold per hide (35 total) and take a five days to turn it all into useful leather. If Arum wants anything made out of it right away, he could have that done for him, ranging from leather armor, belts, cloaks, gauntlets or gloves.

[Diarmuid]

Bundok

Bundok deftly caught the ring of shielding and slid it onto his finger. He grunted a thanks and kept quiet while the rest of the spoils were distributed. The dwarf felt a bit uncomfortable accepting so much of the loot, the mithril armor itself was worth a small fortune.

As his name kept coming up with regards to being given things, he continued to feel awkward, but accepting everything offered to him with all the grace a socially inept dwarf could muster.

[ooc] Not exactly sure what else was thrust upon Bundok. I think some potions? How many potions total should he have, and what was the individual gold split for each person? [/ooc]

As the newcomers came in, Bundok slunk into a corner and kept his head down. These people seemed important and had important things to talk about. He had had enough of that with the council earlier and had not desire to get embroiled in further debates.

When everything is settled, the dwarf heads over to the barracks and unceremoniously plops himself down on a bed after carefully removing and stacking his new armor. In a few hours, he readies himself and heads over to meet the rest of the group to move out.

[Tharar_Greenleaf]

Kelith

Already rested and fully geared, when he hears he has another 6 hours to spend he goes up to his room and mediates before coming back down an hour early to grab another wine and see how the rest are coming along (if they are in the tavern).

[bchilders]

Magnum

Magnum spends a few hours in the Inn but doesn't drink too much, at least for him. He goes back to his room and spends an hour in prayer and meditation and then takes a nap for a bit. He wakes up and gets ready to meet up with everyone else at the given time.

Spoiler

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My posts may be off and on for the next few days as I'm out of town

[Katasi]

Arum picks out three standard lances and carries them with him back to Barbaus. He quickly devises a way to secure the lances to the badger so they are easily accessable, ten gies the badger some more berries and goes inside and prepares spells before leaving. About half an hour before leaving he goes and picks up the barding and helps put Barbaus in it, soothing the badger in it's own language and with berries. Then he puts the saddle on, after that, if there is still time, he will get out the new spellbook and cast read magic on it.

[mshady]

Six hours later, the party begins to assemble at the Goblin’s Groin again. Innkeeper and his sharp tongued wife provide no food or even make an appearance, although the cabinets are all locked up; especially the ones containing alcohol. Hjalmar is the first to take notice of this, but does little more than utter a contemptuous snort and shake his head. The lack of even a hearth fire to warm the place and no apparent wood makes the room rather chill. The message is clear enough.

The last to arrive at the Inn would be Tolrin, accompanied by his ever-present guardian Duervar and Valina. A fourth figure is in attendance as well, another female dwarf dressed in heavy armor with a shield on her back that bears the distinctive heraldry of the Forgemark Arcanii: Moradin’s hammer and anvil set atop an open book. This marks her as one of the feared armored battle mages and golem makers of the Patriarchate. Fearsome reputation aside, she is chatting away with Valina and they seem fast friends.

“So… “ Tolrin says “Ye be ready for another trip?” He smiles and looks over everyone. Still somewhat tired and bearing all the outrages against their armor from the previous battles, the time to depart is now. Tolrin grips his meaty hands around his amulet and it glows a subtle green before he begins to speak.

“For right now, we’re just goin’ to bring the reinforcements in from Barakbar. They’ll be gating in a few miles outside o’town along the road so no one here can see’em. Rather prefer folks not know we can do that or they get the wrong idea ‘hat we be summoning devils or someth’n. I hate to ask ye to come instead o’giving you more time here but the reason’ll be clear soon enough. Moradin knows ye deserve the time! I could be using some o’it myself!

We’ll be meet’n the Mage Commander o’the Forgemark Arcanii, Glorian Silvernail. Watch yer words with her, I certainly do! She’s about as sharp as an axe and about as bloody minded. A cohort of the Forgemark will be coming through with some mercenaries and a few other toys. A team o’Forgemark Hammer Strikers under Arcanii Carmard will be coming down along with four Minotaurs. Also, the Minotaurs will be hanging on to a trunk yer going to need to take with ye.”

