Pogre's New Story Hour with Mini pics - (12/7 The Final Update)
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pogre
Legend
Episode 20
Opposing Actions
“Where is she?” the hobgoblin Bandit King bellowed.
“She has not been found my king,” the hobgoblin soldier knew better to look in his leader’s eyes. His rages were infamous for ending in blood.
King Urrevor threw a piece of wood into the flagstone floor shattering it into splinters. “Find that dark elf wench, I want to know where she is!”
“My lord,” the soldier began tentatively, “Viziona is not in her workshop or her lair.”
“This is unacceptable! I need two more mounts. I have not given her permission to leave. Bring Morgang to me.”
The soldier drooped, as he understood his next words might be his last. “My lord, Morgang has been summoned twice, both yesterday and today. He has failed to appear.”
“Did those two run off together? What in Hades is going on?”
“No one has spotted Morgang leaving or coming up from the ruins. It’s likely he is still down there and is not answering the summons for other reasons.”
“Other reasons?”
“My lord, we have reason to believe a strike force has infiltrated the lower levels and may have killed Viziona and Morgang. The entire kitchen staff was found slaughtered two hours ago.”
Urrevor was having trouble retaining his rage. “It was my understanding that the mad woman who approached the outer wall a couple of days ago was alone and had been repelled.”
“The earlier reports were erroneous, my lord.”
“Who made those reports?” King Urrevor knew full well the hobgoblin before him had.
“I did, my lord,” the hobgoblin stood bravely to receive the punishment he was sure was on the way.
Instead, King Urrevor slumped down in a chair in a sullen lump. “Take Firescar, check the perimeter. See if he can pick up their scent. I will not wait for them to come to me.”
“My lord,” the soldier hesitated. “I cannot control the hellhound, let alone give it orders.”
“Bring Firescar to me. I will explain his orders.”
“Very well, my lord.”
…..
“I have no more chants or prayers,” Hilde announced.
Gerhardt grimaced, “Not the druidic circle again.”
“Hey,” Inga replied indignantly, “You may recall we just saved your life with our supplications. Now we need time to meditate.”
Gjord stated, “Traveling back and forth is bound to attract attention eventually.”
“Look, this is not a choice,” Hilde replied. “We are going back to the circle to rest.”
“I know what, I’ll just build a damn road on the way. That way when we defeat the next sewer rat and cast a couple of spells we can use it to get back there more quickly,” Gerhardt huffed.
“Gerhardt, be still. Next time, I will know to save my spells,” Inga retorted.
“And I will know where to swing my blade,” Gerhardt hissed.
“Everyone be quiet!” Hilde demanded. “This is not a debate. We are going to the circle. In the morning we will decide our course of action. Hopefully, in consultation with Vostark.”
…..
“Norvek!” the Bandit King cried out.
“What?” the hobgoblin screamed back.
“You insolent thug! I am your lord and king, address me as such!”
“Right kingy, sorry about that.”
If he was not so valuable I would snuff the life out of this rebellious barbarian. Urrevor thought. The king gathered himself, “What news about the trail of our friends?”
“It seems they are in league with the druid I warned you about,” Norvek hesitated and then added, “my king.”
“That could be a problem – especially when we have no magic casters at our disposal.”
“Magic is overrated,” Norvek countered.
“I’ll remember that when you get on your bone steed and don your ghost armor,” King Urrevor sneered.
Norvek knew better than to mock Urrevor’s precious steeds and ghost armor. He admired the steed’s speed himself if the truth were told.
“What do you want to do, my king?” Norvek asked.
The bandit king held his forehead in the palm of his head for a moment. “We must find them and strike at them when they are separated from this druid. A sharp quick blow to convince them to retreat.”
“I will summon the hounds for the hunt,” the barbarian smiled.
“Bring them to me first. I wish to speak to them personally.”
…..
The night at the druidic circle passed peacefully, but Vostark did not appear.
“I was really hoping he could cure Quarion so we could save some of our resources,” Hilde stated.
“I’ll be alright,” Quarion replied.
“No, no I will cure you. I don’t mind,” Hilde stated. “I did not mean for my comments to make it seem like you are unworthy of my chants and spells.”
