Year 4715 AR, 10th day of Rova
2 weeks ago...
Deep in the bowels of Janderhoff, the sound of your boots resonate off the stone floors as you make your way down the halls, passing dwarven armed guards at their posts. Each of the guards nod at you as you pass, certainly aware of the prestigious honor that you each merit as members of the Sentinels, an elite dwarven band responsible for the safety of the Citadel and the region's protectors.
Two massive dwarven double doors open in front of you, revealing the All-Seeing Chamber, a room you have become quite familiar with, since you joined the Sentinels a year ago. It is after all in this room where you receive your orders and missions. You see the familiar circular table with five chairs arranged around it, ale and treats laid out on the table for your enjoyment. You look around and see the familiar faces of your fellow Sentinels. It seems your last 2 weeks of reserve duty are over...time to jump back into the action!
Stigmar quietly enters the room, his eyes doing a customary scan of the room. The time off had been fine for catching up on some research, but he was keen to get out again.
Dressed simple in rough but serviceable travelling gear, one might mistake him for a humble traveller, but on closer inspection you could notice the faint runes carved into his well-made quarterstaff, the quiet chitter of a centipede that occasionally peeks out of the elaborate braid in his beard, or that the eyes beneath his bushy seem to switch between gazing off at nothing to an intense gaze at something in the real world.
His gaze focuses on the table, and turning briefly to place his staff in the weapon rack, moves forward to sit at his place at the table. He takes a careful sip of his ale, then breaks off a piece of cake and crumbles it up for his familiar.
By Torag! Stigmar, me boyo, ya look even fatter than I remember from before. Ya gotta let them book rest a bit and try at least 'tae play with the ladies or doggos, huh?
Barad isn't usually friendly, but the two weeks off put him on the edge. As much as he hates to admit, he misses the action. The Dwarf was of average height for the race, with long braided blond hair and beard poorly hiding his stern expression.
Aye, just kidding, mate. Ya look great. I guess the centipede is taking good care of ya. The timeoff was too short! - he says, not really reflecting his actual feeling - But I know people missed me beautiful toned arms.
He takes a long sip on the ale right after sitting, and pulls a large oaf of break that the breaks and starts munching as they wait for the others.
Kaz pauses out in the hall, listening to the boisterous banter from within the chamber ahead. Seems Barad is in a good mood today. Thankfully Stigmar's skin is as thick as the chitin that protects his familiar. As his thoughts return to the real world, Kaz adjusts his blonde beard and the dagger at his belt.
Kaz resumes his entrance to the All-Seeing Chamber and smiles at his colleagues. Taking the elegant quiver from his back claps the stern dwarf on the shoulder. "Stigmar, pay no mind to Barad. He's just jealous that you have someone to help groom your beard."
Pausing only to lean across the table for a pint of ale for himself as he sits, Kaz continues greeting his fellow Sentinels. "Come to think of it Barad, I'm kind of jealous of him for that myself. I hope the break was as restful for you as it was for me."
Kaz takes a swig from his pint and looks around. "Any sign of Rhen yet?
Rhen marched uniformly through the halls on his way to the All-Seeing Chamber, his footsteps striking the stone every few seconds. He couldn’t help it, he had been a soldier all his life, even training with renowned giantslayers. He saluted each member of the guard as he passed by, the military tradition ingrained in him. He stopped at the double doors, smoothed out the creases of the tunic covering his armor, checked the shine of his boots, and the weight of the waraxe on his hip. Confident that he was as spotless as he could be, he took a deep breath to relax and motioned with his head for the guards to open the double doors. He smiled at the mention of his name for a second, before replacing it with his usual serious demeanor. Then hand on weapon, he marched into the Chamber.
”On time is where I am Kaz, but I thank you for your concern.” a small smirk comes over the blonde dwarf’s face but instantly vanishes. ”Good to see you all again and without mention of any scandals. That’s a bonus!” Rhen chuckles as he walks over to the table and takes a seat, serving himself some ale and separating some nuts and fruit for himself. Typical of his OCD nature, the cup and plate are exactly 4 inches from each other. He is dressed in full combat gear, his immaculate chain shirt showing off his slim yet toned tattooed arms. Rhen was no muscle bulging dwarf a la Barad, but he got the job done. He raises a toast to his companions once they each had an ale in hand, ”Continued glory to the Sentinels! It’s an honor serving with you all.”
"The Sentinals!" Stigmar toasts, raising his flagon and taking a long draught.
"Aye, I'm glad to see you all again, even Barad's toned arms - just so long as they're up front distracting the enemy" he chuckles.
