The Frontier #7
The Seekers continue to set up their base of operations at Gateway.
Cereld visits the Temple of Heironeous. After showing his letter to a lower official, he is shown into the office of Durn, the High Priest.
"This sounds serious indeed," he says, looking over the letter. "You did the right thing in bring this to our attention, brother. This plot must be stopped. It is my belief that the Hextorites indeed to sacrifice magic items in exchange for the Trumpet of Acheron. My guess would be the middle of August for the sacrifice, on Hextor's Unholy Holiday. I would be most pleased if your party would be available to aid in this mission.'
Next, Cereld speaks of the magic items.
"I have my reservations, brother. Magic is something you should not taken so lightly. Allow me to check for cursed items."
According to Durn's spell, the necklace is cursed.
"See, if you had donned the necklace, you could have been slain. Magic should not be treated so recklessly, Cereld. You may report to the temple for training in the morning."
In the cave, several of the party members can read the writing of the wall. It is in Goblin. It says:
"Precede no further. The halls beyond are cursed to the unworthy."
Flint can tell that the section of the wall the message is on is not the same as the rock around it. It appears that there was a tunnel that was filled in. Judging by the thickness of the stone, it would be a long and grueling task to re-open the passage.
Next day, the party continues with their various tasks. Validar and Stephanie go to see Wendy at the Farway'd Inn. They are shown to her door and she let's them in. After the introductions are made, Wendy proceeds to tell her tale.
"About ten years ago, my father, Akbar, came to this area. He was a mage by trade. He came to find magic. We never heard from him again."
"During the winter, a party of adventurers arrived at my village. They bore with them a dairy-- my father's diary. They had found it in possession of a tribe of goblins."
"In it he tells of his travels into the Frontier. Later it tells of his arrival in Whispering Hollow. There it says the he found something of tremendous value. What, he does not say. There is little after that."
During her tale, her eyes well up until they can no longer hold the tears back.
"I've just gotta know what happened to him... I just have to! My dad was everything to me.... Do you think you can help?"
"I have little to offer... Only 50 gp's to my name...'
GM Notes:
Well, that's her story. So what are you going to do now? The diary has rough directions to follow Akbar's trail.
You can all assume that you have completed all of your tasks. The date will then be April 28th.
All the bows have been made, along with 90 arrows.
Dalliance, the scroll you received has the following spells on it: Gaze Reflection, Hold Person, Continual Light, and Web.
Finrod completed his ID of the magic Items. The ring is a Ring of Sustenance. The necklace is a Necklace of Strangulation. Also, there was a magic dagger in the Chest that no one has claimed yet.
Descent housekeepers were found after a few interviews. Mr. and Mrs. Calhos were hired. They are a nice, young couple without children.
Fin and Flint completed the furniture shopping. Each quarters has a bed, footlocker, table and chair. The kitchen is fully operational. There is a long dinning table.
Validar furnished his own room out of his own pocket.
The party's account now stands at 450 gp.
Spectrum's Comments: That warning written in goblin will be explored later on in the game. Never to early to set things up!
SUBJ: Dwaladin FROM: ICwhatUmin 09/25/89 S#: 823160
"I understand you're looking for new member for that question of the Dragon Mountain. I, Dwaladin, offer my services in trade for a share of the loot. As you can see by my outfit, I am a Cleric of Berronar. As you can see by my battle axe, I am more than just a Cleric."
He looks expectantly at your faces for a long moment.
"You are the party going after the Dragon horde, ain'tcha?"
Dwaladin is a jolly looking Dwarf. He strikes you as the kind that never lets reality interfere with his view of the world.
I hope I can prove myself worthy of this fine company.
Spectrum's Comments: Another new character. Not sure where got Dragon Mountain from though. Ironically, this was actually one of the people who ran the Phantasy Guild on Q. The folks who hired the GM's and the RDI's. In other words, my future boss!
