Elendor
The Death of Zvyg
Zvyg encounters the dwarves as they traverse the high pass. His attempt to turn them back becomes his doom.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: High Pass
IC Time: Night
Description: [Thari(#31038)]
It's been a long couple of years since the dwarves were here, but some still survive to remember the way. A cold camp is set among the twisting maze of boulders, wagons and ponies tucked to the sides. Dwarves sleep in tents, some of them, and a few are watching the blackness of night without fires.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Up and down the crabbled, unkempt path towards the High Pass, the east side of which looms above, with reams of clouds blowing across it, there's one miserable goblin, stalking back and forth. He's cast aside his woolen wrap, as it's all too hot and muggy here. A tumble of rocks and dust slide before his eyes, followed by the skinniest goblin ever. Zvyg, with his blade already at the creatures throat, laughs aloud, then catches himself and sneers. "Scout! eh!?" He puts his blade away, and says, "Look, head down there a ways, and see what's what. Don't make me come after ye *curse*"
[Mobeorn(#22365)] In the dark, another creature looms, big, brown-black and shiny. It paces along the sides of the path, well hidden, though its eyes gleam with whatever light there is to be found here--and it focuses upward, on the sounds made by the goblins.
[Zvyg(#3426)] A skinny goblin sneaks right past the creature, making a bit more noise than a goblin scout should make.
Zvyg takes a seat on a rock outcropping, sighing and breathing heavily. He looks over his shoulder, having heard of the Stone Giants who toss boulders upon those who make themselves targets on these mountains. He awaits the return of the scout.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's wagon door opens silently into the night. The small dwarf steps out, helmetted with a shield dangling from hand.
Thari yawns and scratches beneath the helmet, as something noisy sneaks past the camp.
A frown, and Thari looks in that direction.
Ranol is one of the sleeping dwarves, his tent not far from Thari's wagon.
Zvyg groans, looks up at the stars to mark time, takes a quick glance down the path and sits back down again.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] The goblin scout doesn't get far past the dark creature lurking here--Mobeorn lunges forward suddenly, and a large bear claw tries to grab the goblin scout by the back of his neck--trying to break the orc's neck, in fact.
Zvyg uses his fingers to whistle, like no bird around, but by the third time he does it, it's pretty loud and echoes on the mountains. It's a call for another scout, or anyone. string of *curses* Zvyg sets out, moving down the path. Silently.
Zvyg a rock-fall.. tumble of rocks. Zvyg sniffs the air. There's something to it, but as he does not have a keen nose, he's no idea what that might be. "Probably not Elves" he says aloud.
[Thari(#31038)]
A whistle-- no, several-- go piercing along the canyon while a dark shadow moves suddenly. Thari's wagon door is carefully shut before the axe is drawn.
Thari's head turns. A few dwarves are already awake, Frarin nearby one of them. The healer-dwarf paces to Ranol's tent and reaches in, gripping the Huskarl's boot. "Ranol, wake up!" comes a hiss.
[Zvyg(#3426)] The foreign whistles are all Zvyg needs to hear. Not really. He whistles back, high and low and as anti-melodic as he can sound. The darkness and silence of the camp is broken, as he can clearly hear the voices of dwarves. A dozen? 20? Wisely, Zvyg draws his sword. And moves into a bush. He becomes part of that bush.
A moment after Thari presses her hand against his boot, the Huskarl sits up, one hand reaching for his sword that is close at hand. "What is it?" He asks softly as he climbs to his feet.
A spectacular sunrise filled with magnificent hues greets your view toward the east. It will be a glorious day.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] There's a growl among the rocks, and it echos across the hills in a sort of greeting and answer to the whistle. A bear growl that the orcs of this mountain pass might fear. Mobeorn makes no move, though.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg feels fairly confident, despite this lack posting to guard the almost-unused High Pass path, when he has his blade in hand. And that's where it is, as he passes some growling off in the distance. "Maggot?" he softly whispers, hoping the skinny scout is just cowering. Nope. He heads down the path, entering the camp. As he bumps into some kind of dwarven wooden chest.
[Zvyg(#3426)] At once he backs off, "Okay, dwarfs! Back away, go hence where ye came from!"
[Thari(#31038)]
"It's--" Thari begins to answer Ranol, then suddenly straightens at a strange voice. A goblin is revealed by the dawnlight, and it's by Thari's wagon! Thari stares slackjawed at Zvyg so close. The axe is raised, then pointed higher up on the pass. "We, er, came from that direction." A mighty battle cry no doubt.
Zvyg gives way to the axe, and backs off. "My Ruler tells me there is a way North *he motions to towards the ered mithrin* and south *he just points off to the south*.
