"Actually, yes I do." Rufa helps by translating the words Borrum speaks into giantspeak. Though she does make sure to stand slightly behind the dwarf while doing so.
He turns around and sees the party You little worms won't get me ! You did for my kith and kin, but you won't get me!
He yells at you while standing up to his full height and drawing his weapons
Mighty Giant we want no harm ! We hope to make peace with you and merge our force against the goblin, hobgoblin of the "Red Hand".
We hope to come with an agreement, not a fight. We want to fight the Red Hand, not you ! And crush them together in Hextor's name.
Happy to heard the giant speaking common, Galdamor tried to make peace with it in hope to make an allies.
Standing now to his full size the Huge giant shouts at you
All Gone, All dead, all but me. Humans killed us all. Humans came to Finish me ! he stands at the ready
We are not these Humans, we are not here to finish you but to side with you against a greater ennemy ! We wish no harm to you, only peace and alliance.
Said Galdamor, no weapon in hand.
Borrum unslings his backback from his shoulders and starts feeling around inside from something, keeping his eyes on the giant.
"Lord Hextor haz guided us tuz yous, not ta fight an' killz yous, but fur yous ta join us against dis 'Red Hand'. Ah, here it is..." As he pulls out a huge spiked gauntlet from his back.
"He haz provided us wit da means ta enforce his will an' arm his servants ta fight dis uprising ah gobo an' hobgobs. Wit dis weapon, we will crush dem together in Hextor's name." he finishes as he offers the gauntlet to the giant.
Yes, the humans who chased and killed your kin are all dead now and our Master, The Lord of Battle send us to you to gave what was yours years before.
Accept this as a token of trust between you and us. As the beggining of a new alliance between you and us
That belong to my cousin WormlyWood he says looking sadly at the weapon.
Me not know that Red Hand you speak off he motion the dwarf to come closer to him
Bring it here
Borrum comes forward and drops almost at his feet the huge spiked gauntlet
This is Bald Hill, Home of the Twistusks.
The fire near him sizzle and the huge giant looks at it. Grabbing the spear with one hand he lift it up from the fire
Not as good as owlbear but good enough for an old bag of bones like me.
he looks at the dwarf and just shrugs his shoulder
You can tell them other to come and sit by the fire
(FYI its about 2pm)
You can cook your eat on the fire
he says sitting down again and taking huge bite on the meat
he lowers it toward Borrum as the others approach
Bite?
Galdamor moved near the huge giant and sit next to the fire, looking at the giant's meal.
The Red Hand is an alliance of goblin, hobgoblin and other creatures. They seemed well organized.
Setting himself for the weight he is about to receive, Borrum takes the spear with both hands and takes a bite. Then hands the spit of boar back to the giant.
"I am Borrum Orcbane, an instrument of Hextor, what is your name?"
Warklegnaw, last of the Twistusks. I care not for goblin and hobgoblins; Should they come to Bald hill they or I will die. he simply says taking a bite of the meat.
"Warklegnaw of the Twistusks, yous waz alive when your cousin Wormlywood went down from Bald Hill ta seek justice... on vile Vraath an' his kin. So yous would knows dez mountains, hills an'... forests well, yes? What can yous tell us about Skull Gorge? Wez go dare next... an' hope ta beez dare tonight." ask Borrum while he chews on his hunk of boar in his mouth.
it would take you 3 to for hours to get there, and while i do know this forest i haven't left it. It is where i was born it is here i will die. The Bridge is old and was built by your kind he nods to borrum it leads into the hill and the vast plain behind it.
he says eating
Thanks for these informations Warklegnaw, last of the Twistusks. I hope one day you could join Hextor in His battlefied.
Do you know what danger could wait for us between here and Skull Gorge ? Is the bridge still standing and is controlling by someone ?
All i can say is that lots of creatures call this forest home. I would venture that the bridge still stands but i can not answer that last question as i simply do not know
The party leave the Huge Giant after lunch if over and heads down on the trail in order to go back to the junction and take the main path heading north on the main road.
