tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54661568119226968692024-02-18T23:44:47.387-08:00Dragon TalesDungeon Tales Goes FourthRoboGeekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00979358871848745259noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-10471085786376933162016-02-24T10:35:00.001-08:002016-02-24T10:35:35.680-08:00RememberingThe sun just started to dawn and fill the balcony with bright light. Niema stood there, enjoying the warm rays of this new day while the shadows she had stepped out behind her became smaller and soon vanished. Mornings like these always made her long for the old days where she had travelled the country to fulfil her contracts. She had seen many places, from dark underground lairs to gold-paved palaces, and had travelled with many interesting and entertaining companions. But although there were many, only few managed to deeply root themselves in her memory. With even fewer she had crossed paths again!<br />
Dokan, a paladin of her own kind, she had met not a long time ago as he came though the small town that was near her guild school for young girls. She had heard his voice in a pub next to the street she was riding along for some errands. When she entered the pub, the brawl was at full swing with the tiefling at the center. Since the locals were not too stupid and knew who had entered, almost all brawlers were out of the building before she had fully entered the room. All but one that actively tried, but had his head stuck in Dokan's muscular arms. Once he had let him go, the young farmer had thrown herself at Niema's feet and had apologised. Dokan had only raised his eyebrows and said "Still able to impress the small folk, are we?" In the many hours that followed, they had shared stories from the past under the nervous eyes of the bartender who had made extra sure that the headmistress of the guild school had everything she asked for. The school was known for many good deeds among the locals and brought in good business, but there were also dark stories of people vanishing or found dead. The few witnesses always reported of moving shadows or seeing victims being strangled by their own shadows and although nobody wanted to accuse the school directly, most victims had been known opponents of the school or had directly spoken up against it.<br />
By the time Dokan had to continue on his current quest, Niema had learned much about the late goings-on of distant lands, and especially the fate of some of her former travel companions. Apparently the group had disbanded not long after she had parted.<br />
<br />
She turned away from the sun and her memory of the encounter with the fellow tiefling. Faces of some the companions came to her mind: Orestes, Rudha-an, Ghanash, and of course the valiant Vogir. The last face put a smile on her face. The archer that could run as fast away from a fight as his arrows could travel towards it! She wondered what had become of him? What had become of the others? She looked down on the body of the young girl in front of her feet. Hopefully they had a different fate than the young student that had overestimated her own skills and tried to take a short cut to advance her position. The face of the student, when she found out that the shadow she tried to travel along was Niema itself, was telling: Even her better students did not even consider that the shadow connections between all living beings could not only be used to travel along, but could be shaped and controlled at will. Niema smiled. This meant her place as head of the local guild was at least not in danger from within. And only few of her order outside had reached her level and all members of the high council had agreed to a non-aggression pact.<br />
<br />
A new thought crossed her mind: She should take a sabbatical and search for Vogir and the others! The archer always mistrusted her but the was some energy between them. What would he say if his own shadow pointed his bow at himself? She could barely wait to see his reaction.<br />
<br />
With this thought she ordered the two pupils that had entered on her call to bury the body and make travel arrangements for her. She will leave the school's business to her partner Chada-Ky and take some well-deserved time of for a long overdue search..... <br />
Joebroeselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08203854100078364588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-2709902541616510082013-03-20T08:34:00.000-07:002013-03-20T08:34:50.152-07:00Time Drag(s)on<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vogir glances at his digital watch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Are those approaching Dark riders ever
going to arrive?</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-55606114764168791732013-02-27T06:01:00.000-08:002013-08-22T04:20:27.974-07:00Thundering hooves<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vogir grinds his back heel into the dirt
and adjusts his grip on his magical longbow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The battle raging below, though fraught,
seems under control. Orestes, Indigo and the new dwarf are handling the
remaining ‘Dark riders’, leaving he and Zavia to watch for whoever’s
approaching.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He’d assumed it was just the two
unencountered ‘Dark riders’ but the crescendoing volume of the hoof beats was
making him less and less sure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Vogir’s earlier confidence has become a
distant memory. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Who’s rushing toward them?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Can his martialistic friends finish their
opponents before more enemies arrive?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A feeling of dread washes over him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The clever ambush they’d set to kill a
couple of the ‘Dark riders’ now seems more of a trap for themselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Vogir’s sweaty palms force him to readjust his grip yet again.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-64851021407010364412013-02-04T07:08:00.000-08:002013-08-22T04:21:58.348-07:00Help from above<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vogir nocks another arrow and releases it into the
melee below. These ‘Dark-riders’ don’t seem so tough. (Especially when he can pick
them off from range, atop a cliff-face.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They were chasing two, but have attracted
five of the lizardy bastards. Not really a surprise, as they’d not only pursued them but alerted them
of their presence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, five vs. five weren’t too scary odds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orestes, Indigo and the newly joined dwarf;
Mjoorvitnir were handling the hand-to-hand fighting, while the gnomess; Zavia and
he played interference.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">True, his arrows weren’t bothering the
Dark-riders too much and Zavia’s illusions were being breached…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, the battle was definitely going
their way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Two or three of these ‘relentless’
dragon-borns were already down and even the terminally reckless Orestes was
still on his trotters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Vogir’s smile falters though as he hears
the thundering sound of horses hooves approach from the distance…</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-44891864523638770152013-01-23T03:45:00.001-08:002013-01-23T03:45:30.934-08:00Dead cat bounce<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As he looks down from the rooftop at the others slaughtering
the two hags, Vogir smiles at the little gnomess Zavia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Despite being in the ‘forbidden lands’,
despite being pursued by the seven ‘Black riders’, he’s never laughed more or
felt more happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The teleportation trick that she’d
performed and he’d copied was hilarious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Making the monstrous cat suddenly appear
twenty feet in the air and letting it drop to the ground…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Twice!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The ‘poor’ creature never stood a chance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now, after a night’s rest in the relative
safety of the farmhouse, they can press on towards the dwarven Mjoovitnir’s
homeland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-4640413351711664872013-01-08T07:13:00.000-08:002013-01-09T04:19:21.964-08:00When’s a secret not a secret?<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first time in the fortnight, since
