Chapter 2 - Another Perfect Day

[BigRedRod]

The morning daylight is straming through windows when there is a prompt knock at the door, it is the serving boy informing you that breakfast will be served at the rear of the villa in the gardens this morning. The boy also brings hot water so that each of you may wash.
The boy is rather startled to see what appears to a wolf in one of the rooms, he talks quickly and moves along to the next room.

Rizeth indicates some chairs around a circular table, the table is outside on a slightly raised terrace, the garden stretches for quite some distance at the rear of the villa. The table has quite a few different foods in the centre, two types of different porridge (one being much darker and thicker than the other), bread, mixed sliced fruit (you can make out a wide selection that should not normally be available at this time of year), boiled eggs, various preserves, honey and a large jug of milk, there is also a fair-sized pot of tea.
"Please sit, eat with me on this fine Kythorn morn. It is not right to discuss the business of the day before one has eaten."
The serving boy who awoke you stands next to Rizeth, but the wizard dismisses him as you are seated.

[ooc: your experience is at the end of Chapter 1, add it onto your sheets]

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar wakes very happy, the previous days worries have left him. He welcomes the boy into the room and accepts the hot water and cleans himself before this mornings breakfast.

"Thankyou, I will be down soon."

He makes his way down to breakfast, a smile of content clearly seen upon his face. He looks around at the spread and a grin rises ear to ear.

"My my Rizeth, you have certainly out done yourself this morning. This meal is fit for a king. Indeed food first..........business later....."

Algerdar replies quickly, eager to eat.

[SuperJosh]

Roth wakes and washes with the water left by the servant. He then dresses and prepares to go down stairs. After he feels presentable he strolls to the back of the villa with Sy trailing closely behind. "That's a good boy. Are you as hungery as I am? No, you are probably hungrier." He says as they approch the table.

He seats himself directly across from their host, motions for Sy to sit at his feet and listens patiently to Master Rizeth and Algerdar. "Indeed, my comrade is correct, Master Rizeth, you do set a fine table, and it has been long since I have had anything but broth and hardtack to eat." He says as he starts helping himself to the feast that has been provided him. He takes a slice of bread, some preserves, a sampling of the some of the more exotic fruits, two eggs, and some of the lighter porridge which he sweetens with some honey. He then pours himself a glass of milk and grabs two more eggs which he slips to Sy. "I know it is not the steak I promised you, boy. But it will have to do for now." He says half to the dog.

[Dust]

Dron is up slow to get up in the morning, savoring the feeling of a bed underneath his back. Although he has been awake since the first light of dawn, he doesn't leave his fluffy sanctuary until the serving boy knocks on his door.

After being forced from his bed, Dron spends a long time in his room sitting on the floor and looking out of the expansive windows in his room. With his back braced against the bed frame, he just enjoys the view and tries to clear his mind of worries. When finally he is roused by his grumbling stomach, he finds that sometime during his thoughts he has drawn his dagger and has been spinning it absently through his hand and over his knuckles. He gets up and sheathes his dagger, turning away from the sunlit windows and heading out of his room.

When he reaches villa, Dron his extremely happy to find the best meal he has ever seen since the Hagland Massacre waiting for him. He dimly notices Master Rizeth, Algerdar and Roth, but pays them little mind. He quickly sits down at the table and starts grabbing a little bit of everything in sight, shoving it into his mouth without bothering to use utensils when at all possible.

[SponkleofInfini]

Shoving food into his mouth like there is no tommorow, Algerdar tears himself away from the food long enough to ask Rizeth a question.

"I was wondering...........would it be possible to borrow some of your old spellbooks and copy some of the spells within into my own? Since I lost my own I have very few spells in my repetoire."

He then begins to shovel food into his mouth once again.

[BigRedRod]

"No problem at all, losing a book of spells is always a tragedy. For a nominal fee of course, but we can negotiate that."

Rizeth does not eat all that much, he seems to sit in observation of his five guests. He glancs at Sy occasionally but makes no comment.
When everyone has finished eating Rizeth begins to speak,
"Firstly, I would like to thank you for collecting the energysts, I am sure that their study will be most fruitful. As we agreed I will pay you one hundred and thirty gold pieces for each that you recovered, you said there were three. So that brings your payment to three hundred and ninety pieces. Do you have them with you now? If not would one of you be as so kind as to fetch them."
Rizeth looks at the four but mainly seems to adress the request to fetch them to Roth.

[SuperJosh]

Roth stands up, "I have them, but I have left them in my pack in my room. If I may be excused for a moment I shall retrieve them." He says then turns to go to his room. Before he leaves he makes a gesture to Sy that means 'stay'.

Roth walks away, half curious as to why it was HIM that was sent away, and half angered about being sent to retrieve them like a common servent. Once he is out of sight from the others he breaks into a run untill he reaches his room were he grabs the energyst then runs back to where he deems he could not be seen, pauses a moment to gain his breathe, then walks back to the table.

(OOC I am just assuming I have all the energysts to make it easier, if anyone has a problem with this please let me know.)

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: yeah that's fine]

Rizeth makes idle small talk about his gardens and the difficulties that are being thrust upon him by the townspeople, it sounds like he is the town leader. From his talking it sounds like he looks at the townspeople almost as his children

Roth returns carrying the three gems, Rizeth smiles and stands to take them from him, he examines each briefly and places it on the table before him, finally he hands Roth a rather small bag and sits down,
"That's thirty-nine platinum coins, I thought they would be easier for to lug around than gold, those coins get very heavy."
Rizeth sits for a while looking rather distant for a moment before he speaks again,
"I have a problem. Yesterday afternoon I recieved word that a mine about a day to the east, which I own, was attacked by a band of monsters. Several of the men who worked for me are dead. "
The old man speaks in a saddened tone, it sounds like he actually cared for his miners
"I want the vermin out of my property, I want the families and friends of those that were murdered to feel that justice has been done, and if it is at all possible I want to know why they attacked a mine. It doesn't make sense to me. Will you help me?"
The wizard looks at each of you

[SuperJosh]

"I can not speak for my companions," Roth says as he takes a seat and scratch's Sy's head, "But I have nothing else to do now, and would be glad to help you." Roth reclines in his seat content to let Dron handle the haggling if the others decide to caste their lot with Rizeth and his mine also.

[Dust]

Dron leans back in his seat with a great sigh, taking a break from cramming food into his mouth.

"It's gonna cost you," he says, "if we're out to kill monsters, that means that we're taking a serious risk with our lives. I'm not sure if it would be a good idea even if you payed us, say... 500 gp each. I, for one, have enough platinum in my pocket to last me for at least a month, more if I'm on the road. It's not as if I'm in dire need. Even for that much extra gold, the risk is great. You can't spend it when you're dead."

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth nods as Dron speaks
"I am in dire need ... , I will admit I do not know how many of them, or exactly what they are. The message implied they could be little more than goblins ... but who ever heard of organised goblins, eh?"
The man gives a short nervous laugh and quikcly straightens his face
"They traditionally live in little clans, eating fungus and rats, only risking attacking anything if it looks far weaker than them. The thing that worries me is whatever is in there must expect some retaliation, and it must believe it can handle it."
Rizeth sighs slightly and rubs the back of his left hand
"I am glad you are considering aiding me in this troublesome matter. Perhaps an amount based on the number that you remove from the mine will be more agreeable? Will sixty gold pieces per creature you exterminate from the mines be sufficent, along with a bit extra depending on how much you find out about why they did it and what they want. Of course if they are something a good sight stronger than goblins, I'll increase the price on it's head accordingly."

[SuperJosh]

Roth watches the play between Dron and Rizith with both intrest and intrege, yet he can not help but feel sorry for Rizeth, and be a little ashamed of himself as he thinks about how Dron is using this likable mans need to increase their own gain. "Oh well,' he thinks, "I guess this is why I am not a good negotiator."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Just to add, I would like to be able to copy from of your spellbooks, free of charge. Do not worry they won't be anything more then lesser spells of course."

Algerdar watches on waiting for Rizeth's reply.

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth's face is a mask of shock,
"On top of the money I have already offered, you wish to have unlimited access to all of my spellbooks!? Let us make a compromise ..."
He looks at the dwarf,
"I suppose you will also want to use my spellbooks"
The dwarf nods
"Ok, then I will lower the price per head to thirty-five, and upon your return you may both have a full tenday of access to my spellbooks. This task of the upmost urgency, I cannot allow you to spend several days here learning new magics before you deal with the creatures in the mine. Does this new arrangement please you?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"I am happy with such an arrangement, how about the rest of you?"

Algerdar sits back in his chair rather content, thinking of regaining lost arcane knowledge.

[SuperJosh]

"If you will excuse us for a moment Master Rizeth, I feel I must confer with my companions in private for a moment." With this Roth and the others walk just out of ear shot.

"I can not help but feel that I am getting the camels ass out of this deal. First Algerdar and Durn get spellbooks, as part of our 'equipment' money, then we have to spend a quarter of the rest of our money on compontent pouches and writing supplies, at the same time Dron spends another third of our money on 'tools'. Buy the time you three had gotten your special needs filled their was not enough money for me to get a decent sword. I understand that everyone lost things that were valuable to them in the raid, so I said nothing, not even when the remaining money was split four ways." With this he looks at Dron, "You DID give them their share back didn't you?" he asks, then continues with his speech, "Now, however, I AM saying something. I am truly sorry that you lost all your spells, and I understand the need to get new ones, but I should not have to suffer for your misfortune, I am already suffering for mine. You are content to cut the prize per head fully in HALF so that you can have access to his spellbooks. Do you think I do not know who is going to be on the front line, protecting you while you toss your tricks? It is I who will take the brunt of the attack while you stand behind me. No, if you want to bargin for spells, use your money, not mine. Ask him if he will lower the price of his spells, not lower my reward."

Roth stands their a minute, looking at his companions then opens his mouth again. "There is, now that I think about it, one way that I would agree to this. That would be that I get HALF of the thirty five gold a head and half of whatever we get for any information or bonus that might come to us at the end of the assignment. You can split the other half however you like." With this Roth stands back and waits for his companions replies.

[Dust]

Dron grimaces at the conversation.

"It's a sword you want?" he asks, "well then, why don't you ask for one? Let's say thirty-five per head, but only if we're provided with a couple of fine weapons. I could use a nice rapier myself. That might even things out, and it would make us better prepared to fight."

[SponkleofInfini]

"You want a sword, here have this one. I cannot even use the blasted thing."

Algerdar offers up his longsword, it is of normal size for a human.

[SuperJosh]

"Thanks for the offer Algerdar, but that sword is remarkabley like the one I am using now. Thinking all swords are alike is the same as thinking all spells are alike. These swords a puny, things that you can not get much power behind for fear of breaking them, plus the straight blade is all wrong, it is awkward and does not inflict as deep of a wound." Roth says to Algerdar before turning to Dron, "As far as having Rizeth add a sword into the deal, it would have to meet my standards, or no deal. I won't go into battle with a flawed weapon, or for no gain unless I am forced too."

[Black Plauge]

"Uhmmm...

In case you hadn't noticed our employer is not exactly the fighting type. It is likely that the only swords in this place all belong to his guards and they are not likely to part with them. If he does have any swords lying about, there is no garuntee that he will have one to meet your strigent standards."

Durn pauses to pop the rest of the egg he was eating into his mouth and then continues.

"I also understand that Algerdar's and my spell needs are eating up a fair bit of resources, but without them we are little more than goblin bait."

Turning to Algerdar, Durn adds, "I propose the following, if you are agreeable, Algerdar. The 35 per head be given to Roth and Dorn as their fair share of the original 60 that we were offered and Algerdar and I will settle for the access to Rizelth's spells. However, any bonuses we gain for information be split evenly among the party. I beleive this will be fair to all involeved."

Without waiting for a sign of acknowledgement from Algerdar, Durn turns back to Roth and Dron and adds, "I would also be willing to let the two of you equip yourself with appropriate weapons from our current reward of 39 platinum before we split it amongst the rest."

