"Bloody liers," Thomas mutters as he attacks the ogre again. Having regained some of his spirit, he lashes the ogre's left upper arm deeply. "Thomas, you need to stop now," Matthew pleads.
Randu glances to Drogen, trying to gauge whether they should aid the ogre or not. It maybe the bestial creature has served his purpose
With a bit of disappointment Drogan addressed Grumblejack.
Stand down Grumblejack. This one has some fight, and I don't wish to stay in this place any longer. We will have to tie you up and leave you here as we can't have you seeing which way we go. Do you agree to this Thomas, or do you wish to throw yours and Matthews life away with your decision to press on this fight???
Drogan hold his uhholy symbol staring at Thomas awaiting his surrender.
Glancing at the hated symbol Thomas steps back from the ogre, fear shinning in his eyes. "I accept your terms," he says a defeated man, broken in spirit. He might agree to the terms, but a certain ogre has other plans. Grumblejack continues his rampage lashing out at table and chair as he pursues a now fleeing Thomas withdrawing from the attacks.
"Grumblejack, stop now or after you finish fighting this fellow, when you are weak from what few wounds he lays on you, we may yet finish the job. You'll be free to kill others later."
"Desist NOW!" Lyrysa brings about all her bearing on the ogre, attempting to aid Randu in stopping his ramapge.
"Grumblejack not submit to you!" he hisses angrily at you as you try to order him around. Turning on the guard the mighty fists comes down and the sound of a breaking bones can be heard. The guard screams out in pain. A vicious retaliation follows as a quick slice cut the lower arm of the ogre as he withdraws for another strike, a quick step and a stab buries the dagger to the hilt in the ogre's flank. "Honourless scum," Thomas hisses through the pain.
Grumblejack you forget the deal we made when we set you free. If you do not honor your deal with Asmodeous I will be forced to kill you here and now. Presist and maybe Thomas will do that for us. He has a bit of fight in him. Now go back outside and wait for us. Deny my orders and die here with the human scum you hate. Do you want them to win that way or do you want your true revenge.
Enraged by his wounds and your words he lashes out against the closest target, poor Thomas. Somehow the man manages to evade the blow and retaliate, another wound is opened on the arm as Grumblejack withdraws it howling in pain. Seeing his opportunity Thomas cut the ogre in the stomach resulting in a long wound.
Fed up with the ogre's behavior at this point, Lyrysa begins an incantation to induce sleep into the ogre.
moving on is fine
As a reflex the ogre grasp his stomach where the wound is. Something makes him look down and he realises that he is clutching his bowls, leaking from the deep wound. Roaring out in anger he sits on the floor as life leaves his body. Thomas looks up with a tired expression: "Will you honour our agreement?" he asks.
"Of course," Randu says, "And, while this may mean nothing to you... I have to admire a man who can fight like you do."
Lyrysa looks down at the lifeless form of the ogre, "A pity." She then turns to leave. "Since it appears we are done here, let us be off."
The dagger clatters on the stone floor and the man steps away letting you pass. Making you way through the two rooms and stepping outside, you draw your first breath of free air for days with Branderscar prison behind you.
"yes, I've enough of this place." Randu wonders how much his incarceration has rusted his skills.
Now lets see, where did that lady want us to go again?
With a casting of guidance.
Ah, yes its this way. Follow me.
The salty air of the sea fills your nostrils as the waves break upon the rocky shore behind you, standing in the silence of the night the sound is near thundering. These wonders of nature captures and enchants Randu for a moment while Drogan is more centred. While the two men each alone begin to plot a course Lyrysa takes in the land, The terrain is different to her but yet so familiar. If she were to wager a guess the moor that the Old Moor Road refers to must be a salt marsh and if that holds true then it would most likely be a bit further up the coast, a little in land. Having decided on a course Drogan feel his pride swell, perhaps a divine sign from his patron, perhaps hubris, but he begins walking, Randu sees him set into motion and realises his mistake.
The first few miles are easily covered but then the true moor reveals itself. The ground becomes softer and the moist increases. as you press on mosquitoes begin swarming you, almost fighting each other for your blood. This is just the warm welcome of the brackish salt marshes of Varyston. The road lies well into this hell hole and your path takes you through streams and brine pools through mud and hostile vegetation.
