Blood in the Border Princes: RPG:

[skogul]

Danzig laughed and draged a table over to the corner proping it upright, he strode to the other end of the room, he spins, roars and charges the table. Squaring his shoulders he crashes straight through the table, he staggers to his feet grabs and bottle of rum, and grins at hawk
'how's that'

[Arguleon Veq]

'I will prove my strength to nobody' Said Valmont in a low voice, venom practically dripping from his words.

With that Hawk reached for the note of employment that Valmont had placed on the table.

Valmont spun on his heel and launched a throwing knife clean through the note and straight into the table.

Hawks hand paused over the note and then suddenly he drew a blade.

With that Valmont was on him in an instant, dirk drawn, knocking the Hawks blade aside.

' I never said that i didn't want the job' snarled Valmont, now nose to nose with Hawk.

Hawk smiled and sat down.

' That will suffice ' said Hawk smugly.

Valmont had played right into Hawks hands, done exactly what he Hawk wanted him to do. Valmont hated being manipulated. At least he had shown that he was up to the job but Valmont knew that anyway, after all he was the best.

[Wargamer]

"Alright... so you're good," Hawk said at last, sitting down again, "but are you good enough? Well... let's hope so. I have the-"

there was a thud. The bar fell silent.
Hawk caught Slitta's eye, and nodded to the door. The Skaven left, and returned a minute later.
"The Vampire's back... and he's brought a few friends."
At that moment, a zombie burst in. Slitta moved in a blur, decapitating it.

"Well then, time to put your talents to good use then... I'll hold the fort. I'd love to go charging off after this Vampire with you, but I'm not as young as I used to be..."

More undead began entering the Bar. Hawk drew his sword, and swung it fiercely. As he did so, a fireball was unleashed, blasting a skeletal warrior clean out of the bar. He rushed in, smashing two others and clearing the door.

"Go! Go now if you're going!"
More undead staggered in through the back door, and the number outside was still growing. The Inn was surrounded.

[skogul]

Danzig nodded to skragg and they grabbed a bench charging the wall, smashing clean through, Valmont jumped after them downing several zombies with throwing knives, more skeletal warriors charged and Danzig and Skragg lifted the bench and smashed them apart, the rest followed and the hunt began.

[Arguleon Veq]

Valmont tucked in behind the two rampaging madmen, well man and ogre.

The ogre lowered its head and charged off into a cluster of zombies the impact causing a shower of body parts and limbs as the flimsy monstrosities come apart.

Danzig still had hold of one end of the table so he swung it round in a crushing arc shattering three skeletons back into dust.

This wasn't an enemy Valmont liked to fight, his finesse and skill did not work well against creatures that had to be literally hacked or smashed to pieces to be defeated.

A skeleton lunged at him with a spear as he was now open and exposed, Valmont arced his body around the spear and braught his dirk through the neck of the skeleton, its head rolling away. He breathed a sigh of relief that he had braught the dirk rather than the rapier.

A zombie begun to stagger towards him, he sprinted full tilt towards the zombie and just before reaching it lunged with both feet off the floor and caught the zombie in the face with both heels, the beast fell. As he was pushing himself back to his feet a thunderous impact from a zombies fist struck him across the back , knocking him face first into the mud, Valmont rolled to see it's head bieng physically ripped off in the massive hands of Skragg.

Another skeleton plunged a spear into Skragg's side but the ogre hardly blinked and smashed the undead abomination aside with a back hand.

He spied Danzig sprinting at the vampire axe raised and bellowing a warcry

' FOR THE MOTHER LAND'

When Danzig was around twenty metres from the vampire it wrapped its claok around itself and melted back into the darkness. Danzig halted, panting. He looked back and with that all the remaining undead collapsed to the ground, the dark magic holding them together now gone.

[skogul]

Danzig roars in rage and slams his axe into a wall in frustration, ripping it out again and nearly demolishing the shoddy building.

