Re: Chapter One

[Kellar]

Kellar, still holding the pseudodragon, what complication? I agree with Kilik, if that matters. Do you believe your old clansmen would be willing to help us?

Kellar furrows his brow a bit. I don't have the whole story, maybe this is a blessing, or a trap... He continues to chitter in draconic and offers parts of a ration to the pseudodragon while listening to the others offer their input. Nature Roll= 16, what did Kellar learn?

__________________

OOC- I'll still stick with the Stealth-14 roll if that's okay? Kellar is interested in what the plan is while attempting to gain information from the pseudodragon.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 16

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl remains in the reeds as he overhears the conversation between Anna, Shuul, and the others. The pressure in his wrist and hand is beginning to build, his fingertips bruising and blood pooling beneath his nails. He grits his teeth and bears it, not wishing to drop his guard and allow the orc and his kobolds to ambush the party unawares. Shorjahl didn't trust them, and even if he meant well and knew Anna, he was allowing one of his men to engage in torture of a helpless, sentient creature. Not an honorable individual, by any definition.

Shorjahl stalked slowly forward, getting to an ideal vantage point so as to see as many of the potential combatants as possible. He sees that the pseudodragon is now within Kellar's care, the thought of Kellar's distaste for dragons made him worry that it would end only in the creature's death, but it seemed as though Kellar was treating it with kindness. He'd have to trust his new companion, for now.

If what Anna said was true, and this orc whom she knew could retrieve the horn without further bloodshed, Shorjahl would be relieved. However, he didn't think the lost artifact of a great orc warchief would be so easily garnered, simply because a low ranking warrior knew the former chief's daughter. The whole situation bothered him, and he kept his wits about him, not showing himself or coming closer into the light.

He clenched his fist laboriously, holding the power there for a moment longer. He looked into Shuul's eyes, some hundred feet away, tried to assess his stance and posture, what discernible features of empathy he could have on his brutish face. Shorjahl analyzed the scene, assessing where the kobolds were, how the party was arranged, and the likelihood of combat.

--------------------

Rolling for Insight on Shuul: 16 = 13 + 3
Rolling Investigation on the scene: 25 = 20 (nat) + 5

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 13

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 20

[AnnaMaul]

[Anna, just to be clear there's no word of shuul or clan maul being in possession of the unicorn horn. The horn is, if the legend is to be believed, buried in the crypt of an old orc warchief. It's location is unknown. Shuul is asking you to return to pay respects to your father's grave]

[Right. But on the off-chance that it IS around here, I figure its most likely that they either have it or can obtain it. And, at the very least, would also be able to pay Anna's respects to Thar.]

-----

Anna hesitates for a moment, not sure how to approach this subject.

The complication is that my father is no longer alive, and that the man who replaced him was supposed to become my husband. I left before that could happen, but not because of him. I left because I needed time to discover things about myself, and that wouldn't be able to happen if I had stuck around. But that doesn't mean he wont take me leaving personally. Its a situation we have to handle fairly delicately. This is assuming of course they even have the horn. If they don't we may be placing ourselves in a dangerous position for no real benefit.

She takes a breath.

I will leave the decision to Shorjahl. If he feels it is worth the risk, I am more than willing to take it. At the very least a chance to see my father's grave would be appreciated. We had an argument when I left and I want to let him know that I stopped being mad about what happened a long time ago.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer keeps his position behind the tree with a nocked arrow at the ready in his bow as he listens to the exchange in a language he does not understand.  He is curious how this may turn out as he can clearly make out Anna and Osvald's voices join the conversation.  Hale speaks Orc?  Or was that Draconic?  

(Shuul)"Anna, hear me. Your father has passed...  

When Custer hears the unfamilar voice speak common, he lets his arrow fall from his bow as he turns and peers around the tree. ...Grol will wish to see you, and you must visit the grave of your father,"  Custer's jaw drops open for the second time in ten minutes.  Orcs can speak?  Anna's father is dead?  He was both confused and taken aback.

Custer remains in position behind the tree as he listens and tries to digest the details while watching everybody's movements.  (Anna)Killik please... I've just learned my father died. You can argue phrasing later if you'd like but for now a moment would be appreciated.  Custer thought, Heh, she must not know many Dwarfs. He hears Agata, "Poor girl.  Help her, Cuss."  What in the hells am I suppose to do?  I shot her friend.

Custer moves from the tree as Anna beckons the party to gather around her, but glances from her, to the Orc, and back to her as he struggles to both pay attention to the words and make sure the Orc wasn't charging him to make up for the deep wound on his arm, still clearly marked by blood and what's left of the broken shaft.  Custer made sure to remain on the balls of his sore feet, ready to run at any indication that he was in danger.

(Anna)"I stopped being mad about what happened a long time ago."

Custer Speaks and turns to face Anna, still darting his eyes towards the Orc, "Aye, but this Grol fellow may not have.  I know little of Orc culture, Anna, but I know that if you walked out on our wedding, I would still be bitter.  What is to stop him from taking you as a prize if we are to simply walk into his camp after all these years?  If he were a human lord, he would need to make quite a show of your return to his court, and they claim to be more 'civilized' than the rest of us."

Custer nods at Osvald and Kellar, "No disrespect intended."  Custer then leans back and turns his head to see where Shorjahl stands, and leans back to the group, lowering his voice a little more.

"I know you have respect for Shorjahl, as do I, but this is your former clan, Anna.  When have you known humans, dwarves, or even halfings like myself to parley peacefully with Orcs?  Only you know the path forward that doesn't involve more of that.  Custer points at a smoldering Kobold corpse,  "Shorjahl will likely only see them to be slaughtered, as humans always do.  If I may offer a Halfling's perspective, mayhaps you can arrange with Shuul over there to take you to the grave of your father without Grol ever even having to know we are nearby?  If he isn't from these mountains, I find it unlikely that he knows where Ausen Hale rest.  At best, he knows somebody from the mountains that would, and if he knows them, likely Shuul does as well."  Custer shrugs, and looks at the Orc again.  

