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[Respite] - Factions
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#401Master Taryer looked up at Jhoric.
"I believe you may have seen him already - he left Windell's office a short time before. His name is Jaegarmond. Not quite sure what he is though. Anyway, I have another appointment to see to."
Jhoric took his leave and found himself back in his room, where he found the earthlike being he saw previously, and whome he assumed was Jaegarmond, looking curiously at the hole in the wall..
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#402Fafnir rushed into strike at the scorpion, his scimitar slashing down. The blade struck the right claw of the beast and bit through the chitinous armor into the flesh beneath. It gave a fearsome hiss and smashed back with its claw, striking Fafnir. The massive, spiked tail slashed down, but buried its point in the soft earth scant inches from Fafnir's foot.
A thrown spear struck the scorpion's torso and imbedded itself, but the scorpion appeared oblivious to the injury. It coiled its tail back for a second strike at Fafnir, but a second lizardman closing to attack caught the creature's attention. Again the tail lashed forward and struck the lizardman full in the face. A shower of blood followed and the lizardman gave hideous scream as he fell back clutching his face.
Toboran found the gate easy enough, but entry was not so easy - a stream of lizardfolk was pouring out. He fought through the crowd, barely avoiding being trampled by the frenzied horde.
Once through, he saw a group of about ten lizardfolk confronting a huge scorpion. Two lizardfolk were already down, convulsing - probably from poison.
"Great," he thought, "even the bugs are huge here."
Fafnir: 6 Points with the Scimitar. Took 6 points from scorpion claw.
Round Two.
Initative order:
1. Lizardman NPC group #1
2. Fafnir
3. Giant Scorpion
4. Toboran
5. Lizardman NPC group #2
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#403Balin found the guildhall easily enough - being the most war-ready structure in the inner ring. He had heard that a second hall was being built in the outer ring - less walking to where warriors were needed, but they would keep a structure in the inner ring. Already the inner ring was associated with prestige and importance, and was the only place where stone structures were being built so far.
Balin found much the same reception as Toboran had with the outer guildhall. The place was largely deserted except for a handful of gaurds. They also advised him to come back in the evening where there would be more warriors about. Some would be interested in such an expedition for sure, but would also require payment for their services.
As he was stepping out of the guild, wondering what to do for the next few hours before sunset, he was approached by an armored warrior, perhaps by the quality of his gear, a knight.
"Hello good sir - I've seen you about. Would you happen to know the name of the warrior you travelled with yesterday? Not the half ogre but the fellow with the spear?"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#404Fafnir muttered a curse under his breath, the beast was tough but this bug was gonna get squashed. He needed a way in through the beast's tough hide. He struck again seeking only a fraction of a gap in the beasts armored carapace.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#405"Why yes, I believe his name was Toboran, though I may be mistaken," Balin replied. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#406"You must be Jaegarmond," Jhoric said after a slight cough, trying not to startle this being. "Don't mind the hole," He said, offering a handshake. "I just had a nightmare last night, that's all." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#407Jaegarmond took the proffered hand and shook it, taking stock of the man in front of him as he did so. "Master Windell didn't mention that I'd be sharing these quarters with anyone else. I hope we can live together peaceably. In what area lies your training?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#408"I'm a bit different from most people around here; I don't have much in the way of formal training. My powers are chaotically aligned in nature. I can create blasts of eldritch energy and a few other tricks. Perhaps my greatest boon is the ability to do these things many more times in a day than your typical mage." Jhoric stated. "Actually, I haven't even found my limit yet."
He smiled. "I'm sure we will get along fine. In fact, I may have a job for you, if you are interested in exploring this new world of behalf of the Mage's Society. We could discuss it more during dinner, if you like. A friend of mine, Balin, a dwarf, left to recruit from the Warrior's Guild not too long ago. He should be back by then."
Jhoric's eyes were once more drawn to the mysterious package he had next to him. "Make yourself comfortable, I'm just going to open this package I received."
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#409Jhoric opened his package. Jaegarmond didn't see much - it looked like an amulet of some metal, but more then that he could not see from that angle..
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#410The small mob of lizardmen threw themselves in a frenzy at the huge creature, stabbing at it with spears and smashing with axes. Though its hard carapace deflected many a strike, a few landed and the ground was becoming stained with it's ichor.
Fafnir launched a powerful strike but this time his enchanted blade glanced off the shell, narrowly striking one of the other frenzied lizardfolk.
The scorpion struck back with claw and stinger - its left claw swatted aside one of the other lizardfolk, and its right narrowly missed Fafnir. Its tail lashed forward once more, and once more a lizardman screamed as its point rammed home.
Your move Drackler! -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#411Jaegarmond began unpacking his things, stowing them where they wouldn't be in the way yet wouldn't be lost at the same time. He glanced at Jhoric and his package. "Anything significant?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#412With a yell, Toboran charged, spear at the ready towards the scorpion. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#413Jhoric's pondering over this odd item were interrupted by Jaegarmond's question.
