"I'm sorry, I've never done this before!" called out Imbellem.

He pulled down on his end of the rope and hastily tied it to the railing in a clumsy knot. The ship could be heard lightly scraping against the side of a sand barge next to them. Wind filled the sails and gave the ship strength. Finally, it lurched free of the shallow mound. Their speed returned with a jolt as the ship suddenly resumed its former pace, causing a good stumbling for the amateur sailors on deck. But it was a welcome stumble. If they had been beached, it would have been a real pain to break free.

But the obstacle of the sand barge meant another thing too. The passage over the deep seas was over. They were here. Ahead them beyond the bow of the ship lay Comoset Isle, and at this very moment they were taking their vessel into calm waters where they planned to anchor.

It had taken three days sailing from Herrod to Comoset Isle, which turned out to be an easy course directly south after rounding Herrod's peninsula. Though what made it difficult was the fact that they had only two members to sail the damn thing. The plan for the group was simple. Imbellem and Mikael were to deliver a letter to the dwarves here on behalf of Herrod's newly elected Great Council, and when finished, to sail back up to Deon's Rise and pick up the others, who would be waiting there by then. The letter had something to do with re-establishing old trade ties that had waned in recent decades, mostly due to policies enacted by Herrod's pirates. But now that Herrod's Pirate Lord had been slain, and the collapse of his organization which followed, the Great Council was excitedly leaping toward new possibilities.


Comoset Isle was a healthy sight different than the isle of Perdane. While Herrod was surrounded by gentle, grassy hills, Comoset had real mountains, which stood as hazy gray monuments in the distance and grew throughout the heart of the isle. The coastal area where they were, however, was flat, though covered with a dense forest that stretched all the way to the foothills of the mountain range. Whereas Herrod was steadily warm, warm enough that palm trees grew on the coastal beaches, there wasn't a palm tree in sight here. There was only pine, the hardiest and manliest kind of tree. Over the past three days while crossing the sea, the air steadily dropped in temperature ten degrees each day. Now the adventurers wore heavy garb, dressed for the occasion.

"There it is!" shouted Mikael from the fore of the ship.

After sailing close to the shore so that the first line of trees became visible in all their features, they noticed what they were looking for exactly where it was supposed to be. It was an old ruin that stood on an island not far from the mainland. The island was very small, big enough just to support the ancient fortress that had been built on it; the fortress itself had long crumbled away. It was exactly what they were told to find it. All the journey they had worried they were going to miss it, being novices at navigation, but anxious and repeated checking of their course led them to land on the right spot on the isle. The ruin, called Old Falahar, was also a trading outpost of the Comoset dwarves, and it was there they were supposed to deliver their letter to the magistrate, or whatever dwarves called their officials. It looked like this journey was going to be as easy as they hoped. Of course, that never happens.

Casting anchor near the island, Imbellem and Mikael (not forgetting the letter) excitedly leapt into the the skiff and lowered it into the water; and for those of you who don't know, a skiff is very much like a rowboat made for going to shore and back. Each using an oar, they quickly rowed to the island shore; they beached it, jumped out, and pulled their skiff well out of the water, so that high tide or an unusually large wave wouldn't steal it away. Finally they had set foot down on another isle. They were someplace new.

Imbellem and Mikael climbed up a rise of dry dirt and crested onto the top of the island. They walked into the ruins. There were no doors or anything, for the walls of Old Falahar had long fallen away completely in several places. So you could say there were numerous doors! They entered into its main courtyard, expecting to meet a settlement of dwarves right away. They were definitely excited to see something new.

The first thing they felt was a dash of disappointment, but this was quickly replaced with concern. The place was empty. There wasn't a dwarf in sight. They knew they were in the right place, however, for there were signs of recent life everywhere. Wooden buildings had been erected inside the walls as sleeping quarters, storehouses, offices. And out in the open was a large fire pit full of new, unburnt wood, as though someone was about to start a bonfire and decided not to at the last second. Doors hung ajar from their frames; its occupants haven't even bothered to close them. Lastly, the ground was covered with small objects, kitchen utensils, footprints, wagon tracks, all in a chaotic mess through the courtyard grounds.

