GM: last we left off, you were in Pax Tharkas. You had just saved the children and were looking for Laurana. Making your way over to the other tower, you encountered a group of draconians and hobgoblins which ended in a battle
Taurus bows his head in quiet prayer as he wipes the blood of hobgoblins from his longsword and sheaths it with a nice sharp noise. "Great Kiri-Jolith, accept these offerings of war and absolve their souls of sin."
Gilthanas Walks over to Taurus
Gilthanas: where to now? We must find Laurana.
Taurus: Up.
Taurus nods to the stairs.
Taurus: We'll check behind this door first howerver, for survirors.
Taurus nods across the room, approaching the door.
Taurus: Goldmoon, Riverwind, seal the doors shut behind us so we might keep this battle unknown for as long as we can.
Riverwind nods and closes the doors behind the group
This room looks like a large military kitchen that has been ravaged by a tornado. Stale food covers the floor and counters, ashes from the ovens are spread around, and pots and pans lie overturned, spilling sticky garbage over the rest of the mess.
Hawkeye: Definitily not the Inn of the Last Home's kitchen...
Taurus satisfies his curiousity before closing the door once more and heading for the stairs. Nodding to Hawkeye as he goes.
Taurus: Indeed, I doubt Drak's are even capable of the same tastes we hu-- people are.
Taurus glances breifly at Gilthanas and Maldavias, catching himself.
You make your way up the stairs which turn and carry on upwards. This repeats several times. After climbing the stairs for some time, you hear a small rumble from above.
Taurus: Keep alert comrads, they be have been alerted to our pr---
Taurus stiffens, hearing the rumble then begins to -creep- further upwards. *clankclankclankclank*
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! let me see what the rumbling is about!
Taurus: Alright Vexin, but.. be careful.
Vexin Sixtoes pushes to the front of the line
Hawkeye: I like him better as a panther
Hawkeye readies his blades for whatever the kender may brng down upon them
Taurus lowers his voice, raising his hands.
Taurus (Whisper): I can hear snoring... the barracks must be up here...
Hawkeye: I don't know how you can hear anyhting over your own armor.. all I hear is the clanking of your plate
Taurus (Whisper): Practice Hawleye.
Taurus (Whisper): Vexin, check it out.
Taurus stays put.
Vexin Sixtoes stealthily peek above the landing
you crawl up the steps and peek over the top stair. The room the lies before you is massive. It lies mostly in shadows, but pools of light from lanterns and torches can be seen periodically scattered about the room. Hundreds of cots are lined up in a neat, orderly fashion, most are empty but you can make out some that are occupied.
In the center of the room, torch light reveals 8 draconians playing some sort of dice game. You think that more draconians occupy the cots.
the stair well continues upward from where you stand
Vexin Sixtoes (whispers): 8 draconians awake in center of room, some others sleeping. There's no way metalboy will sneak past them
Taurus (Whisper): Whats further up the stairs?
Hawkeye nods, looking at Taurus and smiling
Hawkeye (Whispering): I think metlaboy is a good name..
Taurus eyes Hawkeye.
Vexin Sixtoes (whispers): want me to sneak up and check?
Taurus (Whisper): Aye, please Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes sneaks up the stairwell, leaving the party waiting hidden in the stairwell
Hawkeye slips ahead of Taurus on the stairs, looking up to see Vexin rising steadily
Hawkeye (Whispering): He sure is making a lot of noise up there...
Taurus nods slowly, knowing this with his super human hearing.
As you crest the landing and move to the accending stairs, you stumble across a clay mug that lies on the floor. It rattles as you kick it lightly. A draconian in the nearest cot sits up suddenly at the sound and stares into the shadowed cornor
Taurus cringes hearing the mug rattle across the floor. Stiffening against the wall he is leaning against he holds his breath, fingers resting lightly on the pommel of his sword in anticipation.
He stays propped up on his elbow for a long minute before he settles back down on his crude cot.
Taurus breaths a long. but quiet, sigh of relief. *clank*
Vexin Sixtoes continues upwards to check above
Hawkeye (Whispering): He's gone up a bit higher, I can'
Hawkeye (Whispering): t hear him anymore
Taurus (Whisper): He'll be fine... remember in tsak saroth? He gave the Drak's the run around for nearly 5 minutes before circling back to us.
Taurus (Whisper): ... though, he did bring back another Kender that time.
Taurus frowns... just a little.
Hawkeye (Whispering): True... I wish he'd improved his stealthyness a bit more though
the stair well continues upward from where you stand. This section of the stairs climbs for only a short distance in comparison to the stairs connecting the first and second floors. This floor looks similar to the previous one, draconians sleeping of the effects of alchohol.
The stairs continue up. you also notice a door in the center of the left wall
Vexin Sixtoes listens at the door
You pad across the floor towards the door, passing a number of sleeping draconians to get to it. You place your ear up to the door. The only thing that you can hear is the sound of whistling wind.
Vexin Sixtoes checks the door, then peeks inside quietly
Hawkeye leans up against the wall, waiting patiently for vexin to return
Satisfied that there are no traps on the door, you open it just slightly.
Taurus shifts from foot to foot, not overly comfortable with these subversive tactics. Wanting nothing more than to announce to these creatures that they should pack up their belongings and leave this place!
GM: roll str. you can have a +4 to the roll
Hawkeye eyes Taurus carefully, knowing what must be running through the holy man's head right about now
Hawkeye pictures Taurus shouting at the top of his lungs "By Kiri-Joliath begone form this place foul creatures!"
Taurus imagines it also, working out his offer of surrender speach in his head as he waits.
Hawkeye shakes his head slowly, wondeirng if he should laugh or cry
Even though you open the door just slightly ajar, the solid door flings open violently from your grasp, revealing the top of the Tharkadan Wall. Wind blows bitterly cold and strong, russtlling up trash on the floor inside the barraks. Across the long streach of the wall, is another door.
Vexin Sixtoes quickly moves to close the door
Vexin pulls the door closed with all his might and it shuts with a loud resounding "thunk". Despite all this, the draconians asleep here simply shift under their tattered blankets.
Vexin Sixtoes mumbles about drunken idiots
Hawkeye (Whispering): What is taking him so long..
Taurus (Whisper): He's likely being thorough.
Hawkeye (Whispering): Or he saw a shiny baubble somewhere
Taurus (Whisper): Give him another minute, then go see if he is alright.
Hawkeye nods
Vexin Sixtoes quietly lights 2 torches
Vexin Sixtoes giggles to himself about how the draconians up here must have flammable breath if they drank o much they coudl sleep through the door slamming open and shut
Vexin Sixtoes sneaks down and tosses a lit torch in the blankets of the floor above, then sneaks down to the floor where his party awaits, and tosses the next torch in the nearest occupied cot
Vexin Sixtoes beckons to his party members from across the archway, motioning to hurry before the blaze gets going
Taurus looks at Vexin curiously as he moves past them at the landing of the stairs with the lit torch. Tilting his head in confusion before he begins to creep across towards the kender. *clankclankclankclank* Beconing those behind to follow.
Vexin Sixtoes bounces in place silently cackling in glee about his new prank on the Draconians
Hawkeye looks at Vexin motioning, wondeing what the hell is going on as he starts to head up the stairs only to see what vexin started
Hawkeye (Whispering): What did you do, Vexin?!
