Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 shatteredtower Sep 20, 2004 0:07:41	Coming soon for Gilgiga and Jace.
#2 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 0:16:52	*Raises his Eye brows in mild suprise.* "Hadn't realized it was so close." *While walking Jace tries to get a feeling for how Gilgiga's mood is.*
#3 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 0:21:47	Gilgiga useing his spear as a cane stands distant from the rest of the pery focusing on the envrioment around them. As they move he drags just a little behind as to see everyone at once. His eyes not only observe the tress and birds, but are on gaurd for hostile foes.
#4 shatteredtower Sep 23, 2004 0:23:25	Marize speaks to Jace and Gilgiga again near the end of the two hour mark. "Our 'friend' doesn't live in the village proper," she explains. "He's got a hut out half a mile from us, downstream. We're not too far now, so you'd best be on your guard, just in case." She leads them down a hillside onto a rocky streambed. "You'll have an easy time finding it from here. It's the first building you'll find, just inside the cover of the trees." She and Magal look at each other uncertainly. "You... uh, didn't need us to come along for this part, did you?" she asks.
#5 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 0:29:46	"I am not fully aware of the situation here, if it is just a small gaing we should be fine seperated, whereas if it is a full force we aught to stick together. Anyways you know the contact and we don't, don't you think it would be best if you were to... introduce us?" Gilgiga addresses Marize
#6 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 0:39:57	*Smiles mildly at Gilgiga's way of putting "you should come.* "If he hasn't killed anybody it would not be suspiciouse if you asked him of something. So Magal, you can ask him to play nice or something. Me and Gil can be hidding close by so when he comes out you will be safe. If he comes at you run." *The trio continues up just to being able to see the hut.* "Wait here for a few minutes so me and Gil can move up without being seen." With that Jace melts off into the foliage heading for the hut with a javalin held in his left (primary) hand and his bastard sword drawn and in his right hand*
#7 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 0:43:41	Gilgiga tucks his shal into the inside of his cloak and takes up a hideing spot also in the bushes. Spear at his feet, he draws and strings his bow, then keeps an arrow at hand.
#8 shatteredtower Sep 23, 2004 7:37:24	Marize hurls a string of profanities after both Jace and Gilgiga, and promptly flees up the bank, Magal right behind her. "Your guild's gonna hear about this, you flea-bitten cowards! And don't think you're getting any money either, you double dealing sons of gutter-rats!"
#9 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 13:58:28	*Shakes his head at the fleeing couple.* "We had better be alert incase those two we not telling the whole truth, about our soon to be host." *With that he moves up as close as possible to the hut waits for Gil to get into place. He listens for any noise comming from the hut. If there is he tosses a near by pebble at the door to draw the Overgrow goblin out.*
#10 shatteredtower Sep 23, 2004 15:15:51	There is no response to Jace's tactic.
#11 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 16:57:43	*Picks up a larger pebble, which would be considered more of a rock and tries again. If there is no response, He continues around the hut looking for signs of life. He also looks for anything indicating that something is living here. Befor leaving his place he sheds his pack lessening his load considerabley lightload Still with javalin and bastard sword.*
#12 shatteredtower Sep 23, 2004 17:55:11	Jace sees footprints in the area around the door. Sitting on top of a crate next to the entrance is a small pile of cabbages, potatoes, and something wrapped in waxed paper. But there is still no response to his "knocking".
#13 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 18:44:09	Gilgiga mutters a few words as he sees Jace's plans all fail horribly. Placeing his pack next to Jace's and laying his spear and bow over it. The Falchon still on his back, and axe at his waist. He removes his cloak revealing the shawl, and takes out his holy symbol. He holds it forth as he slowly oppens the door. "Hello? I come from the church of Ordemetrix, fear me not if you are just. Those who are wrong shall feel my pity; those who are vile my wrath. If there is anyone here come forth." Gilgiga waits after his rather generic entrence speach, lifted so efortlessly from the Tale of Law and Luck
#14 shatteredtower Sep 23, 2004 19:21:15	The door swings open easily, but no one responds even to that action. From a quick look around the simple dwelling, Gilgiga can tell that it's been recently occupied. He can smell traces of smoke, residue from the use of a brazier in the center of the hut. Aside from that, a clothing rack in the corner, and a pallet with a wool blanket pulled over it, the place appears to be quite empty.
#15 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 19:47:04	"There's no one here. Are you happy now, you wasted quite alot of time and scared off our guides." He shouts back to Jace as he checks the brazier then he heds out and searches the general area for tracks.
#16 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 22:06:19	*SHakes his head as the Half-Orc walks up to the door, and gives his speech.* .oO(He has no sense of finesse, he also is a grouchy impatient bugger.) "Hey.... you are the one that suggested they introduce us, and besides if we can't find him we can go to the town. We will surly find one whom would help us.....actually if we wait in the hut this hobgoblin will problebly come back. It is very possible that the HobGoblin is in the town right now bullying the inhabatents, and if that is the case, then we should go there.....Whats your opinion." *Eyes Gil*
#17 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 22:22:33	"Find him, talk to him. If need be, apply force until he decides to stop what he is doing. And pray it dosen't come down to that." Gilgiga says as he contues to search for tracks.
#18 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 22:29:14	"I doubt that he will be in a talking mood, but we can try." *Jace adds what he can to his own search for sign, he concentrates his attention on the direction the two guids ran off to.* "Lets hope he doesn't meet the guides."
#19 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 22:36:50	"From what I've heard he's just a thug, not a murderer. Do you know any more about him. What exactly have we gotten into?"
#20 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 22:50:07	"You know as much as i do."
#21 shatteredtower Sep 23, 2004 23:11:47	The half-orc finds a few scorched wooden skewers beside the brazier, evidently used for cooking a meal sometime in the last few hours. His investigation of the ground outside leads him to conclude that several people have been back and forth to the river today -- at least three, based on the size and shape of the prints. Another set of tracks heads away from the hut, heading further downstream. Judging from the depth of the prints, Gilgiga concludes that whoever made them was either very heavy or carrying a significant amount of weight, especially in comparison to the other tracks he's found.
#22 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 23:20:56	Gilgiga after searching picks up his gear and throws his cloak on. "Someone's carrying alot of weight, as if they were taking everything that's not in this hut with them. The tracks head off this way, downstream. I'd say our hobgoblin is making a run for it. Odds are he caught on to the fact that we were headed here. Perhaps he a had friend or two warn him, judgeing by these tracks here, the older ones. I'm willing to bet that there is some stollen loot among his excess weight, we aught to try and catch him so we can retun what was probably stollen. Folow me." Gilgiga says heading down the trail with his bow in hand.
#23 jace_cornwall Sep 23, 2004 23:24:55	"I am glad I took you with me Gilgiga." *Retrives his gear, and falls in step behind Gil* "I think there is more then we originaly thought at play here."
