Of Death and Betrayal
Old Forest Road
The ancient road through Mirkwood continues to weave and turn its path across the forest. The road is rutted, and snow-covered but still traceable looking. Around you, the winter wood is totally brown and dead from the cold.
The road continues east and west, its deep ruts thick with footprints, tracks, and an occasional bleached bone. Even this dim light is uncomfortable to your sensitive eyes.
The snow falls steadily down. It is almost knee high and very difficult to navigate through.
Contents:
Thári
Shrag'kai
Bifur
Imladech
Thranduil
Uruk Camp
[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Mid Morning on Hevensday, Day 8 of December.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 18:27:28 MDT on Wed Jan 13 2010.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
Snow flakes squeeze through the canopy above the Old Forest Road, drifting softly towards the already snow covered earth. A light wind whistles through the trees and sends gusts of white powder up to catch just the right light and shimmer as they make their way back down. The snow covered path might be beautiful. It could be majestic. However here it is not. Here on the path the pure white is mixed with black. The snow has been trampled and the clean visage tainted by the presence of evil. Hordes of orcs are gathered here. The actual number is hard to muster as they seem spread out. Some carrying large packs, while others pull wagons. Many however just walk with solid black leather whips hanging loosely in their hands. The occasional 'CRACK' resonates through the forest as it is likely followed by the wailing cry of it's target. Here the Camp of Mordor moves. Feet plow through the snow and are pushed on by orders barked through the ranks. It is slow, but the horde is moving.
The path seems long, as the Uruk caravan is spread far out. Stragglers can bee seen still in the woods to the south in the far distance. Only a hundred or so heads have made it to the snow covered road. Amongst them the black robes of Shrag'kai can be seen walking slowly behind his white clad apprentices. The Elder Shaman carries in his hand nothing but his staff that occasional draws back his dark cover to unveil a ornate axe hanging from his side. No, the Lata-Mogburzuul are doing his grunt work and carrying the equipment from his tent. His dark eyes watch them thoughtfully as he trails along. "Mind that box! One spill and I'll feed you to the wargs!" His voice booms out and carries even further than normal over this snow laden path.
[Combat(#13388)] Shrag'kai puts on Metal Helmet.
[Combat(#13388)] Shrag'kai clasps on a dark looking chainmail.
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
'Thud, thud', the heavy sounds of many iron-shod feet rumbles through the undergrowth as the Mordain orcs make their way forward, and the noise of their coming is masked only by the thick canopy overhead.
With snow nearing well nigh his ankles, Bagaglok trudges on in the midst of the horde, and the red of his cloak adds yet another stain to mar the beauty of the winter blanket upon the ground. The small goblin marches not far behind the forms of the white-garbed shaman apprentices, and though Bagaglok's feet are bare, the cold does not seem to bother him indeed his gaze seems distant, occupied perhaps with a state of mind that lets him ignore the bite of the bitter snow.
[Thári(#31038)]
From the east come more marching steps but no whipping. The dwarves and some men are moving along the forest road, stout feet and armor jingling. The sound comes closer now, and if anyone is looking toward the east, they would see short figures with beards. A white one is among them. Is that Dain himself?
Thari is not in the front, but the healer isn't very far back either. Head down, shield up, she marches.
[Imladech(#30819)]
Among the marching dwarves a few men tower, and one man stands taller than the rest. Tall with raven hair, Imladech marches steadily with grey eyes which roam between studying the army around him and the dark depths of Mirkwood stretching on before him. A small and battered shield is fixed to one hand, a simple but well-cared for hammer rests in the other with easy grace. Absentmindedly the hand of the buckler arm plays with a silver chain about the human's neck.
[Bifur(#6709)] At the front of the dwarven lot is Bifur. He stands a head shorter than most, but there is no mistaking his demeanor. He is in his element, garbed in mail and holding a huge axe in his right hand as he trudges along through the freshly fallen snow. Though the white powder piles up, it parts at Bifur's coming like an enemy force fleeing from his boots. Though he is neither quiet nor stealthy, he is clearly prepared for the business of war.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The wind swirls around the dark figure of Shrag'kai, his robes rustling to the sudden breeze. He motions are almost fluid as he glides through the snow. Then... he stops. His pointed ears perk and he red eyes shoot up before him. His arms shoots out to block Bagaglok in mid stride. "Skai! I feel, Malkog... That blood shall flow on this bitter cold day..." The elder Shaman raises his hand to shield his eyes from the blinding white snow to get a better view of the path before them. "They look like pigs with beards... Must be dwarves!" his voice carries over the snow laden road...
Shrag'kai tosses his walking staff at his apprentice, striking one in the back and causing him to tumble forward into the snow, spilling the contents of the crate he had been holding tightly before him. "Ready yourself!" Reaching beneath his dark robe, he quickly unstraps the hilt of his axe and brings it before him. The dark chainmail gleams under upon his chest as it's briefly exposed. "I have not traveled the dark woods depths without the ability to defend myself!"
