Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Greyhawk" data-source="post: 3551660" data-attributes="member: 40355"><p><strong>The damsels rescue a knight in distress</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara and Beltain start to heal the party of their wounds. The orcs are stripped of their gear, so is Tharlock the orc wizard. A great deal of the orc gear has been destroyed or badly ruined by the fireballs.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Tharlock the orc's gear is piled up. Rizzit then casts detect magic on the dead orcs equipment. He wore a set of bracers which detect as magical. He also had 3 potions on him labelled "Bulls strength", "Invisibility", and "Fly". He also carried a scroll and a spellbook.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Pitbull tweaks his quiff "Well that was fun" He grimaces and looks down at the quill sticking out of him. He grasps it with both hands and pulls it out of himself - it hurts and causes the gnome but it causes more damage coming out! "OUCH!" exclaims the tiny warrior. He chuckles "As mother used to say...better out than in"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Just then the party hear a chime... It seems to emanate from the portal...</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Rizzit looks toward the mountainside and the invisible portal. "I don't like the sound of that" he says as another chime is heard "Quick...maybe the portal is about to shut!" he exclaims as he grabs some of the mages gear and runs toward the portal. Suddenly the kobold is gone. Pitbull grabs the rest of the mages gear and follows the kobold through the mountainside portal..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain and Limara think they can remove the quill embedded in Sparhawk's leg without causing damage using their healing ability, Beltain tries and fails causing the knight more damage. "Sorry" says the cleric looking embarrassed</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Come on through guys" calls Rizzit "And someone grab my crossbow please"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor grabs Rizzit's crossbow and heads for the portal. She won't go through until all the party are with her. "Are you coming?" she calls to the others</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Pitbull" Rizzit orders the gnome "You old feltcher stop eyeing up Wizzy and have a look around for anything that may be making that noise"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Well blow me. I feel myself again. I had a funny turn there. " says the Pint Sized Protector as he swigs at a couple of healing potions.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Feng Grunts "Back we go. Not even Feng can face down a thousand warriors - at least not today. Pitbull - you must show me that spinning move - it was very impressive.". Feng moves toward the mountain wall, he steps through into the nexus..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Sparhawk gathers himself together (as well as his quill) "Let us make haste neighbours and tarry no longer" he says as he heads to the portal</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain collects as much orc gear as he can carry, and heads quickly though the portal</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I really do need more cash if I am to start making magic items" says Beltain "Are there any magic items that we could sell?" he asks the others "I'm not sure that we will ever use this Ever-Smoking bottle" he adds</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Feng Sits down to rest, and whilst he does so, straps his shield to his arm "I must be slowing down. Them buggers would never have hit me back in the day. Prap's my armour is too heavy."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain calls back to Limara to hurry as he passes through the gate with the items looted from the orc bodies.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara follows the others back through the portal with her dog. She takes a final look into the trees to see if she can spot any movement.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara "Don't be down heartened Feng, that was a big battle and you fought bravely... and I think that if the formation hadn't split too early you would have suffered less damage."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"If this portal stays open " interrupts Rizzit "I am going to go back through and check the area, Feng will you come and track for me please"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">" We are victorious and we are all alive" says Limara, bright eyed "That's a good day for the Order in my books. " she continues " I salute you all, finally we acted as one, more or less, and look at what we achieved... and thank you all for granting my indulgence.. no one died !!"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"We need to salvage everything of value from the orc encampment" says Rizzit "But this noise seems a mystery still"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I'm sure the portal will close, this noise is the one that the creators designed to warn of the impending closure, but we will see" Belatin says with a shrug</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Well i think that was a most satisfactory bit of Rumpus." says Pitbull looking very happy "Really quite invigorating. As my old Mother would say: A strong attack is half the battle won. " and the Money Grabbing Midget eyes the loot with glee "And we've got some nice loot to play with too. Lurvely."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"So whats happening now? What was that sound?" Rizzit asks him, wanting to get any last items from the orc camp "Can I go back in and look around, someone keep the portal open here for me please" and he prepares to head back through the portal, looks back to see if anyone is coming to help</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I'll come and help little Rizzit" agrees Pitbull "Though it grieves me to leave the loot."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara and Beltain gather up the remaining loot and with Elinor, move to the invisible mountain portal. They walk through into the Nexus. The chimes stop, the arch in the nexus grows visiablly darker. The mist in the centre off the arch dissipates leaving solid wall. The portal has shut.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain heals his familiar's wounds and then moves over to the second gate and casts "Read Magic" - attempting to read the strange characters and to discover the final destination of the portal. After this he will quickly look through his scrolls to make sure that he understands them all before the spell runs out.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"T'was an interesting place," muses Sparhawk "May hap one of these portals will lead to a sun drenched island with sun loungers and cocktail waitress' " Sparhawk says with a wry smile</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Well I think it was portal two that had the sand..." Limara tells Sparhawk "I doubt there's any cocktail waitresses, but until we look ... " she replies to the warrior</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Someone say the words to open this again please" says Rizzit irritably</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"The words to open this again" says Limara and giggles as she replies to the little kobold.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Rizzit looks blankly at Limara</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"The words 'Part the veil of the universe for me' usually work on these portals, but there may be a re-charge time or something like that" says Beltain</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I need to be sure we have cleared our enemies away" says Rizzit loftily "And we need to do it before they regroup and get prepared again, "Only the brave hearted need follow, this mission may have dangers"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I disagree with you" says Limara earnestly "Orcs notoriously charge forward into the battle and we saw them do it... I think you are wasting your time, any more orcs wont be alone for hours" she replies.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I am loath to leave our takings here and to find them missing on our return" says Beltain looking at the treasure pile "If Rizzit wants to go through again, well this is probably the safest of the gates as we've despatched all the orcs sent against us and I doubt they have sufficient strength to mount as fierce an attack on us"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Bel has a point" agrees Limara "We must cash in our loot, it is folly to keep throwing away money which we need to re-equip ourselves with... we cannot afford to gain levels without buying equipment equal to the task... which takes money... more for the warriors, their armour and weapons cost a small fortune." she pauses " Its nothing to do with bravery Rizz, its looking at the bigger picture, considering the parties welfare... I just think it would be wiser to return to map this place after we have reported our findings to Lord Hawklin . You would have a better chance of finding more orcs to kill if you give them a chance to gather for revenge, then strike when they are grouped... "</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I am taking a look round not setting up camp," replies Rizzit "Leave someone with the loot if you want, this will only take a couple of brave souls like myself Feng and Pitbull to sort out, the rest can start to move the loot out, we will only be a matter of minutes"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Oh I see, how far do you want to go into the woods ?" the beautiful cleric asks the kobold, "If the portal can be immediately opened, and others think it is worth it.. Then I would suggest a good scout party would be you Rizzit of course, with a warrior and a cleric. If the consensus is yes then I will go with you..... but to split the party is folly indeed and has not been very successful to date.."