Log from Graga, tossed my way via Chandrakanta, so both deserve tons o' kudos for this! Graga's original title was "Nookie Plot."

*dodges Chinook smites*

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* Myrrish Camp *>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

         Soldiers. Ferriers. More soldiers. Cooks. Cavalrymen (and cavalrywomen). Healers. Officers. All these and more bustle through the neatly-pitched sea of tents that make up the Myrrish camp, no matter the time of day or night. At night, firelight flickers off the tents and lengthens peoples' shadows.

An herbal scent comes from a large group of tents off to the side, nearest the front lines--these tents an an appropriated farmhouse make up the field hospital, where the wounded are brought. A neat graveyard stands behind the field hospital--a few men are almost always on duty digging new graves.

Nearby, an entire (albeit quite small) town has been appropriated for officer's quarters and Myrrish war business--the smithy in particular is certainly making money. The only tavern in the tiny town, the Blushing Rosalia, is something of a gathering place for officers and adventurers.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

 Graga           Big muscles, tawny yellowish-green skin, black hair,  0s   8h

 Ruri            Sickly young woman in hardy robes.                    0s   1h

 Xander          Tall, handsome, goatee-wearing human mage.            10m  38m

 Ceres           Silver-haired elf, tall and extremely graceful        7m   1h

 Bannon          6'0 broad-shouldered man with blond hair and green ey 1m   1h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Blushing Rosalia <BR>     The Front Lines <TFL>     

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

"Knight." the nearby Xander says to Bannon, as way of greeting. He has a nightmare teacher's mystical ability to be around whenever you least want or expect him to. Especially behind your back if you happen to be saying something bad about him. Everyone's met at least one teacher like that. A nod is offered to Ceres as well. She's probably distracted, though, by a silver-and-black snake dangling from one of the beams of the wooden tower Xander is leaning on and... swaying to her music? Yes indeed. The snake is, sort of, dancing.

Ceres is distracted first by the group riding in; breaking her interest in the path before her and her music, the elf looks about, and, yes, gets distracted by the dancing snake, enough so that she wanders that way, head tilted slightly as she continues the song.

Bannon nods to Ruri and then looks up to Xander, "Hello, up there. I still have a question for you regarding our hunt a few nights ago. When we both have a moment." He turns his head to note Ceres, giving her a quick smile. The tension seems to be lifting off of him as he turns to Ruri, "Now... What is it, Miss...?"

It's Eliday, Bernfleur 12 10:52:30 1006. The full moon isn't up. The tide is low and ebbing.

Fair weather clouds sail across the blue sky, propelled by light breezes from the west. It's warm in the sun, cool in the shade, and the air is clear and dry.

"Ruri." She replies, with a little smile, "I, ah, was wondering what news there is from the front lines?" Her smile soon falters a little, though, and her expression becomes more serious. "If you have the time. I... have remained primarily in the camp, you see, and... I wanted to know if there is anything specific I should be preparing for."

"Of course, knight. My apologies for making you wait so long." Xander says, nodding towards Bannon. But really, Rowena. He couldn't help it! As for the snake, it continues dancing, swaying this way and that on the beam of the wooden tower. Its patterns suggest a species that is venomous. But it's also unusual that it's dancing at all - snakes don't tend to be able to hear, is the thing.

Graga is the orc, over there, using a ridiculously large hammer to pound pieces of wood - quite possibly stakes - into the ground. It's easy to imagine he'd have much better luck at it if the thing's haft were maybe half so long. Indeed, it's large enough to be a weapon he took from an ogre. (Although one might note that, as hammer-like weapons go, it's really of very good make.) About one in every three or four attempts yields the smack of wood being struck rather than the dull thud of beaten dirt.

Ceres gains a smile, as the venomous snake continues to sway and dance with the music. In fact, it grows even. The elf backs up a bit, so that she's within the warmage's sight, then points at the snake, tilting her head in the mage's direction.

"Yes, she is with me." Xander tells Ceres without even having to look in the direction. The little viper flicks its tongue out in the general direction of the elf, tasting the air. "She won't bite." the mage promises. As if to dispute it, the snake flexes its jaws. My, look at those needle-like fangs there.

Bannon smiles, "Well, there's a war going on... Multiple actions going on at any given time from large troop movements to skirmishes. My knowledge of the full scale events is very limited. Your best bet insofar as finding out what is the best thing for you to do for the war effort is to speak with one of the Captains. They have a broader idea of the comings and goings. Try the command tent." He points in a vague direction towards the center of the camp before he turns to shake his head up at Xander, "Not at all. We've both been doing our part. I just wondered what you made of that silent airship." His eyes are then drawn down to Ceres and the dancing snake, his smile widening.

Ceres shakes her head a bit, and lets her hand drop. That wasn't exactly what she was going on about; regardless, when her song comes to an end - like all songs do - she keeps on going. This time, to that wordless, only-notes melody she was singing before joining everyone a couple of nights ago.

Ruri nods slightly, "I see." She replies, "Well, thank you for your assistance, I won't keep you any longer." That said, she decides to heed that advice, and heads off in that direction, a spring in her step.

Slither, slither. The snake spirals around the wooden structure of the tower, around and around and around, and finally flops onto the ground. The ground before Ruri. SNAAAAAAAKE! It doesn't seem to mind Ruri, though. But Ruri might mind it!

As for Xander, he turns to Bannon once again. "Mostly wondering about its nature, and if there are more like it."

Bannon turns, but calls over his shoulder, "Miss? There's a standing order in the camp to not bug the Captains until about three in the afternoon. So they have time to recount warstories of the good old days while smoking pipes and congratulating themselves. They're less grumpy that way." He nods to Xander and mentions, "That's about all I can make of it either. I'm in good company." He then looks at Ceres, "And you, Miss. There's the small matter of a cure potion that we need to attend to." He allows that to hang in the air briefly and then mentions, "Thank you for that, by the way. You most certainly saved my life."