his companions left Fewham, Vogir relaxes. Lord Rician has reduced his guard
numbers to that of before the threat he’d made.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He’d kept out of sight, watching from
outside the town perimeter. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What was weird though was the whole
situation…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It smelled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It smelled a lot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It positively stunk!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A dragon in the form of a lady, mincing
about pretending to be human while being served upon hand and foot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Lord feigning consideration for his
people while living in luxury.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The flawed defence of the Lady Sybille
being Theranthor’s daughter and therefore apparently keeping the Empress’
forces from attacking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And finally, a secret that everyone seems
to be aware of: The local nobility, the dragon empress, the guards and even the
locals themselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Everyone knows!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So why wasn’t Lord Rician honest in the
beginning?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Why the pretence?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, Vogir wasn’t fooled and he wasn’t to
be put off. After weeks of waiting, of questioning visitors and travelers from
and to the town, he was ready to act.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The mansion carefully cased, Vogir
approaches stealthily and under the cover of darkness. Easily bypassing the
locked doors, he drifts as mist through the corridors and under the cracks in
doors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, despite the hour, Vogir is too early. Lady Sybille is
awake and still in conversation with her ‘Father’. Confident in his hidden
state though, Vogir edges forward to listen…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The conversation is sweet. Loving even and
worse, it seems sincere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lord Rician kisses her gently on her
forehead before retiring for the night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It would be easy now. Lady Sybille is
completely alone but something stays Vogir’s hand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Following her to her own bedchamber, she is
met by an older women dressed in a robe of dark grey. She passably resembles a
Black-cloak but her graying hair and lined face are unhidden by the hood.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The woman smiles when Sybille enters and the
affection again seems genuine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Despite not currently having a stomach,
Vogir feels a sinking within it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This woman is almost certainly the trusted
Black-cloak who’d stolen the little wyrmling in the first place. That she was
still here spoke of care beyond mere duty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">After combing and braiding Sybille’s long
blond hair, the lady-in-waiting puts her to bed and retires to an adjoining
room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Vogir watches until Sybille’s breathing
becomes deeper and he’s sure she’s asleep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He could kill her now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’d be easy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He could kill the nanny and Lord Rician too…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If he wanted to…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If it were the right thing to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An eerie sigh escapes Vogir’s insubstantial
form and, like a shadow, he slips from the silent mansion.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-58774959970554654272012-12-20T08:34:00.002-08:002012-12-20T08:37:17.827-08:00The thin blue line<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eight hundred blue Dragon-borns form a line
around the city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An additional hundred stand atop the
hundred identical, slender towers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They are supported by two hundred of the
Black-cloaks and over a thousand Kobolds but Belgos knows that he and his kin
are the real defence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The kobolds are undisciplined and will
break as soon as they are pushed and the Black-cloaks have no stomach for a
real fight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Dragon-borns; they will stand firm. They
are the true followers of Thereanthor, her true protectors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The orcs facing them stand less than a
quarter of a mile away. Dirty and pig-like but surrounding Khajag in numbers unimagined.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Not the hundreds he’d been told they’d be
facing but, from what he could see, well over a thousand!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">More disturbing though, is that they
appeared organised.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orcs, he’d always been led to believe, were
stupid and incapable of following orders. Yet somehow five of the sundered orc
tribes had, not only reformed themselves but allied themselves together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking up at the sun, Belgos estimates the
time to be just before noon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Suddenly something appears in the sky…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An arrow flies high.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s followed by scores more…</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-78428414685785279972012-12-20T05:56:00.000-08:002013-01-08T05:54:42.327-08:00Aurelius the never-was-chief<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>‘Another story!’ </i>cried the grubby, little
orc child.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Wurgoth smiled down on his grandson. He’d
had lots of them but this one was his favorite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Young but clever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Calm yourself Ori. I’ll tell you one more…
Long ago, before even I was born, there was a battle. The first battle ever
fought by the reunited tribes.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Five tribes were there. The ‘Broken
lancers’ the ‘Blood-bottlers’, the ‘Meat-drippers’, the ‘Flesh-lump-eaters’ and
the ‘Bone-crunchers’. All led by their chiefs…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>All except our tribe. Chief Orestes had
gone to slay the dragon and left his most trusted general: Aurelius in command
of his army.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ori sat up. <i>‘That’s not true! Chief Orestes
did lead his army into battle!’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The bald headed Wurgoth smiled. <i>‘Yes,
you're right but he wasn’t there yet.’<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Repositioning his aching bones in the
sturdy, wooden chair, the old orc continued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘The four chiefs of the other tribes met
with Aurelius and each one bowed to him and took his instruction without
dissent.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Each of the five mighty armies was divided
into two parts and the ten divisions were lead by a chief or general.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Aurelius the wise lead one of the Broken
lance armies and the mighty Bodan the other. Each commanded a hundred and fifty
men. Boden though, like the other chiefs and generals obeyed Aurelius’ orders
without question.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Each of the ten armies divided themselves
around Khajag: City of the Blue prince Narcissus.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>A magical barrier prevented living
creatures from passing through an evil, magical barrier of lightning.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Each leader was allowed to decide upon their
own plan of attack but they all knew that they answered to Aurelius.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>On his signal the battle was started. Some
of the groups attacked from distance with arrows. Some tried to topple the
