New Captives and Old (DM Lee-Anne) Saturday December 2nd, 2000 7:43:13 PM
The wounded and bound orc lies curled on the ground, his crossed eyes staring past Ilsidur's left shoulder. At first, he appears to ignore the dwarf's questions, but finally he stumbles into halting speech. "No sale," he whispers in his harsh tongue. "No silver . . . for Clurt." A weak cough wets his lips with pinkened spittle, and a spreading stain darkens the ribs under his arm.
Near the cart, the rescued humans wolf down the proferred cookies even more quickly than Sly. Though filthy and hollow-eyed, they appear relatively whole. Three are dressed much like the gypsies at last night's camp. The other, a thin, younger man, wears clothes of a much finer cut and cloth.
This man sips his juice and sighs blissfully. "Ah . . . thank you. That's just what I needed. Those brigands gave us food, but," and he waves his thin hand about, causing the torn cuff to flap, "I couldn't bring myself to touch it. No telling what it was. Or who." He shudders.
"I'm Maurice, of Hook City, and I can't thank you enough for coming to our aid. They caught me on my way to Threshold." He scans the party, considering. "But I'd rather travel with your well-armed and obviously capable group, if you don't mind. Headed South, are you? Into the Sargassi?"
To the Northwest, gathering grey clouds threaten to block the midday sun.
Sly Foxx and Luke Sunday December 3rd, 2000 10:10:35 AM
Sly just stands there and with a look of amazement, watches the rescued humans eat,*WOW! I better not put my hands anywhere near those cookies, or they'll eat my hand.* thinking to himself. "Come, Luke"said Sly, not wanting the dog any where near the body of patch. Sly walks to the side of Sir Thomas, and ask " When we leave here, what will our marching order again?"
Sir Thomas Sunday December 3rd, 2000 11:09:42 PM
Not having much to do but wait for the party to prepare to leave, Thomas waits around the cart fiddling with the bandage Alyndar put on his arm. He keeps his eyes on the horizon as his fingers run across the bloody bandage. In response to Sly's question, "Well Sly, would you like to take point, or would you rather Trace do it?" Then Thomas pauses thoughtfully for a second, "or better yet, would you like to take point together." MOre of a statement than a question Thomas follows his line of thinking out loud. "There is safety in numbers and we are in troubled lands. Yes, I think it would be better if both of you took point, then the rest of us could walk with the cart and the slaves. I think that's the best way to go. Got any suggestions? I would like your input." Thomas begins to feel uneasy about their situation the longer they stick around, but a part of him hopes they are around when the rest of the orcs return. It wouldn't bother him at all to get a fair shot at that big slob of a creature we call Bear.
Trace and Radiant Sunday December 3rd, 2000 11:50:04 PM
Trace listens to Sir Thomas request and moves to Sly. While putting Sly in a head lock and dragging him away from the cart Sly and Trace make their way to the front to continue their way to Hook city. "Come on little brother our friends need guideance and by the way, your getting better in combat my friend, soon well put you on the front lines so you can shine in battle." When everyone is ready, Trace leads the group South on the trade road headed for Hook city. "We might start looking for shelter if we dont want to get caught out in the rain."
Alyndar Monday December 4th, 2000 12:19:53 AM
Aly will bind any wounds the rescuees have while they feed themselves. Aly puts out his hand to Maurice and says: I am Alyndar, then points to the various groupmates saying, the wild looking one there is Sly, and his faithful poochie, Luke and the short adorable one is Uteva, the tall uptight one is Sir Thomas, and the grumpy looking one is Ilsidur, the playful one is Lok and the brash brother is Trace. I've been with these people for awhile and they are about the best bunch of people I have ever met. We would be happy to have you join us onward to Hook City if you wish, but I think we should head in the direction of the Gypsie caravan so that these 3, motioning to the other rescuees, might be reunited with their families. Aly awaits a response from the rest of the group while moving stuff around in the cart for the 4 new people to sit.
Uteva Monday December 4th, 2000 12:03:12 PM
Uteva holds onto the dwarf's cookie for him while he questions the prisoner. "I don't know, Ilsidur. He doesn't look too intimidated." She takes a bite and continues, spraying crumbs. "What did he say?"
Teva pauses with the cookie partway to her mouth, glances at it, then puts it guiltily behind her back. "Oops. Ah -- Alyndar. I prefer to continue South. If we head after the gypsies, we'll be playing catch-up, and heading straight into bad weather." She eyes the horses, considering possibilities. "Well, on horses we could catch them quickly, but the cart is a lot slower, and half of us will be on foot."
Alyndar Monday December 4th, 2000 12:30:44 PM
Aly turns to the 3 Gypsies and asks them what they would prefer to do, would you like to each take a horse and some supplies, some weapons too and head south towards the caravan OR would you prefer to head to hook city with us?
