Dalin Varon
Dalin returns to camp in a frenzied run. A small dead rabbit dangles
in his hands.
"Fynvola, what happened?" Dalin can no longer speak, he drops his
head and breaths heavily from the dash.
Shiro Minamoto
" Iie,kinishinaide kudasai. Daijobu desu Zeptha - san," ( No, don't
worry. All is well with Zeptha-san ). I explain as I dismount. " Ogenki desu
ka? " (how is everyone)
I take notice that we have some newcomers to the party and look
questioningly at Tag as I greet everyone with a slight but weary bow.
Tag explains quickly, "This is Cathil DuAndath and Dalin Varon. They
were guards in our caravan and have joined us on hunting the Orcs. I hope
you left Zeptha in good care, and I welcome your timely arrival. We will
need as much help as we can get."
Tag then sets about getting everyone mounted, and you cross the gentle
flowing river. But just as he gains the other side, he is off his horse again
and knelt down examining the tracks closer to hand. "Maeg," he calls out.
"They are staying straight ahead to enter the Laughing Hollow. This is not
where the secret trail is, is it?"
Varn scowls, "Why would Orcs cut through here? They would never seek out
our ancient home in the quarry."
Maeg humphs and sliding carefully from his horse comes over to inspect
for himself. He mutters, "Nar. They blaze their own trail, and will have
a difficult time. The One True Path is a short distance to the east. But
they ride straight for the Quarry, Tag. We could concievably overtake them
and arrive there ahead of them."
"Or," Tag muses, "We split up. One group to ride the True Path, and the
other to follow their trail. They will blaze the way, and it should be easier
for any following them to head across the Hollows." Maeg nods in agreement,
and Tag continues, "Yes. Maeg take Darrin, Zantorax, this cleric of Lathander,
and Shiro, and what say you Dunz. Shall you go with them? Follow this trail.
Maeg will know when you are close to the Quarry. We will beat them there
and set up some traps, and together we will catch them in a crossfire. Come
Cathil, Dalin. Miss Quain please join us as well. We will ride the easier
path with Varn to guide us."
"Tag, Fynvola will come with..." Darrin begins hotly.
Tag interrupts him harshly, "She will accompany me, Darrin." Darrin's
lips quiver and he is about to protest, but Tag says swiftly, "Do you not
trust me. Her life before mine. I swear this to you, Darrin."
Fynvola
Fynvola will rest an arm on Darrin's arm to quiet him and speak quietly, "
It might be for the best, since we have been kind of distracted by being
with each other. Trust in me as you do in Tag and we'll be back together
before you know it." And will kiss him good-bye.
All Darrin can do is nod, and Tag gives him a quick hug, and then breaking
apart says, "I told you in Daggerford. Do not think with this." He points
a long finger at Darrin's chest right over the heart. "You follow the Orcs.
There will be more dead, and better she not see them. Aye?" Darrin nods
and Tag says, "Then we must go. What say you Warrior? If they turn aside
at all, follow them and send Maeg to find us. He will know about where we
are. By tomorrow's dinner time we should meet again."
Tag remounts and prepares to set off.
Dunz Kann
"I am a little uneasy at separating, but I assume doing this means not
engaging the orcs until together again and to be able to send word if they
veer away from the Quarry? If so, would it not be better to have a smaller
and lightly armored trailing force? Or is the danger of the Laughing Hollow
to great for a smaller weaker group?" (It would be easier on the horses,
particularly the ones carrying the heavier armored fighters, if most go the
easier way. The point is for the followers to be a recon group (Maeg,
Cathil, Dalin and Darrin?) that can move quickly, see at night well and
avoid fighting. The ambush group should have the fighters waiting with all
available missile weapons ready. Perhaps this group might get a little
extra rest which could not hurt for several reasons. )
Dalin Varon
"I agree with Dunz. Maeg, Cathil, Darrin, and myself should be a
recon group. We could set traps and keep a steady watch on the area.
The chances of the orcs ambushing us would be greatly diminished.
Tag says quickly, "Well, Dunz, I admit that is first what I considered. You
will make a good strategist, and we will need that to set traps and better
prepare to greet these marauders. Dalin, you and Cathill will go with Maeg
and Darrin, following the orcs however. Do not engage them until, you know
for sure they are walking into our traps. Timing will be crucial. You
must ride up behind them, not letting them suspect you are there, and yet
you must be close enough to take advantage when we engage from the front."