"Still, maybe I do keep too much to myself off duty - I don't suppose any of you have heard any word of where we'll be heading?"
Rhen smiles and ponders the wizard’s question, ”No idea, but wherever it is, I hope it’s above ground. The last 2 weeks of Darklands patrols are too monotonous for my taste. Need to breathe some fresh air.” Rhen takes another sip of his ale, careful to keep his alcohol intake in moderation. He needed his senses sharp.
Kaz raises his pint in salute along with Stigmar. "Aye brothers. To the Sentinels." Taking a long swig of the ale he smiles at Rhen. "Keeping to one's self can be fruitful, but know that you are always welcome in the community when you need it."
"As for fresh air, I also need to walk under the open sky for sure."
Hm! - Barad grumps, before continuing - I'm getting rusty tae' be honest.
The ranger had spent his timeoff patrolling the forests himself, but truthfully he mostly slept and drank than actually did anything truly useful.
Ya' do me honor tae' be in your presence again, but now I'd love tae' hear more what's gonna be next for us. - she concludes, immediately feeling his mouth with a large piece of cheese.
The double doors to the chamber open and a band of dwarves march in, all forming a line of salutation for your commanding officer, Folgrun Silverhammer, a no nonsense pipe smoking muscular dwarf veteran of many wars, who wears an ornate eye patch. Folgrun Silverhammer
He dismisses the soldiers in the line, who quickly retreat from the room and close the double doors. He surveys the room, sees the party positioned around the table with ale and fruits, and grunts, "Glad you all made it on time. We've got serious business to discuss!"
He walks around, takes a puff of his pipe, and then slams his rather large hands on the stone table, startling you. "Today, you all will show me why I was so damn wise in putting the Sentinels together, culling the best of the best from our clans, and spending a grand sum on the best trainers and wizards on your sorry asses." Despite his harsh nature, you know Folgrum is very proud of you all so far, but he is quick to anger when you disappoint him.
The dwarf commander continues, "A grand crime has been committed against all of dwarvenkind, but even more so against Janderhoff! And you will seek retribution and vengeance in our name and mete out the harshest punishment, if it is deserved!" Some spittle flies from the dwarf's mouth and lands on the table, but he continues, oblivious to it. "A dwarven expedition of ours has gone missing. And not just any expedition, one that should have recovered the famed Agrimmosh, an ancient warhammer engraved with Minderhal's holy symbol, we believed had been lost for all time. A month ago, word of its discovery near the human village of Trunau reached our ears. You four were still out rescuing the missing dwarven miners from the duergar, so we sent out a delegation of six dwarves to retrieve the hammer, led by the siblings Ingrahild and Umlo."
Barad and Kazidorr immediately recognize the names of the sister and brother from the clan Nargrymkin, as fellow rangers, with whom you have trained and sparred in the past.
Folgrun pauses to consider his words carefully, as he looks at Barad and Kazidorr in particular. "Their mission was to retrieve the hammer, leave some ore and jewels for the humans as gratitude and return immediately to Janderhoff. That journey takes, even at a slow careful pace, no more than 3 weeks. They are a week overdue and the High Councilor fears for the loss of the artifact. I worry about my dwarven brothers also so I suggested that we can longer continue to wait. We fear something ill befell them to account for their tardiness. Your mission is foremost to recover the artifact and punish the wrongdoers without mercy! If you can learn the fates of our fellow brothers, that is a secondary objective. Do we understand each other? Sentinels, I need you to show me the value of this unit. I can provide you with a map from Janderhoff to Trunau, so you may retrace the delegation's steps. Or you can rely on your resident genius, Stigmar." The one-eyed dwarf smiles as he praises the wizard, "Never seen a dwarf with more knowledge in cartography and geography. He's a walking map!"
Folgrun's smile fades, "You have your mission. I need you to leave immediately. Do not dare to return without the hammer....and your brothers, if they're still alive. Questions?" The dwarf stands at attention and takes a puff of his pipe, awaiting your queries.
While he waits, he reaches into his backpack and withdraws, almost magically, 2 wands, 8 potions labeled in dwarven script as healing, 4 potions marked in dwarven script with the rune for invisibility, and 4 potions marked with the rune for rest, which he sets down on the table.
Barad grunts.
I sparred with those kids! - he finally lets out, spilling some ale on the beard, which immediately gets lost across all the braids - 'Aye, commander, count with me blades tae' get the hammer back and find our brothers!
He's dismayed, but gives space to the others to speak. His companions were already used to him and his outbursts, and this time it felt as if he's almost learning to control himself. Yet, he doesn't ask any questions at all, limiting himself to pull a small overused whetstone and start sharpening his axe.
