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## Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

http://forums.shiningforcecentral.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=18314

### Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Thu Jan 27 2011 7:17am
by TheUnknownMarine
Sounds envelop you, but no sound that you can recognize. The sound does not hurt, it is loud, but not too loud... a sort of white noise that blankets the empty space you now float in.
Lines of blue, black, white, and purple energy trace the space around you, and you feel suddenly as if you were falling, falling through empty air.
A voice booms through the noise, loud and friendly, even though you know it is no one you know, it feels familiar, as if you've known its owner all your life.
"Ha ha ha...
Damn kids, great job!
We're all beside ourselves with joy!
Seriously!
Not gonna lie for a while there some of us were sure you were going to wipe and the crap would hit the fan, but you pulled through!
Ha! We knew you could do it!
Well, with everything taken care of, looks like our little bit of influence in this place is fading... Damn shame. It'd be nice to be able to pop in when everything was peaceful, maybe have a look around, try out some of the taverns...
It's... kind of sad. We've been rooting for you since the beginning. Now that things are looking up, we have to go. Before we can really meet, even.
Well no use moaning about it. Don't worry about us, we'll be back the next time this place needs our help.
You just go out there and you enjoy your lives, 'cause let me tell you, you EARNED it!
And, well, maybe this isn't the last goodbye anyway.
If you ever have a dream about someone you don't know giving you a big ol' high five for saving the world, or get a feeling of fond nostalgia you can't explain, hey! Who knows? It might be us!"
Then a bright light opens below you and you see a sky that has never seemed so blue and grass that has never seemed so green...
-----
You must have blacked out for a moment.
When you awake, you find yourself in front of a massive camp, the banners of Cypress and Guardiana flying high in the sky alongside the flags of Galam, the Aspian Republic, and others. The warriors in the camp seem to be celebrating and have not noticed you yet. There is no sign of the strange tunnel that delivered you here.
You are lying on the grass, which has never seemed quite so soft and welcoming. A gentle breeze caresses your face. The golden sun shines on you and a pleasant warmth seeps into your body. For a moment it seems like the world itself, your home, is welcoming you back to it.
Pyra pulls herself to her feet before anyone else does, looking down on the rest of you with that same reflective look you saw back in the Vault.
Pyra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ORWClLh ... re=related
: "I now have all the answers, all the truths about this world of ours. But what to do with them... " A grin pulls at Pyra's face. "Perhaps I don't have all the truths yet, because the knowledge of what to best do with all the lore I've gathered... wouldn't that be the greatest truth of all?"
Pyra smiles.
: "I was one of the first, you know. So many millenia ago... One of the first to feel the touch of the Narrators and rise to defeat a great evil. I did so. And then I journeyed on. I never stopped. I always sought the truth behind our world, every aspect of it. Even when it carried me far past my home and into a time when it was long dust. But now that's all over with." Pyra shakes her head ruefully. "I think I'll rest for a time and seek that final truth. Think on how to use what I've finally gained."
Pyra starts to move forward, then pauses, turns to you again.
: "It's a shame I didn't manage to join your little journey sooner. I think it would've been quite the experience..." she turns back to the camp. "But... farewell."
The seeker of truth turns and walks towards the festivities.
"Farewell..." Jim murmurs, his eyes distant. He shakes his head and gets to his feet, pulling his gas mask and helmet on again and securing them in place as Sheila, Daran, and presumably the rest of the heroes do the same.
: "So you've returned..." a warm, beautiful voice says.
Mitula: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDfPFoYlFMY
Goddess Mitula appears from a sparkling mist before the heroes, a great column of flame that does not burn the earth admitting Volcanon a moment later.
: "You managed to save... everything. I don't know that it would be possible to thank all of you enough for what you've done. Still, on behalf of the people of your home... Thank you. Welcome back," Mitula smiles sadly. "It has been a long, painful road... but the time for loss is finally at an end. Everyone has you to thank for that."
: "We know you have faces you'd far rather see than even ours, but when we felt your return, we thought the least we could do was to be the first to welcome you back. Through your sacrifices and will, Rune is restored," Volcanon rumbles.
: "The camp you see is the unified force that managed to press on and defeat the last minions of the Chaos Cult while you engaged and defeated their leaders. They are celebrating now. The other Shining Forces and more are with them if you want to see your old comrades and join their festivities that the war is over," Mitula says. She tilts her head. "As far as the common person knows, the appearance and sudden destruction of the Tideforms is a mystery... But there are those who know better."
Mitula turns to Jim and the Rangers.
: "As for you Rangers... Our struggles have ended. Yours have not. Before you leave, we will give you each something to help with your uncertain future. Take it with you, along with all of our thoughts, prayers, and blessings. Know that as a part of this last Shining Force, you will never be forsaken or forgotten by us, even though this place may not be your home." Mitula smiles. "Or... maybe it is a home now."