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara: Puffs on her cigar: and, rolls it from one side of her mouth to the other.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I'm with you, Rizzit. It's always good to piss on another tribe's fire!" says Feng eager for more fighting</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"If we are going to scout the orcs' camp then we should all travel together. But can I ask whether you all feel to fight that battle again?" Elinor asks the others</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Of course I do." retorts Feng "If the healers had been paying attention, I'd never have hit the pavement - as it is, I'm good to go."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor looks around the group, some people look a little frayed around the edges....."Well, I am happy to continue with our search if that is what the party chooses." she agrees "Feng, doesn't your blouse need fixing before you start fighting again? Remember, a stitch in time can save lives. Or something."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Blouse?" Frowns suspiciously "Isn't that something that a girl would wear? Callin' Feng a puff? Dressed or naked, Feng is ready for the next fight."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"If we go we all go, no half measures" says Beltain somewhat reluctantly "And we should carry the dead wizard's treasure with us, then we won't lose that will we go off on this jaunt."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Well I'm ready to go some more!" says the gnome "Though these clerics seem to have forgotten me in the healing stakes. I'll still head out with you fellows."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Having deposited the loot in a pile, Elinor moves back to the portal that leads to the orc battleground. "Ready, everyone? Beltain, you open the door, then Feng and I will lead through, followed by Rizzit and Pitbull, then the rest of the party. OK?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"We have only just stepped through the portal Pit, I had not forgotten you..." says Limara with a smile at the gnome "Indeed , how could I ?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"OK," she continues in a business-like manner "Let's go then, but let's not take more than the few minutes Rizzit predicted. It will be vitally important to stay in formation when we move, we have only a few light cures left and cant afford to have people taking unnecessary risks..."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara picks up the potion of invisibility from the orcs loot and puts it in one of the slots in her potion belt "Rizzit, can you use these bracers ?" she points to the orcs bracers.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain moves back to rejoin the others "Well if it is only to investigate the orc campsite, then that seems reasonable" he says to Rizzit "Just as long as you're not planning some longer term exploration - promise?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"If we haven't already returned I will be coming back at 1.30" says Limara "That is my intention Bel... I am not loosing another pile of loot to some band of thieving gits and we should definitely carry the magical stuff... Anything left that no one wants to carry I will put in my backpack"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Good idea Princess" Beltain agrees and picks up the Magic Users spell book, he crosses his fingers and flicks through the pages to see if there are interesting spells....</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Oooh. Magic books are worth loads I'm told" says Pibull enthusiastically "Woohoo. Riches galour. Mind you we have to be careful. Coz as my mum would say: Riches serve a wise man but command a fool."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Books are very useful items and usually worth every gold piece of the cost" says Beltain looking very serious "These will contain the magic users spells so I would expect to see the arcane symbols for Fly, Fireball and Lightning Bolt amongst their pages."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain opens Tharlock's spell book and begins to read. His read magic spell still operating. The book contains the following spells: 1st lvl: Cause Fear, Expeditious retreat, Magic Missile, Shield. 2nd Lvl: Bulls strength,Darkness, Flaming Sphere, Protection from arrows. 3rd Lvl: Fireball, Fly, Lightning bolt.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I am able to fight should you wish me to join the scouting party...I also think it unwise to split the party...but then again I spent along time before making suggestions like that and the ones Limara makes now " Sparhawk giggles quietly to himself</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"You are right Sir Knight" agrees Beltain "I think we all need to go through but perhaps some of us should remain by the portal unless danger threatens the others? That way we could ensure than any chimes are heard and relayed to the others and we could keep checking that our plunder is not being filched" he adds</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Good idea Beltain," aggress the kobold "Leave one or two to stand where they can look back through the portal and still be able to hear any shouts for help"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Let's go then," the barbarian suggests, bored by all the talk and no action "Feng is ready - our enemies will not become less dead, or more afraid as time passes. Come, Elinor, perhaps we can slay again before we sleep." and he steps through the portal, shield fronted.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor says "Part the veil of the universe for me" to re-open the portal. As Elinor places her hands on the portal and says the words, the archway seems to change colour slightly as if the stone were a lighter shade of grey than before. The air around it has a peculiar odour, like that after a lightning bolt spell has been cast, the temperature feels like it has dropped a bit. The space within the archway becomes illuminated with a foggy light. She follows Feng through the portal, ahead of Rizzit, Beltain and Pitbull and the others.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Rizzit immediately heads down the slope and heads off into the trees looking for any sign of where the orcs came from.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor looks for tracks. They're not hard to spot. Trampled undergrowth and snapped branches show the orcs came from the south. For his position by the mountain by the portal, Beltain watches as Rizzit and Elinor begin to move toward the trees. He will not be able to see them for long before they disappear into the trees.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain sits on a flat rock near the portal exit and starts to carve the bone he found in the nexus into something vaguely wand-shaped, from time to time he checks the portal behind him and notes the progress of the party exploring the camp-fire area. </span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Do you think it's worth taking the wizards body back for Hawklin Princess?" Beltain calls back through the portal to Limara "He may have the means to question the dead and the information that Tharlock knew may be useful to him..."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Feng moves south in the direction of the tracks pointed out by Elinor</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Feng stops to listen.. He can hear typical woodland sounds. He hears a cracking of branches nearby him... It is a fawn, wandering through the undergrowth.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Aawww cute" says Rizzit</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Rizzit moves south along the orc's trail attempting to move silently.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"FENG COMES! WEEP IN TERROR! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" calls Feng to anyone who will listen "I ALSO BRING A ahm FIRE BREATHING KOBOLD! RUN!"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"So much for investigating the campsite" sighs Beltain "They didn't give it a second glance, they off to attack the main orc force..." He pockets the bone and moves down the hillside attempting to keep the half-orc and kobold in sight.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor smiles, somewhat relieved to find that Feng is even worse than her at moving with any stealth</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara picks up the remaining magical items (potions scrolls bracers) and goes through the portal with her dog following obediently behind her... "good girl Gypsy, walk to heel"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor looks behind her and sees Limara appear. She waves vigorously.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara signals back to Elinor and moves towards her .</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Actually.. Just walk behind me .... I'll do the healing" she whispers to her pet.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara says "Yes I think it would be wise to retrieve the mages body and take it to Lord Hawklin... we can do it when we leave" in hushed tones as she passes Beltain "I must keep up with the warriors, in case healing is needed."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara approaches Elinor.." Nora, has anyone spotted movement ?.. we are looking up into the trees too, right?" and looks up into the branches of the trees ahead..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"So far we have only met a fawn." shrugs Elinor, unsure if she likes being called Nora "And we are all proving so ineffective at hiding, listening and spotting, that I don't think anyone has thought of looking up" and she too looks up vaguely upwards into the sky to see if there are any orcs hanging about</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara points a tree.. "No... those things there. The tall ones"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor is not even sure that she can see any trees above her...."oh, thanks, Limara. You mean the green things?