DM Jan (An Audience with the Dragon) Monday March 26th, 2001 11:41:25 AM
The darkness disappeared for mere moments - first, from the sparks as Dakar throws his axe down angrily, and then from K'Nara's sword which - briefly sputtered into life, only to extinguish itself again. Maybe it's magic failed, or maybe - On a basic level, maybe the sword realised exactly where it was, who knew? Even Ingrge felt some kind of strange vibe coming from his beloved staff too.
For those fractions of time when the chamber was illuminated, anyone looking around would see the basic shapes of their comrades, some stood, some sat on the ground, and two others. The chamber appeared to be a rough cube of about 30' x 30' x 30'.
Then, there was a scraping sound, and a crack of light appeared in one wall. Rolling in with it, was a heavy smell of sulpher and a dry heat. Once the door had opened wide - the view beyond was magnificent. For there was treasure - heaps of it - gold and jewels, sparkling like daylight. But for those who had been this way before - the dread began, because they knew exactly where they had landed. This was going to need... careful handling.
Mop - certainly not daft enough to stay in close proximity to a wild bunch of outlaws - slipped out of the door and toward the treasure, although he didn't exactly seem as pleased as punch to be here either.
He then stopped and beckoned.
Milo d20+14=15 Monday March 26th, 2001 12:53:11 PM
Head finally clear, Milo stands up, brushes himself off, and speaks to his companions in the darkness, clearly sounding disappointed, "So... I suppose that beyond that tremendously huge pile of treasure is a big green lizard with a huge toothy grin and a bad attitude... feh! Okay... might as well get this over with." Milo's footsteps are really faint, and the halfling can be seen framed in the light of the door. Turning, he looks back at his friends... "Coming?" And then he steps into the room beyond. (OOC: Move Silently DC 15)
Dakar Monday March 26th, 2001 1:03:05 PM
"It would have been daft of me as to announce any plan I had in plain earshot of guards. Next time, however, as per your request, I shall cry out my aims over the din of battle. From now on, in fact, if you so desire, I can announce every action I am about to make... K'nara, I desire to be swinging my axe now, do you approve?" the dwarf continues to mutter as he follows Milo into the darkness.
Figment Monday March 26th, 2001 3:31:22 PM
With a deep breath the mage walks on toward Mop. He whispers to K'Nara "I would recommend not lighting your sword again until we leave this place - if we are so lucky. The spell used was some kind of teleport and/or planeshift that I've never encountered or heard of exactly before. Interesting style. Be aware that every word spoken - and maybe even thought is being monitored by the dragon.".
In hopes of preventing any further problems, the mage softly and urgently says "We can discuss battle strategy later Dakar - if there is a later. I'm sure you will get a fair hearing on your issue. The group needs your focus right now."
He closes the distance between him and Mop so that any retribution exacted on him may also be exacted on his person as well - or reflected since he has that ring.
Ingrge Monday March 26th, 2001 10:11:03 PM
Ingrge shakes her head as K'narra asks her question. Ingrge looks at her and quietly says, "I'm suprised you don't recognize our present location. I expect we will very soon be greeted by his ....as the door opens and the smell drifts in, Ingrge sighs again and finishes his staement. ...Scaliness.
Flueterflam Tuesday March 27th, 2001 2:40:18 AM
"Bah...." Fluet mutters in disgust. The bard sits down. If they were gonna die, might as well have the big guy do all the work. He mutters rather incoherant things that make no sense and are barely audible.
K'Nara Tuesday March 27th, 2001 6:30:12 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons recognized the view only after Lucia's aborted attempts to remain alight. Ingrge was right, however, in that K'Nara should have recognized the spell right off. It was all too distinctive.
K'Nara hissed aloud in an effort to get everyone's attention--then she swiftly took out all her remaining bottles of "get out of jail free" potion and broke them...all but one, which she tucked into her belt pouch.
Now that she was ready, the tall human redhead squared her shoulders and stepped into the dragon's lair.
Olana Tuesday March 27th, 2001 11:38:40 AM
"Come now, all is not lost - not yet anyway," says the elf to Fluet, and will try to bring him to his feet and pull him along with the rest of them. "If we are going to die, then we should at least look death in the face, yes?" She gives him a grin, although due to the current circumstances, it isn't as warm as she'd like it to be.
DM Jan (An Audience with the Dragon) Tuesday March 27th, 2001 12:07:24 PM
As everyone leaves the small dark chamber, leaving behind the broken flasks, Mop starts his spiel.
"On your knees to the Mighty Parnoth! His Immenseness the Dragon! Ruler of the Emerald Kingdom!" Figment, who's stood next to him notices that Mop's knees were knocking right before the little man drops to a kneeling position.
Straight ahead, right next to the treasure pile - is Parnoth. To an objective eye, Parnoth the dragon is indeed a truly magnificent creature. He's huge - even with his wings furled. Just one taloned foot could easily crush a man. The light from the cavern plays on his skin - pearlized tints mingling with an overall brilliant green. The huge head lowers, accented with tiny horns running up the length of his snout. The enormous eyes blink once as he looks upon the party. He is an image of beauty and utter terror - and he looks somewhat displeased.
((DC 27 against your WILL to stay on your feet. On your knees if you fail.))
Then - his tail suddenly unfurls and slams into the cavern wall behind him. This causes everyone to lurch hard with the ensuing vibration and a small avalanche of coins from the treasure pile begins, causing them to slide deeper into the cavern.
"HOW - did you get into my prison?" he booms. His exhaled breath comes at everyone like a desert wind - hot, dry and distinctly uncomfortable. As the dragon speaks, the printer, who'd crawled out on his hands and knees, wails and curls up into a fetal ball.
Milo d20+2=9 Tuesday March 27th, 2001 12:34:21 PM
Milo's look turns from forced humor to complete horror as he looks up to Parnoth. Quite beyond the halfling's will, his knees buckle, and he collapses, speechless before the wyrm. Squeezing his eyes shut to force back the tears, Milo's thoughts are a blur, completely indecipherable, until in his own mind, he begins to pray, 'Sweet Alemi, in your infinite wisdom, save us from this creature who has surely risen from the depths of a really bad place to find itself standing in front me... give me strength to move, and pursue your good works...'
Figment d20+6=21 d20+6=20 Tuesday March 27th, 2001 1:28:23 PM
Even though the mage mentally braced himself for the encounter, he is absolutely not prepared for what he sees. He drops to his knees but is at least able to do so with some dignity (made DC 21 - not missed too badly). He takes some solace in the fact that Mop isn't doing any better. Seeing that the others will most likely be stunned he begins to form an answer to the inevitable question. That is until his tail slaps the wall and he booms out his demand. He drops to hands AND knees at the sound, being totally intimidated.
After a moment to gather himself (another will save DC 20) and still unable to look up and speak, the mage offers a pitiful but hopefully acceptible response before closing his mouth in fear. "We were given information by your council member - the one who liked bugs so much.... He told us how to do it.".
Dakar d20+6=24 Tuesday March 27th, 2001 5:07:49 PM
Dakar drops to his knees hesitantly. "We walked into the prison. On our feet," he responds to the dragon's query. "You don't have the brightest guards. Or the most well fed. You may also want to consider using castrati in the future."
Ingrge d20+9=27 Tuesday March 27th, 2001 7:33:22 PM
Remaining standing, Ingrge looks at Parnoth and waving a hand infront of his nose to wave away the stink simply says. Well it was actually a bit harder than my friend here says but basically true. We had your mage use his wand on us so that we could pass through the barrier. My friend is correct though when he says that you have the need of smarter help.
K'Nara d20+2=22 Wednesday March 28th, 2001 7:35:57 AM
The human bladesinger stood tall for a moment, displaying her trademark exceptional courage and free will even the presence of the green dragon, then--recalling other times when Parnoth used threats against the members of her party to force her to do his bidding--K'Nara bent one knee and remained silent as the others reacted to the draconian influence around them...noting with the barest of smiles that it was most appropriate that Ingrge did NOT follow Mop's directions. She waited to see the Green One's reaction to the party's words.
Olana d20+4=20 Wednesday March 28th, 2001 10:47:10 AM
At the site of the dragon, Olana dropped to her knees in the required manner. She'd been here before, so perhaps it wasn't as terrifying as the first time - still - was this how things were going to end? As the creature bashed its tailed against the wall in anger, she cringed, and then held her head up. Dignity. That was what was needed here. In the back of her mind, she wondered about the tribe - would they miss her? Out of the corner of her eye, she looked to see how Fluet was coping.
DM Jan (Audience with the Dragon) Wednesday March 28th, 2001 11:08:48 AM
The dragon cocked it's head, listening to words of explanation from Ingrge, Figment and Dakar. Then he fixed his eyes firmly on Mop. "Well?!" His minion spoke fast. "It was that wizard! He must have been to the jail and cast a spell on the guards to make them stupid! They've never failed you before oh mighty one! He was a terrorist! A seeker of mayhem! He probably wanted to set the entire prison free to run wild. Wasn't it I who alerted him to you in the first instance, your immenseness? A traitor he was - and rightly punished by you!"
Parnoth exhaled hot, dry breath through a pair of nostrils so big - that someone like Milo could have stood up inside them. He then swiveled his mighty head to the right. Anyone following the dragon's gaze, would see something hanging from a chain attached to the roof of the cavern - a skeleton, with blackened bones that looked as though they'd been seared in the centre of the hottest volcano. "Punished?" hissed the dragon. "Yes - he was punished." Then the great head swung again - downwards, facing those knelt there before him. "What - was your business in my jail? Were you in league with this rebel who had the arrogance to try and overthrow me?"
Milo Wednesday March 28th, 2001 12:57:20 PM
As Milo's prayers pour through his mind and being, he feels strengthened... as if he isn't alone... as if Alemi were right there... if he could just reach out and touch... and then senses whirring again, he realizes where he is, and opening his eyes for a second time, looks up at the immense creature called Parnoth. Not trusting his legs just yet, however, Milo remains on his knees, and then does something he never thought himself capable of. He speaks... in a voice loud and clear, "What rebel do you speak of great and mighty lord? As for your jail, we were testing a theory regarding its impregnability, and as you can see, your prison has failed." Looking over to Mop with pure disdain, as he would at any true coward, "Your man here is surely as foolish as those who thought themselves to be beyond the touch of those with talent, need, or means to break into such a place. I myself am skilled at forcing such entrance, with subtlety of course, and am prepared and able to give you a complete professional evaluation of your prison facility for the purpose of its improvement if you will but spare our worthless lives, and allow us to leave your lands immediately thereafter."
Dakar Wednesday March 28th, 2001 1:10:42 PM
The dwarf struggles, visibly to hold his tongue. He seems to be engaged in intense inner conflict, and slowly, moves towards the back of then group.
Figment Wednesday March 28th, 2001 2:20:41 PM
Decides to let Mop flap in the wind as he has clearly failed the dragon. Looking up the mage states "We discovered this wizard spying on us and we decided to put an end to it. In the process we found out he was able to get in and out of your prison and as my friend has stated we decided to try it. It worked. This - rebel as you call him was our enemy too. It would appear we did a better job of finding this out than your lackey here. We were not aware that you - or he - was looking at this guy as well. We should have left the city when our objective was completed and not challenged you. Even though we got in, we obviously failed to get out.".
Ingrge Wednesday March 28th, 2001 7:14:31 PM
watching Parnoth closely, Ingrge follows Parnoth's sideways look and swallows as he sees what is left of the wizard. Turning back and trying to feel more confidant and at ease than he feels, he takes a deep breath and says "what do you think we were doing in a prison? We were looking for someone. Unfortunately we did not find Folbre there.
Flueterflam d20+4=9 Thursday March 29th, 2001 2:03:57 AM
Fluet easily falls to his knees. To any watching, the bard appears to have no control of his legs. After rubbing his knees from falling so hard, as quietly as possible, he whispers to Olana, "Does he not even care that he banished us before? I think he's got alzheimers or something." With the thought, Fluet grins and tries not to laugh out loud at the dragon.
K'Nara Thursday March 29th, 2001 6:34:32 AM
'After I kill the dwarf,' the leader of the Emerald Talons thought to herself, 'I'll have to remember to kill Flueterflam, too...' Gods! That the bard uttered such a thing as reminding Parnoth about their previous meeting and its outcome was the height of folly to suicidal proportions!
Again K'Nara remained silent in an effort to gauge the dragon's reaction to her party's explanations. She didn't want to risk saying or doing anything unwise or stupid--and both Figment and Ingrge had more wisdom and intelligence than she.
