*****
Your boat makes it back, a little extra time taken going against the current. It's midday now when it nudges up against the docks at Freetown. The city looks beautiful as ever.
Kobolds scramble to tie up the boat and cover up the treasure, taking it in small batches over to the Annabel.
Your sand dragon tumbles off the ship onto the dock, completely confused by the trip over the water. It accidentally knocks buckets and fishing poles over with its tail, some into the sea.
Atriox chuckles and pats him on the head
“Come on boy. It’s alright.”
Atriox heads for the Annabel to see everybody
It snuffles against your back and follows, curious where all the treasure is going.
On your approach you notice even more kobolds scrambling to come meet you. Darr stands on the edge of the Nightingale in shock, before rushing back into the belly of the ship.
You first meet up with Sheila who gets a grand laugh at the whole affair. The gnolls love seeing such a large city and take some time to go explore (and likely perform).
You hear a loud whistle of distressed excitement, knowing instantly that it's Vele.
You turn just in time to see her leap at you, healthier than she's been in weeks. She clings to your legs, beside herself.
"You ARE alive!! It is you, right?! W-we thought--" For someone usually so articulate with her words she's rather lost.
Atriox chuckles and pats Vele on the head.
“Yes, yes I’m alive. Of course it’s me. How are you ?”
"Confused! Happy! Worried, I..." she squeaks, backing off a little as she tries to compose herself. "Tak said I was to be put in charge, and..." She glances over her shoulder.
You look up and spot Tak frozen to the spot on the dock, several yards away. He looks as if he's seeing a ghost.
Atriox let’s out a long sigh. Almost to himself
“What to do about that mess....”
Tak takes a tentative step forward. He shakes his head, his face pale.
"Tak saw you! You-- you were dead! Tak saw Atriox's body! Tak thought-- would have never left you there if--" He seems sickened at the idea that he and the others left you so long, if you really lay there barely alive.
Vele steps back, quiet. She doesn't seem sure what to say.
Atriox looks at Vele again
“I assume he told you my verdict. I still expect it to be carried out. Until Tak has earned his place back I expect you to come up with a station for him and explain to me why he’s deserving of it. This is light compared to my initial plan. See it done Vele. And I’m very glad to see you.”
He rubs her head and walks on. Once at Tak he stops. He doesn’t say anything. He just puts his hand on Taks shoulder for a moment before boarding the ship
Vele gulps, nervous about the sudden heaviness as she watches you go. Tak stands stock still and blank faced. Their eyes meet and a worried question hangs in the air between them.
Now on the ship you're overwhelmed by people greeting you. While you were gone, the tone on the ships has changed dramatically. Most couldn't believe it was true. The discussion had turned to what should be done--was the journey moot? Should the others be taken to Arkoshia? Left in Komodori? They were still waiting on The Clover to return from Lamprey Bay... Word spread too fast considering the sources.
Kobolds brush past you from time to time carrying the unmarked cargo down into the hold. It's not long before they're finished, followed by the greedy sand dragon sniffing his way down the stairs. It's rather comical and awkward to watch, but he looks eager to guard this said treasure and have a nice rest atop it.
You find your room quiet and a sight for sore eyes. Such an adventure has taken a toll on your body and it cries out for sleep.
****
****Meanwhile****
Another splash of vomit hits the floor followed by a round of coughing.
"I don't know why you're bothering with this, Tanarukk... it's not going to work."
"It's worth a try. Anything for you."
"Screw you."
"Oh please do, I miss that."
Dorokor snarls and spits in Tanarukk's face. He just smiles and wipes it away slowly.
"I heard the bastard is alive."
Her eyes narrow. She can't help but hesitate a little before responding. "What do you mean?"
"You always acted so high and mighty but damn woman, you're stupid. That lizard. Didn't. Die. My men saw him coming back on a boat.
"Then he'll find you."
"You kidding me?" His grotesque smile widens.
"I WANT him to find me. I want him to suffer. Doing what he did to you. What he's doing... I want him to watch as I heal you completely."
He walks forward, roughly grabbing her. "And hen rip his disgusting little parasites out of your gut."
He roughly lets her go, the movement causing more holy water to trickle down over her. She grunts in pain, her eyes blazing. The hunger keeps fighting inside of her, wanting to heal, but she knows she can't give in to it. She already has too much.
"I'll be making some preparations... Get ready for a show, Bonebreaker."
As he leaves, her mask cracks slightly. The knowledge that Atriox was indeed alive was a blessing. Or a least... she hoped it wasn't a curse. She didn't need him dying for her sake.
****
As much as he wants to sleep for a whole week straight he decides he needs to fine Kora first. He needs to check up on her especially knowing her he can only imagine how news of his “death” has affected her
He heads back up to ask someone where she is
Everyone you ask seems unsure. Most people avoid her like the plague; her aura alone is intimidating enough that they don't dare ask her questions.
Tepid wanders by with some treasure and you do a double take. He....She, now seem to be heavy with an egg.
