Haven's Siege

[Velmont]

-=-=-= Road to Thane's Hold =-=-=-

Lord Baltimore has travelled for three days without much disagreement. Many people had some hostile behavior but was quickly put back in line with the authority of his escorts and the sweet tongue of the diplomat. He was looking at the high mountains standing on each side of him, and he understood why the orcs wasn't a threat.

-=-=-= Moutain Side =-=-=-

Stonebear was holding the line as the others was falling back. He gave a quick look behind to see where they were when he felt a sharp pain in the knee. An orc had a chance to get pass through his defence. The large Goliath fall on his knee. The orcs start to swarm him. Suddenly, a fireball explode where Stonebearer was and most of the orcs fall down, just like the giant man. The few who stay standing was quickly killed under arrows and throwing knife. The cleric of Moradin and Piper both grabs the giant and pull it back, hurrying down the trail.

-=-=-= Mountain Trail =-=-=-
Before Vi'kandrix could answer Iceclaw, the group saw Piper coming down the trail, pulling Stonebear. The group decide to quickly sneak on the orcs. Just as the orcs falled on the reatreating group, they didn't had time to wound anyone that they were stabs in the back. Some died, but many retreat, going back with there group, not expecting to have four more person to handle.

-=-=-= Road to Thane's Hold =-=-=-
The small scouting group finally lead a unit down the mountain. Once on the road, the group seems to come out of reach of the orcs, who stayed in the mountain. On there way, they cross Lord Baltimore and a small gnome who was following him and who didn't escape the elf's eye.

-=-=-= Prison of Haven =-=-=-

Amira and Pernicious escape the prison. As they were running down a dark alley, they both got pull into a door. Hands on there mouth, they tried to attack there assailant, but quickly, Amira stop to move. She make a sign to Pernicious to calm down.

"Is he safe." asks one of the man hidden in teh shadow.

"I can't swear, but you are his way out of the city. I think he is at least intelligent." replied Amira.

Pernicious quickly found these men were of the thief guild. They would smuggle them out of the city, but they would need to get forgotten for a while. They had a contact at Thane's Hold where the two escapee would be able to hide for a few times, until things calm down here.

 

[tiornys]

[sblock=context]

-=-=-= Mountain Trail =-=-=-

Vi'kandrix was leading the group. The sound was close. It was farther up, along a trail that lead to a monastery. Before they get farther, he stop the group. Iceclaw and Snarl and there mysterious companion stop just behind. Vi'kandrix points a group of orcs that is preparing an ambush. More probably for the group that seems to fight the orcs further up.

(On the trail):

Iceclaw had moved back with the group, allowing Vi'kandrix to take the lead since he seemed to know the area better- the three shifters set a fast pace through the woods and up the trail into the mountainous area. As Vi'kandrix waved them to a stop, Iceclaw shifted back from his snow leopard shape, but his careful crouch still showed a feline grace. He looked over the orcs that Vi'kandrix pointed out, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "Do we attack?," he purred. "We have the element of surprise- but we could probably get around them if we wanted..." He looked behind them, down the trail leading into the trees. "And is that elf still coming, or is he going to stay down in the forest?" They hadn't seen the nameless elf since they left the treeline, but his falcon was still (barely) visible high above...

Snarl also flicked a brief glance back, but most of his attention was fixed on the orcs ahead of them- the expression on his face might have been barely-contained anger or something disturbingly like hunger. He did not speak as he waited for Vi'kandrix to reply- but kept up a quiet growling...

-=-=-= Mountain Trail =-=-=-
Before Vi'kandrix could answer Iceclaw, the group saw Piper coming down the trail, pulling Stonebear. The group decide to quickly sneak on the orcs. Just as the orcs falled on the reatreating group, they didn't had time to wound anyone that they were stabs in the back. Some died, but many retreat, going back with there group, not expecting to have four more person to handle.

