GM: last time we left off, you were searching the north quarter of Tarsis for a library which Derek was convinced held information on the dragon orbs. The day began to drag into evening and there was still no sign of a library. However, a young lady named Marie was encountered and temporarily taken as prisoner for the safety and seceracy of the knights.
Avariss stays close behind Marie as she follows Derek and the others to the exit of the alleyway.
Marie: So.. What at you all looking for?
Vexin Sixtoes: Dragons
Derek Crownguard (looks annoyed over his shoulder): a way to defeat the plague of what is the Dragonarmies.
Marie: Ahh...
Taurus shoots a look in the direction of Marie but says nothing, pulling his cloak around him tigther as he steps out of the alleyway. Looking up and down the street.
Derek Crownguard: come, we can search a few more streets before the light is gone.
As the group moves steadily down the street, out from the sparse crowd, and elderly man clumps toward you, leaning heavily on a bent and worn staff.
old man (wheezing): You there!
old man points his staff towards the group
Taurus looks upon the elderly man, politely inclining his head to the stranger. Approaching him in turn and offering a hand to steady him.
Vexin Sixtoes points at Taurus
Marie looks that way, curious.
Vexin Sixtoes: He did it!
Vexin Sixtoes: It wasn't me this time!
old man smiles a mear-toothless grin at Taurus as he accepts his hand to steady his weary legs.
Taurus: Are you alright, friend?
old man: I have something to tell you...
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh...
Taurus: Oh?
old man looks around the party and shakes his head as he combs his long white beard with his fingers, muttering something about not seeing the golden haired goddess.
old man he looks up and cackles loudly
Marie (quietly): Golden haired goddess?
old man: Ha! No song ta help us out this time!
Taurus looks towards the others briefly and shrugs his shoulders, looking back down to the old man he gives his shoulder a comforting squeeze.
Aran Tallbow (chuckles): this guy's mad!
Taurus: Which song?
Vexin Sixtoes: I could sing the Kender trail song!
Taurus inspects the man's attire trying to determine if he is a bum.
old man waves his had to disrguard the question.
Taurus: Vexin, you have any coin on you?
He is wearing simple clothes which are worn, but not dirty. He could almost pass for a bum, but for some reason you don't think he has quite come to that yet.
Marie whispers something to Gabriel, who takes off to a rooftop, and wonders what's going on.
Taurus: I'm sure our friend here could use a hot meal and somewhere safe to stay.
Vexin Sixtoes: Of course I have coin on me. don't you? Well, not ON me.. it's in my pouch. Although covering myself with coins might be interesting
Derek Crownguard (grumbles): We have not the time for this...
Taurus: Derek, I'll take care of this man, you can continue on.
old man grabs Taurus' arm tightly and look in his eyes.
old man (turns serious): You seek knowledge, and I know where you can find it! An old library has been gathering dust under this city for centuries. There you will find what you seek�the knowledge of the road you must take from here! Follow!
Vexin Sixtoes: Nooow he's crazy
Derek Crownguard stroaks his moustaches as he listens to the old man, perking his ear at the sound of a library.
Taurus blinks surprised at the man's strength, listening to his ramblings. He nods slowly, interest perking up at the speak of a library.
Taurus: Please, lead the way friend.
Vexin Sixtoes: Now the stiff old knight has time for this...
Brian Donner gives Vexin a gentle knee to the back to coax him to along as well as to coax him to be quiet
Vexin Sixtoes: Hey!
The old man hobbles down the street, occasionally looking over his shoulder to make sure you are following
Vexin Sixtoes skips along behind the old man
Taurus steps in behind the old man, though somewhat doubtful he is curious to see where this leads them as the day has been fruitless thus far.
Marie follows along, glancing down alleys to find a way to leave the knights.
You are led through a maze of streets, many of the buildings seem abandoned. The old man stops at a couple of intersecting streets and looks around as though lost before carrying on down one of them.
Soon, the old man stumbles to a halt. He turns and gestures down a long snow choked alley.
Taurus frowns a bit concerned when the man looks around, shooting a look across towards Derek knowing the knight will simply explode should this be a wild goose chase. He attempts to speak to the old man as they walk before silencing and peering down the long alley.
Taurus: This is it?
old man: It doesn't look like much, but at the far end of the alley is a secret door in the wall. Beyond that door you will encounter the young warden of the library. Be sure to pay all the appropriate respect.
old man winks once to the group
Vexin Sixtoes winks back
Derek Crownguard looks slightly annoyed but says nothing.
Vexin Sixtoes runs frward, anxious to find this secret door.
Brian Donner puts the cap back on his flask and tucks it in his belt. He releases a hearty chuckle.
Aran Tallbow puts the cap back on his flask and tucks it in his belt. He releases a hearty chuckle.
Taurus: Vexin come with me and ch--
Taurus sighs, watching the kender lurch forward.
Taurus pats the old man on the shoulder before he trudges down the corridor towards Vexin should this be an ambush.
Marie: So, I can wait while you all go find this library, right?
Derek Crownguard: That is out of the question.
Avariss: after you, please.
Avariss gestures for Marie to head down the alley
Taurus: Find anything Vexin?
Vexin Sixtoes mimicks "That is out of the question" in as deep of a voioce as a Kender can muster
Taurus peers around as he comes to a halt several feet behind the Kender.
Marie shakes her head and moves down the ally.
Vexin looks high and low in the alley and can't seem to find anything.
Marie laughs quietly at Vexin's comment.
Vexin Sixtoes: Nothing here
Taurus: Everyone spread out, see what you can find.
Taurus begins searching the walls himself, mostly by touch.
Marie takes a look around.
Vexin Sixtoes: If I can' find it, then it must not be here
Everyone spreads out and begins to search through the heavy snow. Marie brushes away a section of snow to reveal a flagstone that seems to blend in well, with the exception of it being just slightly raised from the others around it.
Marie (raising a hand): Over here.
Taurus looks up and over towards Marie, approaching.
