|
Author
|
Comment
|
Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 2117
(9/21/03 11:39 am)
|
Temple of the Ash Lion
It was a tanner's ox cart that made its way along the last stretch of moonlit cobblestones that led to the Temple, labor-worn slats of old pine creaking under a rare cargo of living things. The wide wooden bench at the front of the cart was piled high with weapons and a pair of shields, one with a fine dwarven blade sticking peculiarly through it. The arsenal was lashed to the driver's simple seat, as there was no driver to be seen, but a human and a dwarf grunting under the strain, hauling the cart step by torturous step along the street.
Behind the sweating pair of oxen and the tiny armory were four bodies, each lashed down on the uneven sled. An elven head rolled back and forth with each step of the bipedal livestock, face pale and eyes staring without recognition straight into the arms of death. Another elf bit on a slab of leather shoved roughly in his mouth, his hand and leg a ruin of broken bone, the pain of it finally overcoming the elixir that had kept the agony at bay while there was work to be done. Two humans lay sprawled on the cart as well, one in armor but seemingly pinned to the pine slats by the weight of it. The other was without any motion at all.
A tall priest of Hroldi, his white beard braided and decorated with silver beads, lingered a moment over each casualty. Long pale fingers touched lightly the shattered knee of one elf, and the gaping chest wound of the other. To the humans he spared hardly a glance.
A gang of young acolytes with strong backs carried the two elves off into the Temple, then returned for the motionless human. The priest of Yelm was left on the cart, and was soon set on the Temple steps by his two companions. There the priest, the town watchman, and the miner’s son watched a distant orange glow of rising fires in the northwestern corner of the town.
.........................
In a few hours Sangraal felt his strength return, which was ample time for Ruglan to return the ox cart he borrowed, and for Draxim to convince a blacksmith to gently remove the watchman’s blade from Druuga’s ruined shield. All three waited until well after dawn for news of the health of their companions.
Ulwe survived the night. His bloody, travel worn armor lay piled with his weapons in a vestibule near the entrace of the temple. Two days under the care of the priests of Hroldi brought him back to consciousness, though it was another day before he was able to rise and walk.
Atan was cast mercifully down into an enchanted slumber while the priests straightened the bones in his knee and hand. When he awoke the next afternoon Atan could look forward to a life without a pronounced limp, at least until some other horrible injury was inflicted on him.
Madragar remained motionless, pale and sweating for days. Vala, who came to the temple at first light, was inconsolable, and spent her days praying before the altar of Hroldi and when not praying, sleeping at its base.
Potters Row burned for three days before an autumn storm drenched the town, long enough for the fires to consume a wide swath of the decrepid district. There were rumors, and more than a few that claimed to be witnesses, of a sorcerous duel among the rooftops of Potters Row, and ranks of dwarves locked in mortal combat with shadowy creatures in the streets. Rolling clouds of unspeakably foul vapors and the bone chilling screams of things altogether unnatural drove many from that part of town. Of the Ghurugil, there was no sign.
Ravensgate quickly fell into anarchy. The Swordelders, who could normally be relied upon to maintain order under such circumstances, had cloistered themselves in their temple and would admit no one. Someone or something, it seemed, had attacked the Swordelders on the first night of the fire, tearing chunks out of the carved granite slabs of their abode with its bare hands and smashing in the temple’s massive doors of iron and oak. No one came forward with any plausible account of the event.
With Hothreidal exploring the Lunar monestary near Pulyoke, most of the Ghurugil missing, and the Swordelders beseiged, lawless mercenaries and soldiers took control of Ravensgate. Many men, throwing their crimson Citadel tabards into the mud, turned from protectors to bandits, raking the town for loot. Armed gangs staked out their territory with makeshift barricades in the streets, and skirmishes between the looters was common.
So it was that with their companions still recovering in the Temple of the Ash lion, and travel through the town difficult and dangerous, Ruglan, Draxim, Sangraal, Atan and Vala remained in the temple rather than return to the Ghurugil lodge. A small, walled courtyard behind the main hall served as a improvised camp for the group, as well as for a slowly increasing crowd of townsfolk seeking shelter from the anarchy outside.