[/sblock]Vi'kandrix pulls his spear from an orcish body and leans on it, panting lightly, as he eyes the retreating orcs. Glancing over toward the others, he says Well met. I am Vi'kandrix. You are the friends of Iceclaw and Snarl? Not waiting for an answer, he adds, We should leave, soon. This location is exposed, and they may be regrouping for another assault.

Vi'kandrix straightens and takes a few steps, squatting by the goliath's side. Here, let me take a look at that leg. We will all be safer if we can get you mobile.

[sblock=OOC]Vi'kandrix intends to use Lay on Hands to help Stonebear.

t~[/sblock]

 

[Kobold Stew]

-=-=-= Road to Thane's Hold =-=-=-
The small scouting group finally lead a unit down the mountain. Once on the road, the group seems to come out of reach of the orcs, who stayed in the mountain. On there way, they cross Lord Baltimore and a small gnome who was following him and who didn't escape the elf's eye.

"Greetings. Let me offer you my assistance." Lord Baltimore approaches with open hands, the setting sun making the fur on his face appear blue in the shadows. He continues, articulate, and with flawless diction emerging behind the rough tusks of his face.

"Please do not be alarmed at my appearance. I am as much an enemy of the orcish incursion as are you, and I have been sent by his Majesty, Lord of the Eastern Empire, Sultan of the Isles of Cabash, Former President of the Confederacy of Free City-States, to deal with this incursion as I see fit. I am heading towards Thane's Hold now, and would happily offer you what help I am able. Right now I see you need some wounds cleaned. Now, let me help you with that."

 

[CaBaNa]

I'm not particularly amused by the intimate touching, however thank you for the route out of the city. Pernicious finishes his dubious thanks while flipping his hood up.

And no, I'm not safe... you have a dagger in my back still, remove it.

Stretching out as best he could in the cramped tunnel, the wizard renews his floating light nymphs magic reserve and continues following the roguish woman.

When the coachman gives the barbershop knock it's clear to kick out the faux board and crawl out from under the wagon. Until then keep still and quite, the patrols have been particularly searchy and siezy lately. He'll have to go with you.


My name, Thug, is Pernicious. And I'll not tolerate that cramped space.

The shadowy man doesn't say anything as he takes the blackjack across the wizards skull. The group loads Pernicious into the compartment with Amira and seal the false bottom.

Hehehe came the soft rustling of pages, apparently you WILL tolerate that cramped space...

 

[pathfinderq1]

With the aid of Vi'kandrix and Piper, and a few brief moments of respite, Stonebear was able to stand and even walk, albeit slowly and with the assistance of his glaive put to use as a walking staff. Piper and her team drew apart for just a moment, speaking together in whispers, punctuated by gestures and a few stray glances to the others. As they finished their brief plannings ession, Piper stepped forward toward the larger group and spoke in a melodious voice. "While we are certainly pleased to meet all of you, and glad indeed for your help, it looks as if our paths must diverge as quickly as they were joined. We're going to harry these orcs a bit, get an idea of their numbers, and perhaps muddle their pursuit. My large friend will travel with you- to Thane's Hold, I would guess, and the rest of us intend to journey there as well, in a few days time. Perhaps we will meet again, but for now, fare well." Even as she finished speaking, Iceclaw and Snarl had begunt move off down the trail, and the halfling quickly scampered off to join them.

Stonebear stepped forward, still leaning on the glaive-haft. A thin trickle of blood was still seeping from the greaves of his heavy armor, but he didn't seem to be in real pain- just hobbled. His voice was even deeper than one might expect. "It seems as if we are to journey together," he intoned as he looked around the group, obviously including the newly-arrived hobgoblin in his assessment. "I am called Stonebear, named for the spirit totem that guides me. How are all of you known?"

 

[Velmont]

-=-=-= Chapel =-=-=-

"I've recieved your recommandation" tells an hold dwarf named Rooby, a follower of Moradin. "You are knowledgeable, wise. But we are in war and scholars are not very usefull here." He turns around a look at Pernicious. "We won't asks you to fight. But you might find the work less interesting. Even if we are not under siege, we seldom have wounded that need to be taken care of. I cannot always look over them all the time, so I have my help, here. I present you Akora." The deva was sitting on the side listening and staying silent. "You will help her in his task for now, until we find something more appropriate for your skills. Now, I have a meeting to attend, and we just received news that two wounded are on there way, so let's not waste time." On that he leaves the two man alone.

