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| The lands of Barrondale; One of our adventure stories based d n d | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 25 2008, 02:30 PM (441 Views) | |
| Tempest13 | Feb 25 2008, 02:30 PM Post #1 |
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Lich
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The robin and the lark playfully fought outside the window for the chance to sing there song as the sun rose in the east. This was an everyday occurrence here in Berryfalls. Peaceful and surreal as it had always been yet this was no ordinary day at all. It was Pippin Barlow's thirteenth birthday. His parents had asked Tarus the Magnificent to perform; they would have all the Halfling cake, and blackberry ice cream a boy could eat. What a day this would have been to if you could find a Halfling name Tarus a round. Pippin's Father had asked Tarus to go into Barrondale to pick up his son's coming out present. Now Tarus should have been back two days ago but as most knew in Berryfalls never send Tarus the Magnificent to get anything because who knows what might happen. Some even say a bad witch from the Scared Wood Forest cursed the whole Redwing lineage. They claim it happen when his great granddaddy Marcus Redwing stole the witch's bag-o-tricks. Was it true no one really knows? All one would say is this rusty haired Halfling was good at getting his three foot seven inch frame into trouble. Two days ago was no exception either. He had stopped by the Dragon tale Inn before leave for his journey back to Berryfalls then the unthinkable happen he got drunk. Tarus awoke harshly as a whip arced across his back. All around him was the sound of Snorters (Orcs). “Get moving you human filth!” the Snorter with the whip screamed as it arced across his back again. Some claim you can smell them coming a mile way. The smell made him feel the need to throw up yet that might have been for the drinking who knew. Tarus had found himself bond tightly with ropes and the rope made a nice little chain going to the eight others that were with him. They looked to be no more than common folk’s, farmers at first glance. Disheveled looking humans five males and three female of which he found himself at the end of the line of all places to be. Dragged through the dense underbrush when he could not keep up the pace they were setting. This was due to Tarus’s small frame and he found it hard to keep up with the others. How much longer would they keep up this dreaded pace it had gone on for two nights straight. They travel at night for obvious reasons. First Snorters when not seen this far within the Dale and second holding people against there will would not set will with the local militia either. He could see a small cart caring his backpack and some other supplies. He had been planning his escape for two days now. Yet from his careful observations over the last two days, he new they were headed north toward the Bad Lands. Canyon River was what separated the good from the bad. Tarus new they would have to go on the out skirts of the Elven Forest and there he would make his move hoping the curse had lifted. If he was going to get away, he knew he would only get one chance. “I have got to try before we reach the Bad Land’s.” Tarus had over heard the Snorters talking about meeting the boss on the other side of Canyon Pass at the base of the river. Now there would be a much bigger group and that might limit his odds of escaping these fowl-smelling beasts. There taskmasters were diving them hard through the nigh skyline of the full moon. Tarus had worked out a plan in his head and if it worked, he would be free. As they were pulled across the bridge, the big mongrel with the whip cursed and pulled hard against the ropes causing the disheveled woman in the font to trip everyone behind her. They all began to fall forward as they each ran into the person in front of them. If I escaping it must be now Tarus thought. The taskmaster growled and cracked the whip on the pile to get them up and moving again up again. As Tarus got his footing, he said something under his breath and point his index finger toward the underneath part of the bridge. A girl's giggles could be heard coming from underneath the bridge. As the three dark figures at the back turn to check out the laughter, Tarus was waiting for the right moment as the other were beginning to stand to their feet again he knew the time had come. A small popping sound was heard as Tarus moves his wrist apart and the ropes binding him broke and fell to the ground. Running at top speed, he was half way across the bridge before they new what had happened. The snorters were hot on his tail; well at lest three of them anyway as their leader bark some commands at the rest. Flipping around Tarus reached in this pocket and as he pulled, his hand out he shouted two words "marbles appear." Flinging his hand open in a swiping motion toward the ground marbles fell from his hand has he turns again to run. The snorters were much closer now as they made it to where the marbles had fallen. The second one slipped and grabbed at the third one as they join each other on ground yell profanities at each other. Two down one to go as he ran fast as his little three foot seven frame would carry him. Into the dense forest he ran, finding a hallow log Tarus made his way inside in hopes to hide for his captors. The beastly creature let out a howl and drew a wickedly curved scimitar; back edge covered in saw edged teeth that made for easy back swings! The leader growled and having forced the group forward once more, began shouting vulgarities at the two that had fallen. The short snaggletooth whip master was given an order and he let loose with a 25-foot lash into the two who were trying to get back into the pursuit. This sent them on their way as they made loud grunts and squeals sounding almost pig like. Some of the snorters search underneath the bridge, there seemed to be a small girl giggle’s coming form somewhere nearby. Five sneaky devils leapt into the fast moving water with heavy splashes and they began inspecting the bridge and shoreline. There seemed to be chortling laughter from the group and some remarks about "Ol stanky" finally taking a bath and "Haw, haw, he'll have to go wallow in da mud before we'll let him back in tha group." Ol stanky, a gristled old critter with a bristled beard and bulb-shaped nose, sputtered curses at all the hazing. "I'll hab yooz nose, I prides meself on keepin cleans once a moon and chew cloves daily..unlike YOU guys!" On the other side of the bridge, the Urak ran into