Jorr "Goblinbane" Natherson's page

"This is the way Ahh see it, mae friends. From the smoke on the horizon, it looks like the Red Hand has already taken Nimon's Gap. That means they're somewhere b'tween Nimon's Gap and Talar. Now, Ahh'm happy tae lead yae whichever way yae wish. Clearly, north to the Dawn Way is gonnae be faster, but nae if we run intae the horde itself. We still mebbae ahead o' the horde and mebbae able to beat them to Talar, but if nae, it will take us another day er tae to fall back to this position and then we will need to take the eastern road through Dauth and Prosser. If we tak the eastern route richt now, it may tak us a little longer, but it is certain to avoid the bulk of the main horde. If we go north, it may be faster, but we also may run intae the horde. Which way dae yae want tae go, my friends?"

"Aye, Ahh promised yae that Ahh would get yae safely out of that desolation, and Ahh did. So now whair dae yae want tae go? This route tae the north will lead yae tae the Dawnway just east of Drellin's Ferry, but if we go right, we'll begin a series of routes that will eventually get us to Brindol, but off of the beaten path. So which do you prefer?"

"What dae yae suppose the note means about a summoning and Tiamat's court? Ahh dannae like the sound o' that!"

"Aye, Ahh can say that yae're crazier than Ahh thought! Yae barely mak it out o' that place alive and now yer eager tae gae back in and hae a look around! All Ahh can say is, dannae expect me tae come in and rescue yae!"

"Jorr! Any wee beasties come and tell you where the Red Hand is nowadays?"

"Aye, mebbae once we get back intae the woods, but here in the Thornwaste, there isnae a single sign of animal or plant life. I think that Ghostlord sucked the life out o' everythere in the entire surrounding area."

"Ach! What took yae so long?! I was worried that yae became Lion meat!"

Jorr Natherson tries to bring Thordak back to this realm and prepare him to return to the crypt.

"Thordak, mae lad! What are yae dae'n? Are yae so shocked that ye cannae concentrate any longer? Speak tae me! The company is dependin on yae to help save this land and I doubt they could dae it without yae. It's just a big pussy cat and yer companions have already disposed of all of them. Hang in there mae friend. This is not the time tae be afraid!"

Jorr Natherson scurries over and grabs a hold of Thordak and tries to calm the fearful ranger down.

"Look at me, Thordak! Yer alright! Dae yae hear me! There isnae need to run any longer. The ghostie lions are all destroyed now! Sit doon if yae like, but there are no mair lions tae frighten yae! If yae're nae careful yae could end up at the bottom o' a pit trap!"

"Aye, he was a strange one, but I presume yae didnae have much choice. There are not many folk that wid enter the crypt of an evil lich. Ahh can see that yae are desperate tae find this lich and return his soul tae him. So now that he's given yae the unlucky horse shoe and fled, now what are yae gonnae dae?"

"What more can you tell us about him? Do you think there is any trace of humanity left in the creature?!"

"I am sure he was once a human, but centuries later, I doubt that you will see much of that left. He was a great druid and a leader of nomads, but that was a long time ago. So long ago that it happened before the fall of Rhest. In fact, some historians blame the fall of Rhest on the warriors who came to this desert and killed the monarch lion of the tribe. However, whatever truth of the story, you can rest assured, Urikel Zarl did not become a lich and find immortality without giving up his soul."

"Do you think that he might be content to be left alone if we hand over the phylactery?"

"This is a fine question, Mantooth. I admit, we have not seen nor heard from him in all of my life time. Most people would not think of the Ghostlord as anything other than a story to frighten children. However, that being said, the Ghostlord is going to be very angry with whoever stole his phylactery and is likely to do absolutely anything to get it back, regardless of the cost."

"I mean, what do you think motivates a lich? Do you think that he would be seeking to rule this land the way the Wyrmlords and the Dragons of the Red Hand do?"

"I am far from an expert on Lich motives. However, from what I understand, a lich values his phylactery above all other things. I suspect he is going to highly motivated to bring revenge onto whoever took it from him in the first place."

"Urikel Zarl is gonnae take that box for his soul and then zap you with his evil life sucker touch or something! Ahh cannae expect he is use tae havin visitors!"

