Rise of an Empire

[Darklord]

Just a note gang...

OOC: This is the official start of the thread, I'm glad you all have decided to join in, lets have fun, and any problems, questions, etc, please put into the OOC page. Also, if you wish to join, please post on the OOC page, from this point on, no more OOC's in the thread, have fun..

 

[Darklord]

A New Day Dawns.....

The sun rose on that day shedding it's new bright light in a band across the land surronding the town. The light crept across fields, orchards, and forests on it's way to illuminate the stone of the walls that surronded and protected the town, it's name? Elston, and it lies on the border between the two Kingdoms of Easthaven and Blackmarch, there it makes its living as a trade center for both, where people and cultures can mingle without fear of war or racism.

As the sun made it's way into the streets of the city it finally came an spread itself on a house, not a large one, but modest where it crept in through the windows and found a man already awake and at work at his desk reading the letters that had come into the town just after the gates had opened.

The man was fairly tall, well built, and ruggedly handsome, if you don't mind your men missing an eye. His long dark brown hair was pulled back in a top knot over his head, and he sported a thick goatee. The most distinguishing thing about him being the scar that ran over his face an through where his left eye used to be. He had a patch to cover it sitting near his elbow.

When he was done reading, he got up from his desk, stretched, and carrying a single missive walked to the window and looking out on the waking world just beneath his second story window he remarked to himself..

"So, the dwarves ask for my help in restoring themselves to their heritage. That will not be easy, not at all. Hmm.." was his comment. From behind him another voice spoke, gruff and low.

"You will be well rewarded for your efforts, as will your helpers. We are willing to give half of all things found other than the 4 items we MUST have, to your helpers and you, plus the commission of 3,000 Easthaven Ducats, a king's ransom in and of itself." this coming from a small very stocky figure, a dwarf, sent by the last descendant of the Dwarf Kings, Guldar Troll-Killer. The dwarf's name was Iron Stump.

Looking at the paper for a moment, then out to the streets, he thought for a few more minutes, then turning, he bowed to the dwarf, walked over, spat into his palm, and taking the hand the dwarf also offered after he had spat into it intoned...

"I, Logan Farstrider, do accept your offer, and will do all in my power to bring back those things which you seek, on my fathers name and grave do I swear this." and after they shook, the dwarf motioned servants to bring in several large chests containing the payment, and bowing himself, left to tell Guldar the news.

Looking at the money for but a moment, Logan shook himself, and with a few quick motions, put himself into his clothes, grabbed a cloak, his sword, and grabbing a small coin pouch, filled it with about a hundred Easthaven Ducats. Standing up he weighed the bag, smiled and said to the empty room.

"Well, I need some adventuring companions, so I think I should go the the Drunken Wastrel, a lot of hardy types meet there, since it so close to the City Guards barracks, and right next door to the Bounty Hunters and Warriors guilds." and with a small smile on his face, he stepped out from the door into the now noisy and busy city streets.....

 

[Gaston_McBain]

Angus the Dark

As the morning sun beat down on the walls of Elston, a young man scurried over to the city gates. He quickly looked over his shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Edwin and his goons were not yet on his trail. Although, he had heard that Elston was a wild and immoral town, the growling of his stomach forced entry through the gate.

The two guards on duty saw his kilt and a hint of surprise ran through their faces. Normally, hillsmen of Easthaven did not enter Elston as they tended to be stay-at-home types. However, there was no reason to bar him entry so the guards lazily waved him through.

The young man tentatively walked through the gate and quickly scanned the city. The populace appeared to be a mix of travelers, mercaniaries, merchants, and of course peasants. His eyes fell upon a sturdy, honest looking peasant. "This is the sort of man to ask directions from" he thought. "Hello friend" he said as he hailed the peasant "Do you know where a traveler such as myself may break his fast?". The peasant looked up and replied in a cheerful voice "Aye, the Drunken Wastrel is a place to get a hearty meal and good ale too!, It's just down yonder road". The young man gave a silver piece to the peasant and headed towards the Drunken Wastrel.