He strode up to where Valmont was lying on the floor and grinned,
'close call sab'
'i had it covered, and i told you not to call me that' valmont replied tersely, Danzig laughed looked to the window were Elathian had been sniping from and nodded the elf returned the nod and moved from the window. Danzig walked over to Skragg,
'well done big man, we fought well lets get inside there's still some grog left'
Danzig strode through the hole and stopped the barkeep still stood open mouthed, Danzig glared
'You grog for the lads NOW!'
the barkeep jumped to it, and Danzig and Skragg burst into laughter, and valmont strutted past to sit in his favorite seat the one in the darkest corner, Hawk turned to face everyone,
'Did you get Ludwig?'
Danzig shook his head
'Bloodly cowardly swine fled'

[Wargamer]

"A shame we could not slay the Vampire here... however, there is little need for concern now. The Undead here are vanquished, and if he seeks to flee to Sylvania, Harlad will stop him. I would prefer if he still had his full contingent, but after the battle at Manor Peak he is somewhat depleted."
Skragg looked concerned, "He was one of your lads?"
"Yes and no," Hawk replied, "he works for me alot. Apparantly, he's put a bounty of five-thousand Gold Coin on the head of the Ogre Chieftain who battled him at the castle. Any idea who that was, Skragg?"
Skragg paused, "Umm... yeah, I kinda do... but he's not 'ere... no, he went ages ago. Never find him now..."
"In any case," Hawk continued, "we should consider our options. I trust your ability to determine a sound course of action, so I'll leave the desicion to you. However, I myself feel that he is likely to attempt to flee to Sylvania, if not now then in the future. We should keep that in mind..."

[elflord9d]

Elathain took another arrow out of one of the zombie’s eye sockets. He had been listening to the conversation. He turned to the group and said. “I think it would be wise to head toward Sylvania. Seeing as how we wiped out a lot of his ‘men’ already. He could have more though.”<br>“Good. More to fump into da dirt.” Skragg commented.
“I suggest we buy a few dozen garlic cloves. Each. We could use some by putting the juices on our blades and arrows, and the rest for just in case. It wont do anything to the zombies or anything else he summons, but it’ll give you an edge on killing him.” said Elathain.

[Arguleon Veq]

'He will be in Aldium for at least a little while that is all I...we need' said Valmont.

'I'm sure i seen a necromancer out there, that could complicate things even further, he seemed young, strong.'

'I think we should sleep on this, most of us are staying here so we will take shifts on sentry duty. I'll go first.....oh and you two *Valmont gestures at Skragg and Danzig* no ale on sentry duty, IS THAT CLEAR'

Skragg and Danzig look at each other sheepishly, 'Yeh, sure boss, never dream of it'.

'hmm' muttered Valmont.

'The you lot go and get some rest'

They all went up stairs to their rooms, Valmont walked over to a broken window and looked out into the pitch black night, a cold wind stinging his face and chilling him to the bone.

He wrapped his cloak closer around himself.

[skogul]

valmont woke and yawned, a new day same old problems he draged on his clothes as Danzig knocked on the door,
'My weapon should be ready, Fancy a walk?'
'why not' shrugged valmont'
'Good I told everyone else where we are going'


They entered the market, and surveyed the crowd the crowd before stepping in, Valmont turned the his Friend and asked him,
'Do you ever get hangover's?'
'That sab' replied Danzig 'would require me to stop drinking for a while' and with that Danzig hefted a bottle that he had hidden about his person and took a swig, Valmont looked and laughed, they arrived outside a shoddy looking place,
'this is it, wait here a moment i won't be long'

Few minutes later Danzig strode out, holding a great axe aloft,
'Look at the quality of this, beautiful, Estalian black-wrought metal, with silver workings and sharkskin grip...'
Danzig became aware that Valmont's attention was elseware and turned to look, and saw 3 figures hobbling painfuly down the street.

[Arguleon Veq]

At the point of the trio was the necromancer that Valmont had spied last night.

He was flanked by two dregs, foul excuses for humans, deformed and corrupt, completely subservient and obedient to their dark masters. They were often used by vampires to go about their business during the day as they could go freely in towns and cities, so long as they kept to the shadows.

The necromancer was completely the opposite to these two, he was strong, infused with dark energy, he cant have been a necromancer for very long thought Valmont as he isn't much older than me.

