Asura's Story

As they watch, five more join the group bringing the total to well over ten. One of the new arrivals look like a cross between an orc and an ogre. The other one looks more like a cross between an orc and a giant only twice as nasty.

One of the orcs turns and heads into the darkness disappearing quickly in the shadows.

Another moves back a few steps and draws his bow.

Tel 'gdor immediately moves behind everyone.

A third, oddly enough, takes his arrow and begins to perform some ritual with it.

Ja 'Far takes a deep breath and lets out a mighty roar that shakes the entire building. Everyone stops to look at him. He stands confident and ready to take on the world. He has a strange gleam in his eye as if he knows this is going to be a blood bath but he knows it's not his blood that will flow, but theirs. His companions turn away to face their opponents and an immense feeling of confidence flows through them and their enemies shudder as they realize how much trouble they are in.

Ja 'Far grabs his holy symbol and begins praying.

Dwopr grabs his holy symbol and begins muttering quick prayer.

The orc/giant shouts in common, "Come on fools, I don't have all day fight or get out of my...."

His boast is silenced as Dwopr finishes his prayer and points at the group. The orc/giant looks stunned and the others look around in confusion. As their lips move but no sound comes out.

The orc who performed a ritual with his weapon commits a cardinal sin. He takes his bow and arrow and carefully shoots straight at Ja 'Far's holy symbol. Ja 'Far doesn't even to notice the arrow as it bursts into flames in mid-air and slams straight into his holy symbol. As the arrow hits the holy symbol there is a hissing sound and the arrow seems to enter the medallion itself.

The next orc to prepare to shoot fires his arrow and it slams into the side of Asura's shoulder armor....and much to Asura's surprise it bounces right off.

An orc wearing all black charges along with the livid orc/giant and the orc/ogre.

Another orc in strange armor draws his bow.

Tel 'gdor mutters a spell and four streaks of light come out of the darkness slamming into the orc in all black knocking him backward with each blow.

The orc in strange armor shoots in the direction the of Tel 'gdor who shouts out, "Almost got me. Enough with the damned arrows. No more! You're going to pay for that one!"

The orc who first shot at Asura, moves aside his gray cloak and tries shooting again. He misses this time, as Asura jumps, and tumbles into a roll to duck under the gigantic blade wielded by the orc/giant. The blade seems to be at least 7 ft. in length and rune inscribed, but the orc/giant wields it easily.

Dwopr enters the fray as he attacks the orc/ogre, but a quick eye saves him as he pulls up his shield to avoid a staff that appeared out of nowhere.

Ja 'Far's holy symbol glows brightly and it's design is clearly visible to all.

But that design is only visible for a moment as it is replaced with a stream of water that shoots outward form it striking the foolish orc who tried to shoot the holy symbol, squarely in the chest and knocking him nearly thirty feet straight back. The water seems to disappear as quickly as it appeared and Ja 'Far didn't miss a beat with his prayers.

Asura tumbles inside the orc/giant's reach and attacks with a torch to the face and is rewarded by a backhand that knocks her off to the side and into the wall. The furious orc/giant moves quickly back to the group growling and gritting his teeth. His eyes watering and his face partially burned.

The orc/ogre is having better luck as every time Dwopr tries to attack, it extends his staff straight into Dwopr's face. Luckily Dwopr has good reflexes and seems to have avoided the worst of the blows.

The orc in strange armor shoots again at Tel 'gdor.

He is answered by a string of five small grayish red globes that slam into him, setting his bow on fire and knocking him back several steps.

Ja 'Far stops praying and lets go of his holy symbol, but nothing happens. He begins to twirl his 4-head morning star and it begins to whistle. He moves slowly forward.

From somewhere there is felt more than heard a creaking sound followed by loud crashing and rumbling that shakes the building.

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An amber haired orc springs into action as he draws his sword and charges Ja 'Far. Attacking Ja 'Far, with his long sword the orc is neatly sidestepped and counterattacked. The amber haired orc uses his short sword to block the attack. The blade gets knocked away as the first head hits the blade. The second head knocks the blade a little further. The next two nearly wrench it from his hand.

The orc in strange armor drops his burning bow and reaches around for his sword and shield. He opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out and he charges. As he charges he seems to moves at a speed unbelievable with such bulky armor in a matter of moments he joins the amber haired orc attacking Ja 'Far.

Now facing two opponents, Ja 'Fars eyes narrow and he flashes a wicked grin and he twirls his weapon in front of him. Each time the pair advance he dances first one way then the other, never attacking. As time goes on his grin just gets larger and larger.

Asura chases after the orc/giant, who seems to be trying to say something, but nothing comes out. The orc/giant turns to face the orc.

A look of cold fury comes upon the face of a surpassingly pretty orc female. Her face darkens, and her mouth is set in a grim line. She opens her mouth...and nothing comes out. She seems puzzled.

One of the taller orcs starts to move back sorting through several scrolls he has in his hand. His lips move, but nothing comes out.

Tis an spooky battle that his fought with steel crashing upon steel, but not a sound is heard. But a strange rhythmic rumbling is felt, through the stones.

The gray clad orc shoots out into the darkness, with little indication of success or failure.

A hooded orc joins the fight raising his bow and readying an arrow. Taking careful aim he shoots at Ja 'Far, but his arrow is shattered in the twirling of heads.

Dwopr charges the orc/ogre and at the last moment changes direction dodging off to the side. The orc/ogre's staff shoots over his shoulder and Dwopr hits the arm holding the staff.