Ranol is long accustomed to sleeping in his leather armor when the caravan is traveling through potentially hostile territory. He reaches for his helm to pull on, his sword still held unsheathed in his left hand. Thari is about to answer and then the unfamiliar voice drifts through the camp.
The Huskarl moves to brush pass the smaller dwarf, Thari, placing himself in front his kin. "Leave us." He says in a level voice as he draws his broadsword from it's sheath.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] Another bear growl from among the rocks, and Mobeorn takes off up the pass, chasing goblins or his own shadow?
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari does not protest as Ranol brushes past, but just takes a half-step aside to see over his shoulder a little better. "Is... is the goblin giving us directions?" the littler dwarf asks, perplexed.
Zvyg snarls, "Aye, -dwarf- The Uruk-hai *he pounds his chest with his fist* is telling you to go north or south. *rrawr!*
Zvyg bares his teeth, as in a smile.
Ranol gazes at the creature with little change in his expression. His face is a blank mask behind his black beard, save for a small glint of excitement in his eyes. "Leave us.. now." This dwarf has a soft, rumbling voice.. but there's menace in his tone.
[Thari(#31038)]
"We rather need to go east," adds the smaller dwarf behind Ranol. Thari also bares teeth in a snarl that is akin to a smile. "Tell your chief to leave us alone!"
Zvyg holds the high ground, such as it is. "What should I say, good soldier, when I return to my Lord Balrog and say I allowed dwarven scum to cross our High Pass."
"You will say that it was an acceptable alternative to losing your head." Ranol answers easily, Tossing the sheath of his blade to the ground and lifting his blade before him.
Zvyg laughs aloud, derisively. "I have buried many more a fool than you, *laddie*. Put the hurt on Z, and you may pass."
Well, if the goblin is inviting it, Ranol feels a duty to oblige. He moves in quickly, darting in at the orc with a quick jab of his sword towards Zvyg's midsection, hoping to take the creature by some surprise.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Your attack against Zvyg terribly wounds him!
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg is felled. He's bleeding all out, and he stumbles to his feet, to collapse into a swing upon you.
Zvyg attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 11 hp's by Zvyg's attack...
...you have 83 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari steps back, axe lowering as Ranol strikes the goblin, a look of utter unconcern on her face-- until Ranol is hit, that is! Thari gives a cry and jumps forward, swinging axe-blade toward the goblin's midsection too.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but Zvyg parries the attack with his Scimitar!
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar and moderately wounds it!
Zvyg hems and haws, it's all hitting him now. To die upon the High Pass.
Zvyg does not try to crawl away. He's lived longer than most uruk-hai, and in losing the war deserves no better fate.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg isn't gonna run away.
Zvyg says, "he's old in dog years"
Zvyg whips his blade out, and rushes Ranol, the only fighter dwarf.
Thari jumps into the fight and Ranol surges in to attack the goblin again, ignoring the scimitar cut he took. He swings the sword down at the goblin, hacking wildly.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)]
Clang! goes Thari's axe against Zvyg's blade. The scimitar finds the break in Thari's armor and slides a bit into the healer dwarf's side. Thari pulls away to the side.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg looks down at his blade, and his legs which are still there. He laughs, "Do you play me, Khazad dumms?" and he coughs up a scoop of blood. "Zvyg is your worst nightmare! I love Galadreel!"
Ranol scowls when the goblin deflects his attack, but he quickly stabs in again with the blade, taking advantage of Zvyg's seeming distraction.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari presses a hand against side where red blood wells. Two gasping breaths, and the smaller dwarf rushes at the goblin again, axe swiping at its neck.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but Zvyg parries the attack with his shield!
Zvyg looks at you, coming out of nowhere, and whether or not you have a beard is not a matter. "What be your name, Dwarf! Mine is Z!"
Zvyg extends his sword toward your neck.
[Zvyg(#3426)] He continues, "I've no future lest I push trespassers such as you, back."
Zvyg uses the tip of his left boot to draw a line in the dirt.
Zvyg says, "Step across that line, *curse* dwarf.""
Ranol shakes his head, surprised at the tenacity of the orc as his attack again is knocked away. Suddenly Zvyg has his scimitar at Thari's throat. He glances at the smaller dwarf with a worried expression, but Thari got into this fight knowing it would be dangerous. He rushes in again, swinging his blade wide to try and force the goblin back away from Thari.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)] hari's chin lifts as a scimitar slides toward the already-shortened beard. The dwarf jumps back, blood running down trousers, then hacks wildly at Zvyg's sword-arm, eyes wilder now. "You're a fool!" the dwarf rumbles.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a handspan.
