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Even the stink of orcs and the refuse they left behind can not lessen the splendor of Highhelm. Once the capitol of the Five Kings Mountains with over 40,000 dwarves calling it home, Highhelm is still an impressive sight to behold. Nearly everything in the Sky Citadel, quite possibly the only one currently in Dwarven hands, has a hue of gold. Even the water from the Great Goldpan river, which runs right beneath Highhelm sparkles with gold dust. The craftsmanship, architecture and engineering of those dwarves who built the Sky Citadel some thousands of years ago is still evident to this day.
Today is the first morning that one of the Stout Folk have woke to see the morning sun in Highhelm in over 200 years. Of equal importance, this is the first morning in over 200 years that any of the clans, once under the rule of Ordrik the Vile, have woken above ground. Were that this were the end of the story as opposed to the beginning, but alas, it is not meant to be. High King Bruagh the Tenacious, of Clan Fellhammer, having been crowned less than two weeks already, has watched his army dwindle from over 5,000 proud warriors, to just under 2,000. Besieged on all sides by an Orc Empire rumored to number at just over 1 Million. The odds not quite fair... even by the Stout Folks standards.
But, Alas, there is still hope, though just a glimpse and fleeting at that. For the Sky Citadel is a truly remarkable, and defensible stronghold. Food is plentiful enough, with the pigs and goats from bellow ground, used for waste management as well as meat, milk and cheese. They are also used to fertilize the Ironbloom Mushrooms, which makes up the bulk of the Stout Folks diet as Ironblooms can be made into porridge, mash, and other filling meals. Although rarely cooked and eaten, chickens are also found below ground as a source of eggs. And of course their is ale enough to keep everyone hydrated for years.
And finally their are the Legends. Passed down from generation to generation, are stories of weapons and armor, once wielded by Paragons of Dwarven Might. Of Dwarves, who were the epitome of what the Stout Folk strive to become themselves. The Legends as they were passed down, usually mentioned not the location of said Artifact. But one Legend was different. One Legend, told of Risca the Stalwart, of Clan Stormbringer, and his Waraxe. Legend says that when the Orc horde invaded the first Sky Citadel, Koldukar, Risca and his axe Heimelron slew over 1000 Orcs before being mortally wounded. Before he fell, Risca caused the Orcs to falter, long enough to escort many of his comrades out of Koldukar. However, it seems that the reason Heimelron has yet to be found, is because it lies in the ruins of Droskar's Crag.
Today the six of you set forth, setting out on your mission given to you by your King. First, find Heimelron where the others have failed and return it to it's people. Second, find any surface dwarfs possible and tell them that Highhelm is occupied once again, yet under siege. Third, kill as many orcs possible without endangering the success of your first two objectives. Although High King Bruagh spoke to each of you individually last night, one thing he mentioned to each of your remained the same. "Stone Endures."
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The six of you, as well as Ulfen, Captain of the Home Guard are bent around a small table looking at a map of the area. "Seems to be ya's only gots two options. Wun. Go out of the Citadel and overland, and hopes ya's stay hidden enough to not get kilt by them stinkin' orcs." Ulfen spits as he says the last word, his face wrinkled in disgust. "Tuu, ya take the tunnels we fought our way out've, then go into the deep road, fightin' ya's ways through them Duergar, then come out into da surface, and hopes ya dun run inta to many of them stinkin' orcs." This time Ulfen spits as he says both orc and Duergar. It's obvious neither option sounds too promising. But hell, Bruagh never said it would be easy.
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Elyk leant upon the table heavily, the importance of their task and what it meant for all Dwarfkind resting upon his brow like a great weight, causing it to crinkle in a frown as he considered the merits of the two plans. They both had their advantages - and their downfalls - and both carried great risk, but it was their responsibility, nay their duty to choose the one that would carry the Dwarves of Highhelm into a glorious future. There was no margin for error here, whatever anyone said.
