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The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
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<blockquote data-quote="Greyhawk" data-source="post: 3318454" data-attributes="member: 40355"><p><strong>Trouble Outside</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The party head back through the portal to rest in the dry. Outside the rain batters the nexus.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Do we want to question the unconscious orc?" asks Beltain</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I am against any acts of threatening or violence against prisoners." says The Wizard Nosnibor sternly "If we treat him fairly and ask questions in a manner which does not place him under duress I will agree to it. However I understand that my wishes in this matter will probably not be agreed with and the group will go their own way in this. However I feel it is right that I should express my opinion in this."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain looks uncomfortable and replies "I appreciate your feeling Nosni, but what do we do? We cannot let him go, even if he does tell us something useful. We just couldn't take a chance on him rushing off and betraying us to his buddies." Beltain pauses and thinks, "Perhaps if he would serve Feng as a valet/batman or weapon-carrier we could both keep an eye on him and he would be useful. But I'm not so tender-hearted as to give him a share of party treasure!" he adds with a grin.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Feng will offer a good quick and clean death" says the barbarian "And allow the orc to join father Gruumsh with all his arms if he answers us fully. If not, his passing will be hard and long." He pauses "And when I say arms, I mean the ones attached to his shoulders. Anyone feeling queasy should move outa earshot 'cos orcs arn't known for their penetrating intellects."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain glances at Nosni, watching to see his reaction to Feng's speech, before returning to his prayers and spell learning...</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Feng moves over to the unconscious orc, and searches and disarms him. "Beltain" he says "I'd never accept as a servant someone who was so easy to beat. To serve FENG! It is the true badge of a bad-arse, and a prize not easily won. If anyone is feeling sorry for ugly, laying on the floor here" says Feng with slight emphasis "Just remember what these crazy bastards to captured women and children. Now, what do you all want to ask him? I have only one question, and it can wait 'til last."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Limara joins the conversation replying first to The Wizard "You have every right to express your opinion Nos, but these are Cormyr and Daleland hating orcs who give no mercy to there enemy, they deserve justice." she turns now directing her remarks to both Nosnibor and Feng "But we need information from him like which portals does he use, how does he trigger them and which one would he like to return through... not that he will be... and if he doesn't use the other portals , where is his base in thunder peaks then. Also, what is his leader's name, who are their allies... what was his mission near Tilverton,.... if we get this information then I would be willing to offer him either a chance to escape or a duel to the death against Feng.". She looks around at the rest of the party "Feng... do you think a chance to escape or a duel against you an offer this orc might consider?" she asks.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Sit, Gypsy!" snaps Elinor as Limara's dog starts sniffing at her and Limara comes over and calms her dog down, then uses a spell to cure Elinor's wounds.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Thanks Limara." smiles Elinor "I feel much better. Hope you stop feeling sick soon."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Thank you" sighs Limara "I hope so too... "</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"My view" continues Elinor "Is that we cannot let the orc escape. Feng? Do you think we'll get any sort of credible information out of him?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Limara gives a bleak smile "I did say chance of escape... I'm sure he wouldn't get far... "</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I too want to know where the orc's are coming from" muses Elinor "Why they are here, and any info he can give us about the portals. But I don't think I'd trust a thing that he says...."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Fair point," agrees Limara "But we should take the opportunity to ask, we may strike lucky..."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I will ask him your questions" says Feng with uncharacteristic gravity "and then I will ask him mine. If the party wish to give him a sporting option, he can duel me to the death, but frankly the effect will be the same. He cannot stand against the mighty FENG! and live. Heal him, then and lets us see what we can find out from this son of liars and scum-suckers."