"I would not go there, if I were you," Graga states as Ruri comes within earshot. Whoosh and thud. Graga pulls the maul back and leans the haft against his shoulder. "Perhaps I would," he allows. "I have never wondered what it is like to be a human female." With a rag pulled from his belt he wipes at his face. "There is no good reason for you to go there."

Ruri gives a definite start when she finds herself suddenly confronted by (deadly looking!) snake! The girl comes up short, and swallows, looking from the knight, back to the orc, and then shivers slightly, eyes drifting back to the snake. "Ah... I see." She squeaks, "Thank you, uhm, I ... shall just have to wait." Suddenly, she blinks, and snaps her fingers as she looks to Graga. "Ah! Sorry, I didn't recognize you for a moment, uh, I didn't have a chance to say so earlier, with the fire, but, thank you, for the help with the imps, I mean."

The snake lifts itself. Oh no! Is it going to bite?!

No, no. It just eyes Ruri. And as it does, so do Xander's own eyes, their silver a contrast to the snake's pitch black, turn to regard the woman. He lifts a hand to excuse himself from Bannon and Ceres momentarily and then walks to her, bending down to pick up the reptile quite fearlessly. "I hope she did not cause you too much fright." he speaks. Poor Ruri.

Ceres lets the melody fade, as the snake goes to keep the balance of males and females somewhat even. There is a brief grin, and a shrug to Bannon. "Do not worry about it, good sir; it is when we all give what we can that all come home - and I am certain before this is all over, such favours will be returned."

"Imps? Ah, imps. That was simple enough. An irritant sent by the ogres, nothing more." Graga eyes the snake but makes no move in regards to it. Perhaps that Xander picked it up even has something to do with that. "What will you do if you know more of the war? Nothing more than you do now, hrm?" He spits towards the wooden stakes. "Save the trouble of having some men think you are a foolish girl."

Bannon nods with a smile to Ceres, "It will." He then sighs, turning towards the orc and walking with a steady step towards them, "It's not for the pursuit of knowledge that I sent her to the command tent. The Captain of the Watch will find out where her talents lie and then put her to the best use. Be it fighting on the front lines, or assisting the mages." He then turns to Ruri and says, "Sorry. Gender has nothing to do with it. We all pull our weight in our own ways."

Ruri hesitates for a moment, and then flashes a smile to Xander, shaking her head a little, "No, no, I'm fine." She says, quickly, before she turns her attention back to the orc and the knight. For a moment, she is quiet, and then she pipes up. "Ah... well, thank you both, it wasn't... so much my duties that I was confused about, but, rather, whether we should be readying for another incursion into the camp. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be ... constant, but, I'm not certain ... what is likely to be encountered." Her smile falters for a moment, as she adds- "The imps were... unexpected, you see, normally I wouldn't be so..." She flounders for the right words.

"At a guess..." Xander begins, even as the snake lovingly coils around his arm, "... she is a wielder of the arcane. But I do not recognize you, m'lady. Where do you hail from?" He leaves her time to answer, even as he takes to answering her own inquiry: "Undoubtedly, the enemy will prod at our defenses and sow chaos as much as they can. I would not be surprised by more incursions." Another pause. "Ah, where are my manners? I am Sir Xander Blackrose, Warmage of the Circle." OhgodnoArcaneCircleofficial! He performs a rather elegant half-bow.

"Everyone has been startled since this has started, one time or another. Have you yet heard about the small Lady who came visiting, and revealed a plot to steal information?" Ceres asks, taking a couple of steps to join the others. On the heels of Xander's introductions, she offers her own. "Ceres N'ayushi, late hailing of the Mythwood."

Graga grunts. "The answer is no, they will not know when the next surprise attack will come. No more than do any of us, here. You reacted well enough to the unexpected. You will react well enough when it happens again." He twitches his shoulders. "Perhaps the next such attack will be your end. Only the gods can know that. That you do not die with a sword in your back, that is important."

Bannon blinks, turning his head towards Ruri as comprehension dawns on his face, "Ah. I see." He then looks around, listening to everyone before he adds his own piece, "This is a camp of war, Miss. Our enemy is just that way..." He points to the front lines, "...and Xander is correct. They would like nothing better then to strip us of our weapons, our food and our morale until there is nothing left for our starving carcasses to fight with or for. We should always be prepared for an enemy incursion. Imps, Goblins or Ogres. It is imperative to turn back anything they send against us." He then adds, "And you must steel yourself for such eventualities. These things have been happening since the dawn of scientific warfare, when groups of people stopped throwing themselves en masse into each others weapons and opted for a more tactical approach." His words fall off, but it's not as if it's from a lack of something to say. It is more akin to a measured pause. He then continues, "There is nothing to be ashamed about in being surprised. We learn a little more about the enemy and ourselves each time it happens." He blinks and smiles broadly, "My name is Novus Bannon Devaros, of the Templars of the Holy Sword."

Chinook has arrived.

Ruri looks just a touch overwhelmed, particularly focused on Xander. The rest... well, it's taken in, but, Xander definitely draws most of her attention. "Ah... it's... an honor to meet you, Sir." She says, doing her best to calm herself, she gives a low curtsey, "Ah, I am Ruri..." She says, to both Xander and Ceres, inclining her head to the elf. "It's, quite likely that you wouldn't have heard of me, I'm afraid, I haven't yet been officially recognized by the College- I was taught in Wisap, a small farming community, it, uh, I came to Alexandria to, to meet ... well, men like you, honestly, Sir." That said, she looks between Bannon and Graga again, nodding to each, "And, ah, thank you both for your kind words..."

Chiddle has connected.

"Well met." Xander says to Ruri with a nod. "I do hope you've some grip over the powers you wield. If not, or if you feel you could use a bit more training, feel free to join my group of impromptu students here at the camp." Sparkly things, magic mishaps, cookies and overall good times, obviously. A glance to Graga, then. "What are you building?" he inquires.

Ceres offers a quick smile, "This is a good time to come, if you are not known, and wish to be. Besides the many misfortunate side-effects, this is where tales will be made and songs wrote!" All of them are standing a bit away from one of the archer towers, talking.

