Daynar stood up from his intricately crafted wooden chair, stroking his chin and revealing a hand adorned with many rings. He turned to address all assembled in the room: "All of you I've come to know whether by chance or by fate, irregardless the manner with which we have come into bonds of fellowship, you ought know that I have cherished knowing you in some capacity. You've put down your lives on the line in many life threatening situations and have gone through much spiritual hardships along the way but I've watched and seen you emerge from the seachange you've all endured, and have all become something fierce and strange. At this time I cannot give much recompense other than my loyalty, friendship and whatever resources are at my disposal. In this last dangerous series of perilous adventures you underwent in my name you've gone beyond the expectations of even the most ardent knights any king or emperor could love. Now, this new quest is not one for gain or prestige but to sway a powerful and terrible ally to our small but very relevant realm as an undying protector in future times. And this very instant other forces are pooling their resources, forming parties of a diabolical bent with twisted ambitions and for all I know to corrupt the mighty creature or destroy it and seize its impressive horde. May Wrath's sword cut down your foes and Lor's light guide you to the right path"
After a brief but kingly dinner consisting of the best foods from Daynar's master chefs, Garosh and Orath joined you in Rook's new abode below Succundus manor.
His newest residence was a large rectangular stoney room where a mighty hearth blazed furious flames that radiated an aura of intense heat. The Dwarf wore a metal visored helm, hammering angrily at a stubborn orange glowering piece of metal alloy. After several more furious blows he deposits it in a vat of some sizzling water that hissed as it touched the incredibly hot metal.
"Well I'll be damned" the Dwarf muttered beneath his breath, "Hey boy go grab that bottle o' whiskey in the niche" he says to Orath. The thief casually strode to the wall and removed a section of brick wall that hid a small niche. Inside it he took out a clay jug of ale and plopped it onto the wooden table. The rogue said "Eh Dwarf, your smelling worse than a half dead half-orc. Take a damned bath would you?"
Rook glared at Orath and grunted in retort, pretending to backhand the thief for his sarcasm. Instead he poured a cup of strong smelling whiskey and took a swill…"Gonna need more o' this to bear the likes o' you, you smart ass trickster"
Garosh: "Saddle up Rook, we're taking you on a little getaway…bout time you went to visit the elves in the Blackwood, eh? Heh heh"
Rook cocked an eyebrow at the dirt blonde haired warrior and snorted, looking to you for an explanation…"Morganne, tell me what in the nine hells this bastard's blabbering on about?"
"This bastard's talking about you accompanying us on a secret mission" Garosh chimned in casually, "And we're needing some of your nifty toys…we're to the Gate Mountains!"
Rook's eyes lit up…he seemed both excited and confused, "Well shit on me, this true? Hells bells boys that's some crazy news…this better not be one of your stupid shenanigans or your petty personal missions again! I didn't quite enjoy romping around through the sewers looking for the thieves guild"
Orath: "It's not, this was handed down from Daynar himself. We don't really need you, after all they've got ME…but we sure as shit need some of your nifty new toys…"
Rook revealed a secret sliding wall where many items were mounted. He took out a few and laid them on a table…the first he revealed were a set of metal spheres ranging from the size of a pea to the size of a small plum.
The dwarf said "You mount this wrist-bolt into your shooters, its head has a powerful magnet. When you plug a target with it, you throw these small metal spheres. When they hit, they'll explode in small blasts and incinerate the target real good. These bigger ones, they're for blasting off door hinges in quick emergencies"
"And what's this?" Orath asked, picking up something that appeared to be a glove with a wrist bracer attached.
"Harpoon gun" Rook responded, "Fires a harpoon with a strong fibrous cord. Sort of like your wrist-bows only ten times the distance, the power and the speed. The ends can pierce stone or wood easily. Can be used as a backup weapon too"
"And what in blazes is this black ichor?" Garosh asked genuinely mystified. IN a plastic container was some black stuff, looked like black liquid gel that was infused with a spark of living energy.
Rook: "THAT is the essence of an obliviax, also known as memory moss. Aronis gave it to me. Succundus spies sometimes employ it to erase the memories of certain individuals while on missions. It steals and siphons the short term memories of those it comes into contact with. However, I thought it to be useful, for if it absorbs and starts to digest a persons stolen memories it can be eaten and you can regain those stolen thoughts…giving you access to information and secrets. Lorian priests began utilizing this practice to keep their most heavily prized secrets…well, secret"
RESPONSE
63 comments:
Morganne looks over the items with a casual glance "...Garrosh...any idea as to what kind of Wrym we'll be meeting with? I'm sure all of this will come in handy but to be honest, I don't want to waste any time with...obstacles" Morganne gathers her gear and checks the items off of her list "...right, then lets get commander Sable and get a move on then..."
Rook snorted, "Eh girl, no time for a hard working dwarf to relieve himself eh? Let's have us a drink and a tale or two...besides, I'm gittin old now...this might be me last adventure I'm sensing...no sense fussing and hurrying in a hissy fit. And if I know the lady Sable she'll be fetching us fore she's readied"
Orath nodded in consent "Yeah, whats the rush we got two days before we head out. Better to spend that time wisely and to regain our proper vigor"
Fighter and thief spend the next few hours drinking heavily with the dwarf and admiring some of his never before seen contraptions, and they were refilling his cup full of whiskey every other second getting him to show all of his secret items to them and some they snatched up and pocketed. It seemed that they themselves were not even feeling the slightest of effects from the powerful Dwarven whiskey strangely enough. "Whats that you got" Garosh asked Orath, who was examining a light black crossbow. The thief smiled wickedly to himself..."Just a nice toy...this thing's pretty sweet...never seen a rapid fire multiple crossbow shooter before"
Morganne cocks an eyebrow at Orath and snots "..do what you will then..it's not Sable who's leading this mission?" Morganne starts then shakes her head "...very well, spend your time the way you deem prudent.." Morganne looks over more of Rooks equipment and takes whatever she decides may be of use then leaves Garrosh and Orath to their drinking with Rook. Morganne leaves to find Daynar and to speak with him privately
"Wait up" Orath called as he slipped behind you, slapping your romp in a playful jest. You make it to Daynar's chambers, his retinue of security admit you inside. He's sprawled out on a large throne-like wooden chair as you enter, having been in the middle of a discussion of some importance with Aronis and two young scribes who were writing down notes and reminders. Aronis looked over casually then removed his hood, his eyes glowing an arcane blue even in the shadows.
Daynar said "Ah Morganne, have some refreshment" he said, pouring you a chalice full of a blood red wine. Aronis looked over toward Daynar with an agitated expression on his face. Orath was about to say something, but Aronis leveled a hand at the thief in a gesture that called for quiet. The rogue, normally one to blatantly show utter disregard for protocol didn't say anything in response and busied himself fondling one of his daggers…his eyes searching yours for some hint or clue.
Aronis: "My liege, while I can certainly see the tactical brilliance behind this it is a dangerous gamble. After we've spent so much effort and lives in their safety and protection, only to release them into the wilds?"
