The return to Anathars Dell

[Eir - kenneth]

The sun had begun to set painting the sky in an array of pink, orange and yellow as the scattered silver-hue-clouds began to dance around the color. The sky opposite of the sunset seemed to drain of all color and the pale glow of the moon was beginning to show. 

Eir drove the cart into Anathars Dell, the pathways lit up with torches, as people were heading to Anathar's hall for Kharva's fine ale. Eir pulled on the reigns slowing the muscle strained horses, and in an instant Ragnivald stood, dove over the edge, and disappeared into the crowd of townsfolk walking along the road. The carts wooden wheels continued to lurch forward, us paying little heed to Ragnivald. As we approached the mines the spring air began to chill with the sun completely set behind hills. 

"Whoa, Whoa," Eir shouted while pulling up on the reigns. The cart shuddered to a stop outside the entrance to our mines. Eir quickly climbed down and turned to the nearest soldier, "What is your name? (Get name) Take this cart to the stable, and bed these horses. Get them food and water and 5 gold will be yours. See me when its complete to get paid."

Not accepting any answer, Eir moves forward and into the mine. The minute we hit the threshold of the mine, a wave of sulfur, iron, fire, and sweat washed over my nasal passage. We were home.

We walked into the mines, fish against the flow, as soldiers and miners were heading home or more likely out for a drink. About 20 minutes of walking, and a little pushing, we made our way towards Aldon Brightblades home. A veteran soldier stood watch outside his home, "Lady Eir, your father isn't home, he is in the War room." With a wink, Eir passed him by altering her course down another hall, "Thank you." The path was littered with soldiers on guard, or huddled around make shift tables drinking ale. As we walked by everyone either tipped their head in appreciation or turned to murmur to someone near to them, probably boasting of our glorious conquests. Several 100 meters of finely dwarven-carved tunnel and we were at the entrance to the War Room. The large doors, opened as guards on either side announced our arrival.

"Excuse me my Lord, but Lady Eir and the amazing delvers are here." 

As we entered the War Room Eirs'' sultry voice filled the room, "Father, we are home and I have much to tell you!"  

A stout dwarf, with his hair a mass of golden unkempt braids clasped by stone rings with carved runes stood next to Aldon. The Captain of Brightblade Militia Gideon was constant pillar of strength and loyalty, as well as a trusted confidant to Aldon. 

Gideon's voice bellowed, "They have returned sire, let us put this planning off and her the news of what they find." "Well said Gideon," laughed Aldon, "Come over, and tell us what you found."