The cots slowly burn. The draconians seem to not have noticed... yet
Vexin Sixtoes (whispers): distraction! Like it? I have made FIRE!
Taurus (Whisper): Move! move! before they wake.
Hawkeye (Whispering): What happens when they all wake up?
Hawkeye (Whispering): Everybody get moving.. Now...
Hawkeye (to Vexin): I hope you know where we're going...
Vexin Sixtoes quickly leads them up towards the battlement door hopefully going unnoticed as the Draconians realize their barracks are on fire
As you make your way across to the door, you hear a few yelps from the draconians on the floor below you.
GM: str check to open door. +4 to roll
Vexin Sixtoes: Taurus, open this EASY
Vexin Sixtoes assists
Taurus looks over to Vexin at the worst possible moment...
Hawkeye seeing Taurus struggle, from the burden of going pu the stairs most likely, Hawkeye helps as much as possible
Hawkeye: That's a tough door...
Taurus grabs the door handle and pushes it open. The blowing wind catches the door but you manage to just barely hold it from flying wide open from your grasp.
Vexin Sixtoes motions the party to get through and close the door ASAP
Taurus grits his teeth, holding it open for the others as he ushers them through with Vexin. Once they're on the other side he goes through himself and tries to shut it as quietly as possible.
Vexin Sixtoes (whispers): the wind fans the flames! *cackles quietly in glee*
Hawkeye looks down at the suddenly demonic kender
Taurus makes a mental note to never leave Vexin on watch by himself unless its a cold camp.
Hawkeye: So, now that the entire fortress knows where we've been, where to now?
Vexin Sixtoes: They don't know we set fire to the barracks... coulda been accident!
Hawkeye: Once they see the bodies below they'll know
Just as you close the door, you hear the sounds of the draconians rousing from the otherside. The wind flaps your clothing wildly, and your face stings from the cold. You notice that some sparse frozen flakes whisp past in the wind
Vexin Sixtoes dashes across the battlements to the next door
Vexin Sixtoes impatiently looks at the rest of the party
Riverwind (displeased): This is true
Taurus cloak whips around him from the sudden wind, peering across the battlements he leans into the gale and strides forward.
Hawkeye: Go, quickly Taurus. I'll take the rear
Taurus: This is no time for second guessing, lets move.
Hawkeye readies his handaxe as he ushers the rest of the party forward
Vexin Sixtoes (clapping his hands): Dragonman BBQ! Draconian-on-a-stick!
High up on the wall, you see to the south two gaping holes in the foot of the mountain. These must be the mines. A narrow canyon winds its way to the south into the rough mountains. To the north, you see the thousands of tracks left behind by the army that marches on to Qualinesti. The forest looms in the North East.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well then, Open the door Taurus!
Vexin Sixtoes checks the door
The party makes its way to the farside of the battlements
Vexin Sixtoes: Nope, no traps! none at all!
Vexin Sixtoes: Come come slowpokes
Hawkeye: Then hurry it up before they find us out here in the open
Taurus squints his eyes as the winds assault his face, shielding them with his gauntletted hand as a chill runs through him. Taking gauge of the situation he attempts to open the door, no matter what may lie on the other side.
GM: roll str +4 or the door will fly open in the wind
Vexin Sixtoes assists Taurus
GM: only 1 other person can assist if you like
Vexin and Taurus brace themselves against the door as the open it to the wind. Inside is a small hall of a stairwell. there is no vest chamber. Only stairs leading up and down
Taurus: Everyone in!
Vexin Sixtoes: Up or Down?
Taurus: Up.
Vexin Sixtoes sneaks upwards while the party files in and closes the door
Hawkeye rushes in as the last party member, looking at Vexin already going up the stairs
Taurus closes the door as best he can when the others are through, taking in a short breath of relief to be out of the cold.
The stairs twist up, every 25 steps it breaks on a landing, turns, and carries onward and upward. You make you way past 4 of these landings and still, no doors or archways.
Hawkeye: We must be in one of the towers...
Taurus: Hopefully the right one...
Hawkeye: I don't want to go back to the other one..
Taurus: Agreed.
Vexin Sixtoes continues higher before the party catches up
Hawkeye: I don't think we should let vexin out of our sight
Taurus nods in agreeance, quickly following up the stairs to try and catch the Kender.
You continue on and the landings keep coming. After a long hike up what must be hundreds and hundreds of stairs, you come to a small room. It is bare and empty, but a ladder of iron bars wedged into the wall leads up into darkness
Hawkeye: How did dwarves ever manage those stairs
Hawkeye is breathing a little heavy after the ardous climb
Vexin Sixtoes waits for the party before ascending the bars
Taurus puts a hand against the wall, panting heavily as he catches his breath.
Hawkeye: Suck it up, old man
Taurus: Un... armored... I... assume...
Hawkeye presses on, climbing up after Vexin
Hawkeye flashes Taurus a smile as he starts to climb
Taurus cuts a look at Hawkeye before smiling, straightening and climbing on
As you climb the iron bars, you hear up in the darkness the rattle of chains and the slamming of somethig. It is an irregular sound with no rhyme or pattern
Taurus squints, trying to make out the sound better.
Taurus: What could that be? A captive?
Vexin Sixtoes excited, climbs up to peek around and see what this strange noise is
Hawkeye: Whatever we do, I say we do it quickly
Hawkeye groans
Hawkeye: Never let Vexin lead....
You climb ever further up and the sound grows louder. Cool wind blows into your face and as you near the top of the ladder, you see a steel hatch door in the ceiling. A chain and a lock holds it loosely closed. The wind sucks the door up and the chain becomes taut, before it relases it and slams it closed aghain
Hawkeye: This looks promising...
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh hush
Taurus peers at the trap door and chain with some measure of dissapointment. Having hoped the chain was the shackles of a prisoner or some such, namely Laurana. He glances to Maldavius, gesturing to the lock.
Vexin Sixtoes: I can, of course, pick the lock
Hawkeye: It does. Obviously there's someone locked up there
Taurus: See if you can remove that.
Taurus glances to Vexin.
Taurus: ... You can?
The kender awkewardly balances himself on the ladder and tries the lock. unfortunately, the lock does not seem to budge
Hawkeye: Just break the thing open...
Hawkeye reaches down with one of his free hands and pulls out his new dagger
The kender keeps trying and still, no luck at the lock
Hawkeye passes the dagger up to the kender
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Vexin Sixtoes tries once more to redeem himself
Vexin Sixtoes: ARGH!
Hawkeye: Look, obviously your talents like in weasels and not locks, Vexin. Break it open
Vexin Sixtoes bashes the lock with the dagger
The dagger glances off of the lock, not even leaving a mark
Taurus: Maldavius, climb up past us and help Vexin.
Hawkeye sighs
Hawkeye: Whre is he going to hold on?
Hawkeye: Not much room on this ladder...
Taurus: Just hold tight, he can climb us.
Hawkeye reaches out to get his dagger back form Vexin
Vexin Sixtoes sulks and lets go with his hands, dangling down by his legs face to face with Taurus
Taurus blinks several times, adjusting his vision on Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: Stupid dwarves don't know how to build locks right!
Maldavias climbs past those above him up to the hatch
Taurus: Its ok Vexin, I understand.