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara bursts into muffled laughter leaning on the holy fighter for mock support..." nothing can stop the Order of the Initiative. Last time we failed to spot a Hill In A Bad Mood... who are we kidding !! " she exclaims</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor puts on the night vision goggles and turns to Limara..."I've heard that men don't make passes at girls who wear glasses....although I bet Pitbull wouldn't be put off. In fact, I'm not sure if there's anything on earth that could put Pitbull off"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I think he likes you .." agrees Limara</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Never have I felt more convinced that the path of purity is the one for me." smiles Elinor "Abstinence is not only character building, but also a jolly good idea when faced with such a fellow."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"You are indeed blessed with great wisdom Nora.. " nods Limara</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara encourages Gypsy to walk to heel ..and sighs as she watches her mutt pee up a tree ten feet behind her "Suit ya'self dawg.." she mumbles to her wayward canine companion.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara pulls outs the end of a silk rope from her backpack, she cuts a 6' length off and ties it to the collar of her pet. "OK then, we'll take it slowly.... Gypsy.. Heel" she calls as she pulls her dog toward her side.. "Good girl" she pats the somewhat disgruntled dog on the head.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"It is quite clear that this portal opens into the territory of the stoneland orcs... if we consult with Lord Hawklins people we should be able to pinpoint this place on the map." Limara tells Elinor</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Rizzit and Feng push forward through the trees following Rizzit. They are walking down a steep hill. Elinor and Limara are close behind. Beltain loses sight of them as they disappear into the trees. Sparhawk and Pitbull rush to catch up to the others..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor holds up her hand to silence the party. She points ahead at the sight of the orc camp. She whispers, so quietly it's almost just a breath- "Now's the time for a good plan- I vote that we try and creep up using the bigger tents as cover. If anyone can turns invisible, or attack with a range weapon or spell, then do that too"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor starts to creep forward, trying to be as quiet as possible, and aiming to keep one of the larger tents between her progress and the two orc guards. "I may as well be blowing on a trumpet", she thinks dismally as she moves noisily down the path.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">She peers past the trees into a large clearing. The clearing is dominated by crude tents. A orc camp. Standing by three larger tents she spies a large upright cage. In it appears to be a man. He wears the colours of the Purple Dragon Knights. Standing guard are two orcs. To one side a large mound can bee seen, near it are several pyres and one is burning. The rest of the camp appears empty.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Maybe these two were left behind to guard the camp, and all the tribes loot" the kobold chuckles, "I wonder who is in that cage? Now if we had not followed my idea then these orcs would have fled and the captive would either have gone with them or been killed, its lucky we returned"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Pitbull moves up beside Beltain "I think we should follow after the others. Staying here only divides our forces" he pauses thoughtfully "And reduces our chance at personal glory."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"OK!" says Beltain to the gnome warrior "I'm up for it, but I just hope that the loot is there when we get back. I wonder if Rizzit and the others have found anything up ahead."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I hope there are plenty more orcs in those tents," calls Rizzit gaily "Two is hardly going to be worth the effort"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Our priority is to retrieve the prisoner" Limara scolds the kobold "Not to improve our personal score. Don't play with them... just slaughter them quick."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"No point wasting spells on those two," sniffs Rizzit "Looks like a job for Feng and Spar, I will check out the tents"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Aha! Fresh meat!" grins Feng</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">One of the two visible orcs runs toward Elinor, axe raised. The orc lets out a shrilling cry..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"FENG IS BACK!" grins Feng and he certainly is....killing the orc with a single blow! The other orc begins to run south!</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Realising that the Orc is making a break for it Rizzit moves forward and blasts it with some magic missiles</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"There are about forty tents over there" says Pitbull "If they are single man tents we should have killed 'em all. Do Orcs bunk up two to a tent Feng? Or can't they be trusted in the dark?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"That's 50 tents dumbass, stupid gnomes" the kobold corrects him and rolls his eyes</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Oh aye. I didn't see that last row over this tall grass" says Pibull blushing "Though I'm surprised a Kobold can count that high. I thought you guys only had six numbers... One, Two, Three, Some, Lots, Loads."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"And your point is?" responds Rizzit annoyed with the gnome "Pitbull kills three orcs and Rizzit kills loads, I think my limited numerical skills got that covered"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"You're a finger twiddler Rizzit old boy" says the gnome, not at all put out "You're supposed to kill loads. It's us Sword Swingers that have gotta take all the damage while we shield you."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor moves swiftly towards the caged knight. "Who are you Sir?" she calls and as she gets nearer she can see that he looks badly injured. "Search the orcs for a key to the cage, she calls back to the party. "Sir Knight, can you hear me?" she calls through the bars of the cage. Elinor kneels at the cage, puts down her sword and shield, and reaches through to touch the Knight. "Let me help you, Sir" she says softly and cures part of his terrible wounds..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara too rushes forward to assist Elinor "How many were left to guard you soldier..." she asks the confined knight as she too reaches through and casts a heal on him. "You will be out of there soon sir knight... we are the Order of the Initiative, we are working for Lord Hawklin of Suzail. Pardon my manners my name is Limara and this is Elinor, our comrades will be here shortly..."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">The knight coughs and splutters..."Thank you...I thought I would die here" he says. He looks through the bars at Elinor and Limara "I am Cedrick, a Purple Dragon Knight. Can you free me?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain rushes up to join the others -"What's going on?" he asks, then seeing the large orc encampment his eyes widen "Bloody hell!" he exclaims "Are these tents all occupied or full of orcish loot?" and he looks round at the others and grins hopefully.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Hmm shortly, that will be me and you Pitbull" quips Rizzit. He checks the closest orc for keys that might open the cage and then walks over to greet the Knight. "Let's get this camp searched for anything of value, then I'll burn the lot" he says grinning "Hail Sir Knight, I am Rizzit the Sorcerer, I burn things" grins widely.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Rizzit finds a set of keys on the dead orc. He rushes over to the cage and releases Cedrick.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Thank you...I am in your debt" he tells Rizzit. The kobold beams and bows deeply.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain looks at the huge camp in awe and then again searching for signs of life or perhaps an ambush, but sees nothing out of the ordinary..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">He notices that there are three larger tents, presumably for the leaders and realises that they have only seen the mage. "Are there any other orcs about, particularly any leaders? We have slain a mage and some spined infernal dog-thing..." he calls to the rescued Purple Knight.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I don't think there's anymore orcs here" says the wounded knight "I saw them all run north, I presume to confront you. There is, however, a larger camp, South. It contains over 400 orcs, lead by a half orc, half dragon named Cressyl Blackbones.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Let's search the camp quickly, then escort Sir Cedrick back to the Purple Knight's camp" says Elinor "It's clear that the Order is not quite ready for a troop of 400 orcs, let alone an half-dragon." She turns to the Purple Knight, "Are you able to walk up the hill behind us, Sir? We have horses within a short distance"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">She turns to the kobold "Rizzit- I'm not sure we should start a great conflagration- it might draw the unwanted attentions of the camp to the South. "</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Do you know of the Purple Dragon camp near Tilverton?" asks Cerick "And o you know Captain Dunman? Are you here on her behalf?