"Ah' think ah' speak fer most o' us when I say tha' the might o' the Dwarven people lies in our steadfast determination and strength of arms, not in sneakin' about like a damned Elf!" The Cleric began deliberately, a deep passion ringing true in his voice as the fire in his spirit shone through. "No offence meant Durgrin, Rahkeg," he added gruffly, pausing for a moment as he glanced over at the group's two more soft footed members. "As much as I'm sure we'd all love to smash some more Orc heads lads, we bear a sacred task, to carry our mission through success no matter what stands in our path. Now, while I hate to say it, sometimes that's gonna mean avoidin' a fight so we can accomplish what we came to do, an' there's honour in tha', and don't you lads forget it! So, in the interest of reachin' ol' Droskar's Crag in one piece, I suggest we take the deep road, and crush any filthy Duergar scum that stand in our path! Elyk too spits on the floor as the Deurgar name stains his tongue. "In the name of Torag and High King Bruagh we are honour bound to succeed!"
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Never the first to speak, Thoradin gives his brother's shoulder a rough, but friendly pat.
"Aye, as much as I'd like to send some more orcish souls to whatever foul Demons they may worship, Elyk has a point. I'd feel more at home in the deep roads, where all you have to worry about is in front, and behind you. We where born in raise in the living rock of the mountains. No one knows it better than us.
Thoradin then crosses his arms and leans back in his chair, waiting for others to speak their minds.
Rhen smiled at Elyk's failure to include him among the stealthier of the group. Oh, how wrong I will prove him in battle! The silver-maned dwarf stroked his beard, a frequent habit of his, as he puffed on his pipe. As he did so, he unconsciously touched some of the battle scars on his face and he turned serious. "Elves aren't the the only sneaky ones around, noble Spangelhem son. But, personally, I prefer the deep roads as well, fits my combat style more, so I have no objection. And if along the way, I get to send some Duergar souls Torag's way, aye then, it'd be a win-win for me!" Rhen smiled and took another puff of his pipe.
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Rahkeg raised an eyebrow at Elyk's apology concerning dwarven strength-of-arms, but deigned not to speak. Time would show that he was a greater advocate of dwarven martial superiority than Elyk could know, despite his own somewhat weak frame.
In the hellish days that will surely follow, I am sure we will either get to know each other and our strengths intimately, or die first... Rahkeg thought to himself.
Rahkeg was still somewhat exhausted from bolstering the forces in every way he could possibly think of during the battle for Highhelm, and he had not been getting enough sleep of late. Leaning back in his chair, the elder Dwarf stroked his immaculately braided and prematurely-turned-silver hair and began to speak, his smooth words lacking the rough tones of the Spangelhelms and suggesting a rich background.
I agree that in the tunnels our small group will be in our element, unless any among us would say that the Duergar are the true masters of underground warfare, hmm?
Rahkeg pushed himself forward in his chair and leant heavily on the table, studying the map intently for a few moments. Nodding as though the matter was settled, the scholar began to speak, somewhat awkwardly. Its clear the Dwarf was out of his element with several pairs of eyes on him.
Yes... The deep roads. I have not yet prepared my... erm... spells... (Rahkeg winces) for the day yet, but I can be ready to leave given a mere hours notice.
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Feldspar stands before the table, two hands placed on the haft of his dwarven war axe, the large, shining blade firmly pressed to the floor. He listens to Elyk's speech without expression, only nodding a couple of times. He waited as the others shared their thoughts and only then began to speak.
"T'is my fervent wish to kill ta' orcs until these bright grounds are muddy red wit' their blood," he said in a low, rumbling voice. "I've dreamt for years of doing nothin' else but reclaim our cities, our people, and our place in ta' great world. Most of all, I've dreamt of smashin' ta' orcs so hard tha' they will never again even think to take our cities from us."
He paused, wishing he had a mug of ale to moisten his tongue. He knew his miner's words were rough and unpolished but he needed to speak his peace.
"P'raps Torag's cleric is right. I ha' no wish to sneak through these upper lands. Our success t'is vital, not only fer our glories but fer ta' survival of our people, our clans. So I too think ta' Deep Roads are ta' way for us. However." Feldspar paused again, and showed the first sign of unease in the way that he shifted his stance.
"However. T'is our King's wish, may Torag guide him to long years and great victories, that we also seek out our brethren who ha' remained in the light, lo' those long years past. He ha' made this wish second of three. Ha' any of ye knowledge of how we might accomplish both? Might we emerge from ta' Deep Roads in a middle ground tha' we might seek our brothers and nae be forced to stealth o'er much?"
