Slove draws his sword out and pluges it back into the creature with all his strength.

OOC:
09:04, Today: Slove rolled 27 using 1d20+11. attack with sword.
09:05, Today: Slove rolled 20 using 2d6+10. damage.  (10 Damage)

Savera shook and struggled on the end of Slove's greatsword, slime gurgled from her lips, and all over her dark skin ran into pink slime like melting wax. "Vengeance... of the Spider Queen... upon you, elf." she spat,

Remorseless, Slove twisted the sword around savagely, and destroyed her black heart. With a sickening sound and a last blood-curdling cry, she burst, splattering her pinkish ooze everywhere.

The foul stuff was all over the floor, up the shelves, and dripping from the ceiling. And the heroes were covered head to toe, soaked in her ichor.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Sun 15 Feb 2009.

The others rushed around the corner, and stopped short at the scene. "Did ye get her... Eww." was Jorn's reaction. "Looks like she sneezed on ye." he chuckled.

Looking around later, they found they found about ten mounds of rags, furs and dirty old blankets, presumably where the taers slept at nights. Hidden about these were several dull brown stones, translucent though smoky. They'd be worth something to a gemcutter, who might make something of them.

In a puddle of slime where Savera had once been, they found a pair of scrolls, her bow, arrows, long knife and fine elven-style chainmail, and strange wooden mask.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:22, Mon 16 Feb 2009.

Gurgun glad demon sent back to abyss, just wished she could have left without exploding. Gurgun commented back, dryly.

The weapons and armor he doesn't seem to care for, but the wooden mask attracts his attention. He dares not try it on, but holds it and examines it closely.

Jorn, you skilled in the arcane mystic. What you make of this?

Slove although very tired straighten up and looks at Gurgun, Jorn and then other.
"She sneezed and was no more."
Then he added.
"Slove demond slayer, Slove enemy of Loth."
Even my brother would be impressed by that."

The other did not know slove but clear from use of words that this was very important statement.  That idea of his brother being impress as something.

Slove himself comes over and has look at items.

20:58, Today: Thamol Liadon rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Know arcane.

"Well done to ye, lads. That was hard fought, and ye fought hard. There's a creature of evil sent back to the Abyss."

Jorn, Authiel and Allessandra conferred over the scrolls for a moment. Jorn had some trouble understanding the elven style, but Authiel helped with that, and Allessandra chipped in with matters divine. At last the dwarf announced "They're both arcane. This one is a scroll of disruptin' undead, and this one is a good old magic missile."

The mask had them puzzled though. "As for this, I wouldn't like to say. Ye can't trust drow magic. But Savera changed her face more times than one of her kind had any right to. I reckon this is a mask of disguising."

The dwarf mage huffed and looked around. "I'd like to look around this library some, but we're all pretty beat. Maybe we should be getting back to the orc camp. We may have some explaining to do..."

OOC: That's:
Scroll Of Disrupt Undead
Scroll Of Magic Missile
Mask Of Disguise (a hat of disguise, but it's a mask - I just think it makes more sense this way).

Slove looked at his friend.
"I would join you.  I love to know more of people that lived here."

Slove thinks about need to return to other.
May I suggest we rest here first little and heal up.  I also suggest that Gurgun Nightwhisper does the talking.  We say he killed her and tell then she demon.  Take some of this goo with us.

Gurgun nods in consent. Slove speak wisely. Library safe for now, and all need rest and healing. Gurgun collect demon offal in empty vial and present Savera's blade as evidence of truth to Thraka. Mask good too for showing Savera having many faces. The gigantic hobgoblin pauses slightly
Gurgun wonders if Taer sage woman still down here.
Gurgun then proceeds to look over the priestess' wounds, bandaging them and applying some of the ointments he was able to find in the orc camp.

As soon as his potions wear off, Gurgun explores the library some more, out of professional curiosity more than anything else. He takes note of any findings, but doesn't attempt to take anything with him or disrupt the place any more. He does look for traces of Taer still around or a way for a possible attack by the undead.