SUBJ: ti-cat... (R) FROM: JP TiCat 09/25/89 S#: 831105
Has measured, made, and tested Stephanie's bow and given it to her. It bears the initial "S" upon its grip and the cat face on its tip. He has also made sheathfuls of arrows, which he has shared out to all who have longbows. He is prepared for whatever may come.
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus...... FROM: Kazaroth 09/25/89 S#: 824270
"Greetings and may I say well met, noble Dwaladin! My name is Dar Thaltus and I would like to extend this hearty welcome and invite you to join our group of fine adventurers. I am certain that you will be excellent company and a great addition to our party." So saying Dar extends an open hand and a friendly smile towards Dwaladin.
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 09/25/89 S#: 429296
"Hail Dwaladin, Welcome to our band of adventurers. I am Flint Fireforge dwarven fighter, I am skilled in mountaineering, armory, weaponsmithing, and mining."
"So what is our first adventure going to be? Are we going after the Hextorites? Search the cave? Or do something else?"
SUBJ: Stephanie
Steph is stunned as Cereld hands her the magic sword.
'I-- I-- I thank you, Cereld. I shall use this fine blade with honor.'
Steph bends down and gives Cereld a kiss of the cheek. Not paying much attention to the rest of the goings on, Steph goes to an open area and practices with her new blade.
Between practice the longbow with Fin and aiding Ti with the construction of her own bow and training, the time passes by quickly. When presented with her bow, Steph is very pleased at its construction.
'You are indeed a true artist and friend, Ti. Tis a magnificent bow. With it I shall slay many a foe.'
Steph shows her gratitude by giving Ti a gentle kiss on the cheek.
As to our choice of missions, I think we should aid Wendy. Her plight does seem genuine. Plus the Hextorites won't be ready for their sacrifice for four months. Although skilled, our band is not yet ready for a battle with a mighty dragon. As for the cave, I'm not sure... Perhaps we could ask the authorities here. Perhaps they know something about this scribbling.
Welcome to the fold, Dwaladin! ;)
Spectrum's Comments: Steph was always one to show her appreciation! Steph never was much of a bow person, she perferred to hack her foes apart. Although, her first kill with Ti's bow was most impressive.
SUBJ: Welcome, Dwaladin! (R) FROM: FINROD 09/26/89 S#: 72518
You have certainly come to the right place if you wish to slay dragons. However, if you are the impatient sort, I am afraid you will be a bit disappointed. You see, we are just beginning the process of gathering the resources necessary for such a grand task. For now I am backing the Wendy-helping faction, as this sounds like a quick and interesting mission. Besides- I despise goblins, and am eager to cause a few of their bodies to yield up their life's blood (and their purses to yield up their gold) :)Right now, we lack a few small things necessary for Dragon-hunting. Like hit points, for one.
Finrod has some difficulty concentrating on the meeting, as his eyes keep straying appreciatively to where Steph practices her sword-moves so lithely....
That evening, I will refresh my ARMOR spell, and next morning, memorize SLEEP, ready for whatever the adventure brings. :)
SUBJ: ti-cat FROM: JP TiCat 09/27/89 S#: 440371
Ti-Cat reddens as Stephanie kisses his cheek. "Only right that a fine warrior should have a fine bow," he murmurs.
After welcoming Dwaladin, Ti-Cat will spend whatever free time he has practicing his own archery, testing his new arrows, and adjusting their feathers or paring down their shafts as needed.
"Cereld," he says during a break in his practice, "I will support you in whatever you decide. I feel, though, that we should not fail a young maid who needs our help."
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 09/27/89 S#: 445254
"Ti! What a wonderful bow!"
My eyes light as I examine the graceful, yet powerful curves and elegant grain of the wood. Seeing the rose, and my elven initial, my eyes rise to meet TiCat's.
"Yes, Ti, I have my thorns. But be assured, my friend, that you shall never feel their scratch."
I pretend not to see the faint blush spreading on his face.
"I am truly proud to have such a weapon, and shall use it against the minions of evil, as it is intended. Thank you, Ti."
