K'Nara Wednesday September 5th, 2001 7:13:10 AM
The tall woman warrior rose before the arrival of the food, taking care of mundane personal needs first...then finding an area to begin her usual morning run-through of bladesong training.
As she exercised, K'Nara couldn't keep the grin from her face--in contacting Greymalkin through the earclip that he'd given her*, she had apparently "interrupted something important" (according to the winded and cross-sounding elf). The feminine voice complaining in the background hinted at just what K'Nara was interrupting, and the human bladesinger couldn't help but snicker as she trained under the Gold Dragon's guidance.
...spin...feint...parry...spin...block THEN thrust..! Greymalkin instructed. ...Backpedal...block...feint...feint...cast!
"Cast what?"
That'll depend on the circumstances, m'dear, replied the elf. Just remember to make the spellcasting a part of the bladesong--feinting just before you cast will throw off your opponent...they won't expect a fighter to throw a spell in the MIDDLE of an attack.
"Mmmm...sounds logical." K'Nara conceded, going through the motions of attacking and then unleashing a barrage of pretend Magic Missiles. Indeed, Greymalkin's tactic looked--and felt--rather natural.
It IS logical--and it'll be all the more effective coming from a human... the Gold Dragon said confidently, then added in a rather firm voice: ...now, YOU go on with your exercising--and *I* shall tend to...more important matters... K'Nara grinned as she heard a feminine giggle just before Greymalkin ceased communication.
Then she continued her bladesong training until the arrival of Orgar, and heard his announcement about needing the time to set up a cover for the Emerald Talons' escape.
"Two days..?" K'Nara said, frowning. "Hmmm...if only we could get in touch with the Tines--let them know to collect the horses and wagons and then to meet us in the Culverwood..."
Figment Wednesday September 5th, 2001 11:44:26 AM
The mage rememorizes spells and waits for the party to prepare to leave. He mulls over what he learned from the notebook. And tells the Talons what he has discovered.
When Orgar is finished, he asks him "Has anyone found any pieces of paper down here? This notebook is missing 2 pages. I expect they have some important information on them I would like to review. They may have information on the compaosition of the ore - and possibly the bugs.".
He begins to feel better about his prospects of seeing Jux again as the dwarves offer to get them out of the city.
Ingrge Wednesday September 5th, 2001 2:53:07 PM
Grinning with a good night's rest behind him, Ingrge greets the prospect of two days off as a very good thing. Finding Figment, Ingrge pulls him aside and says, "With this time off don't you think we should go ahead and read those toomes we found?" If not then perhaps we might copy some of these scrolls in to our spell books and perhaps see if there are things we might be able to teach each other."
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 5th, 2001 2:57:42 PM
Finding lots of free time on his hands, Bertram visits with his cousins, spending an inordinate amount of time with the smiths as they worked to unlock the properties of the strange alloy.
Olana Wednesday September 5th, 2001 4:30:44 PM
Although not absolutely overjoyed at having to spend more time in the mine, Olana swallows her claustrophobia and longing for all things green and tree-like, and spends some time with the smiths, wondering if perhaps she could trade up on some of her weapons, and have her blades sharpened properly.
Flueterflam Wednesday September 5th, 2001 6:32:40 PM
Having what seems to him as a horribly long time to do nothing, the bard practices sneaking around among the dwarves. He attempts to jump up behind them and spook them. Then, whether successful or not, engages them in conversation, finding as much knowledge from a dwarf's point of view as he can.
Milo Thursday September 6th, 2001 2:12:03 AM
Milo seems quiet yet content as he spends the majority of his day in prayer and meditation. He can also be seen reading from his prayer book on more than one occasion.
Passing Time... (DM Chris) Thursday September 6th, 2001 2:35:59 AM
Before leaving the Talons to their own devices, Orgar makes sure they have the basics... food, ale, warm clothes, ale, good bedrolls, ale... and did I mention ale? Turning to Figment, "No... we haven't seen anything that even resembles paper for some time... excepting that book you found of course."
