Elendor
A Troll on the Side of the Mountain
A group of khazad are climbing one of the paths into Erebor when a troll attacks!
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Erebor - Mazarbul Gate
Weather: Rainy
Description: Southwestern Side of Erebor
Rain falls steadily from the clouds overhead and runs along the ground in small rivulets the water streams across the path, a river of mud. The late night air is frigid. All is dark around you.
It's late. It's rainy. It's muddy. It's cold. It's no longer a good time to be on a pleasure ride, and the weather has made the return trip difficult.
Still, Thari apears to be in a good mood. Riding along on a little black pony, the short dwarf is singing a low and rough song, a merry song. Rain drips from russet hood onto ruddy cheeks and into the beard, but still the dwarf sings, even as the little black pony slips and struggles in the mud.
Riding alongside the bawdy singer is another dwarf on a gray pony. He's chuckling and hasn't uttered a single complaint about the weather. When Ranol notices Thari's pony falter he calls with concern over the noise of the weather, "Are you well, cousin?"
[Ovor(#20753)] From the south of Erebor, there approaches another Dwarf though, in the rain and darkness, it is difficult to even see his approach, much less hear him. Foul weather is no inconvience for the race created by Aule, the Maker they spend most of their lives under stone and are long used to toil and ill conditions.
The Dwarf that approaches from the south is Ovor, Thane Zinbar. If he knows the other Dwarves are there, he doesn't give any indication to it one way or another he seems to be mumbling to himself about trade prices, the general and genetic shortcommings of manlings, and about all assorted and sundry.
[Hildis(#23062)] Jogging behind, humming on a small grey pony Hildis smiles into the shadow of his hood. It is his first jaunt outside of Erebor, late at night, wet or no, he can barely suppress a smile. He sings snatches of Thari's song and moves a little in the saddle too find a spot that is less tender.
The singing stops at Ranol's question. "Oof!" The black pony slips again and suddenly Thari is scrambling to get off. "She's having a bit of trouble." The little dwarf catches the reins and speaks lower. "Come on now, my lass, you didn't go all of the way to Bree and back to stumble on our own back porch, now did you?"
Thari slips a bit too while trying to lead the black pony onto more solid ground.
Ranol glances back at Hildis, and then ahead to his cousin. "Let me give you a hand, it looks slippery." The huskarl slides down off the pony, he doesn't even know it's name, and tugs at the lead as he climbs up to the smaller healer ahead. He reaches a hand to give Ruby a small shove on her rear to urge the animal to move at Thari's prompting.
Drawing up behind them, Hildis slips off White Nose and stands at his head. "Is he hurt?" he calls."
The rain muffles Ranol's approach to a degree. The black pony-- named Ruby for some reason-- gives a sudden scream and a roll of the eyes. Thari gives a yell as the beast tries to kick out her hind legs at he 'attacker' from behind.
Ranol isn't foolish enough to stand directly behind the pony, but when it kicks he gives a gruff, "Hey now!" Then the animal is given another shove. "Move along.. " He says in his low rumble, then answers back to Hildis, "The pony is having trouble, it's fine."
Soon, there is a soft rumble beneath the very earth upon which the dwarves and ponies tread. Starting slowly, the rumble grows, and soon, a rocky hillock nearby shifts from the earthen tremor.
The sounds grow louder, and a groan soon accompanies. A growing cacophany becomes a tremendous chorus, and the hill continues to shiver, even appearing to grow some from the assault it is recieving from the very earth about it.
Yet, soon it becomes apparent that the hillock does not tremble from the roaring tremors. It is, indeed, the cause of these very quakes a stone giant rising out of the very earth, sodden clods of soil clinging to the rock in many parts, falling like water to the earth below.
Arms fold outward, and legs become apparent as the thing gains even more height, and soon, a head appears, a pair of crimson orbs glaring at the quartet of dwarves and their ponies. A malicious grin crosses the behemoth's face--the creature which has appeared, standing easily five times the height of the dwarves thereabouts. "What have we here?" comes a booming voice, as though the heavens have opened and a very god has spoken. "My meal has come to me?" Laughter--mocking and deep--reverberates as the fell creature bends, retrieving a wickedly curved, massive battle axe. A step is taken, and more turf spills from his shoulders and head, though more still remains, clinging desperately to the behemoth.
A new terror has arrived. Grox the new Overlord of Dol Guldur.
"How could the pony be having trouble and be fine? he mutters to himself. He peers into the darkness which from the way he begins to peer about him might seem blacker and less inviting than when jogging along on a good pony.
"Is he lame?"
[Ovor(#20753)] Voice and tremor, it is that that attracts the attention of the Zinbar Thane. He becomes still, rain rolling from his mail armour he turns until the creature comes into sight. A scowl comes upon the Thane's face, and his war hammer is drawn from his belt shield is unslung from back. It is only shortly thereafter that Ovor runs at Grox, hammer swinging for knee, giving voice to the ancient Dwarven battle cry:
"Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-menu!"
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer, but he misses by a long shot.
Thari manages to pull the pony onto more solid ground, which then begins to disappointedly shake. "Cave-in!" the dwarf shouts, and then, a moment later-- "But the mines and faultlines have been stable since long before the dragon?"
And then a shadow grows and Thari is fumbling with the axe and shield tied to the pony. It's a sad little axe, especially in comparison to Grox's mighty thing, the sort of axe one would use for chopping kindling, but still Thari holds it tightly. "Hildis!" shouts the shorter dwarf. "Hide! Stay behind me!"
And Thari slowly backs to behind Ranol. A battle cry rings, and the little dwarf roars, "BARUK KHAZAAAD! KHAZAD AI-MENUUU!"
Ranol stops when the rumbling begins, looking around sharply in the darkness, calling a warning of the first thing that pops into his head at the same time that Thari yells of a cave-in, "Rockslide!" He moves forward to get closer to Thari, planning to push the healer closer to large overhanging rock for safety. Then the voice of the troll splits the air and the threat is realized.
The huskarl lets go of the lead for the pony and draws his sword, hurrying up to meet the challenge of the creature as he unslings his shield from his back. "Thari! Get back!" Of course, his cousin is already doing so, but it's a natural reflex now..
A hard smack on the bottom of White NOse sends him away from the troll. The pony knickers in fear but stays with others. It had been umcomfortable traveling with a war hammer slung across hhis saddle but he hefts the weight of it and goes to stand behind Thari, a deep growl rumbling in his throat when the Huskarl steps into the fore and the cry of "Baruk-Khazad" echoes in the dark.
Looking down at the pathetic little creature at his feet, Grox laughs as he steps back from the swipe at his knee. "The mighty warriors of Erebor." he roars, his tone a mockery of all the dwarves hold dear. "How you disappoint me." Shaking his head, he adds, "I thought you to be more fearsome than this. But you are naught but a herd of scared little sheep." With a flick of his wrists, the battle axe is brought sweeping down, aimed for Ovor's left side. Regardless of if the behemoth strikes true or no, Grox takes a step forward with his right foot, his crimson orbs settling upon the dwarf known as Thari, his lips spreading into a wicked grin.
