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mshady
2007-10-20, 07:18 PM
Heretic's Bane - Barakbar Group

Chiefwaha – Carmard – Dwarven Sorcerer
Nexus R.C. Mina – Dreka Stoneshadow – Duergar Rogue
Yeygresh – Unknown – Dwarven Cleric

Delzoun was once a great shield dwarf empire, perhaps the greatest after ancient Deep Shanatar. Their strongholds filled the Underdark and a few of them even rose to the surface. During the ancient times, Delzoun and the Netherese had been both allies and neighbors. The Delzoun dwarves sent exotic metals and fine armaments to the voracious Netherese out of the dwarven port city of Ascore. In exchange, the Netherese used their magic to improve dwarven civilization with all manner of wonders. One of the greatest remaining products of Netherese aid is the Low Road that crisscrossed the Fardrimm and united Delzoun.

One of the smaller Delzoun strongholds in the Underdark was Citadel Barakbarr, meaning Shield City as it guarded the Empire’s southwestern flank. Geographically isolated from the rest of the Empire, it was much more a fortress than a city. Towards the end of both Netheril and Delzoun, both were increasingly hard pressed by their enemies. While the Netherese could defend themselves against Phaerimm in combat with their powerful magic, the Delzoun had comparatively little magic and were nearly defenseless against the Phaerimm. Seeking to conduct research against the phaerimm far from their enemies, the Netherese enclave of Opus sought a location far removed from their phaerimm enemies and asked their Delzoun allies for use of one of their Citadels. In exchange, Opus established a mythallar and shared spells with the rare dwarven wizards while helping to train more of them to defend against phaerimm attacks. Indeed, Barakbarr would become Delzoun’s center for arcane study second only to Ascore. With the mythallar allowing for powerful wards and magic weapons within its radius, the Netherese also created a hub of portals linking Barakbarr to other Enclaves and some other locations similar to Ascore. The already isolated citadel now became impregnable.

When Karsus slew Mystryl in -339, the Netherese quite literally fell. Delzoun lost its most important ally and its final decline began shortly thereafter. Refugees from Low Netheril fled to dwarven territory and beyond in the aftermath, establishing some of the first human settlements. The remaining Opus Netherese in Barakbarr who had not already left before Netheril fell disappeared shortly before the actual fall. Without the Netherese, the dwarves of Barakbarr were unable to maintain the portal network themselves. As a safeguard against others using the portals if captured, they required constant maintenance by the Netherese. The mythallar soon faltered as well, providing the most limited abilities. Still enormously dangerous, the dwarves of Barakbarr sealed it in a chamber.

Without the portals and the increasing isolation of the Delzoun citadels from one another due to constant warfare in the Underdark, Axelord Besander XII established a surface trading post in -334 DR or face starvation. Known as Besander’s Blockhouse, it is the site of modern Everlund in the Silver Marches.
The fortified trading post sat at the head of the Rauvin River and some civilization grew around it, mainly refugees from Low Netheril. Few suspected Citadel Barakbarr lay below the surface outside of the dwarves. Even the surface became too hostile as the region was flooded with orcs and other monsters from the Spine of the World. Hardly comparing to Citadel Adbar or Sundabar, the dwarves abandoned Besander’s Blockhouse and returned underground in -104 DR. With Delzoun Empire falling in -100 DR, any who knew of the dwarves of Besander’s Blockhouse assumed they died along with the rest of Delzoun. In actuality, they survived until -98 DR when their Netherese magic finally attracted the attention of the Phaerimm. Having barely survived that threat, the drow and their slave armies finally sacked Citadel Barakbarr and sacrificed its inhabitants to Lloth in a temple to Moradin, starting with Axelord Besander XII.

Like much of the Fardrimm and the old Delzoun strongholds, it was largely abandoned for almost two millennia with the occasional monstrous tribes or other residents taking refuge there. Outside of the plundering by the Drow, it remained largely untouched. In 1368, Citadel Barakbarr was finally tracked down by the Forgemark of Moradin, a Brotherhood of dwarves. A treasure trove of unusual magic, books and other Delzoun and Netherese artifacts, it became their base of operations until the establishment of the Jilker Patriarchate in Icewind Dale. The Patriarchate now use it as a training ground for its war mages and a storehouse for accumulated lore books and magic. It is also used to launch expeditions into the Underdark. While a significant stronghold, its actual population does not exceed the size of a large town today but it is expanding. Negotiations are currently underway regarding incorporating it into the Silver Marches, but these negotiations have flounder due to concerns about their ability to defend themselves. To this end, the Patriarchate is reactivating the long dormant mythallar and seeking components within the ruins of other Netherese cities. These expeditions have not been appreciated by the Empire of Netheril. Other expeditions are launched into the Fardrimm as they attempt to survey the Fardrimm and determine the status of the old dwarven strongholds there. Ultimately, the Patriarchate would like to reopen the Fardrimm and help reestablish a Second Delzoun Empire or at least help the other dwarves in region make better use of the ancient Low Road.

One of these survey expeditions is exactly what they have in mind today.

Glorian Silvernail, the Axelady of Barakbarr and Mage Commander of the Forgemark Arcanii is pacing in front of the party, gesturing at a large map. Over a hundred dwarves are assembled in front of the eastern barracks and the Mage Commander is in a foul mood today, either. Glorian has a mop of short blue hair streaked with grey held up by a headband. A blue tabard covers her finely crafted plate mail. In her hand rests a Staff of the Magi, a fact she takes pride in and delights in pointing out to others, especially wizards. A mace and a dwarven waraxe sit on belt loops at her side next to half a dozen wands which click against each other as she walks. A round shield emblazoned with the holy symbol of Berronar, two interlocked silver rings sitting atop an open grimoire rests against the wall next to a crossbow. The significance of the heraldry is not clear to most, but everyone knows she’s a very powerful wizard and deadly with her weapons as well.

“…. and the next time one of ye lose yer maps like those rothe dung that call themselves Forgemark of Gulvar’s detachment, don’t be coming back! Don’t lose yer equipment! Absolutely do not lose yer standard, either! Go back and get it!” Red faced, she slams her staff on stone floor with a loud crack. “We nay want drow or duergar or shadovar finding it, do we Gulvar? Or waste a month’s patrol? “

“No, Mage Commander…” Gulvar says, a sour and shamed look on his face on the intimidating looking dwarf.
“What? Is that sincerity I did NOT hear?” Glorian barks.
“No, Mage Commander! Err… yes! No first than yes!” Gulvar replies back.
“I know why ye lost yer satchel. Because yer a lackwit!”
Rather than respond, he says nothing this time and is red-faced with embarrassment. Glorian gives him a withering look, takes a deep breath and regains her composure.
“Gulvar, yer placed on scroll scribing duties for a month. Yer dismissed.” Turning to the gathered dwarves, she stands stiffly.

“Arcanii Gulvar’s detachment was ambushed three days ago in the Fardrimm while encamped at an old ruin. During his… withdrawal, his detachment became disordered. He left behind one of his own, his map satchel, a magicked Underdark map and a standard. We need to recover all of this. A large force would just be scaring off these duergar, so I’m sending a smaller force to surprise them. With luck, we’ll have ‘verything back within the week.“ Looking in the direction of the party, she levels her gaze at them.