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"We are here on Lord Hawklin's business but we know Captain Dunman too and will be heading back in her direction directly" says Beltain "Rizzit can you make your search for items of interest here and then we will head back. Princess - I suggest that you look in the leader's tents for papers of importance and I will take the equipment from the two orcs slain by Rizzit's magic to add to our takings" And so-saying Beltain takes the armour and weapons from the two dead orcs.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"400 Orcs doesn't sound like too much trouble to me" says Rizzit boastfully "A little preparation may be required though" he adds thoughtfully as he starts to search the tents for anything of value</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Someone should investigate the a large mound and the pyres, unless the Purple Knight can tell us what purpose they serve" says Beltain, "If it's a burial mound then it may contain goods of value" he adds rather hopefully.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"This don't look like the tribe I left - look at them orderly rows o' tents," says Feng dismayed by the camps precise layout "Whoever's in charge is really in control, know what I mean? Someone check the tents, I'll keep watch for company - and no, we don't want to make a big fire until we can be sure we can get back thru the portal, pronto."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">To keep his hand in, Feng cuts the ropes on the largest tent to the south and drags the tarp to one side "The ashes might also conceal sommat." he tells the watchers</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Good thinking Feng!" exclaims Beltain "I've a feeling that there may something concealed in that area..."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Oi, Pitbull - Looks like you've lost yer chance - the ladies can't keep their hands from the Knight. No accountin' fer taste, 'corse." laughs Feng as the Cleric and Paladin fuss over the rescued knight.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Sparhawk moves over to the tents and starts to look inside them "Very orderly and military, these orc have been well trained"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"It has ever been the curse of us of a diminutive stature to be sidelined as soon as a tall and handsome knight gets on the scene Feng my dear boy." says Pitbull, a little sadly "However it isn't me who should be worried. If I were Beltain I'd be very put out at how carefully Limara seems to be attending to said Purple Helmet. "</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">He glances over at Beltain and sure enough there is a jealous flush in the clerics face, satisfied Pitbull looks at the tented camp "I think I'm going to go on a loot sniffing expedition if you chaps don't mind." and he begins to search from tent to tent checking each tent for valuables. He specifically looks under bedding, pillows and checks the earth floor of each tent for areas that could conceal buried treasures. </span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"OK... we get the camp searched, then escort Cedrick back to Lord Hawklin to report .... As Elinor said NO FIRES ok Rizz .. " says Limara, still standing close to the Purple Knight. She talks to Cedrick while the others search the camp.. "What land is this we are currently in Cedrick.. We came through a portal in the nexus room, it comes out in the cliff face to the north of here.." and offers Cedrick some food and water while she waits for his answer.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"From what I can gather, we are on the edge of the Thunder Peak Mountains. And this" he says gesturing to the trees "is the Hullack Forest"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">The party search the camp. They find: 300gp, 563sp, Orc Crushers x8, Greataxe x4, Breastplate x2, Full plate +1, Orc Double axe +1, The Purple Knights Stuff is also found (this includes Plate +1 and a Longsword +1)</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Shall we move back north now? It seems the searching is over for now." Elinor helps Cedrick into his plate mail and hands him his sword, then picks up some of the armour and weapons for transport back to the Nexus. "Will you follow me, Sir? This way to Captain Dunman! So tell me, how did you get captured by the orcs?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I can identify the bracers when we get back to town but i need 100 gold pieces from the loot first" Rizzit tells the others.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I can too" says Beltain, still glancing anxiously towards Limara "But I'm very happy you do so Rizzit as it's thanks to you that we have them. I agree that it is only fair that the party pay the cost of such magics"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Lovely lovely loot." mutters Pitbull to himself with glee. "Although my ol' mum would always say: Knowledge is a treasure that no man can steal. I prefer good hard cash myself." The Diminutive Dungeoneer helps gather up the horde and transport it back.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Do you know," the gnome continues looking around "We should take some of our cash and open a shop. Selling the stuff that we find in dungeons. Even if we paid for premises and a shop keeper to manage the place i bet we could get better than the 50% of the cost price back than we would just selling the gear to the local traders. Even if we got 75% of the cost we make a lot more profit."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I have better things to spend my money on" Limara tells him "Like making magical arms and armour. I have no interest in being a merchant .. That's for ordinary people I would rather make my money selling the loot of the enemies we slay... I guess you have a mind for business then Pit... was this an earlier career ?" she asks with a smile.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"We don't become merchants. We back one." says the gnome "And supply him with goods. In the long run our profits will allow us to buy more magical arms and... " Pitbull leeringly looks at Limara in her chainmail Bikini. "... Eh.. Armour."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Ah, I see... maybe we can strike a deal with a local vendor for exclusive rights to sell our excess booty" she says, looking at the gnome gapping at her cleavage.."Don't forget to blink..." she laughs, "OK, lets go.." she turns and heads of to the portal with her dog, while Beltain scowls at the lecherous gnome.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Feng exclaims with delight "An enchanted double-axe? A prize beyond expectation! Let's haul arse - I hope Cedrick here will bring in a reward, else what good is he? I hope he don't mind being take back - I mean, Imagine the shame of being captured by orcs - I guess that will take some living down when he reports back! If it were me, I don't think I'd be able to face my comrades after such shame" and he takes a sidelong look at the knight "Praps the captain will be more understanding than I would be."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">The party gather up the found loot and head back to the portal with Cedrick. He explains to them that he was on patrol in the stonelands when he was accosted by orcs, lots of them, and Tharlock the orc mage. He had refused to fight, knowing he was vastly outgunned. They had captured him and placed him in the cage. He thinks word was sent to the main orc camp of his capture, but the party rescued him before anything else happened.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">When he gets though the portal he looks at the Nexus in amazement. "I've never seen this before. I was blindfolded when I was captured. So, these are portals?." He looks around for a moment "I can stay here if you wish, guard the loot, if you have other business to attend to before going back to Tilverton camp"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Just then the party hear the familiar chiming sound emanating from portal Four. Approximately a minute later the portal shuts..</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"So one of these portals leads back to the Stonelands?" asks Cedrick</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Might it not be prudent to escort Sir Cedrick back and explain our findings thus far to Lord Hawklin, afore we continue to search other realms?" Sparhawk looks around the room at the portals "Tis just my suggestion , but I feel we may have a lot of work to do here, so keeping the Lord appraised of our findings will help him in any counter measures he may have to put into place"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I agree with you Sir Sparhawk. I think that we need to go back and report." nods Beltain "The half-dragon will not be happy at the destruction of his portal guards and may plan a foray in force to punish those who caused the problem. I would not want 400 orcs descending on Captain Dunman's force at the Black Crater without warning on my conscience"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I agree too," says Elinor "Sparhawk. the sooner we get word to Captain Dunman and my Lord Hawklin, the better. The main orc camp with the half-dragon has been notified of the capture of the Knight. They will quickly learn of the battle that we have just fought. And I don't think they'll be likely to let sleeping dogs lie. Let's go back to Tilverton"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"So be it, lead on gentlemen...and ladies." says Credrick with a slight bow "Would you perchance have a spare horse?