The World of Layonara
In-Character Forums => The Dragon Storm Campaign => Topic started by: Harlas Ravelkione on July 19, 2009, 05:11:28 PM
-
* Fighting the white tiger took it's toll upon the group. Two fell to it's claws and are currently being dragged to a spot where most of you sit for a moment, to catch your breaths and bandage your wounds.
Some of you cannot help but glance to your right, towards the lights that seem to dance before your eyes. Shining and sparkling in all colours they are dazzling to behold. On the bare ground below the lights a black rune has been etched into the rock and coloured black.
Suddenly the momentary peace is disturbed by the heavy steps of newcomers. But instead of comrades that fell victim to the teleportation traps, strangers appear. Six in all, the dark clad strangers enter the chamber with weapons drawn. The group consists of a tall man with a strange mask, two dwarves - a warrior and what must be a spellcaster of some type, a heavily set male warrior, a lightly armored female and a large lizard-like beast walking upright.
They approach you but stop dead at a handsign from the masked man. In a deep and pleasant voice he speaks... *
At last!
-
// Apologies for the OOC post. I just need a bit of clarification (and perhaps others do too).
What I would like for you to do now is to RP on the forums the last moments here before the bad guys emerged(1). You will get a chance to take a look at them and perhaps speak to them .... on the forums.
The dead stay dead - unless they are raised. Well, there are ways to get the dead not-dead. Elohanna was behind the bad guys when they entered, for one thing. Ahh yes, sorry. My bad. You dragged them along.
I want to see some action on the forums before we set the next session.
So, from (1), I'm assuming postings should encapsulate the period before "Suddenly the momentary peace is disturbed..." (at least initially).
Also, I'm assuming you are looking for something more from those that have been "affected"(?). And I'm also assuming those people know who they are(?). Unless I've missed something ('cos Arg was going through the whirlpooly things twice while the above was happening), and we are all actually feeling the effect of being in such proximity to the runed sparkly rainbow lights(?).
Regards,
Script Wrecked. //
-
// OOC clarification:
So, from (1), I'm assuming postings should encapsulate the period before "Suddenly the momentary peace is disturbed..." (at least initially).
Exactly.
Also, I'm assuming you are looking for something more from those that have been "affected"(?). And I'm also assuming those people know who they are(?). Unless I've missed something ('cos Arg was going through the whirlpooly things twice while the above was happening), and we are all actually feeling the effect of being in such proximity to the runed sparkly rainbow lights(?).
Some were more affected than others. I will PM the people in question, just to make sure. If you were not informed during the quest (in tell) or receive a PM, you still are affected by a pull or wish to walk into the lights, but you are aware of the effect and able to resist it. Even if you manage to resist, you cannot help but wonder what would be in it for you, if you entered that circle... what opportunity are you missing? Will your comrades around you not eventually decide to sneak over there and enter before you? Can you trust them to have the same strength of will than you?
Should you not perhaps be the one to enter, to ensure that the person to walk the path is not someone weak, someone without honour or even someone with dark intentions...
-
Argali ran through the passage of caves for the second time after being sucked through the vortex. Too late she arrived; Fehriel and Amgine lay fallen on the cold of the stone floor. However, the others had dispatched their peril; a large white tiger; who knew whom that had been.
As she caught a glimpse of the colored lights past the group, Argali's eyes closed as she blinked.
A bird's eye view soared across a familiar landscape; the Hills of Taur'en, her beloved home. The view swooped down to the clanhold, and then deep underground. A passageway; the sounds of combat. She beheld a battle she had only heard (http://forums.layonara.com/development-journals-discussion/116505-vlanin.html#post542472) stories of, a group of orange haired dwarven berserkers being struck at by silvery talons from the shadows. Argali tensed in Vorax's blessing(1); how she longed to stand with her valiant kin, to protect them, to shield them from this menace.
Her eyes narrowed and her lip curled.
"K'A TZHAZHGATH WAAAZH RUR TAAZK'"(2) echoed in her ears. In her mind, she murmured the appropriate reply, "Zha pohark taazk' kur k'a aralo."(3)
The view surged up out of the ground. Before her a mountain range blanketed by a heavy black cloud. In the distance, the battered walls of Bloody Gate.
Milara. Her teeth ground in reply.
Argali's eyes opened again, slightly dazzled by the dancing lights. She seemed to understand what was being presented, what was possible. She had missed (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=5332&day=2008-2-10&c=3) a previous opportunity, and now another one presented itself so tantalisingly close.
She drew a breath. Her eyes darted to the others, to see what looks betrayed their thoughts, what they were thinking...
(1) the body's response in anticipation of battle
(2) "The dwarves fear no death."
(3) "We bring death to the enemy."
-
Argali ran through the passage of caves for the second time after being sucked through the vortex. Too late she arrived; Gunther and Amgine lay fallen on the cold of the stone floor. However, the others had dispatched their peril; a large white tiger; who knew whom that had been.
//OOC - it was Amgine and Fehriel that were dead at that point, not Gunther. ;)
-
Steel watched the others be flung about the cavern by magical winds. He noted the areas where such affects seem more likely to occur. He calculated the distance between each elevated rock, each handhold and stalagmite. He kept to the wall and perches, sometimes leaping from stone to stone, only venturing out into the chamber to deal with a more mobile threat, like the death-gaze spider.
The revelation of the Black Rune gave Steel pause, and he dropped the corpse of Fehriel, one of two killed by a white tiger, before the tiger itself fell. Steel kept a steady grip on his black bow, having drug Fehriel with his other hand, he now looks to see who remains of his party. He is ever silent, keeping a distance from the rune and flashing lights, supported by the shadows at the corner of the cave wall.
