Chapter 2 - Another Perfect Day

[Dust]

Dron listens to everyone speak before letting out a dissatisfied sniff.

"You confuse cowardice with caution," he mutters, "all you wish to do is charge into the dragon's mouth in order to avoid its claws."

[SponkleofInfini]

"You speak as if that is bad Dron."

Says Algerdar with a wry smile.

[SuperJosh]

"Besides, I would rather face the Dragons mouth, than his mouth and claws." Roth says. "Now I am going in there, who is covering me and who is coming with me?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"I shall cover you Roth."

Replies Algerdar

[Dust]

Dron says nothing. It's unclear what action he is going to take.

[BigRedRod]

Durn looks at the goblin creature. Upon closer inspection it's very clear that it isn't a goblin at all, or at least it's a rather odd breed. It's around three feet tall and looks very much like a goblin apart from it's scaly skin with a stone-like colouration (with perhaps just a hint of blue). By it's arm lies a light crossbow, it's quiver of bolts has spilled onto the floor, both seem to be fairly well made but by no means exceptional. It wears nothing except for an arrangement of leather straps which conceal three small daggers of various styles and varying quality, but again they are not exceptional pieces. There is also a pouch containing a set of dice and two copper coins. Another odd thing Durn notices is the small stubby tail-like growth on the rear of the creature. The creature also has a rather nauseating aura around it.

Now there is only silence from the next cavern.

[Black Plauge]

Durn is somewhat suprised to discover that the creature is not a goblin, but on the other hand the modus operadi of these creatures was not that of typical goblins.

The weapons receive the same treatment as the other creatures and while the quarrels may be of some use, Durn has no time to figure that out now. He simply takes the pouch and places it alongside the other in his pack.

Turning back to the group, Durn notices that a decision of sorts has been made.

"It would be best if I too provide cover, but if you prefer, Roth, I will follow at a closer distance to provide melee assistance if needed."

Glancing over the pile of weapons scavanged off the creatures Durn's eyes light upon the crossbow and he turns to Dron, "Perhaps, Dron, you would be more comfortable with this crossbow than your rapier. With it you will be able to keep out of danger while still aiding in our task." Durn gestures to the crossbow as he speaks.

[SuperJosh]

"Whatever Dron decides I want to move soon. The quiet disturbs me. Durn, Algerdar... get your crossbows ready. as soon as Dron decides, I go." Roth says after having removed the bolts from his body. He then stands beside the cave entrance and gets ready to charge.

[Dust]

Dron looks down at the ground for a moment, a deep frown on his face.

"Fine," he mutters.

He holds a hand out to Durn.

"A crossbow would be useful," he says.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar Loads Crossbow if needed and readies himself to support Roth.

[SuperJosh]

"On three." Roth whispers to the trio, then mouths "One...two...three!" comes in low to attack the creatures that are laying in wait.

(OOC: Roth charges in after all three shots have been fired. I think we are ready for rounds again.)

[Black Plauge]

Durn picks up the crossbow and quarrels he recently removed from the strange creature and hands them to Dron.

He then loads his own crossbow and prepares to follow Roth down the tunnel.

[OOC: Durn does not fire before Roth's charge, instead he reserves his shot until after the charge in an effort to keep the creatures down as Roth engages them. He will follow Roth and fire at the first visable creature.]

[BigRedRod]

Dron fires his crossbow inexpertly but it manages to make it down the tunnel and the bolt snaps against the far wall. Roth charges forwards down the tunnel at the same time as several rather suprised noises. As he clears the other end of the tunnel two bolts fly across the room, one punches into Roth, the other goes too wide and strikes the wall. On his other side an orc swings a longsword and misses.
Roth brings his falchion down on the creature but the orc reacts fast enough to use it's shield to block the blow
Sy races after Roth, but is unable to strike the orc.
Durn can hear the sounds of the battle but he can't see anything to fire at.

Inititive
Goblin 2 (armed with a crossbow)
Dron
Roth
Sy
Orc (armed with a longsword and a large metal shield)
Aldergar
Goblin 1 (also armed with a crossbow)
Durn


Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
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@0 0 3o 2s 44 30 *s -1 5c 30 rs 0 0 2w 30 5c 30 *s -1 5c 3o rs 0
@0 -5c 3o 8 3o 1s 3o 2w 3o 4g 3o 5c 3o *s -3 65 4l rs 0 A *s -3
@7h 2b rs 0 R *s -3 4q 3w rs 0 Dr *s -3 y ir rs 0 *s e 76 60 rs
@0 *s e 7w 67 rs 0 *s e 7l 6z rs 0 *s -1 3k 2w rs 0 0 3k 2w 1c 2o
@g 1s o w 0 o -8 8 0 -g 8 -o g -14 o -1c w -1c 14 -1k 14 -1k 1c
@-1k 1k -1k 1k -1k 1k -1k 1k -1c 1s -14 1s -14 2o -g *s -1 40 2w
@rs 0 0 3s 2w 3s 28 3k 1k 3s 1c 40 14 3s w 3c w 2w 8 28 8 *s -1
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@Du *s -3 4q 35 rs 0 Gr2 *s -1 2o 1o rs 0 9y6tc 20 10 2o 1o *s -1
@2o 1o rs 0 9y6tc 20 1o 2o 10 *s -1 3s 18 rs 0 0 2g 18 3s k *s -1
@3w 1k rs 0 0 2c 1k 3w o *s -1 4g 10 rs 0 0 40 4 3k s 4g 10 *s -3
@4x 2i rs 0 Sy *s -1 4o w rs 0 0 2w w 2o -8 3s -o 4o -o *s -1 4w
@1w rs 0 0 2w c 34 1g 48 1w 4w 1o *s -1 58 1k rs 0 0 50 1k 58 w *s
@-1 5c 18 rs 0 0 54 18 5c c 54 -4 40 -10 *s -3 86 2e rs 0 O1 *s
@-3 7j 13 rs 0 G1 *s -3 84 14 rs 0 G2
*END 86h6cy

[SuperJosh]

Roth spins around and spies the crossbowmen. Disengaging from the orc he charges at them, swinging at the one that hit him.

(OOC: I know i said "charge", but really I am just moving, and attacking the one that hit me. I can not afford the - to AC.)

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar finding a better vantage for the pressing attack heads over to the corner near Sy.

(OOC: Move to corner near Sy on the map.)

[Dust]

Dron rushes forward, trying to get in a position to fire.

(Moves down the tunnel and fires on the first enemy in sight.)

[Black Plauge]

Following everyone in to the tunnel, Durn spots the orc and fires.

[OOC: Follows down the tunnel and will fire at the orc when he sees it. If the orc has moved so that Durn can't see it then he will fire at an enemy engaged with Roth.]

[BigRedRod]

One of the goblins jams another bolt into his crossbow and fires off another bolt. It swerves oddly during the flight and collides with a wall rather than Roth.

The rogue moves swiftly after Roth and fires at one of the goblins, however it's not the best view and the bolt shatters against one of the cavern walls

Roth swings around into an area with a little more space, his weapon swings with him and removes the head of one of the goblins. Blood splatters across Roth and the remaining goblin and the body falls limply to the ground while the head rolls for a few feet and stops in a spreading pool of dark red blood

Sy runs into the tunnel after his master but holds back next to the rogue for a moment

The orc steps forwards towards into the tunnel and lunges at Dron with his longsword, the blow slices his left hip deeply, the orc grins and prepares to strike again.

The gnome moves around at the other end of the tunnel, unable to see exactly what is happening up ahead

The remaining goblin drops his crossbow in wordless horror as his companion is decapitated and draws a long knife, he makes a hasty blow at the warrior before him but the blow is easily parried

Durn moves towards the end of the now crowded tunnel
[ooc: as I kinda forced you to post your move when you wanted to wait, feel free to jiggle around 5ft, just let me know if you want to]

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 3k 30 rs 0 0 -3k 30 34 30 3c 30 3c 2s 3k 2s *s -1 44 30 rs
@0 0 3o 2s 44 30 *s -1 5c 30 rs 0 0 2w 30 5c 30 *s -1 5c 3o rs 0
@0 -5c 3o 8 3o 1s 3o 2w 3o 4g 3o 5c 3o *s -3 5i 2l rs 0 A *s -3
@7n 1r rs 0 R *s -3 70 2c rs 0 Dr *s -3 y ir rs 0 *s e 76 60 rs
@0 *s e 7w 67 rs 0 *s e 7l 6z rs 0 *s -1 3k 2w rs 0 0 3k 2w 1c 2o
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@Du *s -3 4q 35 rs 0 Gr2 *s -1 2o 1o rs 0 9y6tc 20 10 2o 1o *s -1
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@1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24 1k *s -3 4q 35 rs 0 Gr2 *s -1 2o 1o rs 0
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@*s -3 84 14 rs 0 G2 *s -1 4c o rs 0 9y6tc 3o 0 4c o *s -1 4c o
@rs 0 9y6tc 4c 0 3o o
*END -zgwsww

[SuperJosh]

As Roth attacks the second goblin, turning his falchion so that it's tip is pointing at the floor, then bringing it up between the goblins legs, he barks out an order for Sy to attack the orc.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar steps 5ft to his right, by the entrance of the tunnel. Taking aim he fires at the Orc by Dron.