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain uses some minor spells to revive the fallen orc. Its eyes flicker open. It looks around at the party, then at its slaughtered kin...The foul creature spits and snarls.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Feng grins slightly as he approaches the orc, dagger in hand.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Limara settles down to rest beside Beltain, at 9pm she will pray, get her spells, then sleep a while. "Feng" she says in a disarming manner, "...I was aware how sporting his chance would be against you.... that's why I have settled down to rest" she grins. "Your challenge is to see how much you can make him talk... I can't see you breaking into a sweat duelling him. Well Uber-Barb' here is gonna going to do first watch, yes?" she points at Feng.... "I will also be awake until 10pm...Rizz is sparko, is there anyone on guard for the second shift? ... Elinor?" Limara: gets a cigar out: lights it with a tindertwig and .... after a moment .... blows a big fat smoke ring Limara then gets out a wineskin from her backpack. Pours out a beaker for herself and Beltain... " cheers my sweet" she says with a smile. "Anyone who wants some wine, help yourself!" she offers the wineskin to her comrades. </span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain raises a sleepy eye, "Thanks, Princess" he says accepting the wine, "And now some rest, I think we will have a busy day tomorrow"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Two of us have gained new insight in their vocation, we have beaten a two-headed griffon and slain mortal enemies of our employer. Not to mention the discovery of a portal to Thunder peaks and fifteen other portals... cheers" says the beautiful cleric.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I'll take second watch" Elinor moves over to one corner, and starts to take her platemail off. "Wake me up when you need me."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The orc looks at Feng "You will get nothing out of me. I would rather die than talk"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Well, Brother" grins Feng "It is almost time for you to take the dark road, and become my servant in Gruumsh's camp. Who said you had a choice - you can either talk and die easily, or try to keep as silent as your tormented passing will allow. How do you return home? Which magic door allows this? What is your leader's name, the allies he has, and his purpose in this area. Come, do not be shy. FENG demands a quick answer, before he asks his own question." Feng sits on the orc's chest and tries his favourite trick of pricking an eyeball with a dagger to get it's attention.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">He continues "Well I've asked what the others wanted to know. Feng's question is: How ya gonna report to Father Gruumsh's army knowing you've been castrated by a mongrel half human while belonging to a band that was routed by a couple o' girls, a kobold and a tosser" he adds overcome by his own eloquence and unconcerned at diplomacy. "I just wish this dagger was sharper" the big barbarian ponders "'cos the target is so small."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The Wizard Nosnibor briefly watches the Half-Orc begin his torturing and then stands up and moves out of sight. A look of disgust and fear on his face.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain sighs and tries to concentrate on regaining spells again, pity the orcs are so stupid, he thinks, that one could have survived if it had realised the error of its ways, still, it had chosen death and you had to respect its wishes. "You should get some rest, Princess" he tells the lovely cleric at his side "Tomorrow will be a very busy day and we will need all our strength to prevail"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The orc is not intimidated by Feng..it seems the creature is resigned to its fate. The orc screams in pain as Feng prods it in the eye with a dagger...in falls to its knees in pain, and then once again falls unconscious...bleeding..</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I'll stand watch," Feng tells the others after he has killed the uncommunicative orc "Until the ladies are rested. Then I want my head down."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The party set guards and then settle down to rest. When the party awake both Rizzit and Limara finally feel better, the poison gone from their bloodstreams...</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"A peaceful night, once Feng had finished with the orc" remarks Elinor, stretching.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"True, noble Elinor" Beltain agrees "Feng did not talk with the orc for long and the end was mercifully swift. ... not at all like Feng to be merciful ..."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Couldn't be arsed." agrees Feng "Milksop wouldn'ta lasted much longer in any case. At least my fame will be growing among the legions of Gruumsh. I hope he will favour one who tries so greatly to grow his armies in the netherworld.