Daynar: "Aye, my friend. Those children aren't so anymore but have been aged through magic, and the Lords of Discipline and the Lorians have increased their skills and knowledge well beyond the ken of most men. Now they know how to fight, how to work together as a single hive mind and to cooperate effectively to get the job done, at half the time it would take any other party…this one included. They were schooled in many disciplines and will perform amicably. I've had eyes on Sokol keep since I was a young boy, and they will do well to purge the evil that lingers there. When you return from your mission in the Gates your next one will be to move in and inhabit Sokol Keep and to turn it into a new expanse of the Succundus holdings. I will make it a citadel and have the Lorians lift whatever curse might be laid there on the land"
Morganne's jaw clenches at the realization of what Aronis and Daynar were discussing. "..My lord..I had something I wanted to talk to you about but.." Morganne pauses to regard the thief and spell-caster and sighs changing subject "...and what of the children? Many have given their lives to search, protect and deliver the children to you. Did I overhear correctly? they have been..grown up, for lack of a better term? A bit of the reverse of what was done with me eh?" Morganne suddenly becomes embarrassed by her irritation at Lord Daynar and nervously again changes the subject, remembering the Kindred who she and Orath encountered while working to restore House Succundus and of her encounter with the Lorian assassin and of the three swordsman who she still means to track down and dispatch.
Daynar nodded affirmatively: "The children are weapons, and are made as such...I simply pushed them into becoming what they were destined to...only gave them a better edge over the ones who sought their servitude. In exchange for this they have taken on a mission of delicate nature...its good to see what they're capable of. Aronis would you care to show us their progress?"
Aronis hovered over a large stone bowl of murky water and chanted softly, waving a hand over it and tossing some dust into the water. The water formed steam and in its depths you could see a scene there, the children were in a dark shadowy cast forest, and at their feet were 20 very dead Goblins. They no longer looked like the little imps they once were but appear to be in their mid-teens now...handsome and beautiful and full of a strange energy about them.
"Truth was it was high time that they became ingratiated into the ways of our world, and those ways are to survive and to do so on ones own abilities. I myself carved a little niche with my sword and still continue to struggle to keep our family afloat...and I haven't an endless reserve of men, riches or inexhaustible resources mind you. Right now their lives are better protected by putting them on this secret mission suited to their talents...with a minimum of risk to their own selves...and it will be of your own mission's success"
Times are bad then? Has the mighty House Succundus fallen so far as of late? it's seems only yesterday that I was herding these children from the ruins of an Abbey I once knew and now several years later, these children are coming into their own." Morganne muses. "....what does their mission have to do with the success of mine? Who's to be party leader? What time frame are we operating under?" Morganne askes
"Hardly" Aronis said, "Our house's resources are deeply invested in other enterprises, a great deal many which in the long term will elevate us significantly greater than to let the monies rot in the coffers"
Daynar said "The kids I've sent to spy out the trail and take note of any enemy forces movements, particularly these other parties assembled by rivals seeking political favoritism from Queen Everanteska. Aronis sends them instructions via wind speech and powerful protections in dangerous territories. Once you've entered the dark-elf lands they will shadow your own party from a distance to provide intelligence and a second pair of eyes. Garosh is leading this particular mission, so support his efforts. He's got more experience than most who've worked for our banner and can navigate the badlands that lead to the Gates"
***"very well then, when do we leave?"
For two days Morganne put to good use in training, meditation, and planning. Her 'living armor' was fully repaired, having self repaired itself over a mere day. Morganne knew that the armor was ingratiated and spiritually connected to her being, instead of encumbering her it seemed to augment her physicality. During training exercises she realized certain executions and difficult maneuvers wherein even her dhampirian dexterity was put to the test, the armor would reinforce joints when they were strained, as in her knees, elbows or other muscles. As well as augmenting her natural strength and dexterity the armor became thicker and more resilient against spells that affected the spirit. Her own spirit was strengthened to, and after a curious Aronis tested some spells on her she was able to resist esp mind readings, charm spells and spells that caused adverse emotional reactions like confusion, hatred, or fear.
Aronis: "You've become much more powerful Morganne…and have new skills and abilities unrealized before now. Most Dhampire's I've known or seen usually lead dangerous lifestyles and have been prematurely destroyed in trying to destroy vampires much more crafty than themselves. Your curbing of your reckless ways has elevated you considerably above others of your ilk"
The party assembled. Sable wore her beautiful silvern armor, and strode into the Succundus garden where two elite squads of soldeirs were readied for her general inspection. Aronis came along with yourself by his side, and soon thereafter Rook slunked along after having had a recent bath and haircut, it seemed. The Dwarf wore simple chainmail and had with him a beautiful looking hammer holstered at his belt, and a war-axe in the opposite hip. He approached you and smiled then stood by your side as well, feeling at ease in your presence.
"Where's the two hooligans?" Sable demanded.
"We're here, relax" Orath said, and he started singing in sync with Garosh who was strumming the chords of his lute. Garosh was fully in a singing mood and chimned in, singing bits of stolen elvish poetry. After some time they grew out of breath and ceased their singing, suddenly composed.
Garosh mounted on a steed and said "Rackhir, ready your archery unit, you'll take the middle. My men will cover you. Orath and Morganne will be our advance scouts, you two will lead the advance scouting unit. Aronis your apprentice Shyval will be with the rear guard we need a spellcaster amongst them. Sable will be in rear I in the fore"
*** to Aronis "..I've faced quite a few warriors who outclassed me by quite a bit, I couldn't beat them outright but I've survived and learned from what i've experienced and have grown because of it. The Sisterhood demands that of us. Many survive and excel, many others do not. By Wrath, I hope to become even better yet!" Morganne strides over with Aronis to the inspection line. Seeing Sable Solatra she smiles "...Sable looks ever the picture of a beautiful but deadly dream in that sliver armor of hers.." Standing to attention during review she regards Garrosh's orders and customarily checks her gear one last time, taking a look behind her at Succundus Manor, wondering how many of them would survive to see it's honored halls again. "..come on Orath, pretty boy want's his dark little secrets out in front! let's get a move on eh" Morganne chuckles and heads off.
Aronis: "There's no glory to be had in slaying your lessors, and only strength to be gleaned in defeating beings more powerful than you…more skilled, aye, but not as fast or smart, eh? heh heh"
Orath nodded wordlessly, "Alright" he said, moving towards you. The thief eyed the gathered 'scouts' with a yawn…"Alright, saddle up boys and don't shadow us too closely..get those crossbows ready and loan a sword or three if we get into it…a little help helps a lot…but follow our lead and don't go blundering like a bunch of idiots,
The advanced scouting unit were ten in all, clad in dark black leather and each bore crossbows they were able to fire while mounted, and each bore shortswords and daggers too. The top officer Ulric wore a quiver of javelins and a pair of bolas, and you noted was Nyriddian.
The assembled exit out of Lor through a secretive route, and Aronis mass teleports the entire party to the west gate of the Dark Elf Lands. Your senses read much evil and power in the woods, and it wouldn't be a boring journey that much was certain.