Grox attacks Ovor with his Battle Axe and badly wounds him!
[Ovor(#20753)] The Thane moves to bring his shield in the way of the troll's axe, but he is not quick enough. The attack lands true, breaking the mail of the Dwarf Thane (and doubtless some ribs) Ovor stumbles sideways, though it looks he is lifted from the ground as well, and falls into the mud. For a few moments, there is sillence before he raises his head, spitting mud out.
"And I thought trolls could hit with more strength than a Manling!" That said, the Thane begins to slowly push himself to his feet, using his war hammer for support.
Thari gives a howl as Grox strikes a dwarf. The shorter dwarf fumbles again at the saddle-- the black pony paws and snorts but appears trained-- and smacks at Ruby's rump, sending her off.
With shield-hand, Thari lifts something toward the troll. "You have wandered too far! Dain's hardy warriors will have your skin in pieces!"
Light pours up to reveal the troll's daunting features as Thari unshields a black iron lantern.
[+LIGHT:#31038] Thari lights lantern.
Ah, but Ranol isn't going to step aside to let the troll maim his cousin. The fire of battle ignites within the huskarl and he rushes up at the troll, slashing at the back of Grox's right ankle with the broadsword. "My turn, troll!" He yells, trying to draw the beast's attention away from Thari and the other khazad that's joined them, unrecognizable covered in mud as he is.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
Light bright and golden spashes over the troll. Hildis's mouth drops open at the sight of it but he follows in the shadow of Ranol's rush. In an overhand he aims the spike of the hammer for one of the ugly toes on the great splayed foot.
Hildis attacks Grox with her War Hammer and lightly wounds him!
Taking another step forward, Ranol's stroke misses his heel. Yet, as Grox's foot comes down, the war hammer wielded by Hildis comes crashing down, a 'CRACK' heard from the massive toe in it's way.
With a howl of fury mixed with pain, Grox's red gaze drifts down to the dwarf before him, his eyes narrowing dangerously upon the opponent. "Bad idea." he states through gritted teeth, and his axe is hefted high, before it comes crashing down, aimed to cleave Hildis' head in twain.
Grox attacks Hildis with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds her!
"Hildis!" Thari cries, aghast, as the other dwarf runs past. The healer sets the lantern on the ground and barrels off after the younger dwarf, giving a rough yell as Hildis is struck.
A grunt, and Thari swings the little axe a Grox's hamstring, as if trying to fell a tree.
Thari attacks Grox with its Axe, but Grox parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
Had he stood a moment longer, mouth open at the troll's howl of pain he would have managed to imitate a watermelon split for the finish of a good meal. The axe blow is heavy and Hildis stumbles sideways nearly dropping the war hammer, unable to grasp for breath and slides bottom down in the mud.
[Ovor(#20753)] On his feet once more, a grimace on his face, the Dwarf Thane glares at the troll. Yet, he does not speak this time he moves forward with firm steps, bringing his war hammer back, ready to swing. It is only when he is right behind the troll that he swings the weapon, aiming for the troll's ankle.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer and mildly wounds him!
Ranol sees Hildis get hit by the axe, then Thari runs in, and as usual the huskarl is left worrying about far more than just the opponent. He waits until the mud-covered dwarf is approaching, then stabs in with his sword at Grox's inner thigh, a bit more reckless in the strike.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Your attack against Grox mildly wounds him!
Swinging about, Grox's axe inadvertantly deflects the blow of Thari's axe in it's course towards his hamstring, though nothing manages to stop the other three strikes from landing true. Roaring in anger at being struck so easily, the Olog-Hai's attention is focused upon the dwarf before him: Thari.
His axe coming back, Grox brings his axe in an upward motion, aimed for Thari's left side in an attempt to knock the dwarf from the uncertain perch of the mountain.
Grox attacks Thari with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds it!
There's the thunk of something solid hitting flesh. Thari grunts on the impact and then is lofted into the air, turning end-over-end in the night sky before landing somewhere downhill. The distant crash of trees is drowned out by the sound of the rain.
[Ovor(#20753)] Still, the Thane remains silent not even a glance is spared Thari as the troll swings its axe at the other Dwarf. Rather, he brings his hammer back once more, turning it over in hand. With a feral grin coming onto his face, Ovor swings the spike-end of his hammer at the back of the creature's knee.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer, but Grox parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
The lantern flickers but not before Hildis sees Thari lifted and arcing over the road into the darkness. Teeth bared in hatred he struggles to a three point stand and then sways to his feet. He cannot swing two handed, the blow to his shoulder numbs it and he fumbles with the hammer. A sideways blow, ankle high is the highest he can swing and he screams wordlessly as he drives the hammer onto the trolls leg.
Hildis attacks Grox with its War Hammer, but it misses by a mile.
Ranol yells one grieved word, "Thari!" He saw his cousin get hit, saw his cousin fly off somewhere, and that was all. The healer is safer now, if still alive, and Ranol focuses on attacking the troll again. He gives another more general cry of rage and steps back a pace, off to Grox's side as he slashes at the troll's leg again.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox parries your attack with his Battle Axe!
The scream alerts the Olog-Hai, and Grox swings about, his axe swept low to intercept any incoming assaults. It works, for it interjects itself between both Ovor's and Ranol's attacks, and his spinning step takes his leg out of range of Hildis.
Laughter escapes him, then, and with his back partially to Ranol, he reverses his momentum upon the wicked weapon within his grasp, bringing it in a swift backward thrust, aiming the butt spike for the center of Ranol's chest.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 7 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 87 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] "Stand still and die!" So says the Thane, spitting mud or some blood from his mouth the voice is coloured by pain and rage. "If you be not a coward!" That said (of course, some may consider it foolish to insult a troll, but those are squishy Manlings), the Thane brings his hammer back, and swings it at the troll's knee.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer and mildly wounds him!
[Hildis(#23062)]
The air swooshes with the swing of the troll's axe. Ovor's voice impels him forward and one handed, bearded flying, mouth opened as he charges back behind the troll, Hildis hefts the hammer and swings the spike for the leg farthest behind.
Hildis attacks Grox with its War Hammer, but it misses by an arm's length.
Ranol doesn't expect such a clever move from a troll, and he's not quite fast enough to block the attack with his shield. The spike of the axe hits him hard, but doesn't dig deep as the well-crafted chainmail stops it from puncturing too far. The huskarl has a moment of astonishment, then springs forward to stab as well, as unrelenting as his kin.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
Shifting in his stance, the Olog-Hai manages to avoid Hildis' swing, but Ovor's hammer strikes him just inside and above the knee. Managing to avoid a straight on strike to his knee, Grox grins wickedly as his focus falls upon the Thane once again. Ranol, meanwhile, has his sword scrape across the trollskin, narry doing a thing to his thick skin. Then, Grox strikes forth, like a cobra, the top spike aimed to impale Ovor's chest.