Durn looks from one party member to the other, awaiting agreement, and wipes the few scraps of egg from his mouth with the back of hand.

[Dust]

Dron shrugs absently.

"I suppose that's agreeable," he says, "assuming we can find a decent weaponsmith around here."

[SponkleofInfini]

"I agree with you, our spells are our livelly hood, simple coinage would not garner the same rewards as the arcane lore we would be exposed to"

With that Algerdar waits for further achknowledgement.

[SuperJosh]

"While I appreciate your generosity, I can not accept this deal." Roth says with a grimance. "I made a deal with you three to split the reward for obtaining the energyst four ways, and I intend to do that. I will not break a promise to a friend. Other than that however, I find the deal acceptable, Dron and I split the 35 a head two ways, and we split any bonus four ways."

With this settled Roth leads the way back to Master Rizeth. "We fond your offer of 35 gold a head, along with allowing my companions access to your spellbooks, and a bonus for any information we may find more than generous Master Rizeth. Is there anything else you need to tell us? Besides the location of the mine of course." Roth asks as he sits down to nibble a bit of bread and through another egg to Sy.

[Black Plauge]

As he heads back towards the table a rare smile breaks out across Durn's face. He sits back down and immediately dives back into the fresh fruit, though in a much more controled and polite manner this time.

After eating his way through two slices of apple while listening to Roth, Durn looks at Rizeth and says, "Actually, I believe that it would also be useful to know the mine's product. It would help us understand what the invaders were hoping to gain by taking it over."

[BigRedRod]

"Ah splendid, the mine is very easy to find. Head towards town, leave by the north gate and as you walk the road you will notice a number of trails leading eastwards towards the hills. Some are signp[osted, some are not, mine is, the signs reads something like 'Rizeth North Lodez Mining Camp", it should be clear enough. I don't own another mine in that area so you shouldn't see my name on anything else"
Rizeth listens to the dwarf and replies
"Copper, a little tin, but mainly copper. I doubt they are after the metal though, unless they are fanatics I suppose that need to build a large copper statue of their god. Hmmmm"
Rizeth gives a little laugh
"Are there anymore questions?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"No I feel everything is straight forward so far."

Algerdar yet again begins his onslaught of the food upon the table.

[SuperJosh]

"I too feel that almost everything is in order for us to depart. If you will excuse us Master Rizeth, we will take our leave so that we can begin our assignment as soon as possible. But before we do would you be so kind as to tell me were I could find Corran? There is something I must discuss with him." Roth turns to his friends. "I need to put on my armor and get my my things in order. What do you say we meet at the front gate when we are aready?"

With this Roth motions for Sy to follow him and heads out to find Corran.

[BigRedRod]

"Corran? I don't know he's off-duty, either sleeping, in the staff common room or down in town, most likely anyhow. One of the other guards might know."

[Black Plauge]

Durn munches on bread and honey thoughtfully, as Roth leaves the table to go find Corran.

He then turns to Rizeth and says, "As I mentioned yeasterday when we first met, I have a personal intrest in dragoons, much as you do. Seeing as neither you nor I are a guildsman I was wondering if we might compare notes after this mission is done. This would be strictly an exchange of information between you and me, and have no bearing on the completion of the task at hand. Would you be ameniable to such an arrangement?"

[SuperJosh]

As he heads out Roth decides that his buisness with Corran can wait until later and goes to his room instead of finding Corran. Once there he dons his chainmail, and straps on his sword. He then packs up his meager belongings and heads to the front gate.

[BigRedRod]

"I'm afraid I don't know all that much aobut their inner workings as it stands. Although upon your return I should have had a chance to study the three gems you brought to me. Still it would be nice to trade information. Anything else?"

[Black Plauge]

Finishing his slice of bread, Durn wipes his mouth with the tablecloth and replies, "No, I beleive everything is in order. Now if you will excuse me I must go prepare for the task ahead."

Durn then gets up and heads to his room where he gathers up his things, taking great care with his newly aquired spellbook and then heads for front gate.

(OOC: Since Durn cast no spells yesterday, he should still have those spells memorized and thus doesn't need to prepare any today. If this isn't the case then Durn will memorize new spells (identical list to yesterdays) before heading to the front gate.)

[Dust]

Dron doesn't pay much attention to the rest of the conversation, concentrating instead on stuffing his face. His ears prick up for a moment at the mention of Dragoons, but despite his years as an aprentice mechanic, he says nothing. After a time he finishes and heads back up to his room to pack.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar hops from his seat, a spring in his step striding accross the grounds. Making his way back to his room, he gathers his possessions and meets his companions at the gate, ready to go.

[BigRedRod]

After collecting together their belongings the group reforms at the gate. There is a single guard sat at the gatehouse, he looks rather bored. You recognise him as the guard who found you lying on the grass on your arrival at the villa. He gives you a friendly nod and goes back to being bored.
The gates are open and it looks like it will be another nice day, weather-wise.

[Black Plauge]

Durn turns to regard Dron and Roth, "I, for one, am anxious to get underground again, all this sun is giving me a slight headache. However, I understand that you humans will need a little more equipment to make passage underground feasible for you.

Since we have to go through the town anyway, we should stop and get what you need. I, for one, don't know what you will need so I think it is best to leave the shopping for those items up to you. However, given an adequate description of the weapons you desire, I might be able to find a suitable smith with what you want, while you get whatever other things you need."

[SuperJosh]

"That sounds like a fine idea Durn, however before we set out there is something I need to take care of." With this Roth takes out the bag of platnium that Rizeth gave him and gives each of them nine coins, and puts nine coins in his private pouch. "As I am sure you all are aware, that is only 36 of the coins that Rizeth gave us. I propose that we keep the odd 3 coins together for a fund to help the group if we have any emergencies that need to be covered. Does anyone have a problem with this?"

[Black Plauge]

"It is an excellent idea, but what sort of emergency could be taken care of by a mere 3 platinum. Our basic supplies alone cost nearly three times that. In fact, after you and Dron get weapons it will easily be more than three times that.

Also, who would carry such a fund, and what happens if something happens to them? An inaccesible emergency fund isn't very useful in an emergency."

[SuperJosh]

"Three platnum will garner us nothing, but it is a begining, and even a march of a thousand miles begins with asetep. As to who should carry it. I care not, but it should be one we trust with our money, and one we think most likely to survive." Roth says to Durn.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Thankyou for the coins."

Placing them into his coin pouch Algerdar remarks.

"I say Durn should hold the emergency coinage, you strike me as reliable and hardy."

[SuperJosh]

"I agree, let Durn carry them." Roth says, then hands the dwarf the leftover coins, and the bag they came in. "Well now that that is settled I say we head off." With this Roth starts to head off towards town.

As they walk towards their destination Roth tells Durn of the graceful lines of a falchion, of the subtle curve of its blade, of the perfect balance and the way that the balance and arc of the blade play together to form a powerful weapon. Roth continues to drone on and on about his weapon and what he looks for in sword in a way that only another warrior, and maybe a dwarf, could take interest in.

[BigRedRod]

The four walk down the road heading for Lodez, the scenary is rather dull, moreso for Dron and Roth who have travelled this path before. The road leads roughly westwards and hardly deviates from a straight line. Time passes slowly and it is mid-morning when the group arrive at the archway that proclaims the town beyond to be Lodez.
The town itself is unwalled and consists largely of single-story buildings, the two nearest buildings are a Tavern (The Cyclops's Smile) and a General Store (Archer's), the road that led you to the town continues forwards towards what would appear to be the town square, it looks like there is a market on at the moment. The town isn't all that busy but by no means is it devoid of life, a halfling woman with her daughter gives you a brief strange look for a moment before she enters Archer's.
She does look vaguely familiar, possibly she was one of the surviving Naies villagers who were rescued during the assault on the Prison you were held in.

[Black Plauge]

Durn looks suprised when he is given the emergency fund to hold but quietly accepts the burden and stowes the bag of coins seperately from the rest of his money.

As they enter town Durn says, "Well then, with the description you have given me Roth I should be able to find a suitable smith, if one exists in this town. I will let you and Dron get the other supplies that you need and go look for that smith.

Algerdar, will you be going with them, coming with me, or doing something else?"

[Dust]

Dron cranes his neck, looking up and down the town streets for a smith. He grimaces, suddenly realizing that the chances of him finding a reputable forger of weapons in this town is slim at best. Still, he searches, hoping to find one all the same. He doesn't like the idea of going into a mine with intentions of extermination armed with nothing but a dagger.

[SponkleofInfini]

"I wish to purchase a crossbow, this sword is not my type of weapon. I am more likely to stab myself then an enemy with it."

Algerdar heads takes a look around, looking for a weapon's store. If he cannot find one he will head to Archers and see if he/she knows where I could purchase my crossbow and some bolts.

[Black Plauge]

"Well, then, shall we all meet back here in, say, an hour? Good," says Durn as he glances around at the others.

He then begins heading down the street towards the market and the center of town in an effort to find a smith.

[SuperJosh]

"Ummm...."Roth says as he turns to Dron, "Do you think it wise for us to go to the Archer, considering that we were supposed to be homesteaders heading out when last we were there?" Perhaps it would be better if we let Algerdar go in and get us the supplies we need?" He says to Dron and Algerdar. "Surely you can tell him what we need to see in the dark as well as I could. Come on Sy." With that he turns from the other two and jogs up to Durn to look for a smith with the dwarf, dog in tow.

[SponkleofInfini]

"I would not mind, helping you get the things you need. After all you provided me with the same curtoursy yesterday. I may have to head in anyway to see where I can find someone who could sell me a crossbow."

[Dust]

Dron shrugs and follows after the smith group.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar looks at a lose, not harping to much on it he heads to a weapons store in search of his weapon.

[Black Plauge]

As Roth comes up alongside Durn, he glances up, suprised to see the human.

"Your not goining into Archer's to get supplies? I would have thought that you and Dron would have needed some kind of light source underground."

[Dust]

"We do," Dron says, walking up beside Roth, "but the general store is... not the best place to buy them, at the moment."

Dron explains no further, looking from side to side on the street for a smithy.

[Black Plauge]

A puzzled look crosses Durn's face, but he shrugs and continues on towards the market, as he also keeps his eye out for a smithy.

[SuperJosh]

"Lets just say Besty will kill us if she finds out we are still here. "Roth says to Durn, and shares a sly look with Dron.

[Black Plauge]

Even more confused now, Durn decides that finding the smithy would definately be a good idea. The sooner, the better.

[BigRedRod]

The trio head towards the central square in search of a smithy, the market place is fairly crowded but seemsto be focused on foodstuffs. A great deal of this produce seems to involve "Lod-Eels", they appear to be eels served in a multitude of ways. As they progress through the square, A familiar smell passes through the air and up ahead they see what is without a doubt a smithy. It would appear that the smith is currently making some horse-shoes, he looks up at the group with a flat, serious expression on his face and speaks in a similar voice,
"And how might I be helping your fine selves today then?

****

Aldergar notices a shop at the side of the market square, the sign is a sword crossing a crossbow, the building itself is a very low creation that looks like a minature fort. The door is currently open and it leads into a well-lit shop that is filled with various weapons and armour from seemingly all corners of the world. A rather tall (in dwarvern terms) dwarf watches Aldergar as he walks near the door,
"Good day to you, no matter what item you are searching for. I am sure that I, Lefric, can be of service. Step inside, Sir."
The dwarf speaks rather quikcly and his hands move almost as much as his mouth, still his voice is rather friendly

[SponkleofInfini]

"Good day Lefric, my name is Algerdar."

Moving into the store Algerdar can't help but observe the fine weaponry spread throughout the shop.

"I am in search of a Light Crossbow and about 30 bolts, could you help me? Also I would like to sell this longsword, maybe you could find someone who would find better use for it."

Algerdar withdraws the blade and places it upon the counter.

