The Curse of Calamus

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

As they walk down the hallway, the two dwarves follow the two humans. Each of the humans are carrying a weapon taken from the orcs. Hanker, driven by his hunger, eagerly looks into each room for some form of food. As the group turns a corner, Avidity notices that Hanker is no longer with the group. Without speaking up, he turns back in the direction they came from.

Looking in the last doorway, Avidity notices Hanker sneaking through a large room. Against the far wall, two orcs take turns using a cat-of-nine-tails whip on an elf. Orcs do not particularly care for the elvish race. Then again, dwarves are not so fond of elves either. Therefore, the two dwarves ignore the screams of pain coming from the far wall. Hanker had been driven by the steaming mutton left on a table. Avidity, though initially only in the room to get Hanker, notices another table with goods on it. The table is covered with gear and weapons that the orcs take from the prisoners. Also, all posessions not deemed important are scattered on the floor under the table.

While Hanker grabs the plate of hot mutton, Avidity puts on his helm and breastplate. Unfortunately, his mail is quite expensive and the orcs surely took it for the monitary value. Finally, Avidity grabs the short-sword which is his main weapon. Hanker, at this point, finds his way over to the other table and puts his small skull cap onto his head. Grabbing his favored weapon, Ohave, he balances the plate in his free left hand.

The two quiet dwarves scurry out of the room. Heading back toward the pair of humans, Avidity and Hanker share the plate of mutton. Gobbling up the sheep meat, the two dwarves reach a T-junction in the tunnel. Turning to Avidity, Hanker asks, "Where do you suppose the two of them went?"

Avidity merely states, "Down one of those tunnels. That I do suppose." Then, noticing some movement down the left-hand tunnel, Avidity continues, "That might be them now, in the shadows." The two dwarves hurry down the left tunnel into the shadows.

 

[Darklord]

Jurax

When the man named Barsomethingorother, handed him the sowrd the orc had carried he was pleased to see it was Gorefiend, his fathers fathers fathers trusty sword. As they walked past many cages, for Jurax followed the simple practice of following the obviously more intelligent person principle of survival, he sang quietly to the sword in pleasure, for his father had told him to keep the angry spirits who lived in it happy as much as possible. As they came to a T-junction, he watched as the old man chose a path.

Just then he noticed the two little mens were missing. Tapping Barsomebodyorwhatever, he said "Barri, Bars, Barsomethingorother, little mens be mis.. missn... gone. Wher... where be they?" and waited to hear the reply, all the while stroking the sword and humming a little tune...

 

[Quiet_Cool]

The dungeon

THe barbarian tapped him on the shoulder and he turned, looking the large man in the eye, waiting as he struggled with words again. THe large man pointed out that the two dwarves were missing. Looking around, Barriste wondered if he should be concerned. They were stronger at second glance than at first, but his intent had been to get out of here, not to tak eanyone with him, especially not someone unnecessary. The last things he'd intended was to go searching through an orc prison for two little dwarves who couldn't manage to follow well.
He thought for a moment, wondering if the situation should arise when he would need the two little people. In places like these, enarly anything could happen. Best be prepared. Besides, it appeared as if the majority of the orcs were elsewhere.
"Okay," he whispered. "We'll go back and see if we can find them. Stay close, and stop singing to that damn sword. SOmeone will hear you..."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

As the two dwarves start down the left tunnel, they notice that the two figures are talking quietly. Then, the two of them start toward the dwarves. Looking around, the dwarves realize that they cannot run away from this fight. Avidity unsheaths the short-sword and Hanker pulls Ohave from the strap on his back. The two figures come into the light.

"Good griefs," Hanker begins, "where did you two get two." The dwarves quickly shut their mouths when they see Bariste's expression. "Alright, chaps, let us continue on your quest." The dwarves replace their weapons and follow Barrist and the brute up the tunnel, toward the surface.


