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Post by sleepingdragon on Dec 27, 2014 16:41:23 GMT
sd: having already interrogated Odalric, the party now had Kenric's companions to speak to - Brandt the former Bloodied Eye, the mage Iefa, and the acrobat Adelia. They had yet to receive a report from the men they had sent to keep an eye on the merchant's house, to watch for anyone sent to rescue Odalric. sd: they decided to speak to Brandt first. He had stitches across his cheek where Edmund's arrow had hit, which had left an ugly scar - as he spoke, the stitching stretched and now and again they could see straight through the hole and into his throat. "What the fuck do you bastards want?" he spat. Edmund: "That's not very polite, considering we saved your life, and the lives of your friends," Edmund said. Hogar is disconnected. Hogar has connected. sd: "Then you shot me in the face and handed us over to people who are likely to hang us. Very polite of you." Edmund: Edmund sighed. "Look, we may be in a position to put in a good word for you, if you can help us." sd: "Fine. What do you want?" Edmund: "The man with the red hair," Edmund began. "Do you know why he was there, attacking you?" sd: "Well those fuckers have killed Sinley and Cenfrith, I suppose they came after me next. Working with orcs to try to get us killed just like their parents." Edmund: "Never mind the rights and wrongs of it, he is not the only one to seek vengeance for what happened in Arindon and Cyningham. If you want them stopped we need to know where they are likely to go next." sd: The man shrugged. "I don't know any others in Phalen, though there might be one or two of us. Most of us use different names now, though I've kept mine." Edmund: Edmund frowned. "Wasn't that dangerous?" sd: "Think I'm afraid of danger? Anyhow, spent years far away, up in the Lost Lands or in Krygarland, further too. Fryddenland for a few years. No one who knew or cared who I was." Edmund: "But you came back?" sd: "Captain called me back. Twenty years is a long time anyway, figured no one was looking anymore." Hogar: Hogar had been staring at the man with obvious dislike but had said nothing, letting Edmund handle the talking; However, at the mention of the Captain, he spoke "And where would the Captain be, now?" sd: "Somewhere where he can get ready. Somewhere he doesn't share with people where there's a risk they could get caught, I'll add." Edmund: "Alright, so he called you to Phalen and told you his plans yes?" Edmund hurried on. sd: "No. I've not seen the Captain in five years, since we were in the Lost-lands together. After that we separated, he said he'd contact me when he needed me. Was on a job in Bluebrycg last year and Merefin contacted me, told me to work with Kenric and the others so we could find some sort of magic the Captain wanted." Edmund: Edmund nodded at this. "So Kenric and his party were employed by Merefin and you were sent to join them? Did he tell you the full details of the plan?" sd: "I wouldn't tell you if he had, but no. Do generals usually tell the grunts all the details? No good in knowing that, just makes chances for word to get out." Edmund: "Why did you think a mage was needed in the group then? Surely you were aware of the kind of papers they were collecting?" Edmund asked. sd: "I already said the Captain was after some kind of magic. I don't know much more than that and don't really care." Edmund: "Kenric and Feran knew all about it though. And the two women. Did the Captain think you were less to be trusted then?" Edmund asked, watching the man carefully. sd: "Knew all about what? They might have known more about the magic or something, I don't pay too much attention to that. Loyal soldiers ask fewer questions than hired swords. If the Captain wants blood magic, I'll try to get it for him. He's the only one able to clear this fucking realm of the cowards and monster-lovers." Edmund: Edmund regarded Brand for a few moments. "But he's not going to get it, is he. The papers have been taken and are now in the hands of those sworn to avenge the dead of Arindon and Cyningham. You, and the mercenaries paid to get them, are out of the game. Who is Drefen going to call on now?" Hogar: "An ambitious man, the Captain."stated Hogar dryly sd: Brandt laughed. "So this hasn't gone according to plan. So what? You think the Captain will lose the war because he's lost a skirmish? When we were in the Lost-lands, he had almost a hundred of us following him, and most of us weren't at Arindon. Soldiers follow good commanders, and the Captain is the best there is." Edmund: Edmund shook his head. "I'll put my money on the vengeance-seekers. Drefen will be dead soon, and all his crew with him." He turned away to the door. Beomund: "Can you tell us anything about Merefin?" piped up Beomund. "A description, or his skills, or any plans he had? Do you know where he is likely to be now?" sd: "He's one of the Captain's men, well trusted. Was one of his lieutenants back in the day, rose up really young. Not the biggest man, but real strong and quick with a blade. A good planner, keeps his head cool at the worst of times. He met me and Kenric in Bluebrycg, but I think he moves around - he passed me a tip about a job three years ago and I was out west then, in Swithdun." Edmund: "Was Merefin his real name?" Edmund asked, turning from the door. sd: "No, his right name is Horik. Hasn't used it in decades though." Edmund: Edmund caught Hogar's eye at this, implying he could find out more about Horik. Hogar: Hogar nodded silently, obviously memorising the name for later investigation at the Brotherhood Leofric: Leofric was still watching the interview, taking careful notes. sd: having exhausted any further chain of conversation with Brandt, the party decided to next speak to the acrobat Adelia. "I told Kenric we should have left the city, but he had to let his stupid pride get in the way," she said. She glanced at Leofric. "I remember you, you were at the banquet. Caught my eye, don't see people with skin like yours too often." Edmund: Edmund was standing behind the chair on which Adelia was sitting, and grinned at Leofric. Leofric: "Bit hard to miss, I am afraid." Leofric replied with a hint of amusement, "Likewise, your feats at the banquest are hard to miss as well." Leofric became more serious and asked, "So how did you stumble into this band?" sd: "What, Kenric and the others? We've been working together for years. Me and Kenric met in Middlemere about six years ago, picked up Iefa and Feran along the way." Leofric: "Nice place Middlemere. Would like go to Middlemere Festival again." Leofric replied with a distant. thought, "Have you heard anything about this character , Merefin?" He asked her, "And anything on the notes and magics as well?" sd: "The notes were mostly in Alanian so I couldn't read them, you'd want to talk to Iefa. Merefin is the man who hired us in Bluebrycg, I didn't see him myself but Kenric did. Not particularly large, he said, but moved like a fighter. He'd know better than me. Kenric said he had dark hair but it was clearly dyed, he thought it must have gone grey. We never found out exactly how he found us, he approached Kenric in a tavern one night, while he was on his own. He never gave us a place to meet him either, just told us to go to Bluebrycg and waiti there and he'd find us. Kenric got him to pay half up front for having to deal with that kind of charade." Hogar: "Bluecbyrg...I hate that place..."said Hogar under his breath Hogar: edit:Bluebrycg Edmund: "He met Kenric in Bluebrycg originally, or somewhere else?" Edmund asked. sd: "It was in Bluebrycg, we'd been having a break there between jobs. Good place to find work, Bluebrycg, or in this case for work to find us." Edmund: "I imagine so, having been there." Edmund said with feeling. Leofric: "Indeed." Leofric sighed for a moment and smiled, "You have been helpful. Thank you for your time." Leofric: EDIT: Dleete Edmund: "You know why the red haired man and his associates tried to kill you?" Edmund asked. sd: "Well they were after Brandt, and we were just in the way," she replied. "Him and Merefin and some others got involved in something unpleasant a long time ago, these guys wanted revenge. Frankly they can kill Brandt for all I care, but I like being alive." Edmund: "When he was a child, that red haired man saw his family raped and butchered by Brandt and his fellows, under the command of a Captain Drefen," Edmund said. "That was the person who Merefin employed you to work for. He wants blood magic to rule others." sd: "Well people usually aren't looking for blood magic in order to spread peace and harmony," Adelia shrugged. "Are you trying to make me feel guilty? Don't bother. Do the people who rule Gastonland not rape and butcher? Are they glorious and virtuous saints?" Edmund: "I was not trying to make you feel guilty, but this man Drefen is particularly dangerous, to all of us." Edmund seemed unruffled by the woman's response. "If you can recall anything which will help us catch him, please let us know." sd: "As you wish, though so far as I can tell he's covered his tracks well." Leofric: Leofric sighed, "He will be found. It is just a matter of time and perseverance." He smiled, "You have been helpful. Thank you for your time." sd: the party moved on to their last captive, Iefa, a dark woman in her late forties, who simply glared at them as they entered. sd: add - due to the risk that she might use magic, her hands had been tied behind her back and she had been gagged. Hogar: "A dangerous one, as mages often are. I think she will know a lot, however. "said Hogar to the others Leofric: "Of course, she does." Leofric commented privately, "Magic is like a tool and with knowledge, it can be so much more and often for good and yet for dark and terrible purposes." Edmund: "We will remove your gag," Edmund told Iefa. "But please don't try anything. We will be ready for you. I am sorry you have to be tied up like this, but you understand we can't take any risks. All we want is to ask you a few questions." sd: "Fine. What?" Leofric: "The questions is regarding the Alanian books and notes as you are aware of course. Could you reveal any relevant facts regarding them, especially the use of blood magic in these cases?" sd: "Drefen is interested in a very interesting type of magic called a geas. It's an unbreakable oath, a very useful spell indeed! I could think of all kinds of advantages..." Hogar: "So can I. And not ones a man like him should have "said Hogar strongly "Ironic he would look for this kind of magic when he broke his own oaths to the Brotherhood..."he tsaid hatefully before retrurning to the conversation "Do you have any idea on what he planned to do with this, specifically?" Leofric: "And all kinds of disadvantages as well." Leofric commented with a hint of disapproval, "There is always unanticipated consequences. Still, is there a cult you was particularly interested in hmm?" Hogar: edit: he said hatefully before returning sd: "Well apparently he believes that many people are secretly serving orcs and other monsters, so I imagine he'd probably want to use it on them to stop that. Or something along those lines, they weren't exactly confiding in us," said Iefa. She looked at Leofric. "I read a note by an old Alanian witch hunter who said he'd been tracking a cult called the Burrowing Hand. A very subtle group, they preferred subversion and trickery to outright domination and worked from the shadows. Geases were their particular specialty, and countering other blood magic. Their fane would have been on the very lowest level of the Undercity, somewhere near the river I think." Edmund: "I can imagine what use Drefen would make of this magic," Edmund said gravely. "A madman obsessed wth orcs who distrusts everyone in the world except for himself, given that kind of power.... " sd: "Something else that I read said that the cult's base was hidden somewhere near the temple of Kalharz - the Alanian god of commerce - which would be on the second layer of the Undercity. I don't know exactly where that is though, except that it was probably near the river - the temples of Kalharz always were. Of course it could be on the east bank of the river for all I know." Edmund: "Would you let us know the names of books and something of what the papers contained, that were stolen? We will try to get them back - they are too dangerous to leave in the hands of the group who took them, as much as Drefen's." Edmund said. sd: "I can't exactly write them down now, can I? I can tell you the ones I remember, there were quite a few and that shit Sinley took most of them before I got much of a look at them." Leofric: Leofric smiled for a moment and after rumming in his pack, he took some patchments and inks out. "You can acutally. Thank you for your help, in particularly in this area." He made it so that Ieaf can acutally write them out. sd: Iefa massaged her hands as Leofric untied them. When the feeling had returned, she began to write down names. "Some of the scrolls of course haven't got names, they're partial bits of other works," she said. "Anyhow, there's something in particular I've remembered as I think of it. I read a bit of a memoir of a man who had considered joining this cult before deciding against it - he was told that when he reached their fane, he should remember that 'we hunger for other blood.' I don't know what that means but presumably it'll be apparent when you get there. If you do." Edmund: "Hunger for other blood..." Edmund murmured. "I don't like the sound of that." Hogar: "Neither do I. But then it is evil sorcery we are talking about, what did you expect?" Leofric: Leofric frowned in thought for a moment, "Interesting. Once again, we do appreciate your candidness." sd: when the party returned back downstairs, they found that Deoneath had just arrived, along with three other Watchmen. "You've had a productive night," he said quietly. Edmund: "Indeed," Edmund replied. "And uncovered some very worrying plots." Leofric: Leofric nodded with a hint of concern. "But it was productive, nevertheless." Leofric: EDIT: Leofric nodded and replied, "Pretty much and it will requires us to go into the Undercity, I am afraid." sd: "If you want a guide, you have one." Edmund: "Some of the prisoners have been forthcoming," Edmund added. "The woman Iefa has been particularly helpful. You know that Drefen is behind the major plot?" sd: "You'll need to explain, I don't know who this Drefen is." Edmund: "He was the Captain responsible for an atrocity which took place in the east, twenty-five years ago," Edmund explained. "His men raped and murdered the inhabitants of two villages, claiming that the villagers were working with orcs. It seems he is still obsessed with this idea, for although he escaped proper punishment at the time, he has reappeared." Beomund: "And those who he wronged have come back for vengeance," added Beomund. "They have started working with the orcs, now." Hogar: "And there might be even darker things involved."said Hogar "Blood magic."he added in a hushed, obviously worried tone sd: "Unsavoury events," said Deoneath. "Do these vengeful ones know that we're on to them?" Edmund: "They killed Sinley and stole some documents relating to blood magic which had been obtained for Drefen," Edmund said. Edmund: "We captured a group in a merchant's house, where the people working for Drefen had hidden," Edmund said. "I don't know if word could have got to their associates yet." sd: "I understand some of my colleagues were watching this house for possible reinforcements. Is that likely? If it is then presumably they must know something has happened." Beomund: "The red-haired man we captured used some sort of signaling device, which we believe alerted a mage on his side that he was in trouble," said Beomund. Edmund: Edmund nodded. "If they have not turned up, then they must suspect a trap." sd: "If they suspect a trap then they may move or make preparations and then any advantage will be lost. Do we know where they might be?" Beomund: "They are in the Undercity, but we don't know where exactly. It's possible we might be able to trace the movements of the orcs from an old encampment we know of, but other than that our only knowledge of locations in the Undercity is in the fane of an old cult... Drefen might have been seeking it, and his enemies wanted any blood magic he could find, so it's possible they've gone there." sd: "I imagine that would be hidden. Do we have any clues?" Leofric: "The only clue concerning its location is it is somewhere near somewhere near the temple of Kalharz, the Alanian god of commerce" Leofric replied. Leofric: He yawned sd: Deoneath smiled. "That is quite fortunate. As it happens, I know where that is." Leofric: Leofric's ears perked at the unexpected fortune, "You do?!" sd: "I do. About two years ago, we were being chased in the old Alanian Undercity and we hid from the goblins in a ruined old temple. Rahere identified it as the temple fo Kalharz from the symbols on the floor. It is on the second layer of the Undercity, on the western edge of the river, below where we're standing now and perhaps a little north." Leofric: Leofric smiled with a genuine pleasure, "That's good to hear. How is Rahere by the way?" sd: "Fine so far as I know, he's busy with other business at the moment," Deoneath frowned. "If these people are in the Undercity, we should go to search for them now, I think. The longer we wait, the more time they have in which to move." Leofric: Leofric agreed, ready to do the journey unto the UNderworld Beomund: Beomund nodded. "We can't let them escape our grasp." Hogar: "Yes, I agree. Time is of the essence" said Hogar sd: Deoneath, along the other three Watchmen, led the party down into the basement of the watch building, where a heavily guarded entrance to the Undercity was located. Deoneath spoke to some of the Watchmen for a while and took some maps which he tucked into his bag. He showed them to the party and explained they were entirely coded and the maps themselves were skewed and distorted, so that they could not be used by the goblins if they fell into their hands - the Watch however knew the code and could decipher and read the maps.
They passed through three heavily guarded gates and found themselves back in the suffocating heat and claustrophobic atmosphere of the Undercity again. Beomund: Beomund once again grew quiet and alert as they entered the Undercity, his eyes moving across the angles and cracks in the ancient structures, as a cat watches a bird. Hogar: As they entered Hogar stopped for a moment and chanted and gestured, obviously casting some sort of spell on himself. His eyes seemed to shimmer for a moment, and then he quickly joined the party again, his gaze darthing back and forth in the darkness, obviously looking for traps or potential enemies Leofric: Leofric quickly explained to others that he will help out with the seeing in the dark. sd: using the map, Deoneath led them quickly through the first layer of the Undercity, the Palanian city. They passed through the wreckage of what had apparently once been a library, but had been targetted by the dread dragon Caragaur during his attack, razing it utterly. Deoneath rummaged through the ruins and found a trapdoor leading down into a cellar, but the cellar wall had fallen away, allowing them to descend down to the next layer, the old Alanian city that the High King Peada had razed in his revolt against the Empire. They moved through the debris and after about an hour, took a brief rest in a hidden alcove which the Undercity Watch used as a hiding place. Dried fruits and meat and other long-lasting food had been stored there, as were arrows, spears, medical supplies, and other useful items. Edmund: "How far now/" Edmund asked Deoneath as they rested. Leofric: Leofric watched around with a hint of interest, paying very close attentions to the surrounding sd: "Not far to the temple, then we will need to search for this fane. There is a large ravine by the temple, I remember we debated hiding there but thought we were as likely to kill ourselves as anything else. Now that we're not being chased it might be more feasible to climb down if we need to." Deoneath fetched ropes, pitons, and other climbing gear from the Watch stash. Beomund: "I'm glad Phalen has men as brave as the Watch," said Beomund as he readied to continue. "To survive against foes like the orcs, with mazes like these right below the feet of the residents... It is impressive." sd: "Our most fortunate advantage are that the orcs don't like each other very much. We've sent scouts east of the river before and the tribes are often killing each other," said Deoneath. "And they probably don't know the Undercity as well as us. We have old records to operate by that let us know where certain buildings should be and how the city was laid out in old times." Edmund: Edmund looked about with interest. "So much, layer on layer." Hogar: "I agree, the Watch is a great asset to the city."said Hogar, joining Beomund's words of appreciation "You fight here in the dark and so do not gain the glory or renown you deserve, but you keep the city alive and out of the hands of these vicious beasts." Leofric: Leofric agreed, "We do appreciate all the hard works you do here!" sd: Deoneath took a sip of water from his skin, then stood. "We should get moving." He continued on ahead, bow at the ready. His hands stayed near to his quiver, and the vials of poison he carried in carefully wrapped vials in a pouch at his waist made faint clinking noises as he moved.
As Deoneath had said, the area around the temple of Kalharz was dominated by a huge ravine that plunged down into impenetrable darkness. The ground was treacherous and uneven, and there were winding paths where old streets and piled stone snaked up and down and around the cleft in the ground. Deoneath stopped to look for tracks, to see if they could find anything that might point them in the right direction. sd: Deoneath soon found footprints that were clearly human, and did not appear to be those of Watchmen - their boots were of a uniform type and this shape did not match. The footprints led down a winding path into the ravine, where Edmund and Beomund were able to set up a makeshift set of pulleys using stones as counterweights to slowly lower the group down one by one to a ledge below. Hogar climbed back up and left a rope hanging in case they needed to flee quickly, and they passed into the Alanian catacombs. This was the third layer of the Undercity. The Alanians had not burned their dead like Virians, but buried them beneath the cold ground. This layer was the one that had almost no mapping - the Alanians had jealously guarded the secrets of their crypts and mausoleums, and the Undercity Watch could not raid old records for clues as they could with the first two layers. Leofric, however, had read some speculative notes in his lessons with Sigrun, and these gave them an idea of where to go.
Here the ground was often cracked and broken, but Beomund's expertise allowed them to safely determine where they could move. At one point Beomund and Hogar were able to smash down a crumbling wall and thus take a short cut around a great wrecked tomb, while Deoneath kept glancing up and making mental calculations to determine roughly where they were. Here and there they passed little embryonic streams formed from water dripping above, and this alerted them to the fact they were coming near to the river.
It was Edmund and Hogar who realised when they nearly walked straight past the entrance to the fane. They had not been expecting it would be below them, but they suddenly realised that a large slab of stone by the entrance to a mausoleum could be pried out. Beomund discovered that a nearby stone could be slid aside, allowing them to easily grab onto a hand hold on the slab and haul it up. A set of steps led below. One of the Watchmen shone his hooded lantern down, revealing a winding passageway, and on the walls opposite the stairs a sconce carved into the form of a leering vampire's face. Leofric: Leofric eyed the sconce with a shiver, "Vampires eh..." He muttered to himself. Hogar: "Blood magic, remember."said Hogar watching with distaste at the sconce, as if it brought back unpleasant memories Hogar: edit: watching the sconce with distaste Edmund: "Hunger for other blood...." Beomund: Beomund's face was grim. "If they are truly vampiric, they could still be down there..." Leofric: Leofric nodded, he muttered a spell granting himself the power to taste the magic. Hogar: "I sense no magic, myself."Hogar whispered to Leofric as he saw him begin to cast a spell "But you would be better at that, of course" You whisper to Leofric: the rush of magic was rather disorienting. There were clearly a large number of spells in these passages, but one in particular stood out to him, as it was clearly in the process of being cast now. Its flavour was like dark and bitter meat, raw and bloody. It clearly originated further underground, though he would need to concentrate and get nearer to determine exactly where it was coming from. Leofric: Leofric sniffed for a moment and replied, "I can sense many spells in these passages." He focused for a moment, "Still, there is one which is in progress of getting casted and it feel like blood magic. Too far away to make sense of it just yet." Beomund: "We should not delay then - if there is some ritual going on, it should be interrupted!" Hogar: "A spell being cast? NOW?" Hogar grimaced "We have to be quick!"
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jan 3, 2015 14:57:21 GMT
sd: with Leofric detecting some kind of powerful magic emanating from below, the party descended and found themselves in a narrow, snaking corridor, with ceilings so low in places that Leofric and Beomund had to bend to avoid hitting their heads. The winding passage continued to either side of them, and directly opposite as they entered was a sconce, which bore the leering face of a vampire. Its mouth was hungry and open. Beyond the sconce, another passageway opened up. You whisper to Hogar: as he descended into the corridor, Hogar felt a strange sense of his own mortality. His bones ached oddly, and there was a needle like pain in his left eye. Hogar: As they advanced through the corridor, Hogar seemed to be uneasy, as if something was affecting him - he would sometimes blink irregularly his left eye, as if some sort of hostile sorcery was causing him pain. "This is not right..."he said to the others Edmund: Edmund silently indicated the vampire face. "This is not right.." Edmund: he muttered to himself. You whisper to Leofric: though it took an effort of will to overlook the powerful magic that he sensed further underground, Leofric allowed his senses to explore elsewhere. In the passageway beyond the vampire sconce, he detected a fiery taste, like a burning pepper on his tongue. Edmund: "What's the matter?" he whispered to Hogar. sd: Deoneath glanced around. "Troublesome," he said. "Does anyone have any notion of which way we should head first?" Edmund: Edmund looked enquiringly at Leofric. "Any clue in what you're sensing Leo?" Hogar: "I don't feel so good."said Hogar, obviously trying to contain his nervousness "My left eye feels like it's being stabbed. Hopefully it has nothing to do with what Odalric said about the eye of the cyclops and the Brotherhood..."he whispered, trying to sound hopeful "I am no blood mage." Leofric: Leofric glanced at Leofric and pointed at the passageway beyond the vampire scone, "There is another spell in that passageway." Edmund: Edmund clapped Hogar on the back. "Think of all the horrors we've met. If you had allowed evil to take over your soul, do you think God would have seen us through to victory against them all? Pray and you will come though unharmed." Hogar: Hogar nodded, obviously finding some strength in Edmund's words "I will do my best. But whatever horrors we faced before, what is here is still going to be terrible." he adde Leofric: Leofric nodded with agreement, "We survived the deepest horrors so far and we will still survive more, with our faiths and morals intacts."#] Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment, "I am not entirely sure what the spell in that passageway beyond the scone but at least we should be able to deal with it before going into other if needed." sd: "I'll take point," Deoneath said, stowing his bow on his back. sd: as the party entered cautiously, they looked around and entered a small, irregular round chamber. Knowing to be on their guard with Leofric's warning, and with the spells he and Hogar had active, it took them little time to locate the source of the magic, which was a trapdoor hidden beneath the dirt in the eastern corner of the room. sd: it took Edmund and Beomund a few tries to determine how to disarm the trap, which was clearly triggered when the trapdoor was opened. Eventually they discovered an almost imperceptible rune which had been traced onto the wood, and they determined how, with care, they could open the door without destroying the rune. Having taken some time to study, they worked out exactly how they could manage this, and thought they would be able to repeat the process if they found a similar trap. Here, however, the discovery was not particularly useful - the trapdoor simply opened onto a tiny hole that led nowhere. Hogar: Hogar frowned "Why would someone do that?" Leofric: Leofric glanced at Hogar, "Clearly, as a trap, it works very well. A chance to take out few enemies I guess." Edmund: "Perhaps it's an illusion..." Edmund muttered. sd: Deoneath approached the hole and prodded down with his bow, striking earth almost immediately. "If so it's a very good illusion," he said. Edmund: Edmund smiled at that. Leofric: Leofric chuckled for a moment. Leofric: Seeing some humour in this extremely dark and grey world, Loefric glanced around and seeing nothing more, "So... left or right passageway? I can't afford any more clue but how about left passageway." Leofric shrugged You whisper to Leofric: concentrating, Leofric could sense further magic elsewhere, other than just the active spell. There were two distinct flavours - the fiery one as he had just encountered, and another, which was caustic and sour. He could not determine exact locations now, but he was sure there were a great number of them in the vicinity. sd: without waiting for further discussion, Deoneath put his bow away and headed down the left hand passageway, eyes wary. Edmund: Edmund had been casting a spell on his arrows, and now followed Deoneath in silence. Leofric: Leofric nodded thoughtfully, "There are many many spells of the kind in the area we just seen back on that trapdoor and some others and so be careful." He whispered toward to the end. sd: with one of his fellow Watchmen by him, casting light from a lantern, Deoneath moved on up the passage. After a short time he stopped and examined the ground. "Caltrops," he said, pointing to the metallic spikes hidden beneath the dirt. "I doubt these were laid by the same people that left that fire trap, I suspect the spikes would have rusted in that time." sd: Edmund and Beomund were able to dig up the spikes, though they had been buried well and at one point Beomund nearly put his hand down on a spike that had escaped their notice. sd: continuing on, they came to another fork in the road. The passageway continued on ahead of them, while to their right was another vampire sconce leading to a side chamber. Leofric: Leofric shook his head for a moment, "I cannot sense anything beyond that vampire sconce." sd: they checked the passage for a few moments, and then just as Deoneath was about to step in, he found another set of caltrops in the passage. "We'll need to be very careful while we're down here," he said as Beomund and Edmund went to work sd: they quickly removed the caltrops, and Deoneath went ahead into the little passageway. As he went, he frowned and scratched his chin, while the man holding the lantern looked away. "I think there may have been a trap here already, but it appears to have been set off," he said. "Or at least if the blood stains are any indication." Edmund: Edmund came forward to take a look. Leofric: Leofric also looked at the bloodstrains curiously sd: this was another small chamber, with a trapdoor which had already been uncovered. The ground was covered in dried blood around the trapdoor, and the walls were scorched and burned. Deoneath gingerly opened the door, revealing another shallow hole. Hogar: Hogar tried to get a closer look at the blood stains, perhaps to guess their age You whisper to Hogar: he guessed these stains were perhaps a week old. Though the majority of the blood was the red of humans, he saw a few flecks of green goblin blood in amongst the mess. Hogar: "About a week old."said Hogar "And some of blood's from goblins, too."he adde Edmund: "Fighting among the followers or another group trying to get in?" Edmund considered. Leofric: Leofric raised his eyebrows with a hint of surprise Leofric: Leofric commented, "Looks like a spell went up. Good example of what happened if we triggered that spell." sd: Deoneath pointed to the scorch marks on the walls. "I'd guess Leofric is right. Trap probably caught humans and goblins alike. Either way, there's nothing behind that door." Leofric: Leofric nodded as he made his way onward sd: the party headed back out into the main passageway, which, at points, became so narrow they had to squeeze to pass through. Beomund, in particular, with his great height and his armour, had a hard time. As he finally managed to get through, Deoneath came to another vampire sconce to their right. Leofric: Leofric sighed with a hint of irritation, "Another one, no doubt, we will have to search it as well." You whisper to Hogar: as they came to the next sconce, Hogar felt the pain in his eye intensify, and the hairs on his arms stood as a tremor of anxiety swept through his soul. You whisper to Leofric: as he spoke, Leofric suddenly felt a surge of power come from the active spell, and realised it had reached some new phase in the casting. Hogar: "It's getting worse."Hogar whispered to the others as he brought his hand to his left eye for a few seconds, obviously feeling serious discomfort "I hope whatever is behind there can be defeated." Edmund: Edmund frowned in concern, but he sounded confident. "We will do so Hogar, do not fear. This evil will end here." Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, "That blood spell I felt that was getting cast , it reached the next stage." Leofric: "We will need to hurry" He told them. sd: Deoneath gave Hogar a brief, concerned look, before glancing down the passageway beyond the sconce. "This looks like a long one," he said. Hogar: Hogar seemed to steady himself against whatever sorcery "I think I'll be alright. But Leofric is right..."he added "We really must hurry. Time is of the essence. Let's go." Hogar: edit: whatever sorcery was trying to affect him sd: Deoneath led the party on. "More caltrops," he said after a short time, pointing.
