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Meta Board => Retired PbP Games => Archive => [D&D 3.5] Mythic Sagas => Topic started by: ksbsnowowl on August 28, 2013, 10:20:15 PM

Title: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on August 28, 2013, 10:20:15 PM
You awaken to sunlight and the creak of an oak door.  Another day on the road, you think to yourself.

The men hired on by Ospak to guard his wagons while he traveled had been told yesterday that he no longer intended to head to Niðarós; he was able to sell most of the rest of his wares to the goodwives and farmers you had stayed with along the way, and what little he had left could wait until next year.  He was heading home to Eyrrinberg, and would split off on a side road heading further north later today.  He would gladly pay you an extra two days' wages if you accompanied him, as it would take you a two-day journey on foot to reach Niðarós from Eyrrinberg.

The farmer, Erlend, shuffled into the outbuilding and began waking all of his guests.  Ospak had said he wanted an early start.  Only five days' travel left to go, and he wanted to be done with it.

Erlend was a good host, as any Norseman should be.  The beer* he had provided last night was a little weak, but still tasted good after a long day on the road.  The smell of manure is faint in the "bunkhouse."  In truth it is a barn for overwintering livestock, but farmers often used them for housing guests during the trading seasons.

As you get up, the warmth of your wool blanket gives way to brisk October morning air that is below 50 degrees.  Though it is Laugardagr**, there will be no full bath today.  Just the morning cleaning ritual with the large wooden bowl of water Erlend's wife just handed to Ospak.

She also brought some stale bread cakes, flat little loves hard as rocks.  They'll soften up when dipped in the remnants of last night's boiled stew of lamb bones, beans, peas and turnips.

Before long you are loading Ospak's strongboxes back into his wagon, then riding or walking along the road, keeping watch for trolls or bandits; there was that troll last week, and he didn't go down easy.  After about two hours, you see a smaller wagon path continue eastward, while the main road to Niðarós bends southward a bit, disappearing through the mix of leafy trees and pines.

Most of the handful of people who had met up with and joined your caravan this morning broke off toward Niðarós, but a few seemed to be going to Eyrrinberg, or at least a farmsted up that direction.  The canopy before you glows a vibrant green with the mid-morning sun gleaming through it from the southeast.  You pick up your step and forge ahead, watching the forest before you while listening to the conversations among the other travelers.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 28, 2013, 10:53:51 PM
Skulda, dressed only in the light mail armor and cloak she always wears while traveling, seems to be utterly unfazed by the cold. Walking near the back of the group, she watches silently through the eyes of the raven she sent ahead to scout, and spares the occasional glimpse at Thane as he stalks the undergrowth alongside the road, looking for rabbits or other small animals to kill. Excited to have finally caught up with her son's old companions, she still mulls over how exactly to broach the subject with them... She is unsure what, if anything, he might have told them about her...

She also fears what they might have heard about her from others. Although she keeps her hair down and the hood of her cloak up, she fears that some of the locals traveling with them may have noted the elfish tips of her ears, or perhaps the otherworldly angularity of her face and recognize her from the terrible stories told about her. Then they might try to warn Hergier's friends about her, or even to drive her away... So she keeps quiet for the moment, and tries to avoid drawing too much attention...
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on August 29, 2013, 08:37:26 AM
A good day, I guess...

Agni breathes deeply, enjoying the current climate while thinking about things.

It's good to leave and do some guard work for a change... Being holed up in the same place doing the same thing everyday can get tiring.

His last jobs were all to help protect some Hathran that was immersed in his own rituals... Except said rituals took days. Taking the road and see the world for a change was always good, even though he isn't as young as he used to be.

His "company" also seems to agree with him.

A kind of entity that only Agni himself could see and interact with. A spirit that started to follow him after her older sister died.

"13 years, huh..."

He mutters his last thought without realizing it, with a wry smile in his face.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 29, 2013, 09:37:00 AM
Skulda, walking behind Agni, says quietly to him "Is that how long you've had your fylgja? I detected it last night and worried it was a bad omen, but if it has been with you that long, then it must be your guardian." The small woman smiles at him warmly.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on August 29, 2013, 10:19:51 AM
"!!"

Agni looks at the woman behind him, surprised. He looks around to see the reactions on the people around, then replies to her with a slightly stiff tone.

"...Well... I guess..."

His voice might be stiff, but his mind was very clear.

How? I thought I was the only one capable of seeing her... Not even the Hathras were able to detect it... Her name... Skulda?

"...But how are you capable of noticing it? "

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 29, 2013, 11:23:53 AM
She continues smiling and says "I apologize if I startled you by mentioning it. I am somewhat of an expert on spirits of all kinds, and I too have a fylgja. I cannot see yours actually, but can tell that it is there from its aura."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on August 29, 2013, 11:53:34 AM
Aura, huh...

Agni turns his head to where his "companion" is... And she just shrugs.

"No, no... You didn't startle me at all... I was just surprised. That's all. By the way, where is yours?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 29, 2013, 12:03:57 PM
She turns to look at the great white snake coiled next to her that only she sees, then back to Agni. "It is here, near me. It guards me as surely as my friend Thane does, but in different ways."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on August 29, 2013, 01:23:27 PM
"... So, it's like the one with me. Only you can see it, huh..."

After a few seconds of silence, Agni continues. "You seem quite knowledgeable about this... Why these fylgja are not visible to anyone else aside from the one they follow? I know it makes protecting their 'charge' easier, but I think it is quite... Unusual."  As he finishes saying that, he makes a gesture to his companion relaying the message "Don't take it in a bad way."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 29, 2013, 05:30:32 PM
Skulda says "I cannot say for sure, but I think they are mostly removed from our own world. Only their very strong tie to a specific individual allows them to maintain a hold enough to be seen by that individual, and to influence them. Or perhaps it is the individual's tie on the fylgja... Either way, it is not unlike some other spirits whom are tied to places or things, such as the spirits of the land that the Hathran like to talk about. There are even other spirits whom have lost all ties onto our reality at all..."

She catches herself and looks around, as if she was about to say more but thought better of it.

Then she tries to change the subject "Do you know any of the others here?" She glances around at the others traveling with the caravan, and her eyes linger for a bit on Thorgrim and Einar.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on August 30, 2013, 11:18:25 AM
"Well... I don't know much, but Hymir there enjoys his women..." Agni says while pointing to the man in question. "As for the others, I don't know much. They joined us on the road and aside from a few greetings or the eventual fight against trolls... They didn't say much. They seem to be very strong warriors. I know that one will not fall easily in battle..." This time pointing to Thorgrim. "Perhaps they are looking for something?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 30, 2013, 12:52:15 PM
She says in a somewhat distant tone "All are seeking something, but not all know what."

Then continues on in a more normal tone "Yes, Hymir certainly is easy on the eyes. I've no doubt he's popular with eager young village lasses. Do you know the other one's name? The one you say stands strongly in battle? He's a tall one, too." and she gestures to Thorgrim as well.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on August 30, 2013, 01:12:10 PM
"Thorgrim, if I recall correctly... Thorgrim is his name. I don't think I could win against him if we fought..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 30, 2013, 01:26:36 PM
"Well then, we'd better stay on his good side." she says with a smile.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on August 31, 2013, 01:21:25 AM
Thorgrim had paid the woman no mind when she had joined the caravan. Many simply sought the safety of traveling with a group and he assumed her to be as much with her scrawny arms. He turned to Einar and for a moment the faintest hint of a smile fell upon his normally stoic face. He had not seen his friend, who was nearly his brother-in-arms, since before last winter. While his skills had improved since then, he was nonetheless relieved to have Einar there to protect his backside.

"I will be glad when we reach our homeland. I miss the taste of Rashemi ale. The ale of other lands does not taste quite right and this beer only does so much." he says. "How fare your kin? I have not seen them since we drove back."

From the corner of his eyes he sees someone point to him. He turns slightly and sees a man...Agni if he recalled. The man appeared to have some training and had a weapon similar to his own. He would at least be more useful than that sickly-looking tall man who really should talk to that traveling priest about his condition.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on August 31, 2013, 12:25:00 PM
Einar had met up with the caravan earlier that day, only joining it because he recognized Thorgrim.  At five foot eleven and weighing roughly 175 pounds he isn't the largest or most intimidating Rashemi anyone is likely to meet, but there is a litheness to his step and a watchfulness in his eye that insinuates there is more to him as a warrior than just getting angry and striking his enemies until they break.  He is also somewhat better armed than expecting, having a large two-handed sword as well as a longspear and a heavy flail plus a simple dagger for day to day use. 

"I wouldn't know old friend, I have been outside Rashemen since we parted ways."  Einar shakes his head, "I don't know what urge caused me to be away for so long but I don't doubt my travels will serve me well in the future."   He then claps Thorgrim on the shoulder and smiles.  "It is good to see you again."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on August 31, 2013, 01:49:12 PM
Seeing the reunion of the two warriors and overhearing parts of the talk of being homesick for Rasheman, Skulda thinks to herself Perhaps these are the two I seek. Perhaps they know what happened to my beloved son...

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 01, 2013, 04:19:09 AM
Hymir was sitting at the front of a wagon. He had a far off look in his eyes, and was casually strumming his lute. He was far too deep in thought to catch any of the others conversations. Something had been troubling him. All of his life he has been plagued by strange dreams. But recently, after joining the caravan, one in particular has been recurring, and he couldn't help but feel like it had some sort of significant meaning... but what?
He could still picture the Raven in his dream. There was something about it that seemed familiar and terrifying all at once. It made him miss the warm beds of a brothel even more than usual.


As Hymir pondered over the Raven from his mysterious dream he was hit with inspiration. The casual strumming on his lute changed to a more dark and slow tone. His voice dropped to a very low pitch. He sang the words slowly, and sounded somewhat destitute.

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Upon finishing his song the tall man starts rummaging through his bag until he produces a bottle of Ale. Which he proceeds to down with ease.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 01, 2013, 02:47:04 PM
"So the big one is a skald. No wonder he has a reputation as a ladies man." she says to Agni in response to Hymir's song.

Then she walks over to Einar and says "And you look to be the Hound of Sif, which means your friend must be the Scion of mighty Beowulf. I've been seeking you two, as the spirits told me you were at one time companions of my son, Hergierr. I have not seen him for some time, and wondered if you know of his whereabouts."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 02, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
"Hound of Sif?  She recieves my worship but I've never thought of myself as her hound before.."  Einar looks lost in thought and somewhat confused for a second, then shrugs it off and returns to the conversation.  "Hergierr, yes we traveled with him but that was long ago.  I have not seen nor heard from him for many seasons.  Have you Thorgrim"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 02, 2013, 04:43:17 PM
Skulda's smile fades, and the lines in her face, previously not visible, betray her age. "I had feared as much when the spirits failed to answer my questions about him directly... I worry that something dire has happened to him. Tell me what transpired while you were off with him tracking down the nydeshka. Was he well when you last saw him? How did you part ways?"

Although she hides it fairly well, you can hear a note of desperation in her voice.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 02, 2013, 10:44:50 PM
Thorgrim strokes his blond beard, as the tall warrior thinks back. "Hey left after we rescued some of Einar's kin and brought them back to Rasheman. I saw him in early spring at a road-side tavern. He said he was doing a bit of work to earn money for the "missus". He had had far too much ale though, since he kept describing his wife as being 'such a troll' and describing their relationship as being 'rather trollsome."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 02, 2013, 10:55:43 PM
The caravan and its collected travelers continue onward throughout the day.  The sun's zenith passes high to the right as you continue your journey eastward.  Skulda's raven leads the way several hundred yards ahead of the group, but her occasional glances through the bird's eyes reveal nothing out of the ordinary.

You journey through the afternoon, and the sun slowly descends toward the horizon.  The last small village or cluster of farms was two hours back, and with the sun now sinking below the forested horizon behind you, Skulda turns her raven's attentions toward locating a suitable campsite.  That's when she notices something odd through the bird's eyes.  There is a wagon overturned on the side of the road.  Swooping in for a closer inspection, the raven's eyes also show a dead horse, slaughtered and dismembered.  Skulda can feel the raven wanting to gorge itself, and lands its feet in the sticky red soil pooled around the butchered animal.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 02, 2013, 11:04:05 PM
In response to Throgrim's comments, she looks a bit surprised and stops walking and says "He... he's married? And he didn't even tell me?"

After a quiet moment she says "Well... Where was the tavern you saw him in? I guess I might find him there..."

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Dropping off thoughts of her son, Skulda says in a detached voice as she stares at a point in space, as if she isn't actually looking at what's around her "Trouble ahead... Wagon attacked, horse butchered. Looks pretty fresh. Blood still pooling."

She lets the bird feast for a moment, to avoid it looking out of the ordinary to any would-be ambushers, but tries to peer through its eyes at the surrounding forest. She also pulls out an ornate bottle, and removes the stopper. A whirling column of smoke flows out of it and forms into the shape of a horse.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 02, 2013, 11:11:02 PM
The raven flits around, picking at the hacked horseflesh.  Through its eyes you can tell the horse's rear legs have been removed at the hip, apparently by axes.  It's frenzied, jumping vision also shows bloody prints and drag marks leading up the slope north of the road, toward the foothills of the mountains.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 02, 2013, 11:17:52 PM
After it tears off a decent chunk of horse flesh, she directs the raven to fly up the slope, in the direction of the footprints, but passing over (or through, if necessary) the wagon to see if there are any people (or corpses) inside.

Aloud she says "I can scout... It's a couple hundred yards ahead yet, though. Should we leave our wagon behind?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 02, 2013, 11:25:09 PM
The raven flies around the wagon, seeing no one inside or in the vicinity, then darts off into the forest, following the direction of the bloody footprints as best as possible.  Before long, though, the bloody smears peter out, and the increasingly rocky landscape makes the drag trail too indistinguishable for the raven's untrained eyes.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 02, 2013, 11:29:38 PM
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 02, 2013, 11:33:44 PM
The raven returns to the wagon's vicinity and flies a slow circle high above, dodging the highest branches among the tree tops.  It turns a keen eye toward the ground, but doesn't notice anything else out of the ordinary.  A descent through the canopy for a better look at the ground surrounding the area doesn't show anything exceptional either.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 02, 2013, 11:34:04 PM
Einar looks at the woman apprasingly.  "Now I know where Hergierr got his ability to know things that others do not.  If there is trouble ahead the wagon should stay here with a guard.  I shall scout, though I will not prevent you from accompanying me.  A man on foot can hide more easily than a woman on a...horse made of smoke..."  He trails off at the end there.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 03, 2013, 12:09:03 AM
Hymir was still sitting at the front wagons seat. Trouble? We should probably keep a few able bodied men here just in case hmm? He picks a few strings on his lute as he continues. I'll stay... just have your raven fly back if there is trouble?
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 03, 2013, 03:10:30 AM
When he saw the distant look in her eyes he knew her words to be true concerning Hergierr. He would often have such a look in his eyes after sending out his pet bird to scout. Indeed, such a skill had to come from someplace.

"I must stay here as guard. If something truly dangerous seeks your flesh, then draw it near here and my fang will have an argument with it about that." Thorgrim says, gesturing to his guisarme. "Be safe, my friend."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 03, 2013, 09:41:33 AM
Skulda says "Very well Einar, let us go then. I will stopper the horse, if we are to travel together. I will have to move haltingly, though. I can hide myself for only a minute at a time, but then must wait for another minute."

She whistles and a great white cat with fur dotted with black spots appears from the undergrowth of the forest nearby. She says "Thane, Seek!" (in elven) and the cat slinks back into the woods and starts following the road once again, looking even more alert than before.

To Hymir she says "I will do as you say, but a bit differently. I will leave the bird here. If there is trouble, I will have it begin to squawk and fly in circles around you."

She directs the raven to fly back to Hymir, and the smoke horse returns to the flask, which she stoppers. She then waits for Einar to take the lead, and draws her crossbow. After they walk for a bit, she vanishes from view but her steps can still be heard behind him.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 03, 2013, 10:06:37 AM
Einar nods at Thorgrim and grins.  "Do not worry, if battle is joined you will not be forgotten."  He then leads the small scouting party, forcing his pace to slow so as to not outdistance Skulda.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 03, 2013, 10:20:32 AM
"So you guys know each other... Anyway, let's make our preparations as well."

Agni turns to his companion and starts channeling his spells into her.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 03, 2013, 11:03:44 AM
Overhearing all the talk of trouble ahead, Ospak starts giving orders to halt and set up camp.  "The light will be failing soon anyhow; set up camp on the road.  Position the wagons to encircle an open space." 

He then walks over to Agni, Thorgrim, and Hymir, sparing a glance toward the traveler with the funny eye, who had joined them on the road that morning.  "I'll not be able to sleep if I know there are trolls about.  There are enough men here to watch the wagons; Thorgrim, go with your friend, make sure the trouble is gone and won't be a bother for us later this night.  And take these two with you," Ospak says.  Pointing at Hymir, he adds "His singing is likely to attract them; better it be near you than near me."  He turns away, pointing where he wants the other men to move the wagons.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 03, 2013, 11:33:08 AM
"You heard the man, guys..."

Agni holds his guisarme and as soon as everybody is ready, will leave after the scouts.


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 03, 2013, 12:34:47 PM
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 03, 2013, 02:12:26 PM
Hymir dismounts the wagon. He calls his companion Valtamr from the nearby forested area and proceeds to follow along with the less sneaky members of the party. Although he stills seems rather casual for the circumstances, his lute is in hand and he doesn't seem to be paying to much attention to the road ahead.
He turns to Agni, and in a relaxed tone says. Well this should prove interesting.... lets stick close together hmm? I'll not be visiting Valhalla and the halls of my ancestors today if I can help it. I still haven't bedded all the woman travelling along with us. He finishes with a smirk.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 03, 2013, 02:20:32 PM
Einar and Skulda slowly stalk toward the overturned wagon, with Einar in the lead.  The berserker creeps forward along the road's edge, ducking behind scrub and foliage as he is able.  The older woman watches his movements, shifts invisible and moves to the hiding spot Einar has just vacated, concealing herself in the foliage before she becomes visible again, then watches his movements in preparation of her next advancement.

Agni, Hymir, and Thorgrim keep a slow pace with the two scouts, keeping themselves about 60 feet to the rear, walking the verge of the road to make themselves less obvious, and avoiding the underbrush as best they can.  The traveler with the red mark on his eye also seems interested, and trails them a bit.

Before long the two scouts see the overturned wagon, and cautiously move closer.  A tingling sense of danger pricks the back of their necks, but the portent appears to be false.  No immediate danger becomes apparent, and after a few minutes of slow approach they are able to inspect the scene, and no ambush has presented itself.

The wagon appears to have swerved off the road, into a ditch on the south side.  Its right wheels now hang a few feet off the hardpack.  It had been heading west, and the horse's corpse is still tied to the wagon's leading tongues.  Several arrows are protruding from its side.  The blood around its hacked rear glistens slightly, and a probing hand finds that it is tacky to the touch, and the horse's body is still fairly warm to the touch.  Whatever attacked this wagon did it earlier today.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 03, 2013, 05:46:10 PM
Einar examines the area in an attempt to piece together what happened.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 03, 2013, 06:25:24 PM
Examining the scuffs in the dirt on the side of the road, you can make out several tracks that head off to the north.  The hardpack of the road makes it difficult to pick out exactly what happened, but something close to ten sets of man-sized prints descended upon the wagon.  The better prints in the softer earth display the soles well; cloth wrappings with clawed toes sticking out.

Though you don't know what kind, they obviously must be from some kind of trollish creature.  If they are anything like the trolls you've encountered and heard stories of, the occupants of the wagon are likely to end up in a troll's belly, or if unlucky enough to be a woman, held captive and raped.

Though the trail to the north looks rather rocky, it seems the trolls took no care to hide their path.  Even if the bloody foot prints end, the other marks they've left should be easy enough to follow.  Thorgrim eyes the trail, glances at Einar, and nods.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 03, 2013, 06:27:52 PM
Skulda sends the bird ahead, as always, and follows along. She calls the cat to heel, not wanting it to get too far ahead and become troll bait.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 03, 2013, 07:33:04 PM
After nodding to Thorgrim in return Einar addresses the rest of the group.  "Trolls did this, and they'll do the same to us if we're not careful."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 03, 2013, 07:52:36 PM
"Well so far all we know they've done is killed a horse. If we're quick, maybe we can save whomever was in that wagon. So how about we pick up the pace, boys, before it gets too dark to see?" Skulda says with a gleam in her eye.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 03, 2013, 10:02:35 PM
Thorgrim and Einar lead the group of six north, following the bloody footprints and drag marks.  Just as Skulda's raven had shown her, the blood trails and bloody smudges grew smaller and smaller, eventually ending.  But the two experienced trackers were able to find more subtle clues of the trolls' passage, even as the terrain became rocky and more difficult read.  Four small scratches next to each other on a large flat stone show where clawed toes scraped the rock underfoot.  A strand of golden hair in a branch about 5 feet high shows where, hopefully, one of the captives had passed.

The two barbarians continue to make slow progress, each occasionally picking out something the other had missed.  The sun finishes its slow creep below the earth and dusk settles in.  For over half an hour they keep keen eyes to the ground, and shortly before dark Einar hears a hollow-sounding scream up ahead.  "Up that way!" he forcefully whispers.

