Durgis Rock V2.1

After a few more days traveling with Basion we reached Durgis Rock. I would like to say something nice about Basion, but spending time with him was about as exciting as pulling out nose hairs in the dark.

At the gates we were challenged by a comical dwarf that Basion called Snurry. He had a leather helm that was about four sizes too big and it kept sliding down his face. He challenged us as soon as we neared the gate. Basion, told him who he was, but he demanded to know the password, which he gave him. Then he asked me and I said I don't know. Basion told him again he was escorting me to the Dor'thain to be interviewed. Snurry didn't want to let us in, for fear I was an orc spy. A big surly important looking dwarf came to our rescue. When Basion seen him, he called out, "Cort thank the mountain stones, this damn fool, offal of an ort won't let us pass."

Upon seeing Cort, Snurry snapped to attention and his helmet slipped over his eyes. Cort sighed and I started laughing which brought looks of disapproval from all three of them, this made me laugh even more. Cort ordered me to be brought to the Great Hall immediately, so that I could be deemed unworthy of the hardy folks of the Rock and escorted back out the the gates.

Basion led me through a dreary looking village that looked only partially inhabited. I was still giggling uncontrollably, when we reached the Great Hall. Inside I was ushered into a large room where I was told to wait by Basion. Then he left me alone. I stood there for as long as I could, but I couldn't just wait, I had to explore some. I found a few "hidden" doors, that I would make sure to remember. I also found something very odd, it was quite exquisite in it's workmanship. It was made of leather, with gold gilt, and had many leaves that could be turned. Inside these leaves there was many squiggly lines and beautiful pictures. I was pretty sure this was a book, but I had never seen one before and I was so entranced by it's beauty that I didn't see the group of dwarfs come in.

One yelled at me in some language that sounded like rocks being crushed, I knew this wasn't good. I smiled at them and said this is beautiful I am just admiring the craftsmanship. A different dwarf said that BOOK belongs to the Dor'Thain and not to be touched by the likes of you. I noticed the dwarf that seemed to be in charge, was watching all of this as if he was a sheppard trying to decided which ort to be slaughtered. I jumped up on the table, and said as politely as I could, "catch me if you can." I jumped over the nearest dwarf's head, did a somersault over to where I had seen the hidden doors and made a run for it. I only got about ten feet in when I realized there was no place to go. It was just a big closet. I heard a big laugh and a warm voice that said come out, they won't hurt you. As I slinked out of the closet, the other dwarfs are trying to hide their smiles as well. The leader says, "I am Wooden, the Dor'Thain of Durgis Rock, I am pretty sure you aren't spy." At that the whole group burst into laughter. I had to join in with them, because it was pretty damn funny.

After the moment wore off and it was pretty clear that I was in good place Wooden said that I was to go with Dornar and he would interview me to find out what I could do to earn my keep in Durgis. I thanked him with a big hug, which surprised him. He quietly said he knew my story from the gnomes and said I would be safe with him. I thanked him again, by taking one of his buttons as a keep sake. Here begins the legend of the Button Bandit.

Dornar took me to an office space and asked me a lot of questions, that mainly made me scratch my head. What it came down to is that I knew orts and leather, I didn't tell them about my other "skills". He suggested I meet Vidar a local ort herder and see if I can make some kind of arrangement with him. Dornar took me to an Inn called the Mountain Goat where he said I could stay for the night and he would come and fetch me in the morning so I can hopefully make my way in the world. It reminded me of what my Uncle Swacg would say. I choked back a tear and thanked him. I don't remember anything until the next morning when I woke up to a heavenly smell.

Smuggler's Run V1.5

I woke up later, I am not sure when. We weren't moving anymore and I could smell food, and I heard the same chattering as before. I peaked my head out the bag and I saw several gnomes around a fire; eating, drinking, smoking and looking like they were having a good time.

One of them noticed me and motioned me to come over. I was scared but my belly was rumbling. I slowly got out of the bag and felt for my knife, it was still there, I loosened it slightly and stepped the rest of the way out of the bag. They were all smiling at me and sounding like rats. I had only seen gnomes from a distance when my family would trade with them, I wasn't allowed to go to the meetings it was only for the elders. The thought of my family caused me to cry and I dropped to one knee before I made it to the circle of gnomes.

An old gnome came to me and put an arm around my shoulder and spoke in broken halfling that I was safe and asked me what was happened. I told him the story about the orc slavers I finished the story with the account of running from the two orcs after killing one of the slavers. All of the gnomes were openly crying. They may not have understood everything that I said and the older gnome translated where they didn't understand. Several of them raised cups to me and offered me a strong drink. I took a long pull off a leather mug and my head began to spin. I woke up the next day feeling better for the much needed rest, but I was so hungry.