The orc snorts. "Truth is. If it is kind now it may not be in a few minutes. Do not thank me now if you will curse for it later." Graga almost sounds somewhat resigned, as if this is something of a recurring theme. "Building?" He slaps the haft of the maul. "I am practicing in the use of this weapon. The Warlord willing, I will soon give the ogres a taste of Dran."

Bannon chuckles, "Not kind, but truth..." He then adds, "Yes. Well met, Miss Ruri." He then turns, looking to the warhorse that he has been holding by the reigns. It is a brief glance, more of a wellfare check then anything. He looks towards Graga and smiles broadly before nodding to Xander, "I didn't know you were training the mages here. That's bodes very well for us, I'd imagine. We ran headlong into a fairly powerful mage the other night."

Karelin has arrived.

Ruri gives a firm nod to Xander, "Thank you, Sir." She replies, "My Master always stressed control over anything else, and I believe that when it comes to that, I am ... well versed. But, I would very much enjoy the opportunity to study with you. I am certain your insights would be very useful to me, and there is a lot I could learn from you..." The girl looks just a touch uncertain at Graga's words, though, obviously taken off guard by them. She just looks... contemplative, though she doesn't reply directly. A weak smile is offered to Ceres, "I heard your music. It was ... very good, and I hope that you are right."

Karelin comes back in towards the camp, a little mud-smeared, hair dark with exertion. He's at a steady walk right now, though somewhat mindful of the sky.

"Are you speaking of the shadow elf, or was there another?" Xander asks of Bannon, a brow arching. He glances at Graga and the pieces of wood he's so expertly mauling into the ground. Huh. Odd weapon practise! "I am sure there will be plenty of heads to crack soon enough, yrch." he asides to the greenskin. After all, what are the chances of spending a war without clashing with the enemy? To Ruri, then: "It is not the most extensive nor encompassing training. It merely includes the basics one needs to survive and support troops on the battlefield."

A small boy comes hurrying through the camp, looking around with wide eyes until he spots the small group. Orc. Check. Elf. Check. All sorts of glittery stuff. Check. Moving over to stand next to Ruri (she looks the least likely to rip his head off), he tugs at her sleeve. "'Scuse me, Missus, are you Irregulars?" No, it's not a question about the state of their bowels--Irregular is the term the Alexandrian army uses for adventurers.

"Was anything else found out about that airship, and those aboard it?" Ceres asks of Xander, at the mention of the shadow elf and the earlier mention of airships.

Karelin wipes the mud from his cheek-scars, working one finger inside one of the deeper furrows. (Dirt always gets in there) He smacks his hands on his thighs, and turns, walking towards Ceres and Xander, eyes on the kid.

Bannon nods to Xander, "The shadow elf... Yes." He turns to the boy as he approaches Ruri and responds, "Most of us are, lad. What is it?" He glances around then looks over to the warhorse next to him and speaks something in a hissing and cracking language.

Since he has precious little to add to the conversation at present, Graga contents himself with grunting at Karelin. "What have you been beating on?" He hooks a thumb in the direction of the somewhat battered wooden stakes in the ground, to answer the question for his part.

Karelin glances up and around towards Graga. "Nothin', just yet. Just taking a look around." Which, really, could mean anything. He grins at the stakes. "Good deal." He looks back towards the boy, though, curious, before watching the skies once more.

Ruri looks a little bit surprised by the arrival of the boy, but, it certainly draws her attention. "Yes, that's us." She replies, "How can we help?" She... really doesn't want to blank Xander, but, she trusts that he'll understand why she might be more interested in finding out how she can help, given the way conversation had been going.

The little boy's eyes go wide, and he leans over toward Ruri. "Did he just put a spell on me?" he wants to know. Then clearing his throat, he explains, "Only the Captain wanted me to go find a group of Irregulars and bring 'em back." A grubby finger is pointed in the direction of the Blushing Rosalia.

Xander nods a greeting at Karelin, glancing down at the short figure tugging on Ruri's clothing. He listens to the request, nods at the others. "Let us see what this is all about, then." he suggests, beckoning to be followed towards the little tavern.

Chiddle joins the group just in time, it seems, though it wouldn't be surprising if he was mistaken for just another kid and a portly one at that. "Helo every-" he starts to say, but then blinks, they seem to be leaving! So, what's a gnome to do but tag along.

"Sometimes, things to do explode - sometimes, a small child is sent. It is rather nice to see this other side of the scale..." Ceres muses, as she turns to follow.

Karelin turns, on the ball of his feet, and starts for the inn, hooking his thumbs into his swordbelt.

Beaming, the little boy turns and runs ahead of them all into the inn.

Chinook has left.

Bannon has left.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* The Blushing Rosalia *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

         The Blushing Rosalia is a small, fairly nondescript tavern with the requisite two stories--rooms on the top floor, a common room with a fireplace, kitchen, and a couple of small meeting rooms on the ground floor. Neither food nor accommodation is particularly spectacular, but the food is better than what's being served out in the camp and the straw mattresses are better than uneven ground.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

 Graga           Big muscles, tawny yellowish-green skin, black hair,  0s   10h

 Chinook         A warm, gentle breeze. OR IS IT?!                     25s  10h

 Bannon          6'0 broad-shouldered man with blond hair and green ey 2s   3h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Myrrish Camp <MC>         

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Ruri has arrived.

Karelin has arrived.

Chiddle has arrived.

Xander has arrived.

"She will see a captain after all. How fortunate." While still arranging his gear about his person Graga lowers his voice a bit and asides to Karelin, "How is your luck today? Will we be able to beat on something or will he ask us to rescue someone?"

Bannon hitches his horse outside and walks in. On his way to meet the captain, he comments as an aside to Graga, "He might ask us to dig a ditch. How is your luck today?" He then turns, proceeding into the Rosalia.

Xander steps into the little tavern, holding the door open for the ladies, ever the gentleman. Following this, his hands fold behind his back, gaze seeking the child and the Captain.

