Scions of the New World:Scene One-Gertle's Gulch...

[Sparky]

Zadkiel whistles as the group flows swiftly over the rocky terrain. The elf tips his hat to Semm as their eyes meet. Hard to believe anything... erm... anyone so huge could do anything but lumber. But, blind me if he isn't graceful.

The sun beats down and Whistler is glad of his hat. Wish this pack was lighter... or this mail. Could move better. Run faster. Help Brahnz haul those kids around.

OOC: By the book, you're correct, Argent. Uriel okay'd the departure. Whistler may have started out Good, but I think he took his torture and the tearing up of his wings poorly. If you'd like to discuss more let's do so in the OOC thread.

 

[Uriel]

Running off , with mantis and Tzzarcct in the lead, Semm lumbering behind and Whistler and Brahnz bringing up the rear, you cover ground quickly. Brahnz is suprised by the fact that the children are both quite able to run themselves (the younger one especially looking hale) <the Cure healed his exhaustion as well..>. There is no need to carry them, as it seems that they had spent some time on foot during their short lives.

It is thus, that after 3 miles of running (intermitten with bits of fast paced walking while everyone caught their breaths) that you crest a rise and see the source of the smoke: Against the side of a tall hill, a cave shows the mouth of an obvious mine. there are a few outbuilding around themine, and three Orcs can be seen in the area before the cave, as well as the sounds of someone hammering coming from one of the buildings. This building is where the smoke is coming from, though what looked less dark at a distance could be seen to be a dark and smoky black pall at this distance. All can clearly smell Iron being smelted below...


ooC"Assume that the distance from your posistion to the door of the Forge is 100 feet. gauge from there. There is enough slag and boulders to try and get another 30 or 40 feet closer in Stealth-Mode for the smaller members of the band , although Semm will stand out if he tries that.

 

[Uriel]

Map...hoping that it isn't huge...

 

[Jeremy]

As Gabe catches sight of the orcs he hits the dirt and signals to the others that they are right over the ridge. He waits for Whistler to have a look and come up with a plan.

 

[Sparky]

Zadkiel gives the boys a steady look. Tough kids. He purses his lips and turns his thoughts and his eyes back to the situation.

Crouching out of sight, he tugs off his hat and scratches his flattened silver hair gratefully. His scratching moves down his jaw along scruffy sideburns and slows as he thinks deeply. He casts glances back at the mine area intermittently as he speaks.

Keeping his voice low "Way I figured it back there," he jerks his thumb toward the south and the smoldering wagon, "There're five or six of these Orcs. Not counting the Scion." He shrugs, "So the Orcs we see may be all there is. But maybe not. I got no reason to belive they're interested in keepin' their prisoners a--" he breaks off, "--ah, above ground. So we need to act fast."

He casts an eye at Gabriel, "I know we're all gung-ho to charge down there," his eyes go to each in turn, "but we shouldn't. Not until we know what's going on." He pauses and takes a deep breath, "I think we should come at them from two directions. One group from the forge side. One group from the other side. One side - the forge side, a charge - the other, stealth."

He looks to Tzzecct and Gabriel. "I'd like it if you two were in position before us, we can wait for you and you can signal us when you're set or if you see anything odd in that other building." His eyes glow lamp-like under the brim of his hat, "Ideas? I'm open, you all know your strenths better than I do."

He rocks back crouching on his heels and unslings his crossbow, "These look like our boys, but if they aren't - we withdraw. I don't want anyone, us or them, especially us, getting hurt unless there's a reason. If the Scion from the wagon is here, that's reason enough." He relays the description of the Scion given him to the others.

He turns his gaze back to the boys giving them what he hopes is a heartening look... Never been good at heartening looks... and his mouth thins, jaw clenching. I wish I could promise we'll get your mom back, boys. I really do.

 

[ferretguy]

Keeping low and looking towards the smoking building, Tzzecct pictures the best route for a bit of scouting...down in back, near the ore trail...should put me in good placement to see inside the building and allow me to keep an eye on the forge without being seen...hmm
Yeah Zadkiel, I'm pretty sure I can get down without being seen, could even get a good shot at one of the orcs as maybe a signal for any attack if needed, hopefully find out whats going on in that building first.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Brahnz looks at Whistler and sighs. I guess that leaves me and Semm as the distraction again. You know just because a gal is a little beefy doesn't mean she is always ready to charge head long into danger. She smiles and knows they all know she's ALWAYS ready for a head on battle.

Turning her attention to the boys Brahnz says to them, Do these look like the Orcs that attacked your family? If so were gonna have to hit them hard and fast. You two have to stay up here with Lupe so I will not be distracted. Understood?

 

[Uriel]

Turning her attention to the boys Brahnz says to them, Do these look like the Orcs that attacked your family? If so were gonna have to hit them hard and fast. You two have to stay up here with Lupe so I will not be distracted. Understood?

The boys nod, although Derry pipes up 'I kin shoot, Miss. I am a dead shot huntin rabbits an I 'ave taken out a coyote or two. I kin hit those stupid Orcs easy as day.
The boy brandishes his small bow, drawing out an arrow and holding it in front of Brahnz. Indeed, it looked to be a proper hunting head, and those orcs were wearing light armor. If the boys stayed up here on the hill, they should be all right, and even if the boy was a bad shot, the arrows might distract the Orcs some.

 

[Velenne]

Although Semm had lived as a stalking predator for many years, he also enjoyed the chance to run down an orc. He nods at Whistler, then at Brahnz,

"You and I? Yes, this is good. Give the signal and I will find this Orc-Scion."

He nods and hunkers down. His calm eyes suddenly bulge and deepen in color to a blood-red. His prodigious muscles bulge further. His bones groan under the strain, as does he. Moments later, Semm has doubled in size. He now looks through the eyes of the Animal and waits for the command.

 

[Jeremy]

Gabe clicks quietly, "I'mck not quiet, best zzend the hunter."

Checking his throwing spikes and ice picks the Mantis prepares for a frontal assault.

"My zzpckeed is my azzet," he buzzes.