Within moments you find yourselves facing the dark, foreboding entrance to a cave.  An occasional sobbing whimper issues forth from deep within.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 04, 2013, 12:09:35 AM
Skulda says in a hushed tone "So... I'm thinking of making the raven glow, and sending it in to light our way. I will also be able to see through it's eyes, to warn us of what's directly ahead. If we're lucky, we might even bait them out here with it, rather than having to go in after them. Anyone have a better plan?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 04, 2013, 12:28:57 AM
I'm not opposed to you plan, but I'm a bit more partial to less sneaky options. Hymir gets a far off look in his eye. This will make for a grand story. A fight with trolls and a good song, then split an ale on top the corpses. I've heard Valkyrie's are favorable to those in company of a good skald!
Hymir stops and thinks briefly before continuing. I've never followed the strategy of a woman outside the bedroom before. Hahahaa, but I'm willing to see what kind of skills you have hidden. He says to Skulda politely, as he couldn't help but notice she looked rather attractive for her age.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 04, 2013, 12:44:28 AM
She makes a disapproving face at him, then gets a thoughtful look in her eye and says "You've given me an idea... If there's one thing I know about trolls, it's that they're never satisfied. They're always on the look out for somethin' more to eat. You boys get ready. I'll offer 'em up something they can't resist."

Then she calls aloud into the cave with a sweet, innocent voice "Sister? Is that you in there? We've got to get back home before dark, or else Mom's sure to tan our hides!"

Bluff
Rolled 1d20+12 : 8 + 12, total 20
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 04, 2013, 02:34:05 AM
You soon hear guttural grunts and seeming swear words from inside the cave.  To Skulda's and Bjartr's ears, they can pick out scattered words in the Giant tongue, but it is interspersed with words that are unfamiliar.  Einar slips a magic crystal onto his weapon, and it begins to glow with a soft steady light.  It doesn't take long for a group of squat trolls to emerge from the cave's depths into the deepening dusk.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 04, 2013, 06:13:31 AM
Agni will throw a Ray of Enfeeblement at the first thing that leaves the cave.

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Edit: added some stuff (copied from sdk's post) regarding Steadfast Boots...
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 04, 2013, 09:37:58 AM
Thorgrim was glad that he was able to show Einar how much he had improved since his friend had taught him the fundamentals of tracking in the previous summer. He stayed in front of as many as he can, his fang* out and ready. He immediately assumed a stance that made him more difficult to reach without being bitten by his fang.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 04, 2013, 10:14:34 AM
Einar readies his sword to strike at any troll that comes near him, happy that action was taken quickly.  This means that there might actually be survivors to save.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 04, 2013, 11:19:09 AM
Skulda grasps a sprig of holly hanging upon a thong around her neck and chants a few words in the druidic tongue, and a field of large mushrooms appears on the floor of the cave entrance, posing a tripping hazard and choking the air above with their musty spores whenever anyone steps on them.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 04, 2013, 04:37:26 PM
When the first monster appears at the entrance of the cave, Hymir bursts into a feverish strumming on his Lute. He conjures the ancient power of his ancestors and focuses it into his music. His allies can feel the magic ebbing and flowing into them.

((ooc: activated my jotunfire inspiration, everyone gets +2d6 fire damage to attacks.))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 04, 2013, 09:46:17 PM
Not waiting to act, Bjartr moves forward and rubs his thumb against a rune carved into his spear's shaft.  It glows ever so slightly as he begins chanting a benediction (http://dndtools.eu/spells/complete-champion--57/benediction--582/) of Odin over Thorgrim.

Skulda's mushroom patch sprouts up just before a group of trolls turn a bend in the cave, and start advancing toward you.  Their steps through the fugal field kicks up great clouds of spores, causing more than one to cough and retch.  The large fungal obstructions also slow their pace, allowing only one to fully emerge from the cave, at which point Agni lets loose of a dark ray, misjudging the troll's position in the shadows, and missing over its shoulder.  Hymir then erupts in a furious tune, conveying the temper of the giants and their desire to set the world aflame; this hunger sets your blades alive, and they each spark a low mystical fire that seemingly comes from nowhere, barely limning each blade with heat.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 05, 2013, 02:41:45 AM
Bjartr barely manages to touch Thorgrim before the mountain of a man rushes forward. Thorgrim, seeing his foes distracted by the sudden appearance of mushrooms takes the opportunity to charge at the nearest he can see, letting out a battle cry while attempting to gain momentum with a jump. Although he mistimes his jump, his hand seems guided by the blessing of Odin as he his fang  seeks out the flesh of the troll...

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 05, 2013, 11:46:43 AM
The shadowy light is no hindrance to Thorgrim's eye, and his fang strikes true, hacking a large wound through the beast's shoulder, and knocking it to the ground.  Bjartr steels himself for the coming assault, and the trolls move forward through the fungus, kicking up more spores.

One of the trolls from behind steps over his dead companion and the large mushrooms, advancing toward Thorgrim, but the barbarian's reflexes are too quick, and he brings his blade back up for a quick thrust into the troll's gut, knocking it off its feet, tumbling it down upon his dead comrade.  Though Thorgrim can feel the skald's power coursing through his weapon, and sees the dim glow upon his blade, there is no stink of burned flesh from either foe, and the last one felled still squirms, trying to regain his footing.

The troll on the left side of the cave entrance gives Thorgrim's long tooth a wide berth.  It approaches Agni, but fighting the mushrooms, in combination with its short legs, keep it from getting there in time, and Agni has time to react before the beast's axe finishes its swing.

The fourth troll in the back, seeing two companions felled so quickly, hesitates, glancing at the patch of mushrooms, and decides to remain behind the obstacle.  He also looks over his shoulder and yells in some bastardized pidgin of Giant "Invaders!  ... axes ... slaughter ... ... !"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 05, 2013, 12:10:04 PM
Hymir was quite impressed with his comrades fierce attacks. He continued to play valiantly until one of the trolls in the back started yelling. Being so inspired by his friend, Hymir decided to try his own hand at taking one of the beasts down.
For the moment, he dropped his lute to the ground. Hastily took out his short bow and fired a shot. The tiny bow looked ridiculous in the giant mans grasp. His attempt was truly pitiful, as he watched it soar completely off target straight from the loose, he prayed that it wouldn't accidentally find its way to his friends backside.
Quote from: dna1 on September 05, 2013, 12:04:41 PM
MW Bow attack vs Troll that is shouting
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 05, 2013, 03:53:56 PM
Einar quickly closes with the troll that escaped the cave, trusting Thorgrim to hold the entrance.  He can feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, it feels good to be joined in battle with comrades once again.  He then brings his sword to bear, moving the heavy weapon quicker than one would expect as he slashes twice at the beast before him saying, "Hunting trolls to protect the innocent.  Feels just like old times doesn't it Thorgrim?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 05, 2013, 04:30:16 PM
The first bite of your sword deals a terrible wound to the troll, nearly knocking it to the ground, and your follow-up cut slices its head clean off before it has a chance to react.  Both the head and your blade leak dark, nearly black blood onto the ground.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 05, 2013, 06:35:15 PM
Skulda prepares to launch a Fireball if any more trolls show up (centered at the back of the visible tunnel, so it will go around the corner also), and orders Thane to move up and attack.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 05, 2013, 08:30:58 PM
The snow leopard deftly darts around Skulda's new companions and sinks his teeth into the leg of the second troll that Thorgrim knocked down.  The cat's teeth must have hit an artery, as dark blood begins spurting out from the bite wound, and the troll stops trying to get up.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 05, 2013, 10:00:58 PM
Agni curses at the troll knocked prone right in his face, performs an agile leap to his left and swings his guisarme towards the fallen foe, all the while searching for any vulnerable places to strike.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 05, 2013, 11:32:29 PM
Bjartr sprints to the left, drawing a javelin from the case on his back.  He gets a clear line toward his target and hurls the throwing spear at the troll still hiding in the cave.  His left-leaning run turns his body and shortens the stroke of his throw, and the spear clatters against stone before falling to the ground.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 06, 2013, 08:05:31 PM
"Yes, like old times. That troll was shouting to someone, so there must be more. Shall we wait for them or take the fight to them?" he asks Einar. While the battle lust called him, he had enough sense to know it was reckless to charge headlong into the darkness...if he went, he would need Einar's light or else he would likely find his fang biting empty air. And those mushrooms didn't look too inviting either...

He listened while he spoke, seeing if something wicked this way comes.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 06, 2013, 08:16:55 PM
"Take care, for these are not mere trolls. These are called Tanarukk and are the result of breeding among trolls, fiends and humans. And of course, as wicked and evil as any of the three races mixed in their bloodlines..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 06, 2013, 08:33:33 PM
Hymir shouts with enthusiasm. Tales will be told of our strength my friends! I'm sure even now the Valkyrie's are singing songs of your ferocity to the great all-father. Lets not waste an opportunity to impress the gods. I say we bring our blades to the trolls, and send them to Niflheim where they belong!
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 06, 2013, 08:46:51 PM
Your hesitation gives the tanarukk all the excuse he needed; he turns and flees back into the cave.  You can hear the muttering voices of several more from within the dark depths.  As if in counterpoint to the deep, rough voices, an occasional high-pitched yelp escapes the darkness.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 06, 2013, 09:53:09 PM
The party regroups and forges ahead together, Thorgrim in the lead with Einar's shining blade right behind him.  There are a few bends and turns in the passage before the tunnel opens up just a bit, then narrows again.  The cave turns slightly to the right, then a bit to the left.  As Thorgrim's vision clears that last turn, he can see light reflecting off of a natural stone wall ahead, though his field of vision is still quite restricted.

Bjartr pulls out his handy Everburning Torch and tucks the wooden shaft behind his belt.  The thought of the looks people give him when they see him do that brings a wry smile to his face. No time for errant thoughts... he thinks to himself.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 06, 2013, 10:17:01 PM
On the way down, Agni summons four spheres of light to help illuminate the area.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 06, 2013, 11:16:16 PM
Skulda follows the others in, but also speaks a word in elvish. You'd noticed earlier that she wears a pair of black gloves which are dotted with small sparkling lights, much like stars in the night sky. At her command, these pinpoints brighten and her gloves soon are giving off as much light as a lantern. She also speaks the same word while touching a small stone, and it too begins to glow. She takes the stone and hands it to the raven on her shoulder, which flies off ahead of the party and into the cave.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 07, 2013, 02:56:47 AM
Thorgrim spots several enemies from both sides and lets out a heavy grunt*, his hands gripping his fang more firmly than ever as he feels a small burst of strength flow through his arms.. He picks out a spot where he can clearly see both directions and readies himself to defend that spot with his life, his back safely against two walls.
"They come from both sides. But I am Thorgrim; I will knock them all down."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 07, 2013, 09:49:08 AM
Skulda's raven flies forward with the glowing pebble in its beak.  Her attention diverts to the raven's eyesight as it swoops in amongst the tanarukk.  It gets a quick look to the right, through a narrow crevice a tanarukk is stepping through to join his companions, and seeing a bit beyond.  It turns its eyes forward and can only glimpse what more lay ahead before it has to dodge a battleaxe.  The second tanarukk's axe was not dodged, however, and Skulda's raven vision goes blank as a small cut-off "caw" is heard throughout the cave.

Thorgrim moves forward to take up a defensive position, but two of the tanarukk seemed ready to deal with any intruders.  As Thorgrim continues forward, the two closest tanarukk both step forward quickly and slice at him with their axes, both striking flesh.  The one to his left also deals Thorgrim a parting blow as he continues up toward the wall.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 07, 2013, 10:19:12 AM
Skulda, alarmed at how many enemies she saw in her brief glimpse through the bird's eyes, says "Thorgrim! You're too far in! You'll be surrounded!"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 07, 2013, 01:05:00 PM
Einar laughs as he moves to flank one of the trolls with Thorgrim.  "I'm sure he likes it that way!"  He then aims a blow at the troll's back, putting all of his strength into it.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 07, 2013, 01:46:09 PM
Hymir just barely sees Einar's blade bite deep into the creature's shoulder, going so far as to sever major vessels in the base of its neck.  It slumps to the ground with a guttural whine, and dark arterial spray mists the air with a foul odor.  Hymir cannot see Thorgrim, but he can see the warrior's pole arm swinging about on the other side of the turn in the stone passageway.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 07, 2013, 07:33:47 PM
((ooc: Moving up to GG-24. Casting a spell on, and having my badger attack the beasty @ EE-21
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))

Hymir advances through the tunnel up closer to his friend Einar. When he saw the Troll to the left side of the cave, he sent his faithful companion Valtamr the badger, to rend it into unlife.
At the same time Hymir started call upon the magic within himself. Through concentration and sheer will alone, something started to manifest in the air. He rubs his middle finger across his thumb like a bow against a fiddle, while simultaneously humming a discordant tune under his breath. Over the Troll, you see a translucent bone-white fiddle bow appear and sink into the flesh of the target. It begins sawing, as if playing the Troll like a fiddle.

Quote from: dna1 on September 07, 2013, 07:33:21 PM
Bonefiddle Spell 3d6 : 6, 6, 4, total 16
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 07, 2013, 09:11:00 PM
The badger moves into position, but isn't fast enough to snatch a bite at the demon-blooded troll.  As the badger's movement comes to a rest, the tanarukk begins howling in agony as the Fossergrim's instrument* rattles its bones, rupturing organs with its vibrations.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 07, 2013, 11:10:35 PM
Skulda says "Thane, Kill!" and directs it deeper into the caverns to the right. The beast responds eagerly, leaping off rocks and walls until it reaches a troll to sink its fangs into.

She waits for it to attack, and then shouts in a loud voice "Strike again!" and her allies feel themselves invigorated, with new energy to swing their weapons again.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 08, 2013, 02:16:37 AM
Feeling sudden inspiration, Thorgrim turns and attacks the remaining nearby...what were they called? Tanarukk? Well, whatever it was, he hit it pretty solidly and he wasn't sure it would be called much of anything for much longer.

"Now if only I could stay surrounded..."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 08, 2013, 10:17:16 AM
Agni moves forward and waits besides Skulda.

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Combat Stats

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 08, 2013, 12:13:48 PM
The snow leopard steps on the corpse of the summoned raven, and it crumbles to ash as the feline's jaws puncture troll flesh.  The barest stink of burned flesh wafts back to the party, and it intensifies slightly when Skulda's magical cry goes out, and the great cat bites again, the troll dropping from the gaping bite marks.  The cat spits out the hunk of flesh and coughs; they must taste foul.

Skulda's magic still lingering in his ears, Thorgrim slays the tanarukk that had struck him twice.

At Bjartr's urging, his wolf, Geirr sprints past, bumping legs as he scrambles down the length of the cave, then turns left, leaping over the body Thorgrim just felled, sinking his teeth into the tanarukk on the other side.  Bjartr moves forward past Agni and Skulda, into the middle of the fray, seeking out targets for the spell he intends to cast, and studying what foes he can see, based upon Agni's words about these "Tanarukk."  His raven friend lags behind near the back of the party.

Then the trolls advance on the human intruders.  One exits the narrow opening he'd been stepping through, and approaches Thane the snow leopard, stepping over the body of his fallen clansmen.  He swings his axe and gnashes his jaws with its large tusks; his axe leaves a bad wound, but his bite misses the mark.
Another troll steps through the opening this one just vacated, hefting his axe with a wild look in its softly glowing eyes.

The one bitten by Geirr withdraws back toward the blazing fire in the other room.  Bjartr and Thorgrim can see it dancing its fingers through the flames as its companion steps forward to hack at and bite the wolf, drawing blood both times.  In the other direction, Einar sees several more foes moving around, trying to get at you in the entryway.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 08, 2013, 02:46:02 PM
Thorgrim takes a step to the side, still trying to cover both passages with his reach, though he cannot completely protect the companion-beasts from harm. Seeing more Tanarukk on one side, he takes a swing at one he can reach, being careful not to hit his ally's companion with the pole of his fang.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 08, 2013, 03:34:46 PM
The snow leopard's presence interferes with Thorgrim's attack, causing him to swing a bit too wide and miss burying his bladed fang into the tanarukk's thigh.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 08, 2013, 07:39:29 PM
Feeling his adrenaline rush starting to wane, Einar moves up to close the gap so that the trolls can only face the group a couple at a time.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 08, 2013, 10:56:31 PM
Einar's mighty blade cuts a serious wound into the tanarukk's chest, and it looks as though it may bleed to death if left to die, but it grunts and steels itself to slay the invaders of its home. They will make good eating while I heal around the fire. it thinks to itself.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 09, 2013, 12:27:31 AM
The snow leopard bites and claws at the injured troll, then slinks back nearer to its master's friend.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 09, 2013, 10:54:00 AM
The leopard's flurry of teeth and claws is mostly deflected by the troll's tough hide, but his last swipe snags in the sword wound left by Einar, and tears it open even more.  Foul dark blood begins leaking down the tanarukk's chest, and the big cat steps aside as the fiendish beast clutches its chest and sinks to its knees, then falls forward, planting its face on the stone floor of the cave.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 09, 2013, 11:48:06 AM
Agni advances some more, but doesn't find a chance to join in. Damn, at this rate, I need to do that... And pray to the gods that it will work out with me still whole... Thinking like this, he waits...

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Combat Stats

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 10, 2013, 12:20:34 AM
Hymir moves up into the thick of the group. After finding a rather strategic spot, he focused on where he would drop his next spell. He saw the perfect little cove where he could summon up a large wolf and provide Einar with some help. He quickly begins to cast his summon.


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 10, 2013, 02:20:45 AM
Bjartr touches another rune carved onto the shaft of his spear, says a few priestly words, and jabs his spear forward as if to throw it.  An apparition of a spear appears before Einar and thrusts itself into one of the tanarukks before him, drawing blood.  Seeing his inability to stab anyone himself, Bjartr draws his throwing spear in anticipation of an opening.  Geirr bites at the legs of the new troll that has presented itself; he wounds it, but is unable to pull it down to the ground.

The tanarukk attacked Geirr viciously, first swinging her axe, then biting, drawing blood both times.  She then stepped back so the one in back could return to the front and take his own savage swing at the wolf that had maimed him, but his swing was faulty, and he missed the dodging wolf.

The tanarukk wounded by Bjartr's magic brushed the spear aside, and aimed his attacks at Einar, stepping into his swing, and drawing blood with his blade.  Its teeth snagged in the links of Einar's mail shirt, however, saving him from a nasty bite wound.  The tanarukk beside him followed his companion's lead, giving Einar a bad cut across the arm, but its teeth failed to find a way through the tight rings of Einar's armor.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 10, 2013, 07:20:58 AM
Thorgrim feels the blessing of Odin leave him as he tries to strike the troll next to Einar.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 10, 2013, 08:09:39 AM
Skulda says "Again!" and again her magic surges through everyone, giving them the energy to strike once more.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 11, 2013, 12:21:16 AM
The quickening magic of Skulda's words speeds your actions and keens your sight, showing openings in the trolls' defenses that you did not see just moments before. You each take the opportunity to strike, and most of you strike well.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 11, 2013, 10:44:27 AM
Despite feeling the adrenaline leave and fatigue take its place, Einar grins as he takes down another troll.  He takes aim at the remaining troll in front of him, the leaden feeling of his limbs causing him to pull back his strength, accuracy is more important right now.  Despite that his grin fades, he might have let his battle lust get him into trouble here.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 11, 2013, 11:33:51 AM
Despite his weakened arms, caused when the adrenaline surge ebbed, Einar's blade finds a gap in the prone troll's defenses, and he drives his blade straight into the creature's flesh.  It utters a guttural gasp, and quickly falls limp.

As Einar draws his blade out of the troll's flesh, Hymir's chanting ceases, and a very large wolf appears through the gap to the right.  It quickly darts ahead, out of sight, and then you hear it knock some stones free as it squeezes through an opening, then it growls and snaps at the backs of the tanarukk ahead.  Einar can see the massive wolf emerge from the shadows and latch onto a tanarukk's leg, and snatch her feet out from under her, toppling her to the ground.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 11, 2013, 05:00:15 PM
The sight of his summoned wolf brings a smile to Hymir. He then turns his attention back to the other Trolls and Einar. Hymir whistles for his badger to move closer to him. He decides to give Einar a minor boost to help with his exhaustion.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 11, 2013, 10:00:46 PM
Seeing as the situation is still quite messy, Agni resolves himself. He chants a few words of power and then his body begins to become transparent, but doesn't disappear completely from sight. Then he moves towards the two trolls to the left.


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Combat Stats

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 12, 2013, 12:38:40 AM
Hymir's badger advances toward the tanarukk, clawing at it and drawing blood.

Bjartr's animal friend does the opposite.  Having been grievously wounded by the trolls, it withdrew to the back of the party while his master concentrated to redirect his mystical spear to attack the same troll bloodied by the skald's badger, though the weapon's thrust misses the troll entirely.  He then touches another rune on his spear haft, and places his hand on Thorgrim beside him, healing the injuries he had taken.

Agni's tactical advance is cut short when he tries to step through the tanarukk blocking his path, provoking a swing of the troll's axe, and stumbling back in pain from the axe swing as well as from the magic trying to solidify him inside the beast.  Even his Fylgja is unable to alter his fate before the fury of the troll's axe.

The trolls were bottlenecked in both directions, limiting their options for attack, but still they strove forward, hacking and biting, trying to sink their wicked tusks into soft human flesh, and taking swipes at the large wolf that had presented itself.  The troll in front of Agni cannot connect again, his wild swings not even touching Agni, or his magical armor.  Though Hymir's badger is the focus of two trolls, between them they can only injure the animal once, igniting the companion's fury.