Taurus: What have you found?
Derek Crownguard comes quickly toward Marie, nodding and giving her a rare smile.
Vexin Sixtoes: wow, it magically appeared right after I searched there!
Marie: A raised stone...
Taurus eyes Vexin.
Marie: The snow was covering it, so you probably missed it.
Taurus gestures Vexin to work his magic on the stone.
Taurus: I'm impressed.
Taurus: Very well done, if Vexin missed it it must have been well hidden.
Marie (shrugging): Probably.
Aran Tallbow press his way through the gathering crowd and steps his heavy boot down on top of the flagstone.
Taurus: Vexin, this is an unpressed secret hidden stone and you havn't pressed it yet.
Taurus nods to Aran, hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sheathed sword.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, I can't ALWAYS take all the fun
the stone sinks slightly and a loud clank is heard. A door hidden perfectly in the end of the alley's wall slides open revealing a narrow, winding starcase sinking into the ground.
Taurus: Very noble of you.
Vexin Sixtoes: I try!
Vexin Sixtoes: Hear that Derek? I'm a Noble!
Derek Crownguard: not likely.
Taurus peers across at the now revealed door. He approaches it and peers inwards, looking around the alley for a moment he picks up a loose stone and runs his hand across it.
Taurus: Luminous.
Taurus 's stone bursts into bright light, shining it down the starcase before looking back to the others.
Taurus: Shall we?
Vexin Sixtoes begins descending the stairs
Derek Crownguard grabs Vexin by the shoulder before he can take a step down the stairs.
Derek Crownguard: you can go first, but don't make me regret it...
Derek Crownguard releases Vexin and prepares to follow close behind, his sword drawn
Taurus: Perhaps the young lady would like to travel at the head with Vexin.
Taurus looks to Marie.
Marie: I can go with him, since I am not going anywhere anytime soon.
Taurus: She seems to have a good set of eyes.
Vexin Sixtoes sticks his tongue out at Derek as he continues forward
Derek Crownguard: I shant have a prisoner who I have sworn to protect lead. I would be pleased if you would stay close to Avariss while we go.
Marie: Sure. Didn't feel too comfortable with the old man there
Marie: "watching my back"
Vexin Sixtoes: Watching your backside, more likely
Taurus moves in behind Derek, lifting the glowing stone high so that it sheds light ahead into the darkness. Shooting a confused look towards Marie, frowning, he shakes his head and decends the stairs.
Taurus (Quietly): Shut up, Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: Oops
The group make their way down the winding stairs. It circles around for some time before opening up into a huge entry chamber. Beyond this you see rows and rows of shelves filled with ancient tomes.
Taurus: I can only assume.. this is the library we seek.
Taurus shines the light on the books, blowing some dust from one of the spines and after several coughs inspects the title.
Derek Crownguard nods in agreement as he looks on in wonderment
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh... I wonder if Fistan-smelly-us left any books here?
Aran Tallbow: There must be thousands of books here...
Taurus: Derek, what does this orb look like? aside from being round I assume.
Aran's loud voice echos in the vast chamber.
Taurus shoots a look at Aran.
Marie glances at some of the books, trying to catch a few titles.
Derek Crownguard: We have no reason to believe that the orb is here. We have come looking for information on the orb's whereabouts...
Taurus: I see.
Taurus looks at all the books, frowning. Needle in a haystack.
Looking over the books, you notice that none of them are newer than the Catalysim, and many look to be hundreds... perhaps thousands of years old.
Marie: Interesting books.. really old too..
Taurus: Spread out and look for helpful titles. Look with your eyes, not with your hands. We don't want to destroy any of these artifacts.
Taurus looks at Vexin, specifically.
Vexin Sixtoes: What?
Taurus: You know what.
Derek Crownguard (nods to Taurus): If you find anything, shout out at once.
Derek Crownguard looks sternly at Taurus and then back at Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes begins eyeballing each book
Taurus nods to Derek and makes his way over to a large book case, inspecting them one by one systematically.
Marie continues her looks at the books.
The group all spreads out into the bookcases, Avariss staying close to Marie at all times. Before anyone can get too far into the dark shadowy parts of the library (which stretch beyond the light. It is anyones guess as to how far back it goes) a female voice is heard off from the side.
females voice: excuss me...
Taurus jerks his attention towards the unfamiliar voice. Suddenly remembering what the old man said about someone else being down here.
Standing in the recesses of another aisle, you see a young, red haird woman with pale skin wearing flowing, rich purple robes. a candle set into a holder flickers in her hand.
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh, Hullo
Taurus approaches the young woman, opening his hands to show they're empty. Stopping some distance from her he bows his head respectfully.
Taurus: Greetings M'Lady. Please forgive my forwardness...
Marie looks to the woman, then contiunes looking at the books.
Taurus: ... but I'm going to just assume you're a Dragon, in the form of a human.
Taurus: We've met Evenstar. What might be your name?
Marie (quietly): He ment a dragon? Wha?
the woman blinks her eyes in confusion and lets out a delicit laugh.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh nother dragon!
Lillith Hallmark: I am not dragon in disguise. My name is Lillith Hallmark.
Taurus smiles somewhat embarassed.
Taurus: Are you sure?
Taurus: About the dragon thing. We're not scared, if thats what your concerned about. We've met several of the 'nice' variety of dragons.
Lillith Hallmark: I am an Aesthetic from the Great Library of Palanthas, sent to guard these many thousands of books under orders from Astinus.
Taurus conciders pinching her or some such to determine the truth but decides against it. Nodding slowly he inclines his head to her.
Taurus: My apologies, I am Taurus Regulus; Knight of the Crown. These are my companions.
Marie: I'm a prisoner..
Everyone is familiar with Astinus' name. He is a man who seems to never age (some say he has lived before the Cataclyim). Rumor has it that he writes Krynn's complete history in the books as it happens, seeing what everyone on the planet is experiencing all at once.
Marie: But that's more of a joke.