(OOC: Move 5ft, to the square in between Sy and Durn. Fire at O1)

[Dust]

Dron staggers back, limping heavily, and has the sinking sensation that he has made a terrible mistake. For the moment he stands frozen, unsure how to proceed.

(OOC: Wait to be last in the initiative order in the hopes that someone else drops the orc, allowing me to use my crossbow unthreatened.)

[BigRedRod]

Roth slashes the goblin deeply, the creature cries out in agony but stays standing with a look of intense hatred on it's little face.

Sy barks furiously and pushes lightly on the back of Durn's leg, but the animal is unable to get himself between the rogue and the orc warrior

The orc strikes at Dron again and lands a glancing blow on the side of his arm. Dron doubt's he could take another blow from the monster standing before him

Aldergar shifts to his right and attempts to hit the orc bearing down on Dron. The bolt narrowly avoids his ally and instead strikes a cavern wall.

Roth ducks slightly as a bolt comes from behind him ,glancing back for a moment he sees that the goblin-creature from the first cavern has returned to the battle.

The goblin facing Roth takes this opportunity to lunge forwards with his knife. The blade slices into Roth's chest. A sick feeling washes over the swordsman for a moment but his rage pushes the feeling aside.

Through the sounds of the encounter heavy footsteps can once again be heard along with a commanding voice spekaing in orc,
"Leave that for now, help the others. You too!"

[ooc: Ok the last two of you need your actions]

Initiative
Roth
Sy
Orc (armed with a longsword and a large metal shield)
Aldergar
Gr1 (Goblin-creature armed with crossbow)
Goblin 1 (also armed with a crossbow)
???
Durn
Dron

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 3k 30 rs 0 0 -3k 30 34 30 3c 30 3c 2s 3k 2s *s -1 44 30 rs
@0 0 3o 2s 44 30 *s -1 5c 30 rs 0 0 2w 30 5c 30 *s -1 5c 3o rs 0
@0 -5c 3o 8 3o 1s 3o 2w 3o 4g 3o 5c 3o *s -3 64 30 rs 0 A *s -3
@7n 1r rs 0 R *s -3 70 2c rs 0 Dr *s -3 y ir rs 0 *s e 76 60 rs
@0 *s e 7w 67 rs 0 *s e 7l 6z rs 0 *s -1 3k 2w rs 0 0 3k 2w 1c 2o
@g 1s o w 0 o -8 8 0 -g 8 -o g -14 o -1c w -1c 14 -1k 14 -1k 1c
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@rs 0 0 3s 2w 3s 28 3k 1k 3s 1c 40 14 3s w 3c w 2w 8 28 8 *s -1
@2c 2o rs 0 73 1w 14 2c 2o *s e 4u 1q rs 0 *s e 4g 1v rs 0 *s e
@4w 21 rs 0 *s e 53 1z rs 0 *s e 4l 24 rs 0 *s -1 2s 2k rs 0 0 2c
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@Du *s -3 4q 35 rs 0 Gr2 *s -1 2o 1o rs 0 9y6tc 20 10 2o 1o *s -1
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@rs 0 9y6tc 4c 0 3o o *s -1 5o 3o rs 0 0 50 2c 5o 30 5g 3g 50 3o *s
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@0 0 4w 1k 5c 1c
*END -w8nc2z

[Dust]

Bleeding from both his leg and his arm, all that Dron can think of to do is run. He starts backing up, keeping his chest towards the orc.

What am I doing?, the thought pops into his head, deathly calm, I am a mechanic, not a warrior.

(OOC: Retreat back towards the enterance, past Sy and Durn.)

[Black Plauge]

Unable to get a clear shot and, afraid of hitting the greviously wounded Dron, Durn waits for him to get clear before firing his crossbow at the orc. He then holsters his crossbow and reaches for his club.

[OOC: Delay until Dron moves out of the way the use turn to fire crossbow and holster it. The drawing of the club will have to wait until next turn.]

[BigRedRod]

Dron quikcly moves backwards, holding onto the wall wih one hand and still clutching his crossbow in the other. Fopr the first part he walks backwards keeping his guard up against the orc, after he has put Sy between the creature and himself he speeds up slightly and breathes a sigh of relief as he reaches the realitve safety of the first cavern.

With Dron safely out of his line of site, Durn unleashes a bolt fro,m his crossbow. It sails towards the orc and plunges deeply into one of the large areas of flesh that his rather sparse studded leather amrmour doesn't cover

Initiative
Roth
Sy
Orc (armed with a longsword and a large metal shield)
Aldergar
Gr1 (Goblin-creature armed with crossbow)
Goblin 1 (also armed with a crossbow)
???
Dron
Durn

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
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@0 -5c 3o 8 3o 1s 3o 2w 3o 4g 3o 5c 3o *s -3 64 30 rs 0 A *s -3
@7n 1r rs 0 R *s -3 5j 2k rs 0 Dr *s -3 y ir rs 0 *s e 76 60 rs
@0 *s e 7w 67 rs 0 *s e 7l 6z rs 0 *s -1 3k 2w rs 0 0 3k 2w 1c 2o
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*END ws54ma

[SponkleofInfini]

Taking aim once again Algerdar fires at the Orc in the tunnel, afterwoods quickly reloading.

(OOC: Fire at O1 and then reload)

[SuperJosh]

Deciding descretion is the better part of valor, Roth moves back towards the first cavern. All the while fighting defensively.

[Dust]

Dron, damaged and bleeding but still aware of the danger around him, grits his teeth and aims his crossbow towards the tunnel, ready to take the first clean shot he can get. He finds himself breathing very heavily, barely able to catch his breath. Blood is pounding through his veins so hard that he begins to shake. He doesn't think he's ever been this scared, not when the rebellion base was attacked and its soldier's massacred, not when he was captured by the bounty hunter Kole. He's never been this badly injured either, and never in his life has he felt so cornered; so out of his element.

[BigRedRod]

Roth turns carefully to attack the orc behind him, he fights with more awareness of his situation, leaving less openings for the orc to strike back. He catches the orc off guard with his sudden change of tactics and his blade sweeps sideways and passes halfway through the orc. It slumps to the ground spreading thick blood across the cavern floor.

As the orc falls to the ground Sy pounces forwards to stand beside Roth, as he reaches the edge he catches sight of the goblin-creature around the corner and leaps towards it. The goblin stumbles backwards as Sy lands on him and knocks him to the ground, the creature screams as he attempts to fend off Sy, the dog bites him on the shoulder and neck causing extensive damage

[ooc: I'll leave it there for now as it looks like Aldergar may want to do something else]

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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*END -lwixo4

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar moves forward 10ft and attacks the goblin near sy.

[BigRedRod]

Aldergar stalks forwards carefully crossbow in hand, well aware that around the corner some creature lurks that Sy charged towards. Seeing the dog mauling the goblin he takes careful aim and fires. The shifting combat is a difficult target, Aldergars bolt misses them both but a fraction of a section later it would have struck Sy.

The goblin stands up again as the bolt strikes the ground beside him, he drops his crossbow and draws a long knife.

The goblin behind Roth presses his attack with his small blade, Roth with his other foe dispatched hopwever manages to refocus his concentration and deflect the blow

The sound of combat seems to fade for a moment as the air is filled with the sound of two voices chanting in orcish. It would seem to be a prayer to Kunoq. Light flashes from the unexplored tunnel ahead for a moment

From the unexplored tunel mouth a large dusty form rushes, in it's hands it grips what appears to be a well-worn pick-axe, it wears nothing more than a once white loin cloth. It's skin is a variety colours ranging from brown to black to blue, although this may be due to the dust. It is a Bugbear and it uses the pick-axe in an attempt to strike Sy, however the dog quickly dodges the attack and snarls at the seven and half foot tall monster before it

Another smaller form stands in the tunnel mouth now, it is heavily robed (although the black robe itself is quite ragged) and stands around the same height as Aldergar, it holds in one gloved hand an open book. It looks vaguely repitllian although with the limited light sources it is very hard to tell. It points its other gloved hand towards the dog and says a single unknown word in a very odd accent. Two tiny flickering orbs of swirling energy race from the hand and fly towards Sy, both follow indivdual weaving paths. The orbs both impact and Sy yelps in pain

Dron remains lost in his thoughts and fears in the first cavern for the moment, further off put by the chanting which stopped all too suddenly and then resumed noises of combat which seem far more intensified.

