It takes all three of the men sent to gather items for the barricade to open each of the gates that had to be lifted up to get to the supplies beyond but as soon as the gate reached the top of the archway, something clicked and the gate supported itself, much to the relief of everyone working there. Over the next two hours a steady train of people, including Solomon and Temnir once they finish dragging the corpses of the undead out of the cave and burning them, move all types of mining equipment into the mouth of the tunnel to create their blockade. Standing back and viewing their work, they see a decent makeshift barrier between them and the rest of the cave. They were able to stack and secure things about five feet high, four feet deep, and the width of the cave. On top of that, while they were digging through the items, they found two decent sized lumps of what looks like unrefined silver ore stashed away in one corner; likely a miner's stash when coming across a silver vein in the coal mine.

Now that the work was done though, the exhausted and slightly downtrodden group comes to rest and begins to make camp for the night when Solomon and Temnir exchange uneasy glances and finally the sorcerer speaks up..."I think you should all be brought into the light on what Solomon and I found while disposing of the beasts." He hesitates, visibly uncomfortable with what he is about to relay. "It seems that those...things...were at once point in time the miners that worked here. While they burned we found helmets, tools, and other things a miner would carry on them embedded into their skin." Realizing the news would probably upset them and not wanting that to be the main point of this revelation, he quickly adds, "I tell you this not to dishearten you but to reinforce our purpose here. If there is something capable of turning flesh and blood into that," he points down the tunnel towards the outside, "then it is our duty to destroy it utterly. As much as I wish to find my companions, I believe this is something that needs to take priority if possible."

Considering Temnir's words carefully he speaks up, hoping to gain some insights into their situation, "I certainly agree that whatever or whoever is responsible for those.. abominations.. should be taken down as quickly as possible.  If your friends are still here somewhere, however, there is a chance, however small, that they have either fallen prey to those things or..." he hesitates for a few seconds, clearly not wanting to voice the other possibility that occurred to him, "or worse.. they have been turned into similar beasts."  His eyes wander from one person to the next as he continues, "Would you.. would you tell us about your friends?  If they have been turned to the darkness we may need to contend with them, but if not I think it only fair that we know more about who it is we're here to find."

Seeing as the group seemed to have ample time on their hands as the sun had just begun setting as the group had finished the barricade, he sits down against the wall and thinks of where to begin. "Well first I will outline some of their strong points for you but if you want, and I'm sure Solomon normally would fall over himself for this, I will tell a more in depth tale of our journey to help give you some insight into their minds so if we do face them in that state, we may have something to work with." Temnir doesn't bat an eye at considering the fact that they might have been turned as well but whether it's from confidence, optimism, or just not caring, something odd considering his actions earlier in the day, it's hard to tell.

"Uther and Petrus Darkbane. Brothers to each other and in Pelor's service much as some of you are. Uther the paladin wields a blessed great sword and smites his opponents before rushing in with strategic grace with a holy aura surrounding him at all times. Petrus on the other hand is a cleric and is content to remain near the back of the battlefield though he summons divine creatures by the handful to come to his aid as well as wielding potent healing and fortifying magic.

Arudal Stonewall, a newer companion at the time, is a dwarven shield fighter of no little renown. The shield master of his clan, I don't believe I ever saw a blow make it past his tall stone tower shield or his dwarven plate and I saw him fight at the Siege of Heldenburg. Stoic in nature as well as posture, he would be our second biggest hurdle to fell as he is able to pack a punch with his shield spike as well.

Blaith Cathrak is an odd one. Quiet in nature and seemingly plagued with an overactive and paranoid mind, his eyesight is clouded by Pelor in much the same way that Jeeves plagues you. In fact, one of the reasons I was drawn to you is your vast similarities to his powers that were of much use to us. Despite his social flaws, he is one of the most accomplished people I have ever met in healing magic.