Zvyg guffaws. "Dwarves! Ha ha!" My master, Lord Balrog, tells me you should all pass through, to "lord" elronds land, since you all love elves so much!
Zvyg says, "Do come back this way, my friends."
Ranol narrows his gaze in anger, some of his calm focus slipping as the goblin mentions his lord again. He doesn't waste time with words and continues trying to stab the quick orc again, thrusting the blade at the creature's chest.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his shield!
[Zvyg(#3426)] It's not over - the petulant orc continues to battle the Uruk-hai.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Balrog??" Thari spits at the wiley old goblin as it dances around and avoids all strikes. The littler dwarf jumps aside and hacks in frustration toward Zvyg's midsection yet again.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a long shot.
Zvyg bares his teeth widely, and pushes aside Thari as she beats on him, as he wails upon Ranol
Zvyg attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he misses!
Ranol barely ducks back as the scimitar cuts the air in front of his face. His blue eyes widen in shock for but a moment, then they grow angry again and he presses in with another slash of his own sword.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.
[Thari(#31038)]
It's getting frustrating. Shining weapons are swishing through the air, narrowly missing everyone. Somebody is going to lose an eye if this keeps up, but only if they're lucky. Thari tries to dart behind the goblin and hack at him that way, two-handed now, as if he were a tree!
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by an arm's length.
Zvyg yields some ground. You realize that some old tank of a Uruk hai is delaying your meeting with Elrond :)
Zvyg snarls at Ranol and Thari. "I thought this was the end of me, this position. Are you really dwarves""
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar and moderately wounds it!
Zvyg gets a bit of pleasure from a hit
Zvyg whirls. and can hardly keep his balance.
Ranol stabs at Zvyg, growling in anger. "Thari, get back." He shouldn't be worrying about his cousin, but he is.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his Scimitar!
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's shield-arm is struck and hangs loose now, blood reddening the edge of the shield and curving down it. "He's making cracks at my beard, Ranol!" the littler dwarf says in a thick voice, but still obeys, stepping aside a little-- and adding one more strike toward Zvyg's middle, as if it can't be resisted.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a mile.
Zvyg is incenced - how can the dwarves be so stubborn! Zvyg relays scimitar attacks on the two smarter dwarves.
Zvyg attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 23 hp's by Zvyg's attack...
...you have 60 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
Zvyg takes his breath after swinging his scimitar at the trespasser Ranol.
The scimitar cuts deeply into Ranol's leather armor, and fresh blood mingles with Thari's that is still drying on the blade. The Huskarl grits his teeth and advances again, swinging down his sword again at the orc.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his shield!
Zvyg struts up to a rock-outcropping, and says, in his worst elven, "You are all unworthy maggots" - and this orc attacks a certain dwarf.
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.
[Thari(#31038)]
"My name is Thari!" cries the smaller dwarf in a fit of rage once Ranol is struck. "I am Balur's child and I am hoping to be YOUR death!" The dwarf chases after Zvyg and chops at his leg.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a mile.
Zvyg glares back at Ranol, try it again and you die..
Ranol moves around slowly to flank Zvyg again, opposite Thari. There's a grim look on his face and he stabs in again. Blood is seeping around the cut in the leather, dark and wet.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his Scimitar!
[Zvyg(#3426)] "You're the worst! If I wanted to die, tonight, I'd better ask for Elrond folk!" He speaks to to Thari. "Next time, ask permission from the Balrog to allow such folk."
Zvyg glares at Ranol.
[Thari(#31038)]
"By Durin's own axe!" Thari spits. "It's like trying to hit a spider!" The axe is swung in frustration, hardly even aimed now. "SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a long shot.
Zvyg takes a side-shot at Thari.
Zvyg says, "Dorrin is nothing in Moria""
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar, but he misses by a hair.
The orc keeps attacking Thari and that forces Ranol to continue striking at him. "We'll kick your head off the top of the pass when reach it.." He growls, growing frustrated, stabbing again.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari ducks down beneath Zvyg's blade. "Durin is Moria's king! He and his line!" The axe swings upward between the goblin's legs.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by an arm's length.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's arm is still hanging limply, blood painting lines down the shield. Teeth gritted, the smaller dwarf swings yet again.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but Zvyg parries the attack with his Scimitar!
Ranol would be incredibly impressed with his foe if he wasn't so angry. "Do all your filthy kind hide behind shields?" He swings again, aiming a hard slash at the back of Zvyg's knee.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
Zvyg Zvyg seems to understand the irony of this fight, "I do not hate you all half as much as much as you think I deserve". Z just whips his sword out and attacks ranol, and thari/.
