Completely oblivious to the mayhem that was going on behind him Nain stood facing the troll. The cracking of stone and screaming of men and orcs behind him was a distant reminder that the troll must fall if any of them were to survive the night.
Dodging swiftly from one to side to the other in an effort to avoid attacks, Durgil reined in his horse and moved off to get a good angle on another foe. As he brought his bow to bear, a great darkness and gale, upon which blew a horrid stench, buffeted and nearly unhorsed him. His horse fretted at the arrival of the new threat and he was hard pressed to maintain control of the animal. Firing on the closest mounted foe, Durgil then scanned the sky for whatever had just passed.
They were surrounded; it seemed as if he was among a sea of enemies but Daelhun would never give up. His blade slashed yet again, seeking to find the flesh of the numerous enemies about. It was as if he couldn't miss.
The appearance of the Dragon chilled Dirnhael's blood and he was barely able to keep himself atop his mount, which quailed at the sound of the beast. The steel in his hand seemed to chill somehow, and the feel of it spurred Dirnhael back into the moment - a moment in which the large Easterling was unarmed as Andúring had broken his foul blade but moments ago. He set to finish this quickly - they had run out of time - and Andúring whistled as the fell blade sliced through the cool air towards the stunned Easterling commander.
The Orcs and Men that had been fighting within the castle's courtyard were the first to fall, consumed by the fire that belched forth from the Dragon. It could have been considered merciful with the quickness of their deaths, but the screams of those that were not killed by the Dragon's first breath belied that notion. The great monster began to look about itself at the situation before it and slowly began to move. Scatha stretched out his wings and brought them down in a huge buffeting gale of wind that drove the horrified survivors to the ground.
Nain's final series of attacks brought the massive troll to its knees and it then slowly fell forward to slam heavy on the frozen snow, dead. Relieved of his opponent, the Dwarf turned to see the new threat and was suddenly aware that he stood in the midst of both Men and Orcs rushing past him, making for the bridge that allowed exit from the castle. It was as if neither of these peoples were hated enemies, both running side by side in apparent horror. The mass of both Orcs and Men pushed on those in the fore and many fell only to be trampled or were shoved off the bridge into the frigid water of the moat.
Then, rounding the donjon came Eradin upon his horse followed on by twelve others of his Dúnedain host. The Man looked as panicked as all the others and they drove their horses into those that crossed the bridge, hauling any Men aback of their horses and riding over any Orc that fell.
Nain could only stand and watch as the scene took place around him, but then the sound of the Dragon inhaling once more brought his mind back to action!
Dirnhael could see on Durac's face that even the Easterling did not expect the arrival of the mighty fell-beast that had just sundered Barad Eldanar. The Easterling's face took on another look of shock as the Dúnadan's sword cut into him, not thrice, but four times. The Easterling slowly slipped from his saddle his dying eyes staring into the wild eyes of the Man that just killed him. With his enemy dead, Dirnhael looked about him to see his comrades that still stood by his side. There were no Easterlings left; they had fled with the arrival of the Dragon and the death of their leader.
Andúring seemed to flame in his hand with a cold, icy fire and Dirnhael knew that the mighty beast before him was the foe that his sword was crafted to resist. In the runes that laced its length, the Elves of Nargothrond had imbued their power into the sword and that ancient magic now surged and flared.
The great Dragon, Scatha, laid upon the ground, his body half in and half out of the ruined Eldanar, its mouth snapping at any that still lived and spewing flame over the grounds.
Camentir shakily stood up, his tunic dark from his blood and he looked to Dirnhael. "That beast is mightier beyond any of our skills, we must flee this place while we can!"
Dirnhael looked around and saw Fengel, Durgil, Edrahil and Daelhun all looking to him for an answer - still missing were their Dwarven friends and the Dúnedain host that Camentir had led over the past three years.
"Camentir," Dirnhael said, "take as many of your men as you can gather and prepare to make haste for Fornost. I will not leave until I know the fate of our Dwarven companions."
He gestured towards the wreckage of Barad Eldanar and spoke to the Dunedain commander once more.
"You were the reason for all of this. You cannot be captured by the Enemy - your knowledge of the West's defense is too vast, and in the land of Angmar, that wisdom would be ripped from you and used against your people..."
He thought of Ioreth.
"Our people," he all but whispered. "Go now - while you can."
He turned towards his companions.
"Durgil, Daelhun - Camentir is your rightful commander, and if you wish to accompany him to Fornost, you may. Edrahil, Fengel - you have never been bound to go further then you will, but our friends need us now."
