"You think this is pride? Hmm. Interesting."
Orrin stands quietly and waits to be lead away.
[Completed] Orrin's Tale - Finger of Doom/April 27, 1 VC
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
()==[:::::::::::::>
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Apart from keeping a close eye on things, he does not have a plan as of yet. He's still gathering intelligence.
()==[:::::::::::::>
Re: Orrin
April 29, 1 VC - 9:00am
Orrin is returned to his chambers by the gnoll guard, but on his return he notices a few more details about his surroundings than he did on his initial pass through the great hall and the corridor below. The area is in remarkably bad condition, considering how fine the stonework is and how well-preserved much of the construction appeared at first. Orrin notices that a large number of the detailed engravings on the walls have been badly defaced, with bits of crumbled stone left on the floor where they had been broken loose. Similarly, in the large hall where Orrin heard the scream on the first pass, a few discarded bones with dessicated flesh hanging off them lie in odd corners of the room amid small heaps of tattered cloth or other material, suggesting the bestial creatures have the run of at least these halls.
This is, of course, in marked contrast to Orrin's room itself, which is remarkably intact and comfortable. He can do nothing but shake sadly his head at the situation as he awaits what will come next. He eats when food is provided, and sleeps again.
Orrin recovers 3 more HP from rest.
In the morning, a thickly-muscled but short orc arrives girt in chainmail over which is belted the same white tabard as the other guards wear. The orc's square-jawed pig face is framed by two long black braids of hair hanging nearly to his belt, carefully woven with blood-red ribbons and pinned in place with small bones. Orrin notes with dismay that the orc bears his own magical shield, slung across his back, as he enters the chamber, one hand resting lightly on the pommel of a short, broad-bladed sword.
"Good morning," the orc begins, in heavily accented but articulate common. "The Master has canceled his meeting with you for the day. He became quite wrathful during the night and slew the remaining survivors of your party in his rage. He has ordered parts of their remains scattered on the slopes of the mountain to feed the birds that roost there, and recommends that you consider yourself lucky not to join them. He has not come because he wants to give you another chance. To serve him, rather than ending like others who have disappointed his expectations.
"Come with me."
The orc stands to one side and motions for Orrin to approach so he can unlock his chains.
Orrin is returned to his chambers by the gnoll guard, but on his return he notices a few more details about his surroundings than he did on his initial pass through the great hall and the corridor below. The area is in remarkably bad condition, considering how fine the stonework is and how well-preserved much of the construction appeared at first. Orrin notices that a large number of the detailed engravings on the walls have been badly defaced, with bits of crumbled stone left on the floor where they had been broken loose. Similarly, in the large hall where Orrin heard the scream on the first pass, a few discarded bones with dessicated flesh hanging off them lie in odd corners of the room amid small heaps of tattered cloth or other material, suggesting the bestial creatures have the run of at least these halls.
This is, of course, in marked contrast to Orrin's room itself, which is remarkably intact and comfortable. He can do nothing but shake sadly his head at the situation as he awaits what will come next. He eats when food is provided, and sleeps again.
Orrin recovers 3 more HP from rest.
In the morning, a thickly-muscled but short orc arrives girt in chainmail over which is belted the same white tabard as the other guards wear. The orc's square-jawed pig face is framed by two long black braids of hair hanging nearly to his belt, carefully woven with blood-red ribbons and pinned in place with small bones. Orrin notes with dismay that the orc bears his own magical shield, slung across his back, as he enters the chamber, one hand resting lightly on the pommel of a short, broad-bladed sword.
"Good morning," the orc begins, in heavily accented but articulate common. "The Master has canceled his meeting with you for the day. He became quite wrathful during the night and slew the remaining survivors of your party in his rage. He has ordered parts of their remains scattered on the slopes of the mountain to feed the birds that roost there, and recommends that you consider yourself lucky not to join them. He has not come because he wants to give you another chance. To serve him, rather than ending like others who have disappointed his expectations.
"Come with me."
The orc stands to one side and motions for Orrin to approach so he can unlock his chains.