He is also completely reclusive, never leaving the library and never seeing anyone under any circumstances
Taurus shoots a frown towards Marie, shaking his head at her. He looks back to the woman, seeming somewhat dubious despite himself.
Taurus: Astinus... he is here?
Lillith Hallmark (lets out another small laugh): No. He is still in Parlanthas.
Taurus: Oh, I see.
Taurus doesn't see, but infact, looks confused.
Taurus: Regardless, it is a pleasure to meet you M'Lady Hallmark.
Taurus: We come seeking knowledge.
Lillith Hallmark: I am going through these books, trying to organize them into some sort of order. It is a dubious task for but one person, but I have little else to do.
Lillith Hallmark: And what knowledge do you seek?
Taurus: The Dragon Orb.
Taurus: We seek its local.
Lillith Hallmark: Why is it that you seek such information?
Lillith Hallmark eyes up the party.
Taurus: We wish to use it to protect innocent lives from the invading forces of the Dragonarmies.
Lillith Hallmark: I see... You are Knights of Solamnia, or at least some of you are...
Vexin Sixtoes: Not me!
Derek Crownguard nods proudly and bows to Lillith.
Vexin Sixtoes: Who'd wanna be stiff like him?
Taurus: Aye, that is true. The others are surviving citizens of Abanisnia.
Vexin Sixtoes points to Derek
Taurus: And one is a common theif.
Taurus looks to Marie, briefly, before back to Lillith.
Marie: The circus clown is a thief?
Marie: I knew I didn't like clowns for some reason.
Derek Crownguard (whispers to Vexin): I'll not tolerate any more, kender. This is your final warning.
Taurus gives Vexin an almost pleading glance.
Taurus shakes his head a little.
Taurus: Would you allow us access to this great library M'Lady Hallmark, so we might find what we seek?
Taurus: Many lives are at stake.
Vexin Sixtoes rolls his eyes as soon as Derek looks away
Lillith Hallmark: The books here are very fragile, and so they must be handled with the utmost care. When the Cataclysim struck, many of the shelves spilled their contents to the floor, so it is in a very disorganized fashion right now. I will help in whatever way I can if you respect this place as though it were your own home.
Taurus: Ofcourse, M'Lady. We shall take care to cause no further disturbance. Perhaps you would know where we might start looking?
Marie looks a bit saddened at the mention of a home, but hides it quietly.
Taurus glances down to the woman's shadow, to see if it casts the shadow of a Dragon. Subtly of course, well, as subtle as one such as he can pull off.
Lillith Hallmark: Follow me.
Taurus: Thank you.
Lillith's shadow flickers across the floor in the form of a human.
Taurus tries to remember if the dwarven form of Evenstar had a dwarf shadow; drifting off into his thoughts momentarily.
Aran Tallbow (jests): you been in the brew too, Taurus? A dragon... HAW!
Taurus: If you do not mind me asking, M'Lady. You have the glow of youth about you, but you say you've down here a long time? Are you blessed with eternal youth?
Vexin Sixtoes snickers at Aran
Taurus offers Aran a half smile, though not overely interested in his jest.
Lillith Hallmark (Smiles): you are quite child like in your imagination, sir knight. I am not a dragon, nor do I have eternal youth. I spend a great deal of time here, but I am not confined to it all day and all night nor have I been in Tarsis for more than a year or so.
Aran Tallbow: Haw, Haw!
Taurus: Oh, I see. Forgive me, I have seen many things in the past three months that have stretched my imagination quite conciderably. And, travelling with Vexin does not assist very well iun keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground.
Taurus: I have seen dragons, both good and evil, rule the skys. I have stood before gods. I have been turned to ash and revived once more.
Taurus: So a dragon disguised as a human library isn't such a stretch for me.
Vexin Sixtoes: Good, someone's got to cast flying spells on you occasionally
Lillith Hallmark: Here we are. The information you seek will likely be in this vacinity.
Marie moves over to Aran, borrows his flask, takes a sip and pit it back.
the area she stops at is littered with books, lying in a large heap. The shelves are knocked over and leaning against one another.
Marie (quietly to Aran): He must be a drinker if he says things like that.
Taurus looks around, expecting the book to be labled 'Map to Dragon Orb'.
Aran Tallbow: Ain't that so!
Taurus: Ok, spread out. Be careful, the books are delicate.
Aran Tallbow gives Marie a hearty pat on the back.
Taurus kneels down and begins to gently go through the pile.
Marie smiles at the knight and moves on to search to piles.
Taurus very quietly mumbles to himself; "Still think she's a dragon..." as he thumbs through a book.
Everyone begins going through the books. Many are swollen with water, while others a dry and brittle. Some are in near perfect condition. An amazing amount of them are written in ancient languages that many of you find difficult to read. Derek encourages everyone to keep searching for as long as it takes, but does not become angry if anyone takes a break. After a near four hours of digging through hundreds of books, Lillith pulls one from the pile and indicates she has found something.
Taurus looks up, sets the current book down and stands dusting his hands. Stretching a bit, his back aching from kneeling for so long, he approaches the disguised dragons to see what she found.
Taurus: What do you have, M'Lady?
Lillith Hallmark: Look here... There is some mention of dragon orbs here. It makes mention that they were magical crystal orbs created by the Wizards of High Sorcery in the Age of Dreams.
Marie puts her book on the shelf and wanders over.
Taurus: Does it say what their powers are? or where they can be found today?
Lillith Hallmark: It says they were housed for a while in the Towers before the Kingpriest of Istar declared those towers to be unholy places.
Taurus nods a little.
Lillith Hallmark: Of the five orbs that were created, it seems that only one is mention in the book as surviving. It says it was stolen by an elven wizard named Feal-Thas.
Lillith Hallmark: It's last known location was far to the south of Tarsis, a region known now as Icewall Glacier....
Lillith Hallmark: It doesn't say much else...
Lillith Hallmark looks up at the rest of the group.
Marie: Well... looks like you all know where oyu have to go..
Derek Crownguard: Then to Icewall Glacier it is...