With that the necromancer drew a rapier, and in reply Valmont drew his own rapier.

A point towards Danzig sent the two dregs shuffling towards the big kislevite, leaving the necromancer and Valmont alone.

Danzig swung his new axe around in a mighty arc and hacked into the first dregs shoulder. It collapsed to the ground with a scream.

The second dreg jumped onto the back of Danzig and was scrabbling for its knife in order to slit his throat.

Danzig ran backwards into a wall, knocking the wind out of it, reached over his shoulder and launched the dreg into its companion who was just beginning to regain its feet.

The dreg who had been on his back rose to its knees and Danzig charged kicking it full on in the face, breaking it's pathetic neck with a sickening crack.

The remaining dreg pleaded with Danzig but the Kislevite was in the midst of battle rage and would never offer mercy to such a foul creature and with that split it's skull down the middle with another mighty blow from his axe, spraying blood up the front of the huge man.

Meanwhile...

The necromancer parried Valmont’s initial attacks, got inside his guard and lunged elegantly at him, Valmont was only just able to knock the rapier away with his free hand.

Valmont darted to the necromancers left but he had anticipated Valmont’s move and slashed across Valmonts chest, slashing through his leather vest and drawing blood. The necromancer lunged again this time for the kill but Valmont had another trick....

From under his cloak he drew a a small knife, Valmont pressed a button on the hilt and two more blades sprung out either side of the original. A sword-breaker.

He locked it over the now out-stretched rapier and twisted his wrist.

The necromancers rapier snapped and a look of abject fear spread across his face.

Valmont smirked and plunged his rapier point straight through the necromancers throat and out the back of his neck. The kill couldn’t have been any cleaner.

The necromancer staggered backwards and slid off the blade a fine crimson spray coming from the small hole it’s neck and with that collapsed.

Danzig strode over to Valmont and slapped him on the back

‘Took your time matey’<br>
‘If a jobs worth doing its worth doing well’ replied Valmont ‘perfectly in fact’ Valmont gestured at the hole in the necromancers neck.

Danzig nodded ‘nice work’<br>
With that they set off back to the Inn, at least one problem had been dealt with.

[elflord9d]

They were about half a block away from the pigmy hippo, when Elathain came running down the street arrow in one hand bow in the other. “I smelled a dark blood.” He said as Valmont and Danzig looked at him with a look of confusion. “Oh I see.” Elathain said as he looked at the blood on the humans clothing. “You had a run in with tainted ones. Was it the necromancer?”

“Aye.” said Danzig. “We took care of him and his lackeys.”

“A fine way to polish a new weapon.” said Elathain, as he examined Danzig’s new axe with the crimson blood dripping off of it.

“Did you just make a joke mate?” replied Danzig.

“I guess you could call it that.” said Elathain. It was hard to tell if an elf was joking unless you were an elf.

“And who’s guarding the inn? It’s your shift.” said Valmont almost snarling.

“I got Skragg to do it. So we better hurry back.” Elathain replied. “I told him I’d buy him a drink if he did.”

“Right then, back to the inn.” said Danzig.

They arrived at the inn and Skragg came walking towards them the ground shaking with each step. “Ok meat…….I mean, El….a……thaginol?...... Where’s me drink?” said the Ogre.

“Barkeep get this man….ogre a grog.” said Elathain. The ogre made a big smile. “Wot’s that you gots there Danzig? Asked Skragg. “It’s my new axe. Just got it today”<br>“Oh…..you’re no fun. Now you gotta do your fumpin wit dat axe instead of your hands.” said the ogre as the barkeep handed him a barrel of grog.

“I like using a blade in combat because it gives me an edge in battle.” Danzig said with a grin.

“HAR HAR HAR! That’s a good one” said Skragg as he popped the lid off the barrel and took a swig. Elathain and Valmont failed to see the humor in the comment though.

“Ok. It’s now morning shall we prepare to set off?” Elathain asked.

[Wargamer]

Hawk strode down, wearing an elegant nightgown and sipping a hot drink.