#24 zombiegleemax Sep 23, 2004 23:32:49	"He may just be a common theif, no more no less, he may have a few friends, and you may be paranoid. Better paranoid then dead I guess." Tracky, tracky, tracky.
#25 shatteredtower Sep 24, 2004 0:47:05	Their trail eventually leads past a ledge, where Gilgiga pauses for a moment. The tracks double up here, as if the one they're following came and returned and went away again, but there are also signs in the way the bushes have been bent and broken that something -- or someone -- went over the ledge here. The slope should be easy enough to climb, thanks to the foliage, but there's always the option to take the long way around and avoid the risk of a fall. OoC: Approximate distance down the slope is 30 feet.
#26 zombiegleemax Sep 24, 2004 0:52:58	Gilgiga examines the situation, then reomves his rope and hook "He went this way, we could go around but this is faster." He then looks for a sutable target to wrap the hook around.
#27 jace_cornwall Sep 24, 2004 0:56:12	*Glances down the slope, and without a word, he looks for something also to anchor the rope*
#28 shatteredtower Sep 24, 2004 1:42:39	A few of the nearby trees look sturdy enough to serve the pair's purposes, and there's even a pair growing close enough together to allow the hook to be wedged firmly between them.
#29 zombiegleemax Sep 24, 2004 19:25:56	Gilgiga wates no time as he affexs his rope to the wedge. The then attaches his pack to the other end and lowers it down (ooc: unless this is more like a really steep slope then I'll just cary it). Afterwords he heads down guiideing himself with the rope. Once both are down Gilgiga plays with the rope a bit until the hook comes free and he pulls it down.
#30 shatteredtower Sep 24, 2004 22:23:15	Gilgiga finds the climb an easy one, arriving in the undergrowth in very short order. Jace is halfway down when he finds something unexpected, however...
#31 shatteredtower Sep 25, 2004 1:43:57	OoC: I editted the previous post. Also, you aren't going to be shaking that hook loose from where it's lodged. If you could do that, you might as well not bother using the rope. Lying among the bushes is the battered and naked body of a human male. It nearly goes unnoticed among the bushes, until Gilgiga nearly stumbles over it.
#32 zombiegleemax Sep 25, 2004 11:07:41	Gilgiga takes a closer look at the body, then searches the area to see if there is any idication to how it got there.
#33 jace_cornwall Sep 25, 2004 13:37:23	"Ok this has become more then mear thuggery." *After the inspection, Jace removes his cloak to cover the naked body.* "We can do nothing with him for now. We must find, capture or kill this Hobgoblin first. Then we may care for the dead, and the story surounding his death." *Jace prompts Giliga to search for where the tracks lead now, and upon finding them they follow farther.*
#34 shatteredtower Sep 25, 2004 18:01:29	Judging by the lack of a trail, Gilgiga can only conclude that the body was thrown down from above.
#35 zombiegleemax Sep 25, 2004 18:14:47	Gilgiga looks back up then speaks "It came from up there, if we're gonna find who did this we'll hafto climb back up." Gilgiga then works his way back up with his gear.
#36 jace_cornwall Sep 26, 2004 1:23:51	"Well lets go." *Jace eager to catch this Goblin climbs up the rope quickly, leaving his pack on the bottom, Gil then attatches the two pacs and he hoists them up. He then lowers the rope back down, for Gilgiga. They then set off after the tracks.*
#37 shatteredtower Sep 26, 2004 8:28:42	About thirty yards from the slope, Gilgiga realizes that something unusual happened on the path. Something fell heavily over here and there appears to have been a struggle, judging from the way soil and undergrowth have been torn up. Signs indicate that there was another person here, as well as an animal -- the few prints Gilgiga can find suggest a hunting dog or something similar. He even finds very small traces of blood dried on the edge of a fern.
#38 zombiegleemax Sep 26, 2004 10:58:50	"I can not belive I missed this. There was more than a body dump here. In fact it was recent." Gilgiga says packing up his rope. "If we move now me may be able to find whoever did this fast" Searching for tracks
#39 shatteredtower Sep 26, 2004 11:39:49	To Gilgiga's best guess, his quarry eventually moved southeast, after a short detour to the cliff and back. He finds no sign that the other tracks lead away from this spot -- only to it.
#40 zombiegleemax Sep 26, 2004 12:17:29	"Well it seems that there was only one of them, a best folow the one that made it away from here."
#41 jace_cornwall Sep 26, 2004 12:27:57	*follows without a word*
#42 shatteredtower Sep 26, 2004 22:42:15	While Gilgiga continues to lead, following what clues he can to maintain the path, Jace hears a metallic clanking sound, much like someone in heavy armor might make if moving quickly. His best guess suggests that the source of the noise is drawing closer, but he knows only the general direction it's coming from -- roughly the direction they are heading toward.
#43 jace_cornwall Sep 27, 2004 20:17:51	"there is someone in armor comming. Hide in the undergrowth." *Jace takes his own advice.* Bastard sword drawn, Javalin in hand, no shield, hide +8, if it is the Hobgoblin then Jace lets fly to javalin.
#44 zombiegleemax Sep 27, 2004 23:05:56	Gilgiga heeds the warning and fades into the bramble, after he draws and strings his bow he remains perfectly still. Hardly breathing he waits in ambush Hide +8
#45 shatteredtower Sep 28, 2004 4:55:55	They hear a voice shout out, speaking in a language neither understands. Another sound, closer, but from the same direction, suddenly catches their attention, and a wolf comes racing out. The sight of the grey beast gives them both pause. It would appear to be quite normal for the species, even with the bolt lodged in one haunch, were it not for the fact that it's carrying some heavy object in its mouth. Neither of them can make it out from their current position, though Jace can tell that it's metal and rodlike in form. The voice calls out again, this time in a more familiar language to both of them. "You've learned well from your master, thief, but it will not save you!" The animal runs by Jace with its prize, coming as close as forty feet to his right before moving past. The sound of its pursuer continues toward them.
#46 zombiegleemax Sep 28, 2004 21:11:52	Gilgiga upon seeing the wolf bolt leaps from his cover and shouts out "Wait, Halt." Don't know if it counts yet but Wild Empathy is +2 when it finaly needs to be used.
#47 jace_cornwall Sep 28, 2004 22:45:08	.oO(the best I can do is remain here. The wolf is probebly owned by that dead man.) *Jace moves up silently to position his self so that he may get in behind the Hobgoblin when he passes* Redies to the discription above. Will throw Javalin unless melee combat cominces, if this happens he will drop the Javalin and attack two handed.
