Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Anka Seth - The Rise of the Hydra (New Update April 19, 2007)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Fiasco" data-source="post: 2871271" data-attributes="member: 15187"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Chapter 6</strong></p><p></p><p>Morgan leant back against a boulder and surveyed the campsite. Beside him a fire crackled soothingly, the white driftwood burning blue and smokeless in the late afternoon. The aroma from the stew pot made his mouth water but he stifled his appetite. The rapidity with which the villagers were consuming their food indicated they would soon be after second helpings, and then most probably a third. The Fastendian didn’t begrudge them. A little personal discomfort was nothing when weighed against what the others had suffered. </p><p></p><p>Nearby, Moxadder stood concealed in the shadows of the cliffs which formed the backdrop to the tiny cove. He had also disregarded the meal, choosing instead to draw on his Devil Weed while keeping a close watch upon the heavily trussed figure of Rumscully Jack. </p><p></p><p>Morgan shared his concern, indeed a bow lay close to hand, an arrow already knocked against the string. The people of the Fastness knew well that an enemy was never to be trusted, even one that appeared helpless. Kuruul grunted as he scratched a flea in his sleep, then wedged his powerful rump more firmly against Morgan’s legs. At times like this it was hard to believe that the beast was anything other than a warhound.</p><p></p><p>Concealed higher up amongst the rocks, Stravarius surveyed his companions from beneath his voluminous hood. Though best suited for night vision, his eyes were sufficient for him to keep vigil for approach from the sea. Below him in their sheltered cove, Argonne fussed about Plunderer, their captured ship. It had been dragged ashore behind an outcropping of rocks. The woodsman made sure that it was invisible to ships on the sea and safe from the vagrancies of the tides. </p><p></p><p>Gerard and Mortec shared the meal with the villagers. The gnome, so grim and fell in battle was of a completely different temperament in social settings. With skill and patience he worked with Gerard in teasing out the finest details of the pirate attacks from their charges as they ate their fill. By the time evening fell and the exhausted prisoners fell into a deep slumber, the pair felt confident they had learned all there was on the subject. Morgan stood and looked pointedly at their captive. The time had come for Rumscully Jack to answer to the Hydra.</p><p></p><p>They dragged him away from the camp, the waxing moon throwing gleams off their exposed metal. The pirate lord remained still, whether from his wounds, fear or exhaustion, the companions could not tell. Stravarius propped him upright against a boulder and with an uncovered face, scrutinised him with his burning gaze. The Rumscully Jack’s eyes widened a little but showed no other reaction. Satisfied the prisoner was still secured, the Black Elf removed the gag and stepped back into the half circle of his companions. Alone, injured and in deadly peril for his life, still the pirate gave a rasping chuckle as he surveyed his captors one by one. </p><p></p><p>“Well lads”, he said, “You’ve managed to capture the great Rumscully Jack. I dare say you’ve gotten more than you bargained for. Why, you look more scared than I do! Tell me, what are your plans for old Jack?”</p><p></p><p>“We shall execute you”, said Gerard shortly, determined to quash the pirate’s insolence. Another chuckle rumbled forth from that barrel chest.</p><p></p><p>“I think not. You’d have already cut my throat if that was your game. No, you need me or you fear me. Whichever it is, tread carefully. Whenever I give a little, I take a lot in return.”</p><p></p><p>“We could torture you”, Mortec chimed in. The expression on his face was not kind.</p><p></p><p>“Aye you could. Some of you might even have the stomach for it”, he said, eyeing Stravarius and Moxadder. But it’s a nasty, dirty business and I don’t break easy. It will take time, and that you don’t have. Leastways so I judge”. </p><p></p><p>An uncomfortable silence fell over the Hydra. Rumscully Jack’s words rang disconcertingly true. They may have bested him, but the bulk of his fleet might already be scouring the coastline for him. At least one pirate had made his escape and could easily have reached the Port of Warlock by now. The chill of the night, a murderer’s moon in the air, served to heighten the threats articulated by the pirate. Waves crashed against the shore, uncaring of the party’s dilemma.