Aly smiles at Teva, goes to the wagon, and pulls out another cookie and hands it to her.
An idea comes to Aly at this point and he shares it with the group. By the looks of things, a storm is brewing, like our your frivolous friend here pointed out. (pointing to Uteva) What say we stay here and ride out the storm, we have cover (motioning to the cave) and we have an area we can defend, besides, I am almost out of spells and that combat wore me out. PLUS, by the looks of these people, they need a good nights sleep with a full meal or 3 under their belts.
Ilsidur d8=4 Monday December 4th, 2000 1:00:46 PM
Ilsidur can feel the orc's life bleeding away, and swears under his breath. He resigns himself to doing what is necessary, and prays for Marmathon Dur's healing power to help the orc survive [OOC: CLW gives 4 hp back]. "At least I still have one spell left," he thinks to himself. While the orc is recovering, Ilsidur binds his hands and feet, then returns the axe blade to the orc's throat. "Now, once again, you will answer my questions, or my healing spell will go to waste on your soon-to- be-dead body. Tell me about this spot. Do you run a big slave trade? Who buys the slaves? Where is your main camp? Where can we find the huge orc with the 4 arms? Can you take us there?" As before, as he asks each question, he waits for an answer from the orc before asking the next one. If the orc seems the least bit co-operative, Ilsidur will give him a sip of water.
Lok Mufflefoot Monday December 4th, 2000 6:26:01 PM
Lok prances about from slave to slave trying to raise their spirits even more. He juggles a few rocks and does a few tumbles. Moving from slave to slave he offers a few jokes and wiggles his ears. Happy that they have done a truly good dead today the halfling seems to have regained some of his happy demeanor.
Captives Old and New (DM Lee-Anne) Monday December 4th, 2000 7:17:31 PM
The gypsies confer briefly, and the older woman steps forward. "We will try for this caravan," she says. "A moving target is a hard target to hit, eh? And we're no strangers to rain in the Gateway Downs."
They each choose a pair of daggers and a horse. Even the younger girl flows easily up into the saddle. The woman accepts a bundle of supplies with a solemn nod. "You have our thanks." All three riders turn their mounts North, and are soon lost to sight around a bend.
"Well!" Maurice rubs at the light stubble on his jaw. "Fairweather friends, indeed. She does have a point, though." He flicks his fingers toward the advancing clouds. "This is Gateway. If you stop to wait out the rains, you could wait for days -- or weeks."
Meanwhile, Ilsidur's new friend appears to be breathing more easily. His eyes uncross and focus on the gleaming metal before him, then shift the study the priest's face. "Clurt lives?" he asks.
Apparently reassured he says, "Big freak dead." He gestures with his chin toward Patches' mauled corpse. "He tell: easy job. Take blind humans at night. Bring to cave. Sell for silver. Bah!" Clurt spits in the direction of the four-armed orc. "Wait many days. No silver."
He slurps greedily from the water and smacks porcine lips. He shakes his head. "Clurt not know place. Come by strange way. Buyer like those." The orc sneers toward the nearest crisped cultist. "This cult, that cult: all same.
Sir Thomas Monday December 4th, 2000 10:28:10 PM
Sir Thomas takes his rain cloak from out of his backpack and puts it on over his armor. "Whatever we do, I think we had better decide and do it together. I, for one, am not opposed to traveling in the rain." Thomas stands around, still waiting for the interrogation to be completed, and for everyone to get together on a course of action. "It would appear that Trace and Sly are not opposed to traveling in the rain either. However, it may not be a bad idea to rest here and leave for Hook City first thing in the morning when we have recooperated. I think Aly has a good point, but I am undecided because I want to get going too. I guess after all of my blundering I will abstain from any form of talking for now. You guys decide." Thomas chuckles as his verbal rationing seems to have made him out to be no more intelligent than that orc with an axe to his throat.
The Orcish Dagger Monday December 4th, 2000 10:30:11 PM
"Clurt stinks! I think he's lying. Teach him a lesson. He knows more. He knows a lot more. Teach him what holding out will get him."
Sly Foxx and Luke Tuesday December 5th, 2000 2:23:51 AM
"Alright! Big Brother! I'll march with you. Say did you see that bird of yours? The way he attack? Boy! what a sight..," Then looks up to the on comming black clouds. "I'm very uneasy about this place, I'd rather take my chances on a muddy road."
Uteva Tuesday December 5th, 2000 4:10:02 PM
The bard wrinkles her nose at Lok's antics, and winks at him when the gypsies leave. "Looks like you chased them away!" She splits her extra cookie with him, as consolation.
She nods in agreement with Sly and waits impatiently for Ilsidur to finish his interrogation. "Qwint, how's that leg? Will you be riding or limping?"