07:36, Today: Gurgun Nightwhisper rolled 27 using 1d20+11. Heal.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:46, Tue 17 Feb 2009.

Allessandra gratefully accepted Gurgun's ministrations, for she was still badly burnt. In return she passed some of her Lathander-gifted healing magic to Gurgun and Slove, particularly before the elf dropped dead of his wounds. "Well, I'm just about out of magic, running on orisons only. Let's not antagonise those orcs, nor delve further, today." [Allessandra heals Gurgun 4 hp, Slove 16 hp]

Gurgun, security-conscious, checked out the ways in and out. The way down was a staircase, but standing at the top, he could see or hear no trace or sign of creatures. The only other way was the webbed-shaft by which they'd arrived, which mercifully had not burnt down.

Then, Slove and Jorn looked around the vaulted room. "It's undoubtedly a library," Jorn explained, expounding in scholarly style. He stuck a finger into one of the small holes that covered the huge glass shelves. "But ye'd never get a book nor scroll into one of these. I reckon these star elves of yore must have imprinted their lore onto small items, perhaps gem stones or pieces of glass. They'd need some way of reading it though." Every one of the holes was empty.

The dwarven mage patted one of the glass busts. Each was of a sagacious elven scholar; wise, stern and proud. In the forehead of each was a hole, into which a long pointed gem might fit. "I guess these fellows talked like the statue we saw in the entry foyer." He patted it on the mouth, which then opened.

"Welcome to the Athenaeum Arcanum, the great library of Tir'in'tiral." the bust announced, in archaic Elven, in tones stuffy and haughty. "Please stand upon the platform to call an unseen librarian to your assistance and search for the information you desire, and it will bring it to you. To hear it, simply place the gem into this receptacle."

Jorn hopped upon the platform, once through to be a table or altar. "Hey, little help?" he called, but there was no response. "Guess it's broken." Jorn climbed down and sighed. "So much ancient lore could have been stored here, but it could take us days just to check everyone of these little holes. I should think that's what Savera was up to, but I'd say she found nothing. When we explore, let's keep an eye out for gems that will fit these things."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:36, Tue 17 Feb 2009.

Gurgun takes great interest in the explanation of the library. Gurgun has duty towards Oghma to protect and preserve libraries and all repositories of knowledge. This place be under Gurgun's protection now. Gurgun will clean up and look for gems.
But for all his good intentions the hobgoblin is too tired and his wounds hurt too much for him to conduct a proper search. He soon gives up and devotes himself to remove all traces of Taer and demons; piling the corpses up against the webbed ladder and intending to have the orcs dispose of them later.
When satisfied he finally goes to find some rest, after agreeing on a watch schedule with the others.

Before they could get any rest, an orcish voice called down the shaft, fearful and hesitant.

Authiel, the only one of them to know the orc-tongue, whispered a translation. "He says: 'Mistress Savera - are you okay?' I think it's Thraka."

Thraka must feel his mind released from Savera's will. Gurgun will speak to him. Gurgun mutters. He quickly picks up the demonesses weapons and the mask makes his way close to the shaft.
Thraka, Savera is dead. Gurgun carries her weapons now. You must know this for she controlled your mind. Gurgun resisted her and bested her and exposed her for what she was; a demoness in the service of the godess of the dark elves. She used magic and trickery to turn the minds of orcs and hobgoblins, Gurgun knows nearly nothing of her intentions; only that she would lead you all to doom.
Gurgun awaits Thraka's reaction.

Slove looks at hobgoblin happy to let him lead on this.

Gurgun looked up the shaft and could see Thraka peering down at him, his face troubled.

The half-orc was silent for a long time as he pondered Gurgun's words. He'd felt the evil grip on his mind loosen as he slept, and when he'd awoke, his mind was his own once more. He could think clearly for the first time in days. "Then I am grateful to you and your friends, hobgoblin, for freeing us all from the demon-witch. Come back up here so we may talk and share food and truths."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Fri 20 Feb 2009.