</p><p></p><p>“I’m sure you want to live”, said Gerard, changing tack. “But we need a reason for sparing you. Tell us why you have been ravaging the coast of Guerney. Tell us the purpose of your raids and at whose behest you made them”. </p><p></p><p>Rumscully Jack shifted his position a little, wincing at the pain this caused. “Aye, I can guess what you want. Unfortunately, It’s more than my life is worth to tell you.”</p><p></p><p>“Are you sure? It’s your life that is forfeit if you don’t tell us.”</p><p></p><p>“I wish I could, I surely do. But there are things my employers would do to me that are far worse than death. And they would know what I have said”, his gaze strayed towards Stravarius. “They always find out in the end”.</p><p></p><p>“You’d better worry about what we’ll do first”, Morgan snorted in annoyance. “What then do you offer in return for your life, you murdering thief!” </p><p></p><p>Rumscully Jack exhaled heavily. For a second his bluster disappeared, revealing a heavily wounded man tired almost beyond endurance. Mortec saw even deeper; a life spent chasing after easy gains, a constant battle against the elements in order to wrest something precious from others. By the lines in his face it was evident he had plied his trade a long time. Unrepentant though he was, the ultimate emptiness of his life was just beginning to dawn on him. There would never be a final haul that would allow him to retire and enjoy his wealth. Danger, hardship, and then death by the sea or sword were all that awaited him. A wasted life, as human lives so often were. They set their sights so low. Nevertheless, this man had accepted his fate. Face hardening, the pirate responded to Morgan’s words.</p><p></p><p>“I offer you my wealth on this island, what little information I can give, safety from your enemies and the friendship of all the pirates of the cursed sea. Do not discount the last!” He said, forestalling another interruption from Morgan. “We have a code of sorts and my word carries weight on these waters.”</p><p></p><p>“You offer little that we don’t already have”, sneered Gerard. “Your treasure is already ours, I’d wager and your friendship we can do without if we must”, he added sarcastically. “I wonder that you didn’t offer us our lives as well!”</p><p></p><p>“I am offering you your lives you damn fools!” Jack roared despite his wounds. “If you are lucky, LUCKY! My absence has not yet been noted and if I return, I can pass of the entire thing as a failed raid. Delay much longer and my employers will know something’s afoot. Once their suspicions are roused, they won’t relent until they have everyone put to question. You won’t last a day. Look at you, a bunch of no-nothing fools who haven’t even the wit to appreciate the luck you’ve had so far!”</p><p></p><p>The Hydra were momentarily taken aback by the pirate’s outburst. Moxadder broke the silence. “He’s right”, then facing Rumscully Jack, “We’ll take what you offer, but screw us around and I’ll cut your throat”. For a brief second, the stooped figure of the Irudeshian was transformed. Rearing up to his full height he towered over the bound form their captive, seemingly fully capable of carrying out his threat. The image only held for a second, then a rasping cough shook his frame and the alley denizen slunk back to his patch of shadow. </p><p></p><p>“Very well then, Rumscully, we will accept your bargain”, said Mortec with a sidelong glance at Moxadder. “But you must also swear not to pursue vengeance against us”.</p><p></p><p>“Nor to plunder the coast of Guerney”, Gerard added. “Now tell us what you can”.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll have yer oath’s first”, responded the reaver. “I’m to be released unharmed before the break of day”.</p><p></p><p>“By Laster, I so swear”, said Gerard, accepting the decision of gnome and Irudeshian. “If you fulfil your side of the undertaking, you shall be released free and unharmed ere the dawn light strikes Sorcerer’s Isle. The others also swore, each in their own fashion, binding themselves to the bargain lest the wrath of Gods and Fate strike them down.</p><p></p><p>Then the pirate also swore an oath, pledging the friendship of the pirates of the cursed sea. True to his word, he revealed the location of the secret treasure chamber in the Blood Sail’s lair. He also identified the virtue of several items taken from his person. The ring that allowed him to walk on water and the great horn that summoned great billows of fog when winded. He named his blade Eldritch Light, and said that its virtue was to prevent the wielder from bleeding to death from his wounds.