Search for Rhûn RPG

[Saraphim]

From his hiding place in the canopy, Nephil could see two of the small, thick creatures inspect where they had been only moments before.

Leaning in closer for a better view of the dwarves, the like of which he had never seen before, he heard snatches of their whispered conversation as they walked away.

They know we're here, thought Nephil. Interesting. No catch has ever known of thier peril. Before its too late, of course.

Nephil did not know where the other two had gone, only that there had been an uneasy truce as all three had seperatly picked up the tracks and scent of the dwarves.

After he had realized that Maulka and Bestialan were on the trail as well, Nephil had taken the intiative and stolen the traveler's provisions and map. He had feasted well on thier strange food, and laughed quietly at thier map, which was incredibly wrong.

The dwarves were now so weak that a simple wild-dog attack (which Nephil sespected had something to do with Bestialan or Maulka) had brought them down.

The dog's flesh will bring them sustainance. If you are to strike, then do it soon. Nephil thought, eyes narrowing.

[Himaran]

As soon as Bali and Haenir came out of the woods, they saw that the others were looking healthier. The warg meat, while foul, was of hearty sustenance; and left a reviving fire in the stomach of one consuming it. But they also knew that natives were at hand, and were not at all friendly. The party had to leave, at once. "Pack the remaining meat in dry leaves, and gather your weapons," Bali said. "We leave immediately!"

He motioned toward the thicket where the remains over the warg had been buried. "There may be other... things... waiting to harm us. The creatures of this jungle have proven to be deadly." But he did not elaborate further. The dwarves followed his instructions and, within a half-hour, were ready to leave.

Bali's foot was still throbing, as he had refused to use their remaining athelas for 'just a cut.' He reminded them that there might be more serious injuries to deal with at a later time. The dwarf did not, of course, mention that he suspected those injuries might come from poisoned weapons.

The group left the campsite, moving into the jungle once more. Bali continued to lead them east, following the plateau. Suddenly, the trees gave way to a sort of canyon. Bali was overjoyed when Erulon announced that it led through the entire plateau; heading south. The sea! It had to lead to the sea! "We follow the canyon," Bali yelled in glee. "The sea must not be far."

[Arestevana]

"Spirits protect this Spirit." Maulká said softly, standing over the small earthen mound that marked where the remains of the wolf had been buried. She had been fond of the creature, probably due to its vicious nature, and felt some regret at its death. Still, it had served her well enough, though its failure to kill one of the queer catch-creatures had been disappointing. Leaving the mound, Maulká slipped into the jungle.

As she walked along, Maulká kept to the deepest shadows, cursing the sun. For a while she had thought of trying to find Nephil or Bestialán, who presumably had left ahead of her. Now, though, she was enjoying hunting on her own. It irked that Nephil had beat her to the supplies first, but the wolf had been amusing. The fallen trees and branches were a nice piece of work, but she could not tell who had set them, even when one fell as she watched.

Ahead, the creatures had reached a narrow canyon. They slowed, and Maulká took the opportunity to examine them more closely. They were stout, beast-like creatures, but they spoke like men, and several men traveled with them. She did not recognize the elf, never having seen one before. Creeping closer to the group, Maulká saw that one of the creatures had momentarily set down the pack it carried next to a rotten log. And in one hollow portion of the decayed wood... Maulká slipped forward silently and caught the snake behind its head. She undid the top of the pack and dropped the animal inside before closing it up again. Then she vanished back into the trees.

The band of catch-creatures continued through the canyon, and Maulká became nervous. If they continued, the creatures would pass right by the entrance to the caves. She didn't want them to find that entrance, though she knew know reason why it was upsetting. They would never survive in the tunnels. Perhaps it was that there had never been any fighting in the caves. Knifings, yes, but never outright battle.