He does little more than observe, though, his calculating nature requiring more detail.
-
Gazing into the lights, the vision came...
There she stood, dressed in an ornate armor she'd never seen before, at the side of a majestic Golden-Green Dragon... The two seemed close, friends, very close... At their feet stood bodies, tattooed with various incarnations of a dark green dragon... It changed, now she stood among kings, queens, dukes, shaking hands. She had their respect. On her chest shone her family crest, gilded and set with rare gems. She had power... her family had respect... A voice promised her all she saw... A compelling voice...
"At Last..." came another voice and she spun around. Out of a dream and into a nightmare, Tyra stood looking at that which she wanted to destroy, The Green Dragon Cultists. Only six, but six more then there should be. She gripped her blades in her hands and glanced back at the lights. No vision this time... but now another voice came into her head. It was that of those she had travelled with, all blended together...
"The Path lies..." "The magic is false..." "It's a trick..."
But there it was... calling... promising her the chance to accomplish all she's spent years yerning for...
But could she just leave the others? Leave them to have to face the Cult alone... and if it was a lie... what would it do to her... could it just as easily rob her of any chance at her dreams, the same dreams it promises to fulfill?
She moved to stand beside Steel, watching, but she could not help but look back at the portal... nor could she stop thinking about what it might grant her...
-
*Drexia takes Elohanna aside a bit*
Um, I'm sure you've noticed, but some here are acting a bit unusual... particularly Lance, but I think a few others too may be being affected... can you cast additional mind protections on them, or perhaps, since we are sitting here for a bit, ward the area against magical intrusions?
-
Running into whirlpool after whirlpool, cursing all the while, Gunther trundled after the others as fast as his stubby little legs would carry him.
All the while, spurring him on, visions of endless fields of various and sundry pies, cakes, and the occasional tart danced in front of his eyes. The tarts grew off of low lying bushes, the pies off of an assortment of shrubberies, the cakes sprouted forth from every tree in sight. Serving up the veritable horde of pastries was a variety of pert and winsome dryads, nymphs, and sylphs, dancing and frolicking in the meadows. Nearby streams, full of various liquours and ales, chuckled merrily as they gurgled their way down to the ocean.
At last, stumbling through the last whirlpool, past the dead bodies of fallen comrades, Gunther came to a stumbling halt where the other survivors had come to a halt.
Slobbering more than was typical, Gunther stares at the rune in the floor and nearly incomprehensibly declares, 'Gunther likes pie!'
-
*Lance Stands quietly as he looks towards ahead, the way is full of obstacles, and the first one is the knight foe, The red Dragon itself , So bold , so daring , always measuring and cunning. Lance restrains at the moment, as much as he desire to face the dread creature, his duty stands for a greater good at the moment. he should wait and look over to reach his destination. The dark rune -
He follows blindly, All the answers will be there. So promising so fullfilling Toran has put him in that way on that very place on that very day, there could not be otherwise, his redemption, his happines just ...so close.
Finally he and his lady would be able to be at peace, no more fighting no more problems, no more arguing, All is in there just waiting for him, he looks back at his comrades in arms.
-Comrades ? ha. They scorn you knight. you have been always faithful and helped them and how do they pay? They call you selfrigtheous and prideful, you deserve to be happy, you deserve this chance , Lance Dragonbane, not them - The voice said to him with a seductive tone . A deep voice deep in his tought .
They don't follow as you do... you know of sacrifices. what they could understand my son? Now the chance is yours.
No more Dogma issue, you'll have the power to redeem yourself and you and your lady will live forever happily. The inmortality awaits you. Aragen does not longer will interfer in your life. Don't doubt on the moment you need to be strong. This is your moment. TAKE IT!!!! - The voice said finally
*Lance keeps looking behind hessitantly meanwhile taking slow steps backwards towards the rainbow tunnel, as his sight stops a moment over Drexia, his cold as iron sight is softened for a moment, yet the moment of weakness does not last long, With serene step he turns towards the rainbow tunel, he steels himself as he starts walking, he knows he'll regret to leave Drexia to its fate with the rest of the group, but this is not the first hard choice he had to do, Hurix is at stake, he decided to find the journal, and what would be worth the sacrifice of the people in there if he does not fullfill his duty here, With serene step he start to walk towards the tunnel, muttering mostly to himself.
Lae nycelaa... eanla lae nycelaa (1 )
*A Shout of his name is heard behind him, For a moment all goes blur and he can see it at the rainbow, the figure of the stealer of his happiness, Aragen itself apears in his sight don't allowing to cross over the rainbow tunnel. As the moment pases the figure of the sage god disolves in his mind, he turned backwards as he looks at his friend Drexia with a empty bag. he has seen the stardust that is around her. he frowns at himself as the Clarity return to his mind, but his expresion turns into one of shame. he resist the impulse of falling on his kneels observing towards Drexia, his face a riddle of confusion,*
-This could be not as easy -he hears his own voice on his head-. There is no easy exit, there is no happiness into a bottle, Tests are worthy because of that. If it were easy everyone would do it, Brace yourself Stargazer.
But ... What if it is true? What if its me who am bound to change the things. I am the knight of Balance, That has its meanings .
