[OOC] The Protectors of Greensfen
nerdytenor
First Post
As two of our players have gone dark, we need one or two more to fill out our roster. Protectors of Greensfen is part II in what is likely to be a three part series, and we are about halfway through. PCs are third level, and currently include:
Karis, elven rogue
Rellek, dragonborn ranger
Joshua, human wizard
We need at least one leader. I think we can be more open about the second added PC (right, players?).
I will allow character classes from PHB1, PHB2, and FRPG (including partial PHB2 classes from ddi character creator), but I am disallowing preview material (example - preview barbarian - real thing coming out in a few days anyway). I'm also not allowing the battlerager fighter class feature at the moment. I reserve the right to veto anything, but in general I am pretty loose. Please use the DM guide for creating a level 3 character (if memory serves, that's one magic item level 4, 3 and 2, and gold equal to a level 2 item - basic (non-magical) equipment is free.)
Please post a character background/description and/or stats/sheet. If you are creating a character in a class from PHB2 that is not available yet, that is fine - you can create the character sheet next week.
I will accept character concepts/submissions for one week from the date of this post.
[sblock=possible character connections/justifications]
The party has just returned to Greensfen from a failed attempt to trick a captured mage, Tromolden, into leading the party to the lair of Baradur, the Big Bad Villain. Your character could be a denizen of embattled and weakened Greensfen who wants to take up arms. Alternatively, you could be answering the 'help wanted' ad posted by Dardus rather late (this is what started Part I of the adventure). Or you could be connected to one of the current PCs somehow.
[/sblock]
Current PCs feel free to chime in.
- nerdytenor
Karis, elven rogue
Rellek, dragonborn ranger
Joshua, human wizard
We need at least one leader. I think we can be more open about the second added PC (right, players?).
I will allow character classes from PHB1, PHB2, and FRPG (including partial PHB2 classes from ddi character creator), but I am disallowing preview material (example - preview barbarian - real thing coming out in a few days anyway). I'm also not allowing the battlerager fighter class feature at the moment. I reserve the right to veto anything, but in general I am pretty loose. Please use the DM guide for creating a level 3 character (if memory serves, that's one magic item level 4, 3 and 2, and gold equal to a level 2 item - basic (non-magical) equipment is free.)
Please post a character background/description and/or stats/sheet. If you are creating a character in a class from PHB2 that is not available yet, that is fine - you can create the character sheet next week.
I will accept character concepts/submissions for one week from the date of this post.
[sblock=possible character connections/justifications]
The party has just returned to Greensfen from a failed attempt to trick a captured mage, Tromolden, into leading the party to the lair of Baradur, the Big Bad Villain. Your character could be a denizen of embattled and weakened Greensfen who wants to take up arms. Alternatively, you could be answering the 'help wanted' ad posted by Dardus rather late (this is what started Part I of the adventure). Or you could be connected to one of the current PCs somehow.
[/sblock]
Current PCs feel free to chime in.
- nerdytenor
nerdytenor
First Post
I've updated the thread title to indicate that this is 4e.
This is a homebrew setting.
Rathan, I think all of your other questions are answered in my last post.
This is a homebrew setting.
Rathan, I think all of your other questions are answered in my last post.
nerdytenor
First Post
22 point buy for stats.