Initiative
Roth
Sy
Aldergar
Gr1 (Goblin-creature armed with crossbow)
Goblin 1 (also armed with a crossbow)
???
Bugbear
Mysterious mage (K)
Dron
Durn

map
[ooc: i had to shift a body to the side, mainly because I have packed my hard copy of the map away, so i can't make a note on it]
[it completely screwed up, i'll post it in my next one]

[Black Plauge]

Moving into the second room Durn notes the precense of the robed figure with what appears to be a spell book and decides to eliminate this new threat before he can do much more damage. Chanting and waving his arms he attempts to cast cause fear on the newcommer.

[BigRedRod]

The dwarvern wizard moves his arms in a well rehearsed pattern and speaks several short sharp words, there is a strange roaring noise and the confidence drains from the robed creatures posture immediately

map
[ooc: I'm gonna try and contact the author about this duplication problem as it seems to be getting worse very time I load it, hopefully it isn't just me and it can be fixed without me taking my computer apart]
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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*END -xsn8ag

[SponkleofInfini]

Seeing the strange creature with what looks like a spellbook, Algerdar focuses his attention toward it, but the bugbear concerns Algerdar, so he prepares accordingly, moving behind Durn and dropping his crossbow, Algerdar utters a few arcane words and a shield of intangible force is errected before him.

(OOC: Move back behind Durn, drop Crossbow, cast Shield.)

[SuperJosh]

Roth faces the goblin once again, this time more wearily, and attacks, hoping to finish it off quickly so he can go to Sy's aid.

[BigRedRod]

Roth turns after deflecting the stab from the goblin, as he turns he brings his sword upwards. The blade strikes the goblin under one arm and it doesn't stop until it is near his neck. The eyes of the creature bulge and then it falls towards Roth showering him in blood, the slayer pushes the corpse to the floor and redirects his attention to the new arrivals threatening Sy.

Sy growls and standing of his hind legs, pushes his two front paws on the shoulders of the goblin, as the goblin falls backwards he bites it's neck. The creature falls before him gasping for air and after a short period of writhing falls into the cold still world of the afterlife.

After a few hurried steps backwards the gnome recites a few words of power and instantly feels more reassured as he sense the plane of force now blocking his enemies line of fire of him

And then the source of the dual voiced chanting became all too clear, a large two headed orc dressed in little more than a loin cloth and covered in tatoos of various creatures running stomps loudly into the room. The other two items the creature seems to possess are a leather strap which diagonally wraps hs torso and is filled with small vials and a silver image of a humanoid running on a leather cord around the creatures neck. It is unarmed but it doesn't let this affect it's decision to engage the attack dog in combat. The two-headed orc swings a powerful fist and slams it into the side of the creatures head, Sy yelps in agony.

The bugbear swings his pick axe again, but Sy's reflexes were sharpened by the pain and he swiftly dodges the attack

The robed creature turns and runs back into the previous cavern. The two-headed orc shouts, again in orcish, as the creature leaves,
"Coward bitch! Stay together, we aren't dying today!"

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 44 30 rs 0 0 3o 2s 44 30 *s -3 y ir rs 0 *s e 53 1z rs 0 *s
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@1t *s -1 5c 1k rs 0 0 4w 1k 5c 1c *s -1 3z 1e rs 0 9y6tc 3b 16
@3z 1e *s -1 3w 1g rs 0 9y6tc 3g 1g 3w 10 *s -3 7e 39 rs 0 Gr1 *s
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@40 o *s -1 40 o rs 0 9y6tc 40 0 3k o *s -1 3r 1t rs 0 9y6tc 3o
@10 4c 1o *s -1 3o 1s rs 0 9y6tc 3o 1o 4c 10 *s -3 88 37 rs 0 G *s
@-3 9n 2c rs 0
*END wd6lfe

[SponkleofInfini]

Seeing the mage break form the group and running off Algerdar decides that destroying the immediate threat will heighten the chance of survival.

(OOC: Move up to where G2's corpse is and cast Lesser Sonic Orb on Bugbear)

[Black Plauge]

"If there is anything worse than an orc, its a two-headed orc." Durn mutters as he sees the newcomer. Drawing his club he approaches and tries to decide which head to bash-in first.

[OOC:Draw club and move up to two-headed orc as MEA and attack to complete turn.]

[Dust]

Dron struggles to keep his head in the battle despite losing a great deal of blood. He continues to hang back, ready to move with the party if they begin to advance.

[SuperJosh]

Roth whistles and gestures for Sy to retreat down the tunnel past Algerdar. He then stays were he is and waits for one of the remaining two adversaries to come to him, so that his companions in the tunnel will have a better shot at the monsters.

"What have we gotten ourselves into!?!" Roth thinks, "These are way more than just your run of the mill goblins."

[BigRedRod]

Dron slowly regains his composure while he hangs back listening to the sounds of the battle, and ctahcing occasional glimpses through the tunnel.

Durn rushes the two-headed orcish creature, as he moves his draws his club and finishes the swift series of movement by brining the club down heavily on the creature's shoulder

Roth calls to Sy and remians tationary, letting the fiends come towards him for the moment. Sy quickly and carefully retreats into the tunnel at his command.

Aldergar moves through his allies towards the slain goblins and moves around the edge of the large solid rocky feature that goes from the floor to the ceiling and splits the cavern. The blob of sonic energy flies from his hand and catches the bugbear by suprise on the side of the head. The creature let's out a cry of pain and put's a free hand to the side of his head, he glances over and sees the gnome behind the rock.

The the two-headed orc lunges forwards towards Durn, but trips slightly on the uneven floor, throwing his balance off for a split second and making the attack worthless. The creature recovers his composure and raises his guard

The bugbear charges towards the little gnome who had so recently caused him pain, he hefts the pick axe and brings down a crushing blow on the small creature. The pick-axe, althougn not designed for combat, seems quite capable in the hands of something so powerful.

map
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
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@5o 38 5o 30 58 2k 58 2c 50 2c *s -1 5c 30 rs 0 0 2w 30 5c 30 *s
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@0 G2 *s -3 88 34 rs 0 G *s -3 8t 2l rs 0 B *s -3 6s 30 rs 0 Sy *s
@-3 7q 1u rs 0 R *s -3 7h 2d rs 0 Du *s -3 8b 11 rs 0 A *s -3 5k
@2k rs 0 Dr *s -1 4g 14 rs 0 0 3k w 4g 14 *s -1 48 10 rs 0 0 48 4
@3s 10 *s -1 4g 14 rs 0 0 40 0 40 o 4g 14
*END -thqega

[SuperJosh]

As Roth waits for the monsters to apprach him he sees his two mage friends go charging past him into the fray.

"What the????" he thinks to himself, momentarily stunned. He has a moment of indicision, trying to decide which on to help. Then he sees the bugbear deliver a vicious attack to Algerdar. That decides it for him, he races over to the gnomes aid, and prays that it is swift so he can help Durn.

(OOC: Roth will try and flank the BB if he can do so and still attack this round, AND not provoke an AoO. Otherwise he will just move in and attack.)

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar moves 5ft away from the creature, then repeats his casting of the spell.

(OOC: Move 5ft away form BB, Cast Lesser Sonic Orb)

[Dust]

Dron cautiously moves up, worried that if he hangs back and doesn't help that the creatures will break through. He moves next to Sy, looking for a clear shot.

[Black Plauge]

Seeing Dron move forward with his crossbow, Durn makes an adjustment to give Dron an open shot and again uses his club against the two-headed mostrocity.

[OOC: Use a five foot step to place Durn in a position so that he is not providing the creature with cover from Dron then attack again with the club.]

[BigRedRod]

The dwarf moves past and around the orc and then suddenly strikes. The creature suddenly raises an arm, striking the club away from itself while causing no real pain.

Dron carefully edges forward and bides his time, waiting for a better time to place his shot. As his companion wheels out of the way, he fires and strikes the creature in the back of a shoulder. The orc hardly makes a sound as the bolt thuds into it's flesh, it's eyes always focused on the dwarf before it.



map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 5c 3o rs 0 0 5c 3o -5c 3o *s -1 5o 3o rs 0 0 50 3o 58 3g
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@rs 0 9y6tc 3g 1o 3w 18 *s -1 40 1w rs 0 9y6tc 3c 1g 40 1w *s -1
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@-1 40 k rs 0 9y6tc 3k k 40 4 *s -1 3m m rs 0 9y6tc 36 -1 3m n *s
@-1 3n m rs 0 9y6tc 30 m 3o -2 *s -3 7i 13 rs 0 G1 *s -3 6r 11 rs
@0 G2 *s -3 88 34 rs 0 G *s -3 8v 16 rs 0 B *s -3 6s 30 rs 0 Sy *s
@-3 7q 1u rs 0 R *s -3 85 2j rs 0 Du *s -3 8b 11 rs 0 A *s -3 6v
@2h rs 0 Dr *s -1 4g 14 rs 0 0 3k w 4g 14 *s -1 48 10 rs 0 0 48 4
@3s 10 *s -1 4g 14 rs 0 0 40 0 40 o 4g 14
*END xlr0wf

[SponkleofInfini]

(OOC: Revert to original action against BB, if this changes again I may have to to kill you :))

[Dust]

Dron reloads the crossbow and looks for another shot.

