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All good, I totally get that. Luckily I am able to post during breaks or at lunch at work otherwise I would be too busy to post as well. I can wait, no problem. Maybe I'll PM you my personal email and you can just hit me up when you are good to go again. That way I dont have to check here everyday since I don't get notifications. ;)
I'm fine to skip the gambling. If I lose a round I am out of the tourney anyways right? So we could literally just tip the dice in the favor of my next opponent and say I "lost", that way we can naturally progress past the whole gambling aspect. Besides, luck doesn't always smile upon Thorak...he'd be much richer if it did.
"Well I suppose you'll just have to watch as I finish my round in the tourney then. I won't argue with you but I do think we'll accomplish more if we split resources." Thorak enters the grand hall and stands just on the other side of the doors. He examines the room and the faces of the competitors. He looks for where he should be seated and walks towards the empty chair.
Thorak signals his success to Kediwyn and then moves through the gates into the courtyard, pausing just on the other side as he waits for Kediwyn to catch up. "And that, my friend, is how its done." Thorak smirks as Kediwyn comes up beside him. "Here's the plan. I'll show you to my room in case you need somewhere to hunker down and hide or easily escape, take my rope if you need it. From there I can go and compete in my spot in the tourney and you can search around for the necklace until I'm finished. Here's a list of the other items I have been hired to find." Thorak hands Kediwyn the list of items. "We find all of these, sell them to our own sources and split the profit. You good with this plan?"
All good, I find its also nice to take it a bit easier during the summer so no pressure.
"How indeed!" Thorak says as he smirks back at Kediwyn. "We came out these very gates of course! I get it if you need to keep tabs on everyone in the Keep but I don't see how its my concern that none of you oafs saw us slip through unnoticed. Your one and only job is to guard these gates, no? Tsk tsk." Thorak shakes his head. "Now I ask again, move aside!"
As the guard speaks, Thorak cues for Kediwyn to stay put and he approaches. "Well met. My friend and I wish to reenter the keep to continue on with the Tourney. We just heard the bell for the next round and wouldn't want to be late. Now please, move aside."
As the two make their way up the steep climb, Thorak grunts and looks back down at their progress. "Guess they couldn't carve an easier trail for us to get to the keep eh Kediwyn? The taxpayers coins going to waste as usual. Heh. Not that I mind a little exercise but...well you know, s+&@ day and all that."
"Fancy or not, its alcohol!" Thorak says as he stands and takes the mug. "I do appreciate the gesture. Can never be too certain when one might poison your cup. Gwahaha." He follows his laughter with the entire contents of the mug and slams it on the table. "To luck, wealth and new partnerships! I do need to get back for the tourney, otherwise I would certainly waste a perfectly good day away on drunkenness. I am currently working a job that requires me to find some items within the keep while I compete in the tourney. I'll cut you in on the profits if you help me out on those while we also look for this amulet. What say you?"
Alright, back from the long weekend. I'm good to go again.
"Fortuitous indeed my friend, luck has truly smiled on our separate paths that they might cross in such a way on this day. I gladly welcome you to join me in the Keep, so let us call ourselves partners for the time being and see where it leads." Thorak rises from his chair and looks around. "This calls for a toast Kediwyn. Grab your finest spirit and let us drink to the new arrangement."
Just a heads up, I'll be gone for 4 days this up coming weekend so I wont be able to post.
"Interesting indeed. It does make one think that if this amulet made its way into the hands of a new buyer, that one might be able to keep a decent chunk of coin for ones own pocket. Even if one were to say, take half for oneself and give half to another, it would likely still be a decent chunk of coin no? Perhaps this amulet was 'never found'? Perhaps no one would be the wiser. 'Tis Interesting indeed. Kediwyn, my new friend, how deep does your loyalty go for this employer of yours? Perhaps you and I have some mutual business interests? Correct me if I am wrong?" Thorak leans back in his chair as the workings of schemes, thievery and wealth roll around in the back of his mind.
Thorak strokes the harsh stubble on his Orcish chin as he considers Kediwyn's request. "The Mayor from Rhiannon you say? Very interesting. Yes, very interesting. This item, I'll need to know what it is if I am to get it back for your employer."
"As said, I am grateful for the hospitality and for the help. I agree that nothing should be done without something in return and certainly not for free. If helping you with this task makes us even, so be it but I do expect some sort of payment if I am doing work well beyond the value of this potion." Thorak taps the empty bottle with his foot and then sits back in the wooden chair and continues. "So tell me Kediwyn, what business does one such as yourself have in the Lord's Keep?"
"Thanks kindly." Thorak says as he retrieves the small bottle from Kediwyn's hand and then hobbles over to one of the wooden chairs to rest his leg. He stares at Kediwyn for a moment, thinking about what he would say next. "I am currently roomed at Lord Kent's Keep for the tourney. Gambling is a fixation of mine you see. I ended up in that long lost tunnel and now here in your tent completely by accident. Or perhaps by some strange luck. My curiosity got the better of me and one thing led to another." Thorak shifts in his chair and swigs back the yellowish liquid. He continues. "I am not usually one for denying myself good conversation and company but I am afraid I will be forfeit from the tourney if I do not return swiftly. I am grateful for your hospitality Kediwyn." Thorak stands from his chair, feeling revitalized from the potion. "Now, if you are able to point me in the right direction, I shall be on my way."