Others seem to have noticed the approaching force as well as packs are thrown to the snow, and weapons are drawn forth. Wagons are overturned and supplies are spilled onto the cold path. Suddenly from the rear of the party the sound of drums are heard. A warning has been sent through the hordes. The bass of each hit seems to shake the very trees themselves.
The Mordain war machine grinds to a start. Chain and steel clammer to the music of war. A sweet song to the ears of the Orcish lines!
[Bifur(#6709)] In the center of the dwarven force, Bifur remains silent, though a glance to his right seems to tell everything. The dwarf immediately to his right begins to relay word through the host. A metallic clinking sounds as weapons are unsheathed and made ready. Even as their weapons come out, the relentless onslaught of their march continues through the snow. Never tiring. Never slowing.
[Imladech(#30819)]
Even as the sounds of battle ring in the crisp winter air - drums beat, horns rally, yells assault the air - a wieght seems to fall on Imladech's shoulders so that he stumbles and slows. His hammer is brought to bear but indecision shrieks through his granite eyes. A dwarf bumps into the back of him, and a few strange glances fly his way, but the human stops mid-march unheeding. His mind elsewhere, his hand playing restlessly with his necklace.
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari looks up, then passes a few lines, moving closer to Imladech as the man stops. "You're going to turn around now?" asks the healer deep-voiced beneath the drums.
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
The Elder's arm catches the Pledged in the chest, and as he is halted Bagaglok blinks once, thoughts returning to the gloom of the world encompassing them. "Dwarves?" He hisses under his breath, yellow eyes narrowing to peer ahead. "Pigs with beards, you say...well, then let us stick them for the fire."
The orc pauses to fix an old tattered shield to his arm, while the other flashes down to withdraw a rusty scimitar from beneath his robes. Perking an ear, Bagaglok waits, regard still frozen ahead toward the appraoching dwarves and humans. "Garn!" he growls, casting a dark look to the blinding snow. "I cannot see for beans...how many are there?" His eyes flicker back to Shrag'kai.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The Elder Shaman grunts as he eyes the approaching force. "Enough... young breath, to make this an interesting day..." He pushes forward and passes his fallen apprentice. Soon he comes to the front of the slowed Orcish horde, "Be ready. Prove to the shadows that this is the army of the Eye! Praise him and let his might drive your blade into the harts of those who would stand before him and not bow!" The Elder Uruk barks at the front lines. Pulling his ornate axe up, he rests it over his shoulder. His voice booms almost unnaturally as he call towards the approaching line...
"Fools! Fools! Who challenges the lines of the great Eye! Who dares stand in our path! Run now or perish in His flame!"
[Imladech(#30819)]
Stirred to the present by Thari's familiar voice, Imladech gives the dwarf a mournful smile, "Do not fear any lack of courage, my friend." And just as suddenly his demeanour is proud and high and stern. Like his forefathers, before they sank beneath the waves. And he replies, "Other questions plague my mind, but I have little choice. Eru is cruel." And the storm in his eyes grows dark as battle closes.
[Bifur(#6709)] From the front of the dwarven formation, Bifur brings his helm onto his head and smacks it in place heartily. With little more than a grunt and a gesture with his left hand, the dwarves around him tighten up the formation in preparation for action. Pointedly ignoring the orcish shaman's voice, Bifur turns and asks a white bearded figure, "My lord... the host is before us. Now is the time."
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
Bagaglok moves forward, manuevering his way to the front of the drumming horde now that his view is not hindered by the taller uruks, the Malkog's ears flatten back, and his fanged mouth turns into a snarl. "I bow to One alone, and it is not some wretched tark or gazat filth!" He nods as the Master Shaman states his challenge, and he quiets, watching their coming enemy with a gaze of pure malice and hatred.
[Thári(#31038)]
The white bearded figure nods to Bifur, raises his weapon, then bellows, "Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-Menu!" and waves the army forward.
Thari, further back, looks forward at this cry. "The come!" she says to Imladech as she starts to jog forward with the rest of the dwarves. "Move swiftly and be cruel in return!"
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The orcish forces surge as the Shamans voice booms over their stirring. The snow begins falling more steadily, but it goes unnoticed here. The gray sky is barely visible through the white canopy. Shrag'kai raises his axe above his head, they red symbol of the lidless Eye is carved and painted into the steel. It hovers now before the pulsing line of Orcish rage, "Fight and die for the Eye!"
The lines break and the clean snow between the two armies is short lived. Ugly feet pound pure snow as the distance between the two is quickly devoured by the Eyes forces. War is upon them.
[Imladech(#30819)]
Resolution sets in the human's eyes and he meets the pace of the dwarves once again, hammer held ready for battle. Imladech utters no war cry, each step carrying him steadily closer to the oncoming horde.
[Bifur(#6709)] On the order of the white bearded figure, the mass of dwarves lurches forward, a clamor of weapons and battle cries preceding their advance. One would scarcely believe such a deafening noise could come from such small folk.
