Eldan heard something behind him, presumably an orc, shout out. Moments later projectiles began to hit the trees next to him. As he ran he saw the orcish silhouettes around him. As a horn sounded out, he realized that, no matter how fast he ran, the others would now already know of the orcs. Now was a time of survival. While he must still get back to the other Adhiel as quickly as he could, their lives depended less on it, as his own more.
Eldan took to a less direct route. He was unsure of how many orcs followed him, so if he led them to his comrades he might be leading wolves to a slaughter, no matter how many orcs an Adhiel might be able to fight. He began to zig and zag, while still keeping up his speed, trying not only to avoid the weapons of his pursuers, but to hopefully lose them.
My best chance may be to hide, if only until they pass, then stalk past them. But then again, maybe I will stay separated from this others if I do. He would decide later, for now he continued to run, weaving through the trees...
Cruinnium - The Gathering
Moderators: Vanadius, Morg, Mods
The young Adhiel put his weapons, blowing horn and cup back where they belonged and left the rest of his belongings on the ground. No need to carry everything and tiring his body when he didn't have to.
He looked around the group, trying to see if there were more familiar faces. His eyes, however, lingered on Elevie as she crossed his line of sight. Why had it changed like this? Why couldn't he speak his feelings to her?
And then he heard the sound. Orcs! he thought immediately, having met them ever since he was just a trainee in the Emerald Guard. Instinctively he reached for his bow, knocking an arrow. The second time the horn sounded, he tried to gauge the distance, even though it would be far beyond his knowledge to give an accurate estimate on it. He hesitated to take his own horn from his belt and blow it, but refused to do so. It would not help in this case. Not yet.
As everyone was already in motion, he ran off in the direction of the horn, leaving his staff behind. As he ran, he looked for motion, taking aim and loosening his arrow as soon as he saw one of those murky green ones pop up in his sight.
He looked around the group, trying to see if there were more familiar faces. His eyes, however, lingered on Elevie as she crossed his line of sight. Why had it changed like this? Why couldn't he speak his feelings to her?
And then he heard the sound. Orcs! he thought immediately, having met them ever since he was just a trainee in the Emerald Guard. Instinctively he reached for his bow, knocking an arrow. The second time the horn sounded, he tried to gauge the distance, even though it would be far beyond his knowledge to give an accurate estimate on it. He hesitated to take his own horn from his belt and blow it, but refused to do so. It would not help in this case. Not yet.
As everyone was already in motion, he ran off in the direction of the horn, leaving his staff behind. As he ran, he looked for motion, taking aim and loosening his arrow as soon as he saw one of those murky green ones pop up in his sight.
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Most Heroic PC - 2008
The "Fists of Garshnak" were a tight knit band and well accustomed to fighting along side one another. They knew each other's movements well, and when they rushed, they rushed as one entity.
As Eldan swerved and ducked through the trees, the war band behind him could almost be felt behind him like a rising tide. Only his speed and experience with the terrain kept him ahead of the pack of ravenous orcs at his back. About the time he began to break free of them and move far enough away where they couldn't see him, was about the time he broke into the clearing.
~~~
The war horn echoed again in the night, and Niall and Theorn quickly got into the boat and began to paddle away into the middle of the river where the current could carry her away to safety. Kormus and the others spread out into a wedge shaped formation to meet the charging orcs. Theorn whistled sharply and Kormus whistled back in return. An arrow was launched into the air above them and arced out over the river. It's head glowed with a bright bluish light, and for a few flickers it's flight illuminated the river's surface, with the light boat in it. Elevie looked toward the shore in horror, fearful that this would be the last time she would see some of the brave Warders that guarded her.
~~~
Thrandil could almost feel the splayed feet of the Orcs pounding through the forest towards the Raidhiel. As his eyes searched for signs of their approach, he could see a figure running faster and ahead of the others. The form was difficult to discern in the darkness, but he was definitely coming this way. It was moving fast and broke out into the clearing...
As Eldan swerved and ducked through the trees, the war band behind him could almost be felt behind him like a rising tide. Only his speed and experience with the terrain kept him ahead of the pack of ravenous orcs at his back. About the time he began to break free of them and move far enough away where they couldn't see him, was about the time he broke into the clearing.
~~~
The war horn echoed again in the night, and Niall and Theorn quickly got into the boat and began to paddle away into the middle of the river where the current could carry her away to safety. Kormus and the others spread out into a wedge shaped formation to meet the charging orcs. Theorn whistled sharply and Kormus whistled back in return. An arrow was launched into the air above them and arced out over the river. It's head glowed with a bright bluish light, and for a few flickers it's flight illuminated the river's surface, with the light boat in it. Elevie looked toward the shore in horror, fearful that this would be the last time she would see some of the brave Warders that guarded her.
~~~
Thrandil could almost feel the splayed feet of the Orcs pounding through the forest towards the Raidhiel. As his eyes searched for signs of their approach, he could see a figure running faster and ahead of the others. The form was difficult to discern in the darkness, but he was definitely coming this way. It was moving fast and broke out into the clearing...
