Grimbeorn could not see them, but he knew they moved close at hand. Wolves - a great pack of them - dogged their path and every so often let loose a cry, which was answered a distance away.
Where the Elven sanctuary brought comfort and light, the company now began to feel the darkness of the lair they approached. Carcasses littered the area - great animals that were dragged down and consumed, leaving only bones to mark their stolen lives. Even in the cold, the smell of fresh kill was near at hand and large carrion birds circled in the grey sky.
The sun did not break through the clouds and the effect was telling on the companions, as each of their bright spirits began once more to dull. Weariness no longer tugged at their minds, but a sense of panic was filling their hearts.
And then it was there. A black hole in the face of the mountain's stony wall like the maw of some horrible beast. A stink emanated from it and about it was littered the bones of the dead.
They had come at long last to the lair of the Beast - and they knew it watched from within.
Arbogast takes a measured breath. He knows that darkness and fear will reign inside the cavern, and that little but grave peril awaits those who enter. But they have come this far. What would it avail any if they turned back now? Measured against the chance to end the terror of the Werewolf, his own safety seems a small thing.
With a look back at his companions, the Woodman approaches the entrance. "Uncover the lamp," he suggests, "and let its light pierce the heart of this place."
Grimbeorn could smell the stench of their foe ere they drew near its lair. It was sickly and putrid, the sweet essence of decaying flesh and rotting evil — the scent lay heavy in the air and on the soul. Defiant was his spirit and battle-ready his countenance. "Let us end this terror," he said laying shield to shoulder and preparing axe to bite.
Morirúsë took from a bundle the other lamp that they had gotten from the wood elves and placed it upon the ground. "I shall place this here in the event that someone will need to lure the beast away, or for the return journey. Next the elf removed the lamp he had used upon their journey north, and with a leather thong he tied it so it hung upon his breast. Casting his cloak aside the long ancient blade slide from its sheath and he pointed the tip at the opening.
He cried out and his voice carried far, "BEAST OF GAURHOTH! We are here!"
And then the light of the lamp blazed forth and the ancient elf went forward.
A guttural laugh emanated from the blackness of the cave.
YOU DEEM THAT PALTRY ORNAMENT SUFFICIENT TO HARM ME?
They all heard the laugh and voice, but it was not audible to their ears - it was heard in their minds. Only the cold wind, whistling through the fir trees, was heard around them.
I SENSE YOU, ELF. YOU ARE OF THE OLD WORLD. WE ARE KIN. I SEE YOUR SPIRIT AS BLACK AS MINE. SURELY, YOU WOULD FIND COMFORT WITH ME, INSTEAD OF AGAINST.
As the companions listened to the fell-spirit speak to them from the darkness, four large, powerful wargs skulked out from the cave entrance. In the distance began the sound of wolves singing their baleful songs.
Seeing the large beasts, Esgalwen drew Nimronyn forth from its scabbard. It gleamed with its pale light even in the gray daylight.
She saw no sense in waiting for the repartee between the Noldo and Fell-spirit - instead she stepped forth and drew her sword up in a two-handed stance.
"Curs of the Enemy! I am a daughter of the Blood of the Faithful, whose sires were Elendil, Isildur and Anárion! Know now that your bones will be left to litter these grounds should you bar us from this cave!"
:ooc: I will open the new combat rounds, but Esgalwen will take the Forward stance and Intimidate Foe...let's see how she does. ;D
We can consider this the Opening volleys round, as there is no archers currently present.
I will also roll for bonus success dice.
Battle Rolls for Combat Advantage diceTN 14 battle by PC:00: Arbogast 3d 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 3d6 : 5, 3, 3, total 11
:00: Esgalwen 2d 1d12 : 10, total 10
Rolled 2d6 : 6, 1, total 7
:00: Grimbeorn 2d 1d12 : 6, total 6
Rolled 2d6 : 3, 2, total 5
:00: Morirúsë 3d 1d12 : 7, total 7
Rolled 3d6 : 2, 1, 3, total 6
Esgalwen IntimidateTN 15 Awe 2d:00: 1d12 : 12, total 12
Rolled 2d6 : 4, 6, total 10
:ooc: BAM!
:g: abounds!
• Arbogast rolls a :g: success for 1 advantage die
• Esgalwen rolls a :%: success for 2 advantage dice
• Grimbeorn and Morirúsë failed their rolls
• Esgalwen rolls a :g: :%: success to Intimidate and reduces the Wargs' Hate points by 3 (to be spread 1 to 3 of the 4).
:ooc: Nice rolling!
"Our parts have been decided long before this. Come, let it be decided."
The elf threw off his cloak and with abandon moved forward.