On the third day Ulwe awoke and joined them, happy to be free of both the uncomfortable bed and the stuffy confines of the temple. Madragar remained unconscious, and Vala fasting at the foot of the altar to Hroldi, until the evening of the fourth day. The poison had at last run its course, and the tattoed wizard rolled out of bed with a groan to walk through the candle-lit temple stooped and shuffling like an old man. Vala’s sleeping form was quietly moved to the group’s courtyard encampment, and at last the companions were together again beside a crackling fire and beneath the clear night sky.
|
yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 668
(9/21/03 2:32 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Stoking the fire with a stray pieces of kindleing Sangraal breaths the cool night air. The news of both Ulwe and Madragars recovery did much to dispel the dour mood of the young acolyte and for the first time in days Sangraal engages many in conversation.
He speaks at length with Atan concerning Kezib, his old childhood friend and the fight in the street that led to his murder.
Inquires to Draxim about Sal'el whereabouts, what took place outside the Tavern and admires the dwarfs skill with the axe.
" Fell that monster of a brut with but one blow you did!" Sangraal immitates a huge two handed swing.
Lastly he falls into a discussion with Ulwe on the different facets of Elven and human mythos. Happily engrossed in a dialogue discussing Orlanths place in Elven society, Sangraal looks well despite the recent hardships.
|
Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 211
(9/21/03 10:21 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Once the group is together and whole for the first time in days, Ulwe takes notice and joins the gathering:
The Sea-elf shuffles to the fire. His gait is still stiff from the prolonged slumber and grievous wounds. To nobody in particular he begins:
"I thought I had sailed on. The White Ship came for me and set course to the Outer Seas beyond the Western Sun. I could feel the zephyr as it filled the great cloths billowing from the aiery masts."
"Yet somehow my ship had changed tack and redoubled upon its wake. Here now I find myself. Orlanth has set another course."
He looks deep into the fire. The orange glow from the flame reflects in his blue-green eyes.
Though certainly preoccupied with his very close brush with death, Ulwe is still eager to speak to the others of their ordeals.
Like Sangraal, Ulwe too asks Atan of his first hand account. What had happened and how had Kezib come to be taken by a thing of Shadow?
He is also eager to learn the account of the Battle of Potters Row and is grateful to those who bore him from the Coffin Nail.
[Before Madragar rises, Ulwe spends the day sweeping the Temple grounds with a willow broom. Though he is not well, the simple motion and meditative task proves to be good for his recovery. During his frequent breaks from the task he engages Sangraal readily in discourses of Theology as well as Shei Hythriad culture. Comparing and contrasting Moagaran culture and religion to his own, he asks Sangraal about his cult of Yelm and the worship of the Sun-God. He also spends a great deal of the time in prayer near a small fountain in the courtyard.]
Edited by: Ulwe at: 9/21/03 10:52 pm
|
Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 638
(9/21/03 11:52 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
His face ashen and his step halting, Madragar shuffles into the light where his companions are talking and sharing philosophy. The ghost of a smile plays across his lips to see them full of life; the memory of Kezib's death has not yet returned to him.
He is filled with joy to see Vala there, though shocked by her own pale and exhausted condition. He veers in his path when he sees her, laying in deep slumber beneath the spreading branches of an elm within the courtyard. He lingers near her sleeping form, but does not wake her, leaning over to whisper something unheard to her alone.
Then, with apparent weariness, he rises and walks to the gathering of companions. "I thought not to see any of you again, this side of the great divide. And certainly not in one piece. A marvelous shot, Atan. I'm glad I convinced you to use my poor bow." This is followed by a short cough that might be confused with amusement.
"We must talk, my friends. This will not stop until we have lost the last companion we have. Kezib is dead, and it should have been me. I do not wish another of you to die in my place."
"I do not wish her to die in my place."
|
Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 252
(9/22/03 9:50 am)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
[In the days waiting for Madragar and Ulwe, Atan has time to tell his full story. See topics "Captured" and "Into Potters row".
[Scott can you unlock "Ambush"?]
[Chronological order to read is Ambush, Captured, Into Potters Row.]
Edited by: Atan at: 9/22/03 10:04 am
|
Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 2119
(9/22/03 11:09 am)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
The companions listen intently to Atan's tale.
[Or at least they should. The GM highly recommends that you take the time to read all of Atan's Story parts I, II and III. There is a wealth of important information in those threads.]