</p><p></p><p>Morgan began to berate Rumscully Jack trying to extract a promise to change his ways, then stopped, frustrated. The pirate leader was steeped in evil, and no words from the Fastendian would change this wolf who fed upon the lambs of humanity. He clamped his mouth shut in frustration. He’s companions appeared oddly pleased with themselves, glad to be rid of Jack in exchange for an undertaking not to raid the coasts of Guerney. The short sighted fools! As ever, they appeared incapable of seeing the wider picture. In return for vague and most likely useless information, they had loosed a dread pirate upon the shores of the Fastness. He was tired of the compromises that could allow a killer of men to walk free in return for the merest scrap of what he knew. Not for the first time since arriving on the island he yearned to walk the walls of Avinal once more. </p><p></p><p>Once freed of his bonds the pirate captain began to limp painfully towards the track along the cliff top. He looked over his shoulder at the companions and imparted his final words.</p><p></p><p>“If might be worth your while to take the Eastern path back to Port of the Warlock” he said with a gleam of mischief in his eye. The path he indicated was the narrow, trail they had followed from the house of Grisha, the dwarven spell worker.</p><p></p><p>The following morning they rose at dawn. The first order of business was to send the freed slaves back to Yorathton aboard the Plunderer, the vessel they had taken from the pirate lair. Though still weak from their ordeal, Olvan had been confident that he and the others could sail back to Guerney, especially with the favourable winds blowing from the Island. For the Hydra it was a relief to send them on their way and be free of their responsibility to them. </p><p></p><p>In the light of day they decided to examine the chests taken from the pirates lair. The contents had proven most satisfactory. In addition to hundreds of silver coins, several items of magic had also been found. Argonne and Stravarius had each claimed a magic ring of unknown power. Throwing caution to the wind, both had immediately tried them to, with no apparent effect. The Black Elf also took possession of Rumscully Jack’s horn of fog. A metal spear named Irongut was claimed by Morgan, along with a dozen enchanted silver arrows and a high quality chain shirt. Moxadder chose the horn given them by the triton prince. The gnome gained possession of a ring or water walking, two magic scrolls bearing divine magic and a non magical but well made crossbow. Several unidentified magic potions were distribute amongst them as well. The coin had been evenly distributed and those goods too heavy to carry had been placed back in the chests and concealed in the cove.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">*****</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Fiasco, post: 2871271, member: 15187"] [CENTER][B]Chapter 6[/B][/CENTER] Morgan leant back against a boulder and surveyed the campsite. Beside him a fire crackled soothingly, the white driftwood burning blue and smokeless in the late afternoon. The aroma from the stew pot made his mouth water but he stifled his appetite. The rapidity with which the villagers were consuming their food indicated they would soon be after second helpings, and then most probably a third. The Fastendian didn’t begrudge them. A little personal discomfort was nothing when weighed against what the others had suffered. Nearby, Moxadder stood concealed in the shadows of the cliffs which formed the backdrop to the tiny cove. He had also disregarded the meal, choosing instead to draw on his Devil Weed while keeping a close watch upon the heavily trussed figure of Rumscully Jack. Morgan shared his concern, indeed a bow lay close to hand, an arrow already knocked against the string. The people of the Fastness knew well that an enemy was never to be trusted, even one that appeared helpless. Kuruul grunted as he scratched a flea in his sleep, then wedged his powerful rump more firmly against Morgan’s legs. At times like this it was hard to believe that the beast was anything other than a warhound. Concealed higher up amongst the rocks, Stravarius surveyed his companions from beneath his voluminous hood. Though best suited for night vision, his eyes were sufficient for him to keep vigil for approach from the sea. Below him in their sheltered cove, Argonne fussed about Plunderer, their captured ship. It had been dragged ashore behind an outcropping of rocks. The woodsman made sure that it was invisible to ships on the sea and safe from the vagrancies of the tides. Gerard and Mortec shared the meal with the villagers. The gnome, so grim and fell in battle was of a completely different temperament in social settings. With skill and patience he worked with Gerard in teasing out the finest details of the pirate attacks from their charges