[BigRedRod]

"The crossbow won't be a problem, are you looking for anything special? I have recently recieved a nice selection of extraordinary quality light and heavy crossbows from Gran Arco, although if your purse won't quite stretch that far I have some slightly cheaper weapons that are not of much less quality and are far more affordable."
Lefric looks at the blade as the gnome places it on the counter, he chuckles for a moment and picks up the sword.
"The sword of a Allied guard, I won't ask how you 'found' this. It's a little risky though, I'm fairly sure I could sell it but at the same time I could be arrested for having taken something from a guardsman. Hmmmmm."
The dwarf pauses and strokes his beard (which is dyed various shades of red and yellow, and is far too short by dwarvern standards)
"Does nine of the gold seem reasonable to you?"

[ooc: do you want masterwork or plain? just let me know in ooc so we are one hundred percent on this]

[SuperJosh]

"Greetings sir." Roth says with a friendly smile. "I was wondering if you were in the buisness of making swords also." he says as he motions to the horseshoes. "Or, if you were not, you could point us in the right direction to see one who might."

[Dust]

"Or rapiers, perhaps," Dron says from behind Roth, his eyes scanning the shop.

[Black Plauge]

Bored by the talk of weapondry, and apperently superfulous now that the humans are going to take care of their weapons themselves, Durn begins to look around the forge at the variety of tools and wares on display and being worked on. The smell of the forge draws him over near the fire where a tear of nostalgia trickles down his cheek. He quickly wipes it away and says gruffly, "I guess all this fresh air has spoiled my eyes."

He then turns quickly and walks out of the shop, leaving the humans to conduct their buisness.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar places his hand upon his chin, thinking about the proposal.

"An Extraordinary quality Light Crossbow sounds very tempting, but I am affraid I will have to lean towards a cheaper option."

[BigRedRod]

"Yes, yes. I can help you. What kind of sword is it you're after? As for rapiers, yes I have a selection of those in the back.
The rather squat human man speaks in the same flat voice. He looks over briefly as Durn leaves the smithy

*********************

The dwarf nods at the gnome
"I understand completely"
He flashes a brief smile and walks around the store, he returns with a crossbow and a large bunch of bolts which he places in a quiver as he walks back to Aldergar.

"And by my counting, that brings us to twenty-nine gold pieces and that weapon you happened across."

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar places 3 platnum pieces upon the counter along with the sword. Taking the goods from the counter and examining them.

"Thankyou, keep the change."

(Cost already deducted.)

[BigRedRod]

The dwarf collects the coins in one hand, gives them a brief glance and takes the sword.
"A pleasure doing business with you, if you are ever looking for something special give me a call and I'll see what I can do for you"

[SponkleofInfini]

"No problem, I will be sure to do that."

Giving the dwarf a slight wave, Algerdar exits the store. Heading over to Archers to purchase some more mundane goods.

[Black Plauge]

Realizing he hasn't had a decent drink in a few days, Durn decides to drop in at the tavern he saw on the way into town. A pint or two will taste good about now and maybe he can get a jug of something to go.

[SuperJosh]

"Among my people it is called a 'falchion'. It is a two handed sword that curves like a scimitar for a better cutting edge." Roth explains to the smith as they go back to look at his wares.

[BigRedRod]

"I should have one or two falchions in the back."
The man strikes the horse shoe with his hammer and then walks through a doorway behind him. You can hear the sounds of metal banging against metal gor several minutes until eventually the man retunrs holding a rapier in one hand and a falchion in the other, he holds them out for inspection,
"These are the weapons you requested? I crafted both myself and know they are of good quality. The rapier is twenty-one gold pieces, and the falchion is seventy-five, prices aren't negotiable."
The man looks sternly at the pair


**********

The dwarf walks away from the smithy and back towards the "Cyclop's Smile" at the gateway into town. The tavern is pretty much deserted, a few clusters of merchants sit at tables quietly talking between themselves but none even glance at Durn as he enters the Tavern and approaches the barkeep.
"And what can I get for you today, friend?"
The man speaks warmly and has a very wide smile. He is very well built and in his facial features you can see there is a little orcish blood.


**********

As Aldergar heads back towards Archer's he catches a glimpse of Durn walking into the Tavern opposite. Inside the general store a tall half-elven man has just finished serving a pair of halflings,
"Although I'm sure it doesn't need saying, make sure you have a good day"
The half-elven man gives a wave as the couple leave the shop and then looks down towards Aldergar
"Greetings, and what can I provide for you today?"

[Black Plauge]

"A pint of your strongest ale," replies Durn. "I haven't had a good drink in a few days and might not have the chance again for a few more."

As the barkeep pours the ale Durn looks around the tavern, taking in the surroundings. He notes the merchants at the tables and wonders to himself what buisness brings them to town, but decides better of asking any of them.

The barkeep sets his drink down in front of Durn, who thanks the man and says, "I hope you won't think me rude for asking, but are you from around these parts? I am a stranger to these lands myself and would like to learn a little more about the area." Durn the picks up the mug and drinks down half of it in one go. Wiping the foam from his beard he looks at the mug approvingly.

[BigRedRod]

"Four copper if you would be so kind. Yeah, I'm from 'round these parts, born here, lived here, hardly ever been away. What d'ya want to know?"
The barkeep leans forwards on the bar while he talks to the dwarf

[Black Plauge]

Durn fishes four coppers out of his money pouch and places them on the counter.

"Well to be honest, I am not really sure of exactlly where here is. You see I can to these parts by rather convoluted means and all I know is that the archway over the road names this town Lodez and that some one mentioned to me that it was in the country of Sinst."

[BigRedRod]

The barkeep laughs heartily and punches the dwarf on the shoulder,
"Quite the tale, one which you will have to share with me at some point. You're in Sinst as you said, up in the north near the border with Gomorrah and Spiran. We aren't all that far from The Cavernous Wood, but I wouldn't advise taking a trip up to there. You are in Lodez, it's the largest town in this little area. Up near the edge of the cavernous wood, about twenty five miles away you have Gran Arco, there are some good trees in that wood but they are dangerous so it keeps the wood prices high. Going down for say twenty miles, through the south gate, the road goes southwest and you'll end up by the Ki'nil river, there's a town there called Haubtrio. Then following the road by the river down for almost seventy-five miles you'll find yourself in Sinst. "
The man stops speaking and awaits the possibilty of drinks orders, questions or Durn's own tale

[Black Plauge]

Bewildered by the sheer onslaught of local names Durn attempts to keep up and file the information away, but fails miserably. Looking at his half empty glass, he knocks the rest back and asks for another saying, "My own story will take a while in the telling and I am not sure I have the time for that right now."

"I'll tell you what though, after completing this job for Rizeth, I will come back here and be sure to tell it to you. For now, another pint, and some insight into the local mines would be of some use to me."

Durn then digs out a silver and places it on the bar.

[Dust]

Dron is about to go into negotiations despite of the smith's words, but the man's expression stops him. He grimaces.

"I suppose that's agreeable for the rapier," he says. He then turns to Roth, "what about for the falchion?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth takes the falchion from the smiths hands and inspects it. "It is indeed a fine blade and worth what you ask for it. I wonder, however if you would be intereasted in taking the blade I am currently using as part of my payment?" Roth says as he hands the falchion back to the smith and draws and holds his blade out for inspection.

[BigRedRod]

"The mines, eh?"
The barkeep fills the mug and slaps it down by the dwarf
"Well most of the nearby ones are up in the north-east hills. Old Master Rizeth has a few mines up there. The mines dig for copper and tin mainly, you get bits of other metals but nothing sizeable. Other than that the mines are fairly typical, they have a little camp out front for the workers, they do tenday shifts, two on, one off normally. Not much to say about them really, anything in particular you want to know about them? If you want mines you should try down south in the other states, they have great big mountains riddeled with the metals and gems. So you mentioned you are working for Old Master Rizeth, a very good man he is, he's done great deal for this town and although he is a little distant he'll always be there to watch over us, anything exciting that he is involed in, or just the usual fetching that he refuses to rely on caravans for? "
The barkeep looks up for a moment as a man enters and joins one of the merchant tables, the sound in the room raises in volume for a brief moment and then settles down.
"Ah, hold on for a moment."
The barkeep reaches under the counter and walks to the table with a glass, he exchanges a few quick friendly words with the merchants and walks back,
"So you were telling about what Old Master Rizeth has got you doing"

************

The smith takes the longsword in his hand and looks at it critically,
"It's not the best piece, but it's not badly made, hmmm."
He studys it for a few more moment's,
"I wouldn't be able to sell it on though, everything here I craft myself and that's what people know me for. Including this we can say seventy for the blade."
The voice remains flat and his expression still firmly states that actual haggling is not going to occur

[Black Plauge]

"It seems he's got some problems with some goblins in his mine and he has hired me and a few others to clear them out."

Durn takes a swig of the new drink and then continues, "Did I hear you right? Did you say Master Rizeth has a few mines northeast of town? I was under the impression that he only had one."

[SuperJosh]

"That is more than fair master smith." Roth says as he counts out 7 platnium pieces. "I am sure that having a sword such as this in my hands will make the task Master Rizeth set before me all the easier."

[BigRedRod]

"Goblins eh? Bloody things, well you watch yourself, otherwise I might not hear this story of yours."
The man chuckles
"No he has a few alright, the main one that the path from the road leads right to and then two, maybe three, others that have smaller camps outside and are linked by paths back to the main."
The barkeep looks into space for a minute
"I think it's two anyhow, maybe I heard he has buying another from one of the other owners .... Ah that was it, he was buying another but the deal fell through for some reason, so yes he has three mines. They'll all fairly close together and once you find one it's just a case of following a trail to find the other two."

**********

The smith stares impassively at Roth and then gives a nod,
"Good to do business with you"
The smith then continues his work with the horse shoes

[Black Plauge]

Durn takes another draft of his drink as he contemplates what the barkeep just told him.

"How far is it to the mines? Rizeth wasn't exactly clear on that, nor on how big they are. I was only planning on this taking a day or two, but now that I think about it, we could be there a lot longer. Do you know what the extent of the excavations is?"

[SuperJosh]

"Shall we look for the others? And then be on our way?" Roth asks Dron as they exit the smithy, picking Sy up at the door where he was waiting for Roth.

"He was an agreeable fellow don''t you think." he states once they have left. "Now if I was a dwarf were would I be?" he thinks to himself, "He was obviously not at the forge, so he must be somewhere he could get an ale. Shall we start looking for a tavern?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"Grettings; I was wondering if you have any Sunrod's for sale?"

[Dust]

Dron raises on eyebrow and licks his lips at the suggestion.

"Yes," he says absently, starting towards the tavern, "I think the tavern is a great place to start looking."

[BigRedRod]

The half-elven man nods,
"Yes I have a few somewhere in here"
He walks towards a stack of crates and starts rummaging around
"Of course you should know that these things have been imported from down south, it's the only way to ensure quality with these... shall we say 2 gold pieces and seven silver? How many do you need?"
The man leans further into a crate as he speaks muffling his voice slightly


*********

Roth and Dron head towards the tavern where they entered town. The pair head into the cyclop's smile, the tavern isn't extravagant inside but neither is it the typical dingy hole that most taverns turn out to be. Sat around a number of tables are small clusters of merchants quietly discussing one thing or another and up at the bar a familiar little dwarf is sat on a stool talking to the barkeep.

**********


"Hmmm, I wouldn't say that Master Rizeth's mines are more than maybe two and half hours out of town, that's by horse though. Maybe eight or nine miles away altogether. As for their size, I really don't know, I've not been in there myself and it's not something I've ever thought of asking. Sorry about that."
The barkeep looks up past the dwarf as two more people enter the tavern, Durn hears the barkeep mumble something about "filthy tribals" but he still smiles at the two new arrivals as they approach

[Dust]

"Ale," Dron says, scooting up to the bar next to Durn. He gives the dwarf a nod.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Yes....yes; I will require 6"

Algerdar replies with attention drawn elsewhere. Looking at the various goods.

[Black Plauge]

As the barkeep looks up at the door and mutters to himself, Durn glances over to see who the new arrivals are. Seeing only Roth and Dron, he wonders what the barkeep meant by "filthy tribals" and resolves to ask later.