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I don't think we do Sir, but you may ride my steed, Legend. I'll double up with Limara" says Elinor graciously "....Assuming our steeds have been left undisturbed this time"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor makes her way to the portal that links with the ruins in the Stonelands. "Is it number 16 that we open to get back to the ruins?" she asks the party. "I must admit, I am a little disorientated whenever I come into this place"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Elinor notices that Portal 16 is not glowing, as some of the others are.. "Mmmm. Maybe it's number 1?"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Yes, it is number one" says Beltain "I am quite sure"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain asks the Purple knight if he will help us take the captured items to the surface for transport back to the Captain Dunman's camp. He then takes up what he can carry, eager to be on his way "The sooner we can get this stuff back, the sooner we can come back and explore the other portals" he exclaims</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I too am sure... open up number one Bel my sweet, lets not hang around and get jumped by another two headed griffon. " the fair Limara says whilst strolling over to the loot pile. She puts the money found into the party cash bag and places it back in her backpack. "We gotta get loot through the portal and loaded.. I suspect we will be walking next to our horses once we have loaded them with it... still we can't use a wagon round here."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain moves over to the first portal and touches the stone surround "Part the veil of the universe for me" he says invoking the portal magic.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Beltain touches portal 1 and says the words. The archway seems to change color slightly as if the stone were a lighter shade of grey than before. The air around it has a peculiar odor, like that after a lightning bolt spell has been cast, the temperature feels like it has dropped a bit. The space within the archway becomes illuminated with a foggy light...</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"What we need are some bags of holding... and they cost" Limara ponders out loud "Thanks babe, lets get this loot moved then..."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Limara realises something she hadn't thought of before. She turns around and approaches Cedrick... " Cedrick, as we are going to be travelling across potentially hostile terrain, I think it would be wise if I cured your wounds. "</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"How come you were patrolling alone ?" she asks the Purple knight.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Because he's a dolt." interjects Feng "Frankly I see no reason to high-tail it back to Tiverton, with our horses we can out-distance any orc horde on our trail."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"However" he continues with a sigh "I will come with you all - I'm looking forward to seeing Dumman's face when she see's one of her knights had to be rescued by a bunch of freebooters." and he sneers "Can't wait!"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"It will be nice to see the haughty captain, in our debt!" agrees Beltain</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Let's be on our way" Beltain says "The sooner we drop off this knight and our loot, the sooner we can get back into action again, there are still portals still to explore..."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Yeah, what Beltain said." laughs Feng.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Right Beaker lets go" says Rizzit but the axebeak refuses to budge "Look buddy you may not like the stairs but down here is rocks and up there is daylight and food" and he pulls the axebeak along "Feng get behind this big chicken and push will ya"</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Pitbull follows the party. Humming a merry tune to himself.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Sparhawk follows the last person thru, making a quick glance behind to be sure they are not being followed</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">Rizzit helps load goods onto the horses where he can and stashes what will fit in his backpack then prepares to leave.</span></p><p></p><p><strong><em>The party head off towards the city again, thoughts on the profit and perhaps some praise for the rescued knight from Lord Hawklin</em></strong></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greyhawk, post: 3551660, member: 40355"] [b]The damsels rescue a knight in distress[/b] [COLOR=YellowGreen]Limara and Beltain start to heal the party of their wounds. The orcs are stripped of their gear, so is Tharlock the orc wizard. A great deal of the orc gear has been destroyed or badly ruined by the fireballs. Tharlock the orc's gear is piled up. Rizzit then casts detect magic on the dead orcs equipment. He wore a set of bracers which detect as magical. He also had 3 potions on him labelled "Bulls strength", "Invisibility", and "Fly". He also carried a scroll and a spellbook. Pitbull tweaks his quiff "Well that was fun" He grimaces and looks down at the quill sticking out of him. He grasps it with both hands and pulls it out of himself - it hurts and causes the gnome but it causes more damage coming out! "OUCH!" exclaims the tiny warrior. He chuckles "As mother used to say...better out than in" Just then the party hear a chime... It seems to emanate from the portal... Rizzit looks toward the mountainside and the invisible portal. "I don't like the sound of that" he says as another chime is heard "Quick...maybe the portal is about to shut!" he exclaims as he grabs some of the mages gear and runs toward the portal. Suddenly the kobold is gone. Pitbull grabs the rest of the mages gear and follows the kobold through the mountainside portal.. Beltain and Limara think they can remove the quill embedded in Sparhawk's leg without causing damage using their healing ability, Beltain tries and fails causing the knight more damage. "Sorry" says the cleric looking embarrassed "Come on through guys" calls Rizzit "And someone grab my crossbow please" Elinor grabs Rizzit's crossbow and heads for the portal. She won't go through until all the party are with her. "Are you coming?" she calls to the others "Pitbull" Rizzit orders the gnome "You old feltcher stop eyeing up Wizzy and have a look around for anything that may be making that noise" "Well blow me. I feel myself again. I had a funny turn there. " says the Pint Sized Protector as he swigs at a couple of healing potions. Feng Grunts "Back we go. Not even Feng can face down a thousand warriors - at least not today. Pitbull - you must show me that spinning move - it was very impressive.". Feng moves toward the mountain wall, he steps through into the nexus.. Sparhawk gathers himself together (as well as his quill) "Let us make haste neighbours and tarry no longer" he says as he heads to the portal Beltain collects as much orc gear as he can carry, and heads quickly though the portal "I really do need more cash if I am to start making magic items" says Beltain "Are there any magic items that we could sell?" he asks the others "I'm not sure that we will ever use this Ever-Smoking bottle" he adds Feng Sits down to rest, and whilst he does so, straps his shield to his arm "I must be slowing down. Them buggers would never have hit me back in the day. Prap's my armour is too heavy." Beltain calls back to Limara to hurry as he passes through the gate with the items looted from the orc bodies. Limara follows the others back through the portal with her dog. She takes a final look into the trees to see if she can spot any movement. Limara "Don't be down heartened Feng, that was a big battle and you fought bravely... and I think that if the formation hadn't split too early you would have suffered less damage." "If this portal stays open " interrupts Rizzit "I am going to go back through and check the area, Feng will you come and track for me please" " We are victorious and we are all alive" says Limara, bright eyed "That's a good day for the Order in my books. " she continues " I salute you all, finally we acted as one, more or less, and look at what we achieved... and thank you all for granting my indulgence.. no one died !!" "We need to salvage everything of value from the orc encampment" says Rizzit "But this noise seems a mystery still" "I'm sure the portal will close, this noise is the one that the creators designed to warn of the impending closure, but we will see" Belatin says with a shrug "Well i think that was a most satisfactory bit of Rumpus." says Pitbull looking very happy "Really quite invigorating. As my old Mother would say: A strong attack is half the battle won. " and the Money Grabbing Midget eyes the loot with glee "And we've got some nice loot to play with too. Lurvely." "So whats happening now? What was that sound?" Rizzit asks him, wanting to get any last items from the orc camp "Can I go back in and look around, someone keep the portal open here for me please" and he prepares to head back through the portal, looks back to see if anyone is coming to help "I'll come and help little Rizzit" agrees Pitbull "Though it grieves me to leave the loot." Limara and Beltain gather up the remaining loot and with Elinor, move to the invisible mountain portal. They walk through into the Nexus. The chimes stop, the arch in the nexus grows visiablly darker. The mist in the centre off the arch dissipates leaving solid wall. The portal has shut. Beltain heals his familiar's wounds and then moves over to the second gate and casts "Read Magic" - attempting to read the strange characters and to discover the final destination of the portal. After this he will quickly look through his scrolls to make sure that he understands them all before the spell runs out. "T'was an interesting place," muses Sparhawk "May hap one of these portals will lead to a sun drenched island with sun loungers and cocktail waitress' " Sparhawk says with a wry smile "Well I think it was portal two that had the sand..." Limara tells Sparhawk "I doubt there's any cocktail waitresses, but