As he entered the Drunken Wastrel, his first impression was that it was a den for ruffians. The place stank of body odor, spilled ale, and urine. Being unfamiliar with such a revolting place he hesitated but the growling of his stomach urged him on. Looking around he saw a few peasants eating at a distant table but the main group of customers seemed to be a group of off-duty guards relaxing at the bar. He sat down at the bar and waited for the mistress of the house to take his order.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Bloodluck:

Waking in the early morning air, I stretch and exit my tent. As the sun clears the horizon, I roar at the top of my lungs. A new day has begun and the village of Bloodluck wakes to my call.

Within minutes, a horde of women are on horseback, preparing for a morning hunt. The few men rush out to prepare the communal bonfires. The ogres of Bloodluck are fast to ready themselves for any meal.

As with all ogre communities, the men are competative and try to make the best feast for the chief. Should one of them please me, he may be given permission to leave the community for recreation. No ogre men leave the village proper unless they wish never to return or they have my permission. The women are the warriors and all belong to me--or to any man who can take them from me.

In fact, the only ogre women not on the hunt are the five who I permit to stay. Three of them are visibly pregnant with my children. The other two are just being helped out of my tent. They are bloody and bear many scratches and bite marks. The teenagers are shrouding them with towels as they help the attractive women to the bathing station.

As the women return from the hunt, the men begin to smoke the meat for a midday meal. Meanwhile, we eat vegetables and eagle eggs for our breakfast. It is the start of a good day.

 

[crysede]

River Fischer:
Smiling warmly at the crowd as they urged her to continue, she begged off insisting that her throat was far too parched for even one more ballad. Retreating to the bar, she gratefully accepted the coins that were thrust into her palms by some of the local farmers and workmen, the landlord had offered her a fair wage, but a traveling bard hardly lived a life of luxury. She saw the tall man approaching her through the crowd, even without the fancy dress she'd have known him as a noble: he made his way directly towards her, paying no head to who was in his path, expecting everyone to scatter before him like so many barnyard chickens. Smile graciously, she greeted the man, "Good evening Sir, is there something I can do for you?"

She already knew what he wanted, she'd known the moment she'd seen his eyes on her: she was a trinket he intended to buy. It never occurred to any of them that she might not be for sale, that she might not fall all over herself at the sight of their gold coins. Laughing inwardly she slipped easily into the role of the coquette.

"A man of your stature finding me so desirable! Of course my Lord, oh that is a more than generous offer! I only pray that you shall not find me wanting."

Adding an embarrassed giggle at his vacuous complements, while 'accidentally' placing her hand on his leg, "Sir, you are too kind, really!"

Having purchased her so easily, he gallantly agreed to buy her a drink before they went upstairs - he had likely been ready to go higher than his first offer. As she handed him his drink, she opened the top of her ring and let the powder fall into the ale, dissolving on contact. Drinking swiftly, she was soon escorted her admirer to the small room she had been provided with. As he made to undress she put her hands on his, "No, no, let me..." she crooned seductively, easing him down on the bed and letting her fingers caress his chest as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt, "no need to rush my lord, we have all night!" She kissed his exposed chest, and felt his breath quicken as the soft touch of her fingers drifted lower down his body, then he simply went limp.

Getting up from him she chuckled derisively, "Well, I guess you weren't so eager after all my lord, but really, falling asleep before we've even begun, how ungentlemanly!" At least this was one more lordling who might think twice before attempting to coerce another peasant lass into bed, she thought with a wry grin. Seeing little of value on him, she left the bag he'd laid on the bed for last and headed for his coat. There was no need to rush, she'd given him enough powdered devil's tongue to put him out for hours.

She gasped in shock as firm hands fastened themselves around her and she felt her wrists being bound. Her assailant spun her around, and gave her a decidedly ungentlemanly smirk, a wicked gleam in his green eyes.

"Oh I'm sorry to spoil your fun my dear, but Lord Cobrane would like his amulet back, and he'd like to have a word or two with you as well!"

"Who are you!" River hissed angrily, trying in vain to kick him in the shins. The man paid little heed to her efforts, avoiding her kicks without even seeming to be aware he was doing so. Gathering his belongings, he threw her cloak over her and turned her to face the door. She felt the cold edge of a dagger against her throat as he bent down and whispered in her ear.

"Shall we go?"