We were on the move again, but I wasn't in a bag anymore. They had put me in a box with a few holes in it so I could see outside. When I looked outside I saw orcs. My heart began to pound I thought they were selling me out to the orcs. I wasn't sure what to do, I tried to move to get out of the box, but there was no way to open it. I still had all my weapons, I was very confused. There was some grunting and yelling, a few items given to the orcs and we were on our way again.

What seemed like an eternity of waiting, finnally the old gnome walked near the cart, I assumed I was on and casually whispered that we had to go through a check point. He would let me know when it was safe for me to come out. He slide a panel on the box and slipped in a hunk of cheese and bread. I ate them so fast I am lucky I didn't choke to death. The rocking of the cart put me back to sleep.

I dreamt of my mother, we were dancing in the wild flowers, when a group of orcs came around us and took my mother and ran away with her. I just stood there frozen doing nothing. I woke up and the box top was open. It was dark again and I could hear the gnomes having their evening meal. The smell was overpowering, I climbed out of the box and stretched. They all smiled at me and motioned for me to come over and get some food. There was roasted rabbit, pheasant, eel jerky, apples, carrots, greens, and potatoes. I hadn't ate this well since the last holiday. The eel jerky was new to me, but it was so good. I only drank water this time, I was afraid to pass out. Jorgion was the name of the older gnome who first spoke to me. He told me they found me a few days ago passed out near a road. They decided to pick me up and take me to a safe spot. He wouldn't tell me where I was going yet until they were sure we would get there with out being discovered. He explained they were part of the underground resistance and worked both sides of the struggle to ultimately defeat the Great Threat from the North.

I thanked them over and over for saving me and asked if there was anything they could do for my auntie and the rest of my family. Jorgion hung his head and said, "No." There was no discussion and he would not even talk about the possibility of rescue. I wanted to argue, I wanted to be angry at these rebels, but I couldn't. They had saved my life and were taking me somewhere safe if we could get past all the check points. I asked how long would it take, they said about three to four months, because of the circuitous route they had to take. I offered my skills as a tanner and leather worker and they hardily accepted. Jorgion also said I needed to learn the Trader's tongue so that I could speak to a larger group off people. As I learned this I also learned more about the larger world, the struggle of all people and they way of the gnomes. I began to dress like a gnome so I could walk more openly. I only had to hide when we were near known check points.

Jorgion said we were getting nearer to our destination and decided to tell me where I was going. He said he would meet with his contacts to take me to Durgis Rock. Part of a Dwarven community up in the mountains. I had never seen a Dwarf before and from the stories I wasn't sure if I wanted to. A few days later I was standing in front of Basion Grizzlednock, the contact from Durgis Rock. There was some exchanges of goods and information and it was agreed that I would relocate to the Rock. I said good bye to Jorgion and the other gnomes. I thanked each one of them again and presented each of them with a small leather pouch with an embossed leave and pipe on it for their smoking weed.

I followed Basion up to the mountains and when I looked back my saviors were gone.

Revenge V1.4

I had been following the slavers for several days when I finally spotted one orc alone. I scouted all around him, but he seemed to be cut off from the band. I don’t know how he couldn’t pick up their trail, they left death and destruction everywhere. Several of my families’ bodies had been left half eaten on spits. For the first time in my life I understand what the world was really about and now I know what hate really is. I will never show any orc mercy, ever.

This lone orc looked dazed and hurt. It was panting, and its eyes were almost bulging out. I realized that in normal circumstances I could never take on an orc one on one. But I had hate in my heart and luck on my side. I snuck up on the back side of the orc. I could smell it and I had to choke down the bile that filled my gullet. I had my dagger readied in my hand. I saw an exposed spot on its back and I slid my dagger in as deep as it would go. The monster screamed and turned around with such unexpected force that I nearly froze with fear. It pulled out a giant rusty sword so fast I didn’t see the swipe coming. Luckily the orc was so weak and confused that it barely hurt me, but enough to know that if I didn’t get moving my life was forfeit. I jumped back a few feet and took out my atharak and began to twirl in a dizzying display. The stupid beast seemed to be in a trance for a moment that is when I attacked. I spun once and hit him around the neck and the small stones bashed it in the face, I pulled down hard and the orc began to tumble down. I pulled my atharak back and attacked again this time at the ankles. This time I pulled real hard and the orc crashed face first into the hard ground. I jumped on its back, jerked the dagger out of its back and buried it deep into its thick skull. The orc didn’t move again, but it made a lot of noise during the fight. I saw a couple healthy orcs heading my way. I knew my revenge was over and I took flight. I ran and I ran until I thought my chest would explode. I am not sure what happened but I was running and the world went black, the next thing I know I am in a bag and I hear odd chattering. I thought it was orc slavers, but when I peaked out of the bag all I saw was a bunch of gnomes. I thought to myself, do gnomes eat halfling, and then I passed out again.

The Orcs Come Marching In V1.3

One evening I felt uneasy, like I should run, but I didn't know why. I knew it wasn't safe but I decided to take a walk. We had seen a lot more orc activity than normal, but it isn't hard to hid from a orc. I got dressed in my leathers, stuffed a knife in my boot, and looped my atharak to my side. Maybe I will get some small game, while I look about. I decided to take my bag with me as well, not sure why I did, but I am glad I did.