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">He pauses brows clenched as he concentrates "I just wish FENG! could see his path more clearly. Sometimes I doubt that I do the right thing - but apart from the shining blade, what else pints the way?" and he sinks back into a sullen reverie.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Feng. Forgive me if I speak out of place. But perhaps your doubt at your actions and your lack of fulfilment from your violent exertions if because such simple and gratuitous things have no meaning outside of a context of goodness? Perhaps to kill for just the cause of the joy of killing is what saps your ability to feel joy in your actions? Perhaps you doubt that you do the right thing because you are NOT doing the right thing? Couldn't there be another way? No one doubts the need to fight evil. But wasn't a famous man who said 'Be careful when you fight monsters lest you become a monster yourself' and ' beware if you look at an Ibis, for the Ibis will look into you'. I'm sure someone said something like that. Anyway. Perhaps that is why you feel emptiness. Forgive me so saying. And ... Er... Please don't eat me for it."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"What a load of crap Nosni." interrupts Beltain "We are fighting for a good cause, the fair Limara and Elinor have assured us that the task ahead, set by Lord Hawklin, puts us firmly on the side of right! In addition we can look to the spoils of war for reward plus the expectation of a bounty from a grateful Lord Hawklin. This will make us yet more powerful and more able to help a just cause. By killing such riff-raf as these orcs, we are due the thanks of peaceful people, less families will have to follow the funeral bier which has wrenched loved ones from its midst, wives will not become grieving widows, innocent children will not become orphans and cats will still find a saucer of milk left out for them at night," Beltain pauses briefly for breath "No, I think that Feng's emptiness comes from a lack of worthy opponents rather than an emptiness from senseless killing. The Nexus we have found is an opportunity for good or ill and I feel that this new day will bring challenges aplenty. I hope that we will see your new acid missile demonstrated to good result and that the stock of wickedness in the world will be diminished"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Never all that hot air," compains Rizzit, awake again "Look at my scales where I have started shedding again, they are almost like plates of metal now, so shiny. I am ready for action, lets go play with the portals" and so saying he gets up and moves out from the orc cave to make sure Beaker has food and water then makes another attempt to bring him down.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">However he still has no luck in moving the axebeak into the caverns "Beaker you are one stubborn mount" he says stroking the birds head "Back soon I hope"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain helps Limara to her feet then turns to the others. "We've had a rest and we all now should be fit for the trails ahead. Let's get on with the job Lord Hawklin asked us to do!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I'm going to check on Rizzit- I'm a bit worried that Beaker might try to eat his new shiny scales" says Elinor, following the kobold. Elinor quickly reappears- she talks quietly but urgently "We have company. There are 3 ogres and a Zhentarim man over by the horses. Come on"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Zhents! Bastards! HA HA!" says Feng with the tone of a child hoping for christmas... Any Mages up there, Rizz?" he adds wistfully.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain hurries to where Elinor is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. "Let's get up and at them - Should we let Rizzit take point and fry them before they are aware that they are in trouble?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"C'mon Belt" laughs Feng "If we don't hurry, the li'l bastard 'l keep e'm all to hisself." and catches up Nibbler "Well, little friend. Time to feast on something better than orc!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Beltain old friend, I find your sudden and insulting reaction to my queries a little discomforting, perhaps you yourself are becoming to used to the slaughter. Perhaps you are 'Normalising' yourself to it. However you did miss my point. It is not the killing of evil creature that I find most abhorrent. It is the needless torture of evil creatures. I find that this very act brings us all inextricably towards a chasm of evil ourselves. I feel that this is the 'Monster' that we risk becoming. Or the 'Ibis' that will look into us. " he pauses "And Ibis scare me. It's their hooked beak."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"..Nos, I fight wars and skirmishes like these so people with peaceful thoughts such as yourself can live to air them... if there was balance and order ruled by law then there wouldn't be wars, but, we have guests.