Dankorona saw Syrathic moving to strike one of the grimlocks from behind, and he thought, he might as well approach the task the same way. Darting quickly from the shadows behind the confused grimlock guarding the prison, Dankorona let his tiny hammer do the talking. . .
OOC: he is going to attempt to backstab as well. have fun with this one cyril [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color="99ff00">Climbing to his feet after the blast, Morguerat sprints for his dropped sword, punching at a grimlock (if any are in his path), then grabs the weapon and feeling the arcane energy trapped in the blade, slowly releasing an inkling of it's power, making the wound deeper, festering it, and applying a magical agent to prevent clotting.
Unless treated and having pressure applied to it the wound would never close, and the poor recipient of even a minor scratch could easily bleed to death. This release of power was hardly necessary however, with Morguerat's great strength and the massive edge working in a concerted effort to remove the head from the grimy grimlock before him.</font>

[ 01-21-2003, 01:49 PM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

For <font color=turquoise>Dankorona</font> and <font color=lightgreen>Syrathic</font>

<font color=thistle>It is a difficult thing to use stealth to strike a lethal blow. Such a thing becomes even harder when there is great difference in height between attacker and target. Should the attacker be employing a weapon that is blunt, the near impossibility of swinging the weapon with lethal force at a taller target, that which is difficult becomes quite improbable .....

An elf, on the other hand, is not so much smaller than a grimlock and few attack from stealth with much more effectiveness than those of elvish blood. A swift movement forward results in a pair of well-placed strikes by a pair of swords. The movement forward was soundless and so was the fall of the grimlock – a fall into death without so much as a last gasp escaping its parted lips.

Even as the elf strikes with such lethal effectiveness, the smaller figure of a gnome moves forward and as the second guard turns at the movement near his comrade, the gnome breathes deeply and swings his hammer at the small of the grimlock’s back. The blow strikes home, but lands weakly and the hammer bounces away leaving little more damage than a set of large bruises. The grimlock turns with a savage movement and swings its axe in a neat arc that would have threatened to cleave an opponent its own size in two. As it is, however, the axe sails harmlessly over the head of the gnome, who in his surprise drops his hammer ......

..... More effective in being dropped than in being swung, the hammer lands heavily on the foot of the grimlock, eliciting a cry of pain and causing the humanoid to lose its balance. The grimlock falls forward heavily impaling itself upon the blade of its own axe, and dying at the feet of his diminutive attacker.......

And so it is that the improbable has become the actual.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: OK, Azrael, I had my fun [img]graemlins/blueblink.gif[/img]

Both grimlock guards have been slain. The fighting, however, threatens to spill over into this area and so the prisoners will need to be quickly seen to if they are to survive.</font>

[ 01-17-2003, 05:21 PM: Message edited by: Cyril Darkcloud ]

For <font color=indianred>Brendon</font> and <font color=lime>Morguerat</font>

<font color=thistle>The bouncing of a head along the cavern floor in the dim light adds a grim touch to the chaos within the chamber. The falling of the headless and heavily bleeding body is matched a few yards away by the falling of another grimlock – one slain by the axes of its fellows. With the falling of bodies, and the striking of wounds, however, an order of sorts becomes discernible within the chaos, the order of battle. With a vicious sense of relief and recognition, the remaining grimlocks now understand that they are under attack and that two of their attackers are very near. Three grimlocks follow the flight of a wounding arrow in the direction of an archer and four rush the large figure who swings the great sword with such ease and strength.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: Brendon’s arrow has wounded one of the three grimlocks attacking him. The seven grimlocks attacking brendon and Morguerat are the only grimlocks remaining alive in the chamber.</font>

<font color=indianred>Brendon Grey

"Uh.oh."

Brendon saw that the peril had suddenly turned his way. More than that...his back-up had his hands full as well...and nobody else was near enough to help. Grabbing at another arrow, Brendon fired at the same Grimlock he had previously shot, hoping to fall it dead and that he'd only have two to deal with. He grabbed another arrow, fired it at the same Grimlock one more time, then leaped as far as he could up the dragon's carcass. Remembering these evil creatures were blind, they would probably be working with sound and smell. Well..he had taken care of the smell part. He tried to get a hold on some meat hanging out of some broken scales of the dragon and stopped moving. Maybe they would not find him if he kept quiet. It at least would give him time to think of a quick escape.</font>

ooc: LOL! That was a good post, Cyril. [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color=lightgreen>Syrathic's stealth abilities were a great boon, as he snuck behind the nearest grimlock and stuck with his blades. The grimlock never had a chance, and fell to the floor lifelessly. The elf quickly turned to face the other foe, then spied Dankorona sneaking up, ready to hit it with his hammer. The gnome's weapon had hardly any affect, but the Elf could only watch in silent amazement as the gnome not only avoided being killed, but caused the grimlock to kill itself. He quickly regained his senses, however, and returned to his task.