The dwarven smiths are quite happy to assist Olana with the maintanance of her weapons, and take some time, showing and explaining to her, how she could better do so herself when she doesn't have the benefit of a dwarven smith.
It takes most of the day for Bertram to actually locate the dwarves responsible for working with the strange metal, and when he does, it is yet another challenge to get a look at what they are doing... clanging is accompanied by frequent gasps, and the muttering of sharp dwarven curses. At one point a smithy looks up at Bertram, fury on his face, "We've pounded this blade out fifteen times now, and each time we complete the long blade, it reverts to a short blade... it is as if the metal were possessed. Come on... move along sonny... we have work to finish here." The elder dwarf seems sincerely frustrated by his progress.
Though initially, Flueterflam's joke seems ill received, ultimately, each dwarf he engages in conversation, is just thrilled to get an opportunity to talk to someone who hasn't heard their stories a hundred times yet.
Overall, as the Talons spend the first day as they please, things go relatively peacefully, though strangely enough, Dakar seems to have disappeared, and his gear with him. Around supper time, Orgar shows back up with a pair of younger dwarves in tow. "Beggin' your pardon folks, but we're sendin' a group into town to fetch supplies for the mine, as well as gather up your mounts to take them to the rendevous. Is there anything that we can get you while we're in town? We don't have much extra coin, so you'll have to provide some, but if there is anything that our crew can pick up for you... things you'll be needin' before you leave that is. We won't be going back that way when we travel I'm afraid."
(Okay folks, feel free to put together your shopping lists for your next posts... use the prices out of the Player's Handbook plus 20% to figure out how much gold to send with the shopping dwarves. The economy under Parnoth is getting bad.)
Figment Thursday September 6th, 2001 12:24:01 PM
The mage smiles at Ingrge's idea and says "I think the trading of spells would be the best use of our time right now. I suspect the tomes of clear thought will take us more uninterrupted time than we currently have.". He trades spells with the mage and engages in extensive conversations about casting methods and other things arcane. He revels in the experience having not been able to do this for way too long a time.
He gives Orgar 50 gp, a list of spell components and other various supplies. "Make sure and tip the stable hands if they have taken good care of my mount.".
He also mentions a thought to the warrior woman. "I wonder if the object of our original mission is OK? Somehow I would think he's been missed by now and that the guards up top would be wanting to question us about him. We may have faked out the dragon once, but I'm inclined to think he'll fill in the missing pieces soon enough.".
Ingrge Thursday September 6th, 2001 8:11:16 PM
Finding a quiet corner with Figment, Ingrge settles down with his fellow mage to talk magic. Every now and again something sounding very close to a giggle seems to emanate from Ingrge's part of the corner. Only taking necessary breaks Ingrge stays in his corner for most of the two down days, getting up only to eat and send out for spell components.
Brother Bertram Thursday September 6th, 2001 9:19:09 PM
After talking to the dwarves working on the strange metal, Bertram puts a new edge on his axe. After checking his armor, and supplies he prays thanks to Domi for thier victory and prays for guidance in the coming days.
Olana Friday September 7th, 2001 12:47:09 AM
Olana takes careful note of how the dwarves handle her weapons, admiring their expertise and hoping to remember what is being taught here.
Afterwards, she checks her supplies. She was okay for arrows and basic supplies, although... if they were likely to have to fight their way out of this place...
She hands Orgar two and a half GPs for two more sets of arrows.
Milo Friday September 7th, 2001 2:24:46 AM
After some consideration, Milo declines Orgar's offer, and then spends the rest of his evening skipping rocks on one side of the cave.
Seclusion for a second day... (DM Chris) Friday September 7th, 2001 2:37:43 AM
The first day in seclusion passes peacefully, and still Dakar is nowhere to be found. When the Talons awake the next morning, the items they requested are waiting for them, stacked in a neat pile of parcels just inside the black curtain. Before long, Orgar appears, bright eyed and bushy-tailed... "G'mornin' folks... one more day, and we'll be ready to get going... Is there anything more we can do for you before you leave?"