You pass by one of the brine pools as you have just crossed a deeper stream.
Suddenly the water behind you stirs and a large toad leaps out at you. It lands with a wed slush closest to Randu. Cold unintelligent eyes fix on their latest prey.
Initiative:
Lyrysa 21
Randu 21
Large Toad 17
Drogan 10
Randu turns at the squish sound of the toad. Without missing a beat, he closes the distance between himself and the toad. It's tongue lashes out at him but misses. Allowing him time to strike.
HP 6/6
AC 13 FF10 T13
F/R/W 0/3/1
Beguiling Touch 7/7
Arcane Bond 1/1
Spells
0th - Daze, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation
1st - Charm Person, Sleep, Color Spray (cast)
Lyrysa takes aim with the acquired bow and fires a shot into the creature, taking a step back before she does.
Drogan will also step up to the beast calling up his fiendish fury.
Lyrysas arrow flies well past Randu and sinks into the large squishy body of the toad not hindering the predator. Randu weaves past the tounge lashing out at him, slashing a a deep gash in the lower part of the round body. The monster once again tries to attack Randu, but the damage already done must have affected it's aim as it misses him. While the toad is distracted Drogan makes his way to the monster and barely connects with his attack, however the gods must be smiling on him as he severs on of the few superficial arteries the toad has and it falls to the ground as plasma sprays from the foul creature.
Looking back on the brink opposite, tracks from the toad can be seen.
"Nice work all, so, do we follow its tracks and see if any of its previous victims might have goods left in its lair, or do we head on to the meeting ?"
Seems reasonable. I'm think a toad of this size could swallow a shild, I'm not sure about a man. Though nature is not realy my field of expertise. Lead the way Randu.
"Perhaps it will throw off pursuit as well, giving us a chance to alter our tracks. I concur with Drogan."
Randu nods, and follows the tracks the creature left.
At first the track are easy to follow but as the little group press on, it becomes more difficult. After an hour Randu has finally lost track
Randu curses, "I've lost the trail. I'll keep trying if you like, but probably best we turn towards our meeting goal again"
"Agreed. Let's be off to meet this benefactor of ours."
Find the path back to your battleground is easy. The mud leaves enough signs to see where you have stepped before and avoid the sink holes. Once you reach banks of the stream and the toad's body, you quickly identify your course. Plagued by insects the escape continues slowly and the minutes fly by soon another hour is gone. Then hope appears in the form of a light. A lonely lantern burns on the upper story of the house by the Old Moor Road. The place shows little sign of habitation. Old but well-appointed, the house is large, imposing and alone on its hill. Painted a dark green and surrounded by barbed wrought iron fence, nothing about this place seems inviting or a sanctuary. Still it is your destination. Where will you go if not here? You have an appointment to keep. Best not keep your nameless benefactor waiting...
As you approach the porch the door open and a hauntingly beautiful woman greets you: "Dearest, you took long enough." Her almost unearthly green eyes pierces you in turn, as she continues: "We were beginning to wonder if you'd make it. I spoke with one of your friends earlier, Orodreth." Pausing for a second, evaluating you, she adds: "The master commands all of you to appear before him but before that, you must be made presentable." She turns quickly flinging her white blond hair over her shoulder. "Slaves!" she calls clapping her hands. A dozen young attractive young men and women all wearing very traditional servant's livery appear quickly, their heads bowed. "These people are our guests," she commands imperiously. "See them to their rooms. I want them cleaned, dressed and refreshed. Quickly" There is something in that last word that sounds like a threat. Smiling she turns to you. "Take your pick," she says gesturing towards the servants.
They are deeply enchanted.
Randu can tell the slaves are bound by chains of unnatural nature, "Enchanting indeed," He says wryly.
To the beautiful hostess, he says, "Dear lady, You appear to know us, but I do not believe we know your name, how should we call you?" Even as he asks, he surveys the women among the slaves with a keen eye. One beauty definitely catches his interest; Flame hued hair, toned but not overly muscled, and buxom enough to draw a man's eye.