spindly towers that housed the magic. Some even charged the lightning field!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Aurelius was cleverer though. With shields
raised, the majority of his division advanced upon the shimmering blue field of
energy. A smaller group fired arrow upon arrow at the two figures atop the
tower, preventing the evil Black-cloak from using his foul magics on the
advancing orcs.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>The Dragon-borns fired crossbow bolts but
Aurelius’ men held their shields together so no bolts could penetrate.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>When they got to the crackling energy
screen, they halted and thrust their long spears through.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Wurgoth clears his throat as he sees his
little grandson’s eyes start to droop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘The Dragon-borns were no cowards. They
wanted to fight and so they advanced. They passed though the energy shield to
get to our warriors. They were seemingly unhurt but this didn’t surprise
Aurelius. In fact Aurelius smiled, for now, in the open, his Broken-lancers
outnumbered the spread thin troops of the Dragon.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>The battle was furious and unrelenting. Orc
and Dragon-born alike died by the sword and spear. Aurelius though had superior
numbers and the Dragon-borns had no reinforcements because they were fighting
battles on all sides.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘And then what happened?’ </i>Asked the young
orc in awe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Then?’</i> Wurgoth smiled. <i>‘Then, when only a
score of Dragon-borns were still standing on our side of the magical barrier,
Orestes appeared as if from nowhere atop the tower nearest them and struck the
head clean from the shoulders of the Black-cloak there.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Where did he come from?!’</i> squealed the
little orc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Well, that’s a different story but his
actions caused the magical barrier to fail. Aurelius took advantage of the
momentary confusion and charged through. He and his men killed every
Black-cloak and Dragon-born they encountered but more importantly, they broke
into the nearby towers and killed each mystic powering the barrier. Soon the
disciplined Dragon-borns had to break formation and as soon as they did that, they
were lost.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The old orc pulls himself to his feet and
kisses his grandson on the forehead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Many orcs died in that battle but it was a
great victory. The tribes reunited. Thereanthor’s son killed and enough treasure
found to provide all the weapons needed to fight the coming war. Your great,
great grandfather fought that day. He was barely more than a boy himself but he
always said it was the proudest day of his life.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The little orc’s eyes were now nearly
closed, <i>‘Was wise Aurelius ever a chief?’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘No my grandson. Never a chief but instead
he became so much more. He became the Chief of chiefs’… ‘But that’s also
another story’.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-64548504980643817482012-12-19T09:40:00.000-08:002012-12-20T04:38:47.506-08:00Bodan and the Owlbear<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had been decades since the sundered
tribes of the orcs had been reunited but the old stories were still told and
retold with relish. This story especially was one favored by the children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The wise women hushed them all before she
began…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The mighty Bodan stood at the front of the
‘Broken lance’ army and surveyed the scene.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Never in living memory had so many orcs
stood together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Not just the ‘Broken lancers’ but also the ‘Blood-bottlers’,
the ‘Meat-drippers’, the ‘Flesh-lump-eaters’ and the ‘Bone-crunchers’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius the wise had divided up the armies
into ten groups, each led by a different chief or general.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan’s group was over a hundred orcs. All
eager for battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The opposing dragon-borns were on the other
side of the accursed blue screen of death…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An evil magical barrier that killed any
that passed through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan looked at the massive, black metal
box he had pulled with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Much taller than the biggest of orcs and
just as wide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Only Bodan’s bloodlust could match that of
the creature held captive within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An Owlbear! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The most ferocious creature ever to live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A creature that would kill you, as soon as
look on you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Before ordering his men to release the
crazed owlbear, he organised himself to be tethered to the creature by one of
the ten-foot long metal poles used to control it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Once free though, the huge creature lunged
at Boden but Bodan didn’t flinch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because of the long metal rod between them,
neither could reach the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He would have been pushed over but instead
he took the impetus and charged instead at the blue barrier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was over a hundred feet away but on he
ran. Pursued by the screeching owlbear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Black-cloaks atop the nearest stone
towers did nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Dragon-borns behind the shimmering
screen did nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan ran until he was within touching
distance of the crackling field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Owlbear though, frustrated by not being
able to reach Bodan, ignored the intangible light barrier and barreled straight
through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The lightning field crackled but did not
stop the mighty beast and it slaughtered two of the scaled Dragon-borns before
they could even recover from their surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Straining his powerful muscles, Bodan dug
in his heels and directed the, now frenzied, beast towards the other stunned
Dragon-borns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dozens went down before the howling Owlbear
finally dragged Bodan through…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The lightning field crackled and primal
energy coursed through Bodan’s thick skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Expecting to die, Bodan released his
berserker spirit. He didn’t even notice that he was still standing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mighty Axe swinging, the savage Bodan was
lost in his fevered dance of death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Standing back to back, the mighty Bodan and
the psychotic Owlbear cut a bloody mess through the Dragon-born ranks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">None could stand against them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On seeing their leader survive the magical
energy field, all his waiting orcs charged forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Black-cloaks rained lightning and
thunder upon them…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But on they ran.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The wretched Kobolds threw so many javelins
at them, that the sky turned dark…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But on they ran.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But when they ran through the barrier…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">These orcs were brave but most of them
lacked even a measure of Bodan’s toughness. His resilience in the face of
unwinnable odds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">More than half their number fell to the
evil Dragon magic but on they came, throwing themselves at all enemies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In the midst of them all, covered in blood,
Bodan found himself panting with exhaustion. All his enemies lay dead around