Grox attacks Ovor with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds him!
Hildis wobbles, first backward and then forward. The weight of the hammer pulls him off balance. He shakes his head and rights himself and swings back handed at the trolls heel.
Hildis attacks Grox with its War Hammer, but Grox parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
[Ovor(#20753)] The Thane brings up his shield, the spike catching it on the edge it absorbs most of the damage, though it bends the edge of the shield some, and the spike further travels to the Dwarven Thane. It catches him in the chest, breaking more rings Ovor stumbles backwards, a grimace on his face from the hit.
The wounds are beginning to tell, however the Thane drops to a knee in the mud, breathing somewhat laboured, leaning upon his war hammer for support at the moment.
"Hildis, go find Thari!" The huskarl calls through the rain to the Barazin. Ranol moves in deliberately, taking a more offensive stance as he makes a wide arc with the broadsword, slashing it at the back of the troll's ankle again.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Your attack against Grox mildly wounds him!
The back of his ankle struck by the broadsword, Grox growls but once, though his attention is not focused upon Ranol. Or the obviously shaken Ovor. Instead, his axe sweeps in a sidelong swipe, aimed for Hildis' right shoulder, his voice raising to a mighty roar. "Fear me! Fear, and you may live!"
Grox attacks Hildis with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds it!
It is only the Huskarl's voice that could cut through the fog of fury and pain. But Hildi stands rooted to the spot and hears the troll's axe sing as it is swung with such disdain at him. The blow strikes him in the same shoulder and he crumples face down to the ground, makes a weak effort to rise and then is still.
[Ovor(#20753)] "Fear /us/ and we may not hang your head above our hearths!" Shouts the Dwarven Thane as he pushes himself to his feet, firm steps taking him once more towards the troll, bringing his war hammer up. When he is close enough to strike, he swings the spike-end of the weapon at the troll's knee.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer and lightly wounds him!
Ranol is watching the axe of Grox in case it swings his way, but instead it takes down the barazin. He has no time to spare to check on Hildis immediately. The huskarl of Bundazanul moves around to flank the troll and slashes again, growling.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
His knee struck by the pesky Thane, it half-buckles inwards, though the massive Olog-Hai manages to keep his footing. Eyes narrow upon Ovor, and his axe is hefted back. "/My/ head?" asks the creature of the night. "Oh, no. Your head should be the one you concern yourself with." And with that, the axe is once more sent in a devestating swing, aimed to cleave the head from Ovor's shoulders.
Grox attacks Ovor with his Battle Axe and badly wounds him!
[Ovor(#20753)] The Thane brings his shield up once more, and though it absorbs some of the blow, it is not fortunate enough to keep the Thane entirely from injury. He stumbles back some from the blow, and the troll's axe rather slices across his chest, splitting some of the remaining rings and drawing blood.
Backwards does the Thane move, towards the shadows outside of the reach of the lantern, back towards the south.
Ranol hasn't had a chance to examine the other warrior, and isn't going to waste time stopping and asking. "You only pick wounded opponents?! Fight me!" The huskarl calls, moving in to hack at the same knee that Ovor struck. If trolls weren't so bloody -tall-.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
Sliding his leg back in time this time, the mud beneath his feet slurps as it is readjusted beneath the behemoth's weight. Spinning fully to face the dwarf known as Ranol, Grox nods, his lips curling upwards. "If you say so." he states simply, wicked glee spread over his fell features, water streaming down his rock-skin. The turf has been washed away, mud and soil tumbling to the earth below, and large footprints marr the earth, making it uneven. Yet, all this is irrelevant to the monstrosity. Instead, his bloodstained axe raises, before crashing down in a diagonal stroke, aimed in an attempt to cleave Ranol from left shoulder to right hip.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 18 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 69 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] From the south, there is soon heard a horn being sounded. Three long blasts, though the last sounds strained. For a few moments, there is nothing but the echoing of the horn blasts... but, once they fade out, answering horns come from the Mountain itself. And these do not simply fade out they are blown repeatedly.
The Thane does not return from beyond the shadows to the south. Instead, he is moving back towards the Mountain as quick as he may, tucking a horn under his cloak.
"Aye!.." The huskarl responds, challenge in his words. He follows the axe as the troll lifts it, blinking against the rain that falls into his eyes. He swings his sword up to try and knock the axe away, but it's not powerful enough and the impact to his shoulder has him staggering back. The armor absorbs a considerable amount of the attack, but it's not enough. The force of the blow breaks some of the chainmail rings and Ranol can feel his hot blood soaking into his shirt.
The horns sound, echoing in the night. Ranol shifts to a more defensive stance, trying to buy time now for help to arrive. He steps in with a quick jab for the injured knee, then backs away again.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
[Grox(#31869)]
Stepping back and out of the way of the sword yet again, Grox grins. "Then," he states, his head lowering, affording him a quick glance at the precise location of the oil lantern he had been moving towards, but a footsfall back. "Let's see how you do fighting blind."
With this said, his foot comes up, and swiftly down in an attempt to crush the lamp. Simultaneously, his axe goes up high, but as the light goes out, he shifts forward once more, his axe dropping low, and the head spike aimed in a thrust straight for Ranol's chest.
[+LIGHT:#20753] Ovor douses Beards of Bundazanul.
[+LIGHT] Ovor's Beards of Bundazanul flickers and goes out, plunging Southwestern Side of Erebor into darkness.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 13 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 56 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] Horns begin to come from the south now, and the north too. And soon the ringing of Dwarven mail and the shout of Dwarven voices can be heard flickering lights in the shadows of nights, lanterns born by the Dwarves that come in respond to the Thane's horn call. Reinforcements come from both sides, and will no doubt love to inflict their share of damage upon the troll.
As for the Thane, he has disappeared into the shadows of the night.
Ranol isn't opposed to dying to save his kin, but help isn't going to arrive if help can't see where the troll is on the path. The huskarl swears softly as the area is drenched in darkness, and as he's looking through the heavy rain to find the darker shape against the gray mountainside, the next attack lands.
Ranol grunts as the spike digs into his chest, sending pain through his ribs. "At least now I don't have to look on your ugly feet!" Instead of running, Ranol slashes at the dark troll legs in front of him. Hildis is still laying nearby, and Thari is off.. somewhere.
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox parries your attack with his Battle Axe!