“I understood perfectly what you were saying. I took no insult.”
“Thank you Quarion, you are a good soul,” Hilde said. She began a prayer, but Gjord’s shout stopped her.
“Vostark is coming,” Gjord announced loudly.
“Hail friends. How goes it in the struggle at Griffon Rock?” the druid asked.
“It’s a struggle indeed,” Gjord answered.
“Are you hurt?”
“Quarion is injured.”
“Quarion my friend, come here.” Quarion moved to the druid’s side. Vostark performed a quick ritual and cured the injuries.
“Vostark,” Hilde motioned towards herself, “I would consult with you for a moment.”
“Of course, Hilde.”
Together the cleric and druid moved off to the side of the canyon.
“Secrets are for school girls and halflings,” Gerhardt complained loudly.
…..
“Shall we head back to Griffon Rock?” Hilde asked the group.
“Yeah, sure,” Gerhardt replied. “But what was that little conference all about?”
“Vostark just gave me his blessings,” Hilde answered. “Now, let us make haste.”
During the short walk back to Griffon Rock Hilde and Gjord consulted Viziona’s map. They decided to explore the lower level further.
The group returned to the corridor of the dreaded door and were much relieved to see that it was still out of commission. They went through the middle door and found a small chamber.
“There is a secret door here,” Quarion announced. “It does not seem to be trapped.”
“Proceed, fair Quarion,” Hilde stated.
Pushing through the door the group found a corridor traveling at a tee. Heading to the right the group saw a desecrated tomb to their left and black stairs spiraling up straight ahead.
“Let’s check out the tomb,” Inga suggested.
Gerhardt had no more than stepped into the room when four creatures came to unlife. Three were clearly animated skeletons of the regular type. The fourth, however, was different – skeletal yet its eye socket glowed red-orange with ancient hatred. Gerhardt dashed into the room, weaving around the undead opponents while they raked at him in vain. Positioning himself behind the different-looking skeleton he awaited help.
Taking his cue from Gerhardt, Quarion charged in and presented the creature with threats on two fronts. Unluckily, both the elf and the fighter missed with their attacks. The creature started blurring, making its location difficult to ascertain.
Hilde stepped into the chamber’s entrance. “In the name of Opheria I banish thee!” The three skeletons crumbled to dust.
Inga dashed into the chamber and took her place next to Gerhardt. She crashed her mace down on the skeletal beast and bone splintered, sending white splinters through the room. Gjord came in last and took up a flanking position opposite of Inga. The ranger’s luckless blade and off hand weapon both missed the creature.
Gerhardt swung at the undead beast and missed again. He filled the room with oaths and curses that would have made a sailor blush. Quarion’s daggers went wide of the mark as well. The creature paused as though sizing up its enemy, and then breathed an ice-cold cloud of blue mist at the ranger and Quarion. Gjord and Quarion ducked simultaneously and avoided most of the cloud’s icy effects.
Gjord reared back and hit the creature with twin blows, the latter shattering its pelvis. The creature clattered to the tomb floor.
“Damn!” Gerhardt yelled.
“What?” Inga asked.
“He was mine,” the fighter pouted.
“Obviously not,” Inga countered.
Gjord smiled and began sifting through the tomb.
To be continued…
Opposing Actions
“Where is she?” the hobgoblin Bandit King bellowed.
“She has not been found my king,” the hobgoblin soldier knew better to look in his leader’s eyes. His rages were infamous for ending in blood.
King Urrevor threw a piece of wood into the flagstone floor shattering it into splinters. “Find that dark elf wench, I want to know where she is!”
“My lord,” the soldier began tentatively, “Viziona is not in her workshop or her lair.”
“This is unacceptable! I need two more mounts. I have not given her permission to leave. Bring Morgang to me.”
The soldier drooped, as he understood his next words might be his last. “My lord, Morgang has been summoned twice, both yesterday and today. He has failed to appear.”
“Did those two run off together? What in Hades is going on?”
“No one has spotted Morgang leaving or coming up from the ruins. It’s likely he is still down there and is not answering the summons for other reasons.”
“Other reasons?”
