Game Thread Guardian of High Forest

Davion · #1 01-12-2011, 01:18 PM

Davion · #2 01-17-2011, 02:28 PM

The past few days had proven uneventful. You helped a badger and a beaver resolve a territory dispute. You healed a large bear, setting it's broken leg and mending it after the destruction of the hunters trap that had held it. Following the clues of that trap you soon found and destroyed a few others. Hunter's didn't usually foray this deep into high wood and this set back may remind them to keep to their own territory. Fairly uneventful anyway, especially compared to the adventures Orneus, the centaur, recently had in the depths of an ancient elven temple in high forest. He had played a large roll in helping to stop the demonic dream master and his usurper, Justin the ex-paladin from controlling a time altering dream world and manipulating reality. Orneus did well to help restore the balance that un-natural existence was creating. Orneus often pondered those adventures and the brave people he met along the way. The survivors had defeated the powerful Justin Mourningblade, not in impossible battle, but by realizing what was keeping that dream-world alive was their own living consciousnesses. It didnt' hurt that Josea the rogue had helped to 'permanently' put the sleeping body of Justin out of it's misery, trapping the ex-paladin inside the dreamscape. Those adventures had passed. The heroes had went their separate ways, back to their own lives with a vow to never forget and visit each other if ever possible one day. Orneus was glad for the peaceful mundane that he usually found patrolling the High Forest. This day was 'almost' as peaceful.

A mixture of hawks, song birds and other avian creatures flew north overhead. Orneus, familiar with the ways of all natural animals, knew that these creatures wouldn't fly in such proximity to each other or all in the same direction unless something was driving them to do so.. they were fleeing.

dragoncaster · #3 01-17-2011, 07:51 PM

Orneus quickly turned to the south the direction the birds were flying from. He had his bow on the ready, and his eye were sharp to anticipate any possible stampede of the forest animals.

He knew this forest very well, almost the back of his hand, and he collects in his mind the path ahead of him.

Tonbogiri was firm in his grip "Something stirs ahead, perhaps something more entertaining than traps, a taste of blood i hope" it telepathically spoke to him. Orneus had grown used to the spears vile personality, but it was of no influence, perhaps a more simple man may be turned mad by the spear, but Orneus harnessed the spears thirst well enough, thou it had grown more and more chatty and opinionated lately. "we will see" Orneus spoke back.

Orneus had adopted a new suit of armor recently the leather armor he acquired while on his latest big adventure. It fitted so much better and weight less than the ironwood breastplate he had worn. That breastplate remained at the grove for ceremonial events or reason.
Orneus began his movement to the south, in a investigative manner, not wanting to possibly run into an ambush of some sort.

dragoncaster · #4 01-18-2011, 09:23 AM

Davion · #5 01-18-2011, 09:48 AM

An ambush was quickly ruled out. The source of danger that drove the animals away could be smelt before you heard them which then confirmed them.. Orcs. From the sound of it, there were only a few. You approached a ridge and could tell they were just on the other side.

(How to you approach, if at all? - Move Silent?, etc.)

Being aware of the layout of this area you know that the ridge ahead has a thirty foot drop to the area you believe you hear the Orcs in. You also know that there is a path to the east that leads around into the area they are in if necessary.

dragoncaster · #6 01-18-2011, 02:01 PM

The smell was obvious, that smell of Orc. The wind was in his favor, their smells giving them away. He approached the ledge knowing it was a more tactical advantage and he only simply needed to get a glimpse of the situation to provide a more wise battle plan. The option of flight had already crossed his mind. Attacking them was still in the question, but what are they doing is the more interesting question. Orneus liked to observe first before rushing in. "sever a worms tail and the rest will flee to survive. Always more than it seems" You could start a list of all the Orc intentions in High Forest. It was important to keep the orcs under control, but it was simply wise to understand them too. With great skill he approachs the cliff with finesse of a feline on the hunt.