Triple stepping around Ranol, Grox's axe sweeps down to block the broadsword, even though he isn't there at the time. Standing at the dwarf's left side, Grox retracts his axe to his left side, sweeping it over his head, and continuing it's building momentum in a devastating strike aimed at the short creature's lower back. Yet, no words are spoken in warning of the new vector of assault.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 7 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 49 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] The clamour of the Dwarves is louder now, as is their flickering lanterns. Officers barking at their soldiers, the two groups of Dwarves draw closer to the scene of the battle now, their armour gleaming dully in their lantern light. As they move closer, it is this flickering light that marks the first ranks as they advance.
Ranol has trouble following the movement of the troll and axe at the same time. He brings his shield up to protect his chest as he moves to avoid the thick legs and feet. Then the axe slams into his back and the dwarf faceplants into the mud. Somehow he hangs onto his sword, but he only shoves to his feet again on reflex, staggering away before he can get stepped on. There's a lost moment as the huskarl rapidly blinks the mud from his eyes, no attack forthcoming. "I've been hit harder from goblins!" He calls, then spits dirt from his mouth.
Looking first north, then south, Grox grins wickedly. "Time to relocate." he states, his voice a low growl, before he leaps after the fleeing Ranol. His left hand snaps out, grasping for the dwarf--his massive axe held within the powerful grasp of his right--before he attempts to hurl the dwarf off the perch they battle upon. Then, with another glance north and south, his footfalls lead him swiftly over after Ranol.
[Combat(#13388)] Grox unwields Troll Battle Axe.
Grox attacks you with his Bare Hands!...
...and you block his attack with your shield!
[Combat(#13388)] Grox hefts up a wickedly curved, double bladed war axe. A more terrifying image can only be seen in the wielder of the vicious blade the great Olog-Hai. Fear! ...And you may yet live.
[Ovor(#20753)] Now the speech of the Dwarves is audible. There are lots of mentions of killing and gutting whatever is here causing trouble, and the responding voices of the officers telling their Dwarves to be quiet. By now, the first few ranks of the northern group are not far from the location of the battle, lanterns brighter now the southern group is farther off, but still closing.
Ranol is still half-blind from mud in his eyes, and Grox's words bring a moment of relief. The troll is fleeing! The good feeling fades quickly when a large troll hand is wrapping around his shield and yanking at it, with Ranol's arm still caught within! The huskarl is pulled along the uneven ground, giving a yell of rage and pain as it wrenches the gash Grox opened in his shoulder earlier. He slashes blindly with the sword as the earth disappears beneath him, and falls through heavy foliage and along the slope to lower ground. Maybe he'll bump into Thari!
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Your attack against Grox mildly wounds him!
His arm knicked by the broadsword--another slight cut oozing black ichor--Grox goes crashing through the foliage right along after Ranol. His feet leading, the behemoth attempts to land on the dwarf as he flies straigh, his roar bouncing off the very mountain the dwarves make their home.
[Combat(#13388)] Grox unwields Troll Battle Axe.
Grox attacks you with his Bare Hands!...
...and you parry his attack with your Short Broadsword!
[Ovor(#20753)] And the Dwarves arrive at the site of the battle. Or what was the battle. The lack of anything there, however, causes them puzzlement. That is, until, the roar from over the drop grabs their attention many move towards the edge of the drop, including the few archers amongst the Dwarves.
Ranol ends up on the ground, uncertain of how far he fell. He has no time to check for injuries because the troll isn't far behind. The huskarl rolls out of the way just before he's crushed under a stony troll foot. "Run away while you can! The khazad are here!" He growls, still stubbornly slashing at Grox, wincing as he hefts his shield up to guard again.
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
"They concern me not." calls Grox as his foot is drawn back once more, his laughter raising. He is but a silhouette in the darkness below. "You, however, shall be my meal." With another short burst of laughter, the Olog-Hai's axe raises, swiftly descending in an attempt to cleave the dwarf in twain wherre he lies, caring naught about the shield, indeed intent on cleaving straight through should it present an obsticle.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 14 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 35 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] At the laughter, the few Dwarven bowmen raise their weapons, sending a few arrows down into the darkness towards the source as best they can judge it. A few officers shout orders, sending groups of Dwarves to make their way down the heigh by safer paths other Dwarves stare down into the darkness, doing they best they can to sight for their bow-wielding numbers.
Ranol was feeling a lot better about this before the troll drug him off the ledge. He lifts the shield up defensively as another assault from his oversized opponent is made. The axe slams down into the shield and cuts through it as if Grox were splitting logs for a fire. The huskarl feels pain lance through his arm, and pushes with his good arm to roll over. "That.. was my grandfather's.. shield!" He growls in rage, shoving back up to his feet. He sounds like he intends to attack again, but the huskarl isn't completely suicidal. Instead he runs towards the mountainside, hoping to either find somewhere to evade the troll's reach or at least draw him closer to the archers above.
Swiftly, Grox is upon Ranol's heels. He pursues, and his axe is held within his one hand once more. "You shall die." states the Olog-Hai, his footfalls carrying him swiftly towards the fleeing dwarf, and his hand once again snaps out, aimed to catch Ranol about the midsection.
Grox attacks you with his Bare Hands!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 10 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 25 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Combat(#13388)] Grox hefts up a wickedly curved, double bladed war axe. A more terrifying image can only be seen in the wielder of the vicious blade the great Olog-Hai. Fear! ...And you may yet live.
[Ovor(#20753)] The Dwarven bowmen follow the sounds of the troll's voice, though they are still firing with only the barest guidence into the darkness. More Dwarves approach the edge, bringing lanterns with them, one or two holding them over the drop, seeming ready to drop them to the ground below.
The other groups of Dwarves are making steady progress down the drop and making their way back towards where the noises are coming from.
Ranol lives by a rule to never let go of his blade no matter what and even as the troll's hand crushes around his already battered arm and midsection he hangs onto the weapon. The dwarf gives a strangled cry, all pain now, but manages to focus enough to hack at the fingers, wrist, whatever he can hit on the troll. "Not dead yet!" He says through gritted teeth, slashing with the sword.
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
The blade bounces off his stone hand harmlessly, striking with the flat, and drawing no wound upon Grox's grasping appendage. With more laughter, his gaze is drawn upward to the growing light. "But not tonight." he whispers to the dwarf. "One day, I shall come for you. For now you live." And with that, the Olog-Hai hurls the dwarf upwards, aimed sidelong at the gathering group of dwarves, hoping, perhaps, to knock a few off their precarious perches, even as he turns, and begins to lumber off into the darkness of night.
A troll's whisper isn't exactly soft, and the breath is nauseating. Ranol has never really studied troll egos in-depth, but if this one wants to pose threats in exchange for not squeezing him like a lemon.. that's okay! The huskarl gets incredibly disoriented when Grox draws his arm back, panic shooting through him as vertigo twists his senses. He's thrown, and then crashes into some of his kin, though it's a few painful minutes before he realizes the outcome.