Taurus: Icewall Glacier... how many days travel by horse is this place?
Derek Crownguard: Yes, Marie. We shall return to the inn and get the other knights. Then we can travel to Icewall. Once we past the Tarsis gates, we will let you go.
Marie: I hope so.
Lillith Hallmark: Icewall glacier is huge. It is about 100 miles to the edge of the glacier.
Taurus: A Knight is always true to his word.
Taurus nods to Marie to confirm what Derek said before looking to Lillith once more.
Taurus: What can we expect to find there? Is it a settlement or ruins?
Marie: It's probably a glacier..
Lillith Hallmark: there are a few encampments on the glacier by icefolk, primitive people who make their homes there. But beyond that, there is little else.
Taurus: We should try to find some information on this Feal-Thas; perhaps he has a home or tower there that might be a good place to start.
Taurus: Some of us can stay here and keep looking whilst you gather the Knights.
Derek Crownguard: I wish not to stay in this place any longer. The sooner we can leave Tarsis, the better. We can travel to Icewall and inquire there. I doubt that their hospitality will be as cold as the weather.
Taurus: As you wish, M'Lord.
Taurus turns to Lillith.
Taurus: It was a pleasure to meet you M'Lady Hallmark, I bid you good luck with your catorgorising.
Lillith Hallmark: Thank you. And best of luck to all of you and where ever your path may lead you.
Taurus bows his head and makes his way for the exit, or at least where he reminds it was.
Derek Crownguard: Quickly then. Lets gather ourselves and make for the Red Dragon.
The group wander back up the winding stairs to the surface and to the rest of Tarsis.
A harsh wave of noise crashes inward as soon as the door is cracked open even slightly. High-pitched screams, the pounding of hooves, the terrified bleating of animals, and a child�s voice crying shrilly all assault the ears.
Outside, a heavy overcast sky presses upon the city, muting the starlite sky to a dark blue. Several pillars of smoke snake skyward, grim indicators of trouble in Tarsis.
Marie: Well... I hope you all will enjoy your trip. Can't say that...
Out of the bedlam, a few voices, shrill with hysteria, can be distinguished. They are screaming things like: �The governor has turned to evil!� �The city is betrayed!� �Dragons are coming!�
Taurus throws one last look over his shoulder at the woman with a smile, just incase he catches a glimpse of her changing back into a dragon. Then with little more pause he steps away, up the stairs and into the alley. Breathing in the cold air he stiffens, looking around as he hears the loud noises.
Derek Crownguard face turns to firm resolve
Derek Crownguard: blast! Quickly to the inn!
Vexin Sixtoes: Plenty of dragons!
Vexin Sixtoes: to kill
Marie puts her hands together and calls out for Gabriel to return.
Taurus rushes off down the alleyway, drawing his longsword and tightening the grip on his shield. Calling to Marie as he goes clank clank clank past.
Taurus: Keep close to us theif, trouble is afoot.
Marie (looking at the Kender): Yeah, you should keep close.
Vexin Sixtoes: Hey!
Vexin Sixtoes: You're the theif, theif!
Marie: I haven't stolen anything from you.
Marie: So I am not a thief.
Marie: You're the a thief.
Running into the street, You see that it is in pure chaos. People are running for their lives as dragon army soldiers chase after them.
Marie: There's something you don't see every day.
Taurus eyes the nearerst Drak, tightening his grip on the sword ready to strike, wanting to strike.
Taurus: What should we do M'Lord Crownguarde?
Derek Crownguard: Stay close! We will make our way to the inn!
Taurus steps in toe, letting Derek take the lead. Guarding the left flank from any possibly assault he keeps a tight formation with the remainder of the group.
As the group charges through the streets, fighting against the crowds that plug the streets in pure panic, the group comes face to face with a band of dragon army soldiers. Derek readies his blade and shouts a battle cry as he charges into their ranks.
Marie
Marie uses the confusion to take off into a nearby alleyway.
Marie and then she draws her crossbow.
The two bazz draconians charge across the snowy streets brandishing their swords that glint in the moonlight.
Gilthanas fires off a shot from his long bow at one of the charging dracs
The arrow soars wide to the right and lodges into the side of the building.
Laurana follows her brother's lead and fires her own bow off at the other draconian.
Two arrows fire off towards the drac, the first grazes his neck while the second sails past and lands in a snowbank
The leader of the patrol brings his great sword to bare and rushes forward.
Aran, with amazing soberness, pulls his own long bow. He knocks arrow after arrow and sends them all toward the charging drac
Only the first shot strikes it's target, but it lands stiffly in his chest. The drac shrieks in pain but continues to move forward
Taurus (Quietly): I got the left flank Derek.
The hobgoblin soldiers lumber forward, looking for easy pickings.
One attacks Marie with his longsword
She blocks the attack with her crossbow just in the nick of time
Marie: Jerk.
Marie: Knock it off.
Vexin Sixtoes
Hobgoblin licks his lips as his eyes crawl over Marie's body.
Marie looks disgusted.
Vexin Sixtoes transforms into a Lion, bones crunching and cracking
Vexin Sixtoes casts Bite of the wereboar on himself
Taurus
Taurus takes stock of the situation, watching Marie barely fend off the hobgoblin. His eyes narrow, he lifts his sword in the air and lets out a cry. Suddenly his height grows to over 12ft tall, longsword nearly the size of a greatsword. He steps in and with a Heroic Surge of speed attempts to lop off the hobgoblins head.
The huge longsword cuts deep into the hobgoblins arm. He shouts in pain and scowls at the oversized knight
Brian Donner steps forward brandishing his own longsword as he attacks the hobgoblin
He cuts his blade criss-crossed against the hobgoblin's chest. Blood trickles from the wounds
Derek strides forward and engages the draconian
The longsword cuts into the draconian's arm. It is obvious that these dragonarmy troops are not your run-of-the-mill foot soldiers that are so easily dispatched
Marie
Marie drops her crossbow, and draws rapier and attacks.