*his stare still looking at Drexia, whit a mixure of anger and thankfulness. when he spots the enemy coming from the back of the cave, he grips his Blade strong, and walks towards Drexia to stand beside her, Determination in his eyes now, One thing is to leave her to the fate of the rest of the mistonean, but another enterly is to leave her to the fate of the enemy, he cracks his neck and readies himself to battle, as he smiles a bit at Drexia, The smile of the warrior , he start to pray a hymn of honor as he starts looks at the enemy aproaching *
//
(1) So close... its so close ... In elven
Just to make it clear the first voice is his mind representation of Lance's father.
-
Being dead, still, his helm's snout resting on the cold cave floor, his body deeply sliced by the unforgiving claws of the white tiger. He awaits to be raised.. or maybe forgotten.. nothing he can control at the moment.
// =) just thought I'd post but being dead.....
-
//my apologies to do this as I hate to but Drexia would not be able to talk to Elohanna as she was behind the group, fallen through one of the whirlpools, no one would be able to talk to her, there is a great chance no one knows where she is.
//IC
Again fallen victim to the traps and whirlpools she finds herself back near the entrance of the caves they had most recently stepped through only to hear the voices of strangers, she can only guess are those of the ones following them, trying her utmost not be seen she casts a spell of invisibility upon herself and tries her best to run ahead to warn the others.
She finds Argali on her way, only again they are seperated by the traps and sent back behind the group she was trying desperately to warn the others of, and again runs ahead, keeping to the edges of the cave she eventually makes it back only to find herself behind the strangers unsure of what is about to happen, trying to keep herself from being spotted.
There is a nagging in the back of her head that wants to pull her forward, one that she seems compelled to follow. But with the current groups in her way she is forced to stop consider her options.
She could let them destroy themselves or help protect those she came with. Something of a pact spoken by a familar voice lingers in the back of her head but the call is beckoning her forward, her heart pounding in her chest. The call to strong to ignore, she stands frozen in place for what seems like eternity waiting for the others to react to the strangers presense. Her own thoughts swimming through her mind of her options, 'No one knows I am here, no one would know. They don't have to know. There can be only one. I could be the one."
-
*Grohin looks at the lights and rune and shakes his head slightly as to get rid of an annoying thought tugging at the back of his mind. Maybe due to his past experience... or perhaps something else, he doesn't seem to be exactly drawns to it or otherwise concern by it - but he doesn't watch those with a link to nature or those that have indeed shown some attraction to the rune
Rather, after falling through one of the whirlpools and rejoining with the group just in time to fight the white tiger, he starts to look behind the group worriedly and avoids standing in the middle of the caves and keeps to the walls*
-
"Gunther lies pies!"
Tyra turned to look at Gunther, a scowl forming behind her mask. He wanted the promise of the Rune as well, and Tyra knew it. But she would not let a fool waste such a chance for pastries! She gripped her sword, and took one step back closer to the rune. She glared at some of the others, changing her grip on her swords, then relaxing, caught between two choices of action. She could take to the Rune now, and risk it all, or stay and get another chance to spill some Cultist blood.
She looked over her shoulder at the lights, and for a moment she thought she saw Golden-Green Dragon beckoning her to come closer... But she shook the thought out of her head. She wouldn't let herself be drawn in... not yet... She had spent so many years training and planning to achieve her goals, and she knew something like this was too easy... much too easy... She looked back at the cultists, and tried to remain unnoticed by everyone there, waiting for a chance to strike...
Or to make a break for the Rune...
//Tyra's IG Move Silently and Hide checks are both +18, after Items and Ability Scores are added to the base skill points
-
*Jennara fought hard against whoever looked like a tiger. She tried a nerve strike that had worked on big cats before and a certain knee-to-the-chin kick they especially hated, but whoever it was kept attacking. She couldn't make it stop. It had already killed two and she wasn't going to let it get another. She was getting tired and had a nasty gash on her left side that made twisting maneuvers harder, but fought on as ever before. All the blows from various attackers finally overwhelmed the "tiger" and it slumped dead on the cavern floor.*
"Myhha!" *She nearly shouted it. Her eyes were wet with tears. She had tried to stun it or drive it away, but it wasn't a tiger. It was a person, caught up in the lie, fighting for some outrageous promise, and dead now for no reason.*
*She stumbled toward the next portal and leaned against the cavern wall. Was this one different or had she just lost too much blood? She pulled a potion from a pouch, a strong one she had made herself. She poured half of it along her side and drank the rest. I tasted awful. Sometimes while making potions, she would consider the possibility of finding recipes for strawberry potions that would taste good, but there was never time for frivolous thoughts when the potions were needed. The potion did its job instantly. She could move without pain and didn't feel quite as tired. Too bad potions can't stop the inner pain of the soul.*
*She looked back at the portal, then around at the others. It was different, and so were some of her companions. They were lost, or almost so, having trouble distinguishing whatever promises they heard for the lies they are. Glassy stares. Paranoid glances. Aerimor and Lance seem to be on the verge of coming to blows and...*
"Gunther likes pie!"
*And that.*
*"If I have to fight them... If I have to kill them, how can they ever forgive me? How can I ever forgive me?" A feeling of failure washed over her, made all the worse when...*
"At last!"
