Ready to be a Hero

[jrizz]

Ellis has taken me on as a student. She seems to know what she is doing. I watched her fight for a while before asking her to teach me. So now my formal training begins. I wonder how much I will learn that I have not figured out on my own. She spoke of keeping your opponent off balance and hitting then where and when they don't expect it. This is not much different then sword work. Time will reveal more.

[jrizz]

Good news indeed has come to me. A very dear friend that I have know for many years, Ferrit, has also agreed to help me evolve my fighting style. Furthermore she has agreed to help instruct me on the use of items of magical power. Although she says this skill is one of trial and error and can take many years to learn. I hope that with her help I dont blow myself up or turn myself into a something horrible like a dwarf *laughs to himself*.

[jrizz]

Wren meets with Ferrit in the arena at the allotted time. "thank you for taking the time to work with me" he says. "so I have been working on my fighting style for some time. I have switched to a much lighter armor to take advantage of my quickness. And that has worked quite well. Although it works better with a large shield then a kite shield." He laughs. "I have learned to flank my enemy when the opportunity shows itself as well." Then he frowns a bit "but I have not been able to grasp how to target the weak spots while in the heat of battle." He looks at Ferrit. "I am hoping that you will be able to give me a more hands on practical approach to learning this and how better to roll away from blows at the same time" He grins. "Also I have been trying to learn how to use items infused with magics. My attempts have been unsuccessful to say the least. I shot myself in the foot with a bow that shoots fire arrows, I have broken 5 wands, ripped a number of scrolls, and ruined a nice pair of boots. Not to mention I have set off a number of traps right in my face." He Laughs. "Please Ferrit can you help me?"

[jrizz]

Dear Bee,

I write to inform you of a recent event. Not long ago a group of heros answered a call for help made by Alexander Fortain of the Hilm Protectorate. The neighboring Kingdom of Kuhl is at war and has been so for months, but openly until very recent. The gates of Westgate were breached and the city lies in chaos. The gates were breached by Dragon fire. The beseiging force had with them what can only be explained as half dragon abominations that were dread fighters and spit acid and flame. The huge red dragon that breached the massive gates was more then six hundred feet long and so larger that when in fight it blots out the very sun. Its is thought to be the dragon Ractrafieroz also know as the Tarnished Death for it is said that the beasts entire body is covered with a corrosive armor that will destroy anything that touches it. The city guards were slain to a man. Amazingly the inner city defenses held and in there was Queen Alise Langovale. The heros had very little time and had to set out right away if there was going to be a chance to get the Queen safely out of Westgate. With some tactical help in strategy a quick plan was devised. The heros split into two groups one made of the heartiest fighters aided by great magics and the blessings of the gods and the other of experts in stealth and recon. The first groups goal as fool hardy as it seemed was to assault the city gate and draw off as many forces as they could thus creating a diversion so that the other group could slip into the city by way of a little used pass, rescue Queen Alise Langovale, and bring her to safety. The plan worked but at great cost many of the heros that assaulted the gate fell in retreat. And one of the rescue group fell or was captured while distracting the great red dragon. The Queen was safety delivered to Alexander Fortain. The heros were:

Storold Doesscha
Alleina Shiante
Emie Meadows
Sion Fereir
Chakar Achmed El'Mujahir
Sallaron Tempest (MIA)
Brandin Fleetfeet
Pyyran
Shamur Reatur
Grohin Silveraxe
Alantha T'sarran
Alleina Shiante
Angela Swann
Jennara Creekskipper
Argali Trueaxe
Sasha Tomyris
Sala Stonehill
Steel
And myself Wren Thendor

That is the short of it. I am sure you will speak with some of those heros and find out about the individual acts of bravery that occurred during this rescue. If you find me I will tell you a few.
__________________

[jrizz]

Wren has heard of the demon issues in Kuhl and has even had a run in with a half demon just trying to find a safe place to live. He has heard of some dragon cult trying to capture or kill dragons. He had heard of some kind of ancient poison that can be used to kill dragons and that maybe had some strange effects on people touched by it. And lastly he was confronted by a woman that exuded power. She questioned him about the place where Blood fell and how the crater was formed. He told her the story as he knows it and she told him that he needed to get his facts straight. She seemed to hint that maybe the blood pool was not destroyed or that it was not the cause of the destruction. Then she called on some man that told us to leave. We left he seemed like a serious guy.

[jrizz]

Dear Wren,

It has come to my attention that you've been seeking some knowledge to the events that took place at the time of Sinthar's demise. I was particular about detailing all of those moments. Some seemingly unimportant at the time may very well have consequences I hadn't considered. I recall dragon statues, disintegrating as we ran past them moments before the catclysmic explosion.