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar and moderately wounds it!
Zvyg grunts.. goood
"Fight -me-" Ranol demands, swinging again.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Your attack against Zvyg fatally wounds him!
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari is hit in the head this time, a slice on the side of the skull. Part of the scalp is lifted, the helmet flung off. The smaller dwarf falls to the ground, shield clattering, useless.
[Zvyg(#3426)] The last look Zvyg has, ere his eyes close forever, is of the Redhorn. The mountain that means Moria, to all.
Ranol watches the orc fall, his teeth clenched tightly. As soon as the creature his the dirt and grows still, the dwarf gasps in pain. He presses his hand against his chest where the blood is still soaking into his armor, but hurries over to where Thari has fallen. He calls sharply for aid from the other dwarves and stands over his fallen cousin as he looks around warily into the trees.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari rolls to knees, groaning, a hand pressed to the head. "Is it dead then?" she asks in a tight voice.
"Yes.. " Two of the clan-karls arrive and Ranol orders them to secure the area. At that point he allows himself to kneel down next to Thari. "Don't move.. Wait for them to get Eirdis." His own words are strained, and he can feel the hot blood where the deceptive curved blade of the scimitar bit more deeply than it appears.
[Thari(#31038)]
"You're hurt too," Thari says. The smaller dwarf uses the good hand to remove the shield from the other. Thari leans against Ranol's shoulder, blood pouring profusely down the left side of the face. "Where are my bandages? Ahh, in the wagon." Blood is wiped away from the eye.
You say, "Where -is- she?" Ranol asks of no one in particular, looking around worridly. He sets his sword on the ground and reaches to press his hand against the gash on Thari's head. "You're hurt more.. hold still." He insists."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari makes a small sound in the throat as Ranol's hand presses against the wound, but otherwise does not protest. "Get us into my wagon," the dwarf says in a strained voice. "There are bandages to the left from the door, just inside."
Ranol gives up on waiting for Eirdis. His own wound is still bleeding and he's worried about how bad Thari looks. He stands, grimacing, then moves his hand away from his chest and reaches to help pull the smaller dwarf up, trying to keep his palm pressed against her head. "Come on.. "
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari stands. She looks just covered in blood, with her left arm coated in it, her face, and it running down her right side and trouser leg. Her skin, where it can be seen, is losing the natural flush, starting to pale. "Just some bandages and then back to sleep," says the lass tiredly, starting to walk to the wagon.
Ranol leaves his sword.. -leaves- his sword where it lies, and instead wraps his arm around Thari's waist. "Put your arm on my shoulder, and tell me what to do.. I get the bandages, and then what?" He's beginning to feel a bit light-headed himself, but ignores the sensation as he helps her along to the wagon.
One of the clan-karls for Bundazanul returns, but instead of reporting anything he rushes off again, saying something about Braldor.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Fold them tightly against the wound," Thari says in a breathless rush, head hanging, as if she is afraid of passing out. "Press hard, and then bind them firmly. You must stop the bleeding by pressing. Sew it. Sew the skin together like cloth. I have needles. I can do my side, but I can't my leg or my head. I must do your skin."
Ranol pulls her up into the wagon, then looks around quickly for the supplies. He spots the bandages and eases her down before moving to grab them. The Huskarl drops to his knees beside her and folds one of the cloths in half before pushing it against her skull tightly. "Okay, don't move." He reaches for one of the strips of cloth and begins wrapping it around her head.
[Thari(#31038)]
The inside of Thari's wagon is solid with cupboards and drawers, a small bed at the end nearly in a cupboard itself. She leans against a drawer as he presses the bandage against her skull, though he must be nearly as bad if not worse than her. Her eyes fall shut, the one on the left gluing shut with blood, and after a moment, her posture unlinks. She lies limply against the side of her wagon, clearly unconcious, but still bleeding shallowly.
Ranol realizes rather quickly how out of his league he is. He takes only a moment to make his decision, then grabs a thick handful from the stack of bandaging and shoves it tightly under his leather armor, wedging it in to staunch his own wound. The huskarl stands and leaves, moving as quickly as he can to track down Eirdis.
[Thari(#31038)]
Dawn finds more than just these two dwarves injured. It seems there were more skirmishes in the Pass. Ranol goes searching for Eirdis, Thari breathes shallowly in her wagon, and in the middle distance, Frarin is frantically looking for something among the bloodied boulders.