Einar can see the tripped tanarukk in the back flail wildly with its axe, not even attempting to stand, and striking the dire wolf's legs, bringing a howl of pain.  Another troll turns its attention to the large wolf, and more howls echo through the tunnels as sickening thuds strike home to the animal's shoulders.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 12, 2013, 08:42:44 AM
The great cat moves up to help the badger and tears a huge chunk out of the troll attacking it. Skulda moves up so she can better see the battlefield, then screams "Again!" and again her magic surges through her allies, granting their limbs renewed vigor, and giving them insight into the enemies' defenses.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 12, 2013, 10:35:53 AM
Agni attacks the troll behind the one he bumped before, but his guisarme phased away before hitting him...

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 12, 2013, 01:43:20 PM
Thorgrim feels another surge of energy flow through him and attempts to strike the nearest troll. He is careful to avoid his companion as he strikes, but hopes that between their combines attacks it would not come out unscathed.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 12, 2013, 09:35:33 PM
Despite the wall obstructing the snow leopard's attacks, both attacks strike the tanarukk, drawing more blood, and seeming to disorient the troll.

Skulda's magic words ring out again, and the warriors strike out toward revealed openings.  Agni's spell works against him, as he blinks out of existence just before striking his target.  However, it gave Thorgrim a clear view of his target, and he strikes hard, cutting a vicious wound in the tanarukk's chest and knocking it to the ground.

Hymir's badger does not connect with his claw, but the Dire Wolf turns its attention to the tanarukk that struck it twice just a second ago, injuring it and tripping it to the ground.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 13, 2013, 12:47:09 PM
Ready to finish what he started, Thorgrim brings down his fang upon the troll, the blade seeking to satisfy itself with even more of the creature's blood. His adrenaline has nearly passed as he moves beside his brother-in-arms to lend him a hand.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 14, 2013, 09:33:23 PM
Hymir moves up behind his badger and quickly casts a small enhancement spell on the beast.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 17, 2013, 09:51:34 AM
Agni decides to move through his enemies once more, this time succeeding.

Then, when arriving at a good spot he stops, turns around and attempts to bring the troll down.

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Combat Stats

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 17, 2013, 10:30:41 PM
Thorgrim's attack on the tripped tanarukk cleaved deeply into its unarmored chest, and his backstroke sprays blood on the rear troll as the corpse gives off a death rattle.

Thorgrim's step backward interferes with Hymir's step, and knocks him forward against the cave wall, but it does not interfere with Hymir's spell, which powers his badger's claw, allowing him to slice through an important blood vessel, felling the sallow-skinned creature.  At the same time, the dire wolf savages one of the troll's it had tripped, killing it.

Agni's magic works for him this time, and his attempt to step through the creature blocking his path works, the troll swiping with its axe but missing.  Agni's blade solidifies in time to yank the troll's feet out from under it, and his follow-up attack clobbers it nearly to unconsciousness.

Bjartr can just see another troll around the stone outcropping, and directs the mystical spear to attack it.  He then turns his attention to his injured friend, and healing magic flows into the wolf.

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Hymir's badger continues its savage attack on the downed troll, outright killing it, then stepping forward to attack the next one, drawing blood.  Einar takes the opening and steps forward, but his swing is disrupted by the rock wall, and he misses.

The dire wolf howls again as more attacks strike it, but the prone tanarukk's attacks seem to flail wildly, and are ineffective.

The prone tanarukk in front of Agni stands up, apparently with great difficulty.  The quick swipe with his blade is ineffective, as he once again shifts to the ether realm just before he strikes.

The troll just around the corner slashes and bites at the badger that had presented himself so eagerly, but the troll's luck was not well, for its battleaxe struck nothing but air, and its tusks snatched only tufts of fur.  Then another troll steps out of the shadows to the left, and attacks the Dire Wolf with his axe.  It looks a bit surprised when the large canine disappears as the axe struck true.  The troll then turns its attention to the badger, barely catching the badger's skin in its tusked maw.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 18, 2013, 08:43:13 AM
The great cat, unable to reach any nearby enemy, trots back along the length of the cavern and swats ineffectively at the troll near Agni.

Thinking her allies look like they have this battle in hand for the moment, Skulda holds her spell, not wanting to tire herself needlessly, but keeping it at the ready in case it's needed.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 18, 2013, 10:24:23 AM
"Pardon me, Hymir." he says, taking another quick step again. "My foes are THIS way" the barbarian warrior says before he swings his fang around Einar and at the Tanarukk. While Einar's agile fighting style might confuse some, Thorgrim knew it well and found a decent gap in which to strike.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 18, 2013, 10:40:57 AM
Thorgrim's attack strikes home, knocking the woozy tanarukk off its feet.  The troll grunts as he hits the ground, clutching his free hand to the deep wound, a look of fear in its eyes.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 18, 2013, 11:08:58 AM
Predicting his enemy's imminent demise, Agni draws his blade closer, chants some arcane words while cutting his finger on his own blade, giving it a ominous blood red light. Then, with this reinforced blade he strikes.

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Combat Stats

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 18, 2013, 05:29:46 PM
Seeing Thorgrim coming for the action up this way, Hymir decides he is definitely in the wrong spot. He jumps back behind Einar and decides to cast a blessing on him.

((ooc. Hymir steps back to CC-23, and cast bulls strength on nanshork's character.
Badger attacks troll @  aa-22))
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 18, 2013, 09:45:36 PM
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 18, 2013, 10:40:17 PM
The snow leopard distracts the tanarukk's defenses, and Agni's blooded attack eviscerates the tanarukk, spilling her innards down the front of her scant skirt, and nearly removing one of her exposed breasts.

Hymir fills Einar with Thor's strength, and Valtamr slices into the down and wounded tanarukk's hide, ripping open her wounds.  She stops struggling, and the dim red light in her eyes begins to dim.

Bjartr slips behind Thorgrim and glances through the narrow passageway through the stone to the right.  Seeing the light of another fire, but no foes, he redirects his spiritual spear to another troll, though it seems to do nothing.

With the large wolf no longer threatening him, the prone troll stands and slinks back into the shadows, as does the troll in front of the badger.  The one beside the badger quietly sinks toward death.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 19, 2013, 12:11:12 AM
Seeing the area in front of him rather crowded with friends and friendly beasts, Thorgrim says with heavy breath, "After you." The battle lust had left him and, fittingly, the battle also seemed to be in its final verse.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 20, 2013, 12:54:15 PM
You still hear shouting and guttural talking further back in the cave, as well as the occasional high-pitched muffled scream.  It seems the defending trolls have broken off, and are giving you a chance to catch your breath while they too regroup.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 20, 2013, 01:08:38 PM
"So, there's more of them..."

Saying that, Agni clicks at one of the beads in his belt, meant for treating his wounds, then he looks around.

"How are you guys? Still up to a fight or -"

Seconds after he says that, Agni notices there's something close to him.

"...Hey, there's something here."

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 20, 2013, 01:47:27 PM
Skulda's disembodied voice comes from the air near Agni "It sounds like there are prisoners deeper down this middle tunnel. Is anyone in dire need of healing before we press on to free them?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 20, 2013, 01:54:22 PM
Agni approaches the object, bringing his dancing lights into the side room.  Before he casts anything else, he recognizes it as a pile of fire wood.  Looking to the left, though, you find a narrow passageway heading to the west.  Glancing through it, you can see there is a larger passageway on the other side.  The faintest flicker of firelight reflects off the walls, telling you there is another fire somewhere deeper down that passage.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 20, 2013, 02:08:53 PM
Agni returns to where the rest of his companions are.

"I am fine. By the way, there's a passage that way with another fire lit deeper in the passage. Maybe there's more tanarukks that way? Maybe we could get something to delay them should they choose to come after us..."

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 20, 2013, 03:01:43 PM
Einar uses his own wound healing belt, then listens to the others.  "I am pushing on, those that need rest can wait here until they feel ready to follow."  He then proceeds to match his words with action, forging ahead towards the sounds of the screams.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 21, 2013, 11:28:47 PM
Skulda follows along invisibly, also concerned about captives. As she passes, she picks up the glowing pebble.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 23, 2013, 06:26:26 PM
Hymir readies his instrument. He follows along behind Einar, with his badger Valtamr beside him.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 23, 2013, 07:01:01 PM
Agni follows Einar closely, weapon in hand.

Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 24, 2013, 01:41:46 AM
The brave warriors forge ahead, scanning their surroundings as they pass deeper into the earth.  You can see firelight flickering in side passages; as you pass an opening to your left, you can see a tanarukk dancing his fingers through the flames, then heft his axe with a determined look as he glares at you.  You pick your way forward, and as the winding passageway slowly reveals what lay beyond the next turn, you can make out the silhouettes of several short but burly tanarukk between you and the firelight inside a cavern more than fifty feet away.  The path between you is interrupted by a few stalagmites, but otherwise seems unimpeded.  The tanarukks' eyes glow with a soft red radiance, and one of those down the hallway points at Einar, as if calling him out.


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on September 24, 2013, 11:28:09 AM
Einar continues to rush forward to save whatever survivors might be left alive.  Knowing that he might end up rushing in alone, he once again feels the adrenaline and tinges of battle lust filling his thoughts.

Seeing the trolls lined up and waiting for him all thoughts of personal safety are pushed away.  These trolls must be destroyed, and any troll fighting him is a troll that isn't massacring an innocent somewhere else in these caves.

Quickly moving up to place himself squarely in front of the middle troll Einar uses his momentum to cleave into the beast with a mighty swing.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 24, 2013, 12:13:54 PM
The middle tanarukk who pointed at Einar quickly drops his hand to his axe as the raging warrior approached, and the troll took a wild swing, completely missing the golden-maned fury that was about to fall upon it.

The troll's axe blade passes in front of Einar's face from left to lower right, and as the troll reaches the end of his swing, Einar sees its exposed neck and shoulder.  He buries his glowing blade at the base of the creature's thick neck, cleaving through thick, ropey muscle.  The blade bites into bone and snags a bit as Einar pulls his weapon free.  The troll falls to the ground, dark blood gurgling from the fresh opening in its neck.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on September 26, 2013, 03:17:27 AM
Seeing Einar rush ahead, Thorgrim is quick to follow after. He sees one tanarukk to the left, but deems Agni to be capable of facing the creature. He must go where the most opponents are. As he nears the trolls, his battle lust begins to build, but he doesn't let it consume him just yet.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on September 26, 2013, 08:27:09 AM
Glimpsing the meaning behind Thorgrim's eyes, Agni turns to the tanarukk at the left, close to the fire. Going with all he has, Agni once again channels the power in his blood to his weapon and attempts to bring the troll down. Except this time his guisarme is also bathed in lightning.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on September 28, 2013, 07:23:24 PM
Agni's blade catches the tanarukk's heel, and even as he yanks the creature's feet out from under it, he sees the electricity from his spell play harmlessly over the troll's skin.  His blade is much more effective than the magical lightning, as his follow-up thrust cuts a deep wound in the troll's chest.

The felled tanarukk immediately reaches its hand back into the fire, and Agni can see the vicious wound in its chest stitch closed, and blood coagulate and crust over.  Reinvigorated, it tries to better its position by standing, but Agni's blade once again cuts a wound through troll flesh.  This time when the tanarukk fell, it no longer moved to stand again; Agni's blade had undone the fire's magic, and cut even deeper.  Dark blood slowly leaks from the wound.

The remainder of the tanarukk hold their ground, and the two before Einar direct their attacks at the raging Rashemi.  Only one tusked bite even contacts Einar's ringed mail, and neither troll is able to draw blood.

Bjartr whistles for Geirr and orders the wolf to attack.  As the wolf approaches, he activates another rune on his spear haft, and brushes his fingers on the wolf's coat as the creature passes.  Geirr moves swiftly up the tunnel and brushes Thorgrim's leg, pulling up just short of colliding with the troll to Einar's left.

A tanarukk's voice from deeper in the cave says something just loud enough for those in the front to make out over the high pitched screams, but it is gibberish to their ears.  Then the scream suddenly stops, silently portending the fate of the kidnapped.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on September 29, 2013, 01:49:41 PM
Skulda runs ahead, trying to save the prisoners before it is too late, if it isn't already... She trusts her invisibility to protect her.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on September 29, 2013, 10:46:34 PM
Hymir and Valtamr move up to join the battle. He considers firing an arrow at the trolls.. but knowing how bad of a shot he is he decides not to risk his friends lives.

((moving to R-27. not much for me to do at the moment from here.  :D ))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 01, 2013, 08:39:20 PM
Einar focuses his rage, slashing into the tanarukks that stand in the way of rescuing the kidnapped travelers.  First right, dropping his foe, then left, clearing the way for his friends' advance.  He steps forward and calls out the foes he sees. "Three more blocking our path!"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on October 02, 2013, 05:16:40 AM
"Then I shall block theirs!" Thorgrim bellows as he moves into position. He swings his fang towards the lone tanarukk, hoping it would not evade its bite.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 02, 2013, 06:25:31 PM
The rocky protrusions of the cave interfere with Thorgrim's attack, and he doesn't connect with the tanarukk.  The trolls set themselves for the coming onslaught, gripping their axes fiercely.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 02, 2013, 08:07:35 PM
Noticing the death of his current target, Agni runs back to the tunnel where his companions are facing more tanarukks.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 03, 2013, 08:54:11 AM
Bjartr stumbles forward through the darkness; he didn't have a torch of his own, and all the Light spells had been pulled forward with the party.  Geirr follows through on his command through.  The magically charged wolf springs forward, dodging past Thorgrim's legs.  The tararukk was waiting for him, though, and planted his axe in the large wolf's shoulder blades.  It left the wolf undeterred, however, for he was well trained.  His bite landed, tearing at the tanarukk's forearm, but the tanarukk refused to be pulled down.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 03, 2013, 10:14:58 AM
Skulda moves invisibly past the trolls. Her cat, undirected and still licking its wounds, moves up behind the warriors on the front line, but doesn't engage for now.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 03, 2013, 12:35:28 PM
Hymir and Valtamr move up behind  there allies.
((in the area of M-29, where ever is good. no actions at the moment beside that.))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 03, 2013, 02:03:04 PM
The trolls around him dead, Einar moves forward to intercept the others as he hopes he isn't already too late.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 03, 2013, 02:37:25 PM
Einar steps forward, and is greeted by the trolls' waiting axes.  Both draw blood, finding gaps in Einar's armor, but Einar is undeterred, and slices through the beast's tough hide, nicking its heart.  Blood sprays out the wound, coating Einar in fine, dark droplets.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on October 03, 2013, 08:45:59 PM
With the added presence Geirr, Thorgrim finds he has little room for his fang to swing.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 03, 2013, 10:55:10 PM
Seeing as his surroundings are quite crowded, Agni uses his agility to move through corpses and allies alike in order to find a good position, then swings his weapon at the closest tanarukk.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 03, 2013, 11:50:28 PM
Agni's target resists his attempt to bring him to the ground.

The wolf-bit tanarukk moves toward the greater threat, and attacks Einar, but is unable to harm the raging foe.  Geirr pursues the tanarukk, and takes advantage of the fact the creature had turned its back on the wolf, biting it and dragging the troll to the ground.  Meanwhile, Bjartr catches up to the party, but cannot find a good place to insert himself into the battle.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 04, 2013, 08:17:56 AM
Skulda calls out to the darkness in Rashemi "Hello, is anyone still alive back there?"

She summons another raven, handing it the glowing pebble, and sends it off down the tunnel to the left. Then she moves off towards the tunnel straight ahead.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 08, 2013, 10:18:45 PM
Skulda listens as she moves forward, but the din of battle so near-by is all that she or the raven are able to hear.  The dual images in her vision are slightly disorienting, though it helps that both the passage before her, and than in front of the bird, turn toward the left, curving out of her dual sight.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 09, 2013, 12:46:32 PM
((Im going to have Valtamr the badger run up and attack the closest Troll @ K-30 or J-30, depending on your answer to my question in the OOC thread. Hymir will move to M-31. and try a feeble attemp at shooting an arrow at the J-30 Troll.))


Quote from: dna1 on October 09, 2013, 12:46:15 PM

Valtamr The Badger (enraged + Greater magic fang cast on claws.
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
claw attack 1d20+8 : 9 + 8, total 17
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
claw damage 1d4+6 : 2 + 6, total 8


(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Hymirs pathetic bow attack 1d20+3 : 11 + 3, total 14
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
annoying pokey arrow 1d6 : 5, total 5
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 09, 2013, 12:47:07 PM
double post.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 09, 2013, 01:18:41 PM
Valtamr finds the prone tanarukk to be easy prey, and his claw mark across the beast's throat begins slowly leaking blood, and the tanarukk stops resisting.  There is too much commotion around the sole remaining tanarukk; Hymir must avoid hitting his companions, and the arrow misses the troll.

The sole tanarukk sees that things do not bode well for him.  He parries your attacking blades and quickly backs away, heading toward the north-most cave tunnel.  In his haste to retreat, he must not have noticed the additional light illuminating the walls up that direction, and his movement suddenly stops as he runs into something impeding his way.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 09, 2013, 03:08:30 PM
Einar rushes towards the last remaining tanarukk wanting to finish this.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 09, 2013, 05:33:37 PM
Seeing his ferocious companion actually missing for a change, Agni decides to step in and steal the kill, but not before charging his weapon with the power of his blood.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 09, 2013, 06:08:42 PM
Though the last tanarukk withstood a few of you rushing his position, Agni's magically enhanced guisarme bled the troll to the brink of death.  As the battle din quiets, and the sounds of dying tanarukk die down as the last of them slip into unconsciousness or expire, most of you begin to lose hope.  You look around with the limited lines of sight the magical glows and dancing fires produce in the irregularly-shaped cavern, hoping to see the victims you had hoped to save.  You can make out some shredded clothing beside the nearby fire, and hastily dropped spits of meat beginning to burn.  You recognize the pale flesh on those spits, and you fear they have all reached a horrible fate.

In the solemn quiet after you realize what has become of those captured, Einar hears something distant from the bowels of the earth.  You can't make out what the sound is, exactly, but it fuels the fire in your belly.  Revenge can be taken still... or perhaps the recently silenced screamer has not yet met her fate.  Something lies ahead, deeper into the earth.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 09, 2013, 07:43:13 PM
"We aren't finished here," Einar growls as he quickly moves towards the source of the noise.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 10, 2013, 11:07:52 AM
The tunnel bends to the left, then back to the right in roughly right angles, continuing farther under the sloping forest floor under which this cave is located.  The passageway is generally flat, and very dark; from what you can see it extends well beyond what your glowing swords and gloves illuminate.  Even Skulda's keen eyes see nothing but a gently curving and snaking passageway extending off into darkness.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 11, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
Skulda's summoned raven streaks ahead, still clutching its magically glowing pebble.  To some eyes the magical illumination sinks behind curves in the natural stone, but Einar is keeping a fast pace, and the bird only outpaces him slightly.  Skulda sways slightly as her dual vision follows the bird's travel through the undulating tunnel.

Skulda sees them first; the raven's sight is just as keen as her own, and she sees two tanarukk waiting.  They must have noticed the light approaching from behind.  As the raven moves closer, Einar can make them out too, as can the rest of the party trailing behind him.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 11, 2013, 11:00:05 AM
As the tanarukk come into view Einar readies himself to charge them.  As long as there is the possibility of survivors he must press on.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 11, 2013, 12:11:42 PM
Realizing he has the edge on the trolls, Einar charges forward

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 11, 2013, 01:22:55 PM
Einar brushes beneath the wings of Skulda's summoned raven, and the waiting tanarukks take swings at the charging warrior.  One tanarukk even strode forward into his blow, but Einar's lithe movements kept their blades from even touching his armor, and he finds an opening in the defenses of the one remaining at the back, inflicting a severe cut across its chest and shoulder.

Bjartr races forward, his wolf heeling him through the narrow passageway.  It opens up as he enters this small cavern, providing room for others to move by.  As Skulda and her leopard pull up beside Bjartr, she notices something in the far field of the raven's vision.  There is a third tanarukk up ahead, nearly out of sight, and there is a blond-haired form slung limply over his shoulder.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 12, 2013, 11:10:31 AM
Desparate to distract the troll in hopes of saving its victim, Skulda sends the raven to pluck at its eyes and face. This will also make it, and its victim, visible to the rest of the party. Hopefully one of them can stop it before it flees with its prey.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 16, 2013, 01:17:42 AM
The raven flies forward, using the moderate height of the cavern to avoid the trolls engaged with Einar, and descending upon the lead tanarukk.  The tanarukk's blade is too quick, however, and he slays the bird with a single stroke of his axe.  Einar can just make out the bird crumbling to ash as the magically lit pebble drops and bounces on the stone floor, rolling a few inches before coming to a stop.

Agni approaches and sees the rear of the two tanarukk viciously attack Einar.  It buries its axe into Einar's left shoulder, near where it meets his neck.  The tanarukk jerks on the axe and pulls the barbarian closer, and it sinks its large tusks into his right shoulder, popping a few rings of Einar's mail armor.  The selfless warrior drops to the rough stone floor like a sack of turnips, and a gurgling sound can be heard when the troll wrenches its axe free of the human's shoulder.