"Damn! Yae really are going tae go through wid this and visit auld Urikel Zarl?! Damn! Damn! Damn! Ahh'm started tae feel a little oot o' mae range here, boys! Pickin off hobbies from behind trees and hide and shoot tactics has worked well fer me, but tae enter that monstrous crypt o' a lion is gonnae likely mak that a tomb fer me. Hell, if Ahhm not careful, Ahh may undead up as one o' Zarl's undead minions! Mebbae Ahh could look after yer horses for yae?! Damn! Ahh cannae believe Ahh'm sayin that! Ahh just dannae ken what use I'd be tae yae once we're inside! Ahh'm not the same man Ahh use tae be!"

Jorr thinks for a moment longer and then takes a deep sigh and finally says, "Hell, this auld codger isn't done yet! Forget that Ahh even said such blasphemy, boys. Yae can count on me tae the end! Ahh'll dae whatever yae need me tae. Hell if this doesn't work, then we'll never see the Elsir Vale again anyway!"

"If yae stepped around the thorns yae wouldnae get stabbed sae much! Then we wouldnae have tae stop in this infernal land sae much!"

"Yae look like yer havin a difficult time, Mantooth! You've got tae pick up yer feet, Paladin. Stop shufflin and thinkin yae can get through. It takes grace and coordination."

Once Mantooth starts avoiding thorns and thistles, Jorr encourages him.

"That's better!"

Jorr Natherson comes out of the trees limping from his wounds and a look of exhaustion on his face. Covered in blood and sweat he approaches his companions and says, "That was richt near close! Ahh dannae ever want tae let a monster get the best o' me like those dragonspawn just did! Ahh dannae ken what happened. Ahh suppose Ahh accidentally fell asleep on all o' yae. Ahh didnae mean tae put all o' yer lives at risk!"

Round 10

Jorr fires an arrow into the melee to help take down the Blackspawn Raider, but it is deflected by the creature.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

"Damn it! Why the hell are my arrows dae'n nothin at'all?!"

Round 8

Jorr Natherson fires off a shot at the Raider at L7.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Round 8

Jorr Natherson fires his two shots in haste and the shots go astray.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Round 7

"Damn if they make me run! But Ahh'm nae finished yet!"

Jorr Natherson pulls two arrows from his quiver and fires at the Blackspawn Razorfiend at L7.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Round 6

Jorr Natherson, who is badly wounded, withdraws from the fight with the dragonspawn and flees to U0 (double move).

Round 5

Jorr drops his bow, draws his longsword and makes two feeble attempts to attack the Blackspawn Razorfiend bearing down upon him.

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Round 4

Jorr Natherson takes aim with his bow and lets loose two arrows at H14.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"Down, down, down, yae gae!"

Round 3, Second Shot

"Damn, Am Aye Fast!"

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Damn, Speed isnae everything!"

Round 3

Jorr fires off a shot at the Ogre (J9) charging Bofus.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Aye, the bigger they are, the bigger they fall!

Round 2

Jorr Natherson moves with haste through the trees to O9.

"Let' gae and pierce some Hobbies!"

He then draws and arrow and lets it fly straight at the Ogre.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 1

" WAKE UP ye daft codger. Ogres are aboot!! Move yer arse!"

"What the hells?!" Jorr wakes up with wide eyes and swears under his breath. "Ahh must o' fallen asleep! Oh hell!" He quickly draws his blade and moves to M1 to get a better view of what is happening.

"May the Gods save us! If we didnae have any hope b'fore, now I ken we don't have any!"

The ranger takes a deep sigh and then replies. "Well, I suppose we better not be standin around chattin any longer. I've got tae try and remember mae way through the Thornwaste and get yae tae the old tomb of Zarl. The journey will be fraught with peril, but from what I hear yae sayin, I dannae see we hae any other option. You all look tuckered oot and it's gettin late, but yae cannae rest here. Let's get off o' the Dawnway and get yae out of the path of the horde. We can make some distance toward the Thornwaste come morning. Come on, mae friends! Just a little further fer now!"

Jorr Natherson leads you onward south along the road toward the Hammerfist holds. After an hour, he takes you off of the road and into a small secluded clearing.

"This should be a safe place tae stay tonight. Yae folks look deid nackered. Get some rest and I'll wake yae in a while fer some watch duty."