Marie darts the rapier forward with lightning quick speed. It jabs into the hobgoblin's eye with a squish. The hobgoblin screams in pain as he yanks the blade out, prepared to return the favor to the lady
Marie: Now, stop eying me
Marie: I'll take your other one if you keep it up.
The two draconians strike at two of the knights, Brian and Derek.
The longsword cuts Brians wrist, Doing a little damage. Brian fends the claw attack off. Derek fends off both attacks with great skill.
Gilthanas fires off another arrow at the drac attacking Brian
The arrow glances off the armor harmlessly. Gilthanas curses
Lauranas fires off another two arrows at the hobgoblin in front of Brian
The two arrows lodge themselves into the chest of the hobgoblin
The captain moves in to take down the over-grown knight.
The massive sword swings in a wide arc and cuts up into the knights hip, nearly crushing it under the force of the attack
Taurus tries to block the wide swing with his shield but unable to adjust to the changing angle quick enough lets out a short cry of pain as blood sprays across the snow ridden ground.
Aran slings his bow over his shoulder and draws his sword, all the while he closes in on the draconian nearest to him
The longsword cuts into the drac's shoulder.
The hobgoblin's move in to attack, One on Marie, one on Taurus, One on Brian and the last on Derek
The better trained hob takes two skilled slashes at Marie, both grazing her arms. He cackles even as blood drips from his eye socket
The next hobgoblin slices his own sword across Taurus' chest and then back across his thigh, both wounds sting in the cold biting air
Marie cries in pain and swears in draconic.
Derek, heavily armored, manages to stay unharmed by the hobgoblins unrelenting attacks.
Marie (angered): Your other eye is mine!
Brian also manages to block an incoming attack with his sword while dodging the second.
Vexin Sixtoes
Lion (Vexin) casts Master Air, translucent wings sprouting from his massive feline form, and leaps into the air, landing intentionally hard behind the captain, growling and lashing out with his gaping maw
Taurus
The lion bites down on the shoulder of the captain who grimices in pain as the giant maw bites down
Taurus taps his chestplate with his fist, murmering a battle prayer. Suddenly his muscles buldge and his eyes flash a hot holy white. With a heroic surge of movement he brings his longsword around in a sharp arc across the nose of the hobgoblin attacking Marie. (divne power)
Taurus (Deep Booming Voice): The strength of Kiri-Jolith surge through me!
The massive longsword seems to leave a glowing arc of light through the air that trails the massive swing. It slices straight through the waist of the hobgoblin, who falls to the ground in pieces.
Brian swings his longsword up the torso of the draconian as he looks over to Taurus, impressed with his combat poweress.
The longsword cuts another wound across the drac's body.
Derek slashes his sword across his own draconian opponent.
Not to be out done by Taurus, Derek takes two quick strikes, cutting deep into the belly and then slashing the blade up and out at the shoulder. The drac falls to the ground even as it turns to stone
Marie
Taurus nods slowly to Derek as he fells a Drak. His movements almost mechanical, letting the god of war act through his precise but powerful swings.
Marie ducks and somersaults around the hobgoblin and pokes her rapier in the back of the human captain.
Marie Spins up from her summersault and plunges her rapier deep between the shoulder blades of the hobgoblin. He desperately grasps at the wound as Marie pulls it loose, a stream of blood splatters across the snow
The drac attacks Aran with his sword and clawed hand
The sword cuts into Aran's arm who grumbles at the wound
Gilthanas and Laurana launch their arrows at the hobgoblin near the back.
The arrows pierce his armor, turning him slowly into a pin cusion.
The captain swings his great sword at Taurus once more
The serated blade bleeds out the knight some more as it cuts across his belly, dangerously close to Taurus' groin
Aran attacks with his sword
Taurus grits his teeth as the sword slashes through his armor once more, bright white eyes narrowing on the swordsman.
Aran Slices into the drac with two swift strikes. He grumbles some more as his blade gets trapped in the stone of the draconian
One hobgoblin spins to attack Marie while another takes a swipe at the giant lion. The third battles on with Brian
One of the percise attacks on Marie catches her on the shoulder, drawing blood.
The swords almost bounce off the thick hide of Vexin in lion form
Marie (gritting her teeth): Oww..
The final hob slices his weapon into Brians torso who grimices as the blade is knocked free
Vexin Sixtoes
Lion (Vexin) roars deafeningly, his odd, boarlike tusk protrusions dripping with blood.
The lion rips the hobgoblin apart with tooth and claw, leaving bits of flesh scattered across the cobblestone.
The lion rips the captainn apart with tooth and claw, leaving bits of flesh scattered across the cobblestone.
As the captain falls, in chunks, you see that the pieces of his body transform into pieces of a lion, his head now a mirror image to yours, his hands and feet turn to clawed paws.
Taurus
Taurus lets his shield drop to the ground, taking a much more aggressive grip on his longsword. Using all his weight he takes two huge swings at the hobgoblin assaulting Marie (3).
The hobgoblin is nearly torn to ribbons as he staggers to remain standing
Taurus: Cease. Curr.
Taurus booms out, eyes glowing a hot white.
Brian continues to cut away at the hobgobin in front of him
The hobgoblin's wounds flow steady with blood, and he too staggers to remain standing
Derek attempts to finish the hobgoblin attacking Vexin
The blades cut into the hobgoblin who grimices but still has fight left in him
Marie
Marie strikes out at the hobgoblin, wincing in pain as she does.
Marie launches the blade into the hobgoblin's gullet and it is enough to knock the creature to the ground
Both Gilthanas and Laurana try to finish off the hob in the rear with their arrows
The three arrows manage to hit their mark as the two elves take the hob down
Aran tugs on his sword, trying to free it, but to no avail
The final hobgoblin staggers about and tries to strike out at Brian
One of his attacks manages to strike the knight in the leg
Vexin Sixtoes
Lion (Vexin) lunges at the last remaining hobgoblin
The meager swipe of the claw is enough to send the hob into unconsiousness.