Eir began her recount of the facts, "Father we entered the mountains to the west, with Benton and found the trail we were looking for. Duegar had encountered Orcs, which we thought we could capture to gather information. Our ambush didn't go as planned, and wave after wave of Orc soldiers poured from their encampment to kill us. Well with some tactical positioning and bravery from Dorn, we were able to keep from being overrun. The only problem with our plan revolved around the realization, that blood thirsty Orcs are impossible to knock out. So to stay alive we kept killing the Orcs. With their numbers dwindling and some fleeing I pounced on the remaining soldier pinning him to the ground before he could retreat. After several hours with Ragnivald, we were able to gain a little information. We left the camp and were on our way east when the Gods would intervene and place us near the same duegar we were after. Benton and Ragnivald went out to scout their camp and returned in the morning. They gathered us up and we quickly pursued them to find a Cave. We set a trap and slaughtered 4 soldiers, and began to battle the Duegar Leader, the one who is setting up the summoning of evil to wipe us out. The coward disappeared, but again the Gods would intervene, and the sorry Duegar appeared near Benton. With a few shouts we caught up to Benton outside the cave,  to learn he had become invisible. Benton directed us to where we saw him last and I then spoke in the tongue of the tigers protecting Anathars Dell, directing Raksha to track the duegar by scent. Running on his heels, we bounded over hills, and strut through valleys in our pursuit. Several miles passed, and the scent stayed fresh. We continued south along the trail, when Ragnivald began to pass us by, as if he was a sprinting horse. He quickly vanished from site. This is when out adventure nearly took a turn for the worse." Taking a breath, Eir grabs a mug from the table and pours herself a drink, chugs it, and continues. "Ahh, good ale. Well let me continue. Hamorgrim, and I followed closely behind Raksha who was still tracking away. What felt like an eternity passed, and our greatest fear was realized. Ragnivald lay in a heap of bloody mess, The Duegar lord stood over him. Without hesitation, a bolt was loosed from the crossbow of Hamorgrim, striking the evil lord, with a snarl, he began to flee again. I ran to stabilize the bloody mass, not checking to see if any life energy remained, while simultaneously Raksha ran in for the attack. Wasted strike after wasted strike, until the dark scum stopped to swing his ax, chopping Raksha across the chest. Though Raksha was fodder, it worked to slow him for an instant. I sent an angelic Eagle to pursue while I tended to Terr, and Raksha. I am unsure of what occurred next but Kaylesh, his beast Glog-ok-nok, Benton, and Hamorgrim pursued the coward. I was able to cure Raksha, and sure as the horn on my Goddess's head, the crazy Ragnivald clung to life. He was covered with Runes, carved into his flesh, used for Necromancy and summoning of undead. I poured as much life force as I could muster and his, newly acquired, scars where healed. He was up and back into the fray before the Duegar escaped. I know that several more must have ridden into the area, because they fled on horse. Kaylesh, can you speak to how many there were on how they got away?"

[Kaylesh (Ron)]

Kaylesh wrinkled his brow and took a deep breath. "There were three Zhenterim riders, one was a dwarf." He scowled for a moment then continued. "One of their horses were cut down, but all three escaped, taking the dark priest with them and any orbs he may have had."

He crossed his hands roughly and growled, "but that bastard priest is no longer a problem for us." As his face softened slightly, his gaze drifted away while recalling their last fight. "Glog-ok-nok beat him until his head meat was falling out. There was no life left in his body as he was pulled to the back of one of the horses. It will only be by the favor of that whore goddess that the dark dwarves pray to if he is alive." He spat on the floor in contempt.

"But the dark dwarves are clearly working with the Zhenterim in some way, and I do not fully trust the Freedom Riders either. It was too much coincidence that the riders rode to the exact village where Benton was waiting. Yet with four halfling scouts in the village they saw nothing of the riders?"

"If the priests of Moradin cannot direct us further, we may be forced to sit and wait for the dark dwarves to move against us."

With a huff he flopped into the nearest chair and crossed his arms again.

[DM (Matt)]

Aldon looks around at the delvers; dirty, bloody, and worn out.

"Eir, thank you fer yer most detailed report.  I'm glad to see you all still in the fight!  If their leader has been destroyed, then maybe they are no more threat to the clan.  By Moradins beard I hope that's the truth!  But we must still keep vigilant.  So you say they they have another of the Orbs?  And they're working with the Zhentarim.  This looks bleak indeed...  Lord Morn will be wanting to know of that.  Gideon, send message to him.  Delvers, get some rest.  You've earned it.  I'll go speak with High Priest Balmug.  Maybe Moradin can help the old man see into the Duergar plots.  Meet me back here at noon tomorrow, we will discuss plans further.

OOC:  Is there anything specific any of you wish to do this evening before the noon meeting?

[Jacob Armour]

Dorn grew tired of waiting any longer. He waited patiently for Eir and Kaylish to finish. Dorn slams his fist into the table and let's out a growl. " I won't wait around and just wait while our enemies brings death to our doorstep. I will go into the mines alone and search out our enemies alone if that's what I have to do. We took the leader out and he's ran from us on more then one occasion! I'm not afraid of that lot not one bit!" Dorn sits back in his chair, crosses his arms and gives out a sigh like a kid would after giving a tantrum. 