"The lady orc?" Tepid blinks, yawning. "Hmm, yes. She been in and out of town I think. Not seen her for a day or two. She staying here?"
Atriox blinks at Tepids change before replying
“Ummm.....thank you Tepid and no. No she’s not.”
Atriox gets a bad feeling. He hopes she hasn’t gone off and killed anyone like at the last port
Atriox looks back at Tepid
“Fetch Vele and Tak for me tell them to come to my room here on the ship. But tell them not to act weird tell them to seem happy.”
Atriox heads downstairs and looks for something that belongs to Kora. Anything that might have her sent
You head back to the room and look around. It still smells of the strange ointment from Oxious though it's mostly dried up.
Her serrated axe, Wound, is still leaning against the wall. You also rifle through some things in a small pack she brought along--few though they be. Everything has her scent.
You find some strange old books written in orcish, a tarnished flask, some sharpening stones, and an odd amulet with a turnkey. As your hand bumps against it a single, slow note registers in your ears.
A knock at the door interrupts your search, and you see Vele waiting there, hands clasped and head high as if ready for orders.
Tak hangs back behind her, dressed and ready. He finds a random spot on the floor and stares intently at it as if it is the most interesting thing in the world.
Vele clears her throat a little, her eyes darting around the room. "Tepid said you needed to see us, master?"
Atriox nods
“ Dorokor is missing. She’s waiter of killing people because she thought I was dead or worse. We need to find her. My gut says it’s worse so get 4 of your best scouts and two of your best fighters. Take them and get our new gnull friends and bring them to me. Again appear happy when you go into town to get the gnulls . I could be paranoid but I don’t care”
Atriox grabs her axe and holds it one hand while grabbing the most well used sharpening stone. His sword on his back
He heads back up to find Sheila and wait for the others
The two of them part to let you pass, looking at one another in silent conversation. Tak looks awkward, gesturing with his claws above his belly as if there's a baby. Vele's eyes grow wide and she looks back at Atriox with concern.
You don't have to wait long; Kobolds work fast after all. The gnolls scramble aboard, smiling and happy but with cautious eyes. Their pockets jangle full of gold, their show having been quite successful in this bustling port.
Vele stands with the others, Darr nearby her as the lead fighter. He has his weapons sharpened, bouncing on his heels and ready for action. The fighter beside him has shorn horns and a sling in hand, spinning it around. Tak stands behind them with three others, dressed lightly for scouting work. He keeps his eyes down, focused and listening.
Atriox looks at everybody seriously
“Thank you everybody for coming quickly. I appreciate it. Now Kora is missing. Nobody has seen her in some time and she wouldn’t just abandon her men. Could be nothing but my gut tells me it’s something. Irok I need your help whoever you trust in your family for a fight bring, the rest stay, but I need you to track a sent from this.”
He tosses him the stone he took from they’re room
“Now we are in unknown territory and we don’t know what happened. Unless your in combat keep a joyful attitude to throw off and suspicion or questions.”
Irok catches the rock effortlessly and takes a deep sniff from it. He passes it to his kids for them to smell as well.
Darr chimes in when appropriate. "What should we do if we find anything odd, sir?"
Atriox looks at him
“ Find me immediately. And I mean immediately. Do not engage without the rest of us. Is everyone clear on that ?”
The gnolls and kobolds nod. "Understood."
Sheila sits against the railing, observing the whole affair, contemplating.
With a signal from Vele the kobolds head out. Irok speaks quickly with his family before the kids depart, him following them shortly after.
Sheila stands and claps you on the shoulder. "I have a few things'a business ta take care of. But should any of the scallywags come back I'll send someone let ye know."
Atriox nods to the captain and hefts the axe
“I’ll be waiting.....”
Atriox follows after his squad
Your group heads across the docks, the scouts trying to act nonchalant as they check for anything strange.
Kiz forges ahead, sniffing about while her brothers search the shore.
The two of them return after a while, bounding across the sand. "We smelled her scent down by the boulders," one of them whines.
Kiz sniffs the boats, finding one that smells heavily of orcs. She sneezes. "This... Sort of smells like her. But only on the dock and the rope."
The kid gnolls got a 2 investigation rofl)
The other kobold scouts whisper among each other as Tak looks ahead, wandering the lower docks. (13) They eye a pair of orcs walking to town, laughing loudly as they go.
(Tak: 11) He handles something he found, but shrugs and discards it.
(Vele: 4) Vele squints in the sunlight, having trouble seeing too much. She's definitely better with her hands than with a weapon or as a scout, focusing on what the others are doing.
(Darr: 15) "Atriox?" Darr tilts his head, kicking at some ropes on the dock. They're damp as if they'd been soaked in something.
Vele and Irok come over. "It smells like orc..." he sniffs deeply. "And not salty."
Atriox gets a bad feeling in his gut and grunts out of habit
“I want to see something.....”
Atriox grabs the ropes....