=====
Here's a picture of Ohave, the weapon:

 

[Darklord]

Jurax

He merely shrugged at the mans complaint about his singing and just kept humming. Seeing the two dwarves again didn't really register, all he knew is that the one man seemed to know the way out and so he followed him wherever he went.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

And out of the dungeon

They crept through the tunnels, barriste in the lead, often having to dodge aside into rooms and shadows to hide from orcs as they moved by. Weary that the others would return before they found the exit, he made a few hasty decisions, turning the wrong direction, not letting his memory come to him before moving forward, and often having to backtrack.
After an hour's trek, he began to lose hope when the dim light of the moon showed its face ahead. They hurried toward it.
Once outside, Barriste smiled brightly up at the night sky. He'd only been locked up a night and a day, but his heart leapt at its sight nevertheless. He was meant to die in battle he'd decided long ago, and a dungeon was far too confining a place for such a man.
So they'd lived, thus far, regardless of the Barbarian's singing.
But the night was creeping toward morning, and soon, the other orcs would return. No time to dilly-dally.
They stood at the base of a large mountain, though they were still almost one-hundred feet up. He looked up at the looming mass and wondered, could this be the witch's hide-out? He shook his head. No, far too near the mass of populations. She'd be hidden much better than these orcs could maintain, if any of them knew of her location at all. Orcs were too clumsy to keep such secrets.
He turned and looked in the opposite direction, seeing the trees spanning out before them, a fog hanging between them.
"Quickly, we must get to somewhere safe, to hide, then we'll dispense again with the pleasantries and the introductions." He pointed down toward the trees. "That's easily our best place, then I have to be off, to meet someone who hopefully hasn't lost hope in my arrival."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Daybreak at the house

Pennindar stretched and yawned as he awoke. He'd rested well last night, no dreams or visions had disturbed him. He stood, scanning his companions. They lay around him, sleeping soundly it seemed, but such sights could be decieving. All except Kyleen, who'd taken last watch and sat at the window, eyes watching out.
Beyond her, he could see sunlight. The night had gone without further incident, and waking to a new day made Pennindar wonder if perhaps things may work out after all.
He gathered his bag, ensuring that the items they'd recently recieved and his magic book were still in there. Talbot slept cozily on top of the book, the golden scale wrapped in his arms, the map over him like a blanket. He pulled the map from the bag, leaving Talbot to lay uncovered, and unfolded it, eyeing it carefully. He saw the X, marked in red, waiting above them, far to the north in the Unexplored Lands. Indeed, he thought, it will be a great journey, and a dangerous one. Their path would lead through the mountains to the north, then through great forrests and over wide rivers yet unforded. A long journey, but perhaps luck would be with them, or fate, whichever proved a more beneficial ally.
He scanned the path, seeing that just beyond the boundary of the Unexplored Lands, a small shape had been skecthed on the map, appearing to be the scale they'd found the night before. At different points, more shapes like these had been drawn and added.
He refolded the map, tucking it back into the bag, accidentally waking Talbot, who looked up groggily.
"Might as well, wake, Old Friend," Pennindar said. "We've got another day of travel ahead of us."

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard-And Then the Morning Comes

Aftre managing to get himself something to eat, he'd drifted off to sleep. With the coming of daylight, his eyes had slowly slid open, but he had closed them again, aware but not yet ready to begin his day. When he heard the old voice of what he assumed to be a wizard, his head slowly moved up, drinking in his surroundings.

He slowly got to his feet, yawning as he stretched his arms above his head. He strightened his hat, and tossed his braid of hair over his shoulder as he looked around. No point in covering his face, it was daylight, however dim it might be, he still stood out unless hidden in the shadows.

He wandered to the door, seeing that no one had bothered to listen to his much repeated advice, and simply pushed. As the peice of wood lacked hinges, it simply feel to the ground outside, raising a small cloud of dust. He stepped out onto the door, glancing around as if to see if the orcs had returned yet. Turning to look down the road, he began to walk, slowly. He had no need to rush, just as he had no need to stay where he was.