Custer speaks to Kellar without looking away from the Orc, "What in the hells is that thing in your hands?"

---------

[OOC: Custer wants to help Anna get to the grave of her father, but does not want to meet Grol if it is likely it will not further their quest or take too long to find out.  Custer would prefer to learn more from Shuul about why the clan is here and either what it knows of Ausen Hale or who it knows in the Teeth that might.  He plans to make this apparent in conversation before the party leaves.]

[Ao]

Shuul interjects as the halfling is speaking. The orc looks extremely irritated at the halfling, and restraining his anger seems more than he can bare. Likely, the arrow that met his arm is an added source of consternation.

"Say what you will, halfling. Anna's father commanded great respect, and we make camp above the caves that is his tomb. Your kind might bury your honored in a shallow yard for graverobbers to pillage. But we stand honor guard over his final resting place."

================

I thought it was pertinent to note that the grave is located in grol's camp.

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald accepts Kellars extended blue hand; "Thank you, friend. I was happy to see you coming to join me in our little tussle, I was worried I'd have to hoard all the glory for myself."

As Kellar moves towards the near-dead pseudo-dragon, Osvald calls out, "Hey! That thing dead yet? Careful, the tail barbs are poisonous on those little bastards..." And under his breath, "...They do have an excellent eye for footwear though."

Turning, he sits down heavily on the log bench, sighing at what he overhears in conversation between Anna and Shuul.
'Not a good few days for family news' he laments, his thoughts drifting for a moment to his own father...

Rising with a weary grunt from the long day of travel through the bog, he moves to inspect the contents of the pot still over the fire, winking at a kobold that recoils nervously at his approach. "Ah, you should learn to relax little fella."
He sighs and returns to the log bench, apparently dissatisfied with the contents of the pot and now very aware of his own growing hunger. Picking a scrap of muddy leaf from his cloak, waiting for a lull in Anna and the orcs conversation, he leans back and address Shuul:

"Orc! what know you of Clan Blackbriar? Long dead now, time was once they swarmed over the mountains in the hundreds. Surely you have heard of them... I know of some old orcish burial grounds beyond the high pass, but men of the Small Teeth that travel that far past the eastern crags had a habit of dying on Orc swords." He spits into the flame. "We need to find the tomb of a specific Cheiftan: Urukath. I know the mountains, but need knowledge of the marker for the burial tomb. ...Honestly, I had planned that we would just cut it out of one of your distant cousins--but you seem reasonable enough, so, I figure I may as well just ask?"

[Kellar]

Kellar responds to Osvald while walking toward the creature on the ground, Yes it's still alive, bruised, battered and somewhat hungry and thirsty. He then leans toward Cuss (assuming I made the nature check okay?), this is a pseudo-dragon, they're sometimes poisonous, they're intelligent as well. It was chittering on about something or other, been somewhat unresponsive to my questions so far.  

If this little creature befriends it me, it will help in scouting for signs of danger, very useful.

I only hunt their larger brethren, these little ones remind me of house cats, they have a personality just like them. If I have enough time, I can teach it tricks as well.

Kellar then turns to Anna, I understand what you're saying, but wounds may not heal as fast as you'd expect. Let's hope time has cooled this Grol's head and we won't have to fight our way out there.

Kellar sees the pseudodragon crawl out of his hands and perches on his shoulder. He then brings a piece of food up to by that shoulder and the pseudodragon snaps it up, hungrily (1 ration consumed, 9 remain).

[Custer Thickett]

(Shuul)"we stand honor guard over his final resting place."

Custer rest an open hand on Anna's knee and kneels slightly, ready to use her weight to push off in a full run should Shuul charge him. "Eh, sorry their fellow. As I said, I know little of your culture. I meant no disrespect to you. Your kind strike fear in the hearts of my kind, as well it should considering how events usually transpire when we meet." Custer eyes the arrow wound on Shuuls arm, and points with his free hand. "That's why I shot you first, ya know. There may only be one of you, but I was a figuring you'd take two or three of us should we not catch you unawares." Anna feels Custer brace against her, ready to push off her and sprint for Shorjhal.

Custer moves his pointed arm back and waves in Shorjahl's direction in a motion indicating he would like it if the human came over to join them, hoping he were clever enough to know the meaning. Custer speaks to Anna, "As uncomfortable as all this sounds, if it were my father and walled Halfing town, I'd want you to take me to him. I will accompany you if that one promises not to eat me. I'd much prefer to rest in a 'shallow yard.' Custer tries to fake a smile.

(Kellar)"I can teach it tricks as well."

Oiy, and here I was wondering what it taste like. I better not say that though. If Shorjahl hears it, I'll look like that poor fellow laying over there. He hears Agata, "Awww, it is really cute. It will make a great pet." Custer thinks, Mayhaps if we cut that tail off.

As Osvald speaks to Shuul, Custer pays close attention.

----

[ooc: Custer would like to hear more from Osvald, Shuul, and Anna.]

[Ao]

[Shorjahl, Insight Results:]

Looking and listening to Shuul, Shorjahl can sense a sort of anxiety about him. It could be the furor of combat subsiding, but his zealous insistence that the party accompany him back to the campsite strikes him as sly. He doesn't appear to be lying about anything. Instead, he seems too eager.

[Shorjahl, Investigation Results:]

Looking around the campsite, Shorjahl sees gear strewn about the place. Some are basic camp supplies, like hatchets for chopping wood, and bedrolls and rations. But there are also a significant amount of digging supplies littering the place. Shovels and machetes. Not typical for a raiding or scouting party.

The Kobolds do not appear to be in attack formation. They seem completely obedient to Shuul. One of them does seem perturbed by Kellar's rescue of the pseudodragon, but it does not step forward to quarrel.

=======
Hey guys, not my post for the evening. Just providing Shorjahl with some information that he requested. Will post tonight.
-Ao

[Shorjahl]

Sensing no immediate threat, and the "subtle" insistence by his comrades, Shorjahl absorbs the coiled arcane energy back into himself. It felt as if a hot coal was absorbed into his body, running up his arm, the back of his neck, and settling squarely at the base of his skull. It pounded for a moment, but he shook it off. He'd never done that before, and it was excruciatingly uncomfortable. The painful moment passed, and he refocused his attention on the group.