Things were starting to become clear. The dwarves had abandoned the outpost, recently, and in a serious hurry.

Just as Imbellem and Mikael were becoming worried, especially as to what the hell they were going to do next, they noticed they weren't alone, for someone had approached the courtyard and was watching them from not twenty feet away. Standing beneath the arch of a ruin, staring at them with dark savage eyes was a human man. He carried a weapon. And his hands were covered in blood.

[Private to Godric Lothar: You, Godric Lothar, had just been gutting a deer when you heard the sounds of two men enter the fortress. You've been on Comoset Isle for a little while now. You also happen to know where the dwarves have gone. From the forest, you saw them leaving and heading farther inland, likely to their castle of Shelterpeak, their main settlement. However you're not certain why they left as you didn't get a chance to talk to them.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

The 2 strangers examine me, a bit nervous about the blood and a javelin out,but I'm not holding it up in a threatening way. They see a large man, wrapped in thick clothing and furs furs. "I bet you to are looking for the dwarves? Not sure why but they all up and left just yesterday. What are you doing here anyways? Haven't seen many people come this way in a while.

Imbellem looked up at the stranger. In his experience, he would rather face a man with a weapon than cross large (or small) bodies of water, so he was less nervous than he should have been. Moving his cloak to the side, he rested his forearm on his warhammer, to show that he too was armed, but rested on it non threateningly.

"Interesting." He said plainly. He man raised a questioning eyebrow, "I Just find it interesting that we come here to a ransacked building which appears to be some sort of outpost and are not met with soldiers, but instead a man with blood on his weapon. What is it you are doing here sir? Surely we wont have any sort of problems will we?" The laugh that followed was a strange mixture of nervousness and cockiness.

"I personally came because I needed to feel an adventure in a new land. I felt as if I was gathering dust in perdane after the events of... a certain event, and needed to stretch my legs. Plus there is a particular man im looking for, perhaps he is on this island." From a safe distance, he asked the man. Short sweet and to the point- "What manor of blood is on your spear?...or would you happen to know when they left, seems as if they took off in a hurry. As if they were attacked- caught with their pants down." he added, looking at the fireplace with the new longs, left unlit for who knows what reason.

Imbellem looks about for any sort of clues as to what made them take off in such a mannor
Imbellem Tueri rolled 23 Spot check, signs/clues for sudden leave of dwarves.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

"In all my years of being a board a ship, I never sailed with someone so CLUELESS!" Mikael vented towards Imbellem. He flexed his fingers after his hands spent hours gripped onto the wheel while Imbellem manned the ropes. Although he conveniently forgot to mention to Imbellem that all of the years consisted of himself being a passenger and never a part of the actual operations, but why miss the opportunity to blame someone else.


Mikael did not even notice the man until he spoke. He was too buried in thought on where all of the dwarves are. Finally seeing the man who was speaking to them he took a moment to examine him. "Oh hello, almost didn't see you there." Mikael took a moment to put a hand on the hilt of the new weapon hanging by his side. (After Imbellem speaks) "We are simply carrying a message from Herrod, but it looks like those who we were expecting to meet here, are not among this place."

After their introduction concludes, Mikael takes a moment to look around the immediate area for any signs of anyone else or where anyone might have gone. {Search check}
10:43, Today: Secret Roll: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Search check.


This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

Strangers in a strange place. Cautious but polite, balancing between the two, the strangers stood in the courtyard and traded words. It was a conversation that couldn't be called friendly, but nor could it be called unfriendly either, as neither party raised their weapons to change the state of affairs. But nonetheless their weapons remained at their side in an open display, letting the other know what scenarios could befall them should that politeness fade away.