The lessening of the foliage inside the canyon would make it difficult to follow the creatures, Maulká realized. After a moment's thought, she walked a short ways into the canyon and began climbing the rocky wall. The walls of the canyon grew closer as they rose, and at the top they were only a few feet apart, leaving the canyon in shadow. Climbing through the narrow opening, Maulká discovered that if she lay flat on the ground beside the rift she could drop stones into the canyon while remaining unseen by those below. Selecting a stone about the size of her fist, she moved along the rift, seeking her quarry.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

The party moved quickly along the canyon floor, fearful of another attack…and of the nameless dread that stalked them with such expert skill. Twice more that day Hænir was certain that he caught wind of that same elusive scent, and once he thought, for a moment, that he caught sight of something or someone darting through the branches of the trees more than the height of two Dwarves’ above their heads. He called Bali’s attention to it, but even his quick eyes could see nothing and they pressed ahead all the more quickly.

Hænir did not know how aware the other Dwarves were of their danger, for they had fallen into an even deeper silence than usual. Their hardships had come upon them so suddenly and so unremittingly that they had all been plunged into despair. Even the mad Gortek looked uncharacteristically subdued as he trudged along at the side of the straggling line, only occasionally jerking his head or squinting his eye. The Ranger and the Elf seemed a little better off than the Dwarves, but not much so. The Man in particular seemed to be suffering from the insects. For Hænir, the worst part of the trip was rapidly becoming the heat; encased as he was in his suit of armour and bearing his heavy axe, the sticky warmth of the jungle rose around him like a thick and uncomfortable blanket, stifling his breath.

At one point they reached a small path that headed off to the East. They peered down its length, and some among the party were eager to follow it, for it appeared to be well trodden and would be a much easier route than the one they were attempting to hack out through the dense growth. To Hænir, however, the path only sent a shiver of apprehension down his spine – it if were well used, he did not relish the thought of meeting the people whose feet had beaten it down so well. The snatch of rhyme that he had heard all those long weeks ago in Laketown, all but forgotten, came to him:

The night like daggers glistening,
Cry out for the sun,
Fear a death by darkness,
In the land of Rhûn

He turned to the others in the party saying, “This path may be easier, boys, but it does not lead the way we want it to go! I believe that Bali is right; if we are to find the Sea, we must keep ahead along the floor of the Canyon and follow it down.” He caught Bali’s eye as he spoke and saw that their leader both understood what Hænir was doing, and appreciated how he was trying to do it.

It was Nerin who replied to Hænir’s suggestion. “Perhaps this path will lead us to a village or even a city where we can obtain new food and gear,” he suggested. “At the very least, it might give us a way to get out from under this infernal jungle and away from,” he swatted the back of his neck, “away from these infernal stinging insects!”

Hænir could see Bali starting to reply but all conversation was interrupted by a blood curdling howl from up the very path they were debating about. All eyes stared down its length, fearful of what might appear, but there was nothing more. Still, it was enough to decide the issue – they headed down the Canyon. They had not walked for very long when a scent that was familiar to some in the party, but wholly alien to Hænir, came to them through the thick reek of the jungle. Bali quickened their pace despite his pronounced limp and they all pushed ahead to follow. Through the great trunks of the trees they caught sight of a distant glimmer, and there came to them a fresher breeze than any they had felt since coming to this land. The party practically broke into a run as they made for the edge of the Sea…

[Saraphim]

Nephil watched from the treetops as the strange travelers raced for the banks of the sea.

Never a very pious man, Nephil believed few of the religious tales surounding the lake. But no outsider had ever found thier way to the lake, and, pious or not, Nephil felt a strong desire to protect what his people held sacred.

He watched as the stubby men and thier more human-like companions rejoiced at the fresh water, drinking and even bathing in the precious water.

Nephil dropped down from the tree into the thick foliage and peered out from the underbrush. He heard Maulká come up behind him, but did not turn.

"This," she said, seething,"Is an insult too great to ignore!"

Nephil narrowed his eyes at the beach and its occupants. "They know not what they do, but by everything I have ever seen on this earth, they will live to regret it."

Nephil seemed to feel Maulká agree with him.

"We must find Bestialan," she said,"These ingratiating fools will pay dearly, and I do not want Bestialan to miss out on our revenge."

Nephil nodded. "We attack at night, the first darkness after we find Bestialan."

[Himaran]

Will Witfoot's post

Gortek marched on moodily beside the straggling line formed by his ragged and weary comrades, taking his sword to any bush or clump of weeds blocking his path. He swatted at a huge beetle possessed of a metallic sheen crawling on the back of his neck and spat out a curse. The accursed jungle was slowly wearing the party down, and even the mad dwarf's endurance was stretched to the limit.