"Good morning all. I trust you slept well."
He seemed not to notice the state of Danzig or Valmont.
"Please, enjoy a good breakfast, it's on me. When we're done, and I am properly dressed to travel, the coach should have arrived."
"Coach?" asked Valmont.
Hawk smiled, "You think I walked here in platemail?"

The coach was big. It was also well-armoured.
"I borrowed this from the Red Sun Trading organisation... I'm thinking of buying them. They usually use this coach as part of a Grand Caravan. The cupola-mounted hand-cannons and Hellblaster turret are expensive, yet entertaining additions. I assure you, anyone who tries to rop us will-"
"Stand and deliver!"
The caravan stopped. Hawk sighed theatrically, and looked out of the spacious vehicle.
"Harlad!!!"
There was a brief curse, and a figure ran over.
"Just a joke boss."
"And Danzig there's a Bretonnian."
"Looks Kislevite to me..."
"It's called sarcasm, now stop pratting about or I'll feed you to the Ogre."
The two locked eyes. There was a brief moment when everyone onboard was certain someone was going to get killed.
"...he working for you, Hawk?"
"Yes, Harlad, he is."
"...good. I suspect you're after the Vamprie, right? He came this way, and with a bloody big army. We took out a few, but had to leg it before Ludwig could exact revenge. I'm sure glad-"
Harlad paused, "I mean, I'm sure glad to know you were able to stop him earlier. I dread to think-"
"Shut up Harlad. Drive on!"
With that, the caravan rumbled on, leaving the highwaymen looking dejected in the road...

[Arguleon Veq]

Valmont looked around the interior of the coach, he had to admit he was impressed.

'So were are we heading Hawk' asked Valmont without a trace of his normal venom, he was begining to like this man.

'All in good time Valmont' replied Hawk.

With that comment Valmont wasn't liking him as much anymore, still Hawk was paying them. It's his job.

Danzig sat admiring his new axe in between swigs from a bottle of vodka.

Elathain was trying to look interested in Skraggs conversation about grog and meat, he wasn't bieng very successful. Still he forced a smile and nodded politely. Thats more than i would have bothered to do thought Valmont.

He looked around the interior of the coach again, this could be more profitable than he had ever imagined.

[elflord9d]

“….that’s why the best meat is Bretonian.” said Skragg. “I haven’t tried all kinds of meat yet.” He said with a hungry glint in his eye. Eltahain knew this was bad. “Here Skragg my ogre friend. Take this rum bottle I got. I’m not much of a rum pers-“ In mid sentence Skragg grabbed it with a big chunky arm and guzzled it down. Danzig looked at Skragg. “Oh sorry bout dat Danzig. I meant to give ya sum, but it would stop coming outta da bottle.” He said with a toothy apologetic smile.

Elathain opened his window. He loved the fresh air. It was comforting in this almost crowded coach. Elathain preferred to walk but this was faster.

“So what do you think of my caravan my elvish friend?” asked Hawk.
“It’s very nice.” He said with a forced smile. “I’m surprised that it isn’t steam powered.” Elathain said sarcastically. “Steam powered. Now that’s a good idea.”<br>With that Hawk opened up a pad and wrote a little in it and shut it.

Elathain looked back out into the open land. He listened attentively. Valmont was watching him. After a while Valmont opened up and said “What are you doing?”<br>Elathain turned and looked a little bit surprised. It seemed as though he was talking to him more and more as time went on. “I’m listening to the trees.” Replied Elathain. “They are speaking to each other.”
“Trees don’t talk.” snorted Valmont. Elathain gave an eye to eye contact look at Valmont which slightly surprised him. “Yes, they do. But only a few understand or can hear it. My father was a wood elf mage. The best in the glade pines. He taught me to listen to them. I can speak to them a little, but they talk all the time. They talk about years past, and about current events. They talk all the time about anything and everything.” Elathain pointed to a tree out the window. “See that one. He’s talking to the one behind him about our coach.” Valmont looked at the tree. ‘The elf is daft.’ He thought. ‘But elves have been around a long time. Maybe he’s right.’<br>
With that the coach suddenly stopped.


(We're at Chapter III page 33!)