Tolrin takes a deep breath and reaches into pocket. In his hand is a set of badly worn cards that he shows to the group to make a point now...

“We’re going to play a wee bit of a game with these Aurilites. I’m going to accompany the Forgemark and Old Silvernail back to Hundlestone and if there be any spies, they’ll be far more interested in where I’m going and hopefully loose ye in the mix. Through a bit o’magic. A spur o’Underdark caves runs through that area as well and when we all mix around and stop in a particular cave, you’ll head out the back so to speak.

A few hours from there will be a small cavern with some old Delzoun ruins. It may ‘r may not be occupied, but yer to hold there until I signal ye with a Sending spell. A good chance to get some rest and such.”

Tolrin stops and reaches in a satchel and withdraws a leather scroll case sealing with wax and a rune and sets it on the table.

“From there, ye will open the sealed orders and follow the map the Hammerstrikers are bringing for the rest o’yer instructions. If ye get the signal.”

Taking a deep breath, Tolrin continues.

“I’ll be try’n to negotiate with the Aurilites. If they don’t negotiate in good faith; han I’m going to start apply’n pressure to’em. The less they want to be reasonable; the more I’m going to twist their arm. Up to the point o’sending all the Forgemark we have here right into their teeth. You’ll be a small ‘ut important part o’this pressure as yer going to go deeper than the rest.

I don’t LIKE negotiating with these buggers, ‘ut we have to be realistic ‘ere as well. We’re the lesser power here. They’re lead by a white wyrm ‘hats also a Chosen o’the Cold God who’s ruled the Spine fer hundreds of years. They can control the weather, the mountains, passes; a lot o’the cards. Some o’the bad things in this world, ye just have to find a way to live with. The only way ye can ever do that is ye have to show them yer willingless; yer will to make them pay after a certain point. In your cases, 'his could be a one way trip if things go badly because yer going so far out, but really most fights are, eh?

We’re not here to cleanse the Spine but fer the Crusade. I know that doesn’t mean a lot to many o’ye right now, but it means a lot to the dwarves and our Gods, for it is a great stain on all o’our honors. That’s one that we cannae be lived with. It’s why we left. Its why we shed the blood o’our kin. But we must be patient and only strike when the iron’s just hot enough and still have enough force to do it.”

Tolrin frowns and his shoulders visibly sag, as if he was suddenly reminded of a great weight. After a moment, he looks up again.

“So, any questions ‘or we leave?”

[bchilders]

Magnum

"Sounds good ta me boss. As long as I have somethin' to swing an axe at I'm ready t' go." Magnum makes his way to both of the females around Tolrin and gives an introduction having not officially met either, "The name is Magnum Rorik, fist of Clangeddin, s' pleasure to meet ya' both"

[mshady]

Tolrin only has enough time to nod in acknowledgment to Magnum before the dwarven cleric brushes past him to introduce himself Valina and Buna. They both shakes his hand in quick succession, but have a look of bafflement on their faces before finally laughing.

For his part, Tolrin’s look ranges from surprise and astonishment to a frown.
“Yes, Magnum…” he looks at the dwarf gravelly, “I was getting to that, lad.” Tolrin says, suddenly a bit indignant. Buna grimaces at what is coming.

“It is Shanatan custom that an unwedded dwarven lass in the company o’a family member be introduced formally before one speaks to her or she to them. It helps avoid… misunderstanding of intent and allows the Clan leader or senior family member to oversee her and the Clan’s best interests. Especially in regards to nobility and family of Thanes or those with particularly distinguished lines…. I suppose today, it’s just a matter o’courtesy, yes?”
Tolrin smiles slightly.
“So aye, I was remiss in my duties a bit but try not to be such an eager lass with me only surviving niece?” Tolrin both smiles and frowns at the same time. “But aye, I present my niece Valina Glanrak, daughter of Tolwyn , blood of Marltok and Thogan the Pious of the Jilker Clan most recently. Also, I present to ye Buna Bekadrin, Forgemark Arcanii of Mirabar, daughter of Harkness of Glen in Mistledale.”