Your eyes flash as an immediate, seering pain rushes up your arm.
Atriox growls and drops the ropes instantly
He holds his smoking his hand out
“That’s exactly what I was afraid of. Tell me which way does the trail of orcs lead?”
The two boys are on it immediately, following the musky odor. They run on all fours along the dock the rest of the troop following after.
The sun is sinking lower over the far mountains as you follow the trail. Kiz stands up and points, "It smells like the trail leads this way, toward the farms."
Atriox nods to her while talking to everyone
“Be on your guard. I suspect foul play at this point and I want everyone to be prepared. For anything.”
They nod in understanding, scanning the fields and dirt roads surrounding the area. The kobolds move like little raptors through the drying wheat, looking for good vantage points.
(Oof... Crap lol. Boy gnolls rolled 18 and nat 1 respectively for dex saves)
A claw-like trap is triggered in front of them and you hear a yelp of surprise. Gyzz leaps almost 6 feet in the air, the point of a javelin scraping against his armor. Gazz on the other hand...
SHULNK!
A piercing yelp catches the attention of the rest of you, Gazz pierced completely through the leg and pinned to the ground below him. He grips at it, scrambling in shock and trying to get away. (10 dmg, 12 hp remaining)
A battle cry roars as, from behind a ditch, six orcs with drawn swords rush out to engage you. They all look thrilled and vicious, white tusks stark as bone--definitely like the orcs you fought back in Dragonshore.
Atriox roars at the charging orcs and draws his sword so he’s dual wielding it with Koras axe
He charges right at two of them and catches there blades on his own two. While pushing back the orcs Atriox yells to Irok
“Take care of your little ones. We’ll hold them off.”
Once his attention has returned to the fight Atriox swings his weapons into action taking of one of the orcs legs immediately with the axe and imbedding his sword in the side of the other one.
Atriox see’s that while he was fighting a third orc charges at him but is sent straight to the ground as Atriox throws Koras axe into the middle of the orcs chest killing it. Atriox feels a tug on his sword and smiles. He looks back at the last one and yanks his sword free before stabbing it straight through the orcs belly. While the orc bleeds out Atriox begins to feed from its neck clamping down his mighty jaws and crushing flesh and bones
Tak and Darr both lead a charge from out of the wheat, the other kobolds close behind. The one with the sling lets off a volley of stones that whistle like birds. Striking the lead orc in the face it causes him to stumble, and the kobolds are on him in seconds.
Darr vaults off the first one with his weapon and brings it up and around to smack the next orc right in the neck. Not strong enough to bring it down in one blow, he scrambles below it and up and around, trying to use his speed to his advantage. The orc manages to grab him and gets his hand bitten, but not before Darr feels the crack of a few of his ribs.
Tak, enraged and finally just letting loose with all of his pent up emotions, frustration and anger, dives on the first felled orc as the others scramble about to bludgeon it. He viciously grabs the orc's face in his teeth, eyes wild. After a few mutilating seconds there's not much left; he's slung from the orc with the last of the beast's strength before it rushes, stumbles, and falls back down to the earth, a few kobold spears in his back.
Vele circles the field, watching as Kiz tries taking on the third orc coming for her brothers. She lunges with the broken glaive, slicing the orc's arm but barely managing to escape his own blade. Timing it as best she can, Vele winds up and chucks a fragile bottle at the back of the orc--a splash of acid and smoke bubbles out, scalding his back and making him howl in rage. His attention averted gives Kiz enough time to stab him in the gut, ramming him to the ground.
Irok and Rark both work with their son to pry the trap open and release Gazz. It takes all of their combined strength to do so and they barely pull him out before the trap slams back down. He cries out in pain, yelping and bleeding all over. Rark grabs him by the scruff and Irok quickly wraps the wound, stuffing it with any fabric and silk he has. The three of them try to carry him to safety, at least some distance away so he can be looked at closer.
Another group of orcs begins to approach, perhaps a dozen in all. They're armed and being lead by a rougher looking fellow in the front, his nose half gone and his tusks pierced through with a bar.
Atriox growls and puts his sword into the ground. With his free hand he takes out the pearl like object Vele retrieved....the one that can be used as an explosive....
Atriox chucks it as best as he can for the leader in the middle of the group hoping it takes out as many as he hopes....
(Well..... hmm........... All but like 3 of them failed the save for this sooooo)
The bead hits the ground.
BOOM!
There's a deafening explosion, then an implosion. The leader, along with all the men closest to him, are blasted with arcane energy (9 damage to each). The three orcs furthest away are blasted back away from the area, knocked clear across the ground by the force.
As the power sucks back in, all those that felt the brunt of the explosion are pulled together and slammed--enclosed now--in a large, spherical ball. As they push against it they trip and fall about, their movement causing it to roll. But with so many inside it makes it utterly impossible for them to do so.
The kobolds and gnolls stand back, stunned. Then the latter begin cackling and laughing at the spectacle. They all jump upon the remaining orcs, fighting the three tooth and nail. It doesn't take long for them to become overwhelmed and downed.