Rhen immediately stands at attention when Commander Silverhammer walks in, saluting him. He then lowers his hand, while he stands rigid listening to the mission. Ingrahild and Umlo? Damn! He knew of them. Good dwarves. Rhen manages to keep his control and his anger from boiling over when he learns the artifact is missing as well.
When the Commander concludes, Rhen salutes him, "Ready to go at once, sir! We will find the artifact and the fate of the missing dwarves, sir! You have my word. The Sentinels will not let you down....and when we find the parties responsible, my axe blade will run red with their blood, sir!"
Kaz lowers his head and whispers a prayer. "Erastil, watch over the lives of Ingrahild and Umlo. And if not their lives, then their souls."
Kaz stands along with his fellow Sentinels. "I trust in Barad's direction but the map may provide references we can find useful as well. We will return with this legendary hammer. As for our young brothers and sisters, we will return with them or those responsible for their loss."
Taking one of the wands as well as a portion of the vials, Kaz stand quietly for a moment with his thoughts. Those two had so much potential. Barad trained them well, Umlo was so proud when he bested me one on one. Their loss will hurt their clan, as well as the future of the Sentinels.
Nodding slightly to himself, Kaz turns to the doors. "Rhen, I am prepared to travel. When the others are ready, I feel we should leave with haste."
Stigmar nods grimly. "Aye, we'll take the map. If we know the path they took, we can check how far they got on their journey."
"As for the Aggrimosh, I know Minderhal's symbol. I would like to research it more, but I agree we should leave now. Our brethren's trail is a few weeks old, we should not let it cool further."
Rising to his feet, he takes his share of the potions, placing them carefully in his pack.
Stigmar can definitely recognize Minderhal's holy symbol of an anvil in triangle, with moon, planet, star at its corners. You each take your share of the magic items and march out on your mission. The party is also provided with gear and food for 2 weeks, so you do not have to purchase any basis equipment unless you want to do so.
The skilled party traverses the Mindspin Mountains through established dwarven pathways that have been cleared of most dangers, so you have a rather uneventful 5 days on the path. On the eastern slopes of the mountains, perhaps 3 days' journey from Trunau, the vultures circling overhead alert you to the scene of carnage. You find evidence of the dwarven delegation's fate and the telltale signs of battle- broken pieces of armor, arrows, weapons, dried blood, etc. You find the headless corpses of six dwarves, which have been looted of all possessions. However, you clearly identify the dwarves from Janderhoff from their tattoos and other markings. You do not identify the corpses of Ingrahild of Umlo among the dead, as none of the corpses have the tattoos normally reserved for rangers that Kazidorr and Barad have on their arms or shoulders. You also do not find the artifact.
You do find the corpses of 12 orcs, though their faces are unrecognizable due to the carrion birds. Their bodies are also decorated with tattoos and ritual scarring.
Thankfully, this area does not have heavy foot traffic and there has been no rain, so there are recognizable tracks from a week ago.
Orcs from Belkzen. - says Barad, impatiently looking at the bodies - Twisted Nail tribe, I'd say.
The ranger moves around, tapping the ground and examining the tracks with brutal efficacy.
Yeah, me lads, a large force of orcs ambushed Dwarves here, maybe seven nights ago give it or take it. Not everybody died... At least four hands o'orcs survived and headed Northeast.
He is then pleasantly surprised, and follows up quickly.
But ey! Look at that, huh? - his voice is excited - 'Tis faint, but I believe at least a couple of our boyos also headed there! Torag shall bless us with some live stone blood after all!
Stigmar bows his head in respect of the fallen dwarves, then nods at Barad's assessment. "Can't argue with you there. No sign of the warhammer, or what they were trading, so we don't know if they were successful. Hm.. let me cast and see if I can divine anything else."
Heading over to one of the orcs, he smooths over a patch of dirt nearby then focuses on its dried blood and starts to cast a spell.
After a minute of concentration, words start to appear in the dirt.
Rhen curses when the rangers alert him to the scene. "Our poor brothers...at least they didn't go down with a fight, and took down a few orcs with them! Buy why'd the bastards behead them? Savages! When we find them, they will feel our vengeance!" Rhen lets his anger and frustration by chopping down on one of the orc corpses with his waraxe and cursing in Dwarvish, before calming down. He then ponders seriously, "Anyone else concerned that there were some 30+ orcs prancing around? Bottom line: can we track them?" Rhen looks to the rangers hopeful.
[dice=Knowledge (local)]1d20+14
[dice=Survival]1d20+2Stigmar bows his head in respect of the fallen dwarves, then nods at Barad's assessment. "Can't argue with you there. No sign of the warhammer, or what they were trading, so we don't know if they were successful. Hm.. let me cast and see if I can divine anything else."