He glanced at the young dwarves shuffling along like corpses with a gait crippled by the heat and eyes dimmed by fatigue and hardship. He knew that it was undeniably worse for the beardlings, who were not used to such hardship and danger. He wondered if they would be the breaking point for this party, the part from whence would begin the destruction of this expedition.
While Bali was a natural and able leader, the group lacked the bonding and camaraderie so desperately vital to any adventurers. You could never know when your life was going to be in the hands of your companions, after all, and the group was only as strong as it's weakest member.

The party continued to progress with a pace crippled by the harshness of the surrounding environment. After trudging on for what seemed like eternity they reached a well trodden path which seemed to head to the east. They stopped for a moment to debate about their next course and Gortek slumped down onto a boulder lying by the side of the path. It was important to harbor one's strength and rest whenever possible when facing such a cruel aspect of nature.
He felt more weary than he could ever remember feeling, in body as well as in spirit. Normally his indomitable happiness prevented him from loosing heart and gave him the strength to go on, but here, in this green, rotting hell that was the jungle he couldn't help feeling his age.

Hearing a bestial screech sounding from farther along the debated path, the group quickly changed their decision to take up along it. Instead, Bali and Haenir led them along the floor of the Canyon yawning in front of them and the march continued.

Gortek was jerked from his reverie by cries of "The Sea!" and "We found it at last!". Almost not daring to believe his ears he glanced up and spotted the silvery gleam visible from between the great trees, a gleam that could only point out to one thing.

With a new found vigor, Gortek joined the rest of the party in a wild dash for the Sea. Soon the trees parted to make way for the expanse of fine, white sand that was the shore. Gortek gained back his cheerfulness in an eye blink, giving a wild whoop of joy. Even the devil-spawned insects had been left behind into the jungle.

The moment Bali exclaimed that the water was drinkable, Gortek plunged his entire head into it, gulping and swallowing greedily. He resurfaced and hastily pulled off his leather gauntlets and plunged in again, this time sinking his arms into the sweet water up to the elbows. The coolness felt unbelievably good after weeks spent in the humid jungle.

After drinking enough and bathing in the Sea Gortek sat on the golden sand of it's shores, smoking the last of his tobacco. Behind him a few of the young dwarves were setting up the tent and getting a fire going. It looked like they might yet conquer this land.

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Himaran's post

The sea was beautiful.... so beautiful. Bali and the others halted their print on its sandy shores, admiring its sunlit waves from a distance. "It's really more of a lake, with two inlets," the dwarf explained. Walking out into the water, he bent down and scooped up a handful. When he tasted it, a smile spread out over his kind features. "Freshwater, as I had expected. We can drink it!"

The dwarves literally dove into the water, lapping up the cool liquid in heavy gulps. They had been without drink for over a day, and without a bath for weeks. Now the party could enjoy both! The young dwarves started to play, and soon a waterfight was in full swing. The water had a soothing effect, not only to the throat but to the mind as well.

Bali suggested that they dry off and break camp, and the group did so. There was nothing much to camp with, as only Durin still had a pack. Luckily, it contained the tent, and so they would have a little shelter for the night. "Dwalin, get the tent out," Bali shouted over the din of the other dwarves (who were arguing about the best way to light a fire). The young dwarve pulled up the strap only to leap backwards. A snake reared its head and hissed balefully, slithering down to the ground. Dwalin, who immediately remembered his past experience with a similar creature, did not turn his back but readied his axe instead. Leaping to the side, the dwarf swung downwards, severing the reptile in two. "I wonder how it got in there," he remarked, before continuing his work.

That night, the entire party stood at the sea, marvelling the shining lights which glowed brilliantly in its depths. "It must be treasure," Durin said. "Something of great value." The group began discussing the best way to investigate, but decided that it was best to wait until the morning. Bali was preocupied, however, watching Kain. The dwarf was staring intently at the lights, and had not taken part in the conversation. Bali hurried up to him, and took the lad by the arm, walking back towards the camp. "Come. You are on second watch tonight, so get some sleep.