“Arcanii Carmard, ye are to take your detachment into the Fardrimm and recover our kin, our standard and our maps and to leave immediately. I trust ye to use our grey friend ‘ere to help on this task. The rest of ye are dismissed. Arcanii Carmard, Dreka and Gulrik, stay here so we can make preparations.”

The rest of the assembled dwarves file back into the barracks or move on to other business, saying little to anyone. More than a few cast sorrowful looks in the party’s direction...

Miraqariftsky
2007-10-22, 11:35 AM
Dream sequence under construction

"S-s-surely G-Gulvar did not f-f-flee without takig note of the lay of the land over there, marm?" Dreka stutters as she tries to shield herself in vain from the noontide heat.

Scratching her bald pate through the cowls of two thick grey cloaks one atop the other, she says further, "N-n-never, ye can be sure of the numbers or the strength of a party of my folk--- I s-s-suggest extreme caustion and wariness"

chiefwaha
2007-10-22, 12:13 PM
The powerfully built, light skinned dwarf with a blond beard that Glorian referred to as Carmard nods as he speaks, "I'm at your command lady."

He leans on an axe as tall as himself, and wears fine platemail emblazoned with the symbol of Moradin.

mshady
2007-10-24, 02:42 AM
As the rest of the folks clear, Glorian waits impatiently. Far from a patient dwarf, she seems particularly impatient today evident by her tense face and her repeatedly clenching her fingers on her powerful stave. When the last person clears out, followed by her glare, she begins…

“Arcanii Carmard, take the other two with ye. Hopefully we can find an axe idiot to go along with you, the priest and Dreka to even ye out but I’ve got more than a few irons in the fire right now so… we’re limited. I hope yer ready, because you’ll be on yer way shortly. The truth of the matter is that, while Gulvar just got back… he also just left. As ye know, some patrols are given magicked amulets or similar things. When they’re broken, they allow ye to be teleported straight back here if yer in mortal peril. With some effort, we can find them in case one o’them is lost or as ‘s more often the case… the wearer is killed. Can’t just tell everyone that though! So…”

Glorian reaches into a small bag on her hip and hands Carmard two stone rune tablets bearing Glorian’s personal mark.

“…I nay have any more of those. Instead… you’ll have to do this. You’ll proceed to Soulhome through one of our portals. The big rune is a shared rune that I cast, letting ye use a Gate spell. Once yer in Soulhome, use that rune to open a Gate to where ye want to go. It’ll take ye exactly there; only safe way to move in the Underdark outside of walking. Retrieve the maps and our standard; ye are to finish up Gulvar’s patrol for him. Finish Gulvar’s route and use the second rune to teleport back here. Or if yer group gets into serious trouble beforehand… which could happen. But don’t lose anything! The standard is a manner of honor more than just its value, but the Undermap Gulvar had shows all routes through the Underdark within a mile. I nay think I’ll ever send one of those out again. Hmm…” Glorian reaches into her satchel and removes a small, leather scroll case and hands it to Carmard. A blood stain is readily apparent.

“Those are Gulvar’s orders. They’ll explain all the details ye need there. I’ve marked where the rune was on a paper map in there as well when I cast the location spell, but they may be moving. I want ye to find whomever took it and kill them. If there’s too many… use a sending stone and let me know if ye need the help but ye better make sure ye need the help.” Glorian tosses an odd shaped lump of quartz to Carmard as well that is covered in dethek runes. Thinking a moment, she tosses two more dethek rune covered stones to Carmard.

“The other two… one is a blade barrier spell, the other be a spell called cloudkill. Ye know full well the uses of poison gas in caves, I suspect.” She smiles wolfishly. “So any questions? Straightforward enough I think.”

chiefwaha
2007-10-24, 08:39 AM
Carmard scratches his beard, "No lady, no questions. We shall recover the maps, standard, and any living patrolmen, then finish the patrol."

mshady
2007-10-24, 10:39 PM
Yegresh? Nexus? Anything to add before we continue here?

MShady

Miraqariftsky
2007-10-24, 11:00 PM
Dreka nocks her crossbow beneath the heavy folds of her cloak and hears the satisfying click of a bolt sliding into place. Stroking the old wood, steel and twine, she licks cracked lips, pulls her cowls even lower and mutters, "B-B-Ber-ro-ro-nnar's name, shall we not move already--- the better to get out of the sun?"

mshady
2007-10-24, 11:47 PM
Glorian turns to walk away and halts in her tracks. Turning her head in a near owl like fashion, she blinks and looks at Dreka.

"Lass... ye know where ye are, aye? In the Underdark? Barakbar? Aye?" Turning fully, she looks at Carmard.

"Ye sure ye want this one as yer scout?" Glorian states, a hint of grinding impatience in her voice. Looking at Dreka like a damaged child with a questioning but unsympathetic, she is weighing and measuring her.

Yeygresh
2007-10-25, 01:55 AM
Gulrik

Gulrik looks at Dreka with a flabbergasted expression, then turns to regard Mage Commander; "I'm.. sure she's just... anxious! Anxious to reclaim the standard, yes."

After giving a curt bow, Gulrik turns and heads toward the exit. "Let us be going now, the sooner we leave the better, me thinks."

[OoC] I apologize for my lateness, my router seemed to had an aneurysm the other day, and it took a while to fix.

mshady
2007-10-25, 02:32 AM
Glorian clears her throat as Gulrik turns to leave.

"Ye hold on there!" Her voice snaps like a whip in Gulrik's ears. "I'm still wait'n on an answer from her. As Gorm priest, I'd think you'd be more concerned with protect'n yer party as yer supposed scout nay seems to know where she is. I know she be a bit of a barking moonbat, but..."

Glorian walks up next to Dreka and ***** her head, blue hair falling to the side.
"Lass, where do ye think ye are? Ye okay?" Glorian takes a tenative sniff, perhaps checking for alcohol.

Miraqariftsky
2007-10-30, 02:37 PM
"M-m-my s-sleep was bad, marm" Dreka stutters with a shiver. "Whether, o-o-omen, 'twas, o-o-or n-n-nigh-ightmare, I know not..."

Finding that speaking about her woe actually makes her feel better, she continues her musing before her great benefactor... and yet she shivers still. With thrembling hands, she unloads her crossbow, fearing that she might fumble with all her shivering and shoot herself in the foot. "Cold... cold... cold, it was. D-d-ark, beyond reckoning... I... I felt like s-s-something was s-s-sucking me dry... yet it was no illithid, them, my folk know well..."

She then bows low, mumbling, "S-s-sorry f-for my sh-shortcomings, marm..."

chiefwaha
2007-10-30, 02:55 PM
Carmard looks at Glorian and then to Dreka. No emotion crosses his face, but he wonders if he's been saddled with a crazy comrade as he waits for directions.

mshady
2007-10-30, 03:55 PM
Glorian's look changes from one of bafflement to enragement and back again. Gripping the silver ring on her left hand with her right, she twirls it on her index finger as if it is a kind of touchstone for her. The anger subsides and she pauses to think as she watches Drekka fumble to unload a crossbow that should never have been loaded with a withering look. Turning away, she steps over to Carmard and speaks directly to him in tones loud enough for the whole group to overhear.