It's been a long couple of years since the dwarves were here, but some still survive to remember the way. A cold camp is set among the twisting maze of boulders, wagons and ponies tucked to the sides. Dwarves sleep in tents, some of them, and a few are watching the blackness of night without fires.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Up and down the crabbled, unkempt path towards the High Pass, the east side of which looms above, with reams of clouds blowing across it, there's one miserable goblin, stalking back and forth. He's cast aside his woolen wrap, as it's all too hot and muggy here. A tumble of rocks and dust slide before his eyes, followed by the skinniest goblin ever. Zvyg, with his blade already at the creatures throat, laughs aloud, then catches himself and sneers. "Scout! eh!?" He puts his blade away, and says, "Look, head down there a ways, and see what's what. Don't make me come after ye *curse*"
[Mobeorn(#22365)] In the dark, another creature looms, big, brown-black and shiny. It paces along the sides of the path, well hidden, though its eyes gleam with whatever light there is to be found here--and it focuses upward, on the sounds made by the goblins.
[Zvyg(#3426)] A skinny goblin sneaks right past the creature, making a bit more noise than a goblin scout should make.
Zvyg takes a seat on a rock outcropping, sighing and breathing heavily. He looks over his shoulder, having heard of the Stone Giants who toss boulders upon those who make themselves targets on these mountains. He awaits the return of the scout.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's wagon door opens silently into the night. The small dwarf steps out, helmetted with a shield dangling from hand.
Thari yawns and scratches beneath the helmet, as something noisy sneaks past the camp.
A frown, and Thari looks in that direction.
Ranol is one of the sleeping dwarves, his tent not far from Thari's wagon.
Zvyg groans, looks up at the stars to mark time, takes a quick glance down the path and sits back down again.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] The goblin scout doesn't get far past the dark creature lurking here--Mobeorn lunges forward suddenly, and a large bear claw tries to grab the goblin scout by the back of his neck--trying to break the orc's neck, in fact.
Zvyg uses his fingers to whistle, like no bird around, but by the third time he does it, it's pretty loud and echoes on the mountains. It's a call for another scout, or anyone. string of *curses* Zvyg sets out, moving down the path. Silently.
Zvyg a rock-fall.. tumble of rocks. Zvyg sniffs the air. There's something to it, but as he does not have a keen nose, he's no idea what that might be. "Probably not Elves" he says aloud.
[Thari(#31038)]
A whistle-- no, several-- go piercing along the canyon while a dark shadow moves suddenly. Thari's wagon door is carefully shut before the axe is drawn.
Thari's head turns. A few dwarves are already awake, Frarin nearby one of them. The healer-dwarf paces to Ranol's tent and reaches in, gripping the Huskarl's boot. "Ranol, wake up!" comes a hiss.
[Zvyg(#3426)] The foreign whistles are all Zvyg needs to hear. Not really. He whistles back, high and low and as anti-melodic as he can sound. The darkness and silence of the camp is broken, as he can clearly hear the voices of dwarves. A dozen? 20? Wisely, Zvyg draws his sword. And moves into a bush. He becomes part of that bush.
A moment after Thari presses her hand against his boot, the Huskarl sits up, one hand reaching for his sword that is close at hand. "What is it?" He asks softly as he climbs to his feet.
A spectacular sunrise filled with magnificent hues greets your view toward the east. It will be a glorious day.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] There's a growl among the rocks, and it echos across the hills in a sort of greeting and answer to the whistle. A bear growl that the orcs of this mountain pass might fear. Mobeorn makes no move, though.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg feels fairly confident, despite this lack posting to guard the almost-unused High Pass path, when he has his blade in hand. And that's where it is, as he passes some growling off in the distance. "Maggot?" he softly whispers, hoping the skinny scout is just cowering. Nope. He heads down the path, entering the camp. As he bumps into some kind of dwarven wooden chest.
[Zvyg(#3426)] At once he backs off, "Okay, dwarfs! Back away, go hence where ye came from!"
[Thari(#31038)]
"It's--" Thari begins to answer Ranol, then suddenly straightens at a strange voice. A goblin is revealed by the dawnlight, and it's by Thari's wagon! Thari stares slackjawed at Zvyg so close. The axe is raised, then pointed higher up on the pass. "We, er, came from that direction." A mighty battle cry no doubt.
Zvyg gives way to the axe, and backs off. "My Ruler tells me there is a way North *he motions to towards the ered mithrin* and south *he just points off to the south*.
Ranol is long accustomed to sleeping in his leather armor when the caravan is traveling through potentially hostile territory. He reaches for his helm to pull on, his sword still held unsheathed in his left hand. Thari is about to answer and then the unfamiliar voice drifts through the camp.