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The Zhentarim human looks over the horses and the pile of loot. Interesting he thinks. He slowly scans the area. A old ruin is nearby, only its foundations remain, scattered around it are several orc bodies.. He points that way and looks back to his 3 ogre companions. He speaks in a whisper "Redface, Deadbiter, Three eyes, Be alert." "Yes lord Gargdol" comes the reply from the three hulking brutes. They are at least 9ft tall and all three are covered in dark warty bumps. Lord Gargdol turns his attention back to the horses. Fine specimens he thinks to himself, all except one, which is average at best. "I can't use you" he mutters as he brings his axe down upon the horse. The man pulls his axe out of the dead horse's corpse "The rest we take". Just then Three Eyes grunts, Lord Gargdol turns around. Coming up a set of steps in the ruins he spies a kobold, then, just behind him a human female. Lord Gargdol's eyes narrow. The ogre Redface grins...</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">x[Master] ~Message follows Rizzit.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The human Zhentarim moves behind the cover of a large boulder. The ogre Reface grins "Gonna crush thin skins" the ogre roars..</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Look at that big ugly brute" says Rizzit to Elinor "No match for my new shiny scales, something that ugly and stupid does not deserve to live" he says loud enough for the Ogre to hear</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain stands in the front of the party calmly awaiting the onrushing orges hoping to be joined by some others before the orges reach him.</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Beltain" calls Feng "Nosnibor is an arse. A rare flower that needs a pampering window-sill on which to thrive. He is fortunate that, unlike ourselves, he has not had to fight his way thru a mass of weeds and <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />, so his illusions remain intact. He would not survive my tribe. Sometimes, even tho' they be stupid, I think the orcs have some valid points to commend their life-view."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Feng... how quickly you forget, it was Nos who shot down the Griffon whilst we couldn't hit it... he has a good heart, even if he has seemingly led a sheltered life, he means well...."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I agree, Princess" nods Beltain "And I'm sure that he will wish to chastise the killers of his innocent mount Robinson that now lies dead to the north, cruelly cut down"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Beltain looks over his shoulder waiting for Nosni to appear to exact revenge for his horse's slaughter, 'I wonder if he has had so many horses called Robinson die on him that he is no longer concerned' he wonders</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"I need to move forward to get this first Ogre in range of my spell," says Rizzit "It would be most appreciated if one of your tough people to get in front of me until I get some protection spells up"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Begger me, now there's a surprise! Beltain agrees with Limara." lears Feng "The fount of all wisdom is above the hem of her skirts! You can both argue as much as yas likes, but you won't change my mind."</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Rizzit look across to Elinor "Seems to be plenty of hot air coming up from the stairs but little backup"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The wizard Nosnibor emerges from underground but stands in shocked silence at seeing the corpse of his horse Robinson..</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">Rizzit takes a step forward, two rays of fire shooting out of his fingers to strike the Ogre ahead of him "Pftttt" he says and waggles his hands, fingers in his ears and tongue sticking out "Not smiling now are you"</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">"Very nice! Very nice indeed, Rizzit" chuckles Beltain</span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan"></span></p><p><span style="color: Cyan">The ogre is burnt badly by Rizzits fiery rays..</span></p><p><strong><em>Deadbiter advances toward the party and Elinor and Feng move to meet the ogres</em>.</strong></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greyhawk, post: 3318454, member: 40355"] [b]Trouble Outside[/b] [COLOR=Cyan]The party head back through the portal to rest in the dry. Outside the rain batters the nexus. "Do we want to question the unconscious orc?" asks Beltain "I am against any acts of threatening or violence against prisoners." says The Wizard Nosnibor sternly "If we treat him fairly and ask questions in a manner which does not place him under duress I will agree to it. However I understand that my wishes in this matter will probably not be agreed with and the group will go their own way in this. However I feel it is right that I should express my opinion in this." Beltain looks uncomfortable and replies "I appreciate your feeling Nosni, but what do we do? We cannot let him go, even if he does tell us something useful. We just couldn't take a chance on him rushing off and betraying us to his