"Arcanii Carmard, I nay truly have the time to sort out all that ones... troubles. Sort her out or find yerself another scout as ye please. I know we took 'er in for her...potential... but remind her we demand some form o'discipline out of her. She needs to work for 'er supper like the rest of us. I trust ye to address that crossbow o'hers as well."

Spinning on her heels, Glorian turns and walks off down the long corridors of Barakbar, her staff clicking angrily on the ground and shaking her head in what would generously be called dismay.

chiefwaha
2007-10-30, 04:12 PM
Carmard nods, "As you command." He turns to the others and looks at them steadily. Finally he grunts and opens the leather case with the instructions in them and begins to read. "Get anything you need together you two, we're leaving soon."

mshady
2007-11-10, 03:53 PM
Carmard and his group leave the mustering area and walk to the portal rooms at the heart of Barakbar. Ancient arcane flames blaze along the walkway along the high, vaulted ceiling. They cast an oddly soothing red hue; one of the few things the mythallar can still power in Barakbar. The group walks down a long walkway made of sectioned black marble and hardly see a soul as they do so. By the dwarven standards of this day, Barakbar was well populated but this place was built in another era and the age shows. However fine the dwarven stonemasonry and Netherese magic was that built this place was, it shows its age. Pock marks, cracks and outright holes are found along the corridor along the way, evidence of the battles that have swept through the area, earth quakes and outright age. Barakbar was a kind of ruined beauty. The Patriarchate was working hard to return the stronghold to its ancient splendor and soldiers here did as much stonemasonry work as drilled. Arcanii had other duties.

One of those involved golems. The group passes a senior Arcanii walking down the corridor wearing a large amulet with one of the stronghold’s Hammer Golems in tow. It clanks along with solid, heavy, thumps and clanks behind its master. The Arcanii waves at Carmard as the two cross paths but no words are exchanged. They walk past busy smithies and a training area, as well as several living areas but hardly see another soul.

After walking for many minutes, the group enters the central plaza. Corridors lead off in other directions and the plaza resembles the hub of a wagon wheel in layout. The great chamber rises up several hundred feet with layers of rooms carved into the side. These areas house most of the actual residents and it is where Carmard and the others call home. The view of the magnificent chamber is a pleasing site from several levels up, watching the hustle and bustle below as this area is the living heart of the stronghold. The vaulted ceiling, supported by massive pillars of stone, ends in a dome high above the plaza. The glowing of dethek rune wards, both freshly carved and ancient, line the top of the dome that protect the stronghold from all manner of intruders. Many intricate, painted, engravings of dwarven history fill the top of the dome. On opposite sides of the dome stands the intricately engraved visage of Axelord Darin Besander and a Netherese Arcanist. Both have hands outstretched, reaching towards each other and symbolizing the joint efforts of Delzoun and Opus Enclave here.

At the very center of the dome is a shaft reaching up to passageways leading to the surface. There are no stairs or any visible means of getting up there or back down short of falling. Directly below the shaft sits a rune circle is set directly below the shaft. A Netherese sigil is set in the center of the rune circle. To use the magic, one must simply step into the circle and speak the proper words to activate the magic. The speaker and all on the platform are levitated upwards. In ancient times, it would have been used to bring dwarves and their merchandise upwards to Besander's Blockhouse. It also made an assault from above nearly impossible. Getting down works in a similar fashion, but the descent is much rougher, not unlike a feather fall spell. These days, the emphasis is more on fall than feather and it is rarely used after Barakbar's discovery by the Forgemark some years ago.

Rich tapestries decorate the sides of the chambers, ranging from magnificently rendered holy symbols of the dwarven gods to personal coats of arms and other personal sigils hung from the residences. Several free standing buildings sit in the chamber as well, including a magnificent temple, a granary, an armory, community buildings and a large palace that fills nearly a quarter of the chamber and goes deep into the stone behind it. Three towering dwarven statues stand in front of the palace. One is of Maker Delzoun, the founder of the Delzoun Empire. The second is of Dalrin Besander, the founder of Barakbar. The third, recently carved and of equal size, is of Patriarch Hignar Jilker.

The palaces itself is made of white marble with torches alight with arcane flames and flanked by obelisks covered in powerful runes. Two massive tapestries hang by the yawning adamantine doors at the end of a long section of stairs; one of the Jilker Mountain Lion with its glittering green emerald eyes set atop Dumathion’s mountain and the other a crossed hammer and mace atop Moradin’s anvil with Berronar’s interlocked silver rings behind it. In the absence of the Patriarch, Glorian leads the stronghold from here. Several dwarves and a golem stand by the great gates to the palace with their long polearms and crossbows.

Carmard’s group walks towards the palace and up the stairs. The guards greet Carmard and salute.

The Mage Commander 'as just through here ahead of ye and said ye were head'n this way. Straight to the portal chambers and on yer way, she said. Ye 'ave good luck with that, whereever yer off to and whatever yer up to! Axes high! The doors swing open with a groan and they enter the palace. Inside and leaning against the wall sits Gulvar, a box of scrolls and supplies sitting by his feet. He looks haggard and still in his plate mail armor, the signs of recent battle quite plain on it. Two other dwarves stand with him, plainly Forgemark Legionnaires. As Carmard enters, he smiles tiredly at his fellow Arcanii and waves.

"Carmard, I was hop'n to catch ye before ye left! I want to come with ye. I may be disobey'n orders, but I can do this scroll work later, aye? Tis my only chance to recover my honor. What do ye say lad? I'd just need a little time in Faitholme to prepare a few spells. Me boys and I wan even the score." The dwarf looks at Carmard, pleadingly. "At least lemme tell ye what I know..."

chiefwaha
2007-11-12, 09:07 AM
Carmard looks at the dwarf, sympathy in his eyes, "Gladly I'd have you along, but we both have our duties. What good would gathering your honor back if you were exiled for abandoning your duties here? I will listen to any information you can provide though."

mshady
2007-11-12, 11:35 AM
The one Forgemark soldier frowns at Carmard's response and scratches under his beard. His looks is not menacing, but very firm.

"Laddie, ye really want to get between three dwarves 'nd their honor?"

Gulvar places a hand on the soldier's shoulder.

"Carmard, yer right, but ye nay heard her say when the scroll work 'as supposed to be done, did you? The other two, they be under no such restriction as I, 't least take them with ye. Ye may not know Ole Blood & Glory 's well as I, but she'll never let ye live down someth'n unless ye get rid of the bee 'n her bonnet. I ran 'hen I should've stood maybe, but I'd also be dead. So fer me, I'm already an exile so let me worry about me, eh?

I'll tell ya this though... she's send'n an equal squad as mine out fer a mission 'gainst some devil duergars that 're already alerted and prolly expecting trouble. Yer liable to end up 'n the same as me or off to Dwarfhome with yer ancestors. So tak'n a few extras, and know the area to boot nay hurt, eh? Yer job 's to get back what I lost. How ye be doin' that is pretty open ended."

The other two dwarves with him grunt in agreement.