#48 shatteredtower Sep 29, 2004 10:40:17	The animal gives a start as Gilgiga moves, dropping what turns out to be a mace. It stops to try to pick the weapon back up, but pauses for a moment to stare at the half-orc, as though trying to determine his intentions. Possibly satisfied with what it finds, the wolf waits where it is. Perhaps thirty seconds later, its pursuer comes into view, drawing a crossbow from his back as he draws near. Spotting Gilgiga, he halts his charge, gripping the weapon firmly as he attempts to assess the new situation. The hobgoblin currently stands 60 feet from Gilgiga. Jace is 10 feet away, but he's still facing the hobgoblin from the same side as Gilgiga -- it is not yet between them.
#49 jace_cornwall Sep 29, 2004 17:47:23	*Waits silently* [color=Gray].ooc: how is he equiped, and armored? When the hobgoblin is 15 feet beyond Jace then he will hurl the Javalin, and charge in with his B sword two handed. unless something happens that would stay his hand.[/color]
#50 zombiegleemax Sep 29, 2004 18:14:52	"Listen child," Gilgiga speaks to the wolf, and wishing he had mastered old Doc's art of seeming to be able talk with animals. "Come here, relax, bring me the mace. Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you. I only wish to protect you. Relax, pring me the mace."
#51 shatteredtower Sep 30, 2004 1:36:25	The wolf clutches the weapon, then flicks its head warily to the side when the hobgoblin speaks. "Not a good idea." Though he trains the weapon on the animal, he doesn't fire yet -- nor does he allow himself to be distracted from Gilgiga's presence. "Stay where you are, please. This will only take a few seconds..." Meanwhile, the wolf looks back and forth uncertainly, between the threatening hobgoblin and the reassuring half-orc. It's impossible to determine how much it understands, but it nevertheless leaps toward Gilgiga with its prize before the other can respond. The hobgoblin hasn't moved from his position yet, so Jace may need to consider a different course of action this time.
#52 jace_cornwall Sep 30, 2004 1:52:15	*When the Hobgoblin raises the weapon, Jace bursts forth the hurls the Javalin at the hobgoblin with all the effort he can force threw his arms. After he releases the Javalin, even before it gets to his target he charges, with a wild warcry at his target with his sword above his head and it comes cleaving down at his target.* "Honor and Blood!!!!!" Charge
#53 shatteredtower Sep 30, 2004 2:32:45	The hobgoblin leaps back as though stung when the javelin bounces off his breastplate. With a curse, he fires on the wolf, striking it in the haunch, then backs away from the charging human, drawing a sword as he does so. The wolf yelps when it is struck, dropping the mace at Gilgiga's feet. At a glance, he can see that the head of the weapon has been treated in some fashion, giving it a lighter color than the shaft. Unexpectedly, the wolf howls once, mournful and long, then starts to limp away from the half-orc. Initiative Order hobgoblin wolf Gilgiga Jace For the sake of clarity, the hobgoblin has a longsword.
#54 zombiegleemax Sep 30, 2004 20:00:56	"Damn!" Seeing the wolf move away, Gilgiga tries to reagain it's trust; by drwaing his Falchon as he charges at the Hobgoblin. Giligiga then cries out in plain speak as to make sure the hobgoblin understands. "You'll pay for that!"
#55 shatteredtower Sep 30, 2004 23:12:11	Their adversary gives a grunt as Gilgiga's blade strucks him across the forearm, the armor preventing a more serious wound. "Vengeance for a packmate, cur?" the hobgoblin sneers. "Such loyalty for your kind!" The two can see that the wolf has stopped running, but it does not seem eager to rejoin the fight either, hanging back where it retreated earlier.
#56 zombiegleemax Sep 30, 2004 23:17:40	"That wolf is my duty, my kind is of little matter." Gilgiga shouts as he brings the falchon around in a large arch.
#57 shatteredtower Sep 30, 2004 23:29:40	The hobgoblin does a much better job of parrying Jace's attack, then attempts a riposte that is easily sidestepped. "Duty? To hellspawn such as that?" He makes no noise as Gilgiga manages to strike him once more.
#58 zombiegleemax Sep 30, 2004 23:35:37	Gilgiga brings the haft of his sword up into his face to deal subdual damage. "What has the wolf done to you? Speak, before you die?"
#59 jace_cornwall Sep 30, 2004 23:35:59	*Moves into a flanking position and once again tries to strike.* [orcish]"Close your mouth for what comes from it would make a dog sick!!!"[/orcish]
#60 shatteredtower Sep 30, 2004 23:50:21	"To me?" the hobgoblin asks incredulously, barely holding his attackers both at bay. "It's not what it's d-- LOOK OUT!" Gilgiga isn't sure what to make of this warning, but it's enough to make him spare a glance to one side -- giving him just enough time to dodge the wolf's snarling leap.
#61 zombiegleemax Oct 01, 2004 0:03:25	Gilgiga thorws aside his sword and grabs the wolf attempting to hold it at bey Grapple +6 "Listen to me, calm down, I am not your foe."
#62 jace_cornwall Oct 01, 2004 17:47:21	.oO(there is something very wrong here....this has more to it then I thought.) [flashback]Volos asks "Oh, yes, the village near Xiphoid Peak, where Miss Amberhawk fought several werewolves. Oh, dear; there aren't more of them, are there?" ------ Hob Goblin "Stay where you are, please. This will only take a few seconds..." Meanwhile, ... but it nevertheless leaps toward Gilgiga with its prize before the other can respond. ----- Hobgoblin "Vengeance for a packmate, cur?" the hobgoblin sneers. "Such loyalty for your kind!" ----- "To me?" the hobgoblin asks incredulously, barely holding his attackers both at bay. "It's not what it's d-- LOOK OUT!" ....dodge the wolf's snarling leap.[/flashback] .oO(now it is attacking Gilgiga....this is a werewolf, and this Hobgoblin is hunting it.) "Goblin this is not a wolf is it. This is a werewolf. Gilgiga...get a way from it. You do not want to be a lycanthrope!!!" *Moves to attack the wolf if the hobgoblin agrees. if not he attacks the hobgoblin once again*
#63 shatteredtower Oct 01, 2004 18:07:43	Gilgiga reaches out, then recoils suddenly as the animal tries to bite him. He pulls his arm in before jaws can seize it firmly, but not without losing some skin and a few drops of blood. "You didn't know?" exclaims the goblinoid. "No, not a wolf!" The animal quickly darts away from Jace's strike, but the hobgoblin manages to catch it across the neck, barely managing to break the skin despite the force of his blow. OoC: Gilgiga takes 3 hp of damage and 1 point of nonlethal damage.
#64 jace_cornwall Oct 02, 2004 0:56:25	*attacks werewolf by attepting to place his self in a flanking position, then sweeping his sword again.*
#65 zombiegleemax Oct 02, 2004 2:11:40	"Then what is it?" Gilgiga says as he draws his handaxe from his waist, and waits for it to make it's next move. If it attacks he will do so first.