K'Nara Friday September 7th, 2001 7:16:00 AM
The human bladesinger double-checked her equipment and supplies...since she didn't use her bow and arrows lately, K'Nara didn't need to replenish her supply of missiles. There was nothing else that the female fighter needed, so she didn't add to the dwarves' shopping list, but handed them another 50gp in order that they may secure the wagons and horses from the stable the Talons had been forced to leave them at.
"Hmmm...you definitely have a point, there, Figment." K'Nara concurred with the wizard. "All the better to make sure that the Emerald Talons 'die' while carrying out Parnoth's decree!" She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "We're going to have to wait until we can get back to the rendezvous site--maybe even all the way until we return to the area of Perpaguil--before finding out whether our mission was a success...and then there are those orphans we promised to check up on, too."
Figment Friday September 7th, 2001 12:43:15 PM
The mage nods to K'Nara "I wonder if we could secure a week or two of time in one of the elven cities? I'd very much like to read this tome we secured from the mage's place. Might be neat to see if those seeds I gave the elves have been planted and what the result was (remember the golden apples? :)).". After a moment of thought, the mage says to the dwarf.
"Orgar, 2 things: Have you seen Dakar, and two, have you heard about the plague that ravages the demi-human villages in this land. We brought an anecdote for it and I was wondering if it has had any effect - or do you even know what I'm speaking of?"
The bulk of the mage's time is spent with Ingrge and the magic. He trades him any spells he would like to have and learn revelling in the thought that he has found someone who loves the arts as much as he, and is willing to fight side by side with him. (50gp given to Orgar should have covered writing material for this purpose.).
OOC: Ingrge, send me your email address at dhott@nortelnetworks.com.
Olana Friday September 7th, 2001 7:41:16 PM
As Olana overhears Figment mentioning Dakar, she asks - "You don't think he's gone up top to fight the guards on his own do you?"
Ingrge Saturday September 8th, 2001 2:37:19 PM
Overhearing Olana's comment Ingrge places his head in to his hands and slowly shakes it from side to side. "That would be just like that hard-headed dwarf, but even he isn't that stupid. Is he?"
Flueterflam Monday September 10th, 2001 1:05:42 AM
"Hmmmm..." Fluet ponders the possibilities of what the dwarf is up to. When not considering what could have happened to Dakar, the bard appears to be going over things in his. Apparently he is trying very hard to committ to memory all the dwarven stories, and also trying to fit those things into song. He appears very content, although somewhat frustrated once in awhile.
Milo Monday September 10th, 2001 3:59:22 AM
Not really needing anything before leaving, Milo is content to split his time between meditation and prayer, and wandering aimlessly about the cavern in sheer boredom.
Questions, Concerns, Comments... (DM Chris) Monday September 10th, 2001 4:22:24 AM
Turning to Figment, Orgar states plainly, "I have not seen Dakar, but it is my understanding that he has requested sanctuary here in the mines, and plans to have an extended stay while he works through some of his personal issues in perhaps not-so-silent commune with Domi. As for the plague... while it didn't touch us down here, we did hear something of it... it was too widespread to miss the news altogether. I hear that it is rapidly being wiped out... I can only assume it is because of the antidote you speak of. We are completing preparations for departure as we speak now, and should be ready to go first thing in the morning. You can expect to see me again this evening, as I understand it, Helga would like to see you then, as well. If there are no questions or concerns, I'll see you tonight."
K'Nara Monday September 10th, 2001 6:57:43 AM
Suddenly K'Nara felt the beginnings of a pounding headache coming on when Olana's and Ingre's questions are said out loud. The headache is mercifully short-lived, however, when Orgar mentions Dakar's seeking sanctuary within the heart of this mining clan.
"Oh, thank the gods!" the leader of the Talons muttered. "That's ALL we would have needed--having to try to deal with Dakar's one-dwarf-war against those muscleheads up top..!"