He returns Dron's nod as he sits down and asks, "Did you get what you needed?"

[Dust]

"Yeah," Dron says, "some new weapons. They'll help a little, I hope. Not that I'm sure I'll be much good when we get there even with 'em. If there's more than a dozen of the little buggers I'll probably be tempted to run. I'm not really the warrior type."

[Black Plauge]

"If there is more than a dozen then I have some tactics for slowing down some of them. I suspect Algerdar has similar capabilities. We should be able to keep large numbers of them off your back, provided you kill them rather than run away."

Turning back to the barkeep, "Would the terain in the area of the mines be more on the hilly or mountianous side of things? That alone would give me an idea of what to expect."

[SuperJosh]

As he and Dron prepare to enter the tavern Roth motions for Sy to remain outside.

Once inside he spies Durn. "Greetings Durn." Roth says to Durn as he walks up to the bar. "I was hoping I would find you here. Kill two birds with one stone so to speak. An ale please bartender." He orders as he sits down. "Yes, it feels good to have a sturdy sword in my hands once again." Roth states as he pats the hilt of his sword. "I was suprised to find a smith that made one here, much less one of quality. Sorry to leave you out of the purchasing proccess like that, but the more I thought about it the more it was something I wanted to do myself. Have you found out anything interesting while you were here?"

[BigRedRod]

As the barkeep moves around filling a mug with ale for Dron he responds to the question,
"It's just a little hilly really ... nothing even approaching a mountain around here."

He places the filled mug before Dron,
"Four copper Lordship"

The man turns to Roth,
"Anything I can do for you, friend?"

********


"Six it is then."
The half-elf carries back a collection og golden-coloured rods, they are about a foot long and have a small sphere mounted on the top
"Just give it a bang and it'll light the area for a good few hours. So ...two gold, seven silver each, that comes to sixteen gold pieces and two silver by my counting. Is there anything else you need, my good gnome?"

[Black Plauge]

When the barkeep says, "Lordship" to Dron, Durn nearly chokes on the swallow of ale he was drinking. Coughing a bit as a result he puts down his drink and presses his conversation with the barkeep forward in an attempt to cover it up.

"Hills would place something of a limit on the excavations near the surface. Thinking it over though, they might go deep in compensation. I suppose we will just have to go to the mines to find out how big they really are."

Turning to Roth Durn replies, "The barkeep and I have just been talking about Master Rizeth's mines. It seems we should aquire some horses unless we plan to spend the half the day walking to them."

Turning back to the barkeep, "Is there somewhere in town where we might be able to secure some riding horses and ponies?"

[BigRedRod]

The barkeep pauses for a moment in thought
"The market would be your best bet, one end of that is mainly livestock, I'm sure you could pick up some fine beasts for a good price."

[Black Plauge]

"Ah, I hadn't noticed that when I went through."

Durn takes a drink from his mug and furrows his eyebrows a bit before continuing, "Is Archer's the best place in town to buy food stuff for this expedition, or should we buy things at the market to supplement our supplies?"

[SuperJosh]

"An ale please bartender." Roth repeats. "Ah, horses. A travelers best friend." Roth says then glances at the door, "Well second best friend. I would be happy to go and check out the available livestock, however I do not think that our funds will support horses at the moment, at least I know mine won't."

"On a completely different note does know where Algerdar is? Should one of us go check the Archer so that he knows were we are?"

[SponkleofInfini]

Placing two Platinum pieces upon the counter Algerdar adds;

"Yes I would like 8 Trail Rations please."

Algerdar places the Sunrods within his bag keeping one out tied to his belt for later use.

[Dust]

Dron graces the bartender with a deadpan grimace before reaching into his belt pouch and placing four coppers on the counter top.

"I hate riding," he mutters into his ale.

[BigRedRod]

"Rations? No problem. Going on a trip are you? These should stay good for a good while."
The half-elf moves around the shop and finally retunrs with several packages containing various preserved foods.
"And another two silver on top of these if you would be so kind."
He says as he takes the two platinum coins in his hand


*************

The barkeep places a mug of ale before Roth,
"Four copper if you would."
He looks at the dwarf,
"It depends on how long you want them to last. Archer sells trail rations, they are ok if you are travelling far. If you are just going up to the mines you could pick up some more flavourful foods at the market, although then again it depends if you can cook."
The barkeep grins and starts to wipe a mug with a cloth as the companions talk

[SponkleofInfini]

Slightly embarressed Algerdar places the remaining 2 silver upon the counter.

"Thankyou for your assitance this will be it for now."

With a brief smile Algerdar leaves the store and heads to the allocated meeting place.

(OOC: Updated Sheet)

[Black Plauge]

"Cooking is not my forte."

Downing the rest of his drink, Durn puts down the mug and says to the others, "I beleive I will go over to Archer's as get a few more trail rations, I would advise you to do the same. After that I will go to the market and see what kind of mounts we can get. As much as you might hate riding, Dron, or beleive we can't afford it, Roth, a few mounts will go a long way to speeding up this expedition. If you insist on walking, that is your perogative. However, neither Algerdar nor I walk as fast as you two and given what I have learned I am not willing to spend four or five hours simply walking to the mines. I am anxious to get there and take care of the problem so that I may have some time with Master Rizeth's spellbooks. Now if you will excuse me gentlemen, I will meet you in the market after you finish your drinks."

With that Durn thanks the barkeep for the ale and the information and heads out the door and across the street to Archer's.

[SuperJosh]

Roth finishes his ale and lays five copper on the bar. "Thanks for the ale goodman, and the conversation."

With that he turns to Dron "Shall we meet Algerdar, it is about time. Then maybe stroll through the market on our way to the livestock? It can not hurt to look and see what they have after all."

On that note Roth stands up and starts towards the door, to pick up Sy and meet Algerdar.

[Dust]

Dron downs the rest of his ale in one large gulp.

"Sure," he says, following after Roth.

[SponkleofInfini]

Noticing Durn head to Archers and Dron and Roth heading over this way Algerdar motions to the two humans.

"So did you get what you needed? I got what I will need for the journey. I also made sure to pick up a light source for us....can't be to careful in a mine; goblins won't be the only hazard we will encounter in a mine."

[SuperJosh]

"Thanks Algerdar, I appreciate you doing that for us. How much do I owe you for the lighting?" Roth says as he looks at the sunrod in Algerdar's belt.

"Durn was talking to the bartender and he said that the mines were only about a half days walk from here. Durn wants to get horses for the journey... what do you think?" He asks Algerdar.

[SponkleofInfini]

"For the lighting you owe me nothing; I was more then happy to buy what was needed. Really horses; interesting. I have never ridden one before; but they could cut the ammount of time getting to the mines considerably and we will be in prime condition to take on the goblins."

Algerdar replies placing his hands behind his back.

"Do you know if Durn will be long?"

[SuperJosh]

"No. He said he would meet us at the market, so I guess we can head over that way. The livestock should be on th otherside of the market." Roth says as he starts to walk towards the market.

"While I like the idea of buying horses, I just do not think that it is in our budget right now. Maybe after we do this job for Master Rizeth we could afford a horse, but I would rather save and get a good steed, than get a pony now."

[Black Plauge]

Noting Algerdar as he heads into Archer's Durn raises a fist to signal that he will be out in a minute.

Seeing the half-elf behind the counter when he enters Durn stops and takes a minute to look around before approaching him.

[SponkleofInfini]

Following Roth Algerdar Replies;

"As is a steed out of my Budget; considerably actually. After getting some necessities I have found myself rather lacking in coinage."

[BigRedRod]

The half-elf smiles and looks down at Durn,
"Hello good Sir, and what can I help you with on this fine day?"

********

The remaining trio head down toward the market, it sells a wide variety of goods but there is a sizeable section that seems to deal mainly with livestock. A wide variety of creatures are being sold, mainly cattle and sheep but there are occasional pigs and chickens. This section of the market seems to contain far more life than the rest of the town put together, the noise and smell both seem to support this.
On both the left and the right are various merchants selling livestock, it's hard to make out where one stall stops and another begins. Most of the stalls are fairly large, containing a pen of animals surrounded by interested buyers, a little further down you can see what looks to be a horse-merchant with a fairly broad selection of steeds.

[Black Plauge]

"Just a small selection of wares if you please. I was forcibly seperated from my possesions and need some replacements. A pen and ink set sutible for magical writings, a needle and some thread, 5 pieces of parchment suitable for making scrolls, three fish hooks and line, a waterskin, chalk, a small knife, three trail rations, a belt pouch, a quiver, a couple of candles, some tindertwigs, and about a dozen crossbow bolts should do nicely. If you have all that, of course."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Should we wait for Durn before showing interest in buying a mount?"

Queries Algerdar; looking around at the managerie. A small tentacled creature climbs out from Algerdar's cloak. An abomination by the looks of it; a toad with tentacles. Alphonze surveys the area; tentacles writhing.

"Oh I forgot to introduce you; this is Alphonze my familair."

Algerdar smiles as pats it on the head.

[Dust]

Dron has a looked queasy on his face, but leans in to get a better look all the same.

"I met a man once with a severe case of Swamp Rot," he says, "and up until now, that was the most disgusting thing I'd ever seen."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Now you wouldn't want to hurt Alphonze's feelings; he may get angry."

[Dust]

Dron focuses in on the squirming tentacles.

"I can't imagine that's a pretty sight," he says, leaning back, "maybe I'll just keep quiet."

[SuperJosh]

"Good Idea, maybe if he knows he can sell three horsesd he will give us a better price." Roth says in response to the suggestion that they wait for Durn.

As Alphonze is introduced he gets a disturbed look on his face, then looks down at Sy. "I think I will stick with dogs and swords thank you. I am sure Alphonze is a wounderful companion, he is just not I am err... used to."

[SponkleofInfini]

"I can understand"

Concealing Alphonze within his cloak the gnomish wizard stands silent. A slight sadness overcomes him and he runs his hand over the slight bulge protruding from his cloak.

[BigRedRod]

Archer nods as the dwarf speaks,
"Yes, I can help you with that. Just bear with me for a moment,"
And the man begins to move around the clutter extracting the requested items from shelves, crates, chests and other seemingly random areas of the shop. With his arms full the half-eld returns to the counter and places the objects before Durn
"So we have, a fine pen and ink set , a needle and thread, five pieces of high quality parchment , three fish hooks with a line, a waterskin, chalk, a small knife, three days of trail rations, a belt pouch, a quiver, two candles, four tindertwigs, and a dozen crossbow bolts. Let me see ... twenty one gold pieces, one silver and three of the coppers, agreeable?"

[ooc: as you need other stuff for scroll creation you won't just be able to write them as you go, unless you want to buy 12.5gp worth opf scroll stuff per spell level and all that, still i'll make reductions based on the parchment]

[Black Plauge]

"Hmm... On second thought replace the tindertwigs with a regular flint and steel. I had forgotten how little use you get out of them for the price."

"Oh, and just to make sure, it is a crossbow quiver I want, not a normal one."

[BigRedRod]

"Yes it is indeed a crossbow quiver, a deal shorter than one made for holding arrows. Very well, myself I prefer the tinder twigs, it is much easier to ensure you can get a good fire going, but still a flint and steel will last you a good deal longer."
The half-eld picks up the twigs, stores them carefully in a jar on a shelf and picks a small packagae out of a little wooden box. He places this with the other items and pauses for a monent,
"That brings it to eighteen gold pieces, one silver and three coppers"

[Black Plauge]

"I too prefer the tindertwigs. They are much easier to use as long as you keep them dry. Unfortunately for myself, economy is necessary at the moment. Perchance that will change in the future, but until then I will have to live with a flint and steel."

Shrugging Durn continues, "I don't suppose that you could make it an even eighteen gold pieces can you? As I said my budget is tight and I would like to have enough to get a decent mount after this."

Durn then pulls a coin pouch with three platinum out of his backpack and dumps them on the counter.