buddies." Beltain pauses and thinks, "Perhaps if he would serve Feng as a valet/batman or weapon-carrier we could both keep an eye on him and he would be useful. But I'm not so tender-hearted as to give him a share of party treasure!" he adds with a grin. "Feng will offer a good quick and clean death" says the barbarian "And allow the orc to join father Gruumsh with all his arms if he answers us fully. If not, his passing will be hard and long." He pauses "And when I say arms, I mean the ones attached to his shoulders. Anyone feeling queasy should move outa earshot 'cos orcs arn't known for their penetrating intellects." Beltain glances at Nosni, watching to see his reaction to Feng's speech, before returning to his prayers and spell learning... Feng moves over to the unconscious orc, and searches and disarms him. "Beltain" he says "I'd never accept as a servant someone who was so easy to beat. To serve FENG! It is the true badge of a bad-arse, and a prize not easily won. If anyone is feeling sorry for ugly, laying on the floor here" says Feng with slight emphasis "Just remember what these crazy bastards to captured women and children. Now, what do you all want to ask him? I have only one question, and it can wait 'til last." Limara joins the conversation replying first to The Wizard "You have every right to express your opinion Nos, but these are Cormyr and Daleland hating orcs who give no mercy to there enemy, they deserve justice." she turns now directing her remarks to both Nosnibor and Feng "But we need information from him like which portals does he use, how does he trigger them and which one would he like to return through... not that he will be... and if he doesn't use the other portals , where is his base in thunder peaks then. Also, what is his leader's name, who are their allies... what was his mission near Tilverton,.... if we get this information then I would be willing to offer him either a chance to escape or a duel to the death against Feng.". She looks around at the rest of the party "Feng... do you think a chance to escape or a duel against you an offer this orc might consider?" she asks. "Sit, Gypsy!" snaps Elinor as Limara's dog starts sniffing at her and Limara comes over and calms her dog down, then uses a spell to cure Elinor's wounds. "Thanks Limara." smiles Elinor "I feel much better. Hope you stop feeling sick soon." "Thank you" sighs Limara "I hope so too... " "My view" continues Elinor "Is that we cannot let the orc escape. Feng? Do you think we'll get any sort of credible information out of him?" Limara gives a bleak smile "I did say chance of escape... I'm sure he wouldn't get far... " "I too want to know where the orc's are coming from" muses Elinor "Why they are here, and any info he can give us about the portals. But I don't think I'd trust a thing that he says...." "Fair point," agrees Limara "But we should take the opportunity to ask, we may strike lucky..." "I will ask him your questions" says Feng with uncharacteristic gravity "and then I will ask him mine. If the party wish to give him a sporting option, he can duel me to the death, but frankly the effect will be the same. He cannot stand against the mighty FENG! and live. Heal him, then and lets us see what we can find out from this son of liars and scum-suckers." Beltain uses some minor spells to revive the fallen orc. Its eyes flicker open. It looks around at the party, then at its slaughtered kin...The foul creature spits and snarls. Feng grins slightly as he approaches the orc, dagger in hand. Limara settles down to rest beside Beltain, at 9pm she will pray, get her spells, then sleep a while. "Feng" she says in a disarming manner, "...I was aware how sporting his chance would be against you.... that's why I have settled down to rest" she grins. "Your challenge is to see how much you can make him talk... I can't see you breaking into a sweat duelling him. Well Uber-Barb' here is gonna going to do first watch, yes?" she points at Feng.... "I will also be awake until 10pm...Rizz is sparko, is there anyone on guard for the second shift? ... Elinor?" Limara: gets a cigar out: lights it with a tindertwig and .... after a moment .... blows a big fat smoke ring Limara then gets out a wineskin from her backpack. Pours out a beaker for herself and Beltain... " cheers my sweet" she says with a smile. "Anyone who wants some wine, help yourself!" she offers the wineskin to her comrades. Beltain raises a sleepy eye, "Thanks, Princess" he says accepting the wine, "And now some rest, I think we will have a busy day tomorrow" "Two of us have gained new insight in their vocation, we have beaten a two-headed griffon and slain mortal enemies of our employer. Not to mention the discovery of a portal to Thunder peaks and fifteen other portals... cheers" says the beautiful cleric. "I'll take second watch" Elinor moves over to one corner, and starts to take her platemail off. "Wake me up when you need me." The orc looks at Feng "You will get nothing out of me. I would rather die than talk" "Well, Brother" grins Feng "It is almost time for you to take the dark road, and become my servant in Gruumsh's camp. Who said you had a choice - you can either talk