I slip some gold pieces into his hand to cover the cost of the materials. Still holding his hand, I give it a little squeeze, saying "Arrows from this bow shall fly as true as the heart of him who made it, and strike as strongly as his hand."
Then, addressing Cereld, I again add my voice to those who wish to aid Wendy.
"As has been pointed out, we have some time ere the unholy rites, and surely she needs our aid." I then welcome Dwaladin to our party, wishing him much reward and many deeds of valor.
Spectrum's Comments: I will say one thing... Dalliance did have a way with words!
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 09/28/89 S#: 450675
"Welcome Dwaladin you are more than welcome to join the Seekers. Right now though we are not going after any dragons, but we are going to help the maiden Wendy find her lost father. As to the dagger (I forgot about it honest, don't mind the fact that it is coming out the secret pocket in my cloak) Ti-Cat it is yours. You might need some magic weapon if someone comes closer than your bow range. Now that we are all set, Finrod can you and Dar get us enough food and water for at least two weeks, we will leave first thing in the morning so everyone else with last minute preparations, make them now. I have to let Raeden know what we are doing."
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 09/28/89 S#: 827895
"Greetings, Dwaladin. If you are searching for honor and glory, then certainly you have started your quest in the correct place. Welcome to our band."
"I must again make my point that it might be best to take advantage of the offer to fulfill the obligatory mission to the crown as soon as possible. However, I am in agreement that something else has to be taken care of first, namely removing the fair Wendelaine's plight. Let us set forward on this mission, as it appears that all necessary arrangements have been taken care of."
During some free time to Cereld:
"Friend Cereld, I am requesting a minor purchase from out of the party's savings. As my mount is a warhorse, he is not suited to carrying provisions and/or equipment, especially due to his barding. I would like to purchase another horse. As I paid for the furnishing of my room, I feel this small amount should not terribly deplete our resources."
SUBJ: Grocery shopping. FROM: FINROD 09/28/89 S#: 451948
One week Normal rations for 11 people. One-week trail rations for 11 people. Two day's Iron rations for 11 people (You never know, we might get stranded somewhere) as emergency rations. 100 lbs. feed oats as a supplement to graze for the horses.
One Mule to carry all this...
Any chance of a bulk discount, Mad DM1?
SUBJ: Arafel FROM: Kityana 09/29/89 S#: 458326
::meanders back to the mansion the night before we leave::
Sorry i disappeared for a bit...needed a little relaxation. : After finding out about the departure I will proceed to prepare myself for the trip::
SUBJ: magic dagger FROM: JP TiCat 09/30/89 S#: 845315
"Thank you, Cereld, for entrusting me with this enchanted blade. Would that my shafts stop all enemies ere I need bloody it."
:: tucking dagger down into left boot, than clasping Cereld by the forearm in thanks ::
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 09/30/89 S#: 435509
"Sure Validar, we will give you the money for the horse since it might come in useful later. I agree that we must do our obligatory mission fast, perhaps when we finish this.
By the way, I keep forgetting all the magic (no I don't have sticky fingers). Raeden since you want to stay out here and not be with us in the city, here take this ring. Perhaps it can be of some help to you."
SUBJ: Raeden FROM: Belrek 10/01/89 S#: 398569
Raeden prepares for departure after getting the word from Cereld; upon Cereld's arrival and giving of a gift of the ring, "I thank you, Cereld, for this gift, but don't understand the significance of your statements. Does this ring have mystical enchantments on it or something? I will be ready to go as soon as I send the birds to a safer perch, since I don't want anything coming out of there (pointing to the rear of the cave) and getting them."
Raeden will free his birds, telling them that he will signal for their return. Raeden will then sit and pray silently for strength and guidance; and that the loss of life will be minimal.
The Frontier #8
Preparations complete, the Seekers depart Gateway on their first mission into the Frontier.
Following the instructions given by Wendy from her father's diary, yes she is going along, travel begins. The diary picks up with Akbar's arrival at the then goblin controlled city. He managed to pass the city with only a few minor skirmishes with the goblins.