"So dat went well Eyes guess... notz sures if weez got ah ally or not, butz weez did nots have ta fight him." says Borrum with a bit of relief in his voice.
"Eyes not sures how long Eyes would have lasted in ah fight wit dez wounds still." he comments while checking some of the wrapping on his arms and legs.
"Maybez weez can gets ta da Skull before dark an see whatz happenin' there an den gets some healin'." he finishes, as he looks to the others for agreement or alternate ideas.
A cloaked figure walks slowly up the southern road a green scaled buckler on his left arm, three charred heads as grisly trophies on his belt.
Looking up slightly he gets closer to the crossroads before stopping at a comfortable distance from the party.
Travelers, I give greetings He removes his cloak hood carefully so as not to catch on his spines, the lizardfolk spreads his arms while bowing slightly.
The green scaled traveler with a multitude of spines in similar positions as facial hair looks at you before attempting a smile, blue lips and stained sharp teeth don't make the expression comforting.
The rents in his cloak reveal portions of scaled skin, trinkets on a belt and a torso armored in dragonhide of a darker green color nearly matching the buckler on his arm.
I do not wish to interrupt your journey but I seek for one named Jorr and the group dispatched by captain Sorana of Drelin's ferry.
He quirks his head slightly
If you are not then I highly suggest you leave this place quickly, it is a dangerous time to travel the roads.
from the corner of your eye you see a figure who comes out of hiding and lowers his bow
I am Jorr and this would be the group you are probably looking for. I have seen you a few times before in the forest but i do not remember your name
he turns around toward the group He is no friends of the goblin's that is for sure, and the captain allow him to go into town to trade from time to time.
he says
I agree with you Borrum. May be if one day we need help we could go to this hill and fight alongside the last of his name the creatures ? It could be a good plan in case of a desesperate cause.
Responded Galdamor to Borrum comment about their meeting with the huge giant.
The first reaction to Swirl Mist appearence was suspicions but Jorr reaction calm down Galdamor.
He said
Yes we are that group. I'm Galdamor Graak, cleric of Hextor, this is Borrum Orcbane, follower of Hextor and this is Rufa our Arcanist and Reill follower of the Arts. Our friend Silvanius decided to take another route.
What did you want to us or Jorr ?
Swirls mist angles his head to address the bow wielding man I remember yours only by the arrow that nearly lost me an eye the first time we crossed paths. Fortunately my lady allowed me a fast recovery the scaled one reaches up and rubs his left eye But it is understandable, my race is not famous for its hospitality nor mercy in battle.
The lizard man pauses slightly, he appears to struggle slightly with the wording
Swirls Mist of no land, Adherent of She-In-The-Rushes, currently sellsword to Sorona Guard Captain of drelin's ferry. My greetings to you all
He reaches to his robe and retrieves a small note, summarizing Soronas concerns and her desire to scout Valrath Keep offering it to Galdamoor
As to why, I have been asked by the Guard Sorona to accompany you helping where my specialties can. From the carrion you left at the forest keep, my travels were likely for naught.
Have the poachers in the forest been driven off or do still more seek to trouble this place?
Ha yes i remember he just says looking at you So far we are heading north to skull bridge in order to take a peek. I'll let the other fill you in the details. he says before hiding once again in the background
Borrum keeps quite as Galdamor speaks to the new comer.
In his mind though is a cacophony of thoughts, as he tries to figure out what is standing in front of him.
Hmmm... Troglodyte?
He sniffs the air and smells only the smells of the woods and the stink of this companions.
Locathah? No they are more fishy. Not enough big water around here.
Cocking his head and trying to get a better look at the stranger and listening to his words.
Race not famous for its hospitals or mercy in battle. Hey Lord Hextor is like that too. Oh... half-dragon?!?!
Wait is that a race or a mistake of nature and some really weird coupling? Probably not half-dragon.
She In The Rushes??? Well maybe it is a half-dragon.
With a sudden revaluation Borrum blurts out,
"Oh... wait... one more green scaly humanoid... ah Lizardman! An da Lord ah Battle likes dem!"