“My lord, we have reason to believe a strike force has infiltrated the lower levels and may have killed Viziona and Morgang. The entire kitchen staff was found slaughtered two hours ago.”
Urrevor was having trouble retaining his rage. “It was my understanding that the mad woman who approached the outer wall a couple of days ago was alone and had been repelled.”
“The earlier reports were erroneous, my lord.”
“Who made those reports?” King Urrevor knew full well the hobgoblin before him had.
“I did, my lord,” the hobgoblin stood bravely to receive the punishment he was sure was on the way.
Instead, King Urrevor slumped down in a chair in a sullen lump. “Take Firescar, check the perimeter. See if he can pick up their scent. I will not wait for them to come to me.”
“My lord,” the soldier hesitated. “I cannot control the hellhound, let alone give it orders.”
“Bring Firescar to me. I will explain his orders.”
“Very well, my lord.”
…..
“I have no more chants or prayers,” Hilde announced.
Gerhardt grimaced, “Not the druidic circle again.”
“Hey,” Inga replied indignantly, “You may recall we just saved your life with our supplications. Now we need time to meditate.”
Gjord stated, “Traveling back and forth is bound to attract attention eventually.”
“Look, this is not a choice,” Hilde replied. “We are going back to the circle to rest.”
“I know what, I’ll just build a damn road on the way. That way when we defeat the next sewer rat and cast a couple of spells we can use it to get back there more quickly,” Gerhardt huffed.
“Gerhardt, be still. Next time, I will know to save my spells,” Inga retorted.
“And I will know where to swing my blade,” Gerhardt hissed.
“Everyone be quiet!” Hilde demanded. “This is not a debate. We are going to the circle. In the morning we will decide our course of action. Hopefully, in consultation with Vostark.”
…..
“Norvek!” the Bandit King cried out.
“What?” the hobgoblin screamed back.
“You insolent thug! I am your lord and king, address me as such!”
“Right kingy, sorry about that.”
If he was not so valuable I would snuff the life out of this rebellious barbarian. Urrevor thought. The king gathered himself, “What news about the trail of our friends?”
“It seems they are in league with the druid I warned you about,” Norvek hesitated and then added, “my king.”
“That could be a problem – especially when we have no magic casters at our disposal.”
“Magic is overrated,” Norvek countered.
“I’ll remember that when you get on your bone steed and don your ghost armor,” King Urrevor sneered.
Norvek knew better than to mock Urrevor’s precious steeds and ghost armor. He admired the steed’s speed himself if the truth were told.
“What do you want to do, my king?” Norvek asked.
The bandit king held his forehead in the palm of his head for a moment. “We must find them and strike at them when they are separated from this druid. A sharp quick blow to convince them to retreat.”
“I will summon the hounds for the hunt,” the barbarian smiled.
“Bring them to me first. I wish to speak to them personally.”
…..
The night at the druidic circle passed peacefully, but Vostark did not appear.
“I was really hoping he could cure Quarion so we could save some of our resources,” Hilde stated.
“I’ll be alright,” Quarion replied.
“No, no I will cure you. I don’t mind,” Hilde stated. “I did not mean for my comments to make it seem like you are unworthy of my chants and spells.”
“I understood perfectly what you were saying. I took no insult.”
“Thank you Quarion, you are a good soul,” Hilde said. She began a prayer, but Gjord’s shout stopped her.
“Vostark is coming,” Gjord announced loudly.
“Hail friends. How goes it in the struggle at Griffon Rock?” the druid asked.
“It’s a struggle indeed,” Gjord answered.
“Are you hurt?”
“Quarion is injured.”
“Quarion my friend, come here.” Quarion moved to the druid’s side. Vostark performed a quick ritual and cured the injuries.
“Vostark,” Hilde motioned towards herself, “I would consult with you for a moment.”
“Of course, Hilde.”
Together the cleric and druid moved off to the side of the canyon.
“Secrets are for school girls and halflings,” Gerhardt complained loudly.
…..
“Shall we head back to Griffon Rock?” Hilde asked the group.
“Yeah, sure,” Gerhardt replied. “But what was that little conference all about?”
“Vostark just gave me his blessings,” Hilde answered. “Now, let us make haste.”
