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Story Hour
The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
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<blockquote data-quote="Greyhawk" data-source="post: 3274439" data-attributes="member: 40355"><p><strong>Down the staircase and into the ruins</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Yeah!" calls Beltain and punches the air as he fells the last orc, while Rizzit calls for someone with a dagger to finish off the two sleeping foes "Kill them quickly we need to get down those stairs before they organise, Bob can you stay here and look after the mounts?" he asks</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The Orcs are searched and their items piled up by the horses and the unconscious orcs are killed..</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Beltain gives Limara a big hug and then turns to the others "I think that we need to get downstairs as soon as we can, the other orcs will be down there and will be alerted when they realise that something has happened to their kin. Let's go, I say before the Bless spell wears off and before they have time to 'prepare' for us!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Ok, armoured muscle first, lets move" commands Rizzit</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Rizzit peers down the steps leading into darkness and calls to his familiar "Wizzy have a quick look and see if anyone is waiting for us please", the animal scuttles down some steps until he can see what's below.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Belatin moves up to join Rizzit at the top of the stairs while the others stand around.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Well done Beltain, good to see someone here has some balls" says the kobold and glances back at Feng loitering in the darkness</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"We need to retain the element of surprise and get down these stairs soon..." advises Beltain.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Feng bustles to the head of the group and crouches at the head of the stairs "Everyone ready? Lets go!" and shakes "Nibbler" in anticipation</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Eliinor" calls Beltain softly "You coming to join us? If you are, try and get Nosnibor's attention, and tell him we are descending very soon"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The Wizard Nosnibor "I say Mister Bibabobalobalos. I was given a message from the Important Lordly fellow chappy. He asked me to tell you that there was a terrible raid upon the lovely and peaceful Dwarfish settlement of Glen. He told me you had relatives there. I'm not sure what he wanted you to do about it. I can only imagine his intention was to upset you. Oh I think it was Drow who did the raid. Or something. I'm sure it was all some terrible misunderstanding." </span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Bibabobalobalos looks shocked at Nosnibor's words. "I do indeed have family there. I must go them." He turns to the group "I bid you farewell for now my friends. I'm am off to see Lord Hawklin, to see what he has heard, then I will travel to Glen. Maybe our paths will cross again...Moradin willing". With that the dwarf mounts his fell pony and rides off, across the Stonelands.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"So. Have you chaps mercilessly slain all of the orcs then?" TWN continues to prattle on "Oh that's a nice tree." he concludes peering into the distance.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"If you guys don't move down those damn steps I am gonna have to go myself" says Rizzit impatient to get moving again.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Limara checks the two dead bodies by the foundations of the ruin. They are clearly dead. She examines them for any form of identification. She notices that each body has an interesting tattoo in black on the upper left arm. It depicts black flames with eyes peering out from them, raised over a claw like symbol. She is sure that she has seen it before and her beautiful brow furrows as she attempts to remember where she has seen it.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">It suddenly comes to Limara, she had seen that symbol tattooed on the dead men's arms before, The Cult of the Dragon…</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Feng look around and then stalks down the steps, axe ready "Hit 'em hard and don't give 'em time to organise. Even Orcs can co-operate when needful." Rizzit follows Feng down. Elinor takes her place in the party formation." I'm ready. Let's see what's down the stairs."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The Wizard Nosnibor watches the Dwarvern Scout walk off with a frown on his elven features "If I'd have know he was going to leave us I'd have told him after this mission. Fiddlesticks! I do hope his family are alright though. Do you think they will be Mister Pussy?" says the demented Wizard to his obviously disinterested cat.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I hope you have some good spells revised this time Mr Nosnibor" Rizzit reminds the wizard. Elinor glances sideways at Nosnibor. He is an odd looking fellow- she tries not to stare. "I currently have a range of utility spells memorised" continues the wizard "I do not have lots of combative magic Mister Rizzit. That seems to be your forte. I will concentrate on utility magic and will use my trusty short bow in a pinch."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Well lets hope these utility spells are of some use this time good friend" says the kobold sadly.