Ok great, I'll reply asap. Thanks!
Hey! Welcome back. :D No problem at all, take your time.
As the two approach the camp, Thorak keeps a watchful eye. For the moment, he trusts the man he is following but others in the camp might not be so easily deceived and so he approaches with caution. Out of the den of an giant eight legged monster and right into the camp of a whole lot of friends of the Orcs I just murdered. How does the saying go? Out of the fire and into the frying pan? Thorak chuckles to himself as he continues following the man. Standing at the open flap Thorak replies "Well met Kediwyn. I am called Thorak." and hobbles inside.
"I suppose I can't blame you. Spiders are disgusting creatures really. And this one? Well lets just say it was a giant disgusting hairier version. It fought well. It also died well. Gwahaha!" Relieved to finally move on from the conversation, Thorak looks back towards the cave and spits on the ground in disrespect for the dead spider. He then looks back at the guard and continues. "I welcome anything you can offer, I'll come with you to your camp, just don't walk too fast. Imagine that, it wasn't the giant spider that got me but a few harmless stones." Thorak proceeds to follow the Orc towards the camp, slowly hobbling behind him.
Thanks for the heads up. No problem at all. I'll continue checking for updates during the week but might not be able to check as much on the weekend.
"Yes! A g@&@&&ned spider! Have you been listening to anything I have been saying? You don't believe me even though I risked my life for your pals up there and barely escaped with my own? Frankly, I have had a s+*~ day and I am not really in the mood to stand here and convince you anymore. Draw that sword and come at me or show me some hospitality. I will gladly take whichever route gets me closer to a hot bath, some women and enough ale to drink myself silly. Now, what'll it be 'friend'?"
Page 4 heads up!
"Guards? Oh you mean the ones back in the cave. Yeah I saw them. I saw the spider that killed them all too. By the time I got there it was too late, the giant hairy creature had already killed them all. I barely escaped myself." Wrapping his hand around his sore ankle, Thorak continues. "I came running out of the cave so quick, I nearly went tumbling to my death." He sheathes his sword.
Taken back by the guards manner, Thorak stares at the guard for a moment with confusion on his face. So it would seem the guards from earlier were only hostile because I was in the caves meddling in some business they didn't want anyone to know about. This one seems friendly. Thorak holds his blade tightly in hand and studies the guard with mistrust. "I...I guess I figured you for an enemy, truth be told. I fell down the cliff back there, twisted my ankle." Thorak says as he points back towards the crumbled cliff. "I suppose I am just in survival mode at the moment, not quite thinking straight. Where is this?"
Preparing for the guard to get closer, Thorak draws his sword and crouches on his good leg. As the guard comes into view, Thorak pushes off the ball of his foot and thrusts his sword forward.
As Thorak scales downwards towards the bottom of the crumbled slope, he steps between two rocks and loses his footing. As he fumbles to catch himself, his leg moves but his foot is constricted and he twists his ankle in the process. Gaah! He cries as he falls to the ground. As he lands, his body pushes some rocks and they go tumbling down the cliff side. He looks over the edge for a moment. Lovely. Then back to the rocks that constrain his foot. He easily removes them but immediately notices the bad condition of his ankle. Well this day is officially going to s$!$. Thorak slowly makes his way down the path, hobbling when he has to in order to save his weaker leg. Once at the bottom he see's a camp up ahead and then an approaching guard, much like the previous ones he had killed. Hide! He bounces quickly on one foot and dives into the trees.
Thorak grabs the 32 silver pieces and heads out the mouth of the cave to find his way back to the keep. Back to the task at hand.
Heading back through the main gate, Thorak checks the time on the clock to get a feel for how much time is remaining before he must compete again in the grand hall.
Now to deal with these other two. Thorak slips his blade into the throats of the two snoozing guards. Can't risk either of them running for help. After sheathing the blood covered sword he begins to drag the bodies further into the cave back towards the dead spider, a pool of blood trailing behind each. Finally finishing with the last body, Thorak searches each of the corpses for valuables. He starts by looking for the rope he had lost. Never know when I might need that again.
I was going to make a quick post before bed (been a busy day) but I'd rather put some more effort into it and post something better tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. I have been trying to finish renovating our camper for the past few weekends and getting it ready for the summer so time has been and issue for the weekends of late. Will definitely post something tomorrow.
Where do you think you're going? Thorak shouts as he swings his blade at the back of the fleeing guard.
Thorak draws his bow, nocks an arrow and focuses on the guard as he scurries down the slope. He takes takes a deep breath, steadies his hand and exhales as the arrow is released.
The first guard drops to his knees as Thorak pulls the blade from his back. He kicks the dead orc's corpse forward and swings his sword towards the second guard.