Spot Check {Imbellem} ~ While speaking, Imbellem let his eyes wander over the abandoned fortress. Small objects of little value were scattered across the grounds, among which there were numerous scraps of rope and nails. Wagon tracks dug deep ruts, especially where there was no grass. These were clues. Though perhaps the most important clue was the absence of other clues, the absence of blood, bandages, and weapons, and other things that would normally indicate a battle. Imbellem tried to discern the meaning of this.

Search Check {Mikael} ~ Mikael followed up by daring to wander by foot, sauntering away from the stranger and peering into some of the buildings. They had been thoroughly emptied out, save for some sparse furniture. He looked to see if someone was around, but each corner of the ruin was as empty as the next. His foot then stumbled as it caught in the rut of a wagon track. This gave him an idea.

He followed the wagon track, which merged with every other wagon track, and walked to the south side of the ruin. The ruin wasn't large, so he could still be near Imbellem should he need to. Mikael stepped beneath one of the many collapsing arches opening to the outside world, and from there gained a view of the nearby mainland. Pines crowded the landscape until being broken by mountains beyond. On a personal tone, he felt very far from home for a moment, but this soon faded.

From this vantage, however, he also gained a view of where the wagon tracks went. They continued down a gradual slope on the south side of the fortress where there was a short wooden bridge to the mainland. And a dirt road lay beyond that. Now they were getting somewhere.

For a moment Mikael became lost in thought as he planned their next course of action. But this contemplation was oddly difficult, as thoughts of a more personal nature intruded on him. However, this reverie was abruptly disturbed upon hearing a sudden cry of pain. The cry came from Imbellem!

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Your warhammer fell on your toe!]

Chat (edit in progress)

Godric: Oh... the blood, I just killed a deer. I was butchering it when I saw your ship arrive here. I'm not sure about the dwarves, the were headed inland, probably to shelter keep. I'm just exploring here. I come from the neighboring isle and have been traveling for some time in search of adventure.

Mikael: Ha! And you were scared Imbellem. I knew it was animal blood.

Imbellem: Why didnt you tell me then... So uh, where is this deer at per-say

Mikael: Well I just thought you would figure it out. Oh by the way, I am Mikael.

Imbellem: paranoia keeps people alive, my dear elf friend.
Imbellem -nod-

Godric: It's been a while since I've been around people. I sometimes forget manners. My name is Godric. I have a small camp a few hundred yards into the forest. That's where the deer is.

Imbellem: Interesting. So these dwarves you say, they moved inland? Why did they take off in such a hurry, -points out fresh logs in the fireplace-

Godric: I don't know. I was just minding my own business and I heard them go by. they have a keep towards the middle of the island. That's is their home base, and I bet they were going there. I'd be curious to find out what could have caused them to leave so suddenly and leave everything out like this

Imbellem: when they left, were they in a hurry or worried? or was it a calm march
Well looks like we know where to start heading then

Godric: Honestly I wasn't paying much attention to them. I was on the trail of a deer. Didn't seem terribly hurried. I would be able to lead you towards their keep. But first I want to finish butchering this deer. Haven't eaten in a day


Imbellem: If they werent in a hurry, i suppose letting you finish wouldnt cause much of an issue with time... considering youre a fast cleaner
We would appreciate the guide. We'll happily wait.

Godric: I could even let you have some. I won't be able to eat it all before it goes bad.

Imbellem: Very kind, it would be appreacted
And seeing as dwarves are a stocky and heavy footed folk, from what knowledge I have of dwalin.. Their trail wouldnt be hard to follow.

Godric: They certainly aren't the most quiet folk. Not that I'm much better, Ha.

Imbellem: Quiet enough to get a deer though.
quite the feat with a heavy boot

Godric: When you grow up in the wilderness hunting and foraging becomes second nature
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Mon 15 Feb 2016.