He turns suddenly to Zantorax, "I would ask you to accompany Darrin. He can
use your wisdom right now... friend." He turns then and leads his group
towards the east.
Maeg says, "Well. Let's be off. My axe swinging was getting rusty. Come
on, lad," he says passing Darrin. "Move out!" he cries. Darrin looks
to the east in the direction of the other group, but then finally hits
the trail after the Orcs, his head hung low.
Dunz
"Remember. Observe, but stay hidden. Or at least keep the horses hidden.
If the ambush happens, and it would be indeed fortunate to
successfully accomplish our goal at that time, it is likely we will just
hurt them (badly) before they withdraw (escape). I would rather have them
thinking it was just their bad luck to come upon our camp then knowing we
have horses and can pursue. It is better to 'let' them escape with no
apparent signs of pursuit to lower their guard for our next (and final)
engagement."
Until we meet...
Dalin Varon
"We will be careful. I'll make sure we do the best we can to observe
the orcs and set up the ambush."
Dalin grasps Dunz's arm in a strong handshake. "Until our paths cross
again my friend. Take care and good
travels."
Dalin turns his horse and nudges it on forward.
The Secret Path
Varn takes the lead, skirting the edge of the river running east.
She peers closely down, and then suddenly she is off her horse. "Been
a long time, Tag. But this should be our path. Lead us through
the Hollows and not up and down every hill in the land." Tag only
nods, and allowing her time to retake her seat, he then allows her
to take the lead.
You wonder that she can make any claim at all to this unmarked route
being a path at all. Even when the sun rises, the area your horses
stand on, look just like every foot of land around you. Gone are the
gentle rolling plains of green. Instead all around you are rugged
hills and valleys, with scraggly outcroppings of grass and small
plants. But you note that no plants lie in your way, and as you
head down the first hillside, Varn then turns and begins to lead
you down between the hills on either side of you.
A little later, you pass by another valley between two hills, and
looking down that direction, you see clinging vines which clog the
valley until halfway up the hillside. There is not one obstruction
along the route you have taken.
Tag rides at the back, silent as ever before.
Jeremiah
Following Tag and the other riders, brings a sense of security mixed with mild
alarm. There is a certain confidence one gains from riding along with warriors
in their armor, with their weapons and mounts presenting a burnished sheen to
the eye. That is until one stops to realize that this formidable force will
meet other equally dangerous forces, that one stops to wonder what a young
priest is doing here in the midst of this type of coming conflict. Trusting to
his instincts and checking his mace, Jeremiah follows the rest along the rugged
and hilly terrain.
Dunz Kann
Dropping back to speak with the drow... "Tag, I approve of your handling of
Darrin with respect to his emotional thinking in more than one area, but
sending Zantorax with the others seems contradictory. Unless there is
something you know (about the orcs march/Hollow) that I do not?" The
warrior continues without waiting for a reply. "If the recon group is
unlucky, he is the least likely to survive on his own, particularly on
foot, and we would probably stand little chance without him. It would be
the end of both groups. I was thinking that employing a sleep spell as part
of the ambush would allow us to survive on our own much longer in case the
others are late, as well as perhaps inflicting many kills while they are
disorganized. It would indeed be fortunate to succeed in our goal in one
engagement, but we only get to surprise 'em once."
Tag
"I have found that young Zantorax is quite disciplined, and together with
Maeg, they should be able to hold the hotheads in check until we are
prepared. I have certain spells that will be most useful in battle and
surprise, and I am sure, he will use his spells as best he may. Among
my spells, are the ability to put several to sleep, envelop an area
in deep fog, I can hold a door or portal open or shut, and many other
things as well."
>
Dunz Kann
> After any reply. "These hills and valleys and other cover would make ideal
> ambush sites... how does the Quarry area compare?"
Tag
"As to the Quarry, I have never been. Maeg and Varn both know the area
of these hills, and it is why I left one with each group. When we camp
for a few hours tonight, we shall have here enlighten us on the area
we are going to. For now, let her guide us down this path as the dwarves
call it."