Too fast! The runner is too fast! Can't be an orc. Whether human or adhiel, Orcs get first dibs. He aimed at those behind the first runner, closing his eyes for a flicker and holding his breath. As the runner broke free into the clearing, he loosed his arrow, aimed just aside from the adhiel, hoping to hit one of the Orcs closest behind him.
As soon as the arrow has left the bow, his hand instinctively got the next one out of the quiver, knocking it, his eyes already searching for the next target.
As soon as the arrow has left the bow, his hand instinctively got the next one out of the quiver, knocking it, his eyes already searching for the next target.
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Most Heroic PC - 2008
Mithril Dragon Awards:
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Most Heroic PC - 2008
Eldan ran for his life, literally. He was finally putting some distance between himself and the pursuing horde when he broke through into the clearing. A better woodsman than he might have remembered the natural landmarks and known he was closing in on the clearing, but to Eldan it was a surprise. Hoping his comrades would recognize him before they shot, he kept from saying anything, positive that they saw the orcs behind him, and not wanting to alert said orcs of the wedge of Warders awaiting them.
He ran towards the wedge, sheathing his knife and pulling his bow back out.
He ran towards the wedge, sheathing his knife and pulling his bow back out.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
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Thrandil's arrow whizzed past the ear of the running Eldan. The arrow's flight was so close, Eldan could feel it travel through a lock of his hair on it's way past him. The arrow found it's target as it struck deep into the eye socket of the nearest Orc to Eldan, killing it instantly. Several other arrows whistled past Eldan, injuring and killing Orcs in a similar fashion.
The Orcs continued their charge into the teeth of the hated Adhiel. Another volley of arrows buzzed into them, including shots from Thrandil and Eldan, before the Orcs were nearly upon them. Before the Orcs rushed, they numbered nearly forty stout and hardy warriors. After the volley of arrows from the nearly two dozen Raidhiel, their numbers were nearly cut in half in a matter of flickers. But now the Orcs were at their strongest, when they could engage the enemy in hand to hand combat.
The sinister sound of Adhiel swords rasping out of their scabbards and the chaotic shrieks of the Orcs as they charged met and mingled in the night air. The Warders were equal to the charge as the two forces collided. Kormus danced and whirled as he fought, his flashing blades, both glorious and graceful, rended the life from the Orcs he engaged. Several Orcs through short javelin-like spears at Elevie as the boat carried away in the current. Most fell far short, but one was knocked aside by Niall when it had enough distance to reach the slender boat.
Mer'ghul and Miz'ghul rushed into the fray immediately, quickly identifying Kormus as the best soldier among the enemy. They fell upon him and hacked at him with wicked and cruel looking battle axes as they defended themselves with their Kradak shields. A thick, burly Orc confronted Eldan carrying a short, squat spear, stabbing at the Adhiel savagely with a wicked thrust. Thrandil was attacked by a trio of Orcs, each sporting a maul with carved wooded heads made to resemble mammoth and brutish fists.
The battle had been joined.
The Orcs continued their charge into the teeth of the hated Adhiel. Another volley of arrows buzzed into them, including shots from Thrandil and Eldan, before the Orcs were nearly upon them. Before the Orcs rushed, they numbered nearly forty stout and hardy warriors. After the volley of arrows from the nearly two dozen Raidhiel, their numbers were nearly cut in half in a matter of flickers. But now the Orcs were at their strongest, when they could engage the enemy in hand to hand combat.
The sinister sound of Adhiel swords rasping out of their scabbards and the chaotic shrieks of the Orcs as they charged met and mingled in the night air. The Warders were equal to the charge as the two forces collided. Kormus danced and whirled as he fought, his flashing blades, both glorious and graceful, rended the life from the Orcs he engaged. Several Orcs through short javelin-like spears at Elevie as the boat carried away in the current. Most fell far short, but one was knocked aside by Niall when it had enough distance to reach the slender boat.
Mer'ghul and Miz'ghul rushed into the fray immediately, quickly identifying Kormus as the best soldier among the enemy. They fell upon him and hacked at him with wicked and cruel looking battle axes as they defended themselves with their Kradak shields. A thick, burly Orc confronted Eldan carrying a short, squat spear, stabbing at the Adhiel savagely with a wicked thrust. Thrandil was attacked by a trio of Orcs, each sporting a maul with carved wooded heads made to resemble mammoth and brutish fists.
The battle had been joined.
Thrandil thanked Pan in silence as he dropped the orcs with his arrows. Now however, it seemed to get worse. Adhiel were not made for close quarters combat, and with three lean mean green machines coming at him, it definately would be considered close quarters in his eyes. Now they were still in front of him, the young warrior dropped his bow, ducking to pick up his bladed staff, business end towards the orcs.
