"Aye lass, he be one of mine." Cor looked at Ulthok before adding, "I believe he might just owe ye a polishing of your armor. I'll leave the two of ye ta figure that out." Cor took his leave.

“What sorcery is this?” She said as her long bladed dagger appeared in her hand and was positioned right before his throat, “you‘re a spy”

“GUARDS!!! A SPY!!”
The Paladin finally started to sense that something wasn’t right and she reacted much as Ulthok had expected. Just as Ulthok was about to disarm her, in his own charming way, the sound of foot fall were coming down the hall. The mage didn’t wish to embarrass the newest member of the party so he held his spell. As the guards approached the familiar brogue Of Knight Cleric rolled down the hall.
"Put that dagger away lass; tis nae a spy." ………….. "Ulthok lad, what have ye gotten yerself into this time?" …………………. "Lass, this wee one is part of my group." ……………………………….."Lad, ye best introduce yerself and appologize."
Turning back to the Halfling Mage the Lady Knight stammered, “What? This… is one of your group? …………….of course it is.”
Then as a guardsmen came running up behind him she waved them off.

“It is alright, …………..it is just a mischievous Halfling.”
The knight held out the mug of ale to the Halfling with a faint smirk on her lips, ““Lady Jessica Voltaire, and you are?”
The guard stopped by Ulthok and looked questioning at the Knight, “Lord Rydenham, by your leave?”

Ulthok turned his cherub smile to the guard and shrugged, “It is all good, thank you good sir.”

The guards took in the group and recognizing all of them, they turned and returned to their duties mumbling.

The Halfling turn back to the knight, “Yes.. Lady Jessica Voltaire,.. Paladin of the Great Goddess Athena, …, Knight Defender of the Realm of Callahorn. Sir Trollhammer told me you would be joining us and I had hope to run into you” with wink to Cor,” and by Jove it happened……oh, yes thank you,” as he took the mug of ale.

Bowing deep without spilling the ale, “My lady… forgive me for having my fun, Ulthok Rydenham at your service. Allow me to remedy this frightful mess.” As he rose back he cast dry, warm and polish so that by the time he was standing the only evidence of the collision was a tray and three empty mugs on the floor.

“I prefer not to drink alone, I may I get you a glass of wine and perhaps we could start anew…oh Cor you can come too.”

The Halfling turn back to the knight, “Yes.. Lady Jessica Voltaire,.. Paladin of the Great Goddess Athena, …, Knight Defender of the Realm of Callahorn. Sir Trollhammer told me you would be joining us and I had hope to run into you” with wink to Cor,” and by Jove it happened……oh, yes thank you,” as he took the mug of ale.

Bowing deep without spilling the ale, “My lady… forgive me for having my fun, Ulthok Rydenham at your service. Allow me to remedy this frightful mess.” As he rose back he cast dry, warm and polish so that by the time he was standing the only evidence of the collision was a tray and three empty mugs on the floor.

“I prefer not to drink alone, I may I get you a glass of wine and perhaps we could start anew…oh Cor you can come too.”

“I accept your apologies Lord Rydenham,” Lady Jessica said with a slight bow of her head, “I will join you, for it seems alone you are prone to finding trouble.”

She gave a slight smirk as she glanced at Cor wondering if he was going to join them or not. Whether or not he did, she turned and walked with Ulthok to wherever he was going for this drink.

“You know,” she began as they walked, “you shouldn’t introduce yourself to a new member of your group in such a manner. Someone else, less understanding, might have taken your head off rather than simply drawn a dagger and called to the guards.” She glanced out of the corner of her eye down at him, a slight upturning of her lips into a smile.

When they arrived, she sat and ordered a glass of the General’s House Red which she had earlier; she had found it to be rather remarkable. She would have to inquire of the General to its make and vintage.

"Well, you seem to know about me," Jessica said as she sat her helm on the table next to her, "why dont you tell me about yourself? What is it you do in this group? Other than causing mischief?" Again a little smirk to show she was teasing him a little bit.

“I accept your apologies Lord Rydenham,” ………I will join you, for it seems alone you are prone to finding trouble.….. You know, you shouldn’t introduce yourself to a new member of your group in such a manner. Someone else, less understanding, might have taken your head off rather than simply drawn a dagger and called to the guards.”