The arcanist stood to his full six foot two inch height, pushing through the reeds as he walked confidently toward the raised campsite. Every few yards, he touched another item and concentrated a small amount of energy into it, making it glow phosphorescently in a cool white light. With each object alit, there was a gentle and hanging ring in the air, much less audible than when he was focusing his energy lethally, but similar in tone and timbre.

He cast Light several more times upon himself, pushing the mud and filth off of his robes and trousers as he mounted the dais of land, staring into the cold and mischievous eyes of Shuul. His demeanor darkens, his dark blue eyes lingering on each of the kobolds with no small measure of contempt. He leans in closely with Anna and the rest of his companions. "My condolences on your father, Anna," he looks at her, his expression softening only for a moment.

"But, I don't trust them. They seem too quick to invite us deeper into their territory. If there is any doubt in your mind, I implore you to consider carefully about the value of meeting up with your fiancee and his kin. We are far from your homelands, and clearly the situation has shifted. We very well may be walking to our deaths."

His robes glowing, his bracer emanating light brightly and illuminating the entirety of the camp before them, casting the silhouettes of his companions into dark shadows. Shorjahl steps forward toward Shuul, allowing the energy to crackle around him and the chime to hang thickly in the bog's air. "What is your purpose on this camp, Shuul? And why are your fellows so equipped?" One of the small digging implements floats effortlessly in front of Shorjahl, the ringing chime increasing in intensity.

------

Cast Light several times while walking the 100+ feet, cast Prestidigitation on myself to clean, and cast Mage Hand to lift the shovel/pick/whatever to me once to the campsite.

To be clear, I'm not seeming threatening, just trying to give off a vibe of power. Shorjahl wants to leave this place, and thinks the orc and kobold will back off when making such an entrance.

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald lets out a long, low whistle at Shorjahl's entrance. Glancing back at the illuminated objects, he chuckles briefly before turning back towards the fire. His gaze meets the three Kobolds huddled nervously together across the flame. The otherworldly combination of flickering light has lent a particularly wild look to his still filthy face. He smiles broadly, predatory, at the kobolds. Singling out the most nervous one under his gaze, he winks again.

'Good light show Shorjahl,' He thinks, cluing into the wizards intentions 'hopefully I can scare the fight out of these little bastards in case we go back to solving things the old fashioned way with their boss.'

A veteran of more than a few dozen bar brawls, and more than a few dozen tense meetings upon the wild trails of the north, Osvald senses the conversation will very shortly take a turn one way or the other... his hand moves, casually, subtly, to rest: ready, on the hilt of his dagger.

[Ao]

Shuul looks at Osvald blankly, as he mentions the Blackbriar clan.

"I know nothing of such a clan. There are many clans in the small teeth. I do not know that name."

The pseudodragon trembles in Kellar's hands, and he can see that it is badly injured. Both of its wings are severly broken, fractured in many places. They hang limply at its sides. It looks at the ration, nibbling cautiously.

In draconian, it murmurs "Thank you. Orbaugh, thanks you." And it falls into a fitful, pained sleep.

The Kobolds back away from Shuul, the enraged orc cowering slightly in Shorjahl's aura. He sneers, backing away.

"Is this the company you keep, Anna? Humans and halflings that would tell you where to go, and what to do? Your father would be ashamed."

He composes himself slightly, still shying away from the radiating wizard. The sun has dipped just below the small teeth to the west, now, and darkness is rapidly falling upon the campsite.

Shuul stares at the floating shovel, looking levelly at Shorjahl.

"Our mission is none of your business."

He turns to the kobolds, still oblivious to Kellar knowing Draconic,

-------[Kellar, draconic, hearing Shuul]: "Pack now, you maggots. Take all the tools. We will march to the campsite. Grol must hear news of Anna and her men in the Brownlands."

Shuul turns around one more time, eyeing Anna as the campfire licks shadows in his eyes.

"Dont disrespect the memory of your father so, Anna. This is foolhardy. Are you a halfling? Or an orc, of clan Maul. Come, see Grol once again. I am certain your sins would be forgiven. You will be one of us, once more."

==================

Ok guys. It does not look like Shuul or the kobolds plan on attacking you unaware. The kobolds have busied themselves with packing the camp.

Let me know what you plan on doing. Going with shuul, or otherwise.

Also, if not going to shuuls camp, please specify what your plan is for the remainder of the evening. How far you wish to go in the dark and where.

Remember. I consider all posts, but the concrete actions of the last post are mostly followed from an advancing the story standpoint. So make sure youre all on the same page

Exp: +20 to all

[AnnaMaul]

I believe... I believe that the respect my father earned in the tribe would be enough to prevent anyone from attacking me or anyone with me. Whether its because they actually respect me or because they're afraid of what the people that do will do to them is another matter. But if the end result is the same, who cares? My only concern is that we have little time as it is to find the horn that I don't know if we can spare the time on this. And who knows? Just because Shuul doesn't know what we need does't mean Grol doesn't. He knows more than most people think. And even if he's still pissed with me, even he can be killed by a blade in the back at night. He is unlikely to do something too brazen in front of everyone.

Even though Anna speaks confidently, in her own mind it sounds a bit too much like she's trying to convince herself as much as the party. Shuul's challenge to her pride aside, she feels a great deal of pain at not knowing of Thar's passing until now. Until now he had always been a constant in her mind. She had never even considered his death a possibility, and unfortunately now it was a reality. They may not have shared blood, but he would always be her father.

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl drops his arcane hold on the shovel, allowing it to sink blade first into the mud a few inches, wobbling back and forth as it lands. He turns back to Anna, his look no less severe. "We might be able to fight our way out of a few dozen, but not hundreds. Even if we are welcomed with open arms, do you think that Grol would so easily give up this artifact?"