Finally there is Vargus Orstryder..." He pauses as he considers what to say about the only member of his old companions that he had actually deemed as a friend, "When Varugs decides that he wants you to die, gods have a hard time dissuading him. He wields the ancient great hammer Tu'nat'ra, the weapon of one of the desert people's great warriors. Solomon and Raznik likely know the name. Not only that but he dons hand crafted dwarven armor with the chest piece in the shape of a roaring bear...a sight to see indeed. He uses these to great effect and have seen him fell a five-headed hydra in one swing without batting an eye as well as almost single handedly destroying an efreeti oppressor in league with the blue-eyed man who we have been hunting without being hit. If Vargus approaches you, flee."

If Temnir gets the signal to continue, he will begin the long story of relaying his travels with the old group and goes into a sort of trance where he continues to talk until interrupted. By the time he finishes, likely those present will be getting tired as several hours have passed.

OOC: I will unlock the old threads for you to see as he details everything in them. Of course, the game didn't start on RPOL so not everything is there. For that, you will have to use your imagination and the Story so Far thread I have up.

Raznik listens idly, keeping watch further into the cave, light shining from a rock in front of him. He mutters as Temnir mentions the hammer Tu'nat'ra. "I am surrounded by legends, Yx'raul." The beast beside him looks at him curiously. It is not often Raznik shares his thoughts, let alone to the beast that represents such difficulty for him. As Temnir's tale comes to an end, he looks over at the group. "What a tale. I suspect you are all tired, but I also promised a tale tonight, should you still wish to hear it." He directs the last particularly towards the bard.

Kuldar had been somewhat stunned by all the information being given to him, it was the first time he had heard Temnir say so much, at the very least. He turns his attention to Raznik, who had mentioned something about a tale...possibly explaining his unpredictable nature on the battlefield. "I can never turn down a good tale lad...I especially enjoy the informative ones."

"This tale begins with a young camel herder, born to a nomadic tribe in the deserts. One day, this tribe came across an ancient ruin, hidden in the dunes for many years. Seeing shelter for the night, the tribe set up camp. However, as the young man lay down to sleep after a hard day's work, he found that he was unable. He decided to take a short walk, to calm his mind.

"As he wandered, the man found himself drawn deep into the ruins, until he came to a dead end in one of the deepest rooms. Stepping through the ancient archway, he felt a tingle run up and down his spine. In the centre of the room lay a pristine leather tome, closed, on a short stone pedestal. Walking to the book, the man felt a growing sense of foreboding, but his curiosity was stronger.

"Opening the book at the beginning, the man was drawn to the runes on the page. He did not understand their meaning, but somehow knew how to pronounce them. He began to read the first page aloud. As he neared the the final verse, he felt a rising sensation in his chest. As the final word was spoken, there was a sudden explosion of air, knocking him back.

"Rising slowly, the man froze in shock. At the epicentre of the explosion there stood a terrifying beast. He began searching the room for something to defend himself with. The great beast suddenly spoke 'You have summoned me,' it said in its deep voice, 'I am yours to command.' At this, the man fainted.

"When he awoke, the beast stood over him, piercing eyes staring deeply into his. 'What are you?' the man asked. 'I am yours. What do you command of me?' Frightened, and unsure of what to do, the young man told the beast to follow him, and he made his way back to the camp, hoping to ask his father, a wise man, for advice.

"When they emerged, dawn was breaking in the camp, and people were beginning to rise and pack up their tents for the next day of travel. On sighting the beast, one of the tribewomen let out a terrified shriek: "Demon! Help! A demon!" The cry was passed around the camp, and before he knew it, the man and the beast were surrounded by scimitar wielding tribesmen.

"'Wait!' the man cried, 'I am in control of this creature. It says I summoned it.'

"This did not have intended effect. The warriors charged, attacking them both, crying 'Slay the demon-worshipper!' The people he had grown up around had turned on him. His lifelong friends were after his blood."

At this, Raznik pauses. He closes his eyes for a moment, collecting himself, before continuing.

