Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Steerpike]

Masama moves just to the edge of the darkness and sits, cross-legged beside it. His voice drifts up to fill the empty spaces:

"Hail to thee, Asra, oldest of gods, ancient of heaven, maker of all things.
Hail to the mother of all things, the source of all wisdom, the most loving and merciful of all in the heavens.
Hail to she who is sleepless, while others sleep.
Hail from all the creature of every land, from those who fly to be near you, to those in the darkest depths of the sea who nevertheless depend on your warmth. All turn their heads to your light and pray for you in your journey through darkness.
Hail to thee Asra. I seek your wisdom. Show me your path.'

Masama closes his eyes for a moment and cocks his head to the darkness. "I will listen," he says.

Biorn clutches at Liadan's hand. "I don't like this place."

When Baldhart asks whether she looks like a boulder, the kid manages to crack a smile. "You're big. But you don't look like a rock."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Now, there's a boy who knows how to talk to a lady." I smile at Biorn, adding, "You'll make a fine knight."

I signal him to follow, so Masama can listen without our voices getting in the way. As we get out from the circle of rocks, I tell Biorn in a low voice, "You are right not to like that place. Imagine how those who are captured must want to get out of there. I don't want to give you the false hope that the captives are still alive or that we can save them… but that is the reason we will go in there and kill. That magic elf thinks he's clever, buying himself time, but he bought us time as well. If either Masama or myself gets close to that dark elf, we'll crumple his limbs like a pretzel.

"And it's not our size that makes us dangerous up close—it's the ancient ways embraced by the monks. The girl I trained with has rocks for fists, and she's smaller than you, Biorn." Hoping to keep him confident, I go on, "But it wasn't until I was forced to drop my sword that I dared fight without one. So what is your weapon of choice?"

 

[SeverinR]

"You crumple his limbs like a pretzel, just watch out for the arrows in his chest. I do not need to get up close and personal like you do. If I do get up close and personal, I will plunge my swords into his back, so watch for swords burst from his chest, I would recomend not embracing the drow."

"I can not trap the entrance with Ankari inside. But I will be ready should they come out. I would suggest we be ready just in case. Of course, we must also be ready in case Ankari rushes out, so no matter how annoying, please do not kill him."

"Where are the others? Aliron looks over his shoulder, arrow nocked resting on his lap as he sits near the opening.

[Time check] {for the night is long and full of bonuses}

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Make him a pin cushion. A lightweight like that--I just need to grab a limb or his throat. Rather than grapple, I'm hoping to rush him and get in a knock-out blow... a fist to the temple might shut up his attempts at casting for a while. Getting close to begin with will be the hard part, since casters typically hide behind a wall of minions.

"Ankari doesn't deserve to die by our hand, but his recklessness endangers us and those we intend to rescue. He's been losing focus... no help at all in Srilkind, in Arendal--don't get me started... and now he says he wants to fight, then he just talks and gets wounded and still refuses to fight."

 

[Steerpike]

((Let's say by this point it is pushing into late afternoon)).

Biorn considers Baldhart's words carefully, nodding solemnly at the thought of captives held underground by the dark elves or little lizards. When asked about his weapon of choice, he says "I want to learn to fight with the big two-handers. I've seen men come though the village with those. Big men with full beards and fists the size of my head. My ancestors fought with those big swords, and that's what I want to do. If I ever get big enough. Most people start out with spears though."

((PM to Ankari, then we can get this thread moving))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"There's no greater weapon," I tell Biorn. "Ask Bressel if he'll let you try brandishing his weapon. It was mine until I took my nun's vow in Arendal."

I think about my first kill, then some of my last with the blade—the harpy, Tommen, the fish demon on the dock.

"I miss it, in a way, but I have no regrets about my vows."

 

[Steerpike]

Biorn looks back down the hillside when Baldhart mentions Bressel. "I wonder where the others are. When Bressel gets here, I'll ask him. I wonder if I can even hold it!"

Masama moves quietly out of the hole toward the edge of the circle of rocks, where the party lingers. "The darkness has been removed. Ankari parleys with the dark elf, who has four of the lizards with him. Each has a bow. It seems the dark elf wishes for us to leave. Nothing was said of any children or hostages of any kind."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

So what's the next step? We'll band together with more monsters and forget about the blood of children still dripping from their claws?

"It was Ankari who saw the footprints--or was it you, Alin? In any case, we know people were brought here and we know people were killed. And of course the dark elf wanted us to leave. That was the purpose of his darkness spell."

I look toward the cave, wondering if Ankari will tell us what he's thinking. Well, I won't wait for him to speak my mind.

"I'm still wrestling with how we dealt with the gnolls. They should've been killed, but there were too many of us trying to make nice, and I'll admit they were a help in Arendal. At least with the gnolls, what we did saved innocents where going against them would've meant innocent deaths.

"But why parley with this elf unless he'll give up the captives peacefully? Did Ankari even bring that up? I don't know if the destruction of a dwarven statue has an effect on the Taint or dwarf tunnels, or if it's simply a symbolic victory for dark elves. I do know it'll be meaningful to those in Drimmen-delve.