Jake

[Matt Nickolette]

"I like yer spirit Dorn!" Aldon claims proudly. "That's the spirit of
yer Dwarven ancestors pumping through yer blood! I hate just as much
as yerself, all this waiting around. But where would ya have me rally
the troops? We don't know where the enemies hold is 'relse we'd be
there now! The men are in the mines ever watchful if ye wish to join
them. But yer no good to me exhausted. There's more fighting to be
done! We wont be done til all the Duergar skulls be under our boots!
We don't forgive those who kill our kin! But right now we need
guidance. Perhaps Balmug will know what ta do. Unless there is
something else you know that I dont?"

[Zack Dobson]

As the party returns to Anathars Dell, Ragnivald will address them, "I must go see my father." With that he will head off purposefully.  

[Jacob Armour]

Dorn slams his fist to the table and stands. he let's out a snarl and replies. " perhaps our brothers from the other clans know what is going on. If you would just let us try and reunite with them. Perhaps send out word and see if they are having the same issues. If you weren't as stoving as your daughter we could have taken back tethymar. I will do as you ask for now. A soon as you hear word let us know. I can't stay cooped up for long or ill be pullin out me own beard."

Jake

[DM (Matt)]

Aldon stands up fuming.  "Tethyamar!  Tethyamar!  You speak as if we have not bled for that home!  So many Dwarves have fallen seeking that dream!  Its been 268 years since the Dwarves of the Dalelands have called its halls home.  Not even 10 years ago we fought for it again and lost.  Hamogrim, you know well of this!  When we lost Tethyamar those centuries ago the clans split.  The Deepdiggers, the Doubleaxes, The Steellinks, the Truehammers, and the Iron House.  They all left the Dalelands.  The Iron House held right to the throne and even they left!  Only the Greatanvil, the Oreseaker, the Timekeeper, the Vanguard, and we the Brightblades stayed.  We dont even know where the Timekeeper and Vanguard clans are!  Tethyamar is a dream!  Protecting our home is the reality!  We must focus on keeping our brothers and sisters here in Anathars Dell alive!  We have lost too many men already!  Do ye have reason to believe that the other clans are in Danger?  Has the enemy given you any reason to believe that!?  Have they!?  All I can do is try to protect the home we live in today.  That's the promise we made to Randal Morn, the promise we made to Anathar himself, and the promise we made to our kin.  Our peoples lives have been threatened!  Our kin here!  We will be fighting in our mines! In our Halls!  In our Homes!  We will hold these Duergar back!  We will not fall to this threat!"  Aldon lowers his eyes, speaking softly.  "I need you all with me.  I need you here.  I need you fighting for Brightblade blood!  Keep the glory of Tethyamar in yer hearts.  One day we may well live in the wonder of those halls and mine its riches, but it is not this day.  This day we fight for our own halls.  For the lands we call home and for the families above that rely on our defense.  We fight for not on the Brightblades, but for the Snowgolds, the Winterwoods, the Talops and Blacklocks and all the families who call Anathars dell home.  We must prepare our mines for their defense!  Our best chance of that is to listen to the wisdom of High Priest Balmug and to Moradins call!  The All Father will guide his sons true!  Can I count on ye?  Are ye with me?"... Aldon raises his head, eyes burning with silvery blue light, knuckles white on the haft of him mighty waraxe.  "Will ye follow me and fight for yer kin!?  Will ye fight with me for yer home!?"

[Jacob Armour]

After hearing all of what Aldon has to say, dorns eyes gleam with rage and excitement. Dorn unable to keep all his emotion bundles up, starts to rip in to the table with his spiked gauntlets laying blow after blow to the table. While going into a rage he yells, " I will protect my clan! I will fight to the very end! I will take back tethymar! I will follow you tell the ends of the world!" Dorn stands huffing and puffing still much hatred left in him but with nothing to take it out on stands glaring at the floor.