the woods after his prize, chopping errant branches and snorting loudly. "Come er you little red fox!" Baneful yellow eyes scanned the forest as the group began smashing throuh the leaves and brush randomly trying to flush out the escaped slave. "It like he vanished in a puff of red smoke! said one. "Catching the hint, the other two commented, "Maybe we ought to tell da boss dat, less time under da whip and I'm tired of looking anywayz." "Yeah Drawk, (looking at the dopey skinny one) YOU tell boss dat!" they laughed knowing he was just gullible enough to do that. They all where winded so they made their way back to the others. In the distance, dogs began barking from a nearby millhouse. Had lady luck shined down on him? Had this dreaded curse lifted from his family? All he really knew was that he was safe for now. As he slowly made his way out of the hollow log he raised his nose to the air and could tell by the smell the three that were after him had gone back toward the main group. Even the ones by the bridge had abandoned their search for the strange giggling girl. They were not even sure if there really heard anything now and the lead snorter was mad for the time they had spent look for the phantom girl. Nor did he like the fact that the runt of his litter got away so easily. Yet they pushed on. Tarus found some eatable forest mushrooms and a few other plants. He began to chow down as he knelt buy the river to drink watching his surroundings closely. He thought to himself I have to get Peako's tome back I must! Gathering some, smooth stones buy the river edge he was ready as he ever would be. I cannot let them get too far. Yet if thing stayed the same they would camp soon enough then he would have his time. Could he save the farmers or the women he did not know but the tome was the life's blood of the Redwing lineage it had to be retrieved at all cost. If his luck would just hold out a little longer then all would be well tomorrow he hoped. |
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Quote-"We ARE the Woods!" "I assure you I am not here to hunt ANIMALS!" "Stay far enough way and well hidden and you will live a long life!" | |
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| Tempest13 | Feb 25 2008, 02:32 PM Post #2 |
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Lich
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Maegan awoke beside the placid lake, dew still kissing his face. Hearing the whisper quiet footfalls of his captain Lorien and the escort of watchwardens, he arose and prepared for his mission. He wore everything he owned on his person and it was likely all he would ever need. Sharp Elven shortsword, Reinforced Composite short bow, a large quiver of black silvered arrows and the tools of his trade packed smartly in his haversack and pouches. The Warden approached with hand signals telling him it was time to leave. He handed meagan several scrolls and whispered "Queen's blessings on your quest, little brother. Return to us in three moons if possible and try to find the precious Eldar wood among the mortals forest to the south. Meagan straightened his gear and saluted. The patrol drew swords and formed an arch of honor which he walked through before he left. Up in the tree city beautiful eyes of a queen watched wistfully as he headed south into the Olde Wood.Meagan's Truecoppery red hair reflected the sunlight as he stood watching from last of the giant trees. He knew that this day would bring adventure and perhaps danger. Something was bad on the winds and the normally chatty bushtails had gone to hiding in the leafy lofts above. He focused his emerald colored eyes far away, farther away than most eyes could see and watched the smoke rising from a farm about 6 miles away. The decision was made, he would leave the Olde Wood, his ancestral home, and go into the sparcely populated , hilly Forest to the South. A short time later and barely winded he stopped his run and came to the burning farm. He hid behind the corral and began absorbing everything like an arborreal Elflock Holmes. The Dark bloodstains told a tale of feirce battle. The farmers had fought the Uraks valiantly, but were taken away in short order. 12...only twelve, but the footprints, and 6 human's it looked like dragged along ahead of them to the Southeast. Meagan quickly searched for hidden stormcellars hoping to find anyone still alive, but only found two dead dogs..half eaten. Meagan began tracking the mob, carefully jaunting , almost invisibly, from tree to bush, until he caught up with the surkly orc raiders as they camped for the day near an old wooden bridge over a stream of clear water. Meagan watched the pack of slavers fight among themselves and eventually press on down the road, turning back into the woods heading northward. He carefully and stealth fully moved from shadows and trees until he came to a mass of tracks near where the creatures had given chase to catch the little manling. Meagan curiously examined the ground, prints and picked up a collection of round spheres that had caused the beast men to fall. He entered the wood, standing in a tree's cover, quietly watching the area in silence. After the dander had passed, he witnessed a small, manlike form crawl from the confines of a rotten log, dust himself off and look about nervously. As the Halfling picked up some stones near the road, he soon began following the slavers. Meagan stood amazed, noticing how quiet and carefully the little fellow passed through the forest. Meagan smiled and thought to himself "Now that little man could be my twin or kid brother". He followed at bowshot behind the manling. Tarus followed the Snorters North until the sun began to rise they had fond a nice clump of trees to make their camp in. After filling their guts with what was left of one of the farmers dogs they began to get quite. They had only posted two guards because they were close to the Bad Lands and did not expect any trouble. Tarus still waited for the right moment to try his best to free the slaves and retrieve his pack. He was able to go from shadow to shadow until he was in front of the first guard sitting on a log trying to stay wake. What a surprise he got when he notice the little red fox stand in font of him as he started to shout to warn the others. Tarus pulled his hand out of his pocket and waved it toward the snorter’s face saying softly you're sleepy. The snorter looks at the Halfling saying with a big yawn you're right as he slumped over snoring loudly. Tarus made it to his backpack and new he had no time to loose. Trying to get it out without make a lot of noise, he slowly