Shorjahl's gaze shifts back to Shuul and the kobolds, preparing to leave. "Why are they out here, at this old shrine? With digging equipment? The entire scenario doesn't sit well with me. I'd rather we be on our way and complete our business with Cherous. There's just, too many variables." He runs his fingers through his dark hair in frustration. "After, I'll come back here with you, and pay respects to your father," Shorjahl looks squarely at Anna, assessing her emotion and thought.

In the back of Shorjahl's mind, every second they waste in this bog, as it is growing dark, the more likely they'll be beset by some creature, or reinforcements from Shuul's clan. He's concerned for the health of the pseudodragon, but doesn't want to sacrifice his attention on it while in such a tense moment. He leans closer to Anna, conspiratorily "Perhaps with all of us, we can convince Shuul, peacefully or otherwise, to tell us all that he knows."

---------------------

Rolling just for background to help Shorjahl wrap his mind around things. I'll roll a general Intelligence check just to think about everything logically, and an Arcana to think about what I know of pseudodragons and how they can be healed.

Intelligence: 14 + 3 = 17
Arcana: 12 + 5 = 17

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 14

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 12

[Forgeless Kilik]

Kilik nodded at Shorjal's words. Well-said. Let's be about our business first, and then go blundering into orc traps when we need a bit o' relaxation. He smiled grimly at Shuul as he settled his warhammer back on his shoulder.

He turned to the others. If (an eyebrow raised meaningfully) we're lettin' 'em leave, we should push on a ways before making camp, and set a double-watch. I'm in a foul enough mood as it is, and orc steel in me sleepin' back aren't going to improve matters.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer listens to Shorjahl, and uses his distraction to move from Anna's side, to behind Kilik.  Custer thinks, It seems either ways is going to be bad. Heh, do I pick bad or worse? He hears Agata, "I told you to help her, Cuss. Listen to me." Custer sighs.

Custer listens closely to Anna and her response, as he wishes to support her decision.  After Kilik speaks, Custer leans to the dwarf's ear so as to speak low enough Shuul shouldn't be able to hear him, and whispers, "If we let him leave, we could follow him.  I'd sleep better if we got eyes on the camp without being seen, and if we were able to get around on the other side of it so they are looking for us in the wrong place.  My sore feet hope you thinks that's a bad idea."

From behind Kilik, Custer addresses the group. He attempts to persuade them to follow Anna's lead,  "For a long while I have been following what I have thought was best for myself and those I care about.  And for all that I never wanted to see half the things I’ve seen, and I’ve never seen half the things I wanted to. I don’t think wanting comes into it.  When we all came together, I have followed what seems to be a series of events leading us all down a path of sorts.  I'm not one to say it is the gods, or that it is not the gods.  All the same I think we should meet Anna's people as they just happen to be on the way."

[OOC:  Rolling persuasion but I'm not too sure how that works with PCs.]

18+6= 24

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 18

[Kellar]

-------[Kellar, draconic, hearing Shuul]: "Pack now, you maggots. Take all the tools. We will march to the campsite. Grol must hear news of Anna and her men in the Brownlands."

Kellar listens to Grol ordering the kobolds around, and turns to the group and whispers, they'll know that we're here anyway. Grol will open his mouth and let them know who she has for companions. They'll be ready for us. I agree with the little one, we should follow Anna into this and maybe discussion will outweigh combat. Little one, you have an idea that may work, I'm all for moving camp and hiding in a place they would not be looking. Reconnaissance would certainly help us determine how strong their numbers are before we enter their camp and Anna parlays with them.

Not damn likely, but I'd rather face what's coming, rather than hiding behind others, or not see it.

Kellar notices the pseudo-dragon is still badly wounded. He turns to the master dwarf, Master Kilik, perhaps you could assist me in healing this creature? Although I've fed and provided water, that is the limit of the aid I'm able to provide.

Kellar removes the pseudo-dragon from his shoulder and holds it toward Kilik with both hands . Kellar continues, If we do move camp and you'd prefer a double watch, I don't mind volunteering for that.

[Ao]

[Quick DM point of matter, so that you're all aware of our timeline before you make your final decisions. It is now approximately 8pm. You have roughly 46 hours before the Esrelembar happens, and Maleil dies according to the legend.]

[Ao]

--------[Shorjahl, Intelligence check results]: Surveying the camp, Shorjahl can see that the Kobolds are very expediently packing it away. Some of the dragonkin eye the soup-pot boiling over the fire hungrily, but they shy away from Shuul, who gives them all very stern looks.

The Orc stares intensely at Anna, and Shorjahl knows that the Orc and the remaining Kobolds are clearly physically outmatched.

The sun has nearly completely set, and finding a campsite in the Brown Lands, in the dark, is going to be no easy task. Their options have run out... either they follow Shuul, or pray that Osvald has success at leading them through the peat bog in the dark, to dry ground and safety. Unless they plan on camping here, near the shrine.

--------[Shorjahl, Arcana check results]: Shorjahl has seen many wizards with Pseudodragons as familiars. They are highly prized in the magical community, given their telepathic abilities, and the rare poison that they have coursing through their tails. This one is in rough shape, however, and its ability to fly will likely be severely hindered.

======================

[OK guys. I love the strategizing going on here, and the in-character way of dealing with it is really fun and satisfying to read.

That being said, if I don't have an actual decision made about what we're doing, it's very hard for me to advance the story. I want to keep the action going, but I really need a final decision to be made by the last poster of the day, at least. Make sure you guys state your intentions clearly, and if your thoughts are not lining up, please try and come to a decision in another thread, in-character, or in chat before the day is out.

Otherwise, we might very well be hanging out with Shuul for the whole week!

Keep up the great RP guys,

EXP: +20 to Shorjahl, Custer, Kellar, Anna, and Kilik

[Forgeless Kilik]

Kilik moved toward Kellar, keeping one eye on the orc. A warm light filled his palm as he reached the back of his hand toward the pseudodragon as one might to a stray dog, Here now, wee 'un, let Kilik see what he can do about this... he raised his voice meaningfully for the others, This ain't be the first time I've mended orc and kobold wounds along a lonely stretch of road.