Hawkeye: Ahem.. my dagger, Vexin
Vexin Sixtoes: At least humans make locks that can be picked properly
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh, here you go, it must have fell in my pouch
Vexin Sixtoes drops the dagger to Hawkeye
Hawkeye nods, slipping it back into his boot
Hawkeye: Must have
The elf gracefully works the lock, and soon after, the lock buckles loose and falls to the floor below. Moments later, the wind sucks the hatch up as it violently is flung open, smashing into the floor above. Looking through the hatch, you see the overcast, grey clouds
Taurus: What lies beyond?
Maldavias (shouting over the wind): we going up then?
Vexin Sixtoes: Showoff...
Hawkeye: Yes, keep going!
Maldavias climbs up
Vexin Sixtoes: No, we opened the lock to get practice with dwarven ignorance
Taurus follows the elf up the ladder, pulling himself out into the open.
Hawkeye climbs up into the brstilong cold wind, feeling it suck the air right out of his lungs as he shivers uncontrolably within moments of exiting the passage below
Vexin Sixtoes flips onto the tower roof , landing on the hatch
Hawkeye: Showoff...
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Hawkeye: Careful, lest the wind whip you away...
Vexin Sixtoes: I could do that in my sleep... that's not showing off...
You all climb up and find yourself on the top of the east tower. The wind blows stronger than ever and it is hard to hear one another speak. The edge of the tower has no rail or parapets. It is just a shear drop, well over 300 feet below.
Taurus rises steadily on the battlement, instinctively reaching down to grab/hold Vexin by the back of his shirt/collar incase the smaller creatures is thrown to the ground below.
Hawkeye (yelling): Looks like a dead end!
Taurus nods slowly, peering off in the direction of the other tower.
Hawkeye (yelling): At least it's not as far a drop as Xak Tsaroth!
Vexin Sixtoes: No wonder I couldn't pick the lock, we weren't supposed to go this way! My tools knew it.
Eben (shivering): Back down then?
Vexin Sixtoes quickly descends the ladder back down
Taurus nods, pointing to the hatch.
Hawkeye uses this vantage point to try and figure out where they need to go
Taurus (Yell): Down!
Looking over the fortress, it is hard to tell where Laurana may be kept. You do see the mines which hold the men. As you head back for the hatch, you notice something peculiar near the centre of this tower
Hawkeye (yelling): Hold on a second!
Hawkeye goes over towards the middle of the tower, feeling his lips begin to numb over
Taurus (Yell): What is it?!
Hawkeye (yelling): I don't know!
Taurus gestures Maldavias over to help Hawkeye.
Hawkeye (yelling): It's hard to focus with the wind like this!
Taurus positions himself as a windbreak for the pair, trying to stand solid in the gusts.
You make your way to the centre of the tower and as you get closer, you notice the there is a giant stone hatch. It is massive, but well disguised into the rest of the roof
Hawkeye (yelling): You need to take a look at this! Give me a hand!
Hawkeye feels around the edges of the hatch, looking for a way to open it
Vexin Sixtoes climbs back up to the roof to see what's taking them so long
You search out the edges of the hatch, determining that it is about 40 feet wide by 80 feet long. the hatch doors are both huge slabs of stone and there does not seem to be any way to open them
Taurus comes closer, kneeling down to help Hawkeye.
Hawkeye (yelling): Where's Zhage?!
Hawkeye (yelling): Maybe he can open this with a spelL!
Taurus (Yell): I have no idea! Breaking and Entering isn't one of my skillsets!
Hawkeye looks to Maldavias and Vexin
Hawkeye (yelling): Well?!
Maldavias: Zhage!
Hawkeye (yelling): Isn't breaking and entering YOUR specialties?
Zhage sticks his head through the hatch
Zhage climbs up, pulling his red robes close to him as he stumbles towards Hawkeye
Zhage (shouting): What!?
Hawkeye (yelling): DO you have anything to open this thing?!
Zhage looks down to the massive hatch.
Zhage (shouting): No. Even if I could, I don't have it memorized right now!
Hawkeye (yelling): Guess there's nothing we can do, unless someone has a crowbar!
Taurus (Yell): Maybe there is some kind of lever?!
Hawkeye (yelling): Do you see one?!
GM: search rolls
You all spend a few minutes looking around for a lever or some other means to open it. Alas, your search comes up with nothing.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, if you all are done fooling around up here, *I* have a damsel in distress to save!
Taurus nods in agreement with Vexin.
Hawkeye (yelling): Maybe it's best we move on. I don't see anyway to go on here!
Taurus (Yell): Move out!
Vexin Sixtoes without another word, drops down the hatch and begins to scout back downward
When you reach the bottom of the ladder, the others are waiting there for you
Hawkeye walks back over to the hatch, slipping down into the tunnel below, giving one last look to the massive hatch
Taurus decends behind them, attempting to close and lock the hatch as he leaves.
GM: roll str to close hatch.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts downward again, slipping ahead of the party
You heave the hatch closed and as you go to lock it, you realize the lock is on the floor down below.
Taurus: Someone pass up the lock!
Hawkeye picks the lock up and tosses it iup the shaft towards Taurus
Hawkeye deftly sidesteps in case he can';t catch it as an after thought
Taurus attempts to catch the lock and secure it.
GM: roll dex
the lock slips out of your grasp as it plummets back to the floor with a loud thud
Taurus: Incoming!
Hawkeye (yelling): Forget the lock taurus, let's just move on!
Hawkeye: It's not like the massive fire in the barracks isn't worse than leaving it unlocked
Taurus decends the stairs.
Taurus: You make an excellant point.
Hawkeye: Almost as wise as you
Taurus smiles.
Hawkeye winks slyly as he slips down after Vexin
The party decends the stairs. After a long trek back down, you make it back to the door to the battlements. The stairs decend still from this point
Vexin Sixtoes continues to scout downward
You go down another landing and the stairs come to an end. A long room with a door can be seen
Taurus peers down the stairs as Vexin disspaears down them. Quickly, he steps in tow lest the Kender get him and the group in more trouble.
Vexin Sixtoes: Psst! Mal!
Hawkeye (following quickly): I thought we weren't letitng him lead anymore...
Taurus: What is it Vexin? *clankclankclank*
Vexin Sixtoes: Traps
Hawkeye: At this rate I'm going to buy a bunch of rags to stuf in your armor Taurus...
Vexin Sixtoes proceeds down the long room as if avoiding traps only he can see
moves to the door and examins it for traps
Taurus looks at Hawkeye somewhat confused, not aware of what he's refering to.
Hawkeye reaches over and starts tapping his axe agaisnt the metal plates
Taurus: Oh.
Taurus: Yeah.
Hawkeye: That's all I hear everytime you move
Hawkeye: Chainmail, my friend, chainmail...
Taurus: Its not *clank* that bad *clank* is it? *clankclank*
Hawkeye quickly rushes forward to catch up to the others
Hawkeye: Yes.. it is!
Taurus: I suppose I drown it out...
After a quick look over the door, Maldavias indicates that the door is clear to pass through
Vexin Sixtoes: Taurus, your turn
Taurus nods his thanks to Maldavias before he shoulders the door open.
This huge room is chilly, exposed to the autumn drafts by a number of slit windows along the curving walls. To the left, it follows the angle of the wall of the fortress out of sight.
The entire outer wall of the room is covered with paintings. The different styles and varying degree of aging indicate that they were created over a long span of Krynns history.
Taurus peers up and down the corner before 'creeping' down to peek into the larger room.