"As fer what happened.... there were five o'us. We made camp fer a few hours near the Killing Gates 'tween here and Sundabar. I had one sentry fore and one sentry 'hind us in the tunnel while the other three o'us rested. Well they must've gotten by the sentry and next 'hing I know, there's a demon 'r devil 't the head of a herd o'armored duergar. So we did the 'nly thing we could do. We ran back towards the back sentry, fight'n them off as best we could and magicked ourselves back here.

Only way I could buy the time I needed 'n the end was to plant our standard and it put up 'ts wall of force block'n our escape, but they started mov'n to flank us. Kinda what the thing's for if yer ask'n me. In me haste nay to get killed, I left a brown leather satchel with the Forgemark seal on it. Its warded so 'ts dangerous to folks but a good mage'll figure it out quick. The camp was set up in a small cut in the side o' this spur of the Low Road, where ye can start a fire and nay be seen fer leagues down the blasted tunnel. One o'me boys is bein' seen by the priests, our priest no less, and near dead from the fight.

So it just be the three o'us... can we help or not?"

Diarmuid
2007-11-12, 11:45 AM
Gralmthor

An aged veteran of the Forgemark who had been standing behind Gulvar steps forward and addresses Carmand, his tone is hinted with some desperation, but also a bite that seems aimed towards the leader of the previous botched mission,

"Lad...err Arcanii sir, if'n ye canna take 'im with ya, kin I at least get ye ta bring along meself and maybe some o' the other Forgemark what set out with Gulvar? We left one o' ours back there when 'e planted tha' standard to solidify the retreat? We was portallin' outta there afore we really knew what was goin on. Maldin might still be out there in them tunnels, not to mention our standard tha map entrusted to our....leader."

Some disdain when he refers to Gulvar is obvious, but the sincerity in the concern for his brother in arms is obvious.

Grabbing the dwarven waraxe from one hip and his hand axe in the other, the veteran bangs them crossed against the chest of brightly shining mithril banded mail common among the elite Forgemark Legionnaires. An excellently made buckler is strapped to the arm with the hand axe also.

"Gralmthor, o' tha Forgemark Legionnaires."

chiefwaha
2007-11-12, 02:05 PM
Carmard scratches his golden beard for a while. Finally he shrugs, "I'll leave it up to each of you. Obviously I'm not ordering any of you along and you wouldn't be under my command, but if you feel the honor you lost in a failed mission supercede your current duties, I'll gladly use your support. Regardless, from your information, do you think you can get me as many scrolls or runes of see invisibility as you all can muster?"

mshady
2007-11-12, 02:42 PM
Gulvar listens to what Gralmthor says and has a tight lipped looks on his face beneath his short, trimmed beard. He is clearly uncomfortable and waits while Carmard thinks. When he agrees to let him come, the dwarf breathes a sigh of relief.

"Thank ye. If I survive this and we're succesful, I'll gladly deal with Bloody Glory and be happy fer what I get. So few o'us, can hardly be kick'n us out, can she?"

He puts a forced grin on his face, but he rightly fears the Mage Commander's wrath.

As fer runes, we're think'n along the same lines. I... borrowed a handful o'that kind and I 'ave some invisibility & silence ones as well. One 'ould almost think that Glory tell'n me to go to the scroll & rune storage, she almost 'anted me to take what I needed. Guess ye can say I've been hoard'n some supplies too. I do have a reputation. Prolly why I get the long patrols... So lemme know what ye need."

Gulvar smiles and opens up the black, leather trench coat he is wearing, revealing all kinds of baubles.

"The pockets 're bigger on the inside too."

Most Arcanii were personally trained by Glorian in full or in part and she had created the group through force of will, abundant skill and sheer tenacity. Even those who had been with her for years knew what to make of her though. She a very "hands on" kind of leader, but few of the dwarves were used to such an aggressive, hard woman let alone following a woman and more comfortable fighting than leading. A dwarf could respect that, at least. One of the great difficulties with dealing with her was her chaotic nature; it was hard to know how she would react. Gulvar, known for his coveting hands and 'losing' supplies, took his assignment to the storage areas doing inventory and such as a subtle invitation to fix his mess. He also took it as an end of patience with his problems.

"Lets go to the portal chambers, aye? We can stop off fer supplies as ye need. I have the key afterall. Yer lucky to have Drekka fer this, I suppose, as we're fighting duergar. Luck fer hav'n Drekka? I never thought I'd say that..."

Diarmuid
2007-11-13, 02:19 PM
Gralmthor

As he moves to follow the arcanists to the supply rooms, Gralmthor mumbles under his breath something along the lines of

"We'll see if we're lucky or not. Duergar're dont generally bring luck from what I've seen"

mshady
2007-11-16, 03:50 AM
The group exits the front corridor and enters into a large gallery with a soaring ceiling featuring elaborate, painted, carvings. One of the distinguishing things about Delzoun stonemasonry was that it was often painted and much of it stayed that way through magic. The wide open area is decorated with tapestries and banners and guards stand at the next gate. Several floors overlook the gallery, with decorated crenallations to protect crossbowmen fighting off any attacks. The area was perfect for receiving guests, welcome or otherwise.

The second gate is open and the party walks right on through without more than a greeting from the guards. The next section is filled with corridors once more and Gulvar steers the group down one. It circles around the throne room and he explains he does not want to be seen going into the vaults. After several minutes of walking, they approach the vaults where two guards stand by it. This was where many of Barakbar's runes, scrolls, potions and some of its treasure was stored. Showing the guards a rune tablet granting him access, they nod towards Gulvar and open the gate to this section of the vaults. Others were far better guarded, but held little more than minor scrolls and potions. Important, but not nearly so when compared to what else was here. Anyone who entered without a rune key would be locked inside the warded rooms by magical means, so only the right people could actually leave the rooms once entered.

Waving his hand over an arcane torch, it springs to life followed by the rest in the room. The room is stocked with crates of scrolls, tablets and books. Gulvar smiles to the group.

"So Carmand, what else did ye need? Told ye I could get it for ye!" Gulvar grins wide.

chiefwaha
2007-11-16, 09:19 AM
Carmard scratches his head, "Let's see; see invisibility, invisibility purge. Some dispels may be useful, passwalls might come in handy. A few knock spells might be useful. A stone tell or two. Silence spells. If anyone can think of anything else we might use, please speak up."

mshady
2007-11-16, 10:30 AM
Gulvar nods and laughs. "Here I thought I 'as the one with the shopp'n list! How 're ye folks set fer potions fer heal'n? We should prolly look fer a scroll to try and banish whatever 'hat demon or devil was too cause I'm tell'n ye, we damn near through everything but a smithy's anvil at it and it was nay bothered."

Gulvar takes out a small journal and writes down what Carmard wants for the group and starts rifling through shelves and crates...

chiefwaha
2007-11-16, 11:17 AM
Carmard shrugs, "Healing is always helpful."

Diarmuid
2007-11-16, 12:00 PM
Gralmthor

The grizzled veteran tunes out the mystical mumbo jumbo going on between Gulvar and the other Arcanii and follows them through the halls. When they reach the vault, he whistles appreciatively at the amount of supplies available.

He meanders through the shelves looking around, not understanding most of the arcane labels and terms for the scrolls.