He then proceeds to take the main road leading east, into the heart of the Keln Empire.
Once the road was well kept. Now it's cobblestones fight for dominance with the weeds.
At the end of the second day of travel, the party arrives a collection of small buildings. The buildings themselves appear to have been repaired recently. There is no one around. Inspecting the buildings, the party finds no signs of life. However, several members of the party heard in Gateway that there were way stations established within a few days travel of Gateway. This is one of them. Around noon on the fourth day of travel, the diary instructs the party to take a side road leading to the southeast. This road is essentially a dirt path.
As the party rides along, the ground itself begins to shake. Suddenly an enormous, multi-legged worm erupts from the ground! Its powerful mandibles neatly slice through Radagast's mount.
Just as sudden as the attack came, the creature, Radagast and what's left of his mount all collapse into a large hole in the ground.
Before the party can react, two more worms burst from the earth. One wounds Cereld's horse, but remains above ground. The other tries to put the squeeze of Validar's warhorse, but is thwarted by it's scale barding. However, it still has its mandibles around the horse.
SUBJ: Gm Notes
Well, looks like you've got another battle on your hands!
Still no word from Radagast. Will he survive this encounter? Heh-heh...
Raeden, the ring is indeed magical. It is a Ring of Sustenance.
Spectrum's Comments: And so the Seekers enter the Frontier lands in their quest to help Wendy. I doubt anyone, myself included, could imagine just how this quest would turn out... You think that's a subtle hint concerning Radagast?
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 10/02/89 S#: 395159
I immediately jump into the fight with my longsword. I attack the nearest worm first.
SUBJ: Fight. (R) FROM: FINROD 10/02/89 S#: 454999
I will immediately begin calming my steed Maglor, and skillfully guide him away from the melee. Once free (I hope) I will proceed to feather the worm with the mouthful of metal.
I would prefer to keep my rate of fire to only one because I want to keep my eyes open for:
A) Other worms erupting from the earth.
B) Steph's safety - If she gets in any real trouble I will dismount and move to her side with longsword and dagger.
SUBJ: ti-cat (R) FROM: JP TiCat 10/02/89 S#: 442008
I will spur my mount some fifty feet away from the nearer worm. I will let fly with my arrows, aiming at the eye of the nearer worm, continuing to fire until the worm is dead or disappeared, or my fire would endanger my friends.
If I can no longer fire without endangering them, I will drop my bow and charge toward the worms, attacking with the magic dagger.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 10/02/89 S#: 446896
"Away foul beast. By Heironeous's might you'll not feast on my horse tonight. Have at thee."
With that Cereld will swing his battle-axe into the head of the worm attacking his horse.
SUBJ: Stephanie
After a moment of surprise, Steph has to smile to herself. At last, an opportunity to test this fine blade!
I'll leap from my horse, grab my shield and charge into battle. Being confident in Val's battle skills, I'll charge the beast daring to assault our fearless leader. Hopefully, with several slashes of steel, the wyrm will think twice about attacking.
SUBJ: Dalliance (R) FROM: Random0 10/03/89 S#: 845418
Grabbing my new bow from my back, I quickly fit arrow to gut and take aim. The superbly balanced weapon seems to aim itself, and I let fly at the monster. I will use the bow as long as possible, and then use my sword for fighting closer in. I will not cast unless weapons appear to be ineffective. As my shaft wings towards the beast, a cry of "Die, hell-spawn!" bursts from my lips.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 10/03/89 S#: 826700
"Away, you scum-sucking, earth crawler! I'll not have my mighty war mount harmed by such a lowly beast!"
Validar will draw his sword with a flourish and proceed to use all his skill to entice the disgusting creature to let Havok alone. I will not give the worm a free chance to escape however, hacking at the creature as long as possible, in an effort to make certain that this monster, at least, does not have another opportunity to do the same.