him and only the sound of the growling owlbear behind him broke the eerie
silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Locking eyes with the amber-eyed monster,
held out of reach by the metal pole connected to his waist and the creature’s
neck, Bodan unfastened his belt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As it fell to the floor, the wild, Owlbear
understood that it had been freed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With a screeching howl the huge Owlbear
blinked twice, turned and tromped back, seemingly unfazed, through the blue
energy field and headed back toward the forest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan still felt the link they shared though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No longer a link of chain and steel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A link of understanding, ferocity and
mutual respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-30368783149733708072012-12-18T05:36:00.000-08:002012-12-18T05:36:31.388-08:00The Blue Prince’s hopefully useful treasure<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to the 6,680gp worth of
diamonds already received for Morten’s head and the wagon full of rotting,
severed orc heads, the party found loads more in Narcissus’ ‘secure’ lair…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Summoner’s Tome +4 Lvl:20 125,000gp (AP)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Crown of the World tree: Lvl:18 85,000gp
(AV1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Holy Symbol of Hope +4 Lvl:18 85,000gp
(PHB1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Belt of Breaching: Lvl:19 105,000gp (AV2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Some Aqueous armour +4 (Mindweave Cloth)
Lvl:19 105,000gp (AV1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Ring of true seeing Lvl:19 105,000gp
(PHB1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Cloak of the shadow thief Lvl:19
105,000gp (AV2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Footpads friend Rapier +4 Lvl:20
125,000gp (AV1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Totemic spear +4 Lvl:17 65,000gp (AV2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Healer’s brooch +4 +4 Lvl:19 105,000gp
(AV1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Cord of foresight: Lvl:18 85,000gp (AV1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Liar’s trinket: Lvl:18 85,000gp (AV1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And a Handy haversack: Lvl:10 5,000gp
(PHB1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Also, Diamonds worth: 698,499gp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">306 Platinum pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">270,834 Gold pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">689,241Silver pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I really hope you can use some of these
things. If not, you can get about half-book-value for them in any city. (Town’s
would probably give you a lot less.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Take what you want but declare it by
stating your claim on this post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">NO ACCIDENTAL MAGICAL DUPLICATION!</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-53552971144832475582012-12-11T15:08:00.000-08:002012-12-11T15:08:00.155-08:00The Sharab SpringThe Sharab are an ancient people - humans, desert hardened, once great sea traders. They made a life out of the most inhospitable part of the Furnace Coast and it's unrelenting dry heat. More than merely eking out an existence, they founded great cities, built on the wealth brought over the sea from far away fantastical kingdoms.<br />
<br />
But, that history is old and in the recent years leading up-to the rule of Thereanthor, their cities had become disheveled their larders emptied and their people scattered. <br />
Still, there stood Febril; shining like a jewel wrapped in a desert cloth, the greatest trading port in all of Fissa.<br />
<br />
It was the one place kept alive as, since being taken by the holy order of St. Cuthbert, the power shifted away from the ancient Sharab people and to the incomers in Febril. The Sharab became a minority in their own land and few now refer to them as such anymore.<br />
<br />
A hundred years later and this land is now utterly ruled by Thereanthor, as is everywhere from the south of Fissa where the dragon's eldest son Yddraig rules, through the mountains running East and West, right up to the North and Gom Dulat the power base of the Ancient Blue herself.<br />
<br />
But, something is changing. The black cloaks are becoming fewer. Some suspect that those under the cloaks are not the formidible dragon force that once they were. It is also clear that Thereanthor has eyes elsewhere and pays little attention to the subjected Furnace Coast. Despite this the black cloaks have been raising higher and higher taxes with local leaders assuming jumped up political powers and wielding them with a cruel hand.<br />
<br />
You can pull a people so far, and no further. Their fabric was woven of the tough and proud Sharab, and at some point it could be pulled no more. The *Snap* was audible. In a little town of Bouazizi the market traders revolted, threw out the black cloaks and never looked back.<br />
<br />
Inevitably, the eye of the dragon must be drawn to them, and they will pay a terrible price. But the delay in it happening is baffling. <br />
Why is she distracted? Who knows. <br />
Why are the black cloaks not able to cope? Who can say?<br />
<br />
And all the while the revolution rumbles on.RoboGeekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00979358871848745259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-56709760935480631362012-12-11T07:25:00.000-08:002012-12-11T08:08:07.970-08:00Horde of the ring<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aurelius: general of Orestes' army, stares blearily at his battle
plans. It shows a small city approximately a mile in from the circle of slender
towers that surround it.<br />
A ring of death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The vast majority of Narcissus’ defending
forces will be positioned just within this circle of blue light.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If he can get past that first barrier, the
city itself will be no obstacle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But how?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His attention is pulled jarringly from his
plans by a young orc guard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Sir, we have some new arrivals.’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The boy looks a bit unnerved but rather
than ask him to expand upon his statement, Aurelius, flanked by several of his
trusted men, strides past the boy and out of his tent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It is Aurelius though who is shocked now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In front of him are hundreds of armed orcs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orcs baring the crimson and black tribal
markings of the ‘Blood-bottlers’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking around, Aurelius finally finds the
broken-tusked, smiling face of Auzoux: Newly crowned chief of his tribe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Auzoux, what are you doing here?’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Auzoux is larger and younger than Aurelius
but his intelligence is quite apparent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘When we were packing up in preparation to
move out, a few of my men noticed your group heading away from the main
compound. Away but without your women, children and weak. I confronted the few
warriors that you’d left behind and they told me of your plan.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius looks up into Auziux’
battle-scarred face but lets the other orc continue talking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘I’ve brought about half my force. Three
hundred fighting orcs. If you’re going to war, we want in!’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius can’t help but smile. What seemed
like hopeless odds have just changed dramatically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘I’m glad that makes you happy, as all the
other chiefs are just a few hours behind me. Knut leads over two hundred of his
Meat-drippers. Ragnar, from the Flesh-lump-eaters has about the same and Unger
was bringing up the rear with a hundred of his Bone-crunchers!’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius steps forward and grasps Auzoux by
the forearm. <i>‘My friend, you are more than welcome. You are all most welcome.
