Siege Of Bordrin's Watch

[EvolutionKB]

Wendigo reaches up to his chest to finger the holy symbol of Moradin hanging there. Stroking his beard, the shifter smiles grimly, his fangs showing. "I do here what others do, worship the great Moradin. But that is not the only reason I am here. I seek the counsel of the leadership here. Something terrible has happened."

[Voda Vosa]

"In that case me friend 'ere can help ye out. Wha's so terrible?" the dwarf asks.

[The Digger]

Henry rose from his knees and looked around him. Whilst he had been praying Tregar had left, presumably to attend to his own business. The fighter smiled again at the thought of the work the dwarf had done on his weapon and hoped the Gods would smile upon the smith and grant him long life.

As he walked from the cathedral he was surprised to see so many there. "I suppose they are seeking guidance in this time of uncertainty, just as I", he mused to himself.

His back straightened as he adopted his old military stance and he marched resolutely from the holy precinct. He would eat and prepare his body for the rigours ahead, whether he be chosen by the guard commander for frontline work or whether he would be amongst those manning the wall. It mattered not so long as he did his duty.

[RavenBlackthorne]

As her eyes search the cathedral, they fall upon the form of a human rising from his knees. At first, the man seems no different, but as his back straightens her mind is assailed with memories. The flashing of blade, the clash of steel, the smell of blood, the taste of fear…and the feeling of that strong back against his…hers.
“H…Henry?”
Her legs moving before she realises it, she follows him to the entrance of the building,
How do I know him?
As she asks, the spirit of Ordon materializes next to her, his steps in perfect harmony with hers. He turns to her and nods towards the human and his lips pull into a broad smile.
“Henry?”

[Keia]

Warrick

Warrick was lost in his reverie for several moments, the smells and aura of the cathedral sending him back to happier times. The words of a stranger shook him clear of the fog that was descending. ' . . . terrible has happened,' was the phrase and Warrick glanced in the direction it had come from.

The dwarf that had known the Captain, Grombar, was talking with the stranger. Warrick walked over to them, nodding to each and he silently intruded in the conversation, seemingly willing to lend his support to whatever the dwarf decided.

[Kobold Stew]

Gala walks through the town, looking for something, someone who might be interested. Her sleight form might once have been attractive, but her clothes are ill-kept, and the exposed skin on her arms and lower legs has scars, wounds that were not healed by magic, but by time. She runs a finger beneath the talisman on her choker, providing a quick coolness to her throat, before she turns a corner.

Here, is a crowd. Here, at the temple of Moradin, are several individuals gathered. She sees an elf or two among them, which makes her check her step. she stands, and watches, for a few seconds. A leaf, carried on the breeze from a tree she cannot see, floats lazily down beside her,, in the periphery of her vision. Without moving her head, she catches it, and pulls it out of the way. Only her arm moves, purposefully; the rest is still, encased in shadow.

When she has seen enough, Gala takes a step, revealing herself as a silhouette, leaning against a wall, stepping again, getting closer to what seems to be the main conversation.

[DEFCON 1]

Having arrived at the Stone Anvil cathedral a short while ago, the High Priest, Durkik Forgeheart, moves up and down the aisles lending council and assistance where he can. A young dwarf carried his injured mentor in, and he lent his healing words to bring the old man back from death's door. Numerous others he's spoken to... dwarves, humans, elves, even a deva.

However, when he hears his name called out from his old friend, Gombar, regarding an incident of major import... he moves over to the dwarf and the shifter standing next to him. The conversation is short and succinct, and it makes the priest blanche ever-so-slightly.

"The Sundered Chain? All of them? Or at least those you could see? This is worse than was originally thought. I must pass this on to the council."

Forgeheart shakes the shifter's hand in thanks, and then turns to Gombar. "My apologies, my friend... I'm afraid I will have to postpone that drink. If I do not see you before the call at High Hall, make your next two days fare thee well." Durkik turns and then hurries out into the night, heading back to High Hall.