 

[Darklord]

Jurax

He merely nodded happily that he understood they were out of the caves and could now be thinking about doing other things. He merely said "Lead, me follow." to BarwhateverthatnameisIcantspellit. And now merely humming in a low singsong, he followed the dwarves and the man down the moutain.

 

[poohlive]

The axe came down with a sickening chop. Blood flew out from the impact, making a cirlce of red across the wild grass. The head of the deer lulled back, dropping to the floor.
He licked his lips, breakfast.
They had not eaten well the past day or so, he decided he should at least surprise them. As the sun broke from it's hold under the earth, the giant's fire crackled and sang in the morning wind. Within an hour the carcass was gutted, skinned, and slowly being roasted. The smell was intoxicating. It drifted past to anyone who was about or, already had been awake.
He was aware of this, which is why he waited for the sun before he cooked. In the day time, tcreatures were less likely to attack. Besides, any creature who wanted them dead already knew of their presence.
The meal was a minimal danger, but a well rewarding experience.
Most of it should be salted, so they could save it for the long trip ahead. After they had their fill, of course.
Watching the fat drip off, sizzling in the fire below, his stomache couldn't help but grumble.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Down the mountain

"Well, my name is Barriste," he announced, as they worked their way down toward the wooded area below. "I'm currently in service to the Wizard's Council. It seems there are some odd happenings currently in the North, that simply must be dealt with. I'm one of only a few who are currently working this situation toward an end. That's why I have been brought here. WHat of yourselves?"
THey'd reached the ground, and were now walking through trees that were scattered here and there but steadily becoming thicker. Soon, they'd be so close together, there'd be little passage between them at all. He wondered if, when they got there the barbarian and the fat little dwarf would even fit between them.
HE stopped, hearing distant footsteps.
"Quickly, hide," he whispered,moving toward a nearby growth of trees and brush, the others behind him. THey were hidden within just in time to see the orcs come into view, grumbling about some creature of the night and its odd threats, and something about a witch. He listened carefully. The witch? He wondered.
"It was Death," on muttered, "ANd I will not face it again."
"It was not. It fooled you," returned another, this one who'd stood and faced Richard alone for a moment before fleeing. "You're fools, all of you."
"You ran as well," another replied, and he scowled at this one, then fell silent.
They stopped before a flat surface of rock, then congregated, nearly fifty of them in all.
They waited however, standing there and mumbling amongst themselves, their words overlapping too much to be made out now. Then, fifty more came along, an with them they brought several elves, badly cut and beaten and bound in chains that looked far too heavy for their gentle bodies to carry.
Then one, the one which had stood alone against Richard, chanted words and the wall opened inot a passage, aloowing them entrance, and closed behind them.
Once the orcs were gone, Barriste turned to the others and whispered, "Perhaps we should be gone at once..."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Old hearts

He could smell the venison and cherished the smell. A hearty meal would do them well, give them energy for the day's travels ahead. Possibly add a little more vigor to their already unhappy disposition.
Pennindar grinned to himself, imagining the taste of the animal.
Th others were all waking, save the old man, who'd been through much the last few days, especially for an old, retired thief. He looked to the old man, wondering again what his name was. Cobbla had been his guess, but it seemed wrong to him now. Coppham? No, that wasn't it either.
He would ask him when he woke.
He turned and started outside, curious of where Richard had gone, when it came to him.
Copplen? Yes, that was it. He grinned again, turning to the old man, wanting to ensure that the name matched the look of the old soul.
Yes, it did...
He noticed it then. The old man's face seemed frozen in time, his expression still and blank, untelling of anything. His chest neither rose, nor fell.
Penindar's heart fell slightly, and he shook his head slowly. The elf's magic had cured his surface wounds, but old hearts bore too much burden. He knew that all too well.
"Come, Friends," he said. "Let us give our messenger the burial he deserves. He has served us and his kind well."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

And Richard was heading?