Lok Mufflefoot Tuesday December 5th, 2000 5:44:39 PM
Nodding somberly at the comment Uteva makes he takes the half a cookie thoughtfully. "Next time I will have to REALLY impress them." Suddenly the halfling cocks his ear a little and stares at the dagger which he has been fingering thoughtfully. Looking at the dagger a little cockeyed he shouts to Ilsidur "My dagger knows better Clurt." The halfling takes on an anxious look as he stares at the dagger awaiting further information. Looking about a little embarassed for taking the advice given by a piece of metal to heart, he laughs a little nervously.
Trace and Radiant Tuesday December 5th, 2000 7:42:10 PM
Trace looks to the others, "Well Sir Thomas might not feel that strongly about moveing on but I think it would be foolish to try and rest and recouperate in an area know for orcs. I think we should head out now and take our chances finding some where else to rest for the night. If we come up to trouble I will be in the front lines to protect the group."
Ilsidur Tuesday December 5th, 2000 9:04:32 PM
Ilsidur looks in surprise at the 'talking dagger'? "What would a dagger know about an orc prisoner? Why should I listen to a chunk of metal?" he asks Lok's new toy. He ties Churt's feet using a 2' lead of rope, allowing the orc to walk but not run, then ties a lead around the orc's neck. "I think I'll take you to Hook City, and let the city guard take care of you. Maybe they can get more information out of you than I could. You still haven't told me about the huge orc that can hug people to hurt them. Where is your camp? Will we run into other orc groups on the way to Hook City?" He waits for more answers as he drags the orc over and ties him to the wagon. He tells the rest of the party, "I will follow along after Churt, here, and make sure he doesn't get away." "Churt," he says in orcish, "don't try anything funny unless you want a crossbow bolt in the back" He unslings his crossbow and gets ready to travel. He asks the group, "Does anyone need my last cure spell, or should I save it until later?" [OOC: Help me out with the interrogation, guys. If you don't ask any questions, I'll assume you don't want to know any more from the orc.]
Alyndar Tuesday December 5th, 2000 9:40:53 PM
Aly loads up the wagon, he harness's the ox and donkey to the cart and gets ready to roll.
Maybe you people who are walking should ride for a change, we have 3 extra mounts and the travel can be so much faster now.
Aly makes room on the cart for Maurice. Aly gets into the drivers seat and awaits the signal to pull out
On the Road Again (DM Lee-Anne) Wednesday December 6th, 2000 1:16:06 AM
The orc glares suspiciously at Lok, but says nothing. He falls in quietly enough behind the cart, straightening and looking more relaxed as the sky greys and the temperature cools.
The first drops fall as you move out, and soon it is raining steadily. After a couple of hours' travel, Trace and Sly see two mounted forms loom out of the rain. The outriders allow the elves to pass, and soon you meet their damp and filthy caravan.
Several drovers lead a small train of pack mules toward you. Beyond them, the Trade Road is a mess. Part of the nearby looming slope has slid out across the road, leaving it thick with churned mud and uprooted vegetation for a stretch of about 20 yards. A mixed group of gnomes and well-armed humans works to move the last of three big wagons through the mire.
Maurice speaks briefly with the gnomish caravan master. "Good news!" Maurice tells you, smiling widely. "I may be able to make my meeting after all. These good people will take me safely back to Threshold. It is only civilized that I reward you for your rescue. Perhaps I can help ease your way in Hook City."
He borrows writing implements from the gnome and soon produces a letter on parchment. "Take this to The Frosted Glass, my uncle's tavern in SouthHook. He'll see that you find what you need there."
Alyndar Wednesday December 6th, 2000 1:25:03 AM
Aly accepts the letter on behalf of the group, and thanks Maurice greatly.
Safe travels go to you Maurice, May the God's guide your path and watch over you.
Aly then turns to see how the group plans to get past that mess.
Sly Foxx and Luke Wednesday December 6th, 2000 6:35:58 PM
Sly looks down that path of the worst road he has ever seen. Sly turn to Trace and ask,"how many extra horses do we have left? We are going to need all the help we can get to get the wagon pass this this mud hole..." turnning to Alyndar "Any extra cookies?".
Alyndar Wednesday December 6th, 2000 7:02:58 PM
replying to Sly: no, no cookies for anyone til we get through this mess and to a spot to camp.
With that said, he climbs off the wagon and starts surveying things.
Alyndar Wednesday December 6th, 2000 7:03:03 PM
replying to Sly: no, no cookies for anyone til we get through this mess and to a spot to camp.
With that said, he climbs off the wagon and starts surveying things.