"I hope we get to kill whoever left all these," the Watchman with the lantern muttered. sd: Beomund and Edmund quickly retrieved the caltrops, and Beomund seemed to have an idea. Laying the spikes out, he carefully beat them flat with his hammer, then cut thin strips from one of the ropes he had taken from the Undercity Watch stash. He was able to affix the broken caltrops to the shoes of Deoneath and others who were at the front of the group, which would afford them protection from further caltrops if they came across them. Hogar: Hogar congratulated Beomund on his resourcefulness "Now if we find more we might not be slowed down - that is good." he said sd: as they continued down the passage, the man with the lantern tapped Deoneath on the shoulder and pointed up. The ceiling there was weak, and through a crack the Watchman, along with Hogar and Edmund, were able to see a large boulder. The Watchman shone his lantern ahead of them, showing pressure plates hidden beneath the dirt. sd: Beomund and Edmund were able to disable the pressure plates, and they passed quickly beneath the rock trap and on. Further down, they came upon another set of caltrops, which the two disposed of easily, and then, at the end of the passage, another. At the end of the path they found another vampire sconce, and they realised this little passageway had cut entirely across and come out near to where they had entered the maze. Edmund: Edmund muttered something to himself, which might have been a curse. "Round in a circle. Time is wasting." Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment with irritation.. sd: they continued up the new passage, to the right of where they had entered, for some time before coming to another vampire sconce, which, as before, led to a side path. sd: "More caltrops," Deoneath said, pointing down the side path. Leofric: Leofric muttered, "Might as well follow the side path then?" You whisper to Leofric: concentrating, he sensed more fiery magic down this side path. Leofric: "There are some more fire magic down this path so be extremely careful." Leofric cautioned others Leofric: "There are some more fire magic, bit like under the trapdoors down this path, so be extremely careful." Leofric warned the others Hogar: "Better fire than blood."said Hogar "Onward!" he said pushing through his own pain sd: as the party continued, they soon found this source of magic that Leofric had detected. This rune was carved into the very floor, but could be avoided through the simple expedient of stepping over it. Continuing on, they came to another trapdoor, and they felt certain there was another fire rune upon this as well. Leofric: Leofric muttered to himself, "If this is another small hole, the builders of this place have a lot to answer for!" sd: Deoneath opened the trapdoor, which did, indeed, lead to another tiny hole. "This is slightly vexing," he said, closing it. Edmund: "Presumably the idea is either to kill or delay any intruder. Do you think they know we are here yet?" Edmund asked. sd: "If there's anyone watching, they will," said Deoneath. "Of course I'm not sure of that. Anyone skulking around after us in here would be as likely to inadvertently set off a trap as discover anything useful." Leofric: Leofric considered this carefully, "Well, if someone that sense spells in its surrounding will notice that spells will turns off like many candles that get doused one by one." Hogar: "Do you still sense the spell being cast, Leofric?"asked Hogar, urgently sd: the party continued on down this twisted passage, emerging back out into the main passage. Here, too, the wall was marked with a vampire sconce. Doubling back for a moment, Deoneath confirmed the trapped passage they had just gone through had simply twisted back upon itself and rejoined the main path. Leofric: Leofric nodded with concern sd: the group continued up the main passage, reaching yet another side path marked with the vampire sconce. You whisper to Leofric: he sensed nothing down this side path. Edmund: "Do you think this is another sidetrack to keep us occupied?" Edmund asked. "Could the scone be any kind of clue, or even move?" sd: Deoneath grabbed the sconce, which did not move, while his compatriot said "Whichever it is, I hope this cult was wiped out before it could construct any more fucking mazes in Phalen." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "I cannot sense anything down this side route. I hope so that this cult was acutally wiped out" sd: test Edmund: test worked sd: OOC is back up Edmund: "I think the sconces are a sign," Edmund said slowly as he considered the problem. "Each time we go down a passage marked by a sconce, we go round in circles. If you think of the words 'we hunger for other blood', you would not expect the members of the cult to give their own." Hogar: "Then we should avoid them?"said Hogar "Let us do that then. Quickly!" Leofric: Leofric agreed with Hogar, "Sound about right to me. Shame we didn't realise this sooner. Onward!" Edmund: "At least it should speed things up a little!" Edmund said as they moved off. sd: armed with this understanding, they ignored the side passage and continued on. Straight ahead of them was a wall, however the passage continued, curving to the left. Deoneath uncovered another set of caltrops at this junction as they went on ahead, and Edmund and Beomund quickly removed them. sd: this path continued on ahead, forking at one point. As the fork to their left was marked with the sign of the vampire sconce, and Leofric sensed fiery magic beyond it, they ignored it and continued on to a second fork. This time, the sense of magic and the vampire sconce was to their right, so they turned left. However, this passage ended suddenly ahead of them. sd: searching the dead end, it quickly became apparent that there was another trapdoor hidden beneath the dirt. This one, however, had no magical aura that Leofric or Hogar could sense. Leofric: Leofric muttered, "This trapdoor better be the one!" sd: Deoneath drew his bow. "Shall we see?" Leofric: Leofric prepared for the surprise sd: at Deoneath's urging, the other Watchman closed the shutter on his lantern so it shone only a small beam of light out. Deoneath knelt down by the trapdoor and opened it a slight crack. The party could see the light shining below as Deoneath paused, then opened it another slight crack and lowered his head into it for a brief moment. He quickly pulled back, then quietly closed the door. "This is the place," he said. "There's five or six down there, in some kind of round room. I saw humans and orcs both, and a lot of weapons lying around." Leofric: Leofric nodded seriously and whispered, "Well, that is a surprise!" He made ready for the fight, putting on his longsword and shield, ready for war sd: Deoneath drew out one of his poison vials, applied the venom to the end of an arrow, then thrust it carefully through his belt. He then poisoned a second arrow which he held nocked and ready. Hogar: "I thought there would be more."said Hogar confident as he readied his weapons Edmund: Edmund readied his bow, and prepared to jump down. Hogar: As Edmund prepared, Hogar cast a spell of nimbleness on him . It took a few tries, perhaps because of the pain, but finally he succeded Leofric: Leofric let loose his control of power of sensing magic and performed some gesture granting himself a protection. Edmund: Edmund lowered his bow and went round the veterans, casting a spell on their blades which now shone with a brighter sharper edge. Then he once more prepared to drop through the trapdoor. Leofric: Leofric took a quick swig off the potion, restoring his power Hogar: Hogar checked the edge of his axe as he prepared to jump... sd: Deoneath and Beomund, who were at the front, checked with the others that their preparations were complete, then opened the door another crack. Beomund held up three fingers, then began to count down. Just before he could reach three, Deoneath closed the door. "Just a sense," he said, and waited about ten seconds before repeating the gesture. This time, Deoneath did not hesitate, but threw open the trapdoor and flung himself down immediately, nocking an arrow as he leapt. Beomund has connected. sd: Deoneath flung himself down, with Beomund and Hogar at his heels and the rest of the group rushing up the corridor. They found themselves in a round room, which had clearly been the scene of frantic activity recently. The table in the centre of the room was littered with weapons, and around the room were chests around which more weapons and shields had been scattered. There were five others in the room - two humans, two orcs, and a goblin, the last of which had slightly purplish skin and stood near to a gong. Leofric: Leofric prepared himself to go through the trapdoor sd: *six others, and add a second goblin You whisper to Beomund: Beomund noticed that there were, here and there around the room, small holes in the walls. He suspected these were principally for the purpose of allowing air to filter down from the surface, but they could also allow sound to travel to other chambers. Beomund: "They'll be able to hear any commotion in other rooms," said Beomund to the others as they entered, glancing at some small holes in the walls. Edmund: Edmund waited his turn to drop through the hole, his lips moving in a soundless prayer. Hogar: Though his eye still ached Hogar's aim was still excellent and he threw his hatchet with dangerous accuracy at the head of the purplish goblin by the gong. The creature was struck by the weapon which bit deeply into its flesh, but it did not fall sd: Deoneath took aim and let his poison arrow fly at the goblin, which was reeling from Hogar's hatchet. The arrow seemed to only graze the creature's check, but then the poison burned into it. It gave a gurgling cry and fell convulsing and frothing at the mouth. sd: "Sound the alarm! JUSTICE! FOR CYNINGHAM!" cried the nearest human, a tall red-haired man, grabbing for a bow. sd: the orcs rushed to the attack, while the second human, a woman, moved towards the gong while picking up her own bow Edmund: Edmund ran up the corridor and threw himself boldy through the hatch, rolling to stand upright with only a slight stagger. Beomund: "Any human who surrenders will be spared," cried Beomund, though not so loudly as the red-haired man had. "And we will help make sure justice is done for your town!" Leofric: Leofric prepared for the fights Beomund: Beomund rushed forward and an orc rushed back. They swung their greathammers at the same time, and although Beomund's headed toward the orc's side, its own hammer knocked his blow away. Beomund: edit: knocked his blow away with a shower of sparks. Hogar: Hogar moved to protect Deoneath from an approaching orc while reaching for his own battle-axe, for melee. Edmund: Edmund fired at the woman, trying to stop her getting to the gong. "Put down your weapons, and let us help you." sd: the woman took an arrow to the arm, but gritted her teeth through the pain and continued towards the gong. Hogar: "We'd rather not kill you."said Hogar as he drew his axe Leofric: Leofric climbed down the ladder and glanced around, ready for the fight and eyed the others, "Truely." Beomund: Beo recovered from the parried blow by spinning back around, using the force of the spin to swing his hammer at the orc. It crunched into the creature's helm, and though the mighty orc remained standing, it was dazed. Edmund: Edmund fired at the woman again, hitting her other arm this time, but the dogged survivor remained on her feet. Hogar: Hogar swung his axe at the orc facing him, biting deep into the creature's arm and throwing it to the ground with the force of his blow. sd: Deoneath nocked his second poisoned arrow, whirled, and fired at the woman who was reaching for the gong's mallet. His arrow struck her leg and poison coursed through her, but she fought through the pain and rang the gong. The chamber reverberated with the sound. "Into the tunnels!" the human man shouted. "Move!" Beomund: Beomund tried to take advantage of his last hit to strike the orc again, but it was conscious enough to successfully deflect his blow. Edmund: Edmund drew another arrow, muttering curses under his breath. sd: one of the humans backed off and fired at Deoneath, who rolled beneath the shot and came up with another arrow at the ready. Hogar: Hogar hacked violently at the fallen orc's arm, the wickedly sharp axe slicing through armor, flesh and bone and severing the limb, leaving the creature dead on the ground as the gory stump sprouted blood. sd: the remaining goblin made towards the trapdoor at the rear of the room, holding its shield up protectively Leofric: Leofric quickly moved behind the orc facing behind Beomund really to kill him. Hogar: edit: change 'sprouted' to 'spouted' Leofric: Leofric attacked the head with his fine longsword and slammed it behind him, drawing blood. Beomund: Beomund swung at the orc just as its head was jerking forward from Leofric's blow. The hammer crushed its skull, and the orc fell with barely more than a bloody jaw left above its shoulders. Edmund: As their opponents fled, Edmund once again targetted the young woman who had run the gong. His arrow struck in her already wounded leg and she fell to the ground, bleeding heavily. You whisper to Hogar: dimly heard noise elsewhere in the complex, and he thought for a moment the pain in his eye lessened, for a very brief instant, before the throbbing began anew Hogar: "Don't kill her if you can help it!"said Hogar Hogar: "I hear something!"said Hogar, his left eye blinking irregularly again sd: the goblin flung open the trapdoor, while the remaining human moved forward and knelt next to his wounded companion, preparing to lift her onto his shoulder. Edmund: "She's implicated in slavery, murder and blood magic," Edmund shouted. "Stop them!" Leofric: Leofric attempted to rush toward to the trap doors Edmund: Edmund targetted the young man, but his shot went wide. "Stop them!" Hogar: Hogar gestured with his axe and tried to chant something as they advanced towards their escaping foes, likely trying to cast a spell, but nothing happened sd: Deoneath also fired at the young man, but his arrow sailed wide and skittered over towards the trapdoor. The young man lifted his wounded companion over his shoulder and struggled towards the trapdoor Leofric: Leofric immdeiately made for the trap door at fastest possible speed Beomund: Beomund did the same, moving around the opposite side of the table in the center. Hogar: Hogar ran as fast as he could Leofric: Leofric quickly sprinted to the trap doors but just missed the surviors of this battle sd: Leofric gazed down into the tunnels below, which were like those they had passed through before, a tangled mess of narrow, winding corridors. He saw another vampire sconce on the wall, but more to the point, he saw two goblins - one which had been the one who leapt down before, and another - advancing towards the bottom of the stairs, curved swords at the ready, while the human man managed to hastily make it down with his unconscious countrywoman over his shoulder. Leofric: "Lovely!" Leofric replied cheerfully, "More tunnels! And more fun goblins!" sd: "Come down and I'll show you a wonderful time!" one of the goblins shouted back in Gaston. Leofric: "Amazing, A goblin that speak fluent Gaston. I must write this down in my book, after utterly destorying this pitiful group for merely in the way." Leofric: "Beside, Blood drinker, you will get your wish eventually" Leofric: Leofric quickly came down, ready for the fight, clearing finding them amusing. Beomund: Beomund hurried down after Leofric, swinging at the other goblin. The creature managed to deflect most of the force of his blow, but it still struck its leg with some force. The creature flicked its own blood straight into Beomund's eyes, sending the smith reeling. Leofric: Leofric glanced at the goblin impassionately and then attacked with his fine longsword quickly. The stab was so powerful that it turns the goblin's sword arm into useless wreck. "Bit weak." Leofric muttered to himself with irritation.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jan 10, 2015 15:47:08 GMT
Leofric: Leofric fighting in the narrowness of the tunnel, thrusted forward to attack the Goblin so recently wounded but the goblin managed to parry it, if barely. Beomund: Beomund attempted to thrust his hammer forward to knock back the goblin in front of him, but his blindness made the jabs wild, and the creature dodged them easily. Hogar: As he saw Beomund blinded and hard-pressed by the goblins, Hogar gestured with his axe, chanting some words that were obviously meant to be a spell, but nothing happened sd: the goblin slashed back at Beomund, but fortunately the sword struck the wall and went glancing by the blinded warrior sd: they saw another goblin come around the corner, while the human man bore his wounded companion on his shoulder away from the fight Edmund: Seeing their quarry disappear through the trapdoor, Edmund sprinted accross the room towards it. Leofric: Leofric eyed the goblin coming over the goblin;s head, "At least they will show the way to the heart..." He muttered to himself as he reached out with his strike again and once again, it managed to parry itself Beomund: Beomund continued to thrust forward at the goblin, hoping that at the very least the attacks would keep the creature off balance. Hogar: Moving closer to the trapdoor and looking frustrated at not being able to join the melee in the tunnel, Hogar tried to cast a spell again but failed sd: Deoneath ran up by the trapdoor, but with the crowd at the bottom he could neither join the fray nor take a shot. The third goblin continued to advance, though it, too, would have a hard time finding a place in the tight tunnels Leofric: Leofric made a desperate stab at the other Goblin who dares to attack him and managed to wound it in its weapon arm through it magical force Beomund: Beomund grunted as he kept jabbing forward, blinking wildly and finally managing to see through the spatter of blood on his face. You whisper to Hogar: through the tumult, Hogar could hear the noise of more feet in the passages below, though it was impossible to tell if they were moving nearer or further away Hogar: "More are coming! Or running away, I cannot tell."said Hogar, who had obviously heard something Leofric: Leofric glanced upward, "Oh good! More coming then!" He glanced down and made another attempt to kill this goblin in front of him and it managed to parry again. sd: "Many, many more!" the creature snarled in Gaston, taking the blow on its shield. Edmund: Unable to get past the mass of bodies, Edmund turned to Deoneath, casting a spell to inflame his arrows. Beomund: Finally able to see, Beomund swung his hammer with more precision, slamming into a goblin and sending it staggering back, knocking one of it's allies to the hard ground and falling prone itself. "Let them all come!" he cried. "And we shall squash them like so many cockroaches!" Leofric: Leofric laughed softly as he watched the scene before him. sd: unable to fire down into the melee, Deoneath retrieved a vial of poison and applied it to his arrow. sd: regretting its boasting, the goblin slashed wildly at Beomund from the ground, but the blow was deflected away on the haft of his hammer. sd: the other goblin stood woozily, while its companion, gazing at Beomund and seeing, in that moment, how many foes were above, faltered for a moment and called out behind it in the goblin tongue. Beomund: Beomund advanced through the opening he'd made, allowing Leofric to follow and opening up space for the others to climb down. Hogar: Seeing some space Hogar quickly climbed down the trapdoor sd: one of the Watchmen followed down, brandishing the spear that Edmund had enchanted Leofric: Taking advantage of Beo's clearing the ways, Leofric wounded it slightly more in its weapon army sd: the Watchman drove his spear down into the fallen creature's arm, slicing an artery and leaving the creature to bleed out on the ground Beomund: Advancing methodically in a half crouch, the old stance that let the big man fight in crowded siege tunnels back in his war years, Beomund swung casually at the goblin that was standing up. His blow shattered its arm, and it fell to the ground with glassy eyes. Beomund said nothing more, simply turning his cold gaze at the last remaining goblin. Leofric: Leofric glared at the single lone Goblin who is clearly outnumbered by four to one and the odds is increasingly stacked against it. sd: the goblin began to back away, knowing its peril Hogar: Hogar tried and failed again to cast a spell, though this time it seemed targetted at himself rather than their foes Leofric: Leofric starts to move forward toward goblin Edmund: Edmund jumped down, but this time his landing was not so assured. He picked himself up with a sheeping grin. sd: Deoneath climbed down beside him, arrow trained on the fleeing goblin Leofric: Leofric made a decision to stow his fine longsword away and his fingers reached for the crossbow, eyeing the goblin as they approach as its impending doom sd: Deoneath shot a fiery arrow into the goblin, and it crumpled against the wall and was still Leofric: Leofric dusted off his loaded crossbow, the ideal weapon for more civilised era and ready to fire its bolt into next unfortunate enemy they faced sd: as the party rounded the corner, they saw the human survivor, still slowed by the weight of his unconscious companion. He shouted at a goblin to stay back to hold the passage, but ignoring him, it darted down a narrow corridor ahead. Leofric: Leofric made sure his shield is not in the way of able to use the crossbow sd: the man began to pick up his pace, seeing the party behind him, but he was slowed greatly by his burden Leofric: While the others ran toward the fleeing enemy, Leofric narrowed his eyes as he made his steady stroll and targeted his crossbow at him, amazingly enough, it struck him in his chest as the man glanced back nervously. Clearly the crossbow bolt digged in in a way that is making the man uncomfrtable. sd: the force of the bolt jolted the man forward. Already, in his running, the woman's wounds had reopened, but now he lost his grip in the blood and she went skidding onto the floor. "Faithless coward!" the man shouted after the retreating goblin. He turned to face the onrushing party. "Come on then. FOR JUSTICE!" Leofric: Leofric sighed sadly as he stowed away his recently fired crossbow, "We are also here for justice and indeed, prevent your group from making a terrible mistake." Beomund: "Stand down!" added Beomund as he slowed his pace. "You and your friend can live. We know why you fight, and will seek justice for your families as well, but for now we can't have you in our way. We have our own innocents to protect." Edmund: "Hold hard!" Edmund's voice was commanding. "Don't throw away your lives. At least listen to what we have to say!" sd: the man reached for his spear, bloody hands fumbling on the shaft. His eyes were ablaze with hatred, but he glanced down at his dying companion for a moment and wavered. "Only for her. We'll have our vengeance today anyhow." Hogar: Hogar had been trailing a bit behind Beomund, likely slowed by his heavier armor. He seemed relieved to see the human survivors had surrended when he caught up with the others Edmund: "Put down your weapon and we will care for her," Edmund said calmly. sd: the man threw down his spear and sat on the ground. Leofric: During the discussions with the human survivors, Leofric quickly changed to sword and shield mode sd: "You'll want to suck the poison out of that wound," Deoneath said calmly, pointing to where his arrow had pierced the woman earlier. "It'll fester otherwise." He prepared another poisoned arrow, knowing the goblins were still out there. You whisper to Hogar: Hogar's eye continued to throb with pain, though he was sure the source was nearby. Edmund: "We have your companion Odalric in custody," Edmund said. "We know why you are doing this. We also have the gang which were working for Drefen. Now we want to find that evil man before he commits further atrocities." Hogar: Hogar set to the task of trying to treat the woman's wound, following Deoneath's advice to suck the poison out. Though he managed to remove the arrow without causing further damage to her, he seemed worried and tense as he did so, as if he was himself in pain - it was obvious his eye was acting up again sd: the man shrugged. "Do as you will." Leofric: Leofric eyed Hogar with a hint of concern and made a suggestion that they ought to hurry. Edmund: "This blood magic is wrong, you know that," Edmund continued. "If you end it now, we can help you gain true justice, without harming those who are innocent of this wrong." Hogar: "Yes. What you suffered must have been horrible, but it is no justification to involve other innocents."said Hogar sd: "And where are these innocents?" the man spat while one of the Watchmen tied him up. "If it's wrong, stop us, if you can." The Watchman stuffed a gag in the man's mouth before he could say more. "Probably best if he can't shout a warning," he said. Beomund: Beomund nodded. "Time is of the essence." He moved to glance down the small passage to their right. sd: the passage forked ahead of them - one led to what was clearly the latrine, which reeked of the wastes of three species, while the narrow path the goblin had fled down was off to the right. Edmund: Edmund sighed as he looked down on the two survivors. "I doubt if we will be able to convince them. So much harm has been done to them..." Leofric: Leofric starts walking toward the narrow path, following Beo Hogar: Hogar nodded. "Still, Drefen must be stopped, whatever it takes. Onward" Beomund: Beomund led the party by the same route the fleeing goblin had taken. sd: as they rushed, Deoneath began to skid to a halt. "Breathing. There, and there," he said, pointing first up the side passage Leofric and Beomund were passing, and then indicating around by the latrine. Edmund: Edmund looked along the corridor at the latrine. sd: "Cut off their retreat!" Deoneath shouted, pointing ahead to where the latrine corridor emerged ahead. Leofric: Leofric nodded at the other two and charged at goblin 6 sd: the goblin, realising it was seen, began to back away. Leofric: Leofric grinned for a moment as he finally caught up with this soon to be dead goblin. Leofric: Leofric attacked the goblin with the full charge and sadly, it managed to defend itself with ease sd: meanwhile, Beomund, Hogar and Deoneath ran to one end of the latrine corridor, while two of the Watchmen ran to the other, cutting off a pair of goblins, one of whom held a bow and the other, a curved sword and shield. Edmund: Edmund ran to the end of the side corridor, where Leofric was challenging a goblin. Leofric: Leofric made a quick jab into its leg and drew some some blood but not enough to do proper wound. Instead, he opted to trip it with a skillful move and to his surprise, it tripped over. You whisper to Edmund: he heard no further sounds beyond the goblin, and to Edmund's eyes he thought the recent tracks in this passage were heading away, further south beyond where Beomund and the others stood. Edmund: Edmund stayed where he was, but he scanned the area for clues to where they should go next. You whisper to Hogar: to his ears, it was clear that there were no others in the tunnels but these three goblins - from the chaotic passage to the south, he suspected the others had fled there, perhaps to another chamber. His eye twitched, and he guessed that the source of the ritual and where the others had gone was one and the same place. sd: the goblin slashed up at Leofric, but his blow was blocked, while the other two creatures prepared themselves, with one raising its bow Hogar: "The others fled to the source of the sorcery!"said Hogar, tensely Leofric: Leofric glanced back at Hogar with an questioning eye and glanced down at the proned goblin and attempted to kill it but annoyingly enough, it is defending itself Beomund: Beomund nodded grimly, knowing they'd have to deal with these goblins quickly and go after the others. He cut off the pair fleeing from the latrine, and quickly dispatched the first with a blow that shattered its knee. Now only one remained between him and the advancing veterans. Edmund: "The tracks lead this way. Let me know if you need help!" Edmund said, moving back into the corridor. Hogar: Hogar threw a hatchet at the goblin behind the one Beomund had just felled - the weapon flew straight and true through the cramped quarters of the tunnels and struck the creature squarely in the chest. The goblin collapsed to the ground in a bloodied heap, gurgling. Leofric: Leofric managed to kill the prone goblin in the end bloodly Hogar: Hogar pointed to a tunnel leading to a trapdoor just before rushing to recover his hatchet "I can feel it, it's coming from there!" he said sd: they rushed on after the footprints, passing several corridors which were marked with the tell-tale vampire head sconce, before finally coming to a ladder leading up to a trapdoor above them. sd: Deoneath retrieved another vial and applied the poison to his arrow, looking up as if expecting the trapdoor to burst open at any moment. Edmund: "Let's hope the trapdoor is at least partially hidden," Edmund said, giving it a calculating look. "Not a good way to go into combat." Leofric: Leofric prepared himself, he about to suggest an idea but gave up on it, ready to storm the trapdoor. Hogar: "I don't know what to expect behind that, except for more goblins. And evil sorcery, of course" Leofric: Leofric nodded and told the others, "Let me check if there is any spells on the trapdoor and beyond" He did a quick check on his surrounding after making a gesture and words You whisper to Leofric: he sensed no magic coming from the trapdoor itself, however clearly the ritual itself was centred directly above them. An intricate flavour tickled his tongue, bitter but strong, and he guessed this was the very mage responsible for the casting. He guessed they were of strong will, but already taxed somewhat from their exertions. Leofric: Leofric shook his head and told the others, "The trapdoor is not trapped, however there is a mage casting the spell and he or she is strong in will but getting tried from doing all the ritual." Hogar: "Time to rush in then, before they complete it!"said Hogar gripping his axe Edmund: Edmund nodded in agreement. Leofric: "I cannot sense any other but always be aware of course that there may be others" Leofric cautioned others. He is ready to storm the castle Leofric: He glanced at Beo, "Would you do the honour?" as he is ready to watch Beo to charge through the trapdoor Beomund: Beomund nodded and took a deep breath before moving up the ladder and toward the ritual. Hogar: Hogar gestured and chanted for a few seconds, obviously intending to cast a spell. This time he completed it successfully. "A minor spell that should let me reach the sorcerer faster." he explained sd: Hogar climbed up the ladder with Beomund close behind him. Taking a breath, he shoved the trapdoor open and leapt up.
The sudden move was all to the well, as several orcs, as well as a goblin and a human woman, were clustered around the trapdoor and had to take a moment to dodge the flying trapdoor, giving the two just enough time to scramble to their feet. They were in a large, circular room with tiles the colour of blood, and a great stone dais carved with mystic sigils in the centre of the room. At the rear of the dais stood the mage, a woman who at one appeared young and filled with fire, and yet also weary and bowed as if with many years of grief and toil. Behind her was a black stone altar. Upon the altar, the eyes of Sinley of the Immerings and the mercenary Cenfrith had been driven onto metal spikes. They had begun to shrivel and wither, though they had only been removed from their owners for several days and such rapid decay was clearly unnatural. Two freshly dead humans, a man and a woman, lay to either side of the altar, their throats cut and their blood spilled out onto the ground.
"Kill them," the mage ordered, and there was time for no more words as the creatures flung themselves at Hogar and Beomund. You whisper to Hogar: the pain in his eye lessened very slightly, as the mage was forced to abandon the ritual and turn her attention to them, however the discomfort still lingered, slightly. Hogar: Hogar's face contorted with disgust and fury as he saw the gory spectacle of the impaled eyes and sacrificial victims. He gripped the hatchet's handle tightly in his fist, preparing to throw it. Leofric: Leofric muttered a prayer to safeguard Beo and Hogar Beomund: Seeing that he and Hogar were surrounded and outnumbered, Beomund took some defensive swings with his hammer, keeping the enemy back so that he would have space to move aside and let his companions up the ladder. Edmund: Edmund stared up, muttering to himself as if casting a spell, but somehow it just didn't come right. You whisper to Leofric: as the combat began above, Leofric sensed the magic of the ritual fade. Though it was no longer being actively cast, he thought it lingered somehow, as the rite had gone on for such a time that some of the effect had already been made manifest. Hogar: Hogar raised his hatchet, moving as if to attack the orc facing him, and then suddenly twisted and hurled it at the sorceress instead, who was able to throw herself out of the way at the last moment. Leofric: Leofric frowned with concern, "Hmm, feel like the mage got distracted but it is possible that the ritual may be already close to finish. sd: a human woman raised a spear and tried to keep in range of Beomund, but as she did, one of her comrades fired at him and instead the arrow struck her in the arm. sd: a goblin and orc slashed at Hogar, but he dodged one blow and the second struck his shield. sd: the mage stood and began to move round behind the altar Leofric: Leofric quickly rushed up the ladder with muderous intention to destory the mage. Leofric: After stepping off the ladder, Leofric glanced around at the enemies and replied, "Well..." Beomund: Beomund used his opening to move out of the melee, trying to advance on the mage, but an orc followed him and cut off his approach. Leofric: Leofric attacked to his right, a woman fighting him and found his blow blocked. sd: in the moment that Beomund moved, Deoneath took advantage and fired up at the woman. His poisoned arrow sliced through the air and drove straight into and through her leg, and she crumped, bleeding profusely Beomund: The intervening orc was slow to defend itself, and Beomund swung over its shield, striking a heavy blow to its head that left the creature senseless. sd: the mage began to cast a spell, looking at Beomund Hogar: Hogar drew his heavier axe, fit for melee, as he faced the orc and, behind him, the sorceress sd: two of the humans fired at Beomund, but their arrows failed to penetrate his mail and they dropped their bows. The one nearest, who had shot already, drew a spear Leofric: Leofric quickly made some room for other of his peers to climb up and edged around the goblin which attempt to hit him and attacked Leofric: It looks like the goblin will be able to bypass his defence but happily for Leofric, the goblin gave up hope and settled for defending itself. Edmund: Edmund sprang up the ladder, and immediately spotted the mage who was staring at Beomund. He quickly fired and the arrow sped to its target, plunging into the woman's gut. Hogar: Hogar raised his battle-axe and swung at the orc, the weapon thundering with tremendous violence as it met the creature's forehead and clove through his helm and part of his skull skull, leaving him dazed and grievously wounded though alive sd: the humans moved to put themselves between Beomund and the mage, readying their melee weapons Leofric: Leofric still focusing on fighting his goblin made another foray but was unsuccessful Hogar: As the orc facing him was no threat for the moment, Hogar quickly attacked beside him, striking down the goblin threatening Leofric with another well-placed strike to the head sd: the mage began to cast another spell, though there was a ragged edge to her voice Leofric: Leofric looked at Hogar with respect as Hogar's skill was polished to the point that it erase smaller monsters from the field of conflict with a mere backlash. He starts to move toward to other enemies, especially toward to the mage. Hogar: Leaving the veteran to deal with the orc, Hogar advancd towards the mage and the altar Hogar: edit: advanced sd: the remaining Watchmen came up the stairs, and quickly butchered the stunned orc with their enchanted spears. Leofric: Leofric eyed the mage and warned Beomund, "Look out! She is trying to shrink your weapon!" Beomund: "She'll have to shrink my bare hands if she wishes to stop me!" called back Beomund. sd: the mage's spell never finished, however - though she had taken cover behind the altar, Edmund fired a vicious arrow that tore a great gash across the back of her head. The mage was wearing a metal cap and thus was saved from death, however her spell, along with the battle, was clearly lost. "We'll surrender," she called. "It makes no difference, you're too late as it is." Hogar: Hogar seemed almost surprised by the surrender of their foe, but he let the others speak for him You whisper to Hogar: his eye continued to twitch, though it was not so noticeable now, whether because the ritual had stopped or if he had just grown used to the sensation Beomund: Beomund went about collecting their foes' weapons as Leofric spoke, shaking his head at the sickening sight of the ritual. Leofric: Leofric still at ready frowned for a moment as he approached the mage, "I noticed. Some effects of the ritual have already occured. So, precisely what is the ritual intends to do?" sd: "I have laid a curse on the Bloodied Eye Brotherhood. Your disruption means it will not have its full effect, but it will be enough, and last long enough for what needs to be done," replied the mage. Hogar: "What curse, and what 'needs to be done'?"asked Hogar, trying to hold back his anger sd: "What else? They are already the Brotherhood of Bloodied Eyes and Bloodied Hands. Cynwise and the main part of our forces are making their way above to make of them Bloodied Corpses." The mage smiled grimly. Edmund: "But they won't only be fighting the Bloodied Eyes. We can not let this violence go unchecked in the city," Edmund said. Hogar: "Not if I we can help it, they won't."answered Hogar no less grimly sd: "You can't. By the time the sun's risen, every Bloodied Eye in Phalen will be dead, and so will everyone else who would defend them." Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment, "I see. And who is this Cynwise?" He sighed for a moment, Beomund: "You and your friends are confident," said Beomund. "But we've witnessed what happens when your confidence runs into us." sd: "You've defeated the remnants of our forces here, and Odalric - or I assume it was you who defeated him. Our best warriors have gone with our leader, Cynwise of Cyningham, and you have not met her like in battle before." Leofric: "And she would never met like of us in battle as well." Leofric muttered, "Right, simple enough." Edmund: "I think you would be surprised at the things we've met," Edmund said with a grim smile. "But whatever she is, we can't step back from defending the people of Phalen, and that includes innocent members of the Bloodied Eyes. But we will bring the guilty to justice, whether it is you or Drefen or any other murderer." Hogar: "Whover this Cynwise is, she will not find us to be easy foes." said Hogar to the woman sd: "We've spent our lives waiting to take down the vile Brotherhood. Who are these innocent ones, are they the ones who did nothing about the slaughter of our kin? Their oath says they will hunt down anyone who kills children, but they did nothing of the sort. At first they didn't even believe Drefen had done anything, you can read the records yourself if you wish," said the mage. Edmund: "That might be difficult," Edmund looked at Hogar. "Those who committed the attrocity, those who covered it up and those who refused to take action should all be punished. But I know members of the Brotherhood who have nothing to do with any of this, and would give up their lives to defend children." Beomund: "True enough," said Beomund. "But we'd best get to aiding them. This conversation will be no use to us now." Hogar: Hogar nodded "Whatever happened, it was monstrous, and it was a stain on our honour..."he said "But that cannot justify what YOU have done here!" he added, glancing at the bodies of the sacrificed beside the altar sd: "Willing sacrifices so that our kin can finally be avenged. We would have drawn straws, but they volunteered." Leofric: "So be it." Leofric replied, "Only time will tell what will happen next. Ulimately, your and their efforts may be fruitless" Leofric prepared for the journey up. "However, we will track down Drefen and his group and drag them to justice, whatever they like it or not. They also commited other injustices as well after all." Hogar: Hogar grimaced when it was confirmed how far these people were going to go in their quest for vengeance. He spoke up "Others were not so willing, however. And you have allied with orcs and goblins, which makes yourself hardly better. Still..." he turned to Beomund "I agree this is not the time for more words. We have to get back to the surface"
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jan 17, 2015 15:05:17 GMT
sd: learning that Cynwise, the leader of the survivors, had gone above to attack the Bloodied Eye's compound, the party hastily prepared to get back above ground. By now, many of the foes they had fought had died of their wounds, but they gathered together those few who were alive, stripped them of their equipment, and bound them securely. Deoneath would be helping to guide the party back to the surface, but the remaining Watchmen would remain behind to guard the prisoners, and to gather up what information there was that could be of use to the group or to the Watch. One of the survivors said that Cynwise had gone out via a ladder that led up from the central chamber, so the party made for that. Deoneath gave his men some last instructions and then moved to join the group. Leofric: Leofric looked confident at the upcoming battle and muttered to himself with a hint of worry, "I hope we can get there in time." He glanced at Deo, "Glad that you are helping us." He glanced at the ladder, ready for the fight. Beomund: "Be careful Hogar," said Beomund as they reached the ladder. "That ritual's effect might have weakened you - though I'm sure even weakened you're more than a match for anyone among the enemy." Edmund: Edmund swung his bow onto his shoulder and prepared to ascend. Hogar: "Let's go!" said Hogar in a hurry "I am looking forward to see this Cynwise fights." he added sd: the party climbed up the ladder and opened a trapdoor to find themselves in another narrow corridor. This led to another maze, but fortunately they had already discovered that they simply needed to avoid the vampire head sconces, and at any rate it was clear a number of people had been through here recently and they could simply follow their tracks. Soon they came to another ladder and clambered up and back to Alanian Undercity. Looking around, they recognised that they were on the opposite side of the large ravine they had seen earlier from the temple of Kalharz. With Deoneath at their head, they wound their way up.
After a few minutes, they looked down into a hidden alcove, sheltered by a shelf of crumbling stone which appeared to have once been the wall of some large building. There had clearly been the chief encampment of the goblins and orcs - there were a number of firepits there, and weapons, food, drink, and other equipment that had been left haphazardly around the site. Deoneath guessed the camp could have held about forty or fifty of the creatures, though some may have been amongst those they had already fought. Leofric: "Hmm" Leofric frowned for a moment, "Potentially outnumbering the Brotherhood?" He eyed Hogar, "Any idea on how many Brotherhood members roughly at one time staying at their base?" He asked curiously Edmund: Edmund said looking down at the camp. "And is there any way we can catch up with this force, or get warning to the Brotherhood." sd: "A small group can move more quicky than a large one," said Deoneath. He pulled out one of the Undercity maps he had taken from the Watch barracks, looked at it, then nodded. "There's a sealed entrance not far from the Brotherhood compound, we should be able to open it," he said. Hogar: "I think twenty, maybe twenty five at most."said Hogar to Leofric "We are good fighters, as you may know, I would not be too worried for my brothers if it wasn't for whatever curse the sorceress cast which would count for a larger disadvantage than mere numbers." Leofric: "May they be safe" Leofric muttered a quick prayer on their behalf as they made their way sd: Deoneath took the lead. With his great knowledge of the Undercity, honed in countless expeditions, he wove through numerous short cuts and hidden trails. As he went, he retrieved pieces of coloured chalk from his equipment and hastily scrawled strange symbols here and there as they went, explaining that any Watch patrols that happened by them would know to head either for the surface or to the relief of the Watchmen in the fane, depending on how soon they found the messages.
Deoneath, Edmund and Beomund were able to follow the tracks left in the wake of Cynwise's vengeful force. They guessed they had gone by perhaps an hour and a half before, but as Deoneath had said, they would be slowed by their numbers.
Deoneath's memory, however, could not account for the shifting landscape of the Undercity. They came to one passage he thought had been a short cut, however a wall had crumbled and was now blocking their path. Edmund and Beomund quickly went to work, finding the weak point in the wall and fashioning a crude ram from a broken beam they were able to retrieve from nearby. Beomund smashed down the wall, they hastened onwards. Soon they came to a broken building, and after Beomund judged it (relatively) safe, they clambered up and found themselves back on the Undercity's first layer, the Gaston Undercity.
Remembering a document he had read in Sigrun's study, Leofric was able to determine where in the old city they were, and they were able to navigate towards the sealed entrance Deoneath had mentioned. They came to one place where the ground was beginning to give way and had become treacherous. Attaching ropes around Deoneath and Edmund's middles, the two carefully stepped across the crumbling stone. Once they were across, Hogar and Beomund drove pitons into the stone, and they were able to pull themselves across, hand over hand, avoiding the shattered stone. Finally, Deoneath climbed up over the wreckage of a bridge and into a hidden alcove, like a pocket in the stone, which led to the sealed entrance, which was a heavy wooden door laid with iron bars. Deoneath was able to unlock the door, and they came out into a narrow passage. There were two more locked doors here, but Deoneath opened these as well and they came out into a cellar.