and die easily, or try to keep as silent as your tormented passing will allow. How do you return home? Which magic door allows this? What is your leader's name, the allies he has, and his purpose in this area. Come, do not be shy. FENG demands a quick answer, before he asks his own question." Feng sits on the orc's chest and tries his favourite trick of pricking an eyeball with a dagger to get it's attention. He continues "Well I've asked what the others wanted to know. Feng's question is: How ya gonna report to Father Gruumsh's army knowing you've been castrated by a mongrel half human while belonging to a band that was routed by a couple o' girls, a kobold and a tosser" he adds overcome by his own eloquence and unconcerned at diplomacy. "I just wish this dagger was sharper" the big barbarian ponders "'cos the target is so small." The Wizard Nosnibor briefly watches the Half-Orc begin his torturing and then stands up and moves out of sight. A look of disgust and fear on his face. Beltain sighs and tries to concentrate on regaining spells again, pity the orcs are so stupid, he thinks, that one could have survived if it had realised the error of its ways, still, it had chosen death and you had to respect its wishes. "You should get some rest, Princess" he tells the lovely cleric at his side "Tomorrow will be a very busy day and we will need all our strength to prevail" The orc is not intimidated by Feng..it seems the creature is resigned to its fate. The orc screams in pain as Feng prods it in the eye with a dagger...in falls to its knees in pain, and then once again falls unconscious...bleeding.. "I'll stand watch," Feng tells the others after he has killed the uncommunicative orc "Until the ladies are rested. Then I want my head down." The party set guards and then settle down to rest. When the party awake both Rizzit and Limara finally feel better, the poison gone from their bloodstreams... "A peaceful night, once Feng had finished with the orc" remarks Elinor, stretching. "True, noble Elinor" Beltain agrees "Feng did not talk with the orc for long and the end was mercifully swift. ... not at all like Feng to be merciful ..." "Couldn't be arsed." agrees Feng "Milksop wouldn'ta lasted much longer in any case. At least my fame will be growing among the legions of Gruumsh. I hope he will favour one who tries so greatly to grow his armies in the netherworld.." He pauses brows clenched as he concentrates "I just wish FENG! could see his path more clearly. Sometimes I doubt that I do the right thing - but apart from the shining blade, what else pints the way?" and he sinks back into a sullen reverie. "Feng. Forgive me if I speak out of place. But perhaps your doubt at your actions and your lack of fulfilment from your violent exertions if because such simple and gratuitous things have no meaning outside of a context of goodness? Perhaps to kill for just the cause of the joy of killing is what saps your ability to feel joy in your actions? Perhaps you doubt that you do the right thing because you are NOT doing the right thing? Couldn't there be another way? No one doubts the need to fight evil. But wasn't a famous man who said 'Be careful when you fight monsters lest you become a monster yourself' and ' beware if you look at an Ibis, for the Ibis will look into you'. I'm sure someone said something like that. Anyway. Perhaps that is why you feel emptiness. Forgive me so saying. And ... Er... Please don't eat me for it." "What a load of crap Nosni." interrupts Beltain "We are fighting for a good cause, the fair Limara and Elinor have assured us that the task ahead, set by Lord Hawklin, puts us firmly on the side of right! In addition we can look to the spoils of war for reward plus the expectation of a bounty from a grateful Lord Hawklin. This will make us yet more powerful and more able to help a just cause. By killing such riff-raf as these orcs, we are due the thanks of peaceful people, less families will have to follow the funeral bier which has wrenched loved ones from its midst, wives will not become grieving widows, innocent children will not become orphans and cats will still find a saucer of milk left out for them at night," Beltain pauses briefly for breath "No, I think that Feng's emptiness comes from a lack of worthy opponents rather than an emptiness from senseless killing. The Nexus we have found is an opportunity for good or ill and I feel that this new day will bring challenges aplenty. I hope that we will see your new acid missile demonstrated to good result and that the stock of wickedness in the world will be diminished" "Never all that hot air," compains Rizzit, awake again "Look at my scales where I have started shedding again, they are almost like plates of metal now, so shiny. I am ready for action, lets go play with the portals" and so saying he gets up and moves out from the orc cave to make sure Beaker has food and water then makes another attempt to bring him down. However he still has no luck in moving the axebeak into the caverns "Beaker you are one stubborn mount" he says stroking the birds head "Back soon I hope" Beltain helps Limara to her feet then turns to the others. "We've had a rest and we all