Sir Thomas Wednesday December 6th, 2000 9:42:35 PM
Thomas thanks Maurice and wishes him well in his travels. As to the mud he offers this suggestion, "We could tie the three extra mounts to the wagon and then help push it through ourselves. I am willing to push as long as someone keeps an eye on our friend Clurt." Thomas begins to make himself lighter and more maneuverable by removing his sword and any extra items except his armor that he is carrying that would encumber him to push the wagon. "Ilsidur, I would like you to ask the orc if he values his life. If he responds with any sort of positive, tell him that his life is his back if he answers our questions. Then I think you should go through your line of questioning again. WHere is the Bear, is there a slave trade going on, where is their camp, you know. It's a different approach, but let him know we're reasonable. Now, who's going to help me push?" Thomas starts working with the horses to get them rigged up to the wagon.
Uteva Wednesday December 6th, 2000 9:47:13 PM
"Ah choo!" Though only as wet as everyone else, the little bard manages to look the very image of bedraggled misery. "Goodbye, Maurice. Do try to stay away from orcs in the future. Most of them just won't play nice."
Teva gives him a lopsided smile and a wave, then trails forlornly after Alyndar. "The good news is that once we've cleared this mess, the rain will wash most of the mud off."
Mud Bath (DM Lee-Anne) Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:16:28 PM
The drovers are moving the last caravan wagon by placing a set of wide wooden planks under the wheels. They work with the ease of long practice.
One of the humans on the team notices Alyndar watching just as they cross the last of the mess. "It's harder than it looks, but easier than flying!" She grimaces and smears mud onto her jerkin. "Road crews just can't keep up with this rain."
Ilsidur Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:31:38 PM
Ilsidur says, "Sir Thomas, why don't you use your natural charisma and some party funds to see if we can get these drovers to move our cart and livestock past the washout. They clearly are the professionals at this." Then he turns back to a wet and bedraggled Churt, and says in conversational orcish, "Well Churt, none of my friends believe you. They all think that you know more than you are saying. See my big friend over there? (he points at Sir Thomas) Well, he would like nothing better than to rip both your ears off and run a rope through the holes where your ears used to be. However, he is willing to be lenient if you will answer my questions. So, one more chance, where is the big orc that looks like a bear, where is your camp, and who controls the slave trade?" Then he looks over at Sir Thomas, shudders and says, "You really don't want to get him mad."
Trace and Radiant Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:38:33 PM
"Well I am not sure what could get us across except pushing and pulling." Trace gets out his rope (100'hemp) and begins helping Sir Thomas rigging up the horses. We will use the ruts that they have allready created so the wheel will not sink two deep into the mud. I will pull and coax the horses up front, for some reason I have a thing with animales and the rest of you push the wagon from behind. Uteva, why dont you use your bow and keep watch over us to make sure no one takes advantage of us in our situation." (I take it there is two extra mounts and the mule that pulls the cart, one of trace's skills is engineering if that helps in the rigging of the horses and he is a ranger so he has naturaly ability with animales).
Sly Foxx and Luke Thursday December 7th, 2000 1:11:05 AM
"Ok! Big Brother", Sly Goes to the back of the wagon and tell Sir Thomas," Idon't know how much help I'll be, but any kind of help of mine will help I hope." Sly tells Qwint," You stay into my Special Sleeping Bag of Comfert, untill you fell better." Then Sly will push when Sir Thomas tell him to.
Quint (Ceil) Thursday December 7th, 2000 1:17:04 AM
"Well, my bandage are blood free and I do fell better. this bed roll really works. Hmmm I wisk I had gottin one for me back there." then looking at Utiva, tells her,"I'll hold your arrows for you..." And smiles at her.
Alyndar Thursday December 7th, 2000 10:28:09 AM
Alyndar approaches the female Human and offers to pay them 50gp to get our cart and livestock to the otherside of the muck.
Aly passes by the orc at the same time Ilsidur says the bit to the Orc about ears and rope. He pauses, looks down at the orc, then runs his finger across his throat and in Orc says: answer his question EXACTLY how he wants it answered or ( points to Lok ) his dagger will have fun with you. Then goes to the cart and helps Thomas rig the horses.
Alyndar Thursday December 7th, 2000 11:42:19 AM
(/ooc why did i say female human, im going back to bed)
Lok Mufflefoot Thursday December 7th, 2000 12:21:53 PM
Wiggling his ears at Alyndar and the orc mischieviously he takes his dagger out and starts mumbling things at it and staring at the orc untrustingly from behind it. Turning around to hide his laughter, the halfling says "Yes i will keep a watch too, halfling weren't built for pushing." With that the halfling skips to the side of the road investigating a flower here, and looking in the woods for orcs there. It is an odd mixture of carefree skipping, and vigilance for their situation.