Olana Thursday March 29th, 2001 10:48:08 AM
"Shhh...." whispers the the elf to Fluet. Strangely enough, his words help calm her by making the situation seem a little unreal. He was right though - they had been banished. Thing is - somehow she didn't think the dragon had forgotten that. She stays silent too, but thinks those who do speak are very brave.
DM Jan (An Audience with the Dragon) Thursday March 29th, 2001 11:22:34 AM
As the party finish their verbal explanation of events, Mop takes a deep breath. "They -"
"Enough!" roars the dragon at an ear splitting level, causing his minion to cower. The beast's tail whips around, the tip beginning to tap the floor repeatedly in an show of dragonlike impatience. The voice becomes soft and silky, and inherently more dangerous.
"That wizard..." His eyes roll momentarily toward the charred skeleton. "... had the pure audacity to try and overthrow me. He wanted rid of your precious Tines, too." His pronunciation of 'Tines' drips with contempt and dismissal. "And what do I find? These Tines - send in a group - an exiled group - exiled by ME! - to attend to the menace. Your presence was discovered as you met and murdered my soldiers. How 'clever' you must have felt to have evaded capture after such an atrocity, hmm?" The tail continued it's soft *whap *whap on the floor. "But we had a problem you see." The eyes flick to Mop and a green lip curls, revealing two perfect, white, sparkling, very large teeth. "Mop here - wasn't sure which one of my councillors was the traitor. And so we watched. We waited. And lo and behold - the Tines did the job for me. You led us straight to him! Hmmm? "Perhaps then if you had left - but no! Using the traitors secrets, you attempted to break in to my jail - no doubt to free as many of your lawbreaking cohorts as possible. "Mop! Did anyone escape the jail?"
Mop starts wringing his hands. "No, Your Immenseness - we had the jail surrounded. Some of the guards were killed, although -" He turns and looks toward the printer who's curled up in a tight ball. "Maybe they were trying to rescue this man."
"Is this true?" snorted the dragon, his eyes gazing balefully on all.
Figment Thursday March 29th, 2001 12:16:03 PM
Seeing how their original plan was not discovered the mage emphatcally - and truthfully - states "If I mat be so bold: No. We were NOT trying to attempt some type of escape of lawbreaking cohorts. In fact, we have no cohorts that I know of in that jail. Your guards were unable to get anything out of that creep they had captured. But we did. And as you say, the problem was taken care of for you. Somehow I think you will easily replace the guards you lost in the process as they were not very good. In fact, we saved a number of your guards when they attacked that wizard's house. How foolish they were to make a direct assault into his well prepared traps. I would daresay you had a net gain with our being here. Your guards would have been slaughtered - all of them. Our reason for being at the jail at all was to see if what he told us really was true. That's all. Such information could obviously be useful. And frankly, it would be foolish to try and overthrow you. First it would next to impossible, and second if someone were to succeed, then what? I'm sure the Dark Lord would really like that and I'm also sure the peoples of this land would not do so well under his direct assault. We only came here to get the wizard. That's it.".
Milo Thursday March 29th, 2001 12:33:38 PM
Milo could feel his resolve slipping, but a quick silent prayer to Alemi, and his strength returned. Remaining on his knees, Milo's right eyebrow arches in complete incredulity, "This poor sod?" He points to the printer... "We were just getting ready to escape when he began to regale us with some sob story about printing contraband or some such rubbish, I honestly have no more interest in him now than I did before... to be sure he is even further beneath your notice than we are... I think that it was pure chance that your mighty enchantment grabbed hold of this fellow, even as it were whisking us to this very spot. I couldn't hope to second guess an intellect as powerful as yours great one, but if I were in your place, I'd simply fine the man and take away his business license. Its not like he is any real threat to one as mighty as you." Milo's voice practically drips with sincerity as he speaks to the dragon, and finishing his last sentence, Milo takes a brief moment to cast his gaze about the huge pile of treasure arrayed before him... attempting to note preferences in the Parnoth's tastes, should it become necessary to attempt to buy the freedom of his friends and himself.
Flueterflam Thursday March 29th, 2001 11:18:52 PM
The bard almost bursts out laughing after hearing Milo speak. However, he controls it down to a smirk. Then, acting as if interested very little in his own life, he looks around taking in the surroundings that he hasn't already noticed. Fluet appears impatient, as if expecting an outcome that will not come soon enough.
K'Nara d20+2=20 Friday March 30th, 2001 6:58:44 AM
"...and Folbre, Ingrge..." K'Nara finally spoke, standing up, "...we were looking for him, too...but he wasn't at the jail." For a moment, she wondered what Parnoth's reaction would be to see that she still lived in spite of his treacherous attempt to get his allies to murder her, but K'Nara brushed that concern aside, hoping that her addendum would persuade the Green Meanie to leave the poor printer alone. (OOC: made a voluntary Bluff check.)
Olana Friday March 30th, 2001 11:53:40 AM
Olana is awed by the explanations of Figment and Milo in particular as they verbally spar with the dragon. She knew darned well that if she said anything, then she'd give the game away for sure. So instead she concentrates on trying to stop Fluet from giggling by giving him a nudge every now and then. Humans - they could laugh at all kinds of things. She kept an eye on the battle-rager too, knowing it must be a hard thing to stop himself from running forward and trying to cut the dragons toenails with his axe.
DM Jan (An Audience with the Dragon) Friday March 30th, 2001 12:19:48 PM
For a moment, the dragon is silent, choosing to look at them all, perhaps weighing up their story, along with a few other things. Then -
"Mop. If there's a 'Folbre' in the jail - have him incinerated. Immediately. And throw out this 'printer'! My cavern is too untidy as it is." Then he rounds on the party. "I don't have time for this. You mention the Dark Lord? If only you knew..." For a moment, the giant beast's eyes roll away - perhaps distracted by something, before returning, and narrowing to slits. "I have a task for you - you will not refuse it, or there will be hell to pay. "That 'wizard' saw fit to halt production of weaponry at one of our best mines. An infestation of some kind. You will rectify what he did, and return the mine to full production at all speed." And after another blast of hot, dry breath - "You and your petty little battles. Do you think this is a game? You have no idea what is on the horizon. No idea. Now get on with it. "Mop!?"
With that - the huge beast turned, giving everyone a sight of his flank , wings, and massive tail. Anyone looking at Mop would see the man almost deflate with sheer relief. For a moment, he appears to be whispering prayers of his own before recovering his composure. "This audience with the Mighty, the Merciful, the Almighty Parnoth is at an end!" he announces, with considerably less wind than before, then heads for the exit, beckoning the others. As for the now 'babbling incoherently' printer, Mop grabs him by the scruff of the neck and drags him along. In a low voice he says - "Thank the gods he has a lot on his mind." Around the corner - the guards are waiting.
Milo Friday March 30th, 2001 12:31:01 PM
As Parnoth's gaze turns away from Milo, he can feel the strength returning to his legs. Not wanting to press his luck, and without further ado, Milo hops up, and moves quickly to the exit. As they pass through the door, he looks Mop's direction, "You wouldn't happen to have directions to this mine that he spoke of would you? It would make this task that much easier." Milo looks up at Mop expectantly, still moving away from the door, and stifling the look of triumph that threatens to appear on his diminutive face at any moment.
Figment Friday March 30th, 2001 1:00:16 PM
The mage stands up and hurredly extis. He shushes Milo and makes sure he gets out the door before any more words are spoken. Once they round the corner and are clear of the dragon he turns to Mop immediately (hoping to catch him before he regains his composure and "cocky" demeanor) and says "It would appear we have our marching orders. We will leave for this mine immediately. As my diminutive friend has stated we need directions. We will also need supplies and as much as information as you can tell us about the problem. No need for any of us to test your master further today. We all got off very light and should count our blessings.".
Dakar Friday March 30th, 2001 1:22:59 PM
The dwarf comes out of the room, cursing in dwarvish to himself. "Blast... By the Oath. I hate mines..." he stutters out in common, breaking it up with passages of dwarvish. Turning to Mop he says, "At least tell me that they're human miners and not any of my kin."
Ingrge Friday March 30th, 2001 4:50:35 PM
At Parnoth's order to Mop regarding Folbre is announced, Ingrge blanches and then steps forward and faces Mop almost nose to nose and speaks in a voice so cold and devoid of color that Madame Colosum's dead dancers were warmer.
"If you so much as touch even a hair on Folbre's head, if he is in that prison of yours, you will pray for the death that Parnoth would give you for not carrying out his order. If ANY harm comes to my Foster Father, I swear on the graves of my parents and by all the Gods of the Wold, that I will not rest until every piece of you has been wracked with pain equal to that of Parnoth's acid tongue and then I will bring you back to life to do it all over again. And when I am finished with you I personally will give you to Parnoth to play with."
None of you have ever seen Ingrge this deadly serious about anything before.
K'Nara Monday April 2nd, 2001 6:03:45 AM
The tall human female placed a restraining hand on Ingrge's shoulder.
"He wasn't there, so it's all right, my friend." she told him, unable to admit that the Talons had been misrepresenting themselves--at least not in front of Parnoth's primary "yes-man," Mop. "Come...let us allow Mop to finish up his task so that we may be on our way." K'Nara followed the Green One's lackey to wherever it was that he was supposed to take them to tell them of the particulars of this "conciliatory assignment".
Olana Monday April 2nd, 2001 11:29:39 AM
Looking rather astonished, Olana walked out with the others. She couldn't believe they'd got let off so lightly. Or had they? Maybe 'dwarven mines' was a code word for assassination or something. She was going to keep her wits about her that was for sure. In this frame of mind, she certainly had no qualms about letting ingrge rough up the dragons henchman and looked on - watching for Mop's reactions.
DM Jan (The Mine) Monday April 2nd, 2001 11:46:14 AM
The beleaguered Mop, listens to the party's questions for a moment, then looks somewhat aghast at Ingrge's threat. Olana however, and maybe some of the others, notice his eyes narrow a little, which suggest he doesn't feel as threatened as he should be. Drawing himself up, he announces - "You will be escorted to the mines up on the hills, not far from Parnoth's cavern. There, you are to iradicate an 'infestation' that has occurred. You will be given more information by the people - the dwarves -" he emphasises, looking in Dakar's direction. " - that live and work there."
Just then - 2 big doors open - revealing rather a lot of guards, and a covered wagon - already hitched to six horses. Next to it, is a small buggy drawn by two horses. "Not him," utters Mop impatiently as everyone is herded toward the larger wagon. "His fate lies elsewhere." Some of the guards 'escort' Shadrach to the small buggy and bundle him aboard. Everyone else is unceremoniously herded into the large covered wagon, that sets off immediately.
The journey is bumpy, and as an early morning chill air drifts into the wagon - everyone realises they've been up now for quite a while, some are still wounded - and can feel every lurch in the road.
Dakar Monday April 2nd, 2001 1:04:02 PM
The dwarf's face goes grey when Mop mentions that he will be encountering his brethren. He begins trembling a bit as he moves towards the carriage, throwing off any hands that attempt to prod him along and telling his handlers, in no uncertain times, exactly what they can do with their wagon. After mumbling, "Sod off" to the last handler, he grudgingly boards the wagon. "So do we have any wounded among us?" he asks, his own wounds all too apparent.
Flueterflam Monday April 2nd, 2001 4:17:58 PM
"Hey! Where ya taking Shad???" Fluet yells. "What's up with THAT?" Fluet appears very angry that one of their members is being split from them. (ooc: We'll miss ya Shad!)
Figment Monday April 2nd, 2001 6:17:34 PM
Knowing he can do nothing for Shad but get himself killed the mage looks hard at the guards who are splitting up the party but chooses not to interfere.
He winces at the jarring but decides preserve his potions. As they ride towards the mines he speaks softly to K'Nara so the guards cannot hear. "We need to get some time to prepare for this effort. If we do it right we might be able to figure out a way to escape once we complete this errand. I do not think we should find ourselves back in the dragons lair if we can avoid it. If we complete the task he may be inclined to not try and capture us. Looked to me like he had other things on his mind.".
Ingrge Monday April 2nd, 2001 7:01:09 PM
Starting at K'narra's touch, Ingrge shrugs her off and keeps Mop's eye as long as possible as the group moves out, Ingrge sullenly gets into the wagon with the others, his mind is so preoccupied that he doesn't really even realize that Shad isn't with them until Dakar ask's about injuries and he looks around for the Bonze, knowing he had been hit quite heavily. Not seeing him, he looks around and quietly asks where he is and then says I have some minor injuries that can wait or I can drink one of my last potions.