Keeping himself small, so there would be less surface to hit, Thrandil changed the position of the staff to the forward most orc each time one came near, readying himself to dodge a real attack if there came any. As soon as one of them would leave an opening as if he wanted to start an attack, Thran would make a sidestep to the outside of the group and jab the staff forward, past one of the legs on knee height, hoping to slash tendons at the back of an orc's knee.
As they neared, he called out "Almighty Gods who art the Defenders of Liberty, stand with us! Pan! Atara Arda! FOR THE ACHLAROILIU!"
Keeping himself small, so there would be less surface to hit, Thrandil changed the position of the staff to the forward most orc each time one came near, readying himself to dodge a real attack if there came any. As soon as one of them would leave an opening as if he wanted to start an attack, Thran would make a sidestep to the outside of the group and jab the staff forward, past one of the legs on knee height, hoping to slash tendons at the back of an orc's knee.
As they neared, he called out "Almighty Gods who art the Defenders of Liberty, stand with us! Pan! Atara Arda! FOR THE ACHLAROILIU!"
Last edited by Thrandil on Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Eldan felt arrows speed past him, glad of the level of skill Adhiel bowmen possessed. After putting a few arrows into the charging orcs the numbers were more favorable, or rather, less horrible. But then the orcs closed in. Eldan, like most Adhiel, was short and light, probably weighing less than half of the smallest orc they faced. And he was no hand-to-hand fighter, having been trained only with the bow. He had his bone dagger on him, but it was little comfort against the spear wielding orc he now found himself facing.
As the orc stabbed viciously at him, Eldan simultaneously dropped his bow and reached for his dagger. He tried to dodge in and to the side of the spear, intent on sinking his dagger into the throat of his enemy.
As the orc stabbed viciously at him, Eldan simultaneously dropped his bow and reached for his dagger. He tried to dodge in and to the side of the spear, intent on sinking his dagger into the throat of his enemy.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
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Eldan managed to avoid the thrust of the Orc warrior, but his opponent was equal to the task and knocked his thrust aside with the shaft of his spear, deflecting Eldan's arm with his burly strength.
The Orc snorted and grunted in displeasure as he stabbed out again, but as he did so, the falling body of another Orc fell between Eldan and the raider and the Orc stabbed deep into his fellow warrior, saving Eldan from having to dodge the incoming blow. The dead Orc fell forward into Eldan, and knocked him back somewhat as it landed squarely on top of his bow.
~~~
Thrandil's battle cry was answered with a roar from many of the other Adhiel and the sound and fury of the combat intensified.
The three Orcs formed a rough triangle around the former Emerald Guardsman and each swung their mauls at different times in an attempt to strike the lithe Adhiel. Thrandil stepped out of the makeshift triangle around him and stabbed deep into the meaty calf of one of his attackers. The Orc went down in a screaming, furious heap, leaving two in Thrandil's immediate vicinity.
His victory would be short lived, as a thin wire attached to a thick weight was thrown across his bladed staff, and as it was jerked back, it wrapped itself around the shaft several times and was pulled tight. Thrandil suddenly found himself in a desperate tug of war to keep hold of his weapon.
The Orc snorted and grunted in displeasure as he stabbed out again, but as he did so, the falling body of another Orc fell between Eldan and the raider and the Orc stabbed deep into his fellow warrior, saving Eldan from having to dodge the incoming blow. The dead Orc fell forward into Eldan, and knocked him back somewhat as it landed squarely on top of his bow.
~~~
Thrandil's battle cry was answered with a roar from many of the other Adhiel and the sound and fury of the combat intensified.
The three Orcs formed a rough triangle around the former Emerald Guardsman and each swung their mauls at different times in an attempt to strike the lithe Adhiel. Thrandil stepped out of the makeshift triangle around him and stabbed deep into the meaty calf of one of his attackers. The Orc went down in a screaming, furious heap, leaving two in Thrandil's immediate vicinity.
His victory would be short lived, as a thin wire attached to a thick weight was thrown across his bladed staff, and as it was jerked back, it wrapped itself around the shaft several times and was pulled tight. Thrandil suddenly found himself in a desperate tug of war to keep hold of his weapon.
Thrandil was surprised by the string. He knew it was of no use, yet gave the staff a quick tug before throwing it forward towards the orc that controlled the string with all his might. As the staff left his hands, he grabbed his sword, charging after his former weapon towards the orc, hoping that the staff would catch him off guard, now his string was still around the shaft of the staff and that was already travelling towards the green hopefully-soon-to-be-dead-one.
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Most Heroic PC - 2008
Mithril Dragon Awards:
NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
Eldan cursed inwardly as the orc blocked his desperate strike. His arm stung a little from the parry and he shook it a little to loosen it up. As his opponent attacked again Eldan got lucky, another orc falling into the blow. That's where his luck ended. The dead or dying orc fell into him, its heavy weight knocking him back and then fell onto his bow. He cursed again silently.