The other party members weave their way through the tunnel, arriving just as Einar falls to the ground.  Thorgrim sees his old friend slump limply to the cavern floor.  Hymir sees it too.  You can both see the sadistic glee in the eyes of the front tanarukk.  The large tusks protruding from its mouth twist the smirk that it wears; a knowing smile that says none will be able to aid Einar until they get past him.

Thorgrim's cry of sorrow for his friend spurs Bjartr to action.  He commands his wolf forward, and follows behind to do what good he can.  Seeing the state of Einar's form, with a deep red staining his blond hair and dripping on the ground, he did not have much hope, but he would do what he could, in the hopes the brave warrior was not yet lost.  Bjartr finishes the words of his spell just as the waiting tanarukk inflicts another wound upon his canine friend, but he can see the drip of blood from Einar's shoulder slow, and he can make out a slow movement of the fallen warrior's chest.  He just prays to Odin that his wolf will also survive.


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 16, 2013, 10:00:58 AM
Skulda cries out "No!" and rushes down the tunnel to defend her fallen comrade. She tries to rebuke the foul hellspawned trolls using her power over spirits, hoping their demonic nature is enough to make them susceptible to her.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 16, 2013, 10:27:52 AM
As soon as Skulda moved, Agni burst through the cave in Einar's direction, while channeling illusory magic into his weapon, meant to incapacitate those struck by it.

Arriving slightly behind the wolf, Agni goes for the tanarukk's legs to knock it down, then its eyes, hoping to daze it.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 16, 2013, 11:57:38 AM
Skulda's rebuke seems to have no effect on the trolls, whose attentions seem unwavering in stopping the intruding heroes.  Agni's blade hooks the lead tanarukk's leg and brings the fiendish troll to the ground.  His follow-through attack cuts a wound in the tanarukk's side.

The rear tanarukk who downed Einar has already turned her attention to the newcomers, and moves past Einar's prone form, stepping on the dropped glowing blade.  She notes that Einar still breaths, but sees the wolf as a greater threat than the fallen and disarmed warrior.  Fortunately for Geirr, her swing misses the injured wolf.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 16, 2013, 10:25:52 PM
Skulda and Agni can see the tanarukk far ahead drop the blond-haired lass and run off to the side.  A yowling hiss comes from that direction; he must have scratched the snow leopard.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on October 17, 2013, 12:52:35 PM
Seeing his old companion fall in front of him, Thorgrim finds himself quickly overcome by anger and destructive instinct. He moves forward with the ferocity of a wolf, his fang eager to cut into the arteries of those that have struck down one of the bravest and truest warriors he has ever known.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 18, 2013, 12:10:41 AM
Hymir wants to rush in as close as he can to the action and his fallen friend. But he waits for a opening.

((take a free 5ft step to the left. slap valtamr out of the way, putting me at v-6. hold action until the party clears that little bottle neck where lycan and phaes character is, then im going to double move up as close as i can to Einar.))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 18, 2013, 02:16:32 AM
Thorgrim's fang skewers the standing tanarukk, and it falls limply to the ground.

The prone tanarukk does what she can to stop the wolf from savaging her while she is on her back; she strikes out awkwardly with her axe and her tusks.  Despite the disadvantage, she succeeds in bleeding the canine a bit more.  Geirr promptly returns the favor, tearing at the wound Agni had made when he tripped the troll wife.  Bjartr jogs up from the back ranks, and standing over the troll's dying tribe member, thrusts his spear down into her gut.  Her scream gives way to a weak cough just before she falls still on the cold stone floor.

Noticing that he is free from danger, Einar activates his magical belt and feels the magic wash over him, stitching his shoulder back together.

The sounds of a yowling leopard call you forward. There is one more yet to kill.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 18, 2013, 11:46:58 AM
The great cat leaps upon the troll, a flurry of claws and teeth. Skulda herself, seeing Einar is still alive, moves to use her wand on him to speed his recovery, leaving the fighting to those more adept at it and still on their feet.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 18, 2013, 01:55:30 PM
Agni moves around his companions towards the prone girl.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 18, 2013, 11:26:23 PM
The final tanarukk sees Agni as the greater threat, and jumps to Agni's left, tucking and rolling beneath the leopard's claws.  Agni's blade is too fast, though, and catches the tanarukk's heel, attempting to lay him flat, but the troll twists out of it, and rolls up into a crouch, and lunges at Agni.  The warrior mage's protective magics slows the troll's blade, but do not stop it, and the beast's axe bloodies the interloper as he hurls curses at you in Abyssal.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on October 19, 2013, 03:13:11 AM
Seeing Skulda tending Einar, Thorgrim closes in on the final troll, hoping to put an end to this.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 19, 2013, 05:24:02 PM
Hymir concentrates as he cast a quick spell of healing light onto Einar.
Quote from: dna1 on October 19, 2013, 05:22:03 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
cure light wounds 1d8+5 : 1 + 5, total 6


Valtamr the Badger double moves up as close as he can to SDK and the trolls that are left.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 20, 2013, 11:30:03 AM
Feeling invigorated, Einar stands up and grabs the weapon that he dropped.  He smiles in thanks at his companions as he prepares to finish this.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 20, 2013, 12:43:50 PM
Not seeing a good way into the action, and cursing himself for not having prepared Benign Transposition, Bjarter sets off to find the back way that the snow leopard used.  The lack of light would slow him, but he would hopefully get there faster, and be more effective, than trying to push in behind the warriors.  He begins tapping his spear haft against the stone walls as he turns the corner into the darkness.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 21, 2013, 01:30:55 PM
Thane slowly circles around, trying to flank the troll with Agni, but being careful not to let his guard down as he approaches. Unfortunately this gives the troll more of an opportunity to observe the approaching cat and ready a defense against it.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 21, 2013, 02:09:33 PM
Noticing things are quite crowded, Agni focus some of his magic in his own hand, in the form of an electric shock and releases it on the tanarukk, then retreats.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 22, 2013, 11:23:47 AM
The lone tanarukk takes advantage of the opening when you turn to retreat, and hacks at you with his axe, and pain sears through your shoulder.  That flares his bloodlust, and he follows through by stepping forward and swinging at Thorgrim.  Again and again he swings, finding flesh around the protective breastplate, drawing blood with both his axe and his prominent tusks.  The magical pebble on the ground behind the savage beast prominently shows bright, back-lit droplets of blood fly through the air with each backstroke.  The creature loses itself and howls in glee at the carnage.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on October 23, 2013, 12:52:53 PM
About to step backward to wield his fang, he sees that his path is blocked by his ally. No matter. There is but one path for a proud warrior, and that is FORWARD!

He rushes forward, attempting to plow past the lone tanarukk...

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 23, 2013, 01:27:11 PM
Thorgrim and Skulda approach together.  Thorgrim engages the tanarukk, allowing Skulda to sneak past unmolested, but taking a bite from the tanarukk's axe in the process.

The furious tanarukk holds his ground and pushes back against Thorgrim, toppling the aggressor to the ground.  The tanarukk screams a wordless howl of victory as Thorgrim falls backward.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 25, 2013, 11:11:21 AM
Einar growls in rage, these trolls almost killed him and now they are trying to kill Thorgrim!

He rushes forward, nimbly dodging between his companions and the cave walls, and then heaves a mighty swing at the troll.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 25, 2013, 02:44:48 PM
Despite the corner of rock jutting into Einar's field of attack, Thorgrim being prone gives him a clear area through which to swing his shining blade, and it connects with the tanarukk's bulky left arm, just below the shoulder.  It rewards you with a mere grunt from the blow, though dark blood spills from the wound.

Bjartr continues his attempt at coming up behind the tanarukk, and move forward, tapping his way into the darkness.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 25, 2013, 08:38:32 PM
The great cat steps up to the troll's backside and unleashes a flurry of claws and bites (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=11182.msg197908#msg197908), with Skulda shouting "Again!" and invigorating her allies with the strength for another attack.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 25, 2013, 08:56:02 PM
Taking the chance granted by Skulda's wild cat, Agni uses his healing belt on Thorgrim.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 25, 2013, 09:42:55 PM
Feeling the rush of magic coursing through his muscles Einar strikes the troll as swiftly as a snake.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 26, 2013, 12:42:51 AM
Thorgrim's muscles twitch with Skulda's magic, and he rolls his spiked armor into the tanarukk's leg, pinning the creature's foot with an impaling spike.  The troll falls backward, foot still awkwardly pinned, dropping his axe and striking his head against the stone floor with a loud thud.

As things quiet down, you can hear Bjartr tapping his way through the darkness.  Skulda tends to the young woman, and relief fills your hearts as it becomes apparent that she is merely unconscious, and breathing regularly, though a large knot has sprouted on head.

You each take a moment to assess your wounds and check on your fellow heroes.  Tired muscles spasm slightly as adrenaline leaches out of your system.  After a few moments of calm, it becomes apparent that the final tanarukk is not dying.  It lays there still breathing.  A watchful eye notes that its wounds are no longer spilling blood, and the bite mark from the leopard is slowly closing up.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 26, 2013, 12:56:12 AM
Einar rests, catching his breath, amazed at Thorgrim's tenacity.  What a way to kill the beast!  As Einar thinks about the story Thorgim will spin of this day, he realizes that the troll isn't dead at all. 

He raises his sword, gripping it tightly with both hands, and brings the blade down upon the creatures neck.  It is time to finish this once and for all.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 26, 2013, 01:10:33 AM
You sever the beast's head clean off.  Both the head and the neck bleed profusely for a moment, then the bleeding slows to a trickle.  The body's chest still slowly rises and falls, lightly spraying some of the fresh blood as it exhales out its headless trachea.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 26, 2013, 02:45:12 PM
Relieved that for the moment her friends all seem to have survived the fight, and that the girl also seems alive, Skulda focuses for a moment and yet another raven appears perched in her outstretched hand. Then the bird quickly takes flight, grabbing the glowing stone from the floor, and heading off down an unexplored passage.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 26, 2013, 03:44:38 PM
The raven continues further down the cavern tunnel, beyond what you have seen thus far.  The double vision is a bit disorienting to Skulda, but she has done this often enough that it does not overly hinder her as she continues to tend to the unconscious young woman.  The lass appears to be about fifteen or sixteen years of age, and decently attractive, save for the large lump on her head.

The raven sees an ongoing natural tunnel.  It occasionally splits off and rejoins, much like the site where you are all now tending to your wounds.  The tunnel shows no sign of narrowing.

The tanarukk head at Einar's feet slowly works its jaw as if still trying to bite his executioner, but the movements are spastic and uncontrolled.  Bjartr approaches holding a burning torch and inspects Einar's work.  The wounds on the tanarukk's body continue to slowly knit themselves shut.

The tunnels are silent except for your movements and ministrations.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 26, 2013, 04:43:11 PM
"Someone needs to slay this beast before it stands up again," Einar says quietly, unsure of what to do.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 26, 2013, 06:44:27 PM
"Well, if they are like other trolls, then you have to burn them, either with fire or acid," Bjartr says.  "Though it appears that fire did very little to them via the magic Hymir placed on your blades."  He drops his pack to the ground and begins rummaging through it, not remembering all that he had placed inside its magical confines.

"Bed roll, pot, waterskin, bandanges and herbs, holy water, rune-carved bones, incense, needles, ink, and thread... Nothing to burn him with, sorry."

Skulda's summoned raven continues flying down the passageway.  The rough stone walls have various hollows and protrusions, creating odd shadows to Skulda's eyes as the bird flies down the undulating tunnel.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 26, 2013, 08:09:55 PM
Agni takes two vials of his backpack.

"Use this. This will most likely do the trick, I guess. It's trollbane."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on October 26, 2013, 08:35:48 PM
Thorgrim had just finished getting the dust off himself. He saw Skulda attending the girl. Good. But the breathing of the headless troll disturbed him. How does one fight things that don't know when they should be dead.

He takes a vial from Agni and applies it on his hunting knife. He then ferociously stabs the creature in the chest, twisting his knife in its heart. "The fate of those who would kill innocents. May Hel welcome you and feed you to her hounds."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 27, 2013, 01:04:51 AM
The thick blue liquid sticks in the wound and coats the edges of the gash.  Dark blood spurts through the wound, slowly lessening as the heart loses pressure.  The body stops struggling, and soon only random spastic twitches are noticeable, mostly in the fingers.  The head still bites aimlessly, but that's no different than a snake's head after being removed from its body.  It will cease before too long.

The raven comes to a split in the tunnel, and its first choice soon dead-ends.  At Skulda's direction it backtracks the few dozen yards and continues down the tunnel to left, heading forward into the darkness beyond its pebble's meager glow.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 27, 2013, 07:18:34 PM
Valtamr the Badger proceeds to gnaw on, and have its way with the Trolls body. Hymir makes his way over to the maiden. "Perhaps we should pile up the Trolls and bind them?... Or cut the limbs off? Who knows how long they will stay dead."
When he gets to the maiden he leans down close to her, brushing her hair away from her face to inspect her. Oh my.. Quite a beauty. No wonder the trolls kept her alive. They wanted to keep her... He quickly gives her a once over. Searching for any unnoticed wounds, or something out of the ordinary. Also keeping an eye for anything that might give a clue to if she is a fellow Geat, or something else.
When he finishes his inspection he concentrates, laying his glowing hand upon her knotted head.

((casting cure minor wounds for 1hp :D
and my badger will continue to shred nearby troll corpses.))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 27, 2013, 08:47:05 PM
Skulda gives Hymir a quick glare at his remarks, but continues to focus on the bird and its vision mostly. She says to Thorgrim "Let me use this wand on you to speed your healing. I offer it to the rest who have need of it, also.

As for the girl, perhaps it is best if we don't try to wake her before we've moved her to the safety of our wagon encampment."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 28, 2013, 08:58:27 AM
"Is she really the only survivor? I didn't notice any other bodies on our way here."

Agni says while helping the badger "scatter" the troll pieces around.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 28, 2013, 09:06:02 AM
Skulda says, with a distant look in her eyes "I am checking for more now, but so far... nothing."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 28, 2013, 09:23:25 AM
"Hm.... So, are we going deeper in the cave, or taking this lass back? Personally, I want to know if there are more people down here, but... I don't think we can keep going the way we are now."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 28, 2013, 08:46:31 PM
They probably ate everyone else. Bones and all... Hymir says grimly. The large man takes out his lute and sits on the nearest rock. He leans against the wall and begins playing a gentle melody on the instrument. "Heh... I can tell. We all have kinship with the mighty." He smiles "It would dishonor us, and anger the gods if we left without spilling the blood of every Troll here." He sits up and stops playing, a serious look comes over him. "Unless this tunnel is deep enough to reach Dwarfhome?  Hahahaaa" He sits back against the wall in laughter and starts playing again.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 29, 2013, 12:36:43 AM
Skulda's bird continues its flight.  The tunnel is devoid of people, and thus far seems unending.

"Hymir is likely right," Bjartr says.  "Some of those shanks that were left burning on the fires looked suspiciously too small to have been from the horse... and the trolls only brought two of the horse's back."  He accepts Skulda's offer of the wand, pointing toward his canine companion. "May I?" he asks.

Neither of the other two tanarukk show any sign of healing their wounds, and the decapitated one stopped healing after introduction of the blue poison into its heart.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 29, 2013, 08:24:07 AM
"Of course." Skulda says as she hands over the wand. "So far nothing but more tunnel from the bird's eye view. Perhaps we should prepare to return to the caravan? I will have the bird keep searching deeper. If it finds anything, I will of course let you know."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 29, 2013, 10:38:57 AM
Einar nods and gestures towards the woman they have saved.  "We need to get her to safety."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 29, 2013, 10:43:42 AM
"Then, let's get moving..."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 29, 2013, 12:00:16 PM
Skulda's bird continues to see unending cave tunnel, and she mentally commands it to halt its movement, and just stand watch where it is, so nothing can approach from deeper in the earth.

A look at the three tanarukk you slaughtered here at the end shows that they don't have much in the way of gear or equipment.  They each have a battleaxe; they are a touch rusty and could stand to be oiled, but are in fairly decent shape.  They each also have a seax* in a scabbard worn sideways on their belts.  The two that weren't regenerating are both females, and one has a small silver necklace around her thick neck.  Their trousers are made of rough buckskin, and their feet are wrapped in cloth or strips of leather.  That is about all they carry on them.

The party heads back toward the cave entrance with the hope that none of the other tanarukk have been regenerating while you were busy down the length of this tunnel.  You walk... and you walk.  A few minutes pass and you know something must be wrong.  You caught up to those tanarukk after running about a hundred yards through the tunnel; surely you've walked twice that now, and the tanarukk cave is nowhere in sight.  You didn't come upon any side passages, so you could not have taken a wrong turn.  Despite your gathered companions, a dreadful feeling of loneliness settles into the back of your mind...

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on October 29, 2013, 12:38:00 PM
"Something is not right here... " Skulda says while biting her lip with a worried look. "What were you saying about Dwarfhome, Hymir?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 29, 2013, 01:23:59 PM
Agni cuts in the conversation.

"Something about this cave going deep enough to reach Dwarfhome.

... Are we really going there? What's going on here?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 29, 2013, 01:32:47 PM
There are no magical auras displayed by the surroundings; Agni's eyes only detect the magical accoutrements worn and carried by his companions.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 29, 2013, 01:37:09 PM
"There's nothing magical messing with us, as far as I can see. Regardless, it doesn't hurt to be careful."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on October 29, 2013, 02:13:04 PM
Einar feels that something is wrong with this cave...

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 29, 2013, 06:49:52 PM
"Dwarfs were once maggots that festered in the flesh of Ymir before being gifted with reason by the gods." Hymir momentarily stops strumming but then continues as he speaks again. "Lets hope we can find a way out of here before the magic takes hold. If we end up in Dwarfhome we might have to trade our women to leave..." He chuckles and gives Skulda a coy smile.


((rolling some checks here to see if I can come up with anything
Quote from: dna1 on October 29, 2013, 06:30:45 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Bardic Knowledge 1d20+11 : 11 + 11, total 22
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
KN Nature 1d20+8 : 12 + 8, total 20
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
KN Local 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15
not bad... ))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on October 30, 2013, 10:57:50 AM
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on October 31, 2013, 04:08:35 PM
"Anyway... Let's keep moving. We can't simply stay still and hope for the best."

After saying such, Agni's companion seems to relay something to him. Of course, only he senses this. Everyone else might be thinking he is not in his right state of mind...

"I don't think going back will help either... If we get dragged into yet another weird cave, we might end up fighting more tanarukks..." He says while looking to an apparent empty space.


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on October 31, 2013, 10:48:38 PM
Still strumming his instrument Hymir says. "Hmm... I once heard from a man named Stigr. He was rather old and a bit senile. But the story goes he got lost in a snow storm while trying to travel through a mountain pass.  When the blizzard had subsided, he found himself to be in Jotunheim." He gives his companions a grim look.
"Try as he did, he was not able to find a way back.  Eventually he found and convinced a tribe of Frost Giants not to kill him, and keep him around for entertainment.  A few years later he was out on a hunting trip with the Jotun, when another great and sudden storm rose up. They got lost and stranded in the trackless whiteout.  When the storm calmed, the surroundings didn't look familiar, and upon inspection into the lower elevations, the hunting party found a village and realized they had arrived in Midgard.  He engineered his escape, and it then took him nearly a year to travel back to his homeland." He continues. "Jotunheim I wouldn't mind. Its where my ancestors hail from after all. But spare me the pleasure of Dwarfhome. Other than stealing the dwarfcraft artifacts and ale I can't think of a single reason to go there."

He muses quietly. "Hmm.. is there dwarven women?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 01, 2013, 07:37:59 AM
"They should exist... Otherwise I have no idea how dwarves are born.... Anyway, if what you told us is true, out only option is pray to the gods so the dwarves don't automatically attack us on sight?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 01, 2013, 09:48:48 AM
"Well... we could try to do a bit on our own as well, I think... I do hope you're wrong Hymir, but I fear you are right... and that we may have traveled beyond the border of Midguard."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 01, 2013, 10:15:24 AM
Einar shakes his head.  "Where we are isn't important.  How do we get back to where we came from?  We came in here to rescue people and by Sif's golden hair I will get her to safety," he says, pointing at the lone survivor rescued from the trolls.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 01, 2013, 12:13:27 PM
"I suggest we keep moving forward. Going back is not wise because it's not sure we can go back to where we fought the tanarukk, for example. Let's push on..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 01, 2013, 12:56:22 PM
"Whichever direction we go, we should be concerned with covering the basics of survival: food, water, and a defensible position against attacks. If we are in a totally different realm, we should be prepared to be stuck here for a long time, given Hymir's story...

I personally have no experience with other worlds, and almost none living underground. Although given time, I could ask the spirits about such things, and more... perhaps even for a way back."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 01, 2013, 12:57:45 PM
You gather the unconscious woman and continue walking in the direction you were going, leaving Skulda's raven further behind.  The soft glow of light spells and the flickering light of Bjartr's everburning torch paint the walls in illumination, displaying rough stone walls, floor, and ceiling, with occasional short side passages, and nooks in the walls.  You pass through a few small caverns that widen the corridor, and cause you to pause as you enter; things might be lurking around the corners. 

Through the raven's eyes Skulda does not notice anything of interest as the party continues moving away from the raven's watch post.

Time feels hard to track in the blackness, with no sun or stars to mark its passing.  After what seems a half an hour, you hear a sound up ahead.  A soft gurgling emanates from the cavern ahead.