**********

As Gloomblade watches the Lost Ones circle him, looking for the right opening to attack... it comes as a great surprise as the matronly dwarf female marches out to join him, followed shortly by the other halfork whose identity he was mistaken for. As Chris moves into the street, it is evident that several of the hoodlums do a double-take at the sight of the second halfork, and very quickly a minor sight of panic flashes across their eyes.

However, that doesn't stop all of them... and with a shout, several of the Lost Ones pounce at Gloomblade (and by extension, Sister Tresa), and thus the battle is joined!

The battle is swift and fierce... Tresa nor the two halforks giving any quarter... and after numerous slashes and whacks, the thieves realize their folly and turn hightail and run. It is a good fight and it gets the blood pumping, but the three soon realize that they might have made an enemy of an organization that holds some base of control here in Overlook. so it is probably just as well they'll be leaving in two days time.

[Velmont]

Chris grabs one of the thugs that lay in the dirt of a dark alley near where the fight happen. His fight had split him from the remaining of the group. He lift him and pin him against a wall. He takes a quick look at the ruffian and see it was the same one who had drawn a dagger at him. "You again... listen up kid. I had nothing against your organization. I was even thinking to join it up, but you ruined it all."

He draws a dagger he had taken during the fight and put it on his throat. "That would be the thing to do. I though you would have learn after the first lesson, but you did the same mistake twice. You should never start an attack against someone you know nothing about. That will finish by killing you." He grabs the hand of the young boy and carve a serious cut in the flesh that will heal in time, but will leave a scar. "A reminder of the lesson of today."

The boy, scared, was crying, grabbing his wounded hand. As Chris release him, the boy starts to flee. "Bastar...". He never finish his word. He felt dead in the shadow of the buildings. "Lesson two, never leave a potential deadly enemy alive."

He get out of the alley and join Gloomblade. "I've handle the one over there. No more threat. How are you?" He then look at the dwarf "And thanks for your help. It is always difficult to get rid of cockroach."

[Velmont]

Gundar opens his eyes. He seems to awake from a deep sleep. "Where am I?"

"I've brought you to overlook, master." answered Baldwin. "We are at the cathedral of Moradin. Someone just took care of your wounds."

"I told you to seek help, to warn of the danger. Why have you come back for me, you waste precious time, you..." under the anger, the elder dwarf felt unconscious again. A young priest came to them. "He will be correct, but he need rest, we will carry him to a bed. Do you need anything?" asks the priest.

"Me?, no, just some rest." on that, the priest carry Baldwin's mentor to another part of the cathedral. Baldwin is left alone in the stairs near the altar. He see the great priest talking to a dwarf and a shifter before he leaves in a hurry. Curious, he stands up and walk to them.

"What is happening? I see there seems to be a lot of action in this city, but it is no kind of festivity. Even in this holy place, I would have expected more seclusion and peace and less tension in the air."

[Voda Vosa]

"When somethin' terrible hadpens and at the very doorstep 'f the orc's attack, even the holiest of places can't rest in peace. Come 'ere young one, tell this old dwarf yer name." The older dwarf offers.

[Velmont]

"Something terrible?" wonder the young dwarf. "How can the orcs be of some trouble when they live on the other side of the mountain range? Isn't the Watch string enough to hold any invasion?"

Baldwin looks around and now perceive the nervousness of many people in the cathedral. "Sorry, I must sound a bit out of touch of the reality. My name is Baldwin. I've been living many years in the wilderness with my mentor, Gundar. You might have seen him, it was the wounded I just carried to the altar. We are living near the Vents, and we are protecting the travelers from the danger of the underground world, and also protect the underground ecology from the harm of the civilization. But something has happen in the darkness of the ground, and creatures living deep underground have fled to the surface. My mentor almost lost his live when we were surprised by some creatures. They were hostile, which is pretty abnormal. Something must scare them, but we don't know what. Gundar thought it would be wise to advise the authorities of the city. Do you know if the high priest would be back soon. I would think he could handle such information. Would the trouble from below would be related to what animate the city?"