(There are 9 left in the orb, which disappears after 1 minute of time--no attacks can go in or out of it, and it weighs 1 lb)
Atriox smiles a little with grim pleasures. He yells to everyone
“Surround them ! Once the orbs affects wear off hit them with everything you got !”
The nine remaining orcs see what you're doing and prepare themselves, licking their blades and growling with evil smiles. The kobolds and gnolls are utterly dwarfed by them and under normal circumstances would be terrified--but with your support they stand their ground.
The orb's magic shimmers... and disappears.
The orcs let out a battle cry as they fall upon your troops, the leader headed right for you, Atriox.
The 8 others are swarmed upon by the kobolds, rocks from slings and spears finding their marks between armor. But they aren't fully unprepared; swords crash down on turtleshell shields and bucklers, snapping spears in half and crushing back their opponents.
The lead stone slinger from the docks finds a mark with one of his rocks, cracking a orc in the skull hard enough that it fells him--landing on the sword of uncle Rark. But only just... before the kobold's run clear through by another orc. The orc growls and flings him off of his sword, slamming the lizardling's crumpled body into Darr.
Tak watches, enraged, and lunges onto the back of the orc--clawing at his face and tearing at his eyes. Partially blinding him, the orc grabs him by the arm and swings him down into the ground--SNAP!
Vele dodges between a few orcs with nothing more than a vial of acid and a small dagger, Kiz coming to her rescue. The gnoll slices right at the throat of one, blood gushing out and felling it within seconds. The kobold hears Tak's cry and rushes forward, flinging her weapon.
The leader brings around his weapons, a pair of curved, serrated blades, straight for your chest. (using raw rolls for this, 4--misses)
Atriox easily blocks away the attack with Koras axe and then brings both weapons down from either side on the orcs neck
The weapons connect, cracking the orc's armor and digging into his flesh. He roars in pain, blood seeping out everywhere. To free himself he headbutts Atriox in the face as hard as he can. (14)
Atriox stumbles backwards from the force but quickly recovers with a slight nose bleed, his eyes glowing red
Apparently the orc has a thick neck so Atriox goes back to work on it. He throws his sword at the orcs leg
(18)
Then takes Koras axe and both hands and full on lumberjack chops at one of the cuts in the orcs neck
Kora's axe practically grows red as--SWOOSH--it takes the orc's head clean off. The weapon soaks up the blood on the metal you hear the head thump to the ground as the rest of the twitching body follows.
The roar of Tanarukk can be heard over the din of battle. Looking up you see him in front of the building, a massive orc with muscular tattooed arms and a serrated sword in hand. In his other is an old battered oil lantern. His grin is that of a pure sociopath.
"Worm who DARES call himself a leader over these bilge rats and mongrels!" He shouts, his voice harsh and unforgiving. He grins wider. "You took something precious from me... And I took it BACK!"
He holds his head up, the door to the old farmhouse hanging by one hinge beside him. "Let's speed things up, shall we?" With a well-aimed throw, Tanarukk chucks the lantern into the dry wheat where it explodes in a ferocious ball of fire.
The few remaining orcs cackle as the kobolds yip and scramble from the flames, growling and hissing as they try to hold their ground.
As he steps back inside, these are the last words you hear shouted at you:
"I'll be waiting for you, you bastard."
Atriox growls his eyes glowing like red beacons but he restrains himself. He can’t make any mistakes here.....
He yells at everyone
“Get all sounded back to the ship ! Vele go back and get Gorog. Tell him to come with 10 of his men quickly ! And stay at the ship yourself you’ve risked enough. Go.”
Vele, jumps off the back of the orc she was standing on, acid dripping down his body with a knife in his neck. She looks a little shell shocked but reacts as quickly as possible. She tries to help Tak up off the ground but he grunts and shrugs her off in his rage, gripping his fractured arm.
She lets out a loud whistle, giving Tak a stern word or two in draconic before leading him and the others back. The gnolls keep the last few orcs hanging back; only two of them are still standing from the original 12, and another 3 are on the ground injured.
The orcs back off, hovering around you, Atriox. They cackle, and you watch Kiz and Irok waiting nervously on the edge of the hill. Out of the 8 kobolds you brought, only 5 escaped with their lives.
Atriox grunts
“Irok, Kiz pull back to safety. These savages are almost out of time. If they’re smart they will run.”
The orcs hesitate just slightly, the threat rather intimidating to say the least.The gnolls do as bidded and retreat out of sight. A chorus of howls echoes in the air, something different this time; a war chant that electrifies your soul.
(You gain a temporary buff, your first successful attack in battle will hit for 2x damage)
Atriox walks forward and yanks his sword free of the headless corpse on the ground. He rests it over his shoulder and just smirks at the three orcs
They sneer and step back out of the way. You approach the house... There is a smell of decay lingering in the air. You spot a wheelbarrow out back with the bodies of a farmer and three farm hands.