With a grunt of pain, the staff falls to the ground shrinking to the size of a normal wooden staff. Dwopr begins pummeling the orc/ogre who can only retreat. After a dozen hits, the orc/ogre jumps back and delivers a quick punch to the midsection of Dwopr who crumbles and falls back. The orc/ogre takes advantage of the respite to make a play for his staff. Dwopr sweeps his legs out from under him and the orc/ogre tumbles forward. His hands close upon the staff and he moves over to a wall setting himself for protection.

The gaily clad orc, who was struck by Ja 'Fars holy symbol, recovers and grabs his bow, he tries to shoot, but collapses in pain. Within moments the hooded orc is at his side, his lips move, but nothing comes out.

The orc in all black gets up and charges Dwopr. As he nears Dwopr he stops and just stands there.

Dwopr noticing the orc standing next to him, turns his attention from the orc/ogre just long enough to swing his club full against the unprotected head of the orc in all black. With a sickening crack the mace connects and blood spurts outward covering Dwopr. The orc in black falls limply to the floor.

The orc/ogre takes advantage of Dwopr's turning away and his staff expands catching the Dwopr full in the back, knocking him several feet forward and flat on his stomach.

The orc/giant attacks Asura who dodges and charges in again. This time the orc/giant is ready and as she gets in close, the orc/giant sweeps his foot out and catches her in the midsection. She goes flying several feet backward. She has a relatively soft landing as she slams into the amber haired orc.

A blast of cold air enters the room and a dark shape streaks across the battlefield to slam into the far wall. A strange orc takes a few steps away from the wall and falls onto his hands and knees gasping for breath. On him frost tinges the sides of his cloak.

It happens so suddenly that all on the battlefield stop for a moment in fright. Getting used to fighting a silent battle the sudden return of sound of metal clashing and heavy armored bodies moving around is quite a shock. A moment later the battle resumes.

The tall orc shouts, "Finally we can do something!"

A scream is heard as a ball of fire appears almost on top of an orc mage in all black. The mage's clothing quickly begins to catch on fire.

A moment later everyone hears the giant creaking and cracking and the chill in the room intensifies as a pair of walking icemen enters into the room from down the behind the orcs. Eyes of the clearest blue survey the battlefield. Ja 'Far laughs aloud. "Now you die!"

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The orc mage in black screams pitifully as he rolls along the ground being chased by the large ball of flame that sedately follows him.

The hooded orc prays and a soft gold/green glow envelops his hands. Placing them upon the colorful orc the aura encompasses the orc and he relaxes.

The Asura picks himself up and moves to the side of Ja' Far.

One ice man moves slowly through the group heading for Ja 'Far.

The orc in strange armor seems to practically leap up from the ground and shouts, "Kithgar's Liquid". He is knocked sideways as the four heads of Ja 'Far's weapon smashes into his side one after the other.

The pretty female orc begins to pray.

A tall orc mage reads a scroll and it flashes bright white.

Struggling to his feet, the orc that was tossed against the wall stands...and disappears.

The gray clad orc fires yet another arrow blindly into the darkness that hides the Tel 'gdor.

The hooded orc moves over toward the orc/giant and says a quiet prayer. Within moments, the burns are healed.

The tall orc mage gestures in the globe of fire burning over the orc mage in black, then toward one of the two giant icemen. The flames seem to take on a life of their own as they cross the distance, turning into a flaming tentacle striking one of the icemen. The iceman screams and a blast of cold air rushes toward the globe. As suddenly as it appeared the globe of fire is extinguished...as is the screams of the mage in black. An orc with a silver necklace is knocked off his feet and rolls on the ground for a little while.

The amber haired orc picks himself up off of the ground.

The colorful orc picks up his water soaked bow and readies an arrow. With some difficulty he shoots, but his fingers seem to slip as the arrow shoots almost straight up. In the air the arrows begins to burn an a cloud of smoke comes from it. It falls harmlessly shattering on the ground.

The orc/ogre moves closer to Dwopr and even though he can get a shot in before the orc gets up. He waits while Dwopr rolls to one side and gets up, before attacking again. This time the orc/ogre keeps his distance using his pole to keep him at bay.

The orc/giant moves forward joining the orc in strange armor and the amber haired orc in attacking the pair of orcs.

The pretty orc finishes her prayer and nothing happens, incense she shouts, "ENOUGH!! By the great goddess Tara do I compel thee to end this battle. We are in Her realms, and according to Her decree, none may cause strife within. If you dost persist in this foolhardy combat, the full fury of Tara shall destroy you and all that you do hold near. War has been banned within the valley, and the human race shall obey this law, or suffer the consequences!"

A strange wind blows through the temple, the smell of roses replaces that of fire, smoke, burning flesh & leather. For a moment all is quiet as no one moves. A moment later battle resumes, as it seems everyone has ignored her decree.

Orc in gray shoots another bow out into the darkness after Tel'gdor who whispers, "Shit that was close!" Then he shouts, "Okay, you bastard! Now it's your turn!"

The hooded orc moves to a safer position and pulls out his bow and arrow.

The orc in strange armor quickly recovers from the blows delivered to him and though he favors his right side, he quickly manages to get to the flank of Ja 'Far.

Ja 'Far and Asura seeing themselves outnumbered start to move further back.

The amber haired orc moves forward favoring the Ja 'Far. Watching closely he thrusts his short sword between the twirling heads of the morning star. The result is that his sword is violently wrenched from his hand and flies off to the side where it bounces off the orc/ogres armor.

The orc in strange armor takes advantage of the distraction to thrust his sword scoring a hit on Ja 'Far. The orc/giant turns to attack the first ice man approaching the Ja 'Far.

With a mighty swing his sword slices through the air and slams into the creature sinking deeply into it. The creature responds and the 8 ft. blade is suddenly covered in frost and ice. The orc/giant lets go of the hilt suddenly as if it had burned him.

