For Therlion:

You have become the de-facto leader of the men who follow Kalam as you rallied them around you. There are already about twenty dead bodies on the ground. The group facing your group is more numerous than the one you lead. You are outnumbered about two to one. Now might be the time to use a spell.

<font color=orange>Keal turns around quickly, and saw he was out-numbered.He loks around trying to eye a way around them."Be thankful that you see a true swordsman before you die!" Keal says with a small grin, as he quickly waves his sword at one man, and swiftly cuts at the other. Then, with the other man confused from the previous attack, cuts him in half. Keal turns around looking in Therloin's direction,"I came here to warn you of this, I wish I was able to tell you sooner."

Therlion slashed at one man as he saw a man by his side get cut in half by a longsword. Another one fell, and Therlion realised that things are getting more grim by the moment. He pressed on forward, to get to the very point of the front lines, and he took out his two reamining elven daggers. The daggers and the shortsword were thrown into the air, and Therlion ducked to grab a longsword from the ground. Slashing with the longsword at the closest enemy, just to keep him distracted, the daggers and the shortsword rushed down and cut the man in dozens of places. The three weapons bolted for the next target and the shortsword dug inside the man's chest. As Therlion was fighting a third man, the weapons now flew into the air, and spread out across the enemies ranks, cutting at them with every chance, some men escaping with supreficial wounds, others getting hamstringed, maimed or dead by the frantic racing of the blades. It took more and more out of Therlion's concentration to control the weapons, and he drew a few steps back within his own men, but still maintained a good view of the battlefield. A man knocked out Therlion's sword from his arm, but was cut down by Kalam's men. Therlion's only role now was looking over the battlefield, directing the blades on where to cut.

[ 09-08-2004, 06:51 AM: Message edited by: Bozos of Bones ]

For Keal and Therlion:

Keal has stepped out of the tent but suddenly hears Kalam's weak voice from behind him.

<font color=orchid>"Elf! Come here.."</font>

Therlion can also hear the voice but before he can react to it a thrown dagger hits him in the stomach, breaking his concentration. However his spell was enough to make the battle winnable for Kalam's men as it disabled or killed more than half of the enemy.

OOC: Therlion is exhausted and can not cast another spell for 24 hours. (It was a pretty major spell)

OOC: Yes, I had the same idea.
Dark shapes, blurry, moved around him in a dizzy, but Therlion was relieved to know that those shapes are his men. On his knees in the dry mud, he pulled the dagger out, and winced in pain. He tried casting a spell to heal some of the damage, but, as he suspected, his magic was exhausted, like himself. He got up one one foot, with the other knee still in the mud, and took a breath. The world around him was getting muffled, but Therlion gripped for his conciousness firmly. <font color=silver>I am alright. I am not hurt badly. I will recover. Kalam needs me, I must go to him."</font> he encouraged himself, and got up. His face grimaced in pain, but he made a step forward, towards the tent.

[ 09-08-2004, 06:51 AM: Message edited by: Bozos of Bones ]

For Terias and Kirûn:

<font color=black>Arandor (mage tracking Terias's group)

The questioning of the dwarf, Bober had gone well. He now had a physical description for the other dwarf Kirûn and the elf Terias. Their human companion he had no description of, but it was unlikely for them to seperate. They must have felt vulnerable enough like this.

Arandor dispatched guards to each level of the staircase then returned to report his progress to his master. All of the stronghold's exits had already been closed. He would be very surprised if the fugitives managed to escape.</font>

As Oronuin was looking after his father voices could suddenly be heard coming from the direction they came from. Orcish voices...

<font color=lightgreen> Roland caught Turin's sign and moved toward the guards. And quick as lightning he unsheathed the short blade he borrowed from Redgond and cut the throat of the guard with the spear. Roland turned quick and did a thrust at one of the personal bodyguard's. But all it did was play a one note tune against the shield. And the other guards were soon closing in. He did not stand a chance four to one and hoped that Turin would dispatch of Easthome quickly. </font>

<font color=skyblue>Turin

As Easthome turned to walk away, Turin looked up and sneered at the foolish leader. Now was the time to start the revenge in his family's name. He remembered his wife...and his child...and now they were dead because of Morgoth and his followers, even those humans that turned their backs on who they were in search of power that would never be theirs to command anyway.