lifted the pack, placed it on his back, and started back towards the eight humans tied to a big strong oak. When his luck must have run out and the unthinkable happened... (Do to graphic content parental discretion is advised!) The wild mushrooms, berries, roots, and the grubs he had fond to eat earlier in the day had began to have a party in his pants. The humans would just have to wait on being rescued. The rumbling was starting and he knew he only had a minute are two at most before his stomach would erupted in his underpants. Tarus slowly move away from the human prisoners and backed his way out of the camp hoping not to upset the rumbling on the inside of his stomach. He had back into the woods, what he thought was a safe distance. Now he had not took the time to look closely at his surrounding because in his mind any tree would do. Throwing his backpack away from him to save its contents for what was about to happen. He squatted pulling his pantaloons down fast as the explosion erupted like fireworks on the fourth of July, but the bombs were not bursting in air. One might ask was it the curse or just plan bad luck? No one really knows but it was bad because as the mighty Halfling raised his head with a sweet sigh of relief and a smile on his face, his eyes meet the gaze of a wolf spider on a web dangling in front of him ready to enjoy the meal that had wondered in his layer. Tarus fell back against the tree in shock. About that time an arrow came form out of nowhere hitting the spider and pinning it to a near by oak. He slid down the tree and hit the ground hard. As the shock began to ware off he could feel the warmth on his backside. Yes cursed for sure because he had landed right dead center in the eruption that had occurred a few seconds ago. Not knowing what to do or who shot the arrow he just sat there in his on mess. Just hoping the person handling the bow would soon appear. He was as good as dead anyway if that was the intent of the bowman. Therefore, he waited...Meagan notched another perfectly balanced war arrow into the bow as he watched both the spider and the Halfling go through what appeared to be very different types of "death throws". Realizing the little man appeared to be almost scared to death and worse yet, squatting in hobbit back blast, Meagan's Sylvan heart softened. He slowly walked up into the little man's sight, pointing the loaded bow to the ground, arching an eyebrow (in only the way a curious elf can) and said, "Little brother, I am no danger to you but before we make our well meetings we should get you to the stream for a washing". Meagan bows, replaces his bow and retrieves both arrow and slain spider. Placing the huge spider in a sack, he looks down at the small man who is slowly getting up and looking at himself with disgust. "I am called Meagan", nodding his head in greeting. Perhaps you are ready to leave?" Tarus nodded vigorously and followed the broad shouldered wood elf to a nearby stream where he cleaned up and set his clothes to dry. Meagan left quietly but soon returned with sweet herbs, some to assist in the freshening of the clothes and some for settling the stomach. "When you are foraging, do not eat so many of the wax top mushrooms. They give one the "Rages"! Now, little brother, tell me about yourself and about the peculiar circumstances are that brought you into the forest with Orcs. Tarus eyed the Elven hunter in wonder as his new acquaintance pulled back his cloak revealing hair of shining copper and emerald eyes. Something inside him made him sigh as he introduced himself and began his tale. "Tarus Redwing, humble magician, master cobbler and professional mapmaker at your service. Thank you for pinning that spider. I thought I was a goner for sure." Tarus explained only as only a Halfling can tell a story end with “I was about to rescue the humans before the “rages!” set in my friend.” Meagan appears thoughtful as he listens to his talkative "almost twin". His thoughts begin to form a plan and he shares it with his new companion. "First we need to separate the "Snorters", as you call them, and then lead them on a wild chase during the day when they would normally be hiding and sleeping. We then circle back, using our resources. Meagan points to the dead spider, and mentions slipping some mushrooms into their cook pot, (at this Tarus almost laughs) even some of your own bag of tricks. We must provide the others with a means to escape back into Barondale. This place is NOT safe for families such as these good people. With that, Meagan offers his hand in friendship and returns Tarus his lost marbles. "That was amazing, by the way, simply amazing. I never seen Orcs dance like that before" |
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Quote-"We ARE the Woods!" "I assure you I am not here to hunt ANIMALS!" "Stay far enough way and well hidden and you will live a long life!" | |
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| Tempest13 | Feb 25 2008, 02:34 PM Post #3 |
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Lich
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While the Urak sleep a dream of unlawfully earned pots of silver and tasty mutton stew, Meagan and Tarus are very busily preparing a few surprises. With rope, twine, carefully cut and shaped pieces of wood and use of the natural terrain, a path of confusion and non-lethal traps laid ready for the unsuspecting victims. The dead spider hung in a convincing place near a stumble trap into the river ravine and hollow logs, rocks. A few torches laid at the ready within bowshot of the camp, with a small pot of pinesap to use as pitch. Tarus carefully sneaks near enough to place few handfuls of mushrooms in the pot while Meagan makes a simple distraction with a few tossed rocks into the far side of the brush near the camp. Two burly Orcs with nailed clubs go to check it out, leaving the fire unguarded. Tarus had added mushrooms to the cooking pot ol' Stanky was cooking some fish, roots and grubs from their gathering and a gastronomic earthquake was served to the unsuspecting Snorters. As the feasting leads to a race to the stumps here and yonder, only 12 of the Orcs remained in the camp pushing and shoving ol' Stanky about with accusations of being a Goblin or worse yet, poisoning them! Taurus makes a tiny scarecrow of his red cloak and moves it in and out of sight with a length of twine like a ghost, making very authentic phantom noises. The boss yells upon seeing the familiar red fox in the distance, "Well, would you look there fellows, somebody must of gotten hungry and come back. Don't just sit there, go get him and put