Ruri shakes her head to the boy, "No, no, he was just apologizing to his mount." She replies on the way in, allowing herself a little smile at the en route discussion.

Once inside, the little boy leads them to one of the little meeting rooms. "Daddy! Daddy! I found some Irregulars!" He's quite proud of himself. The man in the room swings the child up into his arms, and watches as the adventurers file into the room. "You sure did," he agrees. "You all prepared to risk life and limb to beat the ogres?" is directed at the adventurers.

Karelin looks towards the captain, eyes hooding a little. "What would you like us to do?" Shoulders square, we waits.

"As much as anyone else who has answered Myrrdion's call, sir." Xander replies, nodding a deep, respectful greeting to the Captain. "Is there a problem?" Isis has since returned to her favorite spot, inside the warmage's sleeve. Her little forked tongue is flicking out of it, the tip seen occasionally.

Graga looks about for a chair that will hold his weight. Finding nothing within arm's reach he settles on the floor, instead. As usual, once negotions have started he settles in to mostly listen.

Chiddle slips into the place enar the rear of the troupe, and pauses to glance about a bit before the officer grabs his attention. He lights up a pipe while he waits to hear the astory.

Bannon clears his throat, "Captain, we wouldn't be here if we weren't ready to pop an ogre." He then laughs, "Now where do you want us to dig?" He stands upright with the helmet of his suit of armor tucked under his left arm.

Ruri nods, standing in amongst the group, she keeps herself quiet beyond the nodding, however. After all... she was hardly the most experienced, and other than volunteering for ogre-related dismemberment, there wasn't much more she could add!

"...I'll take that as a yes," the Captain says, shaking his head a bit. "Our scouts have found a cave, here." He points to a spot on the map. "We *think* the cave may go all the way through the hill, here." To a spot on the ogres' side. "We've had a few surprise attacks from the ogres out that way, and so on. Problem is, we've sent several scouts in and they haven't come out. We think the ogres have left something nasty in there. *Your* job, if you want it, is to go find out what's in there. If you can stop it killing or capturing our troops, fine. If not, your priority is to come back and let us know what's in there so we can send in someone who *can* stop it. Understand?"

"It is time for dashing doings, for truth..." Ceres murmurs from the side, making no moves to avoid the mission as it is explained.

Xander leans forward, to get a good look at the map and memorize it, whole, complete with the location of the cave. "We shall look into it and report back." the warmage says with a nod. Then, to his companions: "Ladies. Gentlemen. Let us not keep the good captain waiting."

Bannon frowns, "That's certainly possible, sir. Do you have any preferences as to leaving the cave intact? Or should we find a way to cut it off?" He readjusts his helm, looking across the group that has gathered and then focuses on Chiddle, "I remember you from the plaza. You were good at making hinges. Are you as good at blowing things up?"

Karelin nods once, holding out a hand towards Bannon. "Why don't we find out what it is, first. After all, we don't just want something like umber hulks digging themselves up somewhere else." He nods to Xander. "Let's go.

Bannon looks towards Karelin and then nods his head, "Of course." He then nods to the Captain, "Sir." He turns, heading for the door and places his helmet over his head. Game face time...

"We'd like to surprise the ogres. Don't blow it up unless you have to," the Captain tells Bannon and Chiddle. "If it -does- go all the way through, great. If not, our engineers can fix that. Good luck."

Ruri listens carefully before she replies, "Sounds ... interesting." She says, before nodding quickly to Xander. "Alright." She decides, simply, suddenly, she was focused. This was a great opportunity! Hopefully she wouldn't screw it up.

"Lucky," Graga says to himself. "Yes, this I can do." He pushes himself back up to his feet. "Hulks? Do I recall anything of such hulks?" He scratches his chin. "We shall see if we shall see them."

"I am definitely going to have to see about procuring a riding mount, and approperate lessons..." Ceres muses to herself, as she falls in to follow. Perhaps a jaunty tune to forstall any feelings of doom!

 

Chiddle lights up at the prospect of explosives, "Well, I can certainly rig an extravogant explosion if I have the-" and then it becomes apparent there's no exploding to do. "...Oh. Well, I can shoot things too, if need be."

"Prepare supplies. Procure a riding beast of some kind that will hasten and ease the travel. Will an hour be enough?" Xander inquires of those brave souls with him! "We shall reconvene at the northernmost end of the encampment.

Ruri has disconnected.

Chinook has left.

Bannon turns back towards Xander and nods, "I'll inform my men that drinks will have to wait." He then turns, heading out the door of the Rosalia.

Bannon has left.

"An hour should be time enough to fetch such items as are needed and a mount. In an hour then," Ceres replies.

Graga grunts. "Enough," comes the terse answer. He hefts up the maul once more and ambles out to prepare. Half of which probably involves putting the big hammer away.

Karelin nods once. "It should be just fine, actually."

Karelin has left.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* Myrrish Camp *>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

         Soldiers. Ferriers. More soldiers. Cooks. Cavalrymen (and cavalrywomen). Healers. Officers. All these and more bustle through the neatly-pitched sea of tents that make up the Myrrish camp, no matter the time of day or night. At night, firelight flickers off the tents and lengthens peoples' shadows.

An herbal scent comes from a large group of tents off to the side, nearest the front lines--these tents an an appropriated farmhouse make up the field hospital, where the wounded are brought. A neat graveyard stands behind the field hospital--a few men are almost always on duty digging new graves.

Nearby, an entire (albeit quite small) town has been appropriated for officer's quarters and Myrrish war business--the smithy in particular is certainly making money. The only tavern in the tiny town, the Blushing Rosalia, is something of a gathering place for officers and adventurers.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

 Graga           Big muscles, tawny yellowish-green skin, black hair,  0s   10h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Blushing Rosalia <BR>     The Front Lines <TFL>     

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* The Front Lines *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

         This is a hilly area on the outskirts of southern Sendor. Bludguni and Myrrish troops face each other across a wide valley. With the spring thaw, the entire valley has been churned into a disgusting, bloody mud by the two armies. Bludguni forces currently hold the pass and the high ground, and are camped behind the hills. The Myrddion army is camped a little distance away, by a stream fed from a different, cleaner valley without a handy pass. Up near the head of the valley, the Bludgun army has left behind a huge mass grave that is said to be haunted.