-
*Amgine thought as he hung in darkness, without sensation of body. That is to say, if it can be called thinking after one has died? In any case, he consciously chose to hold tight those anchors that kept his spirit near his body. At least for a while longer he would hold himself there, in case his body should be restored and revived by the others and his spirit be given purchase within it again. The last moments before his death, the second in just minutes on this dreadful trip, played prominently in his ghostly thoughts. He'd been stupid, he'd known he shouldn't have tried to fight so soon after dying previously to the huge, ungodly spider... that had probably been a person in all reality. He had to keep that in mind. At least after he'd died he'd been able to think more clearly for a time again, as the Call of the Path gradually re-asserted itself. Still, it had become enough of a distraction again that when he saw the other fellow being mauled by the person in form of huge white tiger, he didn't pause to question his heriocs. With altruistic intent, he dove straight in to save the fellow... yes, even that fellow, whom he'd blamed for his beloved's death in the giant's cave somewhere near a year gone by, deserved protection. Unfortunately, he'd been too late to prevent the man's death, and his own followed quickly after. The white tiger had ripped out the fellows throat, and had time to turn to face Amgine before he could even close to swing at it. It pounced lightning quick at him and with a powerful swipe that connected with the side of Amgine's helm, it was done. The last sound he'd heard was that of his own neck breaking from the force of the blow. For all his spirit could discern in his present state, his head could be lying seperated from his body in some dark corner of the cavern. He recalled the feeling he had as he'd glimpsed the rainbow lights beyond the white tiger's back the moment before the huge paw had collided with his dreams. He'd felt as though if he'd only been able to get to those lights, he'd have been granted the power to protect them all, to protect her especially, his Snowflake... Of course, he knew in death as he was, that the promise was not quite all it was cracked up to be. Just as he also knew if revived again, he'd quickly forget his deathly knowledge of that truth, and in short time be driven to fight even against those he was there to help.*
-
//since, apparently, Drexia did not speak to Elohanna...
*Looks around at the group, and speaks with an uncharacteristically firm voice*
People are being affected by the magic here. We cannot afford to lose control of ourselves and be splintered as a group. Everyone, look through your bags - if you have stardusts of Aragen, potions of clarity, scrolls that protect the mind, or any similar magics, take them out where they are accessible. I just used my last one on Lance... if you see anyone acting odd, or jumping for the portal, use magic on them. We need to take a minute, regroup, and calm ourselves before moving on.
*looks around, observing everyone's behavior*
-
*catching Drexia's words, Argali bristles at the idea of being sprinkled with the stardust of Aragen (http://lore.layonara.com/DeityRelations)*
-
Gunther watched Tyra out of the corner of his eye. Seeing her edge slightly closer to the rune, Gunther nodded grimly to himself and thought, 'She always did have the look of a pie thief, from the weaselly squint of her beady little eyes to the weak and frail nature of her puny belly to her misshapen and blob-like head. She doesnt have the true belly of a champion pie eater. She would never enjoy the Land of Nymphs and Pies, not like you would.'
Quietly, Gunther agreed with his musings. Always in the past he had been able to set aside his natural urges to decapitate Tyra and mount her head on the wall of his den. But now something had changed, his inclinations were turning darker, more malicious. Raising his axe ever so slightly, Gunther continued staring at Tyra.
Slowly, ever so slowly, the thought filtered through his head that something had changed in his mind. Having just recently been brought back from the land of the dead, Gunther paused to weigh his options. Cutting off Tyra's head would certainly be worth the effort, if only so that everyone could enjoy a few moments of blessed peace and quiet. But it seemed unlikely that the others would tolerate such an action and even if successful in such a worthwhile endeavor, she would likely just be brought back from the land of the dead also. And probably yammer and complain more than ever.
Now, was perhaps, not the time.
Sighing regretfully, Gunther turned in time to see the Cult members enter the room.
Aghast, eyes wide, Gunther glares at the newcomers.
Axe in hand, he asks, 'You pie thieves?'
-
Steel responds to Drexia's words, his manner absent, his gaze somewhere else.
"I'm not sure this is solely an effect of the mind, Drexia the White. That is to say, I am not sure protecting the mind alone will do the trick. And no, I do not yet know what would be the best protection from the Path's call, if such exists. Focus on finding the journal, with the assumption that it carries the power to close this Path as well as open it. You cannot save everyone."
-
"At last!"
Argali's head turned at the unfamiliar voice. Her eyes flashed as they alighted upon the large, winged, lizard-like creature. The enemy had arrived.
Everything now changed. It was no longer a matter of whom amongst the group should or should not enter the Path, but rather denying the accursed Green Dragon Cultists the same opportunity. They were here to make their superbeast, to wreak whatever carnage they saw fit across the lands, without any foibles as to the cost to their champion.
No doubt the Cultists would try to parley, would seek to impose their will upon this field of battle. No doubt there would be those amongst the group who would listen to their words, as though this might be some puzzle whereby you only had to give the right response and all would be won. They did not seem to understand by doing this gave control to the enemy; that you would be playing by their rules and thus playing their game. A game they sought to win, by any means, fair or foul, and if you could distract your opponent by proposing terms, then so be.
No, there would only be one way to resolve this, one way that they stood a chance.
Strike first, strike hard, strike now.
She gripped her axe, her target the magicker-looking tall one who had entered the cave close to her...
// And apologies for preempting any other course of action. :) //
-
*Aerimor in dragon form restrains Lance form runing wildly into the circle of the Rune. And speaking in a deep but calm level voice*
No, that would be most unwise, Paladin of Toran.
*Aerimor focuses his eyes on the circle and Rune before him, casually holding Lance behind his bulk with one large clawed hand. Aerimor is boxing Lance out from the Rune. Aerimor keeps his ears alert and focused on the others. Seemingly to speak to none or all, he speaks at a comfortable level.*
What trouble you cause. Now what protections have you?
*Louder to noone in specific without turning his gaze from the circle.*
Look for the Journal.