With that, relieved to have no more words to say, Feldspar fell quiet and waited for the wisdom of the others.
"That's a' spirit! Cours' ya's can come up 'bout half way when ya's get past'em orcs at's ready fer war. By my reckonin' ya's can either come up South of Queens Peak, or East of High Watch. Can't much recommend one o're ta other..." Ulfen stops for a moment to stroke his grey beard. "Guess is depends on whetha ya's rather kill more orcs, or more Duergar." Ulfen cackles at the last line, even though the last few words were more spitting than speaking.
Rahkeg found himself nodding along with much that the red-bearded fellow said, but had an objection to offer.
While taking the tunnels may be an inferior option with regards to seeking our brethren, we must recall the context at hand here. It has been over 200 years since we have walked on the surface in these lands- Like it or not, this is Orc territory now, and i'm sure even some of the stupid greenskins have people who know it like the back of their hand. Conversely, we will be out of our own element...
By Torag's beard, that old dwarf nearly put me to sleep with that drone of his! thought Ren, as the dwarf known as Rahkeg spoke. And he's ugly, even more so than normal dwarves, such as himself! He was glad to hear Ulfen's rough voice shake him from his slumber.
"Aye, my good Captain, when will we be leaving Highhelm?"
"That will be decided by ta six of ya's... not by that likes of meh, nor likely another 'cept maybe ta King 'emself. Wouldn't suggest ya's to rest on ya's haunches tho."
Having had his fill of long speeches to last for most of the next decade, Feldspar listened to the others comments grave calm.
"East of Queen's Watch would be best, methinks."
At Rahkeg's words, Feldspar nodded. "T'is true, we know little of Above. But we best learn if we wish to stay. I say we take ta' Roads to Queen's Watch an' take to Above there, 'less we find signs that it will no avail us."
"Duergar, Orcs....and their pets! Aye, I will pack many bolts for this trip!"
"If it be helping tha King bring back tha Glory," Durgrin says after letting the others speak and listening carefully, "I don't care which road we take. "
"But I find meself agreeing with Feldspar, 'bout learning tha Above well. I'd rather be feelin' tha Sun on me skin then tha tunnel's chill."
His fingers trace the disc braided into his beard as he talks, slowly going over each letter.
Elyk grinned fondly under his beard as he felt Thoradin's hand on his shoulder, there wasn't a Dwarf in this world he would rather have at his back, together they would take back these mountains once and for all.
"Aye, it is true Brother Stone'eart tha' even the Dwarfs will always require scouts," Elyk added, nodding respectfully to the Inquisitor, "but today is not one o' those days. For we are not a spy glass but a spear, and we will move through these tunnels as such. An' don't yer worry about yer majicks Rahkeg, we all receive our gifts in our own ways, you'll have some time afore we 'ead out."
Listening carefully to Feldspar's comments on the plan, the Cleric considered his point for a few long moments before answering. "Aye, we are also to seek any forgotten brothers upon the surface. However, not only will tha' prove difficult if we are constantly fending off them stinkin' Orcs, but I also have a feelin' in me gut we may find more of them closer to ol' Droskar's Crag. If we surface at the exit just south o' Queens peak we can avoid much of the trouble's Rahkeg has mentioned, but per'aps the chance o' comin' across our brethren is worth tha' risk."
Pausing again, Elyk looked around the table at the band of warriors, meeting each of his new flock eye to eye.
"Maybes we should consult with the great wisdom of Torag before we leave eh lads? I imagine Brother Stone'eart and I will need some time to pray before we go anyway, if we don' feel a sign by then we'll choose by simple vote."
"Actually, Brother Spangelhelm, I've already prayed for me spells this day, so I'm ready to go. We hunters have a more varied selection than you priests, but all's good in the name and glory of Torag! However, I have no problems waiting for the rest of ye. Our brothers need savin' and them dark dwarves and orcs need killin' so let's not wait too long." With that, Rhen resumes his pipe smoking, trying to calculate how many bolts he will need. A million bolts? Can I carry that many? Nah!
Rahkeg stands wearily to his feet.
I believe I have said my piece on this- we lose our advantages out in the open in unknown territory. If it comes to a vote, mine is for the tunnels. I shall return in an hour and accept whatever decision you have made, brothers-in-arms...