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Yes," says Beltain looking interestedly at Nosnibor "I now have some knowledge of arcane lore, what spells do you know Nosni? We may be able to trade information?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Dwarf gone?" Feng asks "Watch me while I wipe away my tears. At least we won't have to look where we put our feet. Hehe, yeah shortarse"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"That's a bit unkind Mister Feng" Nosnibor uprates him "Mister Bibabobalobalos was a lovely fellow. Simply smashing. "</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Looks like Elinor shelters behind the brave Rizzit. I expected no more." says Feng with a sideways glance at the paladin "Onward, my heroes."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I think we could stick to the same formation as before" says Limara trying (hopefully) to instil some order into the group "Fighters front, healers behind them and casters protected at the back of the party... it would be better if we had darkvision at both end of the group too.. optimising our assets to their best advantage will maximise our chances of success. We don't need more causalities either.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">But the party proceed down the stairs with Rizzit still in the front rank with Feng.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">As Rizzit and Feng get to the bottom of the stairs they see movement in the darkness. More orcs are approaching down the bolder strewn corridor.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"This looks like fun Feng" says Rizzit excitedly while Elinor comments "I have no range weapon, so I'll need to move forward and engage in melee"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Don't worry Elinor" says Rizzit generously "You can move in front of me if you like, we should push forward as quick as we can and prevent them organising at the rear It's all quite likely there may be leaders further in possible with casters so we want to get at them as fast as possible"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Why did you put yourself at the front Rizz..." she sighs. It is obvious that Limara was going to say more... but decides that the sigh was expressive enough. </span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Ahead in the darkness the kobold grins, "I cant see what's going on from the back with all you tall arses in the way"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"The view's pretty good from where I'm standing" Beltain, glancing a the ladies ranked in front of him, says with a laugh "No complaints from me..."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Feng bellows "THE RAGE! IT COMES! FENG KILLS THESE PUNY ORCS!" and talks forward waving his axe in low swinging movements.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Beltain casts a spell of protection on the paladin before she advances into battle.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">and Rizzit casts a shield spell on himself before stepping forward to allow the others more space.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The Wizard Nosnibor calls out to the Orcs in Orcish from is safe position in the back row. "I say, do you chaps feel the inclination to parlay?" To the uninitiated it sounds like the Bobble hatted Buffoon is making Pig impressions.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Rizzit sighs "What will you cast Mr Nosnibor" he asks unimpressed by the wizards commend of the orcish language.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Cast?" asks the wizard in surprise, "We're not even going to try and talk to them?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p> <span style="color: Yellow">"I thought you didn't have offensive magic?" continues Rizzit "I have simply cast some protection in case they in an unpleasant mood"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The orcs look in no mood to talk - "They do seem a little truculent." concedes Nosnibor "I hope they aren't angry with us for getting their carpet dirty with our muddy feet. I think I have a cantrip that will clean it. Do you think that would appease them?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Hmm, could be worth a try if you think it may help" says the sorcerer with deep sarcasm "Do you think there will ever be a day when we enter a dungeon and are offered tea and biscuits. I really like biscuits" sighs the Kobold</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I don't think there are enough biscuits in the dungeon bashing game." agrees the wizard, his mind now firmly on edibles "I agree with you Rizzit, I like biscuits too. What is you favourite Biscuit? I'm rather partial to a Custard Cream my self."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I like Ginger Snaps," says Rizzit after a moments thought "A good solid biscuit for dunking, do you dunk?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"No shield of faith for you Feng" says Limara "Instead I give you the strength of a bull... you have five minutes to kill as many as you can, Starting now!!" she says with a laugh, "...and Rizzit.... are you mad?.... Jammy Dodgers are the way to go.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Thanks for the spell Beltain." says Elinor, entering into the spirit of the conversation "And I think I like those lemon puffs. Always seem a little stale."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Only Feng seems focused on the tak on hand "HA HA! Limara... THE SPELL! IT WORKS!" he shouts reveling in the newfound strength "Oh, and we dunked enemies back in the tribe - in the cess-pool - In three times and out twice. Much better'n biscuits."