Milo Tuesday April 3rd, 2001 5:02:43 AM
Still riding his high from actually fast talkin' Parnoth, Milo doesn't realize that Shadrach is gone until it is too late. A frown creases his brow, and he looks concerned as the Bonze steps into the carriage. Hopping up into the wagon, he seats himself into a front corner, and after situating his satchel into his lap to keep its contents safe from road hazard, Milo folds his hands, closes his eyes, and begins to pray to Alemi silently. 'Great Alemi, thank you for granting us your mercy, and thank you for all of your aid, direct, indirect, or otherwise, in our previous mission, and all future missions to come... And Alemi... take care of Shadrach please... I know he can be dour, but you just have to get to know him.' Milo continues to pray for some time.
K'Nara d20+2=22 Tuesday April 3rd, 2001 7:23:58 AM
As the guards "escorted" the bonze to the buggy, K'Nara's instinct was to prevent Shadrach's parting--but the six drawn longswords pointed in her direction rendered the redhead helpless.
"Shad..!" she said in a strangled voice, unable to say anything more as the rest of the group was loaded into the covered wagon. The leader of the Emerald Talons was the last to be shoved aboard the vehicle. She caught Mop's eye.
"Remember, lackey--Talons are very sharp!" she hissed at him with all the Intimidation she could muster. (OOC: woohoo! rolled a natural 20!) The wagon was off and trundling down the road, though, before the female fighter could see if her own veiled threat had any effect on Parnoth's right hand man. K'Nara sank to her seat on the wagon floor in a dejected heap.
Figment's statement, however, was more than effective enough to snap the woman warrior out of her depression.
"Yeah, I'm sure he had a LOT on his mind--if he was thinking about the Dark Lord." K'Nara replied, nodding. "Ye olde Green Meanie skipped over the fact that he SENT me there, to the Dark Lord's kingdom--I've seen for myself how the people are there...and he's right to be preoccupied about it." She shook her cauled head. "I didn't like what I saw--people worse off there than the elves of the Emerald Kingdom...and just about all of 'em convinced that their Dark Lord was a god." K'Nara sighed, then shook off her reminscent mood with a sharp roll of her shoulders.
"You're right, though, Figment...if we're going to do this 'job' right, then we must rest and recuperate from our previous combat." Here the human bladesinger grimaced a bit and addressed Dakar. "Figment and myself, if I recall, still bear the wounds of battle, Dakar..and Shad--oh. Well...Figment and myself, for sure..."
Olana Tuesday April 3rd, 2001 11:04:44 AM
Shocked at the party being split up, Olana looks on horrified. "Where are they taking Shad? What are they going to do to him? He didn't do anything wrong - well, no more than the rest of us." Once bundled into the wagon, and not too badly injured, she helps bind everyone's wounds before the healing starts. "K'Nara?" she asks. "Do you think they'll send him to the same place you were sent to?"
DM Jan (The Mine) Tuesday April 3rd, 2001 11:31:24 AM
The journey is a sombre one, not least because of Shad being hauled away - although there is some satisfaction at seeing the relief on the faces of Mop and the guards as the Talons get into the wagons 'relatively' peacefully. "Wouldn't like to be caught in a dark alley with that lot!" one is heard to mutter.
After two hours, the wagon stops, and everyone is herded outside. Although the sun is climbing in the sky, it's still fairly cold as the wagon has stopped in the shadow of a mountain.
Off the main stoney path, is a wide track that leads up to a cavern mouth. For the moment, apart from the numerous guards (who really don't want to be here by the looks on their faces) and the party - the place looks deserted.
"It's in there," says the wagon driver, pointing to the cavern. "And I'm to tell you that we'll be here outside waiting, if you try and escape. The dwarves know you're coming." It looks as though the mighty Mop has chosen to stay back at the dragons domain, which can be seen on a distant hillside.
Figment Tuesday April 3rd, 2001 1:09:09 PM
The mage nods to K'Nara when she notes his wounds. "I'm hurt pretty bad. I have 2 more potions but I am hoping I can get healing from another source and preserve the two I have for the upcoming mission.".
Seeing that the guards are all too eager to be rid of them, and that they are none too interested in entering the cavern, the mage says to the driver "Tell your captain to keep his men back. We may have to drive this infestation out of the cave and if we do, it may come after you if you're near. We have no idea what it might be - and what it might do to you...". He let's his voice trail off to increase the uncertainty and to leave VERY uncomfortable thoughts with this guy.
He walks with the others toward the cave, wondering what they will see. As Dakar prepares to deal with his own demons, he says "Don't worry, my friend, perhaps this situation will allow you a chance to regain some standing. Maybe we can help them be free.".
Dakar 2d8(6+2)+4=12 2d8(2+5)+4=11 d8+4=10 d8+4=9 Tuesday April 3rd, 2001 5:51:26 PM
Mumbling a host of prayers to Domi on the carriage ride, Dakar heals each party member in turn, first K'nara, then Figment, then he seals his own wounds... looking over the group once more he asks "Is that all of the scars that we bear?"
Milo Tuesday April 3rd, 2001 7:46:28 PM
As Dakar begins his prayers, Milo's eyes open, and he watches the dwarf with extreme interest as he goes from friend to friend healing, and then finally lays hands upon himself. His eyes open wide in wonder, "I should only hope that Alemi would favor me with such abilities one day... Um.. Dakar... I know I'm not much of a warrior, but I have been wounded... I just didn't want to say anything as everyone else seemed to be in much greater need... But if I'm all that is left, I will be very grateful to accept the healing touch of Domi."
K'Nara d20+2=18 Wednesday April 4th, 2001 7:21:02 AM
K'Nara smiled sweetly at the guard who consistently spoke about his particular uneasiness at being responsible for keeping the Emerald Talons in line, using reverse psychology on the man in a conscious effort to make him even MORE uneasy. (OOC: that's a voluntary Intimidation check up there...heh heh.)
"Thank you, Dakar." K'Nara told the warrior-priest, feeling herself almost completely healed by the divine magic the dwarf used on her. (OOC: 12hp healed out of a total of 18hp damage taken.) "Let's go get the lowdown on the situation from the people who have to work here, and then see if we can't rest and recuperate." With this, the leader of the party got out of the wagon and, disdaining the reluctant guards, went to the mine entrance, waiting until what was left of her group was gathered together before going inside to find out what was what.
Olana d20+12=19 Wednesday April 4th, 2001 11:01:16 AM
The elf gives Dakar a warm smile. "Thank you, but I'm okay. I was pretty lucky," she says. "I avoided most of the combat while I was getting Tremaine out of his cell. It's the rest of you who took a pasting." Jumping out of the wagon, she has a quick scout around the entrance of the cavern area while she had the chance, still unsure as to whether this was a trap or not. ((Wilderness Lore DC19))
DM Jan (The Mine) Wednesday April 4th, 2001 11:13:36 AM
Between Figment's tales of "infestations" hurtling out of the cavern entrance, and K'Nara's continued intimidation, the guards are glad to see them go - some of them muttering to themselves and giving the party shifty glances as they start to make camp.
Olana finds nothing to suggest trouble is afoot near the cavern. There are no tracks, for the ground is too stony, but occasionally she finds scuffs on the stone as though something metal has been run over it.
As the party enters, the light darkens and it becomes difficult to see for those without low light vision. It's a little chilly but dry, and any voices will echo. All sounds bounce off the walls. Any further in, and it will be as black as coal as the light continues to diminish.
Figment Wednesday April 4th, 2001 11:16:49 AM
Relying on his Tine bandana, the mage smiles but urgently whispers to Olana at his earliest convenience. "Please remember, they don't know he got out - and they don't know we helped him. It would be best not to mention his name because if they find him missing, they may come back after us before we have time to escape. The dragon may very well have heard you - and now me.".
Figment, cont. Wednesday April 4th, 2001 11:43:22 AM
Relieved that the guard apparently did not catch the signifcance of Olana's words, he moves with the others into the cavern. "I'd say your sword will be most useful for the forseeable future.". Again fearing eavesdroppers, the mage moves close to K'Nara once more and softly mentions "I can memorize 3 invisibility spells and I know Ingrge can memorize at least 2. And Milo has his own means. If we are given time to rest we should be able to provide cover for a hasty escape. Maybe we can get some of our friends in the city to retrieve our stuff. I cannot leave my horse there. He's my companion. We should also try to help these dwarves in some way if we can. Those are just my thoughts...". Trying not to tell the warrior woman how to do her job he promptly shuts up and leaves the decision-making to her.
Ingrge Wednesday April 4th, 2001 9:36:27 PM
Looking around for who ever is in charge, Ingrge speaks to Figment and K'narra and whom ever else is around. I don't know about the rest of you, but I would like to have a nights rest and some time to prepare, before heading in to whatever danger has a group of dwarven miners quaking in their booties. in fact I would like a chance to do some reading and further perusing of the scrolls we found.
Dakar 2d8(3+3)+6=12 Thursday April 5th, 2001 12:46:07 AM
Dakar turns to Milo and offers up a final cure moderate wounds. "That is the limit of the aid I can give you. I am sorry if it is not enough... I may be able to heal any minor scratches but... dear Domi, I have been up for too long."
Milo d20+10=19 Thursday April 5th, 2001 3:47:59 AM
Milo looks at Dakar with shock as his wounds close completely leaving no trace of their passing. He was especially worried about the wound he took from the guard's arrow, but it sealed up tight and fast. For once in a long time, Milo straightens up to his full height, which, at four feet tall is rather impressive for a halfling. Staring his dwarven friend in the eye, "Your healing touch is more than sufficient I'd say... Domi must cherish you a great deal." Milo smiles in appreciation, and then testing his fully healed body, hand springs into a cartwheel, which rolls out into a somersault. Standing again, he grins from ear to ear, and slaps Dakar on his armored shoulder in friendship. "Lets join the others." With that, Milo skips up to where Ingrge and K'nara are standing, and stands silently, a smile on his face. (OOC: Made Tumble check DC 19)
K'Nara Thursday April 5th, 2001 6:49:41 AM
K'Nara looked around the immediate area before answering either Figment or Ingrge.
"I had thought that this was an operating mine, but perhaps Parnoth's traitor has done his work too well and made the dwarves here abandon it." she said with a shrug. "Since there isn't anyone right here to apprise us of what they know, then, yes...we will camp for the night to rest and recover magic and such. It is only wise that we do that before attempting to confront whatever that wizard may have let loose below." K'Nara rolled her shoulders.
"Your magic cured most of my wounds, battlerager," she told Dakar, "But there is still some damage left if you've the magic to spare." Her hazel eyes flickered over Parnoth's excuse for guards.
"Let's make camp, people," she ordered, "First watch will be Ingrge and Shad--" K'Nara halted, once more reminded that the bonze had been taken from them. For the merest moment, the human bladesinger looked as though she was on the verge of tears, but then her face became as stone.
"First watch is Ingrge and Figment," she intoned brusquely, "Second watch is Milo and Fluet; third watch is Olana and myself; the last watch...do you think you can handle the last watch yourself, Dakar? I put you last that you may have uninterrupted sleep--so you could recover spells easier." After hearing the dwarf's answer, K'Nara nodded silently, then went about aiding in setting up their camp for the night.
Olana Thursday April 5th, 2001 10:40:22 AM
As an a side to Figment, the elf's eyes rounded as he spoke quietly. "Ooops," she said, cringing at the very idea of Parnoth getting hold of that information. It was typical really - she never hand been good at keeping things quiet. Somehow her natural exuberance had always come bubbling to the surface. Even though technically it was still day time, she started to set up camp gladly. She was exhausted.
DM Jan (The Mine) Thursday April 5th, 2001 11:08:46 AM
As everyone - suffering from the adventurers equivalent of jetlag, set up camp just inside the entrance of the cavern - sounds drift toward them out of the deep, gloomy interior. It's like a dragging sound, and then a voice, the language dwarven, which translates into something like this - "Come on - put yer back into it, lad!" followed by a groan.
To make matters even more interesting, some may notice some shadowplay on the walls as though something approaches the cavern entrance from the outside. Whatever it is, can't be seen as they approach from one side of the entrance wall. ((DC15 against INT to notice)) The guards are about 50 yards away, busy setting up a camp of their own. The sun continues to rise, and skylarks begin their twittering, hovering in the sky above. It looks as though it will be a lovely day - outside at least.
Figment d20+4=23 Thursday April 5th, 2001 2:54:08 PM
"Sounds like a good idea on the watches, K'Nara. Ingrge and I can memorize our spells after we sleep-". The mage stops abruptly and looks up to notice whatever creatures are approching the party (DC 23). "Now what...".
Bertram-Intro Thursday April 5th, 2001 7:25:08 PM
Bertram scratched idly at his beard as he walked by. He listened to the plans of treachery and his eyes grew cold. Casually stopping on the pretense of pulling at his boot he heard them mention the names of Parnoth, which he was familiar with. Obsidian however? Not wanting to arouse suspicion, Bertram approached the opening to the mine. Up ahead he could hear murmured speech but couldn't make out anything tangible. He hesitated for just a moment and then firmed his step and started towards the entrance. He tried to walk normally so as to not startle anyone standing guard. The last thing he needed was his tombstone to record the fact he was shot like a common thief. Bertram chuckled privately and started towards the voices up ahead...