The two dwarven women restrain a smile.

“Oh, don’t mind Uncle. He’s a stickler on the oddest things!” Valina says.
“You’re not helping, lass…” Tolrin says, chuckling.
“I know!” Valina beams.

Buna shakes her head at the exchange.

"My uncles not quite as formal as hers, thankfully" Buna says. "A pleasure to meet ye. Magnum, is it? Whatever possessed you to sign on with that mad beard Tolrin?" Buna quips and laughs, then shakes her head. "I always respect a brave lad though, tempting the dragon like ye just did." She smiles and winks.

"Don't encourage the boy!" Valina says.
"As if I have such motives? Ha! I like to think of it as inspiring him and the rest to protect me." Buna smiles. Valina and Tolrin shake their heads.

"Hopeless. Simply hopeless..." Tolrin pronounces. "So... any actual questions or shall we get moving? Sorry we'll be missing the roasting, but we'll pass by on the way out..."

[Tharar_Greenleaf]

Kelith

Kelith wraps his spiked chain around his waist and checks his backpack ties before replying, "Ready to go, just lead the way...

I can only assume the hospitality of the Aurilites will be better than what we've been given thus far; can't even get a proper breakfast or glass of wine in this tavern."

[Yuki Akuma]

Raltise stands with the rest of the ground, one arm curled around his neck, while the other pushes down on the elbow, the man obviously trying to stretch. "Lythe and I are ready, willing and able, as always. Well, I am. Lythe doesn't particularly care either way."

[bchilders]

Magnum

Magnum looks a little embarressed at the misstep. "Sorry never could keep up with social niceties. I meant no disrespect" Magnum embarassment qui9ckly turns to blushing as the ladies began their comments. He manages to smile back and say, "It would be my pleasure to protect ya, m'lady," but decides not to push the conversation any further.

[Katasi]

Arum refrains from speaking as Magnum commits a social blunder, laughing silently and glad he hadn't greeted the ladies by making a comment about his "rod of wonder", not wanting to offend Tolrin. He gives a soft nod to the two ladies. "I'm happy to protect you as well laadies, ArumFaerWed, Abjurer extrodinaire at your service. You may call me Arum." he says, before turning to Tolrin. "I am ready to go when you are. Shriek is doing an arial survey of the land right now and Barbaus is saddled and ready to go."

[mshady]

Shaking his head, Tolrin looks around for any last questions. Seeing none, he almost seems disappointed.

“Well… time to get our arses on our mounts. If ye don’t have a mount, they’ll be some ponies for ye outside.”
Tolrin turns to walk out the door and glances back with a sideways grin.
“Oh and Kelith, the group we’re meeting will be bringing breakfast. Hope ye like salt pork and mushroom. A bag o’holding full o’trail rations too.” Tolrin chuckles, while Valina groans at the prospect.

The party exits the Inn to find two dwarves standing with a horse for Kelith and enough ponies for the rest of the party that lacks a mount. All are covered in dappled white and grey horse wool barding, but the distinctive sound of chainmail beneath it can be heard as the wind buffets them. The weather has suddenly turned to sleet and the wind has picked up. Tolrin throws back his hood and the wind blows his black hair into shambles as he laughs, the sound cutting through the wind.

“Ye see, lads? Tis a spell! No more ‘han half a candle ago, it was fine out. Now they’ve started with the weather witching! Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! They won’t be able to see us leave now!” Tolrin says and laughs again, shaking his head. Buna and Valina exchange a look between them.

The party takes to their various horses and ponies. Arum and Hjalmar stand out, with Arum mounting his new dire badger and Hjalmar mounting a thunder tusk, a giant dire war pig. Tolrin, Buna and Valina each sit atop fine white ponies, with Tolrin’s clearly outfitted with mithril plate armor; a magnificent feat of craftsmanship. It clacks and clatters softly as it walks, barely audible because of the wind. The group rides out of town, through the gates and past the suspicious guards, heading south towards Mirabar. Stone milestones mark the distance. Lythe trots along next to Raltise, oblivious to the weather.