*Aerimor prods the edges of the circles, looking for wards or reactions. He continues to casually keep Lance behind him.*
//Any time Lance wants to break for the Circle/Rune or attack Aerimor, just say so. Aerimor is causing him no physical pain, just making sure to remain between Lance and the Circle. But Aerimor will attempt to physically stop him if he breaks for it.
*Aerimor continues to move towards rune testing its defenses.*
*When the enemy enters and speaks aloud, Aerimor steals a quick glance at the party, proximity to the Rune, and the enemy before turning back to the rune and any wards.*
-
// Er.. Just for clarification I tought Aerimor relased Lance at the end.. So the events that were posted by me up could happen. Since Drexia already used a dust of aragen In him, and hence why he turned back to face the enemy.
Lance did not attacked yet, And if he is olly been hheld and not grab , then thecontinuity is not affected ... heh..
First post Edited for continuity
-
* Suddenly you become aware of the newcomers. Just as the man with the mask utters the words: "At last!", you turn to regard the strangers... or enemies?
As your minds work to comprehend what is going on and to analyze this new information, the masked man continues... *
Ressourceful, to have gotten this far. * He pronounces each word carefully, even with respect. *
Now you must choose.
You will be allowed to step aside and make your way out of here.
Go home to your families and loved ones. Do not throw away your lives recklessly... there is nothing for you here.
* He extends his left arm and motions for you to move by him and his group, the woman and the grey skinned dwarf step aside to let you pass them by. *
-----------------------------------------------------
// The group consists of six members. Below they are described from the left to the right. Also, please note the attached screenshots.
1. The masked man, who was the first to speak. He carries a strange mask that conceals his face. In his right hand he carries what can only be a magic staff. His only other weapon is a large dagger, sheathed to his left. At his right hip you notice a square leather bag or case, decorated and adorned with gems. At first glance it could be a spellbook, but it seems both too large and heavy for much travelling. The man carries what seems to be light armour or reinforced clothing. The man is tall and slim, and does not look like your typical warrior or rogue.
2. Clad in heavy armour, coloured in grey and dark colours, the dwarf seems stout and strong. Nothing of the dwarf's face is visible due to the helmet that covers his face and neck. He or she carries a large and menacing-looking greatsword that gives off a slight glow. Like carved out of a mountain, the dwarf seems solid and unyielding.
3. Clad in thick plate mail, this figure stands very tall - and much taller than your average human. Squareshouldered and bull-chested he looks more like a humanoid bear than a man. The twobladed sword rests easily on his shoulder as he regards you, his posture making him seem at ease.
4. In the back stands a strange creature. At first glance a large lizardman, but then again something else. The creature stands more erect and is wider of chest and taller than a lizardman. The creature has very thick and muscled arms and legs, whereas lizards usually are thin and dexterious this creature seems of incredible strength and durability. Keen black eyes regard you from the back, yellow teeth flashing as it seemingly smiles at you. It's only weapon is a short spear.
5. Cloaked and clad in blackened leather armour, this female stands at ease, but at the same time seems like a coiled spring - ready to jump into action. Like most of the others, her face is concealed by a helmet. Agile and lean, she carries two broad kukris.
6. A strange grey skinned dwarf, clad in a large robe and wielding a staff that seems much too large for him. The runes that adorn his clothes and hood, along with the many rings on his fingers, mark him as a magic user. He has a mad gleam to his bloodshot eyes as he studies each of you carefully.
-
After dragging Amgine's lifeless body from where he fell to dump it against the cavern wall next to that of Fehriel, Caerwyn looks at the rest of the group, each in turn. The sight of those enraptured by this lastest portal engender a sad shake of his head; of those, the sight of ones he counts as friends evoke an accompanying, even sadder, sigh.
"This is a distraction." he mutters. "Most of us have come for something else!", his voice rising to an angry whisper.
At the sound of footsteps approaching from the way they had come, his full attention snaps that direction. Eyes and ears even more alert now, he silently, almost motionlessly, unlimbers his bow. There is something familiar in that tread, something he heard and perhaps saw earlier, farther back. He nocks an arrow as he nods to Drexia and Argali, though Argali seems, for the moment at least, lost to the lies of the portal's promise.
When the footsteps arrive and take on visible shape, Caerwyn eyes the six standing there, riveting his attention on the lizard beast.
"At last!" blurts one of the newcomers. "At last, indeed!" mouths Caerwyn silently. The footprints he followed those many weeks ago in the Silkwood are finally given physical form which now stands before his eyes. Ignoring the rest of the palaver coming from the masked speaker, Caerwyn looks over to Argali again and smiles, as her grip on her axe and the look in her eye reveal her to be once again among the conscious and conscientious. He looks to the lizard beast and then back to Argali, giving her a single nod.
-
Seeing the fight in their eyes, in those around him, Steel takes a step back around the corner, into the chamber, away from the newcomers, the completion of an invisibility ritual on his fingertips.
-
//Either way you want to play it is fine. Lance was released when I thought it was a portal and Aerimor was going to step through it. Aerimor did not want to force/let Lance go through. The big thing for Aerimor here is only to not allow Lance a chance to rush headlong into the circle/rune. So consider Lance initially restrained but now merely boxed out. As long as Lance stays behind Aerimor there is no conflict unless Lance starts it. Fair enough? Lance is free to act with party and enemies as long as he does not try to proceed to the rune again. If he does then we can role play and toss some dice.//
*Aerimor continues to test the circle and move closer.*
-
*Grohin slowly turns fully to watch the new comers, his eyes focus for a moment on the leather bag at the side of the masked man. Then he searches his companions and focus on Jennara and raises his eyebrows.