Once I have driven off, or hopefully killed, the worm attacking my mount, I will then ride to the aid of anyone else still battling the foul creatures. Lowering my lance, I will proceed to assault as many of the creatures as there are left, should this be necessary.
SUBJ: Raeden FROM: Belrek 10/04/89 S#: 86353
(Raeden seeing the waste of life and the rise of violence is once again sickened, but pauses only for a moment, for this time the enemy are monsters rather than humanoids that can only be dealt with in one way) Raeden concentrates for a moment, and then says a silent prayer for strength then he casts "Shillelagh" on his staff and prepares to deal with the nearest worm with a blow to its head (hopefully it will get the message and go back into the hole it came from).
Spectrum's Comments: Since Frontier#8 was so short, I included #9 as well.
The Frontier #9
While in search of Wendy's dad, the Seekers have been ambushed by Ankheg's. The worms have already dragged Radagast and what's left of his mount down into the ground. Two more worms have come up, one under Cereld, the other Validar.
Several of the party ride their horses away from the conflict and draw bows. Others merely dismount and enter the fray.
Raeden mumbles some holy words and his staff begins to glow with power.
Flint dismounts his horse and rushes to Validar's aid. His blade fails to pierce the thick hide of the worm.
Stephanie's blade has better success. It slashes into the giant worm with ease. Severely wounded, the worm releases Cereld's mount and starts to retreat into the earth. A shaft from Finrod slays it.
Meanwhile, shafts from Dalliance have found their mark in the remaining worm. Validar's sword finishes it off.
All is quiet after the last worm falls. It appears the no more worms will burst from the ground.
Looking into the large hole that Radagast fell into is not a pleasant sight. His mount is currently being devoured by 3 of the Ankhegs. Radagast himself is not in sight. There is a large area down there, and you cannot see the entire cavern.
Gm Notes:
So now what?
It is about 12 feet down to the cavern floor.
The party is unwounded, but Cereld's mount is currently 5 of 15.
Several party members have gained levels. I will allow you all to advance, but the training will still be required once you return to Gateway.
Party Status:
| Name | Class | Lvl | AC | Hp's |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arafel | R | 1 | 4 | 9 |
| Cereld | C | 3 | 4 | 21 |
| Dalliance | F/M | 2/1 | 1 | 10 |
| Dar Thaltus | R/C | 1/1 | 5 | 10 |
| Dwaladin | C/T | 1/1 | 7 | 6 |
| Finrod | F/M/T | 2/1/2 | 5 | 10 |
| Flint | F | 2 | 0 | 20 |
| Raeden | D | 2 | 7 | 15 |
| Stephanie | F | 2 | 2 | 19 |
| Ticat | F | 2 | 2 | 22 |
| Validar | F | 3 | -2 | 26 |
SUBJ: Stephanie
Pleased with the performance of her blade, Steph stares into the pit. Her enthusiasm over coming the nauseating sight below.
'Shall we engage the vile worms in their hole, Cereld?! Perhaps there is treasure down there. Maybe magic.'
While wishing to leap into combat, I'll wait and follow whatever plan is offered.
SUBJ: Half-finished business. FROM: SGT STONEY 10/06/89 S#: 455231
Well, fearless leader, what say you? Shall we have at these critters? They doubtless have no small treasure accumulated down there unappreciated, and besides, we can't just leave these unnatural things to keep preying on Raeden's pals, the natural forest-dwellers hereabouts.
We can break out one of the ropes, and make it fast to a tree or one of the horses saddles, then a couple of us lightly-armored folks could scurry down and secure a foothold so those who require more time and care can climb down, then we can hack 'em to bits. One or two folks would have to volunteer to stay up here to guard the horses, of course.
By the way- Watch out for their spit... I hear it can eat the stains out of your underwear, and you don't want anything that caustic on Ya'! :) Forewarned is forearmed, I hope. :)
::Peering down the hole::
Does anyone remember if THAT poor soul had a shield with him? If I'm gonna secure a foothold down there, I might wanna try to grab it for protection from the spit.
