Bhoors casts a spell, "Baby you're a fire work."
Dreading the worst when he no longer feels the blessing from Unmei. Dacknar strikes again and again, not caring for his own well being. Only knowing that he must bring down this foe before his companions fall. So he grits his teeth against the pain and slashes at the big drow.
Dacknar frees himself of any remaining self restraint and unleashes a furious series of attacks. The big drow manages to fend off the first wild flurry, but he is simply unable to keep up with the second. Dacknar's greatsword is a blur as he swings it around, driving the drow back a step before it carves a deep, deadly gash across the dark elf's shoulder chest and lower abdomen. Soluun screams in pain and fury.
Moments later be Soluun and the other drow with the crossbow are surrounded by a pale blue glow making them much easier targets in the darkness of the long buried temple.
Unmei's god, perhaps realizing the seriousness of his daughters situation, guides the golden sword true once again. And once again another bleeding wound appears beneath the drow caster's shadow armor. But while the armor cannot withstand the power of a god, it does hold up against Unmei's mundane dagger. The cleric's strike is turned aside by the shadows causing no further harm.
In retaliation, the wizard conjures another frosty ray. Although it hits Unmei, the power behind the strike is much weaker and the cleric suffers from a few minor bits of frostbite on her fingers.
Soluun attempts to rally against Dacknar. His first move takes the half orc in the shoulder. The short blade punches through Dacknar's armor to tear flesh and scrape bone.
Blood covers the ancient stone floor. More of it drow, than half-orc, but a fair blend of both by this point. Stepping up to follow his first success, Soluun's foot slips on the blood-slick stones. It takes all of his skill and strength to recover quickly enough to avoid giving Dacknar an open opportunity to end the fight.
While Soluun recovers, the other drow levitates around and off of the bridge to get another angle on Bhoors. There's a snap of the crossbow releasing its deadly bolt. Then another fleshy thwack when the bolt hits the bard right in the chest spinning him around once with the power of the blow.
Drow 1 HP: 12/60
Drow 2 HP: 7/60
Drow 3 HP: 60/60
Drow Wizard HP: 19/45
"It might be time for us to bring this issue to the dwarf's attention." The Bard mutters an encouraging song to himself under his breath.
Dacknar realling from all the blows, grabs his potion of healing and takes it down in one gulp, like a shot of liquor. The wounds start to stich close slowing the loss of blood.
And swing at his foe in his frenzy, maybe for the last time.
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After quickly downing his potion, Dacknar tries to go on the offensive once again, but the drinking of the potion throws off his rhythm just enough that the big drow is able to block the incoming swing.
The bleeding and battered drow, pushes his slim advantage. His short blade slips by Dacknar's weakening guard once, and then twice.
"Hit him now Kez." Soluun growls to the drow with the crossbow hovering a few steps away in the darkness. "Polish off this goblin spore so we can get home."
But it is in that moment that Bhoors conjures visions in the archer's mind of his priestess ex-wife berating and beating him during a temple service many years ago. Although the mocking psychic attack does little actual harm it causes the drow's mind to slip and loose its hold on the magical focus necessary to maintain his concentration on the spell allowing him to levitate. With a startled yelp, the drow plunges sixty feet and lands with a sickening crunch on the stone floor below.
"%^@%@!" Swears Soluun and continues to press his attack.
Inside the chamber the wizard curses as suddenly three more Unmei's begin to dart and dodge around him. This time his armor holds against the golden sword. In rebuttal, he conjures another frosty ray that strikes true and one of the images ends with a sudden *pop* leaving two more and the real Unmei still harassing the drow.
In the hall across the way the lead drow draws his crossbow after the other archer falls. Readying the weapon he starts to aim when he shouts in surprise as a small arrow embeds itself in his side.
"What the...?!" He exclaims and turns toward the sound of high pitched giggling coming from the stairway.
"Hit him again." Shouts an all too familiar child's voice.
Drow 1 HP: 8/60
Drow 2 HP: 7/60
Drow 3 HP: 40/60
Drow Wizard HP: 19/45
"So we're sticking?"