The colorful orc nocks another arrow and shoots at the second ice man. The arrow begins to smoke furiously in mid air and shatters on impact with the iceman.

Dwopr retreats, slowly moving away from the orc/ogre and closer toward the orc in strange armor.

Five grayish-red streaks of fire shoot out of the darkness, accompanied by a shout from Tel 'gdor, "Try these arrows on for size!" The streaks of fire shoot for the gray clad orc, who tries to jump out of the way. The balls of fire strike him in mid-air knocking him backward. Each one slamming into him. After the last one hits. He is still for a moment. Then he strainingly and with a lot of huffing and puffing, raises himself up to one arm. He stays there for a moment then falls onto his side. The front of his shirt badly burned and on the edge of his cloak a small flame burns.

Both icemen momentarily stop and weird moaning comes from their open maws.

The tall orc mage's clothing suddenly catches fire and within moments his form is consumed in giant leaping flames. The second iceman turns to see the bonfire. As he watches several smaller flames appear in front of the bigger flame and they shoot out slamming into the second iceman. Upon impact each flame burst into a fireball. With those hits the iceman opens his mouth and an unearthly moan is heard as a cold wind envelops the battlefield.

The second ice man charges the tall orc mage's bonfire. The creature is so driven it completely ignores an orc as he appears from nowhere and slams his sword into the back of the creature. The offending orcs sword sinks in a little before breaking off a chunk of ice and sliding down to the ground.

Ja 'Far weaves back from the hit he took, he turns towards Asura and almost collapses in her arms. He recovers quickly and blocks an attack from the amber-haired orc.

Dwopr gets close enough to attack the orc in strange armor from behind. A couple of powerful blows and the warrior falls to his knees. Dwopr moves between the orc in strange armor and his companion and the three turns to face the entire group.

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The gray clad orc rolls over and starts fumbling with his waterskin. He finally manages to get it open and pours some over his burns, screaming in pain. He uses the water to douse his burning garments and begins to wrap his burns.

The ice man moves onward toward the orc mage's bonfire. The colorful orc just barely manages to get out of the creatures way as it charges mindlessly toward the flame. The bonfire begins to change color from a orange-reddish toward a more blue whitish color, again several little bits of flame seem to appear in front of it and shoot out at the ice man. With each hit the creature gives that same strange moan.

The orc that attacked the iceman from behind recovers his balance and lifts his sword up and attacks it again with slightly better results this time as he manages to chip a large part of the creatures side off, but it still ignores him. The creature gets only a few steps more before collapsing and going inert. It soon begins to melt.

The amber haired orc takes advantage of Ja 'Fars' moment of weakness and attacks again and again, but this time Dwopr is at his side and he soon finds himself on the defensive.

The orc/giant lifts his massive gauntleted hand and says, "Give me back my sword!" He smashes his fist into the side of the creature and loud cracking and snapping is heard.

Asura seeing her chance drops her torch and charges the orc/giant. He tries to get his hand out of the iceman's side, but he is too late as she is upon him, she tries to jam a small black box down the giants throat, but he thrashes violently and she misses hitting the ice man nearby instead. For a moment all is silent, before a loud deep boom emanates from her hand.

The first iceman practically falls apart. The orc/giant is knocked to the ground where he slides/tumbles to a stop down the hall, well behind the orc mage's bonfire. Asura flies backward through the air to disappear in the darkness where Tel 'gdor hides.

A shockwave of force slams into everyone in the battlefield. An orc with a silver necklace is knocked against the wall. The amber haired orc is knocked towards the Ja' Far and Dwopr. Unfortunately, the two are knocked backward as well. The orc in strange armor begins tumbling along the ground.

An orc is knocked on his side. The colorful orc, who was trying to get back up is knocked down again. The pretty orc is knocked back towards the burning mage, The hooded orc falls as well.

The orc mage's bonfire presents an odd sight as the entire fire leaps up off the ground and flies backwards turning into several blankets.

The gray clad orc is dragged along the ground, he comes to sudden stop when his head collides with a wall.

The orc/ogre seems to be the only one not thrown far.

As everyone gets to their feet, Asura comes charging back in with Tel 'gdor right on her tail and this time they brought a friend. The first hint is a sort of raspy scraping sound. Next is the multiple hisses. Finally they see it. A giant green five headed hydra burst into the light just to one side if the hall. Upon seeing so many of them it pauses for only a second before charging the prone form of the orc in strange armor and Ja 'Far who seems more intent on clearing his stomach than with any real danger.

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Chapter 6: Ja 'Far vs. the Orc.

Asura changes her course and grabs the sick Ja 'Far helping him up. She grabs her dropped torch and points it in the direction of the hydra.

The hooded orc and the amber haired orc charge over to the orc in strange armor side. The amber haired orc gets there first and helps the struggling orc in strange armor. The hooded orc reaches the pair and raps the orc in strange armor on the shoulder with his staff. The staff glows a brilliant green and the orc in strange armor seems a bit stronger now.

The pretty orc shouts, "Friends, we must cease our pointless combat, here in the face of great adversity. We are not thine enemies, and it will take the combined forces of both our parties to defeat this threat. Let this be the first act of co-operation between our two opposing forces. Let us form the example to which the rest of the world shall follow. There need not be any enmity between orcs and the rest of the races. Let us finally unite, and close this wound that has so long hindered us all."

The colorful orc shouts, "Can anyone get me some dry arrows?"

Dwopr joins Asura, Tel 'gdor and Ja 'Far as they run to one side, of the hall. They look back and forth between the hydra and the party as if not sure what to do. Ja 'Far pushes off his companions and opens his mouth and .....retches again.