Last edited by Keehnelf on Sun Jul 05, 2015 6:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Orrin chuckles ruefully as he motions towards the shield. "She's a pretty thing, isn't she? Shame about the curse."
He moves forwards, and extends his wrists to the Orc.
"Perhaps if I end up food for the beasts like the others, it'll be a better fate for this worn out body than enslaved. Take me where you will."
He moves forwards, and extends his wrists to the Orc.
"Perhaps if I end up food for the beasts like the others, it'll be a better fate for this worn out body than enslaved. Take me where you will."
()==[:::::::::::::>
Re: Orrin
April 29, 1 VC - 9:40am
The orc frowns slightly at the mention of a curse, but he does his work dutifully and saves his worry for another time. He unlocks the chains and motions for Orrin to precede him into the hall, where Orrin discovers that they are without escort.
"Proceed to the right," orders the orc curtly, and follows close on his heels, one hand on the pommel of his sword as he does so. The pair turn left at the first opportunity, down a hall that leads to a short flight of downward steps. Beyond this point, no torches or lanterns line the walls and the orc and dwarf are left to find their way via darkvision. The T-intersection at the bottom of the steps leads away to the left and right, and the orc prods Orrin to select the left path. Eventually the hall converges with another at a shallow angle and continues onward as what Orrin recognizes as a broad avenue that eventually becomes a long, steady descent on a grade of about 7 degrees. At the bottom of the slope, the passage opens out into a residential hall, a huge carved-out structure with vaulted ceiling and multiple-story residences clinging to the walls and built up from the floor of the chamber. A number of narrow but well-built arches span the crisscrossing avenues of this large hall above ground level, indicating a strong interconnected quality to the construction. This must once have been the main living area of the dwarves of the mountain--but now, apart from the distant echo of the pair's footfalls, it is quiet and dead.
"To the right. Along the wall, there is a small doorway with a mark like a hammer with leaves." Turning away from the hall, Orrin finds the door easily in the dark. The orc makes a small motion for him to wait, then approaches the stone door marked with the emblem of the Elf-Friend King. He pulls a small metal key from a pouch on his belt and reaches to unlock the door, but stops in mid-motion. "Wait," the orc says, before beginning another sentence in orcish that is cut short as the door flies open outward suddenly, bringing with it the stink of death and a chorus of eager panting breaths. The orc staggers backward, reaching for his sword, as a trio of ghouls rushes from the darkness.
Actions and Initiative!
The orc frowns slightly at the mention of a curse, but he does his work dutifully and saves his worry for another time. He unlocks the chains and motions for Orrin to precede him into the hall, where Orrin discovers that they are without escort.
"Proceed to the right," orders the orc curtly, and follows close on his heels, one hand on the pommel of his sword as he does so. The pair turn left at the first opportunity, down a hall that leads to a short flight of downward steps. Beyond this point, no torches or lanterns line the walls and the orc and dwarf are left to find their way via darkvision. The T-intersection at the bottom of the steps leads away to the left and right, and the orc prods Orrin to select the left path. Eventually the hall converges with another at a shallow angle and continues onward as what Orrin recognizes as a broad avenue that eventually becomes a long, steady descent on a grade of about 7 degrees. At the bottom of the slope, the passage opens out into a residential hall, a huge carved-out structure with vaulted ceiling and multiple-story residences clinging to the walls and built up from the floor of the chamber. A number of narrow but well-built arches span the crisscrossing avenues of this large hall above ground level, indicating a strong interconnected quality to the construction. This must once have been the main living area of the dwarves of the mountain--but now, apart from the distant echo of the pair's footfalls, it is quiet and dead.
"To the right. Along the wall, there is a small doorway with a mark like a hammer with leaves." Turning away from the hall, Orrin finds the door easily in the dark. The orc makes a small motion for him to wait, then approaches the stone door marked with the emblem of the Elf-Friend King. He pulls a small metal key from a pouch on his belt and reaches to unlock the door, but stops in mid-motion. "Wait," the orc says, before beginning another sentence in orcish that is cut short as the door flies open outward suddenly, bringing with it the stink of death and a chorus of eager panting breaths. The orc staggers backward, reaching for his sword, as a trio of ghouls rushes from the darkness.
