Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Ireth]

Cadell

I turn and bolt in the direction of the fleeing orc, cursing our foul luck. Maybe at least one of us can catch up to it.

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius
As Marius had his bow already at the ready in case of danger to his ward, he makes a shot at the orc (if it is possible) because he cannot trust it to not come back with reinforcements that might threaten Nissa.

Shoot that orc! (Prime) [1d20+6] = 18+6 = 24

Hopefully the shot hits and takes down the already injured orc. Either way, Marius grabs the rope and makes his way to the other side to check on his target. Years of avoiding guards, ruffians, priests and other undesirables has made him quite skilled at climbing and he has no trouble getting across, despite the cold. His only concern being Nissa at the moment, and indirectly the orc, he more or less ignores everyone who seems to be having a lovely swim in the river while he climbs out onto the bank on the other side. Taking a quick breath to shake off the cold, he begins to search for a body.

 

[Steerpike]

Bressel plunges into the cold water, the temperature not particularly bothersome to him. He scoops Branwen up and sets out across the river. Branwen clings to Bressel with little fingers, swinging her head around and spraying an arc of water as she tries to get a look at Burnbright further into the river. The young harpy seems content enough with Bressel holding her, showing no signs of fear or of being cold as Bressel makes powerful strokes across the river.

On the other side of the river, Baldhart is back in the water, swimming toward Burnbright, who has managed to orient herself to grab onto the rope tied to her, though the current is still dragging her and she can't seem to make any progress on her own. Baldhart reaches Burnbright about the same time Bressel and Branwen pass the mid-point of the river a little further up. Bressel's strength flags for a moment along this stretch, the current pulling harder and moving him about ten feet further downstream than he planned, but the lapse is momentarily and working with the current he surges again, muscles powering through the water. Branwen tries to shift in his grip so she can get as close to being on his back as possible, her eyes following Baldhart and Burnbright as they pass.

Baldhart, meanwhile, has a strong arm around Burnbright and is able to begin her swim to the far shore. Burnbright holds and on kicks at the water herself, trying to help swim. "Sorry," she says, forming the word around a mouth of water. "I should..." cough "have held on better." She spits out more water and keeps kicking. The ring is on her finger, and her skin is warm despite the temperature of the river.

Marius looses a shot at the fleeing orc, but the distance across the river is great and only the orc scarcely visible as it fades further into the distance amid the growth on the other side of the water. Masama is more visible, but only just. The shot is good, but not good enough to strike its target under present conditions.

Cadell sets off after the orc. The orc and Masama have quite a headstart by this point, but the orc is not entirely healthy and Masama, while fast for a man of his size, is not fleet of foot in comparison to Cadell. The elf gains ground on the others, getting to within twenty feet of Masama when he sees that the big man, though practically on the orc's heels, is starting to run out of steam. Masama seems to realize it too, because he leaps bodily forward in a last-ditch attempt to tackle the fleeing creature:

[1d20+3] = 7+3 = 10

The orc, who is casting the occasional glance over his shoulder, sees Masama leap at the last instant and lets out a grunt, twisting his body sideways as he runs. Masama fails to get a grip on the creature and hits the ground instead, sending up clumps of dirt and turning his fall into a roll. He comes up on one knee just as Cadell passes him. The orc's eyes grow even wider as he sees Cadell, who is now withing striking distance, and the orc turns and continues his flight.

Nissa watches the proceedings from the air, though by the time Masama tries to tackle the fleeing creature the tree cover is growing more dense, so she loses sight from time to time.

Marius manages to cross the river with little difficulty, reaching the far side around the same time as Bressel climbs onto the far bank with Branwen. Bressel's muscles are fatigued from the swim, though he is otherwise fine. Branwen is dripping wet but otherwise no worse for the experience. She turns and watches Baldhart and Burnbright with long fingernails in her mouth.