Rain falls steadily from the clouds overhead and runs along the ground in small rivulets the water streams across the path, a river of mud. The late night air is frigid. All is dark around you.
It's late. It's rainy. It's muddy. It's cold. It's no longer a good time to be on a pleasure ride, and the weather has made the return trip difficult.
Still, Thari apears to be in a good mood. Riding along on a little black pony, the short dwarf is singing a low and rough song, a merry song. Rain drips from russet hood onto ruddy cheeks and into the beard, but still the dwarf sings, even as the little black pony slips and struggles in the mud.
Riding alongside the bawdy singer is another dwarf on a gray pony. He's chuckling and hasn't uttered a single complaint about the weather. When Ranol notices Thari's pony falter he calls with concern over the noise of the weather, "Are you well, cousin?"
[Ovor(#20753)] From the south of Erebor, there approaches another Dwarf though, in the rain and darkness, it is difficult to even see his approach, much less hear him. Foul weather is no inconvience for the race created by Aule, the Maker they spend most of their lives under stone and are long used to toil and ill conditions.
The Dwarf that approaches from the south is Ovor, Thane Zinbar. If he knows the other Dwarves are there, he doesn't give any indication to it one way or another he seems to be mumbling to himself about trade prices, the general and genetic shortcommings of manlings, and about all assorted and sundry.
[Hildis(#23062)] Jogging behind, humming on a small grey pony Hildis smiles into the shadow of his hood. It is his first jaunt outside of Erebor, late at night, wet or no, he can barely suppress a smile. He sings snatches of Thari's song and moves a little in the saddle too find a spot that is less tender.
The singing stops at Ranol's question. "Oof!" The black pony slips again and suddenly Thari is scrambling to get off. "She's having a bit of trouble." The little dwarf catches the reins and speaks lower. "Come on now, my lass, you didn't go all of the way to Bree and back to stumble on our own back porch, now did you?"
Thari slips a bit too while trying to lead the black pony onto more solid ground.
Ranol glances back at Hildis, and then ahead to his cousin. "Let me give you a hand, it looks slippery." The huskarl slides down off the pony, he doesn't even know it's name, and tugs at the lead as he climbs up to the smaller healer ahead. He reaches a hand to give Ruby a small shove on her rear to urge the animal to move at Thari's prompting.
Drawing up behind them, Hildis slips off White Nose and stands at his head. "Is he hurt?" he calls."
The rain muffles Ranol's approach to a degree. The black pony-- named Ruby for some reason-- gives a sudden scream and a roll of the eyes. Thari gives a yell as the beast tries to kick out her hind legs at he 'attacker' from behind.
Ranol isn't foolish enough to stand directly behind the pony, but when it kicks he gives a gruff, "Hey now!" Then the animal is given another shove. "Move along.. " He says in his low rumble, then answers back to Hildis, "The pony is having trouble, it's fine."
Soon, there is a soft rumble beneath the very earth upon which the dwarves and ponies tread. Starting slowly, the rumble grows, and soon, a rocky hillock nearby shifts from the earthen tremor.
The sounds grow louder, and a groan soon accompanies. A growing cacophany becomes a tremendous chorus, and the hill continues to shiver, even appearing to grow some from the assault it is recieving from the very earth about it.
Yet, soon it becomes apparent that the hillock does not tremble from the roaring tremors. It is, indeed, the cause of these very quakes a stone giant rising out of the very earth, sodden clods of soil clinging to the rock in many parts, falling like water to the earth below.
Arms fold outward, and legs become apparent as the thing gains even more height, and soon, a head appears, a pair of crimson orbs glaring at the quartet of dwarves and their ponies. A malicious grin crosses the behemoth's face--the creature which has appeared, standing easily five times the height of the dwarves thereabouts. "What have we here?" comes a booming voice, as though the heavens have opened and a very god has spoken. "My meal has come to me?" Laughter--mocking and deep--reverberates as the fell creature bends, retrieving a wickedly curved, massive battle axe. A step is taken, and more turf spills from his shoulders and head, though more still remains, clinging desperately to the behemoth.
A new terror has arrived. Grox the new Overlord of Dol Guldur.
"How could the pony be having trouble and be fine? he mutters to himself. He peers into the darkness which from the way he begins to peer about him might seem blacker and less inviting than when jogging along on a good pony.
"Is he lame?"
[Ovor(#20753)] Voice and tremor, it is that that attracts the attention of the Zinbar Thane. He becomes still, rain rolling from his mail armour he turns until the creature comes into sight. A scowl comes upon the Thane's face, and his war hammer is drawn from his belt shield is unslung from back. It is only shortly thereafter that Ovor runs at Grox, hammer swinging for knee, giving voice to the ancient Dwarven battle cry:
"Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-menu!"
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer, but he misses by a long shot.
Thari manages to pull the pony onto more solid ground, which then begins to disappointedly shake. "Cave-in!" the dwarf shouts, and then, a moment later-- "But the mines and faultlines have been stable since long before the dragon?"
And then a shadow grows and Thari is fumbling with the axe and shield tied to the pony. It's a sad little axe, especially in comparison to Grox's mighty thing, the sort of axe one would use for chopping kindling, but still Thari holds it tightly. "Hildis!" shouts the shorter dwarf. "Hide! Stay behind me!"
And Thari slowly backs to behind Ranol. A battle cry rings, and the little dwarf roars, "BARUK KHAZAAAD! KHAZAD AI-MENUUU!"
Ranol stops when the rumbling begins, looking around sharply in the darkness, calling a warning of the first thing that pops into his head at the same time that Thari yells of a cave-in, "Rockslide!" He moves forward to get closer to Thari, planning to push the healer closer to large overhanging rock for safety. Then the voice of the troll splits the air and the threat is realized.
The huskarl lets go of the lead for the pony and draws his sword, hurrying up to meet the challenge of the creature as he unslings his shield from his back. "Thari! Get back!" Of course, his cousin is already doing so, but it's a natural reflex now..
A hard smack on the bottom of White NOse sends him away from the troll. The pony knickers in fear but stays with others. It had been umcomfortable traveling with a war hammer slung across hhis saddle but he hefts the weight of it and goes to stand behind Thari, a deep growl rumbling in his throat when the Huskarl steps into the fore and the cry of "Baruk-Khazad" echoes in the dark.
Looking down at the pathetic little creature at his feet, Grox laughs as he steps back from the swipe at his knee. "The mighty warriors of Erebor." he roars, his tone a mockery of all the dwarves hold dear. "How you disappoint me." Shaking his head, he adds, "I thought you to be more fearsome than this. But you are naught but a herd of scared little sheep." With a flick of his wrists, the battle axe is brought sweeping down, aimed for Ovor's left side. Regardless of if the behemoth strikes true or no, Grox takes a step forward with his right foot, his crimson orbs settling upon the dwarf known as Thari, his lips spreading into a wicked grin.