After passing five stones after two hours in the miserable weather, the trail drops off into a depression as the trail leaves the immediate area of the Spine of the World into a flat, wide open area. A large area has been scrapped flat amongst the pines for wagons to pull off of the road. The small campsite has a rotted palisade facing towards the Spine, a single rickety tower for a sentry. There are also several attached overhands to the wall and the area is dug out to provide further shelter, along with a recently used fire pit. Buna produces some small logs from her haversack and empties a flask of oil on the jumble of wood before tossing a tinder twig on to the soaked wood. A fire erupts with a dull, bass whump and she bears an almost gleeful look as she watches the flames ignite before taking a step back from the heat. Tolrin watches in bewilderment a few steps away, hoping he does not have to use his fine cloak to smother a reckless dwarf. When only the wood catches on fire, he seems greatly relieved.

A half an hour passes while the party warms up around the fire. Tolrin produces a fresh loaf of bread from his seemingly bottomless satchel and passes them out to the huddled party. As they finish with the bread, he gives Buna a barely perceptible nod and the Arcanii steps away from the party. She begins preparing to cast a spell by winding a copper wire around her finger. After a minute of careful preparation, she begins casting a spell and says something inaudible to the rest of the party, but the copper wire slowly dissolves. Returning to the group around the fire, she nods to Tolrin and sits again.

“So…” Tolrin says. “Now we sit and wait a little while and enjoy the fire a little while, ‘fore we have to part ways. Careful what ye say out here due to scrying, but anyone know any good stories? Also Arum, what do ye intend to do with all them hides and hearts and teeth lad? Oh and Ralts… what happened ‘tween you and Knute in town earlier? He came to me, said ye were scaring folks, somehow? What happened there?”

Lythe seems to bristle at the last remark, and while she does not say anything, Raltise can feel her emotions flare at the mention of Knute and the earlier incident. She also makes a sound somewhat like gravel shifting in a bucket, audibly noting her displeasure at the mention of the name. Tolrin raises an eye brow, but says nothing as he works a piece of jerky around in his mouth.

[Katasi]

Arum watches as Buna casts the spell, ever curious he tries to figure out what she casted.

spellcraft - (1d20+16)[34]

Before settling down he feeds Barbaus a few berries and settles him down, then settles shriek into a perch nearby. Shriek settles down and ruffles her feathers a bit.

Arum replies to Tolrin "I'm having the hides tanned. Once that's done I'll be making on of the giant's hides into barding for my animals.I hope it will protect them from some of this cold. As for the hearts and such, I will use them in my reasearch. Also, if anyone needs anything crafted, I'm a fairly skilled crafter for things like armor and weapons. Just ask."

With that he pulls out the new spellbook and begins to decipher the meaning of the arcane symbols, calling of to Arman. "Hey, how about helping me decipher this, I bet with both of us working on it we can do alot better than with just me." He then calls to Buna. "Hey do you know anything about magical writings and such? If so you could gie us a hand as well."

spellcraft - (1d20+16)[21]

[Yuki Akuma]

Raltise does not enjoy the ride through the miserable weather at all. He's not as stocky as a dwarf, and is also much taller, giving him hardly any insulation against the cold at all. He huddles up in his cloak, glad he thought to bring cold weather gear on this expedition.

As the campfire is lit, Ralts scoots towards it, holding his hands out towards it to bring some life back into them. As Tolrin asks about Krute, he waves a hand dismissively. "Oh, nothing important. Apparently, archery practise with a wooden bow and arrows made of steel is fine, but when you start focusing your mind through your soul into semisolid arrows of pure mental energy, people start to get testy." He reaches over and places one hand on Lythe's head. "Don't worry about it, I'm used to it. At least they didn't call me Illithid-spawn like most people seem to."

[bchilders]

Magnum

As the Arcanii stand near the fir Magnum says, "A lady of the flames, ey? You look as if you got red dragon blood, baskin' in the blaze." Magnums brows furrow a bit while listening to Ralts account from the archery range. It's a shame the way some people are. At the mention of stories his ears perk up a bit. Magnum always enjoys a good tale of battle, as long as the story tellers good enough to make you feel you're there.