Near the Myrrish camp, far away from the actual front lines as to be considered fairly 'safe' at the moment, is the de-facto command center and entertainment establishment in the area, a tavern called the Blushing Rosalia. It's somewhat the worse for wear, but the many officers and adventurers in the army provide the owners with a steady supply of coin.

Not far from the Blushing Rosalia are the numerous tents that make up the field hospital, where the wounded are brought back to be healed. The air near those tents smells of whiskey and herbal poultices.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

 Graga           Big muscles, tawny yellowish-green skin, black hair,  0s   10h

 Karelin         Tattooed Korite warrior. Tall, dark and scarred.      30s  1h

 Chinook         A warm, gentle breeze. OR IS IT?!                     2m   10h

 Xander          Tall, handsome, goatee-wearing human mage.            12s  3h

 Bannon          6'0 broad-shouldered man with blond hair and green ey 2m   4h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Myrrish Camp <MC>         Fort Getty's <FG>         Road To Sendor <RTS>

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Ceres has arrived.

Chiddle has arrived.

A few hours of hard riding brings the group to the area near where the cave entrance lays. Fanatical Eddie's horses are fine along the way, but Fanatical Eddie's saddles appear to be designed to create demand for Fanatical Eddie's no-fail saddle sore ointment. It's late afternoon once you arrive in the area, which you've been warned is contested, although the main armies aren't anywhere near this spot.

Karelin rides long in his black coat-of-plate, trying to find ways to curse Fanatical Eddie without cursing the things that he's done for him.

Bannon rides with a steady hand, occasionally taunting about how the saddles look fine to him. As they approach, he mentions, "Let's keep an eye out for trouble."

Thank the gods the arcane arts themselves provide Xander's horse and saddle! As they come upon their destination, the mage removes himself from his mostly comfortable saddle, slings his backpack with all the necessities across one shoulder and gazes across the terrain for the cave entrance that was spoken of. His magically summoned horse he directs into some form of cover nearby, where it'll hopefully be safe from things trying to maim or eat it. Never you mind they truly can't, but.

Karelin dismounts early, tethers his horse, and then crouches down to survey the cave entrance, as well.

Graga handles himself well enough on the horse, though he does make for something of a silly sight. The stirrups are decidedly useless in their tendency to bang against his shins, which results in a slightly different vein of cursing from Karelin's. The orc is quite happy to dismount sooner rather than later and busies himself with rubbing some bruises.

Ceres rides along, natural grace keeping her in the saddle, even if that won't help when it comes time to go home. Getting to their destination has a sigh of relief coming from the bard, as she slides to the ground, and starts to get her things.

Karelin looks behind him, and murmurs, "Alright. Let's go. Be careful, and let's move carefully. Who knows what's being hidden in the cave?" A glance at Xander. "Can you do your reconnaissance from here, or do you want to wait?"

Bannon dismounts, leaving his lance strapped to his saddle. He lets the horse roam free, apparently confident in its training as he advances forward to come abreast of Karelin. He narrows his eyes to peer ahead of him, an ultimately futile gesture as he simple shrugs. He checks the straps of his shield, and then gives the ol' reach around to his longsword and draws it.

"I can only guess at a convenient point to spy upon with my battlemagic. I can make the attempt, but chances of failure are high." Xander tells Karelin, gazing ponderously towards the cave mouth, if it's even readily visible.

Chiddle is fairly comfortable in his saddle, sitting atop the riding dog he purchased for himself a while back. He hops off the canine mount, and stows him near the rest of the horses. Goood dog- starts finding somewhere to nap. Dismounted, the gnome makes his way towards the rest of the group, slotting a bolt into his crossbow now, in preperation.

The cave mouth is not visible--in order to get to it, you all have to go up and over a rise to the northeast. Or, if you prefer, the long way around through a gully. There are no forces--enemy or otherwise--visible currently.

The orc does not sneak. Therefore he keeps back in order not to bother those who might be so inclined. Graga hunkers down and looks in the direction that they intend to go. "Care is good but let us not be all day about this. The scouts may be being cooked as I speak."

"Allow me to have a look at our surroundings instead. We shall tackle the cave once we get to it." Xander speaks. "Keep watch over me whilst I, hmm-mm, scout." he instructs the rest. Eyes close, index and middle finger of his right hand pressing to his temple as he, without word, without arcane gesture, calls upon the innate magic within him to scout the terrain around them and the secrets it may hide.

Ceres takes the time to string her bow, and put a coil of rope over one shoulder, as just a precaution, and settles in the rest of her gear once the horses are secured.

Karelin hunkers down, waiting for Xander to come back to the present place. Reaching back, he unlimbers his bow, checks the draw, and smooths the fletchings of his arrow.

Chiddle also hovers near the back of the group, he doesn't particularly have to hunker down as he comes up to the orc's knees at the best of times. Chiddle nods his head at the mage then, as he casts his magical doo-hickey.

Bannon nods to Xander, and then fans out to the left. He takes up a position that is not very well hidden in the trees, his head hanging around the side to watch for incoming.

"The area is crawling with scouts." Xander mutters, eyes moving under the eyelids. "I cannot see much of their side of the hills, however I can see that they have positioned a scout to keep close watch over this rise. We will surely be spotted if we take that route." Well. That solved one of the present debates quickly!

Graga remains squatted where he is, occasionally scanning the nearer area for unwanted presences. He grunts at Xander's announcement. "Send someone to remove the scout?" he suggests.

Karelin nods towards Xander, curtly. "Then it is the gully." He looks back. "Ready? Let's be as quiet as we can be." He gets ready to move out. A look back at Graga. "All of us, if at all. But I'd like to show up at the cave with less warning, if possible."