him back on the line. Six of the twelve pick up ropes and a man catcher running into the woods after the quickly vanishing cloak. Sniffing and squinting in the bright morning light the Orcs try to find him. Meanwhile back on the other side of the camp, a strange haunting flute begins paying and a torch hanging from a line is set in motion. "The whipmaster, squints trying to make out exactly what he is seeing in the morning fog glowing in the woods. He barks Grakt, Fumk and Stanky go check that out. They approach cautiously weapons drawn and head in the woods, leaving the boss, the lash master and their pet goblin, Lester guarding the humans. A merry chase begins from the first group as they follow the flying cloak (actually Tarus running and pulling it via twine behind him), as he approaches the snares and trip traps by the river. "Look, one of the Piggy's shouts, there’s two of em! Get em!" With snorting noises and laughter, the first two suddenly fly skyward into the tops of trees, dropping their weapons and dangling helplessly. "Never mind them, get that kid!” shouts the Orc with the big Scimitar. Tarus charges and turns right, dropping the cloak on the next traps spring hiding it form site. The charging Orcs run up and grab the cloak springing the deadfall behind them. Several trees comes sailing in hitting them from behind and several splashes came from the tree line. “Bath time for the Snorters!" Tarus shouts, watching the current carrying them downstream with sputtering. He crawls out of hiding and begins merrily making the most gosh awful ghost noises imaginable as he finds the hanging Orcs he left behind. Tarus took time for some rock slinging practice; he sends a few stone up to the squealing Orcs until they are unconscious. Meagan awaits the searchers as they approach the simple torch hanging and swinging from the twine. "What the stump is that? A willow-the-wisp?" the lead of the small group, squints more as the sun rises. Suddenly a large pumpkin with carved eyes and a toothy grin rolls out in front of the trio. Then Meagan steps out of the woods with his head bundled up in his cloak making him look quite headless. "Give me back my head!" he shouts, running at them howling like a banshee. The Uraks turn three shades of pale and point from the "Head at their feet, to the phantom and scream bloody murder, running back towards the big boss, snorting all the way. They veritably tumble over the boss screaming, Ghost! Headless ghost! As he tries to understand this puzzling development, two flaming arrows hit the cart setting a blanket ablaze. A third hits the boss square in the Arse as an Elven shout goes up from the woods. "Alenarthi tula medalun Urak kai!" which the Orcs seem to understand the meaning, “Fill the Orcs with Flaming arrows!" Confusion has a way of making people, especially scared people, do surprising things. ." With all the stuff going on around them, the slaves see this as a chance to escape and work there way over to the fire letting it burn their bonds. The two stronger farmers pick up two man catchers and use them like pitchforks on the lash master giving the women a chance to flee down the road while they cover them. The Orcs decide to cut their losses and run for the moment, at least until everyone can regroup. Later, howls of laughter burst forth from a cave under a nearby waterfall as Tarus and Meagan retell the tale to the starved yet amused Farmers and previous slaves. Roasted pheasant and potatoes cook over the fire. After a while, the farmer, then, asks, "what will we do now?" Tarus says simply, "We must find away back to Barrondale and let the good Baron William know that some of his people are being taken away into slavery. Surely he will drive these Orcs from the area." Meagan thoughtfully considers then speaks also, "I believe someone may be behind these Orcs, because they wouldn’t just come into an inhabited and guarded area such as Barrondale and abduct people without a strong leader or a good reward pushing them to do it. Now the “Range Rider's” were the only thing that kept out the riff-raft from the Bad Lands from crossing between the Twin Spires that separated the bad form the good. There was only a five-mile stretch of the Barrondale road between the pass. Yet it was winding and turning roads that had many dark place and rock outcropping for thieves and like to strike the weary traveler on his way into the Land of Barrondale. Nevertheless, it was the only way unless you new how to climb up the rocky crags of the Twin Spires. The Range Rider's made their head quarters at Logan's Keep on the out skirts of Barrondale. To most, they were a godsend even if some were of the rougher type. However, out here people new they had to be that way to keep the farms safe along Canyon River. People overlooked a lot of the story going around about their outlaw brand of justice. Logan Lordspring had been around this land for ages. He was here forty-five years ago when Barrondale became a town and help in the clearing of the lands around the city for one hundred miles in all direction. Because of that, he had made a great name for himself around these parts and lives in more luxury than most. Logan started the Range Rider's back some thirty-five years a go and they were still in operation today. The Snorter had not carry us to far in to the Bad Lands. However, where we were was not safe and the Redwing family curse was bond to strike at any moment. So we headed back after everyone one had eaten and rested up just long enough to travel. As we made our way toward the Twin Spires to cross into Barrondale province Meagan's keen Elven ears could hear the sound of horses and a wagon coming down the Barron's road. Not knowing what lies ahead we hid in a stand of tree to wait out our fate. Rounding the bend was a small but well guarded merchant who seamed to be heading in our direction so we came out of hiding and decided to see if they would mind us joining them on their journey. If we knew anything, there was safety in numbers. Master Fulgrim, the merchant was new to these parts and was actually from a large city far to the North. He told us he was traveling here in hopes of expanding his routes and perhaps locating precious swords or choice weapons which he loved to collect and trade. Among his party were and old crotchety wizard who kept to himself mumbling a lot, a high elf warrior, a gnomish jeweler and about eight strong guards. Master Fulgrim, himself appeared rather robust with strong arms and a barrel chest, sporting a warrior’s queue in the style of the arenas gladiators. He even sported a Gladius, a Fine Broadsword