They watched as the giant slew the deer but made no move. Just sat back in the trees and waited. It seemed unlikely that a giant would have been involved, but they kept their eyes on him nonetheless, not letting him slip their guard should they be mistaken.
The attack had been one of surprise, the elves entirely off guard by the looks of it. Twenty-five of them, a hunting expedition, had been attacked and sixteen slaughtered, and the rest either killed and not yet found or taken prisoner. It didn't seem likely that a giant would have such use for captives, but the battle had taken place only a short distance from here, and these people in this house, were all they had discovered.
A few stayed behind to watch the giant, the rest moved back around the house toward the road, seeing the man in black exit the house, heading that way.
They waited as he came closer, then three of them stepped out from the growth of trees, bows already drawn, pointing them at the man, who was still almost thirty feet away, but well within their range.
"Halt," one announced, taking careful aim. "What is your purpose here? And how many are in your party?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He stopped moving when he heard the voice, standing still in the road. He slowly tilted his head back, the brim of his hat moving up and allowing him to look at those who addressed him. He stood still, looking them over for a minute. Then, he nodded, returning his gaze to the ground.

"Elves? My, my, my, whoever thought one would live to see the day when elves threatened travelers? Point your arrows where they have more use, for I doubt that I will attack you. Do I look like a warrior clad in mail who's only purpose is to fight? I should think not. My purpose is to continue traveling until I hit a town of considerable enough size as to pick up my trade again. As for the size of my party, I travel alone. Although, I did stay the night with another group: A giant, a dwarf, four humans-although one may be dead by now, and an elf."

He tilted his head back, looking them over. "Orcs are coming. Today. They will kill anyone in the area. I suggest you go to your homes, friends. If you want, I will take you to the others. But still, time passes, and I shall not stay until the orcs return."

 

[Darklord]

Jurax

When the wizard helping type person said his name was barris... or whatever it was, he grunted "Me Jurax, this (points to his sword) Gorefiend, me kill many things... people.. animals... objects..?? for.. for... *ummm whatsa thas word* gold! Me kill for gold! Me horde leaa.. boss, yeah boss do, reti.. retir.. ummm... he quit, and me be caughtum by orcs on way to 'nother horde" and he nodded happily at figuring out that much. Just then they watched the captured elves be taken underground. After Barriste spoke he said "Me 'gree, we leave"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Orcs?

The elves looked among themselves, considering what the man said, but didnot lower their bows.
"Perhaps you are not a threat to us," one returned, "But I believe you will be staying regardless. Take us to those inside. We have business to discuss."
With that, three more stepped into view, bows rising to point at Richard.
"And take us there with haste."

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

"Staying!? Are you crazy? Didn't you hear what I just said? I might have been able to trick the orcs last night, but by hell, they're going to be back! And when they are, thry're going to be pissed. Hills swarming with them as they run forward, overwhelming everyone and everything!"

He sighed, and turned around, walking back towards the house as he ranted. Showing that he was going to comply, but not liking it. "By the name of FireStorm, Lord of the Seven Hells, I will be gone when that time comes! So hurry up! I want to get out of here as soon as possible. And I'm sure you're not in the mood to die, either. And why do you still have those bows out? Are you afraid I'll complain you to death? And here I thought elves were civilized, I can see now that you're just as untrusting and bloodthirsty as every other species out there."