Bhoors shrugs as he moves delivering a pair of strikes to his foes.
Feeling slash after slash from the drow blades that would have over come a normal man. But Dacknar is not a normal man, he has the blood of orcs flowing inside of him. And that blood from generations of fighters in his clan kept the warriors alive, even from wounds that would have dropped most. And like the warriors of his clans past his Relentless Endurance keeps him standing to strike back at his foe.
Knowing that the end is near, and not fearing it. He smiles and give a laugh for he will die as he should. Not dying old and in wasting away in bed. But fighting against a valued foe with those that he would call friend standing by his side.
Dacknar gathers what strength he has left and does the only thing he can do to save the young ones and his friends. He yells
Bhoors slides up behind the wizard and rapidly jabs his blades into the drows kidneys. Gasping in surprise and pain, the dark elf has little chance to react before Unmei's dagger finishes him off with a stab directly to the heart.
Seeing the wizard fall, Soluun curses and starts to call out to his only remaining companion. "Jax is gone! What d'you want to..." His words are cut short as a nearly exhausted Dacknar pulls up the last of his depleted reserves to rally another attack. Responding to the half-orc's roar with his own curse, the nearly equally exhausted drow throws up his own blade. But he is just a little too late. Dacknar's steel meets drow flesh.
"*$%@!%%." Curses Soluun before his eyes roll back into his head and he collapses onto the unstable bridge. Weakened stones cascade to the floor below with rapid fire cracks echoing with each falling rock.
Across the way another small arrow zips out to strike the one remaining drow. This is followed by whoops and shouts as the three urchins come charging into the hall.
"Blasted surface dwelling brats." The drow hisses. Dacknar watches the drows face and sees in the mercenaries eyes the moment when he contemplates simply killing the children. But it passes and instead the drow pushes past the children and out of bow shot. Footfalls can be heard slapping hurriedly upon the stones as the drow hustles his way toward the vault's exit.
Across the way Squiddly, Jenks, and Nat are all smiles and giggles as they wave at Dacknar and yell insults at the fleeing drow.
"Did you see how I got 'im Uncle Dacknar?" Squiddly shouts waving his bow. "Twice. And just like you said. Keep your arm straight and let the string roll off my fingers."
"Ye kids did good. Now stay right there. But ready that bow, if ye see that elf devil run past, take a shot at him then take cover, ye hear me."
Dacknar gets his rope out to tie off, so he can slide down to the ground floor to check on the drow that fell. As well as keeping an eye out for for the running drow.
Bhoors kneels on the edge taking careful aim. He exhales as he pulls the trigger.
The children nod at Dacknar and stay back on the other side of the collapsed bridge. Three pairs of excited eyes watch as the bleeding and battered barbarian drops another rope and quickly repels down to the floor below.
The young archer, Squiddly, readies his small bow and trains it on the floor down below. His youthful eyes peering into the dimly lit foyer. On the opposite side, Bhoors does the same thing while Unmei carefully crosses the chasm and makes sure the drow doesn't attempt to double back.
Bootfalls echo upon the stones from the chamber with the nefarious artwork. They stop. There's a hard *thump*. Quiet followed by more bootfalls, only slower.
Hearing the thud, and the slower boot falls, it sounded like the drow had became wounded on the way and is now moving slower, or the drow's attacker is moving this way. This line of thought bring caution to Dackmar. Fighting a wounded Drow when you are on death's door is one thing. Doing the same with a fully healed unknow adversary is something else.
Dacknar ducks behind some rubble, ready to pounce on the running drow, while keeping and eye on the fallen one. He tries to signals his companions that the fallen drow can still be a threat.
He reaches behind himself to find his healing potion missing and remembering that he should have bought more of the life giving nectar. Nothing can be done about that now. So he readies himself for the outcome that lays ahead.
Now is the time why the name Dacknar strikes fear into the harts of mortals. he thinks to himself as he steadies his breathing and feels is anger start to swell from deep inside of him.
