[Game Thread] Fate's Pawn - Part 5, The Many Faces of Corruption

[Sombrero]

The collapse of the two-headed giant brought a certain amount of relief to Carlyle, as he had just finished putting another arrow to his bow string for a now unneeded shot. The fleeing worg momentarily draws the rogue's attention and he briefly takes aim at the creature, but it dart off into the brush before he can sight in on it.

Bending over to rest, using his bow to steady himself, Carlyle now feels the throbbing pain in his arm and side. He also takes note of the steady flow of blood coming from the wounds, and while not life threatening, they definitely need tending to.

“Learn a lesson…Ha! More than likely that ‘e would wake up an’ come after us with it’s evil heart bent on revenge…or even worse go find some more of it’s ilk ta help ‘im in tha task. I say we make sure that don’t happen, an’ if you don’t want ta do it, I’ll be more ‘n happy ta do it.”

Painfully standing up again he first looks over at Gragham and then to the other two, also awaiting to hear their say on the matter.

[BraveSirRobin]

Seeing the battle come to a close, the first thing that Jozan does is drop to a knee in prayer to Ka'Los. Blessed Live-Giver, we thank you for the power and resolve to banish the evil back to the depths from which they came... He continued on for a full minute in reverence to his god. Afterwards, he walks over to the others who are in conversation regarding the remaining Ettin. At this he looks somewhat suprised. There is nothing of that monstrosity that should be honored. We should Destroy it as quickly as possible, as Ka'Los dictates.

Rahn, meanwhile, simply listens to the conversation obviously not having many strong feelings about the subject. It is clear that he has no reservations of killing the creature while still asleep. He shrugs. I really see no advantage of keeping it alive. From what I understand of these creatures, they are little more intelligent then the animals they keep and unlikely to be much of a resource to us. We maybe could question him about Carter but it will take to long and we have already fallen behind our target. Plus we don't even know if they saw him.

It would seem that the group was decided. With one powerful stroke, Gragham drops his axe on the chest of the Ettin cleaving its heart in half. It convulses in one powerful and violent gasp, flailing its arms and legs and then stops moving.

Jozan looks on admiringly at Gragham. Please, your Excellency. Let me tend to your wounds, although I must say I am awestruck by how you stood against that beast. It was truly inspiring. He begins speak the words of prayer as he puts his hands on the dwarf. When he is done, the now familiar flow of power can be felt moving through Gragham's body healing his wounds. He then pulls out two potions and motions them towards Carlyle and Gragham. This should take care of the remainder of your wounds. I would like save some of my daily spells from Ka'Los for now.

cure serious wounds Dice Roll: (as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code) 3d8+21: (4, 5, 1) + 21 Total = 31

[Vintar]

Although relieved that everybody, including the pious cleric, agreed that ending the second ettin’s life was the right course of action, Gragham still felt something gnawing in the pit of his stomach. This may be the prudent, even right thing to do, but it was hardly honourable to kill a foe like this. He remembered his own thoughts when they were searching the spider pods in the tunnels under Sharl fortress… He was quite confident of his actions then, when they dispatched themselves of anything dangerous they uncovered… We are not in the position to be chivalrous. Okay, that was then. What about now?

As he stood over the sleeping giant, his axe raised high over his head, he sent a quick prayer to Ka’Los: Please forgive me for what I’m about to do. He then concentrated on making his aim true to ensure a quick death. After the deed, he pulled his axe out of the convulsing body and quickly turned away.