He then just gets hold of his axe, poised for the coming fight.. muttering in his beard...*
-
*Drexia does not shift her posture or raise her fists, but gazes at each member of the in turn, her eyes seeming to quickly take each of the strangers in. Her eyes float to the dead bodies of her companions, then to those in the group who are fingering sword hilts, and gripping axe handles.... finally, her gaze rests on Jennara, waiting for her to speak or act, looking for guidance or direction*
-
"At last," His tone of one who is at journeys end. Though perhaps the conclusion not completely as anticipated. A voice of confidence though, in the might of those with him and in who he is. In her own thoughts though she smiles softly to herself, perhaps he doesn't realize though that his companions would surely betray him for what lays at the end of this path.
"Go Home?" At first a thought reminding her of her beloved and her children she longs to protect, that she would give anything to save, who she has given her life before to protect. So close to an unrealized dream that now she can protect them if only she could get beyond the groups to grasp her true calling.
She continues to observe in silence to see how the others will react to the newcomers, unsure of what will happen, her eyes piercing the backs of their heads with utter disgust and longing as much as the stranger of this group has longed to be here, as if she too has waited a very long time to be close enough to find out what it is they truly want.
She studies over the group thoughtfully from her place of hiding, trying to prepare herself to react at a moments notice, realizing she has an element of surprise over the others.
-
*Jennara turns and sighs, thinking, "We are in no condition to fend off..." She stops mid-thought stands a little straighter when she sees the leather case. Could it be big enough to hold the journal? She slowly walks toward Grohin and stands next to him, turning to stare at the rune on the floor with her back to the newcomers. She speaks quietly to him, trying to keep it short.*
I have to ask a terrible thing - that you stay when I run. If that leather case can be cut loose from the speaker's waist, I can try to escape with it. Hopefully, it is what we need.
-
... her axe swinging for his right side, his dulcet words lost in the focus of her attack.
// Arg had (just) previously returned from the vortex, and was at the "entrance" of the cave. She is to the left of picture, forward of the (line made by the) "newcomers"(1). She attacks their right flank (picture-left), attacking the (talking) "masked man". She doesn't stop to buff or prepare. She makes a left handed(2) strike with her axe so the "mountain dwarf"(3) cannot spoil the blow (itself). //
(1) closer to the picture viewer (but not actually in frame)
(2) that is, the blow swings from (her) left to right, left hand leading (her ambidexterity allowing a normal strike)
(3) to the picture-right of the masked man
-
As Argali swings, Tyra hesitates, looking at the portal, then Argali again.. it's all in slow motion... Tyra's decision time has come... does she make for the portal, or fight...
-
*Hearing Argali start combat, Aerimor speaks seemingly to Lance*
"And so it begins without time for thought or the chance for caution. Chaos rises and our hand is forced, we must only act and react, Paladin of Toran. Some or all of your friends will die. Either help them now or chase your dreams of personal fulfillment."
*Aerimor briefly seeks Lance's eyes after his words finish, to gauge him. Speaking louder so any in the room can hear if they are not distracted*
"Find the Journal. Close the path. No matter who is on it."
*Aerimor then boldly steps towards the rune, into the light, and into the circle if able. Said softly as he steps forward so only the closest few could hear the words.*
"I love you Ella, and I will return to you. Balance..." *Becomes inaudible*
-
*turns to look at the portal then nods once at Jennara*
-
*Jennara turns toward the sound of Argali's charge, and mumbles something.* Vorax, your valiant followers need your strength. Lord Protector, shield them with your blessings. Prunilla, it wouldn't hurt if you could convince your husband to throw a little luck our way.
*She takes three steps forward, watching for an opening.*
-
*Lance looks at Drexia a moment, his doubts are reflecting in his gaze, the concern of the true friend , but the desire and the longing is struggling in his head, he frowns as she speaks of the Stardust of Aragen, raising his shield defensively , as the newcomer speak, he is tempted to turn back when Aerimor speaks , but he does not turn his head, he won't give up an opening for the enemy With perseverance he can finish the trip when the actual threath is dispatched, being dead does not serve his purposes, Amgine and Fehriel are already a test of that, he won't be amoung the dead, he has to live*
*Giving a look at Drexia at the corner of the eye, he mutters mostly for himself, "Aragen would do no good to us"
As the leading man speaks of family and home, his look become fierce, griping his sword even stronger , he regards the enemies, observing and studying them.
-Its for them that I won't leave this place, How they could forgive me , if I fail them again? - his voice pierce to his mind - This war has already taken too much of me, and my family.
Ell , Argos *the image of his loved ones comes to his mind, giving him a reasured feeling of duty.*
-NO LANCE,- The other voice replied to his own head - Leave them now. They will be busy fighting the others. Its your chance, Don't you want to be happy? Don't you want to finally have a reward - They will betray you in the end.
*his eyes looks briefly at the scene measuring all the chances and the battle that is already development in his mind, he sees himself falling inumerable times, in a diferent ways, some of those more painful than others, The images polutes his mind, he sees himself dealing a killing blow upon one of his enemies, just to finaly have his own neck snaped by Drexia from behind, he hurriedly try to shun those toughts, but can't help but to give Drexia a final odd look raising his shield a bit more *
*Then it starts , his atention is caught towards the Battle upcoming as he sees Argali jumps into the Fray, his eyes focused on how the entrace will be. He mutters a small prayer as he looks up to the enemy group *
Honor in your acts you show, But Its for this very cause that I would not leave you, on this, we have our roles set in this conflict, As conflicting forces, I cannot let you pass.