#66 shatteredtower Oct 02, 2004 23:38:52	"Manwolf!" Gilgiga is told, even as the beast continues to snap at him. He clobbers it with his axe, but with no effect. Jace has more success with a furious swing, but it is not the killing blow he expected. The creature yelps, dodges another swing by the hobgoblin, and turns tail to flee once more. OoC: That's right: Jace not only managed to score a hit, he also managed to score damage.
#67 jace_cornwall Oct 03, 2004 12:16:49	*Jace breaks from the group running flat out after the fleeing werewolf.* .oO(Wait.) "Giliga...Should we get the bite looked at?" *Jace then turns his head toward the hobgoblin.* "There is far more to you then we were told initialy. We were sent to remove you from the area for thuggery. But information has been withheld from us....I no longer belive all that I was told....At the moment I will trust you unless something happens that makes me do otherwise. Now I must get my companion to a healer. Which direction is the town in?.....unless this town is infact full of more werewolves....which......would ...explain why....they sent people to get help to remove their hunter." .oO(I do hope that what I just said is not true) .oO(YEA!!! how much did he deal
#68 zombiegleemax Oct 03, 2004 14:07:43	"I'm not so worried about myself, It dosen't look to bad, I doubt it gets infected. But we'll need silver." Giligiga says picking up his discarded weapons. "I've read a little on lycanthropes, but not much. But silver is the key to defeating them. You, hobgoblin, you were fighting the thing, you wouldn't happen to have any silvered weapons on hand?"
#69 jace_cornwall Oct 05, 2004 1:20:29	Alright. If you are sure.
#70 shatteredtower Oct 05, 2004 1:36:48	"Got a few bolts and the mace I was given to defend this place," he says. "There's a fletcher does new bolts for me in Handsel, but he's not fast. We might be able to take him out of a few pellets, though, if you can use a sling." He grimaces. "They've been getting bolder lately, like they were in the days of the original pack, I'm told. More willing to take risks, as if they've got something to prove again. I'd--" The hobgoblin pauses in midspeech, then utters something that sounds very harsh, looking over their shoulders. Two wolves (or creatures in the guise of wolves) lurk nearby, one carefully clamping jaws around the mace. "Much bolder..." the hobgoblin mutters, reaching for his crossbow and a bolt to place in it.
#71 zombiegleemax Oct 05, 2004 19:11:37	"Well Damn," (ooc)Permission to ignore Jace's coments? They were made after your warning. Giligiga takes his bow into hand and quickly draws an arrow. "Lot of good this will do, we need that mace. He holds arrow ready waiting for the first reaction, as soon as they attempt anything, or the hobgoblin attacks he'll fire at the wolf with the mace. Just exacly what sort of mace is this? Light or Heavy?
#72 shatteredtower Oct 05, 2004 21:10:21	Permission granted. My apologies to you both for not also sending a copy by PM. And it's a heavy mace. "Indeed. I suspect that I know where they'll take it, however, since they can't count on me being unable to retrieve it otherwise. I've been waiting for an opportunity to go there, and this might be it -- if you're willing to help."
#73 zombiegleemax Oct 05, 2004 21:51:49	"Will do, it's the least we can do after trying to kill you, and why do I have the strange feeling that these two are the same two people who sent us to kill you? Things are starting to make sense. Jace if I didn't know better; I'd say you plan of cowardace was really prothetic."
#74 shatteredtower Oct 06, 2004 0:13:20	The hobgoblin gives Gilgiga an odd look, then fires his crossbow at the mace-bearer. Neither he nor Gilgiga come close with their shots, and the beasts flee back into the woods with their prize quickly. "The pack is small -- and one is wounded. If they attacked me all at once -- but they are new, and cowardly. There were seven, but now are four." Putting his bow back, he turns to the others and slaps his arm across his chest. "I am Gemeka, and my sword belongs to Thalos."
#75 zombiegleemax Oct 06, 2004 0:28:28	Giligiga places his bow on his back and picks up his spear, useing it like a cane. He moves closer to Gemeka and extends his left hand. "I am Called Giligiga, I work for the will of Ordermetrix. It is an honor to meet you as our paths have intertwined. I came with my companion Jace on a mission to eleminate you. We were under the pursuasion that you were a sort of local tyrant. To the wolf-men I guess you are. How far to this Handsel, we will need the silversmith there."
#76 shatteredtower Oct 06, 2004 1:08:13	"Handsel isn't far, but it's very small. Trappers come because there's a place to sell the furs, and for the blacksmith and the fletcher. That's about it. "I was left here to watch against the wolfmen's return -- my penance. The people are under my care, though they still fear me. Without the sun to guide me, it would be lonely."
#77 zombiegleemax Oct 06, 2004 18:56:23	"That's a shame that their protector is feared as such, but I have the bad feeling that that is true more often or not. But let us hurry to Handsel, I do not wish to be traped out here with no real weapons."
#78 shatteredtower Oct 06, 2004 20:18:06	Gemeka frowns, puzzled. "Your weapons look to be far more effective than what you will find in Handsel."
#79 zombiegleemax Oct 06, 2004 20:52:24	"Perhaps, but you said yourself there is a silver smith. These weapons will do little good against them, we need that mace. Odds are they will have it guarded, we will need other weapons to fall back on I have none. Jace? Do you? I doubt it, silver is usaly to weak for normal weapons. Even just a sack or two of sling bullets would do. Do you know how many of them there are out here? Perhaps if they are few we can regain the mace without to much trouble." Gilgiga asks as his mind switches gears. Knowing he can't easly harm his quary he beguins contemplateing other ways to handle them.
#80 shatteredtower Oct 06, 2004 21:42:00	"What? I did not. Blacksmith, I said. Works iron, not silver -- though I guess he might be able to do silver, if it's treated right and he has time. We can ask. "As for the wolf-folk, I think there's only four of them now. A woman and her friends killed most of the pack last year, but the lead wolfman left a new..." Gemeka snorts with disgust. "--litter behind before he went away. I killed nearly half of them this summer -- one today, and two the last time they thought I would be an easy target."
#81 zombiegleemax Oct 06, 2004 22:43:12	"You said you knew where they would keep the mace, is it far from here? Would it be possible to retrieve it?" Oo: This may prove a little more difficult then just buying the proper weapons and stalking for the kill. A chalange, I may like this. "We will need all the infomation on their tactics, dens, and movement's that we can get. You happen to be the one with that knowledge, tell us everything. I'm tired of bieng left out in the dark on this. Earlier I was here to kill you. Now I am fairly certain that the people who sent us are now trying to kill us. And they are were-wolves at that. I wan't all the explanations here and now."