Dacknar ducks behind one of the large pillars supporting the old bridges above while Unmei lowers her golden sword sixty feet down to hover above the still stunned drow. Bhoors doesn't wait. The bard sinks a crossbow bolt into the creatures back and it slumps back down to the floor.
Following the twang of Bhoors' crossbow, the fleeing drow leader appears. Another drow is slung across his shoulders, unconscious but otherwise seemingly unharmed. Seeing the golden sword hovering over his other companion, the drow never looks for, or sees, Dacknar lurking nearby. Instead he attempts to slips into the shadows attempting to stay well hidden from the known enemies far above.
Bhoors continues to look where he was aiming.
Dacknar springs forward, knowing that he only has one shot at dropping this foe. Dacknar pulls every thing out for this one shot. Comming out of the darkness is a flash of steel from his greatsword slicing down at the drow.
Frenzy bonus attack
Dacknar springs from his hiding spot, completely surprising the retreating drow. His utter success actually throws the barbarian's attack off at first, but he quickly recovers and disembowels the former leader of the drow excursion. Entrails fall to the stone floor with a sloppy splurt followed shortly by the drows body and the unconscious form of the other mercenary he carried over his shoulders.
"Whoooooaaa!"
"Eeeeewwww! That's why I'ma gonna learn magic. I'll blast them to dust. Less messy that way."
"Coo1! What're you going to do with the other one Dack?"
Echo a chorus of youthful voices from their perch high above. With the enemy all either dead or unconscious, the Vault of Dragons is once again quiet. Quiet except for the excited chattering of the urchins as they hurry down the stairs talking of their great victory and Dacknar's final drow ending strike.
Bhoors looks to the others sheepishly asking almost a whisper "Did we win?"
Dacknar quickly starts to tie up the remaining drow, he is too weak to start a new fight, and he doesn't want the young one see him kill the helpless. Besides he now has a nice set of mugs to present to Yaga.
"Once them drow are tied up we will have won."
Looking to where the kids are. He give a deep sigh and nods yes. But once the kids are out of sight, Dacknar points at the drow and looks at Unmei and draw a finger across this throat.
"Lets get clear of here and find our contact before he arrests us."
As Dacknar shepherds the children out of the Vault of Dragons, Unmei and Bhoors quietly deal with the two unconscious drow. With the grim task completed, they quickly join the battered and exhausted barbarian back at the entrance to the old mill and yet another wet rainy autumn day in Waterdeep.
The words are barely free of Bhoors mouth as he steps toward the street when Jalester walks up with two members of the city watch in tow. His initial smile turns to a worried frown as he notices the blood and filth covering each of you. The frown grows more puzzled when the children burst forth still chattering about dark elves and heroic deeds. The Open Lords spy raises an eyebrow toward Bhoors, Unmei, and Dacknar.
"So have you had any success in discovering the lost...goods...of Waterdeep?" He says somewhat circumspectly.
Bhoors smiles at Jalester, "You have no idea how much success."
"Ahhh! Indeed. But before we bother the Open Lord, I think it best if I examine what you've found first." He says with a friendly smile. "Just to make sure we aren't wasting her time of course."
He waves a hand in the air dismissively. "As for finding you, it wasn't too difficult. Per our arrangement we had your residence under surveillance. Obviously we noticed when some of your...errr...subterranean friends showed up and followed after those urchins." He nods toward the three children still chattering about Squiddly's arrow shots. "I had a man follow as well. He staked out the place. When things seemed to start happening, he reported. I started to gather some men together. I was waiting for a few more from the local precinct when you appeared."
He gestures toward the open door. "Shall we take a look at what you've found and see what all the fuss has been about."
"You two. Stand guard. No one else comes in or out until further notice." He adds to the pair of watchmen with him. "When the others arrive, send two inside and the rest will secure the building, just in case there is something of value in there."
"Don't look at any art on the walls. Enchanted . . . in a really bad way."
Looking at the guards and shaking his head. Dacknar just has a seat.