*His own voice sounds strong in his head*
Be Strong Lance, Be strong and don't fear, dishonor is worse than death, Toran is with you Today, Its time to show him that you are ready for his tests, no more doubts , no more ....
Hand of Virtue watch over my Ell and my son, I leave my fate to your hands... Allow me to serve your goals. In life or death, I am your sword and your shield, your knight!!!!
*After That he start to move forward towards the front of the group *
-
Having disengaged from both portal seekers and combatants, Steel recites the series of magical protections he now knows so well he whispers them in his sleep. Strength, endurance, shield after shield after shield to ward the mind and body from harm, and the Sight to see through all illusions. Even through the casting he watches, choosing not to engage, but to seek the right moment, whatever that moment may be.
-
As Aerimor moves, so does Tyra. Darting for the Portal, she tries to keep out of Aerimor's sight, and remain in his shadow... All her mind sees is a Dragon moving toward the power promised to Tyra... and that's okay... "Better a Dragon then a fool..."
/If Aerimor is to attempt to stop Tyra, just know she has 11 Ranks in Tumble, and the Feats Evasion, Dodge, Moblity, and Spring Attack. With that, we can figure out what might happen accordingly...
-
*Tyra and anyone behind him is no longer a concern. Aerimor simply relies on proximity and steps into/towards the circle. If someone comes along with him, he figures it will be sorted out in due time.*
-
Gunther sees Argali leap into combat and then, stunned, watches Aerimor simply turn his back and leave. Aerimor, likely one of the more powerful companions on this quest had accompanied them to the mountains, gotten them into the fight at the cave entrance with the other drachs, and had now just left everyone to their fate with this new group of foes.
Gunther simply steps to the side, and says to the lizard and others, 'Go kill that dragon. More power to ya.'
-
"They hardly stopped." She mouthes to no one in particular a whisper to herself. "Not a word." hardly spoken to the newcomers as her friends, those she considers friends begin to take up arms against the newcomers, an offer to allow them to leave completely ignored.
She watches for the reaction of the newcomers to the onslaught carefully watching the leader, the one whose voice seems almost friendly in its tone, as if he doesn't wish to hurt anyone, but to complete his journey, her journey. She tries to clear her head to make sense of what is happening around her.
Her friends on the other hand seem to be ready for battle, ready to settle with bloodshed, not even once speaking to the newcomers of what their intent may be. She continues to try to feel for the book, that has lead them here, what she believes the nagging in the back of her thoughts has lead her hear for. She seems confused though, and hesitates where she is.
Her thoughts flashing between the nagging to follow Aerimor or stay here for another reason, the thoughts of her family, the thoughts of a pact and what is right, causing a great deal of difficulty for her not to call upon her abilities of the Al'noth and try to quiet all the thoughts swimming through her head.
-
// You can still comment, but show care not to force-emote, please. Action has been taken and the rest will (more or less) have to be handled in game.
Stay tuned for suggestions for a date and time of the next - and likely final - episode.
-
// I have posted a tentative date and time on the calendar. It's set for Sunday the 16.th. We're very caught up by RL matters atm. and the final session requires some planning and that's why this has taken so long. I hope that the last bits and pieces fall into place, so that the set date can be confirmed.
I'll keep you posted and hope for your understanding.
Sincerely, Harlas
-
// Thanks everyone for sharing. This thread has been a real treat. //
-
// Sadly, something has come up for one of us in RL and combined with the fact that one or two major things still need to fall into place, we've agreed that it's best to postpone this one week. I know, the reasons are somewhat mysterious, but I'm not posting spoilers. :)
I hope this doesn't create problems for any of you and hope to see you all there!
Harlas
-
//I probably won't be there, then :(. I will be at my cousin's Christening (I'm her God Father :)). Have fun everyone! Don't ruin the world or anything! ;)
-
//My classes start today (we're taking a break right now), so I'll be unable to come. Have fun though everyone :-)
-
// I have gone through my calendar to see if I could run this on a Friday or Saturday night instead, but my weekends are booked for the next six weeks, so that isn't an option.
How about another time of day on Sunday? A few hours earlier perhaps - would that help?
-
/// Earlier is good for me.
-
//Earlier would work fine for me, but I understand its difficult to accommodate everyone's schedule for these things.
-
//Earlier works for me too... won't go to the Football match I planned to anyway (and that's Soccer for you unbelievers).
-
//Earlier is okay with me, too.
-
*As Fehriel lays down on the ground still dead, some little critters that were drawn to the place, seems to take perch on his body to look at the proceedings.*
In a critter chattering (think of the high pitch Scottish voice of worms Armageddon):
"hey bob see those giants there?"
"Hmm" *bob's licking on of his crittery legs* Oi! ain't they ugly or something."
"Ain't that right.. but this one with the wolf head, beats them all for weirdness. Wonder if they would let us take a bite or two out of him."
"yer crazy mate!, who knows where he's been!!"
"Oi, you're probably right there."
*slowly they make their way off of him just to unfortunately get stumped by some of the people moving away*
"bob nooo!!!"
*squish*
//Earlier is fine with me too on Sunday.. but eh wonder if they will even remember to raise our poor two fallen before they go in the portal and let them both as year long all you can eat buffet to all the critters there.
-
// Moved event to 4pm GMT instead --- does that work for you ycleption? It seems that most others are okay with an earlier time, too. :)
-
That would be perfect. :-)
-
// Hi guys. I would like you all to read through this thread before the session tonight, so that you're all up to date on what has taken place already - and what you're looking at.
Thank you all for taking part in this thread - it is an awesome read.