Cheers,
nerdytenor
Cheers,
nerdytenor
Rathan
First Post
Jorrin Tornfel
Jorrin Tornfel
Male Human Warlord
Level 3
Good (Chaotic)
Representing Josh
[sblock=Stats]Strength 16 (+3)
Constitution 14 (+2)
Dexterity 11 (+0)
Intelligence 12 (+1)
Wisdom 12 (+1)
Charisma 14 (+2)[/sblock]
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 210 lb
Skin: Light
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black; Straight; Beardless
[sblock=HP/AC/Surges]Maximum Hit Points: 36
AC: 21
Bloodied: 18
Surge Value: 9
Surges / Day: 9 [includes constitution modifier][/sblock]
Size: Medium
Speed: 5 squares [includes armor penalty]
Vision: Normal
[sblock=BaseAttacks/Init/Saves]Initiative: 1d20 +7 = + 1 [half level] + 0 [dexterity] + 4 [improved initiative] + 2 [combat leader]
Base Strength Attack: 1d20 +4 = + 1 [half level] + 3 [strength]
Base Dexterity Attack: 1d20 +1 = + 1 [half level] + 0 [dexterity]
Base Constitution Attack: 1d20 +3 = + 1 [half level] + 2 [constitution]
Base Intelligence Attack: 1d20 +2 = + 1 [half level] + 1 [intelligence]
Base Wisdom Attack: 1d20 +2 = + 1 [half level] + 1 [wisdom]
Base Charisma Attack: 1d20 +3 = + 1 [half level] + 2 [charisma]
Armor Class: 21 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 8 [magic scale] + 2 [if carrying heavy shield]
Fortitude Defense: 16 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 1 [Human] + 1 [warlord] + 3 [strength]
Reflex Defense: 15 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 1 [Human] + 1 [intelligence] + 2 [if carrying heavy shield]
Will Defense: 15 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 1 [Human] + 1 [warlord] + 2 [charisma][/sblock]
Armor: Magic Scale (45 lb)
Shield: Large (15 lb)
[sblock=Weapon/Power Attacks]Attacks:
Unarmed Melee: +4 [base strength attack] vs AC; damage 1[W]=1d4+3 [strength]
Javelins (x2): +6 vs AC [+4 strength] [+2 proficiency]; damage 1[W]=1d6+3 [strength] range 10/20 2 lb (Spear) Heavy throwable
Thrown: Same as melee
+1 Frost Longsword: +8 vs AC [+4 strength] [+3 proficiency]; damage 1[W]=1d8+4 [strength] 4 lb (Heavy blade) versatile
Hand crossbow: +3 vs AC [+1 dexterity] [+2 proficiency]; damage 1[W]=1d6 range 10/20 2 lb (Crossbow) Load free
Commander's Strike (ally adds your intelligence bonus to damage)
Viper's Strike +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Wolfpack Tactics +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Warlord's Favor +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Bastion of Defense +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Warlord's Strike +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
v Versatile weapon. Add +1 to damage if using two-handed.
w Weapon-based power. Apply adjustments for proficiency, situation, feats, magic, etc.[/sblock]
[sblock=Encumbrance]Encumbrance 4e
Normal Load: 160 lb.
Heavy Load: 320 lb.
Maximum Drag Load: 800 lb.
Encumbrances 3.5
Light load: 76 lb. or less
Medium load: 77-153 lb.
Heavy load: 154-230 lb.
Lift over head: 230 lb.
Lift off ground: 460 lb.
Push or drag: 1150 lb.[/sblock]
Languages: Common; Draconic
[sblock=Skills]Skills:
Acrobatics: -1 = 0 [dexterity] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield]
Arcana: +2 = 1 [intelligence] + 1 [half level]
Athletics: +2 = 3 [strength] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield]
Bluff: +3 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level]
Diplomacy: +8 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
Dungeoneering: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Endurance: +6 = 2 [constitution] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]-2 [shield]
Heal: +7 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
History: +7 = 1 [intelligence] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
Insight: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Intimidate: +8 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
Nature: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Perception: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Religion: +2 = 1 [intelligence] + 1 [half level]
Stealth: -1 = 0 [dexterity] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield]
Streetwise: +3 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level]
Thievery: -1 = 0 [dexterity] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield][/sblock]
[sblock=Feats/Powers]Feats:
Armor Proficiency -- Scale
Improved Initiative
Shield Proficiency -- Heavy
At-Will:
Commander's Strike [Level 1]
Viper's Strike [Level 1]
Wolf Pack Tactics [Level 1]
Other Standard Actions: Administer a potion; Aid another; Charge [+1 to basic melee attack or bull rush]; Coup de grace; Equip / stow shield; Ready an action; Total defense; Sustain standard action; Some skills during combat (i.e., Acrobatics -- fast escape; Bluff, Heal -- first aid, Intimidate, Perception -- active, Thievery depending on circumstances)
Encounter Powers:
Second Wind
Spend an Action Point [free action, not in surprise round]
Inspiring Word [minor action][2x/encounter]
Warlord's Favor [Level 1]
Aid the Injured [Level 2 Utility]
Warlord's Strike [Level 3]
Daily Powers:
Bastion of Defense [Level 1][/sblock]
[sblock=Race/Class Abilities/Advantages]Human
* One extra at-will power from your class (already included)
* One bonus feat at 1st level (already included)
* One bonus skill from the skill class list (already included)
* +1 to fortitude, reflex, and will defenses
Warlord
* Combat Leader (+2 initiative for self and all allies within ten squares)
* This warlord chose the inspiring presence.