He could hear the screams from the smoldering keep, and he too felt fear... but Lunduf had been a stalwart friend since he left Tharbad so long ago and had risked his life for Dirnhael on more than one occasion, while Nain had been a boon companion in his stay with them. He would not leave these two to die in a broken keep on the frozen wastes of this accursed land - not while he himself drew breath...
"Your choices are your own - but make them now. We must move quickly if any of us are to see the morn."
At the sound of the Dragon inhaling to spew flame once again into the courtyard Nain looks for Lunduf then dives behind the massive carcase of the dead troll as the flames wash over it. Once the flames stop he hefts Lunduf onto his shoulders and runs toward the gates with all the other folk trying to escape the terrible flame. He would not leave his fellow dwarf to be consumed by the vile destroyer.
"I will not leave a friend behind." Daelhun then moved his horse next to Dirnhael's and prepared to rush off and find their dwarven companion.
OOC: Very nice posts so far guys! ;D
Fengel thinks of his now close friend Lunduf, and the many pints of beer they had drunk together, laughing away the peaceful times. "Lunduf would give his life to save ours as well, let us ride into the very mouth of the beast if we must!"
Though torn between his comrades and the captain he's admired for years, Durgil makes the quick decision to stay. To Camentir, "Lord, if you command it, I will go with you now, but I must help those who made this possible."
Camentir gave a gruff laugh, "T'was friendship that brought you all on the trail to find me, and these Dwarf companions that you will not leave behind had as much a part in that as the rest. For this, I could not leave them to such a fate either. Come, let us get this done quickly and be off on the road home!"
Edrahil had sat quietly in his saddle, trying to keep his steed from bolting with all the others. Again the Sindarin had taken a grievous wound, but his resolve was strong. "What do you propose we do then? Do we find our friends and flee, or do we attempt to drive off this beast?"
At the sound of the Dragon inhaling to spew flame once again into the courtyard, Nain looked for Lûnduf and saw his kin staggering amongst those that ran for the gates. He could see that Lûnduf's wounds had him confused and struggling to maintain his feet.
Nain ran over, grabbed and then quickly dragged Lûnduf to the massive carcass of the dead troll. They both dove to the ground as the flames once again washed over the area. The craftsman had never felt such heat, even over the mighty kilns that he had worked. He had heard tales of wyrms told amongst his kin, but he and Lûnduf had never experienced a dragon first-hand. The experience was one he did not relish.
Once the flames stopped, he hefted his friend onto his shoulders and ran towards the gate which was now clear of any escapees, only the smoldering bodies of those that had tried remained. Behind the two, the lumbering sound of the dragon moving could be heard.
Suddenly a great, booming voice was heard, "I smell you, Dwarves! You cannot escape me and oh what a pleasure it will be to see your bodies consumed in my flame! Long have your folk been like fleas to my kin... perhaps I will make you suffer over long years for the Dragons that have fallen to your foul spikes."
Outside the keep, Dirnhael and his companions watched as the dragon's hind quarters began to slide into the ruins of Eldanar and then heard his awful voice. All around them, Men and Orcs disappeared into the night, neither caring about the other's allegiance.
OOC: Some of this is a re-hash but I needed to expand the scene.
Scatha Observe (Smell) +22
ACTION 1
Roll(2d6)+22: 2,2,+22 Total:26 - Nain can attempt to hide by making an Opposed Stealth test
Scatha's Terror effects:
Intimidate (Fear) +35 / 2 = +17
Roll(2d6)+17: 2,6,+17 Total:25 - the Terror will have a range/visual effect based on the chart below:
Opposed Willpower test -
Just hearing the Dragon: 1/4 the Terror roll
Seeing the Dragon from 100+ yards: 1/2 the Terror Roll
Seeing the Dragon from 25-99 yards: 3/4 the Terror Roll
Anything closer requires the full Willpower test
Actions may only be performed after the Willpower tests are done
"Let me go and find the dwarves, you create a diversion to get the attention of the dragon. What say you sir, only by working together can we hope to save our friends." Daelhun looked at his commander after making the suggestion and awaited his response.
Nain runs for his life. The weight of his friend on his back pressed him onwards away from the terrifying sight coming through the wall of the keep behind him. The Dragon's words froze his blood. He'd felt this terror before when the blackness has flown over. The terror that drove his feet. He had no thought of pride or courage, only the need to flee as fast as he could.
Stealth TN 22
Roll (2d6)+2 5,6,+2=13 Complete Failure
Willpower TN 17
Roll (2d6)+1 4,1+1=6 Disasterous failure
OOC: I need the five horsemen to give me an Observe (Spot) TN 15 test to see Nain and Lunduf crossing through the burning gates and the smoldering bridge.