Syrathic could hear the sounds of battle coming closer, and he knew that they needed to get the prisoners out of there as quickly as possible. "Gnome! We need to get these others out of here quickly! Try to see if that injured one can walk on his own, while I check on the other two. I can't speak your tongue, so I'll have to leave it to you to communicate for us. Hurry! I have a feeling we may be needed out there!" He knew that Brendon would have trouble if it came to hand-to-hand fighting, and from the sounds of it, Morguerat was not close enough to be of help. He could hear nothing of the others. "Hold on, Brendon. We'll be coming as soon as possible."

Dantes was pleased to see that only 7 grimlocks remained of the orignial score or more, though he was not happy to see that his mates were hard pressed by them. He watched and thought about his spell selection as Brendon ran and hid by the dragon, leaving Morgeraut as the largest target readily available, so Dantes decided to focus his effort there. After deciding on his target Dantes began once again chanting in the ancient language of magic. He felt a little drained already from directing the magical energy that he had channeled earlier. He was relieved that he would only have to channel a small amount of energy for this spell. Almost as soon as he began chanting Dantes was finished with the incantation, and 3 magical missles were streaking towards one target, with another 2 heading towards a different target, both being near Morgeraut.
********************************************
Dankorona was not surprised by his little hammer not being effective, but he was surprised when the creature turned around to swing at him, then missed and slipped and ended up impaling itself on its own blade. Normally a chuckle would be in order after a display like that, but this was neither the time nor the place. Dankorona paused but a split second before turning his attention to saving the prisoners. As his little hand went to work on the lock he asked the captive "Are you alright? Can you walk?"

OOC: the answer to these questions is up to you Cyril, as well as if Dankorona manages to get the lock open. :

<font color=white>The Underneath of the Forums</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: Some quick book keeping:

<font color=turquoise>Dantes</font> - You kill one of the grimlocks attacking Morguerat and wound the other.

<font color=indianred>Brendon</font> - You finish off the grimlock that you had wounded. Two grimlocks are now attacking you. It looks like your strategy of confusing them with the size and smells of the dragon worked, at least for now. They swing wildly, being in what seems to be a sort of frenzied bloodlust, but the blows all miss their mark.

<font color=lightgreen>Syrathic and Dankorona</font> - The shackles have simple locks that are picked with relative ease. The conscious gnome is fine and should be strong enough to run -- although his legs are a bit stiff. One of the unconscious gnomes can be readily revived and should be able to walk with help. The third gnome has severe wounds and seems to be drifting in and out of consciousness.

<font color=lime>Morguerat</font> - The grimlocks attack with a berserk fury and although their axes swing wildly, there is a brutal effectiveness about the strikes. You are struck three times for a total of 20 points of damage.

Only 5 Grimlocks remain alive in the chamber. 2 attacking Brendon and 3 attacking Morguerat [1 of these 3 is wounded]. The bad news is that they all seem to be in a form of berserk rage.

<font color=orchid>Very well played, folks! Nice job [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] </font>

[ 01-18-2003, 11:46 AM: Message edited by: Cyril Darkcloud ]

<font color=indianred>Brendon Grey

Brendon was relieved to see that his escape had worked. He was just outside the Grimlocks' reach, and had more room to climb. Looking around, it appeared that Morgeraut was in trouble. The only trouble Brendon was in was if these two that was occupying him were smart enough to climb. Brendon decided to climb up further onto the corpse and see if he could get some arrows off to help Morgie. Swinging around, he reached up and grabbed at a scale above his head and proceeded to pull himself up further. When he got so far up, he rested a bit to allow his arms to regain their strength. He would have to wait for a moment more in order to aim his bow correctly without fail.