"Agreed," Elyk finishes simply, nodding acknowledgement to both Rhen and and Rahkeg, "I'll be praying, searching for Torag's guidance on the matter. Those who have weapons and gear to gather I suggest you do so, we leave in one hour. Torag be with you all."
With that Elyk heads to the chapel to pray for his spells and commune with Torag.
Feldspar watched the others go and then turned back to his map, grumbling under his breath. He needed no advice from Torag; the God had already spoken through the fire that raged in his blood. Orcs were the greatest threat, not Duergar and even brief travel by the Deep Roads would assure passage from the greater danger now that Highhelm had been retaken.
"I'll be here waiting for ta' others to ready themselves. P'raps they'll gather their courage as well as their prayers.
"I came 'ere ready to go." Durgrin grumbles as he takes a stone from his belt pouch and begins to sharpen his dagger.
"A sharp back-up be as good as ye first choice..."
" Aye lads, the quicker we recovery this artifact, the quicker we cun get bak to killin' em Orcs. Our brethern about are tough, just like us, they can hold till we return. Once the Artifact is in hand, we will flow across the land like a flood of rightous fury, cleansing the land of thos foul orcs!"
I'll return in a short bit, I need to gather some supplies for the trip. Stone Endures, Brothers
Before Thoradin reaches the door, he looks back at feldspar, directly into his eyes, with a stern look on his face as he speaks
"I'll not have you speaking Ill of any dwarf's courage, let alone my Brothers. We shall see who has the courage to stand and face the hordes, with nothing but your faith as backup. Actions speak louder than words, I have seen my brothers courage, I have yet to see yours. Untill then, keep that elf-talk to yourself."
Thoradin then turns, and heads out the door, without waiting for an answer
Soon after, Rhen appears, two bandoliers criss-crossing his chest, each holding a case of bolts, with more cases sticking out of his backpack. "I'mma ready ta go!" He strokes the beautiful mahogany of his repeating crossbow, tracing the lightning bolt rune, running across its stock.
After an hour had passed and all six of the companions returned Ulfen beckoned them to follow him. He led them through the massive courtyard of the Sky Citadel, where they all meat earlier, into the guard chambers, down into the stockades and finally to the entrance where the Dwarven Military stormed the orc infested keep just days prior.
"Sure ya's knows ta way least for a bit. The lot uva us' livin' down thar just a few days ago. Most still hav thar womenfolk down there still. We'll be gettin' em all rounded up here in ta next few days... 'en we'll be shuttin' these doors fer goot. Fraid' ya's be needin' to find another way back. Torag guide ya's path and blade!"
With that the Captain returns the way he came, leaving before you the underground paths to which you are all so accustomed. The directions are fairly easy to follow, at least until you get to an area marked Harrowed Grotto. Once there, you will have several routes to choose from... but that is still miles away. For now, though, you will be traveling the comforting hallways of your childhood.
The first day passes uneventfully. Much ground is covered, and pleasantries are exchanged with the dwarfs you do meet, letting them know to make their way topside as soon as possible. The second day passes much the same as the first with tales from the past being traded. War stories, some from just the past few days are trade, with tales of exploits getting bigger and bigger. Not that any of you would ever embellish... even a little. By the beginning of the third day what hostilities may have been from the groups meeting are gone now, and morale amongst the troops is strong.
The morning of the third day puts you at the fabled Harrowed Grotto after just a few hours of walking.
Knowledge History, Geography, or Dungeoneering check of DC 15 reveals the following.
The Harrowed Grotto is the site of one of the deadliest underground battles fought by the Stout Folk. This also represents the end of the land claimed by the Dwarves and thus begins the area claimed by the Duergar. Tens of thousands of Dwarves have given their life in this cavernous grotto. Sounds echo through the cavern and reverberate off of the water to give the place a hauntingly eerie quality. Some even say it's haunted by the dead of both sides, but most swear its just the echo.
Also, I need a marching order of sorts.