It wasn't really a question, and seeing little choice, she allowed herself to be steered unprotesting out the inn doors and to the waiting horses: a nondescript dun gelding, and a large black charger that greeted it's master with an impatient snort, clearly unimpressed with the company it had been forced to keep. After fastening her bound arms to the saddle of the dun, he took her horse's reins and mounted his own, starting down the road at a brisk walk.

 

[SpectralDragoon]

He certainly would let her. Devin smiled as her fingers worked his buttons through their holes and she laid back the sides of his shirt. “No, no need to rush. Mmm, that’s nice,” he cooed to her. Her lips threatened to take his mind from where it should be as she pressed them seductively to his chest. Light floral scents drifted to his nose from her hair.

And then, he relaxed his body and slowed his breathing, sprawling backward onto the bed. He listened to her overconfident quip, and waited as he savored the lingering flavor of the bitter root he had chewed on his way to the Inn. As he had figured, she all but ignored the pack he had placed on the bed. The lids of his eyes slowly raised as her weight lifted from the bed and she turned toward the chair his coat was thrown over. Taking his time, he removed a length of rope from the top of his pack as he lay there.

Quickly, silently, he rose behind her and then seized her wrists. The element of shock allowed him the seconds he needed to bind her with his trusty rope. He spun her around, one corner of his mouth lifting in a smirk.

"Oh I'm sorry to spoil your fun my dear, but Lord Cobrane would like his amulet back, and he'd like to have a word or two with you as well!"

He did his best to avoid her high leather boots as she sent them against his legs. One hand firmly holding her bound wrists, he led her around the bed and slipped on his pack. He draped his long coat over her shoulders and pressed his blade to her throat, leaning in to whisper.

“Shall we go?”

He was thankful that she didn’t open her mouth or struggle so that no scene ensued, and so he guided her in front of him through the the doors of the Inn. He steadied her as he put one of her feet in the stirrups and hefted her weight up and over the girth of her horse. In a moment, he had fastened her ties to the pommel of the saddle. He took her mount’s reigns and with a practiced and smooth movement he stepped up and mounted his horse. He gave him a few praising pats on the neck and started them off down the road in the direction that would take them from town, and in a few days, to Elston.

The next few nights were spent mostly with silence between the two. As he cooked meals over the camp’s fire, or as she watched him practice bare-chested, with his blade in the room of an Inn. His traveling 'companion' maintained a dark silence throughout, her only acknowledgment of his existence in the form of hostile glares.

And so, they came to be at the Drunken Wastrel, in the city of Elston. He handed the responsibility of the horses to a lanky stable boy, and led his “companion” inside the establishment to secure a room for the night. He handed some coin to the proprietor and asked that some ale and a light dinner be brought to their room when it is convenient. With that taken care of, he led her upstairs to this night’s sleeping quarters.

 

[poohlive]

There was a slight thump in the forest. Trees shook right down to their roots, birds cried out warnings for the rest of the forest. A mother doe glanced up from her breakfast, trying to see if anything was wrong. Her eears perked up, listening.
Nothing there.
She went back to the dewy grass, nudging her offspring to do so as well. He had tried to noticed where the noise came from as well.
Roc yawned, nudging himself further back into the small hole in the ground he had made. As if especting the earth was warmer if he just moved a little bit more.
"Morning sunshine."
He fained, trying not to open his eyes. The sun shone through, breaking up into a million different pieces cause of the trees. He held up a huge hand to block those pieces.
"Lyt, I told you never to talk to me before noon."
The fiary whisked around to one of his ears.
"Oh, come on. Wake up early once in your life."
He growled deep within his throat. It was enough to make the earth shake slightly once more, birds called up again on the warning.
"Fine, one day. That is all, though."
The fairy nodded her agreement, as Roc lifted his carcass onto his feet. Standing straight up he gave out a ferocious yawn.
"Oh, just like you to wake me up too early to go swimming."
Lyt gave a pouty look, "It's not my fault. The creek is just too cold in the early morning. Let's go get some breakfast, once it's cooked, I'm sure the water'll be warm enough."
He muttered something under his breath, but followed her deeper into the forest. Some roasted Bornac. Oh, he could hardly wait.

 

[Darklord]

A Walk in the Sun

As he traversed the city streets on his way to the Drunken Wastrel, Logan thought through the many things he would need to do in order to complete this mission for Guldar. With a snort he rid himself of all foolish fantasies of glory and greatness and shrugging his shoulders, opened the door to the Drunken Wastrel.