He leaped up from the position he was in and sprinted toward his enemy, the man who's back was turned to him. However, just as Roland made his move, the guards called out in alarm, which caused Easthome to turn around. What he saw was Turin as determined as a raging bull and swift as the wind, charging him with sword drawn. </font>

OOC>>>I am assuming that Easthome was far enough away that when the guards called out, Easthome would have enough time to turn and assess the situation, but I will not determine if he is close enough to not get his defence up in time. I leave that to the DM to decide if I can tackly Easthome or be parried from my strike. I do not know what weaponry he carries. Therefore, I hold off from finishing my attack to learn more about my enemy.</font>

OOC: You are free to strike at Easthome. He is too surprised to be able to act. He wears no visible armor either.

<font color=yellow>Keal hears Kalam shout, and he quickly dashes back into the tent and asks"What is it?" in a slightly worried voice.

For Keal and Therlion:

As they stepped into the tent they at first failed to notice Kalam among the bodies of those who had tried to kill him. Ashenpale he lay on the ground and when he spoke they could barely hear what he said.

<font color=orchid>"I thank you two...for your...help, but alas I fear all was in vain. The blade *cough* seems to have...been poisoned. I...feel...it...spreading. I shall...soon die. Unless *cough* *cough* *blood spitting*...unless.. you two take...take me to...Ardana."</font>

His voice then slowly faded totally and his eyes closed. Clearly he was exhausted and could not speak any more. Presently only heavy breathing could be heard as he had either fallen asleep or lost consciousness.

Therlion looked outside, for fear of a losing battle, and was glad to see Kalam's men sweep away the ones remaining. He sat down, next to Kalam and made sure his wound wasn't gushing blood. He looked at Keal and asked <font color=silver>"Do you know who was he talking about? Who is Ardana?"</font> He turned towards the two men that entered the tent to see to Kalam. <font color=green>"I heard of her"</font> one of them said, and moved to Therlion to check his wounds. He appeared awkward seeing to an elf, but atleast he didn't bear resentment like the ones that lay dead outside the tent, and inside it. He continued <font color=green>"All I know is that she is a healer, I think she lives off towards the east, near a valley, but that's just rumours. If Kalam asked for her help, she must a very adept healer"</font>

For Keal and Therlion:

The other one of Kalam's men added a bit more information:

<font color=blue>"The name is one we have only heard in legends. No one knows whether she truly exists. Legend has it that a distant ancestor of the Easthome clan, founder of the city was her lover for some time, but he left her for another woman and she has sworn revenge against the Easthome's. If this is true I do not see why she would help you."</font>

[ 09-15-2004, 05:14 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=orange>"Than we will have to try."Keal looks outside the tent for a moment, and sees the battle is one."I think we should keep on our way to Kalam's father's.Than we will seek information from him.We have as much a chance of him living that way, than just searching for this Ardana., if not more." Keal pulls out a small water container, and pours it into Kalam's mouth,"This will only slow the poison down for a few days, so I suggest we get moving."

<font color=silver>"No."</font> [b]Therlion said simply. Keal's questioning expression made him elaborate <font color=silver>"This is Kalam's father."</font> he showed the dead bodies. <font color=silver>"Easthome ordered this. He must have somehow found out about his son's treason, and knew that I was with him. We go nowhere near the town. We will go searching for Ardana, because it isn't Kalam's best chance, it is his only chance."</font>

<font color=orange>"Than we best get underway!"Keal says as he picks up Kalam and sets him on a horse."Therloin, you must lead, since you have been here before I have, and you seemed to be second in command."