While he was there, looking down at the two blood-thirsty vermin trying to get at him...he noticed a vein from the dragon that had been exposed by a scale that had been broken away. He suddenly had an idea. Yes! He grabbed at his backpack, and brought it over his shoulder to pilfer through it. Finding what he had been looking for...an empty bottle that he had cleaned out and kept earlier that week...he uncorked it and reaching down with his dagger to cut the vein, and filled the vial with the blood of the Silver Dragon. He corked it back up, and put it away in his backpack. He looked around. The battle was still ensuing, and getting tiresome. Brendon pulled himself up to a sitting position and loaded an arrow into the bowstring. </font>

OOC: Larry you stold my idea :( [img]tongue.gif[/img] ohh well I will get some too later, and morgy you might want to save the scales I'll bet they'll make a mean armor,
also I know morgy gets a turn before me, but this does directly effect him so it shouldn't matter.
IC:Knowing he wouldn't be able to help Morgeraut very much with his sword, Dantes figured he could help out others that could help him. Dantes quickly found the spell component that he needed. Holding aloft a bit of spider web Dantes begins drawing runes in the air. Each rune glows a light blueish color before vanashining in the air, only to be replaced by another. Dantes voices rises and falls in a singsong manner as he casts his spell. With the last syllable intonated and as the last rune fades away the bit of spider web disappears, and the spell takes effect. suddenly in the cavern thick spider webs cover the area of ground around the dragon. Making movement very difficult and spell casting in the area all but impossible. Much pleased with himself Dantes drew his slender katana and moved to where Morgeraut was beset by the enraged snarling beasts.
*************************************
Dankorona was pleased that the lock opened practically by itself, and he was also pleased t find that the gnome was in fairly good health considering. He quickly freed the gnome and began escorting him away from the enraged grimlocks.

OOC: I focused the spell on the ground by the dragon I am assuming the cavern is not more than 40 feet in height, so that the spell will work, if not I will think of something else and edit this post so if it will not work let me know cyril [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color=silver>ooc: No need to change things, Azrael.</font>

<font color=lightgreen>Syrathic knelt down near the first prisoner and shook the gnome carefully, which caused the gnome to groan and start to move. He turned and saw Dankorona starting to walk away with the conscious prisoner. "Gnome! Get back over here. I might need help with these two, and that one looks like he'll be able to walk fine on his own!"

The Elf helped the first gnome to its feet. The gnome wasn't in too bad of shape, but would need help walking. The second was not in good shape at all. "Gnome! This one needs lots of help. I don't know if I can carry this one. I don't think he can move on his own. The others can walk, this one here can't." He looked around at the others. "I need someone or a couple of you to carry the front of him. I'll carry the legs, and if we get attacked, you'll have to drag him while I fight off the grimlocks. Anyone not helping just needs to stay close to us. Unless you want to try and run them out of danger one at a time?" He wasn't sure if the battle would spill over into the area of the prisoners, and it seemed best that they should get the gnomes out as quickly as possible. At least he'd be ready to cut down any grimlock that charged.</font>

a small hesistant voice from the back stutters as it tries to speak, "w-wyrd can carry him. until there's more to fight." the down hearted face on ruby shows her shock and pain at seeing the majestic dragon lifeless. the sword she so boldly pulled for battle hang limply in her hand, touching the ground with it's tip.

looking around and seeing the fight she totally missed, and the fact that she completely blanked out, ruby starts to apologize. but when she looks at the prisoners she starts to weep, "i am so sorry. is hould never have been affected so....."

<font color=indianred>For Brendon</font>

<font color=thistle>The human is quick and he has hidden himself well within the scent of meat and the size of the great body. Still the killing fury burns within the and still their muscualr and scaly arms swing their axes hoping for the feel of living flesh and a groan of pain to greet their blades. The swinging of the axes is without success, but from atop the beast there is a noise, a small grunt of satisfaction, a subtle noise but one that conveys much. Seizing the plated armor of the corpse, strong hands find a purchase for their grip and a moment later one of the humanoids is close enough to strike. The blow finds the human just as he reaches for his bow.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: Tiresome, perhaps, but deadly as well ..... [img]graemlins/blueblink.gif[/img] Brendon is struck for 7 points of damage. The second grimlock is now moving into position to strike.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: <font color=turquoise>Azrael</font> - I PMed the effects of the spell your way. Feel free to go ahead and post after Morgurat's next action.