"If it was just the statue, I'd be fine with talking it out... but people were taken. Does that dark elf think we'll just leave them to be interrogated? Tortured? Murdered?"

I look downhill to see if the others approach. Maybe Ankari's talk stalls the enemy. Only five that we know of... the dark elf that we know of is a pawn. One further inside is Aslaug's direct contact. Or maybe this one works for the other guy...

 

[Steerpike]

Masama nods at Baldhart. "The gnolls deserve death for their acts. There is to be no doubt about that. Asra may look into their hearts and find forgiveness in the afterlife, but that is the province of gods and not mortals. If the aid of the gnolls means the difference between ending this Taint or being driven back by the forces of the witch, then that presents a dilemma, does it not? I have no desire to ally with the dogs. I have less desire to see the North ground under the heel of Aslaug."

There is no sign of the others yet. The group lingers near the circle of stones, Biorn casting nervous glances between the dark hole and the road down the mountainside, in the direction of the farm.

After a moment, Masama continues: "It is as you say, Baldhart. The captives were brought here - of that I have no doubt. Bad enough they are dragged into the depths of the earth, out of the light of Asra. Whatever horrors are being visited upon them by the dark elf and his friends, I have no desire to stand idly by and allow it to happen."

 

[Ankari]

The chill air seeks every exposure in my leathers and plunges deep. I pull my cloak around me and cast a final look back at the dark hole of the cavern. Conflicts layered over conflicts. How can one label someone an enemy without knowing their intent?

The eyes of the company presses on me with expectation. Beasts kill to sate their hunger. Monsters kill because the opportunity is there. I know not who they are anymore. To kill without knowing intent. To kill because something weak and foreign stands before them. And they would scold me for the death of a killer. Perhaps they recognized the affinity between them and the priest and wanted to keep more of their kind alive. Night touches day and the sky is washed in red.

"The dark elf is guilty."

((Edited because of updated information.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Whatever Ankari's reasons for the parley, I don't feel the need to question them. His tone suggests we all have the same plan for that elf.

"Of what?" I ask. "We know people were captured… and there must be many dead, by the smell down there. But did you learn anything of the captives? Their fate? The dark elf's intent?"

I hope Nissa gets the others here soon. Rescue or revenge, I want to crush that elf and any minion who dares block my path.

 

[Ankari]

"We have to go down there soon. The dark elf has a time constraint that implies the humans are alive. Get the others. We can discuss theories later."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Then it seems we all agree that elf and his friends must die quickly," I say with a smile. "Just don't start without me."

I run down at full sprint, hoping to find the others on the way. That the captive may be alive is great news. No time to waste!

 

[SeverinR]

"I agree. We need to get down there as soon as possible, but we need the whole group safe. I did not strike true down there, I was concerned with the youth in our group. We must know they are safe before we continue."
"I have killed many people, I do not believe I have killed a drow before. Maybe a mix breed, you never know, but not a full blood."

"I dislike those that defend themselves with magic, I could easily side with the people in this land on killing all magic. But when fighting evil magic, good magic must be used. I do not plan to let him use magic again."
"Know this, when I go in there again, I will not be entering to have tea and crumpets over idle discussion. I enter to kill all in the path, to free any survivors and to continue on our journey. You may distract our opponents as you want, but I will be moving for the best shot or to get behind them, and my first target will be the drow. Please tell the casters in our party not to hit me with magic meant for the enemy. Parley all you want, but when the drow screams, I would be most appreciative if you engage those left standing. Arrows would be fine, as I will use the elf to shield me from them."

 

[Steerpike]

Masama nods grimly as everyone speaks. "I agree that we should act quickly. These drow - these are the dark skinned elves of the kind we saw below? What do you know of them? I have never heard of such thing in my land."

Baldhart tears down the mountain, and as the farm below comes into view she sees a familiar group heading her way. Cadell is clearly visible on Llucheden, and Batos also stands out as does Nissa hovering above the rest. The rest of the party extend out beside the mounted elf, some drifting behind. As Baldhart nears, she can clearly make out Burnbright and the rest of the party, even little Branwen, who lingers near Mauve. A small reptilian-like thing lopes along next to Mauve as though it too is part of the group.

((Go ahead and consider that Baldhart reaches the group or they reach her)).

 

[SeverinR]

[is the group in sight of Aliron, or still to far away?]

 

[Steerpike]

The group with most of the children comes into sight of the rest of the party, winding their way toward the circle of stones that surround the opening into the mountain. As they go, Skivver casts nasty glances at any who speak back to him, though he does so from behind the shelter of Mauve's robes. When Bressel speaks he makes an angry yip and says "This House-Lug. She save Skivver and Tarlack. House-Lug smash all heads who not quiet. But not smash Skivver, right? Skivver good." The lizard looks up at Mauve for confirmation.

Dalla hisses and says "Shut up, Skivver. The sound of your voice is giving me a headache."