Grox attacks Ovor with his Battle Axe and badly wounds him!
[Ovor(#20753)] The Thane moves to bring his shield in the way of the troll's axe, but he is not quick enough. The attack lands true, breaking the mail of the Dwarf Thane (and doubtless some ribs) Ovor stumbles sideways, though it looks he is lifted from the ground as well, and falls into the mud. For a few moments, there is sillence before he raises his head, spitting mud out.
"And I thought trolls could hit with more strength than a Manling!" That said, the Thane begins to slowly push himself to his feet, using his war hammer for support.
Thari gives a howl as Grox strikes a dwarf. The shorter dwarf fumbles again at the saddle-- the black pony paws and snorts but appears trained-- and smacks at Ruby's rump, sending her off.
With shield-hand, Thari lifts something toward the troll. "You have wandered too far! Dain's hardy warriors will have your skin in pieces!"
Light pours up to reveal the troll's daunting features as Thari unshields a black iron lantern.
[+LIGHT:#31038] Thari lights lantern.
Ah, but Ranol isn't going to step aside to let the troll maim his cousin. The fire of battle ignites within the huskarl and he rushes up at the troll, slashing at the back of Grox's right ankle with the broadsword. "My turn, troll!" He yells, trying to draw the beast's attention away from Thari and the other khazad that's joined them, unrecognizable covered in mud as he is.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
Light bright and golden spashes over the troll. Hildis's mouth drops open at the sight of it but he follows in the shadow of Ranol's rush. In an overhand he aims the spike of the hammer for one of the ugly toes on the great splayed foot.
Hildis attacks Grox with her War Hammer and lightly wounds him!
Taking another step forward, Ranol's stroke misses his heel. Yet, as Grox's foot comes down, the war hammer wielded by Hildis comes crashing down, a 'CRACK' heard from the massive toe in it's way.
With a howl of fury mixed with pain, Grox's red gaze drifts down to the dwarf before him, his eyes narrowing dangerously upon the opponent. "Bad idea." he states through gritted teeth, and his axe is hefted high, before it comes crashing down, aimed to cleave Hildis' head in twain.
Grox attacks Hildis with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds her!
"Hildis!" Thari cries, aghast, as the other dwarf runs past. The healer sets the lantern on the ground and barrels off after the younger dwarf, giving a rough yell as Hildis is struck.
A grunt, and Thari swings the little axe a Grox's hamstring, as if trying to fell a tree.
Thari attacks Grox with its Axe, but Grox parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
Had he stood a moment longer, mouth open at the troll's howl of pain he would have managed to imitate a watermelon split for the finish of a good meal. The axe blow is heavy and Hildis stumbles sideways nearly dropping the war hammer, unable to grasp for breath and slides bottom down in the mud.
[Ovor(#20753)] On his feet once more, a grimace on his face, the Dwarf Thane glares at the troll. Yet, he does not speak this time he moves forward with firm steps, bringing his war hammer back, ready to swing. It is only when he is right behind the troll that he swings the weapon, aiming for the troll's ankle.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer and mildly wounds him!
Ranol sees Hildis get hit by the axe, then Thari runs in, and as usual the huskarl is left worrying about far more than just the opponent. He waits until the mud-covered dwarf is approaching, then stabs in with his sword at Grox's inner thigh, a bit more reckless in the strike.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Your attack against Grox mildly wounds him!
Swinging about, Grox's axe inadvertantly deflects the blow of Thari's axe in it's course towards his hamstring, though nothing manages to stop the other three strikes from landing true. Roaring in anger at being struck so easily, the Olog-Hai's attention is focused upon the dwarf before him: Thari.
His axe coming back, Grox brings his axe in an upward motion, aimed for Thari's left side in an attempt to knock the dwarf from the uncertain perch of the mountain.
Grox attacks Thari with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds it!
There's the thunk of something solid hitting flesh. Thari grunts on the impact and then is lofted into the air, turning end-over-end in the night sky before landing somewhere downhill. The distant crash of trees is drowned out by the sound of the rain.
[Ovor(#20753)] Still, the Thane remains silent not even a glance is spared Thari as the troll swings its axe at the other Dwarf. Rather, he brings his hammer back once more, turning it over in hand. With a feral grin coming onto his face, Ovor swings the spike-end of his hammer at the back of the creature's knee.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer, but Grox parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
The lantern flickers but not before Hildis sees Thari lifted and arcing over the road into the darkness. Teeth bared in hatred he struggles to a three point stand and then sways to his feet. He cannot swing two handed, the blow to his shoulder numbs it and he fumbles with the hammer. A sideways blow, ankle high is the highest he can swing and he screams wordlessly as he drives the hammer onto the trolls leg.
Hildis attacks Grox with its War Hammer, but it misses by a mile.
Ranol yells one grieved word, "Thari!" He saw his cousin get hit, saw his cousin fly off somewhere, and that was all. The healer is safer now, if still alive, and Ranol focuses on attacking the troll again. He gives another more general cry of rage and steps back a pace, off to Grox's side as he slashes at the troll's leg again.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox parries your attack with his Battle Axe!
The scream alerts the Olog-Hai, and Grox swings about, his axe swept low to intercept any incoming assaults. It works, for it interjects itself between both Ovor's and Ranol's attacks, and his spinning step takes his leg out of range of Hildis.
Laughter escapes him, then, and with his back partially to Ranol, he reverses his momentum upon the wicked weapon within his grasp, bringing it in a swift backward thrust, aiming the butt spike for the center of Ranol's chest.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 7 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 87 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] "Stand still and die!" So says the Thane, spitting mud or some blood from his mouth the voice is coloured by pain and rage. "If you be not a coward!" That said (of course, some may consider it foolish to insult a troll, but those are squishy Manlings), the Thane brings his hammer back, and swings it at the troll's knee.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer and mildly wounds him!
[Hildis(#23062)]
The air swooshes with the swing of the troll's axe. Ovor's voice impels him forward and one handed, bearded flying, mouth opened as he charges back behind the troll, Hildis hefts the hammer and swings the spike for the leg farthest behind.
Hildis attacks Grox with its War Hammer, but it misses by an arm's length.
Ranol doesn't expect such a clever move from a troll, and he's not quite fast enough to block the attack with his shield. The spike of the axe hits him hard, but doesn't dig deep as the well-crafted chainmail stops it from puncturing too far. The huskarl has a moment of astonishment, then springs forward to stab as well, as unrelenting as his kin.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
Shifting in his stance, the Olog-Hai manages to avoid Hildis' swing, but Ovor's hammer strikes him just inside and above the knee. Managing to avoid a straight on strike to his knee, Grox grins wickedly as his focus falls upon the Thane once again. Ranol, meanwhile, has his sword scrape across the trollskin, narry doing a thing to his thick skin. Then, Grox strikes forth, like a cobra, the top spike aimed to impale Ovor's chest.