Taurus lowers his sword, dripping with blood. He reaches out a huge hand to place on the top of Marie's head. His hot white eyes flash for a breif moment as a likewise glow emits from his fingers; seeping into her body.
Lion (Vexin) yawns and stretches over the dead bodies, his immense weight crushing bones as he shifts
Marie feels the wounds on her arms and shoulder close, scratches are all that remains.
Marie: What was that?
Derek Crownguard: Excellent work, everyone.
Derek Crownguard gives a nod to Taurus and Vexin
Taurus: The grace of Kiri-Jolith.
Marie rubs her arms where her wounds were.
Taurus wipes blood from his blade, inspecting his other companions for serious injury.
Taurus: You too, M'Lord Crownguard.
Marie cleans her blade, and retrieves her bow.
Derek Crownguard: quickly, we must press on to the inn! Marie, If you wish to flee with the other civilians, you may do so. Our cover is no longer needed. But if you wish to stay with us for mutual protection, you are welcome to join.
Lion (Vexin) shifts back quickly into Kender form, before too many strangers notice
Marie glances at the lion that was a kender, and the giant of a man before answering.
The drac that trapped Aran's sword in stone turns to dust. Aran releases a slight noise of joy as he picks the blade up
Marie: I think I'll stay with you.
Taurus rubs at the deep cut to his lower stomach as they speak, speaking words of prayer as he seals over the injury.
Derek Crownguard stomps off through the crowd, pushing away the paniced throngs of civilians
Gilthanas (mutters): We could use Korto and his calming effects right about now...
Taurus shrinks back down to a normal size, a less conspicious size, and steps in behind Derek. His hot white eyes slowly begin to fade away until the light blue ones remain.
Taurus: Aye, he indeed has a calming effect on people.
Vexin Sixtoes bounds along behind Taurus
Vexin Sixtoes: For all that blood, I'm so happy it doesn't stain my stylish clothes when I change back to normal!
Vexin Sixtoes straightens his garishly colored vest
Taurus: Right...
Taurus eyes Vexin's attire.
Vexin Sixtoes: no blood shifts into my topknot either!
Vexin Sixtoes: Bet you wish YOU had one
Taurus looks at his blood covered armor.
The group races off down the street, twisting and turning. Derek tries his best to stear clear from the large contingents of dragonarmy troops that march through the paniced crowds, but it is clear that he does not like the sneaking about tactics he must take.
The panic of the crowd takes on a new edge of hysteria as a grim shadow passes overhead. Gliding low over the city, a blue dragon soars with insolent grace. Dark, possibly blue, armor gleams from the rider on the dragon�s back; as the wyrm banks through a turn, a wave of red hair can be seen trailing from the Dragon Highlord�s helmet.
Ignoring the bedlam that its passage creates, the serpent heaves its leathery wings and climbs to the level of Tarsis� tallest tower. Here it alights, eyeing the city with disdain. The slight figure of the rider is visible next to the monster. The face is hidden by the grotesque mask typical of the conquerors.
Taurus hesitates their retreat as the shadow catches his eye. He slowly looks upwards at the sight of the blue dragon, eyes widening as he slowly shakes his head.
Taurus: I have a sneaking suspicion... blue dragons... are not the friendly variety.
Taurus: We should make haste before it starts spouting fire.
Derek Crownguard: Press on, men! We must reach the inn at all costs!
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh... but it looks so fascinating!
Taurus: M'Lord Crownguard is right, move out.
The mob of people are stired into a panic from the sight of the dragon and you fight to keep yourselves from being knocked over and trampled
The hysterical throngs make travel through the streets of Tarsis difficult, but finally the Inn of the Red Dragon comes into sight. The wide plaza before the inn is nearly empty, in stark contrast to the crowded thoroughfares encountered elsewhere.
Derek Crownguard: The inn! We have made--
Suddenly the reason for this becomes apparent, as a streak of blue flashes across the plaza. With a loud crack, a bolt of lightning flashes from the shape overhead. Boards and stone erupt from the second floor of the inn as the breath of a blue dragon wreaks destruction.
Another crack, and another, follows in quick succession as a flight of blue dragons wheels majestically overhead, raining destruction down on the ancient building. Soon, the Inn of the Red Dragon is reduced to a blazing inferno, flames licking eagerly skyward from the rubble.
Suddenly, the dragons wheel in formation, and struggle to gain altitude. Beyond them, approximately a dozen creatures can be seen flying steadily to the east. In a few minutes, the dragons and their airborne quarry are out of sight.
Marie: Wow...
Vexin Sixtoes gasps
Taurus: ZHAGE!
Vexin Sixtoes: Lightning!
Taurus begins to run forward.
Derek Crownguard grabs Taurus by the shoulder
Marie: Zhage?
Taurus face twists in horror as he watches the destruction of the Inn right beofre his eyes. Caught by Derek he struggles to break free and run forward towards the destruction but is held fast, crying out in rage and horror.
Taurus: Noo!!
Derek Crownguard: they are lost to us! There is nothing we can do for them now. We must get out of the city and to Icewall glacier!
Brian Donner: Don't let their deaths and your's be in vain, Taurus
Taurus (Quietly): No... this is wrong... all wrong.
Taurus shakes his head slowly, settling some as he just stands there in shock as his face is aglow with the flames that dance before him engulfing the building.
You see, rummaging through the blazing ruins of the inn, two dozen huge draconians, obviously making sure that none inside surrvived.
Marie: We better get out of here before we are seen..
Aran Tallbow looks on somberly.
Taurus takes a hesitant step back.
Taurus: You're right... we.. should go.
Derek Crownguard nods to both Marie and Taurus
Derek Crownguard: to the south gate then. It is not far from here.
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm sure they got out Taurus... they're not stupid.
Taurus looks away from the building, eyes closing for a moment to gather himself. When they open there is a hardness in them before looking back to Vexin, nodding once.
Taurus: Lets move.