[OOC: Both coin pouches were in Durn's backpack and he is only taking out the one. He is hoping that the small amount in the one pouch will bring the price down. He is not spending the party emergency fund, simply making use of the second coin pouch to gain a negotiating advantage, if this works. Remind me to shift money around after I leave Archer's]

[BigRedRod]

"I'll ignore the copper, I can't say fairer than that now can I?"

[Black Plauge]

Sighing Durn replies, "I suppose not."

He pushes two of the platinum across the counter and puts the other back in the bag. He then gathers the chalk, the pen and ink, the flint and steel, the needle and thread, and the fishhooks and line and places them into the belt pouch which he attaches to his waist. The crossbow bolts go into the quiver along with the 20 in his backpack and it too gets attached to his belt on the other side. With the exception of the small knife everything else gets put in his backpack. The small knife is tucked into his boot.

After shrugging his backpack back on Durn waits for his change. When Archer counts it out he smiles and thanks him tucking it into the coin pouch with the platinum and heads for the market.

[OOC: by my count the change is 1gp 9 sp. my character sheet has been updated to reflect all this]

[BigRedRod]

Archer nods,
"Pleasure doing business with you"
The half-elf gives a short wave and then turn, picking up a book as he does so, and begins to peer into a barrel

[Black Plauge]

Content with his purchases, Durn heads towards the market to catch up with the others.

I hope they haven't managed to talk themselves out of getting some steeds. thinks Durn. Half a day's ride is going to be a lot longer on foot.

Spying the others across the market by the livestock he heads their way.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar raises his head to notice Durn approaching them contently.

"Here comes Durn; I hope he got all that he needed."

[SuperJosh]

Roth nods in reply to Algerdar's words.

As Durn approaches he greets him. "Greetings Durn, did you get what you needed? Good. Well shall we take a look at the horses that are available?" He asks before walking over to the horseseller.

[BigRedRod]

One of the horse merchants overhears Roth and launches into a deep and complex spiel about different types of mount and the fine quality of his own animals. After several minutes covering his range of stock he pauses to ask a question,
"Is there anything in particular which you fine young gentlemen are looking for in a steed?"
The merchant speaks quickly and with a strange accent rather unlike most of the people in and around the town you have encountered

[SponkleofInfini]

"Yes actualy, the cost being low."

Replies Algerdar jokingly, contemplating their current monetary status.

[Black Plauge]

Grimacing Durn turns to the dealer and replies, "I will not even pretend to understand half of what you just said. My companions and I have no need for any of the specialty mounts you just described. We are on a simple job for Master Rizeth and simply require some servicable mounts to carry us out to his mine. It is only half-a-day's ride from here and should not be overtaxing on the mounts. It is the convinece of half-a-day's ride versus a full-day's walk that engender's this purchase, and unfortunately my companions joke is partially true. What do you have that would meet our simple needs?"


[OOC: this is meant to be conveyed in a non-insulting tone, despite its first sentance. Durn is trying to make the dealer aware of how easily he might lose this sale without offending him. A diplomacy roll might be in order to see how effective this is.]

[SuperJosh]

Roth lets the others do the talking. While He looks the horses over.

(OOC I do not know what skill would be used for this. Animal Handle maybe?)

[BigRedRod]

"Of course, of course. But my steeds are indeed affordable and of the finest breeds and quality. So you are looking for four horses for you and your companions. I think there are two breeds that would suit your needs."
He indicates a small black pony,
"I have this friendly, hard-working fellow and his three brothers. I'll sell you the four for one hundred and twenty and five pieces, but don't tell anyone else I offered them for that, It's only becuase I like the looks of you people and Master Rizeth has done a great deal for our community. Of course for a little more ..."
He walks to a brown horse and strokes it on the head
"I have three others of the same high standards and lineage, for the four it'll only set you back..."
He leans closer and whispers,
"Three hundred and ten"
He gives a nod and then continues,
"And i'll throw in the riding saddles and two days of feed per horse. So will you be taking the ponies or the horses this fine day?"

Roth looks carefully at each of the horses indicated by the merchant, they appear to be in a fine state of health and do indeed seem to be well-bred. Although some of the merchant's claims may be a little fictious, they do indeed look to be a fine selection of steeds

[Black Plauge]

"I'm not sure," replies Durn, "I myself would prefer a pony and I suspect my gnomish companion here would as well but the other two might prefer the horses. Can you give us a bit to discuss it amongst oursleves?"

Noticing that Roth is looking the animals over Durn then waits for him to finish before continuing in a voice low enough for only the others to hear.

"I know nothing of animals but the prices he asks seem reasonable. You appeared to know something of horses Roth, what do you think of this man's offers."

[SponkleofInfini]

Well this is going to sendme broke, and the others no doubt.

Algerdar sighs waiting for Roth to add his knowledge on the subject.

[Dust]

"I don't care how 'reasonable' the price is, I'm not paying 75 gold a piece for these horses," Dron says with a scowl on his face, " I wouldn't even pay 25. I'd rather find an accommodating orc to lug me around on his back."

He says all of this just loud enough for the horse merchant to hear, and it's impossible even for his companions to know if he's serious or not.

[SuperJosh]

"Well." Roth tells his companions under his breath, "They all seem to be healthy. Furthermore they are all steeds that I would not be ashamed to own. He might have exagerated their lineages, but they are all well-breed and would serve our purposes well. I do not know what prices are like around here, but what he is asking does not seem unreasonable, unfortunately it still puts a horse out of my price range."

[Black Plauge]

At Dron's remark, a look of disbelief crosses Durns face. Glancing at the merchent he then laughs in an attempt to pass it off as a joke.

Lowering his voice again, "While you are entitled to your opinions Dron, I would appreciate you not voicing them so that they offend others. As to the asking price, Roth, I beleive that if we pool our funds we might be able to purchase two ponies and two horses. I myself have 7 platinum and 4 gold after my purchases today. There is also the 3 platinum from the party fund. Unless the rest of you have spent an extraordinary amount of money today, we might just have enough" Glaring back at Dron he continues, "I know some people aren't overly thrilled by the idea of riding to the mines but the barkeep said it was half-a-day's ride to the mines. I don't know about you but I can't walk even half the speed of a horse. Without some mounts it will be midday tomorrow before we reach the mine and we will have to camp along the way. Why don't we see what our working price range is and then go from there? Assuming of course Dorn hasn't ruined our chances of getting anything at a reasonable price from this man." Durn's gaze at Dron could burn holes in rocks as he finishes speaking.

[Dust]

Dron gives Durn a long look. Finally he shakes his head and turns his back to the entire proceedings.

"Like he just came in on the turnip wagon," he mutters, walking back towards the tavern.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Let him walk, we shall ride to the mine. And you are a fool Dron, a hot-headed fool. Speaking for all of us, when that is not the case is unacceptable."

Algerdar scowls as Dron paces off to the Tavern.

"I feel you are right Durn if we pool our resources we can buy our mounts."

Turning to the Merchant;

"Sorry sir, that man does not speak for all of us, I hope he didn't offend you."

[BigRedRod]

The merchant scowls briefling at Dron as he walks away but his face brightens at more talk of a sale,
"I take no offense, will you be taking horses or ponies. Or we could work out a combination if you would prefer."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Durn and myself would prefer ponies, but I am sure Roth would prefer a larger steed for his teller form."

Replies Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

Before the group heads back to the seller Roth says "If you are not opposed to loaning me the money for a taller mount I would be more than happy to pay youback once we clear the mines for Master Rizeth."

Roth pauses a moment and then addresses the party again. "As for Dron's comment, it was just his way of begin the price negotiations. It might not be what you would have done, but I have seen him haggle in the market before and he was very effective. I am sure that the horse trader realizes that his comment was a prelude to price haggeling."

With this Roth heads off with the rest of the party towards the trader.

[Black Plauge]

"Effective or not, I was raised not to insult others. Turnip wagon indeed. Hmph! Some of us simply have the sense to treat others with decency thats all," Durn mutters to himself in response to Roth's and Dron's comments.

He then pulls on Roth's arm as he turns back to the horse trader to add in a more gracious tone, "We might be able to afford three steeds without Dron but there is no way we will afford 4. One of us must go get him before we make the purchase, otherwise he will be forced to walk or ride double, both of which defeat the purpose of buying mounts in the first place."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Roth, maybe t is best that you get him. Dron and myself don't neccessarily get along very well."

Turning to Durn

"Dron's mouth is more trouble then it's worth, I can see it getting us into considerable trouble some day."

[SuperJosh]

"Yes, you are right." Roth says, "I will see what I can do. Talk to the merchant about the cost of two horses and two ponies while I am gone."

With that Roth hurries and catches up to Dron, "Wait up Dron!" he says, "Don't walk out on us like that. Whether they realise it or not we could use your help on this. Durn and Algerdar just have different ways of handeling these situations. And if they do not appericiate your meathods it is because they have not seen how effective they are. Come on I think we can get a better deal on these mounts with your help than without it."

[Black Plauge]

As Roth runs off after Dron, Durn turns back to the horse dealer and says, "It seems that we might be interested in two horses and two ponies, the later being more preferable to the two humans and the former to us," indicating Algerdar and himself.

"You asked 125 for the ponies and 310 for the horses, how about an even 200 for a pair of each?"

[Dust]

Dron sighs and nods slowly.

"This whole thing stinks you know," he says, bringing his hands up to the back of his head, "we have money to live on for months, but we're going to waste most of it on horses. Then we're going to ride out as mercenary hired killers. It doesn't sit well with me. I'm a mechanic, not an adventurer."

[SuperJosh]

"Yea, well...I guess we are really just ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances." Roth says sympatheticly. "That raid and the inprisonment kind of threw all our plans off course. I have been adventuring for long enough that this is what I look for: a respectable employeer that pays well, and promptly for, so far, relatively easy jobs. I kind of lose sight of the idea that this is not the life you have choosen for yourself." Roth continues as he puts a hand on Dron's shoulder. "All we can do now is make the best of this situation. Look at it this way, if we finish this job we will have money again, plus horses, and a man riding into town is always more welcome than one who walks in. Besides it sounds like our employer is somewhat of an expert on dragoons, or at least is well on his way, so there is always a chance you can learn some things from him."

[Dust]

Dron nods.

"I don't know about him becoming an expert," he says, "but I suppose you're right. A little extra gold in my pocket couldn't hurt. But I can't help but feel strange about getting paid for every goblin's head we take."

He looks down at the ground and grunts. Finally he looks up.

"Go ahead and get a horse for me," Dron says. He unties his belt pouch and hands it to Roth, but not before taking out a gold piece for himself.

"I think I could use another drink or two before we go," he says, "I'll be at the tavern."

With that he turns his back and begins to walk away.

[SuperJosh]

Roth watches Dron go and contemplates following him before deciding that sometimes a man just needs to be alone with his drink. He looks down at Drons money pouch andcan't help but be upset that Dron is not coming back to help with the negotiations.

With that final thought Roth heads back to Algerdar and Durn. "Well," he says to the two, "Dron decided he could use another drink, but he gave me the 'OK' to purchase a horse for him, if we can get a decent price." As he says this he bounces Drons money pouch up and down in his hand to let his two comrades know he has Drons money.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Well at least that little problem has been solved for now."

Algerdar waits patiently for the merchants response.

[BigRedRod]

The Merchant thinks long and hard about the offer,
"Hmmm, I'll meet you nearer the middle, how about two hundred and fifteen for two of each. Fine mounts at that low a price are a hard find, but I'm feeling generous today."
He speaks in a friendly, knowledgable voice to you. Taking hushed tones to keep the privce just between you and him

[Black Plauge]

Thinking hard Durn counters, "Two horses, two ponies, four riding saddles, and two days worth of feed for each of the mounts for 215.... Okay..., make it five days worth of feed for each mount and add the bits and bridles and four saddle bags and I would find 215 agreeable." Durn turns and looks at his companions for approval.

[OOC: Durn is not taking the same care as the merchant to prevent being overheard. It simply wouldn't occur to him to do so.]

