Not for the first time, Torontu wondered just what it was he was doing on this desolate plain. As the rain beat down running off of the wide-brimmed Kozakuran hat he had recently purchased in Sembia, he trudged through the muck that had been labeled the Western Vale on some vague map he'd seen in Shadowdale. THe only thing he had found out here was the Coaster Fort, all else was barren. He coughed, wondering if this search would lead to a cold....or worse. He glanced at the sky and saw that the clouds would not break anytime soon. He sighed, trudging onward... east and south along the forested border. Perhaps the bandits were west, not east, of the road. "Too late" he thought, "near noon now, it would take me till late afternoon just to get to the the northern edge of this mudhole again". A peel of thunder made him look up...and his eyes glimpsed something...unnatural..manmade... on the horizon. As he drew near, he nodded to himself. There, on the hill high above, stood the ruins of a tower. Deep in thought, he wondered of all those who had built it, all who had walked it's winding staircase to take their shift at watch and guard, how long this tower had been abandoned before it finally crumbled in on itself, leaving the shell he now saw. Was it Netherese? Drow, like the twisted tower was said to be? As these thoughts finished winding there way through his mind, he came to the realization that he had already crested the hill and was no more than thirty feet away from the tower... and he cursed himself. His father, Norensa, had taught him to always think while still...movement only clouded thought, making you unaware of your surroundings. What's more, he wasn't the quietest of travelars. He stopped, listened for a full minute...nothing. Just when he was about to move toward the tower, he was proven wrong. The clouds were breaking. A single ray of light from the afternoon sun slanted down...right onto the tower. He stood for a moment, taking the beauty in, this ghostly visage of old archaic structure mixed with the promising light of birth. Light and dark in one. He smiled to himself at the visual beauty of it, then internalized it as a knowing dawned upon him. His focus. He had been adrift in Shadowdale for months without focus...and he finally realized why he was here. To see.
What else had gone unnoticed? What else lay off the main roads, ignored and shunned? He slowly moved toward the tower, readying himself for beasts that might have made this defunct stone structure their abode. And found nothin within. He nodded to himself as the rain stopped. He glanced around the surrounding valley, and thought "A perfect place for a watchtower." Examining the ground, he found no signs of artifacts. Just fallen stonework. His eyes shifted east, and in the distance he saw....
Wanderings- An explorers Post
Wanderings- An explorers Post
Last edited by danielmn on Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Ludo
- Shambling Zombie
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2005 5:23 pm
- Location: Raleigh area, NC, USA (GMT-5, -4 summers)
Risa loves it!
That is a tale for a bard. Torontu wanders a desolate plain, sees beauty, chooses a purpose - to see! Risa Bardsdottir only wonders why it took him so long to catch on. She traveled a lot growing up, with her mother and various fathers, and kept pulling them off the road to investigate something or other.
Some of her fathers were explorers at heart, though her mother preferred to explore populated cities. She knows she should seek tales of heroic deeds, for her songs, but she listens, rapt, to stories of the strange beauties of far lands.
Elm also appreciates the well-spoken explorer. She has been a homebody, in or near Silverymoon all her life. Yet she can see the beauty of Shadowdale through the eyes of an explorer who has the soul of a bard.
I like the writing and want to read more of it. The three of us eagerly await the next episode.
Some of her fathers were explorers at heart, though her mother preferred to explore populated cities. She knows she should seek tales of heroic deeds, for her songs, but she listens, rapt, to stories of the strange beauties of far lands.
Elm also appreciates the well-spoken explorer. She has been a homebody, in or near Silverymoon all her life. Yet she can see the beauty of Shadowdale through the eyes of an explorer who has the soul of a bard.
I like the writing and want to read more of it. The three of us eagerly await the next episode.
Ludo means "I play." Elm Terese, frozen in TSM - Granny Ludo, occasional OAS DM - occasional moderator
part deux
what appeared to be....a wall. With crenallations. Standing in the tower for a moment, he scanned the area completely, but the only thing he saw was a badger making it's way through the fallen leaves. He coughed again, and pulled his sodden cloak around him. He could use a fire...but that could wait. All thoughts of finding the bandits that plauged the north road left his mind entirely, he now was focused east. THis had been a watchtower...perhaps for a town, or an outpost long ago. He made his way down the hill carefully, avoiding the treacherous mudd. As he slowly crossed the plain, the sun broke free from its struggle with the clouds, like some Celestial Warrior breaking free from the clutches of Daemons. He smiled slightly; soon the ground would be dry once again. THe mudd sucked at his boots as he crossed the plain, and he paused to restrap them tighter. Bent low, the wind blew the three foot grass, making his face itch. Rising, he journeyed to the wall. Again, expecting to find some creature using this as a hovel, he found nothing but stone. He examined the wall, no markings. It was slowly crumbling away, another hundred years and there would be nothing but strewn rock. Many hundreds of years, and travelars would walk by this spot and not even notice the once square turned worn stones. He grunted, walked up the stairs carfully, and peered further east and listened. Trees....and running water. He nodded, hefting his almost empty canteen. Perhaps he may even find more evidence further on. He descended the brittle stone steps, and walked east among great oaks. Soon, he came to a stream. He followed the stream with his eyes, smiling as he traced it to the lake further on. Bending to fill his canteen, his smile faded. He glanced back at the lake. Something was wrong...something didn't fit. He unfocused his eyes, another trick his father had taught him, and immediately saw what others would just think of as a fifth sense sighting. THe lake, where it flowed down into the stream, had been damned. And not by any beast. This was work of intelligence, the logs properly braced and staked. His movement ceased, his eyes slowly scanned the land without the movement of his head. Nothing. Placing the cap back on the full canteen, he turned...and saw it. A thin plum of smoke to the north, beyond the trees. Cautiously he worked his way to the treeline, trying to be as quiet as he could...which was not quiet at all. Still, as he peered through some evergreen branches of a sharp smelling cedar, the man was not aware of his presence. In fact, the man seemed to be talking....to himself. He looked to the plum of smoke, and saw a small hovel. The man himself was standing in a patch of pumpkins, pulling weeds and muttering in a tittering, reedy voice. Torontu shook his head. THis man...was alone, miles from anywhere near ancient ruins....farming. A hermit. He nodded to himself, and slowly backtracked. He would meet the man another day, but for now, he would leave the secluded man be. He strode back to the tower as the sunlight faded to dusk. Gathering dry wood from underneath the fallen piles of leaves, he made a small campfire using moss and dried leaves to start it. His flint and bit of steel created its wonder, and as he dried out his boots, stockings and cloak, sitting back against the stone structure, his eyes drew shut. He fell asleep, peacefully, for the first time in years.