Taurus begins to move away from the scene, with just one more look back over his shoulder.
You all follow Derek down the streets, as he moves south. You see that the streets are emptying more and more here near the center of the city. Ahead, closer to the gates, this is not the case.
Taurus pushes forward through the thinning crowds, the movement around him a blur as he tries to focus on the task at hand. Keeping track of his companions to ensure none are left behind he pushes forwards towards the gates.
A packed throng surges like a raging torrent along the wide avenue outside the gate. Here and there, individual faces are visible, but in most places the panicked humanity is simply a blur moving west.
Carts and wagons jammed to overflowing toss and wobble amid the crowd. Near the curb, a cart pulled by a scrawny ox lurches along. A bent old man and his gray-haired wife gently urge the poor beast forward. Although his urgency is apparent, he does not lay a lash to the beast.
Suddenly a burly fighter leaps onto the cart, sending the old man sprawling to the pavement. Two other thugs, eyes crazed with fear, grab the old woman and send her after her husband.
Derek Crownguard face turns dark with rage as he sees the scene before him
Marie: We should do something about those thugs..
Vexin Sixtoes: roar!
Vexin Sixtoes: oops.. haven't changed yet...
Aran Tallbow: Lets do it! (aran shouts in a half drunken stupor)
Taurus without a word strides directly towards the cart and its abudctors, his longsword drawing from its sheath with a long metalic scrape. Eyes narrowed. He drops his visor down, covering the rage in his eyes.
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes rapidly shifts into Lion form, and roars as loudly and viciously as he can, making a sweeping charge at the entire crowd in an attempt to make the crowd flee the immediate area
The crowd surges forward, already in a paniced state, but the lion just brings extra bedlam. Many people push forward even more, knocking others down and trampleing them in the process. Even as the clear out of the space, it is almost filled immediately by more panic stricken people.
Laurana takes up her bow and tries to burry one in the back of the thug atop the wagon, he is the only clear shot for ranged attacks in the sea of people
She is jostled by civilians running past and both her shots falter, sailing off into the air. She considers the fact that they might hit an innocent bystandard and puts the bow away and takes her sword out
Derek pushes and elbow his way through the crowd and as he nears to the two thugs on the side, he releases a huge bellow. Civilians duck and clear a small space as he swings his weeapon at the thug.
The sword slices into the thugs shoulder who grins in delight at the sign of a fight.
Taurus
Taurus tests the weight of his longsword, barking out a sharp cry to the enemy. "Brutes!" Once their attention a white light flashes behind his visor, his armor groans as it struggles to restrain his increasing muscle mass.
Marie
Marie closes in, hopping onto the cart with the thug, drawing her rapier.
Aran draws his sword and makes his way up to the cart. He eases up on the cart with far less zeal than Marie.
Marie: You should lay off the drink, Aran..
Aran Tallbow: Haw! You should just lay off, Marie!
Aran Tallbow giggles like a school girl at his lame joke
The thugs spin to face Derek as another stumbles over the crates to attack the knight as well. The thug on the wagon turns and attacks Aran while the rest close in on the action
The thugs brandish nasty looking morningstars, but as they swing, it is clear that they are not very skilled with them. Aran and Derek both dodge and parry the weak attacks
Vexin bites into the thug as he approaches and does not relenquish his hold.
One thug hops the fence and rushes in on the lions side to attack. The last thug runs up and climbs atop the wagon.
The morning star bashes into the lion's torso, leaving a large bruise there on his skin
Out of the thickness of the crowd, a man rushes up behind Taurus with his short sword drawn and makes an attack. Lauruna shouts a warning at the last second, but it is too late, the man is upon him
The short sword is plunged into the knights shoulder as the man grunts with the forcefull attack
Again, like a snake from the weeds, another man seems to materialize from the crowd as he tries to plunge his own short sword into the lion's hind leg.
The sword scrapes down the meaty part of Vexin's hind leg, blood pours out from the attack
Brian, seeing the scoundrel attacking Taurus from behind, strides over and attacks the thug.
One of the attacks barely stirkes the nimble man.
Gilthanas is suprised to see the seemingly innocent civilian from the crowd attack Taurus and in shock begins his own assult.
The thief shouts in pain as the elf's blade cuts sharpely against his forearm
Vexin Sixtoes
Lion (Vexin) roars in pain, and the roar seems to oscillate a pattern as his hide hardens, muscles bulge, and tusks sprout from his jaws. (boar buff and heroic surge)
Lion (Vexin) lashes out at the would-be assassin
The assassin is impaled by the giant fangs of the lion and the claws cuts his face to shreds. He collapses to the ground
Derek wheels his sword around and bares it down on the thug
The two attacks cut into his arm and leg
Taurus
Taurus turns his head just as the shout goes out but not fast enough to react. Letting out a cry as the shortsword slides between his plates of armor. He whirls on his assaulant, baring hot white eyes from behind his visor on him before making two retaliatory attacks.
The thief's head flips around in the air, sending a trail of blood along the ground. It bounces off the chest of a woman who screams in terror before running down the alley.
Marie
Marie lashes out with her rapier at the closest thug.
The rapier pierces the thug in the belly. He gunts in pain as the rapier becomes slick with crimson blood
Aran cuts his blade across the thug's chest
The two attacks cut into the thugs chest as he doubles over from the barrage of attacks from the two opponents
The thugs make their attacks, two against Vexin, one against Aran, one against Marie, and two against Derek
With pitifull attempts, all the thugs lamely attack, none even come remotely close to hitting their targets.
Brian strides along the boardwalk and attacks the thug directly in front of him
The longsword slashes into the thugs thigh. He bends over to grip it only to be on guard as Gilthanas comes into attack
The thug gets a matching wound on his other leg.
Vexin Sixtoes
the Thug sprawls to the ground, blood flowing like a fountain from the huge gash in his neck
Lion (Vexin) laps up the blood and peers at the next thug
Derek continues his attempt to down the thug in front of him.