Once the two guards hit the floor Thorak takes the opportunity to sneak up on the other two guards. With 2 guards asleep and one dead, I should easily be able to handle the last guard. He draws his sword quietly and makes his steps light as he moves in for a kill.
Yeah its fun for sure. Can be extremely stressful and annoying but every job has its days right? I was the same, just didnt take the time to learn more and get better so I decided to go to school. Got a good paying job right after graduating so I'm pretty lucky. I also think about that stuff all the time. It would be tons of fun. Lone Wolf Saga looks pretty awesome, I'll have to check it out. I have at times thought of doing some sort of modern text rpg but of course time is always my problem. Currently I am working on the small beginnings of a side project to get some extra experience, grow my portfolio and just have some fun. My buddy and I are essentially building a PBP dedicated forum community with a heavy focus on making it look good and adding features to bring a more visual experience. There a ton of PBP forums (including this very one) so we are pretty much just doing it for fun with very little expectation for it to grow into something huge. So far we have a landing page and are working on getting the actual forum up in the next few weeks. Where it goes from there, who knows. Web design / development can be super fun. If you ever feel like changing things up its a fun industry to jump into. Anyways, sorry for the wall of text. ;)
Kill it? Kill me? Who said anything about anyone killing each other? I guess this wont be a friendly conversation, time to go. Thorak reaches for his sword with intentions to kill and then make a run for it. Wait. I forgot all about this scroll of sleep. He removes the scroll from his belt instead and then proceeds to unravel it and read its contents quietly.
Oh cool, I work with some finance guys. I am a Web / UX designer for a financial media company.
Thorak continues to follow the guards and pauses just behind them as they begin to talk amongst the additional two guards. Light ahead. Might be a chance for me to escape...the mission at hand will be considerably more difficult now that I have been seen however. I'd have to take all 4 of them out if I really want to get back in to the manor unnoticed. Must admit, I am interested to find out what this boss of theirs wants. Thorak attempts to move in a bit closer to listen in on what they say.
Yep, thanks! Work has been crazy the past few weeks trying to get this big design finished so I have been heads down going hard on that. I'm gonna try and post in the next couple hours, just have to get through some meetings first.
Sounds good. Good luck! Pretty cool so far. I am interested to see where things are going. :D
With little choice but to go with the Guards, Thorak grudgingly follows.
Thorak chuckles as he scratches the back of his head. "You have to admit, I fed you pure gold there. Can't blame me for trying." He suddenly becomes serious. I have this potion of invisibility here. Thorak fiddles with the potion on his belt. The idiots cut the rope though so it seems they are my only hope of getting out of here. Can't say I am up for another run in with a spider either. He remembers a sliver of his previous fear and shudders. I could see what this boss of theirs wants and then use the potion if things go sideways. Yep. Don't have time to come up with a better plan at this point. "This boss of yers, he got a name? And what exactly would he want with me?"
Ah of course you'd be wondering why I am down here. Well, its a funny story actually. On my way into the courtyard earlier today I saw the lot of you enter a mysterious entrance. I must admit, my curiosity got the better of me. Since it was not a locked door, I couldn't help but assume I was allowed to enter. I then tried to catch up to you, I had some questions you see, and thought I had lost you for the longest of time. After searching for sometime I heard noises coming from the mouth of the well above..." Thorak looks up and points to the opening in the ceiling as he continues. Of course I could see your friend here being taken by the disgusting creature and wrapped up in the web. I could not stand idly by knowing that he would eventually be supper, or worse! Despite my fear of spiders, never mind giant ones, I came as quickly as I could. And wouldn't you know it, I helped you fight off this terrible spider while you watched as it nearly killed me." Thorak pats dust from his leggings. He inspects the gaping wounds in his thigh and arm from where the spiders fangs dug deep. "You should be ashamed really. I wonder what Lord Kent might think if he were to hear of this tale. A guest in his home sweeps in to save the likes of 3 brave guards, 2 of which do absolutely nothing to aid in the battle. Makes me think, would Lord Kent truly continue to feel safe knowing this information? Knowing that 3 of his guards abandoned their posts and nearly got a guest killed? Hmm?"
As the spider curls up and breaths its final breath, Thorak falls to his knees in relief. For a moment he forgets about the guards who had watched him fight alone. I made it...I killed that thing. He looks towards the bloodied creature. The moment is almost surreal. Had it really happened? Seems more like a nightmare. Thorak thinks to himself as he gathers strength enough to stand. With the creature dead, Thoraks fear seems to have died with it. That or he lacks the sanity to give into the fear, at least for the time being. He looks over the blade of his sword, still dripping with blood, and carelessly sheathes it. His gaze then focuses towards the guards as he walks towards them. "What the hell is your problem?!? That thing nearly killed me and you just stand here watching? If I didn't know better, I might think you wanted it to kill me."
What's with these idiots? Are they purposefully not helping me? Thorak has little time to wonder why the guard's refuse to help. He dodges the spiders attack and slides under its belly. With a firm jab he thrusts the blade up into its abdomen.
Total crit (if 13 hits) = 12 damage |