But on each face is etched the determination of a warrior culture. At the lead, Bifur picks up his pace steadily, gripping his axe in front of himself with both hands, not even bothering to check the dwarves on either side. He knows with certainty they will be with him. They move forward with a single purpose. Smash their enemies.
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
The fury of the drums quickens to a thundering clamor, and likewise the charging orcish feet tears snow and ground asunder as they rush forward, bloodlust in their awful eyes. Among them slips the scarlet-robed shaman, head peering, grip tightening so that his knuckles mirror the white of the snow as the fingers clasp against the cold hilt of his blade.
Closer and closer the uruks come, their pace not wavering as the distance dwindles. Swords, shields, and whips alike are brandished.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The Elder shaman moves quickly for his age. His axe is drawn from the air and now bounces before him with each stride. Clouds of snow are tossed up as his leather clad feet push through the white mess. He quickly makes it to the front of the charging line, his axe ready for the first victim. His red eyes seem to glow in the white background of falling flakes. "Bow before the army of the one true God!"
The hordes are upon them. The clash of war fills the once quiet forest with ear shattering screams of battle!
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari is smaller than the others, barely taller than Bifur, but she gives a scream as she runs forward, faster, passing the lines of dwarves, coming to the front. As the healer's bellow lifts higher, she breaks through the others and it is her little axe that swings first, at the Elder shaman's knee.
Thari attacks Shrag'kai with her Axe, but she misses by a handspan.
[Imladech(#30819)]
Stern concentration marks the human's face now. He is not in the first lines so a few fleeting seconds give him time to assess before he hits the wall of metal and flesh. Imladech strikes out, his hammer finding no target even among the mass of uruk. Then his gaze falls on Bagaglock, and recognition sparks.
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
Chaos overwhelms the scene, and the younger Shaman pushes against the storm of flailing weapons and arms, but the lines are so confused as to make most movement difficult. Instead, Bagaglok lets the tide bear him whither it will, and at last he finds a small gap in the sea of goblins, dwarves, and men. He takes a moment to scan the proceedings, but then a hiss comes as he espies a familiar face... "You again?" is all he says, turned now to face the tall figure of Imladech. He frowns, but an odd look enters his yellow eyes as the orc inches forward toward the other. "Did you not learn the last time? Come then, and I shall teach you better."
Bagaglok springs suddenly, uplifting snow as his clawed feet shove it aside. The dark blade of the scimitar cuts the chill air as it seeks Imladech's upper leg.
You feign an attack against Imladech with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Imladech dodges your attack.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The Goth-Sharkuun charges forward, passing his Orcish line. As battle begins all around him, his eyes catch the axe blade of Thari as his crashes towards him. In a quick push, he leaps forward, allowing the dwarven blade to pass safely under his leg, his black robe grazing the shaft. "Skai!" His harsh voice releases more of a grunt as his muscles combine and contorts as he pulls his axe around before him. There is a SWOOSH as the heavy ornate blade comes crashing down towards Tharis shoulder.
Shrag'kai attacks Thari with his Battle Axe and badly wounds her!
[Bifur(#6709)] As the battle unfolds, Bifur finds himself fending off passing attacks from random orcish weapons, but none that really threaten him. Knocking aside several blows with disdain, his eyes lock on an orc assaulting Thari. As Thari attempts to repel the furious assault, Bifur lunges forward, aiming a hurried and rather defensive swing at Shrag'kai's exposed weapon arm.
Bifur attacks Shrag'kai with his Battle Axe and badly wounds him!
[Imladech(#30819)]
Imladech locks eyes with the shaman, and the odd look in Bagaglok's eyes is mirrored in his own tumultous gaze. "Where else could I be, filth." And in that word there is genuine distaste. "Must I not do the will of the one who sends me?" And suddenly he dodges the scimitar with well-practised grace, and his own hammer strikes out with a very carefully directed force.
Imladech attacks you with his War Hammer!...
...and he misses!
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
"Hmph, then let's see you carry that will out," snorts Bagaglok in reply, sneering slightly, but saying nothing more. He twists to the side, red cloth whirling in his wake as he steps aside the human's strike. With the shield hand he fiddles with something hidden in his robes. But then the orc smiles, a hideous mouthful of jagged teeth, and brings the scimitar's blade chopping out at a particular angle.
You feign an attack against Imladech with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Imladech dodges your attack.
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari skids forward from her run, from her missed swing at Shrag'kai, and she brings up her shield too late. The orc's blade falls behind, scrapes along armor and then buries in her elbow. She rolls to the ground, crying out in pain, beneath Bifur's axe.
[Imladech(#30819)]
"As you say..." Replies Imladech, and even as Bagaglok fiddles with something in his robes Imladech searches the battlefield, keeping his bearings. Then, fluidly, he slides back into the fight. Ducking low to avoid the scimitar and bringing his hammer around in a wide arc roughly towards the shaman's chest.
Imladech attacks you with his War Hammer!...