Willpower Test TN 6 (right?) NARRATOR you are correct
Roll(2d6)+2: 1,6,+2 Total:9 SUCCESS
Observe (Spot) TN 15:
Roll(2d6)+5: 4,1,+5 Total:10 FAILED
Willpower: Roll(2d6)+2: 3,6,+2 Total:11
Oberserve: Roll(2d6)+6: 6,3,+6 Total:15
With his keen eyes, and more than a little bit of luck, Daelhun is able to see the two dwarves through the smoke and bodies running about. "There they are, let us ride and help them!" Daelhun spurred on his horse as he saw the two dwarves, how he would carry them both on his horse he didn't know, hopefully one of his comrades would follow him...
Ride: Roll(2d6)+8: 3,3,+8 Total:14
As Daelhun pointed out their comrades, Fengel saw that Nain was carrying Lunduf. Afraid for his friend's life he spurred his horse forward in a full gallop.
Ride Test:
Roll(2d6)+9: 3,3,+9 Total:15
TN 6 Willpower - (2+3)+2=7 SUCCESS
TN 15 Observe (Spot) - (2+1)+3+2=8 FAILURE
"Thank you, mi'lord." Seeing his friends gallop off to rescue the injured dwarves, Durgil follows cautiously with his bow at the ready to fire upon any enemy in the way of their goal. If the great beast draws his attention in the direction of the dwarves or his mounted friends, he will aim to strike the creature in the face.
RC: Bows (Longbow) - (6+3)+8+2=19
Willpower Roll (TN 6)
Roll(2d6)+2:5,1,+2 Total:8 - SUCCESS
Observe (Spot) Roll (TN 15)
Roll(2d6)+5:3,6,+5 Total:14 - FAIL (so close!)
***
Dirnhael saw the impetous but brave Daelhun spur his horse towards the gate.
He gestured to Fengel - the horse-lord could close the gap quickly, and his skill on horseback could help speed the Dwarves to safety. Daelhun would need his help.
Edrahil was wounded but still potent, and Durgil was a fine archer.
Dirnhael's mind raced. If Durgil could attack at range, and Edrahil had enough strength left to call upon his powers, perhaps they could distract the dragon and give Daelhun and Fengel enough time to rescue Lunduf and Nain from the dragon's flame. He knew that Durgil's arrows would be little but an annoyance to the creature, but hopefully, an annoyance would be enough.
"Find a safe spot on this ridge," he said to the Elf and Durgil. "Do what you can to draw this worm's attention away from our friends!"
He took off his full quiver and bow, and handed them with a nod to the young archer.
"In case you need them, Durgil - do not be frugal with your volleys."
The dragon was stunningly powerful, but it wasn't particularly fast, and it had wedged itself in the castle wall. While it was looking either at the dwarves and their rescuers, or back at Durgil and Edrahil... it came to him.
He turned to Camentir.
"One more ride, sir? The dragon's tail sits in the open. Ride with me and we may be able to wound it before it is aware of us." Dirnhael didn't wait for a response - Daelhun and Fengel were already off - they were out of time.
He turned his horse towards the castle, and looked back at Durgil and Edrahil. "Wait until we are near the outer wall and obscured from the worm's sight. Then let loose your assault."
Dirnhael gave his steed a nudge with his heel and rode down the hill at speed, the increasingly cool steel of Anduring in his hands providing some comfort from the roiling fear in the pit of his stomach.
***
OOC: GoB - looks like you posted while I was writing mine. Let me know which course of action you'd like to take, and I'll change my post if need be.
Palandil - you did, too - but we were on the same page! ;)
OOC: oops! LOL Durgil will follow the direction of Dirnhael.
Durgil pulls up and gladly accepts the replenishment of arrows. Set for the task, he rides with Edrahil in the direction of Dirnhael's, bow and arrow in hand ready for the time to strike. (will use the RC roll from last post) Noticing Edrahil's state as they rode, "If we look to be successful in our distraction, bolt to the woods. I shall follow as I may to ensure the beast's attention is held. You will be needed elsewhere as your abilities shall be the salvation of the injured."
Once they are set in position, the young Dunadan simply queries, "Are you ready?"
OOC: You guys rock!! I am digging your plan - I will be giving you another post right after dinner and I hope you all like it. Be ready for action!
With a nod to Dirnhael, Fengel races toward the dwarves.
Scatha came on, squeezing between the donjon and the southern outer wall his serpentine body squeezed but not impeded. Still, as Dirnhael presumed, it slowed him down. But not enough to allow the Dwarves to make cover. The Dragon's head poked around through the gate and his eyes blazed from the firelight.