[BigRedRod]

The merchant laughs for a moment and then gives the dwarf an odd look,
"Oh ... you were serious."
After a fairly long pause he speaks again
"I'll throw in the bits and bridles, and we can keep the rest how it was."

[SuperJosh]

Roth nods, giving his silent consent.

After the price is agreed upon, Roth picks out the 2 horses and 2 ponies he deemed to be the best of the lot.

[BigRedRod]

The merchant grins and shakes hands, he accepts the coins and collects together the other promised items while Roth decides which of the animals the group will be taking.
After several minutes the four are stood a little way away from the merchant, each with a steed ready to ride

[ooc: update your sheets]

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar thanks the merchant, patting his steed. A pale brown coloured Pony with silver hair and deep brown eyes.

"I shall call you Gai, named after the word Gaia or Earth in the ancient tongue."

Running his hand down the ponies neck.

"So shall we be off to the mines, before more time passes?"

[SuperJosh]

Yes, let us go tell Dron that we have mounts and are ready to ride." Roth says as he leads the two horses towards the tavern.

As he walks he looks down at Cy, "Think your going to be able to keep up?" ye askes the dog with a smile. Cy just barks and starts to wag his tail.

[Black Plauge]

[OOC: Most of this fills in the end of the deal.]

Pleased that the merchant had fallen for the diversion on the saddle bags and extra feed to get the bits and briddles added to the list, Durn replies, "Alright, we will take that offer then." He then turns to the others and begins to gather the money; 28gp worth from Roth, 35 gp worth from Algerdar, 73 gp worth from Dron's coin pouch, and 79gp worth from the money in his own pack.

After handing over the sum, he shakes hands with the merchant and says, "It has been a pleasure doing buisness with you. Tell me, we are headed out to Master Rizeth's mine, is the grazing for the horses in that area any good?" As he waits for the answer Durn tosses two feed rations each to Algerdar and Roth, places two in his own pack and ties the other two to Dron's saddle on his horse.

[OOC: I broke down the monetary contributions for every one so there wouldn't be any confusion. SuperJosh, if your keeping track Durn covered most of your short fall, all except for the 5sp Dron chipped in.]

[BigRedRod]

The Merchant thinks for a moment,
"It isn't bad grazing on the way up there, although at the mines themselves things may be a little harder going. They have their own work-animals that graze around there, quite a few indeed so the grass is rarely long enough to support their own animals, they have to rely on feed shipments every so often."

[Black Plauge]

"Thank you kindly for the information."

Durn readies his own mount and then turns to follow his companions towards the tavern to pick up Dron.

[SuperJosh]

When Roth arrives at the tavern he ties the two horses to a railing, and looks at Cy "Guard!" he says sharply, then proceeds to enter the tavern.

He looks around until he spies Dron and then approaches him. "Feeling any better Dron?" He askes. "We finished the deal, and got two good horses, you want to come out? I can tell you a bit about them and you pick which one you would prefer."

[Dust]

Dron grimaces up at Roth.

"Not really," he says. He turns to his ale and downs the remnants of it in a single gulp. He flips a coin onto the bar and gets up, heading for the door.

"But there's no sense in just sitting around," he says, "I'll take whichever one has the softest saddle."

He reaches the door and walks outside to where his other two companions wait. He heads over to Durn and puts out a hand.

"Any gold left after all this?" he says, waving his other hand around at the livestock.

[SuperJosh]

"The mare is the easiest ride." Roth says, as he motions to the nearer of the two horses. "As for money, you will have to talk to Durn about that. I know I have 5 coppers to my name and owe you a couple silvers."

With this Roth mounts the stallion he is left with and says,"Shall we head towards the mines?'

[SponkleofInfini]

"Yes lets be off already."

Replies Algerdar in haste, he is rather eager to get going. Hoping onto Gai he waits for the others to mount ans then heads out of town.

[BigRedRod]

The four ride out of town on their new steeds, it's a fairly easy road with pleasant, if a little dull, scenery. Long farmed plains are all that is visible to all sides, as an hour or so rolls by rolling hills are also added to land, and the type of farming becomes increasingly pastoral.
There are few other travellers on the road, an occasional messenger comes riding hard past the group, and you encounter a caravan heading the other direction, but little more than a friendly nod is exchanged.

After three hours of riding the turn to Rizeth's mine is found, and after ten minutes or so of heading down the trail the group arrive at the mining camp.
It consists of a number of tents, two low long buildings (most likely bunk houses), and a larger two storey building. There are quite a few men milling around. Two other trails lead off from the camp, slightly away from the camp itself there is a fairly small little mound which would appear to contain the enternace to this particualr mine shaft. The floor is covered in metal rails for mine carts.
A huge man approaches you, he is well over six feet tall and broad as a dwarf, he looks questioning and then speaks, in a voice as deep as an earthquake,
"Are you the men the master sent to clear out the mine?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth dismounts and extends his hand out to the man."Well met. We are indeed the men that Master Rizeth sent to clear the mines. I am Rothylt, and these are my companions Dron, Durn, and Algerdar." Roth says, motioning to his companions as he names then.

"Master Rizeth said you were attacked by goblins." He half askes half states. "I am sorry to hear that you lost some good men to these beasts. I know that this soon after the attack it might seem heartless but... did any of your men that were attacked by the creatures survive? I only ask because if we could talk to them and get a better understanding of exactly what we are dealing with it will make out vengance of your comrades that much more certian, and reduce the of our heading into a trap."

[BigRedRod]

"I'll take you to the foreman..."
The man begins to plod along towards the larger two storey building
"It was dark, our men were ambushed. We lost five good men, the other two made it out, cut up, but alive. Only one says he got a look at any of them, sounded like goblins to me, but the foreman can fill you in better."

A short, middle-aged man steps out of one of the tents just as the man finishes speaking. The hulking man speaks to him,
"The men Rizeth sent are here. I tyhought you woudl want to talk to them first"
The short man nods, he isn't dressed like the other miners, his clothes are rather finer and not at all suited to manual labour. He extends his end to each of the group in turn,
"Greetings, I am Kyle Restart, foreman of this mine and overseer of Master Rizeth's mining interests in this area."
The man sighs and continues to speak
"We lost five good men, and two are badly injured. They claim something attacked them from all sides at once, the first says he didn't see anything, I have no reason to doubt him, the second claims there was were goblins and he brough one down before he ran. Most of my men seemed to die as they tried to flee, no one has been back in that region yet. I have no idea why a band of goblins attacked our mine, recently we uncovered a few natural cave networks, I'm assuming they came in through one of them, as soon as the mines are cleared of these we can seal the cave systems we unearthered to prevent it happening again. Any questions?"
The man rubs his hands as he talks, it seems like he really does mourn the loss of his men.

[SponkleofInfini]

"The thing that troubles me sir is the fact your men are not certain of what the creatures are. I am sure all was frantic in the rush to escape but maybe something much fouler awaits in the mines."

Algerdar bowing his head as a sign of respect;

"I mean no disrespect sir, maybe we should talk to the man that said he saw the creatures before we enter the mines. So we can be more certain as to what we are dealing with, can this be arranged?"

[Black Plauge]

At Dorn's question about the money Durn tosses him his coin pouch saying, "You will find it 73gp lighter, but all in all a fair trade for the mount you now have. Besides, if you take proper care of the mount an tack you should be able to retreive most if not all of that sum by selling it again when we have finished with all this buisness for Master Rizeth."

During the ride out to the mine Durn is quiet, simply observing the others as they travel.

At the mine, Durn is troubled to hear that five men had died in the attack. Rizeth had not said how many had died. The number did not bode well with him. However, the prospect of natural tunnels may explain what is going on. Durn continues to listen silently as the foreman continues.

[SuperJosh]

As Roth listens to the foreman he nods in all the right places.

"I am truly sorry for your loss, but I would feel better if we were able to talk to one that experienced the attack first hand. You have my deepest sympathy, but we were sent here to do a job, and we need all the information we can get to ensure that it is done correctly."

[Dust]

"I don't imagine that the bodies are above ground now," Dron says softly from his position at the back of the ground, "but I'd like to talk to someone who examined them first."

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar listen to Roth repeat his very inquiry, Algerdar looks cock-eyed at Roth; not knowing why he would do something like that.

Does he take the foreman as a fool, or is he trying to feel important

Algerdar says nothing more interested in what the foreman has to say.

[BigRedRod]

"You may speak with the survivors, but I'm not sure how much it will achieve"
The foreman nods to the larger man, who stomps away towards a door into one of the longer buildings
"The bodies are still in the mines, Rizeth stated that no one was to enter the mine until he had resolved the problem. We will recover them after you drive out the creatures. If you will follow me..."
The foreman follows the larger man and leads the party into one of the long bunk houses. The door leads to a smaller section that would seem to serve as a site hospital. Only two of the beds are occupied. The foreman speaks in a soft voice to the two men,
"Peasall, Rakin? These men have come to ask you a few questions about what happened."
The two men look like typical miners, the one named Peasall has a bandage across his head and around one of his legs. The other man has his arm in a splint and seems covered in bruises and cuts. The men both slowly sit up and look at the group

[SponkleofInfini]

"Greetings gentlemen, would you be able to describe to us what attacked you? A physical description would be best, no summisations. I apologise fr being so blunt but I think yu agree that the sooner we deal with the problem all the better things will be."

Algerdar has a look not seen by his fellow companions before upon his face. It is hard to describe, but it looks as if this situation hits close to home, as if it were personal.

[Black Plauge]

Durn stands by impassively as Algerdar questions the men. Having noticed Algerdar's countanance he feels it better not to interfere with the gnome.

[BigRedRod]

Rakin speaks in a slow voice, he weezes and coughs occasionally,
"There were seven of us , extending a shaft, we knocked through into a cavern. It looked like osme the others we had found recently, we wandered in thinking perhaps we might find a seam. Then Nen went down, he was behind me, I heard ... he screamed so much. It was little, with greenish grey skin, I've not seen a goblin before but I think that was what it must have been. It was so dark, only hte mines have regular lanterns and only Nen had brought one in, we didn't think there would be any danger. I took a swing at the little bugger with my pick, got him I did too, and he got me."
He indicates his arm
"But we could hear more, so we all ran. They must have had bows or something, I heard the others scream as we ran, when we stopped running, it was just us two left, but we could see daylight up ahead. I don't know what happened then, I must have fallen unconcious from the pain. "
He pauses for a moment, reflecting on his story and then starts again,
"I hardly saw them, but there were little things, there was a nasty smell down there too, but I was always told those things live in their own filth, maybe it was that. They had little pointed fangs too... It's hard to describe, I only saw odd flashes..."
Rakin looks over at Peasall, he sits in silence for a moment and then speaks up, his voice is very shakey,
"I was last in, they came out of nowhere, but it was too dark to see. When they all started dieing I just ran and ran, Rakin must have outran me as I saw him fall down, I thought he was dead. The other men from the other areas saw us and helped us out, a few minutes later the shaft was sealed. I didn't get a good look at any of the things, all I remember is that most of them were quite small, four feet tall maybe? But there was a bigger one too, or maybe... No, one was man-sized, at least one I suppose, but I couldn't say what they were. Rakin's right, the smell was terrible, we got a whiff of it when the wall was put through.... I'm sorry I don't think I can be much more help"

[SuperJosh]

"Hhhmmm..." Roth thinks to himself, "So they did not attack untill the miners broke into the cavern and entered it... possibly protecting their home?"

To the miners and the foreman he asks "Have you had any trouble with goblins in this area before?" after hearing the answer he continues "So they did not attack you until you started to explore the cavern correct?"

[Dust]

"Peasal," Dron says, stepping forward, "did the wounds on your leg and head come from the creatures, or did you get them while you were running away?"

(OOC: If he says that he got them from the creatues, Dron asks to examine them.)

[BigRedRod]

The foreman looks at Roth,
"Hmmm, I don't recall any problems with orcs in this area, it's really quite a safe area up around here. Or it usually is anyhow"

Pesall thinks for a moment and then speaks up,
"I'm not sure. As I turned to get out, that was when one hit my leg ... as for my head, I think they were pelting us with rocks as we ran... But yes you can examine my wounds if it helps you."