He stomped back to the house, angry with the entire situation. He stopped outside the house, standing on the door, and looked into the doorway. "Chroi, could you please come out here and explain why it is I'm being dragged around at arrow-point? Everybody, we've got the company of some very unhappy elves, could you come out and tell them about the orcs so we can leave before they come and kill us?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Held at arrowpoint

Pennindar hurried outside at Richard's call. WHen he got there, he saw six elves with bows drawn, poised to shoot the man down. Upon seeing him, one of them lowered its aim and his face melted into an expression of surprise.
"It is you," the elf said. "What happened last night?"
"It seems our Richard is quite resourceful. He's chased away the enemy, but it won't have much of a lasting effect," Pennindar replied. "What is the meaning of these bows?"
THe elf turned and waved the other five's weapons down, doing so with a light movement of one hand. THe bows were not only lowered, but the arrows replaced in their quivers.
"Last night, some of our own were brutally attacked while out hunting not far from Broolin. We heard rumor that you were headed this way, and that you were seeking the witch. Is this true?"
The old wizard nodded, gravely.
The elf stood for a moment in deep thought, then glanced over to the wooded area they'd stepped from. The smell of venison was thick on the air by then. From within the trees, yet another elf stepped forth, this one alone and unarmed. He raised one hand and nodded then disappeared again.
The elf turned to look to Richard alone. "I apologize for the treatment you've been subject to, but given the last night's events, caution was a necessity. I am Briomen, of Broolin, long-time friend of Pennindar the Wise and therefore, your humble friend as well, should you be his."
He looked back to Pennindar again. "i must insist you com with us, at least after you eat. Best not to let the meat go to waste, not with so fine as smell as the giant's preparation has aroused. When these orcs, who were no doubt responsible for the attack on ours, return, they will scour the countryside in search of you all, and not stop until every living thing that resembles you is destroyed. In Broolin, we can defend you, at least to some degree, and the orcs will be weary about entering elvin land. What say you?"

 

[The GrandMage]

.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He looked around as madness went on around him. The elves knew the old man? And they respected him? Well, at least the arrows were gone. He simply turned, and walked around the elves before once again starting on his way down the road. Dust swirled around him as he started to walk.

He feared no orcs. Let them search as they pleased, he would travel the nights, and avoid them as they came. For one person could more easilly evade things than two. He had learned that when he had first met an elf. The night before last when the nighthounds had attacked.

Elves were trouble. Especially one. He would not be draw deeper into a quest that was not his. He would move to the next city, and set up his trade. The witch was not his problem. They could make it his, but they did not.

And since they did not need his skills, and he felt that he would be looked down upon, then he would go. Sure, their were reasons to stay. But their were more reasons to avoid false hopes, and stay his course. A lonely, painful course, but one he was used to.

Besides, why risk his life for people who knew not even how to say 'thank you'? He risks his life to save them from fighting a battle they would die in, and all he gets is anger because he would kill a dwarf who would steal from them and leave them to rot? No, Richard would not. Not one kind word had ever been uttered, and they were far to quiet, to secretive about themselves. He didn't even know they're names!

And he was to risk his life for them? And if he does, he is treated as if it is his job? No, it was not his job to risk his life for strangers. No matter how worthy their cause, they were strangers and fools who would use him. "I will not be used."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

When Richard calls, I wake suddenly and crawl to a window. Peering out, I watch as six elves speak with Pennindar and Richard. I also smell venison cooking in the area. Strangely, after the elves lower their weapons, Richard starts to walk down the road.

Slightly irritated from the harsh wakening, I decide that I must talk to Richard immediately. I go through the doorway and gallop down the road after Richard. As with anytime a dwarf decides to run, people stare at the ridiculous image of a bobbing four-foot man nearly tripping over himself with each bound of a step.

"Richard! Richard!" my puffing breath nearly failing as I reach the man. "Arrr..." I try to regain my breath. "Wie isit ya are runnin aff? Now Iy mae bee a hard dwarf ta undrastrand at tines. An, peraps, Iy cahn bee a beet to qwik to use tha only livahood tha Iy eva knowed, buh I don't wan ta drife ya away." ("Arrr. Why is it that you are running off? Now I may be a hard dwarf to understand at times. And, perhaps I can be a bit too quick to use the only livelihood that I ever knew; but, I don't want to drive you away.")