The burning form that was the tall orc mage begins to shrink. The flames disappear revealing the mage, apparently unharmed by the flames. The tall orc mage begins to speak a rune.

The orc/giant shouts, "Another one! This place is crawling with 'em!" His eyes take on a strange gleam as his face distorts into one of pure rage. He holds his sword out in front of him pointing it at the hydra.

The orc/ogre moves away from the hydra helping hooded orc and the amber haired orc move the orc in strange armor away from the hydra.

The hydra slithers slowly forward. Its heads weaving back and forth looking at the orcs and the members of the party as if it is unsure as to whom to attack first.

Ja 'Far recovers and again stands up on his own. He looks fairly ill.

The hydra sees him as easy pray and gives a collective hiss and charges Ja 'Far.

Ja 'Far opens his mouth and a the sound a hope issues from his lips, the horns of angels and the sounds of a thousand soldiers marching to the rescue. Power pours forth from his throat and infuse Asura with energy. She notices how her once formidable enemies cower like children. They know that now is thier time, now they are invincible and nothing can stop them. They shudder and cast frightened glances at her afraid that she in her magnificence will strike them down.

Everyone and everything stops to look at Ja 'Far. The hydra stops its charge and some of the heads look like they want to retreat. Whatever it decision might have been was taken away from it. During its moment of immobility, the orc holding his four-head morning star, charges and swings himself in a 360- degree circle, his arms outstretched. The hydra can do nothing but watch in horror as the orcs awesome weapon comes around with great speed and smashes into one of the heads. The first mace head crashes into the first hydra head, the second mace head smashes into the first mace head doing even further damage to the first hydra head. The third mace head impacts the first two driving them completely through the first hydra head obliterating it. The fourth mace head slashes at the throat of the third hydra head doing only minimal damage.

The pretty orc begins to pray.

The colorful orc takes aim with his bow and shoots. The arrow begins smoking in mid air and at the end a little spark shows up on the arrow as it slices through the air under the neck of one of the heads.

The orc/giant charges the creature his sword swinging wildly.

Dwopr charges the hydra getting there first, much to his regret as the hydra frightened by the events of the last few seconds turns a head in his direction and spits out a large green glob that slams into him covering both his helm and chest and knocking him backwards. You hear a sizzling sound as the orc begins to scream.

"Don't think you're getting away quite so easily." Tel 'gdor levels a wand at the retreating form of Laerin. Several balls of fire leap from the tip of the wand and slam into the unfortunate orc.

The pretty orc finishes her prayer and nothing happens she looks around judging who might be injured.

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The orc/giant reaches the hydra and attacks in an over the head swing bringing his sword on the third head of the hydra, cleaving it in two. The fifth hydra head spits a thick glob of acid at the orc/giant. The acid splatters all over his armor and some of it gets on his face. He grunts and ignores it.

The orc in strange armor lays down his sword momentarily and says, "Truce guys, lets fight the Hydras together first, and parlay with the humans later"

Asura attacks the hydra, she tosses her torch at the creature. The torch hits the creatures' side and shatters.

The pretty orc moves over to examine the gray clad orc.

The amber haired orc moves away from the orc in strange armor to pick up his dropped sword.

The colorful orc shoots and his smoky arrow slices through the air to pierce the side of the hydra, the shaft promptly shatters into dust.

Tel 'gdor says, "Well now that was fun." He seems to notice the hydra for the first time and does a double take. "Uhh, uh... Hy...Hy...Hydr...Oh shit! we're dead! No!!!!!!" Pointing his wand at the hydra, the Tel 'gdor takes off running full tilt toward the back of the party. Five balls of fire shoot out the tip of the wand slamming into the hydra, the orc/giant, the wall and two zooming off into the darkness. The mage doesn't look where he's going and suddenly impacts with solid air. A moment later he untangles himself from a once-invisible orc and begins running again. The orc gets up and takes off after him, disappearing after a few steps.

The hooded orc moves over to the orc in strange armor and placing his hand on the orc, he prays. The golden orange healing glow from the hooded one's hands spreads all over the orc in strange armor making him stronger. The hooded orc moves away obviously tired.

Dwopr slowly gets up and tries wiping the acid off of his armor, but only succeeds in spreading it around.

The second hydra head takes a snap the distressed Dwopr and his jaws lock on Dwopr's armor, you hear the sound of crunching bone and him screaming.

Ja 'Far retreats for a moment, and begins spinning his weapon. The pretty orc moves away from the grey clad orc and moves next to the injured orc/ogre. With a prayer that seems more like a song she uses the gift the goddess has given her to heal the orc/ogre. No sooner has she finished than she begins again.

The orc/giant prepares for another swipe at his sword, but the creature charges and the forth head makes a snap at his face. The orc/giant tries to jump back and ends up on his rear.

The orc in strange armor thanks the hooded orc and picking up his sword he charges the hydra. The colorful orc shoots again and his smoky arrow shatters harmlessly against the fifth head of the hydra.

The head turns and looks to see what hit him and his eyes lock on the colorful orc.

The amber haired orc slices at the fourth head protecting the fallen orc/giant.

The orc with the silver necklace charges the hydra hacking at the second head trying to break its hold on Dwopr. After a couple of hits the hydra releases him and tries to retreat. Dwopr slides to the ground screaming and holding his arm.

The hooded orc takes his bow and arrow and after a moment of aiming shoots at the hydra his arrow slams into the neck of the second hydra as it gives an aggravated hiss.

The orc in strange armor joins the attackers as the hydra begins its retreat.

The pretty orc finishes healing the orc/ogre and looks around for someone.