Thank you Thraka, for we are weary from the battle.
Gurgun relaxes slightly, motioning for the others to climb the ladder.
Stay here and cover us. When Gurgun is with Thraka, Slove can follow. Gurgun quietly asks the elf, clearly impressed by his accuracy with the bow.

Slove follows Gurgun Nightwhisper directions.  They battled the demon together and the elf new that he had gained the Hobgoblins respect.  In this situation it best the hobgoblin did most of the talking.

Gurgun climbed up the web-ladder, hand over hand up the slightly sticky cords left behind by the yochlol. It had only been a convenience for the taers, orcs and hobgoblins; as they'd found out, the spider-demon needed no aid in climbing the walls.

Slove waited at the bottom, his bow ready to sling an arrow straight up. But it would be an awkward shot, with Gurgun close-by and Tharka only poking his head past the lip of the shaft.

Gurgun made his way to the top, turned his head to see where to move next - and saw Thraka, greatsword in hand, pointing it at the hobgoblin. The half-orc was anxious, and fearful.

"Now, truths! Have you evidence of Savera as demon? Or that she is truly dead? Or are you now her new puppets, or Savera herself in disguise? Answer!" Thraka adjusted his grip, moved the blade closer. His voice was colder. "Savera slew Tolg Beer-Eye, and maddened old Guerik and drove him off, to become our leader. Now you have slain Savera - would you too get rid Thraka and become our next leader?" he asked suspiciously.


OOC: He just needs to check some facts from a position of safety. :) Gurgun, if anything happens, keep in mind that you don't get Dex to AC for Climbing.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Sat 21 Feb 2009.

Gurgun has collected some of her remains in a bottle. Clearly she was not of this world. Gurgun carries her weapons and a mask she used for disguises. The dwarf can show Thraka how Savera changed faces. Gurgun says calmly.
He continues up the ladder slowly, but without hesitation.
Thraka probably better leader than Gurgun. Gurgun left the ways of hobgoblins years ago and has no desire to come back. Now that Thraka has his mind back we need to work together to destroy the dead-that-walk and return home. He says matter of factly, slowly pushing aside the tip of the blade and climbing out of the hole.
Once up he gives the word to Slove to join them.

Slove waits until Gurgun Nightwhisper tell him alright to come up to next level.
He elf really has no wish get involved with talking to orc.

Thraka nodded slowly, then backed away to allow Gurgun to climb out of the shaft, and Slove and the others. "That is good. Now come back to camp. We would hear the tale of your battle."


OOC: They want a good story, Oghmyte. ;)

Gurgun nods and follows Thraka out of his room and into the main hall. Bring water to Gurgun, for throat is soar from battling the demon. And to my companions too, they have been through fire. He says to one of the guards standing in front of Thraka's quarters.

Stepping into the center of the hall, Gurgun dares a quick look back at the assembled heroes, giving them a quick nod as if to thank them for their trust.

He then sweeps his gaze across the assembled orcs and hobgoblins, pausing when he comes across the hobgoblin sergeant.
When he's sure he has the attention of the assembled warriors he thrusts Savera's weapons high and declares in a booming voice Savera is dead, Gurgun Nightwhisper and his companions killed her! Thraka is released from her sorcery, and together we will destroy the dead that walk and leave this cursed place!
Lowering the weapons, Gurgun settles down on the floor and begins reciting their exploit.

OOC: Awaiting any reactions before continuing.

The adventurers refreshed themselves with stale water from a barrel, then returned to camp so Gurgun could tell the tale.

The word was passed around, and all the orcs and hobgoblins that could be spared from the defenses trickled into the camp, and sat around the room expectantly. Even Spot, the hideous runehound lay in the corner, blind snake-head staring intently at the taleteller in a disturbing manner.

As Gurgun made his announcement, they all beat their chests to punctuate every triumph, and a collective sigh of relief went up around the room. They'd all hated the suicidal attacks she'd ordered that didn't even allow a glorious death in battle, nor the treachery that had put her in place. They roared in support.