Ingrge d20+3=13 Thursday April 5th, 2001 7:41:14 PM
Turning as K'narra announces watch schedules, Ingrge turns to Figment and says, I'll take the outside opening if you want to keep an eye on the dark side? As tired as he is he hears or notices nothing while waiting for an answer.
Flueterflam d20+2=8 Thursday April 5th, 2001 9:11:41 PM
Flueterflam looks around confusedly. He appears to have lost some sense. Anyone looking at the bard might think that he trying to get a firm grasp back to reality. He also starts to fall asleep. Every so often he nods off, then jumps and wakes himself back up.
Milo Friday April 6th, 2001 3:18:19 AM
Milo nods to K'nara when he receives his watch assignment, and taking in a deep breath of fresh air, he wanders over to the side of the cave wall. Wrapping himself in his cloak, Milo sits with his back to the wall and allows himself to doze off, knowing that his friends are watching.
K'Nara d20-1=18 d20-1=16 Friday April 6th, 2001 7:08:30 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons looked, for a moment, extraordinarily weary. Then came the sound of approaching...
"Ummm...is that Dwarven?" K'Nara asked, tilting her head to one side (OOC: Listen check is 18). "I don't know Dwarven...Dakar..?" She glanced inquiringly at the warrior-priest, but didn't add to her obvious question as her hazel eyes lighted upon another dwarf (OOC: Spot check is 16), carefully approaching the Talons' campsite.
"We have company, Talons." K'Nara said in a neutral voice, yet made no effort to draw her weapon.
(OOC: K'Nara is a six-foot-tall human female with auburn hair in a black net caul, fair skin--with a few freckles, and an athletic build. She's dressed in studded leather armor and wears on her back two swords--a large bastard sword and a scimitar--with their handles at slight angles to each other...the better to differentiate which sword is which, most likely. She projects a slight weariness, yet is obviously confident enough in herself to not immediately draw on the approaching dwarf.)
Olana d20+2=22 Friday April 6th, 2001 11:01:41 AM
"Fluet, are you alright?" asks Olana with a worried expression. Then came the sounds from in front and behind. Looking at K'Nara, who seemed to have noticed too but didn't seem to alarmed, she kept her hands away from her weapons and looked to see who was approaching. As for what was going on deeper in the cave, she reckoned they'd all get to know about it sooner rather than later.
DM Jan (The Mine) Friday April 6th, 2001 11:15:10 AM
Those looking out, notice a dwarf approaching the entrance in a non-threatening manner.
To the dwarf Bertram - he sees what looks like a group of exhausted, hard fought mercenaries of different races. Certainly a force to be reckoned with. They have that aura about them, that suggests travel, danger and adventure.
Meanwhile - back in the depths of the cave, the pulling and shoving sounds continue, accompanied by many dwarven expletives. And then there's the smell. It's thick, heavy and downright bloomin' awful. Then - out of the gloom emerge two male dwarves, axes strapped to their backs, pulling a - "dead something." They look very surprised to see everyone at the entrance.
Dakar Friday April 6th, 2001 3:09:32 PM
Dakar looks to Bertram and then looks away. He turns to K'nara. "Yes. They're dragging something." He then gestures to the warriors dragging something out of the cave. "I'd assume that that is the something." He rises and walks to his brethren, a bit wary of them it seems. In Dwarvish he greets them, hesitantly. "I am Dakar, called the oathbreaker, the bringer of pain, and also the oathkeeper. My blade has tasted the blood of a hundred foes. I am a slayer of evil and one that has the beast of war within. I pledge my axe to your cause, if you will take me. You know the stain I carry for it is sung by the skalds." He then looks to inspect the carcass.
Brother Bertram Friday April 6th, 2001 10:07:41 PM
Bertram lets his gaze travel across the faces of each of the members of the group, his eyes widening for a moment as he notices the crossed swords of Domi hanging from Dakar's neck. Before he can speak, Dakar walks towards the other dwarves and the moment is lost. Bertram takes note of what Dakar says before he looks to the others. "Well met Strangers. I am Brother Bertram Trothgard at your service."
Flueterflam Friday April 6th, 2001 10:31:13 PM
"Huh!?....oh." The bard is apparently startled by the elf. "Sorry, I'm really tired. All this travelling has left me rather disoriented." He sits down next to Milo. "Whew. Didn't see this coming. Wake me if I'm needed." Fluet is asleep within the minute.
Milo Saturday April 7th, 2001 2:03:42 AM
"ZZZZzzzzzz..... ZZZZzzzzz....." In sleep Milo appears to be nothing more that a human child, all care and worry fade from the halfling's face as he sleeps peacefully through the encounter.
Ingrge Sunday April 8th, 2001 2:13:43 PM
Made aware of the approaching noises, Ingrge levels his staff at the single approaching dwarf. Seeing no weapon at hand, he relaxes only a bit as he looks this new dwarf over. As the dwarf speaks, Ingrge listens and then responds. Well Brother Bertram , if that is indeed your name, I would stop where you are for a moment, unless you want to become Brother Crispy. I would say that you are a mighty suspicious acting character, to come up to a camp of strangers, especially in this land, and pledge them your service. Unless of course you are a spy sent by the green, scaly, wonder or the Dark Lord himself.
(ooc. Ingrge is wearing mostly grey and black down to and including his leather armor. He has a bow at his back a sword on his hip and a staff in his hand, which happens to be pointing right at Bertram's ample waist.)
K'Nara d20-2=18 Monday April 9th, 2001 6:20:47 AM
K'Nara threw a bemused glance Ingrge's way then looked Brother Bertram over (OOC: made a Sense Motive check), nodding to herself as she judged the newcomer to be at least minimally trustworthy.
"We have been sent here to deal with some sort of...infestation..?" K'Nara said to Bertram. "Do you know what that might be? We were given very sketchy details."
Olana Monday April 9th, 2001 10:40:38 AM
Olana gives Bertram a quick smile, and then walks back to check out the source of the smell, reckoning if there is a problem with the dwarf at the entrance then K'Nara and Ingrge were more than equipped to deal with it. She passes by the sleepy human and halfling and goes toward Dakar and the other dwarves, attempting to examine whatever it is - if the dwarves will let her.
DM Jan (The Mine) Monday April 9th, 2001 11:06:35 AM
At Dakar's declaration, the two dwarves look aghast. "Oathbreaker??" exclaims one of them. The elder one gives him a nudge. "That's dwarf business," he says, eyeing the rest of the party elsewhere in the cave, before giving Dakar a strange look. "Later." He then drops whatever they were both dragging along and approaches the entrance. Squinting in the light, his eyes take in everyone, and the guards outside. "I am Orgar of Ungart," he announces. "If you be the ones come to rid us of our menace, then there be shelter and food inside. If not - then I would ask you yer business." To Bertram, he asks "Trothguard? And to what do we owe a visit from our cousins? Step inside brother."
Both Dakar and Olana can see that the thing being dragged is indeed very dead, and carries quite a few axe marks. Olana's closer examination reveals what looks like a large insect - like a giant version of those "green beetles" although this one possesses no wings. It smells. It smells so bad, that anyone who was hungry before, certainly isn't now. "Can someone gimme a hand with this?" yells the younger dwarf. "Gotta put it outside before we all pass out."
Figment Monday April 9th, 2001 11:11:37 AM
The mage nods to Ingrge and moves to the opposite side of the camp. He stands suspiciously in silence, waiting to see whatever may come of these simulataneous and yet seemingly unrelated encounters.
The pleasant looking human mage is around 30 years old, well groomed and is wearing very finely tailored clothing which for some odd reason doesn't appear out of place because it is clearly as functional as it is beautiful. He stands almost 6' tall - maybe an inch shorter than the warrior woman - and looks healthy and athletically built, but not terribly muscular. Even though his demeanor is pleasant you can tell he is weary and one who knows battle.
Brother Bertram Monday April 9th, 2001 3:49:28 PM
The dwarf looks at the arrogant Elf for a moment and then suddenly starts chuckling. "Well said, Elf. It is indeed a strange and auspicous event to see a dwarf approaching the entrance to a Dwarven mine. I have never heard the like in all my day." Bertram snorts and looks at the group. "Now if you are through posturing I came to offer my services to my cousins here and to anyone that has agreed to help them. I had thought you were that group. But if you don't wish my help Elf, then Domi's will be done in this matter and I will seek another way to help them." Bertram turns to the other waiting dwarves. "I greet you, Orgar of Ungart. It is good to see my cousins. I have heard of your plight and was moved by Domi to offer any assistance that I may." Bertram wrinkles his nose at the rancid smell. "It appears we are to get an up close look at the nature of the problem."
Milo Monday April 9th, 2001 4:43:42 PM
As the dwarves tote the smelly giant bug to the mouth of the cave, Milo's eyes pop open, and a look of sheer disgust plants itself squarely on his face. Reaching up and grabbing his own nose, "Eeeewwwww, whad is dat horrible smell." Seeing the dwarves with the giant bug, Milo stands up and walks over to investigate. Looking at the three dwarves congregating there he releases his nose, "Looks and smells like some kinda stinkbug or somethin'... blech." Sticking his hand out for any one of the three dwarves to take, Milo greets them, "Milo Thistledown... entrepreneur... I'm not the leader here, but I believe I speak truly when I say we are here to help with your problem. Food and shelter sound great to me." Milo grins.
Milo is most definitely a halfling, though he is probably the tallest halfling you've ever seen, standing at a level four feet. His light brown hair is neat and short, and his eyes are a deep blue. He is garbed all in leather, and a bejeweled short sword rests at his hip. Slung across his back is a quiver full of arrows and a short bow. A rather large satchel is slung over one shoulder, and what looks like a ruby, the holy symbol of Alemi, dangles at his chest by a leather thong.
Flueterflam Monday April 9th, 2001 9:44:50 PM
The bard's nose twitches when the smell gets to him. However, he is so tired that it cannot wake him. Anyone person trying to wake Fluet will have great difficulty.
K'Nara d20+1=12 Tuesday April 10th, 2001 6:29:54 AM
"We may be here at Parnoth's command," K'Nara said, her lightly-freckled nose wrinkling not only at the smell but at the distaste uttering the dragon's name causes her, "But we help those in need willingly. Come on, Talons--let's help get this...thing out of here..!" With this, K'Nara goes over to the carcass and puts her entire effort into helping to push the thing out of the cave. (OOC: rolled a Strength check, though I'm not sure how helpful it will be.)
Dakar d20+4=23 Tuesday April 10th, 2001 11:38:21 AM
Looking over Bertram, Dakar smiles. "It is good to see a Brother, brother." he states, simply, before reaching down to the carcass at his feet. Grunting, he attempts to shoulder the entire load and begins moving towards the woods with it. (Str check, 23)
Olana d20+3=13 Tuesday April 10th, 2001 12:01:28 PM
Nose wrinkling with distaste, the elf attempts to help shove the nasty thing out of the cavern. Despite the smell, she can't help laughing at Milo's reaction. "It IS bad, isnt it," she chuckles. "Is that what we're here for - to chase out big smelly bugs?" Her next task will be to wake the dozing bard.
Olana has the narrow, slight build of an elf, with warm, blue eyes and fair hair in a single braid - with a face that suggests that smiles come easily to her. She looks slightly older than Ingrge, the other elf in the team. Her clothes are plain, dull and blend well in forest environments. Her sword, bow and knives are plain too, but their glint suggests they are well cared for and used regularly.
DM Jan (The Mine) Tuesday April 10th, 2001 12:48:29 PM
Despite Ingrge's and Figments suspicions, there is nothing to suggest that trouble is on the immediate horizon, apart from -
"Hmph -" says the younger dwarf as they all struggle out of the cavern with it. "This one's just a baby. Might look stupid, but it spits poison. Nasty stuff."
As Dakar drags and K'Nara, Olana, Orgar and the younger one push and shove - the creature is dragged outside. "Here's your dinner!" yells Orgar to the distant soldiers still setting up camp. With a guffaw, he rubs his hands together and starts back inside. "By the Gods we need some ale after this. Follow me. I'll take you to meet Helga." He shakes Milo's hand, and then looks around at everyone. "I have to warn you," he said, his voice a deep boom. "This is going to be no picnic."
He sets off into the gloom. Ahead there is light in the form of barely shining lanterns - but not much.