"Suddenly, a human-formed shade appeared in front of the man. 'Ah, blood at last!' it hissed and commanded the beast to attack the tribesmen. A brutal but short battle ensued, after which all that remained of the warriors were some scattered limbs. Horrified, the man was rent unconscious once again. He was not accustomed to blood or violence. When he awoke, the beast was gone, as were his tribe.

"The man leapt to his feet, swaying slightly at the rush, and ran to the top of the nearest dune. All that could be seen was sand in any direction. He knew they were alive, as their belongings were gone. Cursed his ineptitude in tracking skills, he set off in the direction his tribe were travelling the previous day, hoping to catch up with them and explain himself.

"After two days of travelling, he finally collapsed. He had given up all hope of finding his family and tribe, and had never been good at finding sustenance in the desert, so had not had anything to eat or drink since the night before the incident. He lay down in the sweltering heat preparing for death, and closed his eyes.

"The man awoke to find himself refreshed. The jostling of the wagon on which he lay make his bones ache, but he was, to his surprise, alive, and for that he was grateful. He attempted to rise, but felt a hand on his shoulder. 'Rest,' the dwarf said calmly, 'You were on death's door, but an hour ago.' The man lay back down. Looking up, he noticed green leaves on trees. 'Where are we?' he asked. 'About a day from the borders of Derevaan.'

"The man was far from his home and his people and he had little hope of ever finding them. He vowed that one day he would go back and find them, and for that he would need allies and training.

"For the next few months, the man travelled Derevaan with the dwarf. One day, they were attacked by bandits. In his fear, Raznik reacted, somehow recalling the words from the tome. As the beast reappeared, so did the shade. There were no survivors.

"For a year, the man grieved, travelling the country, rarely venturing into towns, trying to isolate himself and his curse. One day, he came across a cave. In this cave stood an old withered man.

"For three years, the old summoner taught and trained the desert man, until one day, the old man thought it was time for a test. He summoned his great winged eidolon for the first time.

"Once the desert man had summoned his own, the shade suddenly reappeared, cackling with joy. Before the old summoner could move, the beast had bit him clean in half with his monstrous jaws. 'Who are you?' the man asked through floods of tears and crushing despair. 'I am Kraan,' it hissed, and with that, the shade vanished."

Raznik falls silent, turning to face out into the darkness once more

Solomon had listened to both stories silently, taking in the torrent of information objectively and nodding at intervals in Tenir's debriefing of his old companions strong points and roles but as Raznik went through his story, it was all he could do to just listen in rapt attention. "That...is a tragic story indeed. It begins to explain what happened during the draugr attack on the way here. Do you have any idea what causes this Kraan fellow to come forward? Is it something we should take action against if he does manifest? I don't want to deem you a danger to the wellbeing of the group so anything we can do to limit his exposure or restrain you while he is out would be preferable."

Raznik speaks, still facing into the gloom, his voice little more than a whisper. "I do not. I pray to Pelor every morning, asking for his blessing, and for a while I had thought that had worked. I carry flasks of holy water, and anoint my forehead, where the mark appears, with his holy symbol. But on the ship, I had completed my ritual, and prayed to Pelor, but still the monster came forth." His voice grows a little stronger, as he regains his composure. "Until that day, I also thought the shade acted on its own, but I gather from what you have said that this is not the case. Perhaps restraining me will work, perhaps it will not. I do not know."

Renard lets out a sympathetic sigh after listening to Raznik's tale, "And here I thought I had it bad with Jeeves."  At the mention of his name the poltergeist halfheartedly rattles the chains around Renard's neck, "If he takes over I have a spell for restraining people.  I'm not sure if it will work on this.. entity but if he is bound to you in some way then casting it on you may affect him."  He shrugs slightly, obviously less sure of how the magic works than with what the end result is.

