Your horses finally find rest, frothing and breathing heavily through their nostrils. If they were any other breed there would have been no way they could have made this journey so quickly. All around you, hidden in the hills and the forests surrounding, are red dragonborn and kobolds. Nearby you can sense, somewhere hidden, the orcs and their leader Bonebreaker.
Atriox rides torwards where he senses Kora to be. It’s somewhat of a blind journey but he has a sense he’s going the right way
It is almost as if you can sense her. While the others dismount and assist in the first area, you move on around the foothills to another encampment. Both look as if they've been there for several days, preparing and waiting for your arrival.
You're greeted by a few familiar faces, the orcs rather pleased to see you. They point you in the direction of a commander's tent that's been haphazardly set up, and, making your way to it, find yourself walking in on Dorokor feeding on one of her own men. He seems subdued enough, and it is a strange thing to watch, but her eyes snap open as she feels your eyes on her.
She releases him and stands up, the fellow stuck in a bit of a trance, and she wipes her mouth off with a gruff bit of embarrassment. She grunts a bit when she speaks, her old manners present given the company in the room. "Welcome, Prince. Did the rest of your trip go well?"
Atriox grunts in his own way pushing steam out of his nostrils
“It went. We were watched from the mountain on our approach. There’s definitely something or someone in there and I don’t like how they feel. This will be a fight as predicted. How’s everything here ?”
Atriox chooses to ignore the orc on the floor and paces a little his tail sometimes coming down and hitting the ground making a audible thump
She nods. "Yes, we see them move along the hills every night. They have not openly attacked us, perhaps they do not see us as a threat. Yet."
Kora's eyes glow red. "My scouts indicate they are rodent-like. Beasts with strange abnormalities and protrusions. Matted fur, large teeth and claws. Cowardly, but numerous."
Atriox stops at her words. His back is to her but it is rigid. All she can hear is the rumble of a true dragons growl. When he turns to her his eyes are red
In a dark voice he utters one word........
“Skaven......!”
He continues his pacing but now it has a aggressive undertone in the way he’s doing it
“Damn vermin invade and pollute my home !!”
Kora watches you, silent. After a moment she speaks, approaching the topic carefully. "Seems you've had experience with them before. What can we expect?"
Atriox shifts his weight and looks at her
“Yes I know of them.....but I’ve never personally hunted or fought them. Just heard the stories. They’re a hoard of corruption and disease that burrow into anywhere they deem safe. This just makes me more determined to get in there. There’s not much time to waste. We need a war council “
The warrior nods in understanding. "I'll have it assembled."
Going over to the orc still sitting in the middle of the room, she holds her hand over his head and a gentle pulse of red light iminates from her fingers. His eyes suddenly come back into focus and he stands up hurriedly.
"Yes miss?"
In orcish she describes exactly what she needs him to do and sends him on his way. She glances in your direction, trying to gauge how you're doing. You can tell she's grown a bit, and also taken the time to set up quite a camp here. You hear anvils ringing outside and no doubtedly, Ferrar and his son have been helping the projects.
Atriox sighs and finds a place to sit down while he waits
After a few minutes everyone is gathered that you need--the leaders of the Dragonborn, the Kobolds, the Gnolls, the Orcs and the Humans. You have the start of a fine group of soldiers here.
They stand expectantly and politely before you, ready to take action against this huge threat. Despite this, the air is thick with tension and nerves. They are as anxious as you are to get this over with.
Etny, having ridden with the whole of the group, toward the vanguard, now stands with the rest of the group before Atriox-Dugairon. She has heard the chatter along some if the other archers and bowmen of what they may be up against. Now, though, standing before Atriox himself, she expectantly and respectfully awaits his word.
Atriox looks at all the people gathered around a map of Skyhold. The mix of emotions he’s feeling are so strange. At the battle of Dragonshore he remembers feeling a calm excitement. Now.....but he clears his throat and pushes forward
“Hello Everybody. I appreciate you being here. More than you could possibly know. Some of you are here through odd circumstances (he looks at Kora and the Gnulls in particular) others are here because this is where they should be. This is part of your heritage (he looks at Kybirus, Vance, Vele and Tak) the rest of you are friends through and through. But I couldn’t have made it this far without any of you and this day certainly wouldn’t have come without your help. Never forget that. Now we must make a plan. I have part of one but there’s something I’m unsure of friends. When ? When do we attack ? Day or night ? Evening? There’s pros and cons to both. I invite my generals to step forth and speak there minds now.”