Ulthok chuckled as he led the Paladin to the receiving room that the party now used as their common area. The mage poured a goblet from the carafe of the Generals fine red wine set on the side board. Handing the wine to Lady Jessica they took seats near the crackling fireplace.

Settling into the high backed leather chair Ulthok continued, “My lady had you over reacted and killed me, which would not be in the character of a Paladin of Athena, it would not have been the first time I have died with this party. We misjudged some beings based on their appearance on last mission and it cost me my life. Even was Cor possessed once and had to be brought back.

Joining our group does not led to glory… it most likely will led to death.“

As Lady Jessica sipped her wine the Halfling continued.

“What now seems so long ago the warrior King Maridynn of Shanntara saw that things were changing in the peace Trilogy. He gather a few willing souls from across Trilogy to form a fast highly mobile reaction force to react to what he saw as a threat. Nine skilled fighters, healers and spell casters came together and over course of nine months trained and worked together to form this force. Of that group only Cor and I remain though we have added and lost what seems a score of good companions and we but now are just preparing to the more deadly of what is being unleashed.”

Lady Jessica could the sadness flash across the eyes and the mood darken of what she thought was a mischievous character.

“We have lost friends, family, nobles and commoners… all in the duty to serve each other and the missions….There were others that joined briefly and moved on to serve other purposes.”

Ulthok stared into the fire.. lifted his tankard and took a long pull of the rich ale.

“Oh forgive me for venturing into memory.. You had asked who am I and what is my part in all of this…? I am but a humble spellcaster and… well shall we say I have been the locksmith and ….procurer. My magic has been of an aid and the traps I have been able to disable have prolonged the lives of my companions and with good fortune that will continue. Now I hope you fare well as this party takes on our next mission.” Ulthok lifted his tankard to the Knight Paladin in salute.

Lady Jessica sat and sipped the wine Ulthok had poured for her and listened to what he had to say; it seemed he felt the need to get it off of his chest and she did not interrupt him. Once he was finished she took one more sip of her wine while gathering her thoughts then sat forward slightly.

“Lord Rydenham,” she began, “I understand the message you are trying to convey to me. My Great Goddess Athena has instilled in me appreciation of wisdom in listening to those more learned and experienced than myself. I appreciate your concern in telling me these things and the warning you are trying to give me.”

“Let me tell you a little something of myself,” she continued after a momentary pause, “Yes I am a Noble by birth, actually my father is one of the chief advisor to King Palantinos, Ruler of Callahorn. I was given everything I wanted as a child, and yes I was spoiled as one who is given everything is want to be. But while my father saw only a chance to marry me off to some other Nobleman as a way to foster a greater position among the court, I had other ideas for my future.”

“One of my childhood friends was a young boy slightly older than myself, who I admit I had a crush on when younger,” she smiled slightly at the memory, “we spent much time together and he taught me first to play with a sword as it was his ambition to one day lead a great army for Callahorn. I learned to love the battle and by the time I was in my teens, and my father found out of my devotion for fighting, it was too deeply ingrained upon my soul.”

“I was only 16 when the Goddess called upon me,” she said her expression taking on a serious cast, “she did not force her desire for me to enter her service, it was offered and I accepted it freely after several days of deliberations. I chose to serve and to fight for Callahorn and its people.”

“Though I am younger than you Lord, I am not new to battle. I have been sent on many missions against the evil that is outside this wall. Raids and battles designed to slow its advance upon this city. I have lost comrades, seen them cut down and ..” she paused and gathered herself for a moment, taking a sip of her wine before going on, “the childhood friend I told you of… I had to watch helplessly as he died in my arms.”

She looked at Ulthok and he could see the seriousness in her eyes, the pain of loss of those fallen comrades in battle, she raised her glass and drank down a toast to those who would never return to their families and friends.

“You say that glory does not await us out there,” she gestured as if towards the walls, though inside here it was hard to tell if the direction was right, “that only death awaits. But Death is the ultimate destination for us all Lord Rydenham. How we meet death is just as important as how we lived. While I do not wish to die tomorrow, I do not fear death, I wish only to serve this great land to which I am sworn and to serve the Goddess well in life and I would rather die out there defending these people and my beliefs and know that I go to Athena with a clear conscience, knowing I did everything I could.”