Advanced Scouting:
After 1 day of hard marching, Orath and you come to a clearing where several hand-xbow quarrels protrude out of trees, about 6-7 tree's have been splintered as though by lightening, a foul stench of dead orc assails your nostrils causing you to fall to a knee and vomit. You quickly regain your composure, moving ahead stealthily and in the clearing are twenty five dead dark-elves. Amidst this field of carnage is a dark clad male black elf whose in the midst of trying to make it look like the dead dark-elves tried to kill eachother off. There are also thirty dead orcs piled up in a messy stack nearby. The dark elf recites some guttural words of power and causes a sphere of blue colored fire to engulf and consume the pile of orc carcasses.
Orath: "Hmmm, let's take him alive. You go forward, I'll circle him from behind and we'll sandwich him in the middle. *clasp* keep your crossbows trained on the elf*
DECISION?
***using the clasp [fine, lets see what this one's all about! signal the other's to stay back but keep their eyes open...] Morganne wills herself to hover a few inches above the ground so as to not be heard approaching the Dark Elf mage. thinking back to an earlier time when attempting something like this was considered rash and foolish, now she was asked to confront him directly. Waiting until Orath had started off before she began her approach, keeping a few flash sphere's handy in case she needed them. Morganne takes an approach that isn't quite directly but one in which she can keep an eye on him and where he doesn't notice her until she's ready.
You sensed Orath somewhere 'behind' the lone drow, hidden and invisible and in a good position. Morganne moves in relatively undetected when the two of you come upon the dark elf. You noticed that he wore a longsword and a shortsword on his hips and was saying something aloud, in elvish to himself. The dark-elf noticed you and was perhaps momentarily startled, but quickly gained composure and subtly wrapped a hand around the handle of his sword but did not draw it, yet.
After a second of studying you he seemed to relax in his initial tense weariness and his hand let go of the sword-handle. Orath stealthed from behind a tree, so quietly that the elf didn't detect the thief's presence. Keeping the drow's attention and focus, Orath applied some liquid out of a vial onto the elf's swords..either glue or acid knowing the thief.
"What do you want?" the drow asked in an annoyed tone. He casually strode over towards a finely dressed drow female priestess who's throat had been slit, a grim sneer played on this dark elf's face as he searched her for...something. It looked to be a large purse. He inspected its contents briefly, seemingly unconcerned or weary of you anymore. Pocketing the pouch, the drow said "Where's the city of Ironholme from here? I need to get there...here, take this" he says tossing you another pouch full of peculiar and unique looking gems, from deepearth you realize.
REACTION?
**** this guy could be a relative of Orath Morganne thinks to herself trying not to chuckle "...Ironholme? What's your business in Ironholme?" Morganne says then takes a different approach "..I mean look, I don't really care one way or the other to be honest! looks like you've handled yourself pretty well from your...captors I take it? No, i didn't think so, from the smell i'd say you're pretty good as a mageling and like all elves, you're good with both of those blades your carrying" Morganne says off handedly "I don't think you'd last very long in Ironhole though...but I could be wrong...so what's the deal with your kin..AND the Orcs? Doesn't look like they turned on each other.." Morganne looks at the deepearth gems and whistles "...Well, no matter, Ironholme is that way.." Morganne indicates the direction of Ironholme once the Elf tells her his story. then nods her head to him and adds well..your business is your own..."
The drow said "Captors? Hardly, they're all too dead...and why would I do such a absurd thing? My dark skinned ilk don't take captives alive unless they're to become slaves" he said calmly. The drow nodded, "Aye, I am mighty in magic and proficient in sword-craft, and I'm sure you are not too useless as these dead kin of mine. They were sent after me by the drow lords of my city, whom I stole a certain item of significant worth. Hmph, should've sent more capable tools I say!"
Orath came out of the tree and startled the dark-elf, placing a dagger at the small of the demihuman's back..."Enough of the chit chat!" the thief hissed, his opposite hand clutching tightly on his short-sword..."Tell us all you know, drow and you might live longer than you ought to live"
Morganne shrugs and waves a dismissive hand in Orath's general direction "...You have no patience for conversation Orath, I think that had you waited a few moments you'd might've realized that our friend here shares much in common with yourself..." Morganne shrugs "...let him be Orath, no need to interrogate him so rudely!" Morganne stares down Orath and palms her clasp [this one is dangerous, extremely, back off a bit and let me do the talking ok] turning her attention back to the dark Elf "...so anyway, what're your plans? Can we expect more of your pursers to cross our paths anytime soon?"
Orath made a grunt of derision and hesitantly backed away, and the drow was still at ease and seemed expectant of the thief's reaction.
The drow knelt down in a low crouch and sawed off a delicate digit from the female priestess, extracting a ring from the corpse. He rose to his normal height and said "Well, I was heading to Ironholme the Dwarf capitol to sell this item on the market there, then from there explore the surface world. I crossed the underdark sea and made it this far. Oh I don't know, drow houselords are pretty damn evil, they might send some more of their lackey's. Not very good in a fight but they had some good cooks with them! Hahah" he pulled out some type of dried meat and bread from a rucksack and began devouring it greedily..."Hell, I didn't realize how starved I was...now, who ARE you? This is the drow surface kingdom I assume?"
Orath nodded affirmatively, idly playing with a dagger in his hand and looking bored..."Yeah it is...that's Lady Morganne there, one of the deadliest fighters in the entire surface world...and I'm Orath the most fearsome lord of destruction you can ever hope to meet in all the world. If you so much as break wind in my general vicinity I will have you flogged, flayed, and fried in no particular order...got it? Greeeaaatttt...now we're communicating. Now silverhair, we'll make you a deal...you can assist us getting threw this most wretched woodland and to Ironholme, and you can fight on our side if we see any action how's that?"
Morganne smiles at the irony of both Orath and the Drow, noting how similar they are "...as Orath here says, I am Morganne, Lady Morganne in court but simply Morganne. We are on our way to Ironholme as well and though it's been some time since I've made the trip, a skilled guide through these woods is preferable than tromping through the underbrush. I invite you to join us on our journey, we've friends there who can probably give you a better deal for what you're selling than if you arrived un-escorted and unannounced." Morganne smiles (CHR) "...if you're agreed then lets move off and continue on. We'll need to find a place to make camp though.." Morganne decides to keep quiet about the rest of their group for now and puts her hand to her clasp to signal the other scouts to send word back to the main group and a few of the others to come forward to join she and Orath. [Ulric, stay hidden for a bit til we signal all is clear. maintain your distance for now, have you men check in regularly]
letting go of her clasp, "...and by what name do you go by friend?"
"Gauss is my name" the dark-elf said, extracting several daggers out of the bodies of corpses and wiping them on the cloaks of the fallen. He moved towards you and said "As I said I am a first time traveler to the roofless world, so I would be a poor choice as guide...though my magic and sword be yours for some food and company...and your bartering abilities in Ironholme. Don't worry the Dwarves there won't mind my race so much, I can take many forms!" he stated.
Some whisperings and mutterings of Succundus soldiers at the sight of the dark-elf, but it passes and fades. More curiosity than disdain.