I'm now wondering if this is more important but my memory of dealing with them fails me, perhaps someone else will recall. I will try to recollect with Connor.

Katia's embrace,
Plenarius Ashaley

[jrizz]

After having met with Plenarius Wren knows that the woman that spoke with him and her companion were Selian and Milara. He also has a better understanding of what Selian was talking about. There were assumptions that may be best left to better minds then his. He feels his next course of action is to focus on deeper information about the great red dragon called the Tarnished Death.

[jrizz]

From Ferrit:
Hmm, how you can move quickly with that big shield is beyond me. At most, I use a buckler, but usually I work with two weapons to take maximum advantage of my deftness. I can step in, get some good hits, and move aside if the enemy's attention becomes centered on me. Of course, my fighting style works best in a group. With the enemy's attention centered on someone else, I can take time to direct slashes most accurately to the controlling muscles of the arms or legs or to large blood vessels near the surface. The enemy is not only damaged but weakened and impaired for further fighting.

As for rolling away, that is something you can practice. As you improve, you'll find you should use even less armor. Most of the time, I wear my mithril-reinforced clothing. With my skill, and my good tumbling boots, that's sufficient protection. *grins* Of course, it's always nice to have some clerical blessings. Something else you might consider is this barkskin amulet--made of adamantium by a druid. Helps a lot, especially when there's no magic. In fact, the only time I wear anything heavier is when my mission is to scout silently, not fight. I have a fine set of silenced links for that.

Using magic also takes practice, but one thing that would help you is an exceptional crag cat belt. I've only ever made this one, but I don't get many crag cat pelts to work on. Bring me enough materials, and we'll get one for you sooner or later. I use a lot of different belts, depending on need.

Well, that's enough for today. Kyle will be waiting for me. Good luck in your training.

[jrizz]

*Using practice dummies Wren works on the side to side motions that Ferrit taught him all the while striking at the where the weak spots would be. He visualizes from his many battles the movement of different beasts and fighters. In his minds eye he see them and strikes at the areas where he sees openings. He visualizes a giant bending over the hit him and he moves the the side and stabs at the back side of its leg. He sees a trolloc jump to avoid a blow and he strikes at its lower back as it drops. He rolls past a blow and comes up swinging low at the heel. After two hours of this he is sweaty and tired but he feels he made good progress. he returns every day to the arena for two weeks and every day he increases his workout time. By the end of the two weeks he is working out for six hours. He then calls on Ferrit again.* "I have been working on much of what you showed me. I have gotten better with the tumbling using a large shield instead of a kite sized one and my mithril scale mail is quite light so it lends itself to tumbling." He says. "Perhaps some more interactive training would help me to understand better. I am sure we can find some goblin patrol somewhere to get into a tumble with." He laughs. Ferrit smiles and says "Sounds like fun. Let's do it!"

//As a note these training sessions are all being done IC but by means of PM.

[jrizz]

Wren and Ferrit set out from Port Hempstead on a pleasant day. There was a slight breeze and the air smelled of rain, they had many miles ahead of them to breach the distance between Port Hempstead and the caverns knows as the Redlight caves. They saw some familiar faces on their way out of the city and stopped briefly to exchange pleasantries and share news of the road, but quickly moved on. They nodded to the guards as they passed through the bustling city gates and into the farm lands outside. The field workers were tending crops and flocks, too busy to give all but a sideways glance at the two travelers as they passed by. Wren watched the workers as he walked down the road with Ferrit, he had a flashback of when the fields were wilted and the livestock sickly, back when the skies were black and hope seemed only a dream. He shook his head to clear those thoughts away. "Are you well Wren?" Ferrit asked. A bit amazed that she picked up on the dark thoughts that went through his head he smiled and said "Just some dark memories Ferrit". Looking at him Ferrit nodded in a sagely way as if to say "Yes those times will haunt us all".

//To be continued

[jrizz]

On the road to Wayfare Ferrit talks to Wren about how she fights. “Direct confrontation is never the best way to get something done” She says. “It is always best to find the way unthought-of or hidden to achieve your goal” Wren listens to Ferrit but finds it hard to follow, he grins and says “Are you teaching me about a fighting style or giving life lessons” Ferrit shrugs and says “is there a difference?” They walk on in silence Wren contemplates her words. Just as he thinks he is starting to understand her Ferrit says “How you fight how you love how you live how you do all things are all intertwined and flow into each other the heart, mind, and muscles must all learn together.” He nods and continues to let her words flow over him as he strives to understand them.