Actions and Initiative!
Last edited by Keehnelf on Sun Jul 05, 2015 6:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Initiative: [1d6] = 3
Orrin whispers under his breath. "Forgive me."
He turns, and runs as fast as he can, pushing his body to the limit. He vainly hopes that the ghouls choose to feast on his Orc guard and not chase after him. He will run back in the direction they came, looking for any kind of choke point or doorway in the architecture that he can either barricade himself behind or make a last stand against hopefully better numbers.
Orrin whispers under his breath. "Forgive me."
He turns, and runs as fast as he can, pushing his body to the limit. He vainly hopes that the ghouls choose to feast on his Orc guard and not chase after him. He will run back in the direction they came, looking for any kind of choke point or doorway in the architecture that he can either barricade himself behind or make a last stand against hopefully better numbers.
()==[:::::::::::::>
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Question: what are Orrin's current HP? I looked back through the posts and only found the one reference to 3HP recovered from the last morning. On the 28th he woke with 1, but there's nothing written about what he may have regained from the 28th to the 29th.
()==[:::::::::::::>
Re: Orrin
Round One:
This orc is well-trained and experienced, and responds swiftly to the new threat despite his initial surprise. His longsword swings free from its scabbard in one smooth motion, and the arc of it continues through the throat of one of the ghouls, severing its head cleanly from its body as the grim-faced orc faces the two remaining attackers, that are oddly small for such creatures--shorter than the orc, and hunched over.
Orc vs. Ghoul [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20, damage [1d8+1] = 6+1 = 7
They are fast, and circle the orc, lashing out with claws extending from the ends of long, pale fingers and baring their vicious fangs as they seek out a vulnerability. Between the two of them, they are able to draw the orc off-guard, and even his magical shield is not able to protect him. One hooks a claw in behind his guard, pulling the shield away from his body and slashing across his exposed wrist with a talon, as the other rushes in and draws blood across the back of the orc's calf. At first the wounds look minor, but they immediately seem to swell and fester, blood streaming from the razor gashes in the orc's flesh. The orc slows almost immediately, perhaps due to the pain, then begins to cry out but the scream is stifled in its throat as it falls to the ground, immobile. Orrin does not look back to learn of the orc's ultimate fate as he bolts back into the darkness.
Ghouls vs orc [1d20] = 4, [1d20] = 19, [1d20] = 10
Ghouls vs orc [1d20] = 16, [1d20] = 5, [1d20] = 2
Ghouls vs orc [1d20] = 16, [1d20] = 5, [1d20] = 2
Enemy saving throw [1d20] = 11
By instinct, Orrin retreats back toward the terrain with which he's more familiar, not knowing whether dead ends or other dangerous surprises might await him in the maze of residences. This round, he makes it back to the entrance of the broad avenue from which he entered the residence hall.
Actions and Initiative!
This orc is well-trained and experienced, and responds swiftly to the new threat despite his initial surprise. His longsword swings free from its scabbard in one smooth motion, and the arc of it continues through the throat of one of the ghouls, severing its head cleanly from its body as the grim-faced orc faces the two remaining attackers, that are oddly small for such creatures--shorter than the orc, and hunched over.
Orc vs. Ghoul [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20, damage [1d8+1] = 6+1 = 7
They are fast, and circle the orc, lashing out with claws extending from the ends of long, pale fingers and baring their vicious fangs as they seek out a vulnerability. Between the two of them, they are able to draw the orc off-guard, and even his magical shield is not able to protect him. One hooks a claw in behind his guard, pulling the shield away from his body and slashing across his exposed wrist with a talon, as the other rushes in and draws blood across the back of the orc's calf. At first the wounds look minor, but they immediately seem to swell and fester, blood streaming from the razor gashes in the orc's flesh. The orc slows almost immediately, perhaps due to the pain, then begins to cry out but the scream is stifled in its throat as it falls to the ground, immobile. Orrin does not look back to learn of the orc's ultimate fate as he bolts back into the darkness.