Once Ulric and his unit approaches the party continues traveling deeper into the dense forest, where an eternal gloom seems to snuff out the light in the forest roof, despite the sun blaring brightly in the sky. Morganne's senses discovered a concealed pit in the middle of the road ahead, filled with spikes. Peering below the pit were two skeletal remnants of past victims, who looked to be human caravan guards judging by their dress. Orath noticed it too, and did a routine quick study of the vicinity...finding two other boobytraps.
"These were meant to delay us" the thief said. *clasp* Ulric, bring the rest of the scouts to our position*
*Garosh* hows it looking ahead of us?
*Orath* tell Sable to prepare to teleport to our location!*
The thief made a gesture then said telepathically: "Circle right, count slowly to ten then north and back towards the road...we'll meet in the middle...I bet you whoever's watching the road will be waiting for us there"
True to his instinct, you come upon a clearing the road led to, and moved silently closer to gain a better position...instantly detecting a lone sentry shooting out a hot stream of urine on a nearby tree in deep elation. In the clearing were more men, some humans and others were orcs, and they had the look of seasoned shock-troops.
*Orath* "Garosh you seeing this?" the thief asked. You saw his position clearly on the far northwest side of the clearing, up in the trees.
REACTION
"well met then Gauss, you are welcome to travel with us and share in our company and food.." Morganne smiles and informs Ulric via the clasp of this new development.
Following Orath's instruction, Morganne eyes the lone sentry and the assembled men in the clearing. quickly Morganne checks her surroundings to be sure she's not being spied upon before communicating to Orath and Ulric telepathically "...how many do you count 'rath? Our options are to sneak past and hope we're not noticed AND run the risk of having them at our backs or Orath and I sneak in the middle of them, learn who they are and take out their leaders. If we need more help, Ulric you and your men can provide fire support from the trees! Sable and Garrosh can hang back unless we absolutely need them..." Morganne says
Morganne creeps down by a nearby tree, staying as low as possible, and wills her mind to think of her appearance, concentrating on her armor to blend in with the colors of her surroundings and waits for Orath to answer
Orath *shhhhh, be silent a moment* the thief sneaked close, coming within earshot behind a tent. Inside you could hear the voice of a authoritative sounding man:
'Keep the roads watched, we're expecting some entertainment soon'
'Aye sir, nothing to worry about I've got some spies in the woods keeping a look-out'
Orath said "There's 35 men approximately, well armed and with mounts. I count also 30 trolls, 20 ogres, and 25 orcs…they must have a spellcaster amongst them or a powerful fighter"
Sable: "Orath you and Morganne impersonate one of their numbers and infiltrate deeper. Try to get close to any leader-types and take them out, but find out all you can about them"
hmmm...Morganne thinks to herself, this reminds me of something that happened years ago!- putting a hand to her clap, Morganne communicates to Sable what she and Orath have learned so far. [..Orath and I will get in and see what else we can find] then to Orath specifically [ go invisible, find out what you can and prepare some nasty tricks of yours]
Morganne checks her surroundings, then concentrates on using her innate abilities to spy the inside of the tent (Spectral vision, Extruded Vision) it's been some time since she's used that particular ability and it felt good to resort to the old ways.
*Orath* "I'm on it..."
MORGANNE saw two tall and powerfully built men inside of this particular tent. There was an errected table where some papers and maps were scattered haphazardly, and in a opposite corner a naked half-elf woman laid sprawled out on a large bearskin, a pool of cushions beneath her still body. Your nostrils told you that one of the two men gathered here had spent his passion very recently, and the subtle scent of fresh wine permeated through the air. You also detected a shadowed form concealed in the shadows of the beam post, and you sensed it was a man, masterfully cloaked and motionless, eavesdropping with purpose and you realize assigned the task as a silent guardian or spy of one or another.
The first of the two men had a very distinct aura of pride and haughty arrogance, and you sensed was no pathetic amatuer. His body language conveyed to you volumes of very useful information: strong self discipline, feline reflexes, very alpha male. The second of the two you sensed the first disliked immensley but was wise enough to realize was a valuable tool that must be tolerated to some degree. The fighter's armor was a suit of field platemail that was mounted on a rack in the middle of the tent's interior. He was fondling a rather beautiful and intriguing amulet around his neck. The second one you could tell was some kind of advisor and perhaps a spellcaster of some type...who had very black well oiled hair and a very sinister veneer. The way he spoke was too well controlled and orchestrated.
The scholarly advisor spoke "I implore you to double the perimeter guard and ready the men"
Warrior-looking man: "Bah! You prattle too much, bookworm. Our traps are set, and our spies lurking in deep shadows...now we wait for some action damn it! I'm tired, too much fucking this half-elf slut...go send some more men to find me some better sport, this one can't handle a true man bahahahah"
*Orath* "I've been bad" the thief said telepathically, chuckling. You could see from his perspective that he's disguised as a soldier, the guard whom he's impersonated dead at his feet. He tosses the body in a bunk, unheard from the snoring man above.
*Garosh* "Morganne kill those two men! They're agents of the sorcerer adventurer's, slavers and filthy kidnappers, make sure none escape to alert the rest of the camp. Orath assist!"
DECISION?
*** that goes without saying*** Morganne thinks to herself, barely remembering not to touch her clasp lest Garrosh know what she's thinking {...will do} she replies, then to Orath [ there's an invisible sentry or a spy, either way, I don't like to be surprised and our problems are three fold, a spell caster who must be killed first, the cloaked sentry, and the leader who's got some amulet around his neck!] seeing enough Morganne signals Ulric {..tell Gauss that he's about to start earning his keep! Have the men stay hidden and to kill any sentries quietly and assume their places!} with that, Morganne focuses her mind to change her body's outward appearance to look like one of the guards, she'll conceal her more exotic weapons so as to appear more normal and begin her approach to the command tent.
once there, she'll relieve the guard if possible and assume his position. (WIS) moving quickly while all of the assembled are still gathered. Signaling Ulric again [..Gauss's a Drow, he should be able to cast a globe of darkness inside the tent? or even a silence spell would be grand. If he can, tell him to get ready and wait for my command.] to Orath, [..see if you can slip something in the food while you're making your way here..get in close and take out the invisible sentry. I'll be your eyes as to where he is.}
THROUGH THE instantaneous communication provided by the house clasps, all the others were able to move and act on your orders faster than any other means. This mode was wrought from psi energy and being non-magical was impossible to trace by enemies.
You gained a mental glimpse of Ulric dropping out of a tree then falling upon two orc sentries who were investigating a peculiar noise he was emitting. The Nyriddian took his dagger and slit the humanoid's necks while two other Succundus scouts dragged the bodies in the nearby bushes.
ORATH was so utterly invisible that your own acute senses found it difficult to sense his exact whereabouts, and it seemed the thief had some means of thwarting divine detection. Only the clasp gave you the ability to discern his position, and right now he was at the post where the invisible spy had lied motionless. Now that spy was on the ground, not dead but apparently sleeping from a dart protruding from his neck.