Grox attacks Ovor with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds him!
Hildis wobbles, first backward and then forward. The weight of the hammer pulls him off balance. He shakes his head and rights himself and swings back handed at the trolls heel.
Hildis attacks Grox with its War Hammer, but Grox parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
[Ovor(#20753)] The Thane brings up his shield, the spike catching it on the edge it absorbs most of the damage, though it bends the edge of the shield some, and the spike further travels to the Dwarven Thane. It catches him in the chest, breaking more rings Ovor stumbles backwards, a grimace on his face from the hit.
The wounds are beginning to tell, however the Thane drops to a knee in the mud, breathing somewhat laboured, leaning upon his war hammer for support at the moment.
"Hildis, go find Thari!" The huskarl calls through the rain to the Barazin. Ranol moves in deliberately, taking a more offensive stance as he makes a wide arc with the broadsword, slashing it at the back of the troll's ankle again.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Your attack against Grox mildly wounds him!
The back of his ankle struck by the broadsword, Grox growls but once, though his attention is not focused upon Ranol. Or the obviously shaken Ovor. Instead, his axe sweeps in a sidelong swipe, aimed for Hildis' right shoulder, his voice raising to a mighty roar. "Fear me! Fear, and you may live!"
Grox attacks Hildis with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds it!
It is only the Huskarl's voice that could cut through the fog of fury and pain. But Hildi stands rooted to the spot and hears the troll's axe sing as it is swung with such disdain at him. The blow strikes him in the same shoulder and he crumples face down to the ground, makes a weak effort to rise and then is still.
[Ovor(#20753)] "Fear /us/ and we may not hang your head above our hearths!" Shouts the Dwarven Thane as he pushes himself to his feet, firm steps taking him once more towards the troll, bringing his war hammer up. When he is close enough to strike, he swings the spike-end of the weapon at the troll's knee.
Ovor attacks Grox with his War Hammer and lightly wounds him!
Ranol is watching the axe of Grox in case it swings his way, but instead it takes down the barazin. He has no time to spare to check on Hildis immediately. The huskarl of Bundazanul moves around to flank the troll and slashes again, growling.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
His knee struck by the pesky Thane, it half-buckles inwards, though the massive Olog-Hai manages to keep his footing. Eyes narrow upon Ovor, and his axe is hefted back. "/My/ head?" asks the creature of the night. "Oh, no. Your head should be the one you concern yourself with." And with that, the axe is once more sent in a devestating swing, aimed to cleave the head from Ovor's shoulders.
Grox attacks Ovor with his Battle Axe and badly wounds him!
[Ovor(#20753)] The Thane brings his shield up once more, and though it absorbs some of the blow, it is not fortunate enough to keep the Thane entirely from injury. He stumbles back some from the blow, and the troll's axe rather slices across his chest, splitting some of the remaining rings and drawing blood.
Backwards does the Thane move, towards the shadows outside of the reach of the lantern, back towards the south.
Ranol hasn't had a chance to examine the other warrior, and isn't going to waste time stopping and asking. "You only pick wounded opponents?! Fight me!" The huskarl calls, moving in to hack at the same knee that Ovor struck. If trolls weren't so bloody -tall-.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
Sliding his leg back in time this time, the mud beneath his feet slurps as it is readjusted beneath the behemoth's weight. Spinning fully to face the dwarf known as Ranol, Grox nods, his lips curling upwards. "If you say so." he states simply, wicked glee spread over his fell features, water streaming down his rock-skin. The turf has been washed away, mud and soil tumbling to the earth below, and large footprints marr the earth, making it uneven. Yet, all this is irrelevant to the monstrosity. Instead, his bloodstained axe raises, before crashing down in a diagonal stroke, aimed in an attempt to cleave Ranol from left shoulder to right hip.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 18 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 69 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] From the south, there is soon heard a horn being sounded. Three long blasts, though the last sounds strained. For a few moments, there is nothing but the echoing of the horn blasts... but, once they fade out, answering horns come from the Mountain itself. And these do not simply fade out they are blown repeatedly.
The Thane does not return from beyond the shadows to the south. Instead, he is moving back towards the Mountain as quick as he may, tucking a horn under his cloak.
"Aye!.." The huskarl responds, challenge in his words. He follows the axe as the troll lifts it, blinking against the rain that falls into his eyes. He swings his sword up to try and knock the axe away, but it's not powerful enough and the impact to his shoulder has him staggering back. The armor absorbs a considerable amount of the attack, but it's not enough. The force of the blow breaks some of the chainmail rings and Ranol can feel his hot blood soaking into his shirt.
The horns sound, echoing in the night. Ranol shifts to a more defensive stance, trying to buy time now for help to arrive. He steps in with a quick jab for the injured knee, then backs away again.
You attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
[Grox(#31869)]
Stepping back and out of the way of the sword yet again, Grox grins. "Then," he states, his head lowering, affording him a quick glance at the precise location of the oil lantern he had been moving towards, but a footsfall back. "Let's see how you do fighting blind."
With this said, his foot comes up, and swiftly down in an attempt to crush the lamp. Simultaneously, his axe goes up high, but as the light goes out, he shifts forward once more, his axe dropping low, and the head spike aimed in a thrust straight for Ranol's chest.
[+LIGHT:#20753] Ovor douses Beards of Bundazanul.
[+LIGHT] Ovor's Beards of Bundazanul flickers and goes out, plunging Southwestern Side of Erebor into darkness.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 13 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 56 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] Horns begin to come from the south now, and the north too. And soon the ringing of Dwarven mail and the shout of Dwarven voices can be heard flickering lights in the shadows of nights, lanterns born by the Dwarves that come in respond to the Thane's horn call. Reinforcements come from both sides, and will no doubt love to inflict their share of damage upon the troll.
As for the Thane, he has disappeared into the shadows of the night.
Ranol isn't opposed to dying to save his kin, but help isn't going to arrive if help can't see where the troll is on the path. The huskarl swears softly as the area is drenched in darkness, and as he's looking through the heavy rain to find the darker shape against the gray mountainside, the next attack lands.
Ranol grunts as the spike digs into his chest, sending pain through his ribs. "At least now I don't have to look on your ugly feet!" Instead of running, Ranol slashes at the dark troll legs in front of him. Hildis is still laying nearby, and Thari is off.. somewhere.
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox parries your attack with his Battle Axe!
Triple stepping around Ranol, Grox's axe sweeps down to block the broadsword, even though he isn't there at the time. Standing at the dwarf's left side, Grox retracts his axe to his left side, sweeping it over his head, and continuing it's building momentum in a devastating strike aimed at the short creature's lower back. Yet, no words are spoken in warning of the new vector of assault.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 7 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 49 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] The clamour of the Dwarves is louder now, as is their flickering lanterns. Officers barking at their soldiers, the two groups of Dwarves draw closer to the scene of the battle now, their armour gleaming dully in their lantern light. As they move closer, it is this flickering light that marks the first ranks as they advance.