See you tonight :)
Harlas
-
Awesome campaign you guys. .Thank you for the way it was run, I understand it was hard to do it..
yet the effort is apreciated.
**he rocks with his shield forward and back*
-
*Amgine beats is head against the wall muttering*
I was so close! I was so close! I was so close!
//OOC - Had a real fun time! Can we open the Path again, please? I wanna complete it next time!
-
//can somebody either post here with what happened (or send me a PM if it shouldn't be public knowledge yet) after I had to go? - I apologize for leaving early, I thought it was scheduled as a 1-2 hour quest for some reason.... (this is why I usually stick with one-shots, hehe).
-
Of the group left in the cavern seeking a way out, Amgine chose to go through the Path portal; the rest chose to try swimming through a submerged stream. Unfortunately, Elohanna and Caerwyn drowned and were lost in the currents. The rest spent a fairly long time looking for them (unsuccessfully) before continuing to seek a way out, fighting off a few interesting creepy crawlies of various sorts along the way. An old, abandoned mine shaft was eventually found that led straight up to the surface, and the worn out group made their way down the mountain.
It wasn't as boring as it sounds, it's just really easy to summarize.
-
//OOC - May I ask for the official In-Game dates that both Hurix Salvation and The Path of the Claw took place over, please?
I realize they should probably have near to the same starting date since they started in sync, but I'm wondering how much longer in relation The Path of the Claw would've actually run given the time spent traveling further up into the mountains just to get to the 'entry' to the Path. I don't imagine that it would've taken as long in In-Game time as passed between the first session and the last session of the quest, since by my own perception the actual time once inside the Path would've been rather short, or faster paced, if you understand my meaning.
Anyhow, I'd like the official dates for the starting and ending of these two quests so that I may more easilly reconcile Amgine's journal entries along a timeline that will also allow me to work in his CDQ and marriage in relation to these World-level events.
In general I think it would be good practice for In-Game start and end dates for world-altering quests to be given at the time a quest is completed to make it more easy for the lore-keepers to add them to the timeline and keep it updated as well. I understand that not all such events make it into 'public' knowledge and might not be appropriate to display in the timeline players can access, but DM's and players of characters on the quests should at least know these things to better relate in-game their stories to other characters should they choose to share them.
-
Bump!
It's been a week... Should I just pick the dates I think would be appropriate and then they can become the official dates to be added to official timelines, etc.?
-
Sorry, Nehestrev, One of us will have that for you this weekend at the latest. I need to go back and look at some things.
Thank you for your patience.
-
Sorry Nehetsrev, this wasn't helped by me being away for a week.
-
It's taking just a tad bit longer than expected to iron the dates out. It shouldn't be too much longer.
-
Not to be a pest, but...
Still waiting on the official start-date and end-date. Though I'm guessing that the snippet below refers vaguely to the end-date.
*And just as suddenly as the dream started, you stop dreaming it around May 1451.
Whatever caused it, is probably gone now.*
I know you're real busy, so thanks again in advance for your time on this.
-
Sorry, planned to post this when I made that other post, but some RL things intervened.
Thanks to row and Eor for their input on the below:
Satari, Febra 21, 1451 - meeting with Wintersby
They travel 2 months to the Hammerbound Foothills (fast ship and hasted travel), then split on Tunar, Apreal 10th, 1451
Group A is another 3 weeks on the road on magically enhanced forced march - Sunra, Mai 1st, 1451 - when they find the site.
They begin the Test, some leaving with the book and taking 2 weeks to wind their way out (Mulnari, Mai 16, 1451) Aerimor waiting 1.5 weeks for the group with the book, having failed the test.
Group B in Hurix arrives Wedlar, Mai 4th 1451,
They are under siege for 5 days. Mulari, Mai 9th, 1451, the reinforcements arrive.
The reinforcements spend Tunar, Mai 10th 1451 and some time after, moping up the nearby stragglers.
Mulnari, Jular 2, 1451. A group of straggling Cultists are rounded up.
Mulnari, Jular 16, 1451 - A missive is issued by the Queen.
After years of work the Hurix group is presented with Awards, Jular 20th, 1454.
-
// Hi there,
Sorry for the late reply but this took some discussing and work, both.
--------------------------
Satari, Febra 21, 1451: Ruben Wintersby approaches Jennara Creekskipper and bids a group of adventurers aid him in the task of retrieving the journal of Tuhral Araljna.
They Travel 2 months to the Hammerbound Foothills (fast ship and hasted travel), then split on Tunar, Apreal 10th, 1451.
Group A stays at the Hammerbound Foothills, while Group B continues onward to Fort Hurix. Group A is another 3 weeks on the road on magically enhanced forced march - Sunra, Mai 1st, 1451 - when they find the site.
They enter the Path, some leaving with the book and taking 2 weeks to wind their way out (Mulnari, Mai 16, 1451). One gets out earlier through a 'wrong' portal. One dies and is pulled out by a bindstone.
Group B in Hurix arrives Wedlar, Mai 4th 1451.
They are under siege for 5 days. Mulari, Mai 9th, 1451, the reinforcements arrive.
The reinforcements spend Tunar, Mai 10th 1451 and some time after, moping up the nearby stragglers.
Mulnari, Jular 2, 1451: A group of straggling Cultists are rounded up.
Mulnari, Jular 16, 1451: A missive is issued by the Queen.
After years of work the Hurix group is presented with Awards, Jular 20th, 1454.
-
Mulnari, Jular 2, 1451: A group of straggling Cultists are rounded up.
Does this entry refer to the "Capture of some snakes" event? Just checking to clarify.
-
Yes, it does