* Inspiring Word[/sblock]
[sblock=Equipment]Jorrin Tornfel's Equipment
Crossbow bolts (quiver of 20) x2 50 lb
Backpack 6 lb
Bedroll 2 lb
Blanket, winter x1 5 lb
Caltrops 3 lb
Case (for map or scroll) 2 lb
Crowbar 1 lb
Flint and steel 1lb
Grappling hook 4 lb
Lantern (bullseye, 2 pints oil) 5 lb
Pouch (belt) x3 3 lb
Rations (1 day) x10
Rope (50', hempen) x1
Sunrods x5 2 lb
Torches x2 2lb
Vial (for ink or potions) x1 1lb
Waterskins x2 2lb
Whetstone 2lb
140 lb Weapons / Armor / Shield (from above)[/sblock]
[sblock=Magic Items]Magic items:
Weapon: +1 Frost Longsword (Power Daily Cold): Free Action. Use this power when youhit with the weapon. The target takes an extra 1d8 cold
damage and is slowed until the end of your next turn.
Armor: +1 Dwarven Scale (Power Daily Healing): Free Action. Regain hit points asif you had spent a healing surge.
Other: Everlasting Provisions (Property: After an extended rest, you open the basket,creating enough food and water to feed five Medium or Small creatures (or one Large creature) for 24 hours.[/sblock]
[sblock=Money]Money
Platinum:
Gold: 520
Silver:
Copper:[/sblock]
[sblock=History]More about Jorrin Tornfel:
As he laid lifeless in my arms I couldn't help but let my mind drift to anything but the tragedy that lay before me. My mind wanders back to my first trainings, a time where I was first taught how to lead. He woke me out of a sound sleep before light of day had even crested the mountain range behind our village. My cot was quite literally overturned as the shouting began.
"On your FEET soldier today is the day you find forgiveness dies!" he barked as I tried to right myself having been tossed face first on the floor.
It was pouring that day, I remember it vividly as he slapped a pack of gear and provision on my back and nearly booted me out the door. The rain drops were heavy and large almost piercing to someone who had, no more than ten minutes ago, just awoken. Everything was hazy, weather that be from the rain or just being roused so quickly I can't quiet recall.
"Five miles boy, and it starts at the foot of this stair!" he shouted as I could feet the point of a sword in the small of my back reminding me again there wasn't much debate in that matter.
The first mile wasn't so bad, but the next 3 would remind me that this was no joke. My legs started to burn and each breath slowly started from my feet it seemed and took eons to reach my mouth with an exhale. I was by this point, completely waterlogged, and it felt as if I'd never by dry again.
"Leaders aren't born soldier... they're made from blood, sweat and tears, and I plan to make you experience that all EVERY day until you learn!" he shouted again. Only some of his incessant ramblings were making it through to coherent thought by mile four.
I couldn't help remembering back to that day, and more importantly the end of the five mile run. How it felt to feel the burn and the anguish after a grueling march through pouring rain. What I wouldn't give to feel ANYTHING at this moment as my father lay lifeless in my arms. The orcs had taken from him what I honored and cherished most, the man that had made me the leader I am today, my own flesh and blood, my own father.