Figment Monday September 10th, 2001 12:56:26 PM
The mage smiles at the thought of leaving the mines. "Orgar, I will miss you and your clan, but my back will NOT miss the mine!". He stretches trying to straighten all the kinks in his back from laying on the stone and hunching over.
Olana Monday September 10th, 2001 4:13:29 PM
Olana laughed with relief on knowing the wild young dwarf hadn't gone out to meet the guards. With a chuckle, she added to K'Nara's comment - "Well, he would have kept them busy for a while."
Flueterflam Monday September 10th, 2001 9:19:15 PM
Whistling suddenly comes from the bard's direction. He appears very happy. But suddenly he snaps his fingers and slaps his leg very hard, yelling out loud about the pain and apparently about lyrics that don't fit well. Fluet quiets down and stays deep in thought for awhile longer.
Brother Bertram Monday September 10th, 2001 10:38:35 PM
Bertram smiles. relieved that Dakar had decided to take time to come to terms with his rage. With a prayer of thanks to Domi he settles down for a little more rest before they hit the road.
Milo Tuesday September 11th, 2001 12:44:31 AM
At Orgar's pronouncement regarding Dakar, Milo looks relieved, but his face quirks up as usual and he looks toward Olana, "I wonder what they call it underground...? When we were traveling, I guess Dakar had some serious road rage... is this cave rage... how about mine rage... actually I'm glad its his rage and not mine.." Milo collapses in a fit of giggles.
Giving Thanks... (DM Chris) Tuesday September 11th, 2001 1:03:29 AM
As the day comes to a close, the evening food cart is brought in, with trays of steaming roast venison and loaves of warm spiced bread. Orgar grins, "We had to do some poaching for this, but considering our current plans, we're not looking to be in anyone's good grace these days." Accompanying Orgar is Helga who stands before the group, "In the morning you'll be leaving us, I regret to say. Your presence will be missed terribly. We will not however, let you go without some modicum of thanks." With that, Helga holds out her hands, and in them rests a polished silvery short sword, the hilt adorned with a textured onyx grip. "This is the blade that we forged out of the metals smelt in the bellies of those monstrous beetles. We are sure the blade is magical, though its exact properties are a mystery to our most adept smithies. Wield it well." With that, Helga sheaths the blade in an onyx black scabbard trimmed in copper, and presents the sword hilt first to K'nara.
K'Nara Tuesday September 11th, 2001 6:30:15 AM
The tall human woman smiled at the dwarf leader, then knelt down on one knee in front of her.
"On behalf of the Emerald Talons, Clanmistress Helga, I accept your token with humble gratitude." K'Nara said sincerely, taking hold of the hilt and then holding the blade aloft. "I'm sure it's going to be interesting to find out just what this product of your clan's craftsmanship can do!"
Figment Tuesday September 11th, 2001 12:48:38 PM
The mage bows to the Clan Leader with respect, but says nothing - leaving the talking to the warrior woman.
He eyes the blade with adminration. "I should be able to tell you what it is but I will need to memorize a spell for it. Would you like me to do this or would you prefer we do that after we escape - and do it at a later time?".
Ingrge Wednesday September 12th, 2001 7:45:21 AM
Listening to Helga's speech and giving her a nod of thanks, Ingrge moves forward a bit to get a better look at the sword. Turning to K'narra, he adds his comments to Figment's. I too can perhaps find something out about this blade so beteween the two of us.....
Olana Wednesday September 12th, 2001 4:29:45 PM
Whispering to Milo, Olana says - "Well whatever it is, he's not going to be the only one with 'cave rage' if I don't get out of here soon. I'm an elf, not a mole - and look at Fluet. Does he look sane to you?"
She then gives a sigh, followed by a grin. "I just want my trees back."
Later, as the sword is presented, Olana looks on with oohs and aahs, figuring that the mages in the party will be able to discover its properties.
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 12th, 2001 8:12:29 PM
Bertram eyes the craftmanship of the sword appeciatively before hefting his axe lovingly.
Milo Thursday September 13th, 2001 1:00:12 AM
Smiling at Olana, Milo is glad that someone appreciates his unusual brand of humor.