With over a thousand orcs, this battle will go down in history!’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-36877698202052444752012-12-10T07:55:00.000-08:002012-12-10T08:45:15.026-08:00A battle well thought<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Blue prince: Narcissus continues to
flap his wings, even as he steadies his breathing. Should he hold his position,
high above his aggressors or should he dive into his secure den?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s only been a few moments since the
attack began but already his personal guard’s been devastated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Even one of his devils has been dismissed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, his other troops will already be on
their way to help.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His troops that are all currently
positioned half-a-mile away, spread between all the towers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’ll take them too long to get back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And, if they leave their defensive
positions, the advancing orc horde will have an easier time breaching the
cities defences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now Narcissus understands the mercenaries
timing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They had depended upon his arrogance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He had allowed them into the heart of his
kingdom.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Into his very throne room, while the majority of his soldiers were too far away to defend him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Clever little monkeys!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With the keen eyes of a flying predator,
Narcissus looks down at the mercenaries again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He sees at least one bow slung over one of
their shoulders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Injured as he is, he can’t risk one or two
lucky shots.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-1315250206014069482012-12-04T09:07:00.001-08:002012-12-04T09:07:40.839-08:00Warfare is based on deception<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Standing at the head of his army, Aurelius
breaks though the last of the trees and organizes his troops along the dirt
road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Three hundred orcs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Three hundred fighting orcs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ten times the number he’s been used to
commanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s a shockingly large number and he knows
that every one of them will give their all in the upcoming battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Khajag is still hours away but Aurelius
knows that the Blue prince’s dragon-born troops will already be waiting for
them. He made no attempt to hide from the ever-present raven familiars circling
overhead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Narcissus will know they’re coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That was their primary objective though. To
trick Narcissus into posting his forces away from his palace. To deprive the
young dragon of support when his chief Orestes strikes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Noon tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Camp is set, fires are made and food is
cooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No reason for subtlety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius can’t rest though. He has
struggled for two days to come up with a plan that will enable some of his
brave orcs survival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The battle, though vital, is unwinable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Three hundred orcs verses at least four
times that number of spell-casting Black-cloaks and Dragon-born warriors. And
that’s not even including the thousand odd kobold skirmishers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He does have two advantages though: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The first is that the blue barrier, though
impressive, isn’t actually a barrier at all. It may stop living creatures
passing through but it does nothing to prevent arrows or bolts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The second is that although Narcissus’
troops massively outnumber his own, they will have to spread themselves thinly
around the whole city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Advantages true but still not enough to win…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-65746348215643756022012-11-30T07:45:00.000-08:002012-11-30T08:09:52.637-08:00Premature attack? You must be a stupid!<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never in all his thirty years, has anyone
had the audacity to strike at him. Other than squabbles with his brother and
sister, he’s never been so much as pushed!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Flapping his mighty wings, Narcissus holds
himself aloft in the upper area of his domed throne room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It was difficult to tell at first but it
appears to be just the five mercenaries that entered with the orc criminal:
Morten’s head. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No support from the human vermin in the hall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Despite his generous reward, the idiot half-orc
attacked him!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Not just attacked him but hurt him. Really
hurt him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In front of his mother!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Down below, he can see his Dragon-born
soldiers, his Black-cloaks and even his Devils being beaten.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Without support, they won’t last much
longer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His mother’s magic mirror is currently
pointing directly upward and therefore mostly useless…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, whenever he blasts the treacherous
orc, he seems to receive some sort of backlash.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The tiefling also seems somehow immune to
his lightning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking down, Narcissus assesses his
current predicament…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The orc warrior is impressive but relies on
swords.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The tiefling paladin… Another melee
fighter.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">The wannabe black cloak monk is irritating but mostly unarmed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The tall, thin shaman seems lost and
confused. Probably the first that will fall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Finally the tiny Halfling…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What is he doing by his throne? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And could they be connected to the