The glowing stone in the raven's claws dims and the magical light snuffs out.  Skulda's second vision is thrown into blackness, and the lack of light washing over the raven's vision reveals something that was concealed before.  A dim light is visible far ahead.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 01, 2013, 01:04:53 PM
"My rations and water are already secured. Don't worry about me." Agni puts a wry smile on this face. "When you travel around by yourself, you end up learning a few tricks related to survival. Although mine are actually some minor magical trinkets to create food and water I managed to buy using my pay with the Hathrans..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 01, 2013, 01:08:08 PM
In its darkened tunnel, the raven hops and flutters towards the light at its master's unseen urging.

To her companions, Skulda silently says "It seems either direction has its own destination... There is a light in the tunnel where I sent the bird."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 02, 2013, 02:07:25 AM
Thorgrim wonders at the words of his companions of other places and hopes that when he cursed that tanarukk to Hel that she didn't take them along with it.

"I am a fair hunter if need be, though I have more experienced with the wilds than with dark halls of stone." he says while carrying the unconscious woman over his shoulder. "I am no bard, but is told at campfires that Loki is a trickster. Perhaps we have fallen victim to one of his pranks? Then if so I imagine that wherever we are heading, Midgard or not, will be an interesting place indeed."

He hears Skulda speak on light where the bird is but he currently focuses on the sound.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 02, 2013, 11:13:27 AM
As Skulda's raven flies forward, she quickly gets the sense of open air; it must have entered a cavern.  It continues toward the dim light, wings occasionally brushing unseen rock formations.  Before long the bird alights itself in a small hole through a stone wall.  The rough hole is only about a foot in diameter, and the wall it breaches is about two feet thick, with the hole slanting upward through the wall at an angle; given the angle, this must be a higher elevation than the passageway in which the raven had stood watch.  The raven hops forward through the cramped space and you can finally see what is causing the light.

There is another dark passageway, small and cramped.  Ahead, up a short flight of steps, is a door.  There is a barred window in the door, and it emits a flickering glow of firelight.  The light also seeps out from beneath the door, and a bit around its edges.  The raven can see from the firelight that the steps descend toward the bird, then turn, heading down to the raven's right, extending into darkness.

The gurgling of spring water continues unabated ahead of the party.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 02, 2013, 11:55:43 AM
Agni decides to CAUTIOUSLY check this spring, weapon in hand.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 02, 2013, 12:03:19 PM
Thorgrim follows, keeping some distance behind. He could handle himself, but he would not risk his new unconscious lady friend.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 03, 2013, 12:03:10 AM
Agni and Thorgrim slowly move ahead of the group into the cavern.  From the glowing light emitted by Einar's sword and Skulda's gloves, you can see that there is a decent-sized pool of water along the right-hand wall.  There is a steady stream of water trickling through a fissure in the wall, which collects in the pool on the ground.  The lights also show a slick-looking damp trail about a foot wide, where the pool overtops its depression and slowly drains across the floor toward the left, disappearing down a side passage.

The pool looks like clear, undisturbed water, perhaps two feet deep near the middle.  Agni cautiously approaches, guisarme at the ready.  Just as you are about to relax, the water starts moving, pulling together, causing a burgeoning mound of water to grow taller.  It starts to lash a pseudopod of water toward Agni, but he is faster than this unusual creature.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 03, 2013, 06:29:30 AM
"Get the girl to a safe place. I will hold this creature."

Agni tries to strike the creature in the water, while searching on his mind for what it could be.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 03, 2013, 09:28:27 AM
Agni's blade slips through the beast's body, and it looks to have had about as much effect as dipping the guisarme into a pond.  As the creature responds in kind, lashing a watery tendril at Agni, he realizes he has no idea what this creature is.  The warrior calls upon his Fylgia to protect him, and the watery tentacle is dashed aside, missing him entirely.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 03, 2013, 10:15:10 AM
Distracted by her double vision, it takes Skulda a moment to realize that there is a more immediate concern than the door... Seeing that the creature appears to be made of water, she begins preparing a spell of Fire. She says "Don't get behind it! I'm going to set a fire under its backside!"

With another small part of her consciousness, she also directs the bird to fly up through the barred window so she can get a glimpse of what's inside.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 03, 2013, 03:15:13 PM
Hymir was excited at the sight of the pool. He was ready to undress and dive in with the women when Agni awoke the very water it self!! With his lute in hand he readied him self to do battle.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 04, 2013, 07:43:24 AM
Agni concentrates on his weapon, making the light around it get slightly distorted with illusion magic. Then attacks the water creature, cutting through nothing once more.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 04, 2013, 09:15:13 AM
Again Agni's blade slices through the watery beast, and again it appears to have no effect.  Once again it retaliates and lashes at Agni, whose caution saved him from being touched by the monster.  It silently quavers as it slides to the left.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 04, 2013, 11:18:24 AM
Einar rushes forward to protect his companion, drawing his sword as he nears the creature.  Noticing the issues that Agni seems to be having Einar decides that a less powerful more precise strike would be the best approach and slices at the thing.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 04, 2013, 11:40:28 AM
Einar's blade strikes well, but it too seems to do nothing to this creature, other than brighten the creature as the glowing sword passes through its watery body.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 04, 2013, 12:25:13 PM
Thorgrim kneels momentarily to slide the woman onto the stone floor. He then moves forward, gripping his fang as he approaches the strange liquid creature. He was no longer thirsty...except for battle.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 04, 2013, 04:22:17 PM
Realizing what they are dealing with Einar yells to the others, "I think I know what this is.  We can't slice into it, we have to beat it to death with something blunt!"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 04, 2013, 04:32:33 PM
((Hymir & Valtamr move up to Y-4. The badger stands in front of his master acting as a furry damage sponge. Then Hymir starts a Jotunfire Inspiration and swift action activates the badge of Valor. Netting everyone +2d6 fire damage))

Hymir and Valtamr move closer to the water. The large man chanting strange verses while strumming his lute like a madman.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 04, 2013, 11:17:44 PM
Skulda calls upon the spirits of flame, and an inferno erupts behind the strange beast.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 05, 2013, 12:20:46 AM
The fireball's explosive force knocks pebbles loose from the walls, and brightens part of the far rock face for just a moment.  The creature seems completely unfazed by the explosion.

Hearing Einar's words, and having noticed a flail among Einar's gear earlier, Bjartr rushes forward, intent to make his flail strike true.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 05, 2013, 08:36:05 AM
"If this creature can't be cut, I am useless here. All I can do is this."

As he said that, Agni channels dark energy through his fingertips to the water creature.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 05, 2013, 10:04:38 AM
The watery bulk sags a bit from Agni's ray, then lashes out at the closest of you: Einar.  Again the creature cannot strike true, missing Einar completely.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 05, 2013, 11:39:30 AM
Einar drops his sword and pulls out his flail.  Situations like this are why he has it in the first place, Sif knows it always pays to be prepared.

Pausing only for a split second to allow Bjatr's magic to flow into the weapon, Einar then lashes out at the beast.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 05, 2013, 12:18:35 PM
The watery creature recoils from the blow, its surface rippling in agitation.  Globules of liquid are thrown off from the force of Einar's swing, splashing wetly as they land on the dry stone around the spring.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 05, 2013, 07:10:54 PM
Thorgrim drops his fang, knowing its blade would be worthless against this foe. He steps forward, throwing his weight into a punch with his gauntlet. However, the creature's fluid body makes an unusual target for him.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 05, 2013, 09:38:45 PM
At Skulda's command, the great cat moves up and attacks the strange beast.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 06, 2013, 09:14:51 AM
"The beast is all yours, Einar."

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 06, 2013, 11:42:33 AM
Thorgrim's gauntleted hand meets resistance and he strikes the fluid foe, though it appears to have hurt his hand just as much if not more than the creature itself.  It certainly shows no reaction from the punch.

Thane dashes forward, dodging a liquid lash from the beast as he closes to sink his teeth into the creature.  His teeth slip right in, but when he tries to clamp his jaw down he too meets a supernatural resistance from the creature.  In the end he is left with a bitter taste in his mouth, and not much to show for it.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 07, 2013, 02:11:56 PM
Skulda casts Magic Missile
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 07, 2013, 02:44:07 PM
Three bolts of force pummel the monster, rippling its surface and tearing through its back side, splashing copious amounts of clear liquid back into the pool behind it.  The silent beast sags a bit more, and lethargically swipes a tentacle at the snow leopard that had bit at it, missing yet again.  It starts to slowly sink back into the spring...

Not seeing anything he can do to help the situation, Bjartr delays, hoping the beast is nearing its end.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 07, 2013, 07:45:03 PM
Seeing that most of his companions seem helpless in the face of this creature, Einar takes advantage of the distraction that Agni causes it and puts all of his strength into (hopefully) one final swing.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 07, 2013, 07:56:01 PM
The creature collapses back into the small pool of water, becoming indistinguishable from the rest of the liquid.

The threat over, Skulda diverts her attention back to her raven.  It had flown from its small hole up to the barred window in the door, but the openings in the window were too small for it to fly through.  Now, as Skulda assesses what the bird sees, it appears to be perched back in the small hole, and a bearded face is looking out from the barred window, the glow of firelight framing the sides of his face.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 07, 2013, 08:12:08 PM
Skulda scrunches her nose up in disgust and says "Well so much for refilling our water flasks here..."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 07, 2013, 08:44:46 PM
The bearded face pulls back from the small window and steps down.  There is a light scraping sound, then after a short pause the door is pulled open.  The short little man has obviously taken note of the bird, but peers out cautiously before taking a step outside his door.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 07, 2013, 09:17:05 PM
((OOC: didn't realize we werent near the raven. il save this response for later :D ))
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 07, 2013, 10:01:39 PM
Thorgrim recovers his weapon and the woman and asks someone to fill his water skin.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 07, 2013, 10:14:05 PM
Hymir takes Thorgrim's, as well as everyone else's water skins and begins to fill them in the pool. " Do you think if we drink enough of the creature then we will gain mastery over water? Hahahaaa. " He says jokingly while he kneels beside the pool. " You know,..." He stares into the pool. " It would be just my luck for another to pop out and grab me just now. Not even a water beast would ignore beauty such as mine! "
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 07, 2013, 10:22:46 PM
Skulda shakes her head at the antics of her comrade then says "It seems your story was prophetic, Hymir. I believe we might just be in Dwarfhome. I see a short bearded man through the eyes of my raven. Should we go to meet him?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 08, 2013, 04:39:23 AM
"We could try... At th every least, we should ask him about our... Circumstances, and if there's any way to go back to our original place."

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 08, 2013, 05:20:46 AM
Thorgrim went through a checklist in his mind about everything he knew about dwarves.
Thorgrim's mind:
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"I see no problem with meeting a dwarf." he says with a small grin on his face.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 08, 2013, 11:50:20 AM
As you start walking back toward the site of your battle with the tanarukk, Skulda continues watching through the raven's eyes.  Behind the little man there is what looks like a spacious workshop; you can see a bench with tools along the back wall.

The man cautiously steps out of his workshop, inspecting the raven from several steps away.  He quietly says something that is unintelligible to Skulda.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 08, 2013, 11:54:43 AM
As they travel back through the caves Einar asks, "Can dwarves be trusted?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 08, 2013, 12:29:33 PM
Skulda turns toward Hymir with an expectant look.

Mentally she focuses on controlling the raven more closely, having it spread one wing to the side, cross its chest with the other, and take a bow as if introducing itself.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 08, 2013, 12:56:11 PM
A look of surprise crawls above the man's beard, reaching his eyes, which widen.  His mouth hangs slightly open for a few moments before he speaks again.  Again the tongue is unfamiliar to Skulda, but it has a very different sound to the way the words are formed.  You do pick out three words among the few sentences he utters: Odin, Huginn, and Muninn.

The little man steps forward and carefully stretches out his hand, palm up.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 08, 2013, 01:42:16 PM
Skulda says with a faraway look in her eyes "He beckons the raven, and speaks of Odin, Huginn, and Muninn, in a language I do not understand."

In her mind's eye, the raven hops up onto the dwarf's outstretched palm.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 08, 2013, 06:14:30 PM
Answering Einar's query, Agni says "If we do not get on their bad side, it's fine. They are greedy, but as long as we don't disrespect or steal their products, which even the gods like due to outstanding quality, they will not hate us."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 08, 2013, 09:45:49 PM
"Dwarfhome.... I knew this would happen." He grins. " Well.. they are greedy. But should be trustworthy I would think. They did after all craft the Mjolnir, among many other treasures the gods use. Maybe we will be lucky enough to find one to craft us something. "

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 09, 2013, 08:03:23 AM
"I'd settle for a warm fire about now and something in my belly besides dry rations." Thorgrim said. "And maybe something for the girl, too. I'm starting to worry since she hasn't woken up yet after all the noise we've been causing."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 09, 2013, 03:14:28 PM
Skulda sees the little man turn and head back toward his workshop, softly speaking something.  She can feel him stroking the raven's head with a curled knuckle.
Once through the doorway, you can see a tidy little workshop with several low tables covered in tools and various objects, an anvil, and a smoldering forge hearth that adds a glowing light to that of the torch on the wall.  A darkened doorway in the back right corner indicates rooms further beyond.

The dwarf turns, closing and latching the outer door.  He moves a few objects around, laying a hammer across between two rectangular bars of smelted iron, giving the raven a perch upon the hammer's handle.  The little man then turns back to whatever project he was working on at another table, occasionally talking, despite the raven not understanding.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 11, 2013, 08:01:06 AM
"We could try asking for this dwarf's help... I know some Dwarven myself...."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 11, 2013, 09:39:49 AM
Skulda looks optimistic "Well, that's great! I worried we might have a hard time speaking with him! I've been listening to him ramble on for a bit now, and haven't understood more than 3 or 4 words... I hope he doesn't have too much of a bias against either of our kinds... "

After speaking the last few words, she suddenly looks uncomfortable, as if she'd said more than she meant to.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 11, 2013, 11:40:31 AM
"Let's pray he wasn't harmed by humans before... So we stand a chance at talking with him."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 11, 2013, 12:41:18 PM
Thorgrim nods silently and follows along. Hopefully there will be a place to rest where the water isn't trying to kill them,
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 11, 2013, 07:40:31 PM
"I just hope he can get us home..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 12, 2013, 12:36:21 AM
You continue walking for the better part of an hour, and eventually come back to the battle site where you rescued the still unconscious girl*.  You are relieved to see that, so far as you can tell, the trolls are still dead, and they haven't regenerated any further.

To Skulda's eyes, the dwarf has quieted down and has spent the time busy with the project at his work bench.

After walking a bit further, Skulda recognizes the location where the raven had stood watch.  The glow of her gloves and Einar's blade seem to blind you all to what is beyond the reach of your magical lights.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 12, 2013, 06:30:43 AM
"So... Is this the place? Is the door this way?"

Then Agni moves to the place Skulda said there was a door and knocks on it.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 12, 2013, 08:35:09 AM
"Yes, that's it."

 Skulda has the raven flutter over to the door before her and her companions arrive, to try and prevent the dwarf from being startled, and hopefully to indicate the link between the raven and them.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 12, 2013, 09:41:34 AM
Skulda and Einar douse their lights, and you can see a dim light flickering far in the distance, above your plane of view.  You reignite your lights and set off in that direction.  The tunnel starts opening up a bit, and after about 100 feet you find yourselves in a large cavern.

The little man comes over and calmly grabs the bird, holding it firmly but gently, peering out the barred window of his door.

After several minutes of walking, you find that you have reached the far wall of the cavern; you think you kept a fairly straight path toward the dim light, though the angle would hide it now..  No doorway is immediately apparent.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 12, 2013, 10:11:30 AM
Skulda mutters a curse in elven and says "It should be right here..." as she starts probing the wall and looking around. She has the bird cry out so that she might hear it, if this is but an illusion.

She also directs Thane to "seek", hoping he can pick out where the raven and dwarf are using his sense of smell.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 12, 2013, 12:51:48 PM
Einar mutters softly under his breath, he doesn't like any of this.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 12, 2013, 02:52:11 PM
The raven caws, and you all can hear it faintly.  It has a hollow sound, as though its route to your ears is not straight, and the echoing effect of the cavern makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly where it is coming from.

Taking a lead from Skulda, Bjartr commands his wolf to seek as well.  It sets off to the right, nose to the ground, pausing occasionally to raise its head and listen.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 13, 2013, 06:07:17 PM
"Helloooooooooo.....  any of our tiny bearded brothers around here?" Hymir says as he casually puts his lute away. He shakes the leather pouch containing all of his coins, letting the chinking and clanking of gold echo down the halls. "We the Troll slayers call to you, the Dwarves. Let us drink and feast together."

Hymir begins to scrutinize the area. He leans down close to the ground looking for any kind of markings.

Quote from: dna1 on November 13, 2013, 05:58:25 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
spot 1d20+7 : 18 + 7, total 25
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
search 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
listen 1d20+7 : 3 + 7, total 10
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
gather info 1d20+6 : 11 + 6, total 17
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
survival 1d20+6 : 2 + 6, total 8

((trying to use gather info and survival in conjunction with each other. looking for scraping marks on the ground etc etc etc))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 13, 2013, 08:48:49 PM
Silently cursing within himself, Agni decides to call for the dwarf in his own language.

(dwarven)"Hello! Is somebody there?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 13, 2013, 11:31:44 PM
"Muninn? Muuuuuuuniiiiiiinn?" Thorgrim yells, as if yelling out for a lost child.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 14, 2013, 12:25:32 AM
Skulda can hear her companions' antics through two sets of ears.  The little man eyes the bird suspiciously and sets it down, then reaches out and draws an axe from beside the door.  He turns and reaches a hand above the raven, and pulls a jar off the shelf behind the workbench.  He heads out through the door, closing it and leaving the raven behind.

...

Gierr gives a small bark somewhere off to the right, beyond the effective range of your glowing accutriments.  Bjartr pulls out his everburning torch, holds it before him, and starts walking toward his companion's call.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 14, 2013, 08:26:44 AM
"Did you pick something, Bjartr? Should we get worried?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 14, 2013, 08:37:12 AM
"The dwarf has came out of his door, and has an axe. We should be wary, but lets hope he's willing to talk rather than fight."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 14, 2013, 10:04:29 AM
Bjartr continues walking toward the right, and you can begin to make out the wolf in the advancing torchlight.  It is intently sniffing around, and looks eager.  "I think Gierr has found a scent trail."  Bjartr gives another verbal command, and the wolf starts moving forward toward the cavern wall, nose moving back and forth.
In moments he has lead you to a passageway in the back wall of the cavern; the passageway turns up and to the left, and a peek inside shows you stairs hewn into the rock.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 14, 2013, 10:42:37 AM
Skulda says "Odd... this isn't the way the raven went. It's like the tunnel has changed..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 14, 2013, 11:03:32 AM
"Great... Does someone know if we are maybe lost into some kind of 'lost root' from Yggdrasil? If we were in Midgard or anywhere else, I don't think this is a ... mundane phenomenon."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 14, 2013, 11:05:09 AM
"I hate troll magic," Einar growls, ignoring the fact that this probably isn't actually troll magic.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 14, 2013, 11:48:15 AM
"Wait... no. Sorry, I think this is the same way. It was just much darker when the raven came through, and it might have gotten into the stairway a bit differently...

Just in case, though..." Skulda says, as she pulls out a piece of chalk and begins marking a trail along the wall as they walk.

"If when we come back, we find the tunnel closed up and our chalk line ending in a solid wall, at least we'll know for sure that the cave is rearranging itself..."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 14, 2013, 11:51:15 AM
"Troll magic has no place in Dwarfhome." Hymir says as he looks up to the stairs. " It looks like a friendly invitation to me.... "
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 14, 2013, 11:56:12 AM
"Well... the dwarf is coming down, and he has an axe. So I don't know how friendly it is. We should take it easy, and try to avoid a fight with him.

Could you tell him that we were fighting trolls under the mountain and got lost, and mean him no harm, Agni?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 14, 2013, 12:03:34 PM
"A Dwarf is coming down?!! " Hymir quickly jumps to the front of the group. He pulls out his waterskin that's filled with Ale, he turns to he friends and says. " Quick quick anyone else have something good and strong to drink? Dwarves love Ale as much as gold. Lets hope he has been hard working on the forge and is thirsty... "

((hymir jumps to the front of the group and stands with his arms out stretched offering the ale. he waits for this dwarf to come down.))
Quote from: dna1 on November 14, 2013, 12:03:19 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
diplomacy 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 14, 2013, 12:51:00 PM
Agni nods at Skulda. "Very well. Let's try that." Then climbs the stairs until there's nothing, then declares with a clear tone in Dwarven.

{Dwarven} "Hello! Is anybody there? We are travelers that somehow got lost into this cave and we just fought some trolls on the way. We are looking for help to treat a wounded woman and tips on how to go back to the surface. We mean you no harm. Could you please help us?"

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 14, 2013, 01:04:17 PM
A disembodied voice answers you in Dwarven "Lost travelers, eh?  I may be able to help you get back to your world..."  From nowhere the dwarf just appears on the stairs about 10 feet ahead of you, axe held down at his side. "Come, bring your friends and let's all discuss how we can help each other."  With that, he turns and starts trudging up the stairs.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 14, 2013, 01:20:11 PM
Agni turns to call the group. "We were invited to get in his place. Come, let's get inside."