[Tharar_Greenleaf]

Kelith

Also curious about the spell cast: spellcraft: (1d20+8)[11](19)

Kelith thanks Tolrin for the food given to him and takes small chugs of his water flasks. After eating he lays back on his pack and rests in front of the fire, trying to soak in as much warmth as he can for the trials to come.

[mshady]

Tolrin listens to Arum describe his intentions while he chews on another piece of jerky and washes the piece down with a pull from his flask.

“Oh, I was trying to decide if ye were just an ambitious taxidermist or if ye had more practical intent. Might be just enough to properly bard yer ill-tempered new friend and ye certainly have a right to it, considering ye were the one that bothered with the skins. I can tell ye though, they’ll offer enough protection to keep him warm and earn the ire of any giants ye meet that notice, but you’ll need a good bit o’enchanting to protect yer mount from cold magic. Ye could make a couple of decent cloaks out of them though. As fer the hearts, if ye know yer alchemy ye can dry, powder and distill’em for some decent reagents if yer into that branch o’magic. We mainly use runes and such.”

As Raltise speaks, Tolrin tips his head and listens intently.

“Illithids be where head magic comes from. For duergar anyways. Be careful, I say.” Hjalmar says flatly as he stares into the fire. Tolrin grimaces slightly at the backhanded insult and Duervar gives him a sideways glance.

“Ye don’t suppose focusing yer soul to create arrows of mental energy might come off as a bit… well, different to folks?” Tolrin says carefully, then pauses for a moment.
“I’m not say’n I have a problem with what ye do or how, Moradin knows I have an unusually… broad view on such matters, but however prevalent magic and such may be amongst those o’us sitting around this fire, it’s a… mystery to most common folks. Most of what they hear and see of it, if at all, is usually all bad. Indeed, that’s why we dragged our tired arses outside o’town like this. Opening up a glowing tear between the planes in all its glory is damn sure someth’g that would frighten the Hundlestoners.” Tolrin grins. “If it wouldn’t have revealed anything to’em or the Aurilites, I would’ve done it just to frighten them a little. Nothing says “be polite” better then a portal opening in yer town square and some troops marching out o’it.”

Tolrin flashes a toothy smile and takes a pull from his flash again. Hjalmar harrumphs and continues to gaze into the fire, working on his bread.

Buna smirks as she listens to what Magnum says as she sits near the fire. Tossing the empty flask into the fire and watching it crumple, she turns back towards Magnum.

“Oh, so ye like yer women fierce and hot blooded, huh? Or ye just say’n I have bad skin, lad?” Buna says, quickly followed by Valina’s laugh. “I certainly love a good blaze though, no denying that” Buna pronounces with a twisted smile.

“Yes… Buna is the Forgemark’s resident Pyromancer. I do believe only one at that, at that. Ever since she slew a Red Wizard a few years back and took his book.” Tolrin says, and shakes his head. “Watch that one Magnum, yer playing with fire and not sensible enough to know when yer beard’s gett’n burned.”

For Arum and Kelith:

Spoiler

Show

Arum recognizes the spell that Buna just cast is a Sending spell, marking it as a spell of the 5th circle of arcane magic – far beyond his own current abilities.

Kelith does not quite recognize the spell itself, but he knows the purpose is a kind of communications spell.

[mshady]

Tolrin glances back towards Raltise.

"Almost forgot, absent minded old codger that I'm becoming, Knute said they had trouble before with someone like ye. When he brought his guards, thought the fella had returned to town, which was the only reason he bothered to get on his armor and get outta his smithy. Another human psion was through Hundlestone a few months back. A mercenary. Killed two with arrows like yer doing and vanished. Prolly a potion.