The praise coming from Jozan didn’t really help to gain some peace of mind. The healing touch of the cleric reminded the dwarf how wounded he actually was though, and as the worst of them mended themselves, he grunted as his many sore muscles and cracked ribs protested. ”Tank ye Jozan, still need eh bit more healin though… to yer health.” Gragham uncorked the bottle and savoured the warm feeling as more wounds closed up and cracked ribs became merely bruised. He wasn’t exactly fit as a fiddle, but at least he could breath and talk again without wheezing…

The dwarf flexed his muscles, testing his current condition, then strolled off to retrieve his horse. ”Kay, we all ready ter move on ehgain? Got sum cetching up ter do…”, he remarked, reaching into a saddlebag to grab a cleaning rag for his axe. Hm, I just realized I go through a lot of these things…

[Sombrero]

The deed was done, but not without Carlyle having a feeling of something kin to remorse, not for the giant but for Gragham. It was the look on the dwarf’s face after striking down the creature that caused the feeling. I should have done it… he thinks, knowing that even then it would have still bothered the dwarf.

He takes the offered vial, wincing as he uncorks it and drinks down the liquid, closing his eyes as its healing effects begin.

“Much obliged Joz, now let’s see where Carter an' tha rod’s are.” he says concentrating on the amulet, before also walking back to retrieve his horse.

[BraveSirRobin]

Both Carlyle and Gragham down the potions but it would seem that they would need further healing if they are to be fully prepared for what awaits them. As such, Jozan casts another healing spell and Rahn also contributes with his wand. After three uses, the group is now entirely healed and ready to head out. However, Carlyle earns himself a correction when he referrs to Jozan as "Joz". Where I come from, it is disrespectfull to call someone by a nickname, especially without asking first. Now that I have pointed out your error I hope that you will not do so again.

Before they can leave, however, Carlyle is suddenly struck by the realization that they hadn't searched the bodies. An oversight that someone with his past would never ignore for long. It might seem that simpleton brutes, like Ettins, might not have anything of value but it is often suprsing what could be found on such creatures. Plus, it was clear that these particular Ettins were in the business of ambushing random travellers most likely for treasure. A quick search of the bodies confirmed this. Carlyle discovered a number of random personal posessions, most of which was worthless, ranging from combs to a broken lute. There was gold however and a number of items which he did think could be valuable. Between Rahn and Jozan they were able to identify the items as magical.

Ettin Loot 300gps 1 potion of cure light wounds 1 potion of Bulls Strength 1 Wand of Cat's Grace (50 charges) Lens of Detection

With that completed, the group could now turn back to the buisness of catching up with Carter. He was now several miles ahead of them and almost at the edge of the device's ability to track him. As such, they made haste and rode quickly after him. A few hours past and the sun was now low in the sky on this cold, clear afternoon. They had managed to make up some lost ground on Carter but the horses were now growing tired, they wouldn't be able to continue this pace much longer and luckily they didn't have to. Carlyle was able to report that Carter was now stopped.

With their target stopped moving, they are able to slow down their pace and even dismount and walk the horses, relieving them of their burden. Eventually they approach a small hill and rock face, with a cave enterance in the side of it. From the reading the amulet is giving it would seem that Carter is somewhere in that cave, below the hill. There is only one problem in reaching him now. The dozens of orcs camped out in front of the cave enterance.

From a concealed vantage point about 1,000 feet away, the party can see six large tents, numerous horses, cook fires and what appears to be at least 17 orcs milling about plus however many others are in the tents. The space between the group and the orcs is well covered by trees and other growth, but there still would be a more then good chance that they could be spotted when approaching, especially by so many eyes.


Time: Late Afternoon
Day: Toil Day
Date: 8th of Wintersmonth
Weather: Cold
Lighting: Fading Daylight
Conditions: Slight Wind but clear
Status:
Rahn: 39/39
Gragham: 81/81
Carlyle: 39/39
Jozan: 55/55

[Rahn Dahle]

Rahn scanned the situation in front of the group and thought deeply. While he was quite confident that his team mates could handle the orcs if necessary, he was uncertain if it would be wise. Not only would they take potential damage, but they would also be slowed down and could perhaps alert Carter to their pursuit. Thus, he posed a question to the others.

"Well, it seems that we have an obstacle between us and our goal. The question is...do we want to fight through it...taking valuable time and health...or, do we want to sneak past it and first deal with Carter...then later deal with the orcs on the way out?"

