The Orc's demeanor relaxes as he gets the measure of you. You have never known an Orc to be this in control of his violence. He looks to you and says,"I was enslaved by House Despana 5 years ago and brought to Rubernenassad. I fought the House's wars and gained noteriety as an expert killer. I have been training the Despana's warriors for the last 3 years, unbeknownst to the rest of the city."
He looks over to the Archmage and says, "The Universe led me to find a kindred spirit in Szordrin over there, who has been the only one in this god's forsaken place to see the world in the same way as I. If not for him, I would have endeavored to destroy the whole of the Drow race one day. Now though, I have faith that there may be even more amongst the 'evil' races that are good, just, and honorable. Now, according to Szordrin, the experience has led me to you."
Xaad is calm and controlled in a way that you have rarely seen before.
The Archmage, still lost in thought, chimes back into the present and interrupts your discourse.
"The information you have provided will help me plan our next move Apprentice. Xaad has proven to be a trusted friend within House Despana, and now I introduce him to you to let you know that we are not alone. What else did you need to tell me tonight?"
Zengo proffers a hand in friendship to Xaad. "Well met indeed! I am emboldened in my quest to turn my people from their path of evil by your presence. It is indeed good to know that others want to walk a better path!" Zengo then turns and addresses Szordrin.
"Mommy Dearest has ordered me to accompany my brother Bromnafein as the company Magic User on the upcoming surface raid. We are to interrogate Varaxor Despana on why your house has fallen out of favor. I am to do so without your permission if necessary, but would like your guidance and advice! Finally, I must report that I have had no luck thus far in finding out why the Council is ordering the light of Surmundil. I will keep at it as best as I can."
"Go to the surface on this raid Zengo, but there is no need to interrogate Varaxor, for I already know why House Despana has fallen out of Lolth's favor. I am the reason. The Spider Queen knows that I work against her, and now she punishes my family for their ignorance, may they all burn. Xaad, and a squad of Orcs, have been chosen to accompany the raid. It is unorthodox, I know, but these are very unorthodox times for Rubernenassad."
"I have a feeling that the ruling council wishes to see how well Orcs and Drow fight together against the surface dwellers. That, coupled with the light of Surmundil, speaks to only one thing...," Szordrin trails off.
"Invasion," Xaad finishes following Szordrin's logic.
"The ruling council of Matron Mothers has summoned me to a meeting of the utmost importance. I will discern what I can there."
The Archmage moves over to a magically locked and warded room. He whispers a few arcane words and the door opens.
He comes back out of the room and hands you a pearl.
"This is a Pearl of Shared Experience Zengo. When I activate it, you will experience what I experience from whatever distance you may be. I cannot give you warning when I will activate it though so be ready. Understood?
Zengo takes the proffered Pearl reverently. "Thank you, my Master. I will remain ever vigilant. And Master...be careful. You know of the Matron's treacherous ways far more than I, but if they know you conspire against Lolth, you may be walking straight to your death. I will pray to Eilistraee to grant you safe passage."
"Answers must be obtained my apprentice. I put my trust into Eilistraee's path for me. He removes a bag from the magical room and holds the small bag out in front of you. "These gifts will aid you in your journey Zengo.
He reaches into the pouch and pulls out a head cover. "This is a Hat of Disguise. It will assist you on the surface, and help you to hide your true identity. The Drow are hated by most on the surface. This will help you to blend in."
He reaches within the bag again and produces 5 flasks of mystical potions. You immediately notice that there is no way that the 5 flasks could have fit in the small, apparently magical, bag. "These are Potions of Healing. Use them when you need them for they will instantly heal wounds of moderate magnitude."
The Archmage once again reaches into the bag and pulls out a small phylactory. "This is a Phylactory of Faithfulness. It will keep you to Eilistraee's path."
He then pulls out a small container with a gel within. "This is a Restorative Ointment which will heal damage and cure disease you may contract on the surface world."
He then hands you the now empty bag and says, "That is a Bag of Holding. It can hold up to 35 pounds of equipment."
He replaces the gifts back into the Bag of Holding, and hands it to you. It is mystically light in your hands.
He removes a ring from his finger. "This is a powerful Ring of Protection. It will protect you from physical harm."