((Members of Radford's Rangers may select a boon of some sort that can be carried with them into an upcoming game. If it is an item and not an ability boost/special ability, it appears in your backpack. Arc has final say on what appropriate power level the boon is. And if he nixes it, that's fine too.))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Thu Jan 27 2011 9:30am
by Arcdragnbreth
His face clearly unaccustomed to forming in such a fashion, the Woren smiled broadly as he looked between the assembled heroes. Looking between them all, Pantherath's low growl turned into a gruff, heavy laugh, before he composed himself and cleared his throat.
"You have done far more, and far better than any I have witnessed," the Templar said, glancing over the Shining Force with pride. "I am not sure where you all will go from here, but I am proud to say I was able to fight alongside all of you. More than that, I have seen that no matter the circumstance, the Light provides a way to all who ask. I will carry your lessons onward, perhaps next to my own world."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Thu Jan 27 2011 10:14pm
by Dark Maiden
"My Lord," Myala whispers as her God appears before them. The priestess bows deeply before him before standing up straight again. "I--I don't know what to say."
"You could try something along the lines of being honored by the presence of your deity whom you have probably never actually seen in person before," Damas says with a grin.
Myala smiles slightly. "You stole the words right from me Damas," she replies sheepishly.
Damas then bows down for a moment but he says nothing else for now.
"You have done so much for us already," Jessica says. "All that I would ask is that I am better able to treat those under my care."
((You can decide what form that boon takes as I can't think of anything specific. <_<))
"My Lady?" Kayla says softly, stepping forward. "I wanted to thank you again for everything you've done for us." The tiefling looks fondly at the silver band on her finger, then turns back to Mitula. "I know I have no right to be asking for favors, but I hoped you could tell me of my mother. It has been so long and I'm worried about her."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Fri Jan 28 2011 6:09am
by TheUnknownMarine
Mitula smiles gently.
: "Your mother is still safe and sound. No harm has come to her since last you were together," Mitula says.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Fri Jan 28 2011 8:29pm
by Dark Maiden
"Thank you my lady," Kayla says with a smile. "I will have to find her after everyone is done celebrating," she then adds with a chuckle.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sat Jan 29 2011 10:19am
by Arcdragnbreth
"I hate to be the one to spoil the mood, but I'd really like to know where Faralon is," Ashathel said. "I don't think he's been hurt, but the sooner I get him out of that... that thing's claws, the better."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Mon Jan 31 2011 8:15pm
by Dark Maiden
Kethra turns her attention to Ashathel. "What are you talking about?"
((To my knowledge she was never told the exact circumstances of his disappearance.))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 01 2011 5:04pm
by Kaihaku
"Gail, I think it's time we hunted down Sorel and forced him to perform a certain ceremony for us." The Doctor says to his fiancée with a smile, "What do you think?"
"We did it... The world is...preserved..." Sophie whispers somberly, watching the celebration before her sadly, "...but somehow, I don't feel like celebrating." She tries to hold back the tears by closing her eyes, "Hal... Alex... Thavon... All gone, forever."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 01 2011 10:12pm
by TheUnknownMarine
Mitula turns to Ashathel.
: "Your brother was charmed and kidnapped by the succubus Ilraeil during the fighting at the fortress... Myself and Volcanon are still recovering from the energy expending warding the cities from the Tide and cannot yet locate her. We would be glad to set you in the right direction once we've regained our sight," Mitula says.
: "As for your fallen comrades," Volcanon rumbles. "We had thought to raise them, but for various reasons, they are unwilling to return to life."
: "Alex is with his family again, Thavon rests well, and Hal..." Mitula smiles gently. "Hal ministers to the dead with the same zeal and goodwill he aided the living. Mourn their passing, but do not fear for them. They'll wait patiently until the time has come for you to meet once more."
Mitula tilts her head.
: "Whatever you choose to do, you might want to replenish your strength at the feast. I would be very surprised if you were not hungry... It's been two weeks since you left for the Vault," Mitula says.
The shock of returning to Rune had occupied your mind previously, but as the goddess points your attention towards it, you notice you are absolutely famished... barring things like rings of sustenance.
Jim lays a hand on Sophie's shoulder.
"If you need to take some time, no one will begrudge you. We've all been through a lot, and we've all taken losses," he quietly says to the young cleric. He gestures to the mass of people. "We can bring you something from the feast if you're not up to going into the middle of all that."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 02 2011 1:25am
by Dark Maiden
"As bossy as ever I see," Kayla snickers to herself in response to Alastor's comment.
The color drains from Kethra's face when she hears the words 'kidnapped' and 'succubus.'
Merla looks up at Sophie sadly but says nothing.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 02 2011 11:11am
by Cyrus
Gail watches Sophie with somber eyes, before Alastor interrupts her thoughts. Deep blue eyes stare pass bright red hair, a brow quirked in confusion. "You mean...right now?"