[Cure Wounds: regains 10 hp]

As the healing energy flowed into the little thing, he asked it Do yer have a name then?

Turning back to the group, he sets his feet and says I would have us away from this place; if Osvald can find a path and gain us some distance, I rather take our chances in a bog a night than trusting to the "honor" he spits on the ground of orcs.

He turns to Anna and, in a quieter voice adds I know yer count them among yer kin, but what good there is in you did not flow from orcish blood. Yer path has led away from them thus far; follow it still, and you shall find your steps grow lighter by the mile.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D8' : 6

[AnnaMaul]

Anna holds back a snarl at Killik's insult to the Orcs.

You believe what you want.  But those...  Orcs not only kept me alive, they taught me strength.  Our honor may not be the same as your own, but what honor we have is important to us.  I will visit the grave of my father.  Even if I have to wait until our current business is done.  As I said before, currently Shorjahl has shown to be the best warrior among us, and until that changes I follow his lead.

She turns and watches Shuul staring back at her.  Kellar is right, Shuul will tell Grol about her being here.  There aren't too many options for the party to find a place to stay for the night.

A thought.  Kellar makes a strong point, Shuul will be required to inform the warchief of us being here, for the safety of the camp.  Our options are limited currently.  If we stay here, Grol knows where to find us and we'd be tired and likely outmatched.  If Osvald finds a place to stay elsewhere, we'd have some advantage but could still likely be found.  If we were to go to the camps though, we'd be surrounded by people who know me for who I am.  It may just be more safe in the camps than anywhere out here.  Like I said, just a thought.  I am fine with whatever Shorjahl decides.

That said she turns on her heel and begins inspecting the shrine.  They were clearly looking for something here, she just doesn't know.  Yet.

-----

[Perception Check to see if there is anything she can uncover about the shrine in general]

[Roll +2 +3 = 7]

[DiceMaster]

The member 'AnnaMaul' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 2

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl sighs, acquiescing to Anna. "Cuss and Anna are right, none of our options are particularly favorable right now. We should head with Shuul and his band back to the orc encampment. Hopefully the respect they held for your father will carry with us Anna. Some force is at work here, pushing us toward this destination, it cannot simply be coincidence."

He looks to Killik then, "Perhaps you should speak with your God, ask for counsel. I'm no friend of orcs or torturers, but this is too fortunate of a crossing path for me to ignore. Osvald," he turns to the ranger, "You will need to set aside your disdain for Anna's kin, at least while we were in their territory. Any false words may get us killed."

As Killik and Kellar tend to the pseudragon, Shorjahl nods appreciatively but does not approach, not wishing to startle or surround the creature that has been through enough pain already. "We should make haste, we have less than two days to retrieve what we seek. Take a moment to collect your things, drink water, rest, and then we will leave with Shuul."

Shorjahl briefly investigates the shrine with Anna, trying to put together why the orc and kobolds would want to dig something up here. He's tempted to reach out with his arcane power and sense any magical energies, but he may need all of the power he can bring to bear if the orc camp turns into a trap.

------------------

Investigation Roll: 18 = 13 + 5
Arcana Roll: 23 = 18 + 5

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 13

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 18

[Kellar]

Kellar,still holding the pseudo-dragon, wraps up its wings and places it back on his shoulder. Thank you master dwarf, it seems to be feeling better, as he nodded to Kilik.

He looks to the pseudo-dragon on his shoulder, What's your name? Mine is Kellar, the Quick. In Draconic

Kellar then continues to go over his pack and his weapons before setting out with the group.

Shorjahl, I'm ready, >ahem< we're ready, pointing to the pseudo-dragon perched on his shoulder.

Stealth Roll=2; Perception Roll=2

----------------------------------------
OOC- Kellar is prepared to travel, but his tiredness reflects how loud he is when he's traveling with the group (if Stealth roll was needed). The darkness, at least to Kellar is somewhat dense, and he's finding it hard to identify where the group is traveling to via landmarks.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 2

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 2

[Custer Thickett]

Custer nods at Shorjahl and the others, thinking, I hope your happy.  I'd feel better about all this if I had green skin and pointed teeth, ya know?  Agata says to him, "You'll be fine."

Custer returns to the javelin impaled tree to fetch his bow.  He unstrings and stows it, then sets about looking for his pack.  Where did I set that down?  He finds it near where the party first got sight of the Orc.  Oh good, I had hoped I wouldn't need to convince these folks to wait for me while I trek back to the knoll.  I'd get lost in the dark again most like.

Custer takes some time getting the pack over his shoulders and the weight balanced on his back.  He thinks about his sore feet.  Halflings shouldn't wear boots.  He'd like nothing more than to take them off to let his toes rest, but he knew he'd probably not get them back on.  

Custer makes his way to Osvald,  "Hale, I don't know if scouting will do much good considering the company and destination, but if you plan to take point, i'll walk ahead with ya.  Me eyes aren't all that good in the dark, but most days I can get about about real quiet like.  Ya know, letting the Orcs walk out front might be better though.  It'd be me luck that their friends would see us before we see them."

--------

[ooc: If Osvald scouts, Custer will accompany him.  Otherwise he will walk with the group.]

Stealth Roll: 17+7=24

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 17

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl diminished his lights if the group attempts to move stealthily through the bog, otherwise he keeps the one on his bracer alit. If any of the scouts ahead prefer to have it, such as Hale, Shorjahl will gladly cast it upon his clothes or an item of his choosing.

-------

Roll Stealth: 17 = 15 + 2

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 15

[Ao]

Kilik's divine magic fills the pseudodragon, the small beast opening its eyes in the campfire light. It looks fully rejuvenated and it opens its mouth to speak, but immediately winces as its broken wing trembles.

Kilik can tell it will take many more prayers to his god to heal the creature's torn appendages.

The pseudodragon telepathically whispers excitedly back to Kellar,

"I am Orbaugh! Orbaugh the defender of the brown lands! Scourge of the bog!"

He pauses, and adds.