Figment Tuesday April 10th, 2001 12:59:56 PM
Before the mage enters the hole any further, he takes the time to look around the cavern entrance, the walls, ceiling, and floor for any magical signs that the now deceased mage might have left. After his search he follows the others into the gloom, looking forward to some food and rest before attacking the bugs. "Ingrge, we need to examine the possibility that these things are being held here by some magical means. Perhaps a glyph or something. Keep your eyes open.".
Milo Tuesday April 10th, 2001 1:02:18 PM
"Picnic?... thats okay, I don't think my stomach could handle it just now." Milo's face has a decidedly unpleasant look upon it... "I hate bugs." Stepping in line behind the dwarves, he follows them down into the mine.
Dakar Tuesday April 10th, 2001 5:41:25 PM
The painmonger drops the corpse to the ground and turns to fall back in step with the others.
The dwarf is scarred with wounds, yet appears to be in his youth, relatively. His skin has been darkened by the smith's forge and by the grime and dirt that comes with living a life of battle. Long, iron spikes adorn his armor, with a monstrous one on the peak of his helm as the centerpiece to what seems like a mohawk made of metal.
Silently, he falls in with the others, his axe at the ready as he moves to take point.
Ingrge Tuesday April 10th, 2001 7:36:08 PM
As Bertram finishes his oratory, Ingrge grins and says, Ahh, a dwarven mine, that would explain the infestation. Be welcome Brother, I hope you are a bit less suicidal than our compatriot here, indicating Dakar.
As he walks along with the miners, Ingrge listens to Figment's comments and then with a sigh responds, " Aye, I agree, but I need rest and a clear mind to do such and it would be helpful if can study the right spells for this little jaunt. We might want to strategically plan our arsenal in the morning.
Flueterflam Tuesday April 10th, 2001 7:54:32 PM
Fluet wakes slowly. As he notices the group leaving without him, he shouts, "Hold up!!" As he's running to catch up. When he gets up to the party, "Who are our new friends?"
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 10th, 2001 9:06:19 PM
Bertram chuckles at Ingrge's comments. "I cant speak for him but I am rather attached to my life. I thank you for your welcome. Bertram turns to Dakar. I am glad to meet you as well, Brother." Bertram falls in with the rest of the group as they walk. Anyone who looks the dwarf over will notice plain, unadorned clothing and a chainmail shirt covering his upper body. He is wearing at his neck a small necklace with a medallion showing two crossed swords. He has a Large waraxe strapped to his back.
K'Nara Wednesday April 11th, 2001 6:47:50 AM
The human bladesinger frowned as the young dwarf's comment on how this particular carcass was that of a baby bug sank in.
"If that was a baby bug, then we'll definately have our work cut out for us..." K'Nara said. After a quick check to make sure that Fluet was up and following the group as they were led into the mine by the dwarves (he was, of course!), the tall redhead paused only long enough to pull a torch from her pack and light it. The gloom of a mine was not the environment conducive to humans like herself to see very well, so she opted to carry a light source along.
Dakar Wednesday April 11th, 2001 12:17:53 PM
The battlerager yawns, loudly. And then comes to a halt. He turns to the dwarves next to them and says something, simply, in dwarvish. "Tired. Need to sleep. So do my companions. I can battle if pressed to, if those below are in immediate danger of death, I would do nothing less than offer my life for theirs. But we can save many, many more lives if we can rest as soon as we get to a safe place. This is an urgent matter."
Olana Wednesday April 11th, 2001 12:49:57 PM
"My name's Olana," says the elf cheerily to Bertram, having made sure also that Fluet was on his feet. She takes up the rear of the group, her eyes adjusting to the gloom, and wary for signs of bugs. She was exhausted too. Rest, and food - would be a wonderful thing.
DM Jan (The Mine) Wednesday April 11th, 2001 1:19:41 PM
The light from the entrance of the cavern disappears fairly quickly, along with - thankfully - the stench of the dead bug. The floor of the cavern starts to slope downward, and becomes a tunnel - which seems to snake gradually underground. The temperature is constant, the tunnel dry, and from the light of K'Nara's torch it can be seen that the walls have been evenly tooled to allow easy passage. Every now and then - signs that this place is a mine are in evidence. Passages start to run off here and there - small lines of trucks are parked along the wall, along with wooden shorings and ropes - there's a smell, metallic - hanging in the air.
Apart from the torch, the only source of light comes from dim lanterns hung occasionally here and there. The dwarves have no problem with this amount of light, and the elves can get by - sort of. For everyone else, it's a gloomy place where shadows loom past the torch and the passages leading off look pitch black.
After about half an hour, sounds can be heard - distant clanging from the occasional passage, some dwarven talk, and along with it - a rather delicious smell of cooking.
Orgar leads everyone to what a dwarf would call - a very well lit area. It's still very gloomy. The area appears to be at the edge of something greater, for there is more light ahead around a corner, and the sound of more talking. But here is a large carved alcove, a couple of lanterns and some straw-packed mattresses. "We cleared this out," says Orgar, "seeing as were were told strangers were coming. Bed down here. Young Brother and me will fetch food - and some strong ale. You all look like you need a bucket full."
With that - he and the younger dwarf head off around the corner. Within minutes, they return pulling along two of the mining trucks - converted to carry liquids. There's soup - thick and hearty, with a sack of bread strapped to the side, and in the second truck - ale - dark, rich, strong enough to fell a giant. They're accompanied. Young dwarves, already looking like little old men, stare and whisper in dwarven. Their talk seems to indicate they have never seen strangers before.
Milo Wednesday April 11th, 2001 2:02:16 PM
Moving over to the carts, Milo smells the soup, and then begins ladling up bowls for everyone, and passing them out. Once done, he takes his own bowl, some bread, and a mug of ale over to a mattress, and eats. After having seconds on everything, the halfling lays back onto the mattress for sleep. "That was excellent, my compliments to the chef."
Flueterflam Wednesday April 11th, 2001 6:32:48 PM
Suddenly, the bard blurts out loudly enough for all the group to hear, "Hello, my name's Flueterflam. Sorry to not introduce myself, I'm rather tired." The bard is rather skinny, however, he is toned and looks strong enough to support at least his own weight. He stands about average for a human, 5'10". He has no outstanding features, other than his shoulder length hair. He is 19 years old, but doesn't appear boyish. His demeanor is very friendly. Yet, he appears somewhat confused currently.
Ingrge Wednesday April 11th, 2001 6:54:17 PM
Moving almost woodenly, he is so tired, Ingrge limps along with the others. As their rest area is discovered, he is the first to dump his load. As he puts his pack, bow and sword down, he turns to Bertram and says, why don't we get something to eat and then you can tell me about yourself. After Ingrge gets something to drink and eat, he sits down and gingerly leans up against a wall, wincing as his back bumps up against the rock.
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 11th, 2001 8:30:51 PM
Bertram sits and eats with the others, idly chatting with the others that seem willing to talk. "As for myself there isn't much to tell. I decided to join Domi's Temple guards several months ago. Part of joining is going forth into the land searching for signs of impending war." At this point Bertram sighs woefully, "It was so quiet and peaceful. We really really need a good war. Something to get people fired up! Anyway I had heard some vague rumors of troubles here with my cousins so I drifted this way hoping to help. And besides, after hearing what the guards outside have planned for us this should be quite exciting..." Bertram grins and falls back to eating.
K'Nara Thursday April 12th, 2001 6:53:44 AM
K'Nara found a place to stuff the torch so that it could continue to shed its light in their area without setting fire to anything. She went over to one of the mattresses and poked at it--not the best, but much better than a lot of other places she'd ever had to sleep. With an approving nod of her cauled head, the leader of the Emerald Talons turned...in time to accept the food proffered by the workers of the mine.
"My thanks!" she said, taking the stuff and quickly eating it. Breakfast this morning at the Heated Cross seemed ages ago. "This IS very good!"
After finishing off the stew and the hearty ale that went with it, the human female sat, cross-legged, on one of the mattresses and began her nightly maintainence on her sword as Brother Bertram explained a bit of his personal history. She grunted when he finished.
"Huh!" K'Nara scoffed. "From what I've been able to see of the Dark Lord's realm--and what I know about Parnoth--I don't doubt that a war of SOME kind is, indeed, on the horizon! But such things do not concern the Emerald Talons...yet." The tall redhead shifted and looked around at the rest of the party.
"For now, we will rest and recover...and then see if we can't find out more about the situation before trying to do something about it." With a final rasp of her whetstone, the female fighter held up her formidable weapon and inspected it with a critical squint. Her mouth pulled to one side as she apparently accepted her efforts and buffed out the blade before replacing it in its sheath on her back with the ease that comes from years of training.
"Watch assignments will remain as I said before," K'Nara said, rolling to one side and plumping up her straw mattress, "With the exception that--IF our newest arrival is willing, that is--Dakar and Brother Bertram will take fourth watch together." The woman warrior's hazel eyes settled on Bertram, asking him the question in their expression even as she spoke it out loud.
"So...will you stand fourth watch, Brother Bertram..?"
Olana Thursday April 12th, 2001 10:43:17 AM
The elf thanks Orgar gratefully for the hospitality, and takes a seat after throwing her pack on the ground. "Ooooh, thankyou Milo," she says as the halfling hands out the bowls. "This is going to be sooo good." Then, something makes her pause. "Bertram?" she asks the dwarf. "Er.. what did the guards say exactly? They're planning? Planning what?"
DM Jan (The Mine) Thursday April 12th, 2001 10:49:51 AM
The younger members of the mining clan are herded away, giving the Emerald Talons and their new companion some badly needed peace and quiet. There is no sense of day or night here. Occasionally, sounds can be heard - voices,distant clattering of metal on stone, metal on metal, but none of it is loud enough that it will disturb any sleep. The air is cool - but not bone-chillingly so.
Milo Thursday April 12th, 2001 12:33:07 PM
Milo sleeps easily, having a great weariness, and a full belly. Waking to take his watch is not as difficult as he thought it to be. Nearly bursting with excitment, he turns to Fluet in and speaks in hurried whispers, "You never would guess what I was dreaming about Flueterflam... never in a million years... But I'll tell you... I had a dream of walking next to a lake, and seeing a wise old halfling sitting on the shore and fishing. Thinkin' I'll drop a line in the water too, I sit down next to the ol' gaffer, and quietly we reside... one next to the other in peace, hoping to catch that one fish... After a while, he dozed, and I draped my cloak about his shoulders. Waking with a start, the old halfling smiled at me, and said, 'Thank you young patriarch... thank you.' And then I woke up." Practically hopping up and down where he sits, "Oh Fluet, I've been chosen... Alemi has chosen me to serve him as a cleric. In the morning, I'll pray, and you'll see." With that, Milo goes quiet, though his eyes are as bright as ever as he sits in the dark and contemplates.
Dakar Thursday April 12th, 2001 2:29:23 PM
He eats, he sleeps, and quickly his sleeps turn to snores. The battlerager seems to sleep fitfully, twitching every once in a while, as though his mind was wracked by inner torment. He wakes a few times in a start. He looks around, briefly, before returning to his slumber. When it comes his time to give watch he sets up a perimiter around the camp before returning to the center in order to offer up his morning devotions.
Brother Bertram Thursday April 12th, 2001 3:18:58 PM
Bertram grins at Olana. "Caught that comment did ya? The guards dont seem to think too much of you folks. It seems that Parnoth gave orders that no one gets out alive and the guards are setting up a perimeter at all the exits to stop us from leaving. They made comments that they would prefer that Obsidian be sent but they still seemed quite willing to do the job themselves." Bertram's eyes grow cold and distant, "I say we mess up that scaly bastard's plan and get out of here alive just for spite".
Ingrge Thursday April 12th, 2001 5:44:32 PM
Listening to the others chat while he finishes his dinner, Ingrge achingly gets his tire sore carcass of the ground and nods to K'narra as he takes up his watch post, hoping against hope that they can get through the night without any interuptions.
Figment Thursday April 12th, 2001 9:38:04 PM
The mage rests as best he can until it's time for the watch, at which time he speaks with Ingrge about the best spells for the job.
K'Nara Friday April 13th, 2001 6:37:48 AM
Assuming that the new dwarven cleric was willing to share watch duty with Dakar, K'Nara plumped up her mattress, took her backpack off--as well as the weapons she wore on her back. The warrior woman removed a blanket from the pack--which she used like a pillow--and placed the bastard sword and the scimitar near her in case an alarm was sounded. Snuggling down into the straw and pulling up the blanket under her chin, K'Nara easily fell asleep until it would be her turn on watch...
...or until something else would wake her, whichever came first.