He pulled an arrow from his quiver and held it in his left hand, glancing around to see if a more martial weapon lay somewhere within reach, but keeping most of his attention on the orc he faced, lest he be skewered by an unseen attack.
He pulled an arrow from his quiver and held it in his left hand, glancing around to see if a more martial weapon lay somewhere within reach, but keeping most of his attention on the orc he faced, lest he be skewered by an unseen attack.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
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Thrandil tried to throw his bladed staff but the instant he released his grip, the savage and relentless pull of the wire practically ripped it out of his hands and into the tangle of arms and legs around him. It was nearly instantly lost in the chaos of the fighting.
As he pulled his sword, he could feel the combat rising around him. Kormus was holding his own against the two Orcish chieftains, but many of his brothers and sisters were nearly being overrun by the swift and powerful surge of the brutal invaders. Their strength and brute force seemed to overmatch the Adhiel and the fair warriors were beginning to fall.
A handful of Orcs broke off from the attack and began a running pursuit towards Elevie and the now distant boat. Excitedly they yelled at each other in their guttural tongue, each urging another to greater speed and their excitement grew as another victory seemed close at hand.
~~~
Eldan was surrounded by blood, fury and chaotic rage. The orc attacking him suddenly turned and broke into a furious sprint to follow the Achlaroiliu and her guardians.
Several spears, axes, and swords lie around him, some broken and bent, some still clutched in the dead fists of their Orcish or Adhiel owners. He could have his pick at any number of weapons assuming he could reach any of them
An Orc lay staring at him. He was cut nearly in half at the waist, and several feathered shafts sprouted from his chest. He lay in a pool of his own blood, and it mingled grotesquely with the mud and soil all around him. His dead, staring eyes were somehow locked on Eldan, and he clutched a crude horn to his chest like a child clutching a doll.
As he pulled his sword, he could feel the combat rising around him. Kormus was holding his own against the two Orcish chieftains, but many of his brothers and sisters were nearly being overrun by the swift and powerful surge of the brutal invaders. Their strength and brute force seemed to overmatch the Adhiel and the fair warriors were beginning to fall.
A handful of Orcs broke off from the attack and began a running pursuit towards Elevie and the now distant boat. Excitedly they yelled at each other in their guttural tongue, each urging another to greater speed and their excitement grew as another victory seemed close at hand.
~~~
Eldan was surrounded by blood, fury and chaotic rage. The orc attacking him suddenly turned and broke into a furious sprint to follow the Achlaroiliu and her guardians.
Several spears, axes, and swords lie around him, some broken and bent, some still clutched in the dead fists of their Orcish or Adhiel owners. He could have his pick at any number of weapons assuming he could reach any of them
An Orc lay staring at him. He was cut nearly in half at the waist, and several feathered shafts sprouted from his chest. He lay in a pool of his own blood, and it mingled grotesquely with the mud and soil all around him. His dead, staring eyes were somehow locked on Eldan, and he clutched a crude horn to his chest like a child clutching a doll.
Eldan spent a single heartbeat gazing back into the eyes of the dead orc. He smirked slightly. Here I was aching for a fight with the humans. There is nothing glorious here, only death and suffering. His first taste of combat, it seemed, had provided a good lesson. Eldan knew he had to act quickly, but a knife and arrow were insufficient weapons against a spear wielding orc. He dropped the arrow and put the dagger into his left hand. He glanced around for the nearest Adhiel sword still in fighting condition and made for it immediately. He wished he had his bow still and could put a few arrows into the backs of the orcs rushing the river, but it was beneath some corpse and he had no time to find it. He would have to make due with a sword, and at the least sell his life dearly.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
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Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.
Thrandil made a quick assessment of the situation. The Orcs who were at him would be busy for a moment and gave him a break for a flicker or two. Kormus and the others were busy fighting the green creatures off, but seemed to be losing. Even though he would help them, his priority was with the Achlaroiliu, to whom a group of Orcs was heading.
Without a flickers hesitation the Adhiel broke off towards the shore, towards the running Orcs at full speed. As soon as he would have caught up with the one in the back of the group, if he could, he swung his sword aiming once more for the back of the knees, hoping to slice the ligaments to impede his movement.
Without a flickers hesitation the Adhiel broke off towards the shore, towards the running Orcs at full speed. As soon as he would have caught up with the one in the back of the group, if he could, he swung his sword aiming once more for the back of the knees, hoping to slice the ligaments to impede his movement.
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Mithril Dragon Awards:
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Most Heroic PC - 2008
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NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
A nearby sword was an easy enough acquisition for Eldan. It was only for the briefest of flickers that the recognition of who's sword he pulled free registered with him.
It was Ami.
Now he carried her weapon as he clasped the hilt and wrenched it free from her lifeless fingers. The weapon was light and well balanced, a fine blade, and an expensive one in cost of life.
All around Eldan the fighting seethed and raged. The other leader, one called Kormus was overmatched and failing fast against two huge and burly Orcs. The Raidhiel leader caught a savage blow on the shoulder from one of massive mauls carried by one of the Orcs, and fell to one knee, trying desperately to stave off further attacks with a flailing and faltering defense.