Sir Thomas Thursday December 7th, 2000 11:21:39 PM
"That's a wonderful idea Ilsidur. It seems that Alyndar is already working a bargain. I'll see if I can help." Thomas approaches the conversation and listens as the two converse until they reach a point in the conversation that he has listened enough to feel comfortable jumping in without offending anyone. "Pardon my butting in sir, but we would help of course It just seems to us that you are very practiced. I never would have thought to use the boards. All we ask is your help in getting our single cart across the mudslide, not for you to do the work for us." Thomas continues to take part in the conversation as needed.
Once an agreement is struck or refused he returns to the wagon. It should probably be rigged from Traces skill and hard work. "Thank you Trace. It looks as though you have done a fine job." Thomas looks over the rigging, and not being an experienced engineer thinks to himself, --'That's not how I would have done it, but it looks as though it will probably work better than what I would have come up with.'-- "It is a very good job indeed Trace. Ok, lets get this show on the road." Thomas works with all of the help acquired or available to coordinate a conserted effort that will hopefully get their cart across the mud.
"Push!! Push!! good job guys, lets do it again!! Push!! Keep working, all you've got now, Push!! Almost there!! Keep it up! Gotta go, we'll rest later! 1..2..3...PUSH!!" etc etc etc
Mud Bath (DM Lee-Anne) Thursday December 7th, 2000 11:21:43 PM
The woman doesn't hesitate. "We'll do it for 60. Makes the split easier." She waves off half of her team, and the remaining four easily move the light cart past the disaster area.
Clurt spits in Lok's direction and bares his canines at Ilsidur. "Bah! Weak dwarfs and elf-scum friends. You not kill. Want answer? You pay. Clurt takes silver and leaves."
Orcish dagger Thursday December 7th, 2000 11:26:22 PM
To Lok and only Lok, the dagger replys "He doesn't like you Lok, if he gets free I would watch it. The good news for you is that he doesn't like any of the others either. He says that if we give him some silver he'll tell us what he knows and he'll leave. Based on my experience with orcs in the past, I think that he is probably self-centered enough to do so. Urge your friend to take the offer." The dagger then stops speaking.
Lok is the only character to have heard the advice of the weapon, and can do with the information as he wishes.
Sir Thomas Thursday December 7th, 2000 11:31:27 PM
Having moved forward too quickly, Thomas would like a rewind. Thomas looks to Alyndar and holds back nothing, "I think it is worth the 60 to have their help, I agree, but you have the final say as holder of the funds. Do we have that kind of funding?" Thomas knows the answer to be yes, but hopes to give Alyndar some teeth to bargain with. Being young, Thomas knows that negotiation is not a strong suit of his. He really has no stomach for it, to much trickery involved. (OOC this is probably another reason why Thomas didn't try to buy anything at the gypsy camp. Not a strong suit.) Thomas would like to now resume his last post as written, thanks.
Alyndar Friday December 8th, 2000 12:41:36 AM
Seeing the ease in which the team of 4 easily move the cart and horses past the disaster area, Aly not only gives them the 60 they requested, but gives them an extra 8 for good measure. Aly thanks them greatly, and then moves up to the cart with the rest of the group.
To the group: it is always wise and good to keep people like those (waving a hand back at the workers) on your good graces, you never know when or where you'll need their kinds help. And if word gets out that we are a fair and generous group, they will be more willing to assist us in the future if need be.
Aly then goes to cleaning the much from the wheels and from the hooves of the animals, then cleans himself off as best as possible and climbs back up on the cart to resume travels.
Qwint (Ceil) Friday December 8th, 2000 9:50:34 AM
"You know if it was not raining, I'd try to walk for a while, just to exercize my leg." said Quint. Then turns to his favorite healer Ilsidur and ask," What do you think of me walking for a bit? Even if it is raining..."
Sly Foxx and Luke Friday December 8th, 2000 10:06:38 AM
Sly is taking a rest and watching the others party member going about lining up to go on down the road. When Sly is ready to go and take his place at the head of the party, Sly will stop next to Sir Thomas and will ask him,"Sir Thomas how long did it take you to build those mussels? Is it part of your training?", Not wanting to irk him, but really wanted to know more about him.
Lok Mufflefoot Friday December 8th, 2000 3:39:57 PM
Walking over to Ilsidur the halfling whispers in his ear so Clurt can't hear "The dagger says we should give him the money and he'll tell us what he knows." Full well knowing that the musings of a dagger can be akin to the musings of a rock he shrugs his shoulders in a "really i'm not crazy and haven't been eating those odd looking mushrooms" way. To Clurt he says "Better be good or I'll tell my dagger to tell all his friends that are weapons to plunge into you next time you try to use them." Giggling foolishly the halfling skips away. When nobody appears to be looking he whispers to the dagger "Hope you are right Twiddle, is Twiddle a good name for you, or do you have a name already. I've never met a dagger you know, so I don't know if proper introductions are necessary. I'm Lok Mufflefoot." Doing a little tumble he comes up bowing. Noticing some of those working on the mudpit looking at him doing tumbles to himself and talking at himself, he sort of whistles innocently and acts as though he is trimming his nails with the dagger.