<font color=lime>Morguerat</font> - You will need to save against being entangled by the web spell [after your combat move], but as Dantes was attempting to cast the spell so as not to entangle you the save will be made at +4. The need to roll a save is simply a result of the unpredictable movements of melee combat. Regardless of the result of the saving throw, you have your usual combat actions first.</font>

<font color=indianred>Brendon Grey

Brendon had been aiming at a grimlock at the rear of teh conflict between them and Morgie, when suddenly searing pain ripped through his thigh. Crying uot in anguish, Brendon realized that his attackers had learned to climb. He desperately tried to stand up and move up and back, but lost his balance in the attempt, and fell backwards off the dragon's carcass...landing on his back on the ground behind the felled creature. For a moment, he was dazed...trying to remember what had happened to get him here. His bow had been thrown out of his reach somewhere, and he could just look up toward the spot where he had leaped.

</font>

OOC>>>Cyril, let me know how dazed Brendon really is from that fall off the dragon, and how moblie he is during his next roll.

[ 01-19-2003, 12:16 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=silver>ooc: Now why can't that happen when I use the really big monsters that can swallow characters in a single gulp??????

Nice post, Larry. But so that we don't get too far ahead of things I'd like to wait a little longer on Morgeruat's post before answering your question.</font>

<font color=lightgreen>With a grunt, Syrathic and Dankorona hefted the body of the gnome that couldn't walk and began to walk back to where the group at gathered before. "Sheesh. You gnomes are heavy," Syrathic muttered.

As they ventured forth, the Elf heard the voice of Ruby coming to meet them with Wyrd, offering help. "Yes, we could really use some help here," Syrathic said. "I don't know if we could make it all the way back carrying this guy. Your help is appreciated."

The Elf turned to survey the battle situation. He was just in time to see Brendon's fall from the dragon. He turned to Ruby, "I trust you can take care of these gnomes. Brendon needs help!"

With a quick reach, he pulled his two swords from their sheaths and ran toward his fallen friend. Brendon's bow had fallen quite far from him and Syrathic used the flat part of one of his blades to lift and then slide the bow to his arm, pausing only slightly in the process, as he ran. As he neared the fallen man, he let it slip from his arm, and the bow landed near Brendon's dazed body.

By this time, the grimlocks had made their way off the dragon's carcass and around to where Brendon was now laying. The grimlocks were in such a frenzy that the appearance of a new foe did nothing to halt them, and they charged at the Elf. Syrathic bowed his head quickly, as if accepting a duel, and rushed forward to meet their charge, blades flashing as he moved. "Find your bearings quickly, Brendon," he silently hoped as he attacked.</font>

OOC>>>Then I await Morgie's post, Cyril. I'll just lay here and dream for a while...it's actually quite comfortable stone I am laying on. Smooth to the touch, and a not too cold. Maybe due to the silver blood I am now covered in, eh?
But what did you mean by ooc: Now why can't that happen when I use the really big monsters that can swallow characters in a single gulp??????

Oh...by the way Syrathic...that was a cool image of your acceptance of the dual! I can just see it! But, you need a black hooded cloak. And your eyes need to catch that spark of light as you smirk at oncoming death. Yeah dude!

[ 01-20-2003, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color="99ff00">OOC: Sorry about being MIA lately, I have been busy running PnP games of werewolf: the apocalypse all weekend.

IC: Morguerat doubles over from the twin vicious slashes across his body but summons up enough willpower to avoid going down, knowing that if he fell, the creatures would likely not let him rise again. Holding his massive sword in both hands he swings it in a vicious slash and immediately reverses it once it passes the third grimlock, hoping to take down at least two of the humanoids. Shortly after swinging his weapon the area around him is filled with masses of sticky webs. The attack fortunately sent Morguerat away from the center of the spell, and he avoided the webs completely (rolled a natural 20 on my save).</font>

[ 01-20-2003, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=silver>ooc: <font color=lime>Morguerat</font> - You kill one of the 3 grimlocks. The other two are ensnared in the webs that you managed to avoid. Dantes is presently making his way toward them. A natural 20 on your save means not only have avoided the spell effects, but you are also in good position should you wish to move to aid Syrathic.

<font color=indianred>Brendon</font> - You'll need this round to continue recovering your bearings, but should be able to attack normally on the following round. The fall did 4 points of damage. Thanks to Syrathic, your bow is also near to hand.