"And this is my final gift to you Zengo." He whistles softly, and from a perch high above, a Pseudodragon flys down to land on your shoulder. "This is J'Zeera. She will serve as your familiar my friend. She is young and strong willed, but will grow to aid you in all of your endeavors."
+Hi there boss!+ You hear her Telepathic words in your head as she coils around your neck lovingly.
After a moment to consider what he has set into motion, the Archmage steps away from all of you and says, "Do either of you have any questions of what you must do?"
"None. My thanks for all you have done Szordrin. It has been the greatest of honors," Xaad intones as he bows deeply and solemnly.
Zengo bows deeply. "I can only hope that one day I will prove myself worthy of your trust and bounty. I have no questions, and will discharge my duties faithfully. Pray keep safe, my Master!" To J'Zeera, Zengo thinks +And hello to you, my fine friend! I look forward to getting to know you!+ Zengo tucks the Pearl of Shared Experience in an inner vestment pocket.
A tenday later, you and Xaad travel with a group of 7 other Drow through the Underdark, towards the surface raid...
The Drow, though ordered to travel with Xaad, walk before the Samurai, and his Dire Wolf, completely ignoring them as if they are cannon fodder to be mobilized when needed. You have been selected to serve as mediator between the Drow and the Orc, giving you some much needed time to speak.
"I will miss Szordrin. If I hadn't met him, I feel I would have met my end in Rubernenassad. He was one of the most honorable beings I have ever had the honor to meet."
Xaad's demeanor seems mobilized and readying as you move towards the surface.
Zengo replies, "Szordrin is a great Drow. He was the first and only to give me hope in a hopeless situation. And in terms of hope, I sincerely apologize for the actions of my people against you and your race, Xaad. My regret is that more of my kin do not share my sentiment. Perhaps you and I will one day be able to change their minds..." Finding himself drifting from their stated task, Zengo pauses to collect himself from the past and focus on present events. After a few moments of silence, Zengo continues. "Xaad, what do you know of our surface raid plans?"
"I know that we will have very little time. Are you ready to leave the Underdark forever Zengo?"
Zengo is taken aback, the finality of Xaad's statement piercing to his core. He allows himself to dwell on Alliana for a few moments, hoping against hope that she wouldn't be crushed under the ruthlessness of his mother and their despicable society. "For the rest of my family, I have no charitable thoughts. All treated me cruelly, and I will not miss any of them for a moment. The trappings of my life felt more like bars then comforts. Is there anything worth missing, aside from my sister...?" Zengo steels himself and answers Xaad. "Yes, I am ready to leave. Perhaps I will return one day to convert our people. But until I am strong enough to do that, into the accursed light I must venture and dwell."
"Very well. We make our way into the light my friend. Let's start with the two Drow in front of us, yes?" Xaad's intention to kill sets as he unhooks his Tetsubo.
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"Stay your weapon, friend," Zengo replies. "In order to pass through this tunnel, the cleric will open a portal through a wall leading to the outside. We will not leave this cave if we attack prematurely. However, once we are through, we can use the moment of surprise to strike." Zengo ponders for a moment. "If the portal obscures vision, we can always cut them down as they pass through. But we will have to see what Eilistraee has in store for us and react accordingly. Agreed?"
Xaad seems to struggle with some inner turmoil and then, through much effort, relaxes. He turns to you and says calmly, "As you wish."
You enter the chamber and see the gathered Drow, and the female cleric.
She casts her spell and a magic doorway shimmers on the cavern wall. "I will go first. You will all follow. Prepare yourself for the vileness of the world above. The spell to return to the cavern will last until I dispel it."
With that, the Priestess of Lolth steps through the portal. She is followed by the next four Drow Warriors.
Varaxor Despana moves towards the door and is stopped by Bromnafein.
"Hold friend," says Bromnafein with venom dripping from his voice. "My Brother and I have questions for you."
Apparently Bromnafein has chosen this moment to confront the Despana.
Zengo pivots as he approaches Bromnafein to mouth the word "Now." to Xaad and then casually walks to position himself slightly behind and to the right of Bromnafein. While moving into position, Zengo focuses his attention entirely on Varaxor Despana, and addresses him. "Yes, my Brother is correct...we have questions, Varaxor. We would very much like to know why your house is falling!" Zengo casually raises his heavy crossbow as he talks, not taking his eyes off of Varaxor while speaking or moving, taking aim at the spawn of Despana. Once he is in position, he shifts the bolt to lie directly on Bromnafein's neck and, without a word, fires!