He gestures to her, "This one I think. If she's as competent as she is comely."
Lyrysa walks among the slaves, though with an eye trained to spot talent. She examines each in turn while listening to the exchange between Randu and the woman. One of the slaves she comes upon, she finds what she is looking for as she brushes her hand against hers. The callouses on her fingertips tells her what she needs to know. "This one will do. And him for later."
She turns back to their host's representative. "If there will be a later."
Enchanted slaves? I would prefer them give themselves to the services of the Dark Prince by their own will, but this will do. You obviously enchanted your way in to get to us. I am curious as to whom your master is and what he wants with us. I will take the girl here. Now be a good host and have some of your slaves bring me some food and drink if you will.
Drogan nods to the beutiful lady with a wide sinister grin.
She smiles at Randu's question "How most inconsiderate of me, I am Tiadora," she replies. Her eyes follow you as you browse and decide among the servants. "There should be time for a bath and a breakfast perhaps some hours of rest would also do you good," she informs you after you have chosen and to Lyrysa she adds: "There will be a later." Drogan statement changes something in her, her behaviour is the same but her eyes turn cold and vengeful. "Just ask them and they should serve," she retorts, disdain apparent in her tone.
Tiadora was it? I mean no offense. We use the talents the Dark Prince gives us. I just chose those in service to me do so by choice. A contract foged under compulsion is not a valid one. I'm sure we can talk of religous views in time. We wish not to keep your master waiting so we will have our leave. Please accept my apology.
She smiles at Randu's question "How most inconsiderate of me, I am Tiadora," she replies. Her eyes follow you as you browse and decide among the servants. "There should be time for a bath and a breakfast perhaps some hours of rest would also do you good,"
"A lovely name," Randu says, "And yes, all you suggest would be welcome. My thanks again, and I and this servant shall see to those needs."
Unless his companions seem to have need of them, he looks to the servant he's selected, "Lead me to my quarters and prepare me a bath, girl."
Even though she is enchanted, the red-head looks at Randu with an quelled fire in her eyes, "If you would follow.. follow me master," she responds almost fighting against the words. She leads Randu up a large staircase connecting the hall to the first floor, turning left she opens the second door on her right. Stepping inside and aside she says:"I hope you'll find this to you liking." the fire once again fully quenched. Remembering your instruction, she walks to the fire place and being preparing to heat water for the bath.
Shifting back to her welcoming demeanour Tiadora replies: "None taken, you are forgiven." The girl you indicated walks closer looking at you with her glazed eyes she asks: "Which food may we preparer for you good sir?"
The girl rubs her hand slightly where you touched her and steps towards you. She seems slightly older than the rest, not much but a little. Keeping her eyes respectfully on the floor she asks in a meeker voice: "How may I help you Milady?"
Lyrysa ignores the servants request at first to speak with Tiadora, offering a curtsy in her current rags. "I thank you for the hospitality and the use of your servants. I am eager to meet this patron of yours."
She then turns to the servant she selected, not quite bringing her gaze to her. "I can tell you're skilled at serving and dressing others of station. You will now come and assist me and you will be thankful for the opportunity. Perhaps if you perform well I will even allow you to give your name. To these rooms."
As she moves to follow she stops briefly at the young man she selected as well, "I will expect you to prove yourself in an hour. Bring strawberries." Lyrysa then continues to follow the servant to the offered chambers.
Even though she is enchanted, the red-head looks at Randu with an quelled fire in her eyes, "If you would follow.. follow me master," she responds almost fighting against the words. She leads Randu up a large staircase connecting the hall to the first floor, turning left she opens the second door on her right. Stepping inside and aside she says:"I hope you'll find this to you liking." the fire once again fully quenched. Remembering your instruction, she walks to the fire place and being preparing to heat water for the bath.
He follows, and then watches her, "Such heat, and not from the fireplace. Is serving me such a trial compared to your usual duties? What is YOUR name, and what station your family?" Insolent, or justified? Drogan is right, it is better that people know where they stand without enchantment's influence for such influence is not sincere....yet it is tempting. If I knew how to transform a soul to make others SEE the world as I do...yes, I'd do it. Is that not what I seek for this pitiful kingdom?