part tre
He awoke before dawn, his eyes gritty. He moved to wipe them with his hand, and felt the pain in his back and neck. Throbbing. Indeed, he had grown soft in Shadowdale, had gotten too used to the matresses and pillows of Latha's Boarding House. THere were times in his past where his body would have sprung into action at a night like that...now it ached all over. Sleeping in his chainmail had not helped the situation. He rose slowly, and stirred the deadened fire to make sure no live coals were left behind...even with the rain, if flames caught out here, it could spell disaster for this vale. He put on his dry boots and cloak, and took a few minutes to work what kinks he could out of his frame. Perhaps this is what his father was feeling in his late years. Rolling his shoulders, and pondering the reasons a man would choose to live alone out here, he started to slowly move south along the edge of the forest. THe sun crested the horizon and shed its light through the trees when he came upon the second site a few miles south. More ruins. Another wall lying next to a hill. As he clambered down the hill to take a closer look, he also caught a glimpse of another tower in ruins. A peculiar site, the tower lay on an island in the middle of a lake. Whatever means the people before him had of reaching the tower was long gone. Probably a wooden bridge that had rotted, fallen, and dissappeared. He examined the wall. It had the same tell-tale signs of age as the previous site...perhaps this had been an outpost for the other site against southern enemies when it was inhabited. He smiled to himself, imagining the ancient culture, and moved onward, keeping the location firmly in his mind. After about half an hour, he saw the eastern forest give way, while in the south the land was rising. He had come to the south eastern edge of the vale. Curious, he clambered the east slope and followed the eastern cutoff, intending the follow the woods. After the climb, approximately fifty foot up, he looked back upon the vale. No longer a mudpit in his mind...now a holder of vast secrets.
It took no more than ten minutes for him to see he had gone beyond the limits of safety. On the plateau, following the woods he stopped in wonder and shock at the site he saw. An enormous beast sat in the grass, half again as tall as a man and as long as three men were tall. It muzzled the ground, this cat-like creature with wings, spines running down its tale, preening itself and basking in the morning sun. Torontu stared wide-eyed at the mass of fur and feathers. He stood unmovingly, and admired the beast from afar. An overgrown cat with wings...an amazing site for him. He marveled at the dangerous beauty of it...the jaws and claws that could easily tear him to shreds...it turned it's head and looked his way. THe tail started to thrash slightly back and forth, reminding him of a cat about to pounce. He stayed still. It rose slowly, looking at him for a long moment, then turned and began to lumber it's way south. Torontu exhaled slowly the breath he hadn't even realized he had kept within. He turned and backtracked, nodding to himself. Some places were best left unexplored. That day, he made his way back to the fort, vowing to return south the next day to explore more....after a good ale and a good nights sleep.
It took no more than ten minutes for him to see he had gone beyond the limits of safety. On the plateau, following the woods he stopped in wonder and shock at the site he saw. An enormous beast sat in the grass, half again as tall as a man and as long as three men were tall. It muzzled the ground, this cat-like creature with wings, spines running down its tale, preening itself and basking in the morning sun. Torontu stared wide-eyed at the mass of fur and feathers. He stood unmovingly, and admired the beast from afar. An overgrown cat with wings...an amazing site for him. He marveled at the dangerous beauty of it...the jaws and claws that could easily tear him to shreds...it turned it's head and looked his way. THe tail started to thrash slightly back and forth, reminding him of a cat about to pounce. He stayed still. It rose slowly, looking at him for a long moment, then turned and began to lumber it's way south. Torontu exhaled slowly the breath he hadn't even realized he had kept within. He turned and backtracked, nodding to himself. Some places were best left unexplored. That day, he made his way back to the fort, vowing to return south the next day to explore more....after a good ale and a good nights sleep.
Four- to the south there be danger
He broke his vow. It would be a full week before Torontu tarveled south again. The chill he had caught in the plains had traveled through his system, causing fevered dreams and sweat-tremors. The stay at the Fort, though longer than intended, was at least comfortable. He was given comfortable arrangements due to the contract he had negotiated with the wheelwright of Shadowdale. Waking hours were few, the sick sleep seemed to take him. The dreams, as his fever-dreams always were, extremely vivid. Great fortresses. Orckin in hordes. Of home, of his brothers and sisters, his mother and father, his half-orckin friends. Of a great gauntlet, an eye rising out of it, fingers aflame, watching over him, giving him direction. Of his friends of Shadowdale, alive and dead.