The Huskarl moves to brush pass the smaller dwarf, Thari, placing himself in front his kin. "Leave us." He says in a level voice as he draws his broadsword from it's sheath.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] Another bear growl from among the rocks, and Mobeorn takes off up the pass, chasing goblins or his own shadow?
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari does not protest as Ranol brushes past, but just takes a half-step aside to see over his shoulder a little better. "Is... is the goblin giving us directions?" the littler dwarf asks, perplexed.
Zvyg snarls, "Aye, -dwarf- The Uruk-hai *he pounds his chest with his fist* is telling you to go north or south. *rrawr!*
Zvyg bares his teeth, as in a smile.
Ranol gazes at the creature with little change in his expression. His face is a blank mask behind his black beard, save for a small glint of excitement in his eyes. "Leave us.. now." This dwarf has a soft, rumbling voice.. but there's menace in his tone.
[Thari(#31038)]
"We rather need to go east," adds the smaller dwarf behind Ranol. Thari also bares teeth in a snarl that is akin to a smile. "Tell your chief to leave us alone!"
Zvyg holds the high ground, such as it is. "What should I say, good soldier, when I return to my Lord Balrog and say I allowed dwarven scum to cross our High Pass."
"You will say that it was an acceptable alternative to losing your head." Ranol answers easily, Tossing the sheath of his blade to the ground and lifting his blade before him.
Zvyg laughs aloud, derisively. "I have buried many more a fool than you, *laddie*. Put the hurt on Z, and you may pass."
Well, if the goblin is inviting it, Ranol feels a duty to oblige. He moves in quickly, darting in at the orc with a quick jab of his sword towards Zvyg's midsection, hoping to take the creature by some surprise.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Your attack against Zvyg terribly wounds him!
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg is felled. He's bleeding all out, and he stumbles to his feet, to collapse into a swing upon you.
Zvyg attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 11 hp's by Zvyg's attack...
...you have 83 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari steps back, axe lowering as Ranol strikes the goblin, a look of utter unconcern on her face-- until Ranol is hit, that is! Thari gives a cry and jumps forward, swinging axe-blade toward the goblin's midsection too.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but Zvyg parries the attack with his Scimitar!
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar and moderately wounds it!
Zvyg hems and haws, it's all hitting him now. To die upon the High Pass.
Zvyg does not try to crawl away. He's lived longer than most uruk-hai, and in losing the war deserves no better fate.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg isn't gonna run away.
Zvyg says, "he's old in dog years"
Zvyg whips his blade out, and rushes Ranol, the only fighter dwarf.
Thari jumps into the fight and Ranol surges in to attack the goblin again, ignoring the scimitar cut he took. He swings the sword down at the goblin, hacking wildly.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)]
Clang! goes Thari's axe against Zvyg's blade. The scimitar finds the break in Thari's armor and slides a bit into the healer dwarf's side. Thari pulls away to the side.
[Zvyg(#3426)] Zvyg looks down at his blade, and his legs which are still there. He laughs, "Do you play me, Khazad dumms?" and he coughs up a scoop of blood. "Zvyg is your worst nightmare! I love Galadreel!"
Ranol scowls when the goblin deflects his attack, but he quickly stabs in again with the blade, taking advantage of Zvyg's seeming distraction.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari presses a hand against side where red blood wells. Two gasping breaths, and the smaller dwarf rushes at the goblin again, axe swiping at its neck.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but Zvyg parries the attack with his shield!
Zvyg looks at you, coming out of nowhere, and whether or not you have a beard is not a matter. "What be your name, Dwarf! Mine is Z!"
Zvyg extends his sword toward your neck.
[Zvyg(#3426)] He continues, "I've no future lest I push trespassers such as you, back."
Zvyg uses the tip of his left boot to draw a line in the dirt.
Zvyg says, "Step across that line, *curse* dwarf.""
Ranol shakes his head, surprised at the tenacity of the orc as his attack again is knocked away. Suddenly Zvyg has his scimitar at Thari's throat. He glances at the smaller dwarf with a worried expression, but Thari got into this fight knowing it would be dangerous. He rushes in again, swinging his blade wide to try and force the goblin back away from Thari.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)] hari's chin lifts as a scimitar slides toward the already-shortened beard. The dwarf jumps back, blood running down trousers, then hacks wildly at Zvyg's sword-arm, eyes wilder now. "You're a fool!" the dwarf rumbles.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a handspan.
Zvyg guffaws. "Dwarves! Ha ha!" My master, Lord Balrog, tells me you should all pass through, to "lord" elronds land, since you all love elves so much!