One of the two orcs stands watching Atriox while the other gets the other three back on their feet. The smell of burning wheat chokes the air, but you know reinforcements should be there very soon.
"Aren't you a fiesty one... No wonder the Bonebreaker liked you." He circles around you, taking you in. His skin is blistered and scarred, making his grin worse.
Atriox glares at the orc
“That is none of your business and I suggest you don’t test me. I’m already being nice by not killing you outright.”
Atriox gets an idea suddenly and gets a mischievous grin. He flexes and spins his weapons in his hands
“In fact I’m being so nice you should tell me who that orc in charge is and what he has planned. Any more traps ? What’s his plan for Bonebreaker ?”
"Planned?"
The scarred orc sneers, but there is definite confusion in his eyes.
"Plans on getting rid of her vampire shit. Savin' her, like. You follow? Tanarukk is smart like that."
Watching the dragonborn spin his blades, the orc backs up a step.
"A-and traps...? Psh... Same way we caught her, heh. She's strong though."
He takes another step back, readying his weapon nervously. "That's why he dealin' with you. Boss is keen on gettin' some fresh new orc blood in the clan... If you know what I mean."
He gets a very evil look in his eyes and you think you understand what that insinuates.
At that moment you hear a bellow from the hill, and the orc turns to look, growling.
Your troops have arrived, Gogrog in the lead with ten fully armed orcs behind him. They rush down toward the remaining enemies, who hesitate but stand their ground.
Atriox points his sword at the orc who was talking
“You can join or die. I truthfully don’t care which. So decide now."
The orc licks his lips, thinking. He definitely has self preservation but...
"I follow the strongest." He swallows, glancing down at the sword point.
Atriox shrugs nonchalantly
“Then stand down and back off and we will see who that is.”
Atriox looks over his shoulder
“Gogrog ! Come here”
Gogrog grunts, his sword at the throat of one of the others. He headbutts him, knocking the villian out.
He approaches Atriox, his men seconds from dispatching the others or sparing them.
"Yes, sir?"
Atriox nods torwards the house
“Tell me about this.....Tanarukk. What’s he like ? If I say light the house on fire would he get himself and kora out of there or die due to stubbornness?”
The orc looks surprised at that. He licks his lips.
"I can see him doing either.... He might drag the whore out, or blame you for her death."
You can tell he's unsure, that Kora would likely be dragged out with him if the house caught fire--this guy seems to want her alive, despite what he's doing.
Atriox thinks on it for a minute before he looks back at Gorog
“Have your men surround the house with a bit of birth. Don’t want them getting burnt to.”
As they hop to Atriox approaches the front of the house. He opens the front door and yells
“Knock knock slime !”
Before he opens his mouth and releases a inferno with a roar to match it. He try’s to leave a path to the door before backing up and watching the flames and to see what happens
Tying up the orcs that are left, your men hurry over and surround the house as you instruct. The inside of the main room is a complete mess of bottles, glass, blood splatter and other scraps, with piles of blankets and shredded material used as bedding--and with the lingering alcoholic smell in the air, quite flammable.
From the level below you hear a dark cackle and a muffled cry. It's not long before Tanarukk walks out, barely minding the flames licking at his armor and skin. In one hand he holds a nasty looking sword, the hilt decorated with skulls and skin, along with a fizzling wand. In the other he easily carries a suspended Dorokor, shackled by her wrists and held with her feet off the ground.
On a hook outside the door he slings the chains of Kora's wrists, causing her to wince and shake as she hangs there off the ground; the flames from the fire still barely contained inside the house.
She seems semi-conscious both from pain and intense hunger, eyes a deep, pulsing crimson red. You remember how she looked when she was lost in her frenzy recently, and by the heavy sweat on her brow and the palor of her face--you can only assume she is close to doing so again.
"About time, maggot!" He sneers, his blackened teeth smiling without any mirth.
The orcs surrounding the house, including Gogrog--who you distinctly recall not having the greatest love for Dorokor himself--look surprised and disgusted. They itch to move, their weapons in their hands ready to bear down and end this.
The only thing keeping them from moving is Atriox's signal and how dangerously close Tanarukk is standing to the captive. They keep glancing to the prince, waiting to spring.
Atriox holds his hand up to them so they know to wait.
“I’m sorry I kept you waiting so long. I got your invitation clear enough though. So how do you want to do this ? I’m guessing single combat.”
Tanarukk sneers. "That sounds pleasing. However..."
He pulls an arm back, slamming it right below Dorokor's ribs. She gasps and wretches dryly, lost in her mind. "Why do I want you dead before I show you how purging a vampire works? Look, she's keeping down her holy meal just fine now, I think it's beginning to work."
Atriox wants to rip the bastard limb from limb but he keeps his cool.....barely
He puts on a cocky grin putting his weapons on his shoulders
“Even if it does work. So what ? You won’t kill her. I get the feeling that I’m your own slush of a brain your in love with bonebreaker. Once your dead I will just turn her back. We both know your anger is really with me. A fight doesn’t have to be to the death.........”