Bannon has disconnected.

"We should take the long way around, through that gully, so we can remain unseen." Xander says, eyes opening. "Warrior, can you scout ahead?" he addresses Karelin, who LOOKS like he might be the best sneaky person of the group. Plus, he's got eyes like a hawk. A map is pulled out of his belt, a crude little drawing of the area. He adds to it, hastily, and then marks down several spots. "Here is where I spotted groups of what looked like enemy scouts. We should do our best to avoid them."

Karelin glances down at his coat-of-plate. "Maybe. Maybe. I can see them coming, but they may very well hear me coming first."

"Nobody sneeze from the dust of the ride," Graga suggests, rubbing a finger under his nose. He pats various parts of himself to check for any distinctive noises. Fortunately there are none beyond what one would expect from chainmail armor. "Ready."

"Hmm." Xander ponders. He crouches down, letting the small serpent slip into the grass at his feet. "Scout ahead. Stay out of sight, if you can. Alert me if there is trouble." he instructs his familiar. The little diamond-shaped head of the reptile bobs up and down, and she slips ahead of the group. Outdoors! Yay!

Chiddle pauses for a moment, "Ah, before we move out." he murmers, and then pushes a button on his belt, causing a momentary pulse of light to wash over him, before fading away as he brings p a personal shield of force. He follows along behind the group once more, now, trying to keep low. It isn't hard. He's not very tall.

Ceres steps over towards Xander, "Speaking of your little friend, does she often dance?" Hey, she was curious!

Karelin starts forwards, trying to stay low and to keep his armour from clashing against itself.

"Too often for my liking." Xander says to Ceres. He waits for Isis to gain distance, and then waves for the group to follow into the gully. Hopefully it isn't the Gully of Doom or anything.

Though the group is not particularly quiet, they manage to make their way through the trees and into the gully, which is filled with giggleberry bushes. Isis is the only one that won't have any trouble pushing their way through the bushes, though all arrive at the cave mouth safely. The entrance is wide, and the water in the gully they're following is trickling out of the cave. Here, where it's a bit more stagnant, it has a foul smell to it.

Isis proudly awaits the group at the cave mouth, returning to her resting place on her master's arm when he and his comrades-in-arms arrive. The warmage is brushing branches and leaves off himself carefully. "So far so good." he whispers, eyes narrowing as he looking into the gloom that undoubtedly awaits at the mouth of the cave.

"Really? I did not realize snakes could hear things..." Ceres admits, before peering into the opening of the cave. "How do we wish to do this? All together, a scout, or caroling?" Not that that last is a viable idea, but it amuses her.

Karelin waits, wiping his brow by the edge of the cave. He looks about carefully, then sips at a waterskin. "Alright. Once inside, we'll need light. Preferably two sources. I can check for nasty surprises, but I'll need help taking them apart if we find them." A look at Ceres. "I'd prefer to stay all together once underground."

Chiddle goes to light up his pipe but, apparently, thinks better of it. Still not got the hang of this sneaking business, it seems, he puts his lighter and pipe back away then. "I can provide light." Chiddle offers then, "As many sources as you need. Well. As long as you don't need more than two."

"Our heavily-armored companions will reveal our presence quite quickly to anything with ears. I shall invoke a spell of illumination, and the artificer can use one of his contraptions for the light. We should probably move together - the warrior in front," A nod from Xander here, Karelin's way, "as he can both halt the enemy's advance and perhaps see traps, and the yrch protecting our backs."

Graga readies his axe, showing no impatience to be at the front at present. Thus Xander's suggestion is no trouble. Once the fun begins...

Chiddle nods his head when he fidns Xander is going to be at the front, and he sidles up to him. "Got anything you don't mind glowing for the enxt few hours?" he asks, and then adds, "Don't worry, I assure you that my Incandescent Illumination Matrix is entirely safe!" he declares, producing what looks like a silver lighter, only it has no-where for fire to come out.

Karelin swaps his bow, for his black warblade, checking the edge while he waits. "Just be careful. The last thing we need to be doing is dragging people out of here by their heels."

Bannon has connected.

Xander glances down at Chiddle. "I shall provide my own lightsource. Provide him with one." he suggests, gesturing Karelin's way. Set him on fire, him! Not the poor mage! The mage, for his own part, picks up a rock. The amazing light-rock, it'll be a hit with the kids.

Ceres keeps her own bow out, sword at her side, and just waits for everyone else to get ready. A small step is taken away from Chiddle with his non-lighting lighter. Or is that lighting non-lighter?

Bannon listens for a moment and adds, "The light from you two should be sufficient for the rest of us. We'll see." He peers into the darkness of the cave, a dour frown settling on his face.

A foul odor comes from the gaping black maw they're standing in front of, but a few muddy footprints suggest that the Captain's hunch is correct--someone's been coming in and out of the cave. It's easy, at least at first, to walk two abreast, and horses could be led through--at least, at this end. Water can be heard dripping inside.

Karelin glances at Chiddle. "Get a rock." He looks around, then nods, starting forward carefully.

The group makes their way into the cave! It's big. And smelly. And dark. Once inside, the smell is bad enough to make everyone's eyes water, and poor Isis is not going to be a happy snake. Eventually, the cave widens, revealing a large open space spotted here and there with gigantic stalactites and stalagmites.

Chiddle casts a spell on something of Karelin's, probably a gaauntlet ot- ah, the warblade was proffered. It glows as brightly as a torch but thankfully not as hot, or explode. What do you mean torches don't explode? You don't know many gnomes do you? The gnome keeps ane ye out as he moves, wrinkling his nsoe at the smell, "That smells worse than an ogreas arse." He mutters, as he pulls out a hanky to breathe through.

Karelin moves forward carefully, glowing sword held out and low, as he tries to ensure that he doesn't hit any tripwires or hidden pits. Distractedly, he also looks up, trying to ensure that he doesn't run into an ogre's stomach. Trying, perhaps, is the key word.