Zvyg says, "Do come back this way, my friends."
Ranol narrows his gaze in anger, some of his calm focus slipping as the goblin mentions his lord again. He doesn't waste time with words and continues trying to stab the quick orc again, thrusting the blade at the creature's chest.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his shield!
[Zvyg(#3426)] It's not over - the petulant orc continues to battle the Uruk-hai.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Balrog??" Thari spits at the wiley old goblin as it dances around and avoids all strikes. The littler dwarf jumps aside and hacks in frustration toward Zvyg's midsection yet again.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a long shot.
Zvyg bares his teeth widely, and pushes aside Thari as she beats on him, as he wails upon Ranol
Zvyg attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he misses!
Ranol barely ducks back as the scimitar cuts the air in front of his face. His blue eyes widen in shock for but a moment, then they grow angry again and he presses in with another slash of his own sword.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.
[Thari(#31038)]
It's getting frustrating. Shining weapons are swishing through the air, narrowly missing everyone. Somebody is going to lose an eye if this keeps up, but only if they're lucky. Thari tries to dart behind the goblin and hack at him that way, two-handed now, as if he were a tree!
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by an arm's length.
Zvyg yields some ground. You realize that some old tank of a Uruk hai is delaying your meeting with Elrond :)
Zvyg snarls at Ranol and Thari. "I thought this was the end of me, this position. Are you really dwarves""
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar and moderately wounds it!
Zvyg gets a bit of pleasure from a hit
Zvyg whirls. and can hardly keep his balance.
Ranol stabs at Zvyg, growling in anger. "Thari, get back." He shouldn't be worrying about his cousin, but he is.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his Scimitar!
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's shield-arm is struck and hangs loose now, blood reddening the edge of the shield and curving down it. "He's making cracks at my beard, Ranol!" the littler dwarf says in a thick voice, but still obeys, stepping aside a little-- and adding one more strike toward Zvyg's middle, as if it can't be resisted.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a mile.
Zvyg is incenced - how can the dwarves be so stubborn! Zvyg relays scimitar attacks on the two smarter dwarves.
Zvyg attacks you with his Scimitar!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 23 hp's by Zvyg's attack...
...you have 60 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
Zvyg takes his breath after swinging his scimitar at the trespasser Ranol.
The scimitar cuts deeply into Ranol's leather armor, and fresh blood mingles with Thari's that is still drying on the blade. The Huskarl grits his teeth and advances again, swinging down his sword again at the orc.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his shield!
Zvyg struts up to a rock-outcropping, and says, in his worst elven, "You are all unworthy maggots" - and this orc attacks a certain dwarf.
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.
[Thari(#31038)]
"My name is Thari!" cries the smaller dwarf in a fit of rage once Ranol is struck. "I am Balur's child and I am hoping to be YOUR death!" The dwarf chases after Zvyg and chops at his leg.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a mile.
Zvyg glares back at Ranol, try it again and you die..
Ranol moves around slowly to flank Zvyg again, opposite Thari. There's a grim look on his face and he stabs in again. Blood is seeping around the cut in the leather, dark and wet.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg parries your attack with his Scimitar!
[Zvyg(#3426)] "You're the worst! If I wanted to die, tonight, I'd better ask for Elrond folk!" He speaks to to Thari. "Next time, ask permission from the Balrog to allow such folk."
Zvyg glares at Ranol.
[Thari(#31038)]
"By Durin's own axe!" Thari spits. "It's like trying to hit a spider!" The axe is swung in frustration, hardly even aimed now. "SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by a long shot.
Zvyg takes a side-shot at Thari.
Zvyg says, "Dorrin is nothing in Moria""
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar, but he misses by a hair.
The orc keeps attacking Thari and that forces Ranol to continue striking at him. "We'll kick your head off the top of the pass when reach it.." He growls, growing frustrated, stabbing again.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari ducks down beneath Zvyg's blade. "Durin is Moria's king! He and his line!" The axe swings upward between the goblin's legs.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but it misses by an arm's length.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's arm is still hanging limply, blood painting lines down the shield. Teeth gritted, the smaller dwarf swings yet again.
Thari attacks Zvyg with its Axe, but Zvyg parries the attack with his Scimitar!
Ranol would be incredibly impressed with his foe if he wasn't so angry. "Do all your filthy kind hide behind shields?" He swings again, aiming a hard slash at the back of Zvyg's knee.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Zvyg dodges your attack.
Zvyg Zvyg seems to understand the irony of this fight, "I do not hate you all half as much as much as you think I deserve". Z just whips his sword out and attacks ranol, and thari/.