The owner of the house, a man in his mid-fifties, did not seem surprised to see them, and the mere fact he was awake mid-way through the night was a bad sign. He explained that he had heard horn blasts a few minutes before which woke him, and he had woken and retrieved his spear in case, though he did not expect to need to fight himself. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment on hearing that man mentioned the horn blasts, "Greetings." He muttered politely. Hogar: "I'll try to remember this path if we ever end up in the Undercity again..."said Hogar when they entered the cellar and met the man Edmund: "Did you hear which direction the horn came from?" Edmund asked the man. sd: Deoneath handed the man a few coins, as this was the agreement the Watch had whenever they needed to use the entrance, and the man retrieved a set of keys from a safe. "From the northeast," he said. "Towards the river." Leofric: Leofric thanked him, "Thank you for your time." He looked ready to charge into the fray. Hogar: Hogar thanked him and set off with the others - time was of the essence Beomund: Beomund gave the man a quick salute. "To arms, then!" he said, moving toward the door. sd: they rushed out of the man's house and into the night. The Prophet's Star was golden tonight, and though fatigue from their long night burned them, they rushed on towards the Brotherhood compound, near to the river.
They heard another horn blast as they went, and this hastened their steps. As they moved, they heard clear sounds of combat in the night. Some of the city's people were going door to door, waking their neighbours and preparing to defend themselves, if needed. The most warlike had already gone towards the battle, which they soon heard had broken out not far from the compound.
As they came near to the compound, it was clear battle had already been joined there, but they guessed the main fight was a few streets away. The Brotherhood's compound was like a miniature fortress in the middle of Phalen, surrounded by twenty foot high stone walls and battlements. As they approached, they saw a fire had been kindled in the street nearby, and there was an unfamiliar standard on the walls.
They burst out of a side street and found themselves under the compound's walls. They could hear the clash of steel from the central courtyard, however more pressing to them were the creatures nearby. A human man and a goblin were strewing oil-sodden clothes on the ground, while an orc stood nearby, striking a torch and looking bored. At the party's approached, they clutched their weapons and readied for battle. Hogar: As they frantically approached the compound, Hogar focused, chanting and gesturing, obviously casting some spell which resulted in him and Beomund moving slightly faster - so that they could reach their foes sooner to deal them death and violence Edmund: Edmund had quickly passed his hand over his own and Deoneath's arrows, muttering the words which brought them alight, and then moved on to Hogar's axe which glinted sharply in the light. Leofric: Leofric performed some spells that give Hogar and himself some modest protection against the fights sd: Deoneath fired at the human, piercing his arm heavily so that the man dropped his bow. Hogar is disconnected. sd: the goblin and orc rushed towards them as the sound of battle continued in the courtyard. The wounded man, however, began to move away Hogar has connected. Hogar: Hogar was wielding two hatchets, a change from his usual axe-and-shield style. He threw one at the charging orc, the weapon striking with force the creature's belly and almost but not quite unbalancing it Leofric: Leofric starts sprinting toward the enemies, although it is not clear excatly which one he is targeting Edmund: Edmund fired at the orc, just missing it by a hair's breadth. Hogar: Hogar threw his second hatchet at the orc facing Leofric and Beomund. The weapon whirled through the hair and viciously cut the orc's knee, and the creature fell in pain. Leofric: Leofric rushed toward the Orc, steel determination in his eyes. He smiled as he watched the Orc in front of him was quickly tripped by a casual throw by his peer, Hogar. Taking advantage of the Orc is attempting to get up, he stabbed it in its abdomen, clearly increasing the wound. Beomund: Beomund rushed up beside Leofric. The creature managed to deflect the major force of his hammer swing, though it was lightly struck on the leg. sd: the fleeing man shouted up at the archers on the walls, pointing out the party sd: Deoneath fired at the man as he fled, but only lightly wounded his leg Hogar: Hogar moved to reach Beomund and Leofric, not yet running but preparing to do so Leofric: Leofric made another attack but sadly, despite all possible advantage handed over to Leofric on the silver platter, he managed to hit the harder part of the Orc's amount. Beomund: Beomund battered again at the goblin, and the hapless creature could not hold back the force of his blows. The hammer slammed into its stomach, crushing its innards, and it fell dead to the cobblestones. Leofric: leaving the Orc still alive Leofric: Leofric eyed the fallen Orc and sighed dismissively, "We will deal with you later" He rushed toward the main fray. Edmund: Edmund rushed after the others, heading for the main gate. Hogar: Hogar sprinted, his wickedly sharp great-axe held in his hands and quickly overtook Leofric, but still trailed some distance behind Beomund Beomund: Beomund hurried forward before the group, propelled by Hogar's spell of speed. sd: the orc they had left behind stood groggily sd: the archers on the walls snapped shots at them as they rushed forward, but the arrows sailed wide Leofric: Leofric glanced at the arrows missed them as they ran toward to the gap of the fire, "We will prevail!" Edmund: Edmund raced after the others but they seemed to be getting further ahead of him and the Orc was panting up behind. Beomund: Beomund raced around the walls of the fortress, turning a corner to find orcs and goblins and survivors ahead. He slowed down, not prepared to face that many without at least Hogar by his side. sd: the gate to the Brotherhood compound had been raised, and then the winch controlling it on the walls above damaged, so that it had fallen open. In the gap, a knot of orcs, goblins, and survivors had erected a makeshift barrier, and ahead of that they had set a fire. To either side of the gate were handcarts which were stuffed full of cloth and hay, some of which had obviously been used to set the fire. sd: elsewhere, they could hear the sounds of combat and of horns blowing. Clearly, the majority of Cynwise's forces were still engaged elsewhere, and if they could get to the compound now they might still have a chance. It was impossible to tell over the chaos which side was winning either battle. Leofric: Leofric hurried up ready to charge an enemy as soon as possible as he followed the wall, itching for the fight. Beomund: Beomund and Hogar moved forward and engaged an orc and goblin beside the makeshift barrier. sd: as the party rushed by, two of the archers shot flaming arrows towards the main Brotherhood building, but they sailed wide of a window where one Brother stood, hurling a javelin down at a foe sd: a goblin slashed at Hogar, but the sword went wide Hogar: Hogar slowed down as he approached the orc to deliver a more accurate attack, but the creature was unfortunately able to parry his axe swing anyway Beomund: Beomund took advantage of the opening provided by the orc's defense against Hogar to strike it heavily on the weapon-arm, driving it to the ground. Hogar: As the orc was not an immediate threat, Hogar quickly went for the goblin and chopped his head off with a skillful blow Leofric: Leofric charged at the Orc but missed him with a nasty sword swipe. He sighed for a moment as if this is merely a simple set back. sd: as they fought, they looked to the nearby street and saw a huge orc emerge, with a human at his side Beomund: Seeing the goblin beside him fall, Beomund focused on the prone orc, raising his hammer high and bringing it down to smash the creature's arm into a mound of blood and bone. sd: the orc behind them had nearly caught them up and he had no time to reload, so Deoneath dropped his bow and drew his spear, holding it in both hands sd: a goblin by the barricade fired at Leofric, striking his upraised shield. The creature tossed its bow aside and went for its sword Leofric: Leofric eyed over the shield and pointed his sword at the goblin for a moment, making sure it will be dead as soon as possible. Hogar: "More are coming."said Hogar as he tightened the grip on his axe, fists clenched with anger Edmund: Edmund whirled around and fired at the orc chasing them. The arrow struck its head but bounced off the monster's helmet. Leofric: "And likely be the Orcs..." Leofric shurgged dismissively, "Should be simple enough" He glared at the other enemies, licking his lips. sd: There was a group of three humans, including the one Deoneath had wounded earlier, standing in the gate. They raised their weapons with a cry of "FOR JUSTICE!" and moved towards them Leofric: Leofric moved toward them with a sword and shield upraised to face them, "For the honour of Justice!" He muttered to himself sd: as the orc entered melee range, it raised its axe high above Deoneath. In that split second, the Watchman drove up with his spear, thrusting it straight through its wounded abdomen and out its back. Deoneath rolled clear of the huge corpse and went for his bow that he had dropped. Leofric: EDIT: "FOR THE HONOUR OF THE JUSTICE!" Leofric yelled out disagreeing with their form of justice and knowing it is very cheesy! Hogar: Hogar stood against one of the older, obviously more experienced survivors and swung his great-axe. The man raised his sword to parry and would have caught most of the blow had he been facing a less skilled combatant - but Hogar pushed through and the weapon went clean through his neck. The veteran's head fell to the ground, spinning sd: one of the marksmen one the walls fired at Deoneath, but he dodged nimbly Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly as he took advantage of the beheaded older man, and using this less experienced man's surprise at the ease with Hogar's axe lopped off the head, Leofric followed up with nasty swipe that utterly left this man without the arm, sprouting bloods all over already blood washed street. The three people's charge is increasingly becoming the massacre. Beomund: Immediately after Hogar and Leofric's dispatching of their respective foes, Beomund felled the last nearby survivor with a blow to the head that crushed her skull. He bit his lip, unused to committing such violence against a woman, but turned toward the foes who were approaching, ready to fight. Leofric: Leofric narrowed his eyes as he rushed toward them, after carefully judging the enemies, he approached toward a human, leaving the biggest threat to his bigger friends. Beomund: Beomund and Hogar advanced beside Leofric, facing the massive approaching orc. sd: Leofric took a stab in his leg from the spear of one of the humans sd: a goblin took advantage of Leofric's predicament and slashed at him, but the scribe blocked it with surprising quickness Hogar: Hogar swung again at the fearsome warchief facing him, but the latter parried and their axes clashed together Edmund: Edmund stopped behind one of the carts and scanned around. Seeing one of the survivors with a bow on the battlements, he fired, hitting the man in the chest. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment at the pain, "You shouldn't have done that..." He took his revenge by moving very quickly and stabbed her so heavily in the leg that she collapsed from pain. He eyed at the goblin, "As for you..." Beomund: Seeing the warchief was pressed in combat with Hogar, Beomund struck a mighty blow to the creature's head, one that would have slain any lesser humanoid. This mighty orc, however, was only slightly dazed by the great fracture in his skull. Hogar: Hogar took advantage of Beomund's attack, gathering all of his strength for a moment and then hacking at the thick neck of the staggered orc, cutting through and slaying the creature. Its headless body feel to the ground in a pool of blood. sd: more orcs came out of a side street just as the war chief fell sd: an arrow sailed over Deoneath's head as he recovered his bow and began to load it sd: the shaken goblin slashed at Hogar, but the blow was parried easily Hogar: Recovering fom the powerful swing Hogar lashed out at the goblin between him and Leofric, tearing a gash into its head. The creature collapsed. Hogar: "Let's go help them inside!"said Hogar, pointing to the courtyard where the battle raged Leofric: Leofric paid attention to his surrounding, "Sound like there is some horses are panicing." He quickly mentioned it to Hogar sd: a woman on the walls shot at Edmund, but he was able to roll under the shot Leofric: EDIT: "Sound like horses inside are panicing" Leofric: Leofric starts sprinting as well, following Beomund. Beomund: Beomund hurried in through the gate into the Brotherhood compound. sd: one of the humans was moving towards the stable with the panicking horses. Two Brothers, who were at windows on the highest storey of the main building, flung javelins down at him, but they struck the man's shield and he ducked into the building Hogar: Taking time to recover his axe after his last blow, Hogar moved more slowly, barely entering the compound and trailing behind Leofric sd: seeing a group of orcs were coming up, Deoneath moved towards one of the handcarts, meaning to spring up onto it Edmund: Edmund moved around the nearest handcart, trying to get out of reach of the orcs. Beomund: Beomund continued to run at magically enhanced speed, going for the stairs to reach the enemy archers. Leofric: Leofric glanced back at Hogar with a hint of worry but it look like he is confident at this fight and rushed toward the stable sd: there was a terrible battle going on in the courtyard. On the nearest side, by a well, the ground was awash with blood, guts, and bodies, but the current fight was occuring on the other side. As the party approached, one Brother slashed down on a woman's head, slicing it in half with a terrific swipe from his sword Beomund: "Hail Brothers! One of the enemy went into the stables!" called Beomund to the Brothers as he entered the compound. sd: Leofric rushed towards the stable just in time to see the man hurl open the door to one of the stalls Hogar: "Help them in the courtyard!" Hogar called out to Beomund and Leofric "I'll hold the orcs off there." sd: Deoneath sprang athletically up onto the cart, balancing perfectly on its highest point. With another leap he flung himself up at the walls to the compound and was able to catch the ledge Leofric: Leofric glanced at the man, "Seriously... playing a prank?" He told him with disapproval tone. He shouted at the others "One of your brothers is still in front of the gate fighting the orcs!" Hogar: Alone against three orcs Hogar fought fiercely, knocking one unconscious with a vicious blow to the head and then turning around to strike another, who was dazed and thrown to the ground by the powerful attack. Beomund: Beomund reached the archers on the walls, who had dropped their bows and picked up spears. His first blow flew well above the nearest woman's head. sd: the door to the armoury, south of the main building, suddenly burst open, and a lanky red-haired woman burst out. She bore a halberd in her hands, which was bloody and bits of bone and brain clung to the blade. Four other humans came out with her, but they did not move with her unnatural grace and speed. She surveyed the scene in the courtyard quickly. "Even if we die, you're coming with us. FOR JUSTICE!" she cried.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jan 21, 2015 20:35:39 GMT
sd: as Cynwise emerged from one of the outbuildings, Deoneath was hanging from the wall to the compound, after leaping up from the cart. He swiftly pulled himself up and vaulted onto the battlements, landing not far from where Beomund was engaged in a battle with a trio of survivors. sd: in the stables, one of the survivors opened the door to one of the stalls, shouting to spook the horses. Two made to bolt, and the man flung himself aside, clearly meaning to open the second stall as well. sd: the knot of Brothers near the well, meanwhile, having finally gained victory in their fight, prepared to rush towards Cynwise and her bodyguards. sd: the woman fighting Beomund stabbed at him with her spear, but it flew wide. Hogar: Hogar attacked the one orc that was still a threat, but the creature raised its own axe and parried the blow Leofric: Leofric made a very vain attempt to calm the horses down but unable to do so. Beomund: Beomund responded to the survivor's clumsy blow with a powerful arcing swing of his hammer. It struck her in the arm with a crunching of bone, and she was driven back to the battlements, tumbling over them and falling with a shriek into the fire below. sd: the orc battling Hogar swung his huge axe down, but Hogar bulled forward, catching the blow on his shield and catching the orc off balance. With a sweep of his leg he sent the creature sprawling to the ground. sd: edit - axe haft, not shield Leofric: Leofric decided to get out of the horses but staying close to the stable by its wall. sd: two horses bolted from the stable and immediately ran towards the shattered gate. The survivor who had opened their gate was able to leap aside at the last moment to avoid being trampled sd: Deoneath had climbed the wall, but as he prepared himself one of the survivors fired at him and struck him deep with an arrow. He backed away, pulling the arrow out with a bloody yank. Hogar: Quickly surveying the situation Hogar took a few steps backwards and pressed himself against the gate, obviously trying to avoid the trampling horses while hoping they would finish off the orcs instead. Beomund: Beomund pushed forward on the battlements, closing in on the archer who had just struck Deoneath. sd: Cynwise and her guards moved to engage the ttwo Bloodied Eyes who had emerged from the main barracks. With a cry of hatred, she brought her halberd crashing down on one Brother's shield. Though he escaped harm, the great length of her weapon held him at bay. Leofric: Leofric closed his eyes and muttered a quick spell, granting a modest protection on himself. sd: the woman Beomund had engaged with drew a shield to protect herself from the onslaught, while Cynwise's guards slashed at the Brothers desperately huddling at the door, awaiting their comrades reinforcement. One took a heavy blow on his arm, which had no armour at all, and he fell bleeding profusely from his wound. Hogar: Hogar quickly moved out of the way of the trampling horses entering the compound proper, finding himself beside Edmund Beomund: Rushing forward with magically enhanced speed, Beomund reached the veteran before she could adequately prepare her defenses. He knocked her shield aside, grabbing her by the collar with one hand while he held his hammer just below the head in the other. He pulled her toward him and slammed the hammer forward at the same time, bashing into the side of her face. She slumped senseless in his grip, and he tossed her to the ground, turning to face the last enemy between him and Deoneath. sd: the two horses trampled onto the two orcs Hogar had been fighting, one taking a hoof to the head just as it rose. It slumped over, while the second, on the ground, took the full weight of horse down onto its chest and lay stunned as the frightened creatures tore past. The orcs and goblin that were rushing in to join the fray, seeing the fleeing animals, hastily changed direction and moved around the barrier so as to not be trampled themselves. Edmund: Ed sprinted to the steps leading up onto the wall. Leofric: Leofric cheered at the damages that tramping horses did and quickly walked into the stable, ready to kill him, "Nice work, these horses wiped out three orcs!" He eyed the lone survivor. Hogar: "Aye! But two more are coming, and a goblin!" shouted Hogar sd: the man stood unsteadily, spear and shield at the ready as he faced Leofric sd: Cynwise brought her halberd down again, battering on her foe's shield, ignoring the Brothers who were rushing up behind to engage her. sd: the last survivor on the wall stabbed out at Beomund, but the blow was deflected sd: one of the veteran Brothers slashed out at Cynwise, but moving with supernatural speed, she spun and deflected the blow, preventing him from getting inside her deadly reach sd: the Brothers that had entered the fray attacked Cynwise' guards with ruthless efficiency, focusing their attacks on a few of their number to wear them down. One was tripped and was knocked out by a hard blow to her head, while one fell with two swords perforating her abdomen. Leofric: Leofric move closer, his eyes looking at him carefully, ready for the fight Leofric: Leofric smiled for a moment, he muttered a spell almost dismissively, causing a slight cramp in this enemy's leg but this man managed to resist the pain of it for now without an issue. It is almost Leofric was toying with him. sd: Cynwise's remaining guards slashed out, one landing a deep blow on a Brother's unarmoured leg. With a surge of adrenaline, however, he simply fought through the wound, screaming taunts at his foe sd: Cynwise was now greatly outnumbered, and the door opening indicated she would soon have even more foes on her, but she continued to hack away at her foes, keeping them at bay with her great weapon. "FOR JUSTICE!" she cried again. Beomund: Growling with battle-lust, Beomund rushed forward and slammed his hammer into the stomach of the man in front of him. As the man fell in a heap, Beomund turned away from the carnage he had just wrought on the battlements. He gave a quick nod to Deoneath, before looking to the battle down below. sd: "Thank you," Deoneath said, looking unperturbed. He began to nock anothoer arrow, seeing that more foes were rushing towards the compound. sd: *another Hogar: Though with some effort Hogar could see the battle going on, seemed both glad the Brothers had the upper hand and impressed by Cynwise's skill and perseverance. He shouted "Brothers, try not to kill her!" sd: Cynwise swung her halberd again, but in her hate and rage she swung too wildly. Her target slammed his shield out at just the right moment, deflecting her blow onto one of her own guards, striking the surprised woman in the head. Her helm saved her, though she was still dazed and wounded by the blow. sd: one of the Brothers struck at Cynwise, but screaming with rage at her failed attack, she slammed the butt of her halberd into his eye, blinding him momentarily sd: the other Brothers continued their attack, driving another of Cynwise's guards to the floor. Two others had emerged from the barracks and began to advance on Cynwise. Hogar: Though the Brothers kept Cynwise under control, Hogar sprang towards them, perhaps intent on testing his own skills against Cynwise Hogar: edit: sprang = started sprinting Edmund: As Edmund reached the steps he looked around to see Leofric facing off against one of the survivors. Bringing his bow up quickly he fired accross the compound. The fiery arrow buried itself in the man's side. Leofric: Leofric looked surprised for a moment at the arrow that whistled past his ear. He smiled slightly, "That make my work so much easier." He muttered to himself as he moved closer, ready to strike him down. sd: the blinded Brother took a blow as he staggered and was knocked to the ground, though he was not too badly hurt sd: at the gate, a group of orcs and a goblin burst through, shouting war cries. Meanwhile Cynwise brought her halberd crashing down on the blinded Brother, opening a great wound in his midsection Beomund: Beomund rushed down the stairs toward the courtyard, looking to intercept or get ahead of the orcs and goblins. sd: another of Cynwise's guards well beneath a flurry of blows, her head hacked in half Leofric: Leofric stuck like a snake, his target is clearly the wound his enemy recieved from his friend Ed. The sword slided into the same wound, making it worse. The reaction of the survivor is pain, enough to distract him from making attack on him for a little while. sd: two of the Brothers finally managed to slip in under Cynwise's deadly blade, coming near to her. Hogar: Hogar kept running towards his Brothers who were fighting Cynwise, and was now quite close sd: Deoneath loaded and fired at an onrushing orc, but the arrow went just wide and shattered against the stable wall. sd: ignoring the Brothers who had managed to get under her guard, Cynwise attacked another Brother, hammering down on his shield. Edmund: Edmund took the last few steps to stand on top of the wall. Edmund: Quickly fitting another arrow to his bow he took aim at one of the orcs but the missile missing the running monster. Edmund: *missed Leofric: Leofric once again like a snake and immeditaely run him through with his sword. He watched the eyes as life of this man's vengence left him and he withdrew it in one move. As the body collapse with a small sigh escaping from his mouth, he turned around and went out into the open, drawing on the fresh air, scented with copper blood and fire and glanced around, watching for more fray to join in. sd: two javelins sailed out of the windows at the goblin, but missed widely Beomund: Beomund charged forward and overtook one of the orcs as it ran toward the fray, striking it heavily in the back. The creature managed to keep its feet, but had the wind knocked out of it. Hogar: "Brothers, more foes in the courtyard!"said Hogar, suggesting some of them step aside from fighting Cynwise sd: ignoring Hogar's cry for the moment, the Brothers pressed the attack, and though they did not manage to land a blow on the whirling Cynwise, they had her trapped now against a wall. For her part, she did not seem to be looking for a way to escape sd: Deoneath sat reloading. "More orcs," he called, seeming unbothered. Leofric: Leofric still strolling toward to the enemies, with his sword and shield at ready, toward the mighty orcs and tiny goblins. Leofric: attempting to help his fellow mage, Beo Beomund: Beomund struck again at the injured orc, but it managed to turn and raise its greataxe in defense. sd: the Brothers continued to press Cynwise, but one missed her and when the second attacked, she flicked his comrade's blood up into his eyes, staggering him sd: Cynwise slammed the blinded Brother with her halberd. Unarmoured, the Brother toppled to the ground, ribs cracking. sd: Leofric deflected a blow from a goblin, while two others charged at Beomund, but slashed wide sd: the Brothers took down Cynwise' last guard, though she herself remained untouched Leofric: Leofric attacked the goblin with his longsword but alas it was parried. sd: Cynwise, finally cornered, took a heavy blow to her chest, but her armour absorbed some of the blow and she continued to fight on Hogar: Seeing an opening among those fighting Cynwise, Hogar quickly stepped in with his axe raised high, obviously intent on dealing the woman a deadly blow. Beomund: One of the orcs roared and swung at Beomund. The swing was forceful but wild. Beomund ducked, and the orc's axe swung past him to cut deeply into the arm of its own compatriate. The blade cut through flesh with a spray of blood and continued its arc. Beomund kicked at the attacker's leg, unbalancing it, and as it steadied itself the axe came down deeply in its thigh. Beomund: *edit: compatriot. sd: now badly outnumbered, Beomund took a blow to his leg, however it was not a major one, and several Brothers who had not been able to come to blow with Cynwise were now rushing into the fray sd: Cynwise took a heavy blow to her head, but somehow, she remained on her feet, doggedly continuing the struggle though it was now clearly lost for her. Hogar: Hogar's great-axe came thundering down on one of Cynwise's legs with tremendous force and cutting through an artery which started spraying blood. sd: Deoneath fired at one of the survivors that was rushing into the fray, but missed Edmund: Edmund raised his bow and fired at one of the goblins surrounding Beomund, striking it in the stomach. The goblin clapped its hands over the wound, doubling up with pain as blood began welling through its fingers. Leofric: Leofric made a fast move and stabbed the goblin in its chest drawing blood and then pushed it down onto blood soaked courtyard with a kick. sd: one of the orcs attacking Beomund went down as two Brothers arrived to assist him, while another blow went whistling by Beomund's head Beomund: nearly surrounded by enemies, but with help arriving, Beomund lashed out and knocked a human foe to the ground. Beomund: He spun around as he sensed another human preparing to attack, and slipped past her jab so that he was right beside her, giving a quick headbutt right in her face. Crying out in pain, she raised a hand to her eyes. sd: Cynwise blocked two more blows, but finally a Brother managed to get past her, as the bleeding wound Hogar had inflicted drained her strength. Thus far, Cynwise had fought through terrible injury through some magical talent, however as the blow struck, with one final defiant cry, she seemed to allow this to pass away. The Brother's sword hacked straight through her wounded leg and she fell, blood pumping furiously from the stump. She had time to look up and murmur, "Die, you bastards," and then she was still. Leofric: Leofric took advantage of goblin's trip and killed it quickly. He then quickly rushes to Beo's aid. Hogar: Hogar sighed as he realized the woman was dead. "Wish we'd have taken her alive."he muttered before turning around towards the courtyard sd: the Brothers nearby gave Hogar a strange look, but with Cynwise dead, shouted war cries and prepared to move towards the battle in the courtyard Beomund: As the nearby warrior staggered back with her hand to her eyes, Beomund took advantage of the opening for a methodical swing that brought her down. Leofric: Leofric managed to face the Orc that is fighting Beo with his sword and shield. He eyed the Warchief at the corner of his eyes. Hogar: Hogar ran through the courtyard towards the orcs and goblins who were fighting his companions sd: a great orc warchief had run into the courtyard, with a few other attackers behind him, however the Brothers who had been engaged with Cynwise were also moving to the battle. Elsewhere in the city, the horns were still blowing wildly. Though outnumbered, the two humans who made up the rear of the attack shouted together "FOR JUSTICE!" and readied their spears Beomund: "Cynwise is dead!" called Beomund in response. "It is lost! Flee while you can!" sd: the men continued on grimly, ignoring Beomund Edmund: Edmund fired again at the wounded goblin but in the crowded melee his shot flew well wide. Leofric: Leofric did a masterstoke with his blade, bypassing its non-existant defence and through a crack in its armour which been shattered by Beo's blow and severs its leg bloodily. The orc collasped. Beomund: With only goblins remaining beside him, Beomund felled one with a powerful blow to the leg. Almost immediately, he saw the great warchief rushing to fill the gap in the fray. Hogar: Hogar had circled their remaining enemies to attack them from their other side. He swung his axe wildly deep into the chest of the warchief and the massive creature collapsed from the blow sd: the Brothers also entered the fray, shouting battle cries, and their last outnumbered foes fell swiftly. The survivors of Arindon and Cyningham fought on, asking for no quarter, roaring curses as they fell. When the battle at the courtyard finished, it became clear that some of the attackers had actually managed to enter the Brotherhood barracks via a rear entrance, and there had been some scattered fighting in the building itself, though the Brothers had managed to escape with only light casualties within.
The majority of the attackers had been making for the Brotherhood compound, so there were only a few deaths elsewhere in Phalen - though some orcs and goblins, who had no care for Cynwise and her lust for revenge, had decided to loot and burn elsewhere in the city. It was not until the sun had risen that the exhausted party could finally be assured their foes were gone. With the exhaustion in their bones they could not make the long trudge back to their manor, and the Brotherhood compound was a mass of blood, gore, and horror, so Deoneath brought them to his house, which was not far away. As he entered, he pointed to the cellar, from which a strange smell was emanating. "Don't go down there, the fumes are not healthy," he advised, leading them into a side room where they could finally fall into a deep sleep.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Jan 21, 2015 20:36:23 GMT
After the brutal battle at the Brotherhood compound, the Bloodied Eyes sought to learn why they had been targeted, and why their attackers had been so fierce in their hatred. Hogar and the record-keeper, Haemsil, were quickly able to enlighten them.
The leaders of the Brotherhood chapter were amazed and ashamed by the story. It had long been rumoured that something had occurred which had resulted in the Brotherhood's expulsion from the east, but until now most of the Brothers had not known much of what that was, and assumed it had been some kind of misunderstanding, or a political decision. The grim truth of Captain Drefen's massacres in their name was something they had not anticipated.
Messages were sent to every Brotherhood chapter in Palania. In the Phalen chapter, there were, so far as any could tell, no one who was even in the Brotherhood when the massacres occurred, save for one or two older members - twenty-five years was a very long time in the life of a warrior band, and in that time the great majority of those who had been active in the Brotherhood when the massacres occurred had either perished in battle, or else retired. News did come from Tarnemuthe of one leading Brother, who had plainly been involved in dismissing allegations against Drefen and thus delaying justice - he was swiftly expelled, as his activities had come back to cost many Brothers who were innocent of wrongdoing their lives.
Though the Brotherhood had previously been involved heavily in the Krygarland campaign, their warriors had returned from there and the chapters now agreed that the hunt for Drefen would be their highest priority. They suspected he would be found in lands where the Brotherhood had little influence, but they were not daunted by this. Though it was many years late in coming, the Brotherhood's oaths swore that they would hunt down and slay any of their number who were so cowardly as to kill children, and so they would hunt for Drefen and right this old wrong.
Three days after the battle, the Brotherhood held a great burning for those who had died in the battle. Though the bodies of the orcs and goblins were summarily disposed of, they were persuaded to regard their fallen human enemies with honour, and they were burned on a separate pyre from the Brothers who had been their foes.
The Undercity Watch took captive Gaerwulf and the small remnant of the survivors who had been captured in the Burrowed Fane. The law of the city clearly called for them to be put to death, for they had conspired against the city as a whole with its greatest foes, and taken orcs and goblins along secret ways that might be used in future attacks. Deoneath sent word to the manor saying that only the party was likely to speak in favour of mercy for the survivors, and if this was their desire then they should contact the Council and the Watch as swiftly as possible.
The party were able to send messages off to the ones who had hired them - Oswine, of the Candering clan, and Mildryth of the Larrings. Having been required of necessity to extend clemency to the murders of their kinsmen, Oswine, at least, sent back a quite curt note that clearly indicated he was displeased and his reward was quite niggardly.
Mildryth, however, showed greater wisdom and understanding. Being in Tarnemuthe, nearby, she came personally to visit the party, thanking them for uncovering such a vile and dangerous plot, and rewarding them richly. She thought it would have been meaningless to punish the killers of her father, who had merely been pawns moving at another's direction. Mildryth had already spoken to many of her clan of what had happened, and the Larring clan now regarded themselves as in a state of blood feud with Drefen and his supporters - she vowed to work with the Brotherhood to hunt down the Captain and see him slain in revenge for her father, and there was promise in this for the kin of the Larrings could travel to places where the Brotherhood was weak or unwelcome.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 1, 2015 13:55:04 GMT
sd: the weeks passed as the party rested following the bloody battle at the Brotherhood compound. Autumn was now covering Palania, and as it moved on into early October a chill crept into the air.
The pace of settlers coming from Gastony was now greatly increasing as the campaign in Kalmar had left the pirates on the defensive. The most warlike settlers were going to the isles themselves, but many ships were coming to Phalen, and every day it seemed a new lordling arrived with an entourage to head off to some new settlement, or to join those at Prestenbroc and Gastonford.
The fighting in Kalmar remained very fierce. They received a letter from the isles to say that their friend, Ser Kennald of the Silvered Blades, had been severely wounded in one battle and had lain near to death for some days, however he had begun to recover. Unable to continue his duties as commander on Sokholm any longer, he had been replaced by another Silvered Blade and they hoped he would be discharged to Phalen once he was well enough to travel, hopefully before the winter storms began.
The war in Krygarland had now entered into a new phase. King Sweryn Dragonslayer of Suthfyrd had taken much of the west of that country, up to the Krygar river, which was now the border between his forces and those of the dragonspawn. Many refugees had flooded to his territory and safety. Rumour said he had begun resettlement programmes, but that the few Virians who had entered his lands had been ordered at swordpoint to renounce their faith or face death. The Church had sent a messenger by ship to question this, but the King had refused to speak to them.
The Lost-Lands, too, were facing battles with the dragonspawn. The Ealdorman of Weltry, the most pious of the Virian converts of Palania, had sent men to ease the widespread famine there, but had soon begun to fight the dragonspawn and the Ealdorman's brother who had been sent to command the mission had already been slain. An adventurer called Aethelwulf had appeared to arise amidst the chaos and was now the leader of the Virian forces, calling on the Lostfolk to be reborn in the light of God, who would grant them the strength to throw off the overlordship of the dragonspawn and redeem their honour at last. sd: from their contacts in the Church, they also had their first news in some time from Coelney, where they learned that Guthafyr's campaign was by all accounts going strongly. He had retaken most of the isle of Bartholme, save for fighting around the principal settlement of Stowenhithe. There was also fighting on Tarmer, where the King who had slain Maccus' old master was facing a new challenge from several pirate lords looking to weaken their new King's grip on power. Beomund: Beomund spent some time continuing his magical studies, but also appeared somewhat more comfortable among Palanians than he had before, more frequently visiting taverns or the homes of their local friends, and also reading what materials he could get his hands on about the history and culture of the region. Hogar: Hogar spent most of his time studying past history and current regional politics. Perhaps after learning what happened with the Brotherhood and the Drefen incident he wanted to know more about these subjects so that he could investigate them more intelligently. He also kept practicing his fighting skills, though they were already formidable and, prudently, he had the Brotherhood's smiths reinforce his mail armour on the chest, obviously expecting that retaking the fortress would involve heavy fighting. Leofric: First of all, Leofric spent a week restoring his power and looking distantly, looking thoughtful as he reflects on the lessons he learnt and concluded that his clothing while rather think and scholary is not ideal for long battles and there are likely to be many ahead. He went to various shops and eventually got himself dark ominous scholar looking armour which is looking more capable of resisting blows. Up to this point, he used his size and especially skill to fight on equal ground against their enemies but he decide that he need more strength in his weak frame and spent large amount of time learning various ways to increase his strength by advices from Hogar who clearly possess mighty strength. The Bloodied Brotherhood also advised him on this as well giving him the Kite Shield and the training to use it as a reward for helping to foil their attackers' plots. Lastly, he spent time with Sigrun debating about the sad torrid adevnture he was in and learning a way of communicating by mind although his skill is clearly not good enough to communicate with anyone he know of, especially his peers and Sigrun. Edmund: After a week of rest and meditation, Edmund divided his time between the Bard's College and the manor. He worked hard on learning the Alanian language in both oral nd its written form. He spent time practising with bow and sword. And at all hours the others might hear the sound of flute, or lute, or sometimes drums. He also visited the shelter to ensure all was ready for winter. There seemed little time for dallying with young women now, but the lady Sara had also taken an interest in the shelter and school, and they met often. sd: Maccus was working hard to prepare the school and the shelter for the winter. He had recruited several more people to assist, and was in the process of negotiating deals with some of the local merchants and building concerns to try to ensure labourers were not left entirely without means of income during the winter months. Edmund: Edmund congratulated Maccus on his hard work and foresight. Leofric: Leofric is looking forward to help the school out as well as he much prefer to teach when he settles down. Leofric: and congrats Maccus as well Edmund: edit* fiddle not lute sd: Gaerwulf and the remaining survivors of the eastern massacres were in the custody of the Undercity Watch, and the general mood was for their execution - they had committed treason in bringing the orcs and goblins down on the city, and had caused many deaths. The party however interceded to ask for mercy, as their brutal deeds were driven by a great wrong they themselves had suffered and that the Council, having ignored the protests of the Ealdorman of Chepworth when the massacres had occurred, were in part responsible for this. Leofric was able to find the right functionaries to bribe in order to win the ears of the more sympathetic lords who would be able to cast judgement on the survivors. Some they won over with flattery and persuasion, others, who had accepted the Virian Way (whether genuinely or out of desire for gain) they told that Mercy was one of the Virian Virtues. When they were brought before the assembled jurors towards the beginning of October, Leofric won their sympathy with an excellent display of etiquette, unusual for one who was foreign to these parts and unused to their system of laws, and then recounted many tales from the history of Gastony, which was replete with blood feuds which had only ever been settled by mercy and an end to the cycle of violence and revenge. Ultimately, they won the case and the survivors were sentenced - Gaerwulf herself lost an eye, and the remaining survivors lost a finger, and all were stripped of their goods and banished from Phalen on pain of death should they ever return. Beomund: Beomund watched the sentencing grimly, glad that they were spared their lives but unhappy it had to come to this. "I hope we can find Drefen soon," he remarked to the others. "I have a feeling this will not be ended until justice has been done to him." Leofric: Leofric nodded sternly, "I just hope these survivors will learn from this after all." Hogar: Hogar, who had suggested clemency seemed satisfied with the result - the survivors had led harsh lives and their crime had been motivated b their own vision of justice, so such a relatively minor punishment seemed appropriate to him. "Yes. Making Drefen pay for what he has done with his life is far higher justice than this." Hogar: edit: add a comma after clemency Edmund: Edmund had also made a successful effort to influence the judgement. He nodded at Beomund's words. "Justice defered leads to violence." sd: this done, they began to prepare to set north. They had agreed that they would now aid the Silvered Blade in their assault on the dragonspawn-held fortress between Prestenbroc and Weltry, and they were eager to begin - for when winter came, any campaign would grow exceptionally harder.