MORGANNE entered the tent, perfectly disguised as one of the soldier-guardmen. After a moment, the scholarly looking priest (or mage?) scowled and said something in a language you didn't quite understand. The priest sneered in a fit of disdain, drawing a chain-weapon that ended in a curved dangerous looking dagger. Suddenly a globe of ink black darkness erupted in the middle of the tent's interior. Your vision was not afflicted by it, however. You sensed the fighter scrambling for his sword, and the priest was chanting some words to a spell.
DECISION?
Morganne smiled and moved into action, leaping into action to strike at the spell caster, clamping a hand over his mouth to muffle his cries in the darkness and preventing him from getting a spell off. Orath should be dealing with the other soon enough.. Asp her short black blade would drink this mages life energy before he even had a chance to blink.
Morganne's preternatural senses detected a sudden flood of magical energy emanate from the bodies of the fighter and priest, and Asp rebounded off of an invisible force-field that flowed from the fighter's amulet. The priest was wearing a grin on his angular face, smiling in a smug sneer. The fighter pointed his amulet and sent a jolt of force at you which felt like a sledgehammer knocking against your abdomen. Morganne flew back through the tent roof, flipping backwards in the air and landing atop of a tent...*reflexes* you bounce on the tent and fly straight back, coming in at the two. Orath was there and using the commotion and distraction backstabbed the fighter. The fighter spun and elbows the thief, bashing in his nose then kicking at him with a reverse round-house. Orath ducked and foot-swept the burly warrior...who drew a dagger and flung it at Orath head on. The thief sneered and grabbed it with both hands, flinging the dagger back at its sender and wounding him in the face. "I'll rip your stinking head off you scum" the warrior roared.
You came at the man with both blades, and he dodges getting up and avoiding the deadly blows.
DECISION?
of course it'd be the amulet that the fighter used to defend himself, saying nothing she allows the others to see the battle in her eyes via the clasp. Utilizing the shared vision to fight more effectively, Morganne says nothing and comes back to attack her adversary.
Morganne: she flies with asp leading the way, the sword pierces the fighter's breastplate and cuts the vulnerable flesh underneath, drawing hot blood. Howling angrily he swung his sword low at your legs. Dodging, he takes out a dagger and threw it at your mid-section. It slid neatly in your upper thigh (-6 hp dmg) and a smile played on the fighter's face.
The mage was chanting in a heated frenzy, and out came a barrage of magic missiles that detonate into you (-14 hp dmg, armor absorbs 1/2 for -7, resistance to fire: -4) when Orath came in and wrapped his chainwhip around the priest's neck…"You've casted your last spell this time!' the thief said as the priest struggled against his strangulating attack.
Meanwhile, the fighter clasping his medallion sent a blast of green energy into the beam that suspended the tent. The blast shatters through the wooden post and brings the tent down. You hear the fighter outside the tent screaming to some of his subordinates "Kill that bitch!". In your head, Garosh's voice transmission came: "Morganne, don't let that fighter-lord get away, we need some information extracted out of him!"
Once outside the tent there were four fighters dressed in dark black armor, each bore a two handed sword…they smiled.
"capture? are you kidding me? You'd better hope Orath gets to him before I do!"
Morganne seeing the four, smiled in return and drew a second blade guessing the distance between her target and the four now standing before her "scouts, put that man into the ground!" She almost half yells in her mind at the hidden Succundus scouts as she half runs, half flies just above the surface of the ground, slashing and whirling, blocking and thrusting with her two blades.
MORGANNE came at the first of the four who bolted toward her, asp tore a crimson line across the blackguardsman's chest and she spun low on one knee delivering a spinning slash across his knee-cap. He fell to a knee, using his 2-handed sword as a crutch and spat "Slay that dirty cunt!"
The next three came with their blades leading the way, and Morganne wove and manuevered through their attempt to skewer her. *TWIPPPTTTT* there were 2 laughing orc crossbowmen standing in the distance who shot at her with their bolts. The first flew past her and cut through the tent behind, but the second sunk into her knee-cap (-4 hp dmg) and stung her there, slowing her down a bit. She heard commotion in the collapsed tent behind, and Orath and the sneaky priest were still inside somewhere.
Out of the treetop Ulric descended on the medallion wearing fighter-lord, taking the warrior totally unawares. A cadre of orcs nearby saw the Nyriddian and charged at him, liking the 10 to 1 odds in their favor until the Succundus scouts emerged from the shadows and unleashed a flurry of crossbow bolts into the orcs, decimating their number until only 2 were left. First the Nyriddian had followed a spear he shot into the enemy fighter's right torso, and then he landed atop the man and clubbed him with the flat edge of his scimitar.
Another horde of men mixed with Orcs came at the Nyriddian and the rest of the Succundus scouts. Just as they bridged the gap, a terrible thing burst out of the earth directly in their path. You could see Gauss nearby commanding the monstrous elemental which immediately engaged the attackers, crushing two orcs in a fatal stomp and smashing three with its ginormous limbs.
Ulric turned to regard the drow-elf, smiled hapilly and cheered, whatever prejudices he may have held in check seemed to all but disappear in the Nyriddian's ruggedly handsome face. "You do well, dark boy!" he called, drawing confused expressions from the rest of his men who only shrugged and chuckled at their leaders words.
"Take him to Garosh at once" Ulric said, pointing down at the floored fighter-lord with his sword before sheathing it. Two of his strongest scouts lifted the man and placed him over the saddle of their steed, riding off.
2 of the black armored warriors came in slowly one with a low aim of his 2 handed sword, and the other with slash towards your neck in effort to snare you. The 3rd slid in while you wove out of the predictable attack patterns, plunging his sword through your armor and penetrating your flesh beneath. He ripped the sword out savagely, thinking that the lucky blow would end the melee. The blow drew lots of blood, you felt it pouring hotly out of the fresh wound...and in the distance the howling of wolves.
"Will you stop with the dilly dallying and finish those idiots?" Orath spat as he emerged out of the tent, a bloodied shortsword in hand and the head of the priest in the other. He dropped the severed head and kicked it towards the black armored warriors callously. The warriors looked to eachother for support, and were a little intimidated by the thief's casual manner in which he regarded the dead with such irreverance.
"You scum, you'll pay for that" Fighter #1 bellowed at the thief.
The 3 retracted and took their mortally wounded fourth in tow, and were soon enveloped by a fresh new horde of lackey's. Twenty now armed orcs and ten human soldiers came out, readied and alerted with the confusion having disappated.
Orath whipped out his chainwhip and took out the already wounded soldier that the 3 were trying to save, the dagger slicing the exposed neck twice and opening the slowly dying guardsman's jugular. A missile shot out from his wrist ended in a contained fireball that incinerated the first 5 orcs and sent the other 15 crashing upon their backs, winded. You chimned in just then and sent your glaives after the fleeing fighters, slicing ones neck along the side and killing him instantly.
Breathing just slightly, waiting for her body's natural healing ability to kick in "....call it Orath, stay and finish them all or take our leave of them..." Morganne uses the clasp to speak directly to Ulric and the Succundus scouts [..pick a target, kill him quickly, on Orath's word we stay or leave, teleport back to primary fall back position then regroup]
Morganne catches both of her glaivess; Bone-breaker and Corvus, and waits for the word from Orath, using the precious time to heal.