"STOP!" he commanded and Nain felt his limbs lock up, no longer answering his own command.
OOC: Scatha casts Spellbinding TN 10
Willpower +11
Roll(2d6)+12: 4,6,+12 Total:22 SUCCESS - Nain needs to roll an Opposed Willpower test TN 22
No one else post anything please, until after I resolve this test and finish the narrative... thanks! ;D
Willpower Roll TN 22 (Ha!)
Roll (2d6)+3 5,3+3=11 Disasterous Failure.
Narrator Edit - Remember that as a Dwarf, you have the Racial ability Hardness of Mind that provides a +2 to any Willpower tests to Intimidate or Domination type effects. I personally think the spell Spellbinding falls into these categories.
Unfortunately, even if you spent all of your Courage at this point, you would still be stuck.
Lûnduf who had been hanging over Nain's shoulder now slipped to the wooden planks of the bridge. The wounded Dwarf could see that his friend was ensorcelled and was unable to move, but he could hear Nain yelling... "RUN! RUN!" [Spellbinding still allows you to talk]
The Dragon once more drew a heavy breath and the fires within kindled.
Edrahil and the three Men could see the Dwarves and each wondered why they had stopped and Lûnduf now only kneeled upon the bridge. The Sindar, knowledgeable of the arcane, suddenly realized what was the matter and his heart froze.
"NO! RUN! YOU MUST RUN!" he cried.
The dragon hoisted its head and its mouth fell open ready to bathe the bridge and its occupants in his lethal flame. Lûnduf, seeing the danger to both he and his incapacitated friend, knew of only one thing to do. With the last bit of his strength, he grabbed Nain and shoved forward causing his rigid kin to fall towards the edge of the bridge. Nain hit the side, the wind knocked out of him and he felt himself fall off and splash into the water below - the freezing water saving his life. [Nain will be freed of the spell's effect by the sharp chill water]
Lûnduf was not so fortunate. Heaving into Nain, his boot caught a patch of ice and he fell sprawling forward, still on the bridge. The Dwarf looked up as Scatha breathed. From their vantage point some 45 meters away, Edrahil and the three Men saw Lûnduf disappear in a cone of flame.
Dirnhael and Camentir rounded the edge of the broken castle wall and peered inside. They had needed to dismount as their horses were much too skittish to continue and though they feared they no longer had an advantage of speed, the animals could not be trusted.
The Dragon's great form was across the courtyard, before the donjon and the gates. Terror began to creep into both of their hearts and then the fell-beast breathed a gout of flame over the bridge and their Dwarven companion.
Seeing Lunduf die, Edrahil became absolutely enraged and his incantation took effect. He would catch this dragon's attention and keep it. It would hopefully allow enough time for Camentir and Dirnhael to deliver a blow that would save them all.
"MORGOTH'S WYRM! YOU HAVE TAKEN ONE OF OUR COMPANIONS AND FOR THIS YOU SHALL FACE OUR WRATH!" But then the Sindar began to envision a man, not unlike Fengel, and the man was in a great struggle with a dragon. The dragon was lame. [Foresighted]
"HA! HA!" laughed Edrahil, "YOU HAVE SECURED YOUR OWN DOOM IN A NOT TOO DISTANT DAY! COME LET US ENGAGE!"
OOC:Edrahil casts his spell [I need to roll]...
I will need to finish this in a while, sorry! My wife is calling for me to take her and her friend out for the afternoon. Feel free to give me your upcoming actions, intitiative first. We will be going into a normal Round-by-Round melee with Scatha.
Initiative: 6 :(
Seeing the immense flame shoot forth from the terrible wyrm Daelhun's shielded arm immediately shot up to protect his face, the meager buckler would have have even protected his arm but it was a reflex to the terrible power that the wyrm posessed.
Observe (Spot): To see Nain: Roll(2d6)+8: 3,6,+8 Total:17
OOC: Not sure if this is required so i rolled just in case. I also assume that the water is not too deep for the horse...
Seeing the dwarf, the reason he was riding TOWARDS a massive dragon, Daelhun spurred on his horse yet again going to the spot of the fallen dwarf. Daelhun reached for Nain and heaved him up onto the horse with all his might.
Strength: Roll(2d6)+2: 6,6,+2 +5 Total:19
OOC: I'll just assume that is the end of the stuff I can do this round, otherwise ride like the wind.
OOC:Wow, I was just developing a kinship with Lunduf and I feel a little heart stricken at his death.