[SuperJosh]

As Roth waits for the monsters to apprach him he sees his two mage friends go charging past him into the fray.

"What the????" he thinks to himself, momentarily stunned. He has a moment of indicision, trying to decide which on to help. Then he sees the bugbear deliver a vicious attack to Algerdar. That decides it for him, he races over to the gnomes aid, and prays that it is swift so he can help Durn.

(OOC: Roth will try and flank the BB if he can do so and still attack this round, AND not provoke an AoO. Otherwise he will just move in and attack.)

(OOC2: we are redoing the last round correct, so this is right if I want to repeat my actions right?)

[BigRedRod]

Roth moves quickly towards Aldergar and swings his falchion, it strikes a glancing blow on the shoulder of the bugbear. The blood runs across his skin, mixing with the dust and drops in large droplets to the floor.

Sy remains in his position awaiting any further commands from his master

Aldergar steps backwards, almost tripping over the two corpses on the floor. With a flick of his wrist a ball of sonic energy flies towards the bugbear. It strikes the side of his head and the creature's face becomes twisted with agony, blood purs from it's nose and ears and then it falls forwards, it's make-shift weapon slides forwards stopping just short of the gnome

The two-headed orc hears the sound of his remaining companion strike the floor and changes stance. He turns and runs back to the next cavern. As he turns the dwarf swings his club and catches him a good blow on the arm.

[ooc: sorry about all the messing and ignoring your question Roth, yes that was a re-take on the last round. I'll leave it here, with the other creature out of sight, I'm guessing Dron and durn will want new actions]

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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*END -s982bh

[Black Plauge]

Seeing the retreating form of the two-headed orc Durn is anxious to press on after him, however not knowing what lies ahead and realizing that an unarmored orc can easily outrun him he hesitates and turns to the others, "I suspect he will find his spellcasting companion's courage will return shortly, if it hasn't already. Shall we wait for them to return or persue them now? I have but one spell left with any combat applications, however it knows neither friend from foe and is better suited for an ambush situation."

[OOC: Durn uses the round to gauge the other's reactions, holding his ground in a full defensive posture as he talks to the others. He attempts to pitch his voice in such a way that the rest of the party can hear it but it will not carry towards the retreating form of their enemy.]

[SponkleofInfini]

"Well I used my last combat ready spell on the Bugbear, I say we pursue and strike them down with a ranged volley."

Algerdar moves back into the tunnel and retrieves his crossbow and reloads it.

[Dust]

Dron leans against the cave wall, suddenly feeling very faint. The world swims around him, and he is shaking violently from the rush of adrenaline.

"I'm not in any shape to continue," he says faintly, and then mumbles, "I'm not much of a fighter."

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar looks at Dron, concerns comes over him, it is strange to see Algerdar act in this way toward Dron, they got off to such a bad start and things did not get much better as they continued.

"Hmm if Dron can't continue, it may be best to make our stand here. I do not feel it wise to leave him behind in such a condition."

[SuperJosh]

"As much as I hate to admit it, I agree. If Dron can not continue then we had better make a stand here." Roth says as he looks over Sy's wounds. He also sheaths his Falchion and strings his bow.

As they wait Roth picks up any unclaimed crossbows and strings and loads them and hands them to the crosbow users.

"Here is how I think it would be best to set up the ambush..." Roth starts.Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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*END -srvas4

[SponkleofInfini]

"Yes that seems good, what say you both."

Looking to Durn and Dron, now cycling through the corpses trying to find somethign of worth.

[Dust]

"I'd rather have Durn's spot, myself," Dron replies weakly.

[SuperJosh]

"I, personally, do not have a problem with that." Roth replies, "But I won't talk for Durn. Ask him."

As he talks he passes around his water skin so that everyone can a drink. After it has made the rounds he goes to the pool in the other cave and quickly refills it.

[BigRedRod]

Before Aldergar can begin to search through anyt of the corpses a voice booms from the cavern the orc retreated into, it speaks in orcish,
"Can you understand me?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"Aye"

Shouts Algerdar while readying his crossbow.

[BigRedRod]

"We have both seen enough blood split, we have killed your kind, you have slain most of my allies. Let us stain this day any further. Do you agree?"
The orc still bellow but you can hear intelligence and reason behind the loud, orcish, gutteral tongue

[Black Plauge]

In response to Dron's unasked question Durn says, "I would have suggested we switch spots if you had not asked. I have been lucky thus far and you have not."

Upon hearing the orcish cries from the next cave and hearing Algerdar reply in kind Durn repositions himself to see into the next cave with his crossbow at the ready.

When the orc is done speaking Durn whispers to Algerdar, "What did he say?"

[OOC: Durn positions himself 10 ft. "south" from the pillar formation in the room against the wall. He carries no light (darkvision, remember) and will try to keep to the shadows so that Algedar's and Roth's sunrods do not illuminate him as he looks into the next room.]

[SuperJosh]

Roth Takes his position to the north of the cave entrance when he hears the orc bellow, and draws his bow. When Algerdar replies and it becomes apparent that he is conversing with the orc Roth eases the pressure off his bow and moves over to Algerdar just in time to hear Durn ask what the orc said. He awaits the answer.

[Dust]

Dron slinks into position, wearily holding up his crossbow.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar repeats the Orc's statements to his companions;

"We have both seen enough blood split, we have killed your kind, you have slain most of my allies. Let us stain this day any further. Do you agree?"

"What say the rest of you about this?"

[Dust]

"Sounds like it's trying to buy time," Dron says, "I don't like it. Can you ask it what it's doing here?"

[SuperJosh]

"Yah, and why it attacked the miners. I understand they might have invaded its domain, but why should we give truce to a creature who is going to attack the first thing it sees?" Roth adds to Dron's statement.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Aye that is true, I believe they have not much strength left to fight. Perhaps a conditional truce, to our benefit of course. The surrender of their weapons, spellbooks, and any other item they may possess that could be used to harm someone, also for them to leave this area in exchange for their lives."

Replies Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

"That sounds like a good idea." Roth says while thinking if that fulfills their obligation to Master Rizeth. "What does everyone else think?"

[BigRedRod]

From Durn's new position he can see into the next caern, it looks very similar to this and extends (as far as he can see) in both directions. However he cannot see the positions of the orc-creature or the mage.

There are faint sounds of discussion in the next chamber, in voices too hushed to be understood

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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*END -g3h8q1

[Black Plauge]

Again pitching his voice so that it only carries to his companions, Durn replies, "It sounds like his mage friend may have returned. At the very least he is not alone, though I cannot see where they have hidden themselves."

Durn then slips back towards the others where he adds, "Need, I also remind you that we are being paid to exterminate these vermin, not force them to withdraw. And, while Algerdar's and my shares is pretty much invariant to the number actually killed, Roth, yours and Dron's are not. In fact you are being paid by the head. Thus far we have killed 7 of these creatures, that's 245gp at the originally negotiated price, though I dare say you could renegotiate for the orc and the bugbear. If you are satisfied with that then perhaps a surrender on their part is in order. I, however, place little trust in the word of such vermin."

[SuperJosh]

"I agree, it would be better not to trust them, and we are only being paid for corpses," Roth whispers, "However, if we can get them to show themselves..." a wicked smile crosses Roth's face as he trails off.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar catches Roth's wry smile and decides to try and lure out the enemy, but first makes sure that his companions are prepared.

"I am going to try and lure them out, prepare yourselves."

Algerdar speaking in Orc tries to lure out the enemy down the corridor.

"Aye, agreed, you may come out, we mean you no more harm."

(OOC: Bluff check if needed)

[BigRedRod]

The voice doesn't reply for several seconds
"We will not come out. Possibly you misunderstand me, I simply do not believe that it is in anyone's interest to continue fighting."

[SponkleofInfini]

"I believe you do not understand, we cannot leave you here to your own devices. Do not get me wrong we do not wish to continue fighting, but if you will not disarm and come forward, you will die."

Replies Algerdar sternly

(OOC: Just incase, Algerdar translated all that was said by the Orc and his own statement to the Orc.)

[BigRedRod]

The voice laughs,
"If you truely believe that then I welcome you to try. I admit the odds may be in your favour, but know this, you will not kill me before I manage to crush the skull of at least one of your companions, or possibly yourself""

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar repeats the message to his companions, with a slight concern.

"He speaks highly of himself but he may be correct in assuming such a thing. Dron is injured badly, and the rest of us are worse for wear. What do you all believe should be our next course of action?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth thinks for a moment. "Ask him what assurances wehave that he will not continue to attack miners. A truce with use is all well and good, but what happens when we leave?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"I believe any cease in attacks will be short lived, they will regain their for force and restart their attack. That would make this redundant, hence why I wanted a conditional disarment, which dosen't look like happening.