All around him, the Adhiel continued to fall.
~~~
Thrandil was a close match of the Orcs in speed. He could nearly feel their blood pumping in their excitement and haste to reach the boat as they ran along the shore. They were big, brutish creatures, but they could run, and they could run fast. It was Thrandil's light and maneuverable way and training that enable him to gain any ground on them at all.
He could hear their excited grunts and near laughter as they followed along the bank with great speed and fervor. Their animated breathing and eager grunts carried in the air, and in their fever, they showed no sign of knowing that one of the enemy was following behind. If anything, they likely thought that Thrandil was a fellow member of their band.
A wicked slice with his sword hamstrung the slowest Orc in front of him in a gout of thick, hot blood, and as the marauder fell in a scream of pain before him, Thrandil would have to leap over him, or somehow maneuver around the tangle of tumbling arms and legs to keep from falling himself, and more importantly, falling behind.
It was Ami.
Now he carried her weapon as he clasped the hilt and wrenched it free from her lifeless fingers. The weapon was light and well balanced, a fine blade, and an expensive one in cost of life.
All around Eldan the fighting seethed and raged. The other leader, one called Kormus was overmatched and failing fast against two huge and burly Orcs. The Raidhiel leader caught a savage blow on the shoulder from one of massive mauls carried by one of the Orcs, and fell to one knee, trying desperately to stave off further attacks with a flailing and faltering defense.
All around him, the Adhiel continued to fall.
~~~
Thrandil was a close match of the Orcs in speed. He could nearly feel their blood pumping in their excitement and haste to reach the boat as they ran along the shore. They were big, brutish creatures, but they could run, and they could run fast. It was Thrandil's light and maneuverable way and training that enable him to gain any ground on them at all.
He could hear their excited grunts and near laughter as they followed along the bank with great speed and fervor. Their animated breathing and eager grunts carried in the air, and in their fever, they showed no sign of knowing that one of the enemy was following behind. If anything, they likely thought that Thrandil was a fellow member of their band.
A wicked slice with his sword hamstrung the slowest Orc in front of him in a gout of thick, hot blood, and as the marauder fell in a scream of pain before him, Thrandil would have to leap over him, or somehow maneuver around the tangle of tumbling arms and legs to keep from falling himself, and more importantly, falling behind.
(OOC: I assume the orcs are walking pretty close to one another, a few yards at most. If not, do let me know and I'll edit the post.)
As soon as the Orc started going down, Thrandil did not hesitate and jumped in order to escape going down himself. He tried to put a foot on the on the body of the Orc before it was totally down, trying to use his light weight to propell him further forward and up in the air, hoping to get to the next Orc so he could plung the sword in his back from an elevated position with the force of his body mass and his speed adding to the power in his arms.
One was down, but there were more to go. He needed to thwart any attack on the princess, no matter what happened. If he could take these Orcs out, he'd go back to help the others. They however, were less important than Elevie. She was the voice of the land now and the people, the sorrow in the hearts of Adhiel. She needed to be safe and there was no way her protector could hold off these Orcs on his own.
As soon as the Orc started going down, Thrandil did not hesitate and jumped in order to escape going down himself. He tried to put a foot on the on the body of the Orc before it was totally down, trying to use his light weight to propell him further forward and up in the air, hoping to get to the next Orc so he could plung the sword in his back from an elevated position with the force of his body mass and his speed adding to the power in his arms.
One was down, but there were more to go. He needed to thwart any attack on the princess, no matter what happened. If he could take these Orcs out, he'd go back to help the others. They however, were less important than Elevie. She was the voice of the land now and the people, the sorrow in the hearts of Adhiel. She needed to be safe and there was no way her protector could hold off these Orcs on his own.
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Mithril Dragon Awards:
NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
Mithril Dragon Awards:
NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
Eldan tried to keep his cool when he recognized Ami's corpse. Don't think about it. Mourn later, now is the time for action, he thought as he gave the sword a twirl to try to get a feel for it. Turning towards the faltering leader, Kormus, Eldan began to make his way towards him, trying to circle around the orc duo and attack them from behind. He was not very good with a sword, but it was better than his dagger, and if he attacked with suprise he might be able to turn the tide of the fight against Kormus. An orc might be able to fight through a grievous wound, but Eldan doubted it could fight if he severed its spine. And that was exactly what he intended to do.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.
Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.
Thrandil's quick thinking propelled him into the air and closer to the back of another Orc. Although the angle he gained wasn't perfect or ideal, it was functional and the Adhiel thrust his weapon deep into the back of the Orc raider in front of him. The blade bit deep and sank halfway through the tough hide of the beast, which elicited a whimpering gurgle from the Orc.