"I am done climbing all over the place. I am tired and need a stiff drink. You lot go, I will just sit here. When this scallywag makes the dwarf mad and kill him, I will toast to your death." Dacknar smiles to The Open Lords spy .
Dacknar waits in the entry hall of the mill with the other guards while Unmei and Bhoors escort Jalester down to see the recovered hoard and its formidable guardian.
The Open Lord's spymaster is suitably impressed and dumbfounded by both and quickly moves into action to secure the treasure without completely angering or offending the dwarf.
Before long it seems that half the City Watch is either guarding or patrolling the surrounding streets and the three of you are being escorted to the palace.
"I need a bath!"
"I agree Bhoors, you smell worse then...well me."
There is plenty of agreement from Jalester about the need for bathing before being presented to Laeral Silverhand. Thus after a bath and a little rest you all find yourselves standing in a plush, exquisitely furnished study. A set of glass doors surrounded by windows lead to a balcony that overlooks the city although currently the view is somewhat shrouded by the usual autumn clouds and drizzle. A warm fire burns and mulled wine steams on a tray near a platter of meat, cheese, and bread.
Not long after you arrive with Jalester, another door opens and Inspector Blastwind enters the room giving each of you a thin smile and nod of greeting. The Watch Inspector is followed by a short, balding dwarf carrying three scrolls, several feathered pens, and a small wooden box. He takes a seat at a small side table and begins to lay out pen, ink and paper.
Following the secretary is the Open Lord. This morning she is dressed in a white gown with light gray embroidery that matches the silver of her hair. A pale blue cloak hangs from her shoulders and compliments the diamond and sapphire necklace draped around her neck. She smiles brightly as she enters.
"Jalester, so good to see you." She says brightly. Her voice cheerful, bright, and warm. "And you've brought our heroes of the day."
She bows her head to each of you. "You have my thanks and the gratitude of Waterdeep for recovering the funds stolen by my predecessor." She pauses for a moment and then walks over to the secretaries table. He quickly hands her a one of the scrolls.
"While I am quite sure you are more than happy to receive the warm words of your sovereign and a cities gratitude, I am also quite sure your hearts are hoping for additional rewards for recovering such a sizable sum." She smiles.
"So first, a pardon absolving you for any crimes or damage that may have been caused during your investigation and pursuit of the Neverember's stolen funds." She hands the first scroll to Bhoors much to the obvious disappointment of the inspector.
"Second, all debts on Trollskull Manor are hereby cancelled and your fees, taxes, and licenses for your current guild memberships are hereby paid by the crown for a period of three years." A second scroll is handed to Unmei.
"And last, but I'm certain not least in your hearts. What I hope is a fair finders fee for all of your effort, sacrifice, and energy. A writ granting you the total sum of fifty thousand gold dragons. To be split among yourselves however you see fit." She hands the final scroll to Dacknar.
She waves a hand toward the wine. "Please, enjoy a drink and let us relax for a few minutes." She says with a smile and soft musical laugh. "After all, once word gets out about your bounty, I imagine you'll not have a moments peace from all of the newly discovered friends, business opportunities, charitable causes, and outright swindlers that will be knocking upon your doors."
Bhoors smiles and bows deeply at the appropriate times. When the lady hands him the scroll he receives it making sure to have his hand brush hers gently and a warm look in his eye when he makes eye contact with her in that moment. "Thank you my lady."
At the offer of wine Bhoors smiles, "Thank you again. I would raise a toast. First to the prosperity of City of Splendors may this return serve a blessing and boon to her fortunes. Second," He looks toward inspector Blastwind, "To the stout men of the watch whose diligence kept us safe and in moments when we seemed our lowest brought true motivation to us." He winked at the inspector. "Lastly my lady I must say. In our adventures we came face to face with one who attempted to take on your likeness. Seeing you here we are forced to see it was a poor imitation of the truth. To an honest and true leader." He raises his glass and drinks.
Stuffing the scroll in his belt, Dacknar looks at the open lord and asks "So what is to be done with all the drow that this...fine city of yours seem to be infested with? It's like someone is recruiting them to come here."