His sword knocks the mace to the side and is thrust into the belly of the thug. He slides off the end of the weapon in a lifeless heap
Taurus
Taurus steps up in between Marie and Brian, striking out at the thug to his right (6)
Taurus gauges the situation as best he can, a spray of blood thrown from his longsword as it shimmers lightly. Light puffs of breath exiting his helm into the cold air.
The thug is slashed across the cheek, the wound gushes and he can't help but leave his jaw gaping open. He staggers about but does not fall
Marie
Marie once again lunges at Thug 1.
The rapier jabs into his arm. The thug cries out in pain
Aran moves in for the kill
The longsword crushes into the thugs wrist, cutting the hand clean off. The thug topples from the wagon and crashes into the cobblestone street of Tarsis
The thug squaring off with Vexin drops his morning star and begins to frantically push his way through the thinning crowd.
The thug tries to run away and disappear in the crowd but the lion scoops him up in his maw and holds him firm
The thug who's face is nearly sliced off drops his morning star and stumbles back over the crates. He raises his hands and pleads not to be killed.
The final thug watches his friend topple from the wagon and tries to slam himself into Marie in an attempt to knock them both from the wagon.
the thug levels his shoulder into Maries bosom and plows into her. Both go sailing off the back of the wagon and crash on top of the frozen cobblestone street.
Marie bangs the back of her head on the stone
The thug seems to smash his face into the stones as well, his nose begins to bleed profusely
Marie momentarily blacks out from the hit to the head.
Vexin Sixtoes
Lion (Vexin) tosses the thug in his mouth into the one on top of MArie
Derek Crownguard Sheeths his sword.
Derek Crownguard: Get out of here you scum! Let that be a lession to you! If we ever see you again, we won't be so generous!!!
Marie slowly gets up, shaking her head in order to clear it.
Taurus steps around the cart, offering his hand to Marie to help her up.
Marie (holding the back of her head): Thanks, but I can manage.
Taurus nods and moves to find the Elderly couple, to help them back into the cart.
Marie stumbles a little and leans against the cart.
Taurus: We should escort these two out of the city to safety.
elderly man: Thank you for you assistance. We are forever grateful. I think my wiffe and I can manage. It's not much, but...
elderly man reaches in and grabs a small money purse
Taurus raises his hand.
Taurus: No, keep it. You'll need it.
Taurus: We are Knights of Solamnia, we require no reward.
elderly man: Bless your hearts, then! You are brave, and noble, no matter what people say of your orginization
elderly man gives a warm expression of thanks in his gentel eyes. He helps his wife up on the wagon and gingerly coaxes the wagon away.
Taurus manages a smile before he turns to the others.
Marie almost falls over as the cart leaves, but manages to stay upright.
Aran Tallbow: Lets get out of this blasted city!
Lion (Vexin): I'm not a knight! I could use a reward!
Taurus: Is their gratitude not reward enough?
Vexin Sixtoes looking at Taurus
Vexin Sixtoes: Uh... yes it is
Derek Crownguard: Come. There is the gate. We can slip out with the rest of the citizens
Taurus wipes blood from his sword before pulling his torn cloak around him once more, making his way through the citizens towards the gates.
Taurus: Though they brought this on themselves I feel pity for these people.
Marie shakes her head a few more times, then moves out with the rest of the group. She mutters something about a bad headache.
Derek Crownguard: They were tricked and fooled by the dragonarmies. They do not deserve this. They were isolated from the rest of the world. A once great city turned to ruin from the Cataclysim.
Derek Crownguard looks one more time over the city as he leaves in one of pity and sadness.
Taurus looks over towards Marie, moving to walk beside her; inspecting her wounds as she complains of a headache. Lowering his voice as they move through the citizens.
Taurus (Quietly): Do you require medical assistance?
You push your way through the gate with droves of other Tarsians. The dragonarmies soldiers can be seen marching toward the city to the North while screams from those inside indicate that the soldiers already in Tarsis are making quick work of the people left inside. Dragons wheel high above, surveying the carnage
Marie (quietly): I'll be fine. That thug made me hit my head pretty good, and felt me up a bit, but again, I'll be fine.
Taurus nods slightly, giving her one more cursery glance before turning his attention north. Shaking his head slowly as he sees the soldiers in the distance.
Taurus: So we're headed south?
Derek Crownguard: Yes. the road south heads to a town named Zeriak. It is the last civilized settlement before we reach the glacier.
Taurus: Have you got any thing left to help us travel Zh--
Taurus goes quiet, frowning.
Laurana looks down, allowing her long honey coloured hair to hang in her face. a childhood habit that she used to hide her emotions which she never broke
Taurus: I suppose we'll walk.
Gilthanas (quietly): it's okay, Lauruana...
Marie: Who is this Zhage that you keep talking about?
Taurus: Lets move out.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts ahead, using distance to hide the tear rolling down his cheek
Taurus doesn't answer Marie, stepping forward as he begins to make his way in the direction he believes is south (which is actually east).
The cold darkness of the icy plains reminds you of your swift travel to Tarsis from Thorbardin. The temperature plunges and the wind bites through even the thickest furs.
Taurus shivers a bit.
Taurus: Does everyone have winter furs?
Taurus: Vexin, come here.
Marie nods, with a little pain hitting her face.
Aran Tallbow: I don't have the warmest of clothes... but I still have you!
Marie: I got the best you knitters made back in Tarsis.
Vexin Sixtoes wipes his face, then goes to Taurus
Taurus kneels down and places his hand on his friends shoulder, bowing his head as he says a quiet prayer to the gods that they might warm his companion.
Taurus Endure Elements
Aran Tallbow pulls out his flask and undoes the top. He goes to pound back a swig but nothing comes out. He turns it upside down and then shivers as he realizes it is empty
Taurus shoots a look in the direction of Aran, standing and approaching him. Doing the same. (Endure Elements)
Taurus: Perhaps faith will warm you, when liquor cannot.
Aran Tallbow (grumbles): I doubt it...