Ilsidur d20=2 Friday December 8th, 2000 9:54:07 PM
[OOC: Sorry Lee-Anne, I didn't realize that Lok was the only one who could hear the dagger.] While the group and the drovers are pushing the cart through the mudslide, Ilsidur trips Clurt so that he lands face-first in the mud. [OOC: made STR roll of 2 vs. 17 STR] "Oh, sorry about that! Must have been my weak little dwarf legs, I just can't seem to control them. Anyways, if I pay you, you will answer my questions? Fair enough." Then Ilsidur grabs the rope tied around the orc's neck and drags him through the mudslide to the other side. Once on the other side, he calls Sir Thomas over, and says, "Sir Thomas, our orc friend here has agreed to answer our questions, if we pay him and set him free. I will give him 10 gp and one of the cheap daggers, but I need you to use your lie detecting ability (he winks at Sir Thomas out of sight of Clurt) to make sure he is telling the truth. All right?" Then Ilsidur turns back to Clurt and says in orcish, "If you answer my questions truthfully, I will pay you 10 gp, one dagger, your freedom and your life. If you do not answer truthfully, I will leave you tied up here at the side of the road for what or whoever comes along. Maybe some of those ladies looking for sacrificies, who knows? My big friend here can tell if someone is lying when they speak, and he will make sure you are not trying to fool us. Now, once more, where is the big orc that looks like a bear, where is your camp, and who controls the slave trade?"
Trace and Radiant Sunday December 10th, 2000 11:20:12 PM
(if no one objects)
Trace sees Sir Thomas take a horse and decides to do the same. After the information is subtracted from the orc or is killed Trace moves out ahead of the group on horse back and continues down the road keeping watch for would be attackers.
Uteva Monday December 11th, 2000 12:10:59 PM
"Thanks for your help," Teva calls after the drovers. She helps Alyndar unclog the cart wheels while keeping a wary eye on the goings-on around their prisoner. Periodically, she muffles a sneeze in the hem of her cloak.
Truth or Dare? (DM Lee-Anne) d20=8 Monday December 11th, 2000 12:17:54 PM
The team leader accepts the generous payment from Alyndar. Gruffly, she advises, "The next big camp area along is badly flooded." She and the other three drovers quickly rejoin their caravan.
Meanwhile a decidedly filthy and annoyed Clurt manages to twist himself back to his feet without using his hands. He glares at his questioners, studying each one, then seems to come to some decision. The orc replies in his own tongue. "Not know where that big one is. Clurt not see, only hear some talk. Maybe near some road, catching weak-eyed humans. But comes for you for sure now. You killed freak brother."
He pauses to spit. "Camp moves. You saw cave. Before that, valley, near Threshold," he says, mangling the Common word so that it sounds more like Chreck-olt. "That where Clurt takes job. Slaves everyplace, maybe more now. More cults, more sales. Any strong warrior want money, catches slaves. That what Clurt know."
(Any 3rd Edition character who is paying attention to this may make a Sense Motive roll against DC 12. Take a -2 penalty if you don't speak orcish.)
Sly Foxx and Luke d20-1=16 Monday December 11th, 2000 6:16:47 PM
(ooc: Sly has a+1 , that why I roll a -1, Any way sly made his roll))
Sly seems to get the bits and pieces of the conversation. Just by the way the Orc Curt uses his hand and arms in jesters of his story. Sly try to pick up words, when the orc points at trees, caves but really don't know where the main encampment is. One thing the Orc made clear is that Four Arm's Brother will not be happy with us. As for the Ladies Cult goes They are a lot more of them, and they pay good for slaves. Turning to Qwint and just before he goes to the head of the party. Sly tells Qwint to keep a sharp eye out for trouble. Them saying to himself *This trip is going to be interesting, Yes Luke , Very Interesting*
Qwint (Ceil) Monday December 11th, 2000 6:25:27 PM
Quint sit there and watches the others question, unable to understand a word that is being said. Ask Sly if he understands, then listen to Sly's interpretation of the conversation. When Sly tells him to keep a sharp eye for trouble, Qwint tell him,"yes, I agree, we need several keen eyes on this trip." Qwint takes out his bow and arrows puting them on his left side and his sword on his right. Anr keep his eyes on their backs.