Heading over to one of the orcs, he smooths over a patch of dirt nearby then focuses on its dried blood and starts to cast a spell.
After a minute of concentration, words start to appear in the dirt.
The following answers reveal themselves to Stigmar in the dirt:
1. Kiergan the Dark
2. Orc barbarian - Guard
3. A bald tattooed dwarf's greataxe split my skull.
4. Year 4715 AR, 4th day of Rova.
Answers in hand, Barad smiles at Stigmar for his cunning. Once the team is ready to proceed, the ranger starts the tracking.
from favored enemy.
additional bonus from Track.
Kaz looks over the orc bodies. ”Yes. Definitely Twisted Nails. Wretched beasts.” He curses under his breath but then turns to the fallen dwarves. ”Stag Father, watch over them please. They did not deserve this desecration.”
Kaz joins his fellow rangers in looking at the tracks. ”The orc prints are clear. We must follow them to bring them to justice. These horrors simply shatter the peace of community.”
Stigmar strokes his beard in thought.
"Not much we don't already know. It confirms that the attack was a week ago, so they were on their way back. That this fellow is a guard is interesting, it suggests it wasn't just a chance encounter but there was someone or something with the orcs that needed guarding."
"I suggest we find our fellows first, they may need aid and will be able to tell us more."
You follow the orc tracks NE and you notice that they begin to follow the Krestel River in an easterly direction. The rangers surmise that perhaps the orcs were avoiding the Skittermounds to the north, which are a series of tall, sandy hills which stretch for miles across the foothills of the Mindspin Mountains in the Hold of Belkzen. The Skittermounds are also renowned for the numerous and complex series of ankheg nests located within the mounds.
Eventually, the Krestel River merges into the River Esk and the orc tracks begin to travel in a NW direction through the drier sections of the Ghostlight Marsh.
The party encounters many dangers throughout this journey, ranging from to stray orcs patrolling the rivers, river drakes, crocodiles, merrows, and other swamp dangers. Thankfully, given the party's training and experience, you muster forward with no losses.
As you near the exit of the swamp, you see the remnants of a battle between the orcs and a weird plant creature. The corpse of the plant creature: Two long vines covered in sharp thorns protrude from what appears to be a massive rotting bundle of barbs that’s topped with a heap of berry-red eyes. You also find 4 dead orcs, clearly from the Twisted Nail tribe also, according to their scarring and tattoos. A couple of the orcs have thorns lodged in their eyes, and you find various thorns strewn about the battle scene. You also notice that all the plant life in an 80' radius is dead in this area.
Finally, you notice that the orc tracks continue west exiting the swamp, but curiously, a set of about 6-8 orcs break off and head east, further into the swamp.
"The dead plants don't seem natural." Stigmar remarks. He casts a brief spell () and scans the area for any magical auras.
He then uses his staff to carefully move the thorny vines aside to examine the creature.
Kaz looks briefly at the plant creature, though he is fairly certain he's never seen anything like this. It most definitely isn't your average berry bush but what would drive it to attack a band of orcs is beyond me,
"Seems like this plant may have done us a favor," Kaz says as he keeps an eye out for any other dangers, leaving the identification of this creature to Stigmar's superior intellect. "Stigmar, ever seen anything like this? Either in a book or in person?"
Rhen seems lost, mumbling, "Looks like just a plant to me...." He looks around to make sure no one is watching or preparing to ambush them. "Interesting that a few orcs headed east....wherever these orcs are headed to, we need some intel. May be good to capture some of them alive so I may persuade them to reveal some details of their base, plans, etc."
I am just glad I don't see Dwarf bodies here! - says Barad, honestly happy to be finding only Orc bodies with the plant - But I'd be curious tae' where our brothers went from here.
Stigmar does not detect any magical auras in the area.
Rhen, as always the consummate soldier, is on the lookout for danger, but nothing appears to be watching or surveying the party.
Barad clearly determines that the two dwarves headed west, out of the swamp, with the majority of the surviving orc forces.
"Yes, I've read about these - a brambleblight" Stigmar remarks. "It's what's caused the decay - all plants die around them. Now that it's dead, everything should grow back in a bit. They're not natural to here - they're from the First World - where fey creatures come from. If it was a fey that brought it here, it could be that it charmed some of the orcs." he wonders aloud. "Or maybe it ran away and some of the orcs went in pursuit."
"I think it's more likely the artifact has gone west - if something stole it and took it into the swamp, then all the orcs would have gone after it."