It was seedy, there's no doubting that, but the food was filling, ale cheap but good, and the right types lounged about here looking for hard, dirty and sometimes evil work. His eyes slowly scanned the room looking for people who maybe of some assistance, but none really jumped at him, until his eyes fell on one lad sitting at a table himself, wearing a kilt.

"A boy from the moutains of Easthaven eh? Those don't go 'round the land much these days. He might join." he thought quietly to himself while he walked over to the Keeper of this Inn.

Leaning on the bar, they exchanged pleasentries until the keep finally asked his business that day. In reply Logan stated "Tung, I'm here to recruit once again for another mission into the wilds after stuff of the ancient days, so I was wondering if I could have my usual recruiting spot to work today?"

Spitting into a cup, Tung looked thoughtful and replied "'Course Logan, but ya gotta pay for damages this time if another fight breaks out." at which he got a agreeing nod from Logan, who then took a book from Tung's hand along with quill and ink, and striding across the room sat and arranged things, then standing again spoke.

"Good men of this land, if you are interested in making some coin adventuring these days, pay heed to what I have to say. I am taking a trip into the moutains, and looking for treasures long thought lost, I am in need of some able-bodied men and women not afraid to fight or afraid of the unknown." and he stopped, and sat and waited.

 

[Madcap]

Dayel Brightleaf

Dayel tied the reighns of his horse, a tithe paid by a small village to him for eliminating a pesky band of marauding Goblins and peered over a large bolder at the most incredible sight he had ever seen. A troll stood talking, TALKING!, to an unseen companion. This sight was strange enough in itself, Dayel had never seen a troll who could use basic communication, let alone one who could articulate sentances! In most cases, the half-elf would have drawn Bloodletter and quickly dispached the meanacing brute, the enchanted blade could easily cleave the rock-though hide of a troll, but this ones intellegence gave him pause. And he nearly cried aloud when he saw the troll's companion. A faery! A troll had taken up with a faery!
Dayel followed quickly as the two moved off. He wanted to learn all he could about this facinating duo, maybe even make contact.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Bloodluck:

The day is going well until I have the captains of the hunt report to me. Of the hundred or so women who hunt, ten have rank. We sit together outside of my tent--the smoky air fills our lungs.

One of the captains holds her hand out in front of her, asking for the right to speak. With my approval, she tells us about one of her hunters. In a voice that no human would call feminine or sexy, she exclaims, "One of the girls happened across a sleeping troll during the morning hunt."

Gasps escape from a number of lips from the circle. "Silence!" I shout and nod at the captain to continue.

"She came to me as we were returning and since we were so laden with the meats, I thought it best to tell you than to return and leave the food behind."

"So," I exclaim, "you were just thinking about food! You were hungry for breakfast and you wouldn't want to lose lunch either!" Furiously, I continue, "You don't have to worry about that now! Go out into Ogrood and capture this Troll. Bring your girls and don't worry about lunch--you'll eat none today."

She opens her mouth to object; but, her mind reminds her not to. Closing her mouth, she nods an affirmation.

"I want it here, alive. Some sport for the children." Laughing lightly, I look back at her, "Now!"

 

[Gaston_McBain]

Angus

Angus sat at the table in the Drunken Wastrel and lifted up the last spoonful of his stew. Not the finest of meals but it filled him up just the same. He was reaching over for his pint of ale to wash the stew down when he heard the door open. A rather large man with long hair walked in. The imposing stranger looked around the room and stared at Angus for a second.

Angus felt a tinge of fear as he noticed that the stranger had a long scar and an eyepatch disfiguring his face. Obviously this man was not someone to be trifled with. However, he breathed a sign of relief as the stranger turned towards the bar and began to converse with the barkeep. Angus took another swig of ale and causally wondered who this mysterious stranger was.

Angus was almost done with his pint and was idly swirling the last mouthfuls of ale around in the glass when he heard the stranger speak:

"Good men of this land, if you are interested in making some coin adventuring these days, pay heed to what I have to say. I am taking a trip into the moutains, and looking for treasures long thought lost, I am in need of some able-bodied men and women not afraid to fight or afraid of the unknown."

