Croverus
2014-10-03, 07:51 AM
There is no cheering crowds, no parade through the tunnels or grand feast to wish them off. The five were picked for their skills. They could be called the best, but that wasn't fully true. The five knew this mission was practically suicide, but these days every dwarf let out a sigh of relief when they make it to their beds, and another sigh when they wake up alive. Such was life in this changed world, and only recently had the High King decided on his crazy plan.
They arrived at the deep tunnel entrances. The High King stood in the entrance chamber, along with 6 of his personal guard, the Lorekeeper, and Scoutmaster Yorick with one of his Scouts.
The Scoutmaster was the one to speak. "You will be passing through an old dwarven road that cuts through the underdark. It has been closed to all but the scouts due to its close proximity to a portal leading to some shadow plane. You can expect to see shades and undead on your path. My advice is to avoid combat unless you have no choice. You will travel through the tunnel for two days. Rest lightly, move quickly. The road will lead to a ruin, which you will climb stairs leading to the Outside. If you are on time one of my scouts will meet you at the top of the stairs three days from now, his name is Torpor. If he has not arrived by the fifth day since you left, assume him dead and move on. If he does meet with you he will pass on to you a map of the best route to Blood Gulch, and report on its inhabitants. Stay hidden, and may the gods watch over you, should they still be watching."
The High King spoke next, his voice a rumbling mountain ready to crash upon the evil creatures that threaten his people. "Yorick is sending Pellet with you to keep you on the road. The Scouts are spread too then to offer more help until you meet up with Torpor at the Tower Door. The Loremaster has also convinced me to allow him to accompany you. He promises me that even if the gods do not speak to us, they still empower him with his magic, and you will need him. And though I wish to join you myself, I must stay here, protect our people. My daughter, Bruana, on the other hand, thinks you all will fail without her shield arm."
One of the King's Guard removed their helmet to reveal short, braided red hair and a face that by dwarven standards would be considered pleasant. All who lived in the stronghold knew that the King's daughter was a capable fighter but few ever saw her in person. Now the five knew why. "Well if they went without me and bollocks it up, I'd hate to tarnish the pride of their spirits by finishing the job myself."
The King gave a laugh. "Indeed my dear. Now then, you five should be already. I must head back to the inner keep. Even if the old gods are dead, the prayers of our people are with you. Good luck." He and his guard saluted the five briefly, then they depart with the Scoutmaster, leaving Bruana, the Loremaster, and the Scout Pellet with the five.
Player list for easy reference:
TempestFury, playing Trygg the Fighter 7/Stalwart Defender 1, speaking in Green
drayen, playing Fkald Earthguantlet the Cleric(Forge Master) 8, speaking in Purple
unseenmage, playing Rith Uthurinth the Psion (Metacreativity)(Constructor) 8, speaking in Brown, his psicrystal will speak in Bold Brown
Keledrath, playing Harmuk Slayer 8, speaking in Orange
Prehysterical, playing Grundor the Fighter(Two Weapon Warrior) 8, speaking in Fire Brick
They arrived at the deep tunnel entrances. The High King stood in the entrance chamber, along with 6 of his personal guard, the Lorekeeper, and Scoutmaster Yorick with one of his Scouts.
The Scoutmaster was the one to speak. "You will be passing through an old dwarven road that cuts through the underdark. It has been closed to all but the scouts due to its close proximity to a portal leading to some shadow plane. You can expect to see shades and undead on your path. My advice is to avoid combat unless you have no choice. You will travel through the tunnel for two days. Rest lightly, move quickly. The road will lead to a ruin, which you will climb stairs leading to the Outside. If you are on time one of my scouts will meet you at the top of the stairs three days from now, his name is Torpor. If he has not arrived by the fifth day since you left, assume him dead and move on. If he does meet with you he will pass on to you a map of the best route to Blood Gulch, and report on its inhabitants. Stay hidden, and may the gods watch over you, should they still be watching."
The High King spoke next, his voice a rumbling mountain ready to crash upon the evil creatures that threaten his people. "Yorick is sending Pellet with you to keep you on the road. The Scouts are spread too then to offer more help until you meet up with Torpor at the Tower Door. The Loremaster has also convinced me to allow him to accompany you. He promises me that even if the gods do not speak to us, they still empower him with his magic, and you will need him. And though I wish to join you myself, I must stay here, protect our people. My daughter, Bruana, on the other hand, thinks you all will fail without her shield arm."
One of the King's Guard removed their helmet to reveal short, braided red hair and a face that by dwarven standards would be considered pleasant. All who lived in the stronghold knew that the King's daughter was a capable fighter but few ever saw her in person. Now the five knew why. "Well if they went without me and bollocks it up, I'd hate to tarnish the pride of their spirits by finishing the job myself."
The King gave a laugh. "Indeed my dear. Now then, you five should be already. I must head back to the inner keep. Even if the old gods are dead, the prayers of our people are with you. Good luck." He and his guard saluted the five briefly, then they depart with the Scoutmaster, leaving Bruana, the Loremaster, and the Scout Pellet with the five.
Player list for easy reference:
TempestFury, playing Trygg the Fighter 7/Stalwart Defender 1, speaking in Green
drayen, playing Fkald Earthguantlet the Cleric(Forge Master) 8, speaking in Purple
unseenmage, playing Rith Uthurinth the Psion (Metacreativity)(Constructor) 8, speaking in Brown, his psicrystal will speak in Bold Brown
Keledrath, playing Harmuk Slayer 8, speaking in Orange
Prehysterical, playing Grundor the Fighter(Two Weapon Warrior) 8, speaking in Fire Brick