During the short walk back to Griffon Rock Hilde and Gjord consulted Viziona’s map. They decided to explore the lower level further.
The group returned to the corridor of the dreaded door and were much relieved to see that it was still out of commission. They went through the middle door and found a small chamber.
“There is a secret door here,” Quarion announced. “It does not seem to be trapped.”
“Proceed, fair Quarion,” Hilde stated.
Pushing through the door the group found a corridor traveling at a tee. Heading to the right the group saw a desecrated tomb to their left and black stairs spiraling up straight ahead.
“Let’s check out the tomb,” Inga suggested.
Gerhardt had no more than stepped into the room when four creatures came to unlife. Three were clearly animated skeletons of the regular type. The fourth, however, was different – skeletal yet its eye socket glowed red-orange with ancient hatred. Gerhardt dashed into the room, weaving around the undead opponents while they raked at him in vain. Positioning himself behind the different-looking skeleton he awaited help.
Taking his cue from Gerhardt, Quarion charged in and presented the creature with threats on two fronts. Unluckily, both the elf and the fighter missed with their attacks. The creature started blurring, making its location difficult to ascertain.
Hilde stepped into the chamber’s entrance. “In the name of Opheria I banish thee!” The three skeletons crumbled to dust.
Inga dashed into the chamber and took her place next to Gerhardt. She crashed her mace down on the skeletal beast and bone splintered, sending white splinters through the room. Gjord came in last and took up a flanking position opposite of Inga. The ranger’s luckless blade and off hand weapon both missed the creature.
Gerhardt swung at the undead beast and missed again. He filled the room with oaths and curses that would have made a sailor blush. Quarion’s daggers went wide of the mark as well. The creature paused as though sizing up its enemy, and then breathed an ice-cold cloud of blue mist at the ranger and Quarion. Gjord and Quarion ducked simultaneously and avoided most of the cloud’s icy effects.
Gjord reared back and hit the creature with twin blows, the latter shattering its pelvis. The creature clattered to the tomb floor.
“Damn!” Gerhardt yelled.
“What?” Inga asked.
“He was mine,” the fighter pouted.
“Obviously not,” Inga countered.
Gjord smiled and began sifting through the tomb.
To be continued…
Last edited:
Broccli_Head
Explorer
What happened to the ambush?
LuYangShih
First Post
The party listened to Hilde, not Gerhardt. Considering the track record of the party, the likely outcome of this is doom and death. When will they finally realize Gerhardt knows what he is talking about?
pogre
Legend
Episode 21
Tempting Fate
Gathering up a few small items from the tomb the party debated on their next course of action. In short time they decided to “clean out” the remainder of the lower tomb. Backtracking they examined the Spartan lair of Morgang, finding nothing of interest. Approaching the final door of the lower level they immediately noticed two things:
“Look at these strange runes,” Gjord pointed out intertwined symbols covering the door.
“Listen to that,” Quarion added. “There is something huge moving around in there.”
“Is it trapped?” Gerhardt asked.
“I don’t think so,” Quarion answered.
Gerhardt pushed his way forward. “Then get out of the way.” The fighter swung the door open.
“By the goddess,” Gjord gasped. “What in Hades is that?”
Gerhardt stood in fighting stance ready for a coming attack. No attack came, however, the creature just walked in a circle around the perimeter of the room. The footsteps pounded a steady rhythm like a great bass drum, jarring the adventurers with each footfall. “It looks like it is made of marble or green granite.”
“A stone golem,” Hilde observed.
Inga paused and then whispered to her sister, “Wouldn’t that require a higher magic?”
“Very high,” Hilde answered.
“He does not seem concerned that we opened the door,” Gerhardt observed. “But, look at all those corpses – entering the room is something different altogether. There is a bit of loot in there though. Say sister, can you tell if any of it is magical from here.”
“I do not have that chant prepared today,” Hilde answered.
“I do,” Inga interjected. The tall sister chanted shortly and then concentrated on the interior of the chamber. “There are six distinct auras coming from the chamber. One is the golem.”
“The others?” Gjord asked.
“Four smaller dweomers and one larger one near the back of the chamber. Concentrated on the corpses back there.”