I look Richard in his intense eyes. Unable to hold that stare, I gaze back at the house and then down the road. Mostly, I see nothing; but, on the horizon, I note four specks moving toward us. I look up at Richard's eyes again, "As Uwef, son a Uwag, Iy ask ya ta stay wit us." and I hold out my hand, expectantly.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

After Barriste introduces himself, the group hides in the thick foilage. As soon as the orcs pass on the nearby road, Bariste leads his companions onto the road, in the opposite direction. The two dwarves, happy to be in the daylight, are more than pleased that their leader has chosen a road for them to walk on. The early morning sun rises to a position above the trees and Hanker starts chanting a song about bacon, eggs, and pancakes for two. Though their host seems less than thrilled, Avidity joins in for the final verse about hotcakes, and donuts, and orange juice, too.

"Oh, yes, Bariste," Hanker exclaims suddenly, "you introduced yourself. We should do the same. This good dwarf is my cousin Avidity. And ..."

Avidity cuts Hanker off, "And, this, my dear friend, is Hanker, the hungry dwarf under Mer's sky."

Before the dwarves can concentrate too hard on formality, they begin to chant again:

Bacon, eggs, and pancakes for two.
Mornings are so much better with you.
My tummy is hungry and you look delish.
For my pancake can you pass me the relish.

What do you mean when you say to diet.
If you're talking 'bout food, you'll start a riot.
We are hungy and we want nothing new:
Bacon, eggs, and pancakes for two.

If you think those small snacks will do,
Pour me some coffee and heat the fondue.
Bacon, eggs, and now the fondue:
Hotcakes, and donuts, and orange juice, too.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He stopped, looking down at the dwarf. He frowned at his words, but understood them easilly. As son of a scribe, he had studied many different dialects and misspelling. Illirerate people trying to write records, people dying and losing lucidity. Often, his father had read them alloud, forcing him to transcribe them by sound alone.

He sighed, and took the dwarf's hand, giving it a small shake before letting go. "Uwef, son of Uwag, you do not drive me away. I refuse to be used. I am not wise, but I am intelligent. I know when I am being used. Uwef, I will not risk my life for strangers who will then turn their backs with a 'So?'. My entire life is based on survival. I will not risk my life for fools and strangers without gratitude. Besides, I,....I don't want to stay around,....elves. It's just,....something. Nevermind. Go Uwef, as the day grows long, the orcs grow near. I will live as I see fit. They want not my skills, by the looks of it, then they shall get them not."

He turned, and steeled himself before walking along the road. Dust swirled around him as he swallowed, wondering what he was getting himself into.

 

[poohlive]

Sebulba tore at the flesh, ripping apart a nice piece of meat for breakfast. His stomach complained once more, but it couldn't be helpd. Others must eat first.
The closest ones to him were the dwarf and human. They both looked famished enough, with a small stick scewering the piece of meat, he went over and handed them both breakfast.
Not letting himself bother with pleasentries or compliments, he went back, continuing on with the cooking. There was nothing to continue with though.
Although, now it seemed a bit scarce. Elves had arrived, more than just had shown up at the door. They might not have as much salted meat as he had hoped.
That meant roots. Dinner with nothing more than roots. He made a sickening face. Nothing diheartened a giant more than lack of meat at a meal time. Meals should consist nothing of meat. That's why the wrod meat and meal were so closely related. Can't have a meal without meat.
Tearing away most of a slab, he brought it up to the house. With a plop it landed on the table, ready for anyone who was hungry.
Sebulba left outside with the remaining carcass, sneaking little slenders of meat here and there. The rest would have to continue being cooked.
Not to mention tasted to see if it's ready.
He dug into a thigh... letting the juice run down his chin. Nope, it'll need more time.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

"Myster Richard!" I shout into the dust wall. Hoping he can hear me, I continue, "Eef Iy can stan some elfs, anyone can. Iy think we do need ya an I do thank ya. Besides, ya don wanta leave without breakfest. Iy smelt an animle burnin an Iy thing its fer us."