As he relates the sad and grizzly story, night descends and the light of fires on each of the four terraces that ascend Lanternkeep flicker into life.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 9/22/03 11:23 am
|
Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 255
(9/22/03 12:48 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
After finishing his long and morbid tale, Atan leans back and looks up into the night sky. Speaking aloud, "So from my story it seems that my captors had advanced warning of my participation in Old Kurlew and thus laid a trap specifically for me. Probably in hopes that it would also snare Madragar as well."
Sitting up again Atan rubs his mended knee and whinces with remembered pain, "I can think of two instances when strangers were trusted with our mission, once with Meneloss in Tunlara, another here in front of a crowd, by Madragar. This should weigh heavily on everyone, do not speak of our adventures to anyone unvouched for. No boasts. The less the enemy who seeks us knows, the better. I guess we can't rule out a traitor in the Ghurugil either. That could explain the amount of personal information my captors had."
Grabbing a stick from the fire he begins poking at the embers in absent minded thought. "Kezib's dead. His lifeless body anaimated against us. Who could do such thing? Mad, could your friend the Gorgon do this? Yelms Teeth! We don't even know why we are hunted other then Mad's name continues to pop in unexpected places. It is time you begin using a different name and grow your hair as well!"
Atan ends in a curt tone but he quickly apologizes, "It is just alot of this doesn't make sense. Is Old Kurlew and my capture connected by something else other then greed for wealth? Why torture me for information and then kill Kezib?"
Giving the fire a stiff poke with the stick Atan's voice picks up, "Thinking about it, that big bastard in the bar......what was his name? Bucket. Yah, that guy may have been one of my jailors and Druuga's voice sounded like a guy I heard the first day I was captured. He was paying off those thugs we captured me."
Edited by: Atan at: 9/22/03 12:59 pm
|
Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 610
(9/22/03 1:42 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Draxim's silence and brooding of the last several days finally resolve at Sangraal's praise for his dispatch of the henchman. "Bah! I should have been in that fight with you from the beginning. That should have been my hand that touched poison - If it weren't for the netminder's calloused hands, he probably would have died, and it would be my fault. No, I failed you my freinds, and I owe you all more than I can repay easily, though I will try. But first, we need to find out what happened to the Ghurugil."
After Atan's tale he muses, "How much did Sal'El know? Isn't it possible that this Gorgon got all the information from him?"
Then, "I wonder if the Preist of Yelm who helped you is still there? At any rate, thanking our saviors should be the first order of business, eh?" he looks towards his companions for assent.
[For future reference, Draxim does have his own crossbow and does not need to borrow Madragar's]
Edited by: Kenner at: 9/22/03 1:45 pm
|
Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 639
(9/22/03 4:49 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
"Don't call me Mad," says Madragar, in utter futility.
"First of all, I know precisely why the Gorgon wants me. He believes that locked up here," the wizard taps his right temple, "is information useful to unlocking the secrets he stole from my master when he usurped Edrigan's tower."
"I know nothing consciously, but I have begun to fear he may be right. There may indeed be information vital to the safety of Moagara hidden away in my mind. If the Gorgon were to seize that information, he could add the power of Edrigan the Golden to his own, already formidable power. And that likely includes secrets about our recent benefactress, Lyssa of the Skytower."
Madragar sighs and rubs the unshaven stubble on his head. Turns out he's not actually bald, just usually shaven.
"I can think of only two solutions. The first is to kill me, burn my body and spread the ashes. This ensures that I cannot reveal anything to the Gorgon. But I fear that would merely inconvenience the Dark One. In time he will unlock those secrets without me."
"The second option is keep moving. To reduce the likelihood that the Gorgon or his minions (and he has several others beside the brutal Druuga), will find me."
"Being a mage of great power, the Gorgon can no doubt track me magically. We must therefore discover some means to thwart such scrying. Ulwe and I are the most likely to recognize such eldritch protection, but all of you should keep an eye out for it. Perhaps with his skills at gathering information, Draxim may hear of such a thing. But we must never ask for it, or as Atan says, we will give ourselves away. Again."
"And Atan, you are right. I spoke to the Swordelders out of a desire for justice, for I would see such done even to thieves. But my enthusiasm was misplaced, and I did not weigh the cost of my words. For that, perhaps, Kezib died. I must bear the guilt and blame of that death. But I will not bear another."
"Therefore, all of you, I urge that we leave now. This minute. I am well enough to walk, as is Ulwe. We can send word of our thanks to the Ghurugil. But we should not wait for our pursuers to capitalize on the chaos in the city. What say you, Atan?"