Hawkeye follows closely, hoping to find the elven princess soon
Vexin Sixtoes (whispers): oh, that's it... announce us with clanking
Hawkeye: He can't help it Vexin...
Taurus (Whispers): Its clear...
Hawkeye: He's oblivious
Vexin Sixtoes: Let the scout do the scouting
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Vexin Sixtoes listens at the 1st door
Taurus opens the door slightly as Vexin listens.
Vexin Sixtoes peeks in
You listen intently at the door, before the door opens up slightly
Many slender columns support a high ceiling. Twenty feet from the wall, the floor drops sharply into a deep pitactually, two pits separated by a stone wall. The larger of these is well lit, and voices rise from inside it. The second, smaller pit is dark.
Vexin Sixtoes excited once again, sneaks up on his belly to peer into each pit
The door to your immediate left is open
Hawkeye: This doesn't bode well...
Hawkeye follows vexin closely
Taurus (Whispers): Im guessing this leads up to the stone hatch on the roof and to the dragon below.
You look into the pit directly across from you. it is shrouded in darkness. 80 feet down, you see a faint orange glow that intensifies and dims in rhythm with the sound of slow but strong breathing. The pit also carries on through the roof and into darkness
Vexin Sixtoes peers into the next pit
As you move away from the pit, you catch a glimps of a long neck crane up and a large mass uncoils itself from the bottom of the pit.
Vexin Sixtoes mutters "ooooops..."
Hawkeye grabs Vexin by the collar and yanks him away from the edge quickly
Vexin Sixtoes tries to tell what the neck belongs to
Vexin Sixtoes (whispers): The dragon Awaketh, Hawkeye...
Hawkeye: Aye, and we'll be it's next snack if we don't hurry
Hawkeye
Vexin Sixtoes: Red dragon, to be exact...
Hawkeye: I know, I saw..
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Hawkeye gestures for Vexin to go back to the others as quickly as possible, as he readies his weapons in case the dragon comes rushing upwards.
Hawkeye hopes that Vexin will warn the others about the dragon
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes: Um, Taurus... Big Red is coming
Taurus jaw drops.
Vexin Sixtoes: Oops
You all hear the sound stone crunching under massive clawed feet as the dragon climbs the side of the pit
Taurus: Withdraw, everyone.
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm not in the mood to kill a red dragon today
Vexin Sixtoes fakes a yawn
Taurus: Thats right, it wouldn't be a fair fight. We have it outnumbered.
Hawkeye: Laurana IS more important...
Taurus shuts the door behind them and moves down the corridor with haste.
Vexin Sixtoes: Onward to free Laurana!
The group retreats back through the door. Just as the last person passes through, they see the massive head of a red dragon pulling himself over the edge of the pit. Puffs of smoke flare out of his nostrils and the smell of sulfer assults the nose.
Vexin Sixtoes moves quickly down the hall
Hawkeye: Move faster...
Taurus (Whisper): Vexin... its the dragon that held captive the children?
Vexin Sixtoes: noooooooope. Slightly smaller male, judging from the dangly bits.
Taurus: I... see...
Taurus runs away.
Hawkeye: Taurus sure can run fast in plate
Taurus sliiiiiiddes around the corner, making for the double doors.
Taurus: *clankclankclankclankclankclankclank*
Taurus: *claaaaaaaaaank*
Hawkeye: Taurus, calm down and control yourself!
Gilthanas: We must hurry. If the dragon knows we are here, the whole fortress will soon be on alert!
Taurus: *clankclankclankclankclankclank*
Hawkeye: You haven't even sen it and are avbout to wet yourself
Taurus: I'am in... complete... control.
Taurus bursts through the double doors, seeing the stairs he begins to decend.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts down the stairs
Hawkeye looks around over the group, hoping Taurus is not influencing them
Hawkeye rushes up to taurus, grabbing him and forcing him to slow down some
Hawkeye: You're setting a bad example for the people that are looking to you for guidance
Taurus only moves 60ft a round at full run :P
Taurus: Do you remember what happened last time we faced a dragon unprepared?
Taurus looks to Zhage.
Hawkeye: Running away at break neck speed terrified isn't helping any though
Hawkeye: We're going to have to face the fact that dragons are an everyday part of our lives now... Flee, yes, panic, no
Vexin Sixtoes peers around downstairs
Taurus: Don't mistake a tactical retreat for panic'd flight.
Hawkeye: You're a leader of men for the gods sake
Vexin Sixtoes: Really? every day? how exciting!
Hawkeye: I wouldn't if it were a tactical retreat and not a panicked flight.
Hawkeye: Now get ahold of yourself and let's find this princess
Hawkeye flashes a quick smile as he turns to Vexin to see if he saw anything
Vexin Sixtoes listens at each door
Taurus takes a few heavy breaths, peering up the stairs for a moment before back around at the group then the hallway.
As you reach the bottom of the stairs, you see the double doors open and two hobgoblins rushing across the hall. The open the door there and disappear inside. You hear their guttaral voices exlaiming that there are intruders upstairs.
Hawkeye: Looks like things are out of our hands...
Hawkeye holds his weapons at the ready
Hawkeye: Best not get caught unprepared
Vexin Sixtoes listens at the double doors
Taurus: We should follow them, they might be alerting their superiors.
Gilthanas: We need to get back up or across to one of the other doors! If they come up here we are dead
Hawkeye: Go to the door across the way, up is a no go
Taurus: Aye, perhaps we can circumvent the guards.
Hawkeye: We need to make haste
Hawkeye waits behind on the stairs ot signal the others to cross
You bolt across to the door and see that a massive lock is attached to the door
Taurus quickly gestures Maldavias across.
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm broken...
Rushes across and hurls the kender to the side as he quickly sets on the lock. The sounds of soldiers preparing for war can be heard from the door down the hall
Beads of sweat trickle down Maldavias' face. He curses under his breath as he struggles with the lock.
Hawkeye: Dammit, Vexin, how's the other door?
Taurus offers several words of encouragement, glancing up and down the hall with concern.
Maldavias: I'll keep trying this one.
Taurus (Whisper): Laurana might be behind this very door Maldavias, you can do this!
GM: Taurus, make a wisdom roll.
Taurus beckons everyone over to get ready to get in through the door, whispering over to Vexin; "Vexin, come assist Maldavias. Right now. The guards are coming!"
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal
The two work at the lock. The whole group huddles around as the lockpick fiddles within. With nervous glances down the hall, the sound of "click" comes from the door.
Taurus whispers harshly; "everyone in!"
Hawkeye: Go now!
Taurus wastes no time to push the door open and move inwards.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ha! couldn't do it without my help!
Vexin Sixtoes swaggers into the room
Hawkeye rushes itno the room, weapons at the ready unsure of what to expect
Taurus: Maldavias, secure the door behind us quickly.
The room contains but two occupant: a dirty, unshaven, and malodorous gully dwarf. You immediately recognize him as the dwarf who broke you out of the cage in the slave caravan. His name is Sestun; he is very surprised to see you. The other occupant is an unconcious figure of an elven maiden.
Maldavias closes the door behind the party
Taurus puts a finger to his lips in gesture to the gully dwarf.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, looks like I found her!
Hawkeye rushes over to the unconsious elf to see if it's Laurana
Sestun nods to Taurus
You pull the golden hair back from the face of the elf and see that it is in fact Laurana. She does not stir
Taurus removes his shortspear and offers it to the Gullydwarf.
