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Jubilex
Posts: 3469
(6/3/04 7:36 am)
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Winter
A cool wind blew into the camp from the snowy plain, inexorable and uncaring the grim death of winter marched. Nine hunters lurked among the tall cedars. The zephyr's caress passed swiftly through the long, stringy hair and travel-worn cloaks of the nine. They stole forward, silent and cunning, their skill in fieldcraft honed in the cauldron of battle. Not the click of iron nor the creak of leather signaled their approach, and in the depths of peaceful slumber the encampment lay still.
A shallow heartbeat before the dawn one lone supplicant was awake, his eyes cast to the east, searching for the first break of sunlight. The nine crept on, the priest heard nothing.
Soft boots touched crisp frost. Warm breath formed misty clouds in the air, and the nine had their sleeping target surrounded. At the front of the tent and back, slowly the canvas flap was withdrawn. Four grinning predators crouched over the helpless prey and with one accord they struck.
Atan was seized before he knew he was no longer dreaming. Hoisted high in the air, the nine rushed him out into the camp and hurled him bodily into a trough of icy water and horse saliva.
WHOOSH! Atan screamed, and the huntsmen guffawed in a mocking crescendo. The shock and horror of the event nearly knocked the elf unconscious, but in a few seconds he had enough sense to throw himself out of the icy water and to rush back toward his tent through a sea of green and gray mottled cloaks.
The nine Merek Lek couldn't stop laughing, and in the process woke up half the camp.
"No sleep for the naked, or something like that," one of them shouted - a young, impetuous elf with short black hair. Once he got some clothes on Atan recognized him as an old friend named Eumal.
The sun broke through the tall trees and drilled Atan in the eye, adding to the severity of his rude and inconsiderate awakening.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/3/04 7:36 am
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Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 870
(6/3/04 8:02 am)
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Re: Winter
Springing upright quick as a cat dunked, " Húna-telle!", he howls at his assailants. Staggering forward to the shore he laughs in recognition of his friend Eumal, "That's right, I called you a dog's ass!", he barks as he rushs the last few steps and playfully pushs the Merek Lek.
Amongst the laughter of friends, he excitedly shakes everyones hand, but makes sure to hug Eumal getting him as wet as possible in the process.
Seeing Sangraal, he calls the priest over and introduces him to the small band. "This outstanding guardsmen is a good friend of mine. He is Sangraal the pious, servant of Yelm."
His last word comes out stammered as his teeth involuntarily start to chatter. Remembering the chill in the air, he excuses himself. "I'll leave you all to introduce yourselves."
As he walks to his tent he calls back, "None of these tents have fleas so you all will have to wait out here."
In a flash he is changed into his usual woodgarb and is back outside, rubbing the water from his hair. Laughing again, he roughly greets the nine men, "Yelm be praised you all are alive....wait. Humakt rejected you right? Come on, there is a tent here we can use." Atan heads to the tent Theony used to greet them the day before, throwing back the flap he pokes his head in to make sure it isnt' in use before he enters.
Atan finds a patch of pillows and drops down, his legs crossed indian-style. "Please. Please, sit. We will get some food soon but first I must know, what happened at Old Kurlew?"
Edited by: Atan at: 6/3/04 8:18 am
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Jubilex
Posts: 3471
(6/3/04 8:10 am)
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Re: Winter
The Merek Lek quickly occupy the soft cushions, their bows, spears and swords dropped into a clattering pile by the door.
Eumal shrugs, still grinning from Atan's dunking. "We weren't there. I led this bunch west of the river on the same day you went north hunting that other band of broo, remember? By the time we found our quarry and got back it was all over."
The smile fades from Eumal's face. "We saw the battlefield, Atan. It was a horrible sight, and one I'd like never to witness again. Two days burying our brothers and not a creeping hair of a broo to make pay for what they did. That was, what? A week ago? Two?"
Eumal looks around for confirmation, but no one seems too sure of how much time had passed. The elf shrugs.
"So, we came back to the valley, but I admit it was a lonely time. Sorrow drove us to the taverns of Val'waha. That's where we were two days ago when Theony and her folk came marching up the Nral road. I think she recognized our garb, for she mentioned your name. I could barely finish the introductions before she offered to hire us on the spot."
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/3/04 8:11 am
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 1103
(6/3/04 8:59 am)
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Re: Winter
Still wondering how nine men could move so quietly Sangraal follows the Merek Lek into tent. The introductions are short and Sangraal quickly fades into the background of the conversations as the Merek Lek survivors tell thier tale. Content to listen the sun priest raises an eyebrow when Eumal mentions that he is now in Theony's employ.
"If I may ask to what task has she brought you into her employment?" he politely inquires.
Edited by: yucatanyeti at: 6/3/04 9:01 am
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Jubilex
Posts: 3473
(6/3/04 9:09 am)
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Re: Winter
"Ah, it's beautiful," Eumal exclaims. "The mighty Merek Lek will be flush with gold for doing what we wanted to do anyway - patrol the Nral, watch for broo, and come spring push southward."