[Voda Vosa]

"Perhaps... Name's Gombar, Gombar Firebelly. I think me friend tha priest ain't be around any time soon, but we'll meet 'im tomorrow o' in a few days. He's an old friend 'f mine. Stick with us if ye don't know tha city. It can be a tricky place if ye not have a trained eye fer troubles." says Gombar patting the dwarf in the shoulder with he's heavy stout hand. "Oh and thi's Warrick, an elf." he says pointing at Warrick and raising his eyebrows. "And this is... a furry guy, follower of Moradin. Note the beard. He carries the bad news which Ah'm still waitin' ta hear details of." the old dwarf says, introducing the other two, and waiting for Wendigo's explanation

[EvolutionKB]

Wendigo stood, calm, and told his story. He leaves out the carnage he knows he could see in his mind's eye. "I recently returned from Drellen's Ferry. I could see the smoke from the cookfires from a distance. I could smell the burnt flesh on the wind. The only home I've known, was taken over, figures stalked it's courtyard, taller and stronger than the dwarves that had ruled the place." Wendigo pauses, sitting upon the floor, long legs crossed before him. "I know that if I approached, I would be seen and hunted down. I came here instead, seeking help. Upon my arrival I heard of the orcs in the area, the same ones that probably took my home from me. I came to this church to spread the word of the devastation, and to provide a warning."

[DEFCON 1]

The subsequent days pass quickly... and all manner of man and woman meet each other, talk, and plan for the war that is to come. It is a time for preparation, a time for all who might offer themselves for the good of the city to make peace with his or her god, his or her family, his or her self. The wars against the orc have historically been bloody, painful affairs, and it is up to each person to decide what he or she is capable of.

On the morning of the third day, all volunteers congregate in the huge High Hall, that lays in the center of Caer Overlook. The white stone walls spread out to a diameter of two hundred feet with a giant dome arching overhead. The dome is covered in a huge mural... an artist's rendition of Moradin's wrath against the primordials, telling the story of the god's gift, the betrayal, the Age of Chains, and culminating in the dwarves' liberation. At the far end of the chamber is a twenty foot high dais, upon which lay the five chairs of the Council of Elders... each of which hold their respective councilor, watching the proceedings below.

Spread out below the dais are several tables, behind which stand numerous scribes, as well as many of Overlook's finest. High Priest Forgeheart can be seen milling about, as well as Captain Maul, standing at attention and keeping a keen eye on those that come forward to submit their names. As each man and woman enters the hall to join the ranks of the city militia, they join up the lines that have formed behind each table. From the looks of things, there are several hundred of you here today.

As the tide of humnaity slows a bit as the room has become fuller, the young dwarf councilor, Elder Cadrick, stands up from his seat and signals for quiet. Captain Maul lets go with a piercing whistle, and soom the din dies down to a quiet murmur.

"Welcome to High Hall, my friends. I am Elder Cadrick. I don't much see the point in bandying words, so I'll lay it out for you. War is upon us. A great host of orcs comes from the west. Their intention is clear. They will come through the mountains bent on slaughter. Those they spare can look forward to a short life of slavery. Overlook, and Bordrin's Watch in the mountains, have long held fast against these raids, but our scouts say never has such an army gathered. Thus, we turn to you brave souls to help defend not only Overlook, but alos all the Elsir Vale."

Throughout his speech, Cadrick paces slightly at the top of the dais. When he comes to an end, he stops his pacing and spreads his arms out and down, indicating the tables below.

"We ask that each of you who are submitting yourselves to this task, come forward one at a time through the lines and give your name and your profession to the scribes. I need to know exactly who is still interested in this campaign, so that I can assign the players as I need and see fit. If you do not reiterate your intention to participate, I will assume you have changed your mind. There is no shame in this... everyone has duties outside of this campaign that might take up too much of your time... so please only give us your name if you really want to participate and see this battle through. Thank you."