In the middle of the night, the camp was woken up by a bloodcurdling scream. Bali rushed out of the tent, half-dressed and clutching his axe, and saw what he had feared. Kain was floundering about, a good twenty yards into the sea. He was trashing, as if ants were crawling all over his body. As his companions hurried to his side, Bali threw caution to the wind and dashed towards the shore. Diving into the cool water, (as he was an excellent swimmer), the dwarf struck out toward Kain.

Just then, Bali felt his entire body come alive in pain. Bright lights surrounded him. Then he realized it - they were glowing fishes! Flesh eaters! The fact that the treasure they had all come for was nothing more than a hive of devilish fish caused his heart to sink; and his body did so as well. Then an arm reached out, and he found himself being pulled up on dry land.

Coughing up heaves of saltwater, Bali looked out towards the sea. Kain was gone! The dwarf broke down into sobs, knowing that his companion had been pulled under and drowned. The entire company stood in silence, except for the sound of shedding tears. Many of the younger dwarves had never lost a friend in battle or by accident before; it was a completely new feeling of emptiness and loss.

"It was my fault," Dwalin remarked later. "He told me he was going to go out and find the treasure, to prove that he was strong and old enough to look after himself."

"No it wasn't, lad," said Bali. "If anyone is to blame, it it me. I saw the look in his eye, and put him on watch anyway."

"Tain't anyone's fault!" Shouted Haenir suddenly. "It is truely a terrible thing, but he was foolish. It was not a matter of leadership."

But at that moment, another howling screech was heard. Eruantalon jumped to his feet, only to be knocked to the ground. A dark figure leaped over his fallen form, and headed for the rest of the company, blade in hand...

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Novnarwen's post

Reaching the sea appeared to be the best thing on this journey yet. Finally, Dwalin too, cheered up. It was such a beautiful place. The water gave a trickling noise, which comforted Dwalin. The blue-green surface was bathed in the fading sun, and the dwarf smiled once more. He couldn't believe it at first however. The whole scenery, which he found himself in, seemed so surreal. It was like a dream-world which you only enter when you're asleep. It was idyllic. Yes, even Dwalin could put his hatred towards the jungle to rest now.

Ordered to get the tent out, he strode off and unpacked it. To his horror he discovered a long slimy oblong thing, having a great time inside the tent. Trying to relax and be calm, he grabbed his axe. Halfway running after it, he tried to make an end to its pitiful life, but missed by an inch. He dried his brow with the back of his hand, sweating like mad. He realised soon enough though, that he had been able to be perfectly civilised while handling the little creature. Proud of his accomplishment, he carried on; putting up the tent properly.

Nevertheless of Dwalin's accomplishment, the night ended terribly. To Dwalin's surprise, Kain had gone over to Dwalin's side just after putting up the tent, telling him (amongst other things) that he longed to prove himself useful. Dwalin who hadn't considered this to be at all very suspicious, saw to his surprise later that very evening, Kain braking the glassy surface of the water. Struggling to get up for air, Dwalin turned his head towards him, blinked, and saw him no more. He didn't realise that Bali had gone after him, but was already on his way back as the shore as the devilish fishes had indeed been Kain's downfall.

Unable to react as he would usually have done, he stood stiff watching the water stream over his companion. "No!" he found himself screaming, but there was nothing he could do. Reproaching himself, being shocked, he claimed his feeling of guilt. "It was my fault. He told me he was going to go out and find the treasure, to prove that he was strong and old enough to look after himself." He didn't hear Bali's reply, but he could see by the look in his eye that he wasn't blaming Dwalin for this accident However, nothing could help Dwalin now. Too shocked for his own good, he didn't notice a man coming out of nowhere attacking the dwarves.

[Himaran]

Fordim Hedgethistle's Post:

The strange Man from the forest whirled and darted amongst the company like a demon from the stories of old, his knives flashing in the moonlight like the movements of an animals talons. He drove at Bali first, who had been amongst the first of the Dwarves to recover from the shock of his attack, and had it not been for the quick reactions of Durin and Hænir, who were soon at their leader’s side, it would surely have gone badly for Bali. At first, Hænir was confident that the battle would soon be over, for they were many against a lone warrior – but the speed with which the Man moved, and his almost magical ability to see through the darkness that cloaked the beach were amazing.