advancing orc horde?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Of course they are…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Powerful and skilled as they are, they must be the leaders!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But why attack before the horde arrived?</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-86785272745621677642012-11-29T07:39:00.000-08:002012-11-29T08:06:58.823-08:00Battle insight<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Black cloak Scylus, stands at his post
atop the twenty-third tower and surveys the land ahead of him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Unwelcoming but not so barren as to be
unfarmable. Lucky for the wretched humans really. Most of them were originally
miners but they’re now forced to work the mean fields to provide food for
Narcissus, the Dragon-born troops, his fellow Black cloaks and, of course, the
annoying kobolds.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">It's hard for him to believe that these creatures are his kin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His shift will last twelve hours.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Long but hardly taxing. All he has to do is
maintain the barrier spell that protects this section of Khajag.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For company, he has one of the
Dragon-borns. Although stupid, they are useful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking to his left and right, Scylus can
see two of his fellows atop their towers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He doesn’t smile.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Black cloaks mustn’t give in to their human
urges. Their unemotional dragon-blood must rule.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Although he knows the distance between the
centre of the towers is precisely one hundred feet, he’s never tested it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Perhaps he’ll never need to…</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-40563774882747183492012-11-21T13:41:00.000-08:002012-11-21T13:43:13.441-08:00Surfeit of TreasuresI've just taken a look back at the incredible amount of high-level treasure Kirk has given out in just the last couple of sessions.<br />
It is truly staggering in scale. Although the most staggering is in fact the Layered Plate :P<br />
<br />
Dokan sees that and claims it as his own, immediately.<br />
He'd like the rest of Durden's stuff too, but realises he is not at all proficient in the use of a Bastard Sword, and that he rather likes the helm he already has. If he could carry the shield as a spare, he'd happily take it, but he is burdened as it is and likes his Deflection Shield.<br />
<br />
From Mags, he picks up the Orc's Eye Amulet and happily puts it around his neck. (Not claimed yet!!)<br />
<br />
So a lot of stuff to claim yet (just look at all the posts marked "Treasure"!).<br />
<br />
If no one wants Clayton's stuff, Dokan would happily taken the bow, and bracers and improve his ranged attacks. :) Although, he feels it ought to belong to an true Archer - and he can only think of one ...<br />
<br />RoboGeekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00979358871848745259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-26203654071506718182012-11-19T04:55:00.000-08:002012-11-19T04:58:02.759-08:00Cheap ale and a bad (w)omen<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Orestes and his generals talk late into the
evening. Ale is flowing freely but the mood within the large, animal skin tent
is upbeat and unified.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s Aurelius who again causes the
conversation to alter course.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘My leader, none of us has the experience
to know what is to be done. Our people have been fractured for so long. Too
long. Our traditions are all but lost.’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The middle-aged orc looks into the younger
faces of all those around him before continuing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Many orcs answered the gnomish call.
Mostly male warriors but the very young and old also. Women looking to help
also came. Some of them warriors and a few who’d kept safe the old ways...’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Momentarily locking eyes with Orestes and
finding support there, Aurelius dares to continue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘There are only a few. Wise women all but
the wisest one amongst them can foresee the future.’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan grimaces <i>‘I distrust magic. Steel is
all I put my faith in’.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orestes though, understands what Aurelius
is alluding to. <i>‘Send for her. If we’re to rebuild this clan, then we need to
rebuild the old ways’.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A messenger is sent and after a short
while, the tent flap is pushed back. An ancient looking orcess edges in. Her
grey hair is matted, her back bent and through a toothless mouth she introduces
herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘I am Klok Gumma. Keeper of the ancient secrets.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">She shuffles forward and peers at Orestes,
<i>‘Let me see this would-be-chief.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Her eyes are wide but surprisingly clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Snorting derisively, she squats down in the
middle of everyone and noisily retrieves objects from her sack…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A large wooden bowl, a silver knife, some
dried leaves, a live chicken and some finger bones inscribed with orcish runes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The wizened old orcess, sets fire to the dried
leaves and wafts the smoke around the tent. The smell is acrid and makes
everyone’s eyes burn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then she cuts the head off the chicken and
pours some of its blood into the bowl. Muttering half-formed words, Klok Gumma
takes the inscribed bones and tosses them into the bloody bowl.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Agitiating the small bones with her fingers, the wise women begains to relate what she can see...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>'Your reign will begin with fire. Many of
our people will die in a terrible battle but they will die willingly. They will
die by the sword and so be delivered direct to Gruumsh. More fights will follow
but eventually the dawning of a new sun will signal the end of our struggles…
Adversity is what we must suffer under your stewardship but we will survive. We
will remain a unified tribe.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orestes looks disturbed but surprisingly
the others don’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Don’t look so concerned’</i> says Aurelius
reassuringly. <i>‘Did you imagine everything would be plain sailing?’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan laughs out loud at
this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Did you actually WANT it to be easy? What
kind of orc are you?’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-83143393142174426572012-11-15T06:35:00.000-08:002012-11-15T07:15:35.740-08:00(T)orc of war<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dokan finds himself in a strange situation.