until we look ... " she replies to the warrior "Someone say the words to open this again please" says Rizzit irritably "The words to open this again" says Limara and giggles as she replies to the little kobold. Rizzit looks blankly at Limara "The words 'Part the veil of the universe for me' usually work on these portals, but there may be a re-charge time or something like that" says Beltain "I need to be sure we have cleared our enemies away" says Rizzit loftily "And we need to do it before they regroup and get prepared again, "Only the brave hearted need follow, this mission may have dangers" "I disagree with you" says Limara earnestly "Orcs notoriously charge forward into the battle and we saw them do it... I think you are wasting your time, any more orcs wont be alone for hours" she replies. "I am loath to leave our takings here and to find them missing on our return" says Beltain looking at the treasure pile "If Rizzit wants to go through again, well this is probably the safest of the gates as we've despatched all the orcs sent against us and I doubt they have sufficient strength to mount as fierce an attack on us" "Bel has a point" agrees Limara "We must cash in our loot, it is folly to keep throwing away money which we need to re-equip ourselves with... we cannot afford to gain levels without buying equipment equal to the task... which takes money... more for the warriors, their armour and weapons cost a small fortune." she pauses " Its nothing to do with bravery Rizz, its looking at the bigger picture, considering the parties welfare... I just think it would be wiser to return to map this place after we have reported our findings to Lord Hawklin . You would have a better chance of finding more orcs to kill if you give them a chance to gather for revenge, then strike when they are grouped... " "I am taking a look round not setting up camp," replies Rizzit "Leave someone with the loot if you want, this will only take a couple of brave souls like myself Feng and Pitbull to sort out, the rest can start to move the loot out, we will only be a matter of minutes" "Oh I see, how far do you want to go into the woods ?" the beautiful cleric asks the kobold, "If the portal can be immediately opened, and others think it is worth it.. Then I would suggest a good scout party would be you Rizzit of course, with a warrior and a cleric. If the consensus is yes then I will go with you..... but to split the party is folly indeed and has not been very successful to date.." Limara: Puffs on her cigar: and, rolls it from one side of her mouth to the other. "I'm with you, Rizzit. It's always good to piss on another tribe's fire!" says Feng eager for more fighting "If we are going to scout the orcs' camp then we should all travel together. But can I ask whether you all feel to fight that battle again?" Elinor asks the others "Of course I do." retorts Feng "If the healers had been paying attention, I'd never have hit the pavement - as it is, I'm good to go." Elinor looks around the group, some people look a little frayed around the edges....."Well, I am happy to continue with our search if that is what the party chooses." she agrees "Feng, doesn't your blouse need fixing before you start fighting again? Remember, a stitch in time can save lives. Or something." "Blouse?" Frowns suspiciously "Isn't that something that a girl would wear? Callin' Feng a puff? Dressed or naked, Feng is ready for the next fight." "If we go we all go, no half measures" says Beltain somewhat reluctantly "And we should carry the dead wizard's treasure with us, then we won't lose that will we go off on this jaunt." "Well I'm ready to go some more!" says the gnome "Though these clerics seem to have forgotten me in the healing stakes. I'll still head out with you fellows." Having deposited the loot in a pile, Elinor moves back to the portal that leads to the orc battleground. "Ready, everyone? Beltain, you open the door, then Feng and I will lead through, followed by Rizzit and Pitbull, then the rest of the party. OK?" "We have only just stepped through the portal Pit, I had not forgotten you..." says Limara with a smile at the gnome "Indeed , how could I ?" "OK," she continues in a business-like manner "Let's go then, but let's not take more than the few minutes Rizzit predicted. It will be vitally important to stay in formation when we move, we have only a few light cures left and cant afford to have people taking unnecessary risks..." Limara picks up the potion of invisibility from the orcs loot and puts it in one of the slots in her potion belt "Rizzit, can you use these bracers ?" she points to the orcs bracers. Beltain moves back to rejoin the others "Well if it is only to investigate the orc campsite, then that seems reasonable" he says to Rizzit "Just as long as you're not planning some longer term exploration - promise?" "If we haven't already returned I will be coming back at 1.30" says Limara "That is my intention Bel... I am not loosing another pile of loot to some band of thieving gits and we should definitely carry the magical stuff... Anything left that no one wants to carry I will put in my backpack" "Good idea Princess" Beltain agrees and picks up the Magic Users spell book, he crosses his fingers and flicks through the pages to see if there are interesting spells.... "Oooh. Magic books are worth loads I'm told" says Pibull enthusiastically "Woohoo. Riches galour. Mind you we have to be careful. Coz as my mum would say: Riches serve a wise man but command a fool." "Books are very useful items and usually worth every gold piece of the cost" says Beltain looking very serious "These will contain the magic users spells so I would expect to see the arcane symbols for Fly, Fireball and Lightning Bolt amongst their pages." Beltain opens Tharlock's spell book and begins to read. His read magic spell still operating. The book contains the following spells: 1st lvl: Cause Fear, Expeditious retreat, Magic Missile, Shield. 2nd Lvl: Bulls strength,Darkness, Flaming Sphere, Protection from arrows. 3rd Lvl: Fireball, Fly, Lightning bolt. "I am able to fight should you wish me to join the scouting party...I also think it unwise to split the party...but then again I spent along time before making suggestions like that and the ones Limara makes now " Sparhawk giggles quietly to himself "You are right Sir Knight" agrees Beltain "I think we all need to go through but perhaps some of us should remain by the portal unless danger threatens the others? That way we could ensure than any chimes are heard and relayed to the others and we could keep checking that our plunder is not being filched" he adds "Good idea Beltain," aggress the kobold "Leave one or two to stand where they can look back through the portal and still be able to hear any shouts for help" "Let's go then," the barbarian suggests, bored by all the talk and no action "Feng is ready - our enemies will not become less dead, or more afraid as time passes. Come, Elinor, perhaps we can slay again before we sleep." and he steps through the portal, shield fronted. Elinor says "Part the veil of the universe for me" to re-open the portal. As Elinor places her hands on the portal and says the words, the archway seems to change colour slightly as if the stone were a lighter shade of grey than before. The air around it has a peculiar odour, like that after a lightning bolt spell has been cast, the temperature feels like it has dropped a bit. The space within the archway becomes illuminated with a foggy light. She follows Feng through the portal, ahead of Rizzit, Beltain and Pitbull and the others. Rizzit immediately heads down the slope and heads off into the trees looking for any sign of where the orcs came from. Elinor looks for tracks. They're not hard to spot. Trampled undergrowth and snapped branches show the orcs came from the south. For his position by the mountain by the portal, Beltain watches as Rizzit and Elinor begin to move toward the trees. He will not be able to see them for long before they disappear into the trees. Beltain sits on a flat rock near the portal exit and starts to carve the bone he found in the nexus into something vaguely wand-shaped, from time to time he checks the portal behind him and notes the progress of the party exploring the camp-fire area. "Do you think it's worth taking the wizards body back for Hawklin Princess?" Beltain calls back through the portal to Limara "He may have the means to question the dead and the information that Tharlock knew may be useful to him..." Feng moves south in the direction of the tracks pointed out by Elinor Feng stops to listen.. He can hear typical woodland sounds. He hears a cracking of branches nearby him... It is a fawn, wandering through the undergrowth. "Aawww cute" says Rizzit Rizzit moves south along the orc's trail attempting to move silently. "FENG COMES! WEEP IN TERROR! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" calls Feng to anyone who will listen "I ALSO BRING A ahm FIRE BREATHING KOBOLD! RUN!" "So much for investigating the campsite" sighs Beltain "They didn't give it a second glance, they off to attack the main orc force..." He pockets the bone and moves down the hillside attempting to keep the half-orc and kobold in sight. Elinor smiles, somewhat relieved to find that Feng is even worse than her at moving with any stealth Limara picks up the remaining magical items (potions scrolls bracers) and goes through the portal with her dog following obediently behind her... "good girl Gypsy, walk to heel" Elinor looks behind her and sees Limara appear. She waves vigorously. Limara signals back to Elinor and moves towards her . "Actually.. Just walk behind me .... I'll do the healing" she whispers to her pet. Limara says "Yes I think it would be wise to retrieve the mages body and take it to Lord Hawklin... we can do it when we leave" in hushed tones as she passes Beltain "I must keep up with the warriors, in case healing is needed." Limara approaches Elinor.." Nora, has anyone spotted movement ?.. we are looking up into the trees too, right?" and looks up into the branches of the trees ahead.. "So far we have only met a fawn." shrugs Elinor, unsure if she likes being called Nora "And we are all proving so ineffective at hiding, listening and spotting, that I don't think anyone has thought of looking up" and she too looks up vaguely upwards into the sky to see if there are any orcs hanging about Limara points a tree.. "No... those things there. The tall ones" Elinor is not even sure that she can see any trees above her...."oh, thanks, Limara. You mean the green things?" Limara bursts into muffled laughter leaning on the holy fighter for mock support..." nothing can stop the Order of the Initiative. Last time we failed to spot a Hill In A Bad Mood... who are we kidding !! " she exclaims Elinor puts on the night vision goggles and turns to Limara..."I've heard that men don't make passes at girls who wear glasses....although I bet Pitbull wouldn't be put off. In fact, I'm not sure if there's anything on earth that could put Pitbull off" "I think he likes you .." agrees Limara "Never have I felt more convinced that the path of purity is the one for me." smiles Elinor "Abstinence is not only character building, but also a jolly good idea when faced with such a fellow." "You are indeed blessed with great wisdom Nora.. " nods Limara Limara encourages Gypsy to walk to heel ..and sighs as she watches her mutt pee up a tree ten feet behind her "Suit ya'self dawg.." she mumbles to her wayward canine companion. Limara pulls outs the end of a silk rope from her backpack, she cuts a 6' length off and ties it to the collar of her pet. "OK then, we'll take it slowly.... Gypsy.. Heel" she calls as she pulls her dog toward her side.. "Good girl" she pats the somewhat disgruntled dog on the head. "It is quite clear that this portal opens into the territory of the stoneland orcs... if we consult with Lord Hawklins people we should be able to pinpoint this place on the map." Limara tells Elinor Rizzit and Feng push forward through the trees following Rizzit. They are walking down a steep hill. Elinor and Limara are close behind. Beltain loses sight of them as they disappear into the trees. Sparhawk and Pitbull rush to catch up to the others.. Elinor holds up her hand to silence the party. She points ahead at the sight of the orc camp. She whispers, so quietly it's almost just a breath- "Now's the time for a good plan- I vote that we try and creep up using the bigger tents as cover. If anyone can turns invisible, or attack with a range weapon or spell, then do that too" Elinor starts to creep forward, trying to be as quiet as possible, and aiming to keep one of the larger tents between her progress and the two orc guards. "I may as well be blowing on a trumpet", she thinks dismally as she moves noisily down the path. She peers past the trees into a large clearing. The clearing is dominated by crude tents. A orc camp. Standing by three larger tents she spies a large upright cage. In it appears to be a man. He wears the colours of the Purple Dragon Knights. Standing guard are two orcs. To one side a large mound can bee seen, near it are several pyres and one is burning. The rest of the camp appears empty. "Maybe these two were left behind to guard the camp, and all the tribes loot" the kobold chuckles, "I wonder who is in that cage? Now if we had not followed my idea then these orcs would have fled and the captive would either have gone with them or been killed, its lucky we returned" Pitbull moves up beside Beltain "I think we should follow after the others. Staying here only divides our forces" he pauses thoughtfully "And reduces our chance at personal glory." "OK!" says Beltain to the gnome warrior "I'm up for it, but I just hope that the loot is there when we get back. I wonder if Rizzit and the others have found anything up ahead." "I hope there are plenty more orcs in those tents," calls Rizzit gaily "Two is hardly going to be worth the effort" "Our priority is to retrieve the prisoner" Limara scolds the kobold "Not to improve our personal score. Don't play with them... just slaughter them quick." "No point wasting spells on those two," sniffs Rizzit "Looks like a job for Feng and Spar, I will check out the tents" "Aha! Fresh meat!" grins Feng One of the two visible orcs runs toward Elinor, axe raised. The orc lets out a shrilling cry.. "FENG IS BACK!" grins Feng and he certainly is....killing the orc with a single blow! The other orc begins to run south! Realising that the Orc is making a break for it Rizzit moves forward and blasts it with some magic missiles "There are about forty tents over there" says Pitbull "If they are single man tents we should have killed 'em all. Do Orcs bunk up two to a tent Feng? Or can't they be trusted in the dark?" "That's 50 tents dumbass, stupid gnomes" the kobold corrects him and rolls his eyes "Oh aye. I didn't see that last row over this tall grass" says Pibull blushing "Though I'm surprised a Kobold can count that high. I thought you guys only had six numbers... One, Two, Three, Some, Lots, Loads." "And your point is?" responds Rizzit annoyed with the gnome "Pitbull kills three orcs and Rizzit kills loads, I think my limited numerical skills got that covered" "You're a finger twiddler Rizzit old boy" says the gnome, not at all put out "You're supposed to kill loads. It's us Sword Swingers that have gotta take all the damage while we shield you." Elinor moves swiftly towards the caged knight. "Who are you Sir?" she calls and as she gets nearer she can see that he looks badly injured. "Search the orcs for a key to the cage, she calls back to the party. "Sir Knight, can you hear me?" she calls through the bars of the cage. Elinor kneels at the cage, puts down her sword and shield, and reaches through to touch the Knight. "Let me help you, Sir" she says softly and cures part of his terrible wounds.. Limara too rushes forward to assist Elinor "How many were left to guard you soldier..." she asks the confined knight as she too reaches through and casts a heal on him. "You will be out of there soon sir knight... we are the Order of the Initiative, we are working for Lord Hawklin of Suzail. Pardon my manners my name is Limara and this is Elinor, our comrades will be here shortly..." The knight coughs and splutters..."Thank you...I thought I would die here" he says. He looks through the bars at Elinor and Limara "I am Cedrick, a Purple Dragon Knight. Can you free me?" Beltain rushes up to join the others -"What's going on?" he asks, then seeing the large orc encampment his eyes widen "Bloody hell!" he exclaims "Are these tents all occupied or full of orcish loot?" and he looks round at the others and grins hopefully. "Hmm shortly, that will be me and you Pitbull" quips Rizzit. He checks the closest orc for keys that might open the cage and then walks over to greet the Knight. "Let's get this camp searched for anything of value, then I'll burn the lot" he says grinning "Hail Sir Knight, I am Rizzit the Sorcerer, I burn things" grins widely. Rizzit finds a set of keys on the dead orc. He rushes over to the cage and releases Cedrick. "Thank you...I am in your debt" he tells Rizzit. The kobold beams and bows deeply. Beltain looks at the huge camp in awe and then again searching for signs of life or perhaps an ambush, but sees nothing out of the ordinary.. He notices that there are three larger tents, presumably for the leaders and realises that they have only seen the mage. "Are there any other orcs about, particularly any leaders? We have slain a mage and some spined infernal dog-thing..." he calls to the rescued Purple Knight. "I don't think there's anymore orcs here" says the wounded knight "I saw them all run north, I presume to confront you. There is, however, a larger camp, South. It contains over 400 orcs, lead by a half orc, half dragon named Cressyl Blackbones. "Let's search the camp quickly, then escort Sir Cedrick back to the Purple Knight's camp" says Elinor "It's clear that the Order is not quite ready for a troop of 400 orcs, let alone an half-dragon." She turns to the Purple Knight, "Are you able to walk up the hill behind us, Sir? We have horses within a short distance" She turns to the kobold "Rizzit- I'm not sure we should start a great conflagration- it might draw the unwanted attentions of the camp to the South. " "Do you know of the Purple Dragon camp near Tilverton?" asks Cerick "And o you know Captain Dunman? Are you here on her behalf?" "We are here on Lord Hawklin's business but we know Captain Dunman too and will be heading back in her direction directly" says Beltain "Rizzit can you make your search for items of interest here and then we will head back. Princess - I suggest that you look in the leader's tents for papers of importance and I will take the equipment from the two orcs slain by Rizzit's magic to add to our takings" And so-saying Beltain takes the armour and weapons from the two dead orcs. "400 Orcs doesn't sound like too much trouble to me" says Rizzit boastfully "A little preparation may be required though" he adds thoughtfully as he starts to search the tents for anything of value "Someone should investigate the a large mound and the pyres, unless the Purple Knight can tell us what purpose they serve" says Beltain, "If it's a burial mound then it may contain goods of value" he adds rather hopefully. "This don't look like the tribe I left - look at them orderly rows o' tents," says Feng dismayed by the camps precise layout "Whoever's in charge is really in control, know what I mean? Someone check the tents, I'll keep watch for company - and no, we don't want to make a big fire until we can be sure we can get back thru the portal, pronto." To keep his hand in, Feng cuts the ropes on the largest tent to the south and drags the tarp to one side "The ashes might also conceal sommat." he tells the watchers "Good thinking Feng!" exclaims Beltain "I've a feeling that there may something concealed in that area..." "Oi, Pitbull - Looks like you've lost yer chance - the ladies can't keep their hands from the Knight. No accountin' fer taste, 'corse." laughs Feng as the Cleric and Paladin fuss over the rescued knight. Sparhawk moves over to the