-=-=-= Tactic Room =-=-=-

Lord Baltimore, Vi'kandrix and Kolvram was standing in large room. In the center of that room was a large wooden table, but no chair. On the table was engraved a map of the region of Thane's Hold. Many scrolls with notes and other maps was spread around the table. On the walls was displayed many scene of battle. Lord Baltimore have no problem identifying many of them, being reknown event of the history. But there is three of them that evade his knowledge, but he guess they are battle known to the dwarves, stories less spread among the other races.

With the three was the elf and the halfling, giving a report of the events. The two dwarves that composed there team had left to other tasks. They were reporting to a small but muscular human. Only half an head above a dwarf, he seemed to have the constitution of a child of Moradim. He was listening to the story of teh two scouts. Around the human were three others dwarves, his advisors. Once the scouts finish there reports, the human stay silent for a time.

One of the dwarves, wearing a chainshirt and an heavy warhammer, with dark red hairs, suggest "They might have found a way through the Hand."

"Don't be silly Pendrake." tells an old dwarves, displaying the symbol of Moradin on his clothes. "There is no way through it. You know well, there is only three way to get out of this valley. By Thane's Hold, by sea and by air. And orcs don't fly."

"Rooby is true" tells the third dwarf, wearing a dark purple cloak and a few high quality golden jewels. "But the Eladrin do. There magic allow them to jump over Moradin's Hand. A gift from Correlon during the last elven war."

"Are you suggesting the Eladrin would betray us, Leopol." asks Pendrake.

"Sorry sirs" interrupt the halfling scouts. "I remember one of the Goliath's friend speaking of a ritual that didn't occur as the caster wanted. They were taking refugee into the Sif Forest, but brought the orcs with them by mistake."

"Was it a mistake?" add Pendrake.

"Don't be silly, Eladrins hate orcs even more than dwarves. Just looks at the kingdom of Liess. The Voice made no slaves. The people of Liess either was slain or the escaped and hide somwhere. No Eladrin or elves would in there right mind ally with a follower of Bane." replies Rooby.

"Let not waste time." interrupt the human. "Pendrake, you take two cohorts and chase those orcs out of the mountains. Leopol, contact the Eldarin and confirm teh scouts version with them. If you suspect something, tell me as soon as possible. Rooby, go take a look at the wounded. See if you cannot hasten there recovery. Now, dismiss."

As everyone is about to leave, the human adds "Not the three of you." He wait a moment and when he is alone with Lord Baltimore, Vi'kandrix and Kolvram. "Welcome to Thane's Hold. I am Lieutnant Madisson. I've been working for the Thane for over a decade and I'm in charge of everything that come from inside the valley, and that include reinforcement and volonteers from Sif and Haven. I must tell it's the first time I see such an unusual crew. So, let's start the presentation. State your name and teh reason of your arrival at Thane's Hold."

-=-=-= Chapel =-=-=-

As Stonebear open his eyes, he see an old dwarf with the symbol of Moradin printed on his clothes. He is smiling. "Nice to see you. It was a pretty serious wound you had at your leg, but it healed. You'll feel it numb for a time, but that sensation is normal. It will go away by the night. You'll only need a good night of rest and tomorrow you'll be ready to fight again. I heard how you get that wound, and if you decide to stay, it will be a good thing for us. If you need anything, you can asks my assistants here for anything." He point toward an Eladrin and a Deva. On that, the dwarf leave the room.

Stonebear look around, and see there is only two occupied bed, him and the cleric dwarf who help them escape the orc. He was also wounded during the ambush, but he was recovering. His wound even seem less serious than his own. The chapel is a great stonework, but with few decoration. The walls and roof is made ot give an impression of space even if after consideration, there is not much space, even less with the ten beds spread in the chapel. To Stonebear guess, it must have been a long time a ceremony have been celebrated here.