#82 shatteredtower Oct 06, 2004 23:17:27	"Last year, the wolf-folk ruled Handsel. They decided who came, who left, and who never returned. Then the pack's original members were all slain. Those who remain are weaker -- not truly of the blood, but possibly trying to earn favor, from what Godresdowder told me before she left me to guard this place. I did not understand that part well. She said something about a..." He pronounces the word carefully. ".-pa-tri-arch who looks for a worthy heir. Very strange." He turns and points toward a peak in the distance, one that rises sharply toward the top. "Xiphoid Peak. Anywhere else, they look for easy prey, but that is important to them. That is home, and they will defend it until their master comes again."
#83 zombiegleemax Oct 06, 2004 23:35:41	Gilgiga mumbles aloud. "So the Silver Swords slew them all but a few. Their leader was away, and still is. That's good, without a good central leader they will be fairly disorganised. Makes them a harder target, but what we can do will mean more. There must be something on that mountain they are trying to protect however. Or else their leader would not have told them to protect it." Giligiga then turns to the others. "Let us get that mace shall we, then I think we shall have a look at what is on that mountain. Lead the way Mr. Gemeka."
#84 shatteredtower Oct 07, 2004 19:02:18	"You saw all that in what I told you?" says Gemeka, looking somewhat impressed, then shaking his head. "Maybe not. We'll find mace and mountain at the same time. This way." He walks ahead, carrying the crossbow once again. Curiously, he does not prepare a bolt for it.
#85 zombiegleemax Oct 07, 2004 22:19:07	Gilgiga folows behind with only his spear at hand, knowing that it or the sword is his best option. The spear just feels best in his hands. He makes sure both Jace and him make as little noise as possible, not wanting to alert any stragelers of their movement.
#86 shatteredtower Oct 08, 2004 16:53:06	As they near the peak, Gemeka tells the others a few more details that he knows. "One blessing for which I am grateful: they do not have an easy time changing form. If injured as humans, they usually change immediately, but going from four legs to two, or manwolf to man -- not so easy." He places one of his silvered bolts in the crossbow. "There is a narrow path to the cave up ahead -- easy for them to defend. We could try climbing up forty yards to the west, or go around and try climbing on the far side, then climbing back down. The first climb is probably the hardest, but it's only thirty feet. The second one gives them more time to learn of our presence. Either way, we need to climb together to gain an advantage, or we're no better off than on the path."
#87 zombiegleemax Oct 09, 2004 23:54:32	"We will try the swiftest route." Once to the face he looks up seeing if there is anything he can attempt to grapple onto.
#88 shatteredtower Oct 10, 2004 1:06:37	There's a promising outcropping just a few feet short of the ledge. From there, it should be easy enough to reach out and grab the ledge itself.
#89 zombiegleemax Oct 10, 2004 12:46:26	Gilgiga drops his gear and removes his rope. He then throws the rope and hook to the ledge. Once afixed he ties his gear to the bottom of the rope, then procedes to climb. Once up he pulls the gear up to him.
#90 shatteredtower Oct 10, 2004 19:45:20	The hook finds a secure lodging place on Gilgiga's first throw. Once he is halfway up, Gemeka follows his lead, though he doesn't bother to unload any of his equipment before making the ascent. As Gilgiga reaches the hook and Jace begins his climb, the half-orc realizes that there just isn't going to be room to secure his gear again with all three of them here. He's going to have to either throw it up ahead of him or wait until he's reached the top to retrieve it.
#91 zombiegleemax Oct 10, 2004 20:23:08	Gilgiga decides that it is best to wait. Once everyone is to the top he hauls it up and puts it once more on his back. With his spear in hand he gestures to Gemeka to lead the way.
#92 shatteredtower Oct 14, 2004 7:34:17	Two wolves lunge out as Gilgiga as he reaches out for the top. Though his arm is savaged, he manages to force his way onto the ledge. Initiative: Two wolves Gilgiga Gemeka Jace Gilgiga takes 6 hp of damage and 1 hp of nonlethal damage. As he has had time to recover from his earlier nonlethal damage, this leaves him with 11/20 hp (and 1 nonlethal).
#93 zombiegleemax Oct 14, 2004 20:25:29	"Gaa, Yarg! Back!" Gilgiga shouts has he draws his falchon and hacks into the nearest wolf. (Oo Gotta buy time for them to make it up here) Gilgiga thinks as he places himself between the climbers and the attackers.
#94 shatteredtower Oct 15, 2004 17:22:38	Gilgiga at least has the satisfaction of hearing a winded grunt from its target, but he can see that it's going to require a lot more than this to bring the creature down. Try as he might, he is unable to prevent one from lunging at Gemeka as he pulls himself up, taxed as he is by the need to fend off both of the wolves. However, the hobgoblin proves ready for this. His mailed fist slams into the side of a snarling head, doubtless causing no injury, but at least deflecting the attack long enough for him to reach his feet.
#95 zombiegleemax Oct 15, 2004 23:26:52	"Jace get up here!" Gilgiga shouts and takes a look at the situation. If the wolf that attacked Gemeka is close enough to the ledge he attempts to bull rush it off, if not he attacks the closest wolf instead.
#96 shatteredtower Oct 16, 2004 21:51:21	"I'm moving as fast as I can!" Jace shouts up to Gilgiga. A brief struggle earns him a few nips and a skinned knee as he stumbles. A curse from behind him indicates that Gemeka's efforts are meeting no greater success, save that Jace is able to pull himself up without much difficulty. Gilgiga takes 6 hp of damage and 2 nonlethal, leaving him with 5/20 hp (and 3 nonlethal).
#97 jace_cornwall Oct 18, 2004 20:31:22	*Draws his sword and shield while he moves to attack the nearest wolf.* oOC.(sorry for my absence...Just got back last night) The edits are done, and sorry for me missing the warnings. I was almost out the door when I saw them. not enough time to change them.)
#98 shatteredtower Oct 19, 2004 4:46:20	Outnumbered, the beasts withdraw up the path, ignoring several ineffectual blows as they regroup with their enemy to one side again. "Those injuries look bad," says the hobgoblin to Gilgiga. "Maybe you should take my bow and we'll cover you. Use the silver bolts."
#99 zombiegleemax Oct 19, 2004 19:13:29	"Right." Gilgiga says taking the crossbow and bolts. Her hasn't held a weapon like this in a wile, but easly finds his way has he cocks it then launches a bolt at the nearest wolf.
#100 jace_cornwall Oct 19, 2004 21:25:11	*Charges after the wolf Gil shoots at and brings his sword around.*
#101 shatteredtower Oct 21, 2004 20:18:06	While Gilgiga retreats, one of the brutes clamps on Jace's legs. As if sensing weaker prey, the second creature joins in savaging the man, despite Gemeka's best efforts to shield him. Working as quickly as he can under the circumstances, Gilgiga eventually readies the crossbow. It is not easy to find a promising shot in the chaos before him, but when Jace is finally able to kick one of his attackers off, he sees his chance and plants a bolt in a haunch. As the creature yelps in pain, Jace seizes the chance to stand again, bringing his sword down with strength born of desperation, the steel accomplishing what seemed possible only with silver moments earlier, and leaving a deep scar in the wounded beast. With a series of howls and snarls, the pair of werewolves back away from the trio, one limping, but neither lowering their guard. OoC: Jace takes 13 hp of damage and 4 hp of nonlethal damage. Congratulations on the critical hit, though.