now should be fit for the trails ahead. Let's get on with the job Lord Hawklin asked us to do!" "I'm going to check on Rizzit- I'm a bit worried that Beaker might try to eat his new shiny scales" says Elinor, following the kobold. Elinor quickly reappears- she talks quietly but urgently "We have company. There are 3 ogres and a Zhentarim man over by the horses. Come on" "Zhents! Bastards! HA HA!" says Feng with the tone of a child hoping for christmas... Any Mages up there, Rizz?" he adds wistfully. Beltain hurries to where Elinor is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. "Let's get up and at them - Should we let Rizzit take point and fry them before they are aware that they are in trouble?" "C'mon Belt" laughs Feng "If we don't hurry, the li'l bastard 'l keep e'm all to hisself." and catches up Nibbler "Well, little friend. Time to feast on something better than orc!" "Beltain old friend, I find your sudden and insulting reaction to my queries a little discomforting, perhaps you yourself are becoming to used to the slaughter. Perhaps you are 'Normalising' yourself to it. However you did miss my point. It is not the killing of evil creature that I find most abhorrent. It is the needless torture of evil creatures. I find that this very act brings us all inextricably towards a chasm of evil ourselves. I feel that this is the 'Monster' that we risk becoming. Or the 'Ibis' that will look into us. " he pauses "And Ibis scare me. It's their hooked beak." "..Nos, I fight wars and skirmishes like these so people with peaceful thoughts such as yourself can live to air them... if there was balance and order ruled by law then there wouldn't be wars, but, we have guests.." The Zhentarim human looks over the horses and the pile of loot. Interesting he thinks. He slowly scans the area. A old ruin is nearby, only its foundations remain, scattered around it are several orc bodies.. He points that way and looks back to his 3 ogre companions. He speaks in a whisper "Redface, Deadbiter, Three eyes, Be alert." "Yes lord Gargdol" comes the reply from the three hulking brutes. They are at least 9ft tall and all three are covered in dark warty bumps. Lord Gargdol turns his attention back to the horses. Fine specimens he thinks to himself, all except one, which is average at best. "I can't use you" he mutters as he brings his axe down upon the horse. The man pulls his axe out of the dead horse's corpse "The rest we take". Just then Three Eyes grunts, Lord Gargdol turns around. Coming up a set of steps in the ruins he spies a kobold, then, just behind him a human female. Lord Gargdol's eyes narrow. The ogre Redface grins... x[Master] ~Message follows Rizzit. The human Zhentarim moves behind the cover of a large boulder. The ogre Reface grins "Gonna crush thin skins" the ogre roars.. "Look at that big ugly brute" says Rizzit to Elinor "No match for my new shiny scales, something that ugly and stupid does not deserve to live" he says loud enough for the Ogre to hear Beltain stands in the front of the party calmly awaiting the onrushing orges hoping to be joined by some others before the orges reach him. "Beltain" calls Feng "Nosnibor is an arse. A rare flower that needs a pampering window-sill on which to thrive. He is fortunate that, unlike ourselves, he has not had to fight his way thru a mass of weeds and :):):):), so his illusions remain intact. He would not survive my tribe. Sometimes, even tho' they be stupid, I think the orcs have some valid points to commend their life-view." "Feng... how quickly you forget, it was Nos who shot down the Griffon whilst we couldn't hit it... he has a good heart, even if he has seemingly led a sheltered life, he means well...." "I agree, Princess" nods Beltain "And I'm sure that he will wish to chastise the killers of his innocent mount Robinson that now lies dead to the north, cruelly cut down" Beltain looks over his shoulder waiting for Nosni to appear to exact revenge for his horse's slaughter, 'I wonder if he has had so many horses called Robinson die on him that he is no longer concerned' he wonders "I need to move forward to get this first Ogre in range of my spell," says Rizzit "It would be most appreciated if one of your tough people to get in front of me until I get some protection spells up" "Begger me, now there's a surprise! Beltain agrees with Limara." lears Feng "The fount of all wisdom is above the hem of her skirts! You can both argue as much as yas likes, but you won't change my mind." Rizzit look across to Elinor "Seems to be plenty of hot air coming up from the stairs but little backup" The wizard Nosnibor emerges from underground but stands in shocked silence at seeing the corpse of his horse Robinson.. Rizzit takes a step forward, two rays of fire shooting out of his fingers to strike the Ogre ahead of him "Pftttt" he says and waggles his hands, fingers in his ears and tongue sticking out "Not smiling now are you" "Very nice! Very nice indeed, Rizzit" chuckles Beltain The ogre is burnt badly by Rizzits fiery rays..[/COLOR] [B][I]Deadbiter advances toward the party and Elinor and Feng move to meet the ogres[/I].[/B] [/QUOTE]
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