"We know we're a week behind the orcs. Tracking the ones that went in the swamp shouldn't be too long a detour - and if we do find them, we could learn more about where they came from. Intelligence is better than running in blind."
The party heads east and thirty minutes later, you find the corpse of an orc, clearly from the raiding party. His body is facing west, toward you, as if running from something, and he is lying on his stomach. The orc's back has been almost scorched and you can see his spine showing. When you turn the orc over, he has a look of fright permanently plastered on his face at the time of his death.
"Some sort of fire damage, clearly. But I'm not sure from what." Stigmar wonders, looking at his fellows questioningly.
"In any case, it looks like we're getting closer to something dangerous." He casts a spell and shimmering armor briefly glows arouns him.
"Then we need to group up and protect the flanks. Barad and I ahead in front, Stigmar in the middle, and Kaz covering our backs with his bow. Since we know there is danger ahead, we should be looking for anything suspicious." You kind of think that Rhen is reveling in the danger.
To the best of your untrained skill, Rhen, it appears as though something very hot was placed on the orc's back multiple times which, scalded and cauterized his skin to the point of the death.
Falling back on your military training, you group up to protect Stigmar and continue forward. 10 minutes later, Barad and Rhen spot 3 more orc corpses laying in the swamp. As you ponder your next move, you all "hear" in your minds a malevolent voice, which chills the sweat running down your backs! Mmmmmm.....more playthings after our treasure, hmmm? Surely, you cannot be working with the orcs. Consider yourselves lucky as their deaths have sated me...for now. However, your kind do not belong in the swamp. Retreat to your mountains now or die where you stand! I will not ask again!" You no longer hear the voice in your head. You look around but do not see the source of the "voice".
Barad grumps loudly as he analyzes the happenings with the others.
Aye, agreed. Whatever or whoever fried this ugly one, it mae' be friend or foe.
The ranger casts longstrider at himself - despite having the same speed as his fellow dwarves, the extra feet in case a fight erupts will be precious.
Rhen's strat is a fine one far' me. We should pick the pace... I'm still concerned with our brothers. - as he moves to assume his place in the formation, giant-sticker in hands.
-------------------------------------------
Barad turns back to talk to his companions.
Bah, lads, if there's something I hate as much as an ole smelly giant, is an ole smelly spellcaster speaking in me rocky head. - the ranger says in a tone audible for his group, unaware if the assailant has a way to scry his words - What do you guys think? Not sure what this treasure would be, if 'tis what we seek or not.
Stigmar looks around warily "If they took the treasure came from the orcs, then it could be what we're after." Stigmar replies in a low voice. "Although not if they think the orcs were after their treasure too - it's treasure could just be some old leaves that it likes. I guess we don't even know if this thing is what the orcs were chasing."
Huddling up with the other dwarves, Rhen comments in a low whsiper full of anger, "First, I'm with Barad, don't like voices in my head other than my own. Second, where the hell is this evil thing? I didn't see it. Third, since it admitted it killed the orcs, we know it did so with fire, very hot fire. Do we have any protection against that? I'm down to kill it, if we can."
Kaz catches up with the group from keeping an eye on the rear flank. He shakes his head having heard the same voice, unsure exactly what may be happening.
"Well, perhaps the killer of our query could be helpful." Kaz directs to the group. "Many beings resort to threats when they feel threatened themselves. Perhaps we could gain some insight, or at the least find out where the others may have gone."
Even as he tries to be the voice of reason, Kaz adjusts the quiver on his hip, preparing himself to be able to fight this threat if needed.
"I hcan provide one of us with a bit of protection if it comes to that. I think we should try talking first, at least to find out what it knows." Stigmar whispers. "Keep alert, if it's talking in our heads, it could be anywhere."
Raising his voice, he calls out to the creature.
"Have no fear, we're only after these orcs. Did ye see any more them?"
Barad crosses his arms as Stigmar speaks. As much as he wants to truly get rid of the orcs, they weren't there just for it - and whatever treasure this assailant could have, it could be what they were searching for. He patiently waits, trying to avoid any thoughts on his mind after the voice was heard there.
"I hcan provide one of us with a bit of protection if it comes to that. I think we should try talking first, at least to find out what it knows." Stigmar whispers. "Keep alert, if it's talking in our heads, it could be anywhere."
Raising his voice, he calls out to the creature.
"Have no fear, we're only after these orcs. Did ye see any more them?"
Stigmar lowers his voice again and says in dwarven "It seems like a lot of talk, don't you think? If it wasn't for the dead orcs, I'd think it was bluffing."
Whatever this is, it seems extremely confident in its abilities.