Killed himself a cleric of Mystra and a half-elf bard. Those two kept to themselves and were head'n north on the next caravan. Just ambushed'em walking through town without 'heir armor on or anything and ye can guess how that went. Sure isn't an Artemis Enteri type, more a scruffy feller but well, a disguise is easy enough. Knute calls'em Sniper, but really nothing else about'em. " Tolrin shrugs. "So... that was also why. And damn, I wish I brought some sausage!" Tolrin says, looking at the fire.

"Oh, your spell book Arum?" Buna says. "I'd love to another time but we'll be having company shortly." She smiles and looks behind her, then stretches like some sort of content and very square cat.

[bchilders]

Magnum

"No ma'am....um....I wasn't saying anything 'bout your skin," Magnum stammers at the bluntness of Buna's response. He opens his mouth to say something else but almost as if considering Tolrin's words he stroke his beard and stays quiet.

[ArmanMadero]

Arman smiles at Arum and gies a small nod of his head. "I would be happy to help you with some of the spells there." Arman looks at the spellbook that Arum has and starts to help out.

My appologies on the short post. Its been a long week and my brain is fried.

Aid Another on Arum.

[Tharar_Greenleaf]

Kelith

Content in the assumption that the spell was meant for the "company" to come, he relaxes back into his rest and vaguely listens to the small talk that goes around the camp; none of of it peaking his interest enough to take part in it... but enjoyable enough to listen to.

[mshady]

The group sits around the fire for the next half an hour, waiting and talking idly. Most of the time is taken up by Tolrin telling stories. Most are amusing but incidental, but he spends the greatest amount of time discussing some of his previous adventures, mostly the kind of old battle stories that dwarves would appreciate. They range from Calimshan and the Underdark to the Dales and far north. One of the tales is particularly amusing.

“So, did I ever tell all o’ye about the time I became an accidental pirate? Valina, I’m sure ye know this one. Anyways… I be with the Patriarch and this elf mage friend of his at the time, Aravilar. We were returning to the Pirate Isles, specifically Immurk’s Hold.

A few months prior, the three o’us had helped turn back a siege of undead that was conjured up from the sea, Umberlee’s tomb ye see? We just happened to be there as this elf dragged us along to buy a parrot for his she-elf, Amalatha. The government there wanted to try and give it a legitimate go o’things in hopes o’getting aide from the Sembians and Cormyr. So, they wanted someone who could lead things for a few moons who was capable but not ambitious and ye won’t find anyone less ambitious then a dwarf on an island! O’course the Patriarch is far too busy for this kind of thing so he asks me to do it in his name – which as ye know is mostly what I occupy my time with anyways. But he still needs to go at least to begin with, for honors sake so we go.

Now, the Patriarch has his honor guards and such now but when he wants to get out from under the mountain, he normally travels with just one or two friends at a time. Says it’s a good way to get to know people, and as us dwarves know the best way to get to know yer shield mate is get into a few scrapes together. Who knows? Maybe one of ye will get to accompany him sometime when next he gets the urge. So o’course, very important dwarf, in a hurry and neither of us like to travel by boat. His elf friend offers to teleport us to the Isles, says he remembers it pretty well so we agree and off we go…

Problem is where we arrived! Instead of in Immurk’s Hold, we end up on our arses on ship heading out to sea! Hardly any crew and a faster ship overhauling us from behind and we recognize the sail as one o’the pirates. Now, this here Captain’s nervous to begin with and we just terrify him and his crew!

So after we all point weapons at each other for a little bit, I do my bit and talk real nice like the fella and calm him down, as much as I can. Says he is a merchantmen being pursued by the pirate ship after he got double crossed by someone he thought was a merchant. We look and can see this is a Sembian ship and agree to help.

An hour or so goes by and they come up alongside us and their Captain orders the merchantman to surrender. He says no and they start shooting, cannon and ballista across at us, tearing down the sail and hulling the boat pretty good. Quick as a cat, very good shooting and we don’t even get a chance to reveal ourselves to scare’em off it was so fast!

Now the pirate ship grapples us and now come the boarders. Hignar, Aravilar and I jump right into the fight and cut through the boarders quick enough and we go and board the other ship. Nasty, quick fight but we get the upper hand and the Captain of the pirate ship surrenders. We timed it pretty well, as our own ship got hit a lot harder than I think the pirate’s intended.