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"You had a cess pool?" says the kobold, not to be outdone "Posh bastards!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Now if you're talking dunking I don't think you can beat a nice old traditional rich tea, although I do not think you should underestimate the new boys on the block. Such as the Hobnob, or if you're feeling particularly opulent, the chocolate hobnob."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">He loads his trusty short-bow and fires at the nearest orc, winging it "Wowser. That was a tricky shot." he exclaims "Especially catching his earlobe the way i did."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Nice shot Mr Nosnibor" concedes Rizzit</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Feng swings his double axe at the orc in front of him, killing it instantly (59 damage!) "RUN IN FEAR! FENG THE MIGHTY IS HERE! NONE CAN STAND BEFORE FENG AND LIVE!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">He shakes the gore from his eyes and beckons the next orc forward "WHAT YOU WAITIN' FOR? AN INVITE?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Wow" says Beltain "and looks at the barbarian axe man in awe"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Then around the corner several more orcs come into view, some fire their bows at the party, some engage the party in melee. They inflict no damage on Feng or Rizzit.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Elinor picks her way across the rubble as fast as she can trying to get into a position to weild her sword.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Beltain drops his shield, takes out his crossbow and fires at one of the orcs, then takes a step forward, the bolt goes wild and clangs against the helmet of the paladin making a silver furrow in the metal.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Rizzit moves his hands in an arcane gesture and casts magic missiles at an orc. "Take that you ugly bastard" says Rizzit with satisfaction as they strike hole.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">x[Master] INIT: 14 GOING: Limara (affected by: Poison (-1 Dex), Bless Spell (ATM=1) for 01:48)</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Limara also moves forward across the rubble to reinforce the frontline "That was a truly inspired strike Feng... what a mess !!" she says as she looks at the remains of the first orc.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Elinor." she says looking at the paladin "Did you see that the dead bodies outside were member of the 'The Cult of the Dragon' who are a sworn enemy of the Triad? I wonder what business they had around here. Still whoever killed them saved us the bother" she states coldly..</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I wonder if they were trying to strike a deal with the orcs," ponders the paladin "Or if they came looking for some arcane treasure to steal?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Could well be either of them" the beautiful priestess agrees, "I bloody well hope its not because there is one of their dragonlichs is nearby... I cant run that fast !! " she giggles, slightly nervously.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"RUN? FENG IS HERE!" says the big barbarian "NONE CAN STAND BEFORE US! HA HA! NIBBLER FEASTS!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Limara laughs at Feng's comment.." Feng. You're as keen as mustard, I give you that.. but not even the strength of a herd of Bulls would save you from a dracolich.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Fengs snorts by way of reply.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Limara "… But I get the feeling you would love to die trying it anyway... Never let anyone call you a coward " she smiles</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Not twice, at least." Feng replies with a grin</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The Wizard Nosnibor moves up behind Elinor and fires at an Orc but misses "Oh well. Better luck next time"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Feng swings to attack another orc but the damage is enough to down it. "Another hefty blow, Feng! The bards will long sing of your deeds." notes Beltain moving up slowly.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Yet another orc moves up to Feng and swings its axe. This time he wounds the barbarian and it smiles in pleasure. "Ooh. That must have hurt", mutters the Wizard Nosnibor with a wince. "Mister Feng will get more angry now. I do hope he doesn't swear."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The orc attacking Elinor is not so lucky and its blow misses the paladin. </span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Elinors blade snakes out and the attacking orc is skewered, wounding it badly. "See Feng- it's not all down to you. Good girls can kill too. All be it with a little less panache" she finishes with a girlish laugh.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">There is another clang from the paladin's helmet as Beltain fires crossbow bolt, "Have I got a new centre parting, Beltain?" she asks still smiling.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Beltain mumbles something unintelligible embarrassed at his poor aim.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Rizzit snatches a wand from out of his backpack and shoots a missile at one of the ocs</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The magic missile slams into the orc and it collapses dying.