Olana Friday April 13th, 2001 10:41:08 AM
"No one gets out alive??" The elf narrows her eyes. "Well the green meany! He gets us to do his dirty work, and then we're going to be ambushed?" With a sigh, she adds. "I knew we'd got off too lightly." Settling to rest for a while, Olana will make sure those who didn't hear this get to know what the group was up against. She then takes her usual watch, presumably with K'Nara.
DM Jan (The Mine) Friday April 13th, 2001 10:58:40 AM
The dwarves leave the Emerald Talons in peace for quite a while. Outside, the day passes, and it is nightfall when Bertram and Dakar take the final watch. About halfway through it, they detect movement opposite the alcove. From a narrow passage emerges a female dwarf. To her fellow dwarves, she looks fairly young, about 4ft tall - her body compact, solid and muscular. She has course sandy hair, woven into a single thick plait, slung over one shoulder. Her clothing is simple, and close fitting. She has a characteristic wide face, and deep set eyes. She says nothing, and leans against the wall - quietly observing as the Talons finally emerge from their well - earned rest.
Figment Friday April 13th, 2001 12:50:14 PM
The mage takes his assigned watch and replentishes his spells for the long day ahead. During the process he realizes he can learn more spells than he could before - which he deems a good thing since it looks like their task ahead is going to be quite difficult.
He smiles to the others as they begin seething about Parnoth. "Don't worry too much about the guards. I'm sure they don't want to come in here so I would expect we have a couple of days at least. We might even be able to find a way to sick these beetles on the guards if we can get them to leave the mine. I think we'll be able to leave undetected at some point.".
As they begin to plan the day the mage offers "If there are a lot of those beetles then I don't think a direct assault will work very well. If a whole mine full of dwarves can't take them out I'm sure we can't either. It will be good to find out what the dwarves know about them so far. Maybe that mage came down here and did something. Once we've got the infestation out of here we can leave by covert means. We might also see if the dwarves would like to leave. In that case we need to be a little more creative. This should be a most interesting day to say the least!".
Dakar Friday April 13th, 2001 2:33:58 PM
Dakar nods to the young dwarf and gestures that she come over to them, pointing to Brother Bertam as he does so, and holding up his hands to show that he carries no arms within them. He remains silent, and, if the female dwarf approaches Bertram, will walk away to allow the two of them to converse.
Ingrge Friday April 13th, 2001 11:04:19 PM
Chatting a bit with Figment during watch and in the morning, Ingrge discusses some thoughts he had dealing with the scrolls they just found and the possibility of sharing spells from each others books.
(ooc Jan, David and I will role-play this via email as to keep the board clear of this inanity. We will of course cc you in all our emails. At which time you may decide if you want to include any/none or all of what was done/said.)
Flueterflam Saturday April 14th, 2001 12:19:26 AM
The bard, also somewhat groggy, laughs at Milo. "Is that so?" Fluet muses a moment before moving on. "How do you know it wasn't just a dream? I know I've had some pretty incredible dreams. Not all of them have ended up quite as profoundly as you proclaim your dream has been." Realizing his skeptism suddenly, "Sorry, i'm not saying you're wrong. I'm just saying don't get your hopes too high. You may have just been having a lucky dream or something."
Milo Sunday April 15th, 2001 7:02:17 PM
Milo smiles a Flueterflam, "I just know." After waking Dakar and Bertram for their watch, Milo takes his second rest. Upon waking, the halfling moves with purpose, kneeling in the middle of the chamber. Grasping the ruby which is the holy symbol for Alemi, Milo begins to pray silently. A look of peace and serenity comes over the halfling's countenance as he continues to pray for about an hour. It is hard to tell, in the dim light, but it is almost as if he is glowing with a dim rosy hue, and when he is finished, he looks up quietly, smiles, and returns to his cot to sort through his satchel. Pulling out a vial, he approaches K'nara, "K'nara, I want to apologize... You trusted me to dispose of this substance, and I did not." He holds up what is plainly a vial of silver mercurium... an exceptionally deadly toxin. "I have been chosen now... by Alemi, to serve as a Patriarch of his order.. and as my first act, I will correct this mistake." Stepping into a clear spot of the cavern, Milo tears a strip from the long side of his cloak. Rolling the strip up, he opens the vial of poison, and slowly allows it to drip into the cloth, giving it time to soak in. Then, taking a lantern from the wall, he pours oil over the poisoned cloth, and then lights it, stepping back quickly to watch it burn to ash.
Brother Bertram Sunday April 15th, 2001 9:35:10 PM
Bertram eyes the dwarf curiously. He smiles and motions her forward in a friendly manner.
K'Nara Monday April 16th, 2001 7:01:40 AM
"Oh, my..!" K'Nara said, her eyes widening when Milo revealed the vial of poison. The surprise turned to respect, however, when the halfling disposed of the deadly stuff. She smiled at Milo. "Congratulations, then, cleric of Alemi."
The party's rest had been undisturbed, so K'Nara retreated some ways away from the group to begin her daily workout of the bladesong techniques for the bastard sword. She noted that she was feeling especially...energetic, but attributed it to getting that much-needed rest.
Slowly at first, then gradually picking up speed, the tall human female pirouetted, slid, stepped, leaped and tumbled in her usual routine, remembering to add the gestures that Greymalkin had recently assigned to her. As she did so, the redhead thought idly that she sure could use some more light over in her section of the cave, it was blasted dark in here! Her energetic feeling suddenly surged...and one of the few lanterns that was in the area suddenly rattled, appearing to strain in K'Nara's direction.
"What the..?" the human bladesinger stopped, staring.
Ah, ha! I can tell by your voice that you've finally tapped into your spellcasting abilities, apprentice! the voice of the Maulk came through via the magic ring he'd given her months ago. It's about time! I was beginning to think we may have been wrong about you after all.
"We?" echoed K'Nara, lifting the ring and speaking into it incredulously. "What are you talking about? Human fighters can't cast spells..!"
Beg to differ, there, K'Nara-- Greymalkin replied, --but YOU *can* cast spells...it's something that first Gemsmith and then myself sensed in you...why else do you think we broke the number one rule of the bladesinger code--that only elves may be bladesingers? You can invoke magic, m'dear...potentially as powerful as any wizard you know.
"Wizards have books to study!" K'Nara pointed out hotly. "*I* don't have the intelligence or patience for that."
Don't underestimate your intelligence, K'Nara...and your brand of magic doesn't require the study of spellbooks...only the will to manifest the effects you wish. Listen to me now, and I'll teach you a few very basic effects that may be of help to you in the near future...
By the time everyone was up and getting ready to start their newest "assignment" from Parnoth, K'Nara had grasped the basics of manipulating magic...and was hoping that she would know when and where to apply them.
"Hello..." the six-foot-tall human bladesinger said as she walked casually up to Brother Bertram and the dwarf female with whom he was conversing, "...Brother Bertram...who do we have here..?"
Olana Monday April 16th, 2001 11:25:00 AM
The elf sinks quietly into her reverie for a while, a little sad and disappointed that their heads are still sought after. Still - they'd got out of these things before. She just hoped she could be more enthusiastic like Figment and Milo were. As the female dwarf approaches, she watches silently, but fully alert.
DM Jan (The Mine) Monday April 16th, 2001 11:36:50 AM
In the relative quiet of the alcove - a good rest proves most beneficial to the Talons, all of whom gain renewed energy and a stronger focus, in some cases a revelation, in others - a knowledge that they appear stronger, and more able to approach whatever danger lies ahead.
The female dwarf has a quizzical look on her face after witnessing some of the Talons recent behaviour as they rested, practiced, swapped spells, and prayed.
But eventually, she approaches the two dwarves and K'Nara. "My name is Helga," she says in a deep voice brimming with authority. "I am clan leader after the recent death of my father. If you are well rested, then I ask if you would come with me to council."
With that, she beckons for everyone to follow her around the corner.
Figment d20+4=18 Monday April 16th, 2001 11:59:39 AM
The mage prepares his spells for the day with Ingrge. He toils in his books as the last watch ends. He then catches a glimpse of something he shouldn't be seeing (Perception, DC 18). His thoughts race. "Was that - sorcerer's magic? Coming from where K'Nara was practicing?!? Only basic stuff but magic none-the-less. I must watch this...".
Once ready he rises and follows the clan leader with the others.
Dakar Monday April 16th, 2001 1:08:17 PM
The dwarf grunts and falls into the rear. As they walk he takes mental note of the tunnels shapes, directions... he looks for any strong lodes that he might follow later to their sources. Overall he remains silent and withdrawn, one can catch him mumbling something about "hearthguard do not clansman make." Every once in a while he'll swing his axe out against a wall from pure frustration with the situation, before regaining his composure and continuing on.
Ingrge Monday April 16th, 2001 2:23:44 PM
Studying and discussing spells with Figment passes the early hours of the morning quickly. Distracted momentarily by Figment's rising and watching K'narra, Ingrge glances up and smiles as he realizes that the talons just got another claw with which to fight.
Milo Tuesday April 17th, 2001 12:37:09 AM
Silent again, Milo steps into line next to Dakar, a concerned expression crosses his brow as he walks next to his friend. "Is your transgression something that you can atone for Dakar? Perhaps you should be thinking of ways to improve your situation and cleanse your name... if you don't mind my saying."
K'Nara Tuesday April 17th, 2001 6:35:34 AM
K'Nara gave a sheepish smile and a shrug to those whom obviously noticed her new-found talents--which she resolved to practice as much as possible now that she knew she had such abilities.
"We would be honored to meet with the council, clan leader Helga." the human bladesinger said with polite sincerity, then gestured for everyone to come along to wherever it was that the young dwarf maiden was going to lead them.
"Dakar..." K'Nara said to the moody battlerager, then paused because she didn't want to sound like she was being a busybody, "...just remember, warrior-priest of Domi...you're a member of the Emerald Talons now. We may not be a clan...but we stick up for our own."
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 17th, 2001 10:36:16 AM
Bertram shoulders his pack and starts forward following the others, keeping an eye out for trouble, thoughts of those bugs fresh in his mind.
Dakar Tuesday April 17th, 2001 11:00:12 AM
The dwarf turns to Milo and looks the halfling in the eye. "Honorable death in battle. Or performing a heroic act where I should by all means die, and somehow surviving. The former is the more likely outcome."
Olana Tuesday April 17th, 2001 11:27:37 AM
The elf checks her weapons and belongings, and takes a deep breath. Then - after a nod at the others, and a look of determination, she follows the others with the female dwarf, whispering to Fluet as an aside - "I'm starting to hate bugs."
DM Jan (The Mine) Tuesday April 17th, 2001 11:50:41 AM
Helga leads everyone around the corner and down a short passage, which suddenly opens out into a large underground cavern. The walls of the cavern are riddled with holes - small tunnels, large tunnels, some in darkness, some bearing lanterns.
One area of the cavern floor is alight with fires and anvils. It is very warm here, and dwarves can be seen at work on various pieces of weaponry. There are weapon racks too - although only a quarter of them are filled with what look like a very good quality of sword. The workers there glance at the newcomers briefly before continuing with their tasks.
Some dwarves look down from the tunnels in the walls, curious to see who has arrived in their midst.
Helga overhears the conversation between Milo and Dakar, and narrows her eyes. "There will be plenty of opportunity for heroics in this place," she says solumnly. "Plenty," before leading everyone toward an arrangement of rocks that allows a group of persons to sit around in a circle, at various heights.
There are dwarves sat there already and waiting, and without further ado, Helga climbs up and takes the highest seat, asking the party to find seats amongst the others where they may. She then announces in common - "These are the agents of the dragon, come to rid us of our menace." There are a few muttered hellos in stumbling common, along with remarks in dwarven about matters of trust - " - if they're with Parnoth, won't they be spies?"
Helga motions for calm, which she obtains somewhat grudgingly. To the party she says - "Forgive my brothers reticence. But we understand that it was one of the dragon's people that brought this menace here - and now he has sent others to take it away again. In the meantime, our people die - my father and brother among them. I would ask you to state plainly your motives and where your loyalties lie."
Ingrge Tuesday April 17th, 2001 12:26:59 PM
Packed up and following along, Ingrge's ire is raised as Helga calls them Parnoth's agents.
"You know not what you say, so I will forgive you and let it pass, but if you ever call us Parnoth's agents again, it will be the last thing you ever say in this lifetime. Now does that answer all yopur questions?"
Milo Tuesday April 17th, 2001 12:42:03 PM
After Helga butts in, Milo mutters so only Dakar can hear, "Why don't you mind yer own... ya ol' busy-body." The halfling gives the dwarven matron a shrewd yet non-threatening look.
At Ingrge's response, Milo pats him on the shoulder... "I'm thinking that diplomacy is not one of your strong suits." The halfling grins openly.