Asura thrusts her sword deep into the hydra's side. The remaining heads hiss loudly and the tail begins thrashing around. The tail hits Ja 'Far who falls getting entangled up in his own weapon.

Asura is knocked down and tumbles away, but not fast enough as the creatures tail comes down up on her legs and a loud snapping is heard.

The orc/giant gets up and retrieves his sword.

The colorful orc shoots and the smoky arrow ignites into flames in mid-air! The arrow shallowly pierces one of the hydra's scales. The hydra's thrashing however cause it to fall out immediately.

The hooded orc shoots but with the thrashing of the creature his arrow bounces off a wildly gyrating neck.

The fourth and fifth hydra heads breath simultaneously and a mist of acid covers, the orc in strange armor, the amber haired orc, the orc/giant, Dwopr, Asura, and the orc with the silver necklace. They scream out as the acid begins to dissolve their flesh!

The orc mage finishes his rune and points at the hydra. A bright flash appears just in front of it. The flash seems to turn into a bolt of light that shoots through the creature and into the darkness.

A moment later the bolt of light comes back from the darkness slamming into the creature again! The bolt of light continues on until it hits a wall rebounding again. This time it goes off into the darkness. The hydra hisses in pain as the second head collapses and it begins to slowly slither off into the darkness. The fourth head seems ready to collapse and the fifth head doesn't seem too energetic as well. A moment later the fourth head collapses and the creature disappears into the darkness, while everyone tries to escape the acid cloud.

Moments later the darkness beyond the orc mage, where Tel 'gdor disappeared, there is a big bright explosion that lights up the entire hallway! Bright light, heat, and flames pour down the hallway for several feet, but not enough to reach the group. The entire building seems to shake and you hear several strange howls, grunts and other sounds from somewhere in the building. A shower of dust comes down from the ceiling and soon the dust covers everything. In the silence the only thing that can be heard is the screams and moans of those covered with the acid.

The smell of burning flesh is rampant.

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The orc/giant stumbles out of the acid cloud, gasping for air. His face a mass of burns and welts. He is quickly followed by the amber haired orc, and the orc with the silver necklace.

Asura moves quickly back to join Ja 'Far who seems to be on his knees doubled over.

The colorful orc points his arrow at the pair and says, "Ok humans...don't try anything funny."

The hooded orc moves toward the orc with the silver necklace and touches his staff to one of the orcs wounds. They golden glow signals the healing of the wounds. But the three still screams in pain as they hastily try and douse themselves with water almost no water.

The orc mage picks up a scroll and reads a rune. He gestures toward the melting puddles of ice and the water from them seems to leap up and douse the orc with the silver necklace and the amber haired orc, washing the acid from their bodies. Both collapse from the pain.

The orc/ogre takes a his waterskin and begins to pour it over the orc/giant. But he stops realizing that it would do little good. The giant ogres' screams are silenced forever.

The pretty orc moves toward Asura, and reassures her that she is only going to cast a healing spell. Offering up a prayer to Tara, she places her hands on Asura, who tenses up, and the orcs hands glow as they are surrounded by a bright pink aura. The aura spreads through the body of Asura, who seems stronger.

Ja 'Far stands up and says, "You've made a tactical error. You have left me with the upper hand and a weapon with which to destroy you should I choose it. Do not threaten me foolish ones." With the bare nod of his head, the cloud of acid seems to collapse and congeal into a single green pool, which leaves the badly burned human in strange armor and the unmoving Dwopr free of the acid. The 5-ft wide green pool moves between the orc and Fandaliel, its surface seems to bubble and boil.

The hooded orc begins to pray.

The orc/ogre takes the time to grab the injured the orc in strange armor and pull him closer to the rest of the group. The acid has sketched strange patterns in his strange armor. Had the armor been normal it may well have been dissolved by now. As it is he has lost all his other equipment, except for his sword. The orc is barely conscious and unable to help himself.

The tall orc mage says, "There is no need for us to fight. Though our races are at war. We are here for another reason. If we are to fight let it be in another time and place.

For now there are more important concerns. For one we must survive this place." The hooded orc finishes his prayer and points at Ja 'Far.

Ja 'Far seems to turn the color of granite for a moment, before turning back to normal. He doesn't say anything he just looks as if nothing happened

The pool of acid however begins to boil more and starts to begin to take on the shape of some creature.

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The pretty orc gazes around, and her face is etched in sorrow. She turns to the group and says, "It dost appear that our fellowship is in dire straits. While we have been strengthened by the friendship of these humans, many of our comrades have fallen. Still, the fate of Halfstep and the mage who did so cowardly flee from combat are uncertain. We must attend to the needs of the dead, and see that they are given a proper funeral, so their souls shall be at peace. I am willing to stay behind and perform this while the rest of you go in search of our missing comrades. If I could, I would beseech that you of you find gentlemen dost stay here with me, as I will require your assistance in the preparations."

Turning to the humans she says, "I cannot know what you wish to do, yet I do ask that you wait for our party to reform before going in search of the hydra. It is quite dangerous, and both of you have been severely injured. If, after the funeral for our comrades, the rest of our party has not returned, I would like to examine your wounds, and make sure that neither the wounds reopen, nor any permanent damage be the result of the hydra's venomous breath."

Asura looks to Ja 'Far for advice, but he just stands there motionless giving no sign of even having heard the orcs speech.

The pool of acid however reacts as it suddenly stretches out to either end of the wall, forming a deadly barrier between the orcs and the party. The moat separates the pretty orc and Asura and she moves away from it.