“Though,” she finished with a faint chuckle, “I hope to return here once this is all over and continue drinking in celebration.”

“So here is to a long comradeship Lord Rydenham,” she said as she stood and raised her wine glass for a toast with him and then downed the last in her glass, turning she hurled the glass into the room’s large fireplace to shatter upon the stones.

Ulthok watch as the Lady saluted him and then cast her goblet into the fire.

"Well met My Lady"

Then the mage let out a light laugh, "Let us hope you are as rough on the enemy as you've been on the glass ware......and I will be happy to stand with you." Ulthok stood, drained his tankard and cast it into fire.

Cor finshed changing and then head back down and sat alone at a table where he could keep an eye on Valene, Jessica and Ulthok. He laughed to himself when he saw glasses thrown into the fire. "What a waste of a fine drinking vessel, though a flagon is preferable to a glass anyday." he said to no one in particular. Finally able to take a moment alone he sipped his ale and was soon lost in his own thoughts.

"Well met My Lady" Then the mage let out a light laugh, "Let us hope you are as rough on the enemy as you've been on the glass ware......and I will be happy to stand with you." Ulthok stood, drained his tankard and cast it into fire.
“You must also be the group comedian Lord Rydenham,” Lady Jessica said with a chuckle, “I hope you take your other duties as seriously as the joking.”

“May I inquire of you a favor?” she asked as she picked up her helmet from the table and tucked it under her left arm again.

(Assuming consent)

“Would you do me the honor of introducing me to the other members of the party?” she asked and then continued with a smirk, “I don’t want any other ‘mishaps’ to occur.”

Ranyn moved with the opthers as cor lead them. When the Black robe ordered them newr the entranve she was relievedm but did not lit up he watchfulness. Her hand was so close to her bow that it would only take her a second or so to Insling it and reach for an arrow. He hand twitched to do dsso right now as they moved with her eyes targeting the Black robe.

The balance had swung up for them for the first part of their mission but then it started down and the world alwaysfate as ut sought balance and luck failed them or fate had cast a different path then what they sought. Rayne was not sure what roused the Hill Giant's suspecions of them, bit something had and they were targeted as not friends. Ulthok tried to teleport them out of there but the balance had sontinured to fropped not to thier favor.

Her small group bevaine the target of all those remaining in the domw. Including the Black robe. She rreached for her bow ans and aimed at the Black Robe as he was the most dangerous target to them. He might have protections from arrows up but her arrows turned to pure energy and he might not have protections against that. However even as she targeted him Sorin had been scooped up by the Hill Giant and rayne target changed in an instant. She let go with two aroow in rapid sucession. and several others of their team attacked him as well. But it was not quick enough to save Sorin's llift. The giant popped Sirunps head like a gooseberrybetween a man fingers. The Hill Giant and Sorin were dead before they hit the ground. Unfortunately there was no time to rescue the body or cast a Raise dead.

The other Giants, Orcs, Kobals, and Black Roabe were still attacking them. Soells were cast weapons swung cuutting down the Orcs and Kobals. Two wamps appeared at someonecasting. One attacking the Black Robe and one was set on the Orcs and Kobals.

The two Giants blocked There only way out of the dome. More spells were cast. weapons went to work and they finally make their way our of the dome. As soom and they did a doyble sheck of their groups they found the Eclipse had not made it out with them. Whether he was dead or just trapped somwhere or taken caotive they had not way of telling, The decision was made to move on back to the safetly of the casrle. Hoepfully the rest would make it back saferly,

Onlu that was not mean to be. Lesxon Stumbled and gell suddenly, THe three clerics all rush to her side to discover what had dropped her. What first meet ther is is a change in her skin even as they unsearched hfor her wounds. HEr skinn as scaked and becoming more so and her eyes as she regarded Cor and, Valene and herself were those more indicative of dragons that els. Lexsom was hald elf alreaight but she was also halfpdragon as well. Nothing they did helped them save fer life. As she lay dying, she whispered wit her last breaths. “Save her you must, Dwarf, complete my mission if you hold this world dear. Find our Queen and save her, or the Dragons of Good will never fly in your defense.”