Stopping in front of a shelf lined with small vials of various colors, he calls over to Gulvar,

"I dont need nuthin but me axes ta banish any demons. Hey, are any o' these potions tha kind what make ye grow tall, or makes ya stronger and whatnot? I could certainly use some of them healin potions too if'n ye're grabbin some."

mshady
2007-11-20, 03:42 PM
Gulvar rummages through the shelves in the poorly lit storage area and he starts collecting things seemingly at random, from potions to scrolls to tiles. He places them all in a satchel that is already full of an assortment of things. The other Forgemark with Gralmthor and Gulvar, Ruthlymar watches all this with great constrenation.

"Uh, sir... ye sure you're 'upposed to be doin' that? Grabbin' all that stuff?"

Gulvar chuckles as he walkes over to a leather bound ledger. Removing a vial and uncorking it, he empties some of the liquid on to a rag and starts rubbing out some inventory figures. With a quill left by the ledger, he begins adding his own figures, chuckling all the way.

"No lad, that's why I'm doing this!" Grinning, he stashes the rag and vial in his satchel.

The Forgemark watches disapprovingly.

"You've done this before, haven't ye, sir?"
"Of course."
"Is this why we keep gett'n the long patrols?"
"Probably."
"Oh... I'm wish'n I didn't ask. Sir."
"Likely."

chiefwaha
2007-11-20, 04:14 PM
Carmard silently wonders what sort of organization he'd gotten involved in. Guess I can't be choosy, at least they let me practice magic.

"Anything else?"

mshady
2007-11-21, 01:12 AM
Gulvar looks into his satchel and shakes it around, checking its contents.

“Aye, I that’s everything we’re able to get outta here. Yer gonna have to find some more dwarves to come along on this one. Look down yer noses at all ‘hat I’m taking along but ye didn’t see what I seen. A bunch of duergar as I said, and some kind o’devil or demon with’em…. It’s some kind of weird, freakish thing. If it was alone, I’d say it was something queer the lower Underdark spit up. Not sure what it was. A big ‘ole green looking, thing and it had these blazing red eyes! Twas covered in all these spikes. The spells I got off… shrugged them right off like it was no big thing. Our priest tried to hit it and got gored by the spikes. I doubt magic is harmless to it, but ye may have better luck poking it with a pike or shoot'n it. Any idea what it was? I sure don’t and it scared the piss outta me and me boys. I’m hoping we can just banish the big bastard. Goin’ through it to might be a helluva thing to do…”

Gulvar frowns at the prospect and shakes his head to himself.

“Any ideas? Otherwise… off to Faitholme, I reckon. Maybe we can find some more to come along and some freak kill’n weapons.”

Diarmuid
2007-11-22, 11:09 PM
Gralmthor

Gralmthor simply shrugs at having been ignored. He was used to that from the magic finger waggler types. The potions would have been nice, but he was used to relying on nothing but his axes, his shield, and his armor. His companion's disdain for Gulvar's antics amused him, but he let it go with a simple smile.

Listening to the description of the beast, Gralmthor racks his brain thinking back through his experiences in the Underdark.

[roll0]

mshady
2007-11-26, 03:03 AM
Gulvar latches his bulging satchel and adjusts its position, smiling a bit as he does it. For whatever other problems the dwarf might have, this at least improved his mood. Leaving the dimly lit storage area, he walks out and the group follows him. As they twist through the Palace’s corridors, Gulvar speaks again.

“Truly… I’m nay sure how we beat that spiked troll… thing. Maybe there be a way around it? Some way we can be deterring it? I got an eye full o’the big thing but I nay know what it really is. Glorian would probably know, but I can nay ask her. Maybe someone ‘n Faitholme will know. On another Plane, I know they’re a bit more familiar ‘nd have some folks we can talk to there. The Forgemark there might know. A brace of pistols with some cold iron or blessed bullets would be nice, but they’re as rare as a beard on ‘n elf. Course… could be something from the Lower Underdark ‘nd I’m wrong. See when we get there, I suppose…”

The group makes it to the main corridor once again and quickly approaches the throne room and the path splits off around it. Going to the right, they walk for several minutes down the latest corridor. As they walk down it, they are passed by a troop of two dozen Forgemark in full kit marching down the corridor. They hold large shields in one hand and have long spears slung over their shoulders, an urgosh on their backs and both a short sword and a pistol at their side. Each is also wearing a hefty looking backpack.

Approaching the portal rooms, the group passes a triple gateway and several guards. Just in case something came out of the portals that should not. The guards there wave the group through with minimal fuss, but they require names for their logs. Gulvar gives a different one and none of the guards seem to recognize him. The door to the portal rooms are opened by another pair of guards and everyone enters.

The portal room has very different architecture than the rest of Barakbar. The room is circular in shape and has a dome ceiling. It is rendered an unusual black stone and streaked with white and much of the floor is covered in engraved arcane runes that still glow a faint blue. The room has a cold feel to it, a kind of faint electric tingle. The room is dominated by several obelisks that also seem to alive with magic in some fashion, but their true purpose or even function cannot be discerned for certain. Three of the quartet bears the marks of Netherese Enclaves; Karse, Opus and Ioulaum and it had been surmised they were giant sending stones but that was hardly verifiable with the fall of Netheril and the nearly dead Mythallar. The other bears the heraldry of Delzoun, but so far that was all that was known.

The true purpose of the room though are the six portals; circles of self supporting stone that stand 20 feet in the air and engraved with a variety of runes. Of the five, one flickered occasionally and the other was fully functional but no longer an original. This portal lead to Faitholme, the hub of the far flung Patriarchate. A blue, watery film stands suspended in the center of the circle that slowly, constantly, swirls. Some Arcanii had been known to come and stare into the portal for hours at a time and found it relaxing. To that end, some benches had been set up nearby.

Upon entering the room, a dwarf wearing a mage’s robes and a gold rendered holy symbol of Dugmaren on a silver chain approaches them. The wizened old dwarf is the attendant of the portal room, a post he gained largely by his refusal to leave it so as to continue his study of it long past the time others had moved on. With some results, it was said. He kept a bed roll in a corner, sleeping under a dead portal along with a stack of books.

“Hello! Hello! Hello! Stripling young mages come to visit with Yanik and share stories, or are you just passing through? If so, would ye have any food with ye? Some salt pork or some bread? Or ale? The kitchens are such a terribly long walk. The last group was nay too friendly, all concerned with reporting and resting. So, what brings ye to the Opus Gatehouse? Anything I can do for ye before ye leave? Oh yes... do you have orders? They always tell me to ask for those, must note those”

The thin, yellow bearded dwarf strokes his beard pensively and looks at the group, smiling.

chiefwaha
2007-11-26, 09:08 AM
Carmard holds out his orders, "Carmard for recovery, search and rescue, patrol."

mshady
2007-11-26, 10:24 AM
"Oh, who did we lose this time? No one I know, I hope. If they're lost, why are you going this way? Wouldn't they be another way?" Yanik clucks to himself as he takes the orders and opens them, scanning them quickly.

"Well, these aren't very helpful. They just say you have permission to go through here, go back to the Fardrimm and recover somethings..."

Yanik continues to read.