Xander walks, the wonderful Glowrock, toy and tool for the ages, held in one hand, between Karelin and Graga. He's keeping an eye on the ceilings in particular (he's run into chokers before), but the smell is making his eyes water something awful, despite the fact his cloak has been thrown over his nose and mouth. Poor Isis is hiding in his clothing, as far away from the smell as she can.

Bannon follows towards the middle of the group, his eyes narrowed as he looks forward over the upper part of his shield. His sword is held slightly aloft, in a position ready to use it should danger come at them from within the darkness, "I really envy the holy warriors right now..."

Graga is not bothered by the presence of the light nor, for that matter, bothered by its lack. It's almost as if he can see in the dark! Which, come to think of it, is probably quite useful in making certain nothing sneaks up on them from behind. Anything coming from ahead ought to make quite enough noise going through the others.

Ceres is shorter than most of the party, besides the halfling. So mostly, she's watching their backsi...she's watching them go first.

From out of the darkness ahead, a tentacle whips past Karelin's ankles, nearly catching a foot! Meanwhile, from the shadowy ceiling, long tentacles reach down, groping about for people to grab. Thankfully for the adventurers, everything in the cave seems a little put-off by the presence of so many lights--no one is grabbed. Yet.

Karelin barely twists away from the tentacle. He raises his sword to a window guard, sheltering beneath his sword. He calls out: "Xander, can you get me up there?"

Though the fighter bravely chops one of the whip-like tentacles that come from out of the darkness in the center of the cave in two, it turns out that there are many more where that came from--five, to be exact. None of them manage to get around Karelin's ankle, though it's not for lack of trying on the monster's part.

"As you wish." Xander replies to Karelin, touching a glowing hand to his shoulder. The man feels suddenly lighter, arcane magic granting the power of flight. And then the mage retreats slightly, not feeling like being anything's lunch today.

One of the ceiling-sloths appears to have gotten over its fear of the light. It reaches down and wraps its arms around Bannon. At first, it seems as if it just wants to hug him! The sharp crack of one of the man's ribs suggests otherwise. Another very nearly grabs Xander, but its claws scrabble off of his magical shield. The last still seems distracted by the light.

Chiddle jumps a bit when he spots the tenticles everywhere, and he looks up to the ceiling and spots the source of some of them. He pulls out his crossbow, bolt already loaded, and looses a shot towards the beast, striking it soundly... but not soundly enough!.

Ceres looks up as the tentacles all drop down. Bow is brought up, and careful aim is given. An arrow goes through the air, and impacts, but not enough to do serious damage, unfortunately. "What under the sky are these things?"

Graga looks about to see what's what. Since he isn't equipped with any fancy bow-like things he moves up to take it up with the tentacles that had come from the pond, should they decide to appear again. "It looks like a rock with long arm-things. But rocks do not have arm-... tentacles." He glances at Ceres and lifts his eyebrows. "Well, why not fight rocks?"

Bannon is grabbed by the tentacle beast and begins to struggle. He wrestles around with the beast before he calls out, "It has me." He growls through the pain of being squeezed by this thing, only to struggle to be released yet again.

"Thank you."

Karelin launches himself upwards like an arrow into the heart of the knot of writhing tentacles reaching for him, sword biting into the rock-like substance as he arrives. Ichor jets, and the tentacles writhe angrily.

As Karelin flies closer, the thing in the middle of the room is illuminated. As Graga said, it appears to be nothing more than a stalagmite--but with abnormally long, whip-like tentacles. Several of these batter helplessly against Karelin's armor, but one latches firmly around Graga's ankle. The sticky secretion gets all over his skin, but doesn't seem to do much--yet. It, however, proceeds to *yank* the tentacle back toward it, pulling Graga down to the ground and pulling him about ten feet closer to the monster than he was just moments before. Rockburn!

Chiddle brings another bolt into place in his crossbow, pulls the lever to wind the spring, and then looses it once more, sending the bolt hurtling towards his enemy on the ceiling, and adding another quill to it's pelt.

Ceres sends another arrow flying through the air, this time barely creasing the 'rock'. "... because they do not damage so easily?" as the arrow then bounces off the ceiling and falls to the ground.

Mages are amazing. New to some, familiar to others, the surroundings seem to slow to a crawl - but truly, it is those whom the spell empowers that become swifter, making it easier to react and deal blows against enemies. Xander glances between the enemies presented, not quite sure which is the bigger threat. They're both horrible.

The injured sloth-thing is not happy with Chiddle. It picks him up, wraps an arm around his throat, and starts squeezing! It looks uncomfortable. Ceres too gets a brief hug from the third, but manages to twist out of its grip at the last instant. Bannon manages to struggle enough to prevent his attacker from getting a better grip...but it's not looking good for Our Heroes...in this part of the cave, at least.

"Grrraaah!" The orc's complaint is loud when he's pulled down and dragged into the water. The creature soon comes to feel Graga's displeasure by way of his axe. The severed tentacle must bleed, but in the dark and murky water it's almost impossible to be sure. As soon as he's freed he all but jumps onto his feet, axe held high, spraying stinky water everywhere.

Karelin drives upwards, using the motion of the first attack and the rotation imparted from dodging the tentacles to strike upwards with true vigour. His sword divides rocky skin, flesh and viscera with equal ease, ripping it open and wrenching it free from the ceiling -- well, pieces of it, at least, which hit the wet floor of the cavern wriggling and twitching with remembered life.

Chiddle reaches for the vines around his neck and begins to struggle with the thorns, making little choking noises, his crossbow dropped, and his lips going blue.

Ceres gets distracted by the halfling getting snagged. Her next arrow doesn't get even close. But the one immediately after hits! Yay, ichor from above!

In response to Xander's attack, the last monster, eyes wide, reflexively jerks the gnome closer, very nearly crushing his windpipe entirely as it pulls him up toward the ceiling. The gnome is a very unhealthy shade of purple by now, although he's still barely conscious.