The tall orc mage looks at the moat and says, "Well that answers that question. Mirelle I think that whether or not we can bury the dead depends upon whether they have decided to stop fighting. I think it would be best if we went this way, he points down the hallway behind them. I'm not quite ready to give up yet, we can explore this branch and if it dead ends we can come back later. "

The hooded orc moves around using his staff to heal his companions. First the orc/ogre, then the orc in strange armor, the amber haired orc, the colorful orc, Mirelle (the pretty orc) and himself.

The pool of acid seems to sink into the ground disappearing.

The tall orc mage sees the pool of acid dry up and starts speaking a rune.

The orc/ogre looks around confusedly and mutters, "Assyir guide me." The acid reappears near the orc/ogre from a crack in the ground, the acid shoots in a stream at him, dissolving his cloak and knocking him down.

The orc with the morning star stares at the hooded one, not moving a muscle, not saying a word.

***************

Top

Asura and Ja 'far were not having a good day. After falling down a hole into the temple, they were beset upon by wolves and giant spiders. Almost crushed by moving walls and to top it off they've lost two of their companions to this orc horde before them.

Is it any surprise that Ja 'far isn't in the mood to talk?

An orc dressed in colorful clothing aims and shoots at the acid form and his flaming arrow hits the thing, but the acid extinguishes the flames and dissolves the arrowhead, with little harm to itself.

The orc in strange armor stands up, drawing his sword and says, "if you wish to continue fighting until we're all dead or dying, so be it, but I urge you to parlay, and stop this madness, no good will come over our mutual destruction."

The hooded orc frantically rolls around trying to get a hold of his waterskin. He finally manages to open the waterskin to find that only a few drops of water come out. He screams in agony as the acid begins to eat into flesh. The agony ends moments later as the tall orc mage scoops up some water from the puddle left by one of the ice men and pours it over the scarred one. A few more trips and the acid is washed away. But it took the last of the available water supply.

Asura nudges Ja 'Far and whispers to him.

Ja 'Far doesn't not answer or even acknowledge her presence.

The acid form seems to pour itself into a large puddle, near the hooded orc, still bubbling furiously.

Asura moves towards the pretty orc and says, "Your proposal of peace between us is acceptable to me, for now."

The orc in strange armor lowers his sword and relaxes.

Wearing robes that make him look very much like a missionary monk, the tall orc mage looks up around and says, "Good! Since that is settled. Aladfar and Fandaliel, go see if Halfstep and that mage survived that blast. Its doubtful, but you never know." Turning to the group, he says, "I'm assuming this is the basic, you agree not to attack us, if we don't attack you, until we are all safely out of here, type deal. Good. Now, I must ask, this temple is well off the beaten path. Why are you here surely not because of the hunting?"

***************

Asura says, "What hunting? I'm afraid that I don't know very much about this place. I would appreciate any information that you can give me."

The tall orc mage says, "There is little in this temple to interest your people, except wolves and monsters. In my research about your people I have found that you have a love for hunting the unusual and dangerous monsters like the dire wolves. I wrongly assumed that this is what you were here for given the types of creatures we have come across."

He turns to his companion and nudges him again.

Groaning in pain, the hooded one says, "If I release your companion with the morningstar, will he abide by the truce ? Also, do you control this acidic beast or was it just happenstance that it lunged at me after I held your companion".

After getting no response from his companion, Asura agrees. And the expression on the Ja 'Far face changes as his suddenly shift his weight from one foot to the other.

After a moment of silence Ja 'Far says, "I control the creature and it attacked you because you attacked me. I have no love for your kind, and you have cost me the lives of two of my best friends. I am a priest of the Elements, I have no need for your help."

As he speaks the pool of acid moves surrounding him. The acid seems to cover him like watery armor, covering his head like a greenish helm. The acid seems to sizzle and boil, but does not seem to harm him at all.

"If it were not for my companion giving his word to abide by your truce. I would finish the job of killing you. I owe the fallen children that much. As I can see, none of you have the power to resist my acid elemental. I curse your coming it has brought nothing but sorrow and suffering to my life. But unlike your kind my race has honor." Turning to the orc/ogre the orc says, "I do not see what your kind finds so fascinating about these barbarians. I guess somethings are still beyond our comprehension."

The orc/ogre, his face expressionless, says in monotone, "For all things there are reasons. For those who look with diligence and patience the answers will come." The acid seems to drip off of him leaving him untouched. The acid pool bubbles for a moment then takes off in a stream toward the darkness, heading in the direction of retreating hydra.

The tall orc mage frowns, "Children...you have mistaken us for another group. We have fought no children."

The amber haired orc takes up a position just beyond the edge of the light also in the direction of the retreating hydra.

With that settled the pretty orc says with extreme relief, "Welcome to the group. Let me express my deepest feelings of happiness that we have agreed to cease fighting." She then moves over to Silverleaf to check on him.

The hooded orc is standing, holding his staff in front of him. He inclines his head forward until it touches the staff. A golden glow seems cover both the tip of the staff and his head, before fading a moment later. He raises his head and all see in full, his horribly disfigured face, that was hidden by his now dissolved cloak.

  The deformed orc mutters quietly, "There. Now you see me as I am. I have strived to keep my visage hidden due to the deformity. However, now is not the appropriate time for this discussion...."

A strangled hiss seems to come from the darkness. It is weak and fades quickly.

Ja 'Far says, "The hydra will bother us no more. Why are you here?"

***************

The colorful orc and the orc/ogre slip off down the corridor to see what happened to their friend.

The tall orc mage raises an eyebrow at the Ja 'Far's demanding tone and says, "I believe I asked you that question first. Or do you know why you're here?"

The orc in strange armor says, "We are simply adventurers, seeking knowledge that was lost in the ruins over time."

But their comments seem lost on the pair as the two seem to be in the middle of an argument.