Shiro
" Dozo sumimasen ga,Fynvola-sama. I wish spy upon these creatures you
call orcs. I scout ahead on foot. We no have such creatures in our land who
do such horrible things.
I be back shortly. " (please excuse me). I set a leisurely pace following
this trail while listening to the sounds around me.
Grotto's seem to fill your life, and as the sun begins to set, Varn
steps off the path, (still it is hard for some of you to consider this a
track. But she steps to the side, and darting behind some brush you see
an overhang of rock. It is not a cave.... just an open area, where the
a good sized part of the cliff hangs out for decent shelter from any wind
or rain. Varn grins upon seeing it and nodding to Tag, says, "We made good
time. We're less than eight hours from the quarry from here. If we leave
at sunup we can be there at one or two in the afternoon."
She looks up at the big warrior, Dunz after sliding off her horse...
"I heard your question. Come....all of you attend.... I will draw a map
in the dirt and tell you a little of where we go. Hopefully that clod, Maeg,
will do the same for the others. Here, missy," she grabs Fynvola's hand and
drags her to sit under the overhang. "You sit here with me, and rest now. No
singing tonight, okay?" she asks grinning up at the youngster. She points
a long finger at Shiro as he begins to take his leave, saying, "You..."
Tag shakes his head once, and says, "No....one of us should scout ahead.
I am weary and would hear of our destination. Please be careful, Shiro-san.
We look forward to your return." He bows deeply to Shiro and as the warrior
departs, this is what Maeg draws and says.....
Varn draws a crude map in the dirt of the Quarry.
--------------------------\ /-------------------
\ Y \
\ x \
/ x x /
\ x \
\ xx xx \ N
\ \ ^
/ /
/ x /
/ x x \
/ x \
/ x /
/ x /
/ x /
Z x x /
\ x x x \
\ x x x /
----------------------------------------------
Quarry of the Laughing Hollows
x= rocks y= intrance from SECRET Path z= entrance to dwarven stronghold
She says, off hand, "Of course, Maeg and I haven't been here for sixty to
seventy years, so these rocks are just guess work. They could be gone now and
new ones in their place.We will be entering from the North, while they
are coming in from the west somewhere near the entrance to our ancient home.
Maybe when we are successful in defeating these heathens, Maeg and I will
take you to see some of the wonders of this deserted stronghold. I know Maeg
always wanted to show Darrin. We haven't explored too much of it. But
there's always time for that.
"The Quarry, is just that. A place we used to mine minerals for sale to
the westerners, especially up to Waterdeep. We, I mean the dwarves, you are
all used to seeing. We, duerger, had no desire to toil and work. My dark
cousins were more intent on war not trade. Praise the Gods, Maeg and I have
put those desires aside. Though it will feel good to wield this axe again,"
she says, patting the axeblade where it sits at her side. "Now, if you have
any questions just ask. I suggest we will see more when we get there, and I
might be able to figure just about where they will appear when they hit the
quarry."
Fynvola
> Fynvola smiles a little sheepishly at Varn, but sits beside her with a
> softly spoken, "No singing tonight, nor even clarsach. I am bone weary and
> long for sleep."
>
> She then pays careful heed to Varn's description of the quarry.
>
> Dunz Kann
> "Varn, What is the scale for this map? Say you were standing in the middle
> > cluster of rocks, how much of this map could you see and how far in all
> > directions? Are these rocks large enough to hide a man from view?"
>
> Varn
> Varn shakes her head, and using her stick, points out..."In the middle,
> you could see all around you....the rocks are clusters of rock, and
> some could hide us well...the smallest one, myself and the lady here...
> the larger ones, yourself, quite easily. From the middle to an edge
> is roughly one hundred yards, I'd say."
>
> Dunz Kann
> > "Tag, I am thinking that perhaps we can use the rocks to lead their path
> > right into our ambush... we could hide the horses inside the entrance to
> > the dwarven stronghold and use it as a safe haven for the villagers,
> > possibly directing some there during the fight... I sure hope we get a
> > chance to scout them before they arrive here as knowing their traveling
> > formation and numbers would be useful."