Xander's spell is an old classic, a spell some consider his signature. Fire spirals and snakes down the mage's arms, directed with swift, precise movements of the hands at the two chokers who hold no victims currently. The lances of impossibly hot magical blaze melt slimy flesh from bone where they impact, leaving two very messy and very smelly corpses in its wake. "Get that damned thing off him!" Xander roars, refering to, of course, the last remaining foe, the one choking the life out of Chiddle.

Graga to the rescue! It takes him a moment to make out Chiddle and wade through the water to get to him, but he arrives in axe-wielding style. He sinks his blade into the thing with a very solid thunk. The orc's just stepping back to jerk the blade free when he's death-from-above'd by the gnome. "Argh! What was...!" He squints mightly. "Gnomes!"

Bannon is grapped by the large tentacle beast, vying for strategic positioning. He frees an arm long enough to allow it to snake free of his shield. He then lifts his arm up and brings a balled fist right down upon the beast, "You're... not... taking... me..." He then grunts, flexing his muscles and tearing himself free of the beast, "...down!" It is summarily killed a moment later. He switches to two-handed longsword style and turns towards the remaining beast holding Chiddle. He swings his sword down mightily, kicking the choker's mortal coil right off the frickin' dock. He then turns towards Chiddle, a faintly glowing white potion already in his hand, only to not see him. Bannon blinks once and asks, "Where's Chi--" Crash. He lands in a messy pile of gnome and orc, blinking again before he says, "Found 'em."

"Breathe." Xander reminds the fallen Chiddle. Because he'd totally forget othervise. He waits a moment. "Once you're done refilling your lungs, tell me, can you go on?" He extends a hand, then, to help him up. Bannon and Graga can just... focus on being comfortable for the gnome in the meantime.

Chiddle breathes! Oh boy does he breathe, breathes in harder than a newborn with it's arse smacked. Doesn't even realize he's ontop of people at first, till he rolls off and onto all fours, panting. His eyes are bloodshot, his ears are red now that the blood is rushing back to his brain. "Don't think so..." he croaks to Xander then, rubbing his neck as he continues to fill his lungs as full as he can.

Karelin hangs in the air, moving in a slow circle, as he uses his lighted sword to explore the limis of the cavern.

Graga mutters something under his breath. In orcish, just in case it wasn't unintelligible enough. As well that Chiddle is no his feet since there's no guarantee the orc would've stopped to remove the gnome before getting up. "I think," he declares, pausing to retrieve his axe, "that there are no ogres in here." The axe is dunked in the water because, nasty though it may be, it's probably still not as sticky as blood. "Karelin, do you want to search around for the scout's skulls?"

Ceres waits for a moment after the pileup to see if anything is going to attack. Then, she races over, to try to help untangle the pile. "Is everyone alright? Do we think this is what was stopping all the scouts?" she adds, offering a hand to one of them.

"M'lady. You are versed in the arts of the spell-song?" Xander asks of Ceres as she approaches, reaching into one of the compartments on his belt to retrieve something or other.

"Only minorly, Warmage; my studies have only begun..." Ceres admits, standing off to one side as people put themselves to rights.

Karelin calls out. "There's another tunnel back here." He returns from his checking: "there are gnawed bones, but nothing else. No clothing. I'd wager they're further on."

"This should be well within your capabilities. Give the gnome a gentle tap with this, please, and then return it to me." Xander says, handing over to Ceres a slender wooden wand topped with a white pearl.

Bannon pushes up to his feet, looking around and then making his way over towards where his shield was dropped. He straps the shield back on to his arm and looks back towards the rest, "Alright. Keep Chiddle to the back. We've already cleared that way, so he should be fairly safe. The rest of us should go on ahead. See if we can get to the bottom of this."

Graga, predictably, grunts at Karelin's news. "Is everyone prepared to continue or shall two of us have a look at this tunnel? Though I think there is not much reason to believe that something had passed by these creatures."

Ceres nods and takes the wand. One tap does some good, but the second does better. "I should consider investing in some items when we return to Camp. Do you there there are any makers of such things there?" she asks, idly.

Xander waits, patiently, for Ceres to finish beating Chiddle with the stick. He accepts it back once she's finished and stashes it once more in his belt. "Back in the city, there are many - here, at the front, I am not so sure." To Chiddle he turns, then. "You should be able to continue, now. Let's explore this damned place and be back at the camp for supper." he suggests to the team at large.

Chiddle does manage to pull himself together with help from the healing wand, and he gets up, scoops his crossbow from a puddle of ichor, shakes what he can off and then gingerly re-places the bolt and pulls the lever. "Right. I haven't been that close to death since that time I accidentally set an orkish sailor's beard on fire."

Chiddle says, "Oddly enough, it was by strangulation that time as well."

Karelin looks up, from his searching. Something skids as he hits it, then stoops and retrieves a scabbarded greatsword, with a scrollcase tangled about it. It swings, with a little slosh. "Xander, can you examine these, please?" He nods to Graga. "I think we should all go, once more."

Graga swings his axe about rather cavalierly to point roughly in the direction Karelin had gone. "Then let us be off. As that one said, it will be good to be back for supper. It is a long ride back. Time enough to craft your stories then." Orcs don't tap their feet, but if they did then that's probably what he'd be doing.

Ceres nods to Xander, handing back the wand. "I shall have to definately consider it. So far I haven't found the new outfit I wish, so I hopefully have the coin.." she admits, before getting ready to continue.

Xander picks up the items Karelin is offering. He holds the Glowrock to them. "As soon as we are out of here. I do not think any of us wish to stay here any longer than necessary." the mage says. Also, he's not drawing any maybe-cursed swords, thank you. "Let us move along." he suggests.

So. Once more into the breach! The other tunnel is no less smelly and wet...but it does turn out to go all the way through the hill. You're briefly able to catch a glimpse of the easternmost bits of the Bludguni camp before Isis warns that there are guards not too far from your position, eating supper. A *lot* of guards. By the time you finished with them, the whole army would probably be on top of you.