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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1709
(6/1/03 10:13 am)
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BacK at the Gate
Ruglan and Sangraal lead the group toward the yawning gate, Atan and Draxim carrying Ruig, and Kezib, Naredru and Ulwe bringing up the rear. The elves of the procession, being unaccustomed to city life, cannot help but gape at the enormous fortification that guards the only entrance to the town, the Red Citadel. The high, crenelated battlements of the outer wall are overshadowed by several internal towers on which a few gleaming helmets can be seen. Smoke from the town beyond rises up and flows through the complex fortification, giving it an even more ominous look.
Of course, not far to the south along the outer wall, the impossibly tall Lanternkeep rises up into the sky. There are, however, no watchmen on its multi-tiered ramparts.
The procession moves into the darkness of the gate, making their way slowly through the odorous traffic flowing out of the town. Emerging on the other side, Madragar's raven comes soaring down from above and hovers in front of Sangraal, madly flapping its wings.
"Madragar says come," it squawks, then flies back over the wall.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/1/03 10:17:52 am
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 521
(6/1/03 2:14 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Torn between accompanying Ruig to the Lodge of the Gurughil and responding to the ravens request on behalf of Madragar.
"My heart says to push on to the Lodge but Madragar would not interupt Ruigs final march unless it was importent. I will heed his call. Make way to the lodge as best you can I will meet you all there."
That being said Sangraal turns and follows the crow.
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1713
(6/1/03 2:55 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
The Procession:
Their numbers rapidly diminishing, the remaining six members of the procession continue to wind their way through the town toward the Ghurugil lodge. Raven's Gate is much as they remember it, though the streets are not so heinously clogged with make-shift encampments and drunken soldiers. The proliferation of cooking fires and smog belching forges of the many smiths in the high-walled town fill the streets with clouds of smoke that roll along with the crowds.
Among the Swordelders:
Sangraal passes back out of the gate he just entered and is led around the corner of the town wall by Madragar's raven. There he sees a wide stone platform perhaps fifty feet in diameter at the base of the hill that descends from the eastern wall of the town. On the hillside itself are more than one hundred spectators, and they don't sound happy. A chorus of boos and curses pour down onto the platform where a half-dozen mail clad warriors in black cloaks surround two figures. One looks suspiciously like the dwarf Sangraal last saw under Old Kurlew with a legionnaire companion. The other is Madragar.
As Sangraal approaches both Madragar and the dwarf are being led away by the warriors, back toward the town gate. Sangraal instantly recognizes the distinctive silver holy symbols and black cloaks of these men as of the same Humakt cult that maintained a temple back in Dobrug. They are called the Swordelders.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/1/03 3:36:28 pm
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 522
(6/1/03 6:59 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Seeking an explanation as to Madragars detention.
"Swordelders." Sangraal says loudly in the most honorific way as he parts his way through the crowd. Holding him self up so his Holy symbol is easily noticable.
He rapidly closes the distance hoping to halt the Swordelders so he may speak with them with out yelling after them.
[OOC: Diplomacy: +3: Trying not to be on the recieving end of there ire. ]
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1714
(6/1/03 7:53 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
With Sangraal's white plaid, plumed helm and heavy flail, the Swordelders apparently saw him coming. A priest with long black hair and beard leads the group resolutely towards the gate.
"Stand aside stranger. The trials are over for the day. Seek your entertainment elsewhere."
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Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 31
(6/1/03 8:00 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Ulwe looks around the 'Gate with a raised eyebrow. He mutters to Kezib, "So many people crammed together. It is like when I served aboard the Dawn's Glory. Though upon that noble vessel we had fresh air and were riding the great waves of Orlanth sailing the Hrgurae Sea. Here we breath the filth of these streets and choke upon the many fires."
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 523
(6/2/03 7:30 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
"By Yelms grace it is not entertainment that I seek, I traveled with a Humakt acolyte and he fell in battle. I was unable to retrieve his body or the humakt blade that he carried. Is it ok if I walk with you?"