"Sorry Galdamor."
i am going forward scouting. he looks at everyone someone should do something about the dwarf's wounds he is still a sore eye to look at. and i bet there will be more fighting to be done.
and with that he starts running on the northern trail
You are welcome with us Swirls Mist while you are true to your word.
Our Lord welcome any warrior able to fight.
It will be good to have companions Galdamor of Hextor
Looking at the Dwarf the lizardman replies You are correct that is what my race is called by foreigners, though it is not our name.
I imagine it would be similar to calling you a Beardling, apt but still incorrect.
With a bird like tilt Swirls mist peers at Borrum before continuing.
I had not noticed it before ,your companion is correct, you appear to have bled quite badly under that wool your kind grows.
The wand of healing magic that I carry could remedy such if you would permit me to use it.
The lizard man shuffles slightly and retrieves a desiccated lizards tail charred with a spiked sigil before looking to the deeper forest.
Bleeding freely in this forest is very bad for ones health and it would permit Catches-Crows the time to return from his hunt
Borrum pauses a moment and then bursts out in loud booming laughter, "Beardling!! Eyes nut been called dat in o'er forty years. Well dis ones got ah sense ah humor in him."
As he sees the dried/burnt item come out he continues, "Weez jus finished eatin', so no need ta share your jerky, butz yous can use yours healin' stick on me wounds.
Jerky? Swirls Mist stares at Borrum for an awkward second before blinking No this would be unwise to eat, the lizard it is made from tastes foul. One would be desperate to eat such a thing, it is only good for salves and this
The scaled one shakes the lizard tail and activates the wand
Some have said it feels odd enough to have them refuse such healing
A few minutes later the healing is completed. A growl of rage breaks the forest canopy as several small birds flee the noise.
Stalking out of the forest about 300ft to the south is a great black ape clad in stained studded leather. It turns searching the area before spotting the party and loping towards them
It looks like Catches-Crows was unsuccessful, but it is fortunate he returns so quickly.
"Nah... Me body been beatin' up toos many times fur mees da gits sic an squeeeemich..." Borrum responds before the growl is heard through the forest.
Immediately, Borrum shifts position between the party and direction of the noise, battle axe springing to his hand, and shield sliding off his back to this arm.
But he relaxes a little when he sees armor on the ape, "Grook'O? Nah, wrong color."
"Eyes gonna assumes dat hees wit you... Catches Crows is it?" comments Borrum as he looks over his shoulder at Swirls Mist.
Grok'O, you did not say of such one so named in your party. Did he leave or perish?
twisting his head in another bird-like tick Swirls mist nods before walking several steps ahead of Borrum.
Preventing the approaching creature from bowling anyone over to get to Swirls mist.
The motion reveals a large patch of burn scarred scales starting at the base of his neck
Yes, that is my current companion Catches Crows. He is a good ally and a skilled hunter.
The presence of these Hobgoblins poaching the easy prey has made that difficult. Even were he neither though, I owe him my life so he is my ally.
Slowing his gait as he approaches Catches Crows moves next to Swirls mist, The lizardfolk stands straighter as the creature gets closer, his stance and breathing giving him more confident affect than a moment ago.
The ape makes an apologetic motion with his hands to Swirls mist
It is alright, I am aware you tried.
the creature seems to ignore Borrum but begins to growl and bear his teeth on spotting Reill and Galdamor. Slamming a clawed hand hand onto the apes shoulder and looking it in the eyes Swirls Mist speaks firmly
These ones are not enemies, calm yourself Catches Crows.
The creature looks at swirls mist for a beat before huffing and ignoring the two.
Being closer it becomes easy to see that the armor on the ape has seen much better days, forest detritus and old blood competing for dominance on its surface.
The apes fangs have the yellowed stains of an apex predator as it eyes the heads hanging on the lizardman's belt.
With my companion here I am ready to venture forth if none object our presence.
"I have no issues with either of you joining us, Swirls Mist. Another capable soul to join the good fight and all that! Though I'm curious at what would bring a liz...bring one of yours to work with humans."
Hearing Rufa's question, Borrum just tips his head and shakes it slightly in disbelief, "Lord Hextor works in mysterious ways."