[jrizz]

After a few hours they found themselves at the gates of Wayfare. Having no issue in passing through they were soon walking among its inhabitants. Passing by a hill Wren looked up at some housing and grinned thinking of his friends that live up there. A girl selling flowers asked Wren if he wanted to buy his lady a flower, indicating Ferrit. Wren laughed saying “No thank you I would not want to offend her husband and have him hunting me”. Ferrit laughed at this exchange and addded “Yes that would not do at all.”

Not long after leaving Wayfare they passed through a dark and twisted forest. They were careful to stay clear of any bush or bramble both knowing in that forest even the plants were deadly. They kept up a good pace and soon the unnatural place was behind them.

[jrizz]

They camped in the forest on the outskirts of Krandor. Wren setup a fire as Ferrit scouted around to make sure they were in a safe place. They sat by the fire and had a small meal of fish and berries washing it down with water and a light red wine. Wren made sure not to drink too much, they were out in the open and the night could bring many dangers. As the fire died down and the meal was finished Ferrit began to speak. "Know your enemy and assess them fast if you dont know them. All forms have weak spots. Those that walk on two legs have many. Anything with arms and legs, the weak areas are where the limbs bend and where the limbs bear weight you will find the weakest points." She stopped and looked into the fire. Wren listened and in his mind he pictured many of the beasts and people he had fought over the years. He replayed the many battles seeing them with new eyes, starting to understand the missed opportunities. Ferrit went on "Make them open themselves up, trick them by feinting high but striking low, by using two and five count attacks instead of three count. Use combinations that are meant to create openings." Ferrit picked up her swords and went through some motions then she repeated them and then again. Wren stood up hefted his shield and sword and followed. He mimicked what she was doing with her off hand weapon with his shield, making adjustments as needed. They worked in silence until they were both tired and the fire was done. As Wren took first watch he replayed the movements in his head committing them to memory. When it was his turn to sleep the forms played in his dreams.

While Wren slept, Ferrit stood guard silently, hiding in the shadows. She had scattered a few crumbs nearby, and when a mouse came to investigate, she scooped him up, grinning. As dawn approached, she tossed the mouse onto Wren's sleeping form and stepped back into the shadows...

[jrizz]

In the morning they packed up camp, Wren shaking out his bed roll discovered a small mouse had stole a place of warmth during the night, he laughed as the mouse scurried off.

On the way to Krandor Ferrit says, "I'm surprised you didn't feel that mouse join you. I grabbed it and tossed it on your blanket. I guess it was too scared to move. It's best to try not to get too tired. That way your rest is light, and you can be somewhat aware of things happening around you. Never feel secure, especially when so few are with you.

They had a small meal and were soon back on the road. About a half a day from Krandor Ferrit stopped on the path and raised her hand to warn wren to be quiet. She disappeared off the path, Wren knew she went to check on some sound she must have heard. He quietly lowered his pack, shouldered his shield, and drew his weapon. Ferrit stepped back out onto the path very near to Wren she whispered one word "Ogres" and she pointed to where they were. Wren fell into his battle silence feeling the adrenaline start to flow. He followed Ferrit into the woods and soon they could see the ogres. Wren was moving with Ferrit emulating her steps to move as quietly as he could. They counted five ogres there was one ogre separate from the others. Ferrit circled to get it between them and the rest, when she was in position she moved out of the brush dove left and came up with a strike, at the same time Wren followed her lead and dove right coming up with a strike. They both connected at the same time driving their weapons deep into the left and right lungs of the ogre. It fell without uttering a sound but its fall did make enough noise to alert the others. The ogres grabbed their weapons and charged Wren and Ferrit. Ferrit vanished into the shadows but Wren felt the blood rise, he let out a great battle yell and charged into the ogres. So furious was his battle cry and so fierce was his charge that the ogres broke and tried to run. Wren attacked them swiftly and Ferrit, who seemed to come out of nowhere, attacked while they were focused on getting away from Wren. The fight was over fast, Wren and Ferrit stood among the bodies with only a few scratches and bumps of their own. Ferrit took a deep breath and looked at Wren "Well you started off good but then you seemed to forget what we have worked on" then she laughed "I suppose it was a success of sorts, lets travel on and spend some time on Krandor training. The crypt in Krandor has some interesting traps and locks. You'll find that the undead are very hard to surprise though. We'll need to stay close together and each protect the other's back. I've got a few death ward scrolls, but I don't think we'll need them in Krandor. We'll be fine." She smiled reassuringly. Wren nodded and followed along replaying the fight in his head.