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 02 2011 6:37pm
by Kaihaku
"I guess that's a little too spontaneous...isn't it?" The Doctor admits, after meeting her quizzical stare for a moment, "...right, right. We can do it the proper way. A question though, do I have to ask your father for your hand? I think I have your mom's blessing..." He frowns, "You don't even have his eyes anymore."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 02 2011 8:34pm
by Dark Maiden
Kayla slinks over to the happy couple and grins. "So you two are going to tie the knot, eh? You'll be inviting me to the ceremony, I hope?" she adds while pouting--placing her hands on her hips.
((Sorry, I couldn't resist. ))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 02 2011 10:43pm
by Cyrus
The weight of Alastor's question pulls Gail's face into a frown, and her gaze falls to the earth. "I don't know if we can find him, anymore. I don't know if...we were ever supposed to find him." She gives a side-long glance to a fiery braid. "At least I still have something of his."
Kayla's presence snaps Gail's reverie, the maiden turning to her fiancee before giving a hesitant grin. "We...haven't planned the ceremony yet, but I don't see why we can't have you."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 02 2011 11:19pm
by Dark Maiden
Kayla straightens up and grins. "Wouldn't miss it for the world." A thought springs to mind which causes her to frown again. "I just need to find someone to make me a nice dress. This beat up armor won't do at all." Kayla's stomach grumbles and she chuckles nervously. "Anyone else hungry besides me?"

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Thu Feb 03 2011 8:46pm
by TheUnknownMarine
Sheila nods, clapping Kayla on the back as she walks towards the feast.
"Yeah, I could definitely eat... Come on!"