Jake

[Eir - kenneth]

"I am with you father, though our oaf is overzealous and destructive [Gesture to him smashing the table], Dorn is a good fighter. Though we all wish for a united dwarven kingdom and some of us understand protecting our home is the immediate threat, it would be wise to at least send out messengers to all the nearby clans to check on status, and see if they are having to deal with any Zhent or Duergar threats." Eir replied with conviction. Turning to face Gideon Eir continues, " Gideon, can you send word to Randall Morn, that Zhents grabbed the corpse of of the Duergar Cleric, and to see if any of his patrols came across them. Also one of the Zhentirum protecting the Duergar gave his name as Ghengus or Ghengar or something like that. Kaylesh do you remember what he said? He was the dwarf rider with them. Maybe his freedom riders know of this Zhentirum, and where to find him or at least where he frequents."

After this conversation ends , I head to home to change into a white blouse and leather skirt, grab gold. I will grab my hammer and head to Anathar's hall for Drink and maybe some food, and meet up with Ragnivald to relay any information. After 6 ales, I will head home to meet up with the others in the morning to speak to Balmug. 

During our break of action, I will want to to have the gold divided, and have Kaylesh, Ragnivald, Hamorgrim, and Dorn each purchase any remaining cure potions, hopefully 1-2 a piece. I will visit Zhari and Antilus Snowgold to pray and take care of tigers each day, and spend my evenings at Anathar's Hall eating, drinking and dancing, before retiring to home for a bath and bed.

Without my half-plate armor, and gear, I could be mistaken for a bar maiden to an outsider, though I do have my hammer strapped on. My clothes are clean, my hair is washed and two side burn braids neatly frame my face while the remaining hear flows from a pony tail. The same amount of cleavage bounces out of the white blouse, and a similar brown leather skirt hugs my hips extending to my knees.

[Kaylesh (Ron)]

Kaylesh shrugs and responds to Eir, "I must be truthful, I do not recall the name the dwarf was called. Glog-ok-nok and I were focused on killing the dark dwarf cleric."

He rubs his eyes and raises to leave. "I will count our plunder and we can use it to make repairs and purchase supplies." With that he returns to his room to count the gold and jewels from the chest in the cave.

[Matt Nickolette]

Gideon looks up at Eir, eyes cold as steel, his expression hard as
mountain. He nods to the lady dwarf then turns his gaze up towards
Aldon. The Great Fardelver strokes a calloused hand down his graying
beard and nods. Gideon grabs the Heavy Pick resting against the
table, he swings the massive weapon onto his shoulder with practiced
motions and leaves the room. Aldon reaches a hand down onto the table
grabbing the ornate helm made of a Red Dragons head. He slams the
helm on as he grabs his many notched Waraxe with the other hand. "Get
some rest, for tomorrow has much to be done. I'm off to check the
preparations in the mines. Dorn, ye owe me a table" he says grinning
as he heads toward the door. The two guards at the entrance door
stand at attention as Aldon heads their way.

[DM (Matt)]

OOC:  Does anyone wish to add anything at this point?  Or should we continue on to the next day?

Also the market is in town the following morning for anyone wishing to buy or sell.

[Jacob Armour]

Next day before dorn destroys something else. Dorn would say as Aldon left " you can take it out of me wages." Dorn would find ragnivald to tell him the news. Then if there is a place to practice fights dorn would go there. Or if there is like an underground fight club or something where I can make a few bucks I go there as well

Jake

[Kenneth]

Next morning.

Sent from my iPhone

[DM (Matt)]

OOC:  I did not have a chance to send out the RP emails last night.  So because of that we will RP what happens the following day in person at the start of the session.

[Zack Dobson]

OOC: Hey guys I am getting over a stomach flu I caught. I am down to game still but I am not so sure you would like to be introduced to this virus. If you are all cool with it then I can still make it.

[Ronald Bender]

I'm fine if you come.

---

From: Zack Dobson <notquit...@gmail.com>
To: PFdagge...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 12:52 PM
Subject: Re: The return to Anathars Dell

[Kenneth]

Im fine if you come

Sent from my iPhone