After our short introduction, my curiosity got the best of me, and like the others, I decided to have a look around as well. Midway through my searching I'm startled by a yell of pain. It sounded like one of the visitors! I quickly headed towards the sound with my weapon out and ready in case of a fight.

Godric quickly turned, spear in hand after the shout let from the cleric. What he turned to see was not what he expected...

A warhammer on the ground, and a man of the cloth doing his best to not curse under his breath.

"Sorry, sorry," He said, gingerly placing his foot on the ground and limping to his weapon. "This is a new piece," he said, picking up the hammer and dusting it off before making sure it was secure on his belt, "Not used to the weight displacement... *ahem* so, shall we head to the dwarven keep then?" He concluded, in an attempt to redirect the attention off of his foolishness.

[Private to DM Ryan: Imbellem Tueri rolled 19 Spot check, Godrick. Gear, class, etc.]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Mon 15 Feb 2016.

Mikael was nearly lost in his thoughts while searching the surrounding area. He enjoyed the moments he could have to spend alone with his own thoughts. But of course, those thoughts were fleeting and were overcome by the screams of Imbellem. Mikael let out a large sigh as he stopped in his tracks and looked to the ground. He thought, "Well either this stranger Godric has chosen to redirect the pointy end of his spear into the side of Imbellem. OR... Imbellem dropped that hammer onto his own foot... again..." Mikael considered for a moment until he concluded, "Yeah it's the second one."

Mikael made his way back to where the other two were. He kept his weapons sheathed and simply walked back at a brisk pace. "Is it really that difficult to carry that hammer? How many times does this make it? Get it together buddy."

After stifling his laughter, Mikael told the others of what he found on his walk. "Looks like there are some wagon trails. They go to the south and over a bridge. I think that's where we need to go."

Imbellem refastened his warhammer to his belt, face red from a dash of embarrassment, but moreso from his foot. His warhammer had slipped away from him and landed on his toe. He put aside the worries of his companions with an awkward laugh. He was alright. Godric, breathing heavily, lowered his javelin. His body was on edge for a fight, reflecting a long-trained reflex. Mikael on the otherhand exhibited a different kind of reflex. He hadn't even drawn his sword and walked back to Imbellem with a knowing smirk; he had known him long enough to guess what had happened. Warhammer back in place, Imbellem smiled back at them, "Ahem, so... Shall we head to the dwarven keep then?"


Crossing the bridge that connected Old Falahar with Comoset, the adventurers entered the forest. Only one road continued from the bridge, and so their heading was clear. They followed the road into the dense wilderness of pines. A range of mountains towered not far in the distance.

Like the ground of the fortress ruin, wagon tracks carved deep ruts into the dirt road. Dwarven footprints were engraved into numerous muddy places. They were on the right trail.

After walking a short ways, Godric halted their procession, and led them off the road into the forest. They didn't have to go far before reaching his camp, which was setup up on low ridge in a clearing. Mikael and Imbellem were surprised by how he lived. Only a few animal furs spread across the ground, which were protected from rain and snowfall by a tarp-like tent, strung up from the trees with rope. From one tree hung a deer, suspended in midair with a cut down its stomach. And tied to another tree was a horse, which they presumed belonged to Godric. This horse, it should be said, was alive and well and nibbling on a crop of tall grass.

From the higher parts of the ridge, someone could get a decent look of the road and Old Falahar; they could even see Mikael and Imbellem's ship, which would explain how Godric knew someone would be there.

Godric immediately set to starting a fire. They were going to feast on deer before setting off on their journey.

While Godric and Mikael set to work on the meal, Imbellem took this opportunity to look around. He meandered along the ridge and surrounding trees in aimless exploration. The spruce trees grew tall here, towering above him with their dark green needles lightly frosted from the night. They cast these needles outward against the world, like a porcupine trying protect itself. As if the world was a threatening place.

