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Message: <blockquote data-quote="spacehulkster" data-source="post: 2970047" data-attributes="member: 13070">Zafnir notices a glint of steel under the stranger’s cloak.  “This one speaks little and is dangerous, be careful.” he signs to Annalia.  A smile comes to her face and she motions Qwergain to enter and sit by the fire, “Storm Peace is in affect Qwergain.” Rudgar, and his dog Rations, however take a threatening stance, keeping an eye on the dark companions.  Qwergain waves his hand at Rudgar.  “Qwergain to tired to fight little one,” he sighs stepping forward.  Nearing the fire his visage becomes more imposing and Rations growl becomes louder.  He turns to scan the room without paying any attention to the dog and its owner.  Qwergain points at the hole, then at the large spider in another corner, “Room been searched?”Rudgar pats his pet down, calming the animal, then sits himself down with his weapon at the ready.“No Qwergain, we have just started this fire.  The spider is a pet, he will not harm either of you.  Come sit, I will survey the doors and the hole,” replies Zafnir diplomatically.Small conversation ensues with Zafnir taking the lead.  Annalia tries to be on her best behavior, though irritated with the whole affair.  Qwergain mostly nods and grunts, stirring the fire and roasting a rabbit he had caught earlier in the day.  Rudgar quietly pets his dog, dwelling on the past that has led him here.Being an Arctic Dwarf was rare in itself.  But wanting to search out for treasures and adventure was even rarer for his kind.  Arctic Dwarves are a peaceful, reclusive race much shorter than their southern cousins.  Rudgar’s magical gift was apparent at birth.  His family knew after the second year that he would be a priest.  But at the age of rites, he surprised his clan when he chose an ancient god of war as his patron.  The clan was appalled and his family disgraced.  He was the first cleric of war that the clan had had for a couple thousand years.  Rudgar struggled for years to serve his clan or leave for adventure.  He had only heard stories of the south and the wars that each race fought.  He wanted to know first hand.  So he searched the libraries, read the scrolls and listened to the bards songs, for any knowledge concerning other races.  He found that most races wanted power.  Something he also was beginning to crave.  Disciplining himself in the arts of battle, he was preparing to find a war and make a name for himself.  But the past month of journeying only proved to be a lonely road.  And although he hated to admit it, he was glad to have the company this cold, wet night.  Even if it was dark!After a few minutes by the fire warming themselves up, Zafnir stands and pulls out his hand crossbow.  This gets an immediate response from Rudgar.  “Calm yourself Rudgar.  It’s time to check our surroundings.”“I’ll join you, Rations stay!” Rudgar stands and follows Zafnir towards the hole.It’s a small hole and Zafnir judges that if he needed to, he could fit through it.  As he lowers himself level with the entrance, he can see eyes staring back at him and is caught of guard as a giant rat leaps upon him.  The rat tears into his crossbow arm.  Zafnir withdraws his arm and hacks the beast with his sword arm.  Rudgar steps in and slices it with his axe, as two more race out past Zafnir.  By now Annalia has positioned herself behind Zafnir and Qwergain is behind Rudgar. Annalia flays wildly missing the rat that has run past Zafnir.  However, Qwergain takes his blade with an up-swing and slices his rat in two.  As Zafnir recovers himself, two more rats leap upon him.  He quickly dodges to his left and shoots his crossbow, hitting one of the leaping rats.  Rudgar again slices through the last one.Qwergain repositions himself and takes a glance at Annalia's fighting style.  He shakes his head and swings in a wide arc, slicing the rat and splattering Annalia with its blood.“Why you insolent worm!” comes her reply. “Couldn’t you see I was playing with it.”“Rats not good to play with, better to eat!”   Qwergain’s simple logic leaves her speechless.Zafnir checks out the rat lair and finds a few shiny silver pieces, but nothing more.  “I guess we should check the double doors in the center then?”  He checks the doors for any traps and finds they are unlocked and not trapped.  Informing the group, Qwergain steps forward and opens them.As a well oiled machine, the four move down a hallway.  Qwergain and Rudgar side by side, leading the four.  Zafnir behind Rudgar and Annalia falls behind Qwergain as they cautiously move forward, using their darkvision.Zafnir signals to Annalia, “I like the way these two have taken point and given us an opportunity!”“Let’s play a little more. I’m beginning to like this game!" comes her response.</blockquote>

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