Madragar looks to the ranger as if to the leader of the company.
Edited by: Tarondor at: 9/22/03 4:58 pm
|
yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 669
(9/22/03 5:09 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
" Yes Mad, you are right you must keep moving. Vala is known to your enemies and she is not safe now here in Ravensgate. Though in reality I don't think anyone is safe in this lawless town."
Sangraal works a drink from his waterskin.
"I though wish to meet Irian Aros and discover what has become of our dwarven benfactors. So I purpose we split up. Half go to find the Ghurugil, half to travel to Tunlara. Maybe by countryside, to avoid the masses that travel and talk along the way."
Sangraal looks to the group.
"Split up and if Yelm permits we plan to meet in a weeks time."
|
Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 640
(9/22/03 6:08 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
[Ya can't -all- do it, or it's not funny. Gotta find your own quirk.]
|
Ulwe
Ulwe Suulosse
Posts: 213
(9/22/03 6:17 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Ulwe frowns at Sangraal's suggestion.
"If we spilt company we may never meet again. Our recent storms were made worse by our split crew."
Ulwe holds his hands over the embers of the dying fire to ward off the night chill.
"Tunlura also is not safe. The enemy has seen you there." He pauses and turns to the red-head fishmonger-lover and says:
"Vala,... If there is one place which I know to be safe, it is the Temple of Orlanth in Shei Hythriad. If you will it, I will travel to my homeland with you and extend the protection of my people and the grace of my Lord for your sanctuary. If we do chose to split up, Madragar you must not accompany her. Your presence is to dire."
Edited by: Ulwe at: 9/22/03 10:23 pm
|
Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 613
(9/22/03 10:04 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
"The sea-elf speaks sense, and he was also right to call me a fool when I split from the group before. This is a time for sticking together. The Sword-Elders no longer keep the peace, so safety is in unity." Draxim's eyes and nostrils flare. "Madragar, I would stay to fight your enemy, for he is a servant of Chaos, and Urox has commanded me to stand against such as he. Do not fear that you will lead me to my death, for my path is chosen whether I am at your side or no. If we split, our enemies can pick us apart, but together we are a force to be reckoned with."
|
Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 256
(9/23/03 6:58 am)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Atan listens intently to the weighty discussion by the fire, occasionly fetching another log to keep the light bright. "Well not all have chimed in," he pokes his singed stick at the mute townguard, "but I think the consensus is to stick together which is something I agree with. Splitting up may come in the future unbidden but we have no reason now to do so and I think Draxim hit the nail on the head. Safety lies in numbers here."
"Our first order of business and one which I think needs ittle debate. What happened to the Ghurugil? We owe them a large debt for their help and I intend to, at the least, travel to the hall and inquire on their condition and offer assistance. They risked their lives to save all of us and have been faithful friends in a time where our allies are few and our enemies many."
"But for now let's enjoy this momment of respite and relax in this temple until morning. Then at first light we can head to the Ghurugil hall and there make decisions as to our next step."
[Did Ruglan keep Druuga's shield? I could use that until I get my bow back.]
Edited by: Atan at: 9/23/03 7:14 am
|
Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 642
(9/23/03 10:02 am)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
"Or be assaulted the moment we walk into the streets," says Madragar. "We are well enough. Every minute we relax is another minute Druuga has to organize another ambush. We must leave Raven's Gate with all haste."
|
Atan
Atan Finith Ring
Posts: 258
(9/23/03 11:04 am)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Quote:
The poison had at last run its course, and the tattoed wizard rolled out of bed with a groan to walk through the candle-lit temple stooped and shuffling like an old man.
"You may be fit to get out of bed, but I'd argue that you are not fit for any hardship other then eating. Fleeing into the night with the bands of street thugs controlling the city is ill advised. Be patient and trust in those who have helped you this far. In the morning we go to the Ghururgil hall and see what we can learn of this Gudr and his associates, Druuga, Bucket and Kreilla. At the same time we can get all of our gear and then plan a way for you and Vala to leave if that is the best course of action. "
|
yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 671
(9/23/03 1:54 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
"So then we are set on the short term path of finding what remains of the Ghurugil and my fellow brother of the Dawn? After that I have other buisness to attend to before leaving Ravensgate. "
Considering the matter settled Sangraal moves off to his bedroll.
