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Last Stand of the Dorinthians
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<blockquote data-quote="Deuce Traveler" data-source="post: 5917301" data-attributes="member: 34958"><p>Nikolos, Ventus and Danica</p><p></p><p><span style="color: DarkGreen">"Ventus, that orc needs to die. Right now."</span> Such words perhaps sound strange, coming from the cheerful priest of the Seeker, who was by definition a god of quiet study and scholarship. The slightly pudgy man pointed his longspear at the big orc he meant. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Two more things. One, look to the south. He has spotted our weakness there, and others may have also. Second, they are afraid, and confused, apparently the Dorinthians being here is a surprise. If any counterattack is possible at all, now might be a good time for it."</span></p><p></p><p>That said, he called on his dwindling store of the Seeker's power, in order to cast a <em>Hold Person</em> spell at the big orc. Then grimacing a bit, he started for the big orc himself, muttering. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Nikolos Viridikos, the next time the Archprior of the Office of the Holy Witnesses offers you an assignment to go observe a war...you say NO!"</span></p><p></p><p>Despite Nikolos' shout, the orc disappeared back behind the attackers' side of the barricades before Ventus or Danica could react, and before Nikolos could get off his spell.</p><p></p><p>Ventus and his men pushed back the orcs, but it was quickly becoming apparent that there were not enough armed people to hold the entire outer ring of defenses. Radnal moved more and more men to form a half-crescent against the invaders, but Nikolos was detecting increasing thoughts of the demoralized orcs that indicated they planned to try to circle around and find a weak spot in the defenses. Danica suggested a general pull-back to the inner ring.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos shook his head as the orc vanished, and then thumped Ventus on the shoulder. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"I'm off to see Cal Dorin. Be safe."</span> With that, he made his way to the prince, after casting Longstrider on himself to get a bit more speed out of his pudgy person.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: DarkGreen">"Your highness...I urge you to get as many of your archers mounted and together as possible. The orcs are going to start trying to probe for weak points, and given how few footmen there are, only your horsemen can move fast enough to crush the probes before they become dangerous. I urge...no I beg you, to get your men together, as many as you can, and be ready to strike at the probes, or counterattack.</span></p><p></p><p>****</p><p></p><p>Dartis and Barok</p><p></p><p>What the hell is going on? Barok frowned in powerless frustration, unable to contribute to the battle. Damn it, I should have been out there, scouting the countryside. Perhaps then we would have been better prepared...</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Continue firing Dorinthians!"</span> shouted Dartis to the cavalry.</p><p></p><p>He turned his head to speak to Barok, shouting over the din of hooves. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"I am going to ride up next to the barricades to let you off, find Silas and Caramip, and organize a fighting retreat back to the square. Most of the refugees know you and will follow you. Then we'll give you as much chance as we can. But move quickly."</span></p><p></p><p>Dartis turned the galloping Swift towards the barricades, urging the horse to a breakneck speed. The Shield of Kings gleamed on his arm as Dartis raises his sword shouting at the orcs </p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"DUL-KEYAR!"</span></strong></p><p></p><p>Dartis and Barok found that the rows of attacking orcs were too thick, and that they were not likely to traverse both the attackers and barricades safely enough to bring all their men through. Another surprise also occurred to show that getting too close to the orc lines was not the best option... the Dorinthian archers were firing once again, and a cloud of arrows erupted from Silas' forces and into the mass of orcs behind the barricade. What was more, orbs of darkness began to cover the front ranks of attackers, spreading confusion among the barbaric warriors. This was sowed further by Dartis' attack. His riders drove close to the orc ranks, firing arrows into the globes of darkness before riding into side streets and attacking once more. Dartis’ forces were able to make three passes this way while avoiding increasing patrols of orcs that were beginning to be sent to impede their progress. As Dartis yelled ‘Dul-Keyar’, his cry is echoed among the orcs being shot up inside the magical darkness.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: white">"Dul-Keyar, Dul-Keyar!"</span></strong> A ripple of fear erupted among the invaders. Partially blinded, while being shot by arrows from either side, the orc attack began to falter against Silas' defenses.