Eumal turns to Atan and clenches his fist, his tone growing brighter and more enthusiastic.
"Think of it, brother. We may actually gain some ground with this strange young lady. She's taken her pick of all the horsemen in the town, and there's no shortage of them now that the Kulbrae and Ironhoof are fighting. Fifty strongbows of the Xixia tribe and twice as many horses would give us power we never had under Ruryn."
"Come Atan, you should join us. Ten is better than nine any day."
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Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 1070
(6/3/04 9:33 am)
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Better Late then never
Draxim comes clattering in to the tent, bleary eyed after spending the night watching over Ruglan and beginning the arduous but enjoyable task of taking inventory of the treasure. To say that he looks slovenly in the present company, would be like saying that poop looks out of place on a silver tray. Nonetheless he is all about business.
"What in Urox name is all the racket?! Atan are these freinds of yours or more imposters in Merek cloaks?" After seeing the disposition of the newcomers, he stands down rapidly, endures their taunts and returns to his beloved treausures. Oh and Ruglan too of course.
[Tally when ready oh great and wonderful omnicscient being. I wonder if butt kissing helps increase the haul? ]
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Jubilex
Posts: 3474
(6/3/04 9:50 am)
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Bling
Draxim stays up late into the night, and it takes him most of the morning to finally come up with an adequate accounting of the treasure. More than once the dwarf closely inspects a coffer or box for hidden traps, but he doesn't find any.
13488 silver coins (a mixture of Moagaran heads and Olmani tugs)
6004 gold (mostly Lunars, but a few duergar coins are mixed in as well)
A collection of silver rings, chains, bracelets and broaches worth from 500-800 gold, all told.
A smaller array of gold jewelry worth from 1500-2250 gold.
Assorted simple gemstones worth approximately 1200 gold.
A pair of rubies that are worth more than Draxim can accurately put a price on.
A gold crown surmounted by eight black opals. Draxim has no idea what it could be worth, mainly because he can't think of who he could possibly sell it to. There's also the issue of its previous owner to think about...
A small wooden box holding four silver flasks. Each contains a different kind of liquid. Draxim puts it aside for Madragar to look at.
Finally, a heavily reinforced wooden box. It takes Draxim almost half an hour to cautiously pick the lock. Inside the lead-lined container is a single, fist-sized chunk of runemetal.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/3/04 9:51 am
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Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 962
(6/3/04 11:29 am)
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Re: Bling
Ulwe rouses from his half-slumber in the treasure counting room and Ruglan's convalesance. These two subjects held Ulwe in their thrall the entire night, and he wanders bleary-eyed into the Tent to see the motley collection of Merek Lek and a soaked Atan.
"I see you have recieved your blessing from Orlanth for the day." He intones with a dead-pan delivery.
When he hears the plans of the Merek Lek, Ulwe's face betrays a hint of worry, and he searches Atan's eyes for indication as to the captain's intentions.
Though tired, Ulwe remains standing near the entrance of the Tent, with an ear towards Draxim, ready to rush over in case of a change in the Brooslayer's condition.
Edited by: Ulwe at: 6/3/04 11:38 am
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 1104
(6/3/04 11:51 am)
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Re: Bling
Sangraal settles down to a morning of conversation. As the party members awkaen and file in the warrior-priest brings up traveling arangements.
"I plan to make haste to Dobrug ahead of the heavy winter snows and then to Thasvara for the winter solstice."
[OOC: Sangraal plans on purchesing a horse or two and load up his share of the treasure.]
[Sangraal will have no trouble finding a good horse, a saddle, saddle bags and feed in the sprawling collection of tents outside Val'waha. -GM]
Edited by: Jubilex at: 6/3/04 12:01 pm
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Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 871
(6/3/04 12:04 pm)
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Sit right down and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful
"Ten, eh. You will have to let me think on that. Spring is a long time off yet, but I bet you all are ready to move south now? As the case is we have just come from there, as I am sure Theony told you. All the way by Hryl. But how I came to be there is a long story."
"As you know Ruryn sent Yimris and I North to track the smaller warband. Turns out The Dark Eye was leading it.....", Atan spends easily an hour telling all that occured leaving out little detail as it is soon apparent he holds all the other Merek Lek in high regards.
He starts with the fight at Grugni's, which he then takes time to introduce all those who were at that fight, and the tracking and subequent slaying of the fleeing Jengai. Then of their trip to Ravensgate and the decision to investigate the strange sounds of battle at Old Kurlew. Grimly he recalls the bodies of the Merek Lek and the fall of Yimris to the Broo under the mountain. But his spirits rise at the tale of Ghulku's death and the subsequent escape from the Ulur Daemagu with the help of the Grovewardens. Here he introduces Ulwe. Glossing past his capture in Ravensgate, he finishes the tale with the investigation of the boar-headed Charkra in the Nral but discovering the Yorul instead and the location of Cairnhollow. He describes the fight with the Duergar with the aid of the Hladra and the Ghuruskali. Here he gives description of the two dwarves; Pogar as "You can't miss him" and Khelzhad the bard as well. Then wrapping up the battle with Urukavas, the Emperor and the culmination of the destruction of Irigaal, ".....we hope."