Surrounded by friendly orcs and a trusted ally of their new chief.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orestes: Chief of the Broken lance tribe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius and Orestes are starting to
discuss their immediate future when the entrance to the tent opens up and the
hulking Bodan strides in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘I am here to pay homage to my new chief!’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan was named after his father: Konan, a
great, savage warrior and Bodush: The evil human sorcerer that infamously killed
hundreds of orcs in the battle that destroyed the Broken lance clan. Scores of
children were killed that day. Children that would never be avenged. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As the mighty Bodan bows, a diminutive
gnome is revealed behind him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Gauss smiles nervously as they’re both
ushered to sit with the others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ale flows and soon the conversation turns
to war.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">War against Thereanthor and war against the
Blue prince.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orestes speaks of the possibility of
leading his new army against the Blue prince…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Outrageous!’</i> squeaks the gnome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘This was never part of our plan. You would
alert Thereanthor of our machinations and bring ruin to us all!’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The gnome looks to the others for support
but finds none.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan is already smiling at the prospect of
battle. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span><i>‘For </i><i>so long, I
have battled alone. Killing Dragon-borns and Black-cloaks wherever I could. But
always small scale for I lacked any support. Now though, perhaps I can cause
the accursed Thereanthor more trouble…’</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Votton and Elige nod in
agreement and Gauss looks horrified.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘No! I forbid it!’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At this, Aurelius looks
annoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘You ‘forbid’ it do
you? Although I appreciate what you’ve done for us, never forget who and what
we are. We are the Broken lance clan. We are warriors born. We are reunited at
last and we have a strong leader. We are your friends but we are not your
servants.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Gauss cowers under
Aurelius’ gaze before the grizzled orc continues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘The Blue prince now
knows for certain that there is a gathering of the orcs. A large gathering. If
we all flee, he or his bitch mother will hunt us down… If a large number of us
fight though…’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius stops as he
considers the situation but Gauss interrupts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘What you’re offering
is a distraction while we evacuate the camp? This actually isn’t a bad
proposition. Let me broker it with my superiors.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And with that, Gauss
leaves the tent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bodan laughs. <i>‘I like
the little fellow but surely the Gnomes opinion has no baring on what we’re
going to do.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘No’</i> agrees Aurelius,
<i>‘But it doesn’t hurt to keep our friends contented’</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orestes looks at his
two generals, his human and tiefling friends and the orcs in his tent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">His orcs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">All told, he’s got over
four hundred orcs willing to fight for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Willing to die for him!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Should he risk them in
a battle against the Blue prince or should he lead them to the safety of Mount
Sneafang?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He hasn’t even been
officially crowned yet but responsibility already feels heavy on his brow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-42245448929168241532012-11-14T08:45:00.001-08:002012-11-14T09:29:59.838-08:00Born to rule<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few minutes, the still battered
Aurelius enters Orestes’ tent. He is supported by two of his most trusted
commanders but shrugs them off as they pass the threshold and kneels at
Orestes’ feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Without looking up, he speaks clearly in
the hushed silence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘You summoned me, my leader?’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Orestes bids him rise and then directs him
to the rug and cushions spread on the floor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Sit Aurelius. We have much to discuss’.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Four orcs and one tiefling settle down on
the soft flooring: Orestes, Aurelius, Votton, Elige and Dokan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Drinks and food are ordered and as they get
comfortable, Orestes considers these four.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dokan he has known for over a year. An odd
mix of corruption and nobility…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still, he has proved his loyalty and bravery
time and time again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Votton and Elige are unknown to him but
they are Aurelius’ most trusted aids. This makes them trustworthy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Trustworthy because Aurelius trusts them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Trustworthy because Aurelius radiates
wisdom and nobility. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius an intelligent and experienced orc
who willingly gave up his advantage in their initial bout so he could help
defend their people.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-13405246334092377332012-11-14T05:06:00.003-08:002012-11-14T06:17:18.857-08:00They came, they saw, they tried to take your stuff.<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turnaround’s fair so here’s the stuff of
the mercenaries who tried to kill you...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Clayton the Ranger</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Gambit ‘Drowmesh’ leather armour +4
Lvl:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>85,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Point blank longbow +4 Lvl:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>85,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bracers of archery +4 Lvl:16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>45,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Potion of Vitality Lvl:15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PHB1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Durden the knight</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 249.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Champions
‘layered’ plate armour +4 Lvl:19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>105,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bastard sword of flanking +4 Lvl:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>85,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Heavy shield of flaring Lvl:14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dread helm Lvl:13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>17,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Morgan the Hexer</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Staff of the War mage +3 Lvl:13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PHB1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Robe of contingency +3 Lvl:14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ring of Shadow travel Lvl:15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>25,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Sad Bart the knife-man</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Counterstrike leather armour +3 Lvl:15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>25,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Assasin’s cloak +3 Lvl:14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Assassin’s blade dagger +3 Lvl:13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Assassin’s slippers Lvl:11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AV1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>Dinklage the Dwarf</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US">Avalanch hammer +3 Lvl:14 AV2 21,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US">Delver’s platemail +3 Lvl:13 PHB1 17,000gp</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US">Heavy Mountain shield Lvl:14 AV1 21,000gp</span></div>
<br />
<b>Cash</b><br />
<br />
14pp<br />
482gp<br />
283sp<br />
480cp<br />
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-62073155132190630872012-11-08T08:15:00.000-08:002012-11-08T09:28:54.400-08:00It’s my party and I’ll scry if I want to<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The young, blue dragon Narcissus raises his
majestic head at the approach of the serious looking Black cloak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As he drags his
attention away from the servants, </span>his irritation is obvious. They were in the middle of presenting the seating arrangements
for the first of the feasts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Sire, I’m sorry to interrupt your festival
planning but we’ve had word back from one of the mercenary groups you sent
out.’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The dragon’s sinuous neck stretches out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘And?’</i> he hisses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Black cloak licks his thin lips.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘And they appear to have found the orc camp you’ve been
searching for.’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The blue dragon grinds his pointed teeth,
sending sparks arcing around them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking around at his four guardian demons,
he signals them to bring forth his mirror.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Originally this mirror was meant as a way
to converse with his mother but it has other uses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The four, barely dressed, demons, carry the
large mirror by its wrought-iron frame before their master.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Show me Fasssel wood.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An image appears in the silvered glass.
It’s the wood from above and everything looks, as it should do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Narcissus peers closer. <i>‘Sshow me…’ </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He stops and turns back to the Black cloak.
<i>‘What iss the name of this mercenary?’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Black cloak looks down at a piece of
parchment he has in his hand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘The message if from a Ranger, named
‘Clayton’ your mightifulness.’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The polished scaled head of Narcissus
returns to the massive mirror.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Sshow me where the Ranger Clayton is
hidden in Fasssel wood!’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The image in the magical mirror shifts
until it refocuses on a small band of unaware adventurers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Rissse up and show me the forest from
above…’</i> commands the dragon and sure enough the scene changes again to that of
the woodland canopy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Black cloak can’t help himself and
leans forward for a better look. His magic is better than most of his contemporaries
but even he gasps as he realises what he’s seeing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The canopy of the trees is slightly
translucent…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Sscroll down’</i> commands the, suddenly
interested, dragon prince.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As the unseen eye floats down through the
illusionary leaves though, the image distorts and then fades to black.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There is definitely something there but
whatever it is, there are enchantments in place to prevent scrying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘Send reinforcements to Clayton’s position.