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow... (DM Chris) Thursday September 13th, 2001 1:02:58 AM
The morning comes all too soon, and Orgar is there, with the food cart, waking up the Talons, "Good morning folks, everything is set. So as soon as you're ready to leave, we'll get underway. Don't take too long... I don't want some of our miners to get stage fright." With that he winks at the group.
K'Nara Thursday September 13th, 2001 7:27:48 AM
After her usual training stint and maintainance of herself and her equipment, K'Nara was ready for the next step of getting the Talons out of the dwarven mines and back to the Culverwood safely.
"I know I'm all set, Orgar," she told the helpful earthkin, then turned to her group, "How about YOU? You all ready to go?"
Flueterflam Thursday September 13th, 2001 9:26:58 AM
At hearing his name mentioned, the bard turns his head to hear what's being said about him. When he realizes what it is, Fluet starts laughing as insanely as possible. After a few moments, he stops and winks at Olana.
"I need to see the sun soon, if that answers the question. The sooner the better."
Figment Thursday September 13th, 2001 12:22:31 PM
The mage stands - ready to go. "Whenever we're ready. So how are we going to do this, Orgar. What do we need to do? Perhaps some instruction now before things get interesting would be a good thing.".
Ingrge Thursday September 13th, 2001 6:47:40 PM
Brightening at the thought of soon seeing trees again, Ingrge steps forward with a spring in his step, not seen in several days.
Olana Thursday September 13th, 2001 7:23:10 PM
Olana nods determindly at K'Nara. "Are we going to fight our way out? Or what?"
Brother Bertram Thursday September 13th, 2001 9:07:53 PM
After a hearty meal, Bertram hops up, ready to take on the world.
Milo Friday September 14th, 2001 2:47:37 AM
Milo eats lightly and quickly, shouldering his pack, and making ready in thoughtful silence. It is but a few moments, and he is ready to leave as well.
Passage Into Darkness... (DM Chris) Friday September 14th, 2001 3:01:18 AM
Grinning from ear to ear, he addresses Olana, "Oh no... your work is done... no fighting... we're headed out the back door... it'll take the larger part of the day to get there from here, but it completely bypasses the buffoons waiting at our 'front door'. All you have to do is get in line and follow me... for the first hour, you'll want to keep quiet, but after that, talk all ya like." Orgar holds up a pair of lanterns, filled and lit, passing one to Milo and the other to Olana. "Hold on to these so those of you who don't see so well in the dark don't get hurt." Turning to Bertram, "Will you take the rear cousin so you can use yer good dwarf vision to watch our backs? I don't expect any trouble, but its better to be safe than sorry." With that, Orgar steps through the black curtain, which has been tied to one side, and begins to lead the group through the tunnels. At first, you notice a small contingent of miners applying coal and dirt to their faces with all the care of a Plateau City Thespian. Then, an explosion rocks the upper passageways, and they go running towards the 'front door' feigning cries of woe, screaming things like, "By Domi's blade, they collapsed the cavern on themselves.... Oh what shall we do... the heroes have fallen... defeated the bugs they did.... but at what a price." The dwarves' cries fade as the Talons descend further than they ever have before.
K'Nara Friday September 14th, 2001 7:05:09 AM
"I'm sure our earthkin brethren have the details covered." K'Nara told both Figment and Olana...and was grinning when she saw and heard the theatrics the clan was willing to go through in order to secure the Talons' escape.
One more reason to see Parnoth off his ill-gotten throne... the human bladesinger thought resolutely to herself, ...such doughty spirits should never be forced to labor, but do so willingly. She then turned her attention towards following Orgar out of the mine.
Flueterflam Friday September 14th, 2001 10:51:53 AM
Quietly laughing about the dwarven 'antics' to help them out of the caves, Flueterflam looks intrigued. Those nearest the bard hear him quietly talking to himself, "That's IT! I'll become an actor. Yes, that's what I'll do. Hmm..where do I start?"