Baldhart and Burnbright, together, are making their way back to shore with little difficulty, though the two of them holding onto one another swim more slowly than one.

Callan and Tumi stand next to Zoran on the other bank. Tumi moves toward the rope to cross, but Callan puts a hand on his shoulder. "Wait until everyone else is out. The last thing we need is your arse floating down stream while we're focused on getting the children out. I'm certainly not coming in after you." Tumi grunts, but gives Callan a grin and waits.

Callan keeps one eye on the proceedings in the water while at the same time scanning both the near and far banks, looking for trouble.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

As the orc spots me and flees, I lunge forward, hoping to tackle the orc to the ground.

Not good enough!

Liadan

I take off running after Cadell, hoping to keep pace with him and be of use in catching the orc.

I'm too winded from my struggle with the river to have a chance of keeping up. The others will have to do as they can.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I swoop down—my intent on flying in front of the orc (still moving forward, since the last time I stood in an orc's way, I got flattened). I'll try to obscure his view so he can't run in a straight line. Maybe Cadell and Masama can catch up if I do that.

If he chases me, I'm leading him to a tree.

((Posting Nissa's intent, since I'm not sure if she's able to get in front of the orc.))

His moves are unpredictable! I better wait for a clearing before attempting to dive!



Baldhart

I tell Burnbright, "Don't worry about it, Sweetie. I was smaller, and when I first grew this tall I was a toothpick. If we are successful in the north, I want you to come to the Iron Mountain with me. By the time you're eighteen, maybe twenty, a current like this will be nothing.

"Make sure your mother knows of this if she is interested in talking again. If there's a chance to save you as you believe, she has to know we truly care for you. You were treated no differently before and after we learned of your relation to Aslaug."

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Noticing that Nissa is bobbing up and down in front of the orc, Marius continues what he considers to be in the best interest of her protection. With too many people in the way and likely too much distance for a clean shot, Marius starts running at a full sprint.

Run like the wind! (prime dex) [1d20+6] = 13+6 = 19

He has done a lot of running in his life and the thought of losing a feather certainly pushes him as he races after the orc, though they do have quite the head start.

 

[Steerpike]

Bressel pulls Branwen safely onto the far shore, and the little harpy immediately gets up and turns back to the river, but this time she doesn't charge in. Instead, she watches with eyes wide as saucers as Baldhart and Burnbright continue their swim. Within a few moments, Baldhart and Burnbright are also on the shore, and Branwen runs over and clutches Burnbright in a hug. Burnbright coughs a bit and manages a weak chuckle, then tousles Branwen's wet hair. "Someone's going to have to teach you some sense," she says, and smiles at Branwen.

Burnbright rolls onto her back and takes deep breaths. The ring keeps her warm, but she's fatigued. The lays there a moment, looking at the sky and thinking about what Baldhart said.

"I'll tell her," she says. "My mother, I mean. If I ever get to talk to her again." She rolls onto one elbow and looks at Baldhart. "What if she's crazy, Baldhart? Then what are we going to do?"

Callan calls to the group from the far side. "What about the orc?" she yells. "Let's get everyone together before more cross!"

The orc happens to be continuing his blind run. He's noticed Nissa, and is trying to make as much as of the tree cover as he can while putting distance between himself and his pursuers. He's used to the river crossing, but he's been running all out now and starts to slow a bit. With a grunt, he tries to dig deep for more energy:

[1d20+1] = 13+1 = 14

There's no sudden burst of speed, but he manages to maintain his pace, throwing in the occasional zig-zag in case there's an arrow coming. Cadell is close enough to pounce, but the orc avoids the grab just as he did with Masama, and manages to get a few more feet ahead of the elf as a result of the failed pounce. Still, the creature looks frantic. There is no apparent place to hide - just trees with patches of open ground between. And now he has more pursuers.

