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Comment
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1064
(2/17/03 10:49 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
[Speaking of which, remember to mark of 5 meals from your equipment lists.]
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Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 337
(2/18/03 10:51 am)
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Re: Coming feast?
Draxim heartily echoes Meneloss's toast but only sips his wine alert for any trickery from the snake wielding elf.
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doggius
Kezib Ahitub
Posts: 225
(2/18/03 11:16 am)
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Re: Coming feast?
Kezib will take a mug of ale and quietly will sit and watch, after introducing himself.
At the mention of food, Kezib smiles.
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1067
(2/19/03 9:27 am)
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Re: Coming feast?
[Moving right along...]
The group passes the time with Savud and Llovas, who seem pleased to have guests in their hall. Savud in particular is open and talkative, and not at all living up to the stereotypical ancient dwarven grouch. During the course of the conversation he inquires as to everyone's place of origin before intimating that he is the youngest son of an Imperial engineer. It was Savud's father, Skavuln, in fact that helped construct Raven's Gate, a fact that obviously makes the old dwarf very proud.
Llovas simply leans back in his chair and listens to Savud speak. At one point he reminds his colleague of some recent event, and Savud agrees to tell the tale.
The wizened dwarf informs the group of a skirmish that took place just a few days ago near the village of Pulyoke. The men of the Red Citadel were active near the village, even accompanied by Hothreidal himself, and were apparently searching for an old Lunar monestary that was hidden among the cliffs there. The Turgut mountains, Savud explains, rise gradually from the west, but to the east stand in terraced walls of high cliffs from Old Kurlew all the way down to Pulyoke where they tumble into iron and copper rich hills.
www.jubilex.com/moagara/moagara-3.jpg
Word reached Raven's Gate only this morning, Savud continues, of the battle. Hothreidal and his lieutenants met a large broo warband coming south toward Pulyoke along the tops of the cliffs and fought them there. It was a great battle, so they say, and Hothreidal returned to the village with the head of the broo leader. What happened next no one knows, at least not yet. The observant among the group surmise that this battle took place about the same time as the ambush at the farmhouse.
Savud finishes his story and his ale, then bids Llovas show the guests to their quarters, which he does. The quiet dwarf leads the group from the hall through a wide double door and into side room furnished in much the same way as the lodge. A brick fireplace warms the chamber which is dominated by a long rectangular table. Llovas explains that the Ghurugil respect the privacy of their guests and this room, and the rooms beyond, are for guests only.
Two hallways lead away from common room to a dozen small individual rooms each with a comfortable bed, a desk, candles, an oil lamp, and an empty chest for storing one's valuables. Each chest even bears a large iron lock, its key resting on the lid.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 2/19/03 6:31:30 am
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Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 338
(2/19/03 10:14 am)
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Re: Coming feast?
[I think we were all waiting for the feast to dive into conversations of any magnitude since that is what our host had told us was their custom]
Draxim is simply in awe of this place and all its trappings. He frequently stops to admire the various metal work adorning the pillars etc. He takes his belongings to his room eventually, and unpacks as neatly as possible. He then returns to the guest common room, to admire the decorations there. After a time he proceeds back to the main hall, where he has absentmindedly left his beverage half finished.
If Ruig is still around Draxim will discretely ask him if the Ghurugil need their space, and expect us to stay in the guest quarters until the feast, or if we are welcome to come and go. If Ruig is not around, Draxim will just try to gauge his hosts' reaction to his return.
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1068
(2/19/03 10:50 am)
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Re: Coming feast?
[I know, I just don't want to hussle everyone along too much.]
Draxim returns to the main hall just as the dinner bell sounds. He finds that several of the smaller tables have been removed, and the remaining five or six have been pushed together to form a wide U that faces the main fireplace. The Ghurugil begin to arrive, though it seems that Llovas and Savud never left. They sit near the roaring fire talking about a warehouse they apparently have an interest in, and about the conditions of some tools Llovas is working on.
Gradually, around a dozen of the Ghurugil enter the room and take their seats. It appears that no group of chairs is reserved for the guests, and each must take a seat seperate from each other among the dwarves. A single exception is made for Madragar and Vala who are given coveted chairs near the fireplace.
There is no deference made among the Ghurugil for age or rank, and they sit together as equals and old friends, even when the legendary Boahur arrives.
Boahur is an immensely old dwarf, his white braided beard hanging down below his belt. Like Savud, he walks slowly and with the aid of an iron cane. The dwarven hero not surprisingly bears a strong resemblance to his son Vhraalam, being short but of tremendous girth. Boahur shambles quietly to the table, smiling at his guests and at the assembled Ghurugil. Reaching a seat between Savud and Sangraal he lowers his aging body into the leather cushioned chair.
Finally, Vhraalam enters through the main doors of the hall and drops a stout wooden bar across them. The lodge is apparently closed while dinner is served. A moment later, while Vhraalam is hustling to his chair, the double doors of the kitchen burst open and a barrel chested dwarf with wild black hair charges in bearing silver platter. The feasters utter a unanimous cheer as the first serving hits the table.