There were a number of Virian settlers who were making to Prestenbroc themselves, so the party joined with them for safety and headed north through Ceorlburh and Tarnemuthe before crossing the river at Saltanstede. They arrived in the town of the Rectors on 18 October 228, and found that even in the seven months since they had last been, there were noticeably more people, and new buildings were being erected to make room for further settlement.
The Silvered Blades, knowing they would be coming, had already begun their preparations, and were encamped on the northern edge of the town. That Order would be sending about sixty knights and men-at-arms, and the Reliquary Order, which had fewer members in Palania, was sending another dozen. They had also sent messages to the Virian Ealdorman of Weltry, Turoc, who would send what he could - though as he was already engaged in the Lost-lands and must needs defend his own territory, they expected the numbers would not be great. Leofric: Leofric was impressed by how well the town expanded itself, but he was even more so when he saw just how much force that the Orders are willing to set against the fortress. Hogar: "Seems like there has been some progress here."commented Hogar seeing how the town had expanded. He agreed with Leofric considerations on the strength and size of the forces sent by the Knightly Orders Beomund: Beomund spent some of their time on the road asking his companions what they could tell him of dragonspawn, since they had faced them before, and preparing himself for this new foe. Edmund: Since returning to Phalen, Edmund had obtained a dog which had lost its owner during the recent Orc incursion. It was large and grey, showing wolfhound in its ancestry, along with many other breeds, but it had taken to Edmund and now ran alongside as he rode. sd: the leader of the expedition was a knight in his mid forties, Ser Wulfcytel, the youngest son of a minor noble house which had now been all but extinguished during the Lordstrife. He was one of the first knights to have travelled to Palania when the League was formed, and had led the campaigns to secure the forests around Prestenbroc and make it safe for settlement. Wulfcytel was not a tall man, but he was very broad-shouldered and had many scars.
"We're not even sure of the name of this old fort, it's one of the many ruins from the time of the dragon," he said. "We attacked it last year and were thrown back, but inflicted heavy losses. Our scouts estimate twenty-five to thirty dragonspawn there, though when you're dealing with those cursed creatures you always have to face at least one undead for every spawn." Hogar: Hogar nodded as Wulfyctel explained the situation. "Do you have any specific plan of attack?" Leofric: Leofric winced at the possible losses the last taking must have took and nodded thoughtfully at the discussion. sd: "Aye," he replied. "The dragonspawn in that fortress have a leader who likes to lead from the rear. Big blue spawn, eight feet tall with a huge tail. We managed to make a breach in the walls during the last attack and so that beast came down from its tower and used its accursed magic. Brought down a bolt of thunder that roared like dragonfire, knocked us all flat and left us deafened and disoriented. Men couldn't hear orders and ended up getting ambushed and separated. Bloody business. There's one knight who's gone back to Gastony now because his hearing never returned. My hope is that we can invest the fortress from the east - the walls there are least well repaired, though it's the hardest to reach - and once we've tied up the main part of the dragonspawn, you can try to scale the walls from the opposite direction and make for the dragonspawn leader. If you can kill the beast, any undead under its personal control could well turn." Edmund: Edmund looked grim. "Can we prepare for that kind of attack? Maybe plug our ears and instead use signs of some kind?" Beomund: Beomund nodded his agreement with the plan. "Back in the war I thought taking Sharan fortresses was grim work. Now this will be my second facing the risen dead, and my first against these accursed dragonspawn. May God protect us." sd: "He will," said another knight, riding up to them. He was in his mid-twenties, tall, of a dark complexion and quite handsome. A silver blade and a nasty looking ball and chain hung from his saddle. "I am Ser Aescwig, of the Reliquary Order. Our Mother Church has granted us the use of certain relics for the duration of this expedition, though I am unsure if they will aid us against that particular sorcery. But as we know of this spell, we might protect ourselves against it as you suggest. I will accompany you in the attack, for the dragonspawn captured a missionary early in our days in Prestenbroc and when we attacked last he was cruelly tormented upon the walls to break our spirits. It is my duty to recover this martyr's bones, if they can be found." Beomund: "I'll be glad to have you at my side. What relics have been provided, Ser?" asked Beomund Leofric: Leofric gave his respectful greetings, "May the bones be found as well." He replied, "I am curious about these relics as well." sd: "Ride with me, and I'll show you them. Our good priest, Brother Rumwald, has them in his keeping," said Ser Aescwig. He turned his horse and trotted towards the rear of the encampment. sd: the knight dismounted and led them into a tent which was heavy with the smell of incense. The priest, Brother Rumwald, was knelt in prayer on a mat in the centre of the tent. He was not what they expected in a priest - he was even younger than Aescwig, and his voice as he prayed did not have the tones of one educated in a monastery, like Leofric, but was nearer to the urban cant of Hogar or Edmund. He was slender and golden haired, and the only hints of his profession were the silver rings and the amulet of the Prophet's Star round his neck.
There were three boxes before him, and three relics sat therein. One was a badge of the Prophet's Star - not dissimilar to that the priest himself wore, but far more beautiful and of greater craftsmanship. It was set with lapis lazuli, golden beryl, and garnets for the three colours of the Star. In the second box was a strange ring, which, rather than being set with a gemstone, was set with what appeared to be an old pommel-stone from a blade. The last, and most grisly, of the trio, was a small scroll, which, they realised after a moment of gazing at it, was clearly made of human skin. The writing upon the skin-scroll was in old runes, both those of the Gastons and of the Swennings. You whisper to Beomund: under the incense, Beomund smelled another scent which brought back old memories. It was the slightly acrid smell of the Erse drug which was named the Courtesan's Caress - a relaxing narcotic which was said to have an effect that almost made time seem to slow down, though anyone making too much use of it tended to become indolent and disinclined to any activity which required rising from their bed. Edmund: Edmund spoke to the dog before entering the tent. "Stay there Cadenza, and keep watch." Beomund: "Greetings, Brother," said Beomund respectfully as the entered the tent. He paused, closing his eyes momentarily and breathing in deeply. "Hmm..." Leofric: Leofric gave his respectful greeting to Brother Rumwald, "Greeting, Brother Rumwald, it is heartening to see such relics, could you explain more about them?" He asked curiously. Hogar: Hogar greeted Rumwald respectfully, but his attention was obviously more focused on the three relics. He eyed them with wonder... Edmund: Edmund paid his respects to Brother Rumwald, then drew near to the relics, eyeing them with interest. sd: the priest rose from his prayers and greeted them warmly. "Good to meet you," he said. "I can, yes. These are Saint Bregowine's Star, the Pommel-Stone of Saint Godfrid, and the Scroll of Saint Thengrist, respectively. You - or rather we, for I'll be travelling with you as well as their custodian - will have all three when we undertake our business. God's favour is upon them, and they will be of a great help in allowing us to kill that great fuc..." the priest winced. "The cursed dragonspawn. My pardon." Edmund: Edmund controlled a sudden smile at the priest's outburst. "How did these relics come to be here?" he asked. sd: the party recognised these three names. Bregowine was a very famous saint, for he was said to have been the last man to see the Prophet alive, before he made his final ascent up Mount Maragar, and he had been the first to see the Prophet's Star that had blazed through the sky and told the Virian people that though the Prophet was gone, God watched down on them still. He had been the Prophet's servant, and became renowned as an artist and craftsman - those who bore the relics of Saint Bregowine were said to be under the Prophet's personal protection, and nigh-impervious to pain and death.
Saint Godfrid was the most recent of the three saints - during the invasion of the Dark Lord Garawn, he had been a noble warrior of what was now Westunscir, which the Dark Lord had laid waste. Saint Godfrid had sacrificed his life to protect a group of children from dragonspawn attack, and the bravest of these children had joined the fight and slain the last of the dragonspawn with the saint's broken sword, which he returned as a relic of the Church.
Saint Thengrist had been one of many early missionaries to the heathen Swennings in the time of the Prophet. The clan he had met, south of Shara, had hated the Way and put him cruelly to death. The Swennings had forced him to lie upon burning coals in an attempt to make him renounce his faith, but the saint had simply born the pain and had in fact lain unhurt. The Swennings, unappeased, had then had him torn to pieces, but a few of the clan had decided this miracle was proof that the saint's words were true and had secretly convered to the Way, becoming the clan's new leaders when they were conquered by the Prophet. The scroll was made of the saint's own skin, and bore words of praise to the Lord God in the ancient tongues of the Gastons and the Swylledd alike. It was said to confer protection from fire just as the saint had received. sd: "The relics were brought by the Rectors - good to have on dangerous missions, or on some of our missionary work," said Rumwald. Edmund: "I imagine so," Edmund said. "With the power of these saintly relics and of the good God on our side, we will prevail against the Dragonspawn, I am sure of it." Hogar: Hogar nodded, obviously suitably impressed by the description of the Saint's lives and the story of their relics Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly and with hint of confidence, "This plan should work well. Take out the leader quickly and efficently as possible. Should be intresting to find out about it, may we prevail. Beomund: Before they left, Beomund drew closer to Brother Rumwald and asked him a brief question: "Brother, I was just wondering... have you spent time in Shara or Ersenland?" sd: "I have been to Shara briefly, but spent most of my life in Meringas. Why?" Beomund: "Just wondering. The scent of your... incense reminded me of some time I spent there." He smiled. Later, when they were away from the others, he told his companions: "I smelled Courtesan's Caress in there. A pleasant, relaxing smoke that the Erse enjoy. Not something common among priests, I imagine." Edmund: "Strange," mused Edmund. "He seemed a little.. new to the ways of the priesthood I thought." Hogar: "Courtesan's Caress." Hogar chuckled "The name suggests pleasures not generally associated with priests." he added Beomund: "No indeed. Although..." suddenly Beomund went quiet, and his eyes were far away. Leofric: "Maybe someone sent north to see what is going on?" Leofric muttered to himself softly, "We will see what happens next" Edmund: "If there is something we should be watching for, please share it with us now," Edmund said, looking from Beomund to Leofric. "As it is, we are going to have to use caution in our actions." Beomund: Beomund shook his head, clearly thinking of something unrelated to the attack. Leofric: Leofric smiled softly at Ed, "I am exercising extreme caution at the moment. Hopefully, we will get through this without that much of the issues." Edmund: "Let us pray that is so." Edmund answered quietly. sd: the next day they set out and rode northeast, into the Great Forest. October was now hastening to its conclusion and here in the north, the cold was bitter. The ground was frozen underfoot, and on one day of their march they even briefly had snow, though this was only a short squall that soon ended.
On the fourth day of their march, about two days from the fortress, their outriders reported that their allies from Weltry were ahead, having circled round the fortress itself so they could join them. The leader of the people of Weltry was a half-Fryderi scout called Belegar, a round faced, long-bearded man dressed in heavy furs and leathers. He had brought a score of Virian converts from Tohringland to assist in the work. As the party rode up to where he was meeting with Ser Wulfcytel and Ser Aescwig, they saw that the Reliquary knight was clearly somewhat annoyed.
"I had thought Ealdorman Turoc was a devout man, but he has barely managed more than my Order, and we have less than a hundred in all of Palania," he was saying. "This is disappointing, I must say. I was not expecting knights, but Thegns I might have hoped for at least, not simply forest skirmishers."
Belegar opened his mouth, but fortunately Ser Wulfcytel spoke first. "I am commander here, Aescwig, not you. The Ealdorman's aid is extremely welcome, and I apologise for my companion's insolence, Belegar." Edmund: Edmund rode up and introduced the party to Belegar, making it clear they were pleased to see the Weltry contingent, to overcome any impresssion of churlishness. Leofric: Leofric gave his respect with a nod, Hogar: Hogar said nothing, though he frowned slightly seeing the tensions between Aescwig and Wulfyctel sd: Edmund's silver tongue soon smoothed over the bad feelings roused by Ser Aescwig's comments, and Belegar spoke.
"We sent some scouts to examine the place while we went by, they've laid many wooden spikes around the base of the walls," he said.
Ser Wulfcytel frowned. "That doesn't bode well, they may have guessed we were coming by some foul magic. You should be warned now, these creatures are better archers than one would expect from the dragonspawn. Typically they leave that to their thralls but these ones used bows when we attacked last, and were not bad archers. Their javelins were particularly deadly when we came near." Edmund: "Wooden spikes? Might there be a way to set them ablaze?" Edmund suggested. sd: "It might be possible," said Wulfcytel. "We'll have to see when we're there. It's not often a fire attack is the way to defeat the dragonspawn, but in this case it might prove useful." Hogar: "Dragonspawns with bows. As if their javelins and fire breath were not enough..."said Hogar "These monsters are cunning." Edmund: "It could produce smoke cover. How well do dragonspawn see?" Edmund asked. sd: "They can see in the dark, but so far as anyone can tell they don't see any farther or better than we do." Edmund: Edmund nodded, mentally ticking off the use of his darkness spell to cover their attack. sd: with the Tohringlanders in tow, they continued their journey. The land became somewhat hillier as they went, and around mid-day on 25 October 228 Ser Wulfcytel called them to the front of the column and they rode up a hill and beheld the fortress several miles away. It was on a hill about thirty feet tall, built of strong stone, though its walls had been damaged in the previous assault and it was clear that in places it had not been fully repaired. Squat circular towers were built at the corners of the walls. A little river snaked round from the east and around the southern edge of the hill. From the walls, they could see the dragonspawn banner flying from the walls. It was somewhat familiar to those who had battled the creatures the previous year in Cenhyrst - an inverted pentagram within a seven pointed star. Two of the seven points were black, and one point of the pentagram was gold.
"We want to get round to the eastern side," said Wulfcytel. "We could march round and cross the river, though that is not likely to prove easy - from that distance the dragonspawn will be able to fire at us from the walls. We'll gather our men and camp just out of bowshot, then march suddenly when they're not expecting it. The quicker we move, the more easily we'll be able to get over there. We'll give the dragonspawn a little bit of time to react to that and then you can sneak out of the camp and make for the western wall, there," Ser Wulfcytel pointed. "You won't be able to see from here, but there's a spot where the wall is not as high as the rest of the fort. That's where you'll want to enter." sd: another knight rode up to join them, and the party recognised him - it was Ser Uthred, the very man they had met on the road to Prestenbroc earlier in the year, who had been the one who had told them of the campaign to take this fortress. He was a very tall man with greying hair, though he was not much older than thirty. He bore two excellent longswords with hilts glittering with gems - one blade was steel, and the other silver. "Ser Uthred will be accompanying you, along with Belegar, Ser Aescwig, and Brother Rumwald," said Ser Wulfcytel. Edmund: Edmund welcomed Ser Uthred. "A small enough party to pass undetected, if we are blessed."# Leofric: Leofric gave a nod of respects, "Greetings, good to see you again." He told him. Beomund: Beomund agreed with the party's sentiments. "Let us see this task done, brothers." Hogar: Hogar saluted Ser Uthred as they met him again. "Aye. I look forward to facing these dragonspawn and laying their undead servants to rest" he said to Beomund sd: the dragonspawn soon saw the incoming host, and took to the walls. The party rode with the besiegers to just beyond bowshot, from whence the dragonspawn and their undead servitors roared indecipherable curses at them.
Hogar and Ser Wulfcytel prepared their battle array, determining exactly where they should march so the threat of fire from the walls would be least. To further protect them, Beomund and Edmund spent the afternoon building a number of makeshift mantlets from felled trees. The party then went off ahead stealthily, with Edmund guiding them through the woods. They were able to move undetected, and Beomund and Hogar climbed up a cliff and they were able to swing round the southern edge of the river, where they gathered wood to lay across the river and allow easy crossing for the men.
They left a contingent of men there, with Beomund ensuring they were kept covered and out of sight, and then they returned for the camp. As Wulfcytel had intended, they broke camp suddenly and began to make for the river, swinging wide to the east. Edmund sang a song which inspired a number of the men, and at his urging they took up the mantlets and made a feint, briefly charging the walls then retreating. The dragonspawn, unsure of their foes movements, were unwilling to risk sallying out, especially as the arrangements which Hogar and Ser Wulfcytel had made protected their rear so that, if worse came to worse, they could still attempt a retreat back to Prestenbroc. Rejoining the column, Edmund and Aescwig spoke words of encouragement to the men, reminding them of God's favour and pointing to the Star that they could faintly discern through the trees.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 7, 2015 18:08:25 GMT
sd: with the fortress besieged, Ser Wulfcytel called the party to him to prepare for their mission.
Four from amongst the Virian forces would be accompanying them, each representing one of the groups involved in the campaign. Ser Uthred would reprsent the Silvered Blades. He was armoured in strong scales and carried swords of both steel and silver, as well as javelins and hammers of both metals. Ser Aescwig was for the Reliquary Order, carrying a beautifully made ball and chain with a heavy head and encased in full mail. Belegar the scout was for the people of Weltry - his armour was only studded leather, but it was made by his own hand and his leathercraft was clearly excellent. He carried an axe and bow as his weapons. The last of their companions would be Brother Rumwald, for the Church itself. He was the most lightly armoured of the group, and carried a curved sword and a sling. He had two pouches of sling stones - one was of plain stones, but the others were light silver bullets and marked with the symbol of the Prophet's Star. These were filled with holy water and designed to break on impact, to inflict God's wrath on the foul undead.
"You should rest now," he said. "There's little good in attacking in the dark, these creatures can see just as well as we in the light. We will attack shortly before dusk, and that is when you can move in from the west. Aim for the spot in the wall I showed you earlier, there is a dip there and you should be able to grapple over the walls." Edmund: "I hope there will be no disagreement between our companions," Edmund said quietly to the others when they were on their own. Leofric: "Truly..." Leofric whispered back, "We will trust you to keep the tension between our companions at suitable level. You did well back there." He smiled slightly Hogar: Hogar nodded and said "This is not the time for petty squabbles". Beomund: Beomund agreed. "I hope the prospect of undead and dragonspawn keeps them focused on the task at hand." Edmund: "Indeed...," Edmund wrapped himself in his cloak and lay down. "There are other considerations as well, but I for one am going to sleep on it." Leofric: Leofric settled down and went to sleep as well, with his hands ready to use his weapons in case they was under attack. sd: when Brother Rumwald woke them, it was still dark, though the light was starting to creep into the sky. The priest had a pipe in his mouth which was emitting a pinkish smoke. "It's time, friends. We should decide what to do with the relics before we set out," he said. He offered his pipe to Hogar, who was nearest to him. "If you want a smoke, let me know. Ser Aescwig doesn't approve, but I find it calms my nerves, which is very welcome at the moment. I've not stormed a fortress before." Hogar: Hogar seemed a bit surprised by the man's offer, but after a bit few seconds decided to accept, obviously tempted by the substance "I am more used to this kind of situation, but a smoke won't hurt, will it?" he said as he took the pipe from Rumwald's hands Hogar: edit: but after a few seconds Beomund: "It's been a long time, Brother," said Beomund as the pipe was passed to him. He smiled softly. "I'm afraid I never had much tolerance for the stuff, and too much would make me fall asleep in the midst of battle. But I'll take a little puff." He enjoyed his drag on the pipe, looking up at the stars with a wistful expression, before passing it along. Edmund: Edmund shook his head with a smile and offered the pipe to Leofric. sd: Rumwald smiled. "Is that why you asked me that question earlier? I try to moderate the habit, but it's an old one from my previous life. I suppose I'll eventually run out and then I'll have to stop whether I will or no." Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly and also shook his head as well, and passed it back to Brother Rumwald, "Thank you for your kind offer, Brother." Beomund: "Yes, I didn't want to say in case it would embarrass you, but I'd never forget that smell," replied Beomund with a chuckle. "I wish it were more available here. I found that this and other substances favored by the Sharans helped me feel close to God for the first time in my life. Perhaps with the pilgrimage routes open, we'll see some traders seizing the opportunity to import." Hogar: Hogar said nothing but listened to the others with a slightly vacant look in his eyes, obviously enjoying the relaxing effects the smoke had on him. sd: Rumwald took a last puff, paused, then took another before putting his pipe out. "The others are waiting with the relics," he said, turning and making for his tent. Beomund: Beomund followed him, enjoying his slight but pleasant buzz. Leofric: Leofric nodded and stood up, ready to follow him, he already wearing his new armour which is more protective than his old clothing. Looking like a scholar's clothing but it is lined with metal plates riveted to the fabric. Edmund: Edmund gathered his bow and pulled the flute out of his bag. Hogar: Moving a bit slower than usual, Hogar gathered his equipment and checked that his armour - the mail which had recently been reinforced on the torso by the Brotherhood's smiths - was in order. sd: as they entered, Ser Aescwig was examining the relics, Belegar was pacing, while Ser Uthred sat cross-legged in a corner. "Good morrow," said Aescwig. "I had thought to take Saint Bregowine's jewel for myself - it is only fitting that one of the Reliquary Order should use one of these holy relics in God's service. Had you given the matter much thought?" Leofric: Leofric spoken softly, "I have given this much thought and would like to use holy Scroll of Saint Thengrist as I prefer to fight up close." He glanced around if anyone have any objection to that. Edmund: Edmund nodded in agreement. "I only need silver arrows." sd: Ser Uthred shrugged. "I only need these," he said, patting the hilts of his two swords, and Belegar replied. "In Weltry, we're not fortunate enough to have relics of the Saints to hand," he said. "We can armour ourselves in faith and prowess, and be content." Ser Aescwig appeared to be trying to work out whether or not he should consider that insulting, but Rumwald interjected before he could say anything. "It would be no good to give me the pommel-stone, so one of you warlike folk should have it," he said, looking to Hogar and Beomund. Hogar: Hogar looked to Beomund thougtfully before saying "If you do not mind, I would gladly have the honour of wearing the pommel-stone ring." Beomund: Beomund nodded. "You are our martial champion, it would be fitting, as with our scholar carrying the scroll." sd: Rumwald knelt and said some final prayers, then slowly offered up the scroll to Leofric and the ring to Hogar. Ser Aescwig took the Prophet's Star badge last, and Ser Uthred assisted him in affixing it to his shield. Leofric: Leofric bowed his head with respect as he accepted the scroll and read the words on it as he is learnt in the old languages and nodded solemnly and enclosed the scroll away in somewhere safe on his person. Hogar: Hogar slowly took the pommel-stone ring and stared at curiously for a few seconds - perhaps because of the drug's effect on him, perhaps because of the relic's importance and mistique - before removing one of his mail gloves to wear the ring under it. sd: "Just before we go, Brother, have you got a smoke?" Ser Uthred asked. Aescwig rounded on him, and the Silvered Blade smirked. "Only a jest, ser. God be with us." Beomund: Beomund smiled grimly at the knight's jest, and began preparing his weaponry. sd: after about an hour, many horns suddenly blew at once to signal the beginning of the Virian assault. The men had been preparing siege ladders throughout the night, and were now prepared to rush these to the walls. Ser Aescwig called for the party and together they slipped out of the camp to the west. Beomund: Beomund had found himself clumsy with his spellcasting as the party prepared, perhaps due to the Courtesan's Caress, and had repeatedly failed to use a simple spell of protection on Edmund. "Let us hope I prove surer-handed in battle..." he muttered to himself as Aescwig called them. Edmund: Edmund had been casting a spell to sharpen weapons. He looked at his arrows and sighed, then followed Beomund. Hogar: Perhaps ironically considering their situation and the ring he was wearing, Hogar cast more spells than usual - he sharpened his great axe and cast spells of protection, agility and swiftness on himself and some of the others. Edmund: As they filed after Aescwig, Edmund called Cadenza to him. He laid his hand on the dog's head and whispered something in her ear. With a sorrowful look she flopped down on the ground and watched them go. sd: they were able, at least, to cast some spells on themselves while they prepared in their tent, with one of them keeping watch to make sure they were not interrupted. Once they were ready, they went with Ser Aescwig and the others, circling back to the west and creeping round towards the walls, keeping themselves under cover. The sun had just begun to rise now, staining the sky red. In the distance, they could see the attack - the Virian forces were letting loose a hail of steel and silver arrows as multiple siege ladders slammed up against the walls. One went down before the attackers could climb more than half way up, but a second had more luck and hand-to-hand combat began on the walls.
they made towards the part of the wall which Wulfcytel had shown them, where it was at its lowest point. There was a circular tower on the corner there, and they could faintly discern humanoid forms at the arrow slits, gazing out at them. Upon the walls themselves there were only perhaps a half dozen forms moving, with the majority of the defending forces having moved to the east wall to repel the assault. sd: Edmund and Rumwald led the party in sneaking forward, crawling up the hill at the base of the fortress, clambering up close to the walls. A set of wooden spikes were driven into the ground at the base of the wall, and only a small number of dragonspawn, zombies and skeletons were on patrol there. The undead were impassive and kept good watch, but the dragonspawn were clearly more interested in the battle and were looking over their shoulder. The creatures bore many weapons, but shortbows and javelins were particularly in evidence, as well as large shields painted red and blue. sd: once they were ready, Aescwig gave a signal, and the group began to rush forward. Belegar, who had his bow out, aimed and fired at a dragonspawn on the walls, striking it hard in the arm and shouting a war cry. Leofric: Leofric holding his weapon and new kite shield starts to sprint forward to the lowest part of the wall, he is ready to enter the fray. Edmund: Now that they were within sight of the enemy, Edmund lifted the flute and began to play a martial air, stirring the spirits of his comrades. Leofric: Leofric grinned, enjoying the flute music sd: Rumwald rushed forward, and with great speed he readied a holy water bullet and hurled it under-arm up towards a skeleton on the walls. It gave a cry, and the priest began to ready another bullet. sd: the skeleton knelt, head disappearing below the walls, and began to ready its bow, as did another skeleton further down the wall. sd: the dragonspawn on the walls cast some kind of spells on themselves. The one Belegar had shot raised its shield to ward its injured arm, as well as other parts of its body that were left unguarded by the wall. Hogar: Having placed himself between Leofric and Belegar, Hogar had no proper weapon in hand, but he carried his kite shield with him as he sprinted towards the walls sd: Belegar fired at the dragonspawn again. The arrow pierced through the shield, and into the creature's other arm, but failed to penetrate its thick scales Edmund: Edmund fired at the wounded dragonspawn but his arrow hit the wall below the monster. sd: the dragonspawn on the walls and in the tower continued to cast more spells, though they had no obvious effect Leofric: Leofric slowed down, preparing his shield for warding off any possible damage while keeping his free hand close, he eyes the enemies very carefully. Beomund: Slowing as he reached the walls, Beomund spun his grappling hook and lofted it into the air. It reached over the battlements and hooked in. sd: one of the skeletons fired an arrow at Beomund, which struck the helm he had acquired from the Brotherhood and failed to penetrate sd: the other fired at Ser Aescwig, who was rushing forward with grappling hook and rope in hand. Unable to carry his shield, the arrow struck his arm hard and tore straight through his mail. The knight gritted his teeth and continued his rush for the walls. sd: the two dragonspawn each targetted Hogar. One sent a javelin flying just past him, while another, from the tower, fired and struck his shield. Beomund: Beomund grabbed the rope and started rappeling upward. Hogar is disconnected. Hogar has connected. Leofric: Leofric also grabbed the rope and starts climbing it, following Beomund up. sd: Belegar sent an arrow towards a very large dragonspawn that had just emerged from the tower, but the arrow flew wide. Edmund: Edmund fired up at the wounded dragonspawn but this time just as the arrow would have struck its arm, the creature somehow blocked it and the missile clattered harmlessly at its feet. Edmund cast his eyes up at the Prophet's Star and prayed. sd: Rumwald hurled another holy water bullet at a skeleton, slamming past its shield and striking it in the head. The creature stumbled, holy water splashing across its bony visage sd: the large dragonspawn pointed towards Hogar and murmured a word of command. There was a spark of lightning in its hand for a moment, but failed to concentrate enough to cast its spell sd: a zombie flung a javelin towards Leofric, but it sailed wide. Hogar: Undeterred by the spell cast by the dragonspawn, Hogar began to climb the rope despite having one of his hands on his shield Beomund: Beomund reached the top of the battlements and rolled across to land on the wall. He crouched low, as he did not yet have a weapon or shield prepared. Leofric: Leofric spent all his focus on climbing a rope. Leofric: had Ed move any closer? Beomund: Beomund quickly pulled his shield off of his back, turning it toward the archers as he readied to fight. sd: Aescwig, reaching near to the bottom of the wall, flung his grappling hook, which caught well on the walls Hogar: Hogar kept climbing, eager to do battle against the dragonspawn and their undead servants Beomund: Beomund grabbed his silver-bladed axe, inscribed with the Prophet's Star, and began to advance on the enemy. sd: Ser Uthred also flung his grappling hook, but with far greater certainty than his compatriot from the Reliquary Order. It latched firmly onto the wall and immediately began to clamber up, hand over hand. sd: a skeleton fired an arrow at Uthred, but it sailed wide Leofric: Leofric was surprised for a moment seeing such magic at work and whispered to himself, "What it is exactly?" sd: the large dragonspawn on the walls murmured arcane words of command and pointed his hand at Beomund. A bolt of lightning streaked out and went scorching through the air. Beomund flung himself sideways and only just managed to avoid its deadly arc. Leofric: Leofric was surprised for a moment seeing such magic at work and whispered to himself, "What it is exactly?" Hogar: Hogar paused for a moment to witness the lightning bolt which nearly struck Hogar and then resumed his climbing until he was standing on top of the battlements Leofric: Leofric drew his fine longsword out, and it is not silver. He eyed the enemies around and in his eyes look like steel solid determination Hogar: edit: nearly struck Beomund sd: Belegar fired at a dragonspawn on the walls, pushing past its shield and striking it in the head, though its helmet blocked most of the damage Beomund: Beomund scrambled to his feet with Leofric's help, and felt a tingle in the air from the lightning bolt that had so nearly struck him. He whispered a prayer of thanks as he turned to face the enemy once again. Hogar: Finding himself up against one of the more powerful dragonspawn, Hogar brought his shield down to bash the creature belly rather than draw his axe. But the creature moved quickyl and blocked the attacks, and the shields crashed loudly with none of the combatants taking damage. sd: the creature pushed against Hogar, shield to shield, and drew its blade sd: one of the dragonspawn had emerged from the tower, bow ready, and fired at Leofric, who deflected it with his shield. The creature dropped its bow and went for its sword sd: Uthred clambered up onto the walls, while Aescwig, having more problems, climbed up more slowly Edmund: Edmund moving slowly forward, fired up at one of the dragonspawn on the walls, hitting it in the arm. sd: Rumwald flung a holy water bullet towards a skeleton, but it flew wide Beomund: As the nearby skeleton parried Leofric's blow, Beomund swung his axe and chopped the skull from its vertebrae. As the skeleton fell to pieces, he gestured back behind him. "The knights could use some help, Leofric!" He turned to face the nearby dragonspawn. Leofric: Leofric grimaced as he glanced backward and nodded, "Indeed. I am always happy to help the Holy Orders..." He starts strolling along the wall. sd: Ser Uthred climbed the walls and rapidly pulled out a silver sword, as he was badly pressed by the undead. He slashed at the nearest zombie, tearing a chunk of flesh from its rotting skull. Hogar: Hogar smashed at the dragonspawn again with his shield, and this time the creature did not block the blow - rather, it was hurled backwards towards one of his weaker companions, though it was unhurt sd: Uthred drew his shield, awaiting aid from Leofric and Aescwig sd: a skeleton in the tower fired at Leofric, missing sd: edit - at Rumwald, not Leofric! Hogar: Hogar calmly took his axe from his belt and prepared to face the dragonspawn again in melee sd: the large dragonspawn looked out at Leofric, Beomund, and Hogar, and opened its mouth to release a great gout of flame at them. Hogar and Beomund were able to dodge, ducking down behind their shields, while Leofric, guarded by Saint Thengrist's scroll, took only minor burns sd: another dragonspawn, nearer to Uthred, turned and flung a javelin at Leofric, seeing him advance, but failed to penetrate his armour sd: Uthred blocked a blow from a zombie, moving to make room for Aescwig who had just managed to climb up onto the walls Hogar: Seeing that Beomund was now sprawled on the ground, Hogar put himself between him and the approaching dragonspawn sd: Belegar fired at the large dragonspawn, which raised its shield to block. With all the foes now tied up in melee, Belegar dropped his bow and prepared to rush towards melee Leofric: Leofric strolling smiled slightly at the approaching dragonspawn and raised his fine knightly longsword and made an attempt but alas, its target was able to defend itself masterfully. Beomund: "What's next, an earthquake?" growled Beomund fromt he ground. sd: Aescwig drew his ball and chain and whirled it overhead. "For God and Saint Bregowine!" he cried Beomund: Beomund pushed himself up and readied to move beside Hogar so they could face the two dragonspawn together. sd: Uthred landed another blow on a zombie, cutting a gash above its eye Hogar: Hogar brought his battle-axe down at of the legs of the veteran dragonspawn facing him and though the creature blocked with its shield Hogar's it was unbalanced by the effort and fell sprawled on the ground Hogar: remove: Hogar's sd: the other dragonspawn slashed at Hogar, but gingerly as Ed's arrow was still in its arm and the blow went wide sd: Uthred took a blow from a zombie's axe to the arm, but the knight's scaled armour turned most of the blow sd: Belegar drew his axe and began to run towards the grappling hooks Leofric: Leofric moved quickly and managed to cut a blood vessel beneath its strong scale and the pain clearly gripped the dragonspawn. As the black blood flows down its weakened left arm, Leofric muttered something to himself calmly, almost dismissing this creature. sd: Ser Aescwig smashed his ball and chain down on a skeleton's sword arm. The chain snared round the creature's arm, preventing it from attacking Edmund: Catching sight of the dragonspawn he had hit, Edmund fired at it but yet again his shot hit the wall. He muttered an oath, swung his bow over his shoulder and started running for the rope. Beomund: Beomund hacked down at the large dragonspawn Hogar had tripped, though his axe only barely made it through the creature's armor. Hogar: Hogar swung his axe at the head of the fallen dragonspawn, and though the blow was not particularly strong it managed to cut through the creature's helm and scales just enough to hit a blood vessel and cause black blood to start flowing forth. sd: Aescwig tried to use his ball and chain to drag down his skeletal foe, but was unable to take the thing down Leofric: Leofric slashed out again and did terrible injury to Dragonspawn's arm and it was too much for it. As it collaspes to the curtain wall floor, he said, "Well, that is simple enough." as he stepped over the bleeding creature and strolls toward the outnumbered knights, "Coming! Beomund: Getting frustrated with the defenses of his opponents, Beomund dropped his axe and shield, and pulled his great hammer from his back. Hogar: Seeing that the elder dragonspawn was now much less of a threat, Hogar went for the younger one that had been facing Beomund, but the creature blocked his attack sd: Aescwig yanked down with his ball and chain and this time was able to drag the skeleton to the ground. The Reliquary knight raised his weapon and prepared to smash it down on the fallen skeleton Leofric: Leofric finally arrived to help the Holy knights out and launched an attack on the nearest zombie which he slashed in its right arm, "Gentlemen." He greeted them politely and with a hint of humour. Beomund: Smiling grimly as he felt the familiar weight of the hammer in his hands, Beomund struck the still-standing dragonspawn heavily on the arm, knocking it senseless. Now only the prone leader remained by him and Hogar. sd: Uthred nodded at Leofric and slashed a zombie across the face, ripping through an eye. The creature remained on its feet, stubbornly ignoring its wounds sd: the skeleton on the ground slashed wildly at Aescwig, but to no effect Hogar: Hogar swung again at the dragonspawn's head but the creature's helm and scales protected him from most of the damage sd: Aescwig brought his ball and chain down on the skeleton's head, though the damage was light Leofric: Leofric strike a blow again and almost remove the arm. He shook his head for a moment and opted to target the head next tiume Beomund: Beomund hammered down at the leader of the dragonspawn. Its helm absorbed just enough of the blow that the creature remained alive, though close to death. Edmund: Edmund grabbed the end of the rope and tried to scramble up but fell back. Hogar: Hogar followed up with another head hit that failed to slay the dragonspawn but brought it closer to death sd: Aescwig smashed the fallen skeleton in the head again with his ball and chain Leofric: Leofric with highly skilled move lopped the zombie's left arm off utterly. He watched the fray before him calmingly Edmund: Edmund started up the wall again, this time taking it slow and steady. Beomund: Working alongside Hogar like two miners worrying at a vein of gold, Beomund continued to hammer at the veteran dragonspawn's head, until finally he felt a bloody crunch and knew he'd found his prize. Hogar: Seeing that the dragonspawn's head was reduced to a bloody pulp Hogar turned around and ran to help his companions who were fighting the undead sd: Uthred blocked another blow from a zombie Beomund: Beomund advanced past the two fallen dragonspawn, bracing himself for an oncoming skeleton. Leofric: Leofric once made another attack and this time, aims for the head. The Zombie's head rattled for a moment sd: Aescwig hammered down on his fallen foe, striking its shield Leofric: Leofric once made another attack and this time, aims for the head. The Zombie's head had a sword blow on its face sd: Uthred at last finished his foe with a swipe of his silvered blade, shearing its rotted head in half Beomund: Beomund struck at the skeleton ahead of him, and although it parried the force of his blow broke a few of its ribs. sd: the skeleton slashed back, and Beomund took the blow on the haft of his hammer Hogar: Hogar slowly pulled his shield arm back, obviously intent on pushing the zombie fighting Leofric off the walls with all his might, but he completely miscalculated the angle of his attack and ended hitting the bottom of his shield on the battlement's floor, rather than on the undead's flesh. However he recovered with no ill effects from the mistake. Leofric: Leofric slammed the zomie on the head again but it is still standing sd: Belegar had been trying to climb up to assist in the melee, but as he climbed he suddenly slipped and fell. The scout came crashing down onto the wooden spikes, which tore into his leg as he gave a great cry of anguish. Rumwald rushed over to assist him as Hogar, Leofric, and the knights finished off their foes on the walls, and Beomund downed the final skeleton.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 14, 2015 14:42:09 GMT
sd: the last of the undead fell quickly, however Belegar had now wounded himself grievously in his fall and lay in agony on the spike that transfixed his leg. Rumwald moved to him quickly, retrieving healing implements from his bag. Uthred climbed down to help him, while Aescwig stayed on the wall, glancing about. "Be quick!" he called softly. "Others might have seen the fight."