If it were last month, Angus would have not given this announcement a second thought. However, he only had a month's worth of gold and knew that the Hillgroves were after him. Adventuring with this stranger would perhaps get the Hillgroves off his trail and supply needed gold. Having made his mind rather quickly, Angus took a deep swig of ale, summoned up his courage, and walked over to the man.

"Hello Adventurer" Angus said, "I am Angus of Les.. uh Angus the Dark, I am interested in your quest. Tell me of this journey"

 

[SpectralDragoon]

His reflection greeted him wearily as he looked into the small dirty mirror, water running from his face as he splashed it from the basin he had just filled. A nearby towel took care of the drips, and a brush took care of the snarls that had manifested in his hair during the night. He had untied the girl so she could at least have some comfort sleeping, now he offered the basin to her with a sweep of his arm. He secured his thick main of black hair behind his head with a simple leather tie, then fastened the buckle on his belt and slid his knife into its sheath at his right hip.

His eyes met hers and held them for a moment, in silent communication, before turning to open the door into the hallway. She was stunning. He had checked himself earlier when he found his eyes wandering over her form as she languidly stretched on the bed while in the progress of waking. The woman’s body alone was so distracting, with the exotic features given to her by Elven blood, and that was saying nothing of the intelligence that danced in her greyish eyes.

The sounds and smells of the common room of the Drunken Wastrel greeted them as they made their way down the stairs. Whispering in her ear, he asked her to purchase some breakfast and bring it for them. He took a seat at a table near a man wearing a patch and who was making a speech to all in attendance. He leaned in and listened even closer as another fellow, dressed in a kilt, asked for more information about the journey.

“Gold.” he pondered. “More is certainly welcome. If I can help out in this, and still hold her captive on the way, I’ll be that much more ahead of things. Hmm…” Devin stroked his fingers through the hair around his mouth and chin as he listened.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Dust

Journeying was hard and long, as always, but it needed to be done. I slowed the horse as I came to the large hill.
Shrugging, I thought, Why not here? It's a start. The hill was tall enough, and the land it sat on would probably be unowned land, or owned by the nearest town, too poor to properly use it. The landscape was wild, overgrown in many places and traveled by loners in others. I could tell that by the narrowness of the paths that led around. Single file, one at a time. Tradesman and soldiers didn't travel this way.
The land would be a good place to begin mining, trying to find a little of what we'd lost so long ago. Such treasure's were often found in small towns and wilderness, and this place seemed to hold the attributes of both.
I'd past the town to the south. That was where I needed to be, to make arrangements to purchase the land I needed here.
I headed for town, figuring I'd arrive sometime shortly after dusk.

 

[poohlive]

Roc couldn't help but keep moving. The fiary had landed on his shoulder, and began whispering, he nodded, already knowing. Anyone could smell a human a mile away. Foul pestering beasts, smelled like chicken shit. Literally, he wasn't drawing any sort of symbolism. He once smelled a human, and then chicken shit, there was absolutely no difference.
He ducked behind a large bush, before appearing on the other side, behind the human.
Typical, some wandering pest who had wandered into his forest. Should have paid heed to the rumors.
He let a growl come from deep within his throat as he folded his hands around his massive chest.
"You better give me a good reason why I don't smash your skull in right now."

 

[crysede]

River:
It was a relief to be allowed to sleep without being tied anymore, not that there was any hope of escape at the moment, but at least it left her considerably less stiff in the morning. After washing she removed the long tunic she slept in and pulled on her leggings and boots, throwing a clean shirt over the top, casting a glance to her captor to had swiftly turned his back. It amused her that her nakedness made him uncomfortable: her life on the road had insured that she herself had little modesty about such things (privacy was often a scarce commodity), and it gave her some small satisfaction to make this journey less pleasant for him.

He gave her a meaningful look before opening the door to their room, his deep green eyes holding hers for a long moment. He would be considerably less objectionable, she concluded, if his eyes were less attractive. She looked around the common room as she took a seat next to Devin, paying little attention to the scarred man's speech until she noticed her captor's interest in his words. Giving the serving girl a quick smile in gratitude for the food, River ate in silence, her attention fixed on the two men. He could hardly be planning to drag her along on some treasure hunt, could he?