Hawkeye: Laurana? Laurana?
Hawkeye shakes the elven maiden slightly
Hawkeye: Taurus, come take a look at her..
Sestun Steps forward and accepts the weapon like a knight accepts a badge of honor
Taurus (Whisper): Listen at the door... when they've passed, we move. The distraction upstairs will be enough for us to rush the rest of the prisoners out.
Taurus nods to Sestun with respect before he approaches Hawkeye, kneeling beside Laurana to check her wounds.
Hawkeye: My knowledge of healing is limited to splashing water on her face...
Vexin Sixtoes: What are you trying to do Taurus? finish her off?
Taurus: Give her some air.
Taurus splashes water on her face.
Hawkeye lays the maiden down gently, backing up slightly to let Tauyrus work
Hawkeye looks at Taurus increduously
Vexin Sixtoes: Nice way to wake up a princess...
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Hawkeye: I could've done that!
You splash water on her face and it seems to make her stir. Her eyes open to a crack but the close back shut.
Gilthanas (ear pressed to door): I think they are heading up the stairs now!
Taurus places his hands on her stomach, closing his eyes as he bows his head. Making a quiet prayer.
Taurus: Once they're up the stairs, we need to move.
Taurus: Gilthanas, assist your sister.
Laurana's eye's flutter open after Taurus' prayer.
Laurana: w-where am I??
Gilthanas moves to help Laurana stand
Hawkeye breathes a sigh of relief at seeing the beautiful elf awaken, as he backs away to let Gilthsanas be reunited with his family
Laurana holds head as tho dizzy as she stands
Taurus steps back, job well done. Securing his waterskin he allows Gilthanas to tend to his sister.
Riverwind: quickly. we must go now
Hawkeye (whispered): Splash water on her face, taurus?
Taurus: M'Lady, do you know where the plains women are kept?
Taurus eyes Riverwind.
Laurana looks blurried eyed to the knight.
Laurana: n-no...
Taurus: Alright. Lets move out. We'll fetch the women, and Agher, below and head to the other side of the fortress.
Hawkeye: She doesn't even know where SHE is, Taurus
Hawkeye: Vexin, let's you and I scout ahead, shall we?
Taurus: They'll focus their search here, which should buy us some time.
Taurus moves to the door, looking to those keeping watch. "Is it safe?"
Vexin Sixtoes: Sure, you can help me Hawkeye
Hawkeye: Alwaus humbled to help Vexin Dragonslayer
You move down the hall, not a soul in sight. The double doors now lie closed.
Vexin Sixtoes peeks i the double doors
Hawkeye: We know what lies there, Vexin, keep going
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh
Vexin Sixtoes: Just testing you
Taurus moves with haste down the corridor, keeping point incase any more hostiles leap out.
Zhage carefully follows the rest of the group
Taurus: Vexin, Hawkeye and you there, Agher, go downstairs and fetch the women and Agher.
You move down the hall andmake your way to the stairs. Still, no one in sight
Taurus: Bring them quickly up here, we'll stand guard.
Sestun Salutes Taurus and skirts down the stairs
Hawkeye: It's like babysitting duty...
Vexin Sixtoes scouts down the stairs towards the women's rooms
You make it to the basement. You make it to the womens rooms as Sestun heads to the gully dwarves room
Vexin Sixtoes: Come, we go
Vexin Sixtoes: I already rescued the children
as soon as you open the doors to the women, you see them all well organized and ready to move
Maritta: what of the plains women?
Vexin Sixtoes: come come
Hawkeye: .o back
Vexin Sixtoes: To the courtyard then?
Maritta nods to the kender
Vexin Sixtoes: Onward!
Maritta: we will retrive the plainswomen on our way to the mine, then?
Vexin Sixtoes bounces ahead to make sure the way is clear
Zhage: Let's get the other women and get out of here.
Vexin Sixtoes (over his shoulder): Of course!
Back at the stairs, Sestun is waiting for you alone.
Sestun: they no want to come.
Sestun shrugs
Sestun charges up stairs
Hawkeye: Do you want to try and convince ytour cousins to come, Vexin?
Vexin Sixtoes sighs at the idiocy of Gully Dwarves and bounds after him
Taurus looks around as the group emerge from the stairs, peering at Sestun.
Taurus: Where are the Agher?
Vexin Sixtoes: THEY ARE NOT MY COUSINS!
Vexin Sixtoes: They don't wanna come
Sestun: They no come. not want to leave home!
Hawkeye: Family spat I guess...
Hawkeye winks at Vexin
Vexin Sixtoes glares at Hawkeye as they charge forward
Taurus: I see. Do you want to come?
Sestun nods furiously and charges throught he double doors, haulting in his tracks, wielding the spear to the shadows of the room
Hawkeye: You know, Aghar seem to be a recurring trend wherever we go
Sestun (looks up at group): ALL CLEAR!
Hawkeye winces slightly at Taurus's new friend's shouting
Taurus blinks at the rather... active... Agher. He smiles, just a little, dispite the mans rashness he admires his courage. Nodding he moves past him, patting him on the shoulder and heads for the doors in the large wall.
Talon swoops down and pecks out Taurus's pet Aghar
Talon: Squak!
Taurus: /ooc woot
The hundreds of women huddle close together, prepared to move through the double doors into the courtyard

Chat log started at 1.7.2007 / 19:23:05

Hawkeye: "Giong ot the poub, yeah?" "Goin to the pub, eh?":
Hawkeye: Hawkeye
Taurus: lol
Hawkeye: mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmo,mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Hawkeye: cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc44.?":vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvcvfdv bvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvy
The women huddle around the room, waiting for the moment that the doors are opened to the outside
Taurus: Vexin, check outside.
Vexin Sixtoes: Open the door already Taurus
Taurus opens the doors a crack.
Vexin Sixtoes peeks out into the square
You see that the valley that streaches out on the south side is empty. You see the mines off in the distance
Hawkeye: Go already Taurus
Vexin Sixtoes steps boldly into the square
Taurus: Patience is a virtue Hawkeye.
Taurus steps out behind the Kender, peering around.
Hawkeye: A virute we don't have time for
Vexin Sixtoes: Why are you all hiding in there? come out already cowards! *grins*
You find yourselves in a narrow mountain valley that winds steeply down to the south. In the eastern wall of this valley are the mouths of two large caves. From these caves, several narrow and treacherous trails wind up the slope to a gaping scar on the mountainside two hundred feet above.
A band of dull red streaks the rocky surface of the scar, while hundreds of human-like figures toil to scrape the rock away and reveal more of the rusty red material. This is the fabled Tharkadan iron mine.
Hawkeye nods appreciatvely at Vexin and walks out besdies him
The huddled mass of women and children make their way out to the valley
Taurus: M'Lady, where is the entrance to the tower?
Taurus asks Laurana
Maritta Points to the double doors across at the other tower.
Taurus: I hate to split us up.
Taurus: But...
Taurus: Riverwind, Goldmoon, Gilthanas, Agher... guide the women and children to the mines.
Vexin Sixtoes bounds over to the doors and flings them open with a sing-song voice "I'm here to rescue you!"
Taurus: The rest of us will get the plainswomen and catch up with you.
Taurus: Stick to the shadows of the valley from sight above.
Hawkeye rushes after the kender
Taurus blinks, trailing off as he sees Vexin bound over and announce their arrival. He rubs his head and hurries after him.