Asura pokes Ja 'Far in the ribs and says, "Ja 'far, I think its time for some answers. My friend has been killed, and I still have no idea what's going on here. Where are we, what is that power that you wield, and who in the Abyss are you? No more games, answer my questions please."

Ja 'Far looks at her in disbelief and says, "Where the hell have you been woman?! Tel 'gdor dragged us off to this fool temple to pickup up some book or thing that he was drooling over. Here we nearly get ourselves killed by these orcs and you're yelling at me!"

Remembering to lower his voice he says, "As for my power, I can control Elementals, Elemental priests do that sort of thing or did you go to sleep the first time I mentioned it. I can summon and elemental if I have the proper element to hold it. As a priest of the Elemental Lord of Liquids, my elmentals tend to be of a liquid nature. The only thing I haven't told you is that I have met some of these orcs before, though they don't remember me."

"I was the priest on a hunting field trip with a bunch of mid-school level children. Myself a warrior and a Magi were the required three adults necessary for the trip. Hunting was especially good that day, when right in the middle of the hunt a dozen men and ogres appeared and attacked us without provocation. The children didn't have a chance, being out numbered I managed to relocate myself and the injured magi, but the others were dead long before I could do anything to save them. Children, they killed harmless children on a hunt. MY hunt. Not all of these people are guilty. But the ones that are will DIE!"

The tall orc mage sighs and says, "Well until these two stop arguing and we get a report on Halfstep, I would like to follow Mirelles plan of burying the dead, but we seem to have stumbled across a flaw in that plan." He pauses for a second then taps the solid ground beneath his feet. We can't dig in this quarried stone. The bodies will have to be left here as there is nothing we can do for them."

The colorful orc and the orc/ogre return.

Everyone looks at the pair and Aladfar extends his hands and opens them. There inside is a blackened ring and a half melted sword. Upon seeing this, Ja 'Far moves purposefully toward the ogre.

"Give me the ring!", without waiting he snatches it from the orc/ogre's open palm and moves away holding the ring tight. He stops and a strange look crosses his face and he starts twirling the mace. The weapon makes a eerie sound in the silence, but he finally stops with a single word...."Honor." Facing the wall he says, "Whilst we are all here, you are safe. But those of you who help to slay the children, shall not live to see more than one day of freedom from this place."

The tall orc mage, wearing clothes that seem more suited for a party says, "Uh huh, right. Time to go kiddies, we will worry about your vindictive fantasies after we get out of here alive." Without another word he heads down the hall following in the path the hydra took. He pauses to look back for a second and says, "Anyone coming." Before continuing on.

Chapter 8: The Guardians

Everyone turns to follow the disappearing mage. At first Ja 'Far doesn't move, but Asura gives him a shove and he follows.

The pretty orc moves over toward the Ja 'Far and says, "My friend, it dost not seem proper for us to be traveling together without a proper introduction. My name is Mirelle. By what may I call you?"

Ja 'Far looks at her his face blank. Then slowly he shrugs his shoulders and says, "Ja 'Far."

Mirelle says, "It appears that a cloud hangs over our party. You speak of the children of whom we have slain, and yet, we are unaware of this. If perhaps you would be so kind as to explain who the children are, and how you have come to believe that we have slain them, perhaps we shall be able to clear up this misconception."

At this Ja 'Far grunts and the muscles on his face tighten up, he idly swings his morning star back and forth, the heads clanging together, just above the floor. He is silent for a long time before saying, "Not you. You are one of those who have joined the murderers. Because my people are fair, I will not judge you because you travel with them. I reserve my anger and justice for those who slew the children and only those who slew the children. There are those amongst your party who were there but did not fight. These I also hold blameless, the others will die. They know they are guilty, they are silent because they know their crime and they know they will be punished for it."

The orc mage leads the group to the end of the hall where you see a huge archway with stairs leading downward into the darkness. The orc mage turns and says, "Wildstar and you," he points to Ja 'Far and the orc with the strange armor, "will take the front flanks."

Pointing to the orc/ogre, "Aladfar take point. You two", he points Asura and the amber haired orc, "take rear flanks. Danyx," pointing to the orc with the silver necklace, "will be rear guard. Mirelle, Silverleaf and Fandaliel with me."

Again Ja 'Far hesitates then looks around and takes up his position.

As Danyx takes up his position he mutters something to Torana while giving a menacing glance at Asura.

They head down the stairway with a large groove that has been worn smooth in the center of the stairway. When they reach the bottom of the stairwell it opens up into a relatively small room around 20 ft long, 15-ft wide, and 20 ft tall, with oddly rough walls.

Dominating the center of the room is the corpse of the hydra, nearly half dissolved and falling apart before their very eyes. A quick check shows no other creatures, but the worn groove in the floor heads directly from the stairway to the back wall and stops. As Aladfar nears the back wall a soft bluish glow permeates the area from floor to ceiling and about 10 feet wide. Dozens of little stars wink on and off in the soft glow. "

A portal..."the orc mage says, "But to where....."

Aladfar says, "It must lead somewhere because these creatures use it often enough." Without another word he passes through the glow and disappears. The Ja 'Far mutters, "Reckless orcs, that curiosity and arrogance are a dangerous mixture....." He also steps into the glow and disappears. After a few moments, the two return through the portal and report.

"Another long tunnel, the tracks continue on through there but there don't seem to be any creatures. It's safe enough."

With that the group, cautiously enters the portal and as the glow surrounds each of them, there is a curious numbing sensation. As they come to the end of the glow they find themselves in another room altogether. The hallway seems to be like most the other hallways in this building wide, long, tall and decorated with many pictures. Down the center of the hallway is a wavy track left by hydras. As the last person leaves the glow, it turns and angry red and fades out with a snap. From the floor just beneath it rises a man-shaped creature made of stone. It finishes forming and stands at 14 ft tall. It begins moving slowly toward the group. Sounding much like a rock fall.