Having been countered in his initial attack on Bali, the Man swung on Hænir. The Dwarf was able to counter the lightning-like blow with the shaft of his axe, and with a speed that almost matched that of his enemy, Hænir swung for the Man’s legs. So practiced was Hænir in this move that it did not occur to him it would fail, but the Man leapt into the air as the axe whirred through the space where his legs should be. Simultaneously, he lunged at Hænir with his knife, and only by lowering his head just in time was the Dwarf able to catch the point of the weapon upon the dauntless steel of his helm, rather than have the blade sink deep into the eye socket for which it had been aimed. Like a cat, the Man twisted in the air and came down on Hænir’s back, driving him into the earth, he then spun and threw himself upon the other members of the party.


Himaran's Post:

Bali watched the man drive Hænir into the earth, only to leap up again and attack the company. He struck at Nerin first, but the young dwarf held his ground, and slashed the attacker's arm before diving to the side. Bali charged towards him, and swung his axe in a long swipe aimed at his opponent's back. But the native must have sensed him there, as he dropped to the ground underneath the dwarf and then lurched upwards, sending Bali flying over him and onto his back.

The attacker charged again, but the dwarf jerked his knife out of it's case and slashed his enemy's leg. "Charge him at once, overpower him," Bali yelled. As he pulled himself up, knife in hand, the man disappeared. Suddenly, the dwarf whirled, sensing the wistling of the blade behind him...


Fordim Hedgethistle's Post:

As he struggled to his feet, Hænir heard the hue and crash of a hotly contested battle. He turned to rejoin the fray and realised that their opponent had cunningly managed to lead them all closer to the edge of the forest and under the darkness of the overhanging canopy where his apparent ability to see through the darkness was giving him the advantage. Hænir watched as two Dwarves fell with wounds, but the inky shadows beneath the trees made it impossible for him to tell who had been injured. He heard the unmistakeable sound of Bali’s voice crying out orders, but the clamour drowned out his words. Hænir stood beyond the edge of the shadows, looking in with the greatest intent. As luck would have it, a sudden breeze tossed the branches of the tree that shrouded the battle, allowing a single shaft of wan moonlight to pierce the scene. In that moment, Hænir saw the form of the Man swing his blade at Bali, who was turning towards him.

Without having to think of what he was doing, Hænir hefted his axe above his head with both arms, and with a well-practiced move he sent it whirling through the air. There was the sound of tempered steel rending bone and flesh, and a slow strangled cry. The wind died and the shadows once more fell over the scene. Hænir rushed forward, unsure if he had hit the Man or his leader. He called out, “Bali! Bali! Are you all right, lad?”

“Aye,” came the slow reply. “Better at any rate than this fellow.” Hænir came to Bali’s side and looked down at their enemy where he lay with Hænir’s axe buried in his spine.

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Novnarwen's post

As surprising as a lightening from clear sky, the attacker had come forwards and gone straight towards Bali. No one where really prepared for this battle, but the dwarves and the three travellers, where cast, unwillingly, into it. Dwalin looked nervously around, rising his axe aggressively. He turned to see Bali being cast into the air, landing several feet away from the attacker. The unknown man turned his attention to Hænir, who amongst others was backed up by Durin.

Dwalin wanted to rush over at Hænir’s side too, as his companion was forced to the ground by the barbarian. However, in his eagerness as he was about to run over to help, he tripped and fell to the ground. His face buried in the sand, he felt his nose crack. Blood streamed out of it, and made the sandy ground red. All the same he could feel his back ache and in his leg, where he had been bitten by the snake, pain arose and made him shiver. Unable to rise, by fear or pain he didn't know, he lay watching the wild man attacking his companions.

After a few seconds, which felt like minutes, the pain in his back and leg stopped and Dwalin made himself able to stand up. Axe raised, anger in his eyes, he darted over to the wild man. But just as he came over, ready to give his utter most in the battle, which had come like a surprise, he heard the sound of Hænir's heavy breath going over to a sigh. He had flung his blade into the man's flesh. Writhing in agony, the attacker fell to the ground.

Being witness to this he could think of no one other than Bali. Being assured he was okay, Dwalin breathed heavily; happy that everyone was alive.