...and he misses!
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
'How about a cheerful song to accompany your dance?' laughs the Malkog, and his yellow eyes glow all the brighter as he begins a dreadful tune:
Beware: awoken is His ire
Cower 'neath the Eye's wrath and fire!
Splinter and writhe, shrivel and wither.
Taste steel as cold as stone,
As flames consume both flesh and bone.
Burn, burn, they devour all.
Nasty enemy-heads will fall!
In rhythm to the cackling chants of 'burn, burn,' Bagaglok produces from his robes a tiny vial, in which appears to be some sort of smoke-like substance. But the tool is not poison this time...quickly the small orc uncorks it, and empties the contents into his mouth. The bottle is cast aside, and the claw drops into the cloth once more to reemerge in a tight fist. Swiping his hand out, he opens it and a veil of sparkling dust hovers in the air between himself and Imladech...but then Bagaglok raises his head and breathes into the floating particles-and the trail alights in fire! 'Smite me through the flames, if your eyes can withstand it!' laughs the Shaman, his own gaze now averted from the painful brightness.
But suddenly, his features turn stern, stony almost, and he calls to his opponent so that his words are heard over the crackling flames only by Imladech. "Look upon His fire, and be strengthened of the One's power! Now, no more games--fulfill your purpose under the Black Captain!" Bagaglok waits for a moment, letting the fire dance. But then the Shaman snaps his fingers and the orange veil withers into naught. Only the orc's knowing grin can be seen in their place.
[+LIGHT:#30819] Imladech lights torches.
[Thári(#31038)]
The day grows dark, clouds dark over the muddy snow, and dwarves squint, barely escape blows or are struck in some cases. Fire billows near Imladech but a spark grows elsewhere, a torch is lit. More torches are held up as flame is passed from tip to tip.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The Elder Shamans sturdy hit into the flesh of Thari lights his face up. Bloodlust seems to surge through his orcish features and causes him to pay little attention to the fast approach of Bifur. The red snow below him is suddenly black as Orcish blood soon covers him. The dwarven blade of the Khazad catches Shrag'kais arm and tears through his robes and reaches bone. His knee drives into the ground as the skin and muscle that once was attached to his arm lands beside him. Yellow teeth are revealed as his black lips pull back as if to speak.. But only a shrill yell comes out. "Sorry excuse for a pigs wife!" The Master Shamans spits towards mithril clad Bifur. Now having to use other hand to drive the force of his blade, he twists his body and make an upward swing trying to cleave at the Dwarfs beard and neck!
Shrag'kai attacks Bifur with his Battle Axe and lightly wounds him!
[Imladech(#30819)]
Now the moment comes. Now doom's hammer falls. Bagaglok's heavy words boom over the battlefield and Imladech moves as though through thickened air. His muscles follow one master but a tiny part of his will still screams defiance. A lone tear snakes down his proud face, falling to the sullied snow and the clear melodies of the Eldar tongue escape his lips as he whispers, "Eru forgive me. And grant me death!"
And then Imladech, the Fallen, turns dark and fey. And out strikes his war hammer like a smith's blow - yet not at uruk - Imladech hunts for Dwarven blood!
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari drops her axe to the ground in her fist to push herself up and glowers at Shrag'kai. She is backing away and yet she makes a quick swipe at his thigh while doing so, while trying to get back toward the dwarven ranks.
Thari attacks Shrag'kai with her Axe, but she misses by a handspan.
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
And Bagaglok's wicked grin broadens even more as he watches the Man succumb to the dark grasp that still holds sway over his mind after all this time. Very pleased indeed at the turn of events, the uruk laughs openly again, ere fading backward into the fray like a fell shadow arrayed in scarlet.
"I am here, Elder," his voice reassures Shrag'kai, as the Pledged creeps through the disordered mess of fighters to stand at the Goth's side. Brushing past the older orc, Bagaglok steps forward a little, yellow glare fixed on the dwarven healer now. "Go back to your reclaimed town, gazat fool!" the creature spits. "There is a change upon the wind now, and it cannot be undone...is your ilk as dim-witted to trust all you meet?" The Shaman does not elaborate further, instead letting the scimitar fly for Thari's left arm.
You attack Thari with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Thari dodges your attack.
[Bifur(#6709)] As his blade strikes home, Bifur makes the mistake of overestimating his strike. Though it seriously wounds his foe, the orcish blade flashes quickly toward the old war marshal's neck! With an almost desperate movement, Bifur's axe deflects the blade into his shoulder. Fortunately the mithril holds, though it'll certainly leave a mark underneath. As he staggers back, Bifur thinks better of pressing a poor position, chosing rather to recover his defenses.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
Surely the Elder Shaman would approve of the actions of Bagaglok... However they go unseen for his squinted eyes are locked on the one they call Bifur. It is by luck alone that he pushes himself away just in time for Tharis blade to find only air instead of crashing into the square of his back. A thin stream of black blood escapes the corner of the Master Shamans mouth. "Ya know..." His voice is obviously filled with pain, "Yur about ugly enough ta be on our side..." The element of surprise is ruined due to the fact that Shrag'kai is forced to really use his momentum to bring his axe forth and he makes a wide swing at the short foes right leg.