[jrizz]

They stayed in Krandor for a few weeks, being that they both had small homes there. They would meet daily and train with wooden swords. Wren picked up the mechanics of what Ferrt was teaching, very fast.  Every day he would work with Ferrit on areas to strike, ways to get your opponent to open up, and how to evade attacks. They worked on moving without being heard and how to effectively hide using your environment. They spent time on getting items infused with magic to work. After Wren wiped out an entire room of furniture in his home trying to use a wand of magic missiles they started to work outside away from anything or anyone that could get hurt. After the sessions Ferrit, who had a business to run, would leave Wren to train on his own. Wren worked on the battle tactics until he could hardly lift his sword. After that he would try to move about Krandor without being seen or heard. He only worked on using magic items when Ferrit was around, an arrow in the foot taught him that lesson.

During the first week Ferrit tried to teach Wren how to identify and disarm traps. He got the idea and had some small success with some very easy traps. Ferrit unearthed a selection of traps she had accumulated over the years to practice on. "Locks and traps take more than just skill with your hands, Wren. Use every sense you have. Look at them for clues, for similarities to ones you've seen before. Sniff and lick your lips for minute traces of poison gas or the funny smell that lightning can make in the air. Become aware of the slightest resistance or movement as you touch the mechanism. Listen intently for evidence of the tumblers clicking in or other movements. Use your intelligence, use lockpicks, use anything that will give you an edge." Then Ferrit pulled out of her pack all the gear and tools she carried to assist with difficult traps and locks.

[jrizz]

Wren travels to Kuhl to see for himself this "new Khul". He goes dressed in plain but nice clothes and poses as a solder turned merchant. He goes to spend time among the people and get a feel for what they are feeling. He will frequent inns, taverns, merchant halls, and temples to see what he can learn. He does not overly question people but strikes up polite conversation and sees where it leads. He tires to use what he learned when he was in The Network and information was their goal. If he hears anything of the Tarnished Death he will take note but not seem too interested.

[jrizz]

Ferrit met with Wren every morning for more then two weeks concentrating on traps. "Before you can learn to disarm a trap you need to learn how to set one" Said Ferrit during one of their sessions. She worked with Wren by talking him through each step. At first they used a set of traps that were decoy only so that Wren would not blow his head off. After a few days and many hours Wren was able to set them with some consistency. "Remember Wren these are the most simplistic of mechanical traps it will take a lot of practice and dedication to move beyond these." Wren listened to Ferrit he nodded and said "I understand and I will practice every day with these." Then Ferrit gave a sly grin and shook her head "No Wren you wont be using these anymore, you will now be using live ones. This way you will remember your mistakes" Ferrit then took out a set of traps from a bag. "These will hurt but not kill" then she paused "well they can kill you if you do something really dumb" She laughs "Work with these now and be extra careful. Remember what I said, much of it is feeling more then knowing. Understand what the trap is and how it works. Study each one know all the ways they can be set and all the ways they can be tripped. This way you will come to understand the heart of the trap." Wren took the traps from Ferrit and headed out to a secluded place in the forest to practice. At the end of each day he would return to Krandor and look to see if Ferrit was home. On the days that she was home he would ask her questions about the things he tried that day. He would also pick up new traps from her. Some days he would return to Krandor bruised, burnt, sick, or bleeding. Ferrit would question him on his every move she would have him show her what he tried and she would point out where he went wrong or what he could do to do it better next time.

[jrizz]

After having a debate about freedom with Storold Wren asks Ferrit if they could take a break from training for a short time.  

Wren travels to Kuhl to see for himself this "new Khul". He goes dressed in plain but nice clothes and poses as a solder turned merchant. He goes to spend time among the people and get a feel for what they are feeling. He will frequent inns, taverns, merchant halls, and temples to see what he can learn. He does not overly question people but strikes up polite conversation and sees where it leads. He tires to use what he learned when he was in The Network and information was their goal. He also uses what Ferrit has taught to "blend" into the darker parts of the cities he visits. If he hears anything of the Tarnished Death he will take note but not seem too interested.

[jrizz]

//lost a bunch of entries after that db crash

*Wren sitting in a tent outside Briardusk having an ale muses over the information about General Siphe.*

So he won himself a kingdom it seems. You have to wonder if that was what he was after all along. I am sure Molvaren offered him one, but once he saw the opportunity to take it for himself he jumped at it. Not a bad play on his part. He is a good war leader, will he be a good peace time leader? *laughs* you know what they say about getting what you want. Somehow I don't think he is going to be happy in the long run and a unhappy war leader with a large well armed, supplied, rested, and experienced army is not a good thing to have on your doorstep. I think we are going to have to stir up the fire giants as much as we can. That should keep him busy *laughs*.