as they ate their fill. By the time evening fell and the exhausted prisoners fell into a deep slumber, the pair felt confident they had learned all there was on the subject. Morgan stood and looked pointedly at their captive. The time had come for Rumscully Jack to answer to the Hydra. They dragged him away from the camp, the waxing moon throwing gleams off their exposed metal. The pirate lord remained still, whether from his wounds, fear or exhaustion, the companions could not tell. Stravarius propped him upright against a boulder and with an uncovered face, scrutinised him with his burning gaze. The Rumscully Jack’s eyes widened a little but showed no other reaction. Satisfied the prisoner was still secured, the Black Elf removed the gag and stepped back into the half circle of his companions. Alone, injured and in deadly peril for his life, still the pirate gave a rasping chuckle as he surveyed his captors one by one. “Well lads”, he said, “You’ve managed to capture the great Rumscully Jack. I dare say you’ve gotten more than you bargained for. Why, you look more scared than I do! Tell me, what are your plans for old Jack?” “We shall execute you”, said Gerard shortly, determined to quash the pirate’s insolence. Another chuckle rumbled forth from that barrel chest. “I think not. You’d have already cut my throat if that was your game. No, you need me or you fear me. Whichever it is, tread carefully. Whenever I give a little, I take a lot in return.” “We could torture you”, Mortec chimed in. The expression on his face was not kind. “Aye you could. Some of you might even have the stomach for it”, he said, eyeing Stravarius and Moxadder. But it’s a nasty, dirty business and I don’t break easy. It will take time, and that you don’t have. Leastways so I judge”. An uncomfortable silence fell over the Hydra. Rumscully Jack’s words rang disconcertingly true. They may have bested him, but the bulk of his fleet might already be scouring the coastline for him. At least one pirate had made his escape and could easily have reached the Port of Warlock by now. The chill of the night, a murderer’s moon in the air, served to heighten the threats articulated by the pirate. Waves crashed against the shore, uncaring of the party’s dilemma. “I’m sure you want to live”, said Gerard, changing tack. “But we need a reason for sparing you. Tell us why you have been ravaging the coast of Guerney. Tell us the purpose of your raids and at whose behest you made them”. Rumscully Jack shifted his position a little, wincing at the pain this caused. “Aye, I can guess what you want. Unfortunately, It’s more than my life is worth to tell you.” “Are you sure? It’s your life that is forfeit if you don’t tell us.” “I wish I could, I surely do. But there are things my employers would do to me that are far worse than death. And they would know what I have said”, his gaze strayed towards Stravarius. “They always find out in the end”. “You’d better worry about what we’ll do first”, Morgan snorted in annoyance. “What then do you offer in return for your life, you murdering thief!” Rumscully Jack exhaled heavily. For a second his bluster disappeared, revealing a heavily wounded man tired almost beyond endurance. Mortec saw even deeper; a life spent chasing after easy gains, a constant battle against the elements in order to wrest something precious from others. By the lines in his face it was evident he had plied his trade a long time. Unrepentant though he was, the ultimate emptiness of his life was just beginning to dawn on him. There would never be a final haul that would allow him to retire and enjoy his wealth. Danger, hardship, and then death by the sea or sword were all that awaited him. A wasted life, as human lives so often were. They set their sights so low. Nevertheless, this man had accepted his fate. Face hardening, the pirate responded to Morgan’s words. “I offer you my wealth on this island, what little information I can give, safety from your enemies and the friendship of all the pirates of the cursed sea. Do not discount the last!” He said, forestalling another interruption from Morgan. “We have a code of sorts and my word carries weight on these waters.” “You offer little that we don’t already have”, sneered Gerard. “Your treasure is already ours, I’d wager and your friendship we can do without if we must”, he added sarcastically. “I wonder that you didn’t offer us our lives as well!” “I am offering you your lives you damn fools!” Jack roared despite his wounds. “If you are lucky, LUCKY! My absence has not yet been noted and if I return, I can pass of the entire thing as a failed raid. Delay much longer and my employers will know something’s afoot. Once their suspicions are roused, they won’t relent