Atriox remembers what the other orc said and his smile widens
“Once I’m captured you’ll get the glory, the honor, the money, the girl, and all the other orcs will gladly follow you without a doubt. Isn’t that what you want ? I’m right here.”
Atriox spreads his arms wide open in the way of invitation
"Oh my, it's like a kindred spirit. How you seem to know me so well..." His voice is cold and mocking, the smile still not leaving his face as he points his weapon at Atriox.
You feel a pressure surround your brain and your body. A tingling, burning, uncomfortable sensation in your muscles causing them to seize up.
Dorokor's body twitches as she pulls at her chains. The heat from inside bursts the windows and she roars, her muscles tightening unnaturally. She struggles, furious, losing to the monster. The frenzy.
Your eyes grow red and tinge with black shadows. Despite the magic being used against you, your body seems resilient against it. Slowly, steadily, you push against the arcane energy and stand, a furious storm against this tyrant.
Tanarukk growls in anger and confusion, not expecting you to counter that spell. Even Dorokor couldn't. He discards the smoldering wand and charges at you with his sword drawn.
Atriox knows a challenge when he see’s one and intends to stay ahead in the game. He extends his hand and challenges the orc with his own magic, casting a eldtrich blast at him.
While the savage is distract Atriox drops his sword and quickly cuts his hand on Koras axe. He lets blood drip all over it for a a few seconds befor throwing it at Koras chains keeping her hanging
“Drink ! Quickly !”
Atriox picks up his sword and tackles his opponent as further distraction
The axe flies true and slams right into the chains holding her up by her manacles. Kora drops immediately to the ground in a shower of splinters and metal, coughing and retching again.
Gogrog runs up to try to help her but in her haze she grabs him, trying to bite down. He cries out in shock as her tusks dig into him, but she practically cries at the lack of nourishment--all her fangs painfully removed. She slams him back out of the way as she grabs for the tantalizing blood dripping from her axe.
Though Wound soaked up some of it, there was enough there that she rips it from the wall and licks it clean, savoring it like mana from the heavens. A faint sense of her humanity returns to help her fight the frenzy. Breathing deep, she holds her aching gut and stares with venomous intent at Tanarukk.
The blast of dark power that struck him in the chest sizzles across his armor as he stands back up, staring enraged at Atriox. "YOU'RE RUINING EVERYTHING! YOU WORM!"
Atriox let’s loose a smile and bows
“That’s what I do !”
Before the Orc can do anything Atriox uses his speed to stab his sword into the dumb green apes leg
With the sword still in the orcs leg Atriox claws the Mongrels face
The sword pierces deep into the flesh, slicing both tendon and bone. He roars as he trips over himself, about to stab you again before your claws hit him. They dig deep gashes, shredding his flesh.
Struggling back he tries to strike again, his sword coming around to slice Atriox in the ribs.
Dorokor stalks forward, stumbling slightly as she makes her way to you both. She grips her axe in both hands, breathing heavily. Her eyes are thick with fury and bloodlust.
With a swing she winds up and slams Wound into the orc's back, breaking it against his chainmail. It cuts into him and she growls in pain, anger, and disgust at everything that's happened; her fight against the frenzy is palpable, everyone around her a haze of shadow.
Atriox walk forward not overly cautious. The brute is beaten. Clearly. Atriox whistles to his men
“Form up. Hold him down !”
Atriox punches his target and removes his sword which he then slides open the orcs arm and points to Kora
“Drink. But don’t kill. If you want revenge as badly as I do use all your restraint to spare him. Death is to much of a mercy for him”
He yells in fury at the pain of the sword as the other orcs bear down around him. Insanity is etched on his face as he tries once more to strike at you in vain. Your wound drips dark red, hard to see against the crimson fabric the gnolls found for you.
Dorokor breathes heavily, sinking to one knee and wrenching the arm toward her. With a resounding CRACK you hear it break in her grip. Her tusks are around it in an instant, but without fangs it's a messy affair.
Tanarukk struggles and thrashes about. As much as he pales, his energy doesn't seem to leave him completely... but you fear it could. The other orcs glance between Dorokor and Atriox.
Atriox grunts not fully surprised at her behavior. She’s likely been tortured and this time it’s not her fault.
He raises his sword and slams the butt of it on the back of her head after he thinks she’s had enough
Dorokor jolts from the hit, her eyes growing fuzzy. For a fraction of a moment there's a look on her face; realization when she sees Atriox above her. Then she collapses to the ground unconscious.
The others watch in silence. The only remaining sound is the struggling orc and the crackling of the fires.
Atriox straps his sword on his back and picks up Kora gently. He looks to Gorog
“Clean this up. Keep him alive at all costs and get him to the ship. The rest give an option. I don’t care what the outcome is. Also please bring me Koras axe. I have my hands full.”