"You have saved Orbaugh. And so, he will give you a gift! Orbaugh will share all of his knowledge with the hero Kellar. Orbaugh is very smart. Knows many things. You are lucky hero!"

[...]

Shuul smiles as the adventurers relate their plan to follow him to the campsite.

"You need not fear. Anna commands the respect of the clan. Grol will not harm you."

With that, he sets himself upon overseeing the kobolds as they tear down the camp.

[...]

-------[perception results, Anna] Anna and Shorjahl enter the shrine, finding themselves in its shadows away from the din of  the campsite. There is a serene grace about the interior of the shrine, where it seems that only the wind can be heard. It is roughly 20 feet in diameter, and intricately built by elven hands. Filigrees and leafy details adorn its perimeter, but it is clearly very old, and very worn.

-------[investigation results, shorjahl] Shorjahl can see no signs of digging in the shrine, and undoubtedly Shuul and the kobolds used this spot primarily for a sentry post, judging by the pattern of the footprints in the mud. There seems to be no connection between the shrine and the tools.

-------[perception results, shorjahl] Shorjahl can sense an ancient magic, old wards,  set by a powerful wizard...long having lost their power. A cataclysmic magical event has stained this location, likely several hundred years in the past. The purpose of this shrine, however, was clearly divine reverence. Despite the magic of this place, the mark of the arcane is faint.

[...]

The journey through the peat bogs is unpleasant. Shuul leads the way, cutting through the dense reeds with a machete. The kobolds follow, unhindered by the thick swarms of insects that fill the air even now, well after dark.

Luckily, the moon is full this night. It lights the path through the treacherous brown lands, where the waterlevel sits above Custer's chest in some places.

After an hour of travel, you see torches up ahead.

[...]

Shuul leads you to a clearing flanked by tall torches, where two orcs are standing sentry. Beyond them, the peat bog rises up into a craggy, rocky hill. Two hundred feet ahead up the hill,  past eight or nine tall and rugged skin tents, is the entrance to an enormous cave lit by flaming braziers inside.

From this angle below, and this distance, you can see only shadows being cast across the cave mouth from those moving within.

The orc guards bear their weapons as the group arrives, but lower them as Shuul calls out. They hold large axes, and big circular shields adorned with the same crest as Shuul; the white skull upon the purple starburst.

Shuul approaches, and the guards stand at attention. Anna does not recognize either of them. One is old, with a cut up eye. And the other grins with a black smile.

"You!" says Shuul, "Go summon the chief! Tell him...Anna has returned."

The eye-gouged sentry nods, and heads off in the direction of the cave mouth. As he passes one of the skin tents, an orc stumbles out into the moonlight, clearly drunk. He crashes into the sentry, who throws the drunkard into the mud without skipping a beat.

The muddy drunk does not stand. The sentry continues on.

Shuul stands silently, the Kobolds at his side.

====================

Ok guys. Several torches Light this clearing, where you stand with shuul and the kobolds, and the remaining sentry. The cluster of tents is about 50 feet ahead of you. About 100 feet ahead of you, the craggy hill begins rising out of the muddy clearing, and terminates in a massive cave mouth approximately 50 feet in diameter.

The sentry has gone to get grol, and presumably will return.

Exp: +20 to shor, cuss, anna, kilik, kellar

[Ao]

[update: im giving you all 50xp for defeating shuul and the kobolds encounter with rp. If you level up, please know that you cannot level up your characters until you guys take a full rest.]

[Forgeless Kilik]

Standing before the entrance to the orc cave, Kilik stared hard at the one-eyed sentry, his grip tightening upon his ready hammer. Earned in battle, maybe, or some twisted sacrifice to Gruumsh One-Eye, the ancient enemy of Marthammor Duin?

He whispered a low prayer in dwarvish: Hear me, Watcher-Over-Wanderers. I have done me best to follow the path You have set for me to find, even though yer've sometimes been a right bastard about it if we're tellin' truth. An' now here I be, upon our enemies' doorstep like a farmlad deliverin' milk to a den o' wolves. So be it. E'en now I trust in You to guide me steps, into darkness or into light. He drew a deep breath before continuing, So this is just a reminder: if tonight be the night yer call yer servant home - from a stinkin' orc cave, of all the places - remember what we talked about...I'll be seein' her again 'fore I drink with yer in the Dwarffather's Hall. An' yer have me word on that.

---------------------------------

[Kilik casts Guidance on himself.]

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl looked to Killik as he prayed quietly in dwarven. He only nodded respectfully to the smith, his blue eyes glinting in a small manner of comprehension.

[AnnaMaul]

Anna listens to Kilik speak his prayer, although she has no clue what it is he says. She takes a seat on the ground, leaning back against a wooden post as she reaches into her pack and grabs a bit to eat and drink.(Rations -1) With Shuul standing by, Anna decides she has a few questions.

Tell me.  Was it Clan Maul that was setting kobolds on the halfling village nearby?  I remember we would only attack people traveling through our lands.  This is well outside of our home, finding you out here was quite a surprise I have to say.  And while I'm asking questions, how many of the old Sect leaders are still around?  It would be nice to see some familiar faces again.  Maybe once we have completed our mission-  She waves in the direction of the party -I could come talk of old times and share stories of Thar.

[Osvald Hale]

Silently bearing his distaste for this fool-hardy turn of events on the march through the bog, Osvald's sense of imminent danger wells up in him like wildfire at the first sight of the Orcish torches.

He was wet, dirty, and famished from the days hard travel. "Ah, Hell with this." He retrieves his flask from his belt pouch, takes a quick  pull--coughing at the acrid distillation from Goalers Bend. "...not bad, actually." He mutters to himself.

Moving to stand beside Kilik, he says "Master dwarf, I think you may have as bad a feeling about this as I do. Anna seems relaxed enough, but believe me. Old bonds of family and kinship are strained to their limits here in the Small Teeth." Turning to face the dwarf directly, he lowers his voice, "We are greatly outmatched, a great measure more than I think any of us even expected."