He pushed the enormous gate closed. Glancing at the clear winters sky, he nodded to himself. No where near the cold of home....but winter had always cast gloom into his soul. Fortunately the sun was shining brightly, and as he turned to the south road he noticed the plains had dried considerably. So much so that dust puffed under his feet when he walked. His cloak flowing behind him, he strode away from the Coaster's Fort. He soon saw on the horizon the flatness of the plain change abruptly, as if some collossus had arbitrarily thrown a clod of dirt upon his flat yard. Out of nowhere these hills and mountains rose. He nodded to himself and proceeded to the base of the mountains. He looked skyward, then began his slow ascent. When he could not proceed higher he moved south along the eastern border of the ridge, clambering higher and higher for a veiw. He was rounding a turn into a small vale within the hills themselves when he saw it; a tall tree, maybe twenty foot in height. The limbs had been stripped from the trunk. And tied to the makeshift post......bleachwhite skulls. And some were not animal skulls. He shuddered. He saw no other markings...no blood, no bones....then his nose caught the scent. Pinefire.....a camp. Proceeding carefully, he heard faint grunts. Peering slowly around the rocks so as not to cause motion disturbment, which often attracted the eye, he saw them. In this small vale a tribe had made their home, huge stomacked, broad-headed bipedals.....ogres. He saw a fire, a hut, some crates...and two ogres with clubs sitting by a fire, eagerly awaiting the cooking of a deer. As he watched, one apparently tired of waiting, ripped off a still halfway raw handful of meat and began the process of devouring it eagerly. Torontu imagined a human body over that fire and shuddered again. He slowly made his way back along the cliffs, and then down out of the mountains. It was then that he remembered...the captain at the Coaster Fort had mentioned an ogre band that needed to be found. They had been harrassing the south road trade, which probably explained the crates he had seen within their camp. He nodded to himself, turning back toward the Coaster Fort, and wondered how much this information would bring him....he was running low on coin again. The sun not even centered, he had finished his exploring for the day.
He pushed the enormous gate closed. Glancing at the clear winters sky, he nodded to himself. No where near the cold of home....but winter had always cast gloom into his soul. Fortunately the sun was shining brightly, and as he turned to the south road he noticed the plains had dried considerably. So much so that dust puffed under his feet when he walked. His cloak flowing behind him, he strode away from the Coaster's Fort. He soon saw on the horizon the flatness of the plain change abruptly, as if some collossus had arbitrarily thrown a clod of dirt upon his flat yard. Out of nowhere these hills and mountains rose. He nodded to himself and proceeded to the base of the mountains. He looked skyward, then began his slow ascent. When he could not proceed higher he moved south along the eastern border of the ridge, clambering higher and higher for a veiw. He was rounding a turn into a small vale within the hills themselves when he saw it; a tall tree, maybe twenty foot in height. The limbs had been stripped from the trunk. And tied to the makeshift post......bleachwhite skulls. And some were not animal skulls. He shuddered. He saw no other markings...no blood, no bones....then his nose caught the scent. Pinefire.....a camp. Proceeding carefully, he heard faint grunts. Peering slowly around the rocks so as not to cause motion disturbment, which often attracted the eye, he saw them. In this small vale a tribe had made their home, huge stomacked, broad-headed bipedals.....ogres. He saw a fire, a hut, some crates...and two ogres with clubs sitting by a fire, eagerly awaiting the cooking of a deer. As he watched, one apparently tired of waiting, ripped off a still halfway raw handful of meat and began the process of devouring it eagerly. Torontu imagined a human body over that fire and shuddered again. He slowly made his way back along the cliffs, and then down out of the mountains. It was then that he remembered...the captain at the Coaster Fort had mentioned an ogre band that needed to be found. They had been harrassing the south road trade, which probably explained the crates he had seen within their camp. He nodded to himself, turning back toward the Coaster Fort, and wondered how much this information would bring him....he was running low on coin again. The sun not even centered, he had finished his exploring for the day.
Five- In search of bandits
The hundred gold he had been paid for the ogre information weighed heavily in his coin purse at his side. Platinum couldn't be found in the dales...the nearest place would more than likely be Selgaunt. He smiled slightly...it was good not to worry about ones income...for a change. He stroked his chin, his mind wandering once again to the bandits that were harrassing the north road. Perhaps he should try the forest edge west of the road today. He closed the gates with a mighty push, and began his walking northeast.
Five hours into the silent exploration, Torontu came to a turn. He had travelled up the road to the vales' ending, climbed the cliffs, and walked the edge of the Cormanthyr forest. Nothing other than the occasional squirrel and a few birds. He looked out upon the plain and saw the rise of a hill...however, the cliff face was too sharp to go and investigate it. He continued on, keeping close to the cliffs edge. Following the cliffs, he came upon a site of habitation. Though not a single soul he saw, the lean-to on the hill as well as the cabin had signs of recent use. A spring also...fresh source of water. As well as a place of worship. He grunted slightly, taking the emptiness in. Hearing and seeing nothing, he moved on west, following the cliff face. A few miles from the site, the ground began to rise into further hills and cliffs.
Halfway into his climb, it rose to it's full height, giving Torontu his first glimpse. THe beast was tall, taller than a man, with long, knobby arms and sharp yellow nails. It sniffed the air, turning its green body left and right, as if in search. Its yellow eyes focused on him, and the Troll let out a murderous bellow. It slowly began to lumber, then increased its speed, making a beeline straight for Torontu. He turned and fled as fast as he could, which was not as fast as the Troll. Sooner or later it would catch up. So busy he was running and looking behind that as he whipped his head back around the cliff face that did not exsist within his vision a second before now loomed under his feet. A fifteen foot dropoff, with no time to slow, Torontu stretched the final feet running and with all his strength jumped. Arching perfectly, his hands caught purchase of the limb he aimed for. He swung and arched into a ball, then dropped landing on his feet. A sharp jolt thudded through his spine as he landed, and again he was off tearing through the trees. He looked back at the crucial moment, and realized with horror the Troll was attempting the same maneauver...It was midair in it's jump, arms extended to catch the same branch. ANd catch the branch it did, right in its chest. The Troll hit hard, it's eyes going as wide as plates. It let out a small squeel as it fell backwards, it's hands not finding purchase. It fell ten feet, its arms and legs flailing wildly, and promptly landed flat on its back, smacking its head against a rock. Eyes wide, Torontu turned his head around and continued running. After a few moments, he heard the angry, pained bellow of the Troll, but did not bother to look back. After many minutes, he had found his way into the cabin site again. Breathing heavily beside the stream, the event slowly played in his head. His fear slowly turned to a grin, and his grin into a chuckle and finally into outright laughter. Perhaps the funniest occurance he had ever been witness to...he wondered if this Troll would even bother communicating what had happened to its' tribe, if it had one. Stiffling a laugh, he felt slightly sorry for the Troll, as it had probably only been protecting its home from intrusion. Still, he chuckled all the way back to the Fort. He had found no bandits...instead a memory that was priceless.