Orath lasso's his chainwhip and said "Leave those tin cans be, we've got their leader" he said, examining some papers he had taken from the fighter-lord's desk. He sighed in irritation as he saw blood splattered over one particular parchment..."Maybe Aronis has some clever spell to get rid of this here damn blood. I got too caught up in the fun and didn't guess cutting the priest's head off would spray that much blood everywhere. Asshole stuck me with a poisoned dagger in the dark" he said, draining a vial of its contents.
GAROSH: *good work, we have their leader. There's some straggler's but leave em to the mercy of the woods to clean up those rabble. Find us a good campsite we've marched hard and made good progress. By tom eve we ought reach the Moongate*
Morganne and Orath find a defensive glade 1 & 1/2 mile along a snake-shaped road. Morganne also finds several traps that have been already sprung and the victims were many of the orcs and men who formed the small force of would be ambushers...in the panic and fear had fallen prey to their own devices in sweet poetic justice.
Morganne orders some of the scouts to reset the traps and set up a defensible perimeter. Once the camp has been set, she sets up her own small tent and begins to see to her many wounds before heading to Aronis and Garrosh's command tent to see what information they've acquired.
As you came upon Garosh's command tent, you saw Aronis saying something in a hushed whisper to the fighter who nodded and digested the magic-user's every word…weighing what was said mentally. The fighter pointed on a map at the table, not taking his eyes off of the map he said "We're off to a great start so far, and our advanced scouting unit has delivered us a very valuable prize…ah Morganne right on time. Well, as I was telling our good wizard here, the prisoner is an operative of the sorcerer adventurer's and has been preying upon Succundus caravans successfully over a year now…even the flock of Succundus assassins dispatched by Daynar got this damned lucky! Well he'll be hung come morning, and this nice amulet Aronis have a study of it, it may fetch a pretty penny" he said as he drank from his goblet. You smelled some elven wine in the cup.
Sable strode confidently into the room, greeted everyone with a genuine smile and said "Good work on the field Morganne, you completely drove the enemy out of hiding and spared us an ambush that may have harangued us worse than you could guess. I spoke with the 'children', err they prefer the 'disciples of Jor' to be named, and they are a day northeast of us. If you ride out an hour ahead you will be able to establish a commune with them, and they will provide you with vital information and reports"
"..Garrosh, don't waste time to hang this one, slit his throat and be done with it! his men are routed but who's to say that they won't return to do the same to us and try to rescue him? If you've gotten all of the information out of him, then dispose of him quickly!"
Morganne says with mild irritation in her voice. "..I can't how many times victory was snatched from the maw of the enemy because they took too long to do a proper job! It worked in my favor on more than one occasion but fortunes can turn with the wind..."
Morganne looks at the map "..well then i'll get something to eat and head out then, are they using the claps?" Morganne asks "...or will i have to stumble around and hope to run into them? will they even recognize me after so much time?"
Garosh said "I'll take it under advisement, but I'll have final say in his manner of execution and when. He's merely a minor pawn, nothing to get worked up over. The children are wearing our house clasps, and they will know you. While they've aged, you've barely gained any years in your appearance to their eyes I'm guessing"
Aronis handed Morganne the medallion that the fighter-lord was wearing. The mage said "After analyzing the documents Orath recovered it seemed that these scum weren't waiting for us so much as they were keeping watch over an excavation of some kind. The leader's orcs mined this here trinket, but its missing a component, an azure crystal. This is an ancient magic-item from the old elven kingdom approximately 2,500 years ago judging by the inscription. If he had had the component inserted into this device he may have proved far more than mere sport for you...he could have well destroyed the entire scouting party, and you right with it" he said, handing you the amulet..."Hang onto this for me would you? If you happen to find the azure component then it will activate. While on, you will be partially between this world and an alternate plane of existence...it would make you faster and see things not ordinarily viewable by common eyesight"
Morganne puts on the amulet and tucks it underneath her armor "Aronis, I can already see things Normal Humans can't..." she chuckled "..like how many times I have to tread on the tip of the spear!"
Morganne leaves and goes back to her tent for some rest and food before waiting until 1st watch to leave. preferring to leave when it's dark out. Any thing that goes bump in the night will find itself impaled on her sword..
Aronis shook his head in mild irritation, "You've the flair for the obvious. Aye your spectral sight and extruded vision work well...in THIS plane. But when you don this amulet with the jewel component, it will reveal planar doorways, these doors are not in this world but in the ethereal world. When passing through you'd be able to bypass through solid matter, like through mountains or entire cities, and traverse vast distances quickly. I'm certain other properties would lend themselves to you, some mundane and others more considerately powerful"
Morganne smiles and pats Aronis on the back "...Tenspells, relax a bit, I was only making a joke! I'm not like Orath who loves to boast and strut like a rooster at times. Ok so i'll use the Amulet, how do I activate it again?"
The mage nods solemnly, "Leave the joke-making for that blundersome scoundrel then. Well, you can't until you find this missing azure crystal. Thats what this warrior your group captured was excavating for. However, you ought be able to detect the presence of it using the amulet. I've used my magic to divine the general proximity of the crystal, it's deep below, and there's a secret door a mile east of here...inside of an ancient oak...guarded by a pair of small outfit of drow mercenaries. Maybe you ought to take Gauss and your group there to see if you can gain the crystal component...I would of course accompany you my dear"
Morganne simply nods her head, "...I will remember to leave the jokes for the joker's Tenspells. So my priority is to meet with the children, then make my way to this secret door? Find some crystal then what? make our way back to you and the main group on our way to the Gate Mountains to meet the Wrym?" Morganne asks. "When do we leave?"
The mage didn't respond forthrightly, but began chanting softly then clenched a fist, errecting a white shimmering oval door of pure light. He guided you through and when you came out the opposite end you were in a different area of the drow woods, it was thick and shadow-cast and the roof of the woods blotted out the light of the sun. He said "Once you have the crystal Morganne imbued with an amulet that will compliment your existing dhampirian capabilities...and give you leverage over our house's numerous foes. Lord Daynar would enjoy very much equipping you further to make you more...prepared. He'd feel melancholic if anything bad were to befall you don't you know? He's still not gotten over the fact that his brother sacrificed himself, but he'll come around. That's precisely why he had you rigorously trained to the point it would be considered painful punishment by some standards...I guess he never expected you to withstand the grueling physical demands of a Dren warmaster's tutelage...so in having not only endured but excelled has gained you a place in his hot heart my dear"
The mage made a gesture for silence, and you saw why...a retinue of armed drow fighter's were stealthing along a narrow hidden game-trail, and they had with them a pair of gray elves.
One drow-elf snarled in elvish 'Llolth be praised the spider queen will dine on fresh souls tonight'
Morganne uses the clasp to speak with Aronis "...I will not allow them to be captured alive if I can help it, they would suffer greatly at their hands..." Morganne changes self to look like a female Drow and focuses her armor to display an emblem of Loth the wicked spider queen. " you can either help or stay out of my way but I'd rather have your help." Morganne loads web bolts into her wrist bow and palms a flash bang marble as well.