Swirls mist removes one of the charred skulls on his belt and tosses it to Catches crows, the ape crunching into it with gusto.
He examines the human for a moment before looking at the wand he has yet to put away.
Is it a common trait of adventurers to ignore wounds or is the stubbornness of the dwarf infecting you? The lizard pins Rufa with a look that would have been far more effective had the scaled one any eyebrows to raise.
As I have offered to your companion Borrum I would like to heal your wound, if only to avoid provoking some of the more attentive residents of the Witchwood.
Hearing Rufa's question, Borrum just tips his head and shakes it slightly in disbelief, "Lord Hextor works in mysterious ways."
"To be honest, the past couple days have left us so battered I had forgotten. I welcome your aid." Rufa allows Swirls Mist to use the curative on her.
The spell works slowly but leaves Rufa refreshed
Having seen the remains of your battles I am unsurprised, the man-bull at the keep looked like it was fierce when it was alive. Though I could not determine what threw the hand long darts of bone. I also saw several burn marks on the walls of the keep that seemed to have no source, there was a larger one as well. Were those your doing?
Catches Crows seems to be attempting to sneak up on the human Rufa, as a hulking black ape in daylight he is failing. The ape stops once Swirls mist looks his way, the scaled one sighs and returns to the conversation
A warning, Catches crows finds some of the materials your breed of magic often requires to be delicious. He enjoys the firebugs most.
The ground has been rising for the last few miles, and finally the forest itself peters out. Ahead is a stretch of barren ground, about 60ft wide, ending in a gorge. Roughly a 100ft wide at its narrowest point the gorge drops away precipitously to a fast rushing stream far below. The ancient Dawn Way crosses the cleft on a bridge of stone. Anchored at both ends to large stone towers with pentagonal roofs. The bridge seems sturdy despite its obvious age. It is clearly, the only way to cross, since the gorge continues as far as the eye can see to the East and West. The four stone towers that anchor the bridge are each forty feet high. A narrow wooden stairway winds around each, leading up to an open-air watch post at the top
For your hidden position everyone can see a small encampment of a half-dozen tent clusters near the northern side of the bridge. Curls of smoke from campfires attest to some sort of activity. A single humanoid figure stands at the watch post on top of each of the four watchtowers, longbow in hand. A powerfully built hound with glowing eyes and short ruddy fur sits watchfully near either end of the bridge.
Yet the most impressive creature present is certainly the Creature of Legends. A sleek and menacing green Dragon that perches on the roof of the northwestern watchtower on the far side of the Gorge. It lies basking on the setting sun, but its bright yellow eyes are fixed on the bridge.
Everyone seems to be on High Alert.
Speaking in hushed tones, after backing away from the forest edge to continue hiding in the shadows of the trees, Borrum starts asking questions of his allies on what he and they observed. He also begins drawing in the ground a crude map of the bridge area.
"Cud anyone tell what type of critters was in da towers?"
"So what do ya know about green dragons? Eyes think they spit fire an' brimestone, right?"
"Eyes pretty sure dat dragons can fly, anyone got anythin' ta help wit dat? Dat Manicorn was ah pain in da arse wit its flyin'. Eyes have mees bow if it comes ta it."
"Any ideas on what da hounds are? Day not look like normal hounds to mees."
"Rufa, can yous makes us faster again, in case we have ta cross dat openin' fast?"
Rufa:Not only can i make everyone faster but i can also make you fly borrum.
Taking in the scene Swirls mist tightens his grip on the stave he has been using as a walking stick, Catches crows bristles at the sight of the green creature.
" what is important enough on the other side of the bridge that a Dragon would be guarding it? I do not believe such beasts normally guard bridges much as they burn towns and eat dwarves." takes a pause noticing that his breath had been shortening, manually forcing himself to breath slowly and deeply.
"There is just as much chance that even if we survive and break this defense that we will be weak and unprepared for what lies north. Is it wise to let them choose the battlefield like this?"
The lizardman mutters and looks to his companion, the ape glaring at the winged green beast just to the north. small divots carved into the soil as he clenches in fists.