Looking up towards Helga, "Milady, we are here to help you because we believe you to be good people. The men waiting outside the cave above will attempt to kill us once we have completed this task. That is how little Parnoth thinks of us, and that is why we think of him even less. Our loyalties lie in each other, and to those goodly people who have been afflicted by the dragon. If you are not one of those, then I humbly beg your leave."
Figment Tuesday April 17th, 2001 1:20:39 PM
The mage winces as the clan leader describes them as Parnoth's agents and the others grumble simliar rhetoric. He grimaces further when Ingrge speaks.
Hoping to mitigate any ill feelings, he throws in a quick comment leaving the lions share of the time to the warrior woman. "The remains of the mage who delivered this menace to you are hanging by a spit in the cave of the dragon. Ironically, he infested this place with these beetles so he could hurt the dragon by stopping weapon production. I really don't think he cared one way or another about your clan. He was an evil man indeed. We came here because the dragon said he would kill us if we did not come. We are not his agents. We will aid you with this - and any other problem if we can. Anything you can tell us about the infestation will be helpful.".
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 17th, 2001 2:12:36 PM
Bertram jerks to his feet his face red with anger. "Helga thou accuse falsely! I have come to help my cousins and nothing more. And now I see what Dwarven hospitality is like in this part of the world. I serve none save Domi and will have words with any that would argue that point! Bertram eyes the group of dwarves on the rocks angrily.
Dakar Tuesday April 17th, 2001 4:47:59 PM
Dakar speaks in Dwarven, to the rest. "I have no qualms about stating my loyalties. Not am I outraged. You are a community besieged, which I am used to in my homeland. I am Dakar the Painmonger, also called the Oathbreaker. I come from the Northlands where I have sung the song of battle that burns in my blood. I joined the Talons so that I might find rest for I bear the Pariah's mark... their cause is mine. Their cause is just. Their cause is not the cause of Parnoth."
Flueterflam Tuesday April 17th, 2001 11:10:06 PM
The bard just frowns as the accusations are made. He lets the others defend their case. However, his brow is wrinkled with distaste an his mouth makes a slight frown as he waits for some decision to be made.
Olana Tuesday April 17th, 2001 11:41:09 PM
"They're right," states the elf firmly. "As far as Parnoth is concerned - we are outlaws that he wants rid of - as soon as possible. And you must forgive my fellow elf's outburst. The lives of his family have been threatened driectly and he has no love for that, that - Mean creature!"
K'Nara d20+2=12 Wednesday April 18th, 2001 6:32:05 AM
The tall redheaded human female listened silently as each of the party members stated their case, then stood to her full six feet of height before replying:
"You have every right to be cautious about Parnoth's motives...and even ours, since none of us come from here." K'Nara said firmly. "First of all, Brother Bertram's arrival merely coincided with the rest of us...he was not sent here by the Green One, and so should not be suspected by you the same way you suspect the rest of us.
"Secondly...we've freely admitted that Parnoth sent us here, and my good friend Milo has told you the truth: that we were given the 'choice' of coming here or being put to death, and so we are here.
"And, third but most important..." the female fighter draws in her breath and projects as much sincerity into her next words as she can muster, "...we are the Emerald Talons...we are pledged to help all the people of the Emerald Kingdom--be they human, elf or dwarf. Our ultimate loyalty lies with this pledge. Your people need help...and help you we shall--or die trying." It was easy for K'Nara to have said this, because she was telling the truth.
(OOC: made a voluntary Charisma check, because K'Nara is subconsciously trying to sway the council.)
DM Jan (The Problem with Beetles) Wednesday April 18th, 2001 11:55:58 AM
As the Talons state their case, a lot of excited muttering ensues - mostly in dwarven, some in common with a rather odd, gutteral accent. ".... dead - they say he's dead." ".. all well and good after what he did.." "Talons... like in all the tales.."
Helga stands, motioning for calm. "So - it appears we have been hasty in our assumptions," she says solemnly in perfect common. "Please forgive this? These are troubled times, and we feel somewhat under seige from something we cannot control. Apologies go to our cousin Trothgard too, who will always be welcome here."
In mere moments, the atmosphere appears to have changed, from one of gloomy suspicion, to something definitely more upbeat. Some of the dwarves even look excited, and are quietly discussing battle tactics.
Their leader continues - "In truth - we desperately need your help. We are also under threat to resume production. With your permission - we would like to talk of what threatens us, and would ask you what you already know? "Orgar - ask the brewers to fetch ale - it will help us clear our heads." Almost like magic - a brew cart appears, and sturdy cups of strong dwarven ale are handed around to everyone.
Figment Wednesday April 18th, 2001 12:19:13 PM
The mage takes an ale and sparingly sips on it not wanting to cloud his judgement. "It appears to me that the mage who infested this place did so with a spell. He was a master of many forms of animal control. I am wondering if anybody has noticed any unusual markings anywhere in the caverns - especially ones that were only noticed recently.".
Milo Wednesday April 18th, 2001 12:21:30 PM
Looking to K'nara after she said her piece, "And halflings... you forgot halflings... we always seem to be forgotten..." Though Milo's hurt tone changes as the ale is handed out, and he cheers up, giving the dwarf a friendly smile and nod in thanks.
Dakar Wednesday April 18th, 2001 12:59:28 PM
"I have no time for talk." The dwarf states plainly. "Where are the enemy, for it is to them I shall go to war. It is not a complex matter... when a mine is besieged one must kill all the enemies and if you call yourselves dwarves that would rather talk than do battle. I think staying in these human lands..." Dakar trails off for a moment and begins to walk away before turning, pulling out his hammer and slamming it into the wall. "FOR EACH SECOND WE STAND HERE!" he shouts, before slumping into a heap on the ground. And then begins to cry.
Flueterflam Wednesday April 18th, 2001 2:31:47 PM
The bard's mood changes quickly after the dwarves apologize. At the sound of ale, Fluet suddenly perks up. He mutters something about finally being able to play again. As ale is being passed around, the bard begins playing a rather playful, happy tune. He sings to it...something about everyone who pouts. His eyes dart quickly to Milo and Dakar, to make sure they didn't catch on that he was singing about them.
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 18th, 2001 3:45:39 PM
Bertram listens to the words of the dwarves and nods in recognition of thier concillatory nature. He raises a flagon in salute and drains most of it in a large swallow, smacking his lips and nodding his approval through his foam filled beard. His enjoyment is marred however by the words of Dakar. Bertram furrows his brow at the violence and pain evident in his kindred.
Ingrge Wednesday April 18th, 2001 6:39:19 PM
Taking an ale and sipping, Ingrge listens to Figments thought and then asks a question. Has anyone or would it be possible to capture a live one for a quick experiment? If they are magical in nature or created by magic perhaps a dispel magic spell might do the trick.
K'Nara Thursday April 19th, 2001 6:54:16 AM
"Sorry 'bout that, Milo--" the human woman nodded to the thief-turned-cleric, "--I did forget halflings...but we Talons will help halflings, too." K'Nara saluted the ever-patient Milo with a tankard of ale before drinking from it.
"I would ask you what's got you so emotional, Dakar...but I wouldn't want to push you to reveal anything that you are not willing to share." K'Nara said to the obviously-upset battlerager. "We all have...things we'd rather not air in public, so I'll leave the time and place of your revelation--should you ever choose to make one, that is--to your own choosing. Meanwhile...well, it is the wise warrior who gets as much information as possible about one's foe and the terrain in which the battle will be fought before having to face the enemy. Let us give these dwarfs the chance to tell us what they know of the giant beetle menace, hmmm..?" The leader of the Emerald Talons turned to face Helga.
"At your leisure, clan leader, if you would kindly tell us about this unnatural menace faced by you and yours..?"
Olana Thursday April 19th, 2001 11:30:06 AM
Olana takes a sip of the ale and tries not to wince, watching Milo drink the stuff in amazement. Her brow also furrows with concern about Dakar. Trying to get her mind to the task in hand, she listens to the others questions and statements, and offers the following - "All we know - is that there is an "infestation" of some kind, which we are supposed to clear. The man who created this, we have battled with before, and know some of his ways - as Figment says, there may be traps, but the creatures we saw before - were only very small." She shudders, remembering the huge monster beetle that was dragged out of the cavern.
DM Jan (The Problem with Beetles) Thursday April 19th, 2001 11:52:04 AM
The dwarf named Orgar shakes his head at K'Nara and pushes a cup of ale into Dakar's hand. "Drink up, boy," he says. "The burden you carry has been acknowledged, but you must carry it well and nobly, until it is time for your load to be lightened."
With Fluet's tune playing in the background, Helga and the other dwarves listen solemnly to the Talons. At Figment's mention of symbols, a quiet chatter begins, only to be stopped dead by Ingrge's suggestion. The dwarves look at one another, and then to Helga, who frowns and then shrugs. Then she says - "This we know - these monsters are big, they smell. They have 'jaws' at the front that give out a vicious bite. From their rear they shoot out a debilitating poison. Some are different - smaller, faster, more deadly. They seem to protect the others."
She pauses, as a muttering starts amongst the others - "... show them... show them the monster.." "Show them the monster!" someone yells.
"Hold your tongue!" growls Helga. "I'm getting to that." She continues - "We have seen symbols, perhaps - perhaps we SHOULD show you what we have. Orgar?" The male dwarf comes forward. "This way," he beckons, setting off along one of the dimmer passages. Helga shouts after him - "And tell them what we believe!"
Those above elven height will have to duck their head.
Figment Thursday April 19th, 2001 1:14:02 PM
The mage listens intently - especially as they mention symbols. He watches the dwarven guide and listens to what he has to say as they follow him.
Milo Thursday April 19th, 2001 1:42:05 PM
Milo smiles at K'nara, "Of course we will..." And then with one long draught, the halfling drains his mug, wiping his face on his shirt sleeve. "Mmm..boy... there is nothing quite like good dwarven ale." Getting up from where he is sitting, Milo sets the mug down in the cart, and then proceeds to follow Orgar, looking about the tunnels curiously.
Dakar Thursday April 19th, 2001 4:27:07 PM
The battlerager composes himself before handing the ale back to the one who offered it. "Such spirits are not for me."
He turns to K'nara. "Do not patronize me. You know not of the burden I bear, nor can you possibly comprehend it. I have proven myself your better in the arts of war, and have had two of your lifetimes to study tactics and strategy. I live for battle. You live for art and call it battle."
After that, he falls silent, shrugging off any comments K'nara may make in response and following the other dwarves.
K'Nara Friday April 20th, 2001 6:42:02 AM
For a moment, the look on the human bladesinger's face was akin to the shocked paralysis of one who's just had their face slapped by somebody wearing a chainmail glove. Then K'Nara carefully schooled her features into neutrality, slowly bowing her head to the dwarf's back as he walked haughtily away after snubbing not only her but his own people by refusing the drink offered to him.
"So much for giving a male some space." the woman warrior said acerbically, following where Helga led the party. As the six-foot-tall redhead bent to fit into the smaller-sized passage, she couldn't help but think bitterly to herself:
How ironic that a self-confessed "oathbreaker" accuses me of not knowing what it's like to be cut off from one's own clan...if only he knew that I, too, can never go home...
K'Nara's involuntary chuckle as she thought that was a tad bitter to anyone bothering to listen.
Olana Friday April 20th, 2001 11:32:41 AM
Olana walked up alongside K'Nara as they followed the dwarf up the passage and whispered to her, an easy thing to do seeing as the tall human was bent over a little. "I think in dwarf terms, Dakar is just a boy. Maybe here, amongst his own kind - it might be difficult. I don't know much about 'oathbreaking'. Perhaps we should ask this new companion of ours - Bertram - about'oathbreaking'. Dakar does seem to be acting strangely."
Flueterflam Friday April 20th, 2001 11:36:37 AM
Fluet slings up his lute and follows the group. Although he is only average height for a human, he is forced to duck as he travels through the caves.
DM Jan (The Trouble with Beetles) Friday April 20th, 2001 6:35:25 PM
Orgar leads everyone down a passage that, although not diminishing in height, seems to get narrower. It slopes downward, takes the odd twist and turn. Every now and then another tunnel veers off to the left or right, but Orgar doesn't travel down any of them.
Eventually, a smell begins to appear, not a particularly nice one either. Then - the tunnel widens once more into a small cavern. There's a dwarf sat by the wall next to an ale cart - an enormous axe rests on his knee and he wears a peg on his nose.
In the center of the cavern, is a HUGE beetle - approx 12 feet in length, wingless, bright green and partially flattened by an immense flat rock held above it by strong ropes. At it's head are two pincers, which occasionally snap in apparent anger. The smell is... wonderfully rich.