Adds Algerdar

[Black Plauge]

Listening to the others Durn adds, "What we really need to know is how many of them there are and why they are here. If he is as interested in not fighting as he claims then perhaps we could convince him to leave by removing the reason for their presense." Durn, however, sounds unconvinced by his own statements and begins to move among the corpses checking for clues amongst the dead.

[OOC: Durn searches each corpse in turn starting with the bugbear.]

[Dust]

Dron says nothing. He appears to be deep in thought.

[BigRedRod]

The dwarf moves between each of the corpses carefully searching for any hidden items and taking stock of the other more mundane objects
[ooc: I'm not including the pre-looted groglin and orc]
Assorted Coins (12gp, 29sp, 51cp)
Obsidian ear stud
4x Lightcrossbows (varying quality, but none very poor or exceptional)
Longsword
Large battered metal shield
Pick-axe (clearl not intended to be a weapon)
A suit of leather armour (small)
A suit of studded leather armour
1 masterwork dagger
1 shortsword
2 daggers
A collection of dice and small bones in a small leather bag
A few pieces of jerky


Each of the foes carries a (worthless) icon of a humanoid creature running, some are amulets, some are just models kept in belt pouches and one is even a bracelet)

[Black Plauge]

Durn gives each of the weapons and armor a once over before placing them to the side in a pile. They are of little use to him and he doubts they can tell him much about the designs of these creatures. The coins, while valuable, he also suspects will tell him little and so he simply consolidates them into one bag. What intrigues him the most are the personal effects of these creatures. The dice and bones are probably for some game these creatures play but the other objects may hold more information.

Durn examines the obsidian ear stud, looking for tell tale signs of its origin.

Durn also examines the pick-axe, trying to remember what the miner's tools looked like.

Pulling the pouch he had taken from the orc earlier Durn pulls out another icon of a running humanoid and begins to compare the lot of them he has managed to collect from the downed mostrocities.

[OOC: Durn has now moved back into the passage between the first two rooms. His crossbow is armed, but on the ground next to him as he examines the objects mentioned above.]

[BigRedRod]

The stud is fairly well crafted, it looks a little like some of the tribal jewelry that Durn has heard about, but he isn't too sure

The pick-axe looks different to those used by the miners that Durn saw on his way through the mine camp. It looks quite high-quality but Durn could only guess at it's origin

The carvings of the humanoid figure running are all very similar, and appear to have been carved by the same hand.

The two-headed orc shouts,
"Well, have you decided to live today or not?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"I Believe that is a question you should be asking yourself."

In Orcish, partially laughing at the threat.

[BigRedRod]

"You laugh at such a time? Do you not understand out situation?"
The voice seems deeply confused at the response

[SponkleofInfini]

"I believe there will be no truce Roth, I highly doubt they will stand down."

Turning his attentions back to the Enemy;

"Understand yes, but you have yet to back up your threats, come if think so highly of yourselves."

Algerdar shouts in Orcish, quickly reading the group incase of a charge.

[SuperJosh]

"I fear you are right." Roth says as he once again takes up his bow. "Now we must decide how to end this threat with as little danger to ourselves as possible. If we can not lure him out I feel we should go in with bows drawn, and crossbows loaded. Unleash all we can on him, or if his wizard friend is back, then take out the caster first. No matter what I think Dron should remain in the back and cover us with his crossbow."

[BigRedRod]

The orc remains silent to Aldergar's last comment

[Black Plauge]

Hearing Algedar shout in orcish and Roth's comment, Durn puts takes the few coins that were in the pouch he recovered earlier and puts them in the pouch with the rest. He then places the figurines and the earstud in the now empty pouch before placing them both pouches in his backpack. Leaning the pick up against the wall of the cave where he can grab it on the way out, Durn readies his crossbow again and moves forward to where Algedar and Roth are.

"What ever the scaly creatures are, one thing is sure: all these goblinoids were working together. They all have an icon of some sort all of which appear to have been carved by the same hand."

Thinking a little Durn adds, "If we knew where they were and how many there were I might be able to take out several of them with my last combat spell. However, since it is my last spell I am hesitant to fire it blindly."

As he finishes speaking an idea occurs to Durn and he reaches into his backpack to get out the pouch containing the icons. Muttering and waving his hands he casts detect magic and gazes intently at the icons. He then puts them away and moves over to the pile of weapons and picks up the masterwork dagger again concentrating on it with his magically altered vision.

[OOC: If either the icons or the dagger register as magical Durn will spend three rounds examining them to gain maximal information. If they don't then he will simply move on. So this post may take anywhere from two rounds to six depending on circumstances.]

[Dust]

Dron says nothing, nodding his head slowly at Roth's statement.

Damn these human eyes! he thinks, I'm nothing but dead weight. If I could see in the dark, I could sneak ahead... soft feet have always been more valuable to me than swords. I have a lot more experience finding ways around danger than fighting through it.

[SuperJosh]

Roth waits as Durn continues his search.

[BigRedRod]

Durn's spell reveals that none of the items have any kind of magical aura surrounding them

[SuperJosh]

"We can not just wait here." Roth says as Dron finishes up his search. "Every moment we wait helps them as much, if not more, that it helps us. We need action. We need a plan."

[Black Plauge]

"Agreed," Durn says as he straightens up and puts away the icons and dagger, "however, what should we do? It does not seem likely that they will be coming out after us at the moment, so we have no choice but to go in after them. However, the light from your sunrods will give us away as we move forward allowing them to ambush us. I may be able to see perfectly fine in the dark, but I'll wager so can that orc and I am no good at sneaking around. We have to come up with a plan that involves them knowing we are coming."

[SponkleofInfini]

"I think if we throw the sunrods ahead of us into the chamber where they reside then we should still be able to see while not iving off our exact location."

Adds Algerdar

[Black Plauge]

"Agreed, but we need to do something to prevent them from covering the sunrods after you throw them. I found no light sources on the bodies of those already dispatched so I assume they can see in here as least as well as I can," Durn replies to Algerdar.

[SponkleofInfini]

"I guess we could throw more then a couple, then ready our fire towards those areas."

[SuperJosh]

"That sounds like the best option to me. " Roth says to the group. " Why don't we ready our bows and move int position to throw the 'rods, then if we can see then, start shooting, and if we can not move into a position were we might be able too.?"

[Black Plauge]

"If that works for you, then lets do it. The longer we wait the more time they have to prepare. I will attempt to cover the areas where the light from the sunrods doesn't fall."

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar prepares to throw his Sunrod making sure his Crossbow has been loaded before hand and that Roth is ready to throw his.

[Dust]

Dron grips his crossbow, ready to take the first shot available.

[BigRedRod]

The two sunrods glide through the air and land in the next cavern with a metallic clang. The cavern fills with light, but illuminates little of interest, except Roth notices that one of the sections of the cavern wall has been heavily worked, it looks like someone has spent quite a large amount of time attempting to dig through.

There is no sound or indication of movement from either the two-headed orc or his mysterious companion

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[Black Plauge]

With no sign of reaction from the other cavern, Durn moves forward cautiously, looking for some sign of their opponents. Seeing nothing he gestures to Roth and Algerdar, indicating that everyone should procede with caution. He then waits for a sign of acknowledgement from them as he double checks his crossbow.

[SuperJosh]

Roth proceeds throught he tunnel, his back to the southern wall, watching the northern corner, as he approaches the cave. his bow is notched and has an arrow ready to fire. He proceeding slowly, and cautiously.

He is hopeing that if the two are flanking the entrance to cave he will have a shot at the creature at the northern corner before the creature at the southern one will have an angel on him.

[Black Plauge]

Indicating Algerdar's injury Durn moves in front of him as Roth readies to move forward. He then takes up position oppisite Roth and performs a similar maneuver.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar moves forward cautiously, beside Durn, crossbow ready to fire upon the first enemy to come into his sights.

[Dust]

Dron creeps forward cautiously, keeping everyone in sight but hanging back as much as possible.

[BigRedRod]

The group carefully move into the cavern, there is no sign of either of the two remaining opponents bar the smashed reamins of at least two bottles on the floor by a passageway that leads from the cavern and has a fairly steep upwards gradient

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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*END was486

[Black Plauge]

Durn curses in dwarven upon finding the cavern empty.

"It would seem that those two were not inclined to stick around. Judging from the bottles I would say they had magical aid to help make their escape. Bloody cowards. Well, do we attempt to follow them using more mundane means, or so we wait for them to come back and try to ambush them here?"

[SuperJosh]

"I say we follow to he best of our ability." Roth comments. "They are only going to come back here when they have sufficiant force to overwhelm us. Unlike us, they know what they face. If we let them decide where they will face us we will be in even worse trouble."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm, these flasks may provide us with a clue to the whereabouts of the enemy should we not be able to find them."

Picking up the flasks and placing them in his pack, Algerdar also retrieves his sunrod.

Hmm what if they're still here

[BigRedRod]

The flasks are little more than shards of glass with a few patches of a sticky foul-smelling purple liquid clinging to them

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar will pick up a few shards and place them in his pack. Isolated from everything else.