</p><p></p><p>While resting a moment at a side street one of the fighters asked Dartis, <span style="color: green">"Why were you yelling 'The Rider' in orcish tongue?"</span> When Dartis explained where he heard that word the man chuckled. <span style="color: green">"So you made a one in a million shot, and the orcs thought you were The Hunter come to save the Dorinthians. They always have had a fear of our god."</span></p><p></p><p>One of the learned paladins nodded. <span style="color: white">"It is said that the orcs almost defeated our people when we were still men of the plains and steppes, before the coming of the first king Dorin. Then came The Rider to save our people, like he had done in many dark times before and since."</span> The paladin's expression and tone changed, as if he were reciting from scripture: <span style="color: white">"Know that long ago our people saw doom on the fields of northern ice. Many proud tribesmen and fey allies fell that day to stop the orcish invaders at their source. Among mounds of the slain, The Great Chief looked to the heavens and cried out for the fate of his people. Suddenly, there came the sound of mighty hooves thundering across the tundra. The Rider came that day, as he had before in dark times, and became known to orc and elf. He rode his great charger, cloaked, dark, and terrible and where fell his gaze fell death."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Well, General,"</span> Barok jumped off the horse, <span style="color: SlateGray">"Good work and all that, but I'm about as useful to the cause as a piece of luggage right now. And since we can't get through the orc lines, and it doesn't look like we can get the people out, I think we're all better off if I go slit some throats. I'd rather die if my death could make some difference. That is, if you don't mind." </span> </p><p>He turned and walked stealthily about the alleyways looking for enemy spellcasters or officers to kill, hoping to cause a distraction for the army.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Not at all Barok, contribute as you can. Our ways of war are differnt but no less values to our people." </span> replied Dartis wishing the protection of the Rider upon Barok as he slipped off into the shadows.</p><p></p><p>Turning to his horsemen. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Well enough rest, let's get back out there while those beasts are still confused. Seeing the confusion it sowed, let us all cry 'Dul-Keyar', and truly reap death among the orcs. For Dorinthia!"</span></p><p></p><p>****</p><p></p><p>Silas and Caramip</p><p></p><p>“<span style="color: Yellow">Well that puts an end to that.</span>” Caramip said with enthusiasm as she watched the lifeless bodies of the orc horde flow harmlessly down the river. Still in command, she regrouped the archers and headed back towards the barricade. However, her enthusiasm drained from her like a gushing wound as she witnessed Silas and his defenders begin to falter under the horde’s attack. Without hesitation she tactfully deployed the achers and with her newly entrusted wand in hand, repeated her ‘River of Darkness’ strategy on the orc’s main force, but only on a much large scale.</p><p></p><p>Once the field of battle was efficiently covered, she grabbed her drum and once again played her Dorthain battle chant. Only this time the beats came much quicker. With strict orders she directed the archers to fire in unison and on beat.</p><p></p><p>Silas fought and fought and fought. Staff swinging, shoulder to shoulder amongst his fellow Dorinthians, Silas fought. How long can this last? he wondered wearily.</p><p></p><p>The orcs broke through and filled the top of the barricades while howling shouts of bloodlust. Silas found men falling all around him, he himself facing two orcs with victory in their eyes. It was at that moment that a small cloud of arrows rained towards him, and the abjurer for a moment feared that the orcs had their own bowmen. Instead, the arrows fell onto the orcs on the other side of the barricade. They were Dorinthian arrows! The invaders looked around in confusion at first, then terror as Caramip appeared. She disobeyed Silas' order to flee and instead ordered the archers to line up and fire, her drumbeats delivering a rhythm that was followed by volley after volley.</p><p></p><p>The orcs on the barricades died by arrows fired from either side, and their attack was halted as the gnome drove the <em>wand of darkness</em> through spaces in the barricades, causing the invaders to have to fight partially blind. Silas only had 60 men left on his front line that were able to put up any kind of fight, but the orcs stopped their assault and a cry of fear was heard among them: <strong><span style="color: white">"Dul-Keyar, Dul-Keyar!"</span></strong>. Whatever that meant...</p><p></p><p>Silas slumped as the orcish assault was broken. Exhausted physically and mentally, he slicked back hair damp with sweat and blood and began moving among the men he was fighting with. He said a low word to one, clapped another on the arm in camaraderie gained from fighting together in battle, knelt to close the eyes of one young Dorinthian staring lifelessly at the sky. Standing again, he saw Caramip, caught her eye, and bowed to the gnomish woman in an inadequate expression of his gratitude. <span style="color: orange">"Thank you."