[OOC: Religon check: +3 Sangraal tries to think if he has ever met or heard of Irian Aros.]
|
Tarondor
Madragar
Posts: 643
(9/23/03 7:06 pm)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Madragar seems satisfied with Atan's answer, or at least he acquiesces without further objection. He goes to sit by Vala, though his pale eyes remain open, watching the walls of the courtyard throughout the night.
|
Kenner
Draxim
Posts: 615
(9/24/03 8:32 am)
|
Re: Temple of the Ash Lion
Draxim prepares himself and his accoutrements for the journey through town tomorrow. He goes to each of the party members in turn reiterating his commitment to aiding them in the struggle against Chaos before turning in.
|
Jubilex
The Faceless Lord of Chaos
Posts: 2123
(9/24/03 9:08 am)
|
Morning
Sangraal stirs an hour before sunrise to join the priests of the Temple, as he's done the last several days, in their morning prayer. Caed, the most senior priest, and his seven acolytes prepare for the Rites of Morning to welcome the Sun God back into the world from the top of a high tower above the Temple of the Ash Lion. Sangraal finds their custom of touching their foreheads to the flagstone roof of the tower at the moment of sunrise odd, as he was taught to utter the Evocation of Lumina with his face to the east and his eyes wide open.
The brilliant morning sun washes over the upper reaches of Lanternkeep, then glides slowly downward along the impossible length of the strange edifice. Light cascades of the lonely ramparts of the Red Citadel, then finally touches the tower of the temple. Sangraal whispers the Evocation while Caed and the acolytes mumble a different chant, but each careful not to interfere with the other.
At the edge of hearing, Sangraal detects something off in the town... something unusual. Maintaining his concentration, he finishes the Evocation and then turns to the west. Leaning over the edge of the tower, straining to make sense of the distant disturbance, Sangraal thinks to himself that it sounds a lot like singing.
The streets are cluttered with debris, and not far from the temple Sangraal can make out a number of makeshift barricades with sleepy (but well armed) townsfolk behind them. Echoing down the shadow filled plazas and avenues of Ravensgate the rolling thunder of a marching song drifts up to the top of the temple.
"... the time is gone and none remain
The battle they sang in the winter rain
Their packs hung low beneath the snow
But their eyes shone like ice in the morning!"
"Where have they gone when the skein was drawn?" one lone voice bellows.
"Beneath the ground or in hallowed mound!" the war band answers.
"The Runelord's kin, the serpent's skin?" the call goes out.
"To swallow the dust of the mountain!" the answer returns.
Step by step the armored mass of the Ghurugil march through the town, entirely heedless of the few armed men between them and the temple. Marching toward one barricade, the wide-eyed mercenaries guarding it move quickly to one side of the road, even hastily pushing aside an overturned cart to allow the dwarves egress. Nearer the temple another group of lawless youths simply give up their position altogether, dodging down the nearest alley. The Ghurugil walk right up to the barricade, but their shoulders to it, and without missing a beat of their marching song push a hole right through the barrier.
"Remember the wolf of the darkened wood
Its eyes have seen where the cudgel stood.
One lay dead 'neath the river's bed
She won't be back for the morning!"
"Where have they gone when the skein was drawn?"
"Beneath the ground or in hallowed mound!"
"The Runelord's kin, the serpent's skin?"
"To swallow the dust of the mountain!"
The Ghurugil stomp up to the front doors of the Temple of the Ash Lion, their faces black with soot, but teeth shining through with their toothy grins. Sangraal quickly counts their number from the heights of the tower before rushing downstairs. Not a single dwarf is missing.
The noise of their arrival echoes through the temple and out into the courtyard beyond. Sangraal can't imagine that anyone within a few blocks of the temple is still asleep with all the racket the Ghurugil have been making.
Vhraalam steps up to the entrance of the temple and bangs a mailed fist on the iron-bound door.
"Good morning!" the dwarf bellows to no one in particular.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 9/24/03 9:11 am
|
yucatanyeti
Sangraal
Posts: 672
(9/24/03 10:02 am)
|
Re: Morning
"Yelm be praised!" Sangraal stands astonished staring down from the height of the tower. " not one fell. By the horns of Urox they all return."
Rushing down the tower Sangraal strides into the courtyard to greet the Ghurugil.
|
|
Topic Commands
Click to receive email notification of replies 
Click to stop receiving email notification of replies