[Dust]

Dron examines the wound on Peasall's leg, doing his best to determine whether it came from a bit, claw or weapon, and trying to determine the size of the wounding object.

[BigRedRod]

The wound appears to be made from a slashing weapon of some description but Dron lacks the expertise to say, in any more detail, what manner of weapon caused the injury

[Black Plauge]

Durn listens with rapt attention to the account the two men give before turning to the foreman, "Tell me, the other natural caverns you have found, what kind of formation have they been?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth listens attentively to the forman discribe the natural caves. Even though he nows little about caves himself this seems as good a place as any to start learning, since any tidbit he picks up now could save his life in the very near future.

[BigRedRod]

"The caverns are odd to say the leasy, we have found some that have been formed by traditional erosion, as small streams of water gradually form chambers over vast periods of time. But others would appear to have been formed by a kind of shunting, something like an earthquake, so that a layer of rock has moved upwards leaving the rock below empty. Most are some fusion of the two, we haven't had a quake in these parts since I can remember and so some of the chambers are eroded enough to even have full staligtite-staligmite pillars. The caverns are also pretty wet becuase of the water, it shouldn't be too bad but be careful about your footing."

[Black Plauge]

"Are there any signs of habitation by either man or beast? Is the air within them fresh or stale?"

[BigRedRod]

"We never found anything, occasionally the odd patch of fungus but nothing else. As for the air, it was usually fairly stale, although in some of the caverns there were small shafts to the surface that allowed for some circulation."
The foreman looks at the men on the beds,
"How was the air in the cavern system you uncovered?"
Peasall coughs a little as he thinks,
"Fresh... it was breathable alright"

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm from the sounds of things the creatures are coming form another entrance from the surface. Any more questions gentlemen?"

[SuperJosh]

Roth shakes his head, he has now questions.

"Stale air?" he thinks, "Why wouldn't you be able to breath air?"

"If you can just show us were the entrance to the mine is and how to get to the passage that the attackers came from we will be ready to go." Roth tells the foreman. "Also if you have some place to to keep pur mounts while we are gone, I would appreciate it."

[BigRedRod]

"I'll put your mounts in with our animals, it's the least we can do when you are helping us"
The foreman gives a nod and walks out the door

He takes you across the camp and to the mine shaft, the other men around the camp stop and stare as you approach the enterance. The foreman shouts at one of the nearer men,
"Take their mounts and look after them"
The man runs closer and leads the horses away by the reigns
Two other men, standing watch at the enterance to the shaft follow the foreman into the dark depths

The mine is dark even with the light of the lanterns. The foreman and his men lead you through the network of tunnels, eventuallly they stop,
"We'll wait her for you, to guide you back. Just head straight on. Any last minute questions?"

The passage before you, continues for further than you can see...

[SponkleofInfini]

"I have just one, has anyone ventured to the end of this section of tunnels? If so, has a map has been made. We could use a copy if available."

Algerdar grabs a Sunrod from his belt and hits the wall with it, it glows a powerful green illuminating the local area well.

[BigRedRod]

"Yes, it has been travelled but only during it's construction. I'm afraid there is no map , but the section is perfectly straight from here on, there are no other passages. I would take you closer but I'm under strict orders not to, as are the men here. Remember that discretion is the better part of valour and good luck to you."

[SuperJosh]

Thank you good sir, hopefully we will return in short order." Roth says to the foreman, and with that he sets off, not lighting another sunrod, untill he needs it to see.

"Well Sy," he says to the mutt as they walk down the corridor, "I hope you are not afraid of the dark... or closed in spaces... or monsters."


(OOC: I do not know if more than one rod needs to be lit at a time. If so Roth will light one, if not he will wait for algerdars to fade, then light his own.)

[Black Plauge]

Along the way, Durn examines the rock formations within the mine, in particular paying close attention to the the types of rock present.

At the entrance to the passage, Durn listens to what the foreman has to say before asking, "How much further to the natural cave formations?"

He also takes a moment orient himself depthwise.

[Dust]

Dron glances around the cave with poorly hidden apprehension. He puts one hand down to his newly aquired rapier.

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: Durn can see 60ft, Aldergar can see 60ft, Roth can see 30ft, Dron can see 30ft. For all but Durn that radius is around Aldergar]

"Not far, maybe four or five hundred feet at most."

Durn isn't too sure about exactly the types of rock which the tunnel is made from, however it seems to be igneous with occasional belts of metamorphic rock.
After little more than two minutes of walking Aldergar spots the rubble strewn on the floor and enterance to the caves up ahead.
The dwarf considers his distance beneath the surface and concludes that they couldn't be any more than forty feet below ground

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 1j 6e rs 0 A *s -3
@1l 73 rs 0 R *s -3 29 72 rs 0 Sy *s -3 v 6h rs 0 Dr *s -3 x 72
@rs 0 Du *s -3 y ir rs 0 *s e 76 60 rs 0 *s e 7w 67 rs 0 *s e 7l
@6z rs 0
*END -vgk6a8

[ooc : simplish map, should make sense, if not let me know]

[SuperJosh]

Roth draws his sword as they approach the hole, he also calls Sy to heel next to him then continues forward.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar heads in after Roth, totting the Sunrod as if a club.

[Black Plauge]

As they walk along Durn begins muttering to himself, "Hmm.. Not real deep. Typical mine formations at the moment, igneous and metamorphic. No sedimentary, that should change when we enter the natural caves. So far nothing unusual."

Seeing the pile of rubble ahead Durn then remarks to the group, "I advise that we have weapons at the ready from this point forward. The miners said that they were attacked soon after they entered the natural cave formation. I wouldn't be suprised if the same happened to us."

Following his own advice Durn readies his crossbow and checks the flap on his spell component pouch.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Indeed"

Algerdar draws his crossbow and loads it, holding the sunrod as he holds his crossbow. A little unweildly but not hampering him that much.

[SponkleofInfini]

The Sun Rod, although not proving unweildly that much to begin with has really become a nuescence. Algerdar juggles around both the sun rod and his crossbow and finally ends up puttig the darn thing in his belt.

[BigRedRod]

The group edge forwards and stand at the enterance to the doorwar, as they approach they are all gripped by a rather unpleasant and unfamiliar oder. The cave up ahead contains a cool of water in one corner.
Durn was correct in his assumptions and this cave system would appear to contain various sedementary rock-types produced by the formation of the caves. One features that does strike him as good are the sudden metamorphic "wall" that project out of the uneven ground to a height of around four feet.
On the far side of the cave, there is a large pile of debris that at first glance could well be the result of a small tremour at some point


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 6y 6m rs 0 A *s -3
@7k 6j rs 0 R *s -3 7e 5y rs 0 Sy *s -3 6s 75 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 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 2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o
@30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s -1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24
@1k
*END -f6pwlz

[Black Plauge]

"What is that awful smell?" Durn says as they enter the cave.

Noting the wall like formations Durn begins to edge along the side of the cave with his back to the wall, towards the pool of water in an attempt to get a view of what may be behind them, if anything. On reaching the edge of the pool he glances at it to try and discern how deep it is.

[SuperJosh]

Roth follows Durn, sword drawn with Sy at his side. As he scans the cavern he is less interested in rocks and their formations than he is in diserning any enemies that might be lying in wait.

(OOC: if Roth moves out of the radius of Algerdars light he will light his own sunrod.)

[Dust]

Dron cautiously follows.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar hesistates as he follows the others, he has been in caves like this before but something unnerved him, something was different about the air.

[BigRedRod]

Durn edges along slowly, he turns he head slightly as he moves and narrowly avoids a bolt which sails acorss the room and shatters as it smashes against the bare stone.

Roth begins to turn towards the dwarf as the bolt strikes, in doing so he fails to see the creature at the edge of the darkness aim and fire it's own crossbow. The bolt plunges into Roth's leg just below the knee, causing a great deal of pain

There are two of the strnage creatures in this chamber, they look something like much like goblins, except that their skin is scaley and matches very well with the surrounding stone. Both weild light crossbows and appear to be unarmoured.

Initiative
Aldergar
Gr2
Roth
Sy
Gr1
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 7g 5s rs 0 A *s -3
@64 56 rs 0 R *s -3 6r 56 rs 0 Sy *s -3 6v 5n 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 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 2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o
@30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s -1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24
@1k *s -3 5h 5k rs 0 Du *s -3 63 3q rs 0 Gr1 *s -3 4q 35 rs 0 Gr2
@
*END -pyc5x6

[SuperJosh]

Roth rushes the nearest creature, careful to place it between himself and its companion, and delivers a vicious overhead slash to it.

(OOC: If possible Roth is charging Gr1 and ending his charge in the square just to the right of the creature, ending near the "1". If he does not have enough room to charge he will just move over there then.)

[Black Plauge]

Durn takes a pinch of multi-colored sand from his spell component pouch, and muttering something under his breath procedes to blow it in the direction of the strange creatures. That done he ducks behind the rock rock wall to his left.

[OOC: Durn casts color spray its cone spread should just catch both Gr1 and Gr2. He then takes a five foot step to his left and stoops a little so that it grants him full cover from the two attackers.]

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar edges forward, takes aim and fires at one of the creatures.

(OOC: Move forward 5ft, fire at Gr1 and then reload.)

[BigRedRod]

Aldergar's bolt just catches the first creature in the shoulder as it ducks behind the rock, it howls out in pain. To Aldergar's trained eyes these things appear to be somne strange breed of goblinoids, but a goblinoid is a goblinoid and Aldergar knows how to bring them down.

The smell get's much worse in the cavern, it makes focusing difficult but still possible

From behind it's projection the second goblin shouts in it's racial tongue,
"Intruders!"
and fires another bolt towards Roth. The bolt doesn't even leave the mechanism it simply jams the wweapon and causes a bark of anger from the little creature

Roth moves quickly towards the creature which Aldergar struck, the slash clangs off the rocky projection rather than striking the goblin who crouches before the tribesman.
Sy growls and snaps viscously at hte creature but it pulls itself away and avoids any damage
[ooc: dammit I didn't write down Sy's initiative in the other block, i'll go edit that]

The goblin with Roth and Sy bearing down upon him turns and moves away, retreating into another section of cave.

Durn throws the sand towards the remaining goblin, the worled of colour before it seems all too much and it falls sideways to the ground unconscious.

[ooc: now just Dron to go]

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 7f 57 rs 0 A *s -3
@64 56 rs 0 R *s -3 6u 4f rs 0 Sy *s -3 6r 3t 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 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 2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o
@30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s -1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24
@1k *s -3 5g 5j rs 0 Du *s -3 4q 35 rs 0 Gr2
*END 3v8fqs

[Dust]

Dron moves quickly to his left. He reaches the opposite side of the rock from the goblin and braces his back against it, playing things safe.

(Moves to the left behind the rock and takes no other action)

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar watches the goblinoid he was shooting at run off, taking this opportunity to claim some cover Algerdar moves up to the rocky cover ahead and then fires upon the remaining goblin.

(OOC: Move 10ft diagonal up and to the left just under that rock where Sy and Dron are. Fire at GR2.)

[SuperJosh]

Roth carefully makes his way to the unconcious goblin and lines his falchion up with his helpless foes neck... his shoulders tense as he raises the massive two handed sword above his head and then release as it starts its decent.

(OOC Roth moves to Gr2 ond preforms a coup de grace)

[Black Plauge]

Hearing the thock of Roth's sword on the strange creature Durn says, "There goes any hope of information."

He then casts mage armor and moves to check the depths of the pool with his crossbow at the ready.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Ha, question these ignorae, don't make me drop to the ground in laughter Durn."

Algerdar grimaces in a sarcastic tone.

"Reinforcements may come to supplement the fallen, even more so in moments; be ready."

[Black Plauge]

"You forget, we get a bonus for information pertaining to the beasts and their intentions," Durn replies to Algedar's comment over his shoulder.

[SponkleofInfini]

"I will be content only when they lay dead at my feet."