<font color=lightgreen>Syrathic</font> - You struck one of the grimlocks a glancing blow for minor damage. Their rage is making them fierce and effective opponents -- you have been hit twice for 13 points of damage.</font>

[ 01-20-2003, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: Cyril Darkcloud ]

OOC:this post is PG-13 :| due to graphic violence
IC:Dantes saw that his spell was succesful and that Morgeraut had manged to kill the untangled Grimlock, it was simply up to him to mop up. Dantes let a grim smile touch his lips for but a split second before he flew into action. Dantes spun in a lightning quick 180 degree arc, turning his back to the entangled grimlock for but a second as his blade shot straight backward entering the grimlock's chest, and coming clean out the creature's back. It made one last gasp for breath as his struggles against the webbing subsided, but Dantes was not even there to witness it. As soon as the katana went into the creature it came out again. Dantes spun again this time spining into the remaining grimlock with his outstreched blade whistling in a blistering arc at the trapped creature's throat. Dantes spun through the grimlock without slowing and began walking toward where Syrathic battled the remaining creatures. Meanwhile the remaning grimlock's body sagged to the floor, the weight of it too much for the slashed webbing. Blood squirted from the hole between the shoulder blades, where the creature's head used to be. The mouth of the grimlock formed what some might consider a smile as it hung there, suspended by the webbing 6 feet above the rest of the fallen creature's twitching body.

[ 01-21-2003, 12:11 AM: Message edited by: AzRaeL StoRmBlaDe ]

OOC: sounds good. At least I got rid of one of them.

IC: <font color="99ff00"> Morguerat looked around and seeing Syrathic taking damage from several quarters charges over and swings the enchanted steel of his sword around and downward attempting to cleave one of the grimlock's in twain with a single blow, hoping that it would at the very least give Syrathic a chance to gain a better location to strike from.</font>

[ 01-21-2003, 01:48 PM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=lightgreen>For Syrathic</font>

<font color=thistle>Unruly creatures at even their most tranquil of moments, there is nothing that resembles reason to be seen in them in a frenzy such as this. Perhaps the killing rage is a product of the effects of magic cast within the chamber. Perhaps the overwhelming scent of blood is the cause. Or, perhaps it is simply the frightful odds they face which has driven them to such a state. Be the cause whatever it may be, however, the brutal fact remains that the grimlocks’ every movement is one that intends death. Axes swing in relentless violence and the elf, though swift in movement, is struck again. Grunting in fury the humanoids press their advantage until one of them suddenly pulls up short, a great pain searing through his shoulder and ribs. Falling forward, he lands roughly on the ground and struggles to regain his balance. But there is more than pain in his wound, there is the movement of blood and the frenzied beating of an enraged heart works now against the grimlock and with the terrible magic of the sword. In a few moments he will be dead, his blood flowing into the already glutted soil of this place. The second grimlock pauses as his companion falls, his movement thrown off course.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: You have been hit for another 7 points of damage. Morguerat’s attack killed one of the grimlocks and bought sufficient distraction for the initiative to be yours. 2 sword hits will kill the grimlock – I leave the dice rolling in your hands.</font>

[ 01-21-2003, 01:03 AM: Message edited by: Cyril Darkcloud ]

<font color=lightgreen>Syrathic's charge was ill-fated, and as he struck a glancing blow on one of the grimlocks, he received two hefty blows himself. The axes bit deeply into the Elf's flesh, but although he felt the pain, he ignored it as best as he could. Having just rushed into the fray, his battle-lust was still strong, and the adrenaline coursing through his veins kept the pain from affecting him.

With the frenzied bloodlust of the grimlocks trumping his practiced finesse in this exchange, Syrathic decided he needed to change tactics if he were to win this battle. He took a step back, going to a defensive posture, swords looking to parry then counter.

The grimlocks advanced again, swinging their axes savagely. With a turn of a blade, the Elf was able to deflect the first blow to come his way, but he was unable to evade the next blow, which came from the other grimlock. Again, the sharp edge of the axe tore into the flesh of the Elf, and more blood fell to the ground.

Syrathic retreated again, but as he did this time, a sword ripped into the grimlock nearest the middle of the cavern. The blade sliced through its shoulder and into its ribs, and the grimlock fell to the floor grunting in anger. The towering form of Morguerat appeared behind the grimlock, his hands holding the large sword that had disrupted the attack.