Location in Elsir Vale

"Words have power... and I tend to choose mine wisely."

"There is no harm in that, but I've been out in this woods on mae own far tae long, and I fer one am glad fer the company."

"Well met, Jorr Natherson. I am pleased to see you doing well. What news do you bring of the horde? Are there any more dragons added to their numbers?"

"Aye, the horde has destroyed Drellin's Ferry as well as Terrelton. They're both smoke and rubble now. But at least yae got the people oot. As fer dragons, Nae, I havenae seen any mair, but that red they've got seems big enough fer one vale, but tell me, yae cannae be thinkin about goin intae the Thornwaste tae find old Zarl can yae? Dae yae mind the words I spoke about that place long ago? Those badlands give way tae desert and hae been the haunt of lions, hieracospinxes, and far worse. Few return who ever venture there and I'd hate tae see yae all perish!"

. . . Edvard greets Jorr with his usual reserved enthusiasm, but does not seek overly to exchange words.

"A man o' few words. Aye, I'm glad tae meet yae. Ahh was worried yae were goin tae talk mae ears off like Thordak here when yae start talkin aboot food!"

"Well met Jorr. We would love to join you on your harassement of the horde, but we have another mission. Are you familiar with a gent referred to as the Ghostlord?"

"Aye, Ahh know the tale of Urikel Zarl, but dannae yae think that we have enough trouble fightin an entire horde o'dragons and hobbies without wakin up that old codger?! What have yae been drinkin in Brindol tae make yae such a glutton fer punishment?!"

Suddenly, a disheveled figure with an unkempt beard and torn clothes comes running out of the woods with a wide grin on his face as he declares in his familiar accent, "Well hell, look who's back! Ahh didnae expect any of yae te ever return once yae escaped from the Red Hand! And Ahh see you got some able company willing tae put up with yae!"

Jorr Natherson greets all of you with hearty slaps on the back and a firm grip from his calloused hand.

"Jorr Natherson." He declares to Edvard. "Ahhm the last defender of Drellin's Ferry and Ahh sure am glad tae have some company out here. The horde is movin along and they've been destroyin everything in their path as they go."

"Heehe! Nimon's Gap is a wee hamlet! It does hae a wee canyon, but I wouldnae make mae stand against the horde richt there. The wee village grew up aroond a walled inn known as the Cross-Eyed Beholder. The Inn is thae only building worth defendin in that place, unless yae like apples, pears, and chestnuts. But then yae'll need tae build a wall tae defend a' the orchards in the hills surrounding the hamlet. Nae, I would just ask a' the shepherds and goatherders tae take their critters and move on their way tae the east and gie up that village tae."

"What would be to the south, just off the map on this small path listed here."

"Aye. Yer talkin aboot this section south of the Wyrmsmoke Mountains? That trail leads yae tae a vast barren landscape known as the Thornwaste. It's a maze o' broken hills, briar choked ravines, and dry dusty scrubland. These badlands give way tae larger and larger stretches o' true desert as one goes farther south and west. It has long been the haunt of lions, hieracospinxes, and other hungry monsters. I believe the ruins of an auld lost serpent-empire thousands of years old still lie hidden in the wasteland. I dannae want to frighten yae an all, but I wouldnae go there unless yae had a guide that knew where he was goin. Besides the wee and the not sae wee critters, the land is very dangerous and yae would likely become lost in there. Few return who ever venture in there. They are all likely tae ha' perished there."

Jorr takes Koth's Map in his hands and then he pulls out his own Map of the Elsir Vale and compares the two of them. Then he show both maps to Tirion.

"Aye, Tak a look here, Blackie. Dae yae see the flooded remains of Rhest on mae map? As yae can see it isnae far from the spot where your wee gobbie map says Saarvith. I dinnae ken who this Saarvith fiend is, but I'd bettcha mae wee nippin flask that's where the Wyrmlord is hidin."

Please note that you can zoom in on both of these maps for quite a detailed look.

"After Nimon's Gap, it appears north into the Saarvith swamps is the goal. According to the information we have obtained, this is where the undead Wyrmlord has her base. I believe there is an old trail which skirts the Witchwood and will take us just east of the swamp. The we will find our way from there. Jorr, do you perchance know any information about this swamp and where there might be a place where an evil encampment might be set up."