and a pair of heavy fighting gloves on his person along with proper credentials from several rulers to travel various lands to market goods. Soon we were on the way to Barrondale in good company. Master Fulgrim seemed to be a very likeable sort, whose stories and charm were only surpassed by his surprising knowledge of more common racial languages. We stopped for the night and made a camp back near the old bridge where Tarus delighted in retelling piece by bit our dramatic travels including the choice parts about the red fox Orc dance, the toilet Orcs and of course the headless ghost of the mysterious shady forest. Meagan left shortly for a hunt and soon returned bearing a fine 8 pt stag, some strawberries and a makeshift frame upon which he began to skin and prep said deer. Lorene, the other elfin guard soon warmed up to Meagan upon seeing his skill in woodcraft and soon they were chatting musically in their dialect. The old wizard, bald and with a string forked beard, puffed his pipe and entertained Tarus' questions on his particular skill of spell craft, which apparently had to do with finding out mysteries, sensing magical auras and whatnot( at least that's what he said.) |
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Quote-"We ARE the Woods!" "I assure you I am not here to hunt ANIMALS!" "Stay far enough way and well hidden and you will live a long life!" | |
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| Tempest13 | Feb 25 2008, 02:38 PM Post #4 |
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Lich
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Even the Gnome, "Glitterstone" a mahogany skinned, white haired blue-eyed wit master tried to sell us a stone or two and assured us that if we came across anything better, he would buy it from us at a good, fair rate too! He seemed to be equally skilled at the job of wainwright carpenter and of course, gem cutting. The poor farmers were getting royal treatment by Fulgrim. His heart showed such compassion for their sakes and he even opened a large trunk producing some serviceable clothes he kept on hand for just such emergencies. The women all teared up with admiration and delight promising to name their first-born and such after him and praying blessings each day for his success and safety. The evening soon entertained darkness and two guards went on each side of the bridge, hidden in the trees to watch for any sign of danger. A nice hot fire and roast deer brought everyone a full stomach before bedding down. At the fire Fulgrim, Tarus and Meagan began talk of map trading and the lay of the land around these parts. Meagan seeing this as a perfect cover whenever they were heading the same direction as the merchant, ask him if they might follow along to Barrondale together? “Well if you will help guard my wagons along the way I’ll take care of all your needs,” said Mater Fulgrim. With that, the duo became associated even part time with Master Fulgrim's fair traders. Fulgrim questioned Tarus about the lands nearby and particularly Barrondale. The little halfling produced a hand drawn map and began explaining the people to be hardworking, fun loving and law-abiding folks. The militia Logan’s Range Riders did a great job of keeping trouble and riff raff out and the baron, William Drakeslayer ruled with a strong and gentle heart. Tarus whispered about opportunities for someone to open a few fine shops in town, if said people had the funds. He even knew a hobbit that was a miracle worker at taking old weapons, sharpening them and fixing them up....if you get my hint. Fulgrim laughed and felt an opportunity stirring in his thoughts. After a good nights rest Fulgrim asks Meagan, Tarus and Golden Lark to spread out ahead and scout for trouble or sales opportunities. About two hours later the scouts find what appear to be local Range Riders escorting a wagon carrying three bound and gagged prisoners. Meagan watches them for a while and notices a stirring in the forest ahead. “It's those dog eating Orcs.” They towed the three new slaves out to the wagon. The Range Riders exchange the men in the wagon for some bags of money and leave heading back south through the woods. The Orcs tie the folks up to the line and sneak back into the woods. Golden Lark rushes back to report to Fulgrim the peculiar goings on, Meagan, and Tarus follow the Orcs at a distance. I would not have believe the Range Riders were in on this if I had not seen it with my on eye's. There were only three snorters up ahead leading the captives and they had not joined a bigger group yet. Shall we take them out and rescue those people Meagan? I say yes. The hatched a quick plan and sprang into action. This was going to be fun. Tarus ran up a head to a small clearing and prepared himself as dusk began to fall again. The Orcs busted through the clearing and saw a horrible sight. They thought they where seen things. Was it a ghost? About five foot off the ground floating in mid air was a small framed ghost looking thing if they had ever seen one with glowing red eyes. An eerie sound came from the phantom "Let My People Go!" Boooooo... "Let My People GO!" Boooooo....the bushes on either side of them began to rumble and they would have sworn to you they saw the tree moving to ward them. What would they do now? Well at least one showed his true colors as he wet his pants in horror! The second Urak turned white as a pillar and ran screaming "Wee wee wee " all they way back to his camp. The third hurled his mace haphazardly with all his might and missed badly. He then drew out a knife and shaking threatened the phantom with a horrible demise, until he heard his wet and stammering friend say "Uhhh B..b..b..Bratto, d.d..don look now but theys an elf b.b.bheind you!" Bratto felt the monkey slap of the broad shouldered and muscular Meagan to the side of his head with the flat of an ancient and sturdy elven short sword. SWAP! The wet one started backing up waving his hands in front stammering "No, no! Take em! Take em, just let us live!" only to trip and fall unconscious headlong into an old oak. Meagan stood watching the tiny floating specter in amazement, almost shivering himself. He cocked his head amusedly to one side and said, "My red fox, I believe it is time we sent these Orcs a message that even their human allies and leaders will understand." Tied up and gagged, the Orcs are quickly prepared in Elven fashion and left hanging upside down from vines near the road bearing notes for there would be friends to find. When the scared Orc finally made it back to base camp, the whole group came running, howbeit very nervously because the whole time he had been shouting about Ghosts in the woods! They came upon the scene and stood amazed. Dangling upside down by vines, faces and hands dyed purple with the letters T and M on their chest from special berries they had fond in the woods. Their eyes were all red and faces puffy from strange bug bites and finally having a most peculiar odor and many flies could be fond buzzing around them. They bore two messages, one in Orcish, one in common tongue of men "Beware and behold, this old wood belongs to the Spirits, Faeries and Boogens! Our eyes are watching you. Get out while you still breathe! Slavers are not welcome and will be scorched and mistreated horribly! Orcs, Goblins and Bugbears will find a swarm of Elven arrows coming at them! Now Get! Signed the red fox and the Fiery haired Phantom. Lying at their feet are their helmets pierced through by a single black arrow. All their weapons and valuables were nowhere around. |