So here’s the funny part. I go and ask the pirate captain why he was chasing a merchant under Sembian flag from the docks out to sea like this. The man’s obviously confused as he thought we were part of the other ship’s crew. We introduce ourselves and the man goes white as a sheet. It turns out the merchantmen we landed on was loaded with chests full of platinum, gold and gems and had been sent by the Overmaster of Sembia to help out the new rulers and was hijacked on the docks. The “pirate” Captain was one of the Council, a pirate who wanted to give it legitimate go o’things and he was trying to get the treasure back. Of course… that was on the boat that just sunk!” Tolrin says, with a grin.

“I recall that being awkward when ye came ashore, Uncle.” Valina says.

“Quite. Quite expensive too. The three o’us turned over enough treasure to make good on the lost treasure ship and it was all kept quiet. I still did six months on the Isles as the “Governor” and keep a home there, if only for the weather. Which reminds me….” Tolrin stops midsentence and looks behind him.

The air suddenly tingles with magic. Hair stands on end and even your teeth ache momentarily from the powerful magic. What little light there is in the permanent twilight is darkened and the temperature rises suddenly. Snow melts and steams up, filling the area with water vapor, making it difficult to see. The various animals in the group grow panicked, shying away and making frightened noises as they feel that something supernatural is coming.

An azure blue spark appears in the air 50 feet behind the group. The arc sizzles and hisses as it traces a brilliant circle through the air, making increasingly faster revolutions. Within moments, the area behind it cannot be seen as a swirling black and red vortex forms and low, throaty rumble

The inside of the circle turns completely black for a moment and a gust of wind blows through the air as the Gate spell opens, nearly snuffing out the fire and blowing debris around the area. A low, rumbling growl that can be felt in your very bones can be heard, almost like a wind through a cavern. As the Gate spell's portal finally forms, there is a long moment of anticipation, wondering who or what would emerge from it.

Several dozen Forgemark Legionnaires come charging through the gate with a battle yell. These Forgemark troops lock shields and form a circular perimeter around the gate, brandishing urghoshes, long spears or crossbows.

A dozen minotaurs come through next, followed by four stone-like golem creatures and a dwarf with wild blue hair. She holds a glowing staff in one hand and a golden waraxe in the other. With a wave of her hand, the Gate closes with a thunder like clap and the electric crackle of an enormous amount of magical energy dissipating.

“That would be our company, everyone. Someone want to go say hello for me?” Tolrin grins and watches.

[ArmanMadero]

Arman listened to the tale that Tolrin was telling everyone, and chuckled. "You will have to excuse my laughter, Tolrin. It's just hard to imagine one such as yourself landing upon a ship upon the sea. A Dwarf of your stature doesn't fit the mind's eye of a shipman."

Sitting astride his horse and waiting for the trip to begin was stirring excitement all around. Soon enough everyone started to look restless and ready to get moving. Tolrin was starting to discuss the weather when he broke off and cast a spell. The air around him suddenly seemed infused with magic, and the snow beneath their feet started to melt and turn into slush, making the ground turn muddy.

Suddenly a group of dwarves, golems, minotaurs and what appeared to be a dwarven wizard? soon joined them and with the sound of thunder the portal closed and the biting wind once again found them. Arman's horse had startled at the sudden arrival of more people and magic and pranced around on his feet, biting his bit and flicking his ears back and forth.

Soon everyone was settled and Tolrin looked around to everyone. “That would be our company, everyone. Someone want to go say hello for me?”

Arman finally got his stallion still under him, the horse giving his own opinion by shaking his head and snorting. With a smile and a bow in the saddle, Arman greeted the new group."Welcome newcomers. Arman Madero here to fight by your side if need be."

[bchilders]

Magnum

At the arrival of the newcomers Magnum lets out a hearty laugh, "Never a dull moment with you, eh Tolrin. The name is Magnum Rorik, fist of Clangeddin, sorry you missed storytime but I'm sure you all have your own tales to tell."