I headed west toward the jungle, I always go toward the jungle hoping to see my mother again or catch a glimpse of the elves maybe my father. I never seen any of them again. Uncle and Auntie told me to just let it go. My uncle had softened a lot more with me, since he never had any children of his own he treated me like his son. I even began to love him like a father. I could actually dress and tan a hide.

I had been walking for a few hours in the star light still having that itchy feeling in the back of my head that something is wrong tand hat is when I heard the drums and the orc war cries. The sound came from behind me, where uncle and auntie were at. I had to go back and help. I turned around and started running not worrying if I was spotted, I just had to get back as fast as possible. I ran for almost an hour before I saw the smoke, heard the screaming and crying. I crouched down and slowly made my way toward the camp area. We rarely camp close together, preferring to be within sight but not too close, but because of weather we had made our camp denser to help stay warm. The wind coming out of the north the last few days was unnaturally cold. This had been our destruction. I saw at least a hundred filthy orcs swarming over the hearths. There was chaos and carnage everywhere. I saw my poor uncle Swacg's head on a pike it was all I could do not to scream and fall into madness. I saw my auntie Genty tied in a line with several other of my family. Her hair was bloody and stuck to her head, she was crying. I felt so helpless, worse than when I realized my mother was gone. I always hoped my mother would come back but this was the unspeakable, I lost my entire family and I was safe. This is not fair I should be dead or marched off as a slave.

I decided that I must help my family. I hid for hours and waited until the last orc scout was out of sight. I found my uncle's body, I placed his head near it. I wanted to give him the proper funeral rites along with the other dead but if I did that I would not be able to stop the orc slavers. I quickly gathered a few items, some food and water and say my goodbyes to my family. They were dead and I could do no more for them, they would understand. I started after the orcs, they were heading north-east toward the mountains. I was going to kill as many of them as I could before they got me, I couldn't save my mother but I was going to save Auntie Genty

Missing V1.2

We lived our lives in relative peace. We worked hard, and lived hard. We had to dodge the the orc slavers almost constantly, but we were good at hiding in plain sight. It was said that I could hid under the shadow of an orc's ass and not been seen. I haven't tried it yet, but pretty damn close at times. The orcs would get some of our livestock or destroy some of our grain caches from time to time, but nothing more than a nuisance really. We would often watch the clumsy creatures from afar and wait for a chance to get even. Once a group of my friends and I purposely let some of our provisions be found easily. What the dumb orcs didn't know is we filled it full of poison. Not your typical killing kind but the kind that makes you wish you were dead. Puking and shitting all over the place. It's the funniest thing you ever seen, a group of orcs trying to march while they are throwing up all over each other. The orcs were so dumb they kept eating the poisoned food. We watched them for about three days, until a Danisil hunting party spotted them. The wretched orcs were so sick they got too close to the jungle and the Danisil took care of them. Not one orc was left. The jungle elves dissappeared and left no trace of their passing.

When I got back home I told my mother what we had been doing. At first she scolded me for risking my life like that, and telling me how irresponsible I was for not tanning the hides that my Uncle Swcag told me to do. But when I told her about the jungle elves a far away look came over her. She told me to go find Swcag and apologize for ruining several hides.

My uncle was less than impressed with me. He said that I was the worse apprentice he ever had and that I would be lucky if I didn't starve to death if I couldn't learn a trade soon. He gave me a long list of chores and told me I couldn't go back to my mother's hearth until I was done.

It took me three days to do everything. I felt like my hands were going to fall off and I smelled like orc breath. But I got it all done and my uncle didn't yell at me he just grunted. That day I stole my first item. It was small but it started something for me. I stole the buttons off my uncle's favorite pants that he hardly wore. One day when he goes to put them on, he will scream louder than the thunder. But for now I just want to see my mother.

I go to our hearth and she is gone. I can't find her anywhere, some of her stuff is missing and there is no sign of her anywhere. I asked around and some said she packed a bag and went toward the jungle, probably to look for herbs. That was the last any of us seen my sweet mother.

I stayed in the hearth for a few arcs until it became apparent that she wasn't coming back. I don't know if she is dead or alive; just not here. Uncle Swcag said that I was too young to live by myself and took me in. I know he just wanted my mother's stuff and to work me like a slave, which he did. Even though he did work me very hard, he truly loved me and was concerned about his sister as well. As rough as Uncle Swcag was, his wife my Aunt Genty was so sweet. She made my life almost bearable. I loved her very much and I never took anything from her, but poor Uncle Swcag had a terrible time keeping his pants up over the next few years.

I did learn to become a tanner, not a good one, but a passable one. What I was really good at was making leather items. My clothing was very beautiful. I lived like this for the next twenty years until the orcs came.