Ghouls vs orc [1d20] = 4, [1d20] = 19, [1d20] = 10
Ghouls vs orc [1d20] = 16, [1d20] = 5, [1d20] = 2
Ghouls vs orc [1d20] = 16, [1d20] = 5, [1d20] = 2
Enemy saving throw [1d20] = 11
By instinct, Orrin retreats back toward the terrain with which he's more familiar, not knowing whether dead ends or other dangerous surprises might await him in the maze of residences. This round, he makes it back to the entrance of the broad avenue from which he entered the residence hall.
Actions and Initiative!
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Initiative: [1d6] = 1
Ugh.
Orrin wavers between fully retreating back up the slope and finding something to defend himself with. He looks around frantically, trying to decide. He scans the gloom, listening for the sound of the ghouls chasing him.
He makes a decision and runs back up the grade to where the hall he had come down converges at a shallow angle with another hall. He chooses the unexplored hall, and runs in that direction.
Really debated trying to hide in the residential block, as he could have probably found something useful in there, but eventually decided putting some distance between him and the ghouls is the better option for now.
Ugh.
Orrin wavers between fully retreating back up the slope and finding something to defend himself with. He looks around frantically, trying to decide. He scans the gloom, listening for the sound of the ghouls chasing him.
He makes a decision and runs back up the grade to where the hall he had come down converges at a shallow angle with another hall. He chooses the unexplored hall, and runs in that direction.
Really debated trying to hide in the residential block, as he could have probably found something useful in there, but eventually decided putting some distance between him and the ghouls is the better option for now.
()==[:::::::::::::>
Re: Orrin
Orrin hears a gurgling scream in the darkness behind him as he rushes forward. By the time he reaches the confluence of passages, he hears the distant padding of bare feet on the stone echoing through the hall, accompanied by a heavier, more familiar sound. The clatter and ringing of someone in heavy armor and boots striding purposefully. It is impossible to tell whether both sets of noises are coming from behind, or the second approaches from a different direction.
The hall down which Orrin has run is roughly ten feet wide, heavily adorned with more of the iconography he has become familiar with from his inspection of the rings of the thanes. Oil sconces along the walls on each side indicate that at some point this area had been lit, but now it is plunged in the darkness of long and empty years. Even the scraps and bones present in other parts of the complex are absent here, suggesting that the goblinoids above do not visit here often, if at all.
Up ahead, still roughly thirty feet distant, the passage opens up into a chamber of some kind.
Actions and initiative!
The hall down which Orrin has run is roughly ten feet wide, heavily adorned with more of the iconography he has become familiar with from his inspection of the rings of the thanes. Oil sconces along the walls on each side indicate that at some point this area had been lit, but now it is plunged in the darkness of long and empty years. Even the scraps and bones present in other parts of the complex are absent here, suggesting that the goblinoids above do not visit here often, if at all.
Up ahead, still roughly thirty feet distant, the passage opens up into a chamber of some kind.
Actions and initiative!
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Initiative: [1d6] = 3
Orrin does not wait to find out if the sound of armor is coming from the passage he originally travelled down with the orc guard. He is hopeful that an encounter with the remaining ghouls will keep the newcomers preoccupied long enough for him to escape down this seemingly abandoned passage.
He tries to run as quietly as he can, but soon realizes that the noise of heavy armor and weaponry will likely mask any sound his bare feet make, so after 15 or 20 feet, he abandons some of his caution and picks up speed as he makes his way towards the chamber ahead.
Orrin does not wait to find out if the sound of armor is coming from the passage he originally travelled down with the orc guard. He is hopeful that an encounter with the remaining ghouls will keep the newcomers preoccupied long enough for him to escape down this seemingly abandoned passage.