It was merely three weeks ago that I had gotten word from the carrier that my father had been taken captive. I rode hard and fast over one hundred miles of plains and forest covered ground to return to my home town of Harnsfort. I didn't even give myself a rest the night I arrived, I talked to the man, Jonis, my uncle who had sent me word of this travesty and sent out into the foothills of that same mountain range I was made to run ten years ago in search of my father. I rued now taking the small position of garrison Sargent in what seemed to be the farthest place in the world from my home town. Karenth was the towns name, and I had made a good name for myself there in the year I had been given a station there.
Orcs aren't very well known for covering their tracks, and it was not that hard once ascending into the foothills where they had been migrating to and from. I picked up on one of the main traffic areas maybe 6 miles outside my home town and began to follow it to it's destination. It was a good days walk before I came to a bluff overlooking a formidable looking orc encampment. They had guards stationed but again, orcs aren't well known for their smarts either, luckily for me.
I decided to make camp this night off a side path where tracks were scarce and unfurled my bedroll and blanket as a pillow for the night. I wish I could have told you I slept well this night knowing I would need the extra energy for the morning, but alas this was not the case. All I could think about was what my father must be enduring in a camp full of savages. Eventually I had to forcibly put the images out of my mind and closed my eyes to sleep.
Morning came all too quickly for me as I sighed softly and packed my belongings. I left most of what wasn't absolutely necessary at camp and tucked it away in some thick brush before double-checking to make sure I had what I needed. My uncle had given me a couple of healing potions for safety and I made sure to check my pouch to make sure I still had them one last time fore I made my way to the lowering path into the encampment.
It wasn't hard to see where they were hiding my father I got closer, the fool orcs hadn't even constructed a wall for the gods sakes. They had him in a wooden parapet, and shoddily made if I do say so myself. It didn't take me long to dispatch the one and only guard at the pass mouth into the camp, more than likely his sleeping form made it easy to slit his throat with no more than a gurgle to alarm the others. I snuck, well I snuck as well as someone could in dwarvish made scale, to my fathers location and I soon found out what a veteran captain had failed to escape his piece mailed cell.
I bashed the old rusty lock over the 'door' to the pit and moved quickly to my father side. He was lying face first in the damp dirt from mornings due. He grunted as I enter, and more than likely thought it was time for his morning beating as I moved to turn him over. To my horror I looked upon the broken mans face, and nearly wretched as I noticed an old stuffed rag where his right eye used to be. How could anyone treat someone this way, I wondered, as I did my best to make him more comfortable.
He knew as well as I there was no escape for him here, as he took his hand and buried it into my chest, and I clutched at it for all that I was worth as I watched the life drain from his eye, from his skin, and his body as he went limp in my arms. I said nothing, I felt nothing. I wanted to scream and yet my mouth would not work. I wanted to kill them all, yet I couldn't lift my hand to unsheathe my sword, all I could do was take the bone carved amulet from my father dead hand and place it about my neck. I stood and hefted his body over my shoulder and quickly dashed out of the encampment and back to town.