"Oi, this Gulvar fellow in your orders lost a Forgemark standard and one o'those fancy Underdark maps and left someone behind? Ran off by some duergar and big monster? For shame! Reminds me of a gnome I once knew, really. Well... good luck with all that. Haela's luck to you; you'll need it. I must say, there aren't very many of you. Was there anything I could do for ye or do ye just want to walk through the portal and be about yer business? Not that I have an idea what I can do for you, but if you do, I can. I'm merely an old loremaster obsessed with these portals. The Patriarch himself left me to watch them, ye know? Yes he did. I could tell ye the story if you like..."

Gulvar grumbles in silence and says nothing, as the Forgemark soldier next to him smirks.

chiefwaha
2007-11-26, 12:22 PM
Carmard shrugs, "I don't believe so, unless you know anything useful about the area where we're heading."

Diarmuid
2007-11-26, 01:30 PM
Gralmthor

Gralmthor reaches behind him and pulls the small cask tied to his rucksack forward. Popping the cork from it, he took a small swig of the dwarven spirits and passed it to the scholarly dwarf before mentioning,

"Well, we dinnae have time fer any stories, but I do have a question for ye. Afore he set about his penance fer leavin tha standard an one o' our own in them tunnels with 'is map, that coward Gulvar gave a description of what 'e was runnin' from out in tha tunnels. It didn'a sound like anythin' I ever hear'd of in tha Unnerdark."

Gralmthor describes the beast as Gulvar had previously described it.

"Have ye hear'd of anything like that afore? Seem'd odd fer the duergar ta be workin with somethin' like that."

mshady
2007-11-27, 01:39 AM
Yanik takes the flask and takes a nip from it. As the liquid burns down his throat, he smiles at a feeling that might make others whimper. Passing the flask back to Gralmthor, Yanik rasps his approval and wipes his sleeve across his mouth. Gulvar does not make eye contact with Yanik, but he grinds his teeth in anger.

"Usually its the Arcanii who ask the smart questions. Aye though... that is an odd thing for duergar to travel with, now that I think of it. But let me think a moment... oh. Oh dear! I'm so sorry."

Yanik looks a bit disturbed at the thought that just occured to him.

"You are right, its nay from the Underdark. Baatezu, actually. It is a uh.. primus devil, a standard for the devil species. The devil with those duergar is called a Hamatula, better known as a barbed devil if ye don't want to be fancy. Really one of the nastier things you could run into; please do bring me back a little trophy would you? Make it worth your while. Of course... how will you do that?"

Yanik looks over the group and clucks in disapproval.

"Well, might be able to scratch it... A devil primus hamatula can resist most spells. Have to be very, very strong to hurt such a thing. They like to grab a foe and impale them on their spikey hide. They're so sharp they shread chain and leather and so fine they slip into plate armor with ease. Course, it's much easier to grab you when they can use magic to paralyze you first and taking a swing at it just as painful too. They can actually wave those nasty barbs around to meet yer attacks and stick ye.

Even if ye can hurt it, it can just teleport around whatever Plane as it likes and regenerate. Not that ye can hurt it much with an axe or whatever anyways, as only purified weapons can get past its tough hide. They say the things are so terrifying, they make many just run away in terror. But aye... that's what you're facing."

Yanik looks skeptically at the group.

"If yer going to fight something like that, ye might be think'n of finding spears and either some align or bless weapon scrolls or potions. Some way to keep it out o'yer reach and make it actually bleed a little. Strongly suggest ye get a few more to come along or I doubt ye be coming back. Good news is that a few hours ago, Tasster the Fiendshredder passed through here and should probably still be in Faitholme. At the least, I suppose he could give ye better advice than I..."

chiefwaha
2007-11-27, 09:06 AM
"I wasn't planning on confronting it. But let's go see what other information we can get."

mshady
2007-11-27, 10:11 AM
Gulvar chuckles softly to himself and addresses Carmard, his tone a bit patronizing.

"Lad, if them duergar have gone and collected 'hings already, they'll be with the duergar. That devil's with the duergar, how ye going to do that without fight'n the devil? Hope the banishment scroll work but if not..."

chiefwaha
2007-11-27, 01:35 PM
Carmard looks at Gulver, "There are other ways of getting what you want than force Gulver. It may come down to that, but in this case it's a last resort. Our mission is to retrieve what was lost, not to pursue vengeance against a foe that's already defeated one patrol. I'd prefer not to be a second."

Diarmuid
2007-11-27, 10:11 PM
Gralmthor

Gralmthor digests most of what the scholar says, his years of experience serving him well.

"Devils eh. Dont know as I've ever fought any o' them barbed things, but I found no matter what kinder metal is best fer killing somethin'...if'n ye hits it hard enough with just about anythin fer long enough...they stop squirmin. An one advantage we 'ave is that 'portation magic aint worth spit in tha unnerdark. 'At's why we work so 'ard to keep these portals runnin'. We'll bring that standard 'n map back on way....or t'other."

He pats his axes on his hips making obvious his choice in methods for retrieiving the lost articles.

mshady
2007-11-27, 11:20 PM
Yanik looks a bit embarrassed when he realizes the Gulvar he spoke of may very well be in front of him and mutters something.

"Yer quite right about teleport spells being... treacherous in the Underdark and I wouldn't count on something like that taking the time to learn the area. Certainly prudent... but who's to say it's the prudent type? Quite right about how ye can beat just about anything to death too, lad. O'course, the spikes are longer than your arm and their arms are as long as a pike. Fascinating if ye can beat it! Oh, I wish I could be there!"

Yanik beams and makes a one, two punching motion with his hands before remembering his dignity.

"Right then... ye should get goin' through da portal. Only one 'hat works, so good hunting!"

Gulvar, having moved over towards the scholar's abode under the dead portal, spies a small stone statue and picks it up and looks it over.

"Mind if I borrow this?" Gulvar says. Yanik nods.
"Why? Well, so long as ye promise to bring it back."
"Of course."

mshady
2007-11-29, 01:21 AM
OOC - We should be having 2 new players replacing Yeygresh and Nexus/Drekka. They will post shortly, I believe. I would assume the priest has been with you the whole time. The scout was a replacement you grabbed for Drekka afterall, who is now taking a nap.

mshady
2007-12-01, 11:34 PM
Yanik waves to your group and motions you towards the portal. It is familiar to most of you, although not often used by the Barakbar garrison. Most of the traffic is from other places to Barakbar and back.
Stepping through the portal one at a time, each of you experiences a rather interesting sensation of absolute nothingness for a long moment, although the trip itself seems instantaneous. It leaves all of you with a lingering chill for several hours; the after effects of powerful magic.

You find yourselves standing in a relatively small, square room. The room is covered in blue tinted metal plate that appears to be bolted on top of whatever structure is behind it. A tall gate is on the opposite side of room, no more than 35 feet away, made of the same metal. Numerous runes cover the walls and are concentrated on the gate.

Known as a Hizagkuur chamber, the room is covered in specially treated metal that reflects magic and shocks those who touch it, in addition to powerful runes. The room could be flooded or filled with salt acid as well, if need be. Two large, stone dwarven statues stand watch over the room and are very much real guardians. This seeming indulgence in paranoia is prevent any attacker from Barakbar, should it ever fall, from making a successful attack. Every portal to Faitholme was similarily guarded.

From the ceiling, a grate is removed and a dwarf looks down below. Taking stock of the group for a moment, he shouts down at your group from above.