"I am less worried about my actions and more worried about Yx'raul's." Raznik glances at the beast sitting beside him. "If Kraan comes to the fore, Yx'raul is his to command, and words are not needed for such a thing. Preventing me from acting will make little difference to the carnage."

Kuldar shook his head with a deep look in his eyes, nobody deserved a life like that. "Lad that be a sad tale indeed...never knowin' if that fiend is gonna pop up or not." He gave a bit of a sigh as he paced the area, in the end this was an issue they may have to address at one point or another. "Well like you said...that thing's expendable. This Kraan fellow shows up, and we take down his pawn." He then gave a single nod, as if merely saying it would make it so simple.

Raznik looks at the dwarf tears staining his face in the soft light given of by the glowing stone in front of him. "I... I hope it does not come to that." He wipes his face and rises to collect some rations from his pack, returning to sit and eat: a plain meal of bread and cured meat. "We will take first watch, should you wish to rest."

Even as the talk of the upcoming night watch is starting, the sound of footsteps begins to echo softly throughout the tunnel in the direction of the exit of the mine. The group goes quiet and reaches for weapons, all eyes forward looking to where a glowing light begins to come around the corner a little under 100 feet away. Moments tick by as Kilgur and Yx'razul position themselves in front and crouch down in anticipation of a fight and the group members check weapons, ready spells, and recall lore to inspire. The glowing on the wall grows brighter and a shadow begins to form. The first thing visible through the shadow are wings; long and powerful looking, stretching up towards the ceiling of the cave. Following is a reptilian head, large against the backdrop of the tunnel. Finally, long claws and a tail reveal themselves, both moving back and forth as the creature moves forward, almost into sight now. The footsteps get louder until finally the enormous, muscular, fearsome creature rounds the corner to reveal a...kobold?

There, standing no more than three feet tall is a red colored kobold with small wiry wings and a short tail, carrying a backpack with a torch in one hand who looks just as surprised to see you as you do to see it. It says nothing but almost drops the torch in shock as it jumps back about a foot at the sight of a full party of adventurers primed and ready for battle.

Surprised by a full group of adventurers, Skraag jumps, then settles nervously, ready to fry them or bolt in equal measures.

Deciding to brazen it out, after all he is a dragon, he puffs himself up and spreads his little wings in an instinctive effort to appear larger and more dangerous and calls out to the group in an intimidating tone as he can manage, "What are you doing in my mine?!?"


OOC:
Intimidation +14
(Not rolling against the party, just putting the number out there to show how confident he is sounding.)

This message was last edited by the player at 12:03, Sun 29 July 2012.

Kuldar narrowed his eyes a bit, a Kobold, why did it have to be a Kobold? He was ready to jump and strike when the thing talked, even claimed ownership to these mines, what really caught his eye however were its wings, he was not ready to underestimate a winged kobold...but he was not ready to fear one either. He stepped forward and held his axe and shield at the ready. "If this be your mine, perhaps you'd like ta be explainin' where all the twice-damned undead came from? Do we have ourselves a necromantic lizard?" Kuldar practically spat the last word out, knowing it infuriated most kobolds he had the misfortune to meet.

"Dragon! Dwarf person, Dragon!", Skraag replies angrily. He turns his head and looses a blast of flame down the tunnel behind himself, by way of demonstration.

"I bought the mine two weeks ago from one of your kind Dwarf. This is the first time I have been here.", Skeel replies testily. He pulls a scroll from his little pack and waves it around. "I have the deed right here."

Rather intrigued by the lizard-thing he steps tentatively forward, extending a hand in greeting, "Ah, I've never met a dragon before.  All of the tales I've heard of them implied a larger size, but.. well.. I'm sure you know how rumors can be."  As he talks the chain around his neck slowly begins to swing back and forth in a pendulum-like motion, making his upper body sway slightly.  He doesn't seem to notice as he continues, "If you bought the mine from a dwarf it's possible he was up to some pretty nasty things given what he's left behind.  If we were to help you clear out the mine would you be able to take us to this fellow who sold it to you?"  He didn't much care about property rights in the first place, and he conveniently left out the fact that they were planning on clearing out the mine anyways...