For Keal and Therlion:

One of the guards who had informed them on who Ardana possibly was adressed the two elves.

<font color=blue>"I think it would be best if you two go alone with Kalam. The four of us who have survived should return to inform Lord Easthome that his son is dead. Otherwise if no one returns he'll think his plan has failed and send more men. Would you be able to do without us?"</font>

<font color=orange> "Yes, I think we can." Keal looks at Therloin, and then at the man,"Yes I think we're skilled enough."</font>

<font color=silver>"Ofcourse, we will take him to Ardana. Tell the lord you had to burn everything because we hid inside a forest. I do not want him wanting bodies as proof."</font> Therlion told to the man, and reigned up his horse. His wound was still hurting, but the bleeding was stopped and that's what mattered. <font color=silver>"To the east, we will see if we can find more specific directions along the way."</font>

For Keal and Therlion:

As agreed the four soldiers left also taking the majority of the horses with the two elves and Kalam only leaving three horses there.

OOC: just didn't move you along in case you want to prepare something more

Therlion walked around the battlefield, searching for his weapons. He found them, along with a few other finds. Two more daggers, a gold piece and a few coppers were the prize of the day.
OOC: What is Kalam's condition. Can he ride, or should we build him a stretcher, or ride with one of us or anything like that?

Kalam's condition:

The wound he suffered from the sword strike has stopped bleeding. It seems that it is the poison in him, which is the worst condition. If he rides the wound might open though. Right now he is unconscious and very pale.

<font color=silver>"I will ride with him first, for half a day. Then he will ride with you, and I will change my horse so it can rest. We will probably find someone along the way to offer better direction, let us hope that that someone will be friendly. I would build a litter, but that would take far too long, and limit our speed and movement."</font>

<font color=orange>"So then we must get going!"Keal says as he begins to ride off.</font>

For Therlion and Keal:

The mountains are sparsely populated regions and you travel for several hours without seeing any sign of life, except for the occasionnal bird or small rodent. As night is starting to fall you spot a small hut in between some dead trees. Smoke is coming out of the chimney and a light can be seen through the curtains of one of the windows. A small (4 foot high or 1.33 meters high) door can also be seen in one of the sides of the house.

OOC: there is only one window and that is curtained so you can't see inside.

<font color=orange>"I'll see if they offer any help. You stay out here with Kalam." Keal says as he walks up to the hut.

Therlion scans the surroundings, and nods at Keal.

<font color=skyblue>Turin

Turin ran at Lord Easthome with a burning hatred that had been kindled for several days, finally being unleashed in this one move. Snarling in sheer hatred for this man, Turin shouted,

"By the grace of the Valar, my family shall be avenged starting with spilling of your blood!"

And with that said, he brought his sword high and swiped it down in an arc across Easthome's chest, then spun around and with the momentum created, plunged his dark sword into the man's gut, only to pull it out slowly, smiling in a wicked grin at the astonished man.

You are dead, fool...just like all men that follow Morgoth to their doom!"</font>

For Turin and Roland:

A look of pure surprise could be seen on Lord Easthome's face, while he fell to his knees mingled with the pain which was starting to spread. He could feel his death approaching. While everyone in the area paused either from shock or satisfaction Easthome's last words came out of his mouth among liberal amounts of blood.

<font color=lightgrey>"You...you have really...betrayed me. Tell...my daughter...that...I always loved...her."</font>

And with that he fell face forward into the dust, dead.

The reaction of the soldiers was mixed. The bodyguard closest to Turin threw his weapons on the floor and backed a few paces while saying:

<font color=blue>"Don't kill me, please! I'm with Kalam!"</font>

His companion however drew his sword and acted as if he were wildly swinging it towards Turin, then suddenly slashed at his side with it.

The two guards who had brought Turin's and Roland's equipment charged both at Roland with their swords.

For Keal and Therlion:

As Keal approached the door of the hut it suddenly flew open and an old male dwarf could be seen in the doorway. He addressed Keal in a grumpy voice.