Ranol has trouble following the movement of the troll and axe at the same time. He brings his shield up to protect his chest as he moves to avoid the thick legs and feet. Then the axe slams into his back and the dwarf faceplants into the mud. Somehow he hangs onto his sword, but he only shoves to his feet again on reflex, staggering away before he can get stepped on. There's a lost moment as the huskarl rapidly blinks the mud from his eyes, no attack forthcoming. "I've been hit harder from goblins!" He calls, then spits dirt from his mouth.
Looking first north, then south, Grox grins wickedly. "Time to relocate." he states, his voice a low growl, before he leaps after the fleeing Ranol. His left hand snaps out, grasping for the dwarf--his massive axe held within the powerful grasp of his right--before he attempts to hurl the dwarf off the perch they battle upon. Then, with another glance north and south, his footfalls lead him swiftly over after Ranol.
[Combat(#13388)] Grox unwields Troll Battle Axe.
Grox attacks you with his Bare Hands!...
...and you block his attack with your shield!
[Combat(#13388)] Grox hefts up a wickedly curved, double bladed war axe. A more terrifying image can only be seen in the wielder of the vicious blade the great Olog-Hai. Fear! ...And you may yet live.
[Ovor(#20753)] Now the speech of the Dwarves is audible. There are lots of mentions of killing and gutting whatever is here causing trouble, and the responding voices of the officers telling their Dwarves to be quiet. By now, the first few ranks of the northern group are not far from the location of the battle, lanterns brighter now the southern group is farther off, but still closing.
Ranol is still half-blind from mud in his eyes, and Grox's words bring a moment of relief. The troll is fleeing! The good feeling fades quickly when a large troll hand is wrapping around his shield and yanking at it, with Ranol's arm still caught within! The huskarl is pulled along the uneven ground, giving a yell of rage and pain as it wrenches the gash Grox opened in his shoulder earlier. He slashes blindly with the sword as the earth disappears beneath him, and falls through heavy foliage and along the slope to lower ground. Maybe he'll bump into Thari!
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Your attack against Grox mildly wounds him!
His arm knicked by the broadsword--another slight cut oozing black ichor--Grox goes crashing through the foliage right along after Ranol. His feet leading, the behemoth attempts to land on the dwarf as he flies straigh, his roar bouncing off the very mountain the dwarves make their home.
[Combat(#13388)] Grox unwields Troll Battle Axe.
Grox attacks you with his Bare Hands!...
...and you parry his attack with your Short Broadsword!
[Ovor(#20753)] And the Dwarves arrive at the site of the battle. Or what was the battle. The lack of anything there, however, causes them puzzlement. That is, until, the roar from over the drop grabs their attention many move towards the edge of the drop, including the few archers amongst the Dwarves.
Ranol ends up on the ground, uncertain of how far he fell. He has no time to check for injuries because the troll isn't far behind. The huskarl rolls out of the way just before he's crushed under a stony troll foot. "Run away while you can! The khazad are here!" He growls, still stubbornly slashing at Grox, wincing as he hefts his shield up to guard again.
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
"They concern me not." calls Grox as his foot is drawn back once more, his laughter raising. He is but a silhouette in the darkness below. "You, however, shall be my meal." With another short burst of laughter, the Olog-Hai's axe raises, swiftly descending in an attempt to cleave the dwarf in twain wherre he lies, caring naught about the shield, indeed intent on cleaving straight through should it present an obsticle.
Grox attacks you with his Battle Axe!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 14 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 35 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Ovor(#20753)] At the laughter, the few Dwarven bowmen raise their weapons, sending a few arrows down into the darkness towards the source as best they can judge it. A few officers shout orders, sending groups of Dwarves to make their way down the heigh by safer paths other Dwarves stare down into the darkness, doing they best they can to sight for their bow-wielding numbers.
Ranol was feeling a lot better about this before the troll drug him off the ledge. He lifts the shield up defensively as another assault from his oversized opponent is made. The axe slams down into the shield and cuts through it as if Grox were splitting logs for a fire. The huskarl feels pain lance through his arm, and pushes with his good arm to roll over. "That.. was my grandfather's.. shield!" He growls in rage, shoving back up to his feet. He sounds like he intends to attack again, but the huskarl isn't completely suicidal. Instead he runs towards the mountainside, hoping to either find somewhere to evade the troll's reach or at least draw him closer to the archers above.
Swiftly, Grox is upon Ranol's heels. He pursues, and his axe is held within his one hand once more. "You shall die." states the Olog-Hai, his footfalls carrying him swiftly towards the fleeing dwarf, and his hand once again snaps out, aimed to catch Ranol about the midsection.
Grox attacks you with his Bare Hands!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 10 hp's by Grox's attack...
...you have 25 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Combat(#13388)] Grox hefts up a wickedly curved, double bladed war axe. A more terrifying image can only be seen in the wielder of the vicious blade the great Olog-Hai. Fear! ...And you may yet live.
[Ovor(#20753)] The Dwarven bowmen follow the sounds of the troll's voice, though they are still firing with only the barest guidence into the darkness. More Dwarves approach the edge, bringing lanterns with them, one or two holding them over the drop, seeming ready to drop them to the ground below.
The other groups of Dwarves are making steady progress down the drop and making their way back towards where the noises are coming from.
Ranol lives by a rule to never let go of his blade no matter what and even as the troll's hand crushes around his already battered arm and midsection he hangs onto the weapon. The dwarf gives a strangled cry, all pain now, but manages to focus enough to hack at the fingers, wrist, whatever he can hit on the troll. "Not dead yet!" He says through gritted teeth, slashing with the sword.
You blindly attack Grox with your Short Broadsword...
Grox dodges your attack.
The blade bounces off his stone hand harmlessly, striking with the flat, and drawing no wound upon Grox's grasping appendage. With more laughter, his gaze is drawn upward to the growing light. "But not tonight." he whispers to the dwarf. "One day, I shall come for you. For now you live." And with that, the Olog-Hai hurls the dwarf upwards, aimed sidelong at the gathering group of dwarves, hoping, perhaps, to knock a few off their precarious perches, even as he turns, and begins to lumber off into the darkness of night.
A troll's whisper isn't exactly soft, and the breath is nauseating. Ranol has never really studied troll egos in-depth, but if this one wants to pose threats in exchange for not squeezing him like a lemon.. that's okay! The huskarl gets incredibly disoriented when Grox draws his arm back, panic shooting through him as vertigo twists his senses. He's thrown, and then crashes into some of his kin, though it's a few painful minutes before he realizes the outcome.
Players: Ovor, Thari, Ranol, Hildis, Grox