Masama continues the pursuit after getting back to his feet, but he's well behind Cadell and the orc at this point and clearly losing energy. Marius, on the other hand, is running like the crossing didn't bother him at all. He closes the distance between himself and Masama, until only a few yards separate the two. Masama casts a look over his shoulder to see who is coming up behind him, then gives a broad grin, taking in a lungful of air and pointing ahead into the trees. Marius makes out the occasional form of Cadell, or the orc a few feet in front of him, as they dash through the trees, leaping fallen logs and other obstacles.

Without a word, Masama continues on, legs churning even as Marius passes him.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I keep running in pursuit of the orc, but I can't seem to keep up at all. Instead I pause to catch my breath and ready an arrow. Maybe I can shoot the orc before it gets out of my range, if it isn't already.

((Saving the shot for next round, obviously))

Cadell

I snarl in frustration as the orc gains a few feet of ground, and lunge at it again. Maybe this time I can catch it.

Now that's more like it! I just hope the others can catch up soon enough to lend me their strength in keeping it down.

((Posting for now, will add a STR check if necessary))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I can't hold down an orc, and I can't speak his language, but maybe he can read my tone and see we're not out to hurt him.

I try to make my voice loud enough to hear, and strong, but without anger. He needs to think of us as allies or this could get dangerous.

((CHA check = 27))

"Korgak!" I call down. If the orc looks up, I use hand gestures pointing to me and to him, "Together, see Korgak." I pat my bicep, "Korgak strong." I point to the orc, "You be strong!" I move my fingers in a running motion, then make them stop. "Strong," I say.

I'll add more if he lets Liadan catch up. If he stops because of my words, I'll ask the rest not to tackle him.



Baldhart

I nod to Callan, "Let's just keep ourselves together. If we spread out, the children are in danger."

I help Burnbright up, and say, "Don't be offended by the word 'children.' I've been thinking a lot about the formative years in my teens, and you're not even that old yet. You will be a strong spear maiden, but you need someone who loves you and also means to train you to reach your potential. And I can see you've accepted that, so no more talk about running off to Aslaug on your own, and no more camping out of town either. It's useless.

"I wish I could answer your question. If your mother is crazy and throwing lightning bolts at us, we won't try to save her. We'll be lucky if we can save ourselves. If she isn't crazy, then she won't attack us if she knows we're sincere.

"I do hope you'll consider what she wants from you. I don't know why Nissa was able to appear using magic that I didn't even know I had in me, but I wonder if it's in part because we are from the same bloodline. Your mother wants to rid herself of a demon, and here you are a maiden and of the same blood. I'm not a magic expert—maybe as far from it as can be—I just suspect you are a tool to her. Maybe it's the demon talking, and maybe the demon wants a younger vessel.

"I think it's best I don't leave your side. I want to be there if she manages to talk to you again, preferably from afar."

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Adeptly bounding over bushes and leaping over logs, Marius continues his pursuit. Seeing Nissa in front of the orc, he worries that the clearly untrustworthy orc might attempt to harm her and so he puts extra effort into is run.

You can reach him! (dex prime) [1d20+6] = 11+6 = 17

With Cadell in tackling range, Masama coming in from behind and Marius in fast pursuit, it is looking like the orc might soon be on the receiving end of a dog pile.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
Watches all that is going on in all directions, but remains silent.

Bressel
"Burnbright, the cold doesn't seem to affect Branwen, but hold her and share the warmth. We don't want her to get chilled."
Bressel looks around, "It seems our Orc friend has fled. So we should get the rest across quickly and be ready for a welcoming party of orcs."
"Nothing like a relaxing ice water swim to prepare for a fight. Wouldn't you say Baldhart?" Bressel pulls the borrowed great sword and ensures the edge is not ice covered. Then quickly checks the rest of his weapons.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I reply to Bressel, "It does get the adrenaline going. If the orcs start trouble, it's their funeral. But let's hope that, between Liadan's apparent past as the royal translator and the fact we have children among us, the orcs will believe we didn't come here looking for a fight."