#102 zombiegleemax Oct 21, 2004 20:21:30	"Jace what are you thinking, you know you can't do anything!" Gilgiga shouts reloading and fireing another bolt, hopefully at the wounded one. But if another proves a better target he takes the moment.
#103 jace_cornwall Oct 21, 2004 23:37:50	"Well I just did do something!" *Jace moves back sheading his shield in front of him and dropping his sword to the ground Jace puls out his bow nocks an arrow and lets fly at the more convientent wolf.* ooc: (yay, for the crit now I need another. but meanings how well Jace has been rolling lately :D it could happen)
#104 shatteredtower Oct 22, 2004 0:25:01	Gemeka guards the pair while they fire, Jace's arrow snapping against wolf hide, while Gilgiga's next bolt manages but a scratch. Having secured some distance from their antagonists, the werewolves bolt for cover in a cave eighty feet from the three intruders.
#105 zombiegleemax Oct 22, 2004 20:54:16	Gilgiga prepares another bolt, then moves in to find the cave. "Follow me," He hisses as he passes Jace. As he moves closer he sees if there is a way to take cover. If so he hides and moves in. Once he spies anything he fires.
#106 jace_cornwall Oct 22, 2004 22:24:44	"Sure thing." .oO(who is leading who? This was my mission.) *Jace falls in behind keeping all his sences pricked.*
#107 shatteredtower Oct 22, 2004 23:45:06	"You're hurt," says Gemeka. "It's safer if I go in front."
#108 zombiegleemax Oct 24, 2004 13:56:25	Gilgiga, still empowered with adrenaline, has yet take serious notice to his wounds. He looks at himself and realizes that they are much worse then the thougt. The pain comes to him almost instantly. "You're right, take the weapon. Jace stay close to him. I'll stay back and see what I can do." He says withdrawing his bow.
#109 jace_cornwall Oct 27, 2004 0:16:07	*Retrieves his weapon, an shield and moves up close to, the hobgoblin, with his shield and sword drawn.* .oO(don't really want to get bit again.) "Gilgiga. Why don't you hold on to the weapon for now. your bow will do very little unless you get lucky...you should use the silver bolts."
#110 zombiegleemax Oct 27, 2004 0:27:28	"Alright, but keep your defenses up alright. I'll cover you." He says in a hushed tone, oh and how many bolts does this thing have?
#111 shatteredtower Oct 28, 2004 20:48:05	Gemeka advances carefully, obviously trying to make as little noise as possible. This is made easier by the nature of the cavern floor -- unlike the walls of the tunnel, it is loose earth, in which Gemeka can make out the regular passage of humans and wolves. Jace, on the other hand, is more concerned with the darkness that lies ahead. OoC: Seven silvered bolts and another twenty of the more mundane variety. The tunnel is about seven feet wide and extends for roughly twenty feet before widening into a larger space.
#112 jace_cornwall Oct 28, 2004 20:58:03	[wisper]you do realize I can't see in the dark right.[wisper]
#113 shatteredtower Oct 29, 2004 7:38:37	Gemeka mutters several unrecognizable syllables before switching into Common, "Stay close, then. Do you have a torch you can use?"
#114 jace_cornwall Oct 29, 2004 15:23:02	"I do have tourches but they will aid the wolves as much as they do me." .oO(Yet I cannot see at all.) *Pulls a tourch from his pack, shoulders his shield, lights the tourch and holds it is his shield arm still with his sword.* ooc. He is going to befighting defensively when attacked.
#115 zombiegleemax Oct 29, 2004 19:32:05	Gilgiga, who has been folowing quetly all this time sees the torch go up, and takes a defensive postion just outside of its light's radius. Keeping his eyes oppen for the attackers that the light will draw.
#116 shatteredtower Oct 30, 2004 21:39:41	"Why did you-- no, never mind," says Gemeka, sighing. "I can hold the torch, if you want to use your bow. If they are smart, they wait for us where the tunnel widens, making it hard for us all to fight together unless we plow through. Maybe we can use that too, if you are good enough shots. "Or I can try to force my way in enough to give you both more room, if you think we'd do better with swords." OoC: You realize that Gilgiga will have to stand at least 40 feet away from the torch to be out of its light, right?
#117 jace_cornwall Oct 31, 2004 1:38:28	"I have difficulty drawing my bow. I picked it up in spoils but I am not strong enough to use it yet. maybe you better hold the torch so I can use my shield. And to your unfinished question I didn't want the tourch to be a becon that ruined our vision and helped theirs. I have practiced fighting without light but I still do better with light." *Hands the hobgoblin the torch and slings his shield*
#118 zombiegleemax Oct 31, 2004 1:53:03	Gilgiga still folowing silently, realizes that he his some ways back, and that in the case that something goes wrong, he will move closer to get a better shot and prepares a bolt for the situation.
#119 shatteredtower Oct 31, 2004 1:19:14	"You've a point," the hobgoblin admits grudgingly, taking the offered torch. Sparing an inquisitive glance back at Gilgiga, he then turns and pushes forward, leading the way. He suddenly stumbles back as the floor shifts beneath him, as something is dragged through the dirt. "Those sneaky... stay back!" he calls out to the others as two of the wolves lunge at him from either side, driving him back into the tunnel. A third creature -- a dreadful cross of human and wolf -- moves between the two wolves to block the hobgoblin's path. Tales simply do not do the monster justice, Gilgiga realizes.
#120 zombiegleemax Oct 31, 2004 13:02:01	Oo No they don't he thinks, let's just hope they can't see as well as I. He then moves closer, while still trying to remain hidden and fires a bolt at the closet one (the hybrid I think). Gilgiga rarely thinks about how he will die, such thoughts distract from what one is set to do. But his nerve is wracked, wounded heavily already, and faceing such reseliant foes. To kill is all he needs to do to stay alive, to kill without dieing himself, kill before he is killed. He nearly lets his inner rage overwhelm him, but he swallows it down. Even here in this cave he can feel Ordermetrex's strength and wisdom. As he utters a short prayer as he prepares his next bolt. "Guide me my mother, for this road is dark, help me to keep on the path of wisdom and justice."