He tries to run as quietly as he can, but soon realizes that the noise of heavy armor and weaponry will likely mask any sound his bare feet make, so after 15 or 20 feet, he abandons some of his caution and picks up speed as he makes his way towards the chamber ahead.
()==[:::::::::::::>
Re: Orrin
The sounds of pursuit continue behind, as does the sound of the armored figure approaching. Over his panting, anxious breath and through the muddiness of his ruined ear, everything seems to be approaching from all sides or from some infinite distance as he bursts out of the passage into a massive room, fifty feet square, with a high vaulted ceiling and a statue of some kind--
FLASH
Suddenly the world erupts with light and Orrin staggers to a halt, unable to distinguish anything as the sound of his frenzied pursuers grows louder and his vision adjusts.
Thing swim back into focus through his teary eyes and he sees that the vaulted chamber is dominated in the center by a massive bronze statue of a dwarf king, an ornate scepter raised in one hand and a warhammer carved with ancient runes outstretched in the other.
On the right wall, an iron door holds the center position, and another iron door leads out on the opposite wall near the right corner. In the middle of the left wall, a large silvery-colored door with a massive wrought-iron keyhole in the center seems to be the source of the unusual illumination.
FLASH
Suddenly the world erupts with light and Orrin staggers to a halt, unable to distinguish anything as the sound of his frenzied pursuers grows louder and his vision adjusts.
Thing swim back into focus through his teary eyes and he sees that the vaulted chamber is dominated in the center by a massive bronze statue of a dwarf king, an ornate scepter raised in one hand and a warhammer carved with ancient runes outstretched in the other.
On the right wall, an iron door holds the center position, and another iron door leads out on the opposite wall near the right corner. In the middle of the left wall, a large silvery-colored door with a massive wrought-iron keyhole in the center seems to be the source of the unusual illumination.
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Orrin gapes momentarily at the statue. His heart breaks with the thought that he finds himself quite literally racing for his life through surroundings that a younger version of himself would have loved to properly explore. Unable to resist the pull of the illuminated door, he runs over and gives it a cursory inspection - he'll have a look through the keyhole, maybe give the door a quick pull to see if it's unlocked. (He expects not.)
Once he's satisfied his curiosity, and in the absence of any further pursuit, Orrin will make for the door on the right wall, trying it carefully to see if it will open. If the hinges start to make any noise at all, he'll stop what he's doing and try for the door on the opposite wall.
Once he's satisfied his curiosity, and in the absence of any further pursuit, Orrin will make for the door on the right wall, trying it carefully to see if it will open. If the hinges start to make any noise at all, he'll stop what he's doing and try for the door on the opposite wall.
()==[:::::::::::::>
Re: Orrin
Orrin approaches the door and sees no sign of a handle, only the massive wrought-iron keyhole. He bends down slightly to peer through and finds himself watching a shadow-play through a curtain of a multitude of shifting colors. It is unclear what he is seeing, but the gravity of the motions suggests that there is something of great importance taking place in this bizarre interplay of light and dark.
It feels like a mere moment, but he is wrenched out of his examination of the colors by a dolorous dwarves voice, a man's, filled with longing and grief. "Hail, traveler."
Orrin looks back toward the entrance to the chamber and spots the origin of the voice: a dwarf in ornate, ancient-looking suit of plate armor with gauntlets and a long drab cape trailing behind. The figure wears no helmet, but a bandage or cloth is wrapped about his head covering both eyes. Above the cloth, patchy wild hair spills out in frantic waves, while beneath it a beard nearly burned to the skin and scarred with violence presents a tangled mess. The figure, including armor and cloth, is smeared head to foot with ash and soot, as though having only newly stepped from the billowing cloud of smoke created by a quickly-doused campfire. A large two-handed axe is strapped across his back.
Accompanying this odd figure is a small pack of ghouls, perhaps five in total, all of similar stature to the dwarf apart from their feral postures. In the rear of this group shambles the figure of the young cleric Jem, blank-eyed and with his head lolling to one side, his right arm missing entirely and his exposed skin covered with the marks of recent violence. The entire party is surrounded by the stench of death.