It would make some sense to simply go around them for now if they expect us, an unprepared foe is the best prey.
Jorr, do you have any idea how difficult climbing the gorge would be? It looks like that would be the only other method to avoid the bridge.
"But if we must fight them at a disadvantage I have a spell favored by my people for its ability to steal the air from ones wings and bring them tumbling to earth, but I can only call on such a blessing once this day.
If it breathes brimstone then I also have a spell that will grant us great resistance to that element for nearly an hour. Unfortunately I don't believe I can affect everyone in this group, the greatest number i've affected before is five.
Looking toward his ape companion he thinks and looks back to the towers on the bridge wheels turning.
I could send Catches crows to deal with the sentries on the towers or he and I could circle the bridge and come from the north,
I have a spell that would make it no trouble to ignite the small camp they have on that side. It would serve as an excellent distraction to allow the rest of you closer.
It would be near impossible, it is a 100ft climb each way and the river is rather strong says Jorr
I am going to the cliff face to see if there are any easier paths, Catches crows is an excellent climber and were he to manage to cross we could easily pass a rope and cross that way.
Swirls mist nods to Jorr before walking slowly through the forest, branches and underbrush bowing our of the way for the scaled one.
He examines the rushing waters of the skull gorge, the slick many layered pattern of earth which the canyons presence has exposed.
The river is swifter than anything in my homeland, the pass is deep and I can only guess at the dangers lying under the water. Those patches of rapids past the bridge look to hide jaws that would break an.
Anything without bones of granite and skin like the old ones would die on falling in.
Swirls mist kicks a fist sized rock lodged near the cliff face over the edge, watching as it spirals down before smacking heavily into the wall slamming into the opposite cliff and sinking into the swift moving waters. A man sized chunk of cliff that looked solidly attached to the wall swiftly follows rock.
the option of fighting that creature is no more agreeable but at the very least I would get to die with Catches crows at my side rather than watching helplessly. I.. I won't watch as it happens like Teeth-in-the-reeds, I'd jump into the rushing waters myself before that.
The lizardfolk returns, naut but the click of his trinkets giving him away as the forest bends for him. He moves next to Catches crows and settles for more discussion
Jorr was correct, the gorge is treacherous and even solid paths look unreliable. Pieces of the face seem to be made of serpentstone.
The scaled one pauses for a moment as he recollects a thought
I don't recall the name that humans have for it, it appears solid but even a small strike can send it falling. The river is fast and there are rapids that look to hold teeth to snap a horse on.
The lizard man fidgets picking at the frayed edge of a hole in his cloak, examining it for further wear.
It would be much simpler if the dragon would just kindly fall into the river and die. Hobgoblins are no issue to dispatch, though the hounds are not a sort I have encountered before. The dragon is much smaller than the tales speak of, perhaps it will only kill half of us.
After hearing Swirls Mist evaluation of the gorge and river, Borrum begins to reveal his thoughts.
"Eyes wud prefer da approach under da cover ah night. But it appears dat weez gonna have ah clear night, unless someone can change da weather or bring up a fog." He pauses a moment, considering a piece of knowledge.
"Eyes can see in da dark fur about 60 feet, Eyes expect the hobgobs and hounds would beez da same. Eyes have no ideas about da dragon. Did anyone see anyway to bring light ta da bridge or gorge? If not, den da hobgobs an' utters on da utter side, wont beez able ta see across da gorge well, ifs at all."
"If we can take da first two towers an' da hound on our side quickly, den weez might force dem da cross ta us. If dat dragon flys over ta us and gets o'er da land on dis side, do ya think ya have a fair chance ah pullin' da air from da creatures wings, Swirls Mist?"
Borrum pauses again, "It wud not beez wise ta stay too close together if da dragon can breath fire."
I agree with Borrum.
Said Galdamor.
I don't know much about dragons except they are powerfull creatures and if this creature guard this bridge it must be of some significance.
Military or not.
We could try to make hit and run fight and lure the creature in a field more in our favor.
Unfortunately, they seem too well organised to fall in such a trap.
Yas392