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I say!" says the Wizard Nosnibor "We're a dreadfully efficient killing machine aren't we? I wonder if these so called 'Monster races' tell their kiddies stories about the adventurers under the bed, or the adventurers in the Wardrobe? What do you chaps think? Mister Feng sometimes reminds me of the Bogieman. In a nice way of course."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Praps he's not as stupid as he looks" Feng says looking back at the wizard.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Then he calls to the kobold "Nice shootin' Rizzit! Shame I can't now teach him that cutting his betters is wrong, but I'm happy to give the lesson to some o' these other whoresons instead. Useless Bastards" Feng taunts the remaining orcs "You drop like ripe apples to blade of my axe! GRUUMSH WEEPS WITH SHAME - YOU CAN'T EVEN KILL THE WOMEN! HA! HA! FENG WILL WIPE OUT YOUR SHAME IN YER OWN BLOOD!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I gotta say, Feng under a kiddies bed would worry me..." Limara giggles and calls gypsy to her side, "C'mon Gypsy, come, come here!" she draws her sword and lunges at the orc in front of Elinor but misses "Dammit.. stay still and die will you .." and blows cigar smoke at the orc in disgust..</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I think the trouble is that they are trembling with fear, Princess" notes Beltain "Makes them very tricky to hit"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"We need to push forward," calls Rizzit "Anyone that drops an orc can move into its space". "That will be me, then." says Feng grinning "There's never a bard around when you want one. A good paean of praise to my war-skill would help the axe-strokes land easier."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The Wizard Nosnibor fires at one of the remaining orcs but misses "Sorry !" he calls loudly in Orcish</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Nos... ask them to stay still will you.." says Limara turning to the wizard bowman.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Beltain looks at the back of the elvish wizard in front of him and shakes his head "Obviously Nosni's brush with death has not changed his personality one jot" he remarks to himself a little sadly. "Why would my brush with death change my attitude Beltain." the Wizard inquires "I was a peace loving gentle soul before I died and since I was visiously slain my views on violence have only cemented. It should be avoided at all costs. I just feel that sometimes we seek it out more and avoid it. Orcs have mothers too you know."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Well" says Beltain "I didn't expect it to change you totally but I was expecting the fact that the monsters killed you dead, might just have convinced you that all the worlds creatures are not nice, loveable toys for you to play with... Just a thought.... By the way, I do expect the orcs to have mothers and I predict that they will be as ugly, evil and nasty as their sons. I'm afraid that these orcs are poor excuses for their kind, as Feng says. And even their mothers could not be proud of them."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">" Mmmm" responds TWN "However their mothers must have loved them, or had some orc like feeling akin to love. Though from the example of the Orc's I have known. " Glancing briefly at Feng and giving a fearful shudder. "It could be a feeling closer to indigestion. That aside most sentient species have a urge to protect and nurture their young and it would be my point that it is a common ground for us all to meet. A common negotiating ground rather than a battle ground as it were. And though I, like yourselves crave adventure, excitement and really wild things, I feel the blood on my hands most sorely. Surely this a an opportunity to learn more about orcs than their internal anatomy and the dissection of said structures?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Oh!!" Says the Wizard Nosnibor, suddenly distracted. "Did I mention Garibaldi's? I love those too."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Feng looks like you have space there to push bravely forward and let the rest of us in, move up and strike the ones at the rear" calls Rizzit to the big barbarian, ignoring the banter from behind him.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Feng weilds his great axe and hacks down another orc, he takes a step forward and grins at his next opponent. But it is not intimidated and sinks its axe deep into the barbarian. But its move has brought within striking distance of the paladin, quickly she strikes and the orc falls to rise no more.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Rizzit runs forwards, limbos under the flailing orcs weapon to get behind it, gnashing his natural weapons at the Orc "Wizzy follow me up here please I have some scouting for you to do" as Rizzit runs past the last remaining orc, it lashes out at the kobold and the plucky kobold is hurt badly by the orcs great axe... He looks around, he is in a chamber... there are no other exits...save for a glowing portal!! "Pfttt, a flesh wound, is that all you got" the kobold says bravely "Save one of the orcs, we need to know what's on the other side of the portal"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Beltain looks over to Limara "Maybe your sword can save Rizzit's bacon, Princess. He seems to have overextended himself somewhat. But also gained useful information on what lies ahead..."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"I'm in no mood for prisoners, Rizz" the barbarian responds to his fellows request "These gallows-dodgers have raised their weapons against FENG! He is not inclined to mercy!