>
> Tag
> Tag nods in agreement, and says, "Yes...once we arrive, you must make
> plans without knowing their numbers...but I or Shiro should be able
> to provide more information... before they enter the quarry.
> Varn...do you have no idea, why they head to your ancient home."
>
> Varn
> Varn looks up with a sharp glint to her greyshale eyes, "Mining labor.
> Perhaps they feel their is something there to find. There always
> relics of course...but none that Maeg and I could find when last
> we entered the Hold."
>
> Dunz Kann
> "Uh-oh." The warrior blurts out loud without realizing he spoke. He looks
> > up into the staring faces and says, "What if they already have friends in
> > the Hold? I would have secured it before blindly bringing laborers there,
> > not to mention it would make an ideal spot to rest and have fresh supplies
> > on hand. ... Varn, what can you tell us about the actual entrance (size?
> > defendability? what is just inside? hidden?)"
> >
> > "Tag, either way, it must be scouted before we enter the Quarry."
>
> Tag
> Tag looks up briskly and then glances over at Varn. He then ducks his
> head and mutters, "I am surely a fool. I felt something was wrong when I
> knew they came this way."
>
> Varn
> Varn quickly says, "I missed it to.... as did all of us. I can not
> stand for one of the old dwarven homes to be defiled, but setting
> aside my heart, I know if there are more there, we are too few.
>
> She turns and looks up at the warrior, "The entrance," she at first
> speaks haltingly, but then she breathes deep and focuses on
> the task at hand, "the entrance is only wide enough for one to pass through
> at a time. Ten steps in there are apertures on either side, where a dwarf,
> well in the old days, a dwarf would stand waiting to question all intruders.
> A quick shout is all that was needed to warn a small squad that were perhaps
> another 100 feet in a small dug out room designed as a waiting area, of
> impending danger. Runners would have been dispatched to warn the King
> and warriors, while the rest of the squad would have prepared suitable
> welcome for our ancient enemies. Nothing is hidden just inside, and an
> orc would not fit in the sentinal's spot, it was a small area, even
> some of the larger dwarves had problems securing themselves in secret."
>
> Tag
> Tag says, "Yes, we will scout carefully, but now we must be up well before
> dawn. If we must back down from this challenge, then we will have to
> stop the other group...."
>
> Dunz Kann
> "Tag, assume they are heading to the Quarry to link up with other orcs.
> Make a guess at where we would have to be to intercept them before they get
> there, but far enough no help for them from the Quarry. When would we have
> to leave? Would there be time to scout the Quarry to be sure first? If the
> other group is close enough by then, we could still attack together, or
> whether it is worth a hit and run attack to lessen their numbers and
> perhaps rescue some."
>
> "Varn, can horses make it through the Hold entrance? Can the Hold be
> blocked from the outside? Is there another entrance nearby that the orcs
> would find (from the inside)? Or, another we could use to get inside?"
>
> Varn
> "Ah, you see. There is the problem... I'm sure Tag was hoping to
> have the protection of some of these rocks, weren't you ?" she says
> looking up the elf. He nods and a heavy sigh escapes his lips.
> Varn continues with a nod, "No. No horses could make it through the
> entrance. Blocked, there is said to be a mechanism for drawing down
> a gate, but we never did find it. And there are said to be other
> hidden entrances, but we never found those either, and are definately
> not from in the quarry."
>
> Tag
> "As to scouting the situation... if we leave before dawn, that should
> give us the time we need, to plan or to move forward, even just a few
> miles should give us the distance we would need to be safe form
> anyone in the quarry, or to definately abort this mission. Hit and
> Run, is not what I had in mind, warrior. Though if it is the only
> remaining option... but how would we escape with freed hostages,
> and only these horses between us. For the Orcs, knowing that
> we know where they are headed, will come after us. They can
> not allow us to escape and live to tell the Rangers or the Outriders
> of Waterdeep where they are.
Shiro
" I greet Tag with a bow as I return to camp with a rare slight
mischievious smirk. " All well Tag-san. We not be bother by these little
creatures tonight honorable sir." I of course eat my rice cakes before
sitting down to meditate before my watch.
Dunz
"The first thing is to find out if there are other orcs already at the
quarry, and how many. I suspect it is so since we have only seen one set of
tracks to and from the village." After looking at Tag for his reaction,
"Perhaps, if not too many we take them out first, even if it means allowing
them to reach the quarry, then withdraw and regroup."