The marauder slowed instantly, straightening from its running crouch into a more upright position, grasping futilely at the weapon that was in the process of ending its life. The sudden halt of the beast sent Thrandil crashing into the shoulder and back of the Orc, and sprawling to the rock strewn riverbank. His armor saved him from most of the impact, but the sudden jolt and unbalancing wrenched the sword from his grasp as he fell.
The Orc stood over him, clawing the air in the direction of the hilt he could not reach before he collapsed in a heap headfirst into the water at the river's edge. Already the Orcs pursuing Elevie's boat were pulling away rapidly.
~~~
In the chaotic din of the fighting, Eldan found it easy to creep around and circle behind the raging battle. His comrades and his enemies fell around him like bloody marionettes with their strings cut. As he circled, he had a good few of the battle before him.
The Warder Kormus was bleeding from several wounds, as was the two hulking warriors he was locked in combat with. They proved an effective fighting team, each playing off the feints and strikes of the other, and it was taking all of the Adhiel's skill to not only fend them off, but merely to survive against their powerful onslaught.
As Eldan drew in near, the battle of the trio came to a swift and startling conclusion. One of the massive Orcs struck Kormus across the midsection with a massive maul, and the other, wielding a twin pair of wicked and cruel looking axes, cut one of the Warder's arms off with a savage cut, sweeping his weapon away with it. The two Orcs pummeled and slashed at the Adhiel as he fell victim to their savagery. In unison, they threw their heads back and howled in victory. If Eldan so chose, he had a perfect opportunity to strike.
The marauder slowed instantly, straightening from its running crouch into a more upright position, grasping futilely at the weapon that was in the process of ending its life. The sudden halt of the beast sent Thrandil crashing into the shoulder and back of the Orc, and sprawling to the rock strewn riverbank. His armor saved him from most of the impact, but the sudden jolt and unbalancing wrenched the sword from his grasp as he fell.
The Orc stood over him, clawing the air in the direction of the hilt he could not reach before he collapsed in a heap headfirst into the water at the river's edge. Already the Orcs pursuing Elevie's boat were pulling away rapidly.
~~~
In the chaotic din of the fighting, Eldan found it easy to creep around and circle behind the raging battle. His comrades and his enemies fell around him like bloody marionettes with their strings cut. As he circled, he had a good few of the battle before him.
The Warder Kormus was bleeding from several wounds, as was the two hulking warriors he was locked in combat with. They proved an effective fighting team, each playing off the feints and strikes of the other, and it was taking all of the Adhiel's skill to not only fend them off, but merely to survive against their powerful onslaught.
As Eldan drew in near, the battle of the trio came to a swift and startling conclusion. One of the massive Orcs struck Kormus across the midsection with a massive maul, and the other, wielding a twin pair of wicked and cruel looking axes, cut one of the Warder's arms off with a savage cut, sweeping his weapon away with it. The two Orcs pummeled and slashed at the Adhiel as he fell victim to their savagery. In unison, they threw their heads back and howled in victory. If Eldan so chose, he had a perfect opportunity to strike.
As Thran toppled over into the water and saw the Orcs getting away from him, he did the only thing he could do. He went back to take the sword out of the green back of the Orc, twisting it before pulling it out. He was just gonna run towards the boat again, when the words of the Mother repeated in his head as they had spoken on Dort.
"The ritual of the Hunt shall be clear to you when you choose to use it. Claim the Hunter's Horn. When in the center of the greatest blight, issue the challenge and the prey shall come to you. Succeed, and the blood shall water the land and make it fruitful."
He inhaled deep as he got out the Horn of the Hunter. He blew it long and loud, until he was out of breath. Issue the challenge she said... let's see if it works. Looking at the two, or one, depending on Eldan, who had fought Kormus, Thran pointed his sword at him, or them. Calling out to them, he shouted "Have your current leader fight me to the death with no intrusion of others, for the victory on this field of combat. The troops of the loser leave unscathed!" It would irk Niall and Theorn for sure, but they had already lost Kormus and a great deal of their brethren. Thran could not say that they would win if he did not do this.
"The ritual of the Hunt shall be clear to you when you choose to use it. Claim the Hunter's Horn. When in the center of the greatest blight, issue the challenge and the prey shall come to you. Succeed, and the blood shall water the land and make it fruitful."
He inhaled deep as he got out the Horn of the Hunter. He blew it long and loud, until he was out of breath. Issue the challenge she said... let's see if it works. Looking at the two, or one, depending on Eldan, who had fought Kormus, Thran pointed his sword at him, or them. Calling out to them, he shouted "Have your current leader fight me to the death with no intrusion of others, for the victory on this field of combat. The troops of the loser leave unscathed!" It would irk Niall and Theorn for sure, but they had already lost Kormus and a great deal of their brethren. Thran could not say that they would win if he did not do this.