Fengel's eyes grow wide as he reins in his steed. He could not believe that his friend had just perished before his eyes. He was not quick enough to save him. Then he remembered that Lunduf had pushed Nain into the moat and he was still in grave danger. Trusting that his comrades will distract the dragon, Fengel rides now with all speed to the aid of Nain.
Initiative: Roll(2d6)+3: 2,5,+3 Total:10
Ride Test: Roll(2d6)+9: 5,2,+9 Total:16
Init - (6+4)+2=12
Enraged and emboldened with Edrahil at his side, let's fly arrow in a bit of haste. The shot, aimed for the beast's head, misses and sails off, crossing the path of the dragon line of sight into the distance. Cursing his luck, he quickly grabs another and prepares to fire again.
RC: Bows (Longbow) - (2+1)+8+2=13
Initiative: 5,1,+2 = 8
Stunned by the actions of his companion and then the icy chill of the freezing water Nain had barely stood again when he spotted the burned shell that used to be his friend. One might have seen a tear sliding down his cheek were it not for the chill water that was leaving it's own trails. Lunduf had saved his life and died for it. The Dragon would pay.
Nain was clambering toward the shore when he felt himself being lifted bodily off the ground and onto the back of a horse. One of the humans that had ridden to save their captain he could only assume, they all look alike from the back. He hoped this man wouldn't suffer the same fate as Lunduf for his bravery. Nain held on, still furious with the Dragon and with himself for being too terrified of the creature to do anything else.
Quote from: Palandil on Oct 07, 2005, 08:07 AM
OOC:Wow, I was just developing a kinship with Lunduf and I feel a little heart stricken at his death.
OOC: Me, too - Lunduf's been around since the beginning... nearly two years ago now? Wow. I feel kind of depressed (sniffle). At least he went out with heroic style...
Initiative roll:Roll(2d6)+2:4,4,+2 Total:10
***
Dirnhael was carefully manuevering around the massive and deadly beast when he heard Edrahil - the Elf had never seemed so... emotional. Then his words hit him: one of his friends was dead. He was too late.
Was it Nain, who had already lost his brother to another vile beast in these lands? What a tragedy to befall one family!
Or was it... Dirnhael could barely think it... Lunduf, his companion since the day he left Tharbad so long ago?
As it all sunk in to Dirnhael's mind, he knew that Lunduf was dead. He knew that Edrahil respected Nain, too - but Edrahil's sorrow and rage clearly came from the loss of a dearer friend.
Dirnhael quailed. The death of his close Dwarven friend would be a wound to Dirnhael's heart that would never heal... another one...
Anduring grew icy in his hands; now almost painful to the touch, and Dirnhael knew that he would honor Lunduf best not by collapsing in grief, but rather by avenging him and saving his kin.
"I swear it," he said under his breath.
Rage began to swell within him as he motioned to Camentir to stand ready at the dragon's tail.
As for himself, he would move farther along.
The blood in Dirnhael's veins ran as cold as the ancient blade in his hand. For the first time in his life, Dirnhael
Dunedain wanted to kill.
The dragon's tail no longer concerned him - Dirnhael wanted it's heart.
***
OOC: OK. Here's my plan - Dirnhael is moving along the right side of the dragon towards it's belly. As Edrahil has already captured the dragon's attention, Scatha will likely turn left towards Edrahil and Durgil, and raise his head to peer over the wall at them. When it turns, Camentir will hack with all his might at the tail, likely causing Scatha to rise even higher and to the left to look at his tail. That will leave his underbelly exposed and wide open for Dirnhael to plunge into it with Anduring as Scatha's attention will be diverted to two places simultaneously - at his rear (Camentir) and high and to the left (Edrahil/Durgil) - both away from (and hopefully unaware of) the danger Dirnhael presents right next to it (That doesn't even take into account Fengel, Daelhun and Nain; who also have the dragon's attention!). Either way, this hopefully provides more than enough time for the two riders to scoop up Nain and get out of Scatha's range. With any luck, he'll be wounded badly enough that we can make some inroads one way or the other.
Edrahil casts his spells:
ACTION 1 - Display of Power TN 10
Willpower +6, The Art +2, Wounded -5, Active Spell -3
Roll(2d6)+0: 5,6,+0 Total:11 ... thank goodness!!
ACTION 2 - Intimidate (Power)
Intimidate +6, Specialty +2, Wounded -5, MB +10
Roll(2d6)+13: 5,1,+13 Total:19
Scatha's Opposed Willpower test
Willpower +11
Roll(2d6)+11: 3,2,+11 Total:16 (1 Courage) SUCCESS - Scatha is not too impressed with Edrahil
I will be starting a new thread with a compilation of all of your posts and some new stuff