Imbellem neared the topped of the ridge when he stumbled upon something interesting. Here, partially buried into the ground, were three standing stones in a circle. Their arrangement was no accident. Each of the stones were decorated with glyphs, which Imbellem guesses might have some meaning to a dwarf. The location overlooked a lake at the base of the ridge's opposite side. It was a quiet place.


[Private to Imbellem Tueri: #Error. Seeing what someone is wearing doesn't use a Spot Check. This uses an "Examine" which doesn't require a roll (but I'm going to make you do it again so you remember this time!). To see a person's class and gain information as to their abilities, this requires a "Knowledge: Adventure" Check.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:59, Mon 15 Feb 2016.

Once the fire was going, Godric went right back to work on the deer. He worked with great speed and precision on removing the entrails and skin of the deer, and then removing the meat from the skeleton. It is obvious he has done this many times before. "Here, this should be enough for now. I assume you know how to cook?" Godric turned to Mikael and then looked at the growing pile of meat, signaling that he begin cooking wile Godric finished butchering. Just as the meat was finished cooking, Godric had stripped the deer carcass of all the meat and packed it into a sack."Well this should keep us all full for a few days." He said with great satisfaction as he held up a bag of meat that must have been near 30 lbs. Godric then took the sack, tied it to a rope and tossed it over a nearby tree branch to keep it elevated."Where did your friend go? It's time to eat."He said to Mikael as he looked around the camp seeing no sign of him.

After taking a few bites of the meat to taste it he realized he didn't know where Imbellem wandered off to either. "Heh, probably out swinging that hammer around trying not hit himself. I'm sure he'll show up soon enough. I for one won't lose sleep he has to eat cold food." Mikael went back to eating.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

Imbellem looked at the curious stones. Odd really, three stones with dwarven inscriptions all neatly stacked in a triangle... Perhaps the meant something? He studied them for a moment and walked back to the smell of venison.

"I heard that" He said in a blunt tone, Stepping down off a rock onto the ground next to the men, "Its only been a few times. I told you, it feels like the blasted thing is buzzing all the time... it tingles." After a short dispute about how many times 'a few times' really was, the cleric turned his attention to Godrick. "Those stones," he began mid chew, forgetting his manners, "Any idea what they are? They're very curious. And seeing as youve been camped here, i thought perhaps you could hand a machete to my intellectual thicket." A blank stare is all he got in return. "Er, if you could tell me anything about them that is. Sorry, Ive been using big words around a certian paladin for far too long..."

"After we eat, I pose that we move to the dwarven keep. Curiosity killed the cleric afterall, and I am simply dying to know whats going on here. In favor?"

[Private to DM Ryan: Imbellem takes the time while they eat to study this Godrick. What he wore, what weapons he used, and just what type of man he was based on words spoken and actions even he may not notice.]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

Gathered around the fire, the adventurers ate deer meat strip by strip as each piece finished cooking. Before long they were full, and had a strong impulse to workout while this much protein raced through them. They spent a moment in silent contentment, the kind someone can experience only with a truly full stomach. [Private to Imbellem Tueri: Imbellem noted that Godric carried a lance and javelin with him, likely being his primary weapons. He wore a heavy set of bandedmail. From his rough features, you suspect he came from a barbaric background, but his demeanor would suggest he's seen much of the world since then.]

Knowledge ~ Imbellem, having been to the ridge, asked about the meaning of some standing stones up there, but none of his companions knew more than he. He pondered them for a bit, but he too hadn't the foggiest idea as to their meaning. He concluded they must be a dwarf thing.

Afternoon came upon them, and the sun shone overhead through cracks in the cloudy sky. Godric was the first to stand up and begin packing his things. If they were going to catch the dwarves, then they had to get going. Godric stowed his tent and furs and saddled his horse, and soon everything was ready for their departure. Imbellem and Mikael were ready well before that. At last, they set off in earnest and reconnected with the road, and were once again walking deeper inland into the forest. Their goal was to catch up with the dwarves from Old Falahar if they could, and their heading was the dwarven stronghold of Shelterpeak.