[Dust]

Dron says nothing, instead looking down at the floor and concentrating hard on listening to everything around him.

(OOC: Listen check for extra footfalls further back in the cavern, among us, etc.)

[SuperJosh]

Roth does othing but watch his companions, although he can tell form Drons actions and body language that he should be quiet, he does not understand why.

[BigRedRod]

At first Dron hears nothing, after a few minutes he becomes convinced he can hear something making a whistling noise, although it's faint and difficult to make out any details of the sound or it's source. It seems to be originating from the passage to the north

[Black Plauge]

"Perhaps we should decide to face them here," Durn suggests, "There is only the one egress, and its steep slope will make it difficult for us to follow. If those bottles contained what I think they contained then it would be a fairly easy matter for our enemies to attack us while we climb the slope and are unable to defend ourselves."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Yes....well I doubt they will come back to kill us, as you said, they will wait for us to begin our ascent up the slope before attacking. Anyway, it looks like they have the advantage regardless of our decision."

[Dust]

Dron informs the rest of the party of what he has heard.

[SuperJosh]

"Hhhmmmmm. A whistleing did you say? Did it sound like a person whistling, or like a something making a noise that resembled a whiste? Like something whistles through the air." Roth then quits talking and tries to hear it for himself.

[Black Plauge]

Durn opens his mouth to speak but then closes it again when he notices Roth listening intently for the sound Dron described.

[BigRedRod]

Roth stands motionless for a moment, trying not to breath, but he does not hear the sound which his companion reported

[SuperJosh]

After a moment of silence Roth shakes his head. "Nope, nothing. I guess it is up to you to be my ears for a while Dron."

[Black Plauge]

"Hmm... The whistling noise could be caused by a breeze blowing across a narrow opening in the cave formation."

Durn pauses to consider for a moment.

"We're little more than 40ft underground, I wonder how high up that slope extends..."

Durn wanders over to the base of the slope and looks up it trying to determine just how high it climbs.

[BigRedRod]

The tunnel slope is fairly steep but not so much as to hinder movement in any real way. It continues for twenty feet, rising perhaps ten before it begins to turn to the right, and out of site of the dwarf.

[Black Plauge]

"Well, since we appear to be getting deeper as we go further," Durn continues as he looks up the slope, "I would conclude that we are headed into a hill. Given that, this slope will probably not lead to an entrance, at least not immediately, but it may lead to a small air shaft which could create the whistling noise you describe Dron. Tell me, is the noise constant or intermitant?"

[Black Plauge]

"It was intermitant," Dron replies, "although I can't tell you much more than that."

"Okay then," Durn continues, "given that, and the fact that it was only breezy outside, I would hazard a guess that the whistling is our opponents signaling for reinforcements, although I can't completely rule out a more natural source. Well then, it seems we have a decision to make and we must make it soon, Do we press on, and attempt to catch those two before reinforcements arrive, or do we wait and attempt to ambush them here? I for one, vote for pressing on."

[SponkleofInfini]

"As do I, if we were to wait, things would soon stack against us. But Dron, I doubt you're well enough to pursue them, do you think you're well enough to continue? You could wait here for us, and cover us should there be need to retreat."

Replies Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

"I agree with both Algerdar and Durn, it would be best to press our advantage and attack our foes. But let Dron stay here to cover us should we need to make a hastey retreat. Roth says after a moments consideration.

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: Ok i'll push you along a little here]

With the injured rogue holding back to provide a rear-guard the others proceed carefully up the narrow passage. The tunnel slopes upwards and Durn can feel the surface drawing closer. The floor of the tunnel becomes slightly more damp and the footprints are plainly visible ahead of the group.
The tunnel curves around and alternates between perfectly level to a fairly steep upwards climb.

The group round a corner and can clearly see daylight ahead and the end of the tunnel. The footprints continue ahead seeming to lead outside. The earth floor here is quite wet, the air smells of fresh rain but you cannot see the sky clearly through the trees that look like they surround the entry point.

All is quiet except for the sounds of rustling and whistling that would appear to be the wind (which seems to have picked up since you entered the mines)

[Black Plauge]

"Hmm... It would appear that I was wrong about the whistling. It was just the wind."

Looking about Durn continues, "Well it seems our work here is just about finished. We get the miners to come in here and seal this entrance off and that should take care of the problem. One thing that bothers me though is that we still don't know why those creatures came here in the first place. Without that bit of information there is little we can do to prevent them from coming back."

As he speaks Durn wanders thorough the cave looking for signs of the recent creatures habitation.

[BigRedRod]

A careful search of the tunnel reveals very little, there are a few small bones around the tunnel mouth (leading to the outside) and the ground looks fairly well travelled. But it doesn't look like anything was living in the tunnel section

[SponkleofInfini]

"Lets press on a little further, perhaps more clues will reveal themselves to us."

Mentions Algerdar

[Black Plauge]

Looking at the well traveled ground, Durn replies, "I don't know about you, but I can make neither heads nor tails of these tracks. I suppose we could try and follow them but unless one of you two know how to tell the diffrence between yesterday's trail and one from a week ago, I doubt we'll have much luck following the trail."

[SuperJosh]

"We might not have much luck, but I would like to be able to return to Master Rizeth and say we at least checked it out. I think we should follow it for a while." Roth says as he sheaths his sword.

[Black Plauge]

"Very well then, it appears I am out voted. Let me just make sure that Dron knows what we intend to do and I'll join you."

Heading to the top of the slope Durn calls down to Dron, moving down the slope only as necessary for Dron to hear him. Once he is sure Dron can hear him he calls down to explain the situation before heading back to Roth and Algerdar.

"Lead the way gentlemen."

[BigRedRod]

The tracks fade quickly in the undergrowth of the trees on the hilltop, it looks like the trees (which continue for quite a distance away from the mining camp) are home to a fair number of animals, depsite the clear differences between the types of track it quickly becomes impossible to tell anything except they started off heading northward.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm well this is not a promising sign, I doubt it is likely we will find them now without a lengthy search. Perhaps we should do as you suggested Durn, and get the miners to seal the entrance, it seems the only logical thing to do for now, and I don't like the idea of leaving Dron by himself should we actually engage ourselves in a lengthy search."

Says Algerdar, clearly annoyed that they lost the 2 remaining enemy.

[Black Plauge]

As unenthusiastic as he was about following the trail, Durn is clearly upset by losing it.

"Indeed, it seems that we won't get much more from this trail. I guess knowing the general direction they went though might be useful. We could always come back and search for more definitive signs. Perhaps, we could even find some one who could make better sense of these trails. Shall we head back then? I'd like to spend some more time checking out the properties of the cave. That pick wasn't one that would have been taken off the miners so it seems to me there might be something of intrest in the cave that they were after. I want to look into that."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm, true."

Says Algerdar in a low voice, heading back to Dron.

[SuperJosh]

"I am content with the search. We cleared out the carverns as we were contracted to do. If our employer wants more of us, well... that is another deal. Let us head back to the cave so that we may learn as much as possible, then head back to Master Rizeth's house." Roth says as he turns back toward the cave. "Besides, I do not want to leave Dron alone for too long in his present state."

[BigRedRod]

The group return to the chamber where Dron keeps guard and awaits them. The chambers look like they have been occupied at least long enough for some of the creatures to require rest. Altohugh there are no trappings of comfort, there are several small (now extinguished) fires and imprints on the gorund that suggest someone or something was lying there.


It doesn't take much time for the dwarf to see why the bugbear was using a pick-axe as a weapon, at the southern end of the chamber which the pair retreated into before sight of them was lost. One of the walls seems to have been heavily mined it, although it is beyond Durn's knowledge to guess how long the mining of it has been going on ,or why it was being mined.

[Black Plauge]

"Well, it seems these creatures were after some minerals of some sort. I'm no expert on mining but is seems to me that there is bound to be one in that camp out there. I say we leave a guard here while one of us goes back to get the miners. Who's up for a walk in the dark?"

[SuperJosh]

"I say we send two back." Roth replies, "Dron and someone else. Dron can stay in the camp and rest while the other brings the miners back."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm perhaps I should ecsort Dron back, I am sure Durn wishes to examine this area further, and he will need some support."

Replies Algerdar

[Black Plauge]

"Dron, if your ammeniable, that works for me."

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: sorry Dust, I haven't seen you on in a while, and we seem to be really rolling at the mo, so I'll assume you will welcome a chance for fresh air and getting away from danger]

The mage and the rogue leave the caverns leaving their two companions stood by the mined wall and rather close to quite a few deceased creatures.

***********

The two leave the caverns and after walking for a short time through a fairly straight tunnel they meet the Foreman and his two men, at the site of only two of you emerging and your state the foreman rushes forwards,
"Where are the others? Are you ok? How badly hurt are you? Where are the others?"

[Black Plauge]

Durn spends the time waiting for the miners going over every square inch of the cavern.