The grimlock did not die right away, however. But it served to distract the remaining grimlock, as it turned to see what had happened to its compatriot. Syrathic, seeing the grimlock look toward the carnage, saw his chance to end the encounter. With an Elven war cry, he stopped his retreat and charged forward, his blades seemingly flashing in anger.

The moment's distraction was all the Elf had needed. The grimlock was unprepared for the sudden rush of its opponent and the Elf wasted little motion with his killing strikes. The long sword in his right hand ripped through the grimlock's side, causing the grimlock to lower his arms, leaving its chest exposed. With a powerful thrust with his left arm, the blade tore through the grimlock's heart, the tip of the Elf's sword finding it's way out the other side of the ribcage.

As the now dead grimlock slid off the blade and onto the ground, Syrathic fell to one knee, his wounds finally overcoming him as his opponent was vanquished. "Check on Brendon," he managed to say to Morguerat, his words a just audible whipser. "We're even now," he thought to himself, remembering Brendon's selfless charge against the bulette.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: With the death of the final grimlock, the battle here has reached its end .....

<font color=lime>Morguerat</font> - Given your interest in such things, I'm assuming your character will be the one to examine the great axe of the leader. It is marked by the same device you found earlier, a serpent coiled around an eye and the word <font color=turquoise>Euryale</font>.</font>

Dantes hp:76/76

With the conclusion of the battle there was much to be done, and much to be discovered. Dantes addressed the party, "I think we should rest here for a time and tend our wounds, as well as gather all the information that we can. Grimlocks couldn't have killed this dragon, so we need to find what did and more importantly, why. I would also like to study that mysterious rune for a time, as well as get a sample of the fallen dragon's blood. It can be used for many powerful spells. Also most dragons have a hoard, we should try and find that, there may be some items there that may help us in our quest. There may also be some secret passages or cache's of items in the area, I will go look for those at this time, if you could establish a perimeter and question the gnomes." With that said Dantes began mumbling in a low voice in the unmistakable language of magic. His hands moved in a intricate pattern around his head, and he removed a jar of ointment from his robe abd rubbed it on his eyes. The ointment glowed a bright red color to all who witnesses it, as Dantes began to trace runes in the air. the runes glowed a startling white as they hung there suspended in the air. As Dantes uttered the last syllable of the spell the brightness ot the runes and ointment grew in intensity to a blinding white and red, then suddenly disappeared. Dantes set about to explore the surrounding area and the chamber.

ooc:I just cast a true seeing spell. I suggest we rest a little bit here, at least so I can recover my spells. I didn't really get hurt last battle but my spell list is now lacking, plus I'de like to pick up some spells that may be more effective for us.

assuming we agree to rest that long CYRIL, I will get you an updated spell list also PM me and let me know what I find, if anything, and what I learn from studying the rune [img]smile.gif[/img]

EDIT: turn off siggy, sorry i forgot, asnd i'll probably edit again later for spelling mistakes

[ 01-22-2003, 01:24 AM: Message edited by: AzRaeL StoRmBlaDe ]

<font color="99ff00">With the fighting over and done with Morguerat stopped to examine his injuries, seeing just how deep they ran, as well as the damage his armor had sustained, elven chain was not easy to come by in Morguerat's size, and the axes had surely done a number on it, with as much blood as he had lost from the wounds taken from the two grimlocks. After surveying the damage, he angrily stalked to the one that was bleeding to death, and quickly stopped it's wounds, binding them carefully, more carefully than he had his own (OOC:attemping to save it's life) after tending to it's wounds he bound it with the rough horsehair rope he had brought along, making several elaborate knots that would be all but impossible to untie, even for someone skilled in the tying and untying of knots. (a series of granny knots so overlapped and convoluted that the creatures arms and midsection look more like coils of knots rather than a living creature, it has room to breathe inside the ropes, but only just barely).

Growling out words in dwarven (what other language outside of orcish would have so many swear words for just this occasion) he kicked the prisoner and glared at his companions under his helmet and closed visor.</font>

OOC>>>I just realized something...I don't think I, nor anyone else is really keeping up with our stats! I have been letting Cyril pretty much determine if I can or cannot do a move that I have scripted...but to make it easier on him...I am going to keep my HP posted. That much, I at least can keep up with. Rolls for penalties or bonues, or if I can perform a function is still left up to the DM. For those that have MP...maybe you could also post that as well??? Just a suggestion. Help our DM a little.