[Tharar_Greenleaf]

Kelith

Still resting during Tolrin's tales he smiles as he listens to him give his story of pirates, but promptly stands to his feet as the portal violently opens and closes.

"The name's Kelith Firestorm, Kossuth's servant and current healer for our group."

[Katasi]

Arum ignores the newcomers and continues to study the book, still trying to decipher the spells in it. His hawk flies over from it's pierch to land on Arum's shoulder softly, not used to such powerful displays of magic, as they are well beyond Arum's abilities.

[loopy]

Johannes

Another Dwarf steps through the Gate shortly before it closes, looking around in bemusement. Dressed in travelling leathers and Mithril mail, with a neatly trimmed beard cut closer than most Dwarves, he carries himself with more dignity and grace than most.

"My merciful gods I hate portals..." He sighs, his dialect reminding you more of a human scholar than a proper dwarven warrior. Sighting the party, he seems to perk up slightly.

"How do you do? Johannes Forgeteller, scholar and scout in service of the Patriarch, at your service. Who might you all be? I was hurried here in almost unseemly haste."

OOC: Oh, and Mshady? Do you have the method by which you generated my skills around anywhere?

[thorgrim29]

Thordrek

When the portal closes, you can see a dwarf standing near it, looking at the dissipating remnents of magic with nearly childish glee and interrest. He then approaches you with a wide smile. He wears the standard unifprm of the forgemark warriors, but his sheild bears a sigil very few know.
Well, greetings there, Thordrek Torrun, at yer service and you kin's. Pleased to meet you. You seem puzzled by my sigil, I'm from the Forgemark Levtokuld, were multitaskers, warriors, mages, scholars, a bit similar to these elven duskblades. Anyways, listne to me ramble, its just all that fascinating magic...... who might you be, and who is Tolrin?

He is fairly young, looking not a decade over 150, and his accent is far less pronounced then most of yours, marking him as a dwarf of Mirabar, and seems very exited for some reason.

[mshady]

The circle of Forgemark stands, shields locked and weapons ready in the small clearing they just emerged in. The ground itself glows with a blue hue from the powerful magic that was just used to tear a hole from one Plane to another. They look around the area warily, as much looking for any enemies as getting their bearings. Most appear momentarily shaky as they stand poised from the travel. As Arman greets the group, the dwarves make way for the female dwarf carrying the staff and axe. She wears a blue and red tabard over her armor and wears a headband that holds her wild, blue-dyed hair up. The dwarf looks at Arman skeptically and snorts, looking past Arman towards Tolrin.

“My Tolrin, using an elf as your herald now? I don’t know if I should laugh or… laugh at that.” The woman smiles, thinly and narrows her eyes. “Your mercenary MIGHT even be willing to fight for us? I can see why ye failed here. They have the same lack of resolve you do. Quite the little host ye have”, the dwarf says.

Tolrin’s face glows red and he bolts to his feet.

“Mind yer tongue, Glorian! I know yer not happy, don’t dishonor their deeds with yer words, eh? Remember yer orders.” Tolrin glares fiercely at the woman.

“The Patriarch didn’t say I had to LIKE them.” Glorian snaps back. “I agree for once with Johannes, hin masquerading as a dwarf that he can be about unseemly haste. Your failure here forces our hand greatly, so NO I’m not happy about that.”

“Failure? Failure!? We get ambushed, barely survive but learn just how compromised Hundlestone was? Can prove it! You call that a failure?” Tolrin spits on the ground.

“You didn’t know already. Mind not what it used to be?” Glorian bares her teeth in a predatory smile.

“Stop it you two! Not here, not like this! You two of all dwarves, just… stop it!” Valina yells out, looking between Tolrin and Glorian, almost like a child who can’t bear watching her parents fight over something they don’t fully understand. Tolrin shakes his head at the riposte and Glorian bows slightly, acknowledging her small victory.

“Glorian, ye may be the Mage Commander herself but I’m still in charge here. Have yer soldiers secure the area and have the chest brought, we have much to discuss. Bring the Hammerstrikers as well. NOW.” Tolrin says, stressing the last word.