There did not appear to be anyone on the next section of the wall, at least, though further along they could see signs of undead guards. The main assault, to the southeast, had clearly begun in earnest, but in the dim light and with much smoke and dust it was almost impossible to tell who was winning. They could not afford, at any rate, to pay it too close attention - they now needed to make for the central tower, where Wulfcytel had said the dragonspawn captain had his headquarters. He had guessed the creature would be on a particular level which they could see about fifty feet up, one of the highest storeys - a great, vaguely circular balcony. They could see it from where they stood, but the railings were high and the level above also blocked their view, so it was not possible to see if the dragonspawn were indeed watching from there. Leofric: Leofric rushed to the tower so he can cast their protection hidden from the views of others, taking advantages of the distraction offered by convenient wound suffered by Belegar Edmund: As everyone else was busy, Edmund suggested they move into the tower to recast their spells. He made an excuse which seemed to be accepted. Hogar: Though worried the others would notice what they were doing, Hogar cast spells of agility and quickness on himself and Edmund Edmund: Edmund cast a spell to sharpen Hogar's axe. Beomund: Beomund cast the same spell of quickness on himself and Leofric, while receiving the scholar's spell of protection. sd: Rumwald knelt by Belegar and carefully drew the leg from the spike, then applied salves and poultices to the wound. The scout would be able to walk and continue to assist them, though he was clearly hobbled by the injury. They tied a rope round his waist and Aescwig and Uthred hauled him up. "We need to move now," said Aescwig. "We should hug the underside of the wall until we're near the tower, gives us the best chance to avoid notice." Leofric: Leofric nodded at the tactics they are using, ready for the next fight to come. Hogar: "Let's hope these cursed things don't spot us."said Hogar sd: Rumwald and Edmund took point and they crept beneath the wall. At several points they passed directly beneath guards, who were for the most part eyeing the main assault on the other side of the fortress.
Once they were due north of the tower they peeled away from the wall and headed for their destination, hiding themselves in the shadow the imposing tower cast upon them. They crept along to the base of the tower and began to circle round it, moving very carefully now as they were sure there would be guards on the door. When they had come to the south side of the tower Rumwald stopped them, indicating there were enemies ahead. At the large double doors there stood a dragonspawn and two undead to either side. The undead held their weapons already to hand, and the dragonspawn had a horn to sound in case of attack. Edmund: Edmund stopped and indicated that they needed to take out the dragonspawn with the horn first. sd: Hogar examined their surroundings and found exactly the right spot from which to launch their assault, and Rumwald and Edmund led the party stealthily there. At Hogar's signal, they barrelled forward, tearing towards the dragonspawn. Leofric sent a bolt at the creature which went whizzing wide, but took it aback for long enough for Hogar and Beomund to crash forward. One knocked the horn from its hands while the other held the skeletons at bay. With Aescwig and Uthred joining, the battle was quickly won without the alarm being raised. Mopping up the dragonspawn's blood, they entered the tower, dragging the bodies of their enemies behind them.
The first several floors of the tower were clearly barracks used by the dragonspawn, however they were utterly emptied due to the battle. Dumping the bodies there, they headed out to the central corridor, where a staircase spiralled upwards. Beomund: "We're getting close," whispered Beomund. "Let us hope the leader is distracted by the battle." Hogar: "Hopefully. He should be easy to spot, from what we were told."replied Hogar in a hushed tone sd: they made their way up the stairs, with Uthred, Hogar, and Beomund at the front in their heavy armour. Uthred carried his two blades, silver in the left hand, steel in the right. Aescwig, Leofric and Edmund came after with Rumwald and the limping Belegar taking up the rear. Halfway up the second set of steps, Uthred stopped them suddenly. "There's a rune there," he said, pointing to the wall at the third landing. "Trap, I'd guess, some sorcery." Leofric: Leofric narrowed his eyes at that and glanced at Edmund and Beomund and smiled at this surprise. Edmund: Edmund moved up to assist Beomund. sd: Edmund and Beomund came forward and were able to determine it was a fire trap with some manner of mystical trigger - they were able to determine how to cover the rune so it could not be set off, then they continued on, warier now.
After three floors of barracks, the fourth was the one directly below the balcony, and they guessed it was some kind of officers chambers. The furnishings of the dragonspawn were sparse - their beds were simple slabs of wood and stone, and they had no blankets. Here and there they saw signs of bone tokens or dice which indicated that the creatures enjoyed at least some of the comforts typical of human soldiers. One particularly interesting item was next to the door of the officer's room, a large golden horn with a great mouthpiece. There were grooves cut within the bore, which could be adjusted by means of metal sliders upon the exterior of the instruments. Edmund guessed this would affect the sound the instrument made. Further, on examination, they saw that the interior of the horn was blackened with soot. Hogar: Hogar looked at the horn with curiosity Beomund: "They must use their breath of flame to make their music," mused Beomund, mentally noting the design of the instrument, and hoping they might take it back for further study once this business was done. Edmund: Edmund examined the instrument with great interest. "It would be interesting to know how this is used, whether for music or something more." Leofric: Leofric eyed the horn and looked at it with interest and nodded, agreeing with the Bard. sd: the group continued on up the spiralling stairs. They soon arrived at the landing directly beneath the balcony, and they could see the light of the morning filtering down from above. As they came to the base of the stairs, Hogar put a hand out to stop Uthred just before he could step on a pressure plate - checking the ground, they saw there was a small hole from which a spear was set to burst and stab at whoever set off the trap. Hogar: "Careful there."whispered Hogar "And keep your eyes open, there might be more" sd: "The balcony is right above us," said Uthred quietly. Rumwald knelt and began to pray, as did Aescwig. Edmund: Edmund bowed his head for a moment in silent prayer, then he pulled the flute from his belt ready to play once they launched their attack. Hogar: Hogar said nothing but stared upwards at the stairs, obviously lost in thought Leofric: Leofric made a short prayer calling for protection and safety for the group Beomund: Beomund closed his eyes, mouthing some words of hope he'd learned from Aisha, steeling himself for the fight. sd: weapons at the ready, they crept slowly up the stairs. As they went, they could hear the wind faintly, and here and there the creaking noise that betrayed the presence of animate skeletons nearby.
They crouched and came to the top of the stairs. They were in a large square stone room, which was set with a large circular carpet, and the floors at the north and south ends were set with strange red patterning. There were four wooden doors, one on each wall, leading out onto the marbled balcony. Statues of dragons on the balconies peered in through the north and south doors, while the east and west doors were guarded by the undead, though they did not appear to have seen them. Beyond these doors, at each cardinal point, was a semi-circular platform from which either a dragonspawn or an undead stood watch, though the living guards, at least, were all gazing east towards the battle. sd: though his leg was wounded, Belegar's arms were still strong enough to hold a bow. Acting first, he drew a silvered arrow and fired it at a large zombie that guarded the western door, piercing an arm Edmund: Edmund brought the flute up to his lips and began to play a warlike melody, sweet and piercing despite it's martial overtones. Edmund: edit* its martial overtones sd: Rumwald flung a bullet filled with holy water at a skeleton at the west wall, burning its bony arm sd: Aescwig had retrieved a silver javelin, which he hurled at a zombie at the east door with great force. The missile slammed straight through its chest, and it gave a cry of agony as the holy metal pierced through it. "God smite your foul souls!" Aescwig cried, reaching for his ball and chain Leofric: Leofric lifted his crossbow and fired a silver bolt. The bolt slammed into other zombie's head, riveting into the helmet and stuck in it, crudely impaled through an eye. Hogar: Hogar took a silver-bladed hatchet he had been lent by the Knights and with a smooth, relaxed move, hurled it at the armored skeleton by the east door. The weapon struck its skull barely chipping it under its helm but also unbalancing it - the undead fell to the floor with the noise of rattling bones. sd: as their enemies became aware of the attack, they heard a deep voice intone harsh mystic words out on the eastern side of the balcony sd: there then came in answer more dragonspawn, casting spells as they prepared for the battle sd: Belegar and Rumwald quickly reloaded while Aescwig pulled out his ball and chain. Uthred had already charged ahead and was closing with the skeleton at the east door, which managed to rise just in time Hogar: Coming behind Beomund and Uthred as he had been slowed down by having to hurl his hatchet, Hogar readied his great razor-sharp axe Leofric: Leofric quickly dropped his crossbow safely by the stone stair and as he strolled over toward the enemies, he placed his new kite shield into position. Edmund: Edmund stuffed the flute into his belt again and swung the bow off his shoulder. Beomund: Beomund charged alongside Uthred and struck at the rising skeleton, but it managed to deflect most of the force of his blow with its shield. sd: Uthred raised his silver blade and sent it slashing down at the creature that had just taken Aescwig's javelin to the chest. The blade snuck just past its upraised shield and sliced through its chest, sending it toppling to the floor with its upper body shearing away sd: they heard more spells being cast on the balcony as the battle at the eastern door raged sd: Belegar fired at a zombie that was approaching the southern door, striking it. sd: Rumwald hurled another holy water bullet at a skeleton, but struck its shield Leofric: Leforic managed to reach the entrance beside Hogar and drew his fine longsowrd out Hogar: Hogar swung his axe with great strength at the head of zombie facing him, tearing off a large chunk of flesh Beomund: Beomund battered away at the skeleton's defenses, managing to damage its ribcage even through its shield. Edmund: Edmund fired a silver arrow at a zombie moving from the west entrance. It struck the undead in the chest although with less force than he had hoped. Edmund sighed, wishing he could use the magic to inflame the arrows. sd: Aescwig raised his ball and chain and moved to intercept the enemies entering through the western door Leofric: Leofric finally got a chance to attack the zombie but it defended itself effectively Hogar: Hogar followed up Leofric's attack with a powerful and quick axe blow that split the zombie's head in two, destroying it Beomund: Beomund continued to strike at the beleaguered skeleton, landing a powerful blow that tore into its helm. sd: Uthred tried to finish off the creature, but his stroke went wide, as did the skeleton's own attack on Beomund. Outside, they heard the sound of running as large feet suddenly burst into motion sd: a skeleton fired towards Leofric from the western balconies, but struck the wall harmlessly sd: one of the dragonspawn on the eastern balconies flung a javelin towards Beomund, striking him, but fortunately just failing to penetrate his thick armour. Leofric: Leofric rushes into the area, looking quickly for enemies to fight. Hogar: Hogar ran slightly in front of him, obviously eager to face the dragonspawn and their leader Hogar: edit: change 'slightly' to 'a short distance' sd: a dragonspawn burst through the western door, javelin ready to throw, while several undead emerged on the eastern balcony, having run out from the northern one Hogar: "Be careful, the door to the south's trapped."said Hogar who had thrown a quick glance behind before advancing further Beomund: Beomund struck at the skeleton once more, forcing it to defend desperately. sd: Uthred took advantage, landing a blow on the creature with his silvered blade, hacking into its head and taking it down sd: the dragonspawn that had thrown at Beomund drew a sword, glancing south where it was clear there were reinforcements coming sd: the dragonspawn that had just entered the room flung a javelin at Aescwig, slamming past his shield but failing to penetrate the knight's armour. sd: moving out onto the eastern balcony, Hogar and Leofric saw there was a large wooden desk there, on which sat large leather-bound tomes and scrolls which were held down with flat stones to prevent them from being blown away. Beyond this, they saw the dragonspawn leader. It was eight foot tall and of a mass and muscle that made it seem like a blue-scaled mountain, rumbling towards them. Two other great blue dragonspawn came behind him, swords and shields at the ready Leofric: Leofric eyed the oncoming doom and managed to lock eyes with Hogar for a moment and smiled. Hogar: Hogar smiled in reply, but quickly turned turned his attention to the gigantic dragonspawn leader - obviously he intented to slay him as soon as possible Edmund: Edmund raised his bow again and sighted on the dragonspawn which had rushed forward from the west balcony. The arrow sped true and straight to plunge into the creature's right arm which now hung helplessly at its side. sd: Aescwig lashed out at a nearby zombie with his ball and chain, trying to take its feet out from under it, but failing sd: edit - the chain lashed round the creature's leg and sent it tumbling to the ground sd: a skeleton slashed out at Aescwig with its sword, but the knight dodged and turned his attention to it sd: Rumwald smashed out at it with his ball and chain, which it blocked, while Rumwald sent a holy water bullet sailing by sd: edit - Aescwig with the ball and chain sd: the leader of the dragonspawn murmured a few words and sent a bolt of lightning flashing towards Hogar. Fortunately, it only lightly singed Hogar, who was protected by a spell that had been cast earlier Hogar: "Your fell sorcery won't save you, monster!" said Hogar as he ran towards the dragonspawn gripping his axe sd: the dragonspawn gazed back at Hogar, seeming slightly nonplussed. Then it pointed and spoke in grating Gaston, its accent barbarous and coarse, speech slow and with heavy emphasis on every syllable. "You Will Die BruTal DeaThs, ViRiAns! DaeDeLoth!" Beomund: "At least our souls will live on, while you will go to nothing!" called back Beomund as he hurried up behind Hogar. sd: Belegar leapt aside to avoid a javelin, while Aescwig had to block a blow from the zombie he had managed to trip sd: Belegar stood, with a dragonspawn bearing down on him as he did Edmund: Edmund fired again at the wounded dragonspawn, this time hitting it in the left arm, but although the arrow hit, it did little damage. Seeing the brute rushing towards him, Edmund threw his bow behind him and moved to draw his sword. sd: Rumwald dropped his sling and drew his own blade. "Meringas!" he cried. Leofric: Leofric slammed into a dragonspawn as they approached Leofric's group and made a strike on lesser Dragonspawn but its managed to deflect its blow Hogar: With Beomund and Leofric beside him, Hogar raised his axe above his head and brought it down one of the elder dragonspawn with such force and skill that though the creature had brought its shield up to block, the blow slipped under its defences and struck it in a leg, tearing a bloody gash. The dragonspawn however stood standing. sd: "DaeDeLoth!" the dragonspawn captain roared again, and raised its arms. It began to intone the words of some dire spell, and the air itself seemed to reverberate in dread as the dragonspawn gathered power sd: Uthred rushed to intercept two skeletons that were advancing towards the party. Seeing both his foes were undead, he dropped his steel blade and drew a shield. Beomund: Beomund struck the nearest of the dragonspawn hard on the side, glancing over with worry at the captain. Leofric: Leofric frowned at the words, wondering about the very nature of magic and gods. sd: one of the skeletons bore a huge axe, which it swung at Uthred with horrific force. The knight's shield only partially blocked the blow, which smashed into the knight's chest sd: another dragonspawn flung a javelin at the knight, but failed to penetrate his armour, while he dodged a third blow from a skeleton. Aescwig, meanwhile, took a skeleton's sword to the leg, though it was only a light blow largely turned by his mail sd: the two largest dragonspawn charged into melee with Hogar and Beomund, slashing out at them with their swords, which the Virians deflected with the hafts of their two handed weapons sd: Hogar timed the interposition of his weapon perfectly, knocking his attacker off balance and allowing him to sweep its legs out from under it sd: Rumwald readied a small shield, prearing to battle the dragonspawn that was rushing towards the injured Belegar Edmund: At the last moment Edmund realised the injured dragonspawn was under control, and held onto his bow, moving onto the balcony to support his comrades. Hogar: Hogar went for the dragonspawn's wounded leg hitting it with a grievous blow which left the limb disabled and the creature lying in pain on the ground, though still alive. Leofric: Leofric managed to pay his full glare of attention as the other dragonspawn fallen onto the floor due to Hogar's blow and managed to strke so fiercely that the lesser dragonspawn totally lost its left leg. The enemy fell to the floor, with a bleeding stump. Leofric watched its fall with pitiless eyes and then glared at the other enemies. He lifted his sword up to the air, covered in black blood, and yelled at the leader, "Let see what your pitiful magic can do then!" Beomund: Beomund struck the nearest spawn once again, slamming it in the chest and temporarily stunning it. sd: the dragonspawn captain continued its spell, but the words failed in its throat and the mystical power slipped from its grasp. Cursing, it ordered two zombies forward to the attack Leofric: Leofric starts laughing hilariously at this poor performance, "Maybe you should start thinking to worship more benevolent deity!" Leofric: Leofric taunts sd: Uthred desparately blocked another blow from a two handed axe, now outnumbered three to one sd: Rumwald dodged a shot from a skeleton, while Belegar dropped his bow and drew his axe to face the dragonspawn attacking him sd: another arrow went slicing at Edmund, who rolled aside sd: Aescwig continued his battle with two undead, slamming his ball and chain down on its shield Edmund: Edmund rolled and came up on his feet, firing as he did so at the massive dragonspawn which despite its size was almost covered by a massive shield. His aim was true - the arrow struck the uncovered left arm of the brute, although it did not seem to do much injury to it. Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly at the surrounding prone dragonspawns, turned around and strolled away from these fallen creatures, only start to run quickly to help out Ser Uthred. Hogar: Hogar kept attacking the wounded leg of the veteran sprawled in front of him until he chopped it off with a vicious blow. The creature died, the stump of its leg spewing black blood all around. sd: the dragonspawn captain began to cast a spell again, seeming completely unbothered by the arrow sticking out of its arm Beomund: Beomund kept up the attack on his own foe, the tune of Edmund's martial song still ringing in his ears, and he landed a blow that crushed the chest of the dragonspawn. sd: Uthred took another heavy blow to the chest, struggling against his many attackers sd: Belegar blocked a blow from the dragonspawn, while another slashed wide of Uthred Edmund: As the fighting grew fiercer and his allies were hard pressed, Edmund lifted up his voice in praise of God and his Prophet. Leofric: Leofric sprints quickly, rushing past Edmund, like approaching true death to the enemies, "Take heart Ser !" He yelled out, trying to give him confidence! sd: Rumwald landed a weak blow on the dragonspawn that was attacking Belegar Hogar: Hogar raised his great-axe high and, muttering something, perhaps a verse from a prayer, calmy swung at the head of one of the zombies facing him and Beomund, nearly but not quite splitting it in two and knocking the undead down thanks to the force of the blow. Beomund: Beomund attempted to follow up Hogar's blow with one of his own, but he tripped on the Zombie's rotting arm and his blow struck the floor. sd: the dragonspawn leader intoned his spell again, but this time the sense of power continued to grow instead of dissipating. The skies roared with fury and a solid wall of sound came bursting out to smash into the Virian's with hell's own wrath sd: Uthred and Edmund were both knocked to the ground, their ears ringing, however the remaining Virians managed to resist the powerful spell sd: a skeleton slashed down at the fallen Silver Blade with a two-handed axe, landing a blow on his mailed leg Leofric: Leofric sped up even more when he saw just how vulnerable Ser Uthred is sd: the knight blocked another blow, as did Aescwig in the central chamber sd: a dragonspawn loomed over Ser Uthred, seeking to put an end to the stubborn knight, but with a cry of rage Ser Uthred summoned some hidden reserve of strength. As the dragonspawn bore down on him, the knight surged upwards and the blow went wildly wide. His shield smashed into the thing's face, driving it back blinded, discomfiting the two skeletons for just enough time that Uthred himself could stand unsteadily sd: Aescwig took a blow to the leg from the fallen zombie, but ignored the blow sd: Belegar smashed the dragonspawn he was fighting on the arm, leaving it temporarily on the back foot Leofric: Leofric with a roar finally reached the line and made an immediate attack on the sketeon armed with a great axe but to his disappointment, it parries his strike Hogar: Hogar struck the zombie on the ground in the head again, though the blow was far weaker than the previous and only tore off a small amount of dead flesh. Leofric: Leofric made a desperate attempt to stop this enemy with great axe and managed to hit it on its leg, bypassing it defence. Still , due to the anture of weapon it doesn;t have the full impact sd: the dragonspawn captain drew a large blade, ready to enter the fray sd: Uthred took another blow, which did only negligible damage but did send the knight back down to the floor sd: a skeleton fired towards Rumwald, but only succeeded in striking its own ally in the back, doing minimal damage to the dragonspawn
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 16, 2015 22:27:06 GMT
sd: Belegar landed a light blow on the dragonspawn he and Rumwald were facing, hacking into the creature's leg Edmund: Edmund scanned the balcony for a target. Seeing Leofric and the prone Uthred outnumbered, he raised his bow and fired at the Dragonspawn. The arrow hit it solidly in the chest. sd: Rumwald attacked the dragonspawn he was fighting with Belegar, striking its shield, and Aescwig's attack on a skeleton ended similarly Leofric: Leofric managed to follow up Ed's arrow wound on the dragonspawn and plunged his sleek fine longsword into the wound. The black blood spurt out and the enemy fell, black blood streaming from it. Hogar: Hogar split in two with a vicious axe swing the head of the zombie sprawled on the floor between him and Beomund as it tried to crawl to its feet. The undead collapsed to the ground in a gory mess. Beomund: A moment later Beomund swung his hammer at the other remaining zombie, and its head exploded in a shower of gray, rotten flesh. "God is with us, Brother Hogar!" he said. sd: the dragonspawn captain, seeing the two zombies fall, murmured a spell and flung a bolt of lightning at Beomund. Fortunately, it was not a particularly powerful bolt, and only singed the side of Beomund's face Beomund: Beomund's words of praise immediately turned to a curse as the heat of the bolt took him by surprise, but he immediately focused his attention on the captain. sd: Uthred slashed at a skeleton from the ground, striking its shield sd: the knight then blocked a blow from a skeleton that slashed down at him. Aescwig took one blow on his arm, but it did not penetrate his mail. Another skeleton fired at Edmund, who was slightly vulnerable as the spell had deafened him and he could not hear the arrow whizzing towards him. Noticing it from the corner of his eye, however, he flowed under it like quicksilver, rolling away harmlessly and coming up in one smooth motion sd: a large skeleton hacked down at Uthred with a two handed axe, but the knight doggedly blocked it, struggling from his knees sd: by Hogar and Beomund there was a skeleton that Hogar had managed to take down earlier. Though wounded and unable to stand, it was able to open its mouth and breathe fire at the two, though this did not do them much hurt as their armour protected them sd: edit - a dragonspawn, not a skeleton sd: Belegar hacked at his foe again. The dragonspawn was unable to protect itself as it was occupied blocking Rumwald's strike, and the scout's axe took it hard in the middle. The creature fell bleeding out its life onto the floor Hogar: Undeterred by the dragonspawn's flames, Hogar moved towards the corner where the captain and a single skeleton stood Edmund: Edmund grabbed another arrow as he started to move towards Beomund and Hogar who were running to tackle the Dragonspawn captain. Leofric: Leofric made another attempt on the skeleon warrior but it managed to deftly parries his strike. sd: the dragonspawn captain tried to cast another lightning bolt, but the spell was unsuccessful sd: Uthred took a light blow from a skeleton, then blocked another powerful swing of a greataxe Leofric: Taking advantage of the gap offered by the fallen Dragonspawn, he managed to get in front of the prone Ser Ulthred and present himself as additional target for other vile skeleon, while stepping carefully on the spreading black pool of blood. Leofric: He immediately made another attempt on the great axe wielding skeleton but sighed as he only nicked its leg bone a little. Instead, he focused on preventing it from attacking anyone. Hogar: Finding himself and Beomund intercepted by a skeleton and a zombie, Hogar struck the latter in the head, tearing rotting flesh from its skull Beomund: Beomund swung at the adjacent skeleton, but it parried his blow. sd: the great dragonspawn, seeing Hogar and Beomund tied up for the moment, drew a javelin and readied to throw it. sd: Uthred, finding some reserve of strength, hacked at a skeleton from the ground, but missed, The other undead struck him on the leg, but didn't penetrate his armour Edmund: Edmund fired at the massive Dragonspawn but the monster flung up its shield and his arrow thumped harmlessly into it. Leofric: Leofric made another play and managed to bypass its defence, stirking it in its rig cages, shattering some bones but mroe focused on pressing his advantage on it. Hogar: Hogar swung at the zombie again, but this time his axe met the undead's sword and was parried as both great weapons locked together for a moment
Error in body of roll. Statement options (if any): Statement Body : b sd: the captain flung a javelin towards Hogar. The missile appeared to be heading wide, and then it abruptly curved in mid-air and went straight for him. The startled Hogar was only just barely able to dodge out of its path sd: a skeleton attacked Leofric, but badly misjudged its blow - Leofric hammered out with his shield and sent it spinning to the floor sd: Aescwig absorbed another blow, while Rumwald, rushing to assist the knight, rolled beneath a shot, showing unexpected agility sd: Hogar blocked a stroke from a zombie's two-handed sword, while Beomund's opponent tried and failed to strike him from the ground Edmund: Edmund dropped his bow and drew the silvered sabre. sd: Rumwald struck a fallen zombie, while Aescwig, now relieved by the priest and Belegar's arrival, struck a hard blow on a skeleton's leg Leofric: Leofric made another attempt at the Skeleton Warrior but it managed to block his blow Hogar: Hogar swung again his axe at the zombie's head wounding it hideously, but the creature kept fighting on Beomund: Beomund hammered down at the skeleton on the ground, which desperately defended but still took some heavy damage to its arm-bones. sd: the dragonspawn captain flung another lightning bolt at Hogar, but he was able to dodge away from it acrobatically sd: Uthred struck at the skeleton that Leofric had been pressing. Landing a light blow, he was able to find the time and space he needed to quicky return to his feet. sd: the other skeleton tried to strike at the Silvered Blade from the ground, but Uthred kicked up dirt and blood into its face, blinding it. Edmund: Edmund moved to one of the downed Dragonspawn and struck at it, but the blow failed to get through its armour. Leofric: Leofric managed to hit the bones enough that the skelton managed to trip over and fell onto the floor. Leofric gave a ironic laugh for a moment Hogar: Another of Hogar's axe blows tore off some flesh from the zombie's skull, but the undead kept fighting Beomund: Beomund continued to hammer at the skeleton on the ground, finally smashing its weapon arm to bits and leaving it little threat. Leofric: Leofric kept on attacking the warrior but it still able to defend itself sd: Uthred struck the skeleton in the head, damaging it with his silver blade Hogar: Hogar hit the zombie again in the head with a weak blow from his axe, and the undead, having already been heavily mauled there, finally collapsed to the floor in a crumpled heap Edmund: Edmund moved back and picked up his bow with a sigh. Leofric: Leofric managed to slam his sword onto the skill but made a little impact. Beomund: Beomund charged forward at the dragonspawn captain, which advanced as it drew a broadsword. "For the glory of God!" the smith roared, landing a strong blow against the creature's sword-arm - though it felt as if the blow imparted less force than he expected into the captain's scaly hide. sd: "DaeDeLoth!" the dragonspawn cried. It struck out with its sword, and though Beomund deflected the blow he felt its massive strength. sd: Uthred struck the skeleton warrior, knocking its axe away Hogar: "Your dragon 'god' won't save you, monster." said Hogar as he advanced on the dragonspawn captain to help Beomund, having dispatched his undead foe Leofric: Leofric kept on fighting the skeleton warrior and kept on hitting the bone head Hogar: With a quick, skillful motion Hogar raised his great-axe just above his shoulder and then brought it down on the weapon arm of the dragonspawn captain who towered over him by more than two feet. The weapon tore through the tough scales, flesh and whatever enchantment the monster had been using to protect itself, grievously wounding the limb Beomund: As the creature shifted to defend its arm, Beomund took advantage, leaping upward to slam his hammer against the dragonspawn's jaw. He heard a *crack*, but the monster was too tough to fall from the blow. Hogar: Seeing an opening Hogar quickly recovered from his swing and attacked again, leaping at the dragonspawn captain's neck with calm determination and ripping through its neck in a spray of dense black blood. The monster staggered back for a moment and then collapsed, slain. Beomund: Wiping the sweat from his brow as the monster fell, Beomund clapped Hogar on the back and turned to survey the carnage of their battle.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 16, 2015 22:29:54 GMT
The fall of the great dragonspawn proved, as they had expected, the turning point in the battle. Many of the undead servitors upon the walls were his own, or belonged to the bodyguards and lieutenants the party and their allies had slain. The defenders suddenly turned upon themselves and were routed in confusion, while Rumwald climbed to the top of the tower and raised a flag, white edged with silver, bearing the symbol of the Prophet’s Star, to make their victory known.