until they have everyone put to question. You won’t last a day. Look at you, a bunch of no-nothing fools who haven’t even the wit to appreciate the luck you’ve had so far!” The Hydra were momentarily taken aback by the pirate’s outburst. Moxadder broke the silence. “He’s right”, then facing Rumscully Jack, “We’ll take what you offer, but screw us around and I’ll cut your throat”. For a brief second, the stooped figure of the Irudeshian was transformed. Rearing up to his full height he towered over the bound form their captive, seemingly fully capable of carrying out his threat. The image only held for a second, then a rasping cough shook his frame and the alley denizen slunk back to his patch of shadow. “Very well then, Rumscully, we will accept your bargain”, said Mortec with a sidelong glance at Moxadder. “But you must also swear not to pursue vengeance against us”. “Nor to plunder the coast of Guerney”, Gerard added. “Now tell us what you can”. “I’ll have yer oath’s first”, responded the reaver. “I’m to be released unharmed before the break of day”. “By Laster, I so swear”, said Gerard, accepting the decision of gnome and Irudeshian. “If you fulfil your side of the undertaking, you shall be released free and unharmed ere the dawn light strikes Sorcerer’s Isle. The others also swore, each in their own fashion, binding themselves to the bargain lest the wrath of Gods and Fate strike them down. Then the pirate also swore an oath, pledging the friendship of the pirates of the cursed sea. True to his word, he revealed the location of the secret treasure chamber in the Blood Sail’s lair. He also identified the virtue of several items taken from his person. The ring that allowed him to walk on water and the great horn that summoned great billows of fog when winded. He named his blade Eldritch Light, and said that its virtue was to prevent the wielder from bleeding to death from his wounds. Morgan began to berate Rumscully Jack trying to extract a promise to change his ways, then stopped, frustrated. The pirate leader was steeped in evil, and no words from the Fastendian would change this wolf who fed upon the lambs of humanity. He clamped his mouth shut in frustration. He’s companions appeared oddly pleased with themselves, glad to be rid of Jack in exchange for an undertaking not to raid the coasts of Guerney. The short sighted fools! As ever, they appeared incapable of seeing the wider picture. In return for vague and most likely useless information, they had loosed a dread pirate upon the shores of the Fastness. He was tired of the compromises that could allow a killer of men to walk free in return for the merest scrap of what he knew. Not for the first time since arriving on the island he yearned to walk the walls of Avinal once more. Once freed of his bonds the pirate captain began to limp painfully towards the track along the cliff top. He looked over his shoulder at the companions and imparted his final words. “If might be worth your while to take the Eastern path back to Port of the Warlock” he said with a gleam of mischief in his eye. The path he indicated was the narrow, trail they had followed from the house of Grisha, the dwarven spell worker. The following morning they rose at dawn. The first order of business was to send the freed slaves back to Yorathton aboard the Plunderer, the vessel they had taken from the pirate lair. Though still weak from their ordeal, Olvan had been confident that he and the others could sail back to Guerney, especially with the favourable winds blowing from the Island. For the Hydra it was a relief to send them on their way and be free of their responsibility to them. In the light of day they decided to examine the chests taken from the pirates lair. The contents had proven most satisfactory. In addition to hundreds of silver coins, several items of magic had also been found. Argonne and Stravarius had each claimed a magic ring of unknown power. Throwing caution to the wind, both had immediately tried them to, with no apparent effect. The Black Elf also took possession of Rumscully Jack’s horn of fog. A metal spear named Irongut was claimed by Morgan, along with a dozen enchanted silver arrows and a high quality chain shirt. Moxadder chose the horn given them by the triton prince. The gnome gained possession of a ring or water walking, two magic scrolls bearing divine magic and a non magical but well made crossbow. Several unidentified magic potions were distribute amongst them as well. The coin had been evenly distributed and those goods too heavy to carry had been placed back in the chests and concealed in the cove. [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Anka Seth - The Rise of the Hydra (New Update April 19, 2007)
Top