Kybirus steps forward immediately. "I vote we attack now. They know we're here." He glances around at everyone, his eyes hardened with past battles. "I am certain they will not be taken by surprise. My men have been scouting and making camp for a week now, and are ready to spring. There is no point in waiting."
You know, from your own experience, that night is not kind to some people--dragonborn do not specialize in dark raids, given their eyesight being more like that of humankind; so despite Kybirus' enthusiasm, it will be more difficult for his men to see. Regardless, his men are bred for war and will likely massacre many of these ill-forsaken rats no matter the circumstances.
When Kybirus finishes speaking, Vele clears her throat. It's almost comical how small she looks beside the dragonborn beside her, and there is some obvious strained feelings on Kybirus' part. The little kobold keeps her eyes on Atriox. "My people are ready to attack at any time. We are not hindered by daylight like many of our kin. But night is always our specialty. Their burrows do not worry us, we can chase them into the mountain if need be."
"Dawn." Dorokor says, her chin lifted and her gaze stony. You know that choice would be most difficult for you and her, the light being irritating to vampires even with a feed. "My men can attack day or night, as can most of the rest of you. That is not my concern. Our enemy specializes in the dark and wet places of the mountain. I doubt light is their friend, and any traps set by them will be more easily spotted."
Although there aren't many humans here, Ironfist was honorably brought in along with Rark Deadclaw. The old soldier nods his head, though perhaps with some hesitation at agreeing with Kora. "Yes... though they may be small and easily killed, they have numbers. Light can even the odds. Never underestimate an enemy, for then you are sure to lose."
Rark chuckles, his dry, dark humor showing. "I will defer to those who have larger forces to command. My killers are small and less numerous."
Atriox grunts in slight amusement at the old codger of a gnull. Everything everyone else said he thinks about carefully while rubbing his stubble on his chin
He finally looks at Kybirus
“Your wrong about one thing. They can and will be surprised by us. I have a way in to the palace that there’s no possible way the Skaven could know about. Once we’re in I’ll get to one of the signal towers and light a signal fire. So keep your eyes peeled. Once that’s done you and Kora together will lead the army in a charge right for the main gate. Now I’ve never actually gone up against Skaven but my order knows plenty about them. They live in what are called Under City’s so Skyhold is really just a above ground barriers of sorts. But my point is the main gates shouldn’t be a hard target after the siege years ago and how much Skaven avoid above ground contact I doubt the fortifications are serious. But you need to draw them out.....bring the horde to you and leave there main area unguarded.....the undercity. While the main army is doing that I want half the Kobolds to burrow down into the Undercity. When they undoubtedly retreat back underground we will be ready for them and they will be destroyed from two sides. What say you ?”
Atriox looks around at everybody again leaving the floor open
Kybirus raises an eyebrow. "A hidden entrance? I see..." He looks contemplative at the entire idea. "This sounds like it could work well."
Everyone else seems in agreement. Ironfist raises a hand. "You've heard our opinions on the other matter, Atriox. What time of day would you like to assail them? How soon?"
Atriox grunts at the old soldier
“I agree with Dorokor. Dawn will make and excellent time to attack. For some of us that will be an annoyance but we can deal with it. Half of the Kobolds will be underground anyway. Besides in the history of our new home doesn’t it’s new beginning starting with the battle of the dawn sound great ? We can do this. At dawn we cleanse our home of this vermin
The room cheers and agrees full-heartedly with your final decision. Kybirus is the only one a little more subdued, likely ready for battle now rather than later.
The hours pass quickly enough, everyone readying themselves for what is to come. Unlike your last battle, this one is much greater. Retaking an area so large, against such an enormous force, seems utterly daunting. But this time you do have trained soldiers fighting with you, and the advantage of knowing what you're up against.