tents and starts to look inside them "Very orderly and military, these orc have been well trained" "It has ever been the curse of us of a diminutive stature to be sidelined as soon as a tall and handsome knight gets on the scene Feng my dear boy." says Pitbull, a little sadly "However it isn't me who should be worried. If I were Beltain I'd be very put out at how carefully Limara seems to be attending to said Purple Helmet. " He glances over at Beltain and sure enough there is a jealous flush in the clerics face, satisfied Pitbull looks at the tented camp "I think I'm going to go on a loot sniffing expedition if you chaps don't mind." and he begins to search from tent to tent checking each tent for valuables. He specifically looks under bedding, pillows and checks the earth floor of each tent for areas that could conceal buried treasures. "OK... we get the camp searched, then escort Cedrick back to Lord Hawklin to report .... As Elinor said NO FIRES ok Rizz .. " says Limara, still standing close to the Purple Knight. She talks to Cedrick while the others search the camp.. "What land is this we are currently in Cedrick.. We came through a portal in the nexus room, it comes out in the cliff face to the north of here.." and offers Cedrick some food and water while she waits for his answer. "From what I can gather, we are on the edge of the Thunder Peak Mountains. And this" he says gesturing to the trees "is the Hullack Forest" The party search the camp. They find: 300gp, 563sp, Orc Crushers x8, Greataxe x4, Breastplate x2, Full plate +1, Orc Double axe +1, The Purple Knights Stuff is also found (this includes Plate +1 and a Longsword +1) "Shall we move back north now? It seems the searching is over for now." Elinor helps Cedrick into his plate mail and hands him his sword, then picks up some of the armour and weapons for transport back to the Nexus. "Will you follow me, Sir? This way to Captain Dunman! So tell me, how did you get captured by the orcs?" "I can identify the bracers when we get back to town but i need 100 gold pieces from the loot first" Rizzit tells the others. "I can too" says Beltain, still glancing anxiously towards Limara "But I'm very happy you do so Rizzit as it's thanks to you that we have them. I agree that it is only fair that the party pay the cost of such magics" "Lovely lovely loot." mutters Pitbull to himself with glee. "Although my ol' mum would always say: Knowledge is a treasure that no man can steal. I prefer good hard cash myself." The Diminutive Dungeoneer helps gather up the horde and transport it back. "Do you know," the gnome continues looking around "We should take some of our cash and open a shop. Selling the stuff that we find in dungeons. Even if we paid for premises and a shop keeper to manage the place i bet we could get better than the 50% of the cost price back than we would just selling the gear to the local traders. Even if we got 75% of the cost we make a lot more profit." "I have better things to spend my money on" Limara tells him "Like making magical arms and armour. I have no interest in being a merchant .. That's for ordinary people I would rather make my money selling the loot of the enemies we slay... I guess you have a mind for business then Pit... was this an earlier career ?" she asks with a smile. "We don't become merchants. We back one." says the gnome "And supply him with goods. In the long run our profits will allow us to buy more magical arms and... " Pitbull leeringly looks at Limara in her chainmail Bikini. "... Eh.. Armour." "Ah, I see... maybe we can strike a deal with a local vendor for exclusive rights to sell our excess booty" she says, looking at the gnome gapping at her cleavage.."Don't forget to blink..." she laughs, "OK, lets go.." she turns and heads of to the portal with her dog, while Beltain scowls at the lecherous gnome. Feng exclaims with delight "An enchanted double-axe? A prize beyond expectation! Let's haul arse - I hope Cedrick here will bring in a reward, else what good is he? I hope he don't mind being take back - I mean, Imagine the shame of being captured by orcs - I guess that will take some living down when he reports back! If it were me, I don't think I'd be able to face my comrades after such shame" and he takes a sidelong look at the knight "Praps the captain will be more understanding than I would be." The party gather up the found loot and head back to the portal with Cedrick. He explains to them that he was on patrol in the stonelands when he was accosted by orcs, lots of them, and Tharlock the orc mage. He had refused to fight, knowing he was vastly outgunned. They had captured him and placed him in the cage. He thinks word was sent to the main orc camp of his capture, but the party rescued him before anything else happened. When he gets though the portal he looks at the Nexus in amazement. "I've never seen this before. I was blindfolded when I was captured. So, these are portals?." He looks around for a moment "I can stay here if you wish, guard the loot, if you have other business to attend to before going back to Tilverton camp" Just then the party hear the familiar chiming sound emanating from portal Four. Approximately a minute later the portal shuts.. "So one of these portals leads back to the Stonelands?" asks Cedrick "Might it not be prudent to escort Sir Cedrick back and explain our findings thus far to Lord Hawklin, afore we continue to search other realms?" Sparhawk looks around the room at the portals "Tis just my suggestion , but I feel we may have a lot of work to do here, so keeping the Lord appraised of our findings will help him in any counter measures he may have to put into place" "I agree with you Sir Sparhawk. I think that we need to go back and report." nods Beltain "The half-dragon will not be happy at the destruction of his portal guards and may plan a foray in force to punish those who caused the problem. I would not want 400 orcs descending on Captain Dunman's force at the Black Crater without warning on my conscience" "I agree too," says Elinor "Sparhawk. the sooner we get word to Captain Dunman and my Lord Hawklin, the better. The main orc camp with the half-dragon has been notified of the capture of the Knight. They will quickly learn of the battle that we have just fought. And I don't think they'll be likely to let sleeping dogs lie. Let's go back to Tilverton" "So be it, lead on gentlemen...and ladies." says Credrick with a slight bow "Would you perchance have a spare horse?" "I don't think we do Sir, but you may ride my steed, Legend. I'll double up with Limara" says Elinor graciously "....Assuming our steeds have been left undisturbed this time" Elinor makes her way to the portal that links with the ruins in the Stonelands. "Is it number 16 that we open to get back to the ruins?" she asks the party. "I must admit, I am a little disorientated whenever I come into this place" Elinor notices that Portal 16 is not glowing, as some of the others are.. "Mmmm. Maybe it's number 1?" "Yes, it is number one" says Beltain "I am quite sure" Beltain asks the Purple knight if he will help us take the captured items to the surface for transport back to the Captain Dunman's camp. He then takes up what he can carry, eager to be on his way "The sooner we can get this stuff back, the sooner we can come back and explore the other portals" he exclaims "I too am sure... open up number one Bel my sweet, lets not hang around and get jumped by another two headed griffon. " the fair Limara says whilst strolling over to the loot pile. She puts the money found into the party cash bag and places it back in her backpack. "We gotta get loot through the portal and loaded.. I suspect we will be walking next to our horses once we have loaded them with it... still we can't use a wagon round here." Beltain moves over to the first portal and touches the stone surround "Part the veil of the universe for me" he says invoking the portal magic. Beltain touches portal 1 and says the words. The archway seems to change color slightly as if the stone were a lighter shade of grey than before. The air around it has a peculiar odor, like that after a lightning bolt spell has been cast, the temperature feels like it has dropped a bit. The space within the archway becomes illuminated with a foggy light... "What we need are some bags of holding... and they cost" Limara ponders out loud "Thanks babe, lets get this loot moved then..." Limara realises something she hadn't thought of before. She turns around and approaches Cedrick... " Cedrick, as we are going to be travelling across potentially hostile terrain, I think it would be wise if I cured your wounds. " "How come you were patrolling alone ?" she asks the Purple knight. "Because he's a dolt." interjects Feng "Frankly I see no reason to high-tail it back to Tiverton, with our horses we can out-distance any orc horde on our trail." "However" he continues with a sigh "I will come with you all - I'm looking forward to seeing Dumman's face when she see's one of her knights had to be rescued by a bunch of freebooters." and he sneers "Can't wait!" "It will be nice to see the haughty captain, in our debt!" agrees Beltain "Let's be on our way" Beltain says "The sooner we drop off this knight and our loot, the sooner we can get back into action again, there are still portals still to explore..." "Yeah, what Beltain said." laughs Feng. "Right Beaker lets go" says Rizzit but the axebeak refuses to budge "Look buddy you may not like the stairs but down here is rocks and up there is daylight and food" and he pulls the axebeak along "Feng get behind this big chicken and push will ya" Pitbull follows the party. Humming a merry tune to himself. Sparhawk follows the last person thru, making a quick glance behind to be sure they are not being followed Rizzit helps load goods onto the horses where he can and stashes what will fit in his backpack then prepares to leave.[/COLOR] [B][I]The party head off towards the city again, thoughts on the profit and perhaps some praise for the rescued knight from Lord Hawklin[/I][/B] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
Top