[OOC: A "take 20" search, starting from the entrance to the natural caves.]

[SponkleofInfini]

"Where are the others? Are you ok? How badly hurt are you? Where are the others?"

"We're all fine a little worse for wear though, I am slightly injured but am fine, as are my other companions, but Dron here was injured badly in the battle within the mine, could you take care of him? My two other companions are still down in the mine, we will need your assitance, we have felled all but two of the creatures within the mine. They have escaped somewhere into the forest beyond the mine, and only know they went north, we may search for them later but for now we feel the best option is collapse the exit at that point of the mine; we will need your help for this. As for the rest of what I need to tell you, I shall tell you on the way."

Replies Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

As Durn searches the mines roth keeps as good of a look out as he can given the lighting. He tries to keep himself between Durn and the forest entrance, but never too far away from Durn. He has his sword sheathed, but his bow is strung and in his hand.

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: Dust hasn't been seen since the 9th, so I'm guessing it's for the best not to wait for him ]

The foreman nods and indictaes to one of his men to aid Dron in moving,
"Ok, explain while we more. Will your friends be alright left alone? When we get back to the camp we can make preparations to have this exit you found sealed off"
The foreman turns and questions Aldergar as he quickly walks back toward the surface.

*********

In the cavern the dwarf continues to search his surroundings while Roth keeps guard

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm they should be more then able to defend themselves if need be. But even still, we must make haste with the preperations."

Algerdar continues to explain what has happened, and what not as they return back to camp to make preperations.

[BigRedRod]

...

Aldergar, the foreman and several large men armed with pick-axes arrive back at the cavern.

Durn's search has yielded little, the caverns appear to have been occupied for a fairly short period, the only reason seems to have something to do with the mined cavern wall, although as far as Durn can tell it's just another cavern wall identical to the others and holding no valuable materials. Oddly enough there is no sign of the bodies of the miners, who died in the initial ambush, inside the cavern.

Under Aldergar's direction the large men locate the tunnel mouth and begin prepartions to collapse the entrance.

The foreman looks with disgust at the bodies,
"So these are the things..."
He walks between them and then sighs,
"I suppose I should count the bodies so I can prepare a note for the Master..."

********


After much fussing and a brief check over by the site medic Dron lies in bed beside the two survivors from the initial attack, both of them are asleep now and Dron is bandaged.

[Black Plauge]

"Foreman, these creatures seem to have been interested in this wall," Durn says indicating the wall which showed signs of mining. "However, I can't seem to find a reason why they were so interested in it. Of course, I'm no expert on mining. Perhaps you could take a moment to look it over and tell me what you think?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth breaths a sigh of relif as Algerdar arrives with the miners. Both for the fact that no one atttacked while they were vulnerable and for the fact that Algerdar and Dron made it safely back.

He then goes about helping the miners. Doing what he is told to help expediate the process.

[BigRedRod]

The foreman investiagtes the wall closely, feeling it's textures, examining the rock at the base and suchlike,
"Well it doesn't look like they were extracting anything, after there is no evidence of them taking anything they found is there? Maybe it was going to be a new nest for them and they wanted to extend it. I'm not too sure, but I can be fairly certain this wasn't mining for any mineral"

[SuperJosh]

Roth asks Durn if he can see one of the figures they found earlier that every goblinoid seemed to be carrying. "Hmmm I wonder if this had anything to do with it. Have you ever seen this symbol before?" he asks the foreman.

[BigRedRod]

"Hmmmm"
The foreman peers at the figure
"That's the symbol they have at all the big games, it's Kunoq's."
The man bobs his head in respect as he mentions of the name of the God.
"The creatures were carrying these? Seems odd, I thought these beasts had their own Gods."

[Black Plauge]

"Hmm... I wonder if the digging had any religious signifigance," Durn mutters under his beard.

"Ah, well," Durn continues in a normal voice, "lets get this entrance sealed so that those creatures don't bother you again. I suggest sealing each of the narrow passages in addition to the exit. That should provide you with a buffer in case they come back."

Heading for the opening Durn takes the pick the bugbear had been weilding and begins to help the miners seal the entrance.

[BigRedRod]

Time passes and the tunnel is slowly but securly sealed off, at the completetion of the project the foreman adresses the group,

"I must thank you again, however it worries me that the bodies of men weren't recovered. We can return to the surface now, there we can all get cleaned up and you can have something to eat while I prepare a note for Master Rizeth."

The foreman and the miners set off out of the caverns, the men do not talk amoungst themselves as they walk.

[ooc: if you want to do anything last minute in the caves , now is the time, I'll leave this a while then zoom on]

[SuperJosh]

As the foreman tells Roth the orgin of the figure he puts on a properly abashed look and addresses the foreman.

"Ah.. uh... yesss??? YES I see it now, not used to the lighting in the caves."



As the work clears up and the workmen start to clear out Roth approaches Durn. "Durn," he begins, "I know dwarves are MUCH better underground tham humans are so I was wondering if you would be able to tell how to get to the other side of the enterance we just filled in if we were on the surface?"

[Black Plauge]

"I wouldn't bet on it," replies Durn, "I may be comfortable underground but pathfinding has never been one of my strong suits. At most I can tell you how deep under we are at any given point down here, but I doubt that would help much on the surface. Perhaps one of the miners will know the lay of the land. You want to check with the foreman?"

[BigRedRod]

The miners and the party return to the surface, and head into the one of the bunk-houses to get cleaned up after the messy business down blow. After the blood, dust and smell are cleansed the procession head into another section of the bunkhouse.

A large table dominates this room, some seats are already occupied by other miners, they sit in small groups talking and eating. The noise level noticably drops as the party enter, the other miners turn and stare at them. One of the miners stands and begins to clap, and slowly the others get to their feet and applaude the brave souls that avenged their co-worker's deaths.

A heavily bandaged Dron is led into the room and rejoins the party, as does the Foreman, he whispers to the group,
"It looks like word of your success got out quickly. Perhaps one of you should say something?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth looks around, and not seeing any of his companions forthcoming, steps forward to address the group himself.

"As many... well probably all of you, know... my companions and I were sent by Master Rizeth to clear out the mines, and we have accomplished that." he starts out, somewhat haltingly, " We were able to enter the caves that the creatures were hold up in and take the fight to them." He continues gaining confidence and momentum as he speaks. "After a feirce fight that left most of their warriors dead we were able to drive them off, and then, with your help, to seal entrance they used to gain the caverns the first time. But that is all what you already know. What you do not know is that, even though we were paid my Master Rizeth to come here and rid the caverns of these beasts when we arrived her and saw, first hand, the brutality that had been inflicted on you, on honest hard working men, it became something else, it became personal. You are ordinary men going about their daily lives providing for your families as best you can when you were viciously attacked. That these creatures thought they could attack you for no reason other than that you were doing your jobs is something that struck a cord in me," hear Roth half turns and motions to his companions, "in all of us. And knowing that we were fighting to avenge you and your fallen comrades added more strenght to our swings and to our spells than any amount of money could have. We get paid for this. It is a living, but" and he motions to Dron and his injuries, "It is not a very good one. Never the less it IS our jobs to defend you against threats like this. All to often we forget that when we go traipsing off to follow a myth or legend, and I for one am glad that I had the opportunity to be reminded why I picked up a sword in the first place. To defend the people."

[Black Plauge]

Clearly embarassed by the attention being paid to him and the others, Durn hangs in the background as Roth speaks, trying to avoid making a similar speech.

[BigRedRod]

The speech seems quite well recieved, there is a short peroid of extra appluase at the end and then the miners turn back to their own conversations and meals.
The foreman hands something to Durn (him being the nearest), it's a sealed envelope, and speaks tot he group as he leads them towards the table
"Master Rizeth is expecting this, it just tells him the job was done so that he will pay you. That was quite the speech you made there, maybe a little over the top, but the men seemed to appreciate his words."

A few moments later each of the group have a plate sat before them and a mug of water, laid out by a boy who can't be more than ten years old.
The food is a simple stew, with very little meat in, but still it is filling and just what is needed after the events in the mine.
The meal passes with a little light conversation mainly about the mine having quite a good output recently and the preparations to shut down the mines for a day either side of the upcoming Summer Solstice so that all the men can be back with thier families. Master Rizeth seems to be very well thought of by his workers.

[SuperJosh]

"Thanks." Roth replies to the foreman, as he sits down to eat. "I do not really like making speeches, especially on the spot ones, but I have always found that in situations such as this it is better to be over the top than understated. People expect certian things of their protectors, whether they are hired mercenaries or The King's Guard."

Roth spends the rest of the meal making small talk with the foreman and whoever else is near him. He also tries to sneak Sy as much food as he can spare.

[Black Plauge]

Listening to the conversations around him, Durn overhears the bit about the upcomming festival. Thinking about what the foreman said earlier an idea occurs to him and he turns to pursue with the foreman.