Roast duck with potatoes arrives first, but apparently is only an appetizer. Next comes loaves of warm rye and wheat bread with honey butter, then lamb and pork on skewers, then trays of cabbage and carrots. Wine and ale flow freely from earthenware jugs and tall bottles.
Sitting among the Ghurugil it is hard not to notice that they are all showing their age. Ruig and Draxim are by far the youngest dwarves in the room, and are also considerably more trim as well. Their hands are calloused from hard, daily work but it is difficult to imagine them donning armor and going forth in the name of the Storm Bull. Their clothes are new and their gold rings and silver brooches display a comfortable level of weath. The Ghurugil look much like a group of affluent craftsmen.
There are thirteen Ghurugil at the table, and each introduces himself to whichever guest happens to be sitting nearby: Savud, the red haired Llovas, Vhraalam, his father Boahur, Kildeer, Vagn, Algeir, Tolm, Grameissal, Harek, Ottar, Madfilin the cook, and finally Ruig.
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Halle Dunn
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 295
(2/19/03 11:01 am)
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Re: Coming feast?
[sorry posted this late]
As Savud finishes and bades us to our lodging Atan finishes up his ale. Using his left hand for leverage, he scoops up his quiver and pack with his right as he stands. "Broo warbands seem common of late. We have encountered them in number as far North as the Sea of Hyrgurae. What Chaos has tasked for them we have not yet been able to learn. That is what brings us here and that is what the cleric of Yelm spoke of at our greetings. Tell me, did a decription of the slain Broo leader come to Ravensgate?"
Edited by: Halle Dunn at: 2/19/03 8:03:39 am
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1069
(2/19/03 11:06 am)
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Re: Coming feast?
[No problem, Atan can continue his conversation with Savud over dinner.]
Savud shakes his head. "Not yet. Why do you ask?"
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Halle Dunn
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 296
(2/19/03 12:48 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
Over dinner Atan sits near Savud, "I guess it's not really that important. The skirmish you described seems to be around the same time we," Atan motions with a hand to indicate his friends, "ambused a Broo raiding party led by a large elk-head. He was the only one to escape fleeing South. We would be eager to hear news of his death." Atan takes a bite of food, chews for a second, swallows and continues, "But that was not the first time we had encountered him and his Broo. Previously we were attacked far to the North near an old Imperial observation tower by the ocean. Lady Grugni, a dwarf, had given us sanctuary from a storm and it was at her home we fought them off. Later we discovered they had entered the tower on some business of Chaos but one we could not discerne." Picking up his ale, Atan washes back the refreshment with gusto. Holding up the empty mug he looks at Savud and grins, "You said this ale is not your best? Then don't let me try your in season brew, I'll never leave."
Edited by: Halle Dunn at: 2/19/03 10:03:20 am
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1070
(2/19/03 1:11 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
Savud listens to Atan's tale intently, and before it is over most of the other Ghurugil are as well. Many of them continue to eat, but consider the elf's words carefully, rolling them over in their minds.
Two chairs down from Atan, Boahur sets down his mug and clears his throat. Savud and Sangraal both lean back in their chairs at the subtle suggestion so that the old dwarf can address Atan directly.
"On behalf of the lady Grugni, we thank you then," Boahur begins in his deep, gravely voice. "She was the wife of an old friend that died many years ago, a fine sculptor named Harek (not the Harek sitting at the table, apparently). And I thank you for shedding light on what was only heard as a far off sound... a distant rending of the earth. The broo of which you speak unchained a black pit of Chaos, and I felt its opening like the cold ache of winter in the joints. Ruig has related much concerning the events you describe but please, archer of the Merek Lek, tell us more of these broo. I would hear of it from your perspective, and all of you as well, if you the patience for it."
Edited by: Jubilex at: 2/19/03 10:13:01 am
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Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 280
(2/19/03 1:12 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
[OOC: Note to Whitney - the fight with Elk-head took place at the same time as the fight near Raven's Gate. It's not the same broo.]
Madragar turns to whichever dwarf is seated near him, and introduces himself. "I am Madragar, scion of Edrigan. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Ghurugil. Rarely have I seen such fare and never so freely shared. Truly, the dwarves are a generous people. I thank you on behalf of all my companions."
"This is Vala," he continues, "whose cheer has graced our company for many weeks."
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1071
(2/19/03 1:18 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
Sitting next to Madragar is the grinning, blonde haired Ottar.
"You are indeed welcome. I have not heard of your Edrigan, but I am pleased to make the acquiantance of such a lovely child of Dobrug." Ottar tips a non-existant hat to Vala who seems lost in a chair big enough to fit two of her.
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Halle Dunn
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 297
(2/19/03 1:40 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
[OOC - That is what the first sentence implies and its HALLE. Sangraal is YT.]
Slightly uncomforted by the sudden attention, Atan nods his head, "Aye, Master Dwarf. It is a long tale but one which I don't mind telling for it seems as if you posses answers to questions we have." Atan proceeds to tell in quite some detail the story from his perspective. How he and Yimris followed the initial band and their strangely slow and methodical movement towards Grugni's. The fight at Grugni's in the storm and the subsequent pursuit of the fleeing broo, the strange bone shrine and the slaughter of the warband at the sacked homestead. "......and then Sangraal, enraged with the Lightbringers fury, impaled himself on the spear of the remaining broo. Walking his crippled body up the spear shaft he dashed the beastman's brains from its head with his mace!"