Godric related to them that the journey to Shelterpeak would take a full day on foot, and that they wouldn't reach it until some time tomorrow afternoon. This meant that they would have to setup camp for one night in the woods. However, the thought of this didn't bother them much. Although the air got colder as they neared the mountains, the land here was sublimely peaceful. The pine trees crowded the valleys and mountain slopes, and each timber stood with a kind of dignity, straight as a noble or some king. The treetops swayed only with the occasional strong gust, refusing to bend for anything less. And from what Godric told them, the deer and wildlife here were plentiful. No, it didn't bother them much at all.

The adventurers walked, Godric riding on his horse, and traveled for most of the day in relative peace. The only events to otherwise mark the passage of time was the sight of moose on a far hill, and the occasional bad joke from Imbellem. And later that evening, the adventurers entered into the mountain range. Some of the especially tall peaks were capped with snow, but most of these remained farther inland in the distance. Dusk came earlier than usual as the sun disappeared behind the western ridge.


The road then led them into a clearing of rugged brown grass. Trees were sparsely scattered here and there but remained dense around the perimeter. The first thing the adventurers noticed was an old fortress tower to the right hand side a short distance away. The second thing they noticed were some wagons up ahead. However, they didn't see any people nor horses with them.

Steadily they continued and reached the abandoned wagons. Some of them were intact, but others were shockingly smashed to pieces. Belongings remained tied down in the undamaged wagons while other items lay strewn and shattered next to the destroyed wagons that likely carried them. The adventurers had a haunting suspicion these belonged to the dwarves who fled Old Falahar. Mikael crouched next to a crop of grass which had a dark red color, sharply contrasting the brown clumps. He touched it with his fingers and quickly realized what it was. This didn't need any more explanation.

Dusk deepened and cast a pale twilight through the mountains. The adventurers felt a chill that said more than simply being cold. Hair stood on the ends of their necks, and something instinctual rose from the depths of their guts. That instinct told them exactly what they heard a moment later.

"RUN!" cried a distance voice. The adventurers, made alert by the sound, straightened up and located where it came from. From the direction of the fortress tower and running toward them was a dwarf. He was waving both his hands desperately trying to get their attention. He shouted at them again, this time closer and more audible. "FOLLOW ME TO THE TOWER! RUN YOU FOOLS! RUN!!!"

Suddenly there was a new sound. A thunderous roar boomed from the opposite direction, from the depths of the forest. The power of the cry was so intense that tremors shot through the ground. The adventurers put their hands to their ears to avoid being deafened. That chilling feeling expanded through their skin, screaming to them what it had tried to say earlier but said too quietly - that they were in a life or death moment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:42, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

With a quick look in the distance of the roar in an attempt to see what caused it, Imbellem took off. After the events with Alldyde, he had been working on his cardio. Cloak flowing behind him as he ran, he shouted that the other two do the same. If this creature could shatter a wagon, it was safe to assume what it could do to a human body...

As he ran toward the keep toward the dwarves, Imbellem listened closely for the sounds of Godricks horse. Should he be able, as it passed, he would attempt to grab the saddle and run along side the horse (Native american style).

As much as he wanted to see what this creature was, he assured himself he could see though the keyhole of a barred door just as well.

Mikael quickly followed behind Imbellem. Being sure he didn't leave anything behind, he took a glance back to the campsite they were now fleeing from. He tried to catch a glimpse of the... thing, that was running towards them and after this dwarf. Determined to not slow down until they reached safety. "What is that thing?!" Mikael shouted to Godric and the dwarf.

Godric immediately looked towards the sound. Knowing he was much faster than his new companions, he took up the rear of the group. As they make their way to the tower he kept a distance of about 30 feet behind the others and kept watch at where the sound was coming. His fighting instincts taking over, he knew they would be better off if they knew what they were dealing with."I'll stay in the rear and try to get a look at it!" he shouted in response to Mikael.