Do it now!’</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Black cloak scurries away confused. How
is it that a group of orcs, regardless of how large, can organise magics
powerful enough to obstruct Thereanthor’s will? </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-60283915966237161952012-10-25T06:52:00.000-07:002012-10-29T10:52:55.640-07:00Decorations and party flavours<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was only a few days until the
celebrations would begin and Narcissus prowled his palace with barely concealed eagerness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A weeks worth of enforced adoration.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He could hardly wait.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The streets and buildings had been cleaned
and painted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Blue and yellow bunting had been strung
from every parapet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Banners of his own image had been hung
between rooftops.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Dragon-born’s armour had been polished
to reflective perfection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Black-cloaks were all freshly died to
the nadir of darkness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The lowly Kobolds were as clean as could be
hoped for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Even the Human vermin had been forcibly
washed and given new burlap clothes to wear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Dwarves had delivered enough ale to
supply the town for months.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Elven musicians had arrived and the Halfling
acrobats were already practicing in the market.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Of all these things though, it was the
expectation of the tribute food he was anticipating the most.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What delicacies would his chefs’ prepare
for him?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Narcissus’ diet had been reduced to
brainless cows, sheep and chickens since he’d arrived in Khajag.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Running his sinuous tongue around the spaces between his razor-sharp teeth, the young Dragon imagines all the delicious treats that are in store for him…</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-81866229974900185292012-10-18T07:24:00.000-07:002012-10-19T03:50:05.153-07:00Diamond another day<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Dokan wanders unmolested, around the
delineated orc sub-camps, he feels the demonic part of him whisper...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>‘So many orcs! So much easy wealth to be
had!’</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is no surprise to him. It’s the price
he has to pay for his bisected soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A Tiefling Paladin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Oddly, he is not that unusual amongst his
people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A rarity to be sure but not unheard of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He wonders what the amassed army of orcs
and their gnomish ‘helpers’ would think if they knew about his meeting with the
young dragon?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Narcissus had behaved exactly as he’d
expected him to act…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Arrogance was a trait that all dragons
shared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As a dragon prince in line to the throne of
all of Fissa; how could he be anything else?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dokan’s mind wanders back to the list of
names on the Black cloaks scroll:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The dead Morten had been on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5,000 gold pieces worth of diamonds for a
head they already had!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’d be so easy to claim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Aurelius and Bodan, the two other orcs that
had fought for the right to rule the 'Broken-lance' clan were also on the list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Another 5,000 gold pieces for Aurelius and
double that for the hulking Bodan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In conversation he’d also heard mention of
some of the other ‘wanted’ names in the other camps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Auzoux’ had already been crowned Chief of
the ‘Blood-bottlers’ and ‘Knut’ and ‘Ragnar’ were due to be coronated chiefs of
the ‘Meat-drippers’ and the ‘Flesh-lump-eaters’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking around the thousands of orcs, Dokan
was pretty sure the other named orcs would also be near somewhere. Possibly
within the ranks of the remaining reformed clan, the ‘Bone-crunchers’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Unger’, ‘Harang’, ‘Stig’ and ‘Viggo’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">20,000 gold pieces just for those four!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then, despite his wishes, Dokan's thoughts
stray to the hundred and sixty eight decapitated orc heads, sitting ready in a
wagon by ‘Mallyx’ the, now dead, black dragon-born’s camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That’s 1,680 gold pieces worth of diamonds,
just sitting there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Closing his eyes and shaking his horns,
Dokan forces the thought from his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Giving in to temptation is not the way of
paladins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466156811922696869.post-79624545649784208222012-10-12T09:14:00.003-07:002012-10-12T09:19:20.385-07:00Skynet<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The normally cynical Charlie Stilton, wanders around the massive encampment with thinly disguised awe on his face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The more he’s seen of the orcs and gnomes,
the more impressed he’d become.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Impressed that such contrasting peoples
could find a way (even temporarily) to co-exist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Orcs were big, brutish and easy to
anger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Gnomes were almost as small as he was
but jovial and amicable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Yet, they not only tolerated each other but
were actively interacting. They really did seem to be working together in a
common cause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Still the dichotomy between them was
jarring. Brightly patterned and designed silk tents, fascinating air-ships and
alchemic powered devices set between dull hide teepees and crudely constructed,
wooden animal carts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The athletic little Halfling sauntered
towards the periphery of the camp. After encountering the Snowlbears, the
confounding mist machines, the oblivion moss and the orc guards, he felt
confident that no mercenaries would be able to blunder through to this clearing in any troubling
number.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Charlie then looked up at the open sky
above him…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">How though, were the Gnomes keeping
themselves hidden from above?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There are illusions in place to disguise the fires. He can even see the half-visible illusionary tree canopy above him. But surely they can't be enough?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Black cloaks have raven familiars that would eventually see through the spells...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Squinting at the real trees surrounding the
clearing, the Halfling glimpses something glinting through the branches…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Another Gnomish contraption?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Just then, a large wood pigeon flies through the illusionary tree line. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Charlie sees a momentary flash from one of
the other treetops…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What was that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lightning?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The smoldering bird, wings folded, plummets to the
ground, just to be guzzled up by an opportunist guard dog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">‘Aaaah’ smiles Charlie Stilton. Confidence
fills him as he realises why no aerial spies have been able to spot the camp
and report back to the dragon prince.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Hedzorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03608476268218419081noreply@blogger.com0