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Fri Feb 04 2011 2:46am
by Dark Maiden
Kayla chuckles and walks off after Sheila, waving to Alastor and Gail as she does so.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Fri Feb 04 2011 1:22pm
by Arcdragnbreth
"We'll find him," the elf told the monk. "I know it doesn't feel right without him, but we can at least let the others know we're okay; it'll be time before we can find him, and when we do, he'll be safe and in one piece."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sun Feb 06 2011 7:20pm
by Alpha
As the triumphant heroes head in the direction of the feast, several cries of surprise, albeit ones of great elation.
: “Well look who it is!” Laeralas almost shouts. He whips his right across, smacking his brother on the arm. “See! I told you!”
: “Hey, I never doubted it!” Talacre protests, grinning like an idiot. “Move quickly enough for them? he asks Sheila with a knowing smile.
Septimus meanwhile, is sat at another one of the tables, the young wizard’s hood thrown back as he enjoys the evening. He notices the new arrivals, and smiles widely at his companions. “I knew you would all be ok,” he says quietly (as ever), rising to his feet and offering a bow. “And I’m glad I wasn’t proven wrong, too!”
: “I’m so glad to see you’re alright,” Tanis exclaims, embracing the friends he’d started travelling with in Hassan so long ago. “This deserves something!” The catfolk raises a hand to the air and sets off a firework with a quick spell. It’s not quite so spectacular during the day, but the heart’s in it.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sun Feb 06 2011 7:26pm
by TheUnknownMarine
"Nothing laid a hand on me..." Sheila replies with a grin. "...technically. Where were you guys?! I thought you got aced by Erebeus or something, you weren't there when we regrouped post battle!"

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sun Feb 06 2011 7:34pm
by Alpha
: “Ahh, I never doubted it for a moment!” Talacre says, still grinning. “Amazing what books can teach you!”
: “You know, I’m not sure,” Laeral replies, referring to Erebus. “I think we may have been. I certainly don’t remember anything past when we were all fighting him before.” The elf offers a lame shrug. “Wish there was something more we could have done. Looks like you did great on your own though!”

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Mon Feb 07 2011 4:49pm
by Kaihaku
"Tanis!" The Doctor exclaims with a grin, clamping a hand on the catfolk's shoulder, "You made it!"
"Laeralas... Talacre..." Sophie whispers, a smile crossing her face before wavering, "...have...have you see anything of Alex or the others?" The priestess looks down, "Is there hope?"

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Mon Feb 07 2011 9:09pm
by TheUnknownMarine
As friends reunite, Jim heaves a heavy sigh and walks away from the group, pulling free his communicator and beginning to check in on the status of the forces that had been left behind during the Tideform attack.
Daran wanders towards the feast.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Mon Feb 07 2011 9:10pm
by Kaihaku

> TheUnknownMarine wrote:((Don't know if you missed it Kai, or if Sophie is just clinging to hope really hard, but just in case...))

> > "Alex is with his family again, Thavon rests well, and Hal..." Mitula smiles gently. "Hal ministers to the dead with the same zeal and goodwill he aided the living. Mourn their passing, but do not fear for them. They'll wait patiently until the time has come for you to meet once more."

((I saw it.))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 08 2011 12:11am
by Alpha
: “As did you!” Tanis says, returning the Doctor’s gesture. “We always seem to, one way or another,” he adds, silently thanking his luck that this was the case.
: “I..I am sorry, Sophie,” Laeral says slowly, uncharacteristically breaking his usual speech pattern. “But other than some of the Rangers who were elsewhere, we were the only ones other than you who survived.” Remorse that has clearly been experienced recently surfaces again on the daggerspell mage’s face.
: “Alex, Hal ...Thavon and the others,” he continues. “They died. You missed their burials I’m afraid,” he says sadly.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 08 2011 1:57pm
by Cyrus
Gail returns the embrace, a bittersweet smile on her face when they pull away.
: "Yes...at least we have that." The smile soon fades, leaving only the bitter. "I'm sorry we left you. If we had spent more time searching, perhaps..." Gail pauses, listening to Laeral's sad news with a deepening frown. "Perhaps we would have found more of us."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 08 2011 6:24pm
by Dark Maiden
((Hey, Gail's a redhead too! :3))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 08 2011 8:06pm
by Cyrus
[Redheads. Redheads everywhere.]