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Quote-"We ARE the Woods!" "I assure you I am not here to hunt ANIMALS!" "Stay far enough way and well hidden and you will live a long life!" | |
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| Tempest13 | Feb 25 2008, 02:44 PM Post #5 |
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Lich
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Meanwhile Fulgrim’s wagons and men came over the hill as Tarus and Meagan exited from the woods. Meagan tells Fulgrim they should pick up the speed and get down the road because there are still some Orcs in the area. The group double times it a few miles down the road after allowing the new freed slaves a ride with all the others. The guards of Fulgrim’s group are showing more alertness than ever and have crossbows cocked and at ready as they form a circle around the group. The group then returns to a steadier pace for the next 15 miles, eventually making it to the crossroads and the inn. The Dragontale Inn was really more like a small town in itself, centered as it was in the nexus of the main roads. A few houses were scattered about the beautiful Sylvan hill, next to a small fishing pond fed by natural springs. Mockingbirds chased blue jays all day long and squirrels ran the oaks in a race to see who was the fastest bushy in the forest. The large inn was fond in center of the attraction, boasting its large stable, small market square complete with several shops and some twenty rooms. A small barrack like structure rested in the distance housing the local guards and even the two important rangers that patrolled the lands about. The Inn itself gaily painted in red and blue in contrast to all the lovely green Sylvan trees. Its sign sported a large green dragon biting its own tail. Fulgrim gave orders for the men to set up as he went in to arrange for a short stay and perhaps open his market up to test the area a bit. Meagan left to go "Do some scouting” in the surrounding woods, hoping to question the local rangers or find out if the Orcs had come nearby. Fulgrim went inside with "Glitterstone" and began to talk shop with the owner, Marlene white. Marlene gave a happy wave as they approached, bidding welcome and quickly settling on the costs of rooms, meals and a small fee to set up in the trade area for the day. Tarus quietly entered and made his way over to a back table and began watching everything with interest. The Gnome Glitterstone asked if there were any of his kind about but was disappointed to learn that very few ever passed through other than a traveler known only as "Poofted the Magnificent" a comical magician from Stone hill to the east. He was due by here in the next week or so. Several of the ex-slaves came in and got rooms and meals, making plans to travel home to Barrondale or perhaps work for Master Fulgrim. Meanwhile, in the woods, Meagan follows some booted tracks down to an area by the lake, which is perfect to hunt quail, pheasant and marsh ducks. While standing still, he sees the hunter, boar spear lashed across his back and Longbow string pulled taut against his cheek aiming at the large chortling pheasant. Twang! the bird leaps and falls, then the brown dog rushes forward from its pointer position to retrieve it. Meagan breaks the silence with polite applause and says "Good shot!" The Young Brown haired man looks calmly his way, tips his feathered archers hat with its red quill feather and returns, "I know where there are some ornery javelinas if you care to join me. My name is Carver, who do I have the pleasure of going to hunt with?" Meagan walked closer; head cloaked with his cowl and nodded "Meagan of the Wood Elves. Do you happen to be the local watch warden of this wood? " "Aye, I am the ranger, do ye have some other business to talk bout while we hunt?" Meagan smiles as they move out to find this mountain swine. Meagan returns by nightfall with the ranger and six fine mountain swine, 7 pheasants and a sack of strawberries. Hello friends, I bear greetings and information. Let us go to this Ranger's hunting shed and have a little meeting. After a short walk down a wide path, the group makes it to the hunter’s tannery shop. Fine deer hides; coonskins, boar hides and lots of feather, tendons and whatnot hang up and are being prepared. As the Ranger begins his skinning, with the help of the elves and his apprentice "Woot", he begins his tale of the recent goings on in the woods near here. I was on patrol about three month ago when I saw the Orcs prints near the river trails. There were at least thirty of then, and it seemed there was not any attempt made to cover their tracks either! I got my wet wood hunter blind there and set up a watch post along the trail break only to discover that these beasties were raiding farmhouses, raiding chicken coops, and robbing the local travelers on the side roads. Until about a month ago, but then they started taking prisoners and marching them north of here. Something is up I said to myself. I begin to notice large figures, big hairy things with spiky clubs having pow wow with the Orcs late at night too. They were so scary with big smiling teeth, sharp fangs and big ears! Now that was not the worst of it all, just two week ago, I followed the Orcs and their prisoners and caught them having a meeting with some boatmen. These boatmen from the river bought the people for slaves. I heard them saying that some big helm named Master Drake was paying top coin in the Riverton for servants and the like. I decided enough was enough and dressed up like one of those river boys and snuck aboard, staying in the shadows and hiding among their stuff listening' for what I could