Jorr looks at you with a bewildered expression. "Saarvith swamps yae say?!! I've niver heard of such o' place. Ye say that the trail skirts the Witchwood an comes east o' the swamps? Yae must be talking about the Blackfens. Those are the swamps east of Lake Rhestin. Hae yae nae heard of Rhest?"

"Yae probably dannae want a history lesson, but I'll gie it tae yae anawa. The proud city of Rhest was the capital o' the Kingdom of Rhestilar, and once stood as thae center o' civilization in this region. After three hundred years of glory, a combination o' corruption, treachery, and civil strife weakened thae kingdom tae such an extent that it wasnae able to withstand the horde that assaulted it twa hundred years ago. This last great goblinoid uprising before the present day saw thae kingdom destroyed and thae city of Rhest sacked. As the goblin horde looted the burning town, its remaining defenders made a fateful decision an' destroyed the levees that held back the waters of the Stonewash river, flooding the city an' drowning the horde."

"In the aftermath, the survivors abandoned their homes and resettled in Dennovar, Brindol, and similar communities to the south. For the last twa centuries, the city of Rhest has slowly been sinking intae the sodden Blackfens. If goblin hae returned tae the Blackfens, then they are likly tae be in the auld city of Rhest which has long been flooded. I'd be richt careful there if I were yae. There are many lizard folk aboot tha' region and they willnae take kindly tae visitors."

"If you are able to remain concealed from the horde and are willing, I believe that waiting for the Forest Giants and helping to guide them could be invaluable. And even if the giants do not arrive, simply having someone here with the ability to gather information on the horde and remain hidden in the woods would be of great benefit."

"Aye, I can dae that. I have nae fear o' the giants, and who's ta ken, I mebbae get tae shoot a few hobbies as well. After all, this is the place I call home and I'm not inclined to give it awa. Perhaps I'll meet up with all of yae again at some point. So I hear yae're plannin tae go tae Nimon's Gap. Where will yae go frae there?"

"Dae yae have need o mae services oor should I wait here fer the arrival o' Grunty and the others?"

. . .

"Aye what's the matter? Cat got yer tongue? I guess yae are just a wee bit surprised tae see me stil aboot! Yae cannae get rid o' me that easily!"

Just before you all separate, a familiar face comes out from the Old Bridge Inn and greets you with a hardy slap on the back.

"Yae cannae escape that easy, boys!"

"Bofus, wait. We have one other issue. We have asked for the Forest Giant's help, how are we going to get a message to them? I would hate to lose their help if they are coming."

"Aye, if I wer yae, I wouldnae worry aboot the old Forest Giants. It Grunty leads his kind doon from the hills tae take on the Red Hand, then they will either attack them while their here, or follow their path all the way tae Brindol. Now, where did yae all get tae? I was enjoyin maeself at Kellin's lovely wee Inn and I musta had a wee shut eye. When I got up, I didnae see any of yae aboot. Hav yae packed all yer belongings to take back tae Brindol?"

'So now that I'm up, I'm nae tae sure what tae dae. We've warned all the town folk and they've evacuated the toon. Now I can gae back tae mae wee hoose in the woods and defend it frae gobbies and hobbies, but I'm nae sure if I couldnae be used fer something else. Dae yae have need o mae services oor should I wait here fer the arrival o' Grunty and the others?"

"Well, Nugutu, I dannae ken about yae, but I would a liked tae help yae forcibly remove that arrogant prick and be damn tae the laws. What was Captain Anitah gonnae dae? Arrest yae? Nae, they've got enough problems tae worry aboot! That Iormel coulda used a wee kick in the trousers."

"Now Oi thought we were burnin' Drellin's Ferry an' pickin' tha horde off one by one till it got to Brindol...Wasn't that tha plan?

Dannae ask me! I dannae ken wha's in charge of this band! I'm just follow along daein mae part tae stay alive and kill a few hobbies along the way. Mind yae, if yae wanntae burn the place, yae mae wanttae share the idea at the up and comin meetin. I'm sure the council and the toon will give yae tons a' support fer that idea! Just dannae forget thae marshymallows when yae dae it!"

"Oi 've been thinkin' moiself, an' Oi think Oi'll head fer tha Hammerfist Holds an'see what support we can get from tha other Dwarves."