"Right lads!" Elyk began with a cry and a grin, hefting his hammer and shield and setting one foot forwards at the front of the party. "Let's get movin'. Durgrin, yer our scout, so yer take the lead an' we'll back yer up. Thoradin, yer with me like always and Brother Stone'eart, yer the 'unter an' the marksman - watch our backs once we get deeper into the tunnels o' them filthy Deurgar. Feldspar... cover our wizard would ya? I'm sure 'e'll give yer a present if yer do the job well. Move out!"
Ah the Harrowed Grotto... Our clan has much history here. You can almost hear the screams of battle that have shook this cavern to its core... Be aware that our boundaries end here- soon we shall enter the realm of the Duergar...
Rahkeg continues to lecture on thehistory of this place, not realising that his fellow travellers have long stopped listening after the first paragraph. Almost as an afterthought, Rahkeg applies his daily spells, clutching a rod he always holds while doing this.
Extended Mage Armour cast (lasts 12 hours)
Extended False Life cast (Lasts 12 hours, temporary HP gained.
"Aaah, now we get to see what yer pull outa the bag o' tricks eh Rahkeg? I see every true Dwarf wears armour of some kind, even when it's all smoke an' mirrors."
"Aaah, now we get to see what yer pull outa the bag o' tricks eh Rahkeg? I see every true Dwarf wears armour of some kind, even when it's all smoke an' mirrors."
Rahkeg chuckles, then looks away- the Dwarf veteran seems to be embaressed and abashed,
Well yes Elyk... No true Dwarf would go without armour indeed... heh...
Rahkeg appears very uncomfortable when addressed directly- he avoids other Dwarves eyes and seems to be more comfortable contributing into a group discussion, or lecturing on hs areas of expertise.
Thoradin nods, and says a Small prayer to Torag, and moves up by Elyk
"Torag, my life is yours to do with what you wish."
"Right lads!" Elyk began with a cry and a grin, hefting his hammer and shield and setting one foot forwards at the front of the party. "Let's get movin'. Durgrin, yer our scout, so yer take the lead an' we'll back yer up. Thoradin, yer with me like always and Brother Stone'eart, yer the 'unter an' the marksman - watch our backs once we get deeper into the tunnels o' them filthy Deurgar. Feldspar... cover our wizard would ya? I'm sure 'e'll give yer a present if yer do the job well. Move out!"
Rhen grumbles, as he's used to covering the front. He looks at Durgrin: "Don't get us ambushed now!" I bet I have sharper eyes than him, hopefully, he won't get us killed! Rhen moves and covers the party's rear.
"Now that we're in Duergar territory, I may be better at the front, unless you's can see invisible, Durgrin!"
Rhen grumbles, as he's used to covering the front. He looks at Durgrin: "Don't get us ambushed now!" I bet I have sharper eyes than him, hopefully, he won't get us killed! Rhen moves and covers the party's rear. "When we reach Duergar territory, I may be better at the front, unless you's can see invisible!"
Rahkeg pipes up awkwardly-
Fear not the Duergar invisibility Stoneheart- I have already formulated a plan for that eventuality...
Rahkeg pipes up awkwardly-
Fear not the Duergar invisibility Stoneheart- I have already formulated a plan for that eventuality...
"No fear, Rahkeg, I can see the sneaky bastards, with me magic!"
"No fear, Rahkeg, I can see the sneaky bastards, with me magic!"Rahkeg pipes up awkwardly-
Fear not the Duergar invisibility Stoneheart- I have already formulated a plan for that eventuality...
But tactically Sir, it is better for everyone to be able to see them, and if I can blind one of them in the process... Rahkeg protests, before falling silent mid-sentence.
Dammit Rahkeg yer sounding like a fool. Stop trying to prove yourself so much, ye've been doing that ever since childhood when you were ridiculed for your arcane training. You know the only way to prove yourself is to earn the respect on the battlefield, so don't waste your breath...
"How long can yer use that fer Brother Stone'eart? Yer powers may warrant a switch in the scouts, the two o' yer seem the best choices fer back an' front though. I myself also bear countermeasures to invisibility as a gift from Torag."
Despite knowing the history of the Grotto, Feldspar listened to Rahkeg's lecture with fascination. The history of his kind was partly responsible for what drove him as a warrior to return to the surface world.
As the cleric barked his order, however, Feldspar stiffened and forgot the history. With a glare for the perceived insult, he grunted assent and moved beside Rahkeg, loosening his Dorn Dergar to hold it ready.