Brother Bertram Friday April 20th, 2001 9:44:43 PM
Bertram wrinkles his nose at the smell as the group approaches the struggling beetle. His hands fall to his axe out of habit before he realizes it. Abashedly he drops his hand from the axe and instead keeps an eye out for any other predators in the area.
Figment d20+4=24 Friday April 20th, 2001 10:03:45 PM
The mage quickly begins to study the cavern and then closely examines the beetle - but not too close... He looks carefully for any symbols or signs that might be on it or any sign of magical aura or 'residue' determined to find out how this guy managed to make this happen. (Natural 20! DC 24 Perception check).
Figment, cont. Friday April 20th, 2001 10:18:54 PM
"This guy" would be the now dead mage...
Ingrge Saturday April 21st, 2001 2:59:05 PM
"My god, What died?" Tying a scarf across his nose and mouth to try and filter out some of the odor, Ingrge steps just inside, making darn sure to stay away from the critter, and inspects the beetle and casts a detect magic spell.
Milo Sunday April 22nd, 2001 10:32:04 PM
Milo stares at the huge bug with disbelief, "You want us to fight that? Oh dear heavens... what is that smell...? At least we'll know when they are around..." Milo steps back, holding his nose.
Olana Monday April 23rd, 2001 12:49:56 AM
"Oh my..." mutters the elf at the rather alarming pong, presumably coming from the beetle. "Careful!" she utters, as Figment and Ingrge inspect the thing. Her eyes move to those of her companions, the question in them being - 'How are we going to get rid of these horrible things?'
Turning to Orgar, she asks - "Do you know how many of these things are in the mine?"
K'Nara Monday April 23rd, 2001 6:01:39 AM
"Holy Mittiri!!!" the tall redhead exclaimed as she saw the size of the beetle. "Looks like that wizard really knew how to grow these things, eh?" K'Nara gave a low whistle, eyeing the oversized mandibles. "Fighting one or two of these will doubtless be really tough--if there are more than that, though...we'll have to come up with some kind of plan, that's for sure..." She glanced Figment and Ingrge's way, hoping that their superior intelligence would be able to counter the problem of the beetles.
DM Jan (The Trouble with Beetles) Monday April 23rd, 2001 10:42:28 AM
When approached by Figment and Ingrge, the creature lets out a blue, violent shot of poison from its back end, which splatters away from everyone against the wall behind it. From the colour of that wall - it appears that this has happened before. Frustrated at being unable to attack, it wriggles under the stone, snapping it's pincers.
Ingrge's spell does indeed detect an aura of magic about it, and when Figment examines the creature - he notices strange, glyph-like symbols along it's flank - a lighter green than the rest of it's carcass.
To Bertram, this appears to be the only beetle-like creature in the vicinity. In answer to Olana's question, Orgar rubs his beard. "We 'think' there's three of 'em - including this one. But - there's a load of little un's - nowhere near as big as this - but they're fast and have 'fangs' like this 'un. They attack like packs of dogs.
"The thing is," he continues, "we've been trying to reason out why they're here in the first instance. These big 'uns eat the rock - and occasionally they'll lay an egg - pure metal. We managed to get one, and we're working on it. What'll come of it - we don't know yet."
He then looks around, meeting everyone's eyes. "This one - killed Helga's father and brother - and one of my cousins died from the poison. I'd like to put an axe through it but Helga was waiting till you got here first."
Figment d20+13=33 Monday April 23rd, 2001 11:28:55 AM
Seeing the glyphs, the mage says to Ingrge "Direct your spell at those glyphs. What do you see? I strongly suspect if we can dispel the glyphs that the thing may die or be rendered much less agressive.". He also examines the glyphs and attempts to identify their nature and what kind they may be (DC 33! Int+spellcraft). [Seeing how this is the third time he has encountered this mage's work, he knows what to look for - maybe an additional plus]
After he examines the glyphs he speaks to the guard. "I have some questions. Please answer them as completely as you can: First, Do the small beetles lay eggs too? Second, you see these marking on the beetle - have you seen any on the walls of tunnels? Third, How often do these things lay eggs? And fourth, Are the smaller ones growing and if so, how fast? Fifth, are the attacks orchestrated? Do they look like they are thinking as a unit?". He nods his appreciation to any answer given.
After the guard - or whomever - answers, he turns to Ingrge, "My friend, I would like to cast dispel magic on this beetle, but I lost my spell when we helped Olana with here armor problem. I saw you have the spell, do you perchance have it memorized? If so, lets clear the area and you cast it on those glyphs. If not, I would request you memorize it at your earliest convenience and then cast it.". the mage hesistates as he considers what he has in mind to say next. "One more thing. If the spell works, I would think it in our best interest for me to memorize the spell too - but I know that is a great favor to ask..."
Dakar Monday April 23rd, 2001 12:09:40 PM
"If it can be hurt then it can be killed." the dwarf states simply. "We can take solace in that. Domi will provide. Fortune favors the bold."
Ingrge Monday April 23rd, 2001 7:13:34 PM
Responding to the glow of magic from his spell, Ingrge slowly directs the spell over all parts of the beast and then as Figment mentions it on the Glyphs themselves. Listening with half an ear to the question and answer session, he too nods as the answers come forth. as The dwarf finishes answering Ingrge looks up. I too would ask an additional question or two. First, Do the smaller beatles have any glyphs on them? And, are the smaller ones exact replicas of these bigger ones? and finally do the smaller ones uxude any of that poison?
At Figment's mention using the dispel magic spell on the beetle and the glyphs, Ingrge grins and says Well you know I just happen to have it memorized. I though that perhaps we might need it. I was of that mind last night, so I made sure I had it this day.
And as I mentioned before when you used your spell I said that I would replace it somehow and now that I have this spell you may of course copy it down from me.
Brother Bertram Monday April 23rd, 2001 10:47:14 PM
Bertram keeps watch against other of these horrific creatures approaching, and at the same time listens to the spellcasters discuss their findings.
Olana Tuesday April 24th, 2001 1:30:46 AM
As the mages do their investigation, Olana creeps over to Bertram. "I hope you don't mind me asking," she whispers, "but just how serious is this oathbreaking business in the dwarven community?"
Milo Tuesday April 24th, 2001 1:47:25 AM
Inviting himself into the conversation with Olana, "I don't know about oathbreaking amongst dwarves... but I use to hang with a pretty rough crowd, and I split... I'm surprised I haven't seen any of them pop up yet to try and slit my throat." Milo looks pale for a moment, and then he seems to shake it off.
K'Nara Tuesday April 24th, 2001 6:50:41 AM
With half an ear towards the huddle between Figment, Ingrge and the dwarf guarding the beetle, K'Nara commented to Milo amiably: "Why, Milo--I would NEVER allow anyone else to slit your throat...that's something I will do the next time you give me gray hairs with one of your 'sudden inspirations'..!" Milo could tell that--unlike the forced joviality with Parnoth's guards--this time the tall human woman WAS just joking.
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 24th, 2001 8:19:59 AM
Bertram considered the question for a moment. "Oathbreaking is taken very seriously amongst my people. There are few ways to atone for such a thing." Bertram leaned closer and whispered in Olana's ear. "Now having said that, your dwarven friend is out of control. His actions are an embarassment to a dwarf and to Domi, our God. He seems to have a deathwish and his aggressive behavior could get us all killed. I realize he is your companion so I hope that you can get him under control to some extent." Bertram pats her hand for a moment and then starts sharpening his axe as the mages discuss bugs and spells.
DM Jan (The Trouble with Beetles) Tuesday April 24th, 2001 11:24:08 AM
Through Ingrge's spell, and Figment's further examination, they can see the spell looks intricate and complicated. Some of the glyphs inter- connect, some are isolated. Whatever this is - has been carefully thought out, and seems to go into areas not normally traveled. One thing though - both wizards seem to think that all this is leaning towards alchemy of some kind.
At the barrage of questions, Orgar says - "Goh! That's a lot of questions. I need an ale." The one guarding the beetle chuckles and hands the other dwarf a cup, which Orgar swills down with relish. "Right... *BURP* ...about the beetles." He takes a deep breath and continues - "They don't lay many eggs - in fact we've only been able to get to one. As for the marks - I don't think we've seen them anywhere else. "Now - as for those little terrors - they don't lay eggs, they don't have poison. They're slightly different - same colours but with flatter, harder bodies - pincers are the same size though, an' they don't have patterns on 'em like that one does. They fight like they're protecting their mamma, maybe."
To other members of the party, they get a chance to experience the terrain they're going to be working in. Tunnels no greater than five and a half feet, a slight breeze that carried echoes of voices and other sounds here and there. The horrible beetle smell, and a myriad of chambers through which to crawl. There is also a distinct lack of light - some of the offshoot tunnels are as black as pitch.
Figment Tuesday April 24th, 2001 11:45:59 AM
The mage smiles at Ingrge. "Well, my friend, it looks like we need to do a test. I've never seen glyphs that smack of alchemy before. This guy was quite the artist. Since I don't know all that much about that craft I would say lets experiment on this thing and see what effect dispelling the glyphs have.".
"Orgar, if we can manage it, and these little beetles are protecting the big ones, perhaps we can get this one to the surface and let it get a scent of the guards outside. Maybe it will attack the guard and the babies will follow? And if that fails, perhaps we can create an illusion of a big one going to the surface and lure the little ones to the surface that way. Then the guards can fight them and save us the trouble. In the confusion we can leave once they are all gone.".
Milo Tuesday April 24th, 2001 12:22:05 PM
Milo grins sheepishly at K'nara as she makes her exclamation. Then, upon hearing Figment's plan, he looks somewhat shocked, "Uh... Figment... far be it from me to dispute one so wise, but while that may solve our problem, I honestly think that the guards will not be able to handle the critters, and then the good dwarves here are still stuck with their problem. I don't think there is going to be an easy solution to either problem... if you know what I mean." The halfling looks deeply concerned regarding the whole affair.
Figment Tuesday April 24th, 2001 1:10:25 PM
The mage chuckles at being called wise. "I may be smart, Milo, but not so wise. I don't think I would be worried about the guard. So the big green guy would have to keep the bugs from getting into the city. He'd lose a lot of men that way. Too bad... :) Remember, he told us to fix the problem. He did not say we couldn't cause more. Of course, I wouldn't want to be near here when he finishes dealing with it.".
Dakar Tuesday April 24th, 2001 5:23:04 PM
The dwarf turns to Figment "Aye, the Green one would protect the city. But what of the towns that are between here and there. The guard above... What right do you have to decide whether they live or die? They are mere soldiers in Parnoth's employ, not members of Obsidian solely. They have family. Your solution is unacceptable, and one of cowardice."
Ingrge d20+8=17 Tuesday April 24th, 2001 6:42:47 PM
Nodding to figment and looking to K'narra for any final obstacle, Ingrge casts a dispel magic on the beetle centered on the Glyphs. and awaits to see what happens.
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 24th, 2001 10:05:25 PM
Bertram listens to Dakar while watching Ingrge cast his spell. He starts to say something to Dakar but bites his tongue and goes back to watching the beetle to see if the spell has any noticeable effect.
Olana Wednesday April 25th, 2001 1:25:53 AM
The somewhat puzzled and worried elf looks between Bertram and Dakar for a moment, "Oh..." she says, wishing she'd never asked. She had a sudden mental image of hordes of halflings coming after Milo too, which she dismissed quickly. Shrugging at K'Nara, she decided to pay attention to more immediate business. "I wouldn't like to let that thing loose," she says, pointing to the beetle. "I mean that tunnel goes straight back to the dwarven encampment doesn't it?"
Flueterflam Wednesday April 25th, 2001 2:14:56 AM
The bard just shudders at the thought of everything going on currently. He appears to stay back and stay quiet. He appears in doubt of what the group needs to do, and even more in doubt of how the group will accomplish these things. "Hmmm...this should be interesting..." As Ingrge casts his spell, Fluet moves back a bit more. He appears to expect the glyphs and dispelling to be somewhat destructive.
K'Nara Wednesday April 25th, 2001 6:11:35 AM
"Loose the bug on the guards--now THERE'S an idea..." mused K'Nara, tapping her chin in contemplation, "...it might work, but I'd want to at least make sure that this mine was no longer plagued by any of the other beetles running around in here...and, should we actually do that, we would be obligated to follow the beetle in order to make sure that the thing didn't run around loose after the guards were sufficiently...distracted.
"No, for now we'll just have to handle clearing this place of the bugs first. After the dwarves here are no longer threatened by them, then we can see about how to get away without becoming casualties of Parnoth's guards." So saying, the human bladesinger turned her attention to seeing how Ingrge cast his spell, noting the intonations and the gestures that accompanied the invocation of the dismissive magic.
Someday I might do that... she thought to herself.
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