Shrag'kai attacks Bifur with his Battle Axe, but Bifur parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
[Bifur(#6709)] With a harsh grunt, Bifur brings his axe in a downward arc, smacking the shaman's blade aside with tremendous force. The blow causes Bifur to take a split second to recover his footing in the now bloodstained snow. But that moment gives the old dwarf the steadiness to put all his considerable might into a high arcing swing aiming for Shrag'kai's right side!
Bifur attacks Shrag'kai with his Battle Axe and badly wounds him!
[Imladech(#30819)]
Confusion and chaos trail behind Imladech like a wave suddenly leaping over its boundaries as he turns against those he once fought beside. And surely somewhere the Dark One revels in it all. His hammer lays about left and right, carving a path indescriminately. But fate is crueler still and Imladech finds himself drawing nigh to Thari.
"Join me, friend." He says, withholding his hammer for a moment. But the turmoil is gone from his eyes and his expression is set with startling resolution.
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari backs further away from Shrag'kai and starts, turning toward the taller form of Imladech. Her shield-arm is tucked close to her body. "Where?" The healer's hand tightens on her axe. "What are you doing?"
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The Elder Shaman seems to have somewhat recovered from the first blow, however much blood has been lost and he has a bit a glazed look to him now... perhaps crazed. "Oooo! Pig Queen! May I taste your grog??" Bifurs blow hits hard, but Shrag'kai quickly moves the hilt of his axe around to absorb some of the weight, yet the ring of his chain can still be heard as he is pushed back. "ARGH! Yur got a sting there!" He hisses now, eyes moving wildly between the old dwarf and his axe. While dragging one foot around, Shrag'kai leaps up, and uses his shoulder to push his weapon around him and give it momentum as it flies towards the Khazads right shoulder.
Shrag'kai attacks Bifur with his Battle Axe and moderately wounds him!
[Imladech(#30819)]
Imladech offers a tainted smile. But like all his movements and all his speech it is as though it is not quite his own. It forms a little too awkwardly, his words come a little too slow. "The Eye grows in power, he rewards his servants. I--" He falters, "I do his will. But," Now the human's voice grows grimmer, "Somehow I fear there is little mercy for you and your ilk -- fly now, for perhaps I owe you that or meet your death here!"
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
As Imladech draws closer, Bagaglok backs away, leaving him to deal with the smaller dwarf. However, a sneer comes as the Man speaks. "Weakling!" he hisses disdainfully. "You offer mercy? They deserve none. The servants of the Eye kill all who stand in His path...falter not, human, lest the One's displeasure be roused."
But something more catches his stare then, and Bagaglok shifts his attention to the struggle close at hand, between Shrag'kai and Bifur. The younger Shaman growls something indiscernable, ere he moves backward, flashing his weapon toward the dwarf's face. But his eyes flicker back to look at Imladech, and the blow is ill aimed.
You attack Bifur with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Bifur dodges your attack.
[Bifur(#6709)] Leaving little to defense, Bifur's eyes show a hint of glee as his axe bites hard into the orc. But again, he overestimates. The axe of the shaman hits hard into Bifur's shoulder causing him to grunt in pain. Though his mail continues to hold, it does little to cushion the blow from such a weapon. Nonetheless, he growls at the orc, "Yer time is up, foul creature!" With that, he brings his axe in an uppercut towards the elder shaman. Though he does not see Bagaglok's swing coming, it is through sheer luck that he avoids the blow. For all his efforts are focused on Shrag'kai.
Bifur attacks Shrag'kai with his Battle Axe, but he misses by a mile.
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari twitches away from Bagaglok, wounded arm hunched close to her body, and looks flinchingly at the orc, and then up at Imladech. "What, friend? We are winning this war! The goblins have learned to fear the dwarves! Gain heart!"
[Imladech(#30819)]
"Heart?" Asks Imladech strangely, "I lost that many years ago. Since then I have sought death. Until I met one worse than death. Now I serve him." And, with Bagaglok's words driving him on, the once-proud Dunadan hefts his hammer high above the dwarf who once trusted him and swings it down in a hard strike at the half-sized healer.
Imladech attacks Thari with his War Hammer and moderately wounds her!
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The, no crazed, Elder Shaman dances around the sturdy dwarf, his wild red eyes peering eerily at him with sheer despise. A quick step to the left allows him to avoid the falling axe. "Too slow! Too Slow! Too Slow!" He chants in a child like tone. Blood continues to run down his side as he tries to side step Bifur and makes a wild swing towards his back.
Shrag'kai attacks Bifur with his Battle Axe and lightly wounds him!
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari's eyes go wide as the hammer falls and she steps aside, but not soon enough. It crashes into her chainmail and slides down her shoulder. "You will die for this!" she shouts, suddenly enraged, and her small axe seeks to cleave his leg from his hip.