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 14, 2013, 01:20:54 PM
Skulda lets out a sigh of relief and says in a low voice (in Rashemi) "I didn't know dwarves were so sneaky..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 14, 2013, 01:24:26 PM
{Rashemi} "Me neither. But at least we can now talk to get his help."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 15, 2013, 10:37:21 AM
"Good." Thorgrim says simply, feeling no other words are necessary. He carries to girl up the steps, stepping wherever the dwarf steps out of caution.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 15, 2013, 11:22:41 AM
The dwarf leads you up the stone steps.  You climb for a few hundred feet, and the passageway gets slightly narrower as you go along, though still plenty wide enough to accommodate the large men in your party.  You near the top and see the stairs turn right, and on the left side of the turn, you can see the small hole in the rock face that the raven must have passed through.  A few more steps brings you to a squat doorway that is not even six feet in height.  The dwarf opens the door and steps inside, absently waving his hand to motion you in behind him.  He stops in front of a workbench on the back wall and turns to examine each of you as you enter his home.

Once you see him in a flat room, as opposed to on steps above you, he seems quite short; barely over three feet tall.  After you all enter and close the door, he places a hand on the unconscious woman's throat, then moves to her forehead, and raises one of her eyelids with his thumb.  He runs his ringed fingers through her golden hair, then lifts up a plait of it to examine her scalp.  He then addresses Agni. "I have something that can help her.  Tell me how you came to be here while I look for it."  With that he turns and starts shuffling through the jars and canisters on a shelf above a second workbench.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 15, 2013, 01:11:45 PM
Skulda's face is a bit red, and you can see sweat beading on her forehead as you enter the workshop. She looks for a stool or chair to sit down on. Despite being in decent physical shape, she's not used to climbing so many stairs (or mountains), and her muscles are tired and will no doubt ache tomorrow.

Out of curiosity, she focuses her gaze into the spirit world, to see what might be lurking just outside of sight in this realm (wherever they are).

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 15, 2013, 02:41:20 PM
Skulda finds a small stool, though it is little more than a foot stool in comparison to her size; her knees would thrust upward in an ungainly manner were she to sit upon it.  Her widened perceptions don't notice anything of interest here; it appears to be a simple, if elaborate, workshop with a forge, with what are probably living quarters in the back rooms.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 15, 2013, 03:35:44 PM
She sits on the stool with her legs both folded to one side in as ladylike a fashion as possible.

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 15, 2013, 03:49:44 PM
Einar moves into the room and remains watchful, unsure of what to expect.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 15, 2013, 11:09:45 PM
Agni thinks on everything that happened today and begin the explanation.

"We were traveling with a caravan on the surface when we found traces of an attack made by trolls on the road. We decided to investigate and following the trail, we ended up in the entrance to a cave and some tanarukks. We fought them off and decided to enter the cave because we heard human screams inside it.

Within the cave, we fought more of them. After a while, we found her and decided to return, but it seems like the tunnels had other plans for us... We even fought some kind of water thing before the raven there found your home." He pauses for a second. "And this is it. After the encounter with this water creature and the raven's discovery, we decided to ask for your help. "

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 20, 2013, 12:06:33 AM
The dwarf pulls a shallow jar off the shelf and eyes the raven as he turns.  "Figures," he says, followed by a sentence Agni doesn't understand; Bjartr gets a look of shock on his face, however, but stifles his face back to composure before the dwarf notices.

"I have what seems to be valuable information to you, and I have a situation that I could use some help with, returning some valuables to me.  A rock giant hired me to make an item for him; when it was finished, he did not want to hold to the agreed-upon price.  When I wouldn't back down on the price, he paid it and left.  A few days later, he came back for retribution and stole several other items that I had around the shop."

He removes the lid from the shallow jar and scoops out a white paste with his fingers.  He sets the jar down and lifts the girl's hair, and rubs the liniment onto the wound there.  She breaths in a sharp, ragged gasp, and her eyes open wide.  She blinks and looks around, taking in the large group around her, looking both relieved and confused at the same time.

"I cursed him for his crime, but he is still too big of a threat for me to deal with... It sounds as though you should be able to handle him, though."  He walks over to his workbench, sets down the liniment jar, picks up a fine brush, and starts writing a list on a flat, stiff piece of leather. "These are the items he stole from me; kill him and bring them back, and I'll tell you how to get home.  She can stay here and rest while you are gone." He motions his head toward the blonde girl as he hands you the list.

Quote
Leather Gloves
Brown Sack
A Pearl
A Silver Ring
Mithril Chain Shirt

"You can sleep here if you need to; it sounds like you've had quite a day so far.  I wouldn't take too long though... He lives about a league* away."

The blonde girl still appears to be in a bit of mental shock, but is awake.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 20, 2013, 09:00:20 PM
Agni tells the group about the dwarf's offers in Rashemi.

"I vote on resting first and departing by the morning. Now... rock giants... I wonder what else we will find before returning to the surface?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 20, 2013, 11:59:20 PM
His demeanor shows no sign of stress from the gravity of the situation. He has the gleam in his eyes of curiosity, and a humorous look about his face. After the maiden awakens Hymir will move closer to her. He smiles warmly at her and offers her a drink and some dried fruit. He starts gently playing a very old tune that he learned as a child in the forests ruled by Nentyarch.
"It's ok. Your safe with me." He says quietly to the girl.
Quote from: dna1 on November 20, 2013, 11:49:54 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Diplomacy 1d20+8 : 19 + 8, total 27
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Perform 1d20+11 : 11 + 11, total 22

He searches deep in his mind for any old stories that might be related. His ancestor was Utgard-Loki the king of all Fire giants. Surely all giants are somehow connected. Perhaps something from the storys his father told him might come in handy.
Quote from: dna1 on November 20, 2013, 11:49:54 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Bardic Knowledge 1d20+11 : 19 + 11, total 30
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Kn History 1d20+8 : 10 + 8, total 18

Hymir speaks with a quiet tone in Rashemi to his friends, hoping that the girl and the Dwarf would be unfamiliar with it.
"That will be dangerous... I doubt very much that this Giant lives alone. Perhaps we can bargain somehow, and secure some Dwarfcraft for our selves in the process? It would be a tragedy to travel to Dwarfhome and not bring back anything special. Who would believe the story?" He cracks a smile. "Right? Or have I caught Bearded-Fever and come down with a case of Dwarven Greed?  Hehehee.. " He chuckles casually.

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 21, 2013, 08:14:43 AM
Skulda says (in Rashemi) "I believe we should be careful dealing with this dwarf. Obviously he takes his agreements very seriously... He is after all asking us to kill the giant, not just retrieve his stolen things.

As far as when to travel, I could go now or after a rest. I still have most of my magic, but I am a bit tired."

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 21, 2013, 08:19:17 AM
"While it is true we need to be careful... This is our only chance on returning to the surface. As long as we don't do this wrong, I don't think the dwarf will send another giant after us..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 21, 2013, 08:58:18 AM
"Ask him what else he can tell us about this giant. Does he live with friends or a family? Any pets? Magic?

Also, we should have some introductions. It is rude of us to not offer nor ask names."

To the dwarf directly the little woman says "My name is Skulda. Thank you much for your hospitality." and extends her hand with a warm smile.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 21, 2013, 09:30:28 AM
Following Skulda's advice on good manners, Agni introduces the whole group to the dwarf.

After all formalities are done, the man speaks with the dwarf.

"So... Tell us more about this rock giant. Does he have companions? Is he known for his strength? Anything you think will help us deal with him?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 21, 2013, 09:35:17 AM
In reply to the translated questions, the dwarf answers "He is fairly young, and new to the area.  He has no magical ability that I know of; the trinket he paid me to make was so simple, any dwarf could make it a few days."  He pauses and thinks for a moment.  "No family that I know of, though he was hanging around with a large-nosed fellow... As for strength... well, he'll be having some problems now, since I cursed him."

He starts collecting several jars from the shelf and transferring them to the back rooms. "Unless there is anything else you want to know, I was not long from retiring for the evening."  He walks over and closes the bar on the door, and looks at you all with an inquisitive eye.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 21, 2013, 09:40:44 AM
"Just one more thing: I apologize if you have already done so, but could you please tell us your name?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 21, 2013, 09:54:01 AM
Skulda says to Hymir "So... you seem knowledgeable about dwarves. What do you know of dwarven curses?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 21, 2013, 10:22:20 AM
Einar watches all of this, unsure of how to participate.  Standing protectively near the rescued woman he lets his companions do all the talking.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 21, 2013, 10:47:46 AM
"My apologies.  My name is Litr."  With that, he apologizes for not having any spare beds, welcomes you to move stools around to make room on the floor, and retires to his back rooms.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 21, 2013, 11:57:55 AM
As soon as Litr leaves, Agni join the talk about curses.

"How are dwarven curses different from normal curses?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 21, 2013, 12:02:15 PM
"They're longer and include more insults about your mother?" Thorgrim suggests.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 21, 2013, 12:26:21 PM
Skulda shakes her head in disapproval but says nothing to Thorgrim. To the young lady she rescued she smiles and says "I am Skulda. Sorry for not speaking with you sooner, but we'd only just arrived here, and were introducing ourselves to our host.

I... am very sorry for what happened to you, and for those who were traveling with you. When we found your wagon, and saw what had happened, we tried to hurry as quickly as possible to save any of you who were still alive. Unfortunately, you were the only survivor we found... We did manage to slay the trolls who had ambushed you, though.

We found these things on the trolls. Do any of them look familiar to you?" Skulda takes the things from Thorgrim and lays them out on the floor. She conjures a spirit to search for magic in them, while waiting for the girl's reply.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 21, 2013, 01:21:31 PM
"Papa!? Egil!? They're both dead?"  She breaks down in tears, burying her face in Skulda's lap.  After a few minutes she has cried herself out, and seems to pull herself together somewhat.  Drying her eyes with the back of her hand, she looks up and stares blankly at the items you have laid out.

"I was knocked out when they attacked.  After I woke up in a cave, my feet and hands tied, I never did hear Papa or Egil, but I hoped they were just being kept somewhere else...  I guess it was you I was hearing all the commotion about?  Just before that started, one of them had brought me some meat, and started stroking my hair."  Her face goes pale, and she gags as though fighting back vomit.

"I don't recognize any of those things, but if they took my family, I should take something back from them."  She absently picks up the silver necklace.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 21, 2013, 01:35:01 PM
Skulda pats the girl and comforts her saying "I know, child. Go ahead and take the necklace, if it will give you a sense of justice.

Now, why don't you tell me about yourself?" She engages the girl in conversation to help her feel more at ease.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 21, 2013, 01:41:21 PM
Agni stays around the girls, but does not join the conversation yet. Considering the only girl he's been talking for a while doesn't actually reply to him (since she doesn't have a physical body to begin with), he decided to let the girls do their thing.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 22, 2013, 05:13:23 AM
Quote from: phaedrusxy on November 21, 2013, 09:54:01 AM
Skulda says to Hymir "So... you seem knowledgeable about dwarves. What do you know of dwarven curses?"


After thinking for a moment he says. "Hmmm... I do know a story of a Dwarf actually. It's called The Saga of the Volsungs
 Hymir begins to tell the tale of the Dwarfs. He switches the song he was playing to something a bit more dark sounding to add to the mood of the story.

Quote from: dna1 on November 22, 2013, 05:12:28 AM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Perform 1d20+11 : 3 + 11, total 14

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"I wonder what kind of Magic the Dwarf has... he said he Cursed the giant right? That makes me curious.. I knew of a man who was cursed and all of his toe nails fell off. What do you suppose a Dwarf curse does? "
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 22, 2013, 08:19:01 AM
Thorgrim pondered, and said. "Perhaps it makes your hair fall out? I have heard that dwarves cherish their beards."

He moved next to Einar and Skulda and looked at the lass. "I'm Thorgrim Sigmundson of the Wolf Lodge and this is my friend Einar. We're expert survivors, us. You'll be fine if you come with us after we get this job done. So don't you worry lass. We'll have you under sun-filled skies soon enough."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 22, 2013, 08:36:26 AM
"Hey, Hymir..." Agni whispers, "... I didn't realize it on our travel, but are you and Thorgrim related? Like you teaching him the way to a girl's bed?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 22, 2013, 09:59:37 AM
"An interesting tale, Hymir. Quite a strong dwarven curse it does tell of. Are any of you related to this clan Hymir spoke of?" She says as she looks at her companions.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 22, 2013, 02:53:52 PM
"Hahaha!" He chuckles and looks to Thorgrim. " Thats right.. He is now my little brother." He struggles to keep a straight face. "Fear not brother! For this day among the Dwarfs, Odin has blessed your beard and bestowed upon you a wonderful gift! I will take you under my apprenticeship and we will both bed maidens together!"

Hymir laughs hard enough to stop playing his lute. He takes out one of his waterskins filled with Ale and takes a long drink, then tosses it over to Thorgrim. He turns to Skulda and says. "I wonder what clan the Dwarf Litr hails from? Did he not mention it?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 22, 2013, 03:01:22 PM
Skulda says tersely "How would I know. I don't speak dwarven. Agni was translating. Ask him."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 22, 2013, 05:09:01 PM
"The dwarf Litr did not mention any clan. Is it possible he doesn't belong to any?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 22, 2013, 05:23:19 PM
"I dunno.. I guess its possible. He does seem to be alone. Maybe he will be lonely enough to come back to Midgard with us? Haahaha,... Doubtful. A fun idea to entertain though."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 23, 2013, 01:01:57 PM
Before long the young woman's exhaustion, both physical and emotional, take hold and overcome the small gleam of determined hatred in her eye.  Amid the sound of your conversations her eyes grow heavy, and she doesn't fight when Skulda eases her to the floor.  Taking the cue, and not wanting to disturb the young woman, you each make what bed space you can on the floor of the dwarf's workshop, each of the men taking turns to keep watch in this strange place.  Skulda takes a meditative pose on her makeshift pallet, and as you slip off into sleep, you realize that you don't yet know the young woman's name.

When you awake in the morning, you feel quite rested; better than you have in a while, having been upon the road to Eyrrinberg. The young woman is still asleep, and your host has not made an appearance yet.  The forge fire has died down to coals during the night, but did a good job of keeping the workshop rather warm; a good thing, given your meager impromptu bedding.  There is a large barrel of coal a few feet away from the forge; stoking it back to life would not be hard.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 23, 2013, 01:12:39 PM
Agni stretches himself, greets his "companion", checks everyone and then use the coal and give new life to the fire.

"Good morning people. This is the day we go against a rock giant. Hope we are all prepared for this..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 23, 2013, 09:45:58 PM
Hymir awakens to find him self spooning with Thorgrim on the floor. "Gah!" He exclaims as he recoils away from him. He wearily starts to sit up, searching for his Ale he says. "I was dreaming of laying next to Skulda.. " He smirks and takes a drink. " But then I awaken to find my,... sword.  :smirk
Piercing not the backside of a beautiful maiden, but instead my own little brother." Hymir stares at the floor while slowly shaking his head in disgust. As if in his minds eye he accidentally pictured something he shouldn't have.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 24, 2013, 04:54:42 AM
Agni is struck speechless at Hymir's comment.

"Hymir, a piece of advice? Try to not drink on nights before important things you need to do."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 24, 2013, 02:25:43 PM
With the noise of your stirring and conversations, the young woman awakens, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and apologizes to Skulda for drifting off to sleep before their conversation much further than that she grew up on a farm, and they were headed to visit relatives at a farm a few hours away.  "So, are we going to head home today?" she ask with a hopeful sound in her voice. "But there was something you had to do first... I didn't hear what, though," she says sheepishly.  "My name is Moeid, I'm not sure I told you last night."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 24, 2013, 02:42:26 PM
"Well Moeid, I am not sure. I hope we can go home today, but you are right. We do have to do something first. We have to kill a giant who betrayed the dwarf and stole from him. Then he will tell us how to get home."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 24, 2013, 05:27:13 PM
Before long you hear movement back in the Litr's living quarters, and he soon comes out with a wide stone bowl filled with water, and a small sack, and sets them down on one of the workbenches. "Some water for washing and drinking, and a little something to eat."  One of you picks up the sack and finds cured meat and large dried mushrooms inside.  "I expect you'll be on your way soon; I look forward to your return.  Don't take too long."

He heads back to the door to his quarters, and retrieves one last item.  A stone slate upon which he had scraped a crude map.  "He resides in this area," he says, pointing to a circle scratched on the stone's surface.  The crude map depicts tunnels and small caverns, leading in a direction you've not yet been to, out another passage from the large cavern just outside the dwarf's door.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 24, 2013, 08:56:55 PM
Skulda opens her eyes from her trance, and says "Agni, would you mind accompanying me for a moment? I need to step outside for a bit, but am not sure if it is safe to go alone."

Assuming he doesn't object, she heads out and down the stairs to the landing saying "I thought since you are at least familiar with seeing spirits, that you might not be so alarmed by what I'm going to do next. I am going to call and bind a spirit to my body. Do not be alarmed. It is far removed from our reality, and has no power or influence over it, except what I grant it."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 24, 2013, 09:44:58 PM
Skulda and Agni make their way down the stairs, and a glance around the corner with the everburning torch borrowed from Bjartr shows nothing unexpected in the immediate vicinity.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 24, 2013, 10:19:01 PM
Skulda takes out a piece of chalk and draws a 5' diameter circle on the ground. Inside the circle, she inscribes an intricate symbol. Once she has finished, she sits cross-legged just outside the circle and says "Malphas, turnfeather, kinslayer, I call upon you."

A few moments of silence pass, and then a flurry of doves bursts forth from the air over the middle of the symbol. As the creatures quickly fly out of view, they reveal a handsome elf, clad all in black. His eyes and hair are jet black, and his skin pale. His hair and cloak both seem to be made of raven feathers, and indeed the cloak is covered in raven heads which look around and blink as if alive. When the elf smiles, you can see that his teeth are also black.

He voice is hoarse and cracks a bit as he says "Speak, half-breed. I know you. Will you let me ride in you once more?" As he speaks, the raven heads on his cloak all begin to caw madly.

Skulda says "I will. Enter me, Betrayer, and you will see the world that you left long ago once more."

Then the apparition flies apart in a flurry of black wings and mad cawing, and vanishes into Skulda's chest. Sweat beads visibly on her brow as she rocks back and rests for a moment to recover from the strain of the binding, then she stands and says "I am ready to return."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 25, 2013, 08:38:03 AM
Agni feels no fear from what just happened, but is quite amazed anyway.

"Well... What to say... I may be familiar with spirits and such but by no means I have ever met one so... exotic before. Is he always like that? And what's the deal with 'Let me ride in you'?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 25, 2013, 09:01:37 AM
"These spirits are odd, yes. As I said, they are quite far removed from reality, and yet they crave it desperately. So they are all mad by almost any standard. In fact, he is one of the more comprehensible ones... I think he is likely younger than many of the others, and so less... changed. He also seems to have started out as a mortal, while I think some of the others I think were never mortal."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 25, 2013, 11:14:47 AM
Agni makes a worried face and looks to the space where his "companion" is right now, then asks Skulda.

"Surely this kind of change doesn't happen to every spirit, right? I mean, many of them somehow avoid ending up like this one you just ... Incorporated, right?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 25, 2013, 12:43:06 PM
Seeing Agni's worry, Skulda smiles in what she hopes is a consoling manner "Oh of course not. Spirits like the one I just called are so far removed from our reality that they can't even perceive it at all unless someone knowledgeable calls and binds them. Even then, their only window on the world is through their summoner's eyes. I think if they are not bound to a summoner, then they either do not exist, or are imprisoned or forgotten somewhere in a void beyond all known worlds. This isolation is what drives them mad. Spirits more closely linked to the world, any world, need not worry about such a fate."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 25, 2013, 04:34:12 PM
Agni smiles wryly, but his current smile has something else mixed in. Relief, perhaps? Or maybe joy?

"Thank you very much for the experience and for the information regarding spirits. It may not look like this at first glance, but I am thankful that this fylgja is coming with me... It would be very painful to me to see her becoming 'lost' like the spirits you deal with."

The man takes a few seconds to stabilize his breathing and heartbeat, then continue speaking.

"Now, if you're done, let's go. They are waiting, and I have to do something about my few wounds from yesterday..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 25, 2013, 07:18:55 PM
As they start back she says "Thank you for accompanying me. I am happy to heal you with my wand."
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 26, 2013, 11:22:26 AM
You return to the dwarf's workshop and find Bjartr reading from a large book, and Hymir lightly strumming his lute, with his eyes staring off in absent concentration.  It will be at least another hour before Bjartr is ready to go anywhere.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 26, 2013, 12:47:42 PM
Hymir eyes his friends as they re-enter the room. He looks back and forth between them, making eye contact with each one in turn. Suspiciously he says "Huh... what was that all about? Don't tell me Agni that you wish to compete for Skulda's attention?" He stops strumming his lute as he continues talking. "She came to me in my dreams last night." He looks to Skulda. " You said you wanted to have my children. I questioned your age and you slapped me, then we made glorious love. Truely..
By Odin's one tearful eye it was wonderful!"

Overcome with feelings of passion Hymir gets onto his knees and begins playing a tune of love on his Lute. He looks to Skulda's eyes with a coy smile on his face.
The song he is playing is quite beautiful. With a voice like silk he gently sings to Skulda. "Come to me oh Valkyrie of love... rub my back and feed me breakfast? Let our love grow like Trolls, ever so reckless. Our throws of passion will leave the gods breathless!"