hear. Seems there’s big trouble in these parts coming if someone don’t stop them. There is supposed to be someone spying out the land and assisting these brutes in their dirty work, but I have not seen anyone around here yet, with all my traveling and spying around the woods and river to make a full report to Lordspring. Tarus said we would be happy to make that report for you Carver. We should be head up that way soon and I know the head of the Range Riders would like to know all about this. As the night comes and the patrons grow weary, the people wander to their rooms, except the small Halfling and wood elf who stay up chatting and watching the late comers. About ten a pair of the woodlands finest arrive, road weary and dusty. They go to the bartender, chat a bit, and go find seats at the table near to Meagan and Tarus. One, a heavy bearded mountain man sort with a huge Battle-axe strapped on his back looks over at the elfin pair and pipes up. "I hear you are looking for information about those abductions and such, is it so?" Meagan, his head still under his cloak merely nods, slender fingers slid into his cloak to a moneybag and he produces five gold coins, placing them on the table. Tarus's eyes get wide at the large Realm coins, but then he strikes a similar pose under his hood and nods likewise, producing five more. The Woodmen smile and wink to each other, taking the coins saying simply, follow us and we will tell you all we know. Outside near the wagon, Golden Lark follows the foursome silently into the woods, as Meagan had asked him to do earlier “If you see us leave with anyone please follow.” As the foursome travel down the trail, Meagan notices some large footprints at a fork, looks about size 20! He makes a sign to Tarus and Tarus gets pale in the face, but slips his headband off and reaches in his pouch for some sharpened sling stones, just in case. The Range Riders lead onward and chat about finding some Orc tacks down by the lake recently and how they watched them taking some farmers captive as well. The group notices a fire up ahead. The short, more wiry of the two Range Riders turns to Meagan and Tarus and says "This be our camp just up ahead. We will stop there and then tell you guys what you want to know. This business with abductions has really gotten big. The people involved are making a lot of silver and gold in this area." The big hairy person grunts agreement as they enter the camp. A bubbling pot of stew cooks lazily over the fire and the camp seems so very, peculiarly silent. Not even the whippoorwills or nightingale sung their night songs. Tarus hears a pair of heavy footfalls, probably men trying to be silent in the distance, probably a few hundred feet away. He new something must be up and was ready for anything. He slow sat down next to the fire as they began to talk and share what they knew. The wiry guy went to stew pot and began to ladle out four heaping bowls of stew. Meagan was watching closely when he saw the man begin to shake some brown and greenish looking flakes into two of the bowls of stew. He passed the bowls out and some crusty old bread he had in a sack. Now what was going on here? The two bowls that contained the brown and greenish flakes fond there way to Tarus and Meagan. As they began to sit down to the meal Meagan took his foot and kicked the stump Tarus was sitting on and it cause the red caped man to try to regain his balance as he dropped the bowl of hot stew on the ground. With the commotion that just took place, Meagan traded bowls of stew with the big Ranger. Hope they had not seen it. Oh, I am so sorry my friend. I am so clumsy please here take my bowl of stew and I will just eat the crusty bread. Tarus was just a little upset but he new the elf was not that clumsy. Something was up that he had not seen. It had to be. He could still hear the foot falls in the woods up ahead. They ate their stew and talk about all that was going on and telling what they knew about the abductions. The heavy set was eating the stew and sopping it up with his crusty bead when the unthinkable happened. He just fell off the stump he was sitting on, looked wide-eyed and fell out cold. |
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Quote-"We ARE the Woods!" "I assure you I am not here to hunt ANIMALS!" "Stay far enough way and well hidden and you will live a long life!" | |
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| Tempest13 | Feb 25 2008, 02:46 PM Post #6 |
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What the .... The wiry guy screamed a word in Orcish and Orcs began coming out of the woods to the north. They were about ten of them big and nasty looking ready to put a beat down on us. We had been set up it was a trap of some sorts. What would happen next would be anyone guess. The wiry man seemed uncertain as what to do for a moment when faster than the eye could follow, Meagan drew an ancient short sword as he spoke the Elven word “FEH-El!” as it burst into scorching hot flames, he spanked the man on his bottom with it, igniting his cloak. "Yeow!" scream the man as he leapt and rolled on the ground patting the flames, getting in the way of two of the shocked Orcs. Three Orcs draw scimitars and started to form a web as three others tried to circle around to the back. A whistle like the call of a bird rang out from the woods as a thick golden Elven war arrow hit an Orc in the chest and followed by another into the leg, the Orc falls into the fire. Meagan using the rolling man for some cover draws a second weapon, a sap filled with lead shot. He keeps it behind his back out of site while waving the flame tongue sword into the faces of the approaching Orcs. More arrows flew form the woods taking out the Orcs in the back, leaving a few in the front to take on the Halfling. Running in and out, Tarus made his way in front of the vile beast as his hand flew from his pocket as multi colored dust flew in the air say the ancient incantation. Rainbow swirled around their eye causing two to fall unconscious. The other Orc swung his mighty blade Catches Tarus in his right side ripping flesh with the saw tooth edge of the blade. The Orc raise the blade to finish the job when two arrows fly hitting him dead center in his chest cavity. Falling forward and landing on the Halfling covering him from the site of the others. Meagan and Golden Lark clean up the campsite and carry their friend back to the inn uncurious and in bad need of a healer. Had the Redwing curse finally done him in or would Tarus live to fight another day? Meagan gently lays his "Little brother" on a long bench calling for hot