 

[CaBaNa]

[sblock=before chapel]Amalia, I do believe we are arrived, would you be a dear and kick out the fake board. when the hidden compartment opens in the cart out steps Pernicious, still wearing robes of grey shades Ah, it is nice to stretch. Gentlemen, I believe you have some items from the evidence room that belong back in my possession... The driver and visible passenger exchange glances, and produce a chest. Opening it, Pernicious finds his Orbs, and potions, flasks, and his mountain climbing gear. His head jerks up, eyes narrow.

Where is my cloak?! The second passenger sticks a hand out the window, dangling from which a nondescript ashen cloak hangs. Snatching the cloak out of the passengers hand, Thank you. Pernicious turns on his heel and begins to head toward the chapel. He stops abruptly, spinning back about.
I'll pay 75 gold for one horse from your team. Including riding gear, and a saddle bag. The driver looks at the five horses, does some quick math, and says, Done. I only need four now anyway.

Pernicious leads the horse toward the chapel, tying it to the outside, then entering. [/sblock]

Bowing deeply, Master Akora, the wizard addresses the Deva. I'm not the best at healing, but Socrates can help the dead and dying.

Pernicious takes in the room, pausing on the giant, then coming back to Akora.

 

[Kobold Stew]

"Lieutenant Madison," begins the hobgoblin, removing his hat and bowing low, his left hand on the pommel of the sword which hangs from his side. "I am Lord Baltimore, and I have been sent to represent His Imperial Majesty's interests in this conflict. The orcish incursions have not yet made their way East, but we fully expect that they will, and His Highness has desired not to wait while others suffer. My purpose is to stop the advance by whatever means necessary. I am by nature a diplomat, but these are interesting times, and I fully expect the way to secure a disposition in the ocs to make them ready to negotiate will be through an initial show of force." He chuckles to himself.

"I am hear to represent that show of force."

 

[pathfinderq1]

Stonebear took his time in awakening- he knew this place was safe, and it had been a long, long time since he had had such leisure. His voice was very deep, and even a whispered thanks to the departing dwarf had a practically seismic undertone.

He looked slowly around the room, as much as he could without sitting up- he took in the sight of each of the other occupants, and of his own gear, stacked beside the bed with typical dwarven neatness and efficiency. Then, moving very slowly and carefully, he eased himself out of the bed and down, so that he was lying on the cool stones of the floor. He sighed deeply, obviously far more comfortable. Without looking at the others, he spoke- his voice was loud enough to be heard, but not shouting, and so deep that it could practically be felt as well as heard. "You are not dwarves. How have you come to this place, and to become assistants to the dwarves? Since I must rest for a time, perhaps you might tell me a story of your journeys..."

 

[RavenBlackthorne]

Akora stands, pulling back the hood that has been casting shadows, revealing ice blue eyes and long, white blonde hair.
“Mistress Akora.”
she says, her full lips pulling into a smile.
“I assume you are the sage, Pernicious? It is a pleasure to meet you. “
Moving quickly to the goliath on the floor, Ordon appears by her. His hands silently guiding hers as she checks the dressing on the giant one’s leg.
“Would you be so kind as to pass me the wrapping there, good wizard?”
she asks, her eyes indicating to the bench.
“I am AltheaKalvinOrdonRelusAzyth…but you can call me Akora.”
As she introduces herself, Ordon moves to the dwarf and begins tending to him.
“As for my story, great one, I’m afraid I am unable to tell you much. My guides seem to all have their individual reasons for not sharing my past. Some out of silence, some out of mischief. I can, however, tell you that the dwarves here found me just after my reincarnation a few weeks ago and took me in. It’s been a slow and painful process but I have been learning a little of myself. In return I offered to help the clerics with skills I seem to have.”
Finishing with the bandaging, she rises, unsteadily on her long legs. Giggling, then starting at the sound, she turns,
“Please excuse me. Some things are harder to get used to than others.”