Atriox walks out of Dorokors tent before dawn, having spent the night .....catching up with her. As he walks in the wet morning grass by all the assembled troops getting to there various positions, he try’s to offer words of encouragement and enthusiasm to bolster they’re resolve.
He finally gets to where his scouting party or as he had called them the surprise party ,was told to meet. He had chosen Vance, Etny, Dahlia, Vele, and the Gnulls who can truly handle themselves. Upon arrival he finds them all prepared , geared up, and a mix of emotions on they’re face. Vance and some of the Gnulls look eager and excited, Vele looks nervous, Dahlia just looks apprehensive at best. Etny, Atriox notes looks like she just ready to bury her arrows in something. He supposes that’s not entirely a surprise given everything.
Etny stands ready, and bows respectfully to Atriox as he approaches. "Halalu arata magara, Atriox-Dugairon. My bowstring stands taught and sure, ready to pierce any enemy!" She runs her fingers along the taught string of her bow, anticipation and excitement etched in her features.
He speaks up on his final approach
“How is everyone this morning? Are we ready? Vele you got those fire bombs ?”
Although jittery and nervous Vele still smiles proudly, hefting a bag on her back. She holds a device in her hand, a small ball packed with... strange materials that you can't quite name. It smells heavily of oil, and you can only imagine that it will catch fire before the inside detonates.
Vance claps you on the shoulder, a big grin on his face and a sword in his hand. "This is the best plan ever!" Dahlia just chuckles slightly at the overly enthusiastic dragonborn, wondering if Atriox was like that at his age.
"Plan this, plan that, I just wanna tear into some of these rats! Oooh I can't wait to make a skit out of this, Gazz!" Gyzz gekkers in excitement, trying to behave himself. Kiz sharpens her--once Atriox's--glaive, giving it a razor edge and ignores her two brothers.
Atriox grunts in amusement at everybody and claps Vance back with a smile
“Alright everybody is here now so let’s go. The Kobolds should be starting to dig by now and that will take time, and the army is waiting on us.”
Atriox leads them across fields and hills till they come to the bottom of one particular hill. The side they are on faces Skyhold, Atriox should know. After all he stood on this very hill one night long ago and watched a city, his home burn, helplessly. Being back here almost takes the air away from him. As he stands there in the damp grass he becomes aware of everyone looking at him. He grunts and shakes his head
“Everybody look for a concert square with a Dragonborn footprint in it. The grass has probably grown over it a little. It should be here at the bottom of the hill !”
(Awwww that was moving... geez. Ok roll investigation check to see if you can locate where it is. I'll be rolling for each npc with you. If Andrew is available he can roll for Etny too, but no biggie)
(I got a nat 17 Lol 💁)
(Eeeeeeeehhhhhh, I rolled a 3)
(Lollllllll sok guys XD Sounds great)
"Is.... Is this it?"
Dahila peers through the tall grass, pulling away weeds and dusting off what looks like a rock. There's a warn impression on the top in the shape of a clawed foot, and even though it has been aged terribly... you recognize it immediately.
Atriox walks over slowly, a heavy feeling in his heart as he gets nearer to where she is
Once there he nods to her and begins hacking away the weeds with his scimitar. Once done he put the sword back in its place and steps on the foot pad activating the plates under it
“And now for the key........”
Atriox bends down with his foot still in place and puts his signet ring in a almost imperceptible place and turns his hand slowly. He quickly steps back as there’s a slight rumbling and heavy stone doors open outwards from the side of the hill.
Atriox takes the first tentative steps inside the tunnel past the ancient stone doors. He stops and put his hand on the stone walls as he remembers.......
He remembers the little boy that came out of these tunnels crying and afraid with his old teacher. The very same man who gave him this signet ring he bears now
When he opens his eyes he looks down and sees something that surprised him. In the ancient dust of this unused tunnel is a small child like Dragonborn foot print undoubtedly from the night Atriox fled. He Sighs and then pushes forward.
You lead your troop forward through the deep, underground tunnels. It is unnervingly quiet, save for the occasional cough or grunt punctuating the silence.