"I'm not sure. There are few things it could be. I need to study it further. Give me a moment." Jhoric focused on the amulet, trying to discern any magical properties it might have, if any.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#414Toboran lunged forward with his spear. The Scorpion, unaware of the Ranger's presence, was an easy target and Toboran's spear struck home. Not a fatal wound, the spear still bit deep and the scorpion was aware of his presence now.
More lizardmen struck at the scorpion from all angles, like dogs baiting a bear, but only Shathathia was able to land a blow with her spear. The spear dug into one of the scorpion's pincers.
Toboron inflicted 12 points with his spear.
Round the next. Attempting anything beyond stabbing away?
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#415Outside Warriors guild, Inner ring
The knight gave Balin a broad smile and said "You have my thanks, good sir!". He turned and walked away.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#416Jhoric went into a trance-like state for a few moments. He snapped out of it and looked as if he had just woken up. After staring at the amulet for a few moments and thinking about what he had discovered he decided it was safe to wear but maybe not to display. He slipped the leather cord over his neck and tucked the amulet into his shirt.
"So, Jaegarmond, what skills do you possess?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#417"My interests have always been in enchantments, creating interesting and useful magical items. Unfortunately, my research was cut short by the Coming of the Horde. As of now, my main ability lies in evocation and battle magics. I'm hoping to change that, now that I have a location of relative safety to work in.
You mentioned a job opportunity a moment ago. Shall we discuss it over dinner then?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#418Fafnir grunted, once again sending his sword into the beasts face. He wondered briefly why this creature was here. Maybe hunger, or perhaps something more?
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#419Round Three!
Again the swarm of lizardfolk rained axe blows and spear strikes against their chitlinous foe. Many a blow glanced off the carapace, but some still struck true and the scorpion began to show signs of slowing down.
Fafnir, seeing an opportunity, stepped in close and slashed at the scorpion's head. The blade found a crease and carved deep, sending a shower of ichor. Staggering about, the scorpion lashed out blindly, though without effect.
Finally, even as the scorpion was teetering near death, Toboran once more thrust with his spear and caught the fell beast full in the back of its head.
For a moment, the scorpion hung transfixed like a collected moth, then its form simply ceased to be, fading out like a daydream.
The death throes of a handful of lizardfolk belied the dream, the poison still doing its grisly work.
Fafnir's strike did 15 points (critical strike) and Toboran's did another 12. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#420Toboran ran to one of the lizardfolk to try and discern his condition,
"We need a healer!", he yelled toward the remaining lizards. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#421Balin was unsure of where to go. He finally decided to go back to the Mage's Guild and return to the Warrior's Guild after dinner if he could. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#422Shathathia was at the side of one of the fallen lizardfolk. A short prayer, and the convulsions stopped. The lizardman looked at her and hissed his thanks. Nearby, two more of the lizardfolks stopped moving as well, but for a grimmer reason.
"Where did it go?" said one of the other warriors standing nearby. The others stood eying Toboran cautiously.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#423Becky looked at Rajani, and then back at her brother. "She's a little small for you, isn't she?" she said with a smile. Suzie sighed audibly and gave her sister an elbow to the ribs.
"Its always good to have visitors," said Suzie, " ignore Becky please - we're all not like that!"
"Supper will be ready soon - the Harnins managed to catch a bunch of porcupines. Not too hard to catch, but a devil to dress I'll tell you!"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#424"I am not, as has seemingly popped into your minds, responsible for the disappearance of the beast", Toboran told the lizardfolk, "I am as astonished by the lack of a corpse as you surely are". -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#425Fafnir murmured aloud " a cursed beast it takes to leave no corpse". In truth he was deeply disturbed by this unnatural creature. What monster would leave no body? It was against the order of things or more disturbing yet, it was not dead. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#426"If you wouldn't mind, I would like to take a look at some of the animal's quills. It was common... I know that they can be used for needles to sew up injuries, if they are small and keen quills." Rajani said. "I can help you clean the animals if you wish." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#427Gideon poked his finger at Rebecca, adding triumphantly: "You did not count in greatness of spirit!" He crossed his arms in front of his chest, smiling merrily.
"So, is there anything these sausage fingers of mine can do around here?" -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#428"Well, Gideon, Old man Knaris is working on wall sections up there," she pointed, "he would love the help.
Lady Rajani, we're not ones to turn down help here, so if you follow me, I'll bring you to the kitchen. We got most of 'em dressed, but I'm sure there are a couple left."
A short walk found the kitchen - in the back of the stone section of the house. Indeed, it seemed most of the porcupine were still untouched. A young woman sat at the table trying to remove a quill from her hand, cursing in a most unladylike manner until she saw Suzie, and more importantly, Rajani.
"Jani! This is Rajani. She's going to help you with the porcupines", said Susie.
"Who's she?" she said, suspicious of the newcomer, even as she winced in pain from the quill.
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#429"Here, let me help you with that." Rajani said. She took the injured woman's hand in her, inspecting the injury. She turned it from one side to the other, looking at the point of penetration. The wound looked bad, already red and inflamed. The unpolished quills would be barbed like a fish hook, it wouldn't be easy to remove the quill. She rummaged around in her satchet for a moment and produced a small paper packet of powder. "This is Almaisin's dust, I dont really have enough left for it's intended purpose but for this it should do fine."