#121 jace_cornwall Oct 31, 2004 15:43:48	*Moves to the backside of the wolf that is more damaged, so that it is flanked and strikes. but all the while keeping his shield ready to block what ever may attack him.* "Attack one at a time!!! Try to kill it as fast as possible!!!" .oO(when I get back I am getting a silvered weapon.) fighting defensivly
#122 shatteredtower Oct 31, 2004 18:46:54	Jace dives past the creatures assembled before him, narrowly avoiding a vicious swipe from the monster below him. It takes him a moment to determine which of the two wolves looks most injured, whereupon he steps to its side, hazarding a swing that is easily dodged. A fourth shape steps from the shadows, a second manwolf, sporting a deep gash along its ribs and a familiar weapon. Holding the mace awkwardly in two hands, it tries to cave Jace's skull in, but he has no trouble warding the attack off. Gilgiga's first bolt shatters against the ceiling of the tunnel. Gemeka forces his way ahead to assist Jace, exposing himself to attack from all sides, but defending expertly enough to avoid further harm to himself. Initiative: 1. Werewolves (wolf form) 2. Gemeka 3. Jace 4. Gilgiga 5. Werewolves (hybrid)
#123 zombiegleemax Oct 31, 2004 18:59:52	The Mace, if Jace can claim that, the day is ours; Gilgiga thinks to himself. "Thank you mother for showing us down path we must take." Gilgiga offers his thanks as he fires the next bolt.
#124 jace_cornwall Nov 01, 2004 0:37:47	*Looks at the new wolf with the club and recognises the wound at the one he delt to it.* "This is the wolf that we first saw....attack it!!!! It is badly injured." *Takes a grunting swipe at the wounded man wolf.* still fighting defensivly
#125 shatteredtower Nov 01, 2004 6:36:25	"I'm a little busy at the moment," Gemeka grunts in a display of understatement to Jace, as the other wolfman and two wolves hold him at bay in the tunnel. The hobgoblin redoubles his efforts to break through into the chamber, leaving a scar across the wolfman's jaw, but earning himself a few scratches in return. It's apparent that Jace's target is unfamiliar with the methods of armed combat; nevertheless, it manages to leave a nasty bruise on one of his arms with a lucky swing. Gilgiga has trouble finding a promising shot with the hobgoblin away. He takes the most promising opportunity he sees, but the wolfman ducks out of the way at the last second. Jace takes 3 hp of damage and 1 hp of nonlethal damage, for a total of 16 hp of damage and 1 hp of nonlethal damage. Gilgiga is correct -- the werewolf fighting Jace is using the mace, not a club, and I have corrected my previous post to reflect that.
#126 jace_cornwall Nov 01, 2004 9:14:43	*Jace attempts to disarm the wolfman, when he sees the mace.*
#127 zombiegleemax Nov 01, 2004 19:40:57	Gilgiga pauses a moment to reflect on the situation as he prepares the next bolt. He looks to see the layout of the cave, and how crowded things really are. "Mother show me further down this dark path, I need your guidance and wisdom. Help your child prevail, if it be your will." He mutters, looking about the dark cave for options.
#128 shatteredtower Nov 02, 2004 19:58:13	Standing behind Gemeka, who is busily trying to hold three werewolves at bay, Gilgiga can't take in the full dimensions of the place. The fact that he can see the far end of the cave as well as some of the wall to each side tells him that it's easily less than sixty feet across. The Mother appears to remain impartial to the half-orc's requests, or maybe she is merely preoccupied with some other task; once again, he misses his target by a narrow margin. Thalos seems to be paying more attention, for Gemeka manages to slice the werewolf facing him down the chest. Jace tries to wrest the mace from the monster's hands, but it maintains a solid grip on the weapon.
#129 jace_cornwall Nov 02, 2004 20:10:45	*Gives up at the removal of the mace and attacks with all hit might.* no longer fighting defensivly
#130 shatteredtower Nov 03, 2004 10:56:24	The wolfman crumples before the power of Jace's next attack, a look of shock evident on its face. The man quickly scoops up the mace and turns on the other wolves. The second wolfman turns toward his fallen comrade, batting aside Gemeka as he tries to strike once more -- only to give Gilgiga a clear shot. It howls as the bolt penetrates its shoulder. "The tables have turned," declares Gilgiga, "Now we press the attack." The monster spares him a hateful glance before rushing toward Jace, sensing the man's intention. The human manages to raise his new weapon in time to avoid a vicious swipe, but his attempted riposte is batted away in return. Behind him, the Gemeka scores a deep cut on the wolf closest to him. With one swift action, Gilgiga cocks and loads the crossbow. He trains it on the hobgoblin's latest victim and unleashes a bolt that grazes its hide. "Mother, may this fight be ended swiftly," Gemeka says, continuing to plead for intercession even as he quickly reloads and fires again, but Ordemetrex seems disinterested and his shot goes far wide. Gemeka moves to assist with the remaining wolfman, only to be knocked from his feet by his the redoubled efforts of two assailants. Bleeding from several injuries, he brings his sword down hard across the wolf closest to Jace. The creature reels, stunned by the force of the blow, while Gemeka tries to stand once more. The second wolf lands heavily upon him; ignoring his desperate efforts to fend him off, it grabs him by the throat and shakes. Seeing a chance to finish this more quickly -- a chance he must take, he realizes as he assesses his injuries and the conditions of his comrades -- Jace spins his newly aquired weapon around and, with a swift crack, and, lays the beast out flat before it can clear its head. Before he can take advantage of the victory, however, he is forced to bring his shield around to block a vicious slash by the hybrid wolf's claws. Gilgiga fires his last bolt at the wolf savaging Gemeka, missing again, but drawing the beast's attention. Without wasting a breath to curse his luck, he drops the crossbow. The monster leaps wildly, but the half-orc is able to sidestep the assault, drawing his sword as he does so. Hoping that the hobgoblin survives, Jace struggles with his own assailant ,as the creature blocks comes close to ripping the mace out of his hands. Fighting with renewed ferosity, he hammers the creature solidly and then again, roaring in defiance. The monster gasps painfully for breath, but refuses to go down. It makes a desperate leap for Jace's throat, but is easily knocked aside, falling to the ground. For a moment, it struggles to stand before lapsing into apparent unconsciousness. In the tunnel, Gilgiga twirls about to face the wolf as he draws the sword, he lets out a triumphant shout as he scars one of its haunches, then another deeper cut along its flank. Jace pauses to take a appraising glance at the fallen Gemeka before racing to aid Gilgiga, mindful of the fact that he brought the half-orc into this danger. All thoughts of defense gone, he charges at the last remaining wolf. It turns in time to avoid a more lethal blow, but the strike still knocks the wind from its lungs. Lacking the strength to avoid the half-orc's next swing, its body slumps to one side of the tunnel, whereupon Jace, wasting no time, steps up and crushes its skull. "You shall never harm another," he tells the corpse, even as it changes from the guise of a wolf to the fatally battered form of Marize, their former guide.