Burnbright grunts a laugh, and Skivver looks as offended as it is possible for his reptilian features to appear. He cocks a reptilian thumb toward Dalla and looks up at Mauve expectantly.

Branwen giggles with each of Baldhart's log steps as she sits upon the large woman's shoulders. She is light as a feather to Baldhart, but her tiny fists grip handfuls of Baldhart's hair as she tries to hold on.

When the group gets back together, it is clear to those who went ahead to the mountain top that the children have seen some battle, though there has also clearly been some healing and no one is seriously injured. When Skivver sees the rest of the group, he becomes much more quiet. His gaze lingers on Masama a moment, then passes over Aliron, Ankari, and Liadan. "More yellow elfs," Skivver mutters.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
When Aliron sees the group, he stands looking over the group.

" a lizard? Staying close to Mauve?" He glances at Ankari. "Seems the casting woman has found a pet. How alike she is to you. Always seeking friendship from the enemy."
He scans the horizon, looking for any enemy that might notice the arrival of the group, or anyone following the group.

When the group arrives:
"Yellow elf?" Aliron glares at the lizard. "You have seen an elf of a different color? Mauve who is your pet and why is he not dead?"
Aliron looks up and smiles at the winged child on Baldhart's shoulders. "Nice war paint. Branwen."
"I believe each of you has some war paint on you, and a few battle marks? Anyone hurt bad?"

"Lizard, call me Aliron. I do not like the term yellow elf, I have killed men over being called yellow. Tell me of the elf of a different color. Where is he and are there more?"

Bressel:
"Skizard says there is ten." Bressel announces, "says the lizards don't like the dark elves. You seemed to know of the dark elf, have you seen them?"
"Branwen earned her war paint, as did Burnbright, and Della. Each played an important part in the battle we fought. Let's not count on them to defend themselves alone, anymore."
"Oh, and I promised Branwen some meat better then the nasty lizard, she tried to eat back there." Bressel smiles at Brawen then gives a big toothy grin at the lizard. "Should have heard that lizard squeal when Branwen bit into it, it didn't have a chance with a hungry girl on it."
"Burnbright, wanted a fair fight, so she threw down her sword and was smacking the lizards, just for fun. Didn't think those bear wrestling stories were true til she did that."
"Tell us what you found here."

Aliron
"We found lizards hacking a dwarf statue to pieces. I killed a couple, then the dark elf stepped out and darkened the room, so we had to back out. Just waiting for you all, before going back in. Did not see any signs of the survivors, but the dark elf is up to something."
"I know it is hard to believe but I do not like the dark elf. It will be my pleasure to kill it...and any other beings that stand in the way." Aliron looks to the lizard as he finishes.
"Little Branwen killed a lizard? Burnbright smacking lizards with her hands?" Aliron looks at Baldhart and Masama, "you guys are ruining her. The gods give us metal to forge swords and you want to teach her to fight with her hands?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I return Mauve's hard look with one of my own, but say nothing. No point in worsening ill feelings between us. We have enough troubles to deal with already.

I relax when we return to the others, and I see Liadan and Biorn are well and unharmed, though Biorn looks shaken.

Liadan

I look on in confusion as the others return, with a small lizard in tow. "Are we parleying with lizards now as we did with the gnolls?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

When Bressel credits Dalla for her part in the fight, I walk over to her. "Sorry I ever doubted you, Dalla. I guess I was worried that following us might get you killed, but I've seen how Ankari trained you, and it paid off. I hope you can forgive me for thinking you wouldn't make it as a warrior." I won't ask forgiveness for Tommen.

Alin makes a remark about unarmed combat. I think I'm more efficient without the sword, but only by combining the strength of my people and skills of the monks… well, I can see why others doubt. But no god gave me a sword. Brynhild lent me Her strength when the metal was taken from me.

"I paid fifty gold for my sword. Now I attack only with what I was born with. What could be more god-given than that?"

I let Branwen get down.

"Anyway, there's a chance we can save the captives. They're children. The dark elves are targeting them. Alin, you hear me talk to one of those guys, know it's only because I'm attempting to draw their fire or buy time while I edge closer… I don't want to fool around with the dark elves. Just kill them."

Mauve's made it clear there are too many kinds of spells.

"The darkness gave us the opportunity to regroup, but the elves know of us now. I expect they're ready for a fight. Anyone with a bow sees a caster moving his hands and lips, please shoot him. Those who aren't shooting should get close, but stay spread out as we charge so we don't get blasted by a single spell. I don't care how powerful their spells are; the spells are only dangerous if we allow the elves time to cast."

When Liadan asks about parleying with lizards, I shrug. "We can kill the elves faster if we don't waste arrows on the lizards… which are only a waste if the lizards don't attack us."

I could tell Skivver myself, but maybe Mauve's using magic or bullshit to manipulate him.

"Mauve, maybe your good friend Skivver can convince his good friends that we won't attack them, despite recent history."

I put my boots and cloak on, then slip the cold ring in my purse. The captives will need both the cloak and the ring. When Nissa comes over, I put on another ring. I also get some flasks of oil, then ask, "Does anyone have a torch?"