Five hours into the silent exploration, Torontu came to a turn. He had travelled up the road to the vales' ending, climbed the cliffs, and walked the edge of the Cormanthyr forest. Nothing other than the occasional squirrel and a few birds. He looked out upon the plain and saw the rise of a hill...however, the cliff face was too sharp to go and investigate it. He continued on, keeping close to the cliffs edge. Following the cliffs, he came upon a site of habitation. Though not a single soul he saw, the lean-to on the hill as well as the cabin had signs of recent use. A spring also...fresh source of water. As well as a place of worship. He grunted slightly, taking the emptiness in. Hearing and seeing nothing, he moved on west, following the cliff face. A few miles from the site, the ground began to rise into further hills and cliffs.
Halfway into his climb, it rose to it's full height, giving Torontu his first glimpse. THe beast was tall, taller than a man, with long, knobby arms and sharp yellow nails. It sniffed the air, turning its green body left and right, as if in search. Its yellow eyes focused on him, and the Troll let out a murderous bellow. It slowly began to lumber, then increased its speed, making a beeline straight for Torontu. He turned and fled as fast as he could, which was not as fast as the Troll. Sooner or later it would catch up. So busy he was running and looking behind that as he whipped his head back around the cliff face that did not exsist within his vision a second before now loomed under his feet. A fifteen foot dropoff, with no time to slow, Torontu stretched the final feet running and with all his strength jumped. Arching perfectly, his hands caught purchase of the limb he aimed for. He swung and arched into a ball, then dropped landing on his feet. A sharp jolt thudded through his spine as he landed, and again he was off tearing through the trees. He looked back at the crucial moment, and realized with horror the Troll was attempting the same maneauver...It was midair in it's jump, arms extended to catch the same branch. ANd catch the branch it did, right in its chest. The Troll hit hard, it's eyes going as wide as plates. It let out a small squeel as it fell backwards, it's hands not finding purchase. It fell ten feet, its arms and legs flailing wildly, and promptly landed flat on its back, smacking its head against a rock. Eyes wide, Torontu turned his head around and continued running. After a few moments, he heard the angry, pained bellow of the Troll, but did not bother to look back. After many minutes, he had found his way into the cabin site again. Breathing heavily beside the stream, the event slowly played in his head. His fear slowly turned to a grin, and his grin into a chuckle and finally into outright laughter. Perhaps the funniest occurance he had ever been witness to...he wondered if this Troll would even bother communicating what had happened to its' tribe, if it had one. Stiffling a laugh, he felt slightly sorry for the Troll, as it had probably only been protecting its home from intrusion. Still, he chuckled all the way back to the Fort. He had found no bandits...instead a memory that was priceless.
Six- Down by the river
He stepped off of the road and into the grass. Eyeing the hawk circling in the morning sky, Torontu slowly made his way down the steep incline, walking sideways so as to not lose his balance. He had been three days back in Shadowdale, and wanted a short walk. He'd spent almost a year here, and still did not know the place as well as he should. He decided to hold off exploring the rest of the western vale and instead focus on areas closer to Shadowdale. Reaching the bottom of the incline, he breifly glanced at the cemetary walls, wondering if they were meant for privacy, or to keep the dead in. He had heard of cases of restless dead, and had even run into two walking dead near. He walked west, toward the river. He stayed his distance from the walled buildings, avoiding the site where he had encountered the two walking bodies. Dara had said the place was haunted deeply, that evil clung to it's walls. Just by looking and listening, Torontu was inclined to agree with her. An unnatural wind blew here, making unearthly noises. Shuddering, he followed the great river away from the cursed place.
Traveling along the river, he could barely make out the west road on the other side. Traipsing through the woods deep inside of winters clutch, he heard faint thumping noises in the distance. Stopping and listening did no good, the thumping had a regualar rythem...would stop for many seconds, then start again. Edging quietly through the trees, he saw a thin plume of smoke rising into the sky ahead. This was where the thumping was coming from. As he closed in, he relaxed, hearing the sound of human voices.
"How much mere ya think we got ta do afore it be time fer lunch, eh?"
"THree mere should do us,Sall. Ole Ivanes should be comin in fer his shipment come morn."
Sall- "How much you reckon he'll get, Durbas?"
Durbas- "His usual five cords I reckon."
Torontu put away his katana, strapped his shield to his back, and slowly walked into the clearing. Around him, trees had been felled, and two men, Sall and Durbas, were busy at work with both axe and saw. Behind them sat a farely large house. Approaching from the side, Torontu could also make out a stream flowing by the house as well as a water well in the back. There were also horses in a small fenced in area. His eyes scanned for a moment, then he patiently waited for the men to notice him. It took awhile, but he did not want to startle them, and doubt they would be friendly if startled. The one named Sall saw him first, and slowed his work.