Alyndar d20+3=16 Monday December 11th, 2000 6:59:28 PM
ALy turns around in the seat of the cart, watching the conversation going on with the orc. (made my sense motive roll)
Sir Thomas Monday December 11th, 2000 10:51:15 PM
Sir Thomas does as Ilsidur asks of him. During the telling of the story that he can't understand Thomas stands with his arms folded over his chest trying to look even bigger than he really is and gives the orc the "evil-eye" as if trying to determine the truth of falsity of conversation. When the orc stops talking, Thomas leans in to the orc and glares into his eyes for a second, and then pulls Ilsidur away. In a whisper, Thomas asks, "What did he say?" Fully assuming that Ilsidur supplies the information he continues, "If you find out where the curent camp is we might be able to go there under the guise of slave traders and we that way we could trash their deal from the inside. If you can't, I say we let him go and send Trace after him. I believe the orc knows where the camp is, and if he won't tell us maybe he'll show us. It's got to be better than waiting for that big ugly bear to attack us when we aren't expecting it, and at night." Upon finishing with Ilsidur Thomas goes back and stands by the orc again. WHen Ilsidur is all finished with him, whatever he decides to do, Thomas pokes the orc in the chest and says, "you are lucky you told the truth. Let's pay him his reward." When the orc has been totally and completely dealt with, Thomas gets on the horse he claimed and rides to catch up with Trace. If know one has objected he brings the tracker back while telling him the plan. "What do you think friend, can you do it? It is awefully wet, there should be a pretty easy trail to follow." WHen they arrive back at where the group is, Thomas asks, "Does everyone know the plan? Does anyone have a better one?" Thomas feels very at home and secure up on top of the steed he has recently acquired. As he sits atop it he leans down and strokes its mane and neck to sooth it and get to know it. It takes him back to his days with Sir Galdin, days he is very fond of despite the rigorous training he endured. You need a name my new friend. I'll work on it. He strokes its neck often so that it becomes acustomed to his loving touch.
Thomas realizes now that Sly had asked him a question, and he didn't mean to ignore it. "My muscles? Well, I beleive that they are a gift from Domi so that I may carry out the will of his friend Alemi. I train very hard, but most of my training is mental. You see, your mind controls your body, so if you know what you are doing and can see it then it is not a far jump to teach your body how to work. The real trick to being a good fighter is keeping your body in shape to be able to perform all of the things that you can imagine you can. We have enough time traveling that it is not hard to visualize all of the fighting maneuvers that I know. That is what you should do to improve. Visualize what it is that you want to do, and visualize it often and in a manner that you are successful. You'll see improvement before you even begin to look for it. Does that answer your question Sly? We have plenty of travel time if it doesn't."
Trace and Radiant Monday December 11th, 2000 10:55:47 PM
Trace continues to sit on the horse at the front keeping a look out while strokeing Radiant's feathers and feeding him some dried meat.
Orcish Dagger Monday December 11th, 2000 10:56:04 PM
TO Lok:
I have no name, but Lok, I don't know about letting this one go. He seems pretty hateful. It has been my experience that orcs love themselves above all, but this one sounds pretty hateful. And he has been thoroughly humiliated by that short one. Be cautious is my only advice.
Ilsidur d20+4=8 Monday December 11th, 2000 11:13:10 PM
Ilsidur fills the rest of the group in on what the orc had to say. "He seems to be telling the truth about what he knows, although he did mention that he has heard a few things more. [OOC: missed the Sense Motive roll.] Let me ask him about that before we move on." Then he turns back to the orc, scowls and says, "Clurt, you smelly sack of otyugh dung, what talk have you heard about where the big orc could be found?" He waits for the orc's answer, and then answers quietly to Sir Thomas, "Careful what you say around him, he may understand common. If we don't get any more satisfaction from him, we could let him go and follow him, although I think it would be difficult for us all to track after him without him knowing it."
Trace and Radiant Tuesday December 12th, 2000 12:15:52 AM
"Well I belive I could track him very easy, let us let him go and I will track him leaveing a trail easy for the rest of you to follow behind. I will also send Radiant back for you so that you can follow him to me. I havnt tried this before but I belive he can do it. I do have to say I am quite thrilled to have this hunt. Let us find some where to hole up for the night then we will let him go first thing this evening."
(ooc: I also can take two watches now since I have learned that elves sleep only four hours a night for a full rest.)
Lok Mufflefoot Tuesday December 12th, 2000 7:55:26 AM
Lok wiggles his ears at Ilsidur and says quietly "That orc will want revenge on us. He's been humiliated by this i think." Again unsuure on the matter Lok wiggles his ears nervously and contents himself with letting the others make the decisions. It is hard to determine whether this is because a lack of interest in decisions, or a general lack of care for such matters.
Alyndar Tuesday December 12th, 2000 10:00:44 AM
Aly sits in the rain, his frown turning into a scowl, getting wetter and wetter until finally he speaks out: I thought we had a job to do, like saving people from orc raiders or something like that, wasn't that why we were heading to Hook City??? We dont have time to deal with this trash(motioning to the orc) or slave traders. I say we kill him and continue on our journeys. Alot more peoples lives depend on us than a few slaves we might be able to rescue. Slavery happens and a few we will save will not stop it from happening. When the time comes, we will start our anti slavery campaign but right now is not the time.