[Fynvola]
You know any spells?
Fynvola
When the conversation lags somewhat, the previously content to observe and
listen bard deftly gains her feet and quietly approaches Tag. "May I please
have your ear a moment, Mr. Tag?" she asks, her eyes wide, her voice hushed
and almost fearful.
Mr. Tag
Tag looks up sharply, but then takes a second before he nods. He stands up
and offers you his arm, saying, "Please. It is just Tag, Ms. Quain."
He leads her away from the camp...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tag to Fynvola
Tag and Fynvola walk quietly back to camp, and as Fynvola lays down to rest,
Shiro signals to Tag and with a small look of surprise, Tag then goes to
speak with him. Tag returns alone this time, however.
Tag says softly, not wishing to wake anyone that is actually asleep, "We
will see him sometime in the morning... he is scouting ahead. I did my
best to explain where the Quarry was located, Varn. He should have no
trouble finding it."
Varn nods in agreement, and then quickly rolls over to get some shut eye,
while Tag takes a seat away from the fire and after a long stretch, he
sits and hums to himself through the night.
Dunz
Before getting some sleep, the warrior says to Tag, "I fear sending
Zantorax with Darrin is going to backfire on us... Exactly how capable are
you in the spellcasting ability, particularly in area type spells?"
Tag
Tag says softly, "I can cast a wall of fog for an area roughly 60 cubic feet.
I can also cast a spell, that will cause several creatures to fall
into fits of trembling and shaking, causing them great fear. It's
distance is about seventy yards and will stop a great number of them
from advancing. They may even be scared enough to run... but may fight
if cornered.
I am hoping the two combined will have a great effect."
--
The Morning Comes Early
Before the sun is on the horizon, Tag awakens you, allows you one sip
of Varn's sludge, and you are off and hoping to catch up to Shiro soon.
You know that as the hours roll by underneath you, he is on the lookout
for some sign of Shiro, but at one time, he is heard to mutter, "Amazing.
Harder to follow than a Drow!" You are not sure if he is unhappy or delighted
about this fact.
It is close to noon, and Varn stops your progress, pointing up ahead. The
hillocks on either side of the hollow you are in, become sharper just a
quarter of a mile away, and narrow to where only one may ride through at a
time. In the calm and silence you hear nothing ahead of you.
Tag holds up his hand, slips from his horse, and with no sound you can
perceive is quickly moving up the hollow, using every bit of cover he
can, and even you have a hard time watching the path he takes.
He stops suddenly, drops down under cover and after a few seconds he
rises and beckons you forward, where you find Shiro waiting patiently
for you.
Jeremiah
The morning is a glorius time to rise and to travel and Jeremiah feels a growing
strength and confidence in the morning's light. Following the lead of Tag, he
measures the way the drow follows the terrain and scouts their trail forward.
The night's rest they obtained has refreshened and strengthened the cleric and
he ponders again how the party will fare in the upcoming battle. The plan to
ambush and use two groups against the orcs is a wise one it seems. If only
circumstances and the plans of the orcs will allow it to be used. With a prayer
for guidance and strength, the cleric rides along.
When the party rejoins Shiro, Jeremiah smiles and then bows politely to the
eastern warrior. With no words he takes his place behind the others and
prepares for the move forward, his sling in hand and his mace ready for use.
Shiro
" Takken bres duis magga cammara. " ( the traps are set about the
quarry) " konbanwa Tag-san. I mark traps with drow sign for danger. " I
point them out to him as well as the others.
Tag
"Perhaps Shiro will explain the traps to you", asks Tag softly.
"I suspect the Orcs left this Quarry, heading straight to Yronry
and will return along the same path. It is now two o'clock
if anyone else has any ideas, please suggest them.
Otherwise we will take positions and prepare ourselves to
attack when they arrive."
Shiro
" please forgive. I plant many pungi trap around the trail of enemy. I
also trap their tools so they cannot use. I advise not to go near entry
unless I lead or Tag-san lead. The trap are marked with sign for danger.
Tag-san will know. " I explain with Tag nearby. I then prepare my great bow
with leaf head arrows.