The next day we burned his body in honor of his service to his home and the men that served with him. A call to arms was issued for the orcs in their encampment after I had divulged where it lay, yet I was not to go with his men to slaughter them all. I was a liability to them now, and I understood why. My emotions would only get in the way, so once cooled I scooped some of my father ashes from the fire and placed them into a vial and mounted my horse with my gear and rode off, maybe a new start will give me a new direction to follow when I've lost my moral compass who was my father.[/sblock]
Jorrin Tornfel
Male Human Warlord
Level 3
Good (Chaotic)
Representing Josh
[sblock=Stats]Strength 16 (+3)
Constitution 14 (+2)
Dexterity 11 (+0)
Intelligence 12 (+1)
Wisdom 12 (+1)
Charisma 14 (+2)[/sblock]
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 210 lb
Skin: Light
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black; Straight; Beardless
[sblock=HP/AC/Surges]Maximum Hit Points: 36
AC: 21
Bloodied: 18
Surge Value: 9
Surges / Day: 9 [includes constitution modifier][/sblock]
Size: Medium
Speed: 5 squares [includes armor penalty]
Vision: Normal
[sblock=BaseAttacks/Init/Saves]Initiative: 1d20 +7 = + 1 [half level] + 0 [dexterity] + 4 [improved initiative] + 2 [combat leader]
Base Strength Attack: 1d20 +4 = + 1 [half level] + 3 [strength]
Base Dexterity Attack: 1d20 +1 = + 1 [half level] + 0 [dexterity]
Base Constitution Attack: 1d20 +3 = + 1 [half level] + 2 [constitution]
Base Intelligence Attack: 1d20 +2 = + 1 [half level] + 1 [intelligence]
Base Wisdom Attack: 1d20 +2 = + 1 [half level] + 1 [wisdom]
Base Charisma Attack: 1d20 +3 = + 1 [half level] + 2 [charisma]
Armor Class: 21 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 8 [magic scale] + 2 [if carrying heavy shield]
Fortitude Defense: 16 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 1 [Human] + 1 [warlord] + 3 [strength]
Reflex Defense: 15 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 1 [Human] + 1 [intelligence] + 2 [if carrying heavy shield]
Will Defense: 15 = 10 + 1 [half level] + 1 [Human] + 1 [warlord] + 2 [charisma][/sblock]
Armor: Magic Scale (45 lb)
Shield: Large (15 lb)
[sblock=Weapon/Power Attacks]Attacks:
Unarmed Melee: +4 [base strength attack] vs AC; damage 1[W]=1d4+3 [strength]
Javelins (x2): +6 vs AC [+4 strength] [+2 proficiency]; damage 1[W]=1d6+3 [strength] range 10/20 2 lb (Spear) Heavy throwable
Thrown: Same as melee
+1 Frost Longsword: +8 vs AC [+4 strength] [+3 proficiency]; damage 1[W]=1d8+4 [strength] 4 lb (Heavy blade) versatile
Hand crossbow: +3 vs AC [+1 dexterity] [+2 proficiency]; damage 1[W]=1d6 range 10/20 2 lb (Crossbow) Load free
Commander's Strike (ally adds your intelligence bonus to damage)
Viper's Strike +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Wolfpack Tactics +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Warlord's Favor +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Bastion of Defense +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
Warlord's Strike +4w [base strength attack] vs AC
v Versatile weapon. Add +1 to damage if using two-handed.
w Weapon-based power. Apply adjustments for proficiency, situation, feats, magic, etc.[/sblock]
[sblock=Encumbrance]Encumbrance 4e
Normal Load: 160 lb.
Heavy Load: 320 lb.
Maximum Drag Load: 800 lb.
Encumbrances 3.5
Light load: 76 lb. or less
Medium load: 77-153 lb.
Heavy load: 154-230 lb.
Lift over head: 230 lb.
Lift off ground: 460 lb.