</span> Unable to say anything more he stared at the fallen that surround him.</p><p></p><p>“<span style="color: Yellow">It’s no fuss hun! I love a good game of <em>‘Marco-Polo’</em>.</span>” Smiled the energetic Gnome. However, deep down, she knew that she was no different than some of the scared men that were giving thier lives for their loved ones. She longed for this to be over so she could walk over to some dark corner and break down into tears. Recording large battles, that was what she loved to do, not fighting in them. Maintaining her calm and cheerful façade, for her sake and the men, she looked towards the orc horde and then back to Silas. With a smile she said, “<span style="color: Yellow">Just like the battle of Rock Springs.</span>” Ignoring the confused looks she began to elaborate, “<span style="color: Yellow">The Darkness is confusing but it won’t hold them forever. During the war, a Dorithian force used the cover of the night to conceal their numbers from a much large Imperial force. Their tactic was simple. They used the night’s darkness and their bows to cause confusion within the Imperial ranks. And you know what? It worked. It worked so well that they were able to mount a counter offensive and drive the Imperial force away. Saving thousands of innocents.</span>” She paused and let the mood of her story sink in to whom ever was listening. “<span style="color: Yellow">You must lead such a counter attack.</span>” She whispered to Silas.</p><p></p><p>The surprise was clear for all to see as it crosses Silas' face. He looked around at the devastation surrounding him and began to speak, <span style="color: orange">"I don't..."</span> Breaking off he just looked at the little gnome, Caramip, the woman whose joking words masked a wisdom he likely would never have guessed existed if this day hadn't happened. He nodded abruptly and took a deep breath. Whispering in kind, he said, <span style="color: orange">"I don't know what I'm doing, but I trust you already know that."</span> He grinned at Caramip, though he felt anything but happy at the moment.</p><p></p><p>Taking another deep breath, standing a little taller, Silas began to speak to the Dorinthians around him, <span style="color: orange">"Dorinthians..."</span> He looked at the men who were weary and injured yet still standing, locking eyes with some, <span style="color: orange">"Simeon... Karril... I know you are hurt and tired. I am, too. But I can't rest until my family is safe. Safe to live here in the town we've built with our own hands. Safe to live free from the threats of others. Time is running out. We need to break <em>this</em> threat <em>now</em>. To keep our families safe."</span></p><p></p><p>Silas hardly dared to breath as he waited for the reaction of the people around him...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Deuce Traveler, post: 5917301, member: 34958"] Nikolos, Ventus and Danica [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Ventus, that orc needs to die. Right now."[/COLOR] Such words perhaps sound strange, coming from the cheerful priest of the Seeker, who was by definition a god of quiet study and scholarship. The slightly pudgy man pointed his longspear at the big orc he meant. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Two more things. One, look to the south. He has spotted our weakness there, and others may have also. Second, they are afraid, and confused, apparently the Dorinthians being here is a surprise. If any counterattack is possible at all, now might be a good time for it."[/COLOR] That said, he called on his dwindling store of the Seeker's power, in order to cast a [i]Hold Person[/i] spell at the big orc. Then grimacing a bit, he started for the big orc himself, muttering. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Nikolos Viridikos, the next time the Archprior of the Office of the Holy Witnesses offers you an assignment to go observe a war...you say NO!"[/COLOR] Despite Nikolos' shout, the orc disappeared back behind the attackers' side of the barricades before Ventus or Danica could react, and before Nikolos could get off his spell. Ventus and his men pushed back the orcs, but it was quickly becoming apparent that there were not enough armed people to hold the entire outer ring of defenses. Radnal moved more and more men to form a half-crescent against the invaders, but Nikolos was detecting increasing thoughts of the demoralized orcs that indicated they planned to try to circle around and find a weak spot in the defenses. Danica suggested a general pull-back to the inner ring. Nikolos shook his head as the orc vanished, and then thumped Ventus on the shoulder. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"I'm off to see Cal Dorin. Be safe."[/COLOR] With that, he made his way to the prince, after casting Longstrider on himself to get a bit more speed out of his pudgy person. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Your highness...I urge you to get as many of your archers mounted and together as possible. The orcs are going to start trying to probe for weak points, and given how few footmen there are, only your horsemen can move fast enough to crush the probes before they become dangerous. I urge...no I beg you, to get your men together, as many as you can, and be ready to strike at the probes, or counterattack.[/COLOR] **** Dartis and Barok What the hell is going on? Barok frowned in powerless frustration, unable to contribute to the battle. Damn it, I should have been out there, scouting the countryside. Perhaps then we would have been better prepared... [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Continue firing Dorinthians!"[/COLOR] shouted Dartis to the cavalry. He turned his head to speak to Barok, shouting over the din of hooves. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"I am going to ride up next to the barricades to let you off, find Silas and Caramip, and organize a fighting retreat back to the square. Most of the refugees know you and will follow you. Then we'll give you as much chance as we can. But move quickly."[/COLOR] Dartis turned the galloping Swift towards the barricades, urging the horse to a breakneck speed. The Shield of Kings gleamed on his arm as Dartis raises his sword shouting at the orcs [B][COLOR=RoyalBlue]"DUL-KEYAR!"[/COLOR][/B] Dartis and Barok found that the rows of attacking orcs were too thick, and that they were not likely to traverse both the attackers and barricades safely enough to bring all their men through. Another surprise also occurred to show that getting too close to the orc lines was not the best option... the Dorinthian archers were firing once again, and a cloud of arrows erupted from Silas' forces and into the mass of orcs behind the barricade. What was more, orbs of darkness began to cover the front ranks of attackers, spreading confusion among the barbaric warriors. This was sowed further by Dartis' attack. His riders drove close to the orc ranks, firing arrows into the globes of darkness before riding into side streets and attacking once more. Dartis’ forces were able to make three passes this way while avoiding increasing patrols of orcs that were beginning to be sent to impede their progress. As Dartis yelled ‘Dul-Keyar’, his cry is echoed among the orcs being shot up inside the magical darkness. [b][color=white]"Dul-Keyar, Dul-Keyar!"[/color][/b][color=white][/color] A ripple of fear erupted among the invaders. Partially blinded, while being shot by arrows from either side, the orc attack began to falter against Silas' defenses. While resting a moment at a side street one of the fighters asked Dartis, [color=green]"Why were you yelling 'The Rider' in orcish tongue?"[/color] When Dartis explained where he heard that word the man chuckled. [color=green]"So you made a one in a million shot, and the orcs thought you were The Hunter come to save the Dorinthians. They always have had a fear of our god."[/color] One of the learned paladins nodded. [color=white]"It is said that the orcs almost defeated our people when we were still men of the plains and steppes, before the coming of the first king Dorin. Then came The Rider to save our people, like he had done in many dark times before and since."[/color] The paladin's expression and tone changed, as if he were reciting from scripture: [color=white]"Know that long ago our people saw doom on the fields of northern ice. Many proud tribesmen and fey allies fell that day to stop the orcish invaders at their source. Among mounds of the slain, The Great Chief looked to the heavens and cried out for the fate of his people. Suddenly, there came the sound of mighty hooves thundering across the tundra. The Rider came that day, as he had before in dark times, and became known to orc and elf. He rode his great charger, cloaked, dark, and terrible and where fell his gaze fell death."[/color] [COLOR=SlateGray]"Well, General,"[/COLOR] Barok jumped off the horse, [COLOR=SlateGray]"Good work and all that, but I'm about as useful to the cause as a piece of luggage right now. And since we can't get through the orc lines, and it doesn't look like we can get the people out, I think we're all better off if I go slit some throats. I'd rather die if my death could make some difference. That is, if you don't mind." [/COLOR] He turned and walked stealthily about the alleyways looking for enemy spellcasters or officers to kill, hoping to cause a distraction for the army. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Not at all Barok, contribute as you can. Our ways of war are differnt but no less values to our people." [/COLOR] replied Dartis wishing the protection of the Rider upon Barok as he slipped off into the shadows. Turning to his horsemen. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Well enough rest, let's get back out there while those beasts are still confused. Seeing the confusion it sowed, let us all cry 'Dul-Keyar', and truly reap death among the orcs. For Dorinthia!"[/COLOR] **** Silas and Caramip “[COLOR=Yellow]Well that puts an end to that.