"I'll only stay out of your way if you stay out of mine" the mage said with good natured sarcasm. "Xiol'ict ickn'a' he chanted and his form suddenly shifted into the likeness of a male drow-elf. 'Ich'nyi razzal moir' he continued another spell, placing a hot hand on the small of your back, the hand bypassing through your phase spider cloak. Once his hand touched your skin you felt a hot delirium overcome you then ebb. Both of you drew closer to the clearing where there were ten dark-elven male guards forming a perimeter, with them were two huge trolls on opposite sides of the clearing overlooking the dark rites about to transpire. In the centre of the clearing a pair of priestesses were smearing blood symbols on the naked bodies of the two elves, one of the priestesses smiled as one of the elves spat in her face defiantly. She caressed the light skinned elf's cheek with a gentle brush of her hand…"This is an honor we imbue on you…your soul will nourish the spider queen for all eternity…even when time will end, your soul will continue to feed her, forever and ever"
"Corellon Larethian's bow smite thee" the elf snarled.
Aronis said via clasp: "Sneak behind that altar where their being held, I'll cause a distraction and draw them away. There's too many of them to engage in direct combat. While they're preoccupied go in and rescue them, be sure to slay any of those priestesses while you're at it. I've imbued you with many protections against any of their most insidious of black magic's"
Morganne smiles and slips a ring around one finger attached to a length of spider web thin wire "...gladly, Tenspells" Morganne says as she checks her appearance before sneaking off to make her way behind the priestess, keeping the clasp activated so that Aronis would know when she was in position making sure to not let the captives see here lest the priestess turn too quickly.
Aronis unleashed a blinding sphere of scintillating white ethereal light in the midst of the throng of dark-elves, and some collapsed on the ground agonized by the powerful radiance that their eyes were unaccustomed to. You seized the opportunity and easily gained the altar in blinding speed, grabbing one priestess by the neck and sinking Asp straight through her stomach until the black sword penetrated through her backside. Morganne sensed another priestess behind her, brandishing a snake-headed whip that tore into her flesh with blinding speed…filling her with hot venom that did not afflict her…her regenerative powers cleansing her blood of the toxins instantly. Morganne ripped out her second blade and slashed it at the priestess, opening a slit across her neck then cutting her head off with asp in a damning blow.
Aronis sent a furious barrage of magic missiles into the 3rd priestess, killing her immediately. The rest of the dark-elves and the 2 trolls chased the mage deeper into the forest, confident they could overwhelm the magic-user.
"Not so fast, sweetheart" came a human voice. It was the voice belonging to a man, who became visible as he plunged a dagger into your back, then shoved you off of the altar effortlessly. You turned around to see a fit looking human with long blond hair and a deceptively handsome face, bereft of stubble and neatly shaven. He flung a long chain that ended with a sickle-like bladed weapon, ensnaring asp and flinging the black sword out of your hand until it impaled into the trunk of a great oak nearby. The blonde haired man ran toward you, leapt into the air and shapeshifted into the likeness of a black puma, claws readied to rend and tear you into pieces.
REACTION
Morganne continues to roll out of the way and fires the web bolt at her new attacker, coming up to her feet she pulls the dagger out and draws bone-Breaker hurling the bladed weapon at her foe
*PFFFTTTTTT* your wrist-bolt impacted with a transparent magical shield surrounding the blonde haired immaculate looking human...an inverted contained blast of scorching flame licked around the bubble shaped force field. He chanted softly then unleashed five pulsating blue magic-missiles that simutaneously smote you, each ate a hole through your living armor and scorched the flesh beneath (-12 hp dmg). The spell-caster threw a dagger at you that sunk hilt deep into your right knee and you felt blood pour out of you and into the dagger.
DECISION?
Morganne quickly pulls the dagger free "...so this is going to be the hard way is it..." Morganne fingers a flash sphere, knowing it won't get through the sphere but it should still blind him for a moment..
The area was bathed in bright painful white light as the shell cracked on the invisible bubble surrounding the man..."You're proving to be a most annoying irritant, wench" he growled and frantically muttered something beneath his breath. He ran at you and swung his longsword in your direction then, spittle flaying from his mouth..."Your stupid tricks don't work on me!" he snarled and pummels Morganne hard in the face with his sword. He then grabs Morganne by the neck and with inhuman strength sends her flying at an angle straight in the air, throwing his sword after you. The sword, the pointed tip leading flew after Morganne in a menacing way...guided by a sinister intellect.
"Skewer me some fresh forest vixen" you heard the man utter softly.
Morganne's feet found purchase on a mid-high tree branch, and as the sword came it tore across her right shoulder and seared through her living armor with a keen edge coated with an eldritch energy. It hovered in the air and animated there, swinging viciously at her with skill and speed. She ducked and weaved out of the blade's repeated flurry of blows, and her own blades came out and deflected some of the animated sword's attacks..
The priest recalled his sword to himself and sheathed it, scoffed and then fired a sphere of green fire at the branch you rested on...splintering it in half. He shot another of the same emerald flamed spheres towards you, but your living armor seemed to drink this fire into itself.
"You've mighty protections, wench...but you must surely have some weakness about you!" the cleric named Lareth hissed. Several arrows flew out towards the man, elvish ones from a nearby tree. There were two elves accompanied by a hooded man you saw was clad in the likeness of a ranger. The blonde haired priest glared daggers at this bunch, laughing..."Troublesome variables!" he said angrily, stepping through a dimensional door.
The ranger looked peeved, and he hissed in elvish "Spread out and find him!"
Morganne checks her armor to see if it's famed self regenerating abilities were true. "....your timely intervention was greatly appreciated..." Morganne checks her weapons and quickly scans the area. Touching her communication pin "...status report! Keep your eyes open and signal at the first sign of contact!.." she says with her mind before looking at the blond haired ranger "...by what name are you called? I am Morganne"
The armor began to mend itself, and all of its imperfections faded as if they'd never happened. It w
The ranger's stoic facial expression quickly melts to a warm and roguish smile, and it offered no deceit or falsehood in it that raised an alarm in you. You smelled from him a sense of gladness and surprise, but also self restraint. His gleaming gray eyes sized you up in a split second with keen observation, accustomed to drinking in details and digesting them in an eyeblink, he says "Hethron Archninon. Ye Gods, you've perfectly disrupted this evil work and went toe for toe with that evil scum Lirith. Seems he was about to feed some of my friends to his loathsome goddess, too" after talking, the two elves he accompanied returned. One was a raven haired she-elf and the other a tall gray elf with stark silver hair and ice blue eyes, both carried longswords and longbows for weapons but you sensed they were skilled in the arcane arts too.
The Nyriddian materialized a few feet from you, a sour look on his ruggedly handsome face at having to use the magic of the clasp…as if it somehow sullied him in some way, which was strange for a Nyriddian who were accustomed to not bathing for many days on end. "Ugh, here…what more to report than that?" he said irately…"Killed some black elves nearby, they were weaklings though, not too good with sword-work. Some of the boys had fun with a few orcs, good sport…their heads come off too easily and their bellies cut open good with these nice Succundus weapons given to us!"