Sall - "Derb, we gots company looks like."
Durbas turned and arched an eyebrow, hefting his double bladed axe on his shoulder.
Derbas - "So we do."
They both eyed him for a moment, then Durbas shrugged.
Derbas - "Bout time fer a break, nayways. Ell, come on in stranger, I be Derbas, this here be my brother Sall".
Torontu nodded, approaching slowly. He reached into his tunic, taking out a slip of paper. Approaching Sall, he offered the paper, which Sall barely glimpsed.
Sall - "Best ta hand that ta big an ugly ore there, I canna read."
Grinning, Torontu offered the paper to Durbas.
Durbas - " Big an ugly, eh?"
Durbas grinned, then read the paper. Looking up, nodding Durbas called to Sall.
Durbas - "Says his name is Torontu Ferra, at he's pleased ta meet us. You no be speakin, eh?"
Torontu shook his head. The brothers offered him some water, and sat and spoke for a while. Torontu brought out ink, quill and paper, and asked them all types of questions about the area. The brothers told him of Shebbo Ivanes, their neighbor and client for the morn, and of his stead.
They also told him of finding unusual tracks to the North west. After a while, Torontu shook the mens hands and let them resume work. He would first see about these strange tracks, then, if not too late, proceed to the Ivanes stead, which lay just up the stream that ran beside the woodcutters. Perhaps he would travel back tomorrow with Shebbo when he came for his five cords of wood.
Traveling along the river, he could barely make out the west road on the other side. Traipsing through the woods deep inside of winters clutch, he heard faint thumping noises in the distance. Stopping and listening did no good, the thumping had a regualar rythem...would stop for many seconds, then start again. Edging quietly through the trees, he saw a thin plume of smoke rising into the sky ahead. This was where the thumping was coming from. As he closed in, he relaxed, hearing the sound of human voices.
"How much mere ya think we got ta do afore it be time fer lunch, eh?"
"THree mere should do us,Sall. Ole Ivanes should be comin in fer his shipment come morn."
Sall- "How much you reckon he'll get, Durbas?"
Durbas- "His usual five cords I reckon."
Torontu put away his katana, strapped his shield to his back, and slowly walked into the clearing. Around him, trees had been felled, and two men, Sall and Durbas, were busy at work with both axe and saw. Behind them sat a farely large house. Approaching from the side, Torontu could also make out a stream flowing by the house as well as a water well in the back. There were also horses in a small fenced in area. His eyes scanned for a moment, then he patiently waited for the men to notice him. It took awhile, but he did not want to startle them, and doubt they would be friendly if startled. The one named Sall saw him first, and slowed his work.
Sall - "Derb, we gots company looks like."
Durbas turned and arched an eyebrow, hefting his double bladed axe on his shoulder.
Derbas - "So we do."
They both eyed him for a moment, then Durbas shrugged.
Derbas - "Bout time fer a break, nayways. Ell, come on in stranger, I be Derbas, this here be my brother Sall".
Torontu nodded, approaching slowly. He reached into his tunic, taking out a slip of paper. Approaching Sall, he offered the paper, which Sall barely glimpsed.
Sall - "Best ta hand that ta big an ugly ore there, I canna read."
Grinning, Torontu offered the paper to Durbas.
Durbas - " Big an ugly, eh?"
Durbas grinned, then read the paper. Looking up, nodding Durbas called to Sall.
Durbas - "Says his name is Torontu Ferra, at he's pleased ta meet us. You no be speakin, eh?"
Torontu shook his head. The brothers offered him some water, and sat and spoke for a while. Torontu brought out ink, quill and paper, and asked them all types of questions about the area. The brothers told him of Shebbo Ivanes, their neighbor and client for the morn, and of his stead.
They also told him of finding unusual tracks to the North west. After a while, Torontu shook the mens hands and let them resume work. He would first see about these strange tracks, then, if not too late, proceed to the Ivanes stead, which lay just up the stream that ran beside the woodcutters. Perhaps he would travel back tomorrow with Shebbo when he came for his five cords of wood.
Seven- of falls and valleys
Torontu slowly backed away from the open field. He had followed the bipedal footprints to the forest edge, and had been peeking from behind a great oak, who had probably stood long and mute watching the various denizens of the cave come and go. Luckily, Torontu's eyes were sharp, he doubted he would have heard the two gnolls if he were right next to them, considering the multitude of falls located within the area. This was his first actual encounter with their kind, but he had heard enough stories round various fires to know what they were. The two at the entrance of the cave shuffled around slowly in talk. They carried large sheilds and curved swords as they spoke in gutteral tones and high pitched yelps. Seeing their armament, and also considering he was alone and didn't know how big the cave was, Torontu decided on discretion and worked his way slowly back into the trees.
He followed the forest line back east, until he came to the stream, then worked his way north to the Shebbo stead. He glanced down from the heights, thinking on the location of the farmstead. He shook his head slowly....the farm was surrounded on three sides. What if those foul beasts took to wandering and saw the same? Torontu did not think the gnolls would be slow in their asault. Torontu sighed, and shook his head again. Perhaps he should inform someone of this precarious situation...mayhaps help build defenses. Then again...bringing attention to the fact might bring unwanted attention as well...best if he left what was be. It was only late afternoon, perhaps he should proceed further north. Somewhere around here was a tower.
His memory flashed back to that night. The wolves everywhere, the bard...Azair. And the bugbears...with their shaman. The bard had died, Azair as well. He had run, conceeding defeat...and rallying help. He had at least helped the three travelars in clearing the bugbears away, and had carried Azair's body back...where her love Nailo would revive her. He enjoyed Azair's company, as well as Nailo. He had seen neither in a while, perhaps when he returned. Trying to retrace his steps of that dark night, he proceeded north of the Shebbo farmstead, looking for the immense tower surrounded by trees.