water, catgut, whiskey and clean cloth to tend the wounds. His face still covered with his cloak's hood, he washes his hands and the wound. Tarus winces and turns, a lonely tear skidding down the corner of his eyes as he gets the terrible gash sewn up. Meagan finds a nearby pestle and mortar, grinds some dried herbs and mixes honey with it, applying it to the tiny mans wound then bandages it snuggly with a satisfied nod. Goldenlark, the highelf watches quietly, amazed once again at this woodelf's skill, thinking to himself "Woodcrafter...watchwarden...healer..what next?" Meagan moves his friend into the inn's rented room, tucks him in and seats himself, ivory and silvered flute to his lips and begins to play a soft sleepy song. Goldenlark reports to Master Fulgrim of the battle and the orcs working with traitorous men. Fulgrim confirs with his associates and he makes plans to go immediately to Barrondale to bring this news to the Duke of Barrondale. During the night a huge shaggy and manyfanged beastman lumbers into the orc camp, large pointed ears straining to pick out approaching foes. Seeing the bodies long cold, he grins evilly and lumbers back toward the edge of the woods near the inn. The master would be displeased to hear of the failure of these slow witted uraks to perform a simple snatchjob. Well, at least they were already taking dirtnaps, so the master wouldn't have to use the cat on them. The 7'4" form silently counts patrolling guards, makes some mental notes and heads back down the woods toward a rondevue with his crew at the cave near the stream. In a sturdy twisted tree, a figure in black watches the Bugbear curiously , dropping quietly down to examine the creatures tracks, sniffing and tasting the air before following. In the distance, Goldenlark watches what appears to be One huge beastman watch from the woods and leave, then a much smaller manlike form with a wolflike head and red eyes drop down and follow the beast, carrying a large Bardiche-like axe in his hand. Goldenlark decides to take a walk and see what this little snipe hunt may lead him to see. Darkness washes away as the sun paints red and orange to the eastern sky. Goldenlark enters the room where the "Twins" are resting. Tarus sleps quietly, recovering from the sawedged orcish blade that woulded him and Maeagan quickly comes out of his fartravel sleep. "Brother, I have returned from following a Bugen spy to a cave near the brook. It had been watching our wagons and rushed back to its caverns. I also noticed a very stealthy man giving chase with eagerness, but he is definitely not from this country. Perhaps he is an ally, I noticed he bore a cloakclasp of the riverelves far to the south that is a common gift signifying an elffriend, just like those silver arrows your people gave you. Meagan sits deep in thought. My ward seems to require a few days rest and I shall not leave his side until he can travel. If you could only locate a woodland priest or perhaps some golden moonsap of the Eldar tree... Goldenlark says-I will see what we can do, Fulgrim is leaving and so must I, but perhaps I can get something to help. Goldenlark leaves for an hour and returns bearing a small bottle and a scroll. This is all we had..Fulgrim had this healing oil from a holy priest in Stoneheim, named Octavius. Also This map was drawn by one of the old hunters about where the Eldar tree still grows but it is a dangerous journey into the dark and evil lands. May you be kept safe and whole, till we meet again. Goldenlark also tells Meagan where the cave was located and where the elven marks are to be found that he left on the trail. Meagan annoints his small friend's wounds and forehead and says a prayer . When he opens his eyes, Tarus has awakened, his wound has not even the slightest of scars and he is already begging for a large stack of hotcakes, sausage and eggs with coffee. Meagan marvels at God's healing power and reminds himself to look up this Priest, Octavius in Stoneheim someday to thank him. By midday, Tarus and Meagan have discussed their plans and decide to go to the cave to spy it out and maybe get to the bottom of this slaver business or find out if this Bugbear has anything to do with the other orcs and evil men. After a five hour journey just before nightfall they find the cave hidden behind a cliffs waterfall. They watch a while and see 3 goblins with skull emblems on their armor going out to check some game traps and bring back food. Meagan and Tarus watched the goblins foot it down the hill to the stream and load buckets of water. Standing near the shore, the black garbed, Bardiche weilding man silently watched. The goblins grew tired of the hard work and decided to go for a swim before they went back to the caves with the water. Splashing happily, they grumped at one another about catching some fish, then they noticed the ebony figure standing on the shore, wearing polished black dragonscale armor, wolfskin hood and those...those red, burning eyes! Speaking in a gruff, quiet voice, in goblin, he said "The master sent me to talk to your cavemaster. Go Get HIM NOW, You lazy Rockheaded Slugs!" The goblins looked frightened. They had never seen someone so dark, so powerful looking..so scary. They ran from the water and scampered up the hill forgetting the pails. The man turned towards where Tarus and Meagan were hiding and said in the same quiet voice, "You fellows want to help stop those abductions and raids or just hug the trees all day(Spoken in highelven)" Meagan a covenant clasp of the high elves on the mans cloak and decided to trust him. "I am Meagan, of the wood elves, and just who are you, elffriend?" "I am Kane, Warden of Mistyswamp, protector of the southern townships and slayer of the wyrm, Deathspitter." |
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Quote-"We ARE the Woods!" "I assure you I am not here to hunt ANIMALS!" "Stay far enough way and well hidden and you will live a long life!" | |
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| Tempest13 | Feb 25 2008, 02:50 PM Post #7 |
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Lich
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*******We continued this tale for another half year until my friend passed away, but it gives you a taste of our writing style(James, jim and I had a great time writing it, hope you enjoyed that little exerpt., tempest/dan. |
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Quote-"We ARE the Woods!" "I assure you I am not here to hunt ANIMALS!" "Stay far enough way and well hidden and you will live a long life!" | |
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