Pausing for a moment to let his words sink in, he continued.

"Now, I am fine with either option, for I have ways to help in both...but...to me...I would rather try to bypass the orcs now and deal with them later...if necessary. What says the rest?"

[Sombrero]

Well of all the arrogant Basta…

The rogue clenches his jaw as he bites back the swelling of anger at being rebuffed, but then he remembers the row that happened at the first meeting with Mule. Carlyle quickly glances at Gragham with a raised eyebrow, before answering the preist.

“Master Timberpond…in my circles, nickname’s are a way of showin’ respect ta someone… by callin’em somethin’ other than their formal given name. But do forgive my error, and if Jozan is what you wish ta be called then Jozan it shall be…”

Considering the matter closed, he moves off to the task of searching the giants, something that he had nearly forgotten to do.

Then it was onward after Carter, which after making up some ground, thankfully the rest of the days ride was uneventful coming to an halt at their present location. Considering Rahn’s words Carlyle is less sure of the situation than the almar seems to be “Hmm…Do ya think that this is tha meeting place for Carter ta hand over tha rod, or is he just stopping for tha night?”

“What do ya think Gragham, do ya want me ta take a chance and use tha hat ta make me look like an orc, and go find out what’s going on.”

[BraveSirRobin]

Jozan makes no effort to hide his disdain of the ideas presented by Rahn and Carlyle. If this isn't the meeting place then where did the orcs come from? It isn't like this Halfling left Asylum with them. This obviously part of the group that they were meeting. He states to Carlyle with arms crossed before turning to Rahn. As for trying to bypass the Orcs and leave them at our flank while we go to face who knows what inside the cave is...well, frankly...ill advised. Right now we are at nearly full strength and can take them by suprise. Even if they don't happen to flank us whill engaged with Carter and his men, I can guarantee you that we won't have the same advantages the second time around we face them. Its too big a risk. Obviously the thought never occured to the priest that the group might be able to sneak by the group a second time when they exited the caves. Or maybe he had and dismissed it since, in his mind, they should never leave a fighting force of Orcs alive.

[Vintar]

As he was giving his axe just a quick polish with a second rag (an oiled one now) to clean off the last traces of blood, Gragham watched how Jozan gave Carlyle a verbal slap on the wrist –or, in Carlyle’s case, a smack in the face. He would have rolled his eyes at the cleric’s complete and utter lack of empathy just after surviving a battle like this one… Having come to known Carlyle and his aversion towards authority –especially when being talked down to, the dwarf stiffened and waited, hoping that his friend wouldn’t drive a fist in the cleric’s gut… not a knife, he knew Carlyle well enough to also know that the rogue could restrain himself enough, but a good right hook… I know I would have treated the bugger to a good leftie…

Carlyle, however, gave him a meaningful look and the arched eyebrow, and Gragham, feeling quite relieved, returned it with gleeful smirk. Ah, nicknames… who knew that one man’s blessing is another man’s curse? He thought about it for a moment, then came to the conclusion that he liked nicknames. And that the heavy stone in his gut had already dissolved a bit.

As Carlyle moved away to check the rod’s location, Gragham treated him to a good-hearted punch against the shoulder and took over the conversation. ”Eh, yennow Jozan…”, he began, moving to clasp an amiable hand on the cleric’s shoulder, then thinking the better of it; ”Sum folk nay see eye ter eye on sum aspects o’ life, but still need ter work tergether. Trust each other an’ all dat.” He motioned towards his horse and gestured Jozan to come along: ”Ye wanne drink o’ water? Eh battle makes eh bloke thirsty. It also tends ter bring folk tergether, yennow, ‘avin survived an’ all…” The dwarf reached into his saddlebag and pulled out his waterskin: as he handed it to Jozan, he now looked him straight in the eye. ”Eh battle can be good sumtimes, ‘specially if it causes folk put aside them differences an’ reach out… It be me experience dat outstretched hands be good ter accept, fer dey nay come often.” he kept his gaze intently on Jozan for a few more moments, then decided to lighten the mood. ”Well, what it be lads? On ter loot sum more looters an’ plunder dem plunderers?”