The women and children make their way with the others towards the mine
You get to the double doors of the western tower. The doors are clearly locked
Taurus: Maldavias, we need your expertese.
Hawkeye: Vexin, your expertise will NEVER be at opening locks
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Hawkeye: Unless you can turn into a magic key of some sort
Zhage: Careful not to break the lock..
Maldavias Sets to work on the lock. He curses under his breath as the lock does not give way
Taurus: Stop fighting over the lock! share it.
Taurus groans, shaking his head.
Vexin Sixtoes: I can do this!
Hawkeye: Zhage, do you hsave any open lock spells?
The kender pushes his way in and seems to make headway, only to be greeted by disapointment
Taurus: I think fireball might attract some attention Hawkeye.
Hawkeye: I said open lock, not melt door.
Hawkeye smiles
Taurus: Vexin, let Maldavias do it. Please.
Vexin Sixtoes: Wow, that's some lock
Vexin Sixtoes: That's the best I've ever done, and it didn't pen
Hawkeye: Zhage?
Maldavias: I can try again, if you like.
Taurus: Please, one more.
Hawkeye dislikes the fact their standing in the open fiddling with a lock again
Maldavias goes to work on the door once more. Just as a elven curse escapes his lips, the lock pops open and the elf smiles gleefully.
Zhage: I can try if you'd like..
Zhage: Or not..
Taurus: Save your energy Zhage, we might need your abilities yet.
Taurus steps past Maldavias and shoulders open the door, peering around; the time for stealth near over.
This is a huge but mostly featureless chamber. A pair of iron double doors is on the southern wall. The cavernous chamber stretches far off into darkness, but the number of people crowded into it makes the room seem small. Sitting, standing, or lying down, several hundred women turn their attention listlessly toward the door. Those nearby leap to their feet in surprise; a wave of excitement spreads through the room like a spring breeze. All of the women rush toward the door. A thousand questions fill the air, but no one waits for an answer.
Zhage nods and waits fpr the doors to open.
Taurus steps aside as they rush the door, calling out to his companions.
Vexin Sixtoes: Come Come I've rscued you!
Taurus (Yell): Direct them to the others!
Hawkeye: Vexin, please, lead them to the mine
Taurus searches the group as they rush past for a familiar face he might be able to pick out and pull aside to question.
Vexin Sixtoes springs off towards the mines shouting "come come!"
Across the valley, at the mine, you notice Riverwind has lead the ladies to the men. The sounds of combat can be heard.
the woman pass by, none of them look familiar, as they are woman from the plains and never have been to Solace, unfortunately
Zhage: It appears that Riverwind is having fun..
Taurus lifts his head to the sounds of combat, brows drawing together. Once the last are through he surveys the room once more for any who might be injured, sick, or unable to travel on their own.
Hawkeye: Zhage, go assit them. Taurus, do you have things here?
Taurus: The rest of you catch up with them, assist Riverwind. I'll take the flank.,
Taurus: Aye Hawkeye.
Hawkeye: Let's go
a quick glance into the room shows it now lies empty
Zhage nods and hurries over to assist Riverwind
Taurus turns and moves at a run behind the group, assisting anyone lagging behind. *clankclankclankclankclank*
Hawkeye turns and begins to rush over towards Riverwind, keep an eye out for anybody coming in from the sides as they travel
You high foot it across the valley towards the mine. By the time you get to the mid way point, the sounds of combat subside and is greeted with faint cheers.
Suddenly, with a splintering crash, the double doors holding Flamestrike fly outward. The great beast slithers out of the tower toward the crowd of prisoners.
Flamestrike (strained): My children! You shall not have my children! Leave me my children!
Taurus swings around, eyes widening in disbelief.
Taurus says very slowly, very surely. "Goldmoon, Gilthanas, Agher. Lead the people to safety."
Now another great crimson shape appears,flying. Bellowing a challenge, a second hugered dragon lands on the mighty Tharkadan wall. On its back is the imposing figure of the Dragon Highlord Verminaard, his face still concealed by the fearsome mask. His voice booms through the valley.
Verminard: I have tolerated your impudence for the last timeslaves are cheap and plentiful. How often have I warned you all of the consequences of insurrection?
As the people scream and turn to flee down the valley, his voice thunders with growing madness:
Verminard: Now I destroy your families! I destroy your children! Ember, burn them! Burn them all!
Taurus steps forward, attempting to lift his voice to the walls.
Taurus: It is WE who are responcible!
Taurus: ...
Taurus: Challenge US if you dare!
Taurus' voice seems to not reach the mighty dragon. Ember, overcome with bloodlust, roars an earsplitting war cry, a sound that would destroy the courage of even the most seasoned, valiant warrior.
Hawkeye readies his weapons, praying that Taurus knows what he is doing
As Ember leaps from the wall, Flamestrike pauses in her advance. Confusion shakes her as she looks from the children to the great engine of death above her. Suddenly, her dim eyes take on clear focus as she makes a decision.
Taurus cringes at the roar, wincing at the pain it brings to his ears.
Flamestrike (seething): No. You will not harm my children.
Curling her long neck upwards, Flamestrike sends forth a horrifying spout of fire, straight at the flying dragon and the Dragon Highlord. With a scream, Verminaard is engulfed in the glowing cloud, and his dragon-steed bellows in surprise. Quickly, the two dragons lock in a fearsome melee, thrashing their mighty bodies across the valley and bringing boulders tumbling from the mountainsides.
Hawkeye looks on in awe, unable to tear his face away from the embattled dragons
Vexin Sixtoes: WEE!
Zhage is awed and looks on with his mouth hanging open..
Taurus stares up in awe as the two massive creatures clash. Taking an almost stumbled step back he catches himself, peering around.
Vexin Sixtoes: THAT'S not something you see everyday!
Eben: Now is our chance!
Hawkeye: Move! move now while they're distracted!
Taurus: RUN!
Eben runs after the refugees
Vexin Sixtoes stumble towards the dragons, trying to get a closer view
Zhage snaps back to reality and runs after the group.
Hawkeye: Vexin!
Taurus waves his arms around encouragingly and attempts to snatch Vexin by the collar and drag him away.
Hawkeye: You have to protect the people!
Vexin Sixtoes: Ow!
Vexin Sixtoes: He!
Taurus: We'll watch from a distance!
Vexin Sixtoes: But...
Hawkeye: Vexin.. please..
Vexin Sixtoes: Ok....
Vexin Sixtoes walks swiftly backwards, not wanting to miss a moment of the great dragon battle
Hawkeye looks around, making sure that everyone is on the move before going anywhere himself
Taurus scoops vexin up over his shoulder, his backside forward, and runs as fast as he can in plate.
The mass of refugees flood down the narrow valley. In the chaos, the party are seperated from one another. The sounds of the dragon duel fade off as you are carried away down the valley
Taurus: *clankclankclankclankclank*
Vexin Sixtoes bounces along on Taurus' shoulder, propping himself up to watch the dragons
Hawkeye glances around anxiously for the other membrs of his troupe
Hawkeye: Vexin? Taurus? Zhage? Jeren?
Zhage just follows the person in front of him.
The mass of people soon slow and they begin to walk at a slower pace. Everyone catching their breath
The autumn sun disappears behind a mountain ridge as 800 people huddle among a cheery grove of tall pines. Tired and hungry, they are nonetheless happy for their nearly miraculous escape.