Mikael and Imbellem ran at an all out sprint for the tower while Godric took the rear with his horse, as though shepherding them to safety. The dwarf who had gotten their attention had already turned and ran back to the tower and propped open a door at its base. He continued frantically waving at them to hurry, though no longer shouting. Feet and hooves thudded loudly on the frosted ground, accompanied by heavy breathing. And behind them, in the forest, the sound grew louder by the moment.

What began as a subtle vibration increased to a rumble. It felt as though they were fleeing an avalanche. Whatever was after them was big. And finally, at the crescendo of the world's trembling, came the climax of a sharp, splintering noise.

Several trees exploded from the treeline, either torn up by the roots or broken at the trunk. The adventurers could hear the shattering wood very clearly, despite the distance they put between them and the forest. Something burst from the forest and now ran on the open ground after them. Its footsteps thundered as though each leg had the weight of a boulder; and it was moving fast.

The adventurers glanced back, then immediately returned looking forward again. They wished they hadn't done that, and started working their legs even faster. It was pale-colored. It was big. And there were teeth. And it worst of all, it was gaining on them.

{Combat Rounds Enabled}




Unknown Creature
-Health: Uninjured
-Rating: Impossible
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:34, Mon 22 Feb 2016.

Mikael runs to the tower. Feeling the shaking of the ground beneath his feet, his only focus is making it into the tower. He rushes through the door and finds himself in the middle of the building looking for anything that could be of use to them.



21:40, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Search check; tower.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Sat 27 Feb 2016.

Imbellem was running to fast and breathing too hard to be able to shout, the ground rumbled as the large creature charged for them.


As fast as he could, the priest bowled for the tower, straight for the open door with his head lowered and arms attempting to swim in the air, as if to make himself go faster.

Once inside, he bouced off the wall, and knelt down to catch his breath, he looked around and turned his attention to the dwarf, "You *hoo* what in the *hoo* devil is that *hoooo...* monster and how do we get it to go away?! Also who are you?... thank you for the sanctuary"



Imbellem Tueri rolled 21 using Knowledge dungeneering, creature.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 14 using Knowledge local, creature.

Breathing had never hurt this much before. Imbellem and Mikael felt their lungs trying to expand far more than they were capable of, but they didn't dare stop running. They could feel the tremors rippling through the ground, becoming more and more violent. The creature behind them was catching up. It roared again. Its cry shook their vision, causing everything to duplicate for a few moments before shifting back together. Their ears rang with a high-pitched tone.

The hooves of Godric's steed followed closely between them and the beast. They heard Godric yelling at them to hurry; their legs were already past their limit. The dwarf ahead held the door open for them, ushering them inside. He looked terrified. At last they flew through the door and into the tower. Godric swiftly dismounted and pulled his horse inside by the reins, though the horse needed no encouragement. Once all three were inside, the door slammed shut behind them. The dwarf who had helped them hadn't come inside.

He spoke through the door, "Don't open this door til sunrise - I must lure it off... Keep my brother safe."

The adventurers noticed the cot in the room was occupied by an unconscious dwarf whose head was wrapped in blood-soaked bandages. He looked seriously hurt.

Something that sounded like a barricade was shoved in front of the door. Then the dwarf ran. They could hear the fading of his heavy footsteps, accompanied by cries and hollars at the beast to get its attention. It seemed to be working, too, for if it hadn't, the beast would have already been at their door. Its thundering footsteps also lightened as it started in a perpendicular direction.

The adventurers huddled near the door, listening all they could. "Damn," they heard the dwarf curse. Then they heard him shout at the beast, "You, fluch dir hal de kan gettershuczen!" Ardently the dwarf roared a battlecry – it sounded as though he gave up on fleeing and turned to fight – but that battlecry suddenly changed into a cry of pain. Then, very abruptly, that cry completely vanished into nothing, accompanied by a tearing sound which sent shivers down the adventurer's spines.