He followed the forest line back east, until he came to the stream, then worked his way north to the Shebbo stead. He glanced down from the heights, thinking on the location of the farmstead. He shook his head slowly....the farm was surrounded on three sides. What if those foul beasts took to wandering and saw the same? Torontu did not think the gnolls would be slow in their asault. Torontu sighed, and shook his head again. Perhaps he should inform someone of this precarious situation...mayhaps help build defenses. Then again...bringing attention to the fact might bring unwanted attention as well...best if he left what was be. It was only late afternoon, perhaps he should proceed further north. Somewhere around here was a tower.
His memory flashed back to that night. The wolves everywhere, the bard...Azair. And the bugbears...with their shaman. The bard had died, Azair as well. He had run, conceeding defeat...and rallying help. He had at least helped the three travelars in clearing the bugbears away, and had carried Azair's body back...where her love Nailo would revive her. He enjoyed Azair's company, as well as Nailo. He had seen neither in a while, perhaps when he returned. Trying to retrace his steps of that dark night, he proceeded north of the Shebbo farmstead, looking for the immense tower surrounded by trees.
Eight - Tower
Shivering in the morning air, Torontu quickly combed the nights campsite, making sure to leave nothing behind. He wasn't the best at covering his own tracks, but he knew enough to hide the blatant obviousness of the camp. Clearing his throat in the winter crispness, he hefted his pack and walked to the nearby stream. Cleaning face and hands quickly, he moved onward, north from the campsite near Shebbo's stead.
After but a few miles, he saw it. That unmistakable spill of light that he had seen the first time he'd witnessed the tower was rising over the treeline. He proceeded east, where he passed small tracks. Minutes later a wolf would come to rise on top of a hill, it's body a siloette against the fair grey sky. Torontu nodded to himself and moved further east, following a cliffs edge. He nodded...he had indeed found the tower. And a tower it was; a large looming monstrosity dedicated to powers he dared not dream of. The weave, most called it. A curse, he often thought, a plague that needed curing. Lights flickered and danced on the tower top. He was wary, just watching the tower for a half hour. The signs of the previous battle, which had taken place months before, were now erased by who only knew what force.
He shuddered...he was not a man to fear, but when it came to magick, he could not be far away fast enough. His father had been the same. "Fear the Wu Jen," Norensa had once told his son, "for one can do as much damage as a block of archer or line of sword. One can do worse damage if it is man to man." Torontu had never known his father to be afraid, except when it came to the weave. He shared his father's sentiments. Walking east past the tower, Torontu came upon a large crystal jutting from the ground. It glowed earily as he approached, so Torontu gave the rock a wide berth. He continued plodding east, into the morning sun.
After but a few miles, he saw it. That unmistakable spill of light that he had seen the first time he'd witnessed the tower was rising over the treeline. He proceeded east, where he passed small tracks. Minutes later a wolf would come to rise on top of a hill, it's body a siloette against the fair grey sky. Torontu nodded to himself and moved further east, following a cliffs edge. He nodded...he had indeed found the tower. And a tower it was; a large looming monstrosity dedicated to powers he dared not dream of. The weave, most called it. A curse, he often thought, a plague that needed curing. Lights flickered and danced on the tower top. He was wary, just watching the tower for a half hour. The signs of the previous battle, which had taken place months before, were now erased by who only knew what force.
He shuddered...he was not a man to fear, but when it came to magick, he could not be far away fast enough. His father had been the same. "Fear the Wu Jen," Norensa had once told his son, "for one can do as much damage as a block of archer or line of sword. One can do worse damage if it is man to man." Torontu had never known his father to be afraid, except when it came to the weave. He shared his father's sentiments. Walking east past the tower, Torontu came upon a large crystal jutting from the ground. It glowed earily as he approached, so Torontu gave the rock a wide berth. He continued plodding east, into the morning sun.
Nine- Footprints
Oh how I had thought I was scared of the tower. I had been. I thought Magick was the only thing that could scare me. In this, I was wrong. Moving east along the cliffs, gazing south down more cliffs, I felt a bare rumbling. I furrowed my brow, and thought to myself that it must be a rock slide. Edging in closer, I realized that this too was wrong when I smelled smoke. The rummblings came from a depression in the ground. Moving low to the ground in a large dip of the land, I slowly and carefully peaked over into the depression. There it stood, mumbling to itself, an enormous giant. Looking behind me, I realized the small dip I had crawled into was actually a footprint, probably made during rains. As my head turned around to the giant again, my breath caught in my throat. I cursed myself in my mind, for the giant stared directly at me. My head movements had been too fast, and he had a good eye as well. A dumb mistake....and I would pay with my life, there was no way I could outrun the beast on my best day.
I grimly stood, closing my eyes briefly, calming myself by breathing deep and exhailing slow. If I was to die, let it be here then. A worthy foe. I pushed fear aside, and replaced it with determination. Opening my eyes, I saw the giant rushing, but not toward me. I was awestruck, as it wrestled through a crate and totally disregarded me. Still maintaining the giant as my focus, my eyesight receeded and took in the rest of the surroundings. At each corner of the depression were fires...this one was abviously not afraid of being found. There was a gong near the back of the depression by the giant, as well as the biggest bed I had ever seen. Crates, an enourmous chest, animal skins curing...the giant came away from the crate, a big grin on his face. "Hello travelar, I am Loergerin."
At this point, I wanted to beleive I had been enchanted by magicks from the tower....A giant who spoke common?! I shook my head, and carefully watched the movements of the giant as he started to move in my direction. He was not armed...but those feet and fists could crush me easily. He stopped a good distance from me, and set something on the ground...apples. A basket of apples...what he had been searching his crate for. The enormous bass voice then continued. "I do not blame you for your fear or caution, whichever it be, but I mean you no harm. I live peacefully by the code of nature."