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Limara swings at the one remaining orc but misses, she tuts, "You might have a point there Rizz... it would be very advantageous to know where it leads.... plus we may want to relay the location to the purple knights before we go through. If we go through.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Your chance to save Rizzit now Nosni, as Limara's blow failed to connect. Feng is very strong, but I doubt even he can fell the orc with a single strike..." comments Beltain but is refuted by Rizzit "My bud Feng is about to split this big ugly brute in half so don't worry about it"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">The wizard Nosnibor looks on as Feng towers over the last remaining orc... Will he show mercy he thinks?</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Feng grins as he swings his axe down and the orc falls "Now lay down - BAASSTTARD!" The orc collapses in a pool of blood. "NOW THAT, LADIES, IS HOW YER BEAT YER FOES. TACTICS? WHO NEEDS 'EM?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">Elinor moves into the body of the room, slapping Feng and Limara on the back as she passes. "Well done, well done. Great fighting. Let's see if we can find any clues as to why there are so many orcs here, and why they had a couple of Dragon cultists on the compost heap outside." She passes the pile of orc bodies surrounding Feng- Looking for anything interesting in amongst the blood and guts.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Nice one bro, can we tie one up and heal him, we really need to know where that portal goes before we jump in" says Rizzit with satisfaction "Can someone patch me up a little please?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p> <span style="color: Yellow">[Elinor] Elinor leans across and lays her hands gently on Rizzit's snout. "Here you go" partly curing the wounded kobold. Then she picks up a long bow and a quiver of 20 arrows "This might help next time I'm not at the front. P'raps I can help Beltain rearrange his coiffure" and Elinor looks at the portal with feng, his axe ready.</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Limara, Beltain. Heal me" he calls "I think there is still work for my axe to do - I'd hate to miss any of it."</span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow"></span></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"Rizzit - send that rat through the portal," calls Feng, pointing to Wizzy "It will save trying to unravel the words of any of these liars." then he shouts back over his shoulder "For shame, Beltain - how could you doubt my skill against these vermin? Rizzit seems to show the wisdom that has deserted you."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Lime"><strong>The party peer at the portal, willing it to reveal its secrets...</strong></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greyhawk, post: 3274439, member: 40355"] [b]Down the staircase and into the ruins[/b] [COLOR=Yellow]"Yeah!" calls Beltain and punches the air as he fells the last orc, while Rizzit calls for someone with a dagger to finish off the two sleeping foes "Kill them quickly we need to get down those stairs before they organise, Bob can you stay here and look after the mounts?" he asks The Orcs are searched and their items piled up by the horses and the unconscious orcs are killed.. Beltain gives Limara a big hug and then turns to the others "I think that we need to get downstairs as soon as we can, the other orcs will be down there and will be alerted when they realise that something has happened to their kin. Let's go, I say before the Bless spell wears off and before they have time to 'prepare' for us!" "Ok, armoured muscle first, lets move" commands Rizzit Rizzit peers down the steps leading into darkness and calls to his familiar "Wizzy have a quick look and see if anyone is waiting for us please", the animal scuttles down some steps until he can see what's below. Belatin moves up to join Rizzit at the top of the stairs while the others stand around. "Well done Beltain, good to see someone here has some balls" says the kobold and glances back at Feng loitering in the darkness "We need to retain the element of surprise and get down these stairs soon..." advises Beltain. Feng bustles to the head of the group and crouches at the head of the stairs "Everyone ready? Lets go!" and shakes "Nibbler" in anticipation "Eliinor" calls Beltain softly "You coming to join us? If you are, try and get Nosnibor's attention, and tell him we are descending very soon" The Wizard Nosnibor "I say Mister Bibabobalobalos. I was given a message from the Important Lordly fellow chappy. He asked me to tell you that there was a terrible raid upon the lovely and peaceful Dwarfish settlement of Glen. He told me you had relatives there. I'm not sure what he wanted you to do about it. I can only imagine his intention was to upset you. Oh I think it was Drow who did the raid. Or something. I'm sure it was all some terrible misunderstanding." Bibabobalobalos looks shocked at Nosnibor's words. "I do indeed have family there. I must go them." He turns to the group "I bid you farewell for now my friends. I'm am off to see Lord Hawklin, to see what he has heard, then I will travel to Glen. Maybe our paths will cross again...Moradin willing". With that the dwarf mounts his fell pony and rides off, across the Stonelands. "So. Have you chaps mercilessly slain all of the orcs then?" TWN continues to prattle on "Oh that's a nice tree." he concludes peering into the distance. "If you guys don't move down those damn steps I am gonna have to go myself" says Rizzit impatient to get moving again. Limara checks the two dead bodies by the foundations of the ruin. They are clearly dead. She examines them for any form of identification. She notices