They waited, listening at the door. They heard the beast moving outside. It was eating something. They waited still. Finally after a minute – which seemed more like an hour – the beast left, its footsteps audibly becoming fainter as it returned to the forest. That thing was gone, for now.

Inside the tower, they slumped on the ground, alone, save for the wounded dwarf in the cot. In one corner a number of provision had been stacked up, and at the foot of the dwarf's cot was an axe. Sunrise couldn't come sooner.

Knowledge Dungeoneering & Local ~ This wasn't something you'd seen before.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Sun 28 Feb 2016.

Mikael took just a moment to catch his breath until he saw the dwarf laying there. He quickly went over to him to see if he was alright. "Hello? Are you alright? I'm Mikael from Galia. Who are you?" Before the dwarf could respond he looked to Imbellem, "Imbellem! Here, quick! How bad is he?" Once Imbellem noticed, Mikael looked back to the Dwarf, "And what was that... thing? I've never seen the likes of it before."

Imbellem stood facing the door as the dwarf shouted in the distance which was then followed by a chilling silence. He was listening so intently that when Mikael shouted, he jumped. There was another man in the room. And he was in bad shape.

Imbellem swiftly made his way to the cot, removing his left glove and knelt down. Taking a deep breath to calm himself after the events with the creature, he closed his eyes and felt for pulse, gently pinched and poked at the man; though it looked rather unorthodox, he was checking for broken bones or gashes that lead to internal damage. He looked over his shoulder as he felt elf eyes eyeing him with a confused look. "Wounds of the soul are healed with words," he said plainly, continuing to tend to the dwarf, dabbing off sweat from the wounded's brow with his cloak, "Wounds of the body require hands. Neither of which I really need my eyes. Bones are easily set, internal wounds are difficult..."


While he checked the dwarf the causes of his injury and physical state, he also took the time to look at his gear and weapon, to attempt to determine what sort of man he was. Was he a noble dwarven fighter for the greater good? Or a common mercenary with more blood on his hands than the cleric in all his years of aiding the mortally wounded.

[Private to DM Ryan: Imbellem Tueri rolled 22 Secret sense motive, Evil man? or a man of ethics]

As soon as he heard the door shut, Godric went right to it and put his hand on the latch, almost as if he was considering going back out to fight. "Wait! There's no way you can outrun the beast. I'm not even sure my horse could escape that thing! After getting no response from the dwarf, Godric turned back to the others. He didn't like the idea of someone else risking their life in battle while he stood by like a coward. Perhaps if they all went out and fought they would have a chance at defeating the monster. But he soon realized they made the right choice by avoiding combat with the creature when he heard the dwarfs fate...Godric walked over to the injured man while his new found companions examined him. He noticed that Imbellum appeared to know what he was doing, and he likely wouldn't be able to offer him any help. "How does he look? Will he live? " Godric asked as he kept listening for the creature outside. "Do either of you two know what that thing was? It looks like it was a good idea for us to enter the tower judging from what probably happened to that dwarf. As much as I hate backing down from a fight, a good warrior must know when he is outmatched"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Thu 03 Mar 2016.

Torrick woke to a pounding headache and a terrible pain in his chest.
"So I live..." he mumbles to himself as he cracks a pale blue eye open.
Taking a quick second to glance at the strangers around him before he grumbles
"Well I suppose you are the ones that saved me?  Me name is Torrick Boulderbrea....."
Torrick stopped mid sentence as he stared at the large axe at the end of his bed.
Shiny and carved with dwarven runes, and of a non standard design, it lookes overly sized for the dwarf.
Torrick reaches down and grabs it gingerly with a wince and pulls it towards him, staring at it.
Looking up he begins anew
 "Torrick Axebearer, and I come from Terrignis Mare.  I'm searching to see if any of my clan still live in Comoset"