I grunted to myself...but then thought that if the thing wanted to kill me, it would have by now. I sheathed my blade quickly, and bowed slightly to the overgrown being. I proceeded forward into his camp, he retreated and sat on the edge of his bed. I took an apple, and then nodded to him. "You have a name?" he boomed. I thought a long moment, once again cursing my inability to articulate properly. I nodded, then pointed to my throat and shook my head. His brow furrowed, then his eyebrows shot up and he nodded. "I see. Are you injured?" I shook my head. "Ah..a pity, it is how I make my way." I in turn was surprised...A giant who could speak common, heal, and not kill one on sight. Once again my knowledge of the world re-arranged itself to let this new information in, as well as discard inacurate information that his kind were all savages. "I welcome you then, friend, feel free to stay."
I spent the night, listening to his ramblings. He spoke of a pillar south, as well as a large lake with a beach. I nodded, listening to his stories of how he had sought a better way than his less intelligent breatheren, how he had come to rest and love his home, occasionally visiting the tower to the east.
I slept little...the beast snored. If ever you have the chance to not do something...do not sleep near a sleeping giant who snores. It is counterproductive.
I set out that morning, giving thanks as best I could to Loergerin, looking south down the cliffs. I had been afraid, and it had been because of ignorance. I would not let my guard slip, but perhaps I could learn from the lesson.
I grimly stood, closing my eyes briefly, calming myself by breathing deep and exhailing slow. If I was to die, let it be here then. A worthy foe. I pushed fear aside, and replaced it with determination. Opening my eyes, I saw the giant rushing, but not toward me. I was awestruck, as it wrestled through a crate and totally disregarded me. Still maintaining the giant as my focus, my eyesight receeded and took in the rest of the surroundings. At each corner of the depression were fires...this one was abviously not afraid of being found. There was a gong near the back of the depression by the giant, as well as the biggest bed I had ever seen. Crates, an enourmous chest, animal skins curing...the giant came away from the crate, a big grin on his face. "Hello travelar, I am Loergerin."
At this point, I wanted to beleive I had been enchanted by magicks from the tower....A giant who spoke common?! I shook my head, and carefully watched the movements of the giant as he started to move in my direction. He was not armed...but those feet and fists could crush me easily. He stopped a good distance from me, and set something on the ground...apples. A basket of apples...what he had been searching his crate for. The enormous bass voice then continued. "I do not blame you for your fear or caution, whichever it be, but I mean you no harm. I live peacefully by the code of nature."
I grunted to myself...but then thought that if the thing wanted to kill me, it would have by now. I sheathed my blade quickly, and bowed slightly to the overgrown being. I proceeded forward into his camp, he retreated and sat on the edge of his bed. I took an apple, and then nodded to him. "You have a name?" he boomed. I thought a long moment, once again cursing my inability to articulate properly. I nodded, then pointed to my throat and shook my head. His brow furrowed, then his eyebrows shot up and he nodded. "I see. Are you injured?" I shook my head. "Ah..a pity, it is how I make my way." I in turn was surprised...A giant who could speak common, heal, and not kill one on sight. Once again my knowledge of the world re-arranged itself to let this new information in, as well as discard inacurate information that his kind were all savages. "I welcome you then, friend, feel free to stay."
I spent the night, listening to his ramblings. He spoke of a pillar south, as well as a large lake with a beach. I nodded, listening to his stories of how he had sought a better way than his less intelligent breatheren, how he had come to rest and love his home, occasionally visiting the tower to the east.
I slept little...the beast snored. If ever you have the chance to not do something...do not sleep near a sleeping giant who snores. It is counterproductive.
I set out that morning, giving thanks as best I could to Loergerin, looking south down the cliffs. I had been afraid, and it had been because of ignorance. I would not let my guard slip, but perhaps I could learn from the lesson.
Zyrus Meynolt: [Party] For the record, if this somehow blows up in our faces and I die, I want a raiseSwift wrote: Permadeath is only permadeath when the PCs wallet is empty.
<Castano>: danielnm - can you blame them?
<danielmn>: Yes,
<danielmn>: Easily.
"And in this twilight....our choices seal our fate"
Ten- The Unreachable Valley
The giant Loergerin had been accurate as to his surroundings. As I made my way south down the cliffs, I could make out a steep drop-off in the landscape. After a ways, the valley I saw took shape. It was a steep drop, probably too steep for climbing down without a rope. I looked only a moment before deciding to find an easy way down instead of risking death by starvation due to a fall from a rope and a broken leg. The west end of the valley was home to a cave. Remaining still, I saw no movement on the outside or at the mouth, so I approached the cave until I was directly above it's entrance. I saw no recent prints.
Nodding to myself, I proceded back to the northern end of the small valley and made eastward travel. The birds were chirping merrily. My hand itched to string my bow and shoot them, for giant snores not only deprived one of sleep, but appeared to have given me a headache as well. I squinted at the rising sun and walked the edge of the valley. There was an enormous lake in the valley, with a beach. I had never seen sand inland. Twas very curious.
I shuddered again as a low humming came to my ears. I stopped to listen, but could not place the sound. I unsheathed my sword and moved along the edge cautiously, stopping every ten steps or so to listen. As the sound grew louder an object in the valley itself came into veiw. Approaching carefully for a better vantage, I was alarmed at the sight. A monument of sorts... a slim four sided triangular shape, very thin, rising to a point at the top. It stood possibly twenty feet in the air. The morning sun cast it's long shadow to the west. It appeared to be made of a slick looking black stone. Around it's base was a stone circle. Along this circle five stones had been set into the ground. The object hummed with some inner energy. I glanced back northwest, wondering if this had anything to do with the tower and the crystal...it was obviously magical in nature.