Says an enraged Algerdar.

[SuperJosh]

Roth shruggs his shoulders as he wipes the blood from his blade, "These are but gaurds, when we enter their lair I will still my blade, but I will not leave enemies behind me when there are plenty in front."

[Dust]

Dron takes no part in the conversation. Instead he listens to the sounds of the cave, alert for the sound of goblinoid feet. He also stares into the darkness, back braced against the rock, wishing that his eyes could see into the black veil that could even now be hiding enemies.

[BigRedRod]

Aldergar unloads a bolt towards the unconscious goblin but misses completely, the missile hit's the rock is snaps.

Roth raises his sword and strikes down at the goblin, the blow severs it's head and the floor is covered with a spreading pool of dark-red blood. There is a slight noise behind him, but Roth turns just too late and another bolt embeds itself in him, this time in his upper shoulder. The wound burns with an unpleasant warm sensation.

Durn is surrounded by a blue glowing mist for a moment as he chants and weaves mystical sigils in the air. In a sudden pulse of faint light the field is gone and the spell is complete. Durn glances into the pool but can see little in it's cloudy depths

Dron darts across the cavern and takes cover

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 65 4l rs 0 A *s -3
@5f 36 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
@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
@2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o 30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s
@-1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24 1k *s -3 4q 51 rs 0
@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
@5f 3s rs 0 Sy *s -3 7d 2a rs 0 Gr1
*END omdmk6

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar reloads and waits for the goblin to re-enter the cavern chamber.

(OOC: Prepare action to fire upon any gobnlin which enters the chamber.)

[SuperJosh]

"Damn it!"Roth thinks as he moves north to the cave wall, so that the the archer can no longer see him. "What am I a pin cushion?" He then lights a sun rod and prepares to charge the last goblin.

(OOC: Roth moves N then lights a sun rod and sticks it in his belt.)

[Dust]

Dron holds his position, wishing he had been more careful about procuring a source of light.

[BigRedRod]

The gnome forces a bolt into his crossbow and peers down into the next cavern

Roth moves out of sight of the remaining goblin and bangs his sunrod against the wall, lighting the cavern around him with a dull yellow glow.

The goblin dissapears from Dron's view, but he can hear gutteral voices speaking but he cannot make out what they say

[ooc: ok you're up then Durn]

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 65 4l rs 0 A *s -3
@5f 36 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
@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
@2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o 30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s
@-1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24 1k *s -3 4q 51 rs 0
@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
@5f 3s rs 0 Sy *s -3 7d 2a rs 0 Gr1
*END omdmk6

[Black Plauge]

"You forget, we get a bonus for information pertaining to the beasts and their intentions," Durn replies to Algedar's comment over his shoulder as he assures himself the pool contains no trouble. He then moves along its edge looking for a clear shot at the remaining creature.

He finds one just beyond the pillar Dron hides behind and fires his crossbow over its now dead companion.

[BigRedRod]

The tunnel which previously housed the second goblin is now empty. Everyone in the cavern hears the sudden roar of an order in orcish,
"KILL THEM!"
Even to those who don't understand the exact words the message seems clear


Dron holds his position for the moment

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 65 4l rs 0 A *s -3
@5i 2h 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
@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
@2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o 30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s
@-1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24 1k *s -3 41 3l rs 0
@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
*END -lakwpl

[SuperJosh]

Rot holds his position near the tunnel entrance to teh cave, sword held ready in both hands. As the first goblin comes into veiw Roth swings at its head.

(OOC: Roth waits at his position and attacks the first goblin to come into view)

[Black Plauge]

"Orcs..." Durn mutters at the sound of the roar.

He then prepares to fire at the first orc to step into view.

[Dust]

"Orcs!?" Dron exclaims from the other side of the rock. He looks off into the darkness where the goblin disappeared.

"We may be in over our heads," he mutters. He silently says a prayer to Puck and tightens his grip upon his rapier, preparing to strike any opponent that comes within range.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar continues to prepare for incoming foes, waiting for them to rear their ugly head.

(OOC: Prepare to fire upon enemy hostiles should they come into sight.)

[BigRedRod]

The group holds position awaiting for one of the creatures to appear, the seconds slowly pass. The group here a few few more words tossed about in orc and goblin, but this dies down and is replaced with the sound of clomping footsteps of something rather large.

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 65 4l rs 0 A *s -3
@5i 2h 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
@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
@2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o 30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s
@-1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24 1k *s -3 41 3l rs 0
@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
*END -lakwpl

[SuperJosh]

Roth stays where he is, his intention being to attack the first thing through the door.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar also waits, preparing to shot any foe who should enter.

[Black Plauge]

Durn also readies his crossbow, calling to Dorn at the same time in a hushed voice, "Dorn, place yourself across from Roth and prepare to fight. We all stand a much better chance of surviving if you help out."

[Dust]

Dron looks incredously over towards the opening where Roth stands, ready to strike anything that comes through.

"Over there!?" he whispers harshly, "this may suprise you, but fighting is not my strong point."

He tenses up and shuffles his feet as if preparing to make a dash over towards Roth, but then shakes his head.

"Just let me pick my shot," he mutters, "let me pick my shot."

(OOC: Holds position.)

[BigRedRod]

Aldergar trembles slightly as the sound dies away and the seconds slowly tick past.
There is a brief shout and an orc appears, as if shoved, at the other end of the tunnel. He wears leather armour and carries an axe and a small metal shield.
Durn fires a bolt towards it, but it strikes the cave wall and snaps long before striking the orc.
With a roar the orc charges forwards towards Dron, as he enters the cavern Roth turns and swings his blade, it strikes the orc in the lower chest, cutting easily through his leather armour. From his hidden position Aldergar fires his crossbow at the orc, with his attention distracted by the blow from Roth the bolt penetrates his back and the orc drops to the ground.
There is an annoyed shout from the cavern and the voice speaks again in a quieter voice filled with far more fury,
"Keep them in there, don't give them a chance to break through."

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 65 4l rs 0 A *s -3
@5i 2h 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
@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
@2k 2s 2k 2k 2c 2c 2k *s -1 38 24 rs 0 0 38 1o 30 1w 38 24 38 1o *s
@-1 2k 1s rs 0 0 24 1k 1w 1s 2k 1s 2c 1k 24 1k *s -3 41 3l rs 0
@Du *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 -3 62 30
@rs 0 O *s -1 34 1g rs 0 9y6tc 2w 18 34 1g *s -1 38 1k rs 0 9y6tc
@2s 1k 38 14 *s -1 38 1k rs 0 9y6tc 30 1c 38 1k *s -3 4q 37 rs 0
@Gr2 *s -1 2o 1o rs 0 9y6tc 20 18 2o 1o *s -1 2o 1o rs 0 9y6tc 20
@1o 2o 18
*END -3fthvf

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar quickly reloads his crossbow and waits for any more enemy hostiles to enter.

(OOC: Prepare action to fire on nmext enemy to appear; or if party wishes to press forward follow them.)

[Black Plauge]

Frustrated with Dron's reply Durn readies his club and moves past him as he replys, "I'm not asking you to fight alone, only provide Roth with a more adventageous tactical setup. Here, I'll show you."

Durn then takes up positions across from Roth so that the next creature through will have to deal with both of them at the same time.

[OOC: Durn reslings his crossbow (move-equivalent action) and moves to be over by the entrance through which the orc's are coming while drawing his club. He is now in position to provide Roth with a flanking bonus for the next creature to step into the cave.]

[Dust]

Dron grimaces as he watches Durn head over across from Roth, but says nothing.

(OOC: Holds position, ready to attack anything that comes near.)

[SuperJosh]

Roth whispers to Durn "I beleive they want us kept in here while reinforcements arrive. Can you cover my charge?"

Roth then trys to explain to Dron and Algerdar that he wants them to fire thier Crossbows in to the cave entrance just before he charges in as eyes the entrance looking for signs that reinforcements have arrived or that more goblins are on their way out.

(OOC: Roth uses this round to plan tactics, while still keeping an eye on the entrance)

[BigRedRod]

Aside from the chatter and Durn's adjustment little happens in the cavern, and no creatures pass the view into the next cavern. There are a few quiet noises that could be guttural speech, but it's quite hard to tell withthe strange acoustics of the immediate area.

map
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[Dust]

"I don't have a crossbow," Dron whispers, "and even if I did, I don't think you should charge. We've got a good defensive position here. Let them break themselves against us for as long as they're willing."

[SponkleofInfini]

"That may be true Dron but a sufficient force could overwhelm us. If we press forward with our attack we have a good chance of catching them off guard and at our terms.

[Black Plauge]

Seeing that, for the moment at least, no other creatures are coming towards them Durn begins to search the large one in front of him in hopes of getting a better idea of what they are up against. As he does so he listens to the others and adds in a low voice, "If they continue to attack us one by one they will eventually wear us out. We cannot rest in this position either, there are not enough of us. We must either press forward and hope to break them while we are still fresh or retreat when it comes time for us to rest. Algerdar, do you have any spells capable of affecting more than one of them at once?"

[BigRedRod]

Durn searches the corpse of the orc before him thouroughly with no interuption from the creatures at the other end of the tunnel. Odd sections of conversation in goblin drift down to the group, it's hard to work out exactly what they are discussing but it sounds like they are debating who is going to check if the party are still in the other cavern.
The equipment of the orc is limited but not of too bad a quality. He carried a hand axe and shield, the axe has several notches in it's hilt and looks well used. The shield is rather plain, being bare metal with a few dents. It's armour is leather and covered in small studs of various metals, it looks to have been resized once or twice in it's lifetime. Hanging from it's waist there is a small pouch, it contains four pieces of gold and eight copper in a small internal pocket, the main body of the pouch contains a well-used knife and a small wooden model of an orc sprinting.

[Dust]

"So let me see if I understand," Dron whispers, shaking his head, "we have a position ideal for a small force, where the goblins or orcs or whatever are going to have to come at us in small numbers because..."

He points towards the opening.

"...Not many are going to be able to fit through there at once. But, instead of holding our position, we are going to charge headlong into their own home in an attempt to 'catch them off guard and at our terms'? And if we end up needing to retreat, we'd rather try to make it out from the tunnels than from where we are, close to the exit?"

He looks one by one to each of his companions.

"It's a fools plan," he says, "it's going to get us killed. Make them fight on our terms..."

He makes an open handed gesture towards Algerdar.

"... By holding our position, not by heading into unknown tunnels where these creatures live. You can never expect to fight on your own terms in enemy country."

[SponkleofInfini]

"I am affraid not Durn, my repetoire has been severly lessened since I lost my spellbook."

Turing to Dron

"Hmm it does not matter where we are within the network of caves, if the force is sizeable, they will overwhelm us regardles. I feel they're expecting us to take cover here, they will continue to send fodder down the tunnels wearing us down and then send a force to finish us. I say press the attack, I agree with what you're saying Dron to an extent but cowardice grips your words."

[SuperJosh]

Silent until now, Roth speaks up at this point, "I too feel that we should push on. Our mission is to exterminate these creatures. We are not going to do that buy waiting here. All we accomplish by waiting here is to kill there fodder while we let them strenghten their defences. No if we are to finish them we need to take the fight to them, not wait for them to attack us at their will."

Changeing the subject for a moment Roth starts to examine the bolts in him. "I do not suppose any of you know the best way to remove a quarrel from someone do you?"

(OOC: Roth will remove the bolt with or without help so that he is not charging down tunnels with them sticking out of him.)

[Black Plauge]

Dissatisfied with what he finds Durn tosses the weapons aside and places the pouch in his back pack. He then moves over to the smaller creature and begins to search it as well, commenting as he does so, "Well, whatever we do these are no more than fodder. We could fight them easily as long as they come to us one at a time, but in sufficent numbers we will not survive. I too agree with Algerdar, if we are to exterminate these creatures as we are being paid to do we must press forward before they can setup a system of defences. In answer to my own question, I have but one spell left that could catch many of them at once, it is not as powerful as the one I already used but it should serve the trick."