Push or drag: 1150 lb.[/sblock]
Languages: Common; Draconic
[sblock=Skills]Skills:
Acrobatics: -1 = 0 [dexterity] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield]
Arcana: +2 = 1 [intelligence] + 1 [half level]
Athletics: +2 = 3 [strength] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield]
Bluff: +3 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level]
Diplomacy: +8 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
Dungeoneering: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Endurance: +6 = 2 [constitution] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]-2 [shield]
Heal: +7 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
History: +7 = 1 [intelligence] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
Insight: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Intimidate: +8 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level] + 5 [class training]
Nature: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Perception: +2 = 1 [wisdom] + 1 [half level]
Religion: +2 = 1 [intelligence] + 1 [half level]
Stealth: -1 = 0 [dexterity] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield]
Streetwise: +3 = 2 [charisma] + 1 [half level]
Thievery: -1 = 0 [dexterity] + 1 [half level]-2 [shield][/sblock]
[sblock=Feats/Powers]Feats:
Armor Proficiency -- Scale
Improved Initiative
Shield Proficiency -- Heavy
At-Will:
Commander's Strike [Level 1]
Viper's Strike [Level 1]
Wolf Pack Tactics [Level 1]
Other Standard Actions: Administer a potion; Aid another; Charge [+1 to basic melee attack or bull rush]; Coup de grace; Equip / stow shield; Ready an action; Total defense; Sustain standard action; Some skills during combat (i.e., Acrobatics -- fast escape; Bluff, Heal -- first aid, Intimidate, Perception -- active, Thievery depending on circumstances)
Encounter Powers:
Second Wind
Spend an Action Point [free action, not in surprise round]
Inspiring Word [minor action][2x/encounter]
Warlord's Favor [Level 1]
Aid the Injured [Level 2 Utility]
Warlord's Strike [Level 3]
Daily Powers:
Bastion of Defense [Level 1][/sblock]
[sblock=Race/Class Abilities/Advantages]Human
* One extra at-will power from your class (already included)
* One bonus feat at 1st level (already included)
* One bonus skill from the skill class list (already included)
* +1 to fortitude, reflex, and will defenses
Warlord
* Combat Leader (+2 initiative for self and all allies within ten squares)
* This warlord chose the inspiring presence.
* Inspiring Word[/sblock]
[sblock=Equipment]Jorrin Tornfel's Equipment
Crossbow bolts (quiver of 20) x2 50 lb
Backpack 6 lb
Bedroll 2 lb
Blanket, winter x1 5 lb
Caltrops 3 lb
Case (for map or scroll) 2 lb
Crowbar 1 lb
Flint and steel 1lb
Grappling hook 4 lb
Lantern (bullseye, 2 pints oil) 5 lb
Pouch (belt) x3 3 lb
Rations (1 day) x10
Rope (50', hempen) x1
Sunrods x5 2 lb
Torches x2 2lb
Vial (for ink or potions) x1 1lb
Waterskins x2 2lb
Whetstone 2lb
140 lb Weapons / Armor / Shield (from above)[/sblock]
[sblock=Magic Items]Magic items:
Weapon: +1 Frost Longsword (Power Daily Cold): Free Action. Use this power when youhit with the weapon. The target takes an extra 1d8 cold
damage and is slowed until the end of your next turn.
Armor: +1 Dwarven Scale (Power Daily Healing): Free Action. Regain hit points asif you had spent a healing surge.
Other: Everlasting Provisions (Property: After an extended rest, you open the basket,creating enough food and water to feed five Medium or Small creatures (or one Large creature) for 24 hours.[/sblock]
[sblock=Money]Money
Platinum:
Gold: 520
Silver:
Copper:[/sblock]
[sblock=History]More about Jorrin Tornfel:
As he laid lifeless in my arms I couldn't help but let my mind drift to anything but the tragedy that lay before me. My mind wanders back to my first trainings, a time where I was first taught how to lead. He woke me out of a sound sleep before light of day had even crested the mountain range behind our village. My cot was quite literally overturned as the shouting began.
"On your FEET soldier today is the day you find forgiveness dies!" he barked as I tried to right myself having been tossed face first on the floor.
It was pouring that day, I remember it vividly as he slapped a pack of gear and provision on my back and nearly booted me out the door. The rain drops were heavy and large almost piercing to someone who had, no more than ten minutes ago, just awoken. Everything was hazy, weather that be from the rain or just being roused so quickly I can't quiet recall.
"Five miles boy, and it starts at the foot of this stair!" he shouted as I could feet the point of a sword in the small of my back reminding me again there wasn't much debate in that matter.
The first mile wasn't so bad, but the next 3 would remind me that this was no joke. My legs started to burn and each breath slowly started from my feet it seemed and took eons to reach my mouth with an exhale. I was by this point, completely waterlogged, and it felt as if I'd never by dry again.