Hethron scratched his head in confusion, "You travel with interesting friends, Morganne. Well, I trust this northerner is a bit more civil than his usual bloodthirsty ilk? He'd better damn well be or the elven clans herein will skewer him with many arrows, and thats not a threat my good man its wisdom! So stick it in your forethoughts. They won't take no troublesome guff from a thick skulled meathead" the ranger said this very fast and with cool confidence. The barbarian glared with hateful eyes at the man suddenly, "You dare? I am Ulric, not some piddly dicked little bandit. If I were a threat I'd have slit the throats of your elven allies we saw only minutes ago, who weren't even aware of our presence so well hidden were my men and me. Not even the dark skinned elves sensed us, so bear this in mind before you address Ulric"
Morganne decides to put an end to this posturing by both Ulric and Hethron
"...Gentlemen, gentlemen please! lets cease this name calling and chest puffing for a moment!" Morganne loosens the armor covering her throat and upper chest and stretches for a moment. "...now then, Hethron, please bear in mind that this....beautifully thick headed Northerner travels with ME! I would appreciate it if you'd show him the same civility and courtesy as you've shown me?" Turning to Ulric, Morganne smiles and pats him on his shoulder "...very good work Ulric, don't mind the clasp too much, I've a good Nyridian friend who also hated using these things at first..but since he married my sister, he's had to get over quite a few things. Now back to the task at hand, I expect that Lirith, having escaped will more than likely return in greater force. We few are but a small advance scouting party and if you'd permit us, we'd like to make camp in a safer location.."
Hethron smiled, "You have a talent for diplomacy Morganne, as sharp as your blades...an interesting contrast. I've seen the style of your sword work once before, in a dangerous tavern in mountain holme. The man who demonstrated it slew five men before they could draw cold hard steel from their leather scabbards, and they were not drunk or stupid either, seasoned men...veterans who have been in the orc wars in the northern provinces. Since that time, many young bravado's pit themselves against him seeking a name, and died. Not wanting the attention this silent slayer left and vanished"
Morganne nods her head slightly at the compliment "...we can discuss matters later..my men and my comrades will want to move to a better defensive position.." Morganne motions for the rest of the Scout squad to hold their position "...how far is your camp from the Gate Mountains? We've important business there.."
her hand on her clasp, Morganne informs Orath and the others of the situation and to keep their eyes open. Doing so would mean that she had to ignore whatever Hethron said to her at that particular moment.
"...very well then let's get moving then.." Morganne smiles at the ranger (CHR)
Hethron moved over to the two elves, who were naked but unashamed of this. They quickly clothed themselves and donned their fanciful armor. The ranger introduces the two to you as Gildam and Celestria. The elves smile with geniuine warmth and Celestria came and laid a hand on you, blessing you with a spell imbued with divine power. A sudden calm feeling came over you then, one of relaxation, confidence and strength of spirit.
Gildam said "You have rescued us from being sacrifices unto the false goddess that our evil cousins venerate, and for that we owe thee a life-debt. We were spying on recent dark-elf activity in this vicinity, they had come and wiped out our spy-outpost a month ago. This tree here, the Grandfather tree is a sacred relic, and keeps our holy city invisible from evil eyes. Therefore, it goes without much say that you not just rescued our own lives but thwarted the machinations of Lirith, the treacherous snake that ever conspires against our people. I am only saddened that we could not end that miserable cur's life once and for all. The world would be a better place without his befouling stench in it. I only wonder what schemes he was plotting"
Suddenly Gildam says something to Celestria in hushed elvish. He then said to Morganne: "Don't look now but I sense a presence nearby that is spying on us as we speak"
Morganne pulls out an extra Succundus claps and hands it to Gildan "hold on to this for a moment, I can alert the others to this..presence and be able to see what you see at the same time.." Morganne uses her extruded vision to search the nearby area. Utilizing the cloak clasp she alerts the rest of the scouting party and Orath "..we are being watched, see if you can capture this spy quietly.." Morganne turns to Gildan "..now back to what we were discussing before...Don't fret too much about saving your lives, I am glad that I was able to get there in time.."
Gildam waved a hand dismissively, "Nay, lady. I refute your humility and dismissive attitude toward your courageous deed. I offer myself and my far too anxious younger sister Celetria's service, as meager as it may be. But I am proficient in bow and blade as well as a strong grasp of magic, and Celestria is skilled in the healing arts"
Morganne smiles at the offer of aid. "..very well then, let's save how you may be of service for a later point. For now, let us simply enjoy a good meal and good company.."
Orath was busy gaining angry disgruntled looks from Ulric's men as he enticed them in small stakes craps, though he lost small pots he seemed to always win the larger ones. Finally one of the scouts, desperate to break even had to ask the thief for a little loan to be back in the game. Suprisingly Celestria joined in and the sharp eyed she-elf gave the rogue a little frustration and challenge, but not much. After the game, some of the men were sharpening their weapons or practicing with them, and Ulric assigned sentries in a perimeter and in the trees, despite Celestria's assurances of being totally invisible and hidden, and protected from evil to boot.
Orath says to Morias: "Oh for the love of hell! Can't you shut your mouth for a mere few hours? This isn't the place or time for deep chit chat! Keep your eyes peeled. You can speak to your tongues content when we get to the next village, man. I told you we don't trust you yet, and you wanna talk to her it's going to cost you a gold coin per word until we validate your story, sorry thats the rules"
The night slowly progresses, and both Nyriddian and ranger brought some very tender venison back to camp for the men to have. Ulric skins the game with some slight effort, drawing some wry chuckles from his subordinates. He snarled at them, "Bah, my hands are accustomed to slaughter, not womans work!" he said in his defense. Hethron claimed the meat and prepared a culinary masterwork of venison stew, spiced with fresh oregeno, tyhme, sea salt and pepper. The scout leader says to Morganne "We're two days behind master Daynar by foot. I've the gut that we're in for some rain in the morn, time to get a move on and kill some miles ahead fore the forest floor turns mud"
In the morning, some of the leftover stew is reheated and served as breakfast, along with a pot of coffee and toasted bread. As the group sets out, and the camp broken down properly you are lead by Hethron and the elves who are intimately familiar with the land. Suddenly dark shadows above alerts the party to something amis, and the loud ominous sounds of wings flapping when 10 bat-winged Wyverns descended upon you. The first Wyvern plunged its barbed scorpion stinger through one of the advanced scouts, instantly killing him, and another grabbed one of the solders and dragged him high into the air then dropped him suddenly, his dying screams shattering the tranquility of the forest. Mounted atop of each of these wyverns was a black robed, hooded figure, possibly a mage or priest of some type. The leader rider's wyvern emitted a horrid beastly warcry then.
Instantly, the forest trail ahead was covered in thick webbing making it impossible to progress.
From the south out behind some wild grown shrubs burst a force of 30 large fat orcs, 10 of which prepared their short crossbows to unleash missles into the party.
REACTION?
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