"Aye, first we get rid o' the preacher and next, we get rid of the dwarf. This is richt generous of yae tae leave all the hobbies fer me tae take care of!" Turning to Thordak in a low whisper he says, "But seriously, I dannae mind losin the Dawnflower child, but we cauld really use yae here fer the defense of Drellin's Ferry. If yae need tae leave after the horde taks the toon, then we can come wid yae. Mae charmin ways are shure to persuade the dwarves tae come and fight wid us. Besides, if yae get intae trouble, yae could always use a wild man wid a longbow tae watch yer back! Eh?"

"If we leave food, they will eat it. If we leave homes, they will have clean dry places to sleep"

"Aye, that's a bonnie thought! I'd jist like tae see a big auld minotaur strollin intae the Auld Bridge and askin, 'May I ha' a room tae stay in and a wee cup o tea tae boot?' Harhar! I'd love tae see wit they dae with the lovely flowers by the bedside. 'Hmm? They left me a wee snack by the bed!! I must remember tae come back 'ere."

"Aye, that's a goblin all richt. Spit it oot, fella! What's the matter? A wee cat got your tongue?! Well yae havenae seen the last o' them. That's fer sure. Mind yae, there nae sae bad compared tae the hobbies!"

"Aye, he's just bein modest. He disnae wantae mak yae all nervous an a'. But trust me, fella, there is plenty tae gae aroond."

"I overheard you say something of evacutation of the hamlet. Why would this be?"

"Aye, its a' tae be a big secret! A horde of nearly three thousand beasites is anie a few days awa frae here, and they dannae wannae cause tae much panic in thae streets. If yae gae oot tae the common at noon, they're plannin tae tell yae aw' the cheery news. Mind yae, if yae wannae hear the nitty gritty, yae've come tae the richt place. All yae hae tae dae is ask the gnome. He has already tauld the story aboot three times last nicht, and I ken he wants tae tell it again!"

"Aye, and yae ken that the innkeeper has a memory like a sieve! I'm cauld Jorr, and I dannae live here and I didnae compete in anie Tourn'ment of Heroes. I am a grumpy auld hermit and goblin slayer, thank yae much, and I usetae live just north a Drellin's Ferry, until some worg riders came an slayed mae dugs! Now I'm here fer revenge!"

Jorr Natherson looks to Tirion and begins slowly clapping his hands in mock applause.

"Aye, your skill at diplomacy is most impressive, gnome! Yae really won that fella over! Most impressive! I cannae wait tae see the next ane!"

After leaving the wild boar off near the fire for Grunty's dinner, Jorr discretely returns to the magically summoned horse given him by Tirion and patiently waits for the others to finish their business with the giant. He taps his fingers on the back of the horse impatiently, but refrains from saying anything.

"Well, our new friend here has agreed to go to the mountains asking the giants there for their help, if we promise to advocate for the giants in the People Towns to leave them alone."

"Iszatso?! Aye, that's smashin! Yae cannae ask fer a better ally than the Twisttusks! The people of the Elsir Vale will bae in debt to the Giants fer this kind deed. I cannae say fer certain, but this could be the start of an alliance tae last fer years!"

"So mae friends, whit dae yae sae we move on tae Drellin's Ferry? There is much tae be done b'fore the Red Hand shows up!"

After a few hours, Jorr Natherson returns to the Giant's camp dragging a bristly brown furred boar behind him.

"Jist as I promised yae, a tasty treat for all o' yae tae share! I hope yae dannae mind a wee bit mair piggy. I couldnae find much else tae hunt oot there. Mind yae, once yae skinn the beast, the meat is richt tasty!"

Jorr drops the boar and looks around at everyone.

"So, whit didaye miss?"

"Thordak or Jorr, think you can get a nice buck or a bear for dinner?"

"Aye, I can dae that! Mind yae, if yae run into any mair trouble with McGrunts, yae cannae expect mae tae help yae oot. I will leave yae alone wid the big guy fer a while an if I cannae find yae when I return, then I'll ken yae were put in the stew pot fer his dinner! In the meantime, try and keep the tarry goin on. I'll nae be tae long."

Jorr Natherson discreetly retreats down the path and runs off into the forest.

Stealth 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Survival 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18