<font color=indianred>Brendon Grey 59/70

Brendon sat up and shook his head. It hurt where he'd hit his skull on a rock underneath him, as well as a few other areas were sore and screaming for attention. Mostly, he was disoriented. He stood up, trying to get his bearing on where he was. He saw his bow nearby that had been dropped on the run for him. He realized he was behind the dead dragon. He picked up his gear that had been dropped and while holding his side, stumbled around the other side, where the rest of his companions were. It appeared that the battle had been won, and minor injuries were the worst part of it. He looked around for the elf and gnome. How were the prisoners?

Brendon decided that he'd brave speaking up. It appeared safe and quiet now.

"Hello?"</font>

[ 01-21-2003, 08:54 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=lightgreen>Syrathic HP:43/74

With a heavy sigh, Syrathic pulled himself to his feet. Between this battle and the wounds he had taken from fighting that first shadow hound, he was starting to get worn down. After sheathing his swords, he held one of his arm close to his body. For some reason, he felt less pain when doing that.

Hearing Dantes' call for rest was music to the Elf's ears. "I could use some rest as well. I keep sticking my ears into things I shouldn't." He didn't know if anyone would get the joke, since the humor of Humans was often strange.

He looked at Morguerat, watching as he tended to the orc. The man was grim, and the Elf thought, "Does the guy ever smile? I've seen rocks that have more emotions." But he thanked the man for his help anyway, and tried not to be intimidated by the man's glare.

Seeing Brendon rise to his feet, Syrathic quickly took the opprotunity to see his friend, anything to get away from the warrior's angry looks. "Are you okay, Brendon? I saw your fall and rushed over as soon as I could. Luckily, Ruby and her lion friend came to help, else you might've been at the mercy of those grimlocks." He broke into a smile. "Now you can't say that I've never done anything for you."</font>

<font color=indianred>Brendon Grey 59/70

"Indeed, I was in a vulnerable position, but was relieved to see your appearance at that dark hour. I am indebted to your consideration for my life. As they say in the slums...I got your back!"</font>

OOC: Cyril PM [img]smile.gif[/img]

ruby is kneeling with the injured gnomes, doing her best to help. pushing wyrd's head away eachtime he goes to lick one of the gnomes wounds. as her hands begin to shake she pulls away and simply buries her face in wyrds mane.

soon her trmbling stops, and her humming starts. wyrd lays down beside the incapacitated gnome, in a protective manner. *good boy.*

getting up carefully ruby walks to syrathic with her pack. "i've some small training in binding wounds and helpful poultices, may i?"

[ 01-22-2003, 03:58 PM: Message edited by: RevRuby ]

<font color=silver>ooc: Azrael, I'm simply going to post the results of Dantes' preliminary exploration of the area -- it was the true seeing spell that allowed him to perceive the tears of the dragon. I'll send out an answer to your PM a little later.</font>

<font color=thistle>A battle has been fought in this space whose conflict was much more furious and violent than the recent clash of the party with a band of scavenging humanoids. The sheets of ice and frosted patches of stone seem to be the result of the icy breath of the dragon being used repeatedly within this place. There is no sign however of the terribly chilling dragon’s breath having claimed a victim. The head of the dragon has been brutally staved in by blows of tremendous force and even the great ribs of the beast have been broken. Near the fallen creature there are great gouges in the stone floor from its claws. And a careful examination of moisture near the its head reveals a small pool of that most rare of liquids – the tears of an ancient wyrm. That the beast was ancient in years is obvious from the muted majesty that lingers within the broken and mutilated corpse.