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Critical hit damage x2 = 10
Critical Hit Threatened! Roll for additional damage:
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The Bolt flies into Bromnafein's neck! Your stunned Brother whirls about to face you, a look of confusion and horror on his face, as blood spurts from his mouth!
Xaad wastes no time and charges at Varaxor!
,
He brings his Tetsubo down and crushes the Despana Noble's head into an amalgam of blood, brains, and bone.
Initiative rolls are...
ROUND 1
Xaad 15/15
Bromnafein 7/15
Zengo 5/5
"Raaaaaahhhhhrr!"
Xaad swings his Tetsubo in a continuing arc from the blow given Varaxor aiming towards Bromnafein!
,
Bromnafein's skill as a Weapon's Master of Melee Magthere becomes apparent as he quickly moves 5ft and dodges away from the Orc's vicious attack!
"Traitor to your own House!" Bromnafein's outrage is obvious though his logic incorrect.
He pulls out his Rapier and thrusts at the Orc!
,
The Rapier stabs into Xaad's shoulder, skillfully drawing blood!
"I will not let House Despana wipe us out! I will kill you and your new family traitor Wizard!"
Zengo prepares his Magic Missile as he addresses his Brother. "Our race is the traitor, Bromnafein...traitor to what is good and just in this world! The corrupt will be turn to the right or be cast down!" Completing the incantation, the missile flies unerringly to its target!
The magical energies slam into Bromnafein exploding with a purplish tinge!
ROUND 2
Xaad 13/15
Bromnafein 3/15
Zengo 5/5
"Die!"
Xaad brings his Tetsubo down to crush Bromnafein's head!
,
The Orc successfully ends your Brother's life! He howls in the fury of the kill, and then quickly composes himself. After a moment he turns to regard you.
"Are you okay Zengo?"
Zengo pauses at the question, as Xaad knows he is uninjured. Zengo then looks down at his brother's crumpled form, brains lining the floor, and realized that he has just ended one of his own family...coldly and without mercy. "Honestly, Xaad, I don't know. I will need time to process this, but we cannot afford to spend that now." Refocusing his mind on the task as hand, Zengo continues.
"Xaad, your wound looks manageable from my vantage," Zengo addresses his Brother in Arms. "If it is not, stop me now. From my perspective,we must finish this...and I have an idea."
While waiting for Xaad's reply, Zengo dips his hands into his brother's corpse and spreads blood into his hair on the right side and on his neck on the left. Bits of brain and bone he spreads on his chest.
"If you are ready, Xaad, I will lure the other Drow back in the cavern. Say the word, and I will pass through the portal with tales of a Goblin ambush from this side. We can then take them by surprise..." Zengo looks at Xaad expectantly.
"As you wish Zengo. Remember that my mount waits outside with your Dragon. When you wish, have your Dragon attack. Warfrost, my Direwolf, will join into battle."
Not caring much about the efficacy of his disguise, Zengo turns to Xaad and says "I will be back in a few moments. Ready yourself, friend!"
Zengo then passes through the portal, just sticking his head to the other side. As the hated light assails his eyes, Zengo wildly announces, "We are assailed! Goblins are attacking us! My brother is injured...come quickly and help!" Before waiting for a response, Zengo ducks back into the portal and returns to the cavern, positioning himself strategically.
Warfrost and J'zeera move quickly back into the chamber! The Drow flood back into the chamber right behind them looking for the enemy!
They see dead Drow and a wounded Orc Samurai standing at the chambers entrance with his back to them, facing a false enemy with his Tetsubo in hand.
Surprise Round
Xaad 15/15
Warfrost 37/37
Zengo 5/5
J'zeera 15/15
4 Drow Warriors
1 Drow Cleric
Xaad turns dripping in the blood of Drow, and rushes the closest Warrior!
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"Die."
The Tetsubo crashes into the ground before the stunned Drow Warrior!
Warfrost charges the other Drow Warriors seeking to end their lives with it's powerful maw!!!
,
He clamps down on one of the Drow and tears it's throat out!