Gesturing to a bright star hanging low in the western sky he continues: "Should it come to blood this night, we won't last long in any honest fight. We must flee if we stand any chance at seeing sunrise. In case we are separated in the dark, follow the light of that star for a few miles, and take shelter in whatever cover you can find. If you stray not far from that path, I can find us all, and together we may have a chance to finish this thing with our heads still attached to our necks. I'll tell the others the same. Maybe say a prayer for us, yes?"

Osvald then moves to where Cuss and Kellar are standing, relaying to them the same. He'll also speak with Shorjahl and Anna if he can without Shuul hearing...

[Custer Thickett]

Custer thought he was exhausted when they stopped atop the knoll hearing the sound of the little dragon scream.  Now, he could barely walk straight his legs were so weak.  Are my feet still even there? he thought as he slogged from one muddy submerged step to the next.  His arms were almost as bad, having been holding his heavy pack over his head.  He had required assistance from Anna to get it up over his head, and has since been balancing its weight through the mire.  Often he had stumbled, and the pack had nearly overtaken him.  He had kept it up and mostly dry, however.  A feat he was very proud of, despite the cries of abuse from his body.  

Custer looks for a dry spot in the peat to set down his pack.  Being the water was so deep, Custer had removed his cloak.  He wished that he could have also removed his leather armor, which he was sure would stink worse than the stables by the morning.  It was treated, but he was concerned that it would still ruin having gotten so wet and stayed so for most the day.  

Once relieved of his weight, Custer stretches.  He leans from side to side and forward, touching his toes.  Once he completes the routine, he takes a quick glance at the Orcs and torches, then listens to Osvald explain his plan to head for the star if there is any trouble.  Blasted humans.  They'll end up drawing steel and getting us all killed over an Orc's bad joke. I'm sure of it.  Agata says to him, "You'll be fine."  In an aggravated tone, Custer says, "I wish you'd quit saying that."  When he sees Osvald and Kellar look at him inquisitively, he realizes he spoke aloud.  "Oh, uh, pardon me, I'm just a bit tired."  

Custer pauses awkwardly, then waves to both of them to lean in closer, "I like your plan, Osvald, but it likely will not come to that.  Listen to me closely, as I'll need you to quietly share this with the others if it is to work.  I have a bit of ceremonial tea that I can brew up for the clan.  It is only for the inhaling of its vapors.  Should one consume its liquid form, they will not wake to see morning, or any morning in this world thereafter.  I hope that we will not have to result to such deception, and would prefer if Anna were to offer it up to them only if she feels we are all in danger.  If I brew it, only pretend to sip it.  If you inhale it, you will be incapacitated for a time, so somebody will need to hold their breathe as well so as to lead the rest of us out of this camp."  

Custer shows a sly smile, then turns his gaze to where his feet should be under the water, and glowers as he were not happy at the prospect of surrendering his wares without an exchange of gold, even if it were to save his own neck.  He hears Agata scorn, "How did I ever fall in love with somebody like you."  He quietly whispers, "They are Orcs, love."  He hears her reply, "Aye, and they can talk same as you or me."

[Kellar]

Kellar listens intently to Orbaugh, I can hear you in my thoughts, so clear, and your mouth doesn't move. Very well Orbaugh, share with me your knowledge and I will do my best to protect you. I would not put you in any situation I wouldn't feel comfortable doing myself.

Heh, I've heard that line before, and now I say it Orbaugh.

Orbaugh, when the kobolds had captured you, what were they doing in that area near the shrine?

Half distracted in his communication, he does pause when he hears Kilik speaking in Dwarven. I'm not sure who or what you're praying to Master Dwarf, but as Osvald said, maybe provide one for us while we're in this camp.

After clearing his mind, he turns and whispers to Cuss, the use of poisons is not honorable. I appreciate your idea, Osvald is right that we aren't in fighting shape at the moment, but that does not mean we should use subterfuge as lethal as poison.

Kellar shifts his weight to the other leg while waiting for the pleasure of meeting their generous hosts.

------------------------------------------

OOC- Kellar was looking to discern some information from Orbaugh after adjusting to speaking through his mind. Kellar does not approve of Cuss' proposed idea, because he'd rather face his opponents head on.

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl does his best to remain resolute in the face of potential death. He wards off frightening and painful memories- when seeking out the bracer, when stumbling upon his master's necromantic rituals- when traveling along the Sword Coast for so many years- when facing against Taneesa's father at the Waterdeep Arcanist Citadel.

A chill ran down his weary spine, and not from the cold setting in from the bog's damp night. He had discovered something within himself, soemthing others were willing to follow, something they appreciated. He had grown in strength from that, grown in confidence, it instilled in him the desire to be something more than a scholar and an explorer. To tap into his abilities and truly maximize his potential. He only hoped he hadn't made another mistake, and that his choices wouldn't lead to his, or his newfound companions', deaths.

Shorjahl stared into the face of the orc sentries. He was vaguely aware of Cuss, Osvald, and the others murmuring to one another behind him, but he was paying it little heed. In the forefront of his mind, he concentrated on producing a shield of energy, something that would allow him to stop any sudden incoming attacks. Even if it wouldn't be enough to save everyone, he hoped it would at least stifle a deadly blow on some.

He waited impatiently for the orcs to return, all the while becoming more agitated, the muscles in his legs and the blisters on his heavily calloused feet reminding him of the miles he'd walked through the peat. He knew he lacked physical strength, but he'd always been resilient. Hopefully that resilience held, and allowed him to leave from this place, alive.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer scowls, and struggles to keep his voice down when responding to Kellar, "Poison?  Who said... blue man, listen to me.  It is a ceremonial tea, nothing more.  I may not be a dwarf or noble human knight, but you'd do well to tread lightly when insulting my integrity all the same."  Custer lets the words hang in the still air a moment, before continuing, "I've met tavern wenches with more honor than they'll ever know."  Custer tilts his head towards the sentry and Shuul.

[Kellar]

Kellar notices the cut of Cus's words and responds, easy little one, I merely stated I found the use of poison, er... ceremonial tea was not something I agreed with. I meant no offense to you or your methods, they just aren't for me. I have no doubt I should take care in how I phrase things to you.