Atriox turns and heads back to the ship
You make your way back to the Annabel Lee. Quite a few people stare as you pass; a regal-looking Dragonborn and an unconscious orc covered in blood make for quite a sight.
You step on deck just as a fire brigade heads out to the burning farmland. Having enough time to do so, you make your way below deck to handle Kora. The room is fixed and cleaned and you can only suspect it's Dahlia's doing.
Up above you hear the telltale sounds of boots on deck; the sounds of the rest of your men dragging the horrid criminal aboard. Kobolds and orcs peek around from down below, looking nervously up and chattering to one another.
Atriox lays Kora down on the bed as gently he can. He’s worried about her and they’re unborn child but there’s more pressing matters in this instant.
He leaves her with one last look to go check how it’s going with the prisoner
Dahlia bumps into Atriox outside, hesitating near the door. She was as quiet as a mouse, but definitely diligent in checking on you both.
"I can... help clean her up? If that's alright? I'd rather not be present for whatever happens on deck." She gives Atriox a shy smile and a shrug, as if she knows what's going to happen..... won't be good.
Atriox nods to her
“Thank you Dahlia. Anything you can do for her is greatly appreciated. I will handle this ugly business.”
He pats her affectionately on the the side of the arm before continuing up top
You emerge on deck, your side aching a little from the stinging wound but not enough to stop you. Gogrog hands you the axe Wound as you approach, gesturing to the captive; the other orcs have him bound and gagged, slumped on his side against the foot of the mast.
He looks exhausted and beat, perhaps a little more from them even since you left him... but there is a fury still remaining in his eyes.
You notice there are no other orcs with them, the remaining followers of Tanarukk having fled or died by the hands of your men.
Atriox looks at him with a raw fury of his own. The fake smugness from earlier gone.
“You know I was going to do something that hurt you a lot right now but after what you’ve done to kora and the killing of my men. My family. That’s to easy. No. You will live years from now to regret this day.”
Atriox points to higher up on the mast
“Tie him up properly so his whole body can’t move. A good ways up the mast boys. He can spend the rest of this trip in contemplation.”
His eyes burn as the men grab him, thrashing and kicking the entire time. He's making it none too easy for them to accomplish their work, but after several minutes they have him as you've instructed:
Tanarukk is now gagged and tied to the mast, a few feet off the ground so he has no purchase. The ropes are tightened aggressively giving him little room to move, let alone breathe. The orcs discuss in quiet tones how to handle him regarding food and relieving himself, the specifics of which ignoring any and all comfort to the captive. They're all equally furious, but likely none so much as you.
Atriox growls and strides away. As he does he thrust Koras axe above his head as he walks
“Good work men !”
Atriox works his way back to his room
The orcs give a war shout in unison, glad to serve you in dealing out some of this harsher justice. You arrive back in your room. Dahlia is just finishing up with Dorokor and she smiles sadly up at you. The chieftess is breathing faintly but steadily, the blood and bile cleaned from her body.
"I did my best to wash her... poor thing." The red dragonborn sets a washcloth back in a bowl that she carried in. There are bruises all up the orc's torso and neck, strange to see considering how quickly she can usually heal herself. Dahlia also managed to lock pick the shackles off. Dorokor's wrists are marred with gashes from hanging and fighting against the rough metal.
Dahlia just shakes her head. "I've left a salve to help with the injuries..." She eyes your own wounds but makes no word against it, knowing where your concern lies. "It's something more natural than... well, whatever he was trying to give her."
Atriox merely looks sadly over kora and mutters
“Holy water. He thought he could cure her.”
Dahlia processes that for a moment, realizing the implications holy water could have on someone afflicted with a blood curse. She puts a hand to her mouth, nervously glancing at the orc, but refrains from speaking anything worrying.
"I'll gladly uh... leave a drink for her by the door, if you'd like? You as well unless you already ate?" She tilts her head with sincerity. The engagement the other night is still in her mind but there is no hint of coy flirting here. Just honesty and concern.
Atriox grunts
“I appreciate it but I’ll survive a day or two. Please do what you can for her. For now. Whatever is convenient for you.”
She nods. "I have some ideas." Standing, she places a gentle kiss atop your head for encouragement. "It will be alright, Atriox. She's definitely on the mend. You get some rest too, alright?"
Atriox sighs and sits on the floor up against the wall with Koras axe across his lap. Eventually he does fall asleep
**
Some time later a light knock at the door catches your attention. At the noise, Dorokor jolts awake as if expecting a struggle, restraints and a fight. But her body just twinges in discomfort and she falls back to the bed, panting with adrenaline. A string of curses escapes her lips as she tries to regain her bearings. Her eyes finally landing on Atriox.
She stills. Her gaze drops as she searches for the right words. "I... uh... welcome back I guess." Kora sniffs to clear her nose, grimacing through the pain. "I thought you might be..."
She trails off, her eyes now averted trying to hide her relief. "...Glad you weren't as dead as they said."