After finally arriving at he sastle walls they were let in , passing over the Voby of Lexson the only one of the three they had lost The party headed for the Generalps residence, but not Tayne.

Back at the Castle Walls and the dew day with New griends

Agter cor passed off the body of Lexson to guards in the at the walls tayne approached him, "Cor, I plan to go help out with any healing that need to be done at the temple of Kith Hora or whereever they had taking the wounded. I will probably spend the night at the temple if you need me you can send word there,"

Rayne told Cor "I hope that I can help as much as possible and get some rest before we have to move out agin."rayne moved of to help with the healing, later when her spells were gone for healing, and her hands grew tired and her eyes heavy she went back to the temple/shrine of Kith Hora. She spoke to the High Priest who had returned only recently from healing himself She told him about her frustration of not being able to help Sorin and Lescon and even that they had totally lost Eclipse. The High Priest listened calmly to her and while he did he sent off a young acolyte for food and drink. returned with two great sliced of bread dlathered with bacon gat and cheese and toasted until the gat dripped and the cheese ran. hunks of bread.

"Eat first, my child. All things must eat and rest so that the they can survive for the next day. As for you friends lost in battle, that is the way of nature. Some win, some lose. You do you best when you can and nothign more can be asked of you. You are not a God, mearly a long-lived mortal." Now eat, pray and then rest. Tomorrow you will be ready to do what you can in Kith Jora's name.

With the bread and cheese devored and a bowle of hot pea soup to drink, The world seemed a little brighter. Rayne knelt down at the simple alter to pray. Twoe things on her mind after she had finished her orayers were. the Fate of eclipse, and THe whereabout of the Dragon Queens. Unfortunately she had memorized no spell that might aid her making whose questions. However with he storong faith in Kith Jora and dtrue devolition to her faile in her faith. Kith Jora might grant some inling that could help them. Oe last question. One last thought cme to her mind as she prayed. She prayed for the souls of Sorin and Lexson and for Eclipse as well even though his fate was ynknown. She found a part of the wall unoccupied and curled up in her cloak ato get the much needed rest. Please Kith Jora, find me another companion. I missed them all so much."

Later the Hight Priest found rayne cureled up not far fomr the alter against a way with a oainting of and elven woods on it a gift form a talented elven artist to Kit Jora. had used her cloak as a blanket and oull the hoo d was oulled well down her face. He said a briedf orayer over her and turned back to the others who still needed his help this night.

In the morning the sounds of gently chimes and the smell of the resinous scent of pine incense woke tayne from a well deserved rest. She rose and tithed 50 golf in the tithing boz knealt to make morning prayers before the Alter, before she had finished another acolyte arrived at her side with another thick slice of bread dripping wth mest fat again of some sort, perhaos even a mixed fat, toasted until warm and accompanied by a bowl of porrige with nuts, bits of dried griut, and bits a meat, mostly likely last nights left over bits.

Tayne headed back to The Generalps house. Ipon entering she can accross a strange tableau. There stood Cor and a strangetall goodlooking womean in shiny armr with the Symbol of Athena on her surcoat stood facing a rather Shabby looking servan, well it looked like a servan jalf hidden by Cor and the Woman., until she got closer. As she got closer she recognized Ulthok, who strangely was looking a bit abashed, but she knew that could well be a clever trick of his. ayne was able to put toether the tray on the ground the enpty tankerds with spilled Contents on the floor and on the surcost and lower armor of the oh so shiny....What was she? Perhaps she was a d Knight/Cleris like Cor or possible even apaladin.

Good Morning Cor. You are looking rested."

"Well, Ulthok ar eyou tipsy or just a bit clumsy this morning? And why is sth still standing about in wet things. I am fure you have a spell or to that can take care of the ness you mad eof her. Now weould be a good time to use it."

"Hello Sir, tayne directs at the young armored woman.I am Rayne Clerid to Kith Jora, and ranger Another memer of this group. If Ulthok is uable to clean you up with his magic, I have a room upstairs where you can geslender of frame with a wiryness to her that undicates dgood phusical condition though the leather of gray and freen are well worn and there seems to be spots of blood about her. It really looked like she clept in her clothes--hich she did.