"Foreman, forgive me if these questions seem naive, I am not exactly familiar with all the customs of you flatlanders. This upcoming festival, the Summer Solctice, will it have some of these games you spoke of? The ones connected to 'Kunoq', the same god whose symbol we found on the creatures?"

[BigRedRod]

"No doubt there will be a little something, but the main games are always held around Greengrass, at the start of Spring. But you can expect some sort of competition between the younger men at pretty mcuh any festival you care to name. Kunoq is the Master of strength and competition, I think it's fair to say that all games are connected to him."

[ooc: in case any of you aren't familiar with the FR calender, Greengrass is an extra day between the months of Tarsakh and Mirtul, it's the official first day of Spring]

[Black Plauge]

"Where will these games be held? And exactly how long is it until the festival?"

[BigRedRod]

The foreman thinks for a moment
"Well today is the eighth, and the solstice isn't until the twentieth, so just over a tenday away, next tenth-day. There will be games at most of the larger towns. Lodez will have a wrestling competition and maybe some running, I'm not too sure though, but it won't be hard to find exactly what is planned for the day. Sinst will of course have something larger."

The foreman is silent for a moment and then speaks again

"I'm sure once you return to Master Rizeth with what you came across , he will be able to piece together the situation and work out why we were attacked. He is a clever and wise man, and I doubt he will ignore why an attack on one of his holdings occured."

[ooc: the days of the week(tenday) are named after their number in general, so first-day, second-day, etc.]

[Black Plauge]

"I'm sure Master Rizeth will too. However, its part of our job to make sure he has all the avaliable information. I'm just trying to make sure I haven't overlooked anything important that he should know."

"Also, is there anyone here who would be able to track those vile creatures? There were some tracks leading away from the cave to the north, but none of us were able to follow them very far. If we had some sort of guide we might be able to find the homes of the creatures and who know what that would tell us."

[BigRedRod]

The foreman shakes his head,
"I'm afraid I don't think anyone here would be capable of tracking anything, it's not what the men are trained for. I understand your point though, if we don't track them now while the trail is fresh, then we could lose them and they might return. I'll send the word around that we are looking for anyone with any skill at tracking, hopefully I'm wrong and one of my men will be able to help you catch the rest of the filthy bastards that invaded the mine."

The foreman stands and walks between the tables, talking quietly to a few men at a time, it looks like he is asking them to spread the word aorund a tracker is needed and report back to him if they know anyone who could help.

[Black Plauge]

Turning to the rest of his companions, Durn speaks between mouthfuls, "What do you say we do? If there isn't anyone here that can track the besties then we might have a better chance of finding some one in town. We could also report back to Master Rizeth, collect our fee for this mission, and also possibly negotiate an extended contract to track the goblinoids down. I don't know about you, but as much as I would like the extra bonus for information, I would also like to get cracking on replenishing my spellbook."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Reporting back to Master Rizeth seems our best option at this point. Replenishing our spellbooks as soon as possible is quite important at this point, aswell as collecting the rest of the fee. But Durn, an important question to ask, is how useful would we be on such an expedition? Such matters as tracking require addressing rather quickly before the trail fades as a result of weather, other creatures etc. By the time we finally collected our fee, found an experienced tracker and came back, all would most likely be for nothing. I don't feel we will be able to find those creatures in time, even if we were successful in following their trail through the woods."

Adds Algerdar, taking a sip of his drink.

[SuperJosh]

"As much as I hate to admit it, I think going to see Master Rizeth is our best course of action. We can get the rest of our pay, and you can get your spells." Roth says, "Besides, if the beasties are stilll in the area they will leave fresh tracks that a tracker could follow. And if they are not, then we need not worry about them now."

[Black Plauge]

"Bah! I had not thought of the fact that tracks need to be fresh to follow them. Well then, if the foreman can't find anyone to help us, then I say we head back to Master Rizeth. There's not much else we can do here."

[SuperJosh]

As Roth finishes his meal he once again adresses the forman. "So have you had any luck finding a tracker? If not I think it is time we headed back to Master Rizeth's and talked to him in person."

[BigRedRod]

The foreman returns to the group and stands behind the group, as they turn he begins to speak in a level voice.

"No, I'm afraid none of the men have any experience with tracking. Well then, if you are finished with your meals, I would ask you to hasten back to Master Rizeth... and don't forget to deliever the envelope to him."

[ooc: I'll give you a time to make any comments and then push you out, sorry this has been slow. RL has been attacking me lately]

[Black Plauge]

Thanking the foreman for his efforts, Durn gets up and prepares to leave.

Having secured his pack he says, "If you could have someone show us to our mounts we'll be on our way."

[BigRedRod]

The group leave the building and are met by a man (the same hulking man who met the group at their arrival) holding their horses, he smiles and hands over the reigns of the two horses and two ponies. The light is fading quickly as the sun drops below the horizon

The foreman walks outside with the group,
"I thank you once again, now I ask that you make all haste in your return"

The journey back seems to pass much more slowly than the arrival. The trail from the mine to the road drags by, the dull landscape of almost uniform low hills covered with small herds of sheep and other animals gradually shifts into flat lands covered in various crops in varying stages of growth. The road is empty of all traffic

After around three and a half hours of hard riding the group pass through Lodez. The hour is late, and now it is full night. By your reckoning it will about a an hour anda half to cover the remaining miles to Master Rizeth's Villa

[Black Plauge]

"Is it just me, or did the foreman seem particularly interested in getting us out of there?" Durn asks his companions once they are on their way back towards town.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm, now that you mention it yes. Although, it is not really our concern as to his motive for this, our job is done, that is all that really matters."

Replies Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

"Yes he did, Although if it was to get everything in the camp back to normal, or because having four armed men who's loyalties can obviously be bought made him nervous, or some other more...sinister?... reason I can not say. I think that when we return to our employer we can mention it. See who long the foreman has been with him and such." Roth replies.

[Black Plauge]

Although the dark of night doesn't hinder his view of the immediate area, the long streches of area where Durn cannot see make him nervous. Who knows what such wide open spaces might contain in the dark of night?

Breathing an audible sigh of releif as they reach Lodez, Durn reins his pony back to a walk. Once his companions have done the same he asks them, "Given the problems we had with Corran last night, do you think it wise that we try to see Master Rizeth tonight to give news of our sucess? Or would it be better to hole up at the inn for the night and see Master Rizeth in the morning?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth thinks of their nonexsistant funds nad of how much an inn would cost, he then remembers to room and the food provided free of cost by Master Rizeth. "I think that we can ill afford to stay at an inn tonight. It is not that much farther to Master Rizeth's estate. I know I will sleep better having gotten there. And I feel that we will not have the trouble with Corran we did last time since we are known to him now."

[Black Plauge]

"As you wish. I'll follow your lead on this one."

[BigRedRod]

The group ride onwards into the night, it takes a little longer than expected but after nearly two hours of riding along the dark road, surrounded by strnage noises and odd shapes moving across the skyline, the group arrive at the gate to the villa.

As before when the group arrived at night, the doors are closed. The mission is so close to completetion and yet exhaustion begins to spread through the bodies of each of the group

[SuperJosh]

After a moment of stareing at the gate Roth finally musters up the will to get off his horse. He walks over to the gate and knocks on it.

"It is Rothylt, and my companions, come from a misson for Master Rizeth. We seek enterance to th... ahh screw it. Come on let us in, we are tired and dirty and have injured with us. We need to care for ourselves and our animals and to report to Master Rizeth." Roth says, starting out politely but quickly going down hill as fatigue overtakes him.

[BigRedRod]

The panel on the door slides open. Light spills through onto the ground, but it slams shut again before you can get a look at who opened it.

After a few moments of silence the gate is unbolted and the stout form of Corran is clearly visible on the other side,
"Get inside then, I'll show you to your rooms. You can see the Master in the morning, it is far too late an hour to be discussing such important matters"
Corran stands inside waiting for the four to get inside the grounds

[SponkleofInfini]

"That is fair enough, thankyou."

Remarks Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

"Yes, thank you. You do not know how good a bed will feel."

Roth will insist on taking care of his horse first, then Cy, and then taking care of himself.

[BigRedRod]

The group enter the grounds and Corran shuts and bars the gate. He turns,
"I'll show you inside then"
The strange lighting of the garden remains eerie even on your second night-time pass through the grounds. The sources of the colours seem to be cleverly hidden, giving the gorunds an otherworldly look.

As you reach the main door the villa, you notice a guard rounding the corner of the building, noticing Corran's absence he heads for the gate. You've seen the man before, but he wasn't the guard that Corran caught sleeping.

Corran heads thorugh the door, up the stairs and arrives at the rooms you previously stayed in,
"You will be sent for in the morning"
The man turns and heads begins to head back to his post

[ooc: I'll leave it open for a little while in case you want anything to be said to him or one another]

[BigRedRod]

EXPERIENCE

Roth [SuperJosh] 2116

Aldergar [Sponkle] 2018

Dron [Dust?] 1875

Durn [Black Plague] 2019