Their pursuit was blissfully uneventful, and Gragham was quite pleased that their delay hadn’t caused them to lose Carter and his fake rod. It was also a good chance to reflect a bit more on his dilemma with the ettin, and, with the body out of sight, it was quite a bit easier to convince himself that it had been a wise choice, and likely the salvation of many future travellers.

When they had to stop and Rahn and Carlyle began the discussion on how to move further, Gragham listened, frowning as he stared at the tiny campfires in the distance. ”Well, I nebber prefer ter slip inter eh cave wid Ka’Los knows what inside, an’ eh few dozen orcs blockin’ us only escape… unless dere be eh secret exit, like dem ol’ temple wid Natasha”, he growled. ”On dem odder hand, attackin’ em head-on be givin’ Carter enuff time ter escape, an’ also he be knowin’ dat we be able ter follow ‘im somehow…”

The dwarf scratched his beard. ”Aye, righ’ we wanner bypass dem orcs… but Carlyle be righ’, we nay know if he jus’ be ‘ere ter spend dem night. Best nay ter trust dem hat too much Carlyle, I be sure dat even them ugly dogs be able ter recognise eh stranger from each odder… We need eh chance ter find out more somehow…” He sighed, stared at the campsite, squinted, then began to smile. ”Well, we ‘ave dem time ter do sum scoutin’, aye? Dem boots o’ yers nay leave marks in dem snow, Carlyle, an p’haps dem hat allows ye ter blend yer colours wid dem surroundin’ forrest? Do we still ‘ave sum sort o’ invisibility spell? Dat be enuff fer Carlyle ter get ‘imself quite close…” His grin broadened. ”After yer firs’ scout, we wait till one o’ dem orcs goes off fer eh piss, ter find sum firewood… we surprise ‘im quietly, an’ dat provides ye, Carlyle wid an ugly face ter r’member… Den ye can take him place an’ look round in dat dere cave while we hide dem body o’ dem real bugger…”

[Rahn Dahle]

[backpost to help BSR with item management]When Carlyle wisely searched the ettins and found their loot, Rahn spoke up about the potential distribution according to need.

"Hmmm, the gold we should evenly split now, but the healing and strength potions should go to one or more of our frontliners. It also seems wise for the Lens to go to our scout Carlyle. And of course, since I am handy with wands, I should hold onto that for use on any of us whenever needed. How does that sound?"[/backpost]



Rahn took all of the input from the others in stride without giving any outward sign of emotion. Even though Jozan appeared to be a bit cantankerous, the beguiler kept his mouth shut on the subject since he felt that Carlyle and Gragham were handling the situation quite well. He thought back to the time when Mule joined the group and how he had to smooth over the conflict. This did not yet appear to be such a problem, thus, he decided to hold off his input unless things got worse. Sometimes, a good influencer needs to let the natural course follow its own path. This was one of those times in Rahn's opinion. Therefore, he only addressed the strategy at hand and let the others resolve their disputes in their own way.

Nodding to no one in particular, the almar replied.

"OK, excellent input all. I really like the idea of performing an initial search before we commit to any one plan. I can provide invisibility to Carlyle..or all of us...in order to find the primary information we need. From that scouting trip, we could then decide the next best step forward. I only need to know when we are ready to go...I can then provide my special touch to make things work."

Rahn was aware that he was not showing any special support of Carlyle in his tiff with Jozan...unlike Gragham's subtle help...but the almar hoped that the rogue understood his reasons. Furthermore, he knew that the rogue was quite capable of the task that was being discussed and did not want to take any more precious time away from the preparation needed to pull it off.