It feels like a mere moment, but he is wrenched out of his examination of the colors by a dolorous dwarves voice, a man's, filled with longing and grief. "Hail, traveler."
Orrin looks back toward the entrance to the chamber and spots the origin of the voice: a dwarf in ornate, ancient-looking suit of plate armor with gauntlets and a long drab cape trailing behind. The figure wears no helmet, but a bandage or cloth is wrapped about his head covering both eyes. Above the cloth, patchy wild hair spills out in frantic waves, while beneath it a beard nearly burned to the skin and scarred with violence presents a tangled mess. The figure, including armor and cloth, is smeared head to foot with ash and soot, as though having only newly stepped from the billowing cloud of smoke created by a quickly-doused campfire. A large two-handed axe is strapped across his back.
Accompanying this odd figure is a small pack of ghouls, perhaps five in total, all of similar stature to the dwarf apart from their feral postures. In the rear of this group shambles the figure of the young cleric Jem, blank-eyed and with his head lolling to one side, his right arm missing entirely and his exposed skin covered with the marks of recent violence. The entire party is surrounded by the stench of death.
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
OMG! 
Now, Orrin has no knowledge of who he's meeting, so I'm going to do my best to play him as straight as I can!
Orrin Lighthammer scrabbles backwards, bracing himself against the shimmering door. He claps a hand over his mouth, as much to quell the scream rising in his throat as to ward off the putrescent reek roiling towards him. He spies Jem and his heart sinks, tears welling up in his eyes. Oh Jem, what is happening to us? he thinks to himself.
Despair begins to take hold, but Orrin does his best to clamp down on it and remain in control. If these are to be my final moments I will make an end that brings honour to my clan, though no tales will ever tell this story. He stands up straight, and takes a ragged breath.
Feeling both fear and curiosity in equal measure, Orrin looks directly at the armored dwarf. He can sense nobility here, despite the chaotic state of the man, not to mention the ghastly company arrayed behind him. He finds his voice, little more than a tortured rasp in the echoing darkness of the chamber.
"Who...who are you?"
Now, Orrin has no knowledge of who he's meeting, so I'm going to do my best to play him as straight as I can!
Orrin Lighthammer scrabbles backwards, bracing himself against the shimmering door. He claps a hand over his mouth, as much to quell the scream rising in his throat as to ward off the putrescent reek roiling towards him. He spies Jem and his heart sinks, tears welling up in his eyes. Oh Jem, what is happening to us? he thinks to himself.
Despair begins to take hold, but Orrin does his best to clamp down on it and remain in control. If these are to be my final moments I will make an end that brings honour to my clan, though no tales will ever tell this story. He stands up straight, and takes a ragged breath.
Feeling both fear and curiosity in equal measure, Orrin looks directly at the armored dwarf. He can sense nobility here, despite the chaotic state of the man, not to mention the ghastly company arrayed behind him. He finds his voice, little more than a tortured rasp in the echoing darkness of the chamber.
"Who...who are you?"
()==[:::::::::::::>
Re: Orrin
The dwarf sigh, an empty and melancholy sound. "I am a dwarf, sworn by the powers of Falles the Silver God who watches over the departed to right the wrongs that have been done to our--to my--clan. Tell me, what is your clan, friend dwarf?"
-
Zorroroaster
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 3567
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:47 pm
- Location: Toronto
Re: Orrin
Orrin is taken aback at the politeness shown him, and swallows hard.
"My clan I cannot name, for I have brought shame to my people. I allowed a great calamity to befall my family... Orrin raises his scarred hands, indicates the condition of his face. He regains his composure. "I am Orrin Lighthammer, and you are correct. I am a traveller. I have wandered for a long time."
"My clan I cannot name, for I have brought shame to my people. I allowed a great calamity to befall my family... Orrin raises his scarred hands, indicates the condition of his face. He regains his composure. "I am Orrin Lighthammer, and you are correct. I am a traveller. I have wandered for a long time."
()==[:::::::::::::>