Zvyg attacks Thari with his Scimitar and moderately wounds it!
Zvyg grunts.. goood
"Fight -me-" Ranol demands, swinging again.
You attack Zvyg with your Short Broadsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ranol]
Your attack against Zvyg fatally wounds him!
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari is hit in the head this time, a slice on the side of the skull. Part of the scalp is lifted, the helmet flung off. The smaller dwarf falls to the ground, shield clattering, useless.
[Zvyg(#3426)] The last look Zvyg has, ere his eyes close forever, is of the Redhorn. The mountain that means Moria, to all.
Ranol watches the orc fall, his teeth clenched tightly. As soon as the creature his the dirt and grows still, the dwarf gasps in pain. He presses his hand against his chest where the blood is still soaking into his armor, but hurries over to where Thari has fallen. He calls sharply for aid from the other dwarves and stands over his fallen cousin as he looks around warily into the trees.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari rolls to knees, groaning, a hand pressed to the head. "Is it dead then?" she asks in a tight voice.
"Yes.. " Two of the clan-karls arrive and Ranol orders them to secure the area. At that point he allows himself to kneel down next to Thari. "Don't move.. Wait for them to get Eirdis." His own words are strained, and he can feel the hot blood where the deceptive curved blade of the scimitar bit more deeply than it appears.
[Thari(#31038)]
"You're hurt too," Thari says. The smaller dwarf uses the good hand to remove the shield from the other. Thari leans against Ranol's shoulder, blood pouring profusely down the left side of the face. "Where are my bandages? Ahh, in the wagon." Blood is wiped away from the eye.
You say, "Where -is- she?" Ranol asks of no one in particular, looking around worridly. He sets his sword on the ground and reaches to press his hand against the gash on Thari's head. "You're hurt more.. hold still." He insists."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari makes a small sound in the throat as Ranol's hand presses against the wound, but otherwise does not protest. "Get us into my wagon," the dwarf says in a strained voice. "There are bandages to the left from the door, just inside."
Ranol gives up on waiting for Eirdis. His own wound is still bleeding and he's worried about how bad Thari looks. He stands, grimacing, then moves his hand away from his chest and reaches to help pull the smaller dwarf up, trying to keep his palm pressed against her head. "Come on.. "
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari stands. She looks just covered in blood, with her left arm coated in it, her face, and it running down her right side and trouser leg. Her skin, where it can be seen, is losing the natural flush, starting to pale. "Just some bandages and then back to sleep," says the lass tiredly, starting to walk to the wagon.
Ranol leaves his sword.. -leaves- his sword where it lies, and instead wraps his arm around Thari's waist. "Put your arm on my shoulder, and tell me what to do.. I get the bandages, and then what?" He's beginning to feel a bit light-headed himself, but ignores the sensation as he helps her along to the wagon.
One of the clan-karls for Bundazanul returns, but instead of reporting anything he rushes off again, saying something about Braldor.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Fold them tightly against the wound," Thari says in a breathless rush, head hanging, as if she is afraid of passing out. "Press hard, and then bind them firmly. You must stop the bleeding by pressing. Sew it. Sew the skin together like cloth. I have needles. I can do my side, but I can't my leg or my head. I must do your skin."
Ranol pulls her up into the wagon, then looks around quickly for the supplies. He spots the bandages and eases her down before moving to grab them. The Huskarl drops to his knees beside her and folds one of the cloths in half before pushing it against her skull tightly. "Okay, don't move." He reaches for one of the strips of cloth and begins wrapping it around her head.
[Thari(#31038)]
The inside of Thari's wagon is solid with cupboards and drawers, a small bed at the end nearly in a cupboard itself. She leans against a drawer as he presses the bandage against her skull, though he must be nearly as bad if not worse than her. Her eyes fall shut, the one on the left gluing shut with blood, and after a moment, her posture unlinks. She lies limply against the side of her wagon, clearly unconcious, but still bleeding shallowly.
Ranol realizes rather quickly how out of his league he is. He takes only a moment to make his decision, then grabs a thick handful from the stack of bandaging and shoves it tightly under his leather armor, wedging it in to staunch his own wound. The huskarl stands and leaves, moving as quickly as he can to track down Eirdis.
[Thari(#31038)]
Dawn finds more than just these two dwarves injured. It seems there were more skirmishes in the Pass. Ranol goes searching for Eirdis, Thari breathes shallowly in her wagon, and in the middle distance, Frarin is frantically looking for something among the bloodied boulders.
Players: Thari, Mobeorn, Ranol, Zvyg