Davion · #7 01-18-2011, 03:18 PM

You approach the edge with typical woods-land stealth an observe the scene below, secure in the knowledge that you are unseen. Three orcs can be seen grumbling and yelling at each other in their own orcish language. They seem to be arguing. At their feet between them is a young humanoid child. The girl, either elven or maybe human, is sitting passively amongst them on the ground with her legs crossed. She is leaned over forward and is shaking from the sobs of crying. It looks like they might be fighting over her.

dragoncaster · #8 01-19-2011, 03:01 PM

"A child" as his heart sank into his chest. The situation just become more complicated. Orneus begins planning the battle in his head, so many options to consider now. "Orc blood!! Yes yes yeahhhhss" Tonbogiri said as Orneus gripped harder, and two wondrous eagle wings sprot from his back. Planning to ambush the orcs from above and landing on top of the child. He takes flight taking sight of the largest Orc and launches his spear. Orneus knew honor ran short in Orc blood, and if they were shaken enough they would rather save their own hides than fight. Considering they were already lacking strong leadership, now was the time to play referee! Tonbogiri takes flight towards the largest Orc as Orneus lands on top of or near to the child. Demonstrating poweress was key here.

Davion · #9 01-20-2011, 09:10 AM

Tonbogiri, the red tipped sentient spear, streaked through the air with deadly accuracy, ripping through one of the orc's chest, rending bone, lung and heart tissue that exploded out behind it's back as the serrated edge of the weapon did it's job. The orc dropped dead instantly as the spear disappeared from behind it and back into Orneus's hand as he dropped down atop the child, his legs acting like a protective cage around her. The other two orcs screamed in panic. The sight of one of their own dying in such a quick manner combined with the appearance of a pegasus-horse-man was too much for them. They fled screaming in bloody horror.

Then, very strangely, one of them stopped running. The orc turned and glared in your direction but it was obvious from the angle, even at this distance, that it was glaring at the child, not you. It hefted it's spear and prepared to throw.

dragoncaster · #10 01-20-2011, 09:48 AM

Orneus wings were at full spread adding to the intimidation factor. It was like heaven just dropped a super angel right on top the child. He knew the maneuver would be effective. "ahhhh that was a tasty treat, now slay him" Tonbogiri echoed in Orneus head as it absorbs some of the blood essence of the slain Orc and begins to glow with a orcbane effect. Wasn't a bad idea thought Orneus, with a slight squat to better protect the child and his shield lowered in front her he release Tonbogiri at the other Orc. "muahhhahahaa" Tonbogiri let loose at the last moment of release, Orneus knew he was making his spear happy today. Curiosity slips into Orneus mind, this child is important, or that Orc fears his master more than me.

Davion · #11 01-20-2011, 03:20 PM

Quicker than the orc, your spear reached the green bully before his arm had finished the throw and as he was blasted backwards his spear went flying at a high angle, landing tip down with a thunk only a few feet away. With a final check, the last orc was no where in sight to the north amongst the trees.
(+100 xp)

dragoncaster · #12 01-21-2011, 09:51 AM

Knowing the terrain tracking a fleeing Orc would be easy, his trail heavy and a path of broken limbs and branches would make it easy. Hr turns his focus to the child, observing it, checking it, and offering some rations of his own.

Davion · #13 01-24-2011, 08:53 AM

You step away from the child to get a better look at her. The child, human, looks to be about 8 years of age. Quiet sobbing could be heard from the girl, who had not looked up yet. She just continued rocking and sobbing. In her hands, on her lap where she sat cross legged, was a small doll that she was gripping tightly. It seemed to be a source of comfort for the child who you could hear whispering quietly to it, "It's going to be ok, it's going to be ok, it's going to be ok.. ", over and over.

dragoncaster · #14 01-24-2011, 02:23 PM

"where is your home? Your mother and father?" he spoke to her, keeping a lookout incase the other Orc wanted some attention. "little child if you want to go home you have to calm down and tell me where you came?" the trail from three orcs kidnapping a child should be easy to trace back. So Orneus was playing his options, track one Orc possibly back to his horde, take the girl home, or slay the other Orc before he informs the orcs. He decides taking care of the child will be first.

Davion · #15 01-25-2011, 12:23 PM

The little girl, hearing your voice and questions, looks up with tears in her eyes. Her eyes then go wide and she looks like she is about to scream but stops, looks down at her doll and holds it up to her ear as if listening to it speak to her. "We live near Karse.. but I don't know how to get back home.. are you an angel?", the finally asks after a pause.

You are aware of Karse but have never ventured there. It is to the south along the Heartblood river and as far as you know, it has been abandoned for years after the Harpers defeated the evil city of Ascalorn, which is now known as Hellgate Keep.