Alyndar turns in his seat, and edges the ox onward.
Uteva d20=19 Tuesday December 12th, 2000 11:14:01 AM
Though she can't understand his speech, Uteva watches the orc carefully (SM 19+8-2=25). She joins Ilsidur and Sir Thomas out of earshot of their prisoner. "I think he's telling the truth, though there's something else that he's avoiding saying."
The young woman shrugs and brushes a raindrop from the end of her nose. "I don't like any of our options here. He's clearly not a nice person, and if we let him go, he'll likely do more harm. But Ilsidur agreed to release him if he talked. We can't simply kill him in cold blood. Maybe we should bring him with us, even though it means watching him constantly."
Truth or Dare? (DM Lee-Anne) Tuesday December 12th, 2000 11:43:20 AM
Clurt snears down at the Dwarf and shakes his head. "Not know where that big one is. Hired for job. Do job -- get paid. Now, Clurt talk -- you pay."
To Alyndar, Sly and Uteva, it appears that the Orc is telling the truth. It is also clear that he is making a major effort to be cooperative.
The wind picks up slightly, driving the rain sideways past hoods, and flipping cloaks back and forth.
Sly Foxx and Luke Tuesday December 12th, 2000 4:56:35 PM
Sly turns to Alyndar and Uteva, in a low voice tells them," The weather is not getting any better, and the orc look like he's telling the trouth, even thow it hurts him. Let's release him and be on our way to Hook City. Are you sure you don't have any cookies, Alyndar?"
Quint Tuesday December 12th, 2000 5:03:16 PM
Qwint is getting inpatient to leave and be on their way. Turns to Alyndar, Uteva and Sly, saying" Hey! Are you people done with that vile pile of rotten mess of an orc. Give his his reward and let's be on our way." All the time Qwint is trying to get under the oil skin tarp.
Sir Thomas Tuesday December 12th, 2000 7:52:53 PM
Thomas urges his horse over to the group that is around Clurt. "Sounds like the troops are getting restless, so to speak. I think you should pay him and we'll be on our way. I don't want him around to watch either. He's too much of a liability, but it is your decision Ilsidur. Just don't kill him because that would make you no better than he is. Also consider this, you promised him his freedom and to go back on your end of the deal when he upheld his would be almost as low as killing him. No matter how much he may deserve that fate." With that Sir Thomas reigns in his steed and looks down the road and at their surroundings. "It's as good a day to travel as any." Thomas waits patiently as Ilsidur and the others finish with Clurt.
Ilsidur Tuesday December 12th, 2000 9:06:50 PM
Ilsidur nods to the rest of the group, then turns back to Clurt, and unties his bonds, while saying in orcish, "Alright Clurt, here is your 10 gp and your dagger. Take them and your freedom and go. Just remember that we beat you once, and we can do it again if you try to attack us. Also, we will pay much more than this measly 10 gp if you can bring us information on where we can find the big bear orc or his party." He watches Clurt make his way from the party, then turns back and says, "Well, we'll see what comes about with that. Sir Thomas, I had no intention of ever killing him. But I needed hime to think that I would. My experience with orcs is that they only understand power and fear."
He slings his dwarven axe and shield over his shoulder, and readies the crossbow, finally wrapping his cloak around himself to try to keep as dry as possible. "Although I worship Marmathon Dur and praise him by my travels, this is one of those days that would be better served in front of a warm fire, filling in the journal.
Sir Thomas Wednesday December 13th, 2000 7:41:03 AM
"I didn't think you were going to kill him Ilsidur, but you were very convincing and I just wanted to be sure. I'm sorry if I offended you." Thomas smiles feeling a little guilty.
Uteva Wednesday December 13th, 2000 12:20:10 PM
Bouncing a bit on the balls of her feet, Teva turns toward their destination and takes up position by the cart. "Letting him go doesn't feel right," she confesses. "But I'm glad to be rid of him." As if to prove it, she starts a catchy little walking tune, encouraging the others to join in.
Trace and Radiant Wednesday December 13th, 2000 12:46:25 PM
Trace watches the talk with the orc end then gets ready to move out. Rolling his heal back urgeing the horse to walk slowly lowers his arm down to Sly and pulls him up on the horse so that they can both ride. "We will go on out ahead and take point" speaking to the others as Trace kicks the horse again and gallops away a good 30yards keeping his eyes on the trail and looking for fresh tracks that are out of the ordinary. Driveing forward with his hood pulled down low and his cloak whipping, Trace and Sly lead the group, pressing on for Hook City and a nearby cave or campsite.
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