Thari attacks Imladech with her Axe and moderately wounds him!
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
But even as his strike misses, the Malkog pauses, and he seems to be torn for an instance, head turning first from Bifur, to Thari and her corrupted attacker, and back again. A low growl parts his lips, as Bagaglok stands for a moment in mid-decision, the scimitar now poised motionless in the air above.
At last, he seems to have come to a choice, and the small orc twists back around. The advantage of surprise that has come of Imladech's move is too good to resist, and it is in that direction he sticks himself Shrag'kai and his dueler are close enough that he may change targets if need be. "Trust, trust!" the Shaman almost shouts. "Do you still trust your friend now?" And with that he swipes the blackened blade out again for Thari's shield-bearing arm.
You attack Thari with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Thari parries your attack with her Axe!
[Bifur(#6709)] Thrown a bit off balance by his errant swing, Bifur recognizes the elder shaman's gambit a bit too slowly. He tries desperately to spin his body around to avoid the blow, but the axe does glance off Bifur's shoulder. A grunt and a grimace show that though the blow may not have been solid, it hurt nonetheless. Fury starting to build in his eyes, Bifur charges straight at Shrag'kai looking to impale him with the spike atop his axe!
Bifur attacks Shrag'kai with his Battle Axe and badly wounds him!
[Imladech(#30819)]
Now the light is snuffed, now innocence is lost. Surely now hope is gone if ever there was hope. Imladech stares at the blood on his hammer, momentarily frozen. Moments too long. Thari's axe bites hungrily into his side, carving leather armour and stealing into his flesh and the former Knight laughs. "Die? With pleasure, fool!" And his hammer drives through the air again, falling heavily towards Thari.
Imladech attacks Thari with his War Hammer and mildly wounds her!
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
After the elder shamans blow glances off Bifurs shoulder, he finds himself a bit off balance. Luckily he has a moment to catch himself as the angry dwarf turns to charge. Not much time now does Shrag'kai have, and this is quickly found out the hard way.. Though he steps away from being impaled by pushing with his axe, three of the fingers on his right hand catch the point of the spike. With a backwards spray of black blood, said fingers now find themselves buried in blood soaked snow... The Uruk breaths heavily through his yellow teeth, trying not to scream as his axe is covered in his own blood.
A bit more careful this time, the Master Shaman makes a forward push with the blade of his axe right towards the face of Bifur, perhaps trying to 'leave his mark'
Shrag'kai attacks Bifur with his Battle Axe, but he misses by a mile.
[Bifur(#6709)] The old war marshal gives a toothy grin even as he twists away from Shrag'kai's blade, allowing it to pass harmlessly to his left. Circling around the orc to the right, Bifur taunts the orc in a low, gravelly voice, "Do you fear death?" With a wry grin, he drops down low and brings his axe along in a vicious arc aiming at the orc's legs!
Bifur attacks Shrag'kai with his Battle Axe, but Shrag'kai parries the attack with his Battle Axe!
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari jerks her head to the side, warned by Bagaglok's shout, and up comes her axe, blocking the shaman's blade. "You've been tal--" ding! goes Imladech's hammer against her helmet, but weakly, it seems. "-- talking with these beasts?" she says to him. "You idiot!" she steps forward with her left foot, drawing back her weapon, and drives the blade toward Bagaglok's belly despite how she speaks to Imladech.
Thari attacks you with her Axe!...
...and she hits! Ouch!
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The Shamans careful blow was too slow to catch the war marshal, but it did give Shrag'kai the better stance to defend Bifurs return attack and be ready. Bringing his blood soaked axe before him, a quick side step to the left and a twist of his blade deflects the oncoming axe. "Death? Noooooooooooo" His words hiss out of his mouth, "Like a rock, I feel. Like a rock, I live..." He tries to circle Bifur, "And like a mighty rock I strike!" He twists his beaten body around and swings his axe with the blade towards the dwarven hip.
Shrag'kai attacks Bifur with his Battle Axe and mildly wounds him!
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
"It has become more than talking," says Bagaglok, smiling mockingly again. "Surely you can see that now, even though you failed to spot his disloyalty--" The goblin coughs suddenly, as the axe-head connects with his midsection, tearing cloth but halting as it glances off a vest of ring mail concealed beneath the muddied robes. "Skai!" he spits into the snow, even as he sends his blade to smite the healer's legs. "Finish it now, tark!" he speeds a new glare Imladech's way as the orcish scimitar plunges.
You attack Thari with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Thari dodges your attack.
[Imladech(#30819)]
"Indeed." Imladech replies simply, but behind that one word is a story long and dark and patched with little hope. The fallen Dunadan watches the fight closely, listening darkly to the Malkog's words. Then he darts in with practised steps even as Thari strikes for Bagaglok. His hammer raises high and comes down on an angle, swinging swiftly towards Thari.