I still saw no way into the valley, so moved further east. THe valley came to an end, it's eastern side. THe sight here made me even more curious. Here exsisted a bridge, high above the ground and supported by large wooden pillars. Parts of the bridge had rotted away, so that crossing was out of the question. The bridge ran to an earthen embankment, possibly man made, within the valley itself. Another unguarded cave exsisted along the northern wall. I proceeded around the south side of the valley to no avail. THe bridge appeared the only way in. Another time, I decided. Facing east, I headed toward the northern road.
Nodding to myself, I proceded back to the northern end of the small valley and made eastward travel. The birds were chirping merrily. My hand itched to string my bow and shoot them, for giant snores not only deprived one of sleep, but appeared to have given me a headache as well. I squinted at the rising sun and walked the edge of the valley. There was an enormous lake in the valley, with a beach. I had never seen sand inland. Twas very curious.
I shuddered again as a low humming came to my ears. I stopped to listen, but could not place the sound. I unsheathed my sword and moved along the edge cautiously, stopping every ten steps or so to listen. As the sound grew louder an object in the valley itself came into veiw. Approaching carefully for a better vantage, I was alarmed at the sight. A monument of sorts... a slim four sided triangular shape, very thin, rising to a point at the top. It stood possibly twenty feet in the air. The morning sun cast it's long shadow to the west. It appeared to be made of a slick looking black stone. Around it's base was a stone circle. Along this circle five stones had been set into the ground. The object hummed with some inner energy. I glanced back northwest, wondering if this had anything to do with the tower and the crystal...it was obviously magical in nature.
I still saw no way into the valley, so moved further east. THe valley came to an end, it's eastern side. THe sight here made me even more curious. Here exsisted a bridge, high above the ground and supported by large wooden pillars. Parts of the bridge had rotted away, so that crossing was out of the question. The bridge ran to an earthen embankment, possibly man made, within the valley itself. Another unguarded cave exsisted along the northern wall. I proceeded around the south side of the valley to no avail. THe bridge appeared the only way in. Another time, I decided. Facing east, I headed toward the northern road.
Zyrus Meynolt: [Party] For the record, if this somehow blows up in our faces and I die, I want a raiseSwift wrote: Permadeath is only permadeath when the PCs wallet is empty.
<Castano>: danielnm - can you blame them?
<danielmn>: Yes,
<danielmn>: Easily.
"And in this twilight....our choices seal our fate"
Intermission - A return
Torontu slumped against the tree. Much had passed since he last sat here months ago...training with Jubie, being captured by slavers and having all his posessions sink to the depths, smuggling the survivors back to their homes, trying to recoup his losses. At least he hadn't gone through it alone. Kevan had been with him every step, saving his life more than once. There was thick blood between them now...He felt for Kevan what he felt for his four brothers... a bond of honour and loyalty. Looking up to the sky, he flexed his tired legs.
His thoughts drifted to the childlike halfman Higor who he had met in the Isles and had seen days hence in Ashabenford. Thought of the maul he had seen in Daggerdale. A worthy weapon for the halfman, that would be. Higor...childlike, powerful...he liked the beast. He had not had contact with very many of his kind...but Higor was pleasent enough. Even if the only word he could speak was Higor.
His mind drifted to Kevan, and his trial of faith. Nicha...with sad eyes and wise words. Thought of Jon and Rodney and Kaya. Many had he met, most good enough. Bodi...power hungry Bodi...
Torontu sighed. It was past time for sleep. And after that, exploration was overdue.
His thoughts drifted to the childlike halfman Higor who he had met in the Isles and had seen days hence in Ashabenford. Thought of the maul he had seen in Daggerdale. A worthy weapon for the halfman, that would be. Higor...childlike, powerful...he liked the beast. He had not had contact with very many of his kind...but Higor was pleasent enough. Even if the only word he could speak was Higor.
His mind drifted to Kevan, and his trial of faith. Nicha...with sad eyes and wise words. Thought of Jon and Rodney and Kaya. Many had he met, most good enough. Bodi...power hungry Bodi...
Torontu sighed. It was past time for sleep. And after that, exploration was overdue.
Zyrus Meynolt: [Party] For the record, if this somehow blows up in our faces and I die, I want a raiseSwift wrote: Permadeath is only permadeath when the PCs wallet is empty.
<Castano>: danielnm - can you blame them?
<danielmn>: Yes,
<danielmn>: Easily.
"And in this twilight....our choices seal our fate"
the end
Closed due to death of Torontu.
Zyrus Meynolt: [Party] For the record, if this somehow blows up in our faces and I die, I want a raiseSwift wrote: Permadeath is only permadeath when the PCs wallet is empty.
<Castano>: danielnm - can you blame them?
<danielmn>: Yes,
<danielmn>: Easily.
"And in this twilight....our choices seal our fate"
-
Brokenbone
- Chosen of Forumamus, God of Forums
- Posts: 5771
- Joined: Mon May 16, 2005 1:07 am
- Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Heads up that I've quite enjoyed reading these.
If there turns out to be one closing up Torontu's story, I think it'd be an interesting read... anyhow, good tales.
If there turns out to be one closing up Torontu's story, I think it'd be an interesting read... anyhow, good tales.
ALFA NWN2 PCs: Rhaggot of the Bruised-Eye, and Bamshogbo
ALFA NWN1 PC: Jacobim Foxmantle
ALFA NWN1 Dead PC: Jon Shieldjack
DMA Staff
ALFA NWN1 PC: Jacobim Foxmantle
ALFA NWN1 Dead PC: Jon Shieldjack
DMA Staff