Fragile memories surround you, hovering like spirits as you walk this path; this final path that took you from your home so long ago. Like a double-edged sword, it led you to true safety, but also... Loneliness. Cut off abruptly from a life you, just hours before, thought concrete and immovable.
After some time you find the tunnel leveling out. Walls expand, the ceiling raises, and you know you're close. Statues of dragonkin, like ancient sentinels, watch over you from the shadows.
"Atriox?" Dahlia places a hand on your shoulder, the unasked questions hanging heavily between you.
Atriox looks back at her in the dark
“I’m fine, Dahlia. We’re almost there and it’s time to do this. I’ve put it off for far to long.”
Atriox try’s to offer her a smile before pushing forward
With a silent nod, she continues after you in the dark. The minutes drag into what feels like hours. But suddenly...you find yourself facing a dead end.
This part of the tunnel seems to have collapsed, littering the area with rocks and masonry. Something from the ancient battle long ago must have sealed this path off, leaving those inside trapped to their fate...
You peer into a crack and, with your vampiric power, you can you spot the unmistakable red outline of the magically sealed door.
You remember this door.
On the other side was one of the few secrets you and your sister never did find on your own. Only your teacher seemed to know it... An old, dusty shelf, in a disused office, occupied by the assistant teacher that you never met and may have never even existed.
(This...this makes me think of the moment Thorin Oakenshield re-enters the Lonely Mountain. So emotional, and gripping!)
Etny wanders behind, bringing up the rearguard of their party. She is silent and filled with an almost reverent air, and even some apprehension. She gets the sense that Atriox-Dugairon must relive old, and even painful memories of his past here, especially of the kingdom's downfall. She knows well the hurt and the sting that comes from that. She feels, in a certain degree, his pain. Keeping an eye out, she deftly keeps watch on all of her surroundings. (11 Perception.)
You sense those around you and the sounds of the footfalls echoing off the dusty abandoned walls. Somewhere, deep down or up above, you hear the scratching of rodents...distant. Incessant.
Atriox growls out a almost imperceptible curse as inspects the rocks. Finally he turns to everyone
“We can’t use the explosives here, so we’ll have to move this ourselves. Everybody helps.”
Etny curses in Andrayan at the sounds of the scratching of the despised rodents, and quickly shoulders her bow, jumping in immediately and throwing herself into aiding moving the obstructive rocks from the hallway. (14 athletics to move stone.)
(11+4 athletics from Atriox)
"Atriox-Dugairon, I am sure of it that you have experienced the same, but I can hear the scuttling and scritching upon the rocks of your home of these creatures. I cannot make out the distance, but I think they sound somewhat close," she says in hushed tones to the Prince, dutifully reporting to him.
Atriox grunts in response not caring
“Then we will cut them down,we have to get through here. Tiamats breath I swear half the castle fell on this tunnel !”
(Rolling for npcs)
Everyone works quickly, quietly and feverishly. Vele tries her best and struggles with anything but the smallest rocks, but is able to wriggle through and dig from the other side.
Vance, Dahlia and the gnolls work together making a line to pass rocks, and with the two of you leading the operation, eventually... An opening is cleared.
Scrambling over loose stones and dust, you manage to get to the other side.
Up against the magically sealed door, your ring powers it and it silently swings inward.
You step into the destroyed room, remnants of its old life and history lost to fire, rodents, and age.
The scratching sound seems to be closer, perhaps down below. You know that this particular room used to be an a western tower, with stairs that lead both up and down into the rest of the castle.
Etny un-shoulders her bow, gripping the center handhold tightly. "Shiza," she whispers, uttering yet another breathless curse in Andrayan. The beasts sound closer now. How she wishes she still had storm arrows!
Etny takes an advantageous position with her bow trained on the stairs, her violet eyes seeming to radiate what little-to-almost-no-light there is in this place. She nocks one of her arrows, the head at the ground, ready to pop up and shoot quickly should anything ascend from below. (I'm readying a possible reaction to pop off a shot at any beast at the stairs).
Atriox unstraps his sword now that they’re out in the open more he points to the rest
“Wait here and guard the stairs down we won’t take long. Vele come with me if you please. We will be quick.”
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