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Dusk in the land of Fading Stars - Femerus' Story hour (updated 2-20-03)
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<blockquote data-quote="Femerus the Gnecro" data-source="post: 661107" data-attributes="member: 2381"><p>Meanwhile, Damek and Lucien sit in the town library, such as it is, poring over as many books as they can scrounge on the history of Darumont. Thus far, their findings have been of a more general nature. It is only after several hours of dedicated searching that Lucien finally begins to learn about the Orcs. </p><p></p><p>“Originally, the people settled here because of its good position at the end of a great river, where the fishing was plentiful. Though the original settlers had to fend off Orcs in great numbers, the attacks lessened in intensity after a certain period. Until, that is about fifty years ago. Apparently a group of adventurers actually penetrated Orc territory and stole something from them, after slaying the Orc Chieftain in single combat. The attacks have been steadily intensifying ever since.”</p><p></p><p>“What did they steal?”</p><p></p><p>After flipping for another few pages, Lucien responds to Damek’s inquiry. “Apparently it was something called the ‘Barikbaree.’ The group’s leader, Diaro L. claimed it for his own after slaying the Orc chieftain. They then returned to Darumont with it, despite being hounted by the clan’s best hunters for several days. Oh, and here’s a description of the item. ‘it was decorated with black feathers, and had a sharp spike on the end of it that was cold to the touch even on a summer's day.’” Damek is suitably impressed. </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p></p><p>Madame Fizz’s crystal ball begins to glow faintly with a flickering light as she waves her hand over it. As it grows brighter and brighter, her eyes roll up into the back of her head and she begins to chant.</p><p></p><p>“muh-muhhhmuhumhhmmmmhmhjmm OooooH muhmhumumum mumhmummmmmm!!”</p><p></p><p>Kerim bites his lip to keep from laughing aloud. He’s quite impressed by the eye trick though, and sits back to enjoy the rest of the show. </p><p></p><p>“Youuu... will be a child.. of change. Conflict will follow in your path- and your path will decide where conflict goes... I see.. the north.. and I see before that- the southern orcs. You wish to join them? Kill them?”</p><p></p><p>Kerim gives a start, not having expected a question and answer session. “Uh… neither at the moment. I’m just curious about their motives.” Madame Fizz turns towards Kerim, her rolled up eyes shining whitely from the crystal ball’s flickering light. Despite her lack of pupils, she still seems to be staring right into Kerim’s soul. </p><p></p><p>“I can see into *their* future if you wish.” Kerim nods, and for the briefest second Madame Fizz’s eyes unroll, just long enough to dart towards the sign on the wall before rolling back up into her head. Kerim’s gold again disappears as soon as it hits the table.</p><p></p><p>“The orcs... hm.. *she waves her hands across the ball* I see them leaving our town in safety... you are there.. and others too. I see humans and orcs standing side by side in brotherhood: united. The orc chief is raising his hand aloft - in it is a spear tipped in iron as black as a raven's wings... and that is all I know… it branches from there in many ways.” With that, the light in Madame Fizz’s crystal ball winks out, and her eyes return to their normal position. After a few more questions, Kerim exits the shop out onto the cold street, and begins to search for the library. </p><p></p><p>Hours later, after having compared notes with each other, Kerim, Lucien and Damek come up with two possible scenarios: </p><p></p><p>1. find the orcs and ask them pointedly why they’ve been attacking like raving madmen for the last half century</p><p>2. seek out the Orc spear and try to determine its importance to the Orcs</p><p></p><p>It is also suggested that perhaps finding the spear and returning it to the Orcs might lessen their ferocity towards them town, or convince them to, as Kerim put it, “piss off.” However, given that they have absolutely *no* information regarding the spear and that Darumont is hardly a nexus of arcane might, their only viable option is to seek out the Orcs and confront them in a manner which hopefully will not get everyone involve killed.</p><p></p><p>Proof, once again, that being intelligent does not make you smart.</p><p></p><p>So the group (minus Saryna and Merileene) heads South, towards the Southern hills (imagine that). However, while leaving Southgate, they manage to overhear a conversation between a man and what appears to be a rather sturdy dwarf with a massive axe slung over his shoulder. He is speaking to one of the guardsmen.</p><p></p><p>“So, let me get this right. You pay fifty gold, and I go kill that orc patrol wot's out there?”</p><p></p><p>The guardsman nods. “Aye- simple as that.”</p><p></p><p>Smiling, the Dwarf grins. “Done. I go.” As the dwarf swivels and starts plodding southwards, Lucien looks expectantly at Kerim.</p><p></p><p>“A fighter might be useful, in case the Orcs decide to reject our parley.” Kerim just looks at Lucien, uncomprehendingly. </p><p></p><p>“Well, go on, Kerim! Friendliness is your thing!” Kerim simply sighs and runs to catch up with the dwarf, where he falls into step with the thick man. The dwarf continues walking.</p><p></p><p>“Wot do you want?”