Then the old hobgoblin sergeant stood up, and pointed an accusing finger at Gurgun. "You are a weakling servant of these humans, elves and dwarf." he spat, both at Gurgun then on the floor. "Did you stand by and let them slay Savera for you? Or did you flee in fright? Tell us how so that we may laugh!" Already the hobgoblins began to hoot and jeer and some threw rubbish.

Gurgun remembered this from his time in the tribe. It was a ritualised taunting in which a hobgoblin to be tested would have to resist the humiliation and recite their deeds in battle to prove their strength and courage and gain respect from the tribe. [Knowledge (Local - Hobgoblins) 13, success]


OOC: Give me a Perform (storytelling) check
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:52, Sun 01 Mar 2009.

Slove waits.  He know the best thing he can do is be quite at moment.

Gurgun looks at the hobgoblin sergeant, no visible emotion betraying his inner thoughts.
Gurgun and his companions managed to climb down to library below without awaking Thraka, and began questioning Savera of her intentions here in this accursed place. Something not right with orc-woman; she smelled different, otherwordly. She did not accept Gurgun's challenge and wanted to bargain. No true orc would back from a fight for command. So, Gurgun hit her hard. Twice. Gurgun's staff sunk deep into her body but found no bones to break, only soft yielding flesh and pink ooze. The demon laughed and then the Taer attacked. They fell like boulders from the cieling, knocking us to the ground and striking us with their clubs. Gurgun dodged their first wave of attacks but was facing the demon while being surrounded by two Taer. His companions had to fight through the other Taer to get to him.
Gurgun paused slightly, drank some more water and continued.
Alone, Gurgun fought off the Taer and avoided most of the attacks the demon launched at him. All through the fight she changed faces; first becoming a dark elf, then a spider, or something in between. Gurgun's companions also faught well and soon all Taer were dead or dying. Savera opened her mouth wide and spewed out a thick web, covering most of the library. This barely slowed us down, and the elf, Slove, joined Gurgun in fighting the demon, and together we drove her back. Savera turned into a hobgoblin sow, and tried to poison Gurgun's mind with promises of lust and glory. She failed.
Savera fought wildly now, moving faster than the eye can see and bloodying both elf and hobgoblin. Still, we strike her with fist, with blade and with magic. Finally she grew legs like a spider and climbed the ceiling, still we strike her with arrows and rocks. The demon tried to disappear behind a curtain of darkness, still we strike her. Then she turned into a cloud and drifted away. We thought she give up.
We were wrong. She changed face once again, pretending to be a prisoner, and strike Slove hard as he came near. This time the demon did not escape and finally succumbed under our attacks. Slove killed her, Slove is the demon slayer.
Gurgun goes silent. In fact, he meditates over the battle; analyzing it once more for weaknesses in his approach to it.

The orcs and hobgoblins grunted in disgust every time Gurgun told of Savera's treachery and dishonour, hollered and cheered at every blow and gory detail. Finally they were stamping their feet upon the glass floor and pounding their chests, until the noise became a dull roar, and the explorers' heads swam with the echoing and the dense, smoky air.

The old sergeant cried out for silence, and eventually got it. Even he seemed impressed, and tilted his head at Gurgun to honour him. "Good, good. So the servant has a backbone after all!" he called, in a back-handed compliment. The hobgoblins laughed derisively still, though now it was one of camaraderie.

Thraka called for attention, clashing sword against shield. "I thank these strangers for slaying the drow witch. I call them guest-friends, and welcome them to our camp. Food, beer and blood shall be shared!"

The crates of stale bread and old meat were opened, and a barrel of the noxious orcish beer was dragged out and the top hacked open, and mugs passed around. Orcs and hobgoblins swilled it down, sloshing most on themselves or the floor. One by one they passed the explorers, and clapped them heavily hard on the backs, muttering orcish and goblin words of praise.

Already a fight had broken out.