“Now who ye be and state yer purpose?”

chiefwaha
2007-12-03, 09:25 AM
Carmard looks up, "Carmard, leading a recovery patrol."

loopy
2007-12-09, 09:13 AM
Johannes Forgeteller

Johannes shakes himself off after the teleportation. The lingering chill of the magic stiffens his fingers, causing him to shake them reflexively. "Well... that was different." He mutters to himself in a clipped and urbane accent, unlike the majority of the Jilker Patriarchates dwarven inhabitants.

He moves closer to Gulver. "You seem like a sharp enough fellow. I haven't caught the names of everybody in our merry band. Care to point them out for me?"

Sornjss Lichdom
2007-12-10, 06:59 AM
Donka Guidedhand

Aye, there's a new fella, we watch your back 'nd you watch ours.

Standing strurdy in the cavern corridor, Donka leans on his gleaming axe head. His chain mail shows no tarnish under his traviling outfit. Pack buldging with this and that it seems him set for just about any adventure.

thorgrim29
2007-12-11, 01:58 PM
Thordrek Torrun

A few moments after Johannes, another dwarf materialises near the little group. At first glance, he seemed a standard Forgemark fighter, untill one notices the spell components pouches strapped on his bandoleers of hammers, and the rare sigil of the Forgemark Levtokuld on his sheild and armor. Shaking himself, he adresses the group.

Hello to you, I'm Thordrek Torrun, formerly o' Mirabar, now of the Forgemark Levtokuld, at yer service. As fer my talents, well I can crack a skull as well as most, plus I weild magic through my axehead, its a more efiicient way of delivering touch spells then what the Arcani do. Now i dont claim the full power and knowledge of a wizard, but I'm something of a linguist, and pretty knowledgable about our ancient friends the netherese. From what Elder Yanik told me, we're up agains greys and a barbed devil... So I grabbed a bunch o' oils of bless weapon and devilsbane before coming. I figure we can take it if we separate it from the greys.

He was speaking quickly, as if his mouth could'nt quite keep up with his mind.

Sornjss Lichdom
2007-12-11, 02:48 PM
Donako Guidedhand

Smiling at the other dwarve's eagerness, Donako speaks again.

That's 'ow you use ya head,

Laughing hard he smacks Torrun on the back.

Never cared for those spiky devils and demons me self. Nine Hell's fungus, and abyssal droppings if you ask me.

mshady
2007-12-12, 02:33 AM
“Recovery patrol, eh?” There is a long pause and the grate closes. A minute goes by and the grate opens again with a whine. “Come on up, but we’ve no word of this. Yer confined to the barracks till a Warden ‘an review yer orders. Assuming ye brought’em, bloody Barakbar…” The sour sounding dwarf slams the grate shut and it echoes painfully in the bell like room for an unnaturally long time. A few moments later, a chain raises the gate slowly and when it reaches the top, it stops with bass clunk. On the other side is a wide, curving stairwell split down the center and flat to allow mounts to pass. Nonetheless, walking with a foul tempered, armored, warpig would still be a dangerous proposition. The walls here are a hard, blue crystalline structure. Taking a deep breath before ascending, Gulvar follows behind Carmard as the party walks up several levels.

When they reach the top of the massive stairwell, they enter a central barracks area. At the center of the Faitholme Halls, it is a sprawling but largely vacant complex. The walls are lined with doors leading into actual barracks areas. Next to a handful of what must be nearly a hundred such doors, the standards of the troops currently residing in the barracks rest, along with the banner of the sub units in the detachments. For the dwarven wardens, officers truly, hang the personal coat of arms for each.
The formation ground in the center of the barracks area is truly massive. Known as the Stonefield of Clangeddin, It is a wide open space over a thousand feet wide and long with widely spaced stone pillars with a poured concrete floor, to allow for easy repairs from the hard use the area receives. Indeed, the area was large enough to practice a small battle in and was, judging by the wooden terrain pushed into a distant quarter. A upside dome hangs from the exact center of the ceiling that, while small, is large enough for observing the training below although it was rare for anyone other than the Patriarch to go there. Even more important than the training was the capability of this area to act as a mustering ground for all of the Patriarchate’s forces.

Towards the right, a crowd of dwarves are in a circle hooting and hollering. A dwarf in red armor with a blonde beard a double axe is fighting a massively armored Minotaur. It has black fur and a graying snout fighting and is fighting with a Greataxe in one hand and a shield in the other. Impossibly enough, several other minotaurs are standing in the circle cheering as well although it sounds more like an aggravated mooing. The dwarves are cheering the name “Tasster! Tasster!”

Turning to Carmard, Gulvar simply shrugs and says “Well, if ye want to talk to Tasster Fiendshredder, I reckon that’s him right there…”

The huge minotaur brings his axe down hard at Tasster, and while it is clearly blunted, it sends a spray of concrete dust up from the floor as the dwarf side steps the blow. Striking with the right and left end of the double axe rapidly once, than twice, Tasster hits the big minotaur in the ribs. Each of the nearly half dozen blows hits with a resounding bang that echoes through the Stonefield and sparks fly. The minotaur’s next swing hits Tasster hard and staggers him for a moment. With cat like quickness though, Tasster trips the huge minotaur by pulling its leg out from under it with his axe. It lands with a great crash and Tasster stops and laughs while the minotaur groans on the ground. Victorious, the dwarves cheer.

“So, go talk to him?” Gulvar says.

mshady
2007-12-14, 06:40 PM
Guys? Anyone out there? :)

thorgrim29
2007-12-14, 09:22 PM
Thinking the same thing, but I have no idea who that taster is IG so....

Sornjss Lichdom
2007-12-15, 11:49 AM
here, should post soon. why do we wana talk to this guy again?

mshady
2007-12-15, 12:50 PM
You were all part of the party before going into the gate, so see what Yanik had to say earlier in the thread. He didn't say a whole lot, but Tasster might know some more about fighting demons and devils or even able to help. Or not. Depends how it goes or if folks even want to talk with him.

MShady

thorgrim29
2007-12-15, 02:19 PM
(ok then, here goes)

Thordrek approaches the victorious dwarf respectfully.

Very nice fight Tasster. Me name's Thordrek Torrun, out on a rescue mission from Barakbar. We're probably going to run into a barbed devil, and we heard you were kind of an expert on fighting the buggers.

chiefwaha
2007-12-17, 09:03 AM
Here, missed the update. Sorry. Busy lately.

Sornjss Lichdom
2007-12-17, 03:59 PM
Yes, let's get to mashen some demon parts. Ferably sooner 'en later.

loopy
2007-12-17, 05:07 PM
Of course, any maps or other assistance you could provide would be equally appreciated, Fiendshredder.

mshady
2007-12-21, 12:36 AM
Tasster helps the fallen Minotaur up with a grunt, although the gesture is more symbolic considering the minotaur’s size. “Oi, yer a heavy one there Turrock! Bigger they are, harder they fall eh?”

Tasster laughs, but the minotaur merely grunts in acknowledgement.

"You fought well. Very fast for dwarf. Few beat Turrock since we take service here. Real axes, things be different.” Rising from his knew, the minotaur towers over Tasster and looks down at him. Tasster nods.