Quote from: dna1 on November 26, 2013, 12:39:45 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
perform 1d20+11 : 18 + 11, total 29
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
diplomacy 1d20+8 : 14 + 8, total 22
((yea I know I cant use diplomacy on another player.. but it's funny :D
plus how could you resist this charm?? impossible!!! ))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 26, 2013, 12:51:19 PM
Skulda blushes and smiles despite herself, then says "Oh for Freya's sake!" and then scurries off to a corner of the room to call spirits to retrieve the spells she thinks she'll need for the day.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on November 26, 2013, 12:55:01 PM
Einar watches all of this, slightly concerned.  He leans over and whispers to Thorgrim, "I think there is something wrong with that man, he seems to want to seduce everyone.  Including you."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 26, 2013, 02:11:02 PM
Agni frowns upon Hymir's comment.

"Hymir, my friend... Are you like this with everyone you meet? How come you are still alive? And don't tell me it's because the gods love you..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on November 26, 2013, 03:46:09 PM
"Hahahaaa!  Why it's because of my good looks of course." A huge grin is spread across his face. " And because the Gods love me. " He takes another drink from his ale and winks at Agni.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on November 26, 2013, 05:56:38 PM
Thorgrim whispers back to Einar one word, "Skald" and proceeds to shakes his head with dissappointment.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 26, 2013, 10:59:40 PM
Bjartr puts away his large book and starts silently praying once again, ignoring the banter around him.  You are all getting restless by the time he finishes and says he is ready.  Litr bids you swift travels on your long legs, and says he will watch after the girl while you are gone; he hopes to see you again in a few hours.

You leave the dwarf's home, exit the staircase in the "north" wall of the cavern, and get your bearings with the crude map under the flickering light of Bjartr's magical torch.  You follow the cavern around until you find another tunnel leading off toward the northeast.  You follow the map's directions through several turns and crossroads over the course of several miles.  After about an hour you start to hear an occasional succession of clanging sounds.  You can't seem to tell what direction it is coming from, but since it is slowly getting louder, you must be walking toward it.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 26, 2013, 11:02:41 PM
"Let me send the bird ahead again..." Skulda says as once again a raven appears from nowhere.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 28, 2013, 04:53:10 PM
You make a magical light once again and send the raven forward.  It flies for an unexpectedly long time; the sound must carry a long way through the tunnels.  After several minutes of directing the bird through the tunnels, it can make out the back of a large form up ahead.  You see the giant's shoulders move as it swings a hammer into its backstroke, then forward out of sight, followed by a loud "CLANG."  He steps back to inspect his work, then turns toward the wall on his right, looking at it.  It doesn't take him long to notice the light that the raven is holding in its clutches, and he turns and stares back toward Skulda's magical bird.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 29, 2013, 10:20:27 AM
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"It's much farther than I'd imagined. He seems to be a smith, also."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on November 29, 2013, 02:21:56 PM
The bird travels forward another 10 feet or so before slowing its flight and landing on the ground.  Behind the giant is a stone wall covered in runes.  In his right hand is a hammer, and in his left is a chisel.  He turns his head to the right and says in Giant "It seems we have a visitor."  He drops the chisel and picks up a boulder that was on the ground, hefting it as he eyes the raven.  Another large giant steps out from a passage to the giant's right, its fleshy color in contrast to the first giant's gray pallor; he has a long, bulbous nose, which is the first part of him you see peering around the corner.  They look ready for a surprise, but are not yet taking any actions against the intruder.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on November 29, 2013, 02:28:12 PM
Agni seems to think for a while before commenting on Skulda's report.

"Perhaps the dwarf and the giant have some kind of rivalry towards smithing? Maybe the giant stole the dwarf's trinkets in order to get better at smithing?"

Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on November 29, 2013, 03:44:25 PM
"Ah... I was mistaken. He is not smithing. He is carving runes into a stone wall. I just saw the hammer at first.

He also has a visitor. Another giant, with skin that isn't as grey as his, and he has a huge nose. They look like they're expecting trouble now. They see the raven.

At least I can understand their speech, unlike the dwarf's..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 01, 2013, 12:03:39 AM
"And you can read what is written on the walls?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 01, 2013, 11:27:01 AM
The large gray giant cautiously approaches the raven, stopping about 20 feet back.  He continues to look about, and peer toward the tunnels leading to the area, as if expecting some sort of ambush.  The wall is too far away to make out what is written on it, but it is quite clear that something has been written on the stone.  After a few minutes of waiting, the rock giant and his companion appear to be getting bored.  That is when those in the lead of the party start to notice a glow from around the next turn.  You are nearly there.

Through the raven's eyes, Skulda can see the rock giant focus his attention toward the tunnel through which the raven entered this small cavern.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 01, 2013, 11:53:43 AM
Skulda raises a hand for her companions to pause, as the raven flies over towards the writing on the wall.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 01, 2013, 12:27:14 PM
The sudden movement of the raven startles the giant, and he throws his hefted boulder at the bird, missing it by inches.  Everyone in the party hears a loud cacophony as the boulder smashes against a wall.

The giant's large-nosed friend seems to have better control over himself, but he is definitely tracking the bird and looks ready to take action if needed.

The writing on the wall appears to be a list of numbers and dates, as well as some entries that don't make immediate sense; perhaps they are names or places.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 01, 2013, 05:12:58 PM
"Prepare yourselves friends. We draw near our foes." Skulda says as she gathers a few stones from the ground and prepares to lay an enchantment upon them.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on December 01, 2013, 06:23:01 PM
Should we bother trying to talk with them? Or just skip straight to the.. point? Hymir emphasizes the word as he chuckles a bit. "Obviously they expect someone or something within the tunnel.. so our element of surprise is lost anyways."

Readying action to start up my music if one of my brawnier friends decides to charge ahead.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 02, 2013, 07:24:27 AM
Agni silently begin his preparations for the unavoidable encounter with the giants.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 02, 2013, 10:11:29 AM
"I can try to talk to them if you think it will do any good..."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on December 02, 2013, 01:56:22 PM
Thorgrim says nothing as he takes the lead, using his senses to the best of his ability. When he hears the sound, he instinctively draws his fang, hoping it would be of more use to him here than against his previous foe.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 02, 2013, 02:02:13 PM
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on December 02, 2013, 10:47:17 PM
Well I definitely don't think you going in there alone would be a good idea. I know the Giants in the mountains where I grew up generally weren't ones for conversation.. But this one obviously talked with the Dwarf already. It might make for a interesting experience if nothing else.
He looks to the rest of the group. Thoughts? Shall we try to talk with them first?

Quote from: dna1 on December 02, 2013, 10:49:23 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
bardic knowledge 1d20+11 : 9 + 11, total 20
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
knowledge history 1d20+8 : 11 + 8, total 19
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
spot 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
listen 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 03, 2013, 08:51:41 AM
"Thanks for your concern, Hymir, but I can take care of myself." Skulda says with a smile which might be charming or wicked, depending on what you thought of her. "Back home, I lived alone in a forest full of trolls for decades.

If you all get close enough to rush in if I need help, I think I'd rather go alone at first. They may be overconfident if they think I'm alone, and more willing to talk. If trouble starts, I'll vanish and pull back towards you."

Not waiting to listen to arguments to the contrary, Skulda starts moving towards the giants.

(click to show/hide)

As she rounds the corner, she says in Giant with a pleasant voice "Well, good day gentlemen. It seems my little birdie has gotten lost. I hope he didn't disturb your work. And what a fine runesmith you are! Tell me, what are you carving? A family history? Tales of glorious battles you've fought in?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on December 03, 2013, 07:28:35 PM
Surprised by her words Hymir just stands there gawking as she walks off into the giants den. He turns to Agni saying quietly. " Shes crazy?...  " A huge grin creeps across his face. "I bet she's crazy in the bed chamber as well hmm? You know,... its the crazy ones that they sing songs about."

"So then.. lets prepare for the worst?" He says as he leans down to pat Valtamr the badger. "I'll cast my fire magic again, hopefully it's more helpful here than it was against those Trolls from earlier."

((listening for trouble, still using the roll i just previously posted i assume)
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 03, 2013, 08:40:09 PM
Agni takes a while before replying to Hymir's comment.

"...Not crazy. She just wants to get this done and move on to the surface. I guess."

However, he decides to cast one more spell on himself before things get ugly...

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 04, 2013, 04:01:56 PM
Seeing a single woman approach, the large gray giant's bearing softens somewhat.  In a low rumbling voice, he replies in Giant.  "A family history?  No, not anything like that.  Battles I've fought might be more accurate.  In truth, just some notes on things I've observed recently, and encounters I've had."  He absently scratches at a puckered scar on his arm that looks somewhat like a mass of split and fissured stone.

"It is not often we see your kind in this realm.  What brings you to Nidavellir?"  His long-nosed companion has yet to say anything, though he is watching you quite intently.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 04, 2013, 04:11:47 PM
She says "My companions and I were lost under the mountains in Midgard, and found ourselves here. We're trying to find our way back home. I don't supposed you'd be able to help?" she says with her sweetest smile.

(click to show/hide)

Then back towards the tunnel she exited she says "Come, Thane. Heel." and while she speaks, the raven also flies over and lights on her shoulder.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 04, 2013, 04:30:13 PM
"By which tunnels did you come here?" the one with the large nose asks in Giant.  "Where on Midgard, and which tunnels here?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 04, 2013, 04:55:41 PM
Skulda looks a bit flustered as she says "Well... as I said, I was lost... but I will tell you what I know. The tunnels on Midgard were near a road West of Eyrrinberg, near Rasheman*. We found a caravan ambushed, and tracked the trolls that did it back into the mountain caves where we slayed them. But when we tried to go back to the surface, we found that the tunnels went on and on... So we turned back. Then we wandered for a while, and... " she continues on to give a description of how to get to where they currently are from where they first found themselves in Midgard as best as she can, not mentioning the dwarf and her other companions as of yet...

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 04, 2013, 06:56:07 PM
"Hmm, yes.  I think I know the cave of which you speak.  You?  You killed all those trolls?" the large-nosed one says incredulously.  He gives the gray giant a look.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 04, 2013, 08:56:42 PM
"My friends and I, yes." She says as she looks at the cat and bird. "My Seidr no doubt helped."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 04, 2013, 10:11:48 PM
The large-nosed giant gives you a reappraising look, then the rock giant says "It seems our goals may align.  What do you know of tanarukk, and their plans?"  After a pause he adds, "... and are you able to remove curses?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 04, 2013, 10:26:50 PM
"I know that they are a fiendish combination of humans and trolls, but nothing of their plans, if they have any. And no, unfortunately I cannot remove curses. Are you cursed?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 04, 2013, 10:50:17 PM
"The fool got himself cursed by a dwarf.  I told him it was a foolish idea," the long-nosed giant says before the gray one could speak.  Glancing a perturbed eye at his companion, the gray giant interjects "The bastard didn't hold to his word!  Doubled the price on me when I came to pick it up."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 04, 2013, 11:03:55 PM
"You don't say? Why would he do that? And why did he curse you?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 04, 2013, 11:47:24 PM
"He cursed him because he is a fool," the long-nosed one says again.
"Perhaps I was a little rash," the gray giant says in response.  "I refused to pay his ridiculous price demand, and left.  Later, I waited for him to leave his workshop, I broke down the door, found the crystal he had enchanted for me... and grabbed a few other items that were laying around.  Serves him right for welching on the price," he grumbles.

He seems to be telling the truth.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 05, 2013, 08:28:17 AM
"Well, dwarves are known for their greed. I bet he's quite upset that you took his things. Which is too bad. You won't be able to get him to make things for you anymore. In fact, he might even send someone to kill you..." Skulda says, then pauses and stares at the giant for dramatic effect.

"Maybe I could help you, though. You seem like a decent guy, and I'm pretty good at smoothing over ruffled feathers, although I doubt words are going to be enough in this case. Perhaps I could return the things you took from the dwarf, along with any payment you owe him, and convey your apologies? All I ask in return is that you tell me how to return to Midgard.

I also know someone who might try and lift the curse for a price, but no promises on that front."

A bit concerned that her hidden companions may grow worried or impatient, Skulda has the bird fly back to the tunnel where they hide. The bird lands and shakes its head first up and down, and then back and forth, trying to indicate that it can answer questions for her.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 05, 2013, 12:49:19 PM
"Where's the bird going?" the gray one asks, a little more on edge since your veiled mention of hired assassins.  "I have no desire to deal with that back-stabbing dwarf again... but your honeyed tongue speaks truth; he could try to send someone to kill me."  He looks at you thoughtfully for a moment.  "If you are so capable a troll-slayer, a treacherous dwarf would be no match for you.  It may be that I have no need for the other items I stole; I could perhaps leave them for someone else to find, if the dwarf were dealt with..."  The unsaid "permanently" hangs in the forefront of your mind.

"Then my friend could explain the answer to your predicament, and we could see about your curse-removing friend."  The long-nosed one has a thoughtful look, pondering what his friend had said.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 05, 2013, 01:48:45 PM
Skulda pauses for a moment, her mind racing as she tries to weigh her words, and options. Finally she says "Let me speak a bit more directly... I have already spoken with your dwarf, and he sent me here to collect his things, and I think the idea was that I was to deal with you. However, I wanted to hear your side of the story first, as there are always two sides to every story... Having heard it, I believe that the dwarf did double-cross you, and I am no assassin.

So what I proposed is I think quite a fair deal for you. I will return the dwarf's things to him, along with what you owe him, and convince him that his curse upon you is penance enough for you. I will also ask my friend if he can remove your curse. In return, I only want a bit of information that costs you nothing. You stand only to gain here I think."

She readies herself to vanish if things turn ugly.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 07, 2013, 11:26:06 AM
"Fah!  I'm done with it."  He stalks off around the corner from whence the long-nosed one came, grumbling as he goes.  You can hear him moving about, as if looking for something.  In a few moments he returns with a sack in his hand, drops it in front of you, then points at you with a large boney finger, while holding out his other hand, fingers clenched, palm down.  "You take these to that no good dwarf, and tell him if I ever see him again, that hammer will pound him into the earth!"  His head jerks a bit, indicating the hammer standing on its head behind him.  When you raise your hands to his clenched fist, he drops two gems into them; a yellow topaz and a red garnet.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 07, 2013, 08:40:01 PM
Skulda gracefully takes the gems and picks up the sack, saying "I think you've shown great wisdom here. I will talk to my friend about your curse and send him here if he thinks he can remove it.

I should have introduced myself earlier. I apologize for my rudeness. I am Skulda." she says as she bows and begins walking back from whence she came.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 07, 2013, 10:58:35 PM
You hear grumbling from behind as you depart, but the giants do not stop you from leaving.  In a few moments you are back among your fellow World-travelers, and a peek inside the sack shows you a pair of gloves, another small bag, and a pile of chainmail.  A frantic look for the ring and pearl find them stuffed into the fingers of one of the gloves.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 08, 2013, 04:50:19 AM
"So... Mission complete? The giant accepted to give the stuff back?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 08, 2013, 11:00:10 AM
Skulda smiles as she starts talking, but also starts walking back down the tunnel away from the giants while doing so "Yes. He's a fairly reasonable guy, actually. He said the dwarf double crossed him, doubling the price on the item for no reason, and he was so angry that he decided to rob the dwarf as retribution, which he admitted was a bit rash. Then the dwarf cursed him, which his friend seems to find endlessly amusing.

I convinced him that it was in his best interest to return the dwarf's items, otherwise the dwarf might send someone to kill him... He reluctantly agreed, although at first he tried to bribe me into killing the dwarf... I then came clean, letting him know that the dwarf had in fact sent me, and things were far graver than he knew. So he handed over the items, saying he wanted "to be done with it".

I told him that I knew someone who might be able to remove the curse, and if so that we'd come back to try and help him with it...  for a price, of course. I think overall, it went remarkably well. I hope the dwarf isn't too upset that we didn't kill the giant, though. Otherwise, he might welsh on our agreement as he did with the giant..." she bites her lip in consternation as she says the last.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 08, 2013, 12:01:17 PM
"... And who is the one capable of removing curses?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 08, 2013, 01:44:06 PM
"Well, I don't know... I hoped one of you could..." she looks around. "Maybe Bjartr? You're a priest of Odin, right?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 08, 2013, 05:19:07 PM
"I am," Bjartr replies.  "But I would have to wait until tomorrow to try and remove it.  The dwarf seemed to imply we shouldn't dally."  After another moment's thought he adds, "Did the giant tell you how we are to get home?  Or will we have to trust that the dwarf will do so?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 08, 2013, 05:59:47 PM
"The giant did not... and given his sour mood at the time, I didn't want to press him on it. I'm hoping the dwarf will. If not, we can try to make a deal with the giant, perhaps on trying to remove his curse."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 10, 2013, 12:42:09 AM
"Well, in case the need arises to return to the giants for counsel, we best make our way quickly back to the dwarf's home, and finish this business," Bjartr says.  He strides forward, grasping his spear as a walking staff, letting the flickering flame of his magical torch light the way through the winding stone passages.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on December 10, 2013, 02:29:09 AM
As they began their trip back, Thorgrim said to Einar. "This doesn't sit right with me. The dwarf gives us a place to sleep and asks us to take care of a thief. And here we are betraying his not only our agreement but his hospitality. It wouldn't surprise me if we end up having to find our own way out of here as consequence for our actions."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on December 10, 2013, 09:34:18 AM
"If the dwarf went against his agreement with the giant then it is possible he would have done so to us as well.  Either way, if we get out of this alive we might make it out of here with powerful allies or at least no enemies."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 10, 2013, 09:41:57 AM
Skulda smiles at Einar but says nothing. She thinks to herself He might be good for a thing or two beyond swinging a sword... unlike his overgrown friend who seems to think only with his muscles.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 10, 2013, 11:48:06 AM
Agni jumps in the conversation.

"As long as the dwarf doesn't try to use the girl against us, let him try whatever he can do at us. We are not in the wrong here. We got the dwarf's stolen merchandise without killing the giant. Perhaps we could avoid telling him anything related to the giant... As long as he doesn't ask about it, at least."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 10, 2013, 04:51:17 PM
You wander back through the caverns and tunnels, and an hour later, you find yourselves in the large cavern, at the base of the stairs to the dwarf's workshop.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 10, 2013, 05:04:01 PM
Agni moves to the door, knocks on it and says in Dwarven.

"Litr, we are back. We have your things with us."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 11, 2013, 02:46:01 PM
"Ah, so you succeeded!" you hear in Dwarven from inside the workshop.  You hear the bar on the door being lifted, and the door opens, Litr stepping aside with the door to usher you all into the front room.  As you enter the room, his eyes follow the sack greedily, barely containing himself waiting for the return of his items.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 11, 2013, 02:53:18 PM
"I don't guess you speak Rashemi?" Skulda says in Rashemi. "Or Halruuan?" she continues in Halruuan.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 11, 2013, 03:22:09 PM
Litr stands expectantly, waiting for Agni to interpret Skulda's questions.  Once he hears it in Dwarven, he answers "No, no. Only the languages of the dwarves and the gods."  He is still eying the sack, a little impatiently.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 11, 2013, 03:31:39 PM
A little worried at having to go through a translater, Skulda resigns herself that there are no better options and says "Yes, we've brought your things back." As she speaks, she sits on the floor and begins pulling out the things from the sack and placing them on her lap. "So, if you don't mind, we'd like to hear how to get back home now."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 11, 2013, 04:13:30 PM
Litr's greedy stare would be considered inappropriate, given where it was looking, were it not so obvious that his stare was at the items in Skulda's lap.  "And the thief?  He's been dealt with?  He's dead?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 11, 2013, 04:21:04 PM
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In elven she says the equivalent of "Oh bloody hell" then continues in Rashemi with "He won't be bothering you anymore."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on December 11, 2013, 11:03:38 PM
Unable to help (or harm) the situation, Thorgrim remains silent. He motions for the girl to join them.  He would keep her safe in case a civilized disagreement broke out.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 12, 2013, 11:29:51 AM
"Good, good," Litr says as he moves forward to collect his belongings.  "The passageway will open tonight at dusk."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 12, 2013, 11:31:44 AM
Skulda stifles her sigh of relief and says "Great. So does this passageway open every day? Or is there something special about yesterday and today?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 12, 2013, 12:21:33 PM
Holding his hands out expectantly for his items, he flexes his fingers indicating to give them over.  As Skulda places the ring in his hand, he answers her last question.  "Full moon," he replies as he closes his fingers around the ring, and places it into a pouch on his belt.  He extends his left hand, silently asking for the next item.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 12, 2013, 12:29:36 PM
She continues handing him items, but decides to come clean with him about the giant. Now how to do it... Flattery generally helps...

"It seems you're quite the craftsman, Litr. Do you have many steady customers? Or do they generally just need one special item and then you never see them again?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 12, 2013, 12:35:36 PM
"I've had a few repeat customers," he replies through Agni's translating. "But mostly just a single item.  It isn't often an outsider finds his way to Nidavellir, and we dwarves can each fend for ourselves."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 12, 2013, 12:41:13 PM
"What about giants? Do you often sell to them?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 12, 2013, 01:53:00 PM
"Rock giants, occasionally.  Fensir are the most common, though."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 12, 2013, 04:50:36 PM
"But you don't speak giant, right? That must make things a bit difficult. Luckily for me, I speak giant.