"But what of the remainder of the Merek Lek? Surely there are others who escaped?"
Edited by: Atan at: 6/3/04 12:05 pm
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Jubilex
Posts: 3475
(6/3/04 12:13 pm)
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Re: Sit right down and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fatef
The Merek Lek listen intently to Atan's tale, but he's sure that by its end he has lost half of them - not to boredom but to disbelief. Resurrected Emperors and funny bronze-faced dwarves.... trolls and little tiny trolls... half-worm women that walk through walls... fiery snake men... bullshit.
Eumal, at least, seems less incredulous. "No more of us my friend, not that I've found. No one made it off the mountain."
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Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 1073
(6/3/04 12:20 pm)
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Re: Sit right down and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fatef
[ Horribly tragic note to GM ]
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Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 963
(6/3/04 12:22 pm)
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Re: Sit right down and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fatef
As Atan tell the details of the party's endeavours, Ulwe makes to interject, to somehow stop Atan from shedding too much light on what has happened. He looks to Madragar, to advise the ranger about saying forbidden names and nameless horrors. In the end he mostly makes himself and those nearby uncomfortable with grumbles and groans at each detail.
Finally when Atan is through, Ulwe states to the nine:
"Atan, whom I trust, trusts you. I do not wish to offend you with an overstatement of fact but this bears upon you and all of us: What you have heard today stays with you in this tent. I would even ask you to swear an oath to pledge that you will never speak of these things, these names, for they are fell and powerful."
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Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 1207
(6/3/04 12:34 pm)
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Re: Sit right down and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fatef
Madragar sits behind and to Atan's left, watching not his captain, but the Merek Lek. At Ulwe's prompting, the wizard whispers to the ranger "Tell your story. But leave out those who dwell below. And my name. The tale will reach the Gorgon soon enough and I am not yet ready."
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Jubilex
Posts: 3477
(6/3/04 12:35 pm)
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Oath
Ulwe's use of the word "oath" puts an immediate halt to the conversation. He is met by the stares of the Merek Lek which display a mixture of confusion and who-the-hell-is-this-guy-ism.
Eumal mumbles something under his breath, then addresses the Aerendalen.
"We do not speak oaths lightly in this land, Hythradi. There are no words that Atan can speak that his brothers cannot."
The young elf seems to consider the matter closed.
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yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 1105
(6/3/04 12:57 pm)
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sweet.
"Maybe you should go with them Atan, your knowledge of the area could be of help. With winter coming the raids will stop with the first heavy snows anyways."
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Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 964
(6/3/04 2:33 pm)
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Re: Oath
Ulwe clearly is uncomfortable and bears a pained expression on his face.
"Nor do we Hythriadi take our words lightly. I know you have all made oaths and they bear great weight upon you. However I would not ask if I did not find the matter grave and perilous. I saw some scoff in disbelief. All Finith spoke was true, every word. The names of our enemies bear great power, no mere Beast-men are they. Our deeds have grnered us more and powerful foes than we know. The less is spoken about what we have done and to whom the better. If an Oath be more than can be made, I humbly beg you as creatures of the Light to keep silent about this."
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Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 1208
(6/3/04 2:58 pm)
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Re: Oath
Madragar leans forward and speaks to the Merk Lek.
"The good brother is correct, gentlemen. Such things as Atan has spoken here are all true, I assure you, and such a tale as this has power, as all the Moagari know. Power to move men and nations."
"Brother Ulwe," he says, looking at the elf. "I deem that we need no oath from the noble Merek Lek other than that they have already sworn," and here he looks back to the rangers. "To protect and serve the land itself. I trust in their good common sense."
"Pray keep this tale amongst yourselves, or tell it without speaking the names of the dread powers who dwelt there in the Cairnhollow. But by all means, speak of the heroism of Atan and his followers. For such a telling is most deserved and will bring cheer to the Moagari."
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Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 965
(6/3/04 3:59 pm)
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Re: Oath
Ulwe is moved by Madragar's words and bows his head. "Aye their oath is strong enough." He then apologizes "Gentlemen, forgive me."
He nods to the Companions, then acknowledges the Merek Lek.
Turning on his heel he heads back to check on Ruglan, and help Draxim with his chore.
Ulwe calls upon Orlanth's compassion to heal the Brooslayer's affliction
(Lesser Restoration)
[Now I know what Nolan meant D'oh! Lesser Restoration is a spell available to Ulwe and Sangraal. Shoulda saved that scroll.]
Edited by: Ulwe at: 6/3/04 8:46 pm
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mikedobbs
Janes
Posts: 228
(6/3/04 11:32 pm)
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Cry baby
Janes makes an effort to pull himself together in front of Pogar and sobs out, "I'll be ok, thank you for your concern. It's just been too much for me, particularly when I think about how foolish I've been."
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Jubilex
Posts: 3488
(6/4/04 8:59 am)
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Re: Cry baby
Ruglan seems to benefit greatly from Ulwe's prayer. Color returns to the watchman's cheeks and his sleep becomes more restful.
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