The wall behind the creature oddly seems to be getting closer.

***************

As various members of the party prepare to fight the advancing elemental, Wildstar moves to the back of the party and over to the side of the hall trying to get around the creature. The creature, never slowing in his advance, moves toward Wildstar. The creature raises its "hands" which form into large blocks about two feet in length and a foot in thickness.

There is a commotion in the group as Ja' Far pushes through the party. He walks between Wildstar and the elemental and for the first time anyone has seem him today, he stands up straight and tall and they realize that he is well over six feet tall. The perpetual gloominess seems to leave his face and he even smiles. With a gasp even the orcs realize that he is oddly handsome. Standing like a hero posing for a picture he opens his mouth and the sound of a slow avalanche comes out.

The elemental stops its advance and responds his voice also sounding much like a slow avalanche, only louder. After a few exchanges he says in common, "Follow me as far as you can and point out the dangers that await us."

The creature nods and sinks down into the ground. Completely unfazed by the creatures actions, he returns to the front of the group says, "We can continue now."

Wildstar takes a moment to examine the wall...finding nothing he rejoins the group.

As the party continues down the hallway, they find that it branches out to either side. Both branches are relatively shallow and you can see what is at the end of each hallway.

Down the hallway to the right is a tall box-like structure sticking out from the wall. On the structure are several white tiles. On each tile is a single word. The earth in front of the structure rises up forming the man-like creature of stone. The creature moves several of the tiles around and there is a loud rumbling sound coming from somewhere above, behind and to the left of their current location. The hallway in front of them begins to shine with a golden aura as hundreds of white stars seem to sparkle in the glow.

The creature seems to sink back into the ground, revealing the pattern of tiles on the structure.

Ja 'Far stares at the tiles for a long moment before charging into the golden light.

Aladfar also reads the tiles, nods and moves through the light.

After looking to Torana, who waves him on, Wildstar also enters the golden light. One at a time each person steps through the light and disappears.

They walk through the light and soon it fade and they find themselves in yet another room. This time the light just fades to black. Everyone waits tensely for something to happen, but nothing does. Scanning the room, it seems rather spacious. But dominating this room is a huge pool of dark water. The pool seems to span almost the entire width of the room, starting from the wall at the left to stopping just shy of the wall to the right, leaving a bare foot or two span between it and the wall.

Spanning the pool of water is a rather an arcing bridge made, from the whitest stone. The bridge is arcs fairly high and will make steep climbing, but it is wide and thick and gives the impression of extreme strength. Oddly there seem to be neither hand or foot holds, nor are there any sides to the bridge, just the floor of it. There doesn't seem to be any indication that there were every any sides to the bridge.

As they near the water, the light shows that the water is not really dark, in fact it is crystal clear. They can see all the way down to the bottom, which is fairly deep.

Making sure nothing is on either side of the bridge, Aladfar begins to walk upon it. The first dozen or so steps are at a very steep angle, so he seems to be having a little trouble making headway. But as he reaches the top of the arc, his steps come easier. At the top of the arc he looks around, stamps on the bridge a couple of time. It is then that he notices a golden light coming from his backpack. He opens it and takes out a something that looks like a statuette, but it is glowing in a golden light.

He uses the light to look around again, but still seeing nothing he gives the all clear and begins to move down the other side.

The bridge is wide enough so that several people can walk abreast and still have room on the sides.

Wildstar and Ja 'Far move up the bridge, each looking around cautiously.

Fandaliel follows them, with Torana, Silverleaf, and Mirelle following him.

Danyx, Asura and the amber haired orc bring up the rear.

The going is tough and Asura slips more than once, her armor clanging loudly against the stone. Each time, everyone pauses waiting to see if anything reacts. Finally Wildstar and Ja 'Far reach the summit of the arc and pass it, when the pool suddenly explodes upward on either side of the bridge. Two large blobular creatures made entirely of water appear.

One of them moves to attack Wildstar and Ja 'Far, who doesn't even bother to prepare for the attack. As the creature near them, it suddenly veers off. Ja 'Far strikes a familiar pose and opens his mouth. This time the sound of ocean waves come out. The other blobular creature also stops and looks in the direction of Ja 'Far. The three "converse" for a moment before Ja 'Far says, "Let us pass." The creatures look at each other for a moment and nod. One says in common, "You may pass, we cannot harm you, but the others aren't so lucky. And with that the creature charges the middle group and splashes into them. The water hits and falls back down into the water. Mirelle is nearly knocked over the side. Silverleaf rushes to her side and Torana pulls out a wet scroll.

The second creatures seems to want to attack but it just stand quivering near Ja 'Far, who seems to be concentrating extremely hard. Fists clenched and face turning shade of red he mutters over and over,

"You........will.........obey..........ME!"

"You.....will......obey.......ME!"

"You....will.....obey......ME!"

"You will...obey....ME!"

"You will obey ME!"

"YOU WILL OBEY ME!"

With this last effort the creature stops quiver and stands relatively still.

Ja 'Far nearly collapses.

The first creature finishes reforming and begins to rise out of the water. It is met by a cone of fire stemming from Torana's outstretched hands. The watery creatures shrinks as more of it's substance is evaporated. The second creature also shrinks as does the pool itself. Finally the cone of fire ends and the creature is nearly half it's original size.

It screams in common, it voice sounding like a typhoon, "You have to get off of the bridge sometime I will destroy you when you get in range. It then sinks into the water merging with it.