Thoradin sees the old dwarf's awkwardness, and makes a friendly comment with what you could call a smile
"At ease old one.. I know your magic is strong, and I respect it. It will provide very useful I'm sure, I'm Honored to take this mission with you. Now lets focus on our task, shall we?"
"How long can yer use that fer Brother Stone'eart? Yer powers may warrant a switch in the scouts, the two o' yer seem the best choices fer back an' front though. I myself also bear countermeasures to invisibility as a gift from Torag."
"An hour at a time, so maximum 4 hours per day, and unfortunately, Rahkeg, I can only cast it on myself."
Elyk nods in understanding as he asses the group's countermeasures. "Aye, I think we're well prepared, and we 'ave Torag's guidance, together we will carve a path through these Duergar like they've never known!" Sending Thoradin an appreciative glance for reconciling Rahkeg, Elyk signalled the group to continue on.
Rhen casts See Invisibility on himself and leads the party through the tunnels 30' ahead of them, crossbow loaded with full case of bolts in his hands, eyes and ears looking out for trouble. He whispers to the party as he moves out, "If you see me hand up, fist closed, stop moving immediately!"
Durgrin smiles as the others decide(or argue) the way they'd be moving through the tunnels. Even after Rhen took lead, Durgrin stayed close to teh front, ready to fight.
Oooh, Durgrin can remain stealthy even moving at normal speed! Rhen smiled at the scout. "Perhaps, you are better than me at the front, me brother; we will switch positions every hour."
"That be good enough for me brother, just don't lose sight of me when I be leading ya." Drugrin grins, then turns his attention back to the tunnels ahead.
As the group walked in silence through the dark cavern and neither the expected hordes of Duergar nor wails of haunts interrupted their passage, Feldspar glanced to the wizard beside him.
"Yer knowledge of ta' grotto is impressive. I've long admired ta' sacred histories of our people an' sought out what writings I could but ya' clearly know much more. I'd enjoy hearin' more of yer stories, if ye'd share 'em with me." Feldspar spoke matter-of-factly even as his eyes carefully scanned the dark.
As the group walked in silence through the dark cavern and neither the expected hordes of Duergar nor wails of haunts interrupted their passage, Feldspar glanced to the wizard beside him.
"Yer knowledge of ta' grotto is impressive. I've long admired ta' sacred histories of our people an' sought out what writings I could but ya' clearly know much more. I'd enjoy hearin' more of yer stories, if ye'd share 'em with me." Feldspar spoke matter-of-factly even as his eyes carefully scanned the dark.
Rahkeg beams.
I'll be glad to teach you all I can over a warm campfire lad...
The expectations of the company was not unwarranted, however, as bolt is loosed in the general direction of the group. After a quick ducking of the head and taking cover it is obvious where the bolt came from, for up ahead running back to what you can only assume is a mass of friends, is a lone Duergar Scout. He is around a corner and out of site before you have time fire get a shot off at him.
A few moments later you hear yelling and and the sounds of footprints running back down the passageway.
Initiative Order for Combat will be:
Rahkeg
Durgin
Rhen
Elyk
Feldspar
Thoradin
[ooc]You have two rounds until what sounds like 10 to 20 Duergar barrel down on you.
Oh, and roll me a Perception AND Knowledge: Dungeoneering please.
And sorry about the delay in posting but in the past 36 hours I have worked 28 hours. And no internet at work.[/ooc
"Battle formation!" Ely cries out to the others, "Feldspar, Thoradin, hold tha line, we'll back yer up." Readying his warhammer Elyk claps a hand down on Feldspar's shoulder. "Warrior of the Flamebeard clan, may Torag's strength be wit' yer!"
Elyk casts bull's strength on Feldspar.
Durgrin slips over to the wall while loading his fine crossbow, leveling it at the corner the Duergar ran around.
"Tell me when to shoot if they be invisible."
Round 1 Action-
Seeing trouble approach, Rahkeg ensures hes well in the middle of the group and shouts to the others-
Everyone to me! Comrades, to me! I shall cast a dweomer of invisibility around us!
Stay near me and let them come... Rahkeg mutters as an invisibility radius emanating from him envelops everyone within ten feet.