This small side valley should provide shelter for the night from any draconians that have been sent on the hunt. No doubt fresh problems will arise tomorrow, but for now the refugees are safe. The biting chill of the wind brings warnings of the winter that is soon to come. The wilderness yields little food, but many mouths need to be fed. The great silver moon sets, and the stars blink into sight.
Hawkeye begins to search around the camp for his companions
Zhage starts to look for his companions among the mass of people.
Taurus walks amongst the refugee's taking in their injuries and general condition. Offering a small boy his cloak as a blanket before directing the orphan to a small group of people to care for him. Offering encouraging words to each, hope.
After several minutes, Hawkeye finds Zhage who is busy looking around himself
Hawkeye: Zhage! Over here!
Zhage: .e looking towards the voice, "Hawk?"
Zhage looking towards the voice, "Hawk?"
Hawkeye waves as he rushes up to the red robed figure
Hawkeye: Where are the others?
Zhage: I haven't seen them..
Taurus picks out the stronger men of the refugee's and has them meet at the edge of the group to organise a watch/guard between them. Knowing that the dangers are not yet over.
Zhage: I was going to try getting a better view from the air..
The tall Riverwind stands out from the group as he scans the refugees.
Zhage (poointing): I think I see Riverwind.
Hawkeye: You do that, try and get the others together. I'll try and organize some of the plainsmen to go on a hunt
Hawkeye: We have to fnd a way to feed these people
Hawkeye looks over to where Zhage is pointing, spotting Riverwind easily
Zhage: Be careful Hawk. I don't know if we'll find eachother until later.
Hawkeye nods to Zhage, giving him a brief handshake before moving throughout the crowd, picking some of the more able looking plainsmen to form a hunting party into the woods beyond
Vexin Sixtoes sets out for a short-range trek to gather food before nightfall
Taurus attempts to organise the men he has gathered into setting up a guard parameter around the makeshift camp. Organising them into three watches throughout the night; having faith that his companions are alright.
Zhage casts light upon his staff and then begins to chant once more. Finishing his spell he takes to the air calling for his companions.
You all direct traffic and organize the Refugees as best you can
Taurus spots Zhage, letting out a call to him and waving him over.
Zhage spots the flailing knight and decends to meet him.
Taurus: You do wear briches.. beneath those robes, dont you Zhage?
Taurus raises a brow.
Zhage: Yes I do.
Taurus grins.
Taurus: Spread the word to the others, we need to meet in an hour. We must make plans for tomorrow.
Zhage: Others?
Taurus: By the largest pinetree to the north.
Taurus: Our companions.
Zhage: I ave only seen Hawkeye and Riverwind. They were organizing a hinting group.
Taurus: Good. See who else you can find.
Zhage: I'll try.
Taurus: I've set up a paremeter, so we should be informed of any intruders.
Taurus: Thanks.
Zhage takes off to attempt to find the others.
After about a half hour, Zhage manages to find the rest of the group and the make their way to the large pine. Vexin and Hawkeye both return after a couple of hours. Many other hunters make their way back to camp through out the evening. Some return empty handed, others bring back fresh food.
Hawkeye returns within the hour with whatever food his group was able to wrangle up on their trip, walking about camp trying to make sure that the food gets evenly dispersed among the many people in the camp.
Hawkeye proceeds to help light small campfires throughoutn the cmap, wondering where his other companions are
Taurus sits on a root of the large pine tree, sharpening his sword as he waits for the others to enter. Eyes lowered in concentration but not on the stroke of his whetstone but infact where to proceed next.
Zhage fires off 3 missles of energy above the tree hoping to get the attention of his missing companions.
Taurus blinks, peering up.
Taurus: Thats one way to do it.
Hawkeye glances up, recognizing the signature mark of Zhage's spells as he heads over to where he saw the bolts come from
As Hawkeye wanders the camp assisting with the camp fires, he notices the three glowing missles shoot into the air like a flare.
Zhage: Well, it works..
Hawkeye approches where Taurus and the others are
Hawkeye: Laurana? Is she here? And Gilthanas, and the others?
Hawkeye tries to cover up his concern for the elven maid
Gilthanas: I'm here. (holds Laurana areound his arm)
Jeren (releived): Eben's not
Hawkeye: How is she doing, Gilthanas?
Taurus rises and offers his arm to Hawkeye as he approaches.
Zhage starts to laugh..
Hawkeye claps Taurus's arm, looking at his companions eyes briefly as he does so, trying to see if Taurus has anythign hatching in that mind of his
Gilthanas: She's a bit disorientated but she'll pull through I think
Taurus gives Hawkeye's arm a firm squeeze/shake before he looks over to Gilthanas and Laurana.
Taurus: Please, come sit. We've some meat from Hawkeye and Riverwinds hunting parties. Its not much, but it will give you strength.
Hawkeye: There's barely enough food to go around too, Taurus. Game is a bit scare this time of year
Gilthanas helps his sister with some food
Taurus: The season bares us no assistance.
Riverwind: What are we to do?
Hawkeye: We need to find somewhere to go to shelter these people from the Dragon Armies..
Taurus: Aye, We need to find a safe haven for the refugees.
Hawkeye: And we need to find some place close. I don't think they will be able to travel very far
Taurus: Gilthanas, you know the movements of your people better than I. Where is safe?
Gilthanas: We did not venture much to the south. This is dwarven lands. Perhaps we can find some here who can help?
Taurus: Perhaps... but none of heard of the dwarves for such a long time.
Gilthanas nods in agreement
Hawkeye: Aye, the dwarves are not known for hospitality
Taurus: The Dwarves are a noble people, even if not hospitable. They cannot turn away these people and leave them to die.
Gilthanas: the dwarves of Thorbardin have not been seen in over 300 years ever since they closed their gates. However, their hill dwarf cosuins, the Nieder are scattered through out these valleys
Otik: Well, well. Look who it is? Taurus and Hawkeye!
Taurus looks up.
Hawkeye: So, do we seek our the Nied- ... Otik??
Taurus: Otik?
Otik waddles forth from the refugees that are near by.
Hawkeye rises to greet the old innkeeper warmly
Taurus: I thought I could smell potatoes!
Taurus laughs.
Otik chuckles
Hawkeye: You're the perfect man to see in these trying times, old friend
Zhage perks up with the word potatoes
Otik: And likewise to you, Hawkeye. I suppose we have you to thank for setting us free?
Hawkeye: It was a joint effort
Hawkeye gestures to everyone sitting around
Otik: Well bless your souls!
Taurus: Aye. I heard that your men in the mines fought valiantly against their captors.
Otik: Aye, that we did. There weren't many. It was only fear for the woman and Chidlren that kept the men of the mine at bay
Taurus: Please, join us. We're discussing our next step.
Otik (seriously): It is not by chance that I have stumbled upon you, however.
Taurus tilts his head.
Hawkeye: hmm?
Zhage: My flare?
Vexin Sixtoes walks up to Otik and offers him a Bat Wing Crunchie. "my secret recipe!"
Otik: I was sent to find you. Well, those who freed us... I had no idea it was you! (Smiles warmly)
Otik looks to Vexin
Otik: why, thank you, little one.
Hawkeye: By who, Otik?
Taurus listens closely, setting his sword aside atop its sheath; no longer sharpening it.