Skraag steps forward confidently and takes the fellows hand in the human type greeting he has seen before, but seldom been offered. "Well, some dragons do get a bit bigger than I am. That doesn't mean I can't breath fire with the best of them though!", Skraag answers just a little defensively this time as the human seemed to want to be friendly.

"The Drawf's said his name was Tsovalson. He was a traveling blacksmith and tinker. He had a really big wagon pulled by a couple of big horses. I don't know where he is now. He could have moved on anywhere. I suppose......I could offer equal shares of what we find if you all help me clear out the mine of any riff raff that might have taken up living here.", Skraag offers. The idea of having some adventurers help him appeals to him, but he doesn't want to look too eager.

Kuldar narrowed his eyes, a delusional Kobold was not a welcome ally in his book...but he wasn't going to let something so petty get in the way of a good thing- at least this way he could keep an eye on this 'Dragon'. "Fair's fair I s'pose..." Looking their new 'employer' up and down before moving off to busy himself nearby for now.

Solomon didn't have the instinctive hate for Kolbold's that others often carried.  The fact, that the little creature wasn't dead, or undead, was cause enough to relax.  Once he offerred to help rid the caves of the beast's that lurked in it Solomon had made up his mind.  "I fear you may be getting in over your head little dragon.  Still, if your fire burns as hot as my hatred from the damned that infest this place, then you will be welcomed."

"Let us decide upon the watch and rest.  May Pelor's strength return to us with the rising sun."

As Solomon laid out his bedroll he cast a few glances at Skraag.  Though he was inclined to believe the little Kolbold, he could not chance trusting him blindly.  He searched the Skraag's aura for any signs of evil.

"I will help with whatever watch you think best. I can see better in the dark than most, very far!", Skraag offers. He will stand whatever watch is suggested. When off watch Skraag will find a corner of the barricade and tuck himself into it to get his own short rest.

Raznik watches the exchange silence, staying back and in the shadows. He had never seen a creature such as this before, but it certainly didn't seem to be a dragon as it claimed. He watches the creature with suspicion as it offers to take watch, speaking up from the fireside. "We will take the first watch."

Kuldar was still a little sour from the idea of bringing this one along, and it was pretty apparent to the others who bothered watching him. Overall it seemed he was able to hold himself back for the sake of progress, but that didn't stop a few nasty glares from being shot.

Since one of the humans was friendly enough to offer proper, if human, greeting to him and all the others seemed to at least accept him being here, if not with any great amount of trust, Skraag simply chooses to pretend the rather hostile dwarf doesn't exist. Skraag totally ignores the fellow, standing a dutiful watch when it's his turn, but carefully not looking at him the rest of the night, unless directly spoken to.

After a period of figuring out who will take the different shifts of the night watch and seeming to trust the newcomer, at least most of the party, and at least for now, the group settles down for the night, keeping light low and limited to the two who are on watch at any given time. The first two to take watch together are Temnir and Raznik, claiming that they need uninterrupted sleep and so taking the first shift would benefit them. Both seemed content to sit in silence and let the hours roll by uneventful. Next up was Kuldar and Skraag. Feeling like he was the only one with any sense about not trusting this newcomer, he felt he should be the one to keep a lookout on the kobold in case it tried to pull a fast one on the party while they were asleep. Despite a few disturbing noises here and there from further into the cave, none of which gave a physical manifestation to match it, the watch was otherwise uneventful. Finally there was Solomon and Renard. Followers of Pelor, by choice or fate, both felt the pull to be awake early to be ready for the rising of the sun and devotions or just an eagerness to start the day off. It seems the barricade had done its job in dissuading creatures from moving forward into the encampment as nothing bothered the two holy men either. And so it was that the night watch ended and the group begins to awaken to a new day and new decisions on what to do with the rest of the mine.