Atriox gets a smile out of the whole thing
“I could say the same for you Bonebreaker.”
Atriox clears his throat
“Come in”
She snorts, turning her head to face the wall. No one enters but you hear a shuffling of feet leave the door.
You crack it open and see a small crate full of bottles--different sizes and shapes, some recently emptied of their liquor contents. They are all now stoppered and full of blood. It's mouth-watering. You've never seen so many at once, and have no idea how Dahlia was able to procure so much.
Atriox picks it all up and goes back into the room showing Kora
“It seems a feast has been prepared for us. All be it a lazy feast with no hunting.”
Her eyes shine with hunger, desire and humiliation. "I can't hunt right now anyways... not properly. But that was kind."
She forces herself to sit up and take a bottle, unstoppering it and taking a long pull. Kora's hard exterior cracks just a little. You can see her fighting to hide the emotion welling up in her eyes.
"Thanks for helping find me... I'm sorry that I ran before." Her voice drops. ""It was just... a lot to take in."
Atriox shrugs
“You have nothing to apologize for. I am........grateful that I got you in time. I hope he......didn’t do anything permanent.”
Atriox beats around the bush not wanting to upset her he takes a bottle himself and goes back to his spot on the floor and sits down to drink
She licks her lips, a wave of relief passing over her. "Yes, I share in that sentiment. He was always a clever bastard but I never considered...." She shivers and takes another pull from the bottle.
Looking at it, she smirks. "I always wondered what her blood tasted like. It's like yours... but mixed with human. Figures."
Yours tastes somewhat like Kora's and also the fellow you drained earlier--you imagine it being orcish blood, but definitely more sober and healthy than the last guy was. Now that you glance through the bottles there is a faint smell about all of them; human, kobold and orc alike.
Her smile fades a little as she glances back at you.
"I frenzied again, didn't I?"
She rubs her sore stomach, contemplative.
Atriox shrugs and givers a reassuring smile
“Barely and under the circumstances I don’t blame you. Nobody was killed and the only one hurt was that bastard.”
"Hm." She turns away again, thinking.
"Is he dead now?"
Atriox shakes his head
“No. Not yet. And by the time he is.....he’ll have wished he died on that field outside dragonshore
You see Kora's face twitch in slight satisfaction.
"Good."
She takes another bottle to drink. You can tell she's regaining a bit of her strength.
"I was foolish and let my guard down. Mistakes like that are deadly." Dorokor glances at Atriox. "Especially for vampires."
Atriox stands grabs another bottle for himself
As he uncorks it he says
“Good to know”
He chugs the whole thing
The tang of the bottle is stark and concentrated. It makes you cough a little.
"I was too....concerned," she grumbles, "about some idiot getting himself killed."
When you look at Dorokor again she's avoiding your eyes. You can tell she's angry and confused, something completely seperate from her recent experience.
Atriox nods guiltily
“I’m sorry about that. Things did not go as expected, obviously. I’m just glad I got to you in time....”
Atriox sighs heavily
“Did.....did he hurt the baby ?”
Dorokor hesitates.
"I... I don't know."
She awkwardly touches her stomach, wincing at the bruises. "He definitely wanted it gone, one way or another."
Kora is silent. Thinking. When she speaks it is in a quiet voice. "You really don't mind the idea, then? Offspring? With..."
Atriox stares off into space for a moment considering her question. He finally answers
“Of course I want children. Family is everything. Now I can not make this child my heir. I’ll just be honest about that now. But that doesn’t mean I won’t accept them. That I can’t provide an amazing future for them.”
He sighs and runs a hand down the back of his neck
“What about you ?”
"Me..."
She cups a hand over her mouth as she thinks. Her eyes regain a chocolatey velvet color before fading back to a pale red.
"Family is everything, you say."
Kora sighs, grabbing another bottle. You see her concentrate on her injuries, trying to heal. Using the blood to fuel her recovery. She takes another swig. It will be a slow process.
"Clans I can deal with. There is age, death, war, sacrifice. It grows and shrinks and grows again. But family? That's much more... finite."
She shakes her head. "I haven't considered... Family... For decades. A century. I dealt with that once. But since? It wasn't feasible nor was it wanted."
She glances over, confused, angry and tired. "Not much scares me, Atriox. But this... This did."
Atriox chuckles and looks at her
“Do you think I don’t know that ? Do you think I don’t feel the same ? But what if this child is actually what you’ve been searching for. Someone that fully accepts you for who you are and loves you without a doubt. That’s true power."
She stares at you for a long moment, contemplating your words. You see a little of that defense of hers chip away.
"Yeah... Yeah I suppose that's true."
She sets the half-finished bottle down with a sigh.
She winces in pain, rubbing her side.
"Something is... Different. I don't know what affect that had but... there is movement. I think it's ok."
Atriox nods
“Good. Good, your only job is to rest and regain your strength. I’m going to get us underway. I’ll be back.”
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