I spoke with the giant who robbed you. He said he was probably a bit rash in taking your things, and I convinced him to give them back without a fight. I thought that might be best for everyone. Now you can still sell him things, and he can still buy from you, and no one had to die over a misunderstanding on price. Right?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on December 13, 2013, 01:45:46 PM
((crap I didn't take sense motive..  >:( ))

Well.. he is sorry for his actions. Giants are prone to emotional out bursts... They aren't so good with handling feelings ya know? He says with a smile. He wants no more trouble, and for things to return to the way they were before.

When you told us of the story originally, you said the item he paid you to make was so simple, any dwarf could make it a few days. Surely such a trinket isn't worth all this trouble...? The Giant obviously doesn't appreciate your fine craft, and thought that you were insulting him when the price was doubled.

Hymir lets his words sink in a moment before continuing. When we agreed to help, you had told us the Giant didn't hold to the agreed price. So naturally when we found out otherwise, we thought this was all a misunderstanding. Perhaps brought on by the lack of communication. No blood needed to be spilled. Now you still have the opportunity to gain business from the Giant, and he knows that you have the means to make him dead if he ever trys any nonsense again. He says with a reassuring smile to the Dwarf.

Quote from: dna1 on December 13, 2013, 01:36:15 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
diplomacy 1d20+8 : 19 + 8, total 27
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 13, 2013, 01:53:39 PM
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on December 13, 2013, 01:59:23 PM
Thorgrim casually sharpens his weapon during Hymir's speech.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 13, 2013, 08:05:48 PM
Litr glares at the lot of you, his eyes narrowing further as each of you speaks and reveals by your actions that you have turned against his wishes.  His hand climbs up toward the collar of his shirt, and he yanks a golden orb off a necklace, spurring Einar and Hymir to act.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on December 14, 2013, 11:31:08 AM
Einar distrusts this dwarf and his dwarven magic.  Seeing the dwarf act in such a blatantly aggressive way makes Einar respond in kind, and as he feels his combat lust rise to fill his thoughts and combine with his rage at being betrayed.

Einar quickly steps forward, drawing his sword as he does so, and swings at the dwarf with all of his might.


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 14, 2013, 02:57:21 PM
Einar's blade bites deeply into the dwarf's flesh, and he lets out a yell as blood starts seeping through his clothing.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: dna1 on December 16, 2013, 08:43:41 PM
Hmm... You've made a bad choice Litr! Hymir jumps back to a defensive position. Valtamr! Sick balls!! The Badger charges the little mans groin with a ferocity that shook the very ground!

Quote from: dna1 on December 16, 2013, 08:39:35 PM
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Valtamrs Charge 1d20+6 : 18 + 6, total 24
(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Claw Damage 1d4+4 : 2 + 4, total 6


(http://www.minmaxboards.com/Themes/Thing/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
BoneFiddle 3d6 : 2, 1, 6, total 9

((5ft step back, casting Bonefiddle (MIC pg, 38) on the dwarf. Fort save negates Damage. DC 15
Valtamr the badge charges his honeycomb :devil ))
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 17, 2013, 01:46:35 AM
The badger misses his mark, but still snags Litr's inner thigh, tearing a chunk of flesh out as Litr steps back from the assault.  Hymir's ghostly fiddle bow settles into the dwarf's flesh, then becomes misty and amorphous, powerless against the dwarf.  Its image re-solidifies as the dwarf backs away.

Litr snaps the golden bauble off his necklace and hurls it amongst those standing in the back of the room.  As it strikes the floor it erupts in a near-soundless wave of fire, washing over each of you with magical heat and flame, singeing hair and burning flesh.  Only Thorgrim and Bjartr's raven escape the blast unscathed.  Thank the gods; Moeid had taken position beside Thorgrim and was untouched by the flames.  Litr screams in frustration, seeing that you are all still standing.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 17, 2013, 07:23:53 AM
Agni pulls himself through the pain, casts his illusory magic into his guisarme and proceeds to attack Litr with his guisarme, channeling electricity magic through his weapon.

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Combat Stats
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 17, 2013, 09:20:53 AM
Litr's small frame and stature make him more difficult to hit, and Agni's attempt to trip the little dwarf swings wide, missing its mark entirely.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on December 17, 2013, 10:20:49 AM
Thorgrim shields the girl with his body, keeping her from the flames. He leans back while doing this, dodging a particular flame that came inches away from his beard. He was grateful that she was unharmed, but the rest of his companions were all fired up, and not in the sense that you would normally want to be. Not bothering to keep his cool himself, he let the adrenaline rush through him as he sought to end this dwarf before he caused any more harm to them or any more innocent giants or other monstrous abominations that sought fine overpriced Dwarven wares to improve their daily monstrous lives.

He drew power from his gauntlets as he swung low, hoping to overcome the barrel legs of the burly dwarf.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 17, 2013, 11:21:47 AM
Thorgrim's guisarme hooks the dwarf's leg, and with a strong jerk upward on the polearm's haft, Litr crashes to the ground.  "Damn humans," he groans in dwarven as he rolls aside, causing Thorgrim's follow-up blow to spark against the stone ground.

Cursing himself for not having healed Gierr more while out on their expedition, Bjartr decides to deal with the problem at hand, and hope the dwarf dies before he is able to act again.  He rubs his thumb over a magical rune carved into his spearhaft, and motions as if throwing at the dwarf.  A spear made of light-bending force bolts toward the dwarf, nicking his already bloodied form.  Barely noticing the results, Bjartr orders Geirr to seek, and points toward the open door to the back rooms.  The wolf limps off in that direction, only pausing momentarily with a curious cock to his head, as if challenging the order, before limping off to the back rooms, nose to the ground.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 17, 2013, 11:39:09 AM
Skulda mutters "Foolish dwarf" in elven, then says "Thane, kill!" pointing at the prone dwarf. The great cat then agilely leaps through the slashing weapons of their allies, and tears at the dwarf's skin.

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Skulda then shouts "FINISH HIM!" her voice magically invigorating her allies. (free attack for everyone)
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on December 17, 2013, 11:50:38 AM
Thorgrim feels embarrassed at having missed, but feeling new vigor flow through him he tries again.
"No time for 'small talk', little man. If you ain't Jutun, you ain't nuthin'!" he yells as he attacks.
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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 17, 2013, 12:25:35 PM
Litr coughs up blood as Thorgrim's blow strikes him in the neck. "May ruin follow you all your days," he angrily spits, flinging droplets of blood with each word.  He continues glaring at Thorgrim, grasping toward another object at his neck, even as Agni's blade descends.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 17, 2013, 03:01:04 PM
Agni attacks the dwarf while he is cursing Thorgrim.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 17, 2013, 03:49:11 PM
Litr's fate had not yet reached the end of its skein, for Agni's blow was turned aside by the armor worn under the dwarf's shirt.  The dwarf's hand searched through the ruddy pool slicking his chest, trying to grasp and pluck another sphere from the chain around his neck.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on December 18, 2013, 11:50:43 AM
"No more of your foul magic, Dwarf.  Your betrayals are at an end." Einar declares as his blade swings again.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 18, 2013, 12:31:23 PM
Einar's blade lops off a few of the dwarf's fingers as it cuts into his neck.  Litr's eyes turn glassy as his wounded hand stops searching for the item around his neck.  It doesn't take long for the fountaining spurt of blood to weaken to a mere dribble; a dark pool slowly spreads out from the treacherous dwarf's small body.

Bjartr's magical spear stabs at the corpse again for good measure before he thinks to dismiss it.  He calls Geirr back into the workshop, touches the wolf, and casts a healing spell on the both of them.  Their burns slowly begin to mend.  He starts to say something, but looking around at his companions, stops and approaches Agni, and heals the worst of his burns.  He then looks at Einar, says a word, and heals a small portion of the barbarian's burns as well.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on December 18, 2013, 12:44:29 PM
Einar nods in thanks to Bjatr, then speaks a word to activate his belt which in turn heals most of his remaining burns.  He then turns to Thorgrim.  "That almost sounded like a curse, hopefully I slew him before it took effect."

Turning next to the girl Einar asks, "Are you alright?"  He has seen what the sight of battle can do to those unused to it, even if they themselves never participated in the fighting.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 18, 2013, 01:13:15 PM
"Yes, I..." Moeid stutters, a wide-eyed look still painted on her face.  She looks around at the lot of you, most with singed clothing, then turns and abruptly vomits in the corner.  "Water, please," she coughs as she wipes her mouth with the back of her right hand, steadying herself against the wall with the other.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 18, 2013, 01:35:12 PM
"Here you go dear." Skulda says as she pulls out her water skin. She also pulls out a wand and begins patching up the remaining wounds on herself and her companions.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 18, 2013, 02:10:35 PM
"Yes... From the things the dwarf was saying, it was most likely some kind of curse directed at Thorgrim." Agni replies to Einar. "And thank you for the treatment. In case someone else needs some more healing, I can help."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 18, 2013, 02:51:19 PM
Moeid swishes some water in her mouth, then steps over and spits it out on Litr's body.  It splashes, darkening spots on the stone floor, and some clay jars on a shelf below the tidy workbench.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on December 19, 2013, 03:11:31 PM
Einar nods, then moves onto more practical matters.  "Well, the dwarf is dead.  Time to take what might be of use and make our way back to our own realm.  'We' also should probably let the giants know what transpired here."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 19, 2013, 03:58:37 PM
To Bjartr, Skulda says "So... do you think you could remove the curse on the giant?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 19, 2013, 04:45:34 PM
"What may be of use..." Bjartr says.  "I may be able to help there."  He pulls a small wooden plaque from his belt pouch and casts a spell.  He looks over the scene of the dwarf's body for a few moments, then points.  "His ring, the necklace... all five items* we retrieved for him from the giant..."  He turns his vision to the door for a few more seconds; "The axe."  He then turns his vision to the shelves, absently saying "Would anyone else like to check the other rooms?"

He continues to scan the shelves, absently answering Skulda's question. "I wouldn't even be able to try until the morning..."


*Leather Gloves, a Brown Sack, A Pearl, A Silver Ring, Mithril Chain Shirt
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 19, 2013, 04:53:10 PM
"Oh, OK... I don't think we can wait that long.

Yes, let's check the other rooms."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 19, 2013, 05:15:03 PM
The back two rooms seem to be a bedroom as well as a kitchen and sitting room.  The kitchen area has several large stone basins that contain salted meats and various dried mushrooms.  Looking about the rooms with Detect Magic, one item sticks out; a metal flask on a shelf in the kitchen, roughly the size of your hand.  There are also a few small mundane barrels stacked in the corner, the top one with a tap inserted into its side.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 19, 2013, 07:03:55 PM
"I bet the boys will like those." Skulda says with a chuckle, looking at the barrels. "Especially Hymir."  She pockets the flask, and walks back out with Bjartr. "There are what look like barrels of ale in there, if you are interested in lugging them out of here. I think we should pack up quickly and decide what to do with the rest of this stuff later, unless some of you want to use it now. I don't want to be stuck in these caves for another month."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 19, 2013, 08:06:39 PM
Bjartr indicates he also found the jar of ointment the dwarf had used on Moeid, as well as a feather, a small ceramic bead, and a small stone that has many reflective flecks throughout its surface, all magical.  "I agree, we should be on our way; it is hard to tell from here when dusk will occur."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 19, 2013, 09:48:14 PM
"While the ale would be good, I don't think we should stay here any longer. Take whatever small things we can carry and let's get ready to depart. Also, do you guys mind if I check the mithral shirt?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on December 20, 2013, 08:15:57 PM
You all collect your things and leave the dwarf's home, heading back the way you had originally come.  You pick your way across the cavern, and find the tunnel from which you had come.  A few hundred yards down the passage you find the remains of the tanarukk you had slain the night before, resting where you had left them.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on December 30, 2013, 04:57:14 PM
"Should we send a note to the giant telling him what happened, and apologizing for not lifting his curse? I can send it with the bird, so we don't have to risk missing our chance to return home."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on December 31, 2013, 06:34:11 PM
"I don't mind. Also, this should avoid we getting some giant's curse on us... If they are capable of such."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 01, 2014, 09:25:06 PM
Skulda laughs and says "You write the note, and I'll send it."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 02, 2014, 11:38:13 AM
Bjartr pulls out a strip of paper and his calligraphy set, and prepares to write the giant runes.  "Just tell him the dwarf is dead, and sorry we are unable to lift your curse, but we must leave this realm soon?"

After hearing any amendments to the note, Bjartr sets to work, and in a few minutes he is sanding the ink on the strip of paper, rolling it up and handing it to Skulda.  Then he looks past the tanarukk bodies, down the tunnel from whence you had all originally come.  "Does anyone have any idea how far we came once we crossed over?  How will we know how far to go to wait for the pathway to open?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 02, 2014, 06:11:57 PM
"I don't know how this stuff works... I could try to ask the spirits, though, if you think you need me to."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 07, 2014, 12:10:13 AM
"You would know better than I if the spirits can help us in this..." Bjartr says.  "I would have us just walk this length of the tunnel all day, until we found ourselves in the tanarukk cave," he continues. "But what would happen if it opened when we were too far, beyond its location?  Would the pathway open before us anyway, or would we be trapped, cut off?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on January 07, 2014, 09:47:50 AM
Einar is not happy with the thought of being trapped here, he does not like this place.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on January 07, 2014, 09:58:11 AM
"The last few tanarukk we fought came with us, so wherever this place becomes that place must be near there. We can trace our steps back if we're careful. And the corpses are likely still there. Corpses...have a scent. And there should be more near the cave entrance with the same type of scent. If the smell can travel from one side to the other..."

He removes from his pack a sandal that a tanarukk wore and lets Gierr sniff it. He looks to Bjartr. "Shall we?"

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 07, 2014, 10:05:43 AM
"Yes, I think it wasn't that far between the two groups of tanarukk before and after the... portal? So perhaps if we go stand where the bodies on this side are, we can see the portal when it opens. Or, as you said, smell it...

I could also send ravens down the corridor to constantly check for an opening, and once we find one, we could run for it. By using the raven, we needn't risk one of us getting trapped if the portal forms behind them. I won't be able to ask the spirits if I do this, though."

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 08, 2014, 11:55:54 AM
Seeing that Geirr is having trouble picking out a troll scent beyond the dead bodies in the cavern, Bjartr hefts his magical torch and bends down to inspect and find what he can.  He first goes over and looks at the foot of one of the dead tanarukks, inspecting the clawed toes.  He stands and walks down the tunnel with his shoulders stooped, looking at the ground.  He pauses occasionally, making sure not to lose the trail.  He holds up a hand to any who are following him, and continues on a bit further, moving his head as he searches.  After traveling another hundred feet or so he turns around and slowly makes his way back to where he had motioned for you to halt, all his attention on the floor.  When he gets back to where the party has halted, he pushes through the group, turns to face you, kneels down and places the four spread fingers of his left hand atop four faint scrapes on the stone.  "This is the last one."


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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 08, 2014, 02:32:48 PM
"So now I guess we wait... After the first raven delivers our message to the giant, I'll dismiss it and summon another one. Then I'll run it back and forth along the tunnel beyond this last track, and we'll see what happens."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 09, 2014, 11:02:31 AM
The raven flies through the tunnels, lighted by the glowing thread tied 'round the scroll.  Before long it reaches the rock giant's location and drops the scroll into the giant's outstretched hand.  He unties it and holds up the thread so that he may read the scroll's contents.  A smirk quickly touches the edges of his mouth, but then this gives way to a slight frown, and a slump of his shoulders.  He waives the raven off, dropping both scroll and glowing thread upon the ground.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 09, 2014, 11:32:45 AM
The raven waves a wing at the giant, and then dissipates into a pile of ash as Skulda cups her hands and a second raven flies out of them.  The new raven flies off down the tunnel towards where the doorway will soon be opening, and once its gone a couple hundred feet, it turns and flies back. It continues to do this until some difference is noted in the tunnel.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 15, 2014, 03:16:18 PM
After what feels like hours, and eleven light spells cast upon the raven's pebble, Skulda notices something different.  When the raven turns to return to where the party waits, it cannot see any glow of their torches down the length of the tunnel.  It flies toward where the party should be, and finds that the tunnel comes to a dead end of rough stone.

Skulda quickly dismisses the first raven and summons another.  A twelfth light spell upon a new pebble lights the raven's way as it darts forward from the woman's hand.  After a matter of a few dozen yards the bird's vision displays a bend in the tunnel, and then it breaks out into a cavern, and to Skulda's delight, she first sees one tanarukk corpse, and a bit further back are several more, lying motionless.  The smell of death isn't yet too strong, but Skulda feels the raven's urge to sample the day-old flesh.

At Skulda's urging, everyone hastens their way down the tunnel, soon finding themselves in the cave they had departed the night before; a cave filled with the first early stench of their handiwork.  The fires had burned out; without them the cave was chill, with a temperature in the fifties.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on January 15, 2014, 04:30:02 PM
"....That took a while. Hopefully nothing happened with the guys we left behind..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 15, 2014, 05:23:26 PM
"I'm sure they wrote us off for dead and moved on. Maybe we should take a few ears just to prove that we didn't run away in the night like cowards? I'm sure no one will believe our story..."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on January 15, 2014, 05:48:24 PM
"It is good to be out of there, it doesn't matter if others believe our story."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 15, 2014, 11:22:16 PM
"I wonder if there is anything worthwhile to eat, or even use..." Bjartr says after a loud rumble emanates from his belly.  He holds forth his magical torch and inspects the area around the closest ash pile, prodding at a burnt hunk of meat with his foot.  Turning away from that with a scowl, he starts to peek around corners, looking for anything useful.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 15, 2014, 11:52:52 PM
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"I'm sure not eating anything they were eating..." Skulda says, as she nervously glances at the young girl but quickly turns her eyes away to a blank spot on the wall.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 17, 2014, 01:38:18 AM
You can hear Bjartr and his wolf looking throughout the more forward parts of the cave, and after a few minutes they return, Bjartr with one of the tanarukk axes in hand.  "It is dusk, as the dwarf said it would be.  That being the case, I'd prefer to sleep with an earthen roof over my head, beside a roaring fire.  There's plenty of firewood in one of the other rooms," he says as he takes a log from the pile in the large back room, and sets to splitting it with the tanarukk axe.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 17, 2014, 06:22:10 AM
"I've had enough of these troll caves. I want to see the stars."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Risada on January 17, 2014, 07:04:24 PM
"While I agree with you, Skulda, I think we should sleep in the caves for now. If the corpses are a problem, us men could do something about them..."

Agni pauses for a second, then continues.

"Maybe you could check the sky while we look for a good place here?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 18, 2014, 07:21:31 AM
"Thank you, Agni." Then to the girl, she says "Want to come with me?"
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: skydragonknight on January 18, 2014, 07:56:57 AM
Thorgrim quickly checks over the tanarukk corpses for anything of fine worksmanship or possessing monetary value.

"Einar, do you still have your light? Maybe you should scout the caves to make sure we did not miss anything and that no foes lurk about. I'm going to check outside. I do not know if the caravan is still nearby, but if it is... they are still my current employer, and deserve a report."
He looks at Moeid. "Would you like to get some fresh air?"

He wondered if the tanarukk's meal had been the girl's kin? Well, in either case, she would be safer with the caravan. There are many things a girl her age could do for money. ....Like cook. Or clean.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 18, 2014, 10:21:42 AM
"Yes, please!" Moeid says in response.  She gathers herself and follows you outside.  The sun isn't too far below the southeastern horizon, and the forest looks brightly lit compared to the darkness you have endured for the last day.  There should be about 40 minutes of diminishing light left before dusk creeps too far beyond the horizon to be useful.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: Nanshork on January 18, 2014, 11:49:04 AM
Einar nods to Thorgrim and draws his sword, letting its light shine around him.  "I shall be happy to scout out the cave and ensure that it is free of trollkin."

He then proceeds to do so.
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: phaedrusxy on January 18, 2014, 01:49:54 PM
"Be careful, friend." Skulda says. "Let me send a bird with you, so we can see if you get into trouble."
Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 18, 2014, 01:53:44 PM
Einar's search takes a few minutes, and he finds no sign of other trolls hiding in any side tunnels.  In his quick scout around the only thing he finds of interest is a group of small shelf-like alcoves in one of the back rooms*.  In the top alcove is a tanaukk skull; in an alcove below that are some long bones laid one in front of the other for the depth of the alcove.  After clearing the rest of the cave and returning to examine the alcoves closer, Einar notices a few things of interest.  The skull and other bones seem to be damaged with pitting and etching.  To either end of the long bones are laid two smooth, polished sticks; the long bones are not jumbled in a pile, but rather seem to have been laid purposefully.  Across the back of the skull's alcove lies a stiff rolled-up piece of leather.

When the leather is unrolled, it becomes readily apparent that it is a crudely tanned hide skinned off a human's back.  There are red runes covering the hide, though they have faded somewhat with time.  They are in a language Einar does not understand.  Through the raven's eyes Skulda can see the leather scroll, and recognizes some of the words as being Giant, though they are interspersed with words she does not understand.

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Title: Re: Mythic Sagas: Prologue
Post by: ksbsnowowl on January 23, 2014, 10:09:21 PM
When a few minutes of study shows that no one is able to understand the phrases scattered amongst the Giant words, Bjartr offers to inspect the document in the morning, using insight granted from Odin.  You go about setting up a small camp for the evening, take turns resting and watching for trouble, and keep warm by the rekindled fire.  The long night passes slowly, but eventually the dawn shows itself as a smudge against the southeastern horizon, and you all slowly awaken, wondering how long it might take to catch up to the caravan.

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