I offer to help hold an end of the rope to guide anyone else who needs to cross.

 

[Steerpike]

The orc continues weaving through trees, grunting and casting fearful glances over his shoulder. He looks up when he hears the word "Korgak!" spoken loudly and almost crashes into a tree, but he rolls nimbly to the side at the last moment and continues his flight. His last glance comes just as Cadell leaps and the orc's cry of surprise is cut short and Cadell tackles him to the ground and the two go rolling over rocks and sticks and heavy brush. The orcs tries immediately to tear free from Cadell's grip:

[1d20+2] = 1+2 = 3

It's no use. Cadell ends up on top of the orc with a great deal of leverage and the creature struggles uselessly. Marius arrives just in time to see the orc and Cadell roll through a bush and come to a stop with the elf on top. A few seconds later Masama arrives as well, coming to a stop when he sees Cadell and the orc. He leans against a tree, breathing deeply, and nods to the elf. "Do you need help getting this orc back to the others?"

The orc's struggles slowly fade as others arrive on the scene, though the creature does call out loudly in his tongue, a couple of clipped sentences that echo through the forest around you all. There is no answer.

Back at the river, Burnbright pulls Branwen onto her lap and the two sit together, the ring warming their bodies. Burnbright considers Baldhart's words. "I hope I'll be a good shield maiden. I feel like I'm getting better with my spear. But I'm still too weak. I couldn't even cross this rope." She jerks a thumb back in the direction of the river and gives a bit of a smile. "I'm not done growing, though. By the time I'm grown I bet I'll be a lot stronger! And I don't always mind being included with the 'children.' It guess it depends on how people say it. I can always tell what they mean."

She pauses a moment, pulling Branwen. "I hope we can save my...Aslaug. I think something really bad must have happened to her. But whatever else happens, I guess I have a little sister now. And something like a family."

Branwen isn't paying attention to Burnbright, because she's focused on the doll Masama made for her. The trip across the river didn't do it any favors, and the sticks and other stuffing Masama used to make it are starting to come apart. Branwen frowns at the doll and holds it up for everyone to see.

Callan considers the offer to hold a rope, but the river is too long to throw it across and without Nissa around to fly it over the only way to get the rope back to Callan and Tumi would be for someone else to cross back over with it. Instead, Callan guides Tumi into the water, the guardsman letting out a string of colorful curses when his feet hit the cold water. Callan and Tumi work together, slowly, each helping the other maintain a hold on the rope and giving an extra hand if the other person starts to lose their grip.

((Since they're NPCs, and bringing up the rear, I'm not going to have them roll; no one wants to go chasing one of them downriver. We've had our river rescues)).

Callan and Tumi finally make it across, Tumi more winded than Callan, and the try their best to wring water out of their clothes.

"Should we go on, or build a fire and rest a while?" Callan asks. "We're going to be sorry if we're still in these wet things come nightfall. That gives us, what?" She gazes up at the sky a moment, considering. "About five hours is my guess."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

At last I find my second wind, and put on enough speed to catch up with Cadell and the orc. Cadell has the orc pinned to the ground, and it seems to have stopped struggling. I crouch down to get closer to its ears when I speak.

<Why do you run from us? We want to help you and your people.>

Cadell

My gaze flicks toward Liadan as she catches up, and I flash her a quick smile. "Good to see you. Translate for me, would you?" Maybe I can help convince the orc that we mean no harm.

"We mean you no harm unless you mean us harm. As long as we both fight Aslaug, we are on the same side. If you promise not to harm us, or call other orcs here to harm us, I will let you go, and we can go on to your camp. We will speak with Korgak and perhaps join forces. We all are strong, great fighters, but we are much stronger if we are together."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I'll let Cadell and Liadan handle the orc for now. I say to Masama, "Once we're sure the orc is calm, I'll fly up and see that the others can find us. It might be best we retrace our steps. The sooner we are all together, the better."