</p><p></p><p>Kerim turns on the charm and begins his pitch. “Well... I overheard that you were going out after the orcs… and it just so happens that we're heading in more or less the same direction. Though we're not exactly bent on slaughter... but at any rate, if they DO try to kill us, my friend, the tall one over there, thought that someone of your obvious skills might come in handy in case we get into a pickle. Us and the orcs that is, not you and me. Also... since we're probably going to find them before you do anyways, it'd be easier for you if you were to stick with us rather than going off solo.”</p><p></p><p>The last sentence stops the Dwarf’s steady plod. He turns to glare at Kerim. “Have you been hired to kill the orc patrols too eh?” Kerim quickly nods his head, much to the Dwarf’s confusion. </p><p></p><p>”Actually we were kind of hoping to talk to them… well, at least damek was going to talk to them. None of the rest of us speak Orc. Oh! My name's Kerim by the way... pleasedtameetcha.” </p><p></p><p>The Dwarf’s eyes widen as he begins to consider the possibility that he is being followed by three dangerously insane inviduals. “Talk to orcs? Why? Wait, nevermind, I don’t rightly care to hear it. You’re not allied with the damned things, are you?” </p><p></p><p>Kerim’s deep intake of breath is the only warning the Dwarf gets before he is subjected to the Halfling’s rapid-fire recounting of the last two days.</p><p></p><p>“Actually we’re trying to determine why they've been attacking the town. You see, we've recently discovered that their attacks have increased a great deal over the last fifty years, right after a group of adventurers stole a spear from the Orcs called the oochei bootchie or something like that and the spear, which was probably very important to the Orcs, was taken to the town and since that time the Orcs have been attacking the town more and we figure that if we can find the spear the Orcs might stop attacking the town but before we do that we'd like to make sure that the Orcs are after the spear and not virgins or stuff like that.” As Kerim pauses for breath, the Dwarf takes the opportunity to start walking south again, at a faster pace than before. After about twenty feet, he pauses.</p><p></p><p>“The guards said they'd pay 300 gold to any who could stop the Orcs from attacking.. do think talking would do it? Getting the spear or whatever?”</p><p></p><p>Kerim clears his throat. “Well… it might. And it’s certainly more practical than trying to wipe out an entire nation of Orcs a half dozen at a time.” Lucien and Damek arrive in time to clearly hear the last exchange. Lucien takes advantage of the Dwarf’s momentary pause.</p><p></p><p>“What it boils down to is this... the orcs will likely never stop attacking totally. This was originally their land and it was stolen from them by the people of Darumont. However, the frequency and ferocity of attacks might very well be greatly diminished if our theories prove correct.”</p><p></p><p>Suddenly, the Dwarf turns and faces Lucien, with a glimmer in his eye. “At least long enough palm the reward!” With that, the Dwarf turns and begins plodding southward again, this time accompanied by three new companions.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Femerus the Gnecro, post: 661107, member: 2381"] Meanwhile, Damek and Lucien sit in the town library, such as it is, poring over as many books as they can scrounge on the history of Darumont. Thus far, their findings have been of a more general nature. It is only after several hours of dedicated searching that Lucien finally begins to learn about the Orcs. “Originally, the people settled here because of its good position at the end of a great river, where the fishing was plentiful. Though the original settlers had to fend off Orcs in great numbers, the attacks lessened in intensity after a certain period. Until, that is about fifty years ago. Apparently a group of adventurers actually penetrated Orc territory and stole something from them, after slaying the Orc Chieftain in single combat. The attacks have been steadily intensifying ever since.” “What did they steal?” After flipping for another few pages, Lucien responds to Damek’s inquiry. “Apparently it was something called the ‘Barikbaree.’ The group’s leader, Diaro L. claimed it for his own after slaying the Orc chieftain. They then returned to Darumont with it, despite being hounted by the clan’s best hunters for several days. Oh, and here’s a description of the item. ‘it was decorated with black feathers, and had a sharp spike on the end of it that was cold to the touch even on a summer's day.’” Damek is suitably impressed. *** Madame Fizz’s crystal ball begins to glow faintly with a flickering light as she waves her hand over it. As it grows brighter and brighter, her eyes roll up into the back of her head and she begins to chant. “muh-muhhhmuhumhhmmmmhmhjmm OooooH muhmhumumum mumhmummmmmm!!” Kerim bites his lip to keep from laughing aloud. He’s quite impressed by the eye trick though, and sits back to enjoy the rest of the show. “Youuu... will be a child.. of change. Conflict will follow in your path- and your path will decide where conflict goes... I see.. the north.. and I see before that- the southern orcs. You wish to join them? Kill them?” Kerim gives a start, not having expected a question and answer session. “Uh… neither at the moment. I’m just curious about their motives.” Madame Fizz turns towards Kerim, her rolled up eyes shining whitely from the crystal ball’s flickering light. Despite her lack of pupils, she still seems to be staring right into Kerim’s soul. “I can see into *their* future if you wish.” Kerim nods, and for the briefest second Madame Fizz’s