Last edited by Thrandil on Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Avatar created by Finley Ward
Mithril Dragon Awards:
NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
Mithril Dragon Awards:
NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
Eldan was nearly heartbroken. So many adhiel had died in the fighting, and more surely would. He had to remind himself of his own deadly purpose, and again put the thoughts of the dead from his mind. He was closing in on the pair of orcs facing the adhiel called Kormus when the fight went sour. One hit the warder with his huge maul and the other followed up by chopping off one of his arms. It was almost enough to make Eldan look away. But he didn't look away, he instead recognized an opening. And he took it.
His plan was simple, kill the axe wielding orc as quickly as possible with a two handed slash across the spine, then try to put his sword through the side of the other's neck. But things never went according to plan.
His plan was simple, kill the axe wielding orc as quickly as possible with a two handed slash across the spine, then try to put his sword through the side of the other's neck. But things never went according to plan.
Last edited by Eldan on Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
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Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.
The sound of the Horn was unmistakable as it crashed over every living thing within a few miles of where Thrandil stood. The deep, sonorous tone carried through the night air and caused everyone to stop what they were doing and turn to face the sound in awe. The sound echoed throughout the forest until it faded gently away like ripples in a pond.
It was clear that the former Emerald Guardsman had the attention of all the Orcs and Adhiel that could see him, but as he issued his challenge, many of them cocked their heads in confusion and hesitation. They blinked and looked at one another, clearly not understanding Thrandil or his command. Mer'ghul sniffed the air and said something in the guttural, harsh Thrugi tongue, and his twin brother Miz'ghul answered as they briefly exchanged words.
~~~
The effect of the Horn faded quickly from Eldan's mind. Thrandil's challenge was unmistakable and fierce, but the Orcs seemed not to understand, and stood unmoving in confusion. His surprising slash cut a wide, red gash across Miz'ghul's back, felling the chieftain in a roaring scream of pain and blood.
As the dying Orc's scream faded into the night, a gurgling hiss could be heard. The Orc lay unmoving, but the remaining arm of Kormus lifted a few handspans off the ground. The bloody Warder, nearly dead, turned his head to look at Eldan.
"Run you fool..." He said in pain. There was blood in his teeth and mouth as he spoke. "Run..."
~~~
Elevie heard the Horn and turned to face it. Theorn and Niall turned their heads back as well. The handful of Orcs pursuing them had fallen away.
She was safe.
Theorn sighed heavily and resumed his paddling. Elevie rested her head on Niall's shoulder as he comforted her and wiped away the single tear that slid down her cheek.
~~~
Thrandil could see that his gambit had freed Elevie from pursuit, and that she was safe as the remaining orcs began to run back towards their leaders. The Horn had a crack down one side the length of his hand and Thrandil somehow knew that it had not been rendered completely useless. A gentle breeze on the wind carried to him the silent promise of another chance to use the Horn. The whisper of the Mother's quiet voice told him that all was not lost, and that the power of the horn was still his to command.
The scream of the Orc chieftain pierced the night, and his brother looked down at the body, fuming and furious. He raised his gray-green eyes and looked directly at Eldan, the fury and hatred in his gaze was white hot. Mer'ghul roared, and the remaining Orcs sprang into action all over again, only this time they wanted no part of engaging Thrandil, or even the other Adhiel.
Their sole target was Eldan.
It was clear that the former Emerald Guardsman had the attention of all the Orcs and Adhiel that could see him, but as he issued his challenge, many of them cocked their heads in confusion and hesitation. They blinked and looked at one another, clearly not understanding Thrandil or his command. Mer'ghul sniffed the air and said something in the guttural, harsh Thrugi tongue, and his twin brother Miz'ghul answered as they briefly exchanged words.
~~~
The effect of the Horn faded quickly from Eldan's mind. Thrandil's challenge was unmistakable and fierce, but the Orcs seemed not to understand, and stood unmoving in confusion. His surprising slash cut a wide, red gash across Miz'ghul's back, felling the chieftain in a roaring scream of pain and blood.
As the dying Orc's scream faded into the night, a gurgling hiss could be heard. The Orc lay unmoving, but the remaining arm of Kormus lifted a few handspans off the ground. The bloody Warder, nearly dead, turned his head to look at Eldan.
"Run you fool..." He said in pain. There was blood in his teeth and mouth as he spoke. "Run..."
~~~
Elevie heard the Horn and turned to face it. Theorn and Niall turned their heads back as well. The handful of Orcs pursuing them had fallen away.
She was safe.
Theorn sighed heavily and resumed his paddling. Elevie rested her head on Niall's shoulder as he comforted her and wiped away the single tear that slid down her cheek.
~~~
Thrandil could see that his gambit had freed Elevie from pursuit, and that she was safe as the remaining orcs began to run back towards their leaders. The Horn had a crack down one side the length of his hand and Thrandil somehow knew that it had not been rendered completely useless. A gentle breeze on the wind carried to him the silent promise of another chance to use the Horn. The whisper of the Mother's quiet voice told him that all was not lost, and that the power of the horn was still his to command.