Gerhardt rattled his blade against his shield. “Five pieces of magic – I’d say that is worth fighting for.”
“Certainly not,” Hilde stated. “The Golem would be unharmed by any of our efforts – its magic is far beyond us.”
“But, it is slow,” Quarion added.
“I like the way you think thief,” Gerhardt smiled. Calling Quarion a thief instead of an elf was quite a bit of diplomacy on his part. After all, most elves must loath themselves and their race.Gerhardt thought to himself. “A snatch and run seems in order here.”
“One swing from those stone fists would crush any of us,” Hilde protested.
“I could run in, but we better be prepared to retreat,” Inga offered.
“Sister! I forbid it!” Hilde protested.
“Yeah Inga! Now we’re talking!” Gerhardt encouraged.
“This is madness,” Hilde felt her cheeks flushed full of blood.
Inga stripped some of her heavier items and handed them to Gerhardt. Everyone in the group knew how fast the barbarian was, they had seen her chase down a deer on a bet weeks ago.
“Please Inga,” Hilde pleaded. “Please reconsider. This is not worth the risk.”
“We should wait on the other side of the pit trap,” Quarion suggested.
“It will be fine,” Inga reassured Hilde.
The adventurers took up their places further down the hall while Inga tensed ready to unleash a burst of speed into the chamber.
“Ready,” Gerhardt whispered hoarsely.
“Ready,” Quarion relayed to Inga.
Inga sprinted into the chamber to the far side. She hesitated for a moment and grabbed one of the corpses and threw it over her shoulder.
Slowly, the Golem reacted. It moved towards the door.
Even burdened, Inga was twice as fast as the construct. She sprinted towards the door. As she reached the portal’s frame she felt a terrible blow reign down on her. Inga maintained her balance, but the golem’s strike had nearly killed her. Blood was streaming down her brow into her eyes making it difficult to see.
“Run!” she shouted.
Quickly the group evacuated to behind the pit trap. They waited in silence. Hilde put her hands over Inga’s impressive wounds and said a prayer curing them.
Gjord put his ear to the ground. “I don’t think it’s moving.”
Gerhardt began moving down the corridor.
“Where are you going?” Inga asked.
“I want to see if he has come out of the chamber.” As quietly as he could Gerhardt crept back down the hall. Rounding the corner he spied the Golem standing in the doorway, still, and at guard.
Gerhardt moved directly out into the hallway. Still the stone golem did not move. “Hey, he’s just standing at the doorway,” Gerhardt shouted back to his companions.
The golem did not move.
“Just shut the door,” Hilde suggested.
Gerhardt pulled his bowstring and let an arrow fly.
The golem moved. Ducking under the doorway it paced towards Gerhardt.
“Run!” Gerhardt shouted.
The entire group of adventurers ran back and took up places behind the open pit trap. The stone golem, motioned and the trap closed. It continued walking towards the adventurers.
“Run!” several shouted.
The adventurers sprinted falling over one another in a mad dash. They reached the spiral staircase up and behind them they heard the consistent thud, thud of the approaching construct…
To be continued…
Tempting Fate
Gathering up a few small items from the tomb the party debated on their next course of action. In short time they decided to “clean out” the remainder of the lower tomb. Backtracking they examined the Spartan lair of Morgang, finding nothing of interest. Approaching the final door of the lower level they immediately noticed two things:
“Look at these strange runes,” Gjord pointed out intertwined symbols covering the door.
“Listen to that,” Quarion added. “There is something huge moving around in there.”
“Is it trapped?” Gerhardt asked.
“I don’t think so,” Quarion answered.
Gerhardt pushed his way forward. “Then get out of the way.” The fighter swung the door open.
“By the goddess,” Gjord gasped. “What in Hades is that?”
Gerhardt stood in fighting stance ready for a coming attack. No attack came, however, the creature just walked in a circle around the perimeter of the room. The footsteps pounded a steady rhythm like a great bass drum, jarring the adventurers with each footfall. “It looks like it is made of marble or green granite.”
“A stone golem,” Hilde observed.
Inga paused and then whispered to her sister, “Wouldn’t that require a higher magic?”