"Cor, what news, do we have another mission and do I have time for a bath? I need one." rayne gives a lquick ugh.

Before leaving the hallway and going to have that drink with Ulthok, a young looking elvin woman in Leather armor walks up and addresses Cor and Ulthok with familiarity. After taking in the scene she turns to Jessica and addresses her.

"Hello Sir,” Rayne directs at the young armored woman, “I am Rayne Clerid to Kith Jora, and ranger Another memer of this group. If Ulthok is uable to clean you up with his magic,” the new companion introduced herself.
“Lady Rayne,” she returned the greeting, “I am Lady Jessica Voltaire, Paladin of Athena and Knight Defender of the Realm . I have been assigned to aid your little group by by my Liege, King Palantinos of Callahorn.” She bowed her head to the elvin woman as she naturally assessed someone new. She saw a very experienced warrior woman before her, one who appeared to have seen much and endured many battles.

After the brief encounter, Jessica went off with Ulthok to have that drink and become better acquainted.

“You must also be the group comedian Lord Rydenham,” Lady Jessica said with a chuckle, “I hope you take your other duties as seriously as the joking.”

“May I inquire of you a favor?” …….“Would you do me the honor of introducing me to the other members of the party?” …………….“I don’t want any other ‘mishaps’ to occur.”
“Yes, of course. But I would guess the rest will be less challenging than myself, except for my familiar Periwinkle, she is a fairy dragon and even a bit more mischievous than me. I would say you have met most of our group already but there is still SIRENE TELE MELETE, a lovely Elven Mage and Druid. I marvel at her skills and I am thankful she is with us. You will meet her cat familiar, it is magical beast too."

"There is the human, a ruggedly good looking fighter, Lothor Greenbeard. Although he is bit weary of magic he is bold and skilled in a melee. I would think you may not meet these tonight unless they decide to come down for a late drink."

"Then last there is the Halfling Valene Beestinger. Valene and Lothor joined us after we rescued them. They had been held by Hill Giants and Valene had been forced to serve them as their cook. As a cleric she has been dealing with her memories. Her deity would wish her to bring joy to others and it had been a while since she had had any joy of her own. She is also a master of disguise, quite proficient at foiling traps and shall we say… procurement."

Ulthok turned as he heard Cor’s voice, "What a waste of a fine drinking vessel, though a flagon is preferable to a glass anyday."
“Right you are.”Ulthok laughed. "Ah see own misress of disguise has been here all along, come Lady Jessica I at least introduce you to her.”

"EDIT"

It was light when Lothor awoke from his deep slumber and he was ashamed at himself. It was uncharacteristic of him to be waking so late. Yet he reasoned that after the previous days activities a long rest was probably needed.

As he began to dress he realised just how groggy he still felt and even the simplest tasks of pulling on socks and buttoning jackets were a struggle. He had chosen a green jerkin over a brown long sleeve top and muddy coloured trousers. He admired himself in the mirror and realised it was the first time he had really looked at his reflection for nearly six months.

Of course he had glanced at his reflection each day just to check he looked reasonable, but he hadn't really looked in the mirror in a long time. He was beginning to age and he wasn't surprised. The last year of his life had been a long, hard bitter fight.

He had been taken prisoner and worked hard every day knowing that he would likely die if he showed the slightest weakness. Each day he had awoken in that camp fearing that it would be Valene cooking him as the Giants' next meal instead of goat, cow or another hostage. It was a hard three months and he knew that although he still had a few physical scars from his time there he also had mental ones, and they would never heal.

After his dramatic rescue he was then plunged into what seemed an alien planet filled with Dragons, Gods and Magic, all of the things he had often passed off as myth and fishwife tales. Now he stood a different man and was beginning his new role in this strange path that fate had laid out for him.

Lothor was so wrapped up in introspective thought for what was left of the morning he forgot all about his basic needs. It was mid-afternoon before he dragged himself downstairs and into the hall where refreshments were served and he noticed that a lot of the party were down in the hall as well.

Cor seemed deep in thought on his own drinking ale and what appeared to be at least his fourth judging by the amount of empty tankards next to him. Ulthok was there also making small talk with a lady knight and a rich one at that. Lothor noticed her beauty immediately and almost forgot where he was. Quickly he regained his wits and closed his jaw and went to join the queue asking for a mead and a hot meal to be bought to his table. He did not want to disturb Cor and neither did he wish to interrupt Ulthok and his new found companion so he was content to sit upon a bench on his own.