[/COLOR]” Caramip said with enthusiasm as she watched the lifeless bodies of the orc horde flow harmlessly down the river. Still in command, she regrouped the archers and headed back towards the barricade. However, her enthusiasm drained from her like a gushing wound as she witnessed Silas and his defenders begin to falter under the horde’s attack. Without hesitation she tactfully deployed the achers and with her newly entrusted wand in hand, repeated her ‘River of Darkness’ strategy on the orc’s main force, but only on a much large scale. Once the field of battle was efficiently covered, she grabbed her drum and once again played her Dorthain battle chant. Only this time the beats came much quicker. With strict orders she directed the archers to fire in unison and on beat. Silas fought and fought and fought. Staff swinging, shoulder to shoulder amongst his fellow Dorinthians, Silas fought. How long can this last? he wondered wearily. The orcs broke through and filled the top of the barricades while howling shouts of bloodlust. Silas found men falling all around him, he himself facing two orcs with victory in their eyes. It was at that moment that a small cloud of arrows rained towards him, and the abjurer for a moment feared that the orcs had their own bowmen. Instead, the arrows fell onto the orcs on the other side of the barricade. They were Dorinthian arrows! The invaders looked around in confusion at first, then terror as Caramip appeared. She disobeyed Silas' order to flee and instead ordered the archers to line up and fire, her drumbeats delivering a rhythm that was followed by volley after volley. The orcs on the barricades died by arrows fired from either side, and their attack was halted as the gnome drove the [i]wand of darkness[/i] through spaces in the barricades, causing the invaders to have to fight partially blind. Silas only had 60 men left on his front line that were able to put up any kind of fight, but the orcs stopped their assault and a cry of fear was heard among them: [b][color=white]"Dul-Keyar, Dul-Keyar!"[/color][/b][color=white][/color]. Whatever that meant... Silas slumped as the orcish assault was broken. Exhausted physically and mentally, he slicked back hair damp with sweat and blood and began moving among the men he was fighting with. He said a low word to one, clapped another on the arm in camaraderie gained from fighting together in battle, knelt to close the eyes of one young Dorinthian staring lifelessly at the sky. Standing again, he saw Caramip, caught her eye, and bowed to the gnomish woman in an inadequate expression of his gratitude. [color=orange]"Thank you."[/color] Unable to say anything more he stared at the fallen that surround him. “[COLOR=Yellow]It’s no fuss hun! I love a good game of [I]‘Marco-Polo’[/I].[/COLOR]” Smiled the energetic Gnome. However, deep down, she knew that she was no different than some of the scared men that were giving thier lives for their loved ones. She longed for this to be over so she could walk over to some dark corner and break down into tears. Recording large battles, that was what she loved to do, not fighting in them. Maintaining her calm and cheerful façade, for her sake and the men, she looked towards the orc horde and then back to Silas. With a smile she said, “[COLOR=Yellow]Just like the battle of Rock Springs.[/COLOR]” Ignoring the confused looks she began to elaborate, “[COLOR=Yellow]The Darkness is confusing but it won’t hold them forever. During the war, a Dorithian force used the cover of the night to conceal their numbers from a much large Imperial force. Their tactic was simple. They used the night’s darkness and their bows to cause confusion within the Imperial ranks. And you know what? It worked. It worked so well that they were able to mount a counter offensive and drive the Imperial force away. Saving thousands of innocents.[/COLOR]” She paused and let the mood of her story sink in to whom ever was listening. “[COLOR=Yellow]You must lead such a counter attack.[/COLOR]” She whispered to Silas. The surprise was clear for all to see as it crosses Silas' face. He looked around at the devastation surrounding him and began to speak, [color=orange]"I don't..."[/color] Breaking off he just looked at the little gnome, Caramip, the woman whose joking words masked a wisdom he likely would never have guessed existed if this day hadn't happened. He nodded abruptly and took a deep breath. Whispering in kind, he said, [color=orange]"I don't know what I'm doing, but I trust you already know that."[/color] He grinned at Caramip, though he felt anything but happy at the moment. Taking another deep breath, standing a little taller, Silas began to speak to the Dorinthians around him, [color=orange]"Dorinthians..."[/color] He looked at the men who were weary and injured yet still standing, locking eyes with some, [color=orange]"Simeon... Karril... I know you are hurt and tired. I am, too. But I can't rest until my family is safe. Safe to live here in the town we've built with our own hands. Safe to live free from the threats of others. Time is running out. We need to break [i]this[/i] threat [i]now[/i]. To keep our families safe."[/color] Silas hardly dared to breath as he waited for the reaction of the people around him... [/QUOTE]
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