"Leaders aren't born soldier... they're made from blood, sweat and tears, and I plan to make you experience that all EVERY day until you learn!" he shouted again. Only some of his incessant ramblings were making it through to coherent thought by mile four.
I couldn't help remembering back to that day, and more importantly the end of the five mile run. How it felt to feel the burn and the anguish after a grueling march through pouring rain. What I wouldn't give to feel ANYTHING at this moment as my father lay lifeless in my arms. The orcs had taken from him what I honored and cherished most, the man that had made me the leader I am today, my own flesh and blood, my own father.
It was merely three weeks ago that I had gotten word from the carrier that my father had been taken captive. I rode hard and fast over one hundred miles of plains and forest covered ground to return to my home town of Harnsfort. I didn't even give myself a rest the night I arrived, I talked to the man, Jonis, my uncle who had sent me word of this travesty and sent out into the foothills of that same mountain range I was made to run ten years ago in search of my father. I rued now taking the small position of garrison Sargent in what seemed to be the farthest place in the world from my home town. Karenth was the towns name, and I had made a good name for myself there in the year I had been given a station there.
Orcs aren't very well known for covering their tracks, and it was not that hard once ascending into the foothills where they had been migrating to and from. I picked up on one of the main traffic areas maybe 6 miles outside my home town and began to follow it to it's destination. It was a good days walk before I came to a bluff overlooking a formidable looking orc encampment. They had guards stationed but again, orcs aren't well known for their smarts either, luckily for me.
I decided to make camp this night off a side path where tracks were scarce and unfurled my bedroll and blanket as a pillow for the night. I wish I could have told you I slept well this night knowing I would need the extra energy for the morning, but alas this was not the case. All I could think about was what my father must be enduring in a camp full of savages. Eventually I had to forcibly put the images out of my mind and closed my eyes to sleep.
Morning came all too quickly for me as I sighed softly and packed my belongings. I left most of what wasn't absolutely necessary at camp and tucked it away in some thick brush before double-checking to make sure I had what I needed. My uncle had given me a couple of healing potions for safety and I made sure to check my pouch to make sure I still had them one last time fore I made my way to the lowering path into the encampment.
It wasn't hard to see where they were hiding my father I got closer, the fool orcs hadn't even constructed a wall for the gods sakes. They had him in a wooden parapet, and shoddily made if I do say so myself. It didn't take me long to dispatch the one and only guard at the pass mouth into the camp, more than likely his sleeping form made it easy to slit his throat with no more than a gurgle to alarm the others. I snuck, well I snuck as well as someone could in dwarvish made scale, to my fathers location and I soon found out what a veteran captain had failed to escape his piece mailed cell.
I bashed the old rusty lock over the 'door' to the pit and moved quickly to my father side. He was lying face first in the damp dirt from mornings due. He grunted as I enter, and more than likely thought it was time for his morning beating as I moved to turn him over. To my horror I looked upon the broken mans face, and nearly wretched as I noticed an old stuffed rag where his right eye used to be. How could anyone treat someone this way, I wondered, as I did my best to make him more comfortable.
He knew as well as I there was no escape for him here, as he took his hand and buried it into my chest, and I clutched at it for all that I was worth as I watched the life drain from his eye, from his skin, and his body as he went limp in my arms. I said nothing, I felt nothing. I wanted to scream and yet my mouth would not work. I wanted to kill them all, yet I couldn't lift my hand to unsheathe my sword, all I could do was take the bone carved amulet from my father dead hand and place it about my neck. I stood and hefted his body over my shoulder and quickly dashed out of the encampment and back to town.
The next day we burned his body in honor of his service to his home and the men that served with him. A call to arms was issued for the orcs in their encampment after I had divulged where it lay, yet I was not to go with his men to slaughter them all. I was a liability to them now, and I understood why. My emotions would only get in the way, so once cooled I scooped some of my father ashes from the fire and placed them into a vial and mounted my horse with my gear and rode off, maybe a new start will give me a new direction to follow when I've lost my moral compass who was my father.[/sblock]
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