The meal came quickly as did his tankard and Lothor ate quickly, ravenous as he was. The meal was somewhat ruined with fretting over how best to approach Ulthok and his new friend. She must be of importance and Lothor could not just walk out and away in case Ulthok saw him and called him over. Also he knew that he must have more courage when meeting new people, else he would forever be a lonely recluse, to afraid to risk making a fool of himself.

After his plate was cleared away and he had finished his drink he prepared to approach the pair, who were deep in conversation. As he walked over to introduce himself, and hopefully, be inducted into the conversation he wondered whether everyone felt this way when approaching a stranger. He shook his head and pushed the thought away and tried quickly to think of how he would introduce himself.

Lothor was not versed in court manners and he remembered that Ulthok was a lord and the woman in his company looked as though she was of noble lineage herself. He decided that he would let Ulthok do the introducing.

As Lothor approached the table, somewhat awkwardly, he greeted Ulthok. “Good eve Ulthok how fares you?”

As they prepared to walked to the corner table to meet Valene, Lothor stepped forward. He could barely pull his eyes from pretty Paladin. As charmingly as he could he spoke,“Good eve Ulthok how fares you?”
"Lothor, I was just speaking of your bravery, may I introduce Lady Jessica Voltaire,.. Paladin of the Great Goddess Athena, …, Knight Defender of the Realm of Callahorn. She will be adding her sword to our meager group. I will be proud to stand behind both of your iron defences." Ulthok wasn't sure the fighter would get his joke so he just continued. "I was about to introduce her to Valene, but if you two would care to get acquainted perhaps then you would introduce her to Valene. I'll fetch myself another ale."

The quiet of a week of rest for the party was a seldom and rare thing but not one to ignore. As Rayne spent her time helping in the various aid stations, the rest of the group relaxed. It was during this time that they all got to know the newest member of their group the Paladin Lady Jessica and her Paige. Therefore, it was one night around the hour of eleven the main dining room of the Manor house found four of the party talking among themselves.

With Lothor having just left the room a few minutes before, Sirene having retired early for the night, and Rayne relaxing in a bath. This large fireplace warmed room found Ulthok talking and teasing the Lady Jessica. Cor reminiscing of old times to Valene, the Halfling listening intently and herself telling Cor tales right back. That as Halfling and Paladin rose and threw their mugs of glass into the fire that this playful sound was over rode by the sound of breaking wood and glass as front door and windows were smashed open.

As the four came to the alert, they found themselves confronted by what could only be a raiding force of the enemy. Bursting through the front door a trio of Air Elementals, behind them standing a Black Robed mage, his face scared by many healed insect bites. From the three now smashed windows, they could see that from each there came four scaly covered creatures with wild hair and claws for hands. The creature’s mouths filled with long sharp fangs, the color of their scaly skin appearing as if that of undead. No armor but the rags of normal clothing upon them, with a guttural command from the Black Robe, they and the Elementals attacked............

(DM OOC: Ok there you have it my post for this week and the start of round one. The party has initiative due to the Bhuts coming through the windows and the Black Robe and Elementals smashing through the front door.

Lother having just left and Rayne by her post taking a bath both are still on this floor so it will take them roughly a quarter to half a turn (3 rounds for Lother/5 rounds for Rayne) to get to the dining area depending on what each of the two of you do to get there. The times may vary. As for Sirene, as I have not heard from Ginafae in two weeks now, I have her asleep upstairs and her time to reach the dining hall is 3 full turns (30 rounds) at the moment. As with Lother and Rayne that time could change depending on her actions.

Ok next post, next Sunday as norm. Enjoy.)

Cor's night of relaxation ended in an instant. Breaking glass heralded the arrival of a raiding party; apparently the enemy had deceided to return the favor. A quick look revealed that the black robe they had met before had returned. Cor wasted no time and his first action was aimed at the dark magician. Calling forth the power of Odin, Cor cast flame strike on the black robe and the air elementals. "Try ta turn the wee underlings las!" Cor called to Lady Jessica.