 

[bobo_daclown]

Bloodluck:
In the village

With breakfast in the bottom of his stomach, Bloodluck decides it may have been unfair to have sent Three with the others to capture the troll. Although the chief of Bloodluck would never admit to being wrong, he knows better than to trust a small group of hungry females.

"Six!" The baritone voice yells across the large field. The men tending to gardens and to the animals ignore the shout, but one of the captains is quick to dash over to the chief. "Take your girls and the horses and make sure that Three and her girls are bringing the troll in without delay. She reported it here."

A quick glance at the map that Bloodluck points to is all that Six needs. At full sprint, she is back to one of the women barracks where she rouses the lounging sixth squad. The chief watches as they rush to the stables and then out through one of the houses.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Bloodluck:
Women hunters

They call her Three, as she is the captain of the group three. Missing breakfast to hunt down the troll is making the group rather hostile toward her.

Bird calls echo from treetop to treetop. The dense canopy hides the callers. Looking down from the leafy heights, the ogres communicate about their prey in the form of animal speech.

They watch the hefty troll talk to a sparkle on his shoulder. A Fae! Then, the troll does some maneuvering and confronts the human. Some of the ogres look to three, questioningly. Should they strike now? What could happen!?

A shrill Redtuft bird alert ends their thoughts. Instead, they rush into action. From eleven unique vantage points, the dark bulky forms drop to the ground, bending just slightly to absorb some of the downward momentum. The women of Bloodluck either hold spear or bow at ready as they announce their intent to the human and troll alike.

"We are the women of Bloodluck." Three tells the mismatched trio. "Troll, I am commanded to bring you to the village of Bloodluck where you will talk to our chief. Human, you are trespassing in Ogrood and shall be killed lest you plead for your life and seek a trial by our chief."

The ten other ogres stare at one of the enemy ready to raise their weapon, should it come to that. The long skirts wave in the wind as each of them hopes that the troll chooses not to fight. After all, a troll this big could probably kill four of them before they could arrest him. Not to mention that fae and the human. It would be a bloody fight, no doubt.

 

[Darklord]

Logan

Looking up at the man in the kilt as he talked, Logan sized him up quickly thinking...

"Tall, broad in the shoulders, and can probably swing a mean sword, I like the looks of this one." and with that he stood and offered him his hand.

"Angus, I am honored to meet you, but like you asked, let me tell you some of the trip before you decide to join me. I am known as Logan Farstrider, or just Logan to my friends and business associates." he said as they shook. When done with that, he motioned to the seat across from him, and sitting began to lecture Angus on the mission.

"If you decide to join me, we will be leaving by tomorrow afternoon, and we will be heading across Blackmarch to the Death Watch Mts. There we will be attempting to find the great hall of Greylin Great-Axe, the last dwarven king. I have been comissioned to obtain some items there for the last descendant of Greylin so that he may press his claim as the king of the dwarves. This will not be an easy trek, nor safe, but are you still interested?" he said to him, and sitting back some awaited his response.

 

[SpectralDragoon]

Devin watched River eat for a moment. His own porridge, thick and thankfully hot being moved about by his wooden spoon. As he listened to the details about the quest, he looked about the common room, trying to gauge how much of an interest the rest of the folks were taking in it.

"Dwarves..." he muttered under his breath, "if they want something that bad why don't they get it themselves?"

He continued to eavesdrop as he ate slowly, wondering on how feasible it would be to take part in the journey while burdened with the girl. His eyes met hers once again, searching for nothing in particular. Had she caught on to his line of thinking?

 

[crysede]

River:
Feigning disinterest she turned from Devin's searching glance and stared resolutely into her dish as she ate. Her ears, however, remained intent upon what was being said. The spark of excitement in her captor's eyes belied his show of unconcern, the lure of yet more gold and honor no doubt a near impossible temptation for one such as him to resist. She knew his type, she'd run into many other brash young adventure's on the road, the more dangerous the task the more eagerly the fools lined up to die for it, all in pursuit of illusory fame and fortune.

Not that it would be such a bad thing if he did join the man in his treasure hunt, she considered: it was possible that the presence of additional traveling companions might just provide the detraction necessary for her to escape. In any event, whether escaped or handed over to his employer, she would be long gone before the fools got themselves into real danger in the mountains.