that each body has an interesting tattoo in black on the upper left arm. It depicts black flames with eyes peering out from them, raised over a claw like symbol. She is sure that she has seen it before and her beautiful brow furrows as she attempts to remember where she has seen it. It suddenly comes to Limara, she had seen that symbol tattooed on the dead men's arms before, The Cult of the Dragon… Feng look around and then stalks down the steps, axe ready "Hit 'em hard and don't give 'em time to organise. Even Orcs can co-operate when needful." Rizzit follows Feng down. Elinor takes her place in the party formation." I'm ready. Let's see what's down the stairs." The Wizard Nosnibor watches the Dwarvern Scout walk off with a frown on his elven features "If I'd have know he was going to leave us I'd have told him after this mission. Fiddlesticks! I do hope his family are alright though. Do you think they will be Mister Pussy?" says the demented Wizard to his obviously disinterested cat. "I hope you have some good spells revised this time Mr Nosnibor" Rizzit reminds the wizard. Elinor glances sideways at Nosnibor. He is an odd looking fellow- she tries not to stare. "I currently have a range of utility spells memorised" continues the wizard "I do not have lots of combative magic Mister Rizzit. That seems to be your forte. I will concentrate on utility magic and will use my trusty short bow in a pinch." "Well lets hope these utility spells are of some use this time good friend" says the kobold sadly. "Yes," says Beltain looking interestedly at Nosnibor "I now have some knowledge of arcane lore, what spells do you know Nosni? We may be able to trade information?" "Dwarf gone?" Feng asks "Watch me while I wipe away my tears. At least we won't have to look where we put our feet. Hehe, yeah shortarse" "That's a bit unkind Mister Feng" Nosnibor uprates him "Mister Bibabobalobalos was a lovely fellow. Simply smashing. " "Looks like Elinor shelters behind the brave Rizzit. I expected no more." says Feng with a sideways glance at the paladin "Onward, my heroes." "I think we could stick to the same formation as before" says Limara trying (hopefully) to instil some order into the group "Fighters front, healers behind them and casters protected at the back of the party... it would be better if we had darkvision at both end of the group too.. optimising our assets to their best advantage will maximise our chances of success. We don't need more causalities either.." But the party proceed down the stairs with Rizzit still in the front rank with Feng. As Rizzit and Feng get to the bottom of the stairs they see movement in the darkness. More orcs are approaching down the bolder strewn corridor. "This looks like fun Feng" says Rizzit excitedly while Elinor comments "I have no range weapon, so I'll need to move forward and engage in melee" "Don't worry Elinor" says Rizzit generously "You can move in front of me if you like, we should push forward as quick as we can and prevent them organising at the rear It's all quite likely there may be leaders further in possible with casters so we want to get at them as fast as possible" "Why did you put yourself at the front Rizz..." she sighs. It is obvious that Limara was going to say more... but decides that the sigh was expressive enough. Ahead in the darkness the kobold grins, "I cant see what's going on from the back with all you tall arses in the way" "The view's pretty good from where I'm standing" Beltain, glancing a the ladies ranked in front of him, says with a laugh "No complaints from me..." Feng bellows "THE RAGE! IT COMES! FENG KILLS THESE PUNY ORCS!" and talks forward waving his axe in low swinging movements. Beltain casts a spell of protection on the paladin before she advances into battle. and Rizzit casts a shield spell on himself before stepping forward to allow the others more space. The Wizard Nosnibor calls out to the Orcs in Orcish from is safe position in the back row. "I say, do you chaps feel the inclination to parlay?" To the uninitiated it sounds like the Bobble hatted Buffoon is making Pig impressions. Rizzit sighs "What will you cast Mr Nosnibor" he asks unimpressed by the wizards commend of the orcish language. "Cast?" asks the wizard in surprise, "We're not even going to try and talk to them?" "I thought you didn't have offensive magic?" continues Rizzit "I have simply cast some protection in case they in an unpleasant mood" The orcs look in no mood to talk - "They do seem a little truculent." concedes Nosnibor "I hope they aren't angry with us for getting their carpet dirty with our muddy feet. I think I have a cantrip that will clean it. Do you think that would appease them?" "Hmm, could be worth a try if you think it may help" says the sorcerer with deep sarcasm "Do you think there will ever be a day when we enter a dungeon and are offered tea and biscuits. I really like biscuits" sighs the Kobold "I don't think there are enough biscuits in the dungeon bashing game." agrees the wizard, his mind now firmly on edibles "I agree with you Rizzit, I like biscuits too. What is you favourite Biscuit? I'm rather partial to a Custard Cream my self." "I like Ginger Snaps," says Rizzit after a moments thought "A good solid biscuit for dunking, do you dunk?" "No shield of faith for you Feng" says Limara "Instead I give you the strength of a bull... you have five minutes to kill as many as you can, Starting now!!" she says with a laugh, "...and Rizzit.... are you mad?.... Jammy Dodgers are the way to go.." "Thanks for the spell Beltain." says Elinor, entering into the spirit of the conversation "And I think I like those lemon puffs. Always seem a little stale." Only Feng seems focused on the tak on hand "HA HA! Limara... THE SPELL! IT