Figment Friday September 14th, 2001 11:15:48 AM
The mage uncovers his 2 torches which shine without heat. He hands one to anyone who wants to carry it and keeps the other himself.
Ingrge Friday September 14th, 2001 9:11:38 PM
Grinning from ear to ear at Orgar and the dwarves use of his idea Ingrge steps to the front, while putting on his shielding scarf, to walk along with K'narra. Indicating to her the scarf on his head, he asks, "So now that we'redead do you have any suggestions?"
Brother Bertram Friday September 14th, 2001 10:17:57 PM
Bertram nods his agreement and moves to the back of the line, keeping an eye out for problems. He smiles to himself hearing the dwarves carry on in thier name.
K'Nara Monday September 17th, 2001 6:43:31 AM
Nodding to Ingrge, K'Nara said:
"We should grab our stuff and hightail it back to the village we visited before going into the city...there's that group of orphans I promised to check up on before all this happened, and--if nothing else--I want to be sure that they are, indeed, all right."
Milo Monday September 17th, 2001 11:18:25 AM
Milo walks silently beside Orgar, ever wary for a trap or ambush as the group moves through the dark tunnels.
Pine fresh.... (DM Chris) Monday September 17th, 2001 11:24:06 AM
The tunnels seem to wind on forever as minutes seem like hours, and hours like days in the stifling underground passages. Eventually, Orgar pulls up short, "Okay, here it is folks, the way out. Now if everything went as planned, your horses should be on the other side of this door." Orgar pats what appears to be a blank wall. "Don't close the door too fast, as some of my kin is out there waiting to get in, and once you shut the door, you won't be able to open it from the outside." With that, Orgar pushes on an outcropping of stone, and then a 2nd, and a 3rd, in some strange sequence. With a grating sound and the rising of dust, the wall of the passage slides open, and light streams in, blinding the group. A fresh breeze accompanies the light however, and the scent of pine as well.
Figment Monday September 17th, 2001 12:34:33 PM
The mage puts up his 2 torches as he breathes deeply the fresh air. He follows the others out and carefully watches for enemies.
Brother Bertram Monday September 17th, 2001 5:24:28 PM
Bertram brings up the rear, holding back carefully just in case the group finds soldiers instead of friends. He keeps a hand on the clever door ready to slam it if need be.
Flueterflam Monday September 17th, 2001 6:38:00 PM
The bard squints until his eyes adjust to the 'real world'. He takes in several deep breaths, finding the smell better than he ever thought it could smell. Fluet continues to walk outside, and figure out where to go and what to do from here.
Olana Monday September 17th, 2001 7:00:03 PM
Intrigued by Orgar's words, the elf takes the torch and walks with the others along the tunnels. On hearing what is being done to cover their escape, she allows herself a little smile. She'd never thought of that!
As Orgar stood at the stone, she found herself bouncing up and down on her toes, energized by anticipation. As the door opened, her heart leapt. They were out! Out! Wheeeeeeee!!!
Ingrge Monday September 17th, 2001 7:40:20 PM
Breathing in deeply of the fresh outside air, Ingrge allows a quiet moan escape his lips as the tension of being underground and in the unnatural light for so long rushes out of his body. With a much lighter step the mage all but skips thru the door and into the sunlight.
K'Nara Tuesday September 18th, 2001 6:54:36 AM
So overcome by the smell of fresh air was K'Nara that she plumb forgot to make sure that all the fighter-types advanced first, instead exiting the cave hurriedly. Belatedly the human bladesinger recalled that at least one of them should stay by the door to make sure it stayed open for the dwarves who were without the mine, so K'Nara paused to keep the door open for them. She squinted about, looking for the horses and wagons. Where were they..?
Milo Tuesday September 18th, 2001 2:55:13 PM
Shrugging his shoulders and smiling at Orgar, Milo stands back, allowing the larger folk to complete their stampede through the door. "A halfling has to be careful around big folk... sheesh... whats a body gonna do?" Than, once the rush is over, he strides out of the tunnel, taking in deep breaths of the clean, fresh air.
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