<font color=pink>"What do you want here? You know that you are trespassing?"</font>

<font color=orange>"I am sorry. But me and my friend are in need of help. You see this man was stabbed by a poison blade, and we are searching for someone who goes by the name of Ardana."Keal says trying to be polite.

For Keal and Therlion:

The dwarf thought for a few moments before replying.

<font color=pink>"Never heard the name."</font>

He started closing the door then suddenly stopped.

<font color=pink>"Wait a moment! Are you talking about Ardana the betrayer? It has been a very long time indeed since I last heard that name. But the story is a long one and you seem to be tired. Come in and tell your companion to do the same thing too. You can warm up next to the fire while I tell you of this tragic story."</font>

[ 09-12-2004, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=orange>"We do need the rest, but not a lot of time. Do you have anything that could slow down a poison? Then we would be able to stay a bit. If not, could you tell us where Ardana the Betrayer is? Or perhaps guide us?"Keal asks.</font>

[ 09-12-2004, 06:44 PM: Message edited by: Keal ]

OOC: Keal close your tags!

For Keal and Therlion:

<font color=pink>"I do have some healing plants which could slow down the poison by a few hours if you wish. Besides it is not too often I get visitors. Well are you going to come in then?"</font>

<font color=orange>"Yes I will." Keal backons for Therloin to bring Kalam in and enters the hut.

For Keal and Therlion:

You have to stoop to get through the low door. Inside there is a small fire going on in a small fireplace, nevertheless the heat it gives off can easily be felt throughout the whole small hut. The furnishings of the hut are sparse: a low bed in one corned, a table in another and a wardrobe in the third corner. The window is hidden by a thick yellow curtain. A kettle is hanging above the fire with vapor already coming out of it.

<font color=pink>"I had been planning on having some tea, but now you shall be able to use the water to prepare the herbs. Here take these and immerse them in the water for three minutes then bathe the wound with them."</font> - he said to Therlion.

<font color=pink>"You help me put him on the bed, then put these herbs under his nose for inhalation. It will help with any blood he has swallowed."</font> - he said to Keal.

<font color=pink>"I'll go put some more water in the kettle for heating then when both of you are ready I'll tell you the story of Ardana. May her name be cursed forever!"</font>

<font color=orange>"Unless she can save Kalam," Keal says as he follows the dwarf's orders. He puts the leaves under his nose, then says,"Before you tell us the story tell us your name, unless you don't wish to be rewarded for your hospitality."

[ 09-12-2004, 07:02 PM: Message edited by: Keal ]

OOC: New reward points have been given out!

For Keal and Therlion:

<font color=pink>"I am called Haine by the people of the mountains. I have forgotten my real name, as it hasn't been used in centuries. Usually I buy my supplies from the mountain men, but this year they did not come as an illness ravaged their tribe."</font>

OOC: he is talking about the same tribe which was supposed to be attacking the Easthome's town. Obviously they weren't able to attack. You should act surprised in your next posts.

<font color=skyblue>Turin

Turin was a bit surprised by the actions of the two men nearest him, one who claimed loyalty to the son of Easthome and another who tried to commit suicide. Then Turin saw the two other guards charge Roland. With a shout and great amount of energy, he threw his dark blade toward one of the men, with the intent on taking down one of Roland's enemies. </font>

OOC>>>Intending to have the sword cut clean through the man's neck from the back and stick there, felling him before he reaches his target.

<font color=skyblue>He then turned to the supposed loyal one and pointed at the suicidal man, shouting "Disarm that man and hold him!"</font>

OOC>>>Let's see what events this creates

<font color=silver>"Illness!? We were... Set up."</font> the last part fit the rest of Easthome's scheme as he understood the total trap. Putting the herbs in the water, Therlion looked at Kalam to see how he was doing. He came over to him, to inspect his wound, and make sure it didn't open again. They had been going slow and carefull, but one can never bee to safe.