The scream of the Orc chieftain pierced the night, and his brother looked down at the body, fuming and furious. He raised his gray-green eyes and looked directly at Eldan, the fury and hatred in his gaze was white hot. Mer'ghul roared, and the remaining Orcs sprang into action all over again, only this time they wanted no part of engaging Thrandil, or even the other Adhiel.
Their sole target was Eldan.
Thran looked around, not confused, but truth dawning on him. Of course, mister bright, they are ORCS, they don't speak Adhiel. Cursing in himself he put the horn back in it's place. Cracked, but he felt that when the time came to use it again, it would be mended.
A quick assessment of the battlefield showed him that Eldan was in trouble the most. Not wasting time, he raised his sword above his head, shouting from the top of his lungs "Raidhiel! BY PAN, TO BATTLE!". He could only hope that his warcry, that sure would make his blood boil with rage, would also fortify the morale of his fellow fighters and make them more fierce in battle. After all they were outnumbered, but with the Orcs rushing towards the chief-slayer, they could hit the greenies in the back.
He hoped the new guy would rush away from the Orcs so they could make a better stand against the Orcs and be less likely to lose a lot of their own, even though their group only consisted of a dozen or so by now.
He rushed towards the battle, slashing at all the Orc legs he could, trying to find the nearest bow and arrow he could find.
A quick assessment of the battlefield showed him that Eldan was in trouble the most. Not wasting time, he raised his sword above his head, shouting from the top of his lungs "Raidhiel! BY PAN, TO BATTLE!". He could only hope that his warcry, that sure would make his blood boil with rage, would also fortify the morale of his fellow fighters and make them more fierce in battle. After all they were outnumbered, but with the Orcs rushing towards the chief-slayer, they could hit the greenies in the back.
He hoped the new guy would rush away from the Orcs so they could make a better stand against the Orcs and be less likely to lose a lot of their own, even though their group only consisted of a dozen or so by now.
He rushed towards the battle, slashing at all the Orc legs he could, trying to find the nearest bow and arrow he could find.
Last edited by Thrandil on Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Avatar created by Finley Ward
Mithril Dragon Awards:
NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
Mithril Dragon Awards:
NOMINATION:
Most Heroic PC - 2008
Eldan ran for his life. He didn't waste a single moment, immediately sprinting off into the woods. Clearly his, and his comrades, best chance at living was for him not to fight, but to run. So he did. Moving as quickly as possible, he weaved in an erractic zig zag pattern, to avoid any projectile weapons that might come his way. Sword clutched in hand, he ran, praying that the Mother would lend him strength in his flight. He prayed that he would make it out alive to fight another. But mostly, he just ran.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.
Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.
The Fists of Garshnak thundered into the trees after Eldan. The entire pack was hellbent on avenging their slain leader. Eldan's lithe form allowed him to move quickly through the forest, and he gained some measure of distance ahead of the rampaging Orcs. Spears and shields and anything the Orcs could throw at him were launched in an effort to slow the Adhiel down, but the many branches and trees deflected or halted their desperate attacks as he ran.
Thrandil's battle cry was echoed in the shouts of the others, and a new strength poured into them as they turned to chase their enemies. As both forces left the immediate battle area, weapons of the fallen were readily available everywhere. The swifter Adhiel were harrowing at the flanks of the Orcs, felling a handful here and there, cautiously engaging in their guerrilla tactics enough to winnow away the Orc's superior numbers, but not cause them to turn and fight in mass.
Eldan's fleet feet ran on, the sounds of the furious Orcs behind him grew more and more distant. He was pulling away.
At least until the sound of another Horn pierced the night...
Thrandil's battle cry was echoed in the shouts of the others, and a new strength poured into them as they turned to chase their enemies. As both forces left the immediate battle area, weapons of the fallen were readily available everywhere. The swifter Adhiel were harrowing at the flanks of the Orcs, felling a handful here and there, cautiously engaging in their guerrilla tactics enough to winnow away the Orc's superior numbers, but not cause them to turn and fight in mass.
Eldan's fleet feet ran on, the sounds of the furious Orcs behind him grew more and more distant. He was pulling away.
At least until the sound of another Horn pierced the night...
Eldan could feel that he was pulling away, his tactic was working. He only hoped the others were making the best of the situation. As he ran he could hear the orcs falling behind in their pursuit, it was time. During his first flight from the orcs he had almost stopped and hid, hoping they would pass him. He doubted he could outrun the orcs forever, so his choice was clear. He cut a sharp turn to the left and slowed down, into his hunting mode, where he crept from shadow to shadow, as silently as possible through the trees, trying to be a ghost in the forest. Then he heard it. Another horn. He hoped it was an Adhiel horn, for more orcs surely spelled hid doom, as well as that of the other warders. Still, he held his course, creeping off on a tangent, hoping to circle around and rejoin his fellows. He reached down and grabbed a few handfuls of dirt, smearing them along the length of the blade, trying to keep it from reflecting any light and giving him away.
They will all pay, in blood, for what they did to beloved Taloh...
Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.
Posting Availability: Just about every day, unless work prevents it.