#131 shatteredtower Nov 03, 2004 12:06:14	Barely taking time to let that register with him, Jace runs over to the fallen hobgoblin and tries to stop his bleeding. "Gilgiga, could you look ahead for something that might help?" he calls back to his other companion. "Take my mace." "Of course. This sword wasn't too useful against them." the half-orc says, taking the proferred weapon, before looking around into the cave. He wanders across a worn, half-buried carpet, the one they tried to pull out from under Gemeka when he entered, to find a chest in one corner, with a suit of tarnished but serviceable banded mail scattered beside it. "Stay with us." Jace tells Gemeka, but discovers that he needn't worry. Though he has been cut badly, the hobgoblin's neck guard has saved him from a lethal wound. He cleans and dresses Gemeka's injuries as well as he can, then props him up carefully. Satisfied that he's done all he can, he then goes about exterminating the rest of the werewolves, cursing them for who they had hurt. As it expires, the other wolf is revealed to be Magal. "I had a feeling about that," he murmurs absently to himself. He does not know the identity of the other two. "Shall we take this outside?" Gilgiga asks, pointing out his discoveries to the human. Silently, Jace thinks to himself .oO(we should bring the bodies back to the town to see if they are known there... They were once human.) before he replies to Gilgiga. "Where we can see it better, yes," "That's a lot of weight," the half-orc warns him. "We should leave Gemeka here for a bit, then" Jace replies, and helps take the chest and armor outside for a better look..Opening the chest and peeking inside, they are pleased to find a generous quantity of silver and gold, a bit more than they were hoping to be paid, with a small pouch laying atop of the pile. Before Jace can make a move, Gilgiga picks up the pouch. "Be careful," Jace warns him. "There may be something nasty inside." Instead, all he finds are a pair of stones, each displaying several colors of rings in a cross-section . They could be worth a few extra gold each, he determines.[/i] "Mmmm... pretty," Jace says, offering his own assessment. "Hmm," Gilgiga says tossing one up and down,[/i] "nothing much. What do you say we split this in thirds with the Gameka?" "Yes, he deserves that at the very least. We would have died if it wasn't for him." "All right. Do you want the armor? It's too heavy for my taste. If he dosen't want it, we could sell it to a dealer." "I could use it but it is a tad heavy. I could use it when that doesn't matter though." "All right. This was your little mission; I guess you deserve pick of the spoils." "We probably should also bring the bodies back to the local town first.. If they were known, they can be cared for. We should bring some money for anything we may need there." "With that trek, those would get heavy. I say we bury them here" Jace considers this. "We could bring some people here," he suggests, "but they may be afraid. We have no proof that we are not a part of this pack. We my get attacked or driven out." "I have to agree with you," Gilgiga concedes, "but let's wait for Gemeka to wake up before we do anything. I could use the rest myself; I'm exhausted." As Gilgiga wraps his cloak around himself and grabs a nap, Jace returns inside to check on Gemeka, then drags the bodies out of the cave. His task completed, he sheds his leather and lays down to waits. The hobgoblin doesn't come to for several hours, giving the others plenty of time to rest, and he is obviously still very groggy even when he finally steps out of the cave. "Well, sleepy," Jace says to him. "How are you feeling?" "Still like I'm on my last legs," not realizing who it was Jace was talking to due to the cloak covering his face, "but Old Doc has worked me harder." "Well, they are all dead," Jace continues, and Gilgiga, realizing that the human is talking to someone else, quickly adjusts his cloak to get a better look around while Jace fills the hobgoblin in on events. "We found a fair amount of money, some odd stones, and some pretty good armor." "They're... all dead?" Gemeka says, taking a moment to grasp the idea. "Good. It will be good to... rest... for a time." "Then let's get you home," Gilgiga offers. "Can you move with help?" Jace asks. "Yes," the hobgoblin grunts and shuffles forward unsteadily. "Just don't ask me... to move quickly."
#132 shatteredtower Nov 03, 2004 12:13:49	Hours later, they return to the hobgoblin's cottage. Hearing them out as they express concerns about the fallen, he says: "I shall see to them. The people of Handsel... do not feel comfortable with me, but they trust me well enough. We'll take care of this. "Thank you for what you have done. When you return to the city, go to the church and tell Gottrisdottir what happened. She will welcome this news." Gemeka requests that they count the coins when he arrive, while he prepares a simple meal for them all with what provisions he has. The final count rounds out to 1600 pieces of silver and 300 gold coins. "I will take the silver," Gemeka offers, "for I have become far too aware of its value in this place. The gold and the rest is yours. You've certainly earned it. After we've eaten, we should all rest up. We have been lucky thus far, but it would not be wise to attempt the trip to the city in your current state. A week would be better, but you must give yourselves at least one night." The next morning, still sore from their recent experiences, the pair pack the armor and take the gold-laden chest between them, then set out. Gemeka bids them a quick farewell at the door, then limps back toward his bed, obviously intent on getting more rest. They stop long enough to recover Jace's cloak from its role as a shroud, trying not to give too much attention to the corpse it had concealed. This unpleasant task done, they set off once more for the city, where at last they find the rest they so desperately need.
#133 shatteredtower Nov 03, 2004 12:19:24	With Volos' assistance, the stones and armor are appraised and sold. He informs them of the Iron Wolf's offer for the armor -- either fifty gold coins each or the equivalent of ninety and three gold pieces each in credit for the armory's stock. Beyond that, each receives one hundred fifteen gold pieces, with Gilgiga earning an extra coin, as Jace has requested that the chest itself be part of his share. "I have some additional good news, however," Volos says, seeing the look of disappointment on their faces when they learn of how much the guild has taken from their prize. "While you've been recovering, I've taken the liberty to inform Mistress Gottrisdottir of your success. She was very pleased and insisted that you each accept a personal token of her gratitude, one that reflects your accomplishments." He glances toward one of the twin messengers that works here, whereupon the boy steps forward, holding a folded cloth across his hands. Unwrapping the cloth, Volos reveals six arrows, their tips gleaming silver. "There are three arrows for each of you," he says. "I've been assured that the blessings of Agathalos went into their manufacture as well, so that they'll prove effective against bodiless spirits or even vampires -- though may you never need to test them against such a creature." Handing each of them their prize, he smiles, turning to look from one to the other.. "Well done, gentlemen," he says. "I would say that earning the gratitude of Agathalos' mistress of acolytes almost certainly constitutes a service to the city, though that is for the senior membership to decide. Nevertheless, I am confident that you will each be offered the honor of full guild membership, if you should wish to accept it. "On behalf of the Silver Sword Adventurers' Guild, I thank you." And thus the adventure draws to a close. I'm locking this thread, but you're free to continue on from here at the Silver Sword Adventurer's Guild -- or to post to a temple, if you wish to speed the healing process a bit. I'm adjusting your character sheets to reflect your earnings from this encounter as well, but let me know if you decide to take the trade-in credit or the extra funds from the Iron Wolf.