Imladech attacks Thari with his War Hammer and moderately wounds her!
[Bifur(#6709)] Though his axe does not find its mark, Bifur smiles as the orcish blade comes toward him. The two weapons meet with a mighty *CLANG*! The force of the blow is such that Bifur shakes his arms from the sting. Rather than doing any significant injury, this seems to just aggravate the old dwarf. With a barbaric look in his eyes, Bifur lets out a fierce, "YARRRRRGH!" as his axe comes flying out of nowhere over his shoulder seeking to bury itself in Shrag'kai's chest!
Bifur attacks Shrag'kai with his Battle Axe, but he misses by an arm's length.
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari steps away from Bagaglok again, right into Imladech's hammer, which cracks her back and skims away. "You were one of us," she says to the man, but her side is turned dark with her own red blood and she tries to dart back eastward.
[Combat(#13388)]
Thari tries to flee from Bagaglok, but she fails!
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
The red-garbed Shaman laughs at the scene in front of him, and his grin is only disturbed by a black tongue that licks his lips. "For the Eye, you will die," he points on claw toward Thari, as the orc moves sideways to prevent her escape. "The snow is stained red, and your pitiful life is fleet! Sweet, sweet--we shall find out if your blood is sweet!" Between the cackling, Bagaglok paces forward again, swinging his weapon for the right flank of the dwarf.
You attack Thari with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Your attack against Thari moderately wounds her!
[Imladech(#30819)]
The battle shifts slighty. An orc falls and a dwarf takes its place, charging between Thari and Imladech. The human is driven back by the dwarven fury, and finds himself in another part of the battle. The day wears on, and Imladech fights on in his dark treachery.
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
The loud clash seems to shake the Shaman as well. The axes meet and Shrag'kai pushes himself back. Back far enough, it would seem, for him to twist just enough and watch as the Dwarven blade passes just before him. The injured Uruk snorts, "You fight like an elf!" He quickly follows by spitting a glob of blood filled mucus at the ground near Bifurs feet. Then, with a flick of his bloodied hands he twists the blade of his weapon upwards "Eat my axe!" The Elder growls as he tries to pull and drive his own blade upwards in an attempt to catch Bifur in the face if he looks down.
Shrag'kai attacks Bifur with his Battle Axe and mildly wounds him!
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari's head bows for a moment as another dwarf comes between her and the tall human. It swings up as a blade crashes into her jangling armor. Grey eyes slip up at Bagaglok but the battered healer says nothing and tries to dart away again.
[Combat(#13388)]
Thari tries to flee from Bagaglok, but she fails!
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
Caught up in his own mutterings still, Bagaglok watches his potential prey with a sick excitement as his scimitar strikes true at last. But then, the other dwarf pushes close, separating the mannish aid from his side. The Pledged's weapon stops in its motions, and the uruk stares disappointedly as Imladech is carried away into the raging battle. It is not a long pause, but perhaps enough for Thari to make a new try for evasion.
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
You forego your chance to attack.
[Bifur(#6709)] As the orcish blade comes upward, Bifur twists away awkwardly, catching just a bit of the blow on his chest. But the impact is minimal -- really more of a surprise than anything else. Starting to grow impatient with this, Bifur eyes the orc as he circles to his left, "Death comes for you now!" Bifur's axe flashes quickly in an overhand swing aimed at the orc's neck!
Bifur attacks Shrag'kai with his Battle Axe and fatally wounds him!
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari ducks to miss the swinging blade of another goblin and ends up closer to Bagaglok again, but she turns in the next motion. It wrenches her arm-- blood drips into the snow and she whimpers, but tries to move past the enemy, away from Bagaglok.
[Combat(#13388)]
Thari tries to flee from Bagaglok, but she fails!
[Shrag'kai(#28755)] The crazed Elder Shaman eyes the Dwarf as his strike holds true. A cruel smile spreads his black lips. Though no celebration just yet as the fast return blow from Bifur catches him off guard. The sound of metal snapping and flesh tearing is sickening. The Shaman hits the ground, now his entire front spewing forth blood. His muffled yells just merge with those of the fallen around him. Time seems to speed up as his primal instinct to run sets in. The beaten and bloody form kicks and moves his feet, trying to make a swift exit to the west where the Dwarven foe will not follow.
[Combat(#13388)]
Shrag'kai tries to flee from Bifur, but he fails!
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
"You cannot flee yet!" grins Bagaglok again, his attention now reverted to the healer. "First I want to skewer the pig...and roast you later," he frowns in feign consideration. "But I am afraid the beard will have to go I do not want to get hair stuck in my teeth." The creature goes to swing again, but the newly arrived dwarf sends an axe-end toward his feet, and the Shaman trips, a string of foul curses following him as he falls.
[Thári(#31038)]
Thari's eyes flash back at Bagaglok as she swerves away from his blade. "You will not! touch! the beard!" the dwarf bellows a moment before squirming between the backs of two other dwarves and disappearing into the sea of bodies.