eyes unroll, just long enough to dart towards the sign on the wall before rolling back up into her head. Kerim’s gold again disappears as soon as it hits the table. “The orcs... hm.. *she waves her hands across the ball* I see them leaving our town in safety... you are there.. and others too. I see humans and orcs standing side by side in brotherhood: united. The orc chief is raising his hand aloft - in it is a spear tipped in iron as black as a raven's wings... and that is all I know… it branches from there in many ways.” With that, the light in Madame Fizz’s crystal ball winks out, and her eyes return to their normal position. After a few more questions, Kerim exits the shop out onto the cold street, and begins to search for the library. Hours later, after having compared notes with each other, Kerim, Lucien and Damek come up with two possible scenarios: 1. find the orcs and ask them pointedly why they’ve been attacking like raving madmen for the last half century 2. seek out the Orc spear and try to determine its importance to the Orcs It is also suggested that perhaps finding the spear and returning it to the Orcs might lessen their ferocity towards them town, or convince them to, as Kerim put it, “piss off.” However, given that they have absolutely *no* information regarding the spear and that Darumont is hardly a nexus of arcane might, their only viable option is to seek out the Orcs and confront them in a manner which hopefully will not get everyone involve killed. Proof, once again, that being intelligent does not make you smart. So the group (minus Saryna and Merileene) heads South, towards the Southern hills (imagine that). However, while leaving Southgate, they manage to overhear a conversation between a man and what appears to be a rather sturdy dwarf with a massive axe slung over his shoulder. He is speaking to one of the guardsmen. “So, let me get this right. You pay fifty gold, and I go kill that orc patrol wot's out there?” The guardsman nods. “Aye- simple as that.” Smiling, the Dwarf grins. “Done. I go.” As the dwarf swivels and starts plodding southwards, Lucien looks expectantly at Kerim. “A fighter might be useful, in case the Orcs decide to reject our parley.” Kerim just looks at Lucien, uncomprehendingly. “Well, go on, Kerim! Friendliness is your thing!” Kerim simply sighs and runs to catch up with the dwarf, where he falls into step with the thick man. The dwarf continues walking. “Wot do you want?” Kerim turns on the charm and begins his pitch. “Well... I overheard that you were going out after the orcs… and it just so happens that we're heading in more or less the same direction. Though we're not exactly bent on slaughter... but at any rate, if they DO try to kill us, my friend, the tall one over there, thought that someone of your obvious skills might come in handy in case we get into a pickle. Us and the orcs that is, not you and me. Also... since we're probably going to find them before you do anyways, it'd be easier for you if you were to stick with us rather than going off solo.” The last sentence stops the Dwarf’s steady plod. He turns to glare at Kerim. “Have you been hired to kill the orc patrols too eh?” Kerim quickly nods his head, much to the Dwarf’s confusion. ”Actually we were kind of hoping to talk to them… well, at least damek was going to talk to them. None of the rest of us speak Orc. Oh! My name's Kerim by the way... pleasedtameetcha.” The Dwarf’s eyes widen as he begins to consider the possibility that he is being followed by three dangerously insane inviduals. “Talk to orcs? Why? Wait, nevermind, I don’t rightly care to hear it. You’re not allied with the damned things, are you?” Kerim’s deep intake of breath is the only warning the Dwarf gets before he is subjected to the Halfling’s rapid-fire recounting of the last two days. “Actually we’re trying to determine why they've been attacking the town. You see, we've recently discovered that their attacks have increased a great deal over the last fifty years, right after a group of adventurers stole a spear from the Orcs called the oochei bootchie or something like that and the spear, which was probably very important to the Orcs, was taken to the town and since that time the Orcs have been attacking the town more and we figure that if we can find the spear the Orcs might stop attacking the town but before we do that we'd like to make sure that the Orcs are after the spear and not virgins or stuff like that.” As Kerim pauses for breath, the Dwarf takes the opportunity to start walking south again, at a faster pace than before. After about twenty feet, he pauses. “The guards said they'd pay 300 gold to any who could stop the Orcs from attacking.. do think talking would do it? Getting the spear or whatever?” Kerim clears his throat. “Well… it might. And it’s certainly more practical than trying to wipe out an entire nation of Orcs a half dozen at a time.” Lucien and Damek arrive in time to clearly hear the last exchange. Lucien takes advantage of the Dwarf’s momentary pause. “What it boils down to is this... the orcs will likely never stop attacking totally. This was originally their land and it was stolen from them by the people of Darumont. However, the frequency and ferocity of attacks might very well be greatly diminished if our theories prove correct.” Suddenly, the Dwarf turns and faces Lucien, with a glimmer in his eye. “At least long enough palm the reward!” With that, the Dwarf turns and begins plodding southward again, this time accompanied by three new companions. [/QUOTE]
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