Otik: the refugees... the'r organizing into groups. there trying to decide what to do and Elistan wishes you to be present
Taurus: Elistan? The High Seeker?
Hawkeye: Elistan.. why is that name familiar?
Otik: Aye
Taurus: I see.
Taurus: Perhaps it be wise we attend.
Hawkeye: Aye
Taurus rises, sheathing his sword and securing it on his person.
Taurus: Lead the way old friend.
leads you through the refugee camp. He takes you to a large clearing where a large many of people have gathered. Otik leads you to the front of the gathering crowd where 5 people stand in a mock up of a concil chamber
Otik clears his throat
The crowd hushes to a dull whisper
Taurus steps forward to stand at the front of the gathering, glancing at the five members of the mock councel. Standing somewhat rigid in respect to this formal occasion.
Hawkeye approaches behind Taurus, not nearly as formal as he looks over everyone
Elistan: Ah, they have arrived!
Vexin Sixtoes puffs out his chest
Elistan: I am pleased that you can join us here tonight.
Zhage comes up next to Hawkeye and peers around the "chamber."
Taurus: It is an honor.
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes, the dragonslayer is here
Elistan: These refugees... we're made up of many differnet cultures and backgrounds, and it is neccasary that each group is represented.
Elistan turns to address everyone who is there at the meeting
Elistan: We shall first begin with introductions!
Taurus stands quietly at attention, taking note of who is at the forfront of the crowd as well as those amongst the councel. Additionally, keeping an eye out for the Agher with his spear; hoping he keeps out of trouble.
Brooke: My name is Brooke Stonemason. I am a former elder of Gateway and I represent the Townspeople of Solcae, Gateway, Newports, and the towns of northern and Western Abanasinia.
the elderly lady steps back after intoducing herself
Locar: I am Locar from the Lordcity of Haven. I represent those who follow the seekers! We will keep our faith in the gods who DID NOT turn their backs on those of men.
Taurus brow raises.
Hawkeye glares at the insolent seeker
Locar gives a smug look to Elistan before he steps back
Zhage just shakes his head at Locar's smugness.
Elistan: I am Elistan. And from the miricales I have seen in the last few days, I have seen the light of our mistakes. The True Gods did not leave us. In fact they are still here with us. It is our faith that was lost. I am here to represent the believers, those who wish to recognize the true gods!
Zhage (whispering to Taurus): I've already used my fireball spell today.
Taurus nods slowly.
Taurus (whispering to Zhage): Thats handy to know.
You see as Elistan steps back, Sestun is standing at Elistan's side, looking up at the man with admiration
Vexin Sixtoes casts Master Air, and flies around for 30 seconds with wings of mist, laughing and landing next to Elistan
A elderly plainsman steps forward
Brair: I am Briar, and I represent the plainsfolk of Abanasinia.
Vexin Sixtoes: Long live Chislev!
Hawkeye nods to Brair
Taurus: Hush Vexin, let the people speak.
Brair steps back with the other councilmen
Vexin Sixtoes stciks his tongue out at Taurus, but quiets down
Eben: And I am Eben Shatterstone from New Ports. I have been chosen to represent the free folk of Abanasinia.
Eben steps back in line and looks to Elistan
Zhage looks shocked at Eben's position.
Hawkeye: I love how all these people were picked without anyone knowledge
Taurus doesn't seem all too surprised, Eben was leading a resistance after all.
Elistan: We welcome all of you to stay and give your opinions of what we are to do. We are certainly not safe here, as the dragonarmies will surely give chase.
Elistan: We ask that Taurus and his companions, the saviors of the refugee's of Pax Tharkas, stay as advisors. Your opinions are valued.
Locar snorts and rolls his eyes
Taurus inclines his head to Elistan.
Taurus: We would be honored to further ensure the safety of those you represent.
Refugee: where are we going to go!
Taurus looks to the random refugee then towards the councel, waiting for one to answer; gauging the effectiveness of this group.
Brair: We should head back noth and try to regain our lands.
Locar: yes, I agree! We can't leave the dragonarmies to take what is ours!
Hawkeye shakes his head slowly
Brair nods to Lacar
Vexin Sixtoes: And you would face a dragonarmy with pitchforks?
Vexin Sixtoes yawns and plops down to the ground with Skitters
Taurus: You have been defeated. It is a difficult thing to swallow.
Hawkeye: My brother, I would love nothing more than to return to the plains of our homeland, but there is nothing there for us right now. The dragon armies have destroyed everything
Zhage just remains quiet as the plans unfold.
Hawkeye: We will return one day, but now is not the time, not while dragons rules the skies of the plains of Abanasinia
Taurus nods to Hawkeye.
Brooke: They are correct. We should move to the east and seek passage on boats across New Sea.
Taurus: Aid will come. It is your responcibilty to live to see that day.
Eben: my dear Brooke, the Dragonarmies control the sea. We surely will perish if we head that way.
Eben: Even still, we will not have enough money to find passage for everyone!
Taurus: We shall seek refuge in the mountains, with the Dwarves.
Locar: The dwarves! And you think they will assist us?
Taurus: Regain our strength, grow, and when aid arrives unite to crush this threat and drive it from our lands.
Hawkeye: They will have to assist us. We must appeal to their honor
Taurus: They are locked behind their mountain doors, but they are not blind. They must know what has befallen you will come to their doors.
Hawkeye nods to Taurus
Elistan: Taurus is correct. We should seek out Thorbardin.
Taurus nods to Hawkeye.
Locar: Ha! Thorbardin? And how do you purpose we find the gate into their mountain kingdom? nobody knows where it is.
Taurus: We will appeal to their cousins.
Hawkeye: Somewhat like no one knows wher the seeker gods are...
Locar glares at Hawkeye
Taurus: Though well equiped those of Thorbardin must still trade with the outside world for such things as fur and wood. They would do this through their cousins, the Hill Dwarves. It is they who can lead us to Thorbardin.
Hawkeye: Only the gates ot Thorbardin are real
Elistan: Even if we cannot get aid from Thorbardin, if we can get south of the mountains, surely Verminard and his army will not follow.
Taurus: They march on the Qualinosti, their hands will be tied but not for long. We cannot stay here. Elistan is right.
Hawkeye: The elves have already left, it won't take them long to contorl the elven lands
Eben: Taurus, my friend. I have been in the merchant business for many years. I can assure you that the Dwarves of Thorbardin do not trade with anyone outside their walls. They are either fully self sustained... or they have not survived...
Hawkeye: the HUMAN merchant business
Brooke: The elves have left!
Brooke: What terrible news.
Hawkeye nods to the elderly woman
Taurus: A host thousands strong marched on their forests yesterday.
Eben: you are correct in this Hawkeye. I conceed this to thee
Hawkeye: Thorbardin is the best choice on the table right nowe
GM: roll diplomacy.
Vexin Sixtoes: Hawkeye is right you know
Vexin Sixtoes assists
Vexin Sixtoes notices nobody is listening to the Kender, as usual, and snuggles up to Skitters and falls asleeep
Hawkeye nods to Vexin for his vote of confidence
After the discussion, the majority of the council seem to agree with the groups desicion to seek ou the dwarves of Thorbardin. The plainsmen seem to be against this course of action, the seekers seem to be indifferent and the rest are for going in this direction
Taurus: You have all made wise points and I feel your decision is the right one. Early on the morrow my companions and I will cut a trail for the refugees.