[Bifur(#6709)] The old war marshal's blade bites deeply into his foe, eliciting a satisfied grunt from Bifur. Yanking his axe quickly back to let the blood flow freely, Bifur moves to block Shrag'kai's escape with a sneer, "Perhaps I ain't been clear. You will not live ta see tomorrow." His axe comes around again in a wide arc aimed directly at the center of the orc's chest!
Shrag'kai collapses to the ground, defeated by Bifur!
[Combat(#13388)] Shrag'kai's weapon "Strange Looking Axe" falls to the ground...
[Shrag'kai(#28755)]
Many moons traveling under the nights shadows, seeking the path and the One. Years of study this Elder Shaman of Pulgor has spent to better serve his lord Sauron. Few have reached his level within the ranks of the Shamans. Yet all of the study, all of the hard work and dedication have come to this. A broken and beaten Orc, laying face up in a wet pile of black snow....
The Final Blow...
The war marshals axe does not miss its stationary target. The sound of ribs cracking echoes throughout the dieing battlefield. Black blood sprays up many yards into the air as his orcish heart beats its last beat. Red eyes roll back, their wisdom fading. He reaches up his right hand to grasp at the hilt of Bifurs axe, only his index finger and thumb remain however. It smells of rotten fish.
There is a gurgle from his throat as this Elder amongst the wise opens his jaw to speak. His last words as he fades into darkness forever.. Perhaps they should be written down, for this is one Orc who would have plans for his journey past death... His words are faint... just a horse whisper... "Not... ... bad ... for ... an ... .. Elf.." His body falls limp, his hand drops back. And thus ends the life of Shrag'kai, Goth-Sharkuun of Pulgor.
[Bifur(#6709)] Seeing his opponent fall in a gurgle of blood, Bifur lets out a victorious cry and holds his axe above his head, barking out in a harsh voice, "Onward dwarves! We have them!" With that, he wades into the fray again, axe swinging mercilessly to cleave a path before him.
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
The Malkog pushes himself roughly to his feet, and he whirls around to swipe a sharp claw toward the interferring dwarf. But by the time he was done this, and the new attacker deterred back, Bagaglok's target is long gone. There is no minute for him to hiss in annoyance, however, for several sickening sounds make him turn the other way and he spies the deadly blow dealt by the war marshal.
A shout comes, and then it turns into an angry roar. There is a heartbeat's length of a hesitation, ere the second Shaman rushes toward the nearby spot where Shrag'kai and Bifur fight, just as the dwarf's hit fulfills its wielder's intention. "May the Lidless Eye embrace his soul, and welcome another of His faithful into his justly earned union..." breathes Bagaglok, stooping for a moment over the fallen Elder. He moves his hand down and then up to his lips in a token of repsect...but then wrath contorts his features once more, and he rises.
"Sha!" he spits toward the victiorious Bifur. "You will die for that! Curse in vain!" The anger is mixed now with a sort of religious zeal and he is devoid of feeling. The Shaman's eyes glow, wild and hungry, in the absence of fear. Even as Bifur begins to move away, Bagaglok rushes forward, blindly cutting toward the other's retreating form with his scimitar.
You attack Bifur with your Scimitar...
[Combat(#13388)->Bagaglok]
Bifur dodges your attack.
[Bifur(#6709)] The old war marshal easily avoids Bagaglok's attempted revenge. Disdainfully, he snarls at the orc, "You may meet the same fate, insignificant gnat. But not today. Go and tell your masters that they hold no dominion over this road. Begone before I change my mind."
[Bagaglok(#24847)]
The orc opens his mouth to protest, but halts, perhaps thinking better of it. Panting and still trembling from his fury, Bagaglok draws back a little, a dark glower all that is his response. But looking around, it is becoming obvious that this fight is not in their favor--there are far too many dwarves than uruks now, and it appears that the snow is adorned with more black than red blood.
A call springs up, and horns flare the sound for retreat. The drums have long since ceased their beating, and now the pounding of the Mordain feet is the only thing that fills their void. Like a panicked swarm of ants the beasts scatter toward the rear, heading back into the southwest from which they came. Many they trample in their haste, and they do not look back.
But one body is not to be neglected this day, and as the Malkog paces away from the threat of the foe, he stops nigh the mangled side of the Elder Shaman. "Help me bear him back," he snaps toward a few of the nearby orcs, some of which are garbed in white--the former Shrag'kai's apprentices. As quickly as they can, the group lifts the lifeless form, hurrying off into the undergrowth as fast as they can manage in the snow. The fight is over...for now.
[Bifur(#6709)] As the orcs start to retreat, leaving a trail of black blood, Bifur pauses to survey the field. Nodding in satisfaction, he grunts to a couple dwarves next to him, "Harry them with an advance guard, but do not press. We have wounded ta tend. But in the end, the day is ours. Well done." He hoists his axe high in the air with one hand and barks out in a stony voice, "Dain Ironfoot, may his beard ever grow longer!"