Baldhart

I give the two girls a pat and say, "Then I have two little sisters."

To Callan, I say, "As soon as we get to the others, I think a fire is a good idea. It would call attention, but we're going to be discovered by orcs anyway. Best we're strong when that happens, especially if we meet the wrong orcs."

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Using gestures as so as to make himself understood as best as possible to the orc, Marius walks over to the orc, pats him on the back with a little laugh and says, "I don't really want to hurt you, but if you run off and put the baby angel in danger again, I will put an arrow through each of your kneecaps." He holds out an arrow and taps it on the orc's knee to punctuate the sentence. "Do you understand?"

Speaky speaky! [1d20-2] = 14-2 = 12

Though he is not the best communicator in the world (closer to the worst to be honest, lack of orc tongue aside) and tends to run on his own special brand of logic, he seems to be very serious about this. It is up to the orc to judge the silly man's threat vs the risk of his own kneecaps though.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I tell Liadan, "Marius is my bodyguard. The orc should know that running makes bodyguards nervous. He should also know that we took him at his word when he said we would work together with Korgak. Running and shouting makes me wonder if he lied to us, or if he fears we lied. Doesn't having a baby harpy with us prove that we would defend a child of any race? Doesn't bringing our children with us prove we are not looking for a fight?"

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I look up at Nissa, and relay the gist of her words to the orc. I make sure to emphasize that we took the orc at his word, and ask him once again if he intends to lead us to Korgak for peaceful negotiations of an alliance. I watch his expression before, during and after his response to make sure he is still truthful.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
Remains hidden, watching all avenues of approach, including the other side of the river.

Bressel
With a smile at Branwen, knowing she is in good hands, he begins to search for fire wood.
"Maybe the sisters could find some kindling or firewood?"
Bressel also looks for tracks as he looks for wood. Animal or humanoid. To get an estimate of numbers and type in the area.

 

[Steerpike]

The orc stops trying to struggle against Cadell, his eyes flicking between the others who arrive on the scene. Outnumbered, he apparently feels he's well and truly caught and gives up with a grunt that may be annoyance or resignation.

The orc exchanges some words with Liadan, listening to her translations of what the others in the group say. The only word intelligible to the others is Korgak. The conversation with the orc comes to a sudden halt as Marius speaks and taps the orc's knees with an arrow. The orc seems to get the message and clamps his mouth shut, looking from the arrow to Liadan.

When allowed, the orc will rise and wait for direction from the group.

Masama nods at Nissa's suggestion. "That is a good plan. I will remain near the orc as we lead him back to the others." He takes a deep breath and lets out a woosh of air. "I do not wish to chase this creature again!" Masama's smile is broad.

Back at camp, Burnbright seems a bit more upbeat. She and Branwen make a game of looking for dry wood, as Bressel suggested. Branwen manages to bring every stick to Bressel to show it to him personally, to get either a "yes" or "no" for that piece of wood. If it is "yes," she puts the stick in a pile. If no, she tosses it into the river. Burnbright brings back more substantial pieces of firewood and dumps the pieces into a pile without having to be told whether it is good wood.

Burnbright seems pleased by Baldhart's comments about sisters. "We're all kind of like a family." She frowns. "I miss my uncle, but I'm glad I found a new family instead of being all by myself. I really didn't want to try to find my...mother...by myself. But I would if that's the only way to save my new family." She gives Baldhart a smile and goes off to find more wood.

Callan and Tumi help to prepare the wood to make a suitable fire, Tumi grumbling about being cold and wet and Callan rolling her eyes when he does.

Aliron keeps a firm watch on the surrounding area, but there is nothing much happening (though he will be the first to spot the group returning with the orc). A few minutes after everyone makes it across the river, Aliron spots a boat as far upriver as he can see. It is in the middle of the river, not heading for either side. From this distance, it is hard to make out much detail, but it looks like a typical river boat that might be used to carry goods for sale or trade.