Rajani spinkled a small amount of the pale green powder around the wound. The leaking blood seemed to soak up the substance. Within a few seconds, the pain left the wound and Jani's wound stopped throbbing. "It might be better if you looked away." Rajani said, removing a deceptively small knife from her pack. The blade gleamed, and she made a small incision beneath the quill. Blood welled up from the cut and Rajani started to rotate the quill away from her while pulling it gently out. Within a moment, the bloody spine was free of Jani's hand.
(OOC - consulted the vet wife on how to remove a porcupine quill)
She dabbed the blood away from the wound. "The feeling should return in an hour or so, but until then you might not want to do too much with that hand." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#430Seeing nothing more for him to do, Toboran stood and began walking toward the gate out. As he walked, he looked around interestedly at the various buildings and other constructions. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#431Fafnir guessed that the healers could handle the wounded and followed the human out. Walking quickly he tried to catch up to him and called out " Wait warmblood! You have done these Lizards a favor, I must have your name." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#432Jhoric looked out the hole he had blasted in the wall and judged the time by what he could see. "Looks to be getting around dinner time, I suppose. Early is usually better, but acorn paste is still acorn paste no matter when you eat it. You do eat, right? I don't mean to offend. It's just that the only, uh, living part of you seems to be eyes. Anyway, I'm sure you can find something to nourish you." Jhoric rambled as they made their way to the dining area. -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#433Suzie looked at Rajani with additional respect. "Well, that is a great service you have done Lady Rajani! Jani would likely have gnawed her own hand off had you not helped," she said, smiling at Jani. "Now of course, we'll need your help with the porcupines more then ever."
"Why couldn't they have caught a deer?" pouted Jani. "I know how to dress deer." A large gray dog padded in, stopped by Jani and looked hopefully over at the porcupine carcasses.
Gideon found Old man Knaris easily enough. He uttered profanities with every axe swing, whistling cheerfully between curses.
He looked up at Gideon's approach, and a broad smile crossed his features. Apparently remembering himself, his face drew back into an exaggerated frown and hollered at Gideon.
"Oh, there ya are, you old shrimp. Heard ya went gallivanting through the woods on some fools errand? Wassat so? Hmm. Well, give an old man a hand here."
Old man Knaris was actually little above thirty, but had hair as gray as any elder. He gained the nickname naturally, but had adopted it to such a degree that many were fooled into thinking him old, but remarkably well preserved.
"Don't just stand there - come on!"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#434Toboran turned back to the lizard that had called to him.
"If you ask, I suppose I may answer, Coldblood. My name is Toboran Redhand, lately of another place." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#435"Ah, honest work! I can never resist that!" Gideon laughed, and stripped down to his trousers, and proceeded to work on the palisade. He loved when he could make his size useful.
"Yeah, we have been rescuing some loggers from the woods; something mean and mad runs the things there, driving beasts insane and plants as well. We've smitten it mightily, but I think it will be back for more."
A tree trunk hewn into shape, he lifted it and planted it in the hole, wiped the sweat from his brow, and proceeded to work on another. At least he would deserve his lunch!
"Soon, I am off to try getting killed again; I'll assemble a band, and we'll be off to find ore. Do you know of a good prospector? If you don't, I bet father will." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#436Balin found his way to the common room, and found among the other magi present, Jhoric sitting with the oddest being he had yet seen. A figure of earth, though with human-like eyes, sat wearing long robes and talking shop with Jhoric.
Jhoric saw Balin and called him over...
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#437"Well Toboran Redhand, they call me Fafnir. I am sorry if I came off as rude, I am stunned that a hu... human would help the Lizards. You are one of kindness... Thank you." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#438"Prospector eh?", Knaris said between swings of the axe.
"Turns out we got an older gentle rooming here. He's good with his hands and apparently knows even how to make iron and bronze. Missin' a leg though, so he's a bit slow. His name's Estrick and he'll be at dinner tonight - I'm not sure where he is right now."
The hard work made the time go by quickly, and it was not too long before the ringing of a cracked bell announced dinnertime. Gideon knew the bell well - he had tried fixing it one time before, but it would not yield to any of his efforts. The brazing he tried to use ran like water off the ancient object, and the bell would not take heat from his forge. It was one of the few less important items his family brought with them on their escape.
The dinner was good, given what was available. His sisters had worked wonders with the porcupine - it was quite tasty, if a little gamey.
Gideon heard someone coming up behind him, the loud thumping announcing the arrival of Estwick the prospector.
"Heard you are looking for a prospector, Gideon, is that so?"
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Re: [Respite] - Factions
#439"Lizards or not", Toboran replied, "They were in need of help, so I gave it to them. You need not think that you were rude, as I took it in no way as being such." -
Re: [Respite] - Factions
#440" You seem quite able with that spear, perhaps a quest might interest you? I was thinking that Respite cannot be all that is, and I wish for companions to aid my search for more in this small world."