WORKS!" he shouts reveling in the newfound strength "Oh, and we dunked enemies back in the tribe - in the cess-pool - In three times and out twice. Much better'n biscuits." "You had a cess pool?" says the kobold, not to be outdone "Posh bastards!" "Now if you're talking dunking I don't think you can beat a nice old traditional rich tea, although I do not think you should underestimate the new boys on the block. Such as the Hobnob, or if you're feeling particularly opulent, the chocolate hobnob." He loads his trusty short-bow and fires at the nearest orc, winging it "Wowser. That was a tricky shot." he exclaims "Especially catching his earlobe the way i did." "Nice shot Mr Nosnibor" concedes Rizzit Feng swings his double axe at the orc in front of him, killing it instantly (59 damage!) "RUN IN FEAR! FENG THE MIGHTY IS HERE! NONE CAN STAND BEFORE FENG AND LIVE!" He shakes the gore from his eyes and beckons the next orc forward "WHAT YOU WAITIN' FOR? AN INVITE?" "Wow" says Beltain "and looks at the barbarian axe man in awe" Then around the corner several more orcs come into view, some fire their bows at the party, some engage the party in melee. They inflict no damage on Feng or Rizzit. Elinor picks her way across the rubble as fast as she can trying to get into a position to weild her sword. Beltain drops his shield, takes out his crossbow and fires at one of the orcs, then takes a step forward, the bolt goes wild and clangs against the helmet of the paladin making a silver furrow in the metal. Rizzit moves his hands in an arcane gesture and casts magic missiles at an orc. "Take that you ugly bastard" says Rizzit with satisfaction as they strike hole. x[Master] INIT: 14 GOING: Limara (affected by: Poison (-1 Dex), Bless Spell (ATM=1) for 01:48) Limara also moves forward across the rubble to reinforce the frontline "That was a truly inspired strike Feng... what a mess !!" she says as she looks at the remains of the first orc. "Elinor." she says looking at the paladin "Did you see that the dead bodies outside were member of the 'The Cult of the Dragon' who are a sworn enemy of the Triad? I wonder what business they had around here. Still whoever killed them saved us the bother" she states coldly.. "I wonder if they were trying to strike a deal with the orcs," ponders the paladin "Or if they came looking for some arcane treasure to steal?" "Could well be either of them" the beautiful priestess agrees, "I bloody well hope its not because there is one of their dragonlichs is nearby... I cant run that fast !! " she giggles, slightly nervously. "RUN? FENG IS HERE!" says the big barbarian "NONE CAN STAND BEFORE US! HA HA! NIBBLER FEASTS!" Limara laughs at Feng's comment.." Feng. You're as keen as mustard, I give you that.. but not even the strength of a herd of Bulls would save you from a dracolich.." Fengs snorts by way of reply. Limara "… But I get the feeling you would love to die trying it anyway... Never let anyone call you a coward " she smiles "Not twice, at least." Feng replies with a grin The Wizard Nosnibor moves up behind Elinor and fires at an Orc but misses "Oh well. Better luck next time" Feng swings to attack another orc but the damage is enough to down it. "Another hefty blow, Feng! The bards will long sing of your deeds." notes Beltain moving up slowly. Yet another orc moves up to Feng and swings its axe. This time he wounds the barbarian and it smiles in pleasure. "Ooh. That must have hurt", mutters the Wizard Nosnibor with a wince. "Mister Feng will get more angry now. I do hope he doesn't swear." The orc attacking Elinor is not so lucky and its blow misses the paladin. Elinors blade snakes out and the attacking orc is skewered, wounding it badly. "See Feng- it's not all down to you. Good girls can kill too. All be it with a little less panache" she finishes with a girlish laugh. There is another clang from the paladin's helmet as Beltain fires crossbow bolt, "Have I got a new centre parting, Beltain?" she asks still smiling. Beltain mumbles something unintelligible embarrassed at his poor aim. Rizzit snatches a wand from out of his backpack and shoots a missile at one of the ocs The magic missile slams into the orc and it collapses dying. "I say!" says the Wizard Nosnibor "We're a dreadfully efficient killing machine aren't we? I wonder if these so called 'Monster races' tell their kiddies stories about the adventurers under the bed, or the adventurers in the Wardrobe? What do you chaps think? Mister Feng sometimes reminds me of the Bogieman. In a nice way of course." "Praps he's not as stupid as he looks" Feng says looking back at the wizard. Then he calls to the kobold "Nice shootin' Rizzit! Shame I can't now teach him that cutting his betters is wrong, but I'm happy to give the lesson to some o' these other whoresons instead. Useless Bastards" Feng taunts the remaining orcs "You drop like ripe apples to blade of my axe! GRUUMSH WEEPS WITH SHAME - YOU CAN'T EVEN KILL THE WOMEN! HA! HA! FENG WILL WIPE OUT YOUR SHAME IN YER OWN BLOOD!" "I gotta say, Feng under a kiddies bed would worry me..." Limara giggles and calls gypsy to her side, "C'mon Gypsy, come, come here!" she draws her sword and lunges at the orc in front of Elinor but misses "Dammit.. stay still and die will you .." and blows cigar smoke at the orc in disgust.. "I think the trouble is that they are trembling with fear, Princess" notes Beltain "Makes them very tricky to hit" "We need to push forward," calls Rizzit "Anyone that drops an orc can move into its space". "That will be me, then." says Feng grinning "There's never a bard around when you want one. A good paean of praise to my war-skill would help the axe-strokes land easier." The Wizard Nosnibor fires at one of the remaining orcs but misses "Sorry !" he calls loudly in Orcish "Nos... ask them to stay still will you.." says Limara turning to the wizard bowman. Beltain looks at the back of the elvish wizard in front of him and shakes his head "Obviously Nosni's brush with death has not changed his personality one jot" he remarks to himself a little sadly. "Why would my brush with death change my attitude Beltain." the Wizard inquires "I was a peace loving gentle soul before I died and since I was visiously slain my views on violence have only cemented. It should be avoided at all costs. I just feel that sometimes we seek it out more and avoid it. Orcs have mothers too you know." "Well" says Beltain "I didn't expect it to change you totally but I was expecting the fact that the monsters killed you dead, might just have convinced you that all the worlds creatures are not nice, loveable toys for you to play with... Just a thought.... By the way, I do expect the orcs to have mothers and I predict that they will be as ugly, evil and nasty as their sons. I'm afraid that these orcs are poor excuses for their kind, as Feng says. And even their mothers could not be proud of them." " Mmmm" responds TWN "However their mothers must have loved them, or had some orc like feeling akin to love. Though from the example of the Orc's I have known. " Glancing briefly at Feng and giving a fearful shudder. "It could be a feeling closer to indigestion. That aside most sentient species have a urge to protect and nurture their young and it would be my point that it is a common ground for us all to meet. A common negotiating ground rather than a battle ground as it were. And though I, like yourselves crave adventure, excitement and really wild things, I feel the blood on my hands most sorely. Surely this a an opportunity to learn more about orcs than their internal anatomy and the dissection of said structures?" "Oh!!" Says the Wizard Nosnibor, suddenly distracted. "Did I mention Garibaldi's? I love those too." "Feng looks like you have space there to push bravely forward and let the rest of us in, move up and strike the ones at the rear" calls Rizzit to the big barbarian, ignoring the banter from behind him. Feng weilds his great axe and hacks down another orc, he takes a step forward and grins at his next opponent. But it is not intimidated and sinks its axe deep into the barbarian. But its move has brought within striking distance of the paladin, quickly she strikes and the orc falls to rise no more. Rizzit runs forwards, limbos under the flailing orcs weapon to get behind it, gnashing his natural weapons at the Orc "Wizzy follow me up here please I have some scouting for you to do" as Rizzit runs past the last remaining orc, it lashes out at the kobold and the plucky kobold is hurt badly by the orcs great axe... He looks around, he is in a chamber... there are no other exits...save for a glowing portal!! "Pfttt, a flesh wound, is that all you got" the kobold says bravely "Save one of the orcs, we need to know what's on the other side of the portal" Beltain looks over to Limara "Maybe your sword can save Rizzit's bacon, Princess. He seems to have overextended himself somewhat. But also gained useful information on what lies ahead..." "I'm in no mood for prisoners, Rizz" the barbarian responds to his fellows request "These gallows-dodgers have raised their weapons against FENG! He is not inclined to mercy!" Limara swings at the one remaining orc but misses, she tuts, "You might have a point there Rizz... it would be very advantageous to know where it leads.... plus we may want to relay the location to the purple knights before we go through. If we go through.." "Your chance to save Rizzit now Nosni, as Limara's blow failed to connect. Feng is very strong, but I doubt even he can fell the orc with a single strike..." comments Beltain but is refuted by Rizzit "My bud Feng is about to split this big ugly brute in half so don't worry about it" The wizard Nosnibor looks on as Feng towers over the last remaining orc... Will he show mercy he thinks? Feng grins as he swings his axe down and the orc falls "Now lay down - BAASSTTARD!" The orc collapses in a pool of blood. "NOW THAT, LADIES, IS HOW YER BEAT YER FOES. TACTICS? WHO NEEDS 'EM?" Elinor moves into the body of the room, slapping Feng and Limara on the back as she passes. "Well done, well done. Great fighting. Let's see if we can find any clues as to why there are so many orcs here, and why they had a couple of Dragon cultists on the compost heap outside." She passes the pile of orc bodies surrounding Feng- Looking for anything interesting in amongst the blood and guts. "Nice one bro, can we tie one up and heal him, we really need to know where that portal goes before we jump in" says Rizzit with satisfaction "Can someone patch me up a little please?" [Elinor] Elinor leans across and lays her hands gently on Rizzit's snout. "Here you go" partly curing the wounded kobold. Then she picks up a long bow and a quiver of 20 arrows "This might help next time I'm not at the front. P'raps I can help Beltain rearrange his coiffure" and Elinor looks at the portal with feng, his axe ready. "Limara, Beltain. Heal me" he calls "I think there is still work for my axe to do - I'd hate to miss any of it." "Rizzit - send that rat through the portal," calls Feng, pointing to Wizzy "It will save trying to unravel the words of any of these liars." then he shouts back over his shoulder "For shame, Beltain - how could you doubt my skill against these vermin? Rizzit seems to show the wisdom that has deserted you."[/COLOR] [COLOR=Lime][B]The party peer at the portal, willing it to reveal its secrets...[/B][/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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