Kellar shrugs slightly and continues, I'll tread as I want, and I'll let you know my thoughts.

Seems a bit feisty about this whole thing. I wonder if he worries this much all the time?

Kellar extends his hand toward Custer, to see if he'll meet it with his own.

[Custer Thickett]

"I should expect no less from your kind.  Cortryn slaughtered Meiritinians by the tens of thousands in the name of conquest, and we've had to listen to humans preaching about honor the thousand years since."  Custer eyes Kellar's outstretched hand, "Be that as it may I shouldn't be so quick to wound over subtleties."  Custer takes Kellar's hand in the customary human embrace.  Custer holds it as he says, "However, if I could have gotten us all out of this over a cup of tea, when it comes to blows and I don't make it, I will haunt you.  Custer smiles.  

Honor?  Bleh.  He hears Agata, "You'd know nothing of it, would you?"  Custer yells in his mind, "Enough of your games, Woman.  This is dangerous.  Don't you understand that?  One mistake and we could all be killed."  There is a brief pause, then Agata says, "Aye, and you'd know a lot about that, wouldn't you?"  Custer grabs for the holy symbol of Waukeen tied around his neck as he feels twisting pain in his chest.  In the flicker of the torch light, some may notice tears falling down his face before he looks away from the light and stares out across the bog in the direction they had just traveled.

[Kellar]

Kellar shakes the hand of the little one and responds wryly, you wouldn't be the first person I've lost in battle. You may well not be the last.

Kellar smirks at Custer and nods, when we come to blows with our enemy, I'll do what I can to safeguard you and Orbaugh here.

Kellar breaks off part of a ration and flips it to Orbaugh, resting on his shoulder.

This little one has a strong heart, strong convictions, Orbaugh.

Kellar continues to wait for the audience that is coming to meet Anna and the rest of the group.

[Ao]

Orbaugh nibbles at the rations from Kellar’s hand, roosting comfortably on the dragoon’s shoulder. The beast still quivers, getting used to the excruciating soreness of his wounds.

((The Kobolds. Nasty creatures. They pulled Orbaugh from a tree while he slept, and broke his wings, and told him they would put him in the stew pot!))

Orbaugh seems distressed for a minute, and it seems as if he’s intent on flapping his wings in protest. But clearly, the pain is too much, and defeatedly he nestles back down.

((Orbaugh knows not what they were doing. Just that, they were cutting. Cutting through Orbaugh’s roost, into the Knuckles. A deep crevice, at the bottom of the Small Teeth. Where swamp and bog drains into deep pools, and dying trees grow slowly. And ghosts…the dead! They haunt that place. Orbaugh could see them… the ghosts of orcs… with their hands chopped off! Guarding their graves, Orbaugh thinks. None too happy that the Kobolds came, with that nasty, smelly orc.))

[…]

Shuul looks at Anna as she poses her questions.

Tell me.  Was it Clan Maul that was setting kobolds on the halfling village nearby?  I remember we would only attack people traveling through our lands.  This is well outside of our home, finding you out here was quite a surprise I have to say.  And while I'm asking questions, how many of the old Sect leaders are still around?

He pauses to consider his answer.

“The Kobolds do as they please. Their chieftain, Kurilo’ki, joined Clan Maul six months past. Sometimes they must raid the outlying farms, so that we may eat. No man, or halfling, has died by their spears. The same cannot be said for the Kobolds.” he responds, matter of factly.

The moon casts an eerie glow about his face, and the orc quickly averts his gaze out into the peat bog.

“As for the old Sect leaders, it has been a tough year. Many have fallen ill, or died in combat-“

Shuul is cut off as a voice echoes out through the darkness, from across the campsite. A huge, lumbering orc is walking through the tents, flanked by three orcs and a slender, masked human.

“Anna!” shouts the orc, who appears in the torchlight. He is well-muscled, with the long braided hair of a chieftain. He is clad in thick hide armour, a long black cloak draped across his shoulders. His escorts are armed with axes and javelins, but they are stowed. The human walks just aside the orc chief. He is a bald, lanky man, with a thin black beard partially hidden behind a mask crafted into the likeness of a laughing skull.

“Anna! Blood of the Gods, it is you! What great honour you bestow upon us this eve.”

Other orcs poke their heads out of the tents looking at the commotion, as Grol walks over to the clearing with his entourage. The torches better illuminate his face. He is an imposing Orc, standing nearly seven feet tall.

His mouth stiffens, and a distinct silence persists long after he has stopped walking. But Grol smiles, extending his arms.

“You were to be my bride, Anna. You have disgraced me.” he clears his throat.

“But I honoured your father, and all is forgiven. You and your men, your business in the Brown Lands is your own. I must assume that you are here to honour your father at his crypt. We buried him a proud Orc, Anna.”

Grol places his hand over his heart, his eyes settling across each adventurer in turn.

“I will escort you to his burial. His tomb is beneath a mountain of rock in the bowels of this cave, but his axe hangs upon the wall in my great chamber. You may say your goodbyes, and spill your blood before it to honour his name. And then,”

Grol smiles again.

“Then, we will feast.”

==============================

Amazing roleplaying guys. Truly excellent posts.

Grol beckons you to join him this eve, in his halls within the cave.

EXP: +20 to every player

[AnnaMaul]

Anna sighs to herself. Of course he was going to bring it up. He makes a valid point about having dishonored him. Twice even. Once with Dremmock and twice by leaving. She decides to speak up before the party can get the chance, but in Orcish so as to try and keep it as private as possible.

We can speak of matters in private. If you have truly honored my father as he deserved, I will ask forgiveness for every wrong I have done to you. He was a greater man than any I've known, and I only wish some of his lessons had sunk in earlier in my life. There are actually a few things I would like to talk to you about after visiting my father.

She turns to the party.

What is the name of the horn we are after? If anyone in this area might know anything, it will be Grol. I wont tell him what we're here for until I know he is trustworthy.

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