Within a short hour, the Virian forces had entered the fortress and the few surviving dragonspawn fled east, sacrificing their undead servants as a rearguard. Ser Wulfcytel sent a contingent of Silvered Blades on horseback to pursue, and the remainder of the forces were able to take up residence. As this fortress’ previous name was lost to them, Ser Wulfcytel proclaimed the name which the Rectors had decreed for it – Steorcaestre, the Star Fortress, to be a stronghold of the Virian Way forevermore.
They searched the fortress thoroughly, uncovering many scrolls which were clearly written in the draconic language. The script was very alien and unusual to their minds – it was clearly neither an alphabetical system, like the old Alanian or modern Gaston scripts, nor was it runic like the old Gaston or Swylledd scripts. Each character was more elaborate, and they guessed each represented a syllable, which seemed in keeping with the strange manner in which the dragonspawn captain had spoken to them in Gaston. Ser Wulfcytel asked that the documents be gathered up and returned to Prestenbroc, where the Rectors might be able to study them and thus learn more of their enemies.
Ser Wulfcytel remained behind at Steorcaestre with a contingent of about fifty, while the Weltry men under Belegar remained behind to wait for their captain's leg to recover. The party, and the remaining knights, returned to Prestenbroc. The Silvered Blades rewarded the party handsomely for their work - each received a thousand silvers, and in addition offered them fine horses, bred in in the duchy of Withmark, which produced the best horseflesh in Gastony. They also provided silver rings set with the Silvered Blades sigil, marking them as friends of the Order able to call for assistance at any time.
It was a long road back to Phalen. The cloud of winter hung ominously over Palania, and they fled south before its advance. Snow had fallen many times by the time they arrived back in the capital on 20 November, but fortunately they had avoided any serious snowfall.
Arriving at their manor, they found a message from the Order of the Burning Brand. Using the supplies of godsroot and Coelney pearls the party had recovered in their expedition to Coelney, mages friendly to the Order had been experimenting and had at length created a number of useful concoctions. While the secrets of their creation would remain with the Order, they thought it right that the party, who had after all recovered the raw materials, should receive a sample. They hinted that they would be willing to set up a more regular trade for more of these potions - though, of course, given the limited nature of their supplies, this would have a price.
Three days after their return to Phalen, the party were pleased to receive a visit from their old friend and ally Balnoth, Ealdorman no longer. After several months of uncertainty, he and Svari had settled in the small village of Shepley, on the west bank of the Saltanow almost directly across from Gastonford, and had purchased a small farm. Balnoth himself had rapidly discovered he was not given to the agricultural life, however Svari had taken to this well.
For his part, Balnoth had struck up a friendship with the local Ealdorman, Angenlaf, and become one of his advisers and his representative in the village. He had been seeking, thus far unsuccessfully, to reconcile with his clan, with whom he had fallen out as a young man and whose lands were only a day or so south of Shepley in the neighbouring Weapontake. He had also taken advantage of his more central location by taking up correspondence with some of his old adventuring companions, who he had previously found hard to contact from such a remote region as Stowecott.
Balnoth stayed with them for three days, though he spent most of his time away from the manor as the Ealdorman had sent him to seek to arrange the marriage of one of his younger cousins to a noble from the city. Eventually Balnoth was successful, and bid the party farewell.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Feb 28, 2015 12:57:44 GMT
sd: after their victory at Steorcaestre, the party returned to Phalen and recuperated for a time. Winter would soon lie across Palania, but for their part, the party would be seeking the lands of Gundergrad in the east, where, if Edoma was correct, the fate of the infamous Thunor the Traitor could be known at last. Leofric: Leofric on his return was very pleased with his new warhorse, a reward from Silver Bladed Order. He named the horse Aeristhyht which meant "hope of resurrection" in Old Gaston or Aeris for short. With his connection with the Silver Bladed Order, he managed to get trained during the week to pick up a vital skill so he can fight on the Aeris almost as well. Noting the great damages dished out by Hogar and Beomund, he opted for a heavy weapon as well. A greatsword which can only be wielded in two hands which can deal larger damages. However, the weight of the greatsword is so great that he does not possess the strength to carry it along with his new armour and other weapons of war. Instead, the greatsword can be carried on Aeris with ease of reach from his saddle. Finally, he ended his break with learning another spell as the Seer of Conclave, this time, an ability to note the enemies attempting to hide from him. In his spare time, he managed to teach some aspects of common magic to his friends, Beomund, Hogar and Dunstan. Leofric also helped Maccus with the formation of the scholl once more. Beomund: Beomund named his own horse Patience, a virtue he had been thinking on frequently in this trying chapter in his life. He spent his time meditating as well as practicing his magic with Leofric and on his own. Though he still often showed signs of sadness, he seemed to have begun possessing an air of inner strength that had been gone when the others first met him, as if like broken bones the injuries of his ordeal were healing into something stronger. Leofric: EDIT: In his spare time, he managed to teach some aspects of common magic to his friends, Beomund, Hogar and Dunstan with the help of magical smokes made from Godsroot and ingredients acquirred from the Burning Brand group whose party were saved by them in terrible Colney Isles which also possesed a silver hope in the name of true faith invested in the Prince. Hogar: Hogar spent some of his time practicing horsemanship and mounted combat, as he had been gifted a fine warhorse and had no previous experience fighting on horseback and expected he might have to someday. He named the beast 'Garmund', to honour the Paladin they had met in the Plague Fields a long time, though he commented amused that it was mildly ironic to name a steed after a Faithful warrior when it had been a gift from the Knights of the Silvered Blades. As the previous adventure had left his mystical energies depleted, he also travelled to the runestone close to Phalen together with Beomud to meditate for a week so and when he returned to the city drank a potion which Dunstan had brewed for him. Edmund: Edmund spent much time at the Bard's College, working on music and sharing songs, looking through their archives, and learning spells which would help him in battle. He also walked about the city, talking with many of its citizens, and assisted with the school. He never tired of playing music, whether for rich or poor, often performing for the students at the school or for those now finding a home in the shelter, or sometimes going to an inn to perform a few tunes. Beomund: As they practiced their magic, Beomund and Hogar decided to work together to work on finding and drawing out any latent magical properties in the items they possessed. Hogar used his magical sight to detect an aura on one of the amulets of the Changers they had discovered some time ago, and Beomund wove spells of the Conclave to try to manifest that aura into actual power. He felt as if he had been successful, but neither of them were immediately certain what the results had been on the amulet. Beomund: *edit: to work together on finding... sd: The party prepared to leave for Gundergrad. Edoma had written to Edmund recently with what information she had, though her leads were slim. She knew that Thunor's last known location was the old Alanian fortress of Unterholz, but she had no notion as to where this might be. She mentioned that in Chepworth she had exchanged letters with a local lord, Orvyn, who was said to be the pre-eminent scholar in the town and had some interest in Thunor's fate, though she did not know enough of the man to be sure he could be trusted and she had not revealed all she had learned to him. She had hired a cartographer to draw the party a map of the Gundergrad region, so they would at least know their way around.
As foreigners, the party were not hugely familiar with the old tales of the Valing clan of High Kings, but Edmund had learned some during his time in the Bard's College. Of old, there had been Heremar, Lord of the Valing clan. He had never been crowned as High King, but he had been easily the most powerful man in Palania and many historians considered him the unofficial first High King of the Valing line. He had four powerful sons. His eldest son, Cynemar, had been the first Valing crowned as High King, and the descendants of his third and fourth sons, Anderhelm and Baldwine, had also ascended to the throne before the Valing line came to an end. Each of the lines of the Valings had possessed a magic Sword. The most powerful of these had been Heremar's own blade, Mage-Breaker, which had later been the High King's badge of office, and protected the wielder from magic. Cynemar wielded the great two-handed blade, Frostbite, which glittered with ice and could protect the bearer from the most bitter frost. To Anderhelm had been granted Stone-Hewer, which could cut through the most powerful of fortifications, and Baldwine had borne Teorhelm's Wing, which granted him tremendous speed.
Heremar's second son Thunor had no descendants, that anyone knew of, and his name was accursed and associated with the blackest treachery, for he revolted against the second High King, Anderwald the Dark the son of Anderhelm, and had perished in his rebellion. His Sword, Darkling Gleam, which was said to allow the Traitor to see in the deepest darkness, had never been recovered.
As the party prepared to depart, another person from the Bard's College came to the manor to call on Edmund. He was called Rendel, a tall, fair man in his mid-twenties who hailed originally from Ceorlburh. Leofric: Leofric mused over these magical swords, "I love stories of these magical swords." He commented to his friends, "Of course, it does have disadvantage to "I am magical!" to every mages capable of feeling the magic. After all, if I can sense that Saint's ring from a distance away, a magical sword would feel the same with "I am here!" He ended his comment with a smile. Hogar: Hogar nodded to Leofric. "Teorhelm's Wing..."he said "Not the first time we hear of it. Remember?" he added obviously referencing their past adventures in Coelney "I wonder where all of these swords ended up. Likely in some forgotten ruin or tomb, when they could be in the hands of a worthy warrior..." Leofric: He frowned for a moment as he attempted to recall what happened to the swords, "I recalled coming across a tale as to what happen to the Stone-Hewer. It was lost when High King Anderwald the Dark was killed during the battle against goblins pirates out of Kalmar Isles." Leofric replied Hogar: "I hope the blade was not taken by a goblin!"said Hogar, annoyed at the image "That's a dreadful thought." Beomund: "Although with the gains being made in Kalmar, it might be it will resurface again," mused Beomund. Edmund: Edmund nodded but he looked grave. "Let us pray that if they appear again, these swords fall into the right hands." sd: one of the servants brought Rendel in to speak to Edmund and the rest of the party. Once they were alone, Rendel spoke. "You are still intending to go to Gundergrad to look into this matter of the Traitor, correct? I'd beg you to reconsider, sometimes history is best left in the past." You whisper to Hogar: Hogar was sure that Rendel meant what he said, but that he was far from telling everything and he could not avoid the suspicion that someone else had asked the bard to come make this plea You whisper to Beomund: Beomund was sure that Rendel meant what he said, but that he was far from telling everything and he could not avoid the suspicion that someone else had asked the bard to come make this plea Edmund: Edmund raised his eyebrows. "You know something more of this that the histories tell?" Edmund: edit* than not that sd: "It's not history that concerns me, but the present," he replied. "The Council needs to be strong now. Suthfryd is occupying Krygarland and Gundergrad and other outlying regions would rather go their own way than unite. If you start digging up matters of the last major rebellion of the periphery against the centre, then no one can tell what feelings will get stirred up. Edoma has told you of her theory, hasn't she? That Anderwald's succession was perhaps illegal and the clans never agreed that the High Kingship should be passed down among the Valing clan? Well it was Anderwald's successor Theomar that formalised the powers of the Council and made it a permanent body. What do you think the likes of 'King' Sweryn will do if he can claim the Council was granted its powers by a High King that never had a right to his throne?" Edmund: "We will be discreet whatever we may find," Edmund said soothingly. "But truth should not be ignored for fear." You whisper to Hogar: Hogar had been pondering who might have put Rendel up to speaking to them when he noticed the ring on Rendel's finger, which bore a sigil of a lion. He suddenly realised that Rendel was part of the Baltaring clan, whose symbol that was. One of that clan served as a Councillor for Ceorlburh - probably a cousin of Rendel's, and most likely the one who had asked him to come. It was certain then that at least some of the Council knew of the party's mission and disapproved of it sd: Rendel looked disappointed. "You can do as you wish, of course. Just be careful who you trust, at least." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "Of course." Hogar: Hogar frowned for a moment as Rendel said these words but did not reply. Beomund: "Are there others who are worried about the repercussions of this information?" probed Beomund. Leofric: Leofric told Rendel softly, "We are aware of the importance of the Council and its strength in this land anyway. However, as Ed pointed out, the knowledge is still important and it is better to know something and deal with it than to having someone else uncovering it." Hogar: "Truth may be bitter but in the long term it is the best thing for it to uncovered."said Hogar, simply. It looked like he did not expect that Rendel could be convinced, however sd: Rendel said nothing to this, but simply bowed and departed Hogar: "He was ordered to tell us that by others."said Hogar once they were certain Rendel and any servants had left hearing range "By the signet ring he wears I can tell he's a Baltaring, and I remember that one of them was a Councillor for Coelburh. They must know what we have been tasked with, and they definetely do not want us to succeed." Beomund: "He was ordered, but he believes it still, I think. It is helpful to be reminded of the delicacy of the situation." Beomund: edit to add: "And knowing that the Council knows, or at least part of the Council, may be important." Hogar: "We are not turning back, though....are we?"said Hogar Edmund: "The question is, will their desire to see us fail lead them to take active steps to see that we do so?" Edmund mused. Edmund: He shook his head at Hogar's words. "There is a truth to be found." Beomund: Beomund smiled thinly. "Turn back? No. The Council finds us too valuable to alienate us unless we show a lack of discretion with the information, I think." Hogar: "What can they do, send assasins? Discredit us?" said Hogar "I think we have enough of a reputation that what we find out might be believed." Leofric: "We will see what happened. Beside, we may be able to use this as a leverage against a fraction of the Council for the Plague Fields' plan if we truely found out what happen." Leofric considered this, "Best time to decide on this once we find out the truth." He smield slightly Hogar: edit:assassins, two Ss. sd: firm in their purpose, the party prepared to depart. Ships left for Gundergrad fairly regularly from Phalen, as there were no safe landward routes to that region for so long as the dragonspawn held the old fortress of Grantun. On a crisp morning on 16 December, they boarded a ship and set out for Chepworth, the chief village in the region. The voyage did not promise to be a pleasant one - the wind out of Coelney was bitterly cold and the clouds were pregnant with snow throughout the first day, though only a few flakes fell. Edmund: Edmund watched the sky with some concern. "I hope we do not come to regret taking this mission so late in the year." Leofric: Leofric wrapped himself in new Grey cloak to keep wrong, his breath visble as he focused on the beautiful weather. "To be fair, we did survive the last winter reasonably. I am sure we will be fine." Leofric told Edmund. Beomund: "My first Palanian winter..." said Beomund quietly, letting a snowflake land in the palm of his hadn. Beomund: *edit: hand Hogar: "We have faced far worse challenges than the weather and survived."said Hogar, not particularly bothered by the cold sd: they did not, however, face any challenges worse than the weather on the journey. Avoiding the southeastern coast, which was entirely controlled by monsters, their ship took a wide berth to the south and then turned north as they rounded those lands and made for Gundergrad. On 22 December they arrived in Chepworth, a town of about three thousand living in stone houses built on high hills round the mouth of the river Dunbach.
In the days of old, when the Alanians still held sway over Palania, Gundergrad had been their heartland. The fall of the Empire however had hit them hard, and then power had shifted west, eventually settling in Phalen. The destruction of Phalen only worsened their situation - Gundergrad had fallen altogether shortly afterwards, and it had taken another generation before the reclamation of the region had begun.
They could hardly fail to be aware of this as they disembarked. A monument stood in the harbour, not far from where they had disembarked, to the men who had fallen in the retaking of Chepworth approximately seventy-five years ago. The largest part of the monument depicted one who had not died, but lived on - the adventurer Hludowig, who claimed ancient Alanian descent and founded the powerful Alaning clan from which the Ealdormen of Chepworth had, for the most part, been drawn. The bronze statue of Hludowig showed him as a powerfully muscled warrior who held aloft his mighty hammer, Thunderbolt. The corpses of dragonspawn, and the shattered skulls of many undead, lay heaped at his feet. Around this statue were four monoliths of black stone which were engraved with the names of the over one hundred men who had perished helping Hludowig of the Alanings begin the reclamation of Gundergrad. Hogar: "Impressive."stated Hogar simply as they watched the statue portraying the mighty Hludowig and his feats Leofric: Leofric eyed the monument and gave a slight bow toward to the monument as a reminder of great sacrifice for all the people that spent their lives in restoring the hope of the people in this cruel yet beautiful world Beomund: Beomund had spent much of the voyage gazing out eastward toward the Coelney isles in silence, but now he nodded appreciatively at the craftsmanship of the bronze statue. "A mighty lineage," he said. sd: the party asked around in the town, but they found the inhabitants, for the most part, rather reticent and reluctant to speak to outsiders. Eventually, Leofric did learn one thing, which was that the now abandoned isle of Hythick, which was a storm-wracked island in the harbour ridged round with reefs, had once been home to a manor house of a scholar fascinated with tales of the past. Forty years ago the isle had been deserted in a terrible storm, and the ruins of the manor were said to still be there. sd: Hogar, meanwhile, discovered that the Ealdorman of Baldhofen, Sigdag, regarded himself as one of the most pure-blooded Alanians in the region, and had gathered many scrolls about the old Alanian fortresses and settlements, all written in the ancient tongue. Leofric: Leofric grinned at the tidbits, "So much wealth of inflormation and knowledges in this land." Beomund: "Well done, brothers," said Beomund as Leofric and Hogar brought back their information. "That manor may hold useful information of the Changers or ancient saints. And it would be good to find more information about the Alanians here." Edmund: "Despite the depredations of monsters," Edmund added. "It is amazing how people have kept these historic documents safe through such bad times." Hogar: Hogar nodded. "I am sure you two in partiuclar would love to check out some of these scrolls and fortress plans."he said to Leofric and Beomund, knowing their interests Leofric: Leofric glanced at Edmund and smiled, "Good thing you learnt the Alanian language just in time. Hmm..." Edmund: Edmund smiled. "I look forward to practising on these ancient scrolls, if we can only get a look at them. We should introduce ourselves to Lord Orvyn first though. Hopefully he will get us an introduction to Sigdag." Hogar: Hogar nodde "Yes. Best be careful, though. We want to avoid any social blunders." Hogar: edit: nodded Edmund: Edmund grinned at that. sd: Lord Orvyn of the Presling clan lived in a three storey stone manor near the centre of Chepworth. The lord himself was most often found in his study, which was a large room on the upper floor with a large window which looked out to the sea.
The steward was skeptical at first, however mention of Edoma's name led him to speak to his Lord and then for him to allow the party to have an audience with him, provided that they would first surrender their weapons. Beomund: Beomund obliged politely, seeming more interested in the design of the manor than anything else. Leofric: Leofric nodded and managed to remove several swords and shield from his clothing. Hogar: Hogar complied, handing over his axes Edmund: Edmund handed over his weapons, and called Cadenza to heel, speaking softly in her ear. "She is very well behaved and will sit here quietly." sd: the party were led upstairs to a large room which was a combined library and study. Lord Orvyn had easily a hundred books and many more scrolls on various shelves arranged neatly in rows through the room, and the Lord himself was seated in a comfortable chair which looked out of the window towards the sea, though he had turned this towards the door as the party entered. Lord Orvyn was a slim man in his late forties, whose features were aquiline and his complexion dark, with short dark hair and a neatly trimmed black beard. There was a small leather-bound book in his hand which he put down on a table as the party approached. A trio of thegns, armoured in hard metal scales and with swords at their waists, stood guard around the room, with one who was obviously a relation of Lord Orvyn's standing nearest to him.
Noting the badge which Edmund wore identifying himself as part of the Bard's College, Lord Orvyn greeted them courteously. "I'm glad Edoma has decided to follow up on the expedition she wrote to me about. It is one of the long-lost secrets of our country, Thunor's fate, but it would be best brought out into the light. Would you care for refreshment?" Edmund: Edmund bowed gratiously. "It is most kind of you to receive us. Refreshment would be very welcome." Leofric: Leofric also paid his respect with courtesy, "Greetings, Lord Orvyn" sd: the steward opened a well-stocked cabinet on the far wall, hidden by a bookshelf, and offered the party a choice of numerous liquors. He had many fine wines, which were relatively rare in this land, as well as brandies, mead, ciders, ales, and whiskey. Beomund: Beomund hesitated over the liquor, which he had been abstaining from of late, and chose a sharp cider, which reminded him of the locally popular vintage grown back home. He nodded his thanks to the steward and Lord Orvyn. Leofric: Leofric accepted a mug of cider and sip at it and nodded with approval. Edmund: Edmund looked at the bottles with appreciation. "You have fine taste in wine, but in this winter land I think brandy would be more warming." Hogar: Hogar accepted the graceful offer of their host who he thanked profusely and took some sweet cider, savoring it. sd: Lord Orvyn had his steward pour him a glass of white wine. "I don't find myself in need of warming for another month or so, but it's warmer than this in Gastony, I believe," he said. "Now, I hope Edoma had more information than what she revealed to me, because beyond the fact that the Traitor died somewhere in Gundergrad, we have little in the way of leads. There is probably information to be had here," he indicated the library, "or elsewhere in Chepworth - the Ealdorman and the Alaning clan may have some more that they could be persuaded to share." Beomund: "We would be grateful if we could examine some of your books then, Lord Orvyn," replied Beomund. "And then we can go to the others." Edmund: "If you would give us an introduction to the Ealdorman, we would be most grateful," Edmund added. sd: Lord Orvyn nodded. "He'll not be able to provide much personal assistance, but if I ask him he'll allow you to use his library. Gladwin is a warrior through and through, strong in his trade but no man of letters. Still, he is young and so long as he is Ealdorman we can retain our independence. There is another who might have information which could be of use here, though I fear he is no friend of mine anymore. Balther of the Folwing clan, in Axethal, has a fairly extensive collection of his own, though I flatter myself to say my library is slightly larger than his." Beomund: "Axethal is not far from here, if I remember our map correctly," added Beomund. "But if it is not a question you wish to avoid, might you tell us why you no longer associate with him?" sd: "We had a dispute about money. He is a compulsive gambler, Balther, and we used to dice and play at cards quite a bit. I owed him a fair amount of silver before one of his serving girls mentioned that her master was known to cheat using certain devious methods. I refused to pay the debt and I fear he has regarded me as his enemy ever since." Beomund: "Money so often gets in the way of friendships. But perhaps with our outsiders' eyes we might be able to see if his grudge has softened," suggested Beomund. sd: "I doubt it. But you might find some other means to view his tomes, if words don't suffice." Edmund: Edmund looked enquiringly at this. sd: "Well, this is an important matter of history. Our heritage shouldn't be kept locked up, whether by the Council or officious lords or anyone else. I wouldn't typically recommend such methods but..." Lord Orvyn shrugged and sipped his wine. Hogar: Hogar nodded as he finished drinking the cider and spoke "We are quite skilled in various methods of persuasion, if it comes to that. Though words should be the first attempt." Edmund: Edmund looked sideways at Hogar, then into Orvyn's eyes. "You have not specified what methods you actually mean, my lord." sd: Orvyn chuckled. "Are all the folk of Gastony so direct? I was merely posing the question of whether or not it is actually possible to steal historical truth. But it's no matter. The Ealdorman of Baldhofen has a store of documents too that could be of use, I believe, although that is a ride of several days and you may wish to start in Chepworth." Hogar: Hogar seemed slighty taken aback by he thought Edmund and Orvyn might have understood, but he spoke up "The truth of history belongs to everyone, doesn't it? But as I said - perhaps persuasion is the best approach." You whisper to Edmund: clearly Orvyn was implying they should simply rob this man Balther, who Lord Orvyn obviously believed would refuse any help to those working with him. the man seemed to take some glee in the notion of robbing his old enemy, though he sought to conceal this. Hogar: edit: by what he thought... Beomund: "Well, we appreciate the information. At least one of these routes should be fruitful. Shall we look at what you have?" Leofric: Leofric looked at the library with great interest. Edmund: "Perhaps we should look elsewhere," Edmund said smoothly. "We have heard of Sigdag of Baldhofen and his library. Would he be willing to let us look at the scrolls there do you think?" Edmund: "After we have seen your own collection of course," he added politely. sd: Lord Orvyn looked at them carefully. "I'll be happy to help you, provided of course that you help me in return. Nothing too onerous, I would simply like to be informed as to what you learn about the Traitor, his fate and the reasons for his act of rebellion." He glanced at Edmund. "Sigdag is a proud man, but you might be able to flatter him. I will write you a letter of introduction, provided of course we have an agreement to help one another." Edmund: "Of course we will gladly share the truth, if we are able to find it," Edmund said. Leofric: Leofric nodded solemly, clearly supporting whatever Ed's is saying. sd: The man nodded. "Very well. You are welcome to use my library for the time being. I will go to see the Ealdorman and some others that could help, and write you letters of introduction. Please take care with my books, it's taken me many years to gather all these together." Edmund: Edmund smiled. "We will treat them with the utmost respect my lord." Leofric: Leofric nodded, "I understand fully!" sd: the party went to work. They first started in Lord Orvyn's own library, where Leofric, Edmund and Hogar uncovered scrolls with old bits of folklore telling lurid tales of the Traitor's demise. These were mostly useless, however one common thread appeared to be that the Traitor's principal base of operations had been the southeastern region of the Gundergrad hills
A combination of an invitation from Lord Orvyn and Leofric's skill in dealing with officials allowed them access to the libraries of the Ealdorman and several other lords. Their collections were smaller than Lord Orvyn, however there was useful information nonetheless. Edmund persuaded one scholar to share with them some information he had read in a book years ago in Huncestre, and from these disparate clues they learned a rumour, claiming that the Sword Darkling Gleam had been found, in the aftermath of the dragon's sack of Phalen, by a common woodsman. Being unable to use a sword, he had melted the blade down and had the metal reforged into a paired combination of axe and hatchet, and these magical weapons had allowed him to attain the rank of Thegn that would have otherwise been far beyond his abilities. Hogar: "A pair of magical axes."chuckled Hogar softly later "I could use that myself." Edmund: Whle they were searching the libraries, Edmund confided in the others that he was sure Orvyn had been serious about robbing his erstwhile friend. "Probably thinks it would pay him back," he said. Beomund: "If he's the sort to cheat so readily, it may be we'd be unsuccessful treating with him." Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment and muttered, "If the rumour on the sword is true, that suggests that the Sword was recovered but hmm..." He considered it Beomund: *edit: it may be we wouldn't find him trustworthy treating with him." Hogar: "If that story about gambling debts is true, then we are not really robbing him. Merely taking payment."said Hogar, trying to rationalize the deed sd: unable to decide what to do, the party asked around to see whether or not Orvyn had been telling the truth with his claim. The people of Chepworth, they found, were somewhat suspicious of both men - Gaston lords were meant to be men of swords, not words, and both were regarded as rather odd. Most, however, admitted that Lord Orvyn's dealings were far more suspect than those of Balther, and while they thought Lord Orvyn probably really believed he had been cheated, they were not particularly convinced this was true. In addition, though the matter of the money had driven a wedge between them, other matters relating to politics had caused it to develop into a full enmity, for Lord Orvyn was of an isolationist bent who believed that Gundergrad should remain free of the Council and its wars and taxes, while Balther had advised the Ealdorman to treat with the Council in a more friendly manner, as they could assist in the reclamation of Grantun which would finally open a land route to Bluebrycg. Edmund: "Plainly, robbing Balther would not be the right thing to do. I thought Orwyn was playing his own game with us." Edmund said. sd: though it would not be easy, the party decided they would try to speak to Balther and convince him to help. It was not an easy matter - it was only by convincing him that they were using Lord Orvyn and did not intend to help him that Balther would even allow them on his estate, and it took two days just to convince him of this matter, with patient words, skillful performances, and careful conversations with his servants at a nearby inn. At length they won access to his library, which, though smaller than Orvyn's, was of a narrower interest and had more works on the particular period they were interested in. Their readings eventually revealed that Unterholz was somewhere in a region now held by dragonspawn, in the southestern section of the Gundergrad Hills beyond the Gunderbach river which marked the southern frontier of the territory that humankind had safely reclaimed. sd: this accomplished, they set out for their next lead, the abandoned isle of Hythick. Edmund's silver tongue and the group's silver coins sufficed to persuade the captain of their ship to lend them a few men and a skiff to set out for the isle, though he looked at them as if they were mad for seeking to venture out in the frigid winter conditions.
Hythick was an isle wracked with winds from the sea, and much of it had been submerged beneath the water like canals cutting across the wounded land. Many trees had been overturned in successive gales and never replanted, and here and there they passed the debris of the old dwellings on the isle, beams of wood which had been flung like children's toys by the tempestuous rage of nature.
At great length, and with much labour from Beomund and Hogar who struggled to clear them a path amidst the wreckage and the heavy snow that fell on the third day of their expedition, they came to the ruined manor house. They made their way down into a cellar, where they found a few safes which had protected a number of scrolls, old maps, and books from time's ravages. One was particularly useful, naming the man who had found Darkling Gleam - his name had been Esegar, and he had originally hailed from a village not far from the ruins of Alhausen, before rising to prominence. Given the Sword had been found there, it was likely that the Traitor's resting place was somewhere in that vicinity. sd: the party next rode for Baldhofen, with Hogar showing a fine grasp of the local terrain that allowed them to cut significant time from their journey and avoid some areas that were almost entirely blocked with snow. The new year, and the day that Leofric celebrated as his birthday, was the second day of their journey. Like last year where he had celebrated in the snowy hills in Great Esterness, this year it was in the wintry hills around Baldhofen that Leofric gained another year.
At Baldhofen, they found that though Sigdag was the Ealdorman, his wife was the true brains of the operation, and the one who most proudly held to Alanian lineage. Edmund and Leofric were able to flatter the pair enough with courteous gestures and a fine speech from the bard, with aid from a tip Hogar had picked up from the local barkeeper, and this won them access to the library. This was almost entirely written in the Alanian language, which both the Ealdorman and his wife spoke more fluently than Gaston. While much was useless, they came across one, written by one of Sigdag's ancestors, which told of the flight from Gundergrad in its fall to the dragonspawn around a century before. This said that the Thegn Esegar had fallen in battle near Gastonstadt, and said that he had lived long enough after suffering his mortal wound to dictate his last wishes and give the axe and hatchet which had been made from Darkling Gleam to a servant to ensure they did not fall into the hands of the dragonspawn.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 7, 2015 23:31:57 GMT
sd: learning that Esegar, the woodsman who had found Darkling Gleam, had apparently perished in battle near to the village of Gastonstadt, the party decided to travel there to investigate further. Having ended their research in the village of Baldhofen, they could simply cut across country, heading southwest through Stanlaw. In warmer times, a more prudent route would have been to return to the river and take a boat from Axethal, however the Dunbach was largely frozen in winter and the river boats would not make any more voyages for a few months. sd: asking around, they were not able to find any useful information about Gastonstadt itself - the people of Baldhofen were isolationist by nature. They did know a little about the lands that lay between their homeland and Dunnaue, the town at the confluence of the Stowebach and Grinbach rivers. After Stanlaw, they said, the hills were wild and very sparsely populated, and their route would take them through many gorges and narrow valleys. The villagers guessed it would take five days to get to Gastonstadt, though it could be more if the weather was unfavourable. Edmund: Edmund made sure of his warm clothes and watched the weather with a jaundiced eye. "I don't know if I'll ever get used to the climate in this land." Hogar: Hogar did not seem too worried by the prospect of the travelling through such a rough route with the cold of winter upon them. "Don't let the cold get to you, we've gone through far worse."he said Leofric: Leofric nodded with agreement, huddling in his grey cloak as he guided Aeris to next route, "It could be worse I guess..." He commented Edmund: "Quite likely," Edmund said dryly. sd: they left Baldhofen on 3 January 229 and managed the road to Stanlaw in a day, though it was quite late by the time they arrived in the village of about four hundred. The local innkeeper was happy to have them for the night, however, seeing Edmund's bardic badge - so long as he would provide a performance in the morning, their rooms and food would be on the house. As they were unlikely to have any to match it until they reached Gastonstadt, they made sure to appreciate it and steel themselves for the days ahead. Edmund: Edmund readily agreed to entertain all at the inn. He sang a handful of old songs and then played the flute, the melody sweet enough to bring tears to some eyes. Leofric: Leofric was pleased to receive such an excellent hospitality sd: word spread quickly around the village that an actual bard was present in the village, and by the time Edmund began to sing half of Stanlaw was there to watch the show. They were merry through the singing, but when Edmund brought out his flute all noise save his music stopped as the rapt audience listened. When Edmund finally took the instrument from his lips, there was a pause like a great exhalation of breath, followed by a great ovation from the townsfolk. Soon Edmund was being begged to stay for a day at least - surely their errand in Gastonstadt was not that urgent? This enthusiasm brought some of the information they had been unable to learn at Baldhofen - Gastonstadt, they were told, had been one of the very first villages settled when their ancestors had fled the Gaston archipelago and landed in Palania, when the Alanian Empire was still in existence. Though it had declined in importance and, like all of Gundergrad, had to be resettled after driving out the dragonspawn, it was said to be home to many barrows where old Gaston clan kings and heroes lay entombed. These were said to be guarded by powerful curses and spirits, as even the dragonspawn had never succeeded in defiling them. Hogar: Hogar joined the clapping of the townsfolk, appreciating Edmund's musical performance Edmund: Edmund listened fascinated to the stories of these ancient times. "If we cannot stay now, we will return here to see more of these things." Leofric: Leofric applauded Edmund's performance as well. He also found the mention of the old Gaston clan kings and heroes lay entombed with extreme fascination sd: the party set out from Stanlaw to a large crowd wishing them well and hoping for their swift return. After passing a few small hamlets, they found themselves in the high hills of Gundergrad, which were trackless and stony. Many passes were already blocked with snow, and they found themselves travelling through gorges and rocky valleys to proceed. More than once they needed to double back on themselves to find a route through the snow. Leofric: Leofric sighed for a moment as he eyed the increasingly harsh route. sd: on the second day out from Stanlaw, they found it even harder going. Their horses struggled stoically against the elements, and at times Cadenza, following along beside them, appeared to be wearing a coat of frost. As they made their way through a gorge at about mid-day, the snowfall became heavy, and the bitter wind, funnelled by the stony cliffs to either side, froze them to their marrow. sd: they ground their teeth against the cold and continued on. Soon, however, they saw a sight ahead of them that filled them with dread - the snowfall had triggered an avalanche and rockslide, and from far off they could see the great cloud of snow and stone tumbling down. Looking round, it was clear they would need to climb out of this gorge as quickly as possible if they were to avoid being buried. sd: the party rushed to escape, all keeping close eyes out for paths that could lead them up to relative safety. After locating one, Hogar and Beomund dismounted for a time so they could clear a path through a particularly high snowdrift which blocked a useful route up. The horses were struggling, so they decided they would remove the saddlebags to ease their weight - Hogar climbed above and lowered a rope, and there Edmund and Beomund were able to lash together fallen branches to form a primitive system of pulleys to haul up both their gear as well as poor Cadenza. This done, Leofric led the horses around and they had escaped the gorge, however they knew their labours were not done. The snow was coming even harder now, and they would need to find some spot where they could take shelter until the storm passed. sd: they climbed and began to hunt for a place to rest. At every howl of the wind they looked up uneasily, expecting to see the showever of stones and snow that would spell their doom, but God was with them. Beomund and Hogar again cleared paths through the snow, while Leofric used his knowledge of geography to guess where would be likely spots to find shelter. At great length, they spotted a large stony shelf that they guessed, and soon confirmed, was the site of a cave, however one path was impassable due to snow and a boulder blocked another route. Beomund was able to wedge a large branch in a jut of rock and use it as a lever to allow Hogar to shove the boulder aside, and finally, shivering with cold and burning with effort, they pushed into the cave. Though they had feared to come across some hibernating animal, they fortunately found that the cave was uninhabited, and with relief they set to building a fire and waiting out the storm. Edmund: Edmund fed his horse and rubbed it down with a clump of hay, then held his hands out gratefully to the fire. Hogar: "We made it."said Hogar to Edmund as they prepared their shelter "For now, at least."he added Edmund: Emund took a pot and filled it with clean snow, which would make fresh drinking water once it melted. He nibbled carefully on some trail rations and fed a bit of dried meat to Cadenza who was huddled against him by the fire. Leofric: Leofric took care of Aeris and then relaxed, taking every little morsel of heat from the fire. His eyes locked with the fire, deep in thought sd: the storm continued for most of the day, but abated during the evening and they were able to continue their journey in the morning. It was not a comfortable journey, but by the time they camped they had come to lands which were slightly gentler, with fewer cliffs and lesser slopes. They even passed a few places which showed signs of human habitation - the occasional miner's shack or shepherding hamlet.