[OOC: Diplomacy +3: trying to get some information out of him about what Madragar did by trading information about the fate of Yimris.]
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1715
(6/2/03 7:39 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
The black haired priest continues his march toward the gate.
"Well Gudra," he bellows, apparently addressing one of the other priests. "Where have we heard that story before? Yes, Dawnbrother, you can speak with us at our temple along with these two. Fall in line."
A pair of Swordelders, probably acolytes considering their age and less extravagent armor, step up behind Sangraal and give him an unsympathetic look. Their body language says 'you're coming with us whether you like it or not.'
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 524
(6/2/03 8:08 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
[OOC: Oh crap......why did I try?]
Seeing how events are rapidly turning against him Sangraal nods in agreement.
"As you wish."
Edited by: yucatanyeti at: 6/2/03 8:11:18 am
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Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 554
(6/2/03 9:42 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Draxim remains solemn and comports himself with as much dignity as he can muster
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1716
(6/2/03 9:59 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
The Procession:
It takes some time for the group to push their way through the crowds, burdened as they are. Finally reaching the doors of the Ghurugil Lodge it is clear that Sangraal and Madragar were somehow delayed. The two of them should have been able to catch up to the procession easily.
Vhraalam still guards at the front door of the Lodge, standing as if he had been there since the morning the expedition left for Old Kurlew. Spotting the group he sets his spear aside and rushes over to help them carry the cold form of Ruig inside.
Soon a handful of the Ghurugil have gathered in the main hall, and look down on Ruig's corpse with profound sorrow. Tolm and Ottar stand frozen, unable to speak. Vagn lays a hand on Ruig's chest then looks up at Atan and Draxim.
"Tell me everything you can remember."
With the Swordelders:
Sangraal, Madragar and the dwarf Qadras are led through the main gate and into the relatively affluent southeastern quarter of the town. Tall, well constructed buildings line the streets and the mad crowds of mercenaries and soldiers common to the rest of Raven's Gate are absent. The Swordelders' march is constant and swift as anyone on the streets stand aside and let them pass. Soon they reach a three story stone structure at the corner of one block, and the lead priest (a man they call Kruanru) plunges into the temple.
Within, Qadras is immediately taken into a side chamber and bound to a thick iron ring set into the floor. The room has only one exit and two armed acolytes stand guard on either side of it, one looking into the room, one looking out.
Kruanru gestures towards a rack of weapons just inside the entrance. "Leave your weapons there," he orders, then moves into a large square chamber beyond.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/2/03 10:00:54 am
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 525
(6/2/03 10:10 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Sangraal removes his weapons and places them to one side of the rack before following Kruanru into the chamber.
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doggius
Kezib Ahitub
Posts: 367
(6/2/03 10:38 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Smiling at Ulwe, Kezib nods his head. "Not much like a fair ship, this place is, nor to my liking. I prefer the open air, rather than these tight confines. Where do you hail from?"
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Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 504
(6/2/03 1:11 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
[Scott - Can I suggest we split this into two different forums?]
Madragar lays aside his staff and crossbow, and follows the Swordelders into the room.
He says to Sangraal, "They have Ymris' blade. They think the dwarf murdered him for it. And since I intervened, they now think we're accomplices. Sorry to drag you in like this. But I hope they'll listen to a priest of Yelm with more gravity than a wandering pilgrim."
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 526
(6/2/03 1:15 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
" No worries Madragar. This is but a simple matter to clear up. The Ghurugil will votch for us and the nature of our errend. I for one though am glad that dispicable tomb robber has been brought to justice."
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1717
(6/2/03 1:50 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
[Note to Sangraal and Madragar]
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Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 33
(6/2/03 5:46 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
[ooc: This conversation takes place with Kezib prior to teh Hall of the Ghurugil.]
Ulwe is pleased to talk about his home with an interested stranger.
He becomes more animated and his eyes light up as he describes to Kezib
"I am from Shei Hythraid. It is far across the Hyrgurae Sea to the North and East. Several weeks by good strong wind and a favorable tide it takes, though in worse conditions months or sometimes not at all. I have been in Moagara for a few years traveling and fighting with the Grove Wardens."