Tag looks back before he leaves, and says quickly, "Varn knows the sign as well.
When I return, I am sure they will be close behind, so set yourselves now, and
be prepared for any sudden changes." With that he bows and runs off up the
trail to scout out the orcs.
Varn looks to each of you and says, "Well, we should prepare as best as we are
able. I should think that the more Orcs pass between the walls of this canyon
the more will be crushed as they try to run over each other to escape. You
come with me, until Tag gets back," she grins looking at Fynvola. She hefts
a wicked looking battle axe and heads for the canyon wall... at map look for V.
As she walks, she calls out, "I can only suggest... but if you get in trouble
make for the underground entrance... remember... it can be well defended."
Fynvola is trembling, but stalwartly moves near Varn, drawing her short
sword. She will remain as near Varn as she can while remaining out of
harm's way of her weaponry.
Looking around at the careful preparations that Shiro has made for the group
brings to Jeremiah's mind, a vision of the coming battle. Picturing the orcs
charging through the area creates a thought and following that a plan. Securing
a place of some shelter, the young cleric reaches into his pack and removes his
flint and steel, some candles, some cloth and several flasks (5) of lamp oil.
Inserting a rag into each flask he lays the five flasks where he can reach them,
should an opportunity arise to light and cast them at the enemy. Cautiously, he
studies and plans how he might best support the work that Shiro has done in
setting traps to slow and injure the foe. Then tethering his horse in a secure
place, he gathers his weapons and his thoughts, and waits.
The sky begins to darken as the sun slowly begins to set West of you.
You begin to feel a thrumming in the ground, and you know the Orcs
are approaching. Suddenly Tag, slides into view, coming down the
embankment and skirting one of Shiro's traps with ease.
He hisses, "150, as I thought. The prisoners are near the middle
to rear of the pack. Your traps warrior are well placed against
them, and confusion and terror will take their toll as well.
There is no advance unit, they expect to find the Quarry empty
of life as they left it. Maeg, Cathil and Dalin are somewhere to
their rear, I did not spot them."
He gives a quick smile to Fynvola, "Ms. Quain, your friend and the
boy are practically above where you and Varn have stationed yourselves.
Good hunting to each of us. We have only fifteen minutes or so,
before you see the beginnings of the horde that approaches. Zantorax,
I believe will be casting a dense fog over this area as soon as they
are close to this trapped area. I wish I knew Maeg's plans, but..."
Varn snorts, "Soft hearted fool that he is, his plan will be to
use the confusion to release the poor folk that are held prisoner."
Her features are twisted with a disgusted look, but their's a glint
of pride in her eyes.
"I am affraid I have no skill with a bow or any missile weapon. This her short sword deftly> is my best defense."
Dunz
On the ground is no place to be even for a heavier armored player against
these numbers. You would be doing us a better service by
tossing/throwing/dropping rocks from the wall. (I'm throwing rocks too.)
Besides, if it doesn't turn out well below, the survivors must free the
captives. One more sword on the ground will not make a difference, but
breaking their will to fight is essential. (It is most likely going to be
unfair odds and only heavier armored fighters are likely to survive long
enough for their morale to break.) No matter the outcome of this fight,
even if in our favor, it is not likely the end of the orcs.
Varn steps up to the big warrior, and says, "And who's gonna protect her up
there, should those pigfaces run in our direction. Down here, she can
head for the cavern... Now leave us be, where we can take a good hack at 'em."
Varn takes up a position at the wall, well away from the trapped area and
takes Fyn with her, though she positions herself in front of Fyn, and tells
her in no uncertain terms, now to leave her side, unless Tag comes and gets
her for some reason...
After Tag says where, Zantorax and Darrin are supposed to be, the warrior
makes several attempts to get their attention, when suddenly Darrin
pops his head over the ledge. He then looks back behind him, and then
both he and Zantorax look over the edge.
Dunz yells up clearly once he sees Zantorax in sight,
> "Zan. Sleep them when they first charge downhill. It will trip, trample and
> break their 'coordinated' charge."
>
> "Jeremiah intends to cast two Entangles in front of us and then firebomb
> the area."
>
> "Good luck!"
"You, too, " Darrin yells. But his eyes are on Fynvola.
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