And with that, Cadrick returns to his high-backed chair and sits down. And one by one, each character comes forward to state his or her intention.

[stonegod]

OOC

Nice bit of OOC ICing there. I see what you did.

Longer post later.

[Keia]

Warrick Steel

The last two days had been difficult for Warrick. The pain had not ebbed, though he did get several hours of blissful sleep the last eve . . . only through copious amounts of alcohol . . . dwarven ale at that. The pounding in his head eased the pain in his heart, but did not lessen the vengeance he wanted . . . needed to deliver.

When the time came, Warrick found himself in the High Hall, head pounding from the din of the crowd, anger at himself for allowing his head to get that way put a tighter grimace on his face. When the call went out . . . Warrick glanced about, then stood up and spoke up. He had no fear, no reservation. Now was the time, his two days in suspension were more than enough to get his affairs in order . . . limited though they were.

As he got to the front of his line, moving through some, cowing others, Warrick spoke up as soon as the scribes eyes met his. “The name you can put down is Warrick Steel. A scout, competent with a blade. I told Durkik I would be here . . . and here I am," the elf stated simply.

[renau1g]

Tregar had been waiting for a long time for the others to gather, his own exuberance and dutifulness got him here far earlier than most others. With the human, Henry his silent partner they waited, and waited, and now the time was here.

A dwarf clad in tattered chainmail and carrying a simple iron staff steps forward, following the elf. "I am known Tregar, blacksmith, but I come before you as a servent of the secrets of Moradin. I am a vessel that he flows through, allowing his divine wrath to be sent upon his enemies on this plane. I have a duty to turn back this tide and keep the Soulforger's city safe. " he says quietly, yet full of conviction that there's no doubt in anyone's mind the strength of will behind these words.

[Velmont]

The half-orc make a step foward as it is his turn to present himself. He is carrying a brand new mace and a leather armor. "My name is Chris Bedrock. I'm a mercenary. But don't get abuse by my appearance. I hate orcs as much as anyone here, or even more, just for the reputation they gives to our kind." He looks around at the people gathered, his eyes searching for anyone doubting his word, but no one seems to openly oppose his statement, so he step aside to let the next one to present himself.

[Voda Vosa]

The old dwarf pushes his way through the crowd, caring little about who did he push.
His stout frame comes out of the mass of people, already wearing his armour, with his shield on his back, and an axe hanging from his belt. His gear has seen better times, although it's craft is undoubtedly excellent.
"Gombar Firebelly at yer service, as he was several years ago, at the last of the horde's attack. Me arts is simple, Ah' chop head's out! And 'fter many years 'f venturin' into the wild, and tearin' orcs apart, Ah' can assure ye, Ah'm yer dwarf! Dunno let grey beard deceive ye, Ah'm even stronger now that Ah' ever was!" proclaims the dwarf as he follows his comrade, and stands stubborn at his side

[Velmont]

The dwarf looks at the dome and the painting. Born in a small village, he lived half his live in the wilderness. The huge construction, finely decorated was something unusual for him. In two days, he had been amazed by many things, almost scared. He had thought to turn around and return in the security of his small wooden house in the wilderness... but the Vents near there was no more secure. As he had understood, the orc invasion was related to the trouble, but he didn't knew how exactly, that's why he was here.

"Sir, it is your turn." tells an halfling behind me.

"Oh." the dwarf look at the council who stare at him back. "My name is Baldwin Ironfist. I am an hermit that lives near the Vents, where me and my mentor are protecting the travelers from the creature that can come out of the underground."

One member of the council whispers to Cadrik. He looks suspicious about the hermit. Cadrik asks "Who is your mentor?"

"Gundar Jadestone" replies Baldwin. The suspicious member of the council nods approvingly before Baldwin have to let the next person to present himself.