“Very high,” Hilde answered.
“He does not seem concerned that we opened the door,” Gerhardt observed. “But, look at all those corpses – entering the room is something different altogether. There is a bit of loot in there though. Say sister, can you tell if any of it is magical from here.”
“I do not have that chant prepared today,” Hilde answered.
“I do,” Inga interjected. The tall sister chanted shortly and then concentrated on the interior of the chamber. “There are six distinct auras coming from the chamber. One is the golem.”
“The others?” Gjord asked.
“Four smaller dweomers and one larger one near the back of the chamber. Concentrated on the corpses back there.”
Gerhardt rattled his blade against his shield. “Five pieces of magic – I’d say that is worth fighting for.”
“Certainly not,” Hilde stated. “The Golem would be unharmed by any of our efforts – its magic is far beyond us.”
“But, it is slow,” Quarion added.
“I like the way you think thief,” Gerhardt smiled. Calling Quarion a thief instead of an elf was quite a bit of diplomacy on his part. After all, most elves must loath themselves and their race.Gerhardt thought to himself. “A snatch and run seems in order here.”
“One swing from those stone fists would crush any of us,” Hilde protested.
“I could run in, but we better be prepared to retreat,” Inga offered.
“Sister! I forbid it!” Hilde protested.
“Yeah Inga! Now we’re talking!” Gerhardt encouraged.
“This is madness,” Hilde felt her cheeks flushed full of blood.
Inga stripped some of her heavier items and handed them to Gerhardt. Everyone in the group knew how fast the barbarian was, they had seen her chase down a deer on a bet weeks ago.
“Please Inga,” Hilde pleaded. “Please reconsider. This is not worth the risk.”
“We should wait on the other side of the pit trap,” Quarion suggested.
“It will be fine,” Inga reassured Hilde.
The adventurers took up their places further down the hall while Inga tensed ready to unleash a burst of speed into the chamber.
“Ready,” Gerhardt whispered hoarsely.
“Ready,” Quarion relayed to Inga.
Inga sprinted into the chamber to the far side. She hesitated for a moment and grabbed one of the corpses and threw it over her shoulder.
Slowly, the Golem reacted. It moved towards the door.
Even burdened, Inga was twice as fast as the construct. She sprinted towards the door. As she reached the portal’s frame she felt a terrible blow reign down on her. Inga maintained her balance, but the golem’s strike had nearly killed her. Blood was streaming down her brow into her eyes making it difficult to see.
“Run!” she shouted.
Quickly the group evacuated to behind the pit trap. They waited in silence. Hilde put her hands over Inga’s impressive wounds and said a prayer curing them.
Gjord put his ear to the ground. “I don’t think it’s moving.”
Gerhardt began moving down the corridor.
“Where are you going?” Inga asked.
“I want to see if he has come out of the chamber.” As quietly as he could Gerhardt crept back down the hall. Rounding the corner he spied the Golem standing in the doorway, still, and at guard.
Gerhardt moved directly out into the hallway. Still the stone golem did not move. “Hey, he’s just standing at the doorway,” Gerhardt shouted back to his companions.
The golem did not move.
“Just shut the door,” Hilde suggested.
Gerhardt pulled his bowstring and let an arrow fly.
The golem moved. Ducking under the doorway it paced towards Gerhardt.
“Run!” Gerhardt shouted.
The entire group of adventurers ran back and took up places behind the open pit trap. The stone golem, motioned and the trap closed. It continued walking towards the adventurers.
“Run!” several shouted.
The adventurers sprinted falling over one another in a mad dash. They reached the spiral staircase up and behind them they heard the consistent thud, thud of the approaching construct…
To be continued…
Last edited:
snarfoogle
First Post
Gerhardt, shooting an arrow at a golem that had previously nearly killed Inga in one blow, and would stand still if not disturbed? Did you temporarily lose 4d6 INT and WIS?
LuYangShih
First Post
It should have worked. Besides, the Golem cannot catch them. Maybe they should double back, force the pit open, and break the locking mechanism so the Golem cannot get past. Then they can get the rest of the treasure.
snarfoogle
First Post
Ah, forgot about the pit trap. I knew something was fishy.
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