"Whew!" Atan is visibly perspiring, caused by a mixture of ale and energetic story telling. Wiping his brow with his forearm he again takes a large slug of ale. Addressing the crowd again, "This really is some fine ale but my mouth has run dry. Please, someone take up where I have left off. Who fought the creature in the tower? Do tell. Madragar? Ruig? Kazib? Draxim...Draxim!"
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1072
(2/19/03 1:46 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
As Atan concludes, explaining in graphic detail Sangraal's final blow against the broo, the Ghurugil pound their fists on the table making mugs and cutlery jump. They nod and grumble out their approval.
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Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 281
(2/19/03 2:52 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
[OOC: Wait a minute! There's -two- of you?]
"I was indeed there," agrees Madragar, "but most of the credit for saving our lives must go to Ruig and his hammer. Draxim, Kezib and I would have been overmatched if not for the strength and courage of Urox' priest. There we fought the long-dead corpse of a worshiper of Chaos, which was possessed by an unclean spirit. It felt neither pain nor pity, and stood fair to destroy us until with mighty blows Ruig destroyed its physical form, driving the spirit back into darkness."
"Later," he continues, "we faced a more terrible foe, a giant, dread thing of slime and acid, the very touch of which dissolved flesh and metal alike. This no strength of man or dwarf would suffice to kill, but planning and fire only. By the grace of the torches and oil we had, we fled with our lives. But we came back with a great quantity of fire and slew the abhorrent thing."
He offers a wry smile. "It is no tale of honor and glory, but an ancient terror of chaos is destroyed nonetheless and will trouble the world no more."
Edited by: Tarondor at: 2/19/03 12:29:03 pm
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1073
(2/19/03 2:55 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
Again the assembled Ghurugil rap their fists on the table. "Good good," some say. "Well done," says another. "Back to the shadows," Ottar declares, raising his mug in salute.
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doggius
Kezib Ahitub
Posts: 226
(2/19/03 3:11 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
Kezib reamining quiet, smiles at hearing the approval of the group of the dwarfs.
"It was by the grace of Yelm that we were blessed to have one such as Ruig at our side to aid in the defeat of those chaotic beings" Kezib adds.
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1074
(2/19/03 3:44 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
Savud and Boahur exchange a few whispered words in dwarvish, none of which Sangraal (who is sittng between them) can understand. Savud turns back to Madragar while Boahur continues with his meal.
"Ruig mentioned you found some inscriptions, and that they could not be deciphered. We have seen this before, many times. Perhaps Vagn, you could elaborate."
The amber haired Vagn puts down his mug and slides his empty plate toward the center of the table. He folds his hands and stares at them as he concentrates on the question.
"Yes, the inscriptions... they are not any language as known in this land. They form an incantation of a sort, yet they have no magical properties. Only those touched by Chaos can read them, though it is possible to divine their meaning while under certain protections. And these protections can also resist the terrible, distracting echoes that confound those attempting to use magic of their own while within such a place."
Edited by: Jubilex at: 2/19/03 12:51:26 pm
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Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 282
(2/19/03 4:24 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
"Ah, yes. More than merely distracting," says Madragar. "So can you conjecture, based on what you have seen, as to the purpose of the runes in the tower we searched?" he asks, looking at Vagn.
"And, if it is permitted, sir, might you elaborate on the necessary protections?"
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Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 1075
(2/19/03 4:25 pm)
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Re: Coming feast?
"It was a sacrifical pit," Savud replies. "And the inscriptions described the ceremony necessary to appease whatever blasphemous god those doomed folk worshiped. Of course, all such deities are simply Chaos in another form. I have seen such pits many times. They are scattered about the land, you see, from a time when worship of those dark gods was allowed to flourish."
Savud half rises from his chair, clearly incensed but trying not to show it.
"The Lunars put a stop to the Shadow Cults, yet did not destroy their nests, the fools. They hid them away, sealing them with inevitably insufficient enchantments. One by one they are being reopened. The watchtower by the sea is only the latest tragedy."
"As for the protections I mentioned, it is a simple charm, and one that I'm sure you are capable of. It is the Shield of the Lightbringers in our faith, but you may know it as the Hvas Geilvein (Protection from Chaos)."
"The creatures of which you speak,Madragar," Savud continues, "they are known to us as well. We have faced many foul and unnatural beasts under the earth and the two you describe are, unfortunately, not uncommon."
"The ooze is a scavenger, and primal spawn of Chaos itself," the dwarf called Harek interjects, his eyes blazing with hatred for the creature he describes. "It is called the darkleech, and it slithers through the deep places of the world devouring anything it can find. It bears some form of intelligence, and can track the living for miles underground. They grow with age as well, and some grow quite large."
Edited by: Jubilex at: 2/19/03 1:31:51 pm
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