 

[Gaston_McBain]

Angus

The mission discription sounded very dangerous and a little fool-hardy. Going through Blackmarch and then the Death Watch Mts., this man must have no fear!

However, he knew that had to keep moving and it seemed that this man was a competent adventurer. Against all better judgement, Angus said "Logan, I find your terms acceptable, I wish to join your quest" as he shook Farstrider's hand once more. Inwardly, he groaned as he wondered what he had gotten himself into.

 

[Madcap]

Dayel Brightleaf

Beg for his life? Beg to a group of Ogres? Hardly. Dayel turned to regard the speaker for the group. "My fine lady," he began, and as he spoke he withdrew his cowel and revealed his elven ancestry, "I may yet beg for my life, but rest assured it will be to a far finer lot then a rabble of ogres." At which point Dayel Brightleaf removed his cloak and revealed his fine elvish armour and drew his magnificant sword, which blazed with an inner light.
"If you want be to beseach forgiveness, come make me." He concluded.

Eleven to one. He hoped that the troll had similar feelings about being captured, or the half-elf was in for one hell of a fight!

 

[Darklord]

Logan

Smiling he shook the lad's hand, and gesturing to the seat next to him, began to write in the book. Soon enough he had all the information he needed from the lad to make the deal binding.

"Here ya go lad, all you to do is sign here on this line and we'll be all leaglly bound to do our parts." he said as he handed over the quill. While Angus contemplated the words written down, he spoke again..

"As far as pay goes it will be this, you'll get 100 Easthaven Ducats now to work, and a share of the treasure we will find on our trip. It will be equal to everyone else, and we get to keep as a group, half of all treasure found except four items which I will tell you of later. Is that good enough?" and he waited to see if would sign, which meant he accepted that part of the contract also.

 

[chewbacca71]

Rhuarc

Rhuarc Flamebeard had seen the band of dwarfs enter the city from the south gate. He quickly went to his shop and closed the doors in hopes that they did not see him. He peered about from his window, and saw a familiar face. It was Iron Stump, it had been a long time. Rhuarc longed to go and say hello to an old comrade, having met Iron Stump many times when he was a page for the king and he had visited his fathers smithy. But he was worried that the other dwarves would be angry that his family had fled in the end, from the destruction of the keep.

He sees them enter a residence a few houses away from the Smithy. He waits patiently to see what happens. After a short amount of time, he sees the dwarves come out following a tall human that has only one eye. Rhuarc is interested to see what Iron Stump had to do with humans , since he did not remember Iron ever being easy in human company. Rhuarc calls over one of his apprentices to watch the shop. He puts on a heavy cloak and leaves his shop by the side door.

The one eyed man had gone into a tavern, while the dwarves had gone back towards the gate. Rhuarc was torn, but he decided to follow the man. He followed him at a discreet distance. He enters the bar shortly after the man, and slinks along the left hand wall to see what the man does. He gets an ale from a servingwench and leans up against the wall.

He hears the man talk about a grand adventure to be had and sees men perk up at the mention of treasure. Rhuarc is not sure if this has to do with the business of the dwarves and moves closer so he can hear. The one eyed man starts to talk to a kilted young man, but Rhuarc can hardly hear what is being said. Then he steps around another tall human and hears the name of the old king of the dwarves mentioned. Then the mention of treasure is brought up.

Rhuarc wonders if the treasures of the Great king were what this one eyed man was after. The stories that his father had told him regarding this treasure piqued his interest. Yes he had a smithy to run, but one of his apprentices was almost ready to start his on his own and this may give him some practical experience. Rhuarc approaches the table where the two men are talking.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Bloodluck:
Six

Hearing loud voices ahead, six motions the others to stop. Two of the ogre women guard the horses as seven others follow Six forward. The voice ahead is definately not ogre and Six waves her gnarled fist, signaling the others to spread out and around the noise ahead.

Already, the other women are baring their weapons. Two with bows are creeping to opposite sides of the clearing ahead. Two more wave two short swords each. The three remaining peons each grasps her cudgel with spikes extending from the end of the club.

With the catcall reed in her mouth, Six inches forward, just about to spy the scene unfolding.