A short distance away, the reason for the creature’s tears becomes evident. Scattered rudely about the cavern floor are the remnants of great silver colored eggs, eggs that have been crushed with a merciless thoroughness before the eyes of the helpless dragon. Just beyond the broken fragments of egg lies the opening to what must have been the repository of the creature’s horde. That a horde was located here seems obvious by the haphazard scattering of what appear to be gems and coins. More mysterious, however, is that the walls themselves have been looted here. Enormous slabs of stone have been recently hewn from the walls and floor of this smaller chamber.</font>

Dantes stoops to collect a vial of the tears, and pauses to gather some of the creature's blood. He then continues over to the eggs and collects all of the borken pieces of several of the eggs, hoping that maybe one day his magics would be able to bring the creatures back. A dragon egg was a rare thing and for these to be destroyed along with their mother, would take a feat of extreme power and evil. Thoughts beat his brain like rain in a hurricane. What could have defeated such a creature, and why? Why would they loot the walls? What power is in them, how if at all does this relate to our quest? Hopefully the gnomes would have answers. Dantes approached them and began to ask them questions in his best gnomish. "How did you come to be captives of these grimlocks? Do you know what happened to the dragon here? Do you know why they wanted the stone of the treasure chamber?" Dantes patiently waited for answers.

OOC: is there still any treasure left in the hoard room or not?

<font color=silver>ooc: Don't get your hopes up on the infant dragons -- multiple wishes, at the very least, would need to be employed to even have a chance at restoring them. The evil at work here is exceedingly powerful and completely ruthless.

I'll have a post up that answers your questions a bit later tonight.</font>

OOC: LoL I wasn't implying bringing them back in this RP. Just that he was thinking maybe way in the future after years of research. Plus I dont think a dragon would fit through a lot of the tunnels and then I would have to waste all my spell slots on passwalls lol :D

<font color=lime>For the Morguerat formerly known as “Sir”</font>

<font color=cadetblue>The scent of fresh blood and charred flesh mingles with that of the slowly decaying mass of the dragon. Death is heavy within the air of this place and breathing is like the drawing of death into one’s lungs. Death, the undoing of life and a steady companion within these tunnels calls out in its grim silence to those things that have come to an end in the life of the one who is no longer a knight.

<font color=skyblue>See! Yes, see! ..... Another mighty in the cause of good broken and cast aside ..... A champion reduced to mere food for scavengers ...... See! O yes! And see now within your grasp one of the pathetic scavenging wretches that feast on the broken ...... Pathetic. Wretched. O yes! ..... But this pathetic creature lives and his brothers have feasted on the good that has fallen ..... And what of you? What worm shall feast itself on you?</font>

Perhaps in different air that strange and subtle scent of the grave might be discerned here. But the air of this place is filled with the stink of death and painful memories often need no outside help to stir them to dark reflection.</font>

<font color=skyblue>As she goes farther and farther into the cleft, she senses she is deep under ground, and stops suddenly, listening....

"I hear..........voices?"</font>

<font color=turquoise>For Dantes</font>

<font color=thistle>Intense emotions are written across the faces of the two gnomes that are conscious – gratitude, relief, terror and sadness mingle with a deep concern for their wounded and delirious companion. Even to the untrained eye it is clear that death will soon claim the gnome if his condition cannot be improved. Leaving his fellow to tend to their wounded friend, one of the gnomes walk to where Dantes stands.

Grateful to be addressed in a dialect of his own language he smiles. “My thanks,” he says simply. “I did not enjoy the thought of being on the menu of those creatures. Or worse,” his eyes sparkle with a flash of gnomish humor, “being a slave who becomes a menu item.” In spite of his humor, the gnome shudders at the thought. “We came ......” his voice trails off with emotion and he pauses.

“..... we came to seek the aid of Adalon,” his voice is hoarse and low as he points in the direction of the fallen dragon. “Long has the great dragon been the guardian and protector of those who have not surrendered to the shadows. But the shadows have grown dark once more and things have begun to move, things like those that moved within these tunnels before - in the time of the One that Mods.” His eyes grow wide as he continues, “The drow – even the drow have been slaughtered! News of the destruction of their city reached us some days ago and we came to seek the wisdom and protection of mighty Adalon .....” Again he stops. “...... but our protector is dead ......”

“We were stunned to find the ice of her breath lining the walls and the wards to her lair exploded. Seeing signs of battle we made our way quietly into the chamber where she receives visitors only to ..... only ...... only to find her dead ........” Again he falls silent. “I do not know how long we stood there just looking. Too stunned we were even to move. As we turned to make our way home we heard the approach of the grimlocks and hid ourselves, but they had a beast of shadow with them, a hound who marked our scent .....” He exhales a deep and slow breath, “The rest of the story, I believe you know.”

He extends his hand to the mage, “I am called Cedrick.” Pointing to his fellows, he adds, “And that is Kellor. Dellon, as you can see, does not fare so well.”</font>