“Oi, that’d be a better fight ye think Chief Turrock? Let’s go find some priests and we try that tomorrow, eh?” Tasster exclaims, a glint of madness in his eyes. The minotaur only shakes his head in response and speaks in a rumbling baratone.

“I only bear scars from real battle. Should I take your head, dwarf prince, the Patriarch might be trouble. Or not. Who can say? We are asked to remain… peaceful. A fine demonstration though.” Bowing his head slightly, it taps it’s gruesome belt of trophies lumbers out of the circle. The other minotaurs follow along behind him. Tasster pokes at the broken concrete with his armored boot and removes his helmet, wiping away a trace of blood. Rubbing it between his fingers, he tastes it with his tongue before wiping it off on his armor.

“Now who the hells are ye again? Ye lost someone? Ye mentioned a devil?” Tasster listens, a bit impatient as the details are thin. “Aye I’m the Fiendshredder and I reckon ye can see why after that little rumble ‘ith the iron minotaur there. Apparently Patriarch Hignar hired the whole bloody herd on as mercenaries awhile back, obvious why ‘nd they follow Tempus. Little slow but tough!”
Tasster grins, although he is missing a few teeth.

“Doubt I know much more then ye already know. I’ve mainly fought demons, nay devils, as it be demons that occupy the Tethyamar Halls back in the Desertmouth. A barbed devil be a damn hard one to fight though, as ye can’t really get in close without it maiming ye in the process. Magic nay be my way, but if ye gots to do it quick, best to use a Banishment spell and hope fer the best. Or find two of’em. Any big demon or devil’ll shrug off most magic and elemental damage, but a bless’d weapon’ll do well enough. Course… yer fight’n somethin’ ye can’t get close to.” Tasster laughs and shakes his head.

“Any one of ye fought one o’them before? Or anything like it?” He looks around at the group and Gulvar nods.

“Aye, that particular one, Tasster.”
“Prince Tasster o’Tethyamar, thank ye little laddie. How’d that work out for ye?” His response is snappish and irritated.
The Forgemark soldier interjects before Gulvar can answer.
“Not well. Why we’re here.” The dwarf frowns, his voice has an edge of anger on it.
“So what’s yer plan this time? Throw more dwarves at it ‘han before?” Tasster looks at Gulvar skeptically, mindful of the rebuke and lack of respect from his own soldier. Gulvar rifles through his satchel and withdraws a scroll and smiles.
“Banishment scroll.” Gulvar smiles.
“…and in the likely chance that fails?” Tasster does not even wait for an answer but snorts in disgust. Instead places his double axe across his shoulders and wraps his massive arms around them.

“So did ye just want to show me the size o’yer scroll or ‘as there somethin’ I could ACTUALLY do for ye?”

IzaOza
2007-12-21, 01:37 AM
A light gray skinned Dwarf with Blacken hair with gray streaks in it approached followed by a four other similar looking dwarfs. Her hair was in a ponytail fashion as she was garbed in the religious order of Dumathoin. To any dwarf that knew her kind the group was Urdurrin. In Blackish silvery sheened crystal armor she approached. She did this when the Tasster had been in conversation near the beginning. Hearing the plight She turns and converse softly with her fellow Urdurrin.

chiefwaha
2007-12-21, 10:03 AM
Carmard shrugs, "Mainly information, unless you are wanting to come with to test yourself against the devil."

mshady
2007-12-21, 07:38 PM
Tasster smirks as he listens to Carmard and narrows his eyes.

"What do ye need me for? Ye got 'hat lad with da scroll, aye? Seems like ya all trust'em."

Tasster laughs and rocks the double axe back and fourth on his shoulders.

"I reckon me and a few o'me boys can lend ye a hand. We gots little else to do but wait fer the next couple o'cycles till the gilded Patriarch deigns to see us." He snort derisively. "I've been 'ere about a week, don't think even the minotaurs wanna play with testy Tasster 'nymore. I'll kill yer devil 'nd wear its head as a hat, but yer gonna owe me a favor fer it. Don't worry, tis no less help than I'll be given ye."

Tasster smiles and spins his axes off his shoulder. Gulvar looks at Carmard, a bit unsure of what to think and uneasy.

Sornjss Lichdom
2007-12-21, 08:09 PM
Aye, You'll ave some compatetion for that Head.

Bwahahaha, but the burlly dwarf went on.

Well, what do you do around here for fun? Slapping the Sorceror next to him he slurred on. Or are we to break for rest. 'N of course by "rest" I meen some holy water hole.

loopy
2007-12-22, 05:52 PM
Johannes pulls a book out of his pack and starts to read, content to pass the time until the group continues moving.

OOC: I'm 10 charisma, what can I say, heh. Bookish and not very social at the moment.

IzaOza
2007-12-23, 04:07 PM
She remained in discussion's next to this group with the other Urdunnir dwarfs but kept an ear on the group she looked as if she was wondering if she should help.


[ooc: well for a dwarf the average charisma is 8.....so your better then average dwarf]

thorgrim29
2007-12-25, 11:18 AM
Truth be told Prince Tasster, we were'nt hoping for so much.... Thank ye, an be sure, if we survive, I intend to repay that dept, my duties permittin of course.

Said Thordrek warmly. He might be a bit clumsy speech-wise, dispide all his efforts, but he was not one to forget a good deed, or a bad one.

chiefwaha
2007-12-26, 09:13 AM
Carmard shrugs, "The more the merrier."

Diarmuid
2007-12-28, 09:55 PM
Gralmthor

The forgemark legionnaire had been keeping his own counsel. First, taking along one of the deep dwarves, and now bringing along this bull-friend. Merely harumphing to himself, he keeps his comments to himself and waits for the group to move on.

mshady
2008-01-02, 01:24 PM
OOC - Hi folks! I'll have up a proper post tonight. Things have gotten a little delayed form me with the holidays, family, hunting and some serious illness for variety. We'll be moving forward tonight.

MShady

loopy
2008-01-04, 11:03 AM
OOC: No problems! Things get hectic around this time of year. Easily understandable :)

mshady
2008-01-05, 02:52 AM
Prince Tasster smiles sardonically at Carmand’s response and chuckles.

“Well, ‘hat’s enthusiasm if I ever heard it. I’ll be ‘round this area with me boys when yer ready to leave. Lemme know and maybe I’ll come. Better part of a week here, be nice to breathe some new air and not be ‘round these high holies all the time. Patience is nay one o’my virtues. That’s me brother’s role. A nice Argalary is more my taste and ‘m running outta minotaurs to spar with and things to drink ‘round here. Whole place is just so… weird.”
Tasster looks around.
“This place, big bloody crystal. That isn’t right. That isn’t natural” Tasster mutters. “So aye, come find me when yer ready to leave.”

Turning, the dwarf walks off from the sparring area to a barracks. On the way, he withdraws a barracks and takes a long pull from it and weaves a bit as he goes.

“Could’ve been a bit more… interested eh Carmard, ye stiff backed old dwarf. We could use the help.” Gulvar grumbles loudly enough for everyone to hear…

mshady
2008-01-11, 02:31 AM
OOC - Folks? Still with the campaign? :)

mshady
2008-01-21, 10:13 PM
Hey everyone. Any players still interested in continuing the campaign?

MShady