At about mid-day on 7 January, they found themselves approaching the first settlement of significance since they had left Stanlaw. They guessed it was home to a few hundred inhabitants, one of whom they saw was ice-fishing on a pond off to their right. Far beyond in the distance to the south they could see the occasional glint suggesting the river was not far away - they had, they guessed, been forced slightly off track and were nearer to Dunnaue than they had meant to come. Leofric: "Well," Leofric paused for a moment, "At least we can head to Dunnaue and then 'just' follow the river all the way to Gastonstadt" after glancing at the map again. "Good chance to stock up I think." He eyed the settlement Edmund: "If they have anything to spare," Edmund said. "Fish perhaps." sd: as they eyed the settlement, there was a loud noise and then a shout. They turned towards the fisherman, who was rising hastily, and they beheld him for just another moment longer before the ice cracked at his feet. With a scream and a splash, he plunged into the frigid water. Leofric: Leofric looked at the ice with alarm and was about to rush forward to see if he can help.... Edmund: "Wait!" Edmund grabbed the rope that hung from his saddle. "I'm not wearing armour. Hold this." He started to tie the rope around his waist. Leofric: Leofric nodded and grapped hold of the rope, Hogar: Seeing the fisherman slip into the icy waters Hogar quickly pulled his heavy mail armour off and ran towards the man to attempt to rescue him Hogar: edit: change slip to fall Edmund: Seeing this, Edmund thrust the rope into Hogar's hand. "You'll need it!" sd: Beomund quickly cast a spell on Edmund to increase his speed, knowing time was of the essence Edmund: Hogar was still trying to get out of his armour, so Edmund grabbed back the rope and started moving forward on the ice, tying the rope around his waist as he went. Edmund: When Edmund got to the hole in the ice he saw the man sinking fast. Plunging into the frigid water he tried to reach but was unable to get to the man, even with Cadenza's help. Beomund pulled him back to the bank, shaking with cold. Hogar: Hogar reached the hole in the ice after Edmund, as he had lost time getting out of his armor and running unassisted by any magic, but after he dived into the icy water he swam nimbly and quickly reached the sinking, drowning man, taking hold of him. Leofric: Once it is clear that the fisherman and the others was clear from ice cold water, Leofric managed to dig out some blankets out from their saddlebags, eyeing the Greatsword for a moment and settle them over the shoulders of Edmund, Hogar and the poor fisherman to help them to stay warm. Edmund: "Head towards the village!" Edmund said through chattering teeth. sd: the man spat out lungfuls of water and trembled like jelly as he came back up onto the ice. He was utterly soaked through and frozen from the fall, but the fisherman was tough and still able to talk. "The...the village," he said, teeth chattered. "A...avoid the children, there's a...a pox..." Hogar: Hogar used the blankets and some medical supplies he had together with his healing skills to improve the man's conditions. He frowned when he heard what the man had to say however. sd: they rode to the village, the man clinging to Beomund's back and shivering as they rode. Edmund and Hogar, who had both been soaked in their attempts to rescue the fisherman, soon found the cold was settling in their bones, though Hogar seemed to be bearing it better. If they did not find warmth soon, however, then all the warrior's toughness would be for naught.
The village itself was probably home to a few hundred inhabitants, however as they rode through they found it almost deserted. Only a few gaunt people with dark circles under their eyes watched them go. The fisherman directed him to his home, which was a wattle and daub shack not far from the village boundary. He dismounted groggily and shoulder charged through the door, immediately making for the large fire in the centre of the one-room home. A woman who they guessed was the man's wife gave a gasp at his appearance, but he waved her off and sat by the fire, huddling under the blanket. There were two other adults there, a man and a woman, as well as a trio of children, all of whom lay on straw pallets at the far end of the building. One, a girl of eight, sat up and shouted as her father went to the fire, and they could see the child was heavily marked with a red rash all over her body. "The...the children, keep them in bed" the man said to his wife, glancing at the party. Hogar: "Your husband should be fine."said Hogar to the woman "As for the children...what happened?"he inquired on the health of the couple's sons and daughter sd: "It's a pox, most of the children in the village have it. Some of the adults too, started about a month ago," the woman said. "Between this and the bad harvest we had, could be the end of us. That's why Ernulf was out fishing, trying to shore up the supplies." Hogar: "A month ago."said Hogar, with the tone of someone who believed that date might have some importance "Perhaps we can help."he said looking at the eyes of his companions, obviously suggesting that they should do something although their time was limited sd: The woman looked at them for a while. "I'll send to the Ealdorman, he might want to talk to you," she said. "We've very few supplies, especially medicines. They might have some in Oberath." She spat into the fire. Leofric: Leofric nodded with a hint of thought, "We will see what we can do about this." He promised Edmund: "Oberath is nearby?" Edmund asked. sd: the woman nodded. "Half a day's journey south, but they're no friends of ours. They raid us, we raid them, has been ever since we came here. They're old-timers you see, think it matters who their grandfather's grandfather's grandfather was and that they were already in Gundergrad, not like us 'newcomers'. If I don't mistake myself you come from even further abroad, so like they'd hate you." Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly, "You are correct." Edmund: "We do indeed," Edmund said with a smile. "But we will get you help." sd: Edmund and Hogar sat and warmed themselves by the fire with Ernulf, who, now that his ordeal was done, was extremely grateful that they had saved his life. His wife, Saegifu, dressed warmly and headed out, returning soon to say that the Ealdorman wanted to speak to them as soon as possible. sd: the homes of this village were for the greatest part small and very poor. Even the home of the Ealdorman was simply a comfortable two-storey stone building, the only one they had seen in the village. The Ealdorman was a haggard man in his forties, Turbert of the Holming clan, from whom they finally learned that they were in Swinhurst, the chief settlement (such as it was) of the Rape of Swinhurst. "There are a number of other villages that are part of our territory, but they are even smaller and poorer than here," he said. "Oberath, which is only an outlying village of the Rape of Dunnaue, is far wealthier than we are. We have desperate need of their help, but the messengers I've sent have been turned away at the gates. Last time I went myself and they shot an arrow at me. One they intended to miss, of course, but the next time they said they would be aiming properly. It's only because they're suspicious of the illness that's stopped them from raiding us." Edmund: Edmund shook his head in disgust. "That is not the way to treat others in need. Sickness could happen to any town or village. We are willing to try talking to them, to ask for their help." Leofric: Leofric frowned with a hint of outrage on hearing this sad story, "This is serious no doubt. In face of all dangers from non human and nature itself, it is miserable to hear such story." Hogar: "How generous of them."remaked Hogar, dryly "I suppose the illness helped you there, in a way but still it is something to be dealt with too. Do you think it is just a mundane disease or could there be some sort of curse behind it?"he inquired sd: "We've been enemies for many years, I can'tsay for sure that we wouldn't react the same way as them if they were the ones facing difficulty. But if we don't get help soon then this village will die," said Turbert. He gave Hogar an alarmed glance. "A curse? Don't speak of such things!" he said, shuddering. "I think this is only a typical pox, the only curse is its timing." sd: "If you are going to go to Oberath, then there are two people of note there," Turbert said. "Unless you can win one of them over, I doubt the villagers will have any interest in what you say." Edmund: Edmund nodded, listening. Leofric: Leofric paid close attention as well sd: "The leader in Oberath is Lord Lanzo, of the Odiling clan," said the Ealdorman. "He is hot-headed, proud, and reckless. He is most likely to want us to provide some kind of concessions or tribute, but I cannot promise it. The mood here is foul, if I promised anything of the sort they would tear me apart. I will give you a paper which vows an end to raiding for all time, but beyond that..." He sighed. "Lanzo is a hard drinker. You may be able to take advantage of that to convince him to do something that he would otherwise not try. The other person, who may be more amenable, is the healer, Estrith. She is no noble but everyone in Oberath adores her, she birthed most of them herself and tends to their sheep when they are sick." Edmund: "I'm surprised a healer would stand by and watch children suffer, even if they were from another village," Edmund said. sd: edit - birthed = delivered! Hogar: Hogar agreed with Edmund's words "We can make an attempt. I doub it would worsen your situation, anyway."he said to Tubert Hogar: edit: Turbert sd: "In her mind, I guess, the children of this village will grow up to be the adults who deal the wounds she has to deal or makes the corpses she helps to bury," he said. "I fear I cannot promise you any reward save our gratitude. We have little enough." Edmund: "That is understood." Edmund said. sd: after eating, the party set out south towards Oberath. An hour after sundown they arrived, finding that it was a shepherd's village atop a steep cliff, near to a tributary stream that ran off from the Stowebach. A trio of archers were standing guard by a pallisade, and they drew arrows as the party approached.
"If you come from Swinhurst way, then you're not welcome here!" their leader shouted out to them. "Find somewhere else to beg or steal!" Edmund: "We come from a lot further away that Swinhurst" Edmund gave a slight smile. "We wish to speak with Lord Lanzo on an urgent matter.. sd: Edmund quickly won the archers over, and one agreed to escort the group to Lord Lanzo.
Though it was more prosperous than Swinhurst, Oberath was nonetheless not a wealthy place by any stretch. There was, at least, no illness among its people, though some of the sheep they saw in the fields appeared to have seen better days. Lord Lanzo's manor house was at the eastern edge of the village, overlooking the cliff, surrounded by a stone wall and with a Thegn guarding the gate house. "What is this urgent business you have, strangers?" the Thegn asked them. Leofric: Leofric eyed the surrounding with interest. Hogar: Hogar did likewise, looking for hints of anything being amiss Edmund: "Thank you for seeing us, Lord Lanzo." Edmund gave a respectful bow. "We are strangers in this land, as you can tell, here to make a new life. It is true we have just come from Swinhurst - we must tell you that your neigbouring village is suffering greatly. We understand that in better times your two settlements have not seen eye to eye, but this is your great opportunity to show yourself as open-hearted and the people of Oberath as good neighbours to those less fortunate than themselves." Edmund: edit - cancel last post Edmund: "We pray that Lord Lanzo will grant us a few moments of his time," Edmund told the thegn. Edmund: "It is a matter of life and death." sd: the Thegn looked at them for a while, then nodded. "You'll leave your weapons here," he said. Edmund: Edmund left his bow and sword with the Thegn. He moved forward with Cadenza at his heels. Leofric: Leofric nodded and left his twin longswords, crossbow and shield with the Thegn and went forward with Edmund. Hogar: Hogar left his weapons with the Thegn as they went to met Lanzo sd: they were led to Lord Lanzo, who was finishing his evening meal at the high table in a crowded common room. Several Thegns sat near him, and he himself was near the fire, eating a piece of meat off the bone and drinking strong-smelling ale. He was a powerfully built man in his late thirties, with a blocky face and fair complexion. "You Gastonlanders have business, I hear," he called to them, indicating they should sit. Servants brought chairs for them, and they were provided with mutton served in a trencher as well as what was clearly fortified ale. sd: edit for clarity - a trencher of bread Leofric: Leofric paid his respect and decide to sit down onto the chair bought to them. Edmund: "Thank you for seeing us, Lord Lanzo." Edmund gave a respectful bow. "We are strangers in this land, as you can tell, here to make a new life. It is true we have just come from Swinhurst - we must tell you that your neigbouring village is suffering greatly. We understand that in better times your two settlements have not seen eye to eye, but this is your great opportunity to show yourself as open-hearted and the people of Oberath as good neighbours to those less fortunate than themselves." sd: one of the Thegns actually laughed aloud, but Lanzo eyed Edmund warily. "We are showing ourselves as open-hearted. We haven't raided the miserable bastards even once, although we could to put an end to them. When a thief is down on the ground, you don't give him a hand up and help him get back to where he can rob you again. Are those miserable shits going to compensate us for all our folk that they've killed and our livestock they've stolen?" Edmund: Edmund looked at Lord Lanzo calmly. "Have the people of Oberath never raided their neighbours in Swinhurst?" sd: "After they began to raid us, of course. We'd no quarrel with the filthy thieves until they started one." Edmund: Edmund leaned forward. "This is your chance to end the enmity between your two communities. Aid them in this desperate hour of need, and the raids will stop. No deaths and no losses, which neither of you can well afford." sd: Lord Lanzo shook his head. "This is nonsense. The raids have already stopped - because they're too weak to carry them out. If we help them back up onto their feet, they'll dust themselves off, thank us, and then stab us when our backs are turned. You Gastonlanders obviously mean well and I can honour you with that, but you've not had to suffer them for decades and decades. We can only make peace when they have compensated us for our dead kinsmen, or else their memories will be dishonoured forever." Edmund: Edmund sat back. "There have also been deaths among the people of Swinburne though? You must have put up a strong fight against them?" sd: "Least two of them for every one of us, at least for when there's been anything that resembles a fight. But we're always occupied with other matters - our Ealdorman in Dunnaue often calls on us as we're his best warriors, so the Swinhurst cowards will raid while our men are away. To the Ealdorman they're just a trival annoyance he can't be bothered to deal with, as they only have the strength to plague us." Edmund: "Would it not be possible to count the dead of Swinburne as tribute for those of Oberath?" Edmund asked. Edmund: edit* Swinhurst not Swinburne sd: "If we were to do that, then our best course would be to raid them and make even more dead of Swinhurst," Lanzo countered. Edmund: "It is surely not fitting for such bold warriors as yourselves to attack these people?" Edmund suggested. "To be honest, they looked as though they were exhausted with caring for their sick children. Not worthy adversaries at all." Beomund has connected. sd: Lord Lanzo thought for a while and downed another ale. "Nay, not worthy at all," he said. "You're right, hardly any glory in sticking a knife in a fallen foe." He thought. "If we make peace with them, and then they break it yet again after we've saved their lives, then the Ealdorman will have no choice but to finally take a real war party after the bastards. Fine. If you can convince the people here they should give help to the miserable bastards, I'll agree to it." Edmund: Edmund bowed low, "God's blessings on you for your kindness my lord." sd: in the morning, the party went round in Oberath, speaking to the people and persuading them that they should assist their erstwhile rivals. Beomund assisted their smiths with their weapons and armour, saying this would give them an advantage if the folk of Swinhurst did renege on their promise, while Edmund went among them, singing, playing on his flute, and giving impassioned speeches to any who would listen. Leofric and Hogar pointed to tales from old legends, saying the folk of Swinhurst would surely be cursed to break such an oath after their rivals saved their lives, and that, as Lanzo had said, such a betrayal would clearly be justification for a full war backed by all of the Rape of Dunnaue. Their words won the day, and the Oberath folk agreed to send food and medical supplies to assist their beleaguered enemies.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 14, 2015 14:28:09 GMT
sd: after returning to Swinhurst and delivering the good news, the party prepared for the last leg of their journey to Gastonstadt. They bypassed the town of Dunnaue, the second largest settlement in Gundergrad, at the confluence of the Stowebach and Grinbach rivers, and instead turned north to make for Gastonstadt directly. After a hard day's travel, they came near to their destination in the evening of 10 January.
Their first sign that they were near was when they drew close to one of the barrows they had been told about in Stanlaw. It was an artificial hill about twenty feet high, with a tall stone like a signpost on the slope leading up to it. Sadly, in the years of the dragonspawn conquest, the monsters had defiled many barrows, and this one was no exception. the ancient letters upon the stone had been obliterated and dragonspawn characters written over them. They could see where the dragonspawn symbol of the pentagram within a five pointed star would have been, but after the reclamation of Gastonstadt the inhabitants had filed this down to almost nothing. Nevertheless, they had not dared to enter the barrow again, and its shattered door opened into darkness, like the weeping mouth of one cast into hell. sd: *within a seven pointed star! Leofric: Leofric eyed the dragonspawn carefully, "I wonder if the dragonspawns raised the very dead from such barrows..." He sighed sadly noting such pagan bodies may be defiled. "Still, better to check if there is any residue left." He decided to cast his spell to notice any powers left. Hogar: "I can't see having them such scruples."said Hogar "They likely use any human corpse they can get their filthy claws on, the monsters." You whisper to Leofric: there were no emanations coming from this particular barrow, however in the countryside here and there Leofric detected old threads of magic buried beneath the earth, which pricked at his tongue like grit in a cold wind. He guessed, for the most part, these were spells which bound various spirits in defence of the tombs, and he guessed they were in the greatest part magic of human, rather than dragonspawn origin, indicating that the monsters had not been successful in defiling every barrow in the region. Leofric: Leofric focused his eyes and replied. "There are still still few barrows around us which had not been defiled fortunately. There are spirits which been bound to defend the barrows. Mostly humans I believe." Leofric: "Mostly human magic I believe" Edmund: "I doubt if they see us as even sentient, compared to themselves," Edmund replied. "Scruples would not apply. It would be interesting to know how a Dragonspawn views the world..." He looked up at Leofric's words. "Fascinating. If only we could get inside." Leofric: "Well, it would be intresting and maybe can be used against them. Knowledge is power after all in parchements, scrolls, music and songs." Leofric commented warmly. "Time to go and find the knowledge we are seeking for!" Leofric is ready to ride his warhorse, Aeris on Hogar: "I hope such spirits will not mind men approaching respectfully, should we need to go there."said Hogar "Aye. Fascinating, but perhaps dreadful..."he replied to Edmund sd: the party continued on towards Gastonstadt, passing several other barrows on the way. Clearly it was not only the Gastons that had settled here long ago - on the south bank of the river, opposite them, they spied a runestone on a hill, about a mile and a half from their destination.
Gastonstadt lay somewhere between a large village and small town by Palanian standards, with somewhere between six and seven hundred inhabitants. It had many stone houses for such a small settlement, as there were abundant sources nearby, but relatively few trees. The villagers were mostly shepherds, with a smattering of fishermen who worked the river, though in winter these men turned temporarily to other trades. In the main square, the villagers had erected a tall stone altar decorated with gold. Some dried blood caked the ground around the altar, as the Gaston heathens were known, albeit rarely, to offer up animals as sacrifice to the gods. Leofric: Leofric eyed the Runestone with a curious desire in his eyes to look at it before dragging away to look at this village and said "Should be intresting to see how this town is faring so far." Edmund: Edmund looked across at the altar. "I never thought to see this. Maybe they have reasons for a special appeal to their gods. The rough winter or something else..." Leofric: "Let see if we can gain the goodwill of this village" Leofric smiled slightly, "Let hope your excellent bardic skills would help out in this village as well." Hogar: "As long as they do not sacrifice humans...."said Hogar "We have heard and seen enough of that already." sd: the party went out into Gastonstadt to ask around after the legend of Esegar and where the reforged Darkling Gleam might have ended up, as the Thegn was said to have been killed near to this village. At first, they had great success, as Edmund used a spell to enhance his appeal and went about, speaking to people, singing tales of old battles, and playing sad airs on his flute. They learned that Esegar was known in the village, and had indeed fallen in battle against the dragonspawn. He had given some last errand to his bodyguard, Hethor, however no one knew what this had been, or where the man might have gone. Here and there they thought they were on the edge of finding out something important, but the villagers seemed to grow suspicious of them and as the day wore on it became harder and harder to get them to open up. Eventually, the party retired to the inn, deciding they would make a fresh attempt in the morning when they had time to relax and sleep. Edmund: Edmund offered to play some music before they turned in. Leofric: Leofric spent some time writing in his journal, his quill made slight sound as he write. Hogar: "Hopefully they will be more trusting in the morning."said Hogar as they prepared to rest sd: after his performance, Edmund did at least discover one piece of information - the altar in the square, he was told, was for sacrifices to the spirits in the barrows. In the old times, the people of Gastonstadt had gone to the barrows in person to do this, but after the defilement by the dragonspawn they feared curses and so they performed the sacrifices in the village, with their bravest men heading out to scatter ashes and pour libations out to the dead sd: the party went to bed and rested, but their sleep was short. Shortly after midnight, they were woken by an agitated looking innkeeper, who told them to come downstairs immediately. "The Ealdorman's men want to speak to you, there's quite a crowd," he said, looking pale. Edmund: "We will be glad to speak with him," Edmund told him. "But surely they will allow us to put our clothes on first." Leofric: Leofric looked at the innkeeper with a hint of surprise through his beary eyes. He quickly rose with his armour and grabbed his swords. "I see... Let see what they have to say hmm..." Leofric: EDIT: Swords and packed the shield in a safe unused status. Hogar: Hogar seemed wary, but went with the others sd: once the party had dressed, they came downstairs to the common room. The door was open, with the innkeeper looking annoyed and fussing about the heat escaping from the building, but the trio of Thegns were paying him no mind. They stood on the step, with several armsmen behind them. Further out on the yard, there were about a score of villagers, holding torches and wielding a variety of improvised cudgels or old swords, spears, or bows. There was a murmur of discontent running through the crowd.
"Greetings to you!" called the frontmost Thegn. "I am Gosfrid, a Thegn in service to Ealdorman Hincmar. The Ealdorman has sent us to discern your intentions. It is rather odd, you must admit, when a group of foreigners comes to such a remote village and begin prying into ancient history. What interest is such matters to Gastonlanders?" Edmund: Edmund stepped forward, his hands well clear of any weapons. "We intend nothing but good for your land. We are here looking into a historical mystery. My companions and I have been asked by the Bard's College of Phalen to see if any trace can be found of the remains of Thunor, and of his famed blade Darkling Gleam, which it is believed was lost in this area." sd: "They're here to raid the barrows! Virian bastards!" someone in the crowd shouted. One of the other Thegns called for silence. "If Darkling Gleam can be found in these parts, then in all likelihood it is in one of the few barrows the dragonspawn could not defile. And the only ones that meet that description are those protected by powerful spirits and curses. You foreigners can leave and go wither you will, but we are people of this land and we will have to live with the consequences if you disturb the spirits. The Ealdorman has sent me therefore to request that you return from where you've come and leave the dead to rest." Edmund: Edmund raised his hands in a peace-making gesture. "We are not here to raid barrows and have nothing but respect for the dead. Since coming to Phalen we have seen and fought many strange and awful beings: Dragonspawn, undead, Elves and evil men. We have been made Thegns of the City of Phalen for our deeds in protecting the people of the city and of Palania from such enemies. We are no tomb robbers." Edmund: edit* Since coming to Palania sd: "You don't need to mean ill to do it," replied Gosfrid. "If your investigation leads to one of the cursed barrows, what then?" Edmund: Edmund spoke without force but his voice carried over the people assembled outside the inn. "I promise we will not rouse the dead to haunt your people. We are not inexperienced in such things, and have no desire to raise angry spirits." sd: "Not inexperienced? So much for not being tomb robbers! Drive them out!" someone shouted. Gosfrid stood in thought for a time. "All our history tells us that there is no reason to even take the risk. I don't doubt your will, but the spirits of these tombs were strong enough to withstand the dragonspawn who held this land for a generation. If we permit you to tread there, then the spirits could hold us responsible, and we will be cursed." Leofric: Leofric gave his respectful greeting and replied "That is perfectly understandable, no one want an angry spirit after all. Nevertheless, we will treat the honoured deads with utmost respect as we do our own ancestors." Leofric commented with respectfut tone. sd: "Other than abandoning their gods!" one of the crowd shouted, but she was hushed by others. Gosfrid gazed at them for a time. "I see you won't be dissuaded. You seem like honourable folk, and perhaps you do know your business. I'll report this. Know this, however - if you bring down harm on this village, knowingly or unknowingly, you will pay with your blood." Without waiting for a reply, Gosfrid turned and went out into the night, with his Thegns ordering the crowd to disperse. One drunken man had to be physically pushed on, but many others had at least had their concerns temporarily quelled by the party's words, and went away muttering. Hogar: Hogar seemed moderately satisfied with how the situation had been handled, but he said nothing as Gosfrid left Edmund: Edmund sighed as they went back into the inn. He gave the worried innkeeper a smile and a nod. "No trouble now." Leofric: Leofric nodded at the back of Gosfrid, He sighed for a moment as he nodded at the innkeeper and after stowing away his swords, he hit his bedroll and went back to sleep straight away, looking relaxed sd: in the morning, the innkeeper woke them again, bringing their food and drink to their rooms rather unexpectedly. "Before that business last night, I didn't know if you were to be trusted, but you kept your nerve before that crowd and if so you're likely to be able to deal with the spirits as well," he said. He pulled a scroll from his pocket. "This is about Esegar and the errand he gave his bodyguard," he said, handing it to them. Edmund: Edmund looked up in surprise. "Thank you!" he said. Leofric: Leofric rubbed his eyes, clearly just woken up and looked at the innkeeper with smile of surprise, "Ah, that's excellent." Hogar: "We will make good use of this."said Hogar smiling sd: the innkeeper sat down and gave the party time to eat and read the scroll. It told of how Hethor, the bodyguard of Esegar, had taken the reforged Darkling Gleam into Gastonstadt and spoken to a local noblewoman, Juthwara. Juthwara was the last descendant of the ancient king, Ulfberht the Strong, who had aided in the great revolt that had ended the Alanian Empire in Palania and won the country for the Gaston race, and was buried nearby. His barrow had been regarded with dread even before the dragonspawn had claimed the land - the king had been a proud man and demanded rites in his honour after his death, but his grandson had neglected this and the old king's spirit had risen in wrath against any others trying to enter his tomb.
"The dragonspawn tried to take the place, I've heard," said the innkeeper. "But they didn't manage it. They left traps behind, supposedly - not that anyone's tried to go there to test it." Edmund: "So it's possible that Juthwara left the weapon safely in her ancestor's tomb?" Edmund said, his voice steady but a flash in his eyes betraying his excitement. Leofric: "Interesting!" Leofric commented, "We did run into dragonspawn traps in the past so we won't be surprised this time, thank you for the warning." sd: "Aye," said the innkeeper. "If it's anywhere, I'd guess it's there." Edmund: "Your help is invaluable," Edmund said with a smile. "How do you have so much knowledge of this subject? sd: "You hear people talking when you're an innkeeper, and my brother left me that when he died," the man said. Hogar: "If the dragonspawn failed, the king's spirit might be strong in death as he was in life. We will want to be careful and respectful there."said Hogar Edmund: "Was your brother interested in these things?" Edmund asked the innkeeper. sd: "He was, yes. He probably would have made a bard himself, but didn't get to twenty-five - sudden sickness got him." Edmund: "That is a great pity," Edmund said gravely. "We appreciate your giving us this." sd: "Use it well, and I'm sorry about the poor hospitality you had last night. Folk of this village are not the most trusting." The innkeeper rose and departed. Edmund: "That is a good man," Edmund said, as they bade goodbye to the innkeeper. Hogar: Hogar nodded. "So are we going to the barrow? Any preparations first? It is likely to be a dangerous place if the Dragonspawn failed." Edmund: "We should visit the Runestone first," Edmund suggested. Leofric: Leofric nodded "Agreed, I am hoping we look over that Runestone first" Edmund: Edmund grinned. "Great minds eh..." Leofric: Leofric grinned back sd: the party set out, crossing the river and making for the runestone they had spotted south of the village. After a short walk, they approached the hill, seeing the stone's runes were of a dark brown colour like thorns. Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly as he is seeing an old friend and touched it for a moment and explained to the other, "This allow you to see and hear better with your natural skill but only once." sd: as the group touched the stone, one by one, it stirred beneath their hand and they felt their senses expand. They thought they could hear the fall of individual flakes of snow, and its crunch beneath their feet suddenly greatly increased in volume. The shine of the sun seemed to cast its light in dark corners they had not noticed before. Edmund: Edmund smiled and nodded slowly. "It feels good," Leofric: Leofric nodded, agreeing with Edmund sd: the party set out towards the barrow, which, from the scroll they had been given, was to the northwest of Gastonstadt. After a slow march through the snow in the morning, passing a number of smaller barrows, they spied it ahead of them. It was a very large hill, with a large escarpment dug out of its crown, encircling the tomb itself. It was notably free of wildlife - even in winter, they occasionally came across a bird or hare, but here all was silent. The entrance was buried somewhere beneath the snow, but they found a path which led up, which had not been used in many a year. A short way up, Beomund hissed a warning and pointed out the pit trap that had been left in the path - it was very cunningly concealed, particularly with the snow, but fortunately Beomund had felt the ground about to give way at his feet. Leofric: Leofric shivered at the lack of wildlife, wondering if these animals can sense magic, "Well, animals can sense magic after all..." He eyed Ed's dog for a moment Hogar: "Desolation" said Hogar "But then we knew the place was haunted before we came here. And good eyes there, Beomund."he adde congratulating their companion Edmund: "I doubt Cadenza will follow us into the barrow," Edmund said. He spoke words into the dog's ear and she melted into the dark undergrowth. Leofric: Leofric agreed, "I missed that trap so that is good that you managed to uncover it." He commented, "No doubt we will run more of these damned traps. Still, will wait until I cast my spell to sense magic..." Leofric: Leofric casted his spell to sense such magic, he have to do it three times before getting the high point. sd: they continued up the hill, and once again Leofric cast his spell. this allowed him to detect another trap as they came up the path, as he sensed some kind of dark rune, probably of dragonspawn origin, buried beneath the earth. This proved to be a pit at the top of the hill, which would have dropped the victim straight onto the evil rune and sent necromantic energy searing through their body. You whisper to Leofric: having detected this magic, Leofric turned towards the barrow itself. He could not sense the entrance - whatever it was, it was not magical - but there were a number of spells within the barrow. The most powerful, he sensed, was well below them, and it left a strange aftertaste on his mouth - some manner of spell which, he guessed, would regenerate the others that he sensed, so that even if some of the wards were dispelled, they would be rejuvenated unless the master ward was dealt with Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, "Interesting, most interesting." as he focused on the barrow Hogar: "Devious."said Hogar as they passed the combination pit-and-necromancy trap Edmund: "Unpleasant," Edmund muttered. Leofric: He looked at the others, "There are quite a few spells or magic in that barrow but there is also a powerful spell of some kind which acutally regenerate any spells we manage to shut down unless we manage to deal with that specific power or spell. It is hard to say which it is." Leofric: He looked at the others, "There are quite a few spells or magic in that barrow but there is also a powerful spell of some kind which acutally regenerate any spells we manage to shut down unless we manage to deal with that specific power or spell. It is hard to say which it is." Edmund: "Could it be centred in an artefact?" Edmund asked, as he frowned over the problem. Leofric: "Maybe, it could be the spirit himself. I just don't know. We will solve that issue once we find it." Leofric smiled with steel like confidence. "Whatever the way in is, it is not marked by spell so we need to find the enterance." sd: the party headed down into the escarpment and began to search for the entrance. Eventually, Edmund and Leofric had determined that it must lie on the south side of the barrow and they began to search there more thoroughly, digging amongst the snow and dirt and bits of shattered stone. sd: they continued their search. They knew they were close when Hogar uncovered a third trap, hidden behind a broken wall - a scything blade that would spin out and tear through the midsection of any interlopers. Bypassing this, they soon found the door, which had been broken open and lay hanging from its hinges. There were scorch marks around the door, and beyond was pure darkness. Hogar: "Scorch marks. Maybe they used their breaths here."said Hogar in a hushed tone Edmund: "Against what?" Edmund murmured, examining the marks. Hogar: "The door, I assume. Or the hinges."Hogar shrugged Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment, "A spirit maybe... I will give you the ability to see in the dark and the ability to sense hidden location" He frowned for a moment and cast a multifarious spell with complex gestures. It is indeed one of the most complex spells he have to casted, to combine two seperate spells took out less than he expected. He drained a small potion as he finished, restoring his power. sd: as the spell came over them, at ohce their eyes sharpened, allowing themselves to see through in the dark, and they could sense the slightest vibration around them. Their own movements and shuffling were rather distracting at first, so they spent a moment to adjust before heading into the barrow.