Spectrum's Comments: Now there's a visual image I could have done without....
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 10/07/89 S#: 453645
"Hold a minute everyone I think I have a less dangerous plan. First off, Raeden can you take Miss Wendy over there out of harms way here? Be on guard for we don't know how many are down there and where they can come up. And at the same time can you see if you can help my horse any?"
After they have moved a safe distance away, "Alright, now why don't the archers start firing on those three right there. Be ready to fall back if you see them about to attack. The rest of us will be ready with weapon and shield to finish them off if they come out of the hole. After these three are gone, then we will go down the hole and have a look around. Radagast is somewhere down there and although by the looks of his horse, I don't think his chances are good alone, I think at the very least he would deserve a decent burial if possible." With that Cereld will wait above with battle-axe ready.
SUBJ: Raeden FROM: Belrek 10/07/89 S#: 840788
(Raeden looks on at the brutal torturous death of the horse with disgust and sadness) "...What cruel, malicious, evil creatures...to kill and torture so, it is demonic and unghastly. These "creatures" must be returned to the demon that has spawned them, for only then may nature rest..." (Raeden prepares to enter the hole himself, but Cereld's words break into his fury. He hears, but ignores until the mention of the horse. (Tears pouring down his cheeks, he turns to Cereld) "I will watch the girl and I will most assuredly tend to our noble friend (looking to Cereld's horse), but you must promise me that those "things" will not be allowed to escape so that they can kill more as they have done to our friends."
(Raeden, his piece said and his fury tempering after coming to the reality of the moment and the task that must be done, goes over to Cereld's horse (what is the name?) and then quickly gives his wound a once over, then he begins to concentrate. "Oh great protector of nature and guide to your humble servant hear me now, Obad-Hai, and grant me your hand of life so that this noble creature may be saved from the pain of his wounds." (Raeden casts Cure Light Wounds on the horse). After doing this, Raeden will make sure that the girl is safely away from the hole.
Spectrum's Comments: Did I say melodramatic before? Seriously, it seems to me that a wild animal trying to survive is something that a druid would know all about and understand. Its simply natures way. Survival of the fittest and all that.
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 10/07/89 S#: 403251
"To hear is to obey." :: Shrug::, heard that somewhere...
I begin to fire arrows into the three ankregs devouring Radagast's hapless steed. If we descend into the pit/cave, I will quickly retrieve as many arrows as possible, then follow. I still have Magic Missile on tap.
It may be noted, if anyone cares to spare a glance, that despite the travails of road and battle, this little Elf maid remains fresh and tidy, except, perhaps, for a tiny trickle of perspiration down her right temple. My mother would DIE!!
SUBJ: ti-cat (R) FROM: JP TiCat 10/08/89 S#: 846365
Ti-Cat restrains an urge to throw up. Closing one eye, leaving his green one open, he aims at the horse, intending with one shaft to put it out of its anguish.
Once the horse is dead, he will fire one arrow after another into the ankhegs. Once they are defeated, he will gather arrows, taking only ones he has fashioned himself, and prepare to enter the pit, one arrow nocked on his bowstring, another held between his little finger and ring finger.
SUBJ: As you like it.... FROM: FINROD 10/08/89 S#: 450269
Cereld, you are the party leader after all, though I am eager to sheathe blade in these vile creatures, I will instead pump one shaft after another into the Ankhegs at the bottom of the hole.
Once we get ready to descend, I will point out to Cereld that my unique abilities and training make me the almost ideal point man. (If only I were a little tougher...ah well...) You can be sure I would stay in touch with the rest of the party...after all I value my hide. However, I could serve a useful purpose feeling out the way a little ahead of the others.
SUBJ: FLINT (R) FROM: Sir teske 10/09/89 S#: 413772
I secure a rope and quickly repel to the floor of the hole. Once there I grab my sword and attack!
Spectrum's Comments: Here we go again....