[BraveSirRobin]

At Gragham's words, Jozan seems to pause to consider them. Hmmm...scouting does make sense. I certainly would like to know exact numbers of these orcs and if there are any more in the tents or caves. He then turns to face Carlyle once more. Too bad you couldn't speak orc. If you could just overhear what they are saying it might save you from having to actually risk yourself by going in the cave. I had a spell that could have helped you but I used it up in my healing.

[Vintar]

Gragham nodded back at the cleric: "Aye, would o' been useful, though I nay blame nay 'un fer wantin' ter learn such eh foul tongue." He grinned, then looked over at Carlyle. "So, what it be? Are ye in fer it or are ye gonna let us die o' fros'bite?"

[Sombrero]

Carlyle doesn’t even realize that while not totally ignoring the priest, he subconsciously discounts Jozan’s input on matters versus those of Gragham’s or Rahn’s. During the fight with the two headed giant, Jozan had gained some respect and gratitude from the rogue, but the priests arrogance and contempt afterwards had pretty much nullified those gains.

“What are ya getting on about? It ain't cold out here…" he says looking down at his boots and then looking back up at Gragham with a bit of a smirk he adds his thoughts to the plan."...I like Rahn’s idea of invisibility, and add tha use of tha cat’s grace wand we picked up of tha oaf, I should be able ta get close enough ta hear what is being said. Then, like ya said, we can off one of ‘em, which would give me a good image ta go by for using tha hat.”

Afterwards he turns to Jozan with a smug look and replies. “And as a matter of fact, Jozan…I CAN speak orc. That’s how I was goin’ ta find out what’s goin’ on in tha first place…”

[BraveSirRobin]

Jozan raises an eyebrow at Carlyle's announcement of being able to speak Orc, but says nothing. Instead, he just simply stands there with arms folded as Rahn prepares Carlyle for his mission. With a quick word and gesture the rogue disappears from sight. The rest can only assume that he is now heading towards the Orc camp and cave enterance.

[Secret text for Sombrero]


Nearly a half an hour passes and there is no sign of Carlyle. There doesn't appear to be any commotion or anything unusual transpiring in the camp so the only assumption that can be drawn is that he is still hiding. Jozan grows anxious, his fist wound tightly around his mace and his eyes focused squarely on the Orcs looking for any sign of Carlyle's discovery. He blinks, his eyes growing tired of the intense stare. So how long should we give him? You don't think he went in the cave do you? And by the way Gragham, where did you say you found this Carlyle? I don't know too many that speak orc. Does he have a military background?

[Vintar]

After about ten minutes’ worth of waiting, Gragham had already stood up for the first time to walk around in circles amidst the cover of the tress, stomping his feet to keep the blood flowing and to ward off the cold seeping in from his freezing metal armour. He kept doing this routine regularly, accompanied with the occasional small talk –which turned out to be mainly with Rahn, as Jozan didn’t appear to be very chatty.

He was standing next to Jozan again when the cleric suddenly blurted out his thoughts. Distracted from his thoughts, Gragham frowned and looked away from the orc campsite to face the young human. ”I reckon Carlyle be awrigh’: it nay be dat we saw sum sort o’ commotion or annehting down dere. He nay be eh military man, but he be able ter give any scout eh run fer him money…” He sighed an started moving again, not so much to warm himself up as to get some distance between himself and the man who was starting to get on his nerves. ”We met in Sharl fortress which, as ye prob’ly know, now be in dem ‘ands o’ Vranq an’ him bleedin’ orcs”, he continued casually; ”Knowin’ Carlyle, he prob’ly picked up him bits o’ orc tongue righ’ den an’ dere, from dem guards, sum orc pris’ners… Dem buggers were ev’rywhere.”

The dwarf cast gave Rahn a meaningful look as he trundled over the small circular trail he had formed during his frequent little strolls. This Jozan character seems to be a bit judgemental… Best not to tell him about Carlyle’s background just yet or we might find him demanding that Carlyle be hanged or something! He rolled his eyes at the thought. I need my pipe. Too bad we can’t risk them smelling it.