Ahead of them was a scene of an old battle. The ground was littered with scorch marks, claw marks, and discarded and broken weaponry, and further on were stones, bones, statuary and skulls in shattered piles as if dropped from some unimaginable height. Beyond that was a huge cavern, dug out from the dirt. Roughly in the centre of the chamber was a stepped platform leading down towards a steep shaft, and to the left and right were passages winding off to the sides and out of sight. You whisper to Leofric: Leo could sense that strong magic was emanating from the shaft. He guessed there were multiple protective spells bound to protective wards, though he would need to get closer to determine their exact natures. The flavour on his tongue was thick and cloying like medicine. Edmund: Edmund stared up to the roof of the barrow, wondering at the smashed appearance of the littered objects. Hogar: Hogar looked at the mess on the ground using his enchanted darkvision. "Quite a battle" he commented Leofric: Leofric pointed at the shaft, "There is a powerful magic from the deep shaft. Maybe they woke something up" He commented curiously. He went on quietly, "There are many protective spells which are linked to their wards but to understand them, I would need to get closer. No need to say be very careful here." He ended with a hint of humour. sd: the party moved in carefully. To their right, as the passage entered, they saw an altar which had been smashed to pieces - symbols of the great Gaston gods of old were etched into the broken surface. Edmund: "The dragonspawn presumably," Edmund said softly, eyeing the damage. Leofric: "Indeed and likely why they got killed I guess." You whisper to Leofric: there were spells emanating from the passageways as well - these were not as strong as those coming from the shaft, or the more powerful master ward he sensed below. The taste on his tongue was like one he had known once when he had bitten down inadvertently on a nut still in its shell, a bitter taste and pain that suggested these spells, too, were meant to protect what was within. Leofric: Leofric gestured at the surrounding passageways, "I can sense these spells in the passageways which got shut down, no doubt, the dragonspawns shut them down but the master spell below regenerated them instead. Shall we look in the passageways or look deep into the shaft?" Edmund: "The master spell is in the shaft?" Edmund asked, gazing at the dark hole. Leofric: Leofric nodded warily, "Yes. My choice is to deal with it directly but at the risk of not knowing what the other passageways held..." Leofric: Leofric made a choice and decided to move toward to the shaft with extreme wariness to take a leak into it Leofric: EDIT: Peek Hogar: Hogar seemed both anxious and eager to know what was inside the shaft sd: they moved to the edge of the shaft and peered down. It descended in several tiers and then finally down to a sheer drop down about twenty feet to a thick door of stone and iron. The entire surface of the door was studded with rusty iron spikes, some five feet long. They could see no way to open it directly, and between the shaft, the thickness of the door and the spikes it would be all but impossible to break through as well. Hogar: "That will not be easy to get through."said Hogar, matter-of-factly Leofric: "And tricky..." Leofric commented Edmund: "They didn't want people to get through it..." Leofric: "and yet there must be a way, no doubt" Leofric considered, "Maybe there is a clue elsehwhere in these passagways?" You whisper to Leofric: now that he was nearer, he could concentrate on the magic coming from the shaft. The door itself gave off a taste like molasses, a thick, sticky flavour. Further below he could sense some kind of barrier, probably one to prevent any attempt to scry down below. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "The door itself is trapped witha spell, in other words, anything or anyone that hit these spikes is not going to be able to leave it. I think that route is closed for now." sd: Beomund climbed down the tiers to the very edge of the shaft and looked down. After examining it for a minute he climbed back up. "There are strange grooves cut into the wall further down on both sides," he said. "There's probably machinery that will open this, but with the holes on either side...I think there's multiple parts that need to be activated at once." Edmund: "Could there be switches in the passages perhaps?" Edmund suggested. Leofric: He glanced right and left, "Maybe there is one each in each passageway..." He played with the idea. "Have a look in the left passage?" Beomund has connected. sd: the party headed down the left hand passage, which was quite short before ending in a stone doorway. Ancient runes and symbols were engraved into the arch above the door. You whisper to Edmund: it took a long time of examination, but eventually Edmund recognised the symbols there - they indicated certain ancient Gaston gods. The gods referenced were Fregarbeorht, the sentinel of the old gods; Brundarath, the god of stone and earth; Osildara, Osoltan's grim sister who was the keeper of the souls of the dead; and finally Osoltan himself, the king of gods. Edmund: Edmund peered for a long time at the symbols, eventually pointing to them and explaining to the others in a low voice. "These are the symbols of some of the old Gaston gods. Fregarbeorht, the sentinel, Brunarath, the god of stone and earth, Osildara, who kept the souls of the dead, and her brother Osoltan himself, king of the gods. They all make sense in this place," he breathed, reverentially. sd: Brunarath = Brundarath Hogar: Hogar nodded respectfully "Might not be a good idea to challenge their power and try to open that door." Edmund: "Not with the sentinel carved on it, I imagine." Beomund: "If it's dangerous, it is because men made it so," said Beomund. "The Church says the Prophet slew Osoltan on Mount Maragar, and even if that is just legend, I would not be too concerned about ancient gods." He set about looking for any traps around the door. Edmund: "Images and icons have their own power." Edmund said. Hogar: "The Church might be...wrong about some things."suggested Hogar "We have seen things that suggest that and more in the past, remember." sd: there was no sign of traps around the door. Leofric: Leofric prepared for anything and everything Beomund: "Indeed," agreed Beomund. "It seems much of history is woven of lies. We'll see if we discover more here." Hogar: "I suppose we cannot just turn back now."said Hogar as he approached the door and put his hand on the it... sd: they pened the door, which opened up into an irregularly shaped chamber. The walls here were smooth and firm, unlike those of the central chamber which had simply been carved out from the hillside. An altar to Fregarbeorht lay on the wall opposite them - his symbol was a face drawn in his likeness, and it was one they recognised, as the knocker which the late Ealdorman Durwyn had given to Synne on the day of her wedding was identical to it, though larger and more ornate. To their right was another stone doorway graven with runes. You whisper to Leofric: from the second doorway he sensed some kind of protection magic, whose taste was acrid and bitter, and a resonant flavour emanated from the altar. He doubted it would be safe to pass through the door without first gaining mastery over the altar somehow Beomund: Beomund walked closer to the altar, peering about in case a mechanism was implanted somewhere upon it. Leofric: Leofric pointed out, "We need to gain influence over the altar before we can go through the door safely." sd: the runes indicated that Leofric was correct - they spoke of curses that would fall upon them if they sought to pass through the door without first propitating Fregarbeorht at his two altars. You whisper to Edmund: Edmund sensed that the runes would strike at the minds of anyone who tried to pass, seeking to drive them mad with terror. He noticed also that there were a pattern of holy symbols within the runes, concealed among the other information - he guessed altars to Brundarath, Osildara, and finally Osoltan lay ahead of them, in that order. He thought also that the magical barrier would only be lifted for a short time, and once they went on to the next altar, it would close behind them, ensuring that they continued on to pay homage to Osoltan. It was little wonder if Hethor had chosen to hide Darkling Gleam here - little doubt, he guessed that the dragonspawn would prove too arrogant to humble themselves in that way, and too unfamiliar with Gastons to even know how. Edmund: Edmund spoke quietly about the dangers facing them. "I believe these runes will strike at our minds when we try to pass them, to drive us mad with terror. Ahead I suspect there will be altars to Brundarath, Osildara and Osoltan, in that order. As we pass on the magical barrier will close behind us, so that we must continue on to the end, to pay homage to Osoltan at the final altar." He looked grave. "The Dragonspawn no doubt were too filled with arrogance to pay homage to anything, and would not have known Gaston customs and beliefs in any case." He paused and looked around at the others. "The question is, are we prepared to do so, for the sake of knowledge and to retrieve Darkling Gleam." Leofric: Leofric smiled at Edmund, "We already been this far and let face it, we been through worse..." Beomund: Beomund nodded. "We'll do what needs to be done." Hogar: Hogar stood in thought for a while before talking "After all we have been through since we arrived here, I am not so sure that these gods are any less worthy than the Virian one. And we are already heretics, are we not?" he smiled lightly as he said that "We might as well do this then." Edmund: Edmund smiled. "Since coming to this land we have all found the world to be a more complicated place than we had ever been taught, but I think the Prophet knew that." He looked up for a moment as if he could see the Prophet's Star shining through the roof, then nodded. "Let's do this!" sd: Leofric and Edmund examined the altar, focussing their wills upon it. Whatever spirit inhabited the altar seemed, somehow, to sense their initial reluctance, or perhaps it knew them for Virians. Whatever it was, they managed to master it eventually. However, Leofric, with his magical senses, could tell that the barrier had only weakened slightly and not gone down altogether - checking the runes, they saw sign that there was a second altar elsewhere, and they would need to gain control of both at the same time in order to proceed. Beomund: "Most likely in the eastern passage," suggested Beomund. Hogar: "I think I could handle that, I am of fairly strong mind."said Hogar, with perhaps a hint of pride in his voice Leofric: Leofric casted a spell that allows them to commicate with him and with each other, he said so in his mind, with different sense of words and various overtone, "Can anyone hear each other fine?" Beomund: "I can hear you," replied Beomund mentally as they headed to the other passage. Hogar: "I can hear you."replied Hogar telepatically to the others as he walked beside Beomund Edmund: Edmund grinned. "That is very good." Leofric: Leofric smiled, "Well, that's good then." sd: Hogar and Beomund headed across the central chamber, staying in telepathic contact with Leofric and Edmund. Just inside the passage, they came to the first stone door way, which, like the one opposite, was carved with holy symbols. Hogar recognised these - they were for Fregarbeorht, as well as Herumor, the battle captain of Osoltan, Wystafrea, who wove out all mortals fates into her tapestry, and then Osoltan himself. Hogar: Hogar nodded in respect at the holy symbols and then began to concentrate sd: after a time, Hogar, with Beomund's assistance, managed to gain control over the altar, though it resisted him as much as its twin had resisted Leofric and Edmund. With this, Leofric felt the magical barriers upon either door dissipate and vanish, and he knew it would be safe to pass - though if Edmund was right, once they approached the altars in the next rooms, the barriers would reemerge, trapping them in the passageways until they came at last to the altars of Osoltan at the end Beomund: "Ready?" Beomund asked his companions mentally, moving toward the doorway. Leofric: Leofric nodded as he replied mentally, "Yes." Beomund: Beomund opened the door and continued on with Hogar. Leofric: He with Edmund also opened the door went on sd: Edmund and Leofric continued on to their second altar, which was engraved with runes for earth and stone representing Brundarath, while the altar of Herumor, before Hogar and Beomund, was etched with weapons and had veins of red stone to symbolise blood within its body sd: the warlike spirits of Hogar and Beomund quickly established rapport with Herumor, however Brundarath stonily rebuffed Edmund. The bard felt a force assailing his mind, threatening him with dire curses and lambasting him for abandoning the gods of his ancestors to follow the faith of an upstart. He allowed this to wash over him, and Leofric took his place at the altar instead. Soon, his will had crushed that in the altar, and the second barriers were dissipated. Leofric: Leofric's feeling of victory was sensed through his links with other, Beomund: Beomund expressed his relief that Edmund's mind had survived the assault of the altar, and moved on. Hogar: "I hope you are alright Edmund. Do not despair, we must be close to the what we are looking for."thought Hogar sd: the next rooms were slightly larger than those before. Leofric and Edmund found themselves before the basalt altar of Osildara, which was inscribed with arcane runes emblematic of the grave and the netherworld. There was a statue of a snarling wolf by the altar there. The altar to Wystafrea, where Beomund and Hogar went, was next to a statue of a stern-faced warrior bearing a spear. Upon the altar was a representation of the goddess' mystical loom, threads of destiny weaving through her fingers. sd: Hogar had to wrestle for a time with the will of Wystafrea, evading her entangling threads and emerging with the upper-hand. Meanwhile, Edmund, assisted by Leofric's arcane lore, rapidly gained the mastery over the altar of Osildara, and the barriers evaporated and finally granted them access to the final chambers, to the very king of the Gaston gods, Osoltan, who Virian lore said had been slain by the Prophet upon Mount Maragar.
As they took a step towards the doorways, they sensed something. It was almost imperceptible, however the echolocation which Leofric's spell had granted them meant there was no doubt - the faintest stirring of motion within the chambers, and not from themselves. Turning, they beheld the only possible culprits. The statues, of the snarling wolf and the warrior, respectively, were beginning to move.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 21, 2015 14:48:22 GMT
sd: As they took a step towards the doorways, they sensed something. It was almost imperceptible, however the echolocation which Leofric's spell had granted them meant there was no doubt - the faintest stirring of motion within the chambers, and not from themselves. Turning, they beheld the only possible culprits. The statues, of the snarling wolf and the warrior, respectively, were beginning to move. You whisper to Leofric: as the statue began to move, Leofric's magical senses became aware of other arcane entities nearby. One was further down the hallway, and its flavour was like old earth on the tongue, as was the sense coming from the statue that had begun to move. There were two others seemingly embedded within the walls, and these had a flavour like rotting meat. Leofric: Leofric warned the other mentally, "Be careful, I can sense others apart from these statues." He gestured at Ed that there is another one down the hallyway and two more within the walls. sd: the statues began to stir, though it would obvioiusly be a few moments before they were capable of proper movement. Edmund: Edmund put his flute to his lips and played a stirring tune. You whisper to Hogar: Hogar heard a faint sound further down the corridor, like stone scraping on stone. Beomund: Beomund hesitated, readying his weapon but not prepared to strike the sacred statues until he knew they were going to attack. Hogar: Hogar had been prudent enough to have his shield and axe in hand as he was concentrating earlier, and he eyed the warrior statue warily as it began to move. "I hear stone on stone..."he muttered to Beomund Leofric: Leofric carefully lowered the shield and begun casting the spells with his free hand and muttered magical words. However, the tone of it is slightly different from his Seer tone. Edmund: Edmund took a step back and drew an arrow. Beomund: Peering at the statue's movements with eyes practiced at stonecraft, Beomund suddenly felt certain of its intentions. "It's going to attack!" he told his allies through their mental link. He moved forward to strike. Hogar: Following Beomund closely, Hogar lashed out at the statue before it had the chance to attack them, delivering a powerful chop to the statue's head which left a serious crack in its face and threw a good amount of stone chips and flakes to the ground. Beomund: Beomund struck close behind Hogar, focusing on the head as they tried to destroy it quickly. sd: the statue was knocked back by Beomund's blow, a stone chip flying out and landing on the floor. Though the statue itself was largely undamaged, whatever was inhabiting it seemed to have been driven out, as its movements ceased Beomund: Beomund looked relieved that they did not need to completely destroy the ancient statue, and began to move toward the door, hoping he could reach their companions if their statue proved more trouble. Hogar: Hogar too stepped back from the statue, though he seemed worried it might awaken again Edmund: Edmund fired an arrow which struck the statue heavily in the side. You whisper to Beomund: Beomund heard more noise from further up the corridor - there was at least one more statue there moving Beomund: "There's at least one other statue out there," Beomund told his companions as he moved toward the door. Hogar: "I heard that before too. At least this one did not prove too dangerous." thought Hogar for the others Leofric: Leofrc finally reached the end of his spell and stuck. Even though his low skill is clear, the effect is immediate. The stone wolf stopped moving. He mentally said, "I managed to banish the wolf and one another spirit but two spirits are still in our rooms." sd: just as Leofric's thought came, there was a sense of movement and a low noise and something entered the rooms. They were not visible to the eye, yet their presence was unmistakable as they arrowed towards the party. One went for Leofric, and another towards Hogar. sd: a chill came over the two, but whatever the presences were trying to do, they were able to fight them off and suffered no apparent ill effects. Elsewhere, however, they heard sudden loud noises as stone scraped on stone and more statues began to move Hogar: "More of them. Possibly more than we can handle?"communicated Hogar Leofric: Leofric snorted in reply, "We always fight outnumbered!" Edmund: "Too late to turn back.." Edmund added. Beomund: "Let's hurry in and regroup," replied Beomund. "Together we can figure a way through." sd: there were noises in the hallways, and Hogar and Beomund saw two statues, of a wolf and a human, moving towards them, stone limbs jerking unnaturally as they stormed forward. Beomund: Beomund was immediately proved wrong that they would be able to regroup as the paths failed to head toward each other. He readied himself for the onslaught of the statues. Leofric: Leofric managed to pick his shield up as he strolled toward the door. Hogar: Hogar struck one of the wolf-statue's front paws weakly, not doing significant damage to the stone but unbalancing it slightly Edmund: Edmund peered forward but still nothing was visible, He muttered words as he drew back his bow, ehancing the arrow he was holding so that it would pierce stone more easily. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment and starts to cast his magic sense spell again sd: as Leofric began to cast, a warrior statue burst forward, stone spear raised high Edmund: Edmund backed off raising his bow. Leofric: Leofric blinked his eyes with a faintest of surprise and prepared for the fight Edmund: Edmund fired, striking the statue in the chest despite its attempt to ward off his arrow. Hogar: Hogar hit the wolf statue again with a much stronger blow, this time in its muzzle Beomund: Beomund followed up with another blow to the creature's snout, but the implacable statue remained standing. Leofric: Leofric finished casting spell to restore his magical sense and focused on the warrior status in front of him. However, it look like he is ready to start casting another with a smile with steel determination Hogar: Hogar swung his battle-axe again at the stone wolf's muzzle, cracking it and sending the creature reeling back, inert Beomund: Beomund leapt on top of the inert statue and then hopped back down beside the humanoid one which was still animate. Leofric: Leofric quickly casted his spell and grasped hold of his Changer Amulet afterward, trusting in God. The massive warrior came to sudden stone, his fearsome expression just frozen. Leofric sighed with a relief and glanced back at Edmund with a nod and starts to get around this giant. Beomund: Meanwhile, Beomund struck at the head of the tall statue before him. Edmund: Edmund grinned at Leofric, then moved forward to inch past the statue. sd: the statue raised a huge two-handed stone hammer that moved ponderously, stone arms creaking and dropping flakes of dust with the unnatural movement. Beomund raised his own hammer and intercepted the blow. Leofric: Leofric finally got around the statue and went into the corridor further. He wonders about his peers in the other chambers, "How are you doing? We managed to deal with them on our side," Hogar: Quickly leaping over the inactive wolf statue, Hogar stood beside Beomund again and brought his axe in an upwards arc against the statue's chin Beomund: "Still fighting, but we will end it soon!" replied Beomund. Hogar: Hogar swung his weapon again but the statue brought his massive hammer down to block the attack, although it unbalanced itself in the process Beomund: With the statue unbalanced, Beomund and Hogar battered away at its head until the final foe was made inert. sd: with the statues defeated, the respective groups were able to squeeze past and make for the altars to Osoltan, king of the Gaston gods, which were located in these final chambers. The god was depicted as a stern, upright figure, clenching a lightning bolt in his upraised hand. An albatross, the messenger of Osoltan, soared above the god's head. Leofric: Leofric admired the statues for a moment before attempting to control the altar before him sd: Leofric and Hogar each wrestled with the spirits of the altars, which resisted stubbornly but at length gave in before the power of their wills. As they gained the mastery, there was a loud rumbling noise and Leofric sensed a number of magical auras dissipate throughout this upper level of the tomb. The master ward remained below, but at least it would now be possible to make an attempt for it. Beomund: Beomund breathed a sigh of relief as Leo and Hogar won their battles of will. "Well done! Let's regroup." Leofric: Leofric nodded silently, "Time to regroup and see what is in the darkness below!" He called out to the others Leofric: EDIT: "Time ti see what is in the darkness below!" Hogar: Hogar seemed pleased to have defeated the spirit's will with his own. "Aye. I wonder what lurks there...keep your eyes - and ears - open!" sd: the party headed back to the shaft at the centre of the level. The trap door had swung open, and part of the shaft had swung away to reveal a ladder which led down to a staircase spiralling into the darkness Leofric: Leofric nodded and climbed down after the big ones, Beo and Hogar Beomund: Worried about facing more statues, Beomund cast some spells to make Edmund's arrows and Hogar's greataxe better able to damage stone. sd: with their eyes still adapted to the darkness with Leofric's spell, and their senses attuned to even the slightest movement, the party descended down the staircase and to the next level of the barrow. they found themselves at the top of a stepped platform which was in the centre of a large, irregular room with a battered, tiled stone floor. Ahead of them, there was a large, very thick marbled wall with slashes of gold running through it like veins. There was an altar before the wall on which there lay a large gem, but what lustre it might have once have seemed to have fled long ago. there were passages running off to their left and behind them as well, on the west and southern walls of the chamber. You whisper to Leofric: Leo could sense that the master ward clearly lay within the golden room, though there was no obvious means to enter it from where they now stood Leofric: Leofric pointed at the wall covered with gold and said, "I can sense that the master spell is within this room. Look like we will need to find a way to get into it some how" Beomund: Beomund moved forward slowly, interested in examining the gem and the make of the marble-gold wall. Hogar: Hogar pointed at the gem on the altar "Could that have anything to do with that?" You whisper to Beomund: he sensed that the entrances to the chamber were doubtlessly on the north and south walls - though these were not accessible from here, it seemed likely the side passages eventually joined with them. As with the shaft they had just descended, he guessed there must be multiple triggers which needed to be activated at once to access this central chamber. You whisper to Leofric: advancing towards the golden room, he sensed no magic from the altar and only the faintest remnant from the gem. Further beyond, however, he sensed numerous auras, like geysers of earth prepared to erupt at any moment. These, he guessed, had some kind of summoning feature, though he could not be sure. This wall was also enchanted with similar magic to the barrier they had just passed, protecting against scrying and any attempts to smash through the wall by main force. Leofric: Leofric warned the others, "Be careful. there are many spirits ready to be sent against us if we do something with the wall. Also, you would not be able to break in as well." You whisper to Leofric: there were also others from the side passages, though these were harder to judge and he guessed them of lesser power - flavours like fire and decay filled his mouth, and others he had not noticed before, like the most burning of the peppers of the Ersemen. This much he was sure of, none of the spells in the side passages were intended to be anything other than harmful. Leofric: EDIT: "The wall is spelled against any attempt to smash the wall down." Hogar: "What about the gem, do you sense magic there, Leofric?"Hogar asked Leofric: "Only the very glimmer of it remains." Leofric confirmed. "However, there are still many lesser spirits or spells in these passages as well." Beomund: After some thoughtful looks at the walls, Beomund spoke: "I think there are entrances to the golden-walled chamber on its north and south. Not accessible from here, but the side passages might join up with them. There will likely be multiple triggers activated at once to gain access - we may have to split up as we did before." Hogar: "As long as we can keep in touch." said Hogar "Did you mean the spirits here are stronger or more numerous than above, Leofric?" Beomund: "Do you think it's safe to take the gem, Leofric?" added Beomund. Leofric: "Well, there are many but less powerful I think." He answered Hogar's question. He glanced at Beomund and shook his head, "Not a very good idea. Unless you want to face an entire army of spirits." Beomund: "Ah well. Let's try the west passage then, and investigate together. We'll split up if it it looks like we'll have to." Leofric: "And also, it might be better if Ed go with you or Hogar" Leofric suggests to Beo, "As good I am at fighting, I am in no way equal to you in your martial prowress." Leofric: "Either of you" Edmund: "You more than made up for that in magical skill," Edmund reminded Leofric. Hogar: "Good idea."said Hogar, agreeing with Leofric's judgement Beomund: Beomund nodded. "I would suggest that I go with you, Leofric, as I have little skill in dealing with the spirits of this place." Leofric: Leofric have to agree with Edmund's assessment, "Indeed, but if that spell haven't worked, it would be much more difficult for us to fight them by weapon." Leofric glanced at Beomund and nodded, "Very well. That make sense." Edmund: Edmund nodded. "You and me then Hogar." Hogar: Hogar nodded. "I hope my mind stays strong enough to face the spirits here..." Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly, "Just remember what I taught you..." Leofric: He headed west along with Beomund. Hogar: "We'll take the south passage."said Hogar as he made for that, with Edmund following Edmund: Edmund nocked one of the spelled arrows to his bow and walked behind Hogar. sd: the western passage, where Leofric and Beomund stood, curved round to the right and around. There were earthenware jars on the ground at some of the corners there, although they had not been touched for many centuries. sd: the southern passage had thick white walls and floor, and it curved and became a narrow passage just ahead of them Beomund: Beomund wondered about the jars, but said nothing, presuming they were no safer to touch than anything else in this place. Leofric: Leofric walked carefully and focused his mystic attention onto these canopic jars You whisper to Leofric: there was no magic emanating from the jars, although he sensed several auras from not far around the corner - one was very similar to the altars they had faced above, while another was a dark resonance which fouled his tongue with an oily flavour. Leofric: "Nothing seems magical about these jars" He told Beo, "However, I can sense few more spirits and powers around the corner. Maybe an altar even." Leofric: EDIT: "And a trap maybe." You whisper to Leofric: there were, he noticed, Old Gaston runes etched into the walls, which commanded the supplicant to grant proper respect to the great King Ulfberht and to seek penance for the neglect of his tomb. Leofric: Leofric mentioned to the others "These runes on the walls are saying that we should grant proper respect to King Ulfberht and to seek penance for the neglect of the tomb." Hogar: "But how?"asked Hogar through the mental link Beomund: "Perhaps a ceremony at the altar," suggested Beomund. Leofric: Leofric nodded, "I guess we will find out." sd: Leofric and Beomund advanced to a room containing a dark altar to Osildara, the keeper of the dead, such as they had seen above. Behind them on the far wall was another earthenware jar, but this one had fallen from a groove in the floor and lay on its side on the floor. sd: Edmund and Hogar, meanwhile, moved on to a chamber containing a rug which bore Osoltan's albatross symbol, as well as, on one wall, a stone throne, and opposite it, a sceptre and crown. You whisper to Leofric: the dark spirit he had sensed was somewhere in the walls beyond the jar Leofric: Leofric narrowed his eyes at the wall, "I got a feeling that jar is trapped. If you touch that, the black spirit may attacked us." Leofric: mentallyu Edmund: "We should avoid treading on that rug," Edmund said, passing the information mentally to his companions. Hogar: Hogar nodde "And I assume it might be best to avoid touching the regalia, too. Would not be very respectful." Hogar: edit* nodded Beomund: "Perhaps we should put the jar back in its place," suggested Beomund to Leofric. Beomund: edit: ignore sd: Hogar and Edmund continued on, though partway down the next narrow corridor Hogar discovered a trap hidden in the wall, a barbed spear that would lash out to strike at them as they passed. Beomund: "It may be that we should put the jar back, if we are meant to show concern for the neglect of his tomb," suggested Beomund. He moved over toward it, hesitating in case Leo objected. Hogar: "Not all threats here are of the mystical kind."thought Hogar Leofric: Leofric shook his head, "No. Don't touch it!" Beomund: Beomund nodded and stepped back. Leofric: "I am pretty sure it is trapped" Leofric confirmed with Beomund. "Let see if we can open the doorway beyond." sd: Leofric stood before the altar and wrestled with it in his mind, eventually gaining control of it. As he did so, the small figurine of Osildara upon the altar turned and there was a loud click. Beomund: "Well done," said Beomund, moving toward the next passage. Leofric: Leofric nodded as he also went to the next passage You whisper to Leofric: had the sense that the spirit was watching them, and seemed ready to spring at them, but the control of the altar seemed to prevent it. He was not so certain now that his thought on the urn had been correct, but it did not attack them for now at least sd: they moved on and found themselves in a chamber which had a large table covered in piles of parchments, scrolls, and tomes, scattered about with no rhyme or reason to them. There were several shelves built into the wall behind the table, and a passageway continued on on the far wall. Leofric: Leofric frowned for a moment. "Maybe we should put that urn back on." sd: bypassing the trap, meanwhile, Hogar and Edmund continued on to a chamber where a statue of King Ulfberht stood. There were ancient Gaston runes written at the foot of the statue, and also an open jar filled with ancient silver and gold coins, most of which bore Ulfberht's own likeness Hogar: Hogar looked at the ancient runes, as if trying to make sense of them, but could not. Edmund: Edmund came over and examined the runes. Beomund: "Perhaps replacing these scrolls and tomes will be making penance for the neglect of the tomb," replied Beomund. "Though if you think it safe we could go back for the urn." You whisper to Edmund: the runes spoke of a time of emergency in the King's realm, when the revolt against the Alanian Empire was at its most difficult moment and the High King Peada was desperately in need of aid. At this time the King had imposed a tax upon the orders, requiring freemen to give five silver coins and those of noble blood five golden ones. Edmund: "It seems the coins represent a tax levied to aid High King Peada in the revolt against the Alanian Empire. Freemen gave five silvers and nobles five gold coins," Edmund said, reading the runes with some effort. Leofric: "Maybe we should. I sensed that it was about to spring on us but the control of the altar prevent it from attacking us. Maybe it was to attack us if we didn't put the urn back on." Leofric sighed for a moment, Edmund: "A time of dire emergency." Edmund said, gazing up at the figure of Ulfberht. Hogar: Hogar nodded "True. Does not exactly help us here to know that, however..."he said looking at the open jar You whisper to Hogar: he thought it would be unwise to touch the coins, but it was perhaps also inadvisable to pass without adding their own contribution to the King's wealth Beomund: Leofric and Beomund returned to place the urn back in its groove. Hogar: "Perhaps we should pay our respect by offering some of our wealth."suggested Hogar "We are not nobles, so..." You whisper to Leofric: he sensed the spirit relax and go still, though it was still present in the wall Leofric: Leofric smiled slightly, "It is feeling better. Let focus on the task ahead of us" sd: with the spirit gone, Leofric and Beomund read some of the scrolls and tomes on the table, which spoke of King Ulfberht's many mighty deeds - his slaying of the local Alanian governor and rescue of the High King Peada in battle on the Saltanow being the two most prominent. You whisper to Hogar: reading snatches of the documents through the telepathic bond, Hogar saw an undercurrent in which Ulfberht, who, though clearly a very pious man, regarded himself on a level not far below the gods themselves. The man's arrogance had been clear, and some tales implied that his servants and lesser kinsmen were expected to bow in his mere presence, without command. You have disconnected. Server started; please wait for map to refresh. Hogar has connected. Beomund has connected. Edmund has connected. Leofric has connected. sd: with the spirit gone, Leofric and Beomund read some of the scrolls and tomes on the table, which spoke of King Ulfberht's many mighty deeds - his slaying of the local Alanian governor and rescue of the High King Peada in battle on the Saltanow being the two most prominent. Beomund: Beomund: Beomund nodded in satisfaction, and headed back to attempt to begin sorting the scrolls and tomes, while looking for any writing he might recognize. Hogar: edit: "And we are thegns of Phalen, so..." Edmund: Edmund nodded. Reaching inside his coat for his money pouch, he extracted five gold coins and placed them reverentially in the urn." Hogar: Hogar searched among his belongings until he found five gold coins which he respectfully put in the urn. Leofric: Leofric helped Beomund as well. sd: with the spirit gone, Leofric and Beomund read some of the scrolls and tomes on the table, which spoke of King Ulfberht's many mighty deeds - his slaying of the local Alanian governor and rescue of the High King Peada in battle on the Saltanow being the two most prominent. Leofric: Beomund: As they read, they placed the materials carefully on the shelves. Hogar: "King Ulfberth was a proud man, who expected others to bow and revere him "thought Hogar, more for the others than himself "Perhaps he kept his pride even in death." Edmund: "He had plenty to be proud about," Edmund responded. "Quite a hero in battle." Hogar: "True." said Hogar respectfull sd: Leofric and Beomund were able to continue on to a narrow corridor, which turned and became very straight, with murals on the north wall depicting Osoltan and the south wall depicting the King himself. sd: Hogar and Edmund, meanwhile, seemed to hit a dead end. Ahead of them was a small room with a little alcove with paintings depicting the King's rescue of High King Peada Beomund: Beomund continued to walk slowly, admiring the murals that had lasted so long. sd: as they entered, they noticed one of the tiles was a pressure plate, and then further ahead was another by the mural. They could only guess that if one was stepped on, a trap would be triggered unless the supplicant immediately strode over to the alcove to examine the King's deeds. Edmund, after some time, determined the nature of the trap, which was a particularly nasty one, which would bring the roof down upon their heads. Hogar: "Likely lethal."said Hogar "And not very respectful to cause part of his tomb to be destroyed."thought Hogar with a faint smile Edmund: Edmund got to work on the trap and managed to disarm it. "In case we have to leave in a hurry," he grinned at Hogar. Player "as" is not connected. You whisper to Leofric: as they advanced, Leofric detected a fiery aura on the wall about three-quarters of the way down the hallway, with an activation rune that was very cunningly concealed. He guessed it was set to shoot fire at about chest height, so it could be avoided by simply kneeling and passing by that part of the corridor sd: Edmund and Hogar quickly discovered that a section of the wall by the alcove could swing in and led to another room, with a very small corridor which, like that on the other side, was also lined with images of Osoltan and the King Leofric: Leofric went "Ah" He stopped himself and Beomund, "There is a fire spell ready to hit you at chest level which you can avoid by kneeling." Beomund: "Thank you, my friend," said Beomund, eyes wide. He kneeled and moved forward on his knees, looking to see if there was any mechanism he could use to protect them. sd: there was no mechanical means to prevent the spell, however Leofric disabled it with his magical knowledge. Hogar and Edmund, meanwhile, found a similar trap in their own corridor, though this one was mechanical rather than arcane - a section of ceiling which would open and drop spikes down upon them, though it was fastened to iron cords and, like their compatriots, could be avoided by simply kneeling to enter the corridor Hogar: "How appropriate"thought Hogar as they realized they would have to kneel to survive through the tomb sd: Leofric and Beomund continued on to a large, rectangular chamber, with two passages on the southern wall - the one they stood in, and one just to the right. You whisper to Leofric: there were two further mystic runes on the ground in this large chamber - one with an air of corrosion, and another with dark energy - these traps could be avoided however by simply taking the long route, hugging the outer wall Leofric: Leofric nodded, "There are another two traps, we can avoid them if we went by the wall rather than the short route." sd: the two groups continued on. Each found themselves in chambers containing altars with likenesses of the King and of Osoltan upon them, and there were stone doorways similar to the barriers above blocking the pathways leading onwards. Leofric could sense the energy from them, indicating they were similarly barred psychically sd: Edmund, for his part, was able to ultimately master the altar, though he felt a spiteful spirit shrieking of his unworthiness in his mind. The barrier ahead remained, however, awaiting Leofric and Beomund on the other side Leofric: Leofric chanted the words and engaged in a struggle with it and drove it out.... sd: with that, the barriers dissolved, and the two groups were able to continue on and found themselves looking on sets of double doors which, they guessed, led to the central chamber they had seen earlier Hogar: Hogar congratuled Leofric on his force of will, as the telepathic link let him perceive what he was doing "That was impressive, though it is not the first time you do this." You whisper to Leofric: as the barriers fell, however, Leofric felt other magic flaring up, and new auras, like gravel and dirt, emerging in that room, and another that was like some bitter, fiery spirits. Beomund: Beomund moved up to the double doors, examining them for locks or traps. Leofric: Leofric swore for a moment mentally, "The spirits are getting restless. I believe they are ready for a fight..." sd: the doors, they thought, were not trapped and could be easily swung open Edmund: "We have challenged them, and you more than most," Edmund thought, Beomund: "We will fight if we must. Are you ready, my friends?" asked Beomund, standing ready to push the door open. Hogar: "If a fight cannot be avoided...then we shall fight. This is the tomb of a warrior king, after all. I suppose it would honour his memory, in a way."thought Hogar Leofric: Leofric nodded and starts chanting the spell which hope to banish them sd: as soon as Leofric began to cast, the doors swung open. Within there was an inner wall not far ahead, with a rectangular corridor round it. Immediately behind both doors were creatures like walking mounds of earth, that eyed them with flinty eyes full of violence.
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