SUBJ: TSK, TSK... (R) FROM: FINROD 10/09/89 S#: 128444
Maybe you are right, Validar, maybe we are just a bunch of glory-seeking adventurers, and not a professional band of mercenaries, after all....::Sigh:: Oh, well, I suppose someone has to pay the price.
::I nock arrow to string, and prepare to lend what supporting fires I can to the berserk fool at the bottom of the shaft.::
Cereld, don't you think it would be a good idea the send someone down to give him a helping hand (or helping hand to hand as it were) :)
I am ready to scramble nimbly down the rope at the least hint of approval from Cereld. Gotta indulge the chaotic urges every once in a while, I reckon.
SUBJ: Dalliance (R) FROM: Random0 10/11/89 S#: 456282
When Cereld gives the order to climb down into the pit, I will try to get near the front of our group, that I may have line-of-sight to the ankhegs. Otherwise my spell will be useless.
Once I have cast, I will fall back on my longsword, assuming the cave will limit the use of bows. If the tunnel is too confining, my dagger will have to suffice.
It may be wise for our point man, whoever it turns out to be, to have some oil ready, and a torch. Meanwhile, I do my best to hit ankhegs and miss our rash companion in the pit.
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 10/12/89 S#: 429041
(Can you say here we go again? Thank you Validar for preparing me for the rash actions of others. This time I have a contingence plan ready.)
Seeing Flint scramble down into the pit against orders, (although really expecting Validar to do such actions), Cereld cries out, "Quick Validar, Steph, join our rash companion down there. Help him survive the beasts so I can have a piece of him. The rest of you try to provide cover fire for them. If those things decide to spit acid like? Finrod (sorry forgot who said this)? said they do, Flint's a dead dwarf."
After these three anhkegs are killed or driven off, Dalliance, Finrod and myself will be next into the pit. Ti and Dar, I'd like the two of you to stay up here with Raeden to guard Wendy and the horses if you don't mind. We should not be long, and anything we find will still be split amongst us all."
SUBJ: Validar (R) FROM: Panther13 10/12/89 S#: 446571
"There is an extreme difference in a rash action from a position of strength as opposed to one from a position of weakness. The dwarf will be lucky to descend into the cavern without being attacked while helpless, much less being subjected to our own fire! I hardly think that these two situations can suitably be compared."
"Also, Finrod, I would MUCH rather be considered an adventurer than a mercenary. The very thought of that word leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."
"I might also be a suitable candidate for the point position in the pit. I have experience in sightless fighting and am also the most heavily armored and thus the least vulnerable of us."
Upon being ordered into the pit, Validar will comply, but with an unseen look of disgust on his face.
"This would have been so much easier had we simply fired arrows into the monsters. Ah well, another chance to hone my blade skills."
I will go before Stephanie to ensure that her descent is clear. I will keep my sword at the ready and slide down the rope one handed. Basically, the idea is to get down as safely as possible without having to climb. Once at the bottom, enter battle mode!
"If those of you still above ground will humor me, I would feel much better if you were to allow us to finish this battle. I don't care to have to dodge our own arrows as well as the ankhegs. Not that I'm putting down anyone's skill, but this battle shouldn't take long now!"
SUBJ: Dalliance (R) FROM: Random0 10/12/89 S#: 424402
At the edge of the pit, I search for a clear shot at the Ankhegs. As I still have quite a few arrows left in my quiver, I will not delay when ordered down. I can collect shafts later.
I do agree with Val concept: I, too, consider myself (and my fellows) to be an adventurer. There are some mercs who are warriors of honor, but unfortunately the nature of the sword-for-hire game makes most of them the tools of their Commander, and their Client. Remember, however, that the Commander of a mercenary army can choose for whom his forces fight.
SUBJ: TWANG! FROM: SGT STONEY 10/13/89 S#: 90355
Mercenaries with honor are the only ones who get a second job. If you are without honor, the word gets around fast, and no one will hire you. Anyway...
TWANG!
TWANG!