Then he looks at Kezib and asks "Where do you hail from?"
[Edit: no 'r' at the end of Hythriad. -GM]
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/2/03 6:10:59 pm
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Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 137
(6/2/03 8:52 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Atan meets each of the dwarves with a reserved greeting, "It is good to see you Vagn and Ottar. Our return is bittersweet. Here before you enshrouded is Ruig. Meneloss and Yimris the elven have also fallen beneath the mountain." Pulling the chunk of Gulkhu's antler from Ruig's shroud, "But it was not all loss, Ghulku was slain along with nearly two score Jengui, and their plan to open the Pit of Slaeg Gnara thwarted. But that is the short of it."
Motioning towards Ruig, "Where should we place the Storm Bull's fallen?"
[Once Ruig's body is cared for Atan will recount the entire story as he recalls it.]
"We first gained entrance down the main stairs and quickly found the secret door Koreus kept that lead to his personal quarters. After descending, I think five hundred feet, into the mountain we came to the door leading to Koreus's chambers. There we encountered a legionairre, a dwarf and half a dozen Broo. It was here that Yimris was killed. Battle ensued and all Chaos was slain, except the dwarf and legionairre. They escaped due to the skill of the legionairre and our own greivous wounds....." Atan goes on to describe their three day recovery on the secret stairs as well as the debate about crossing the chasm and investigating the locked the door. Quickly following with the nearly disasterous opening of the door guarded by spectral phantoms of the lightbringers and the wise decision to fore go further attempts to open it. Then detailing the ambush of the three Broo desecrating statues and culminating with a highly detailed description of the major clash with Gulkhu and his Jengui warriors at the Pit of Slaeg Gnarra. "....the rest of the party had fallen as Ruglan stepped forward to test his blade against Gulkhu's rage. The Dark Eye was pierced with many arrows and his antlers broken from Sangraal's flail, but he showed no weakness or fear. No weakness, that is until Brooslayer slid his blade into the Shadowspawn and finally cut the life from his body. And as Ghulku fell, the strange Jackal Head of the Yorul died, slain by my arrow. None of the Broo escaped, but we were all badly hurt. Ruglan and I did what we could, but Meneloss and Ruig were gone to the gods......" Atan finishes the tale with the timely arrival and rescue by Lyssa just before Daemagu of the Ulur arrived to reclaim Old Kurlew.
Edited by: Atan at: 6/2/03 9:19:44 pm
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1723
(6/2/03 9:19 pm)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
The Ghurugil, or at least those in the vicinity, convene in the main hall to hear Atan's tale. Ruig is carried off into the Lodge by Vhraalam and Ottar, though both return a short time later. Brief introductions are made to Naredru and Ulwe, but it seems many of the Ghurugil are friendly to, or at least know of, the Grovewardens and do not seem suspicious of these elven strangers.
Seated before the ornate stone fireplace, the aging dwarves listen carefully to Atan's words with characteristic attention and silence. The ancient oak walls of the chamber itself seem to drink down the tale of Ruig's fall. The battle-worn weapons that hang along its length bristle with anger. The fire crackles out its sorrow. The journey, the chasm door, the desperate battles... Atan spares no detail and does his best to stay true to the memory of his fallen companions. At last all that can be said is said, and Atan takes his seat, drinking deep of the Ghurugil wine. The room remains silent. Boahur stares into the depths of the fire, and beside him the venerable Savud leans forward, his head in his hands.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/2/03 9:22:00 pm
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Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 34
(6/3/03 7:14 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Ulwe having heard this tale for the first time, looks at his companions with a new-found respect. The filthy band he met in the Grove just this morning has now become a gathering of heroes.
He bows his head in prayer for the fallen.
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doggius
Kezib Ahitub
Posts: 368
(6/3/03 9:44 am)
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Re: BacK at the Gate
Chills run up and down Kezibs spine, listening to the horrid tale. Kezib stares into the fire, remembering his own mortality and how close he has come to meeting Yelm.
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