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 08 2011 8:32pm
by Omega Entity
[Except for the greenheads. Though Alpha has the monopoly, I think XD]

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 09 2011 1:00am
by TheUnknownMarine
As reunions are held and the weary warriors of the last Shining Force make their way to the feast prepared for them, Mitula smiles.
"Come, Volcanon. This is nothing more here for us to do, and much to work on in other parts of the globe," Mitula says.
Volcanon wordlessly erupts into a column of flame and vanishes into the sky, a red comet heading back to heaven. Mitula disappears in a less flashy manner, simply fading from sight with a cascade of sparkling motes of light.
The time for war had ended.
The great chaos was over.
Great celebrations were held in every city, people rejoicing at their deliverance and mourning the fallen, but also allowing themselves a short rest before the long road to restoration was trod. The Shining Heroes too, rested for now.
And how did their tales end?

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 09 2011 4:59am
by Alpha
Epilogue 1
Following the end of the Chaos Wars, Septimus finally returned Guardiana, the home he loved so dearly. Determined that such pain and suffering never come to the city again, the wizard relentlessly pursued his role as a Spellguard. He worked with the other genius magical minds of the area, starting the long process of creating a mighty Mythal to preserve and protect Guardiana and its people.
With the conflict finally at its end, Tanis travelled back to Moun and the warmage academy there. Given his expertise and role in the Chaos Wars, he was quickly given a senior teaching position. The green furred catfolk focused his classes on large scale assaults, as well as tactics and strategy. He would often grin ironically at the latter choice, but he maintained it with a determined face, hoping to teach others to avoid the mistakes he had made.
Every now and again though, Tanis would travel to the woods and forests north of Galam, looking for any sign of a lost, purple friend. The warmage would never find Kria though, and would discover that not all pain ends with time.
With the world encompassing wars finally over, Laeralas continued the main passion of his life: travel. The daggerspell mage travelled far and wide, visiting places he had been before and discovering locations known to either none or precious few. Now and again he would seek out Stella, offering trades for the various items he had found in return for information on yet more places to go to and experience. Though the fact remains that the real reason is he had grown quite fond of the sage during their interactions in the Chaos Wars.
From time to time though, Laeral would return home, because that is where the heart is. Here he would spend time with the other Stamp residents, enjoying their treetop home with the security and peace it provided. And when the inevitable time came for him to leave once more, he would always persuade his dear brother to join him, the bonds of brotherhood continuing to burn brightly.
Talacre, unlike his brother, rarely strayed too far from his home during post war times. Renowned for his speed and skill in battle, the blade dancer would sometimes travel to nearby Lineside or Barrand to teach combat classes. The young elf would rarely stick to routines however, and oft were the times he’d return home long before he originally intended to.
Time spent in Stamp Village quickly turned out to be the only place Talacre wished to be. And although his brother would occasionally get him to travel, this became more and more the case, especially when he fell in love and married another Stamp resident. It was not long before they had a daughter, which was the final decision maker. Talacre decided he would never leave the village unless he absolutely had to, vowing he would always be there to protect his home and the people he loved. And finally, perhaps more importantly to him, to provide young Evelyn a life with two parents, the lack of which had almost broken Laeralas and himself apart forever.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 09 2011 7:38pm
by Dark Maiden

> Cyrus wrote:[Redheads. Redheads everywhere.]

((Redheads will rule the world! *Insert evil laugh here*))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 09 2011 8:03pm
by DragonmasterDon1
Viki, well loved even when mostly used as a convenient device to move plots, was so excited for that feast that she tripped over herself twice as soon as she entered.
"This time, I'm going to eat! I'm so excited!" she blurted out to no one in particular, quite possibly activating the commlink Jim had given her so long ago.
She ran from table to table, clutching her Wow Wow Wand under her arm tightly as she piled plates with food and then teleporting them to her seat. The girl's bright eyes radiated joy and happiness as she chatted aimlessly with those around her as she unfolded cloths for her lap and to stuff down the collar of her robes.
She quickly arranged the silverware next to her plate to her liking, moving the goblet of water next to the left corner of her first plate, then to the right, then to the left.
Her sleeve quickly submerged itself in the sauce of her meal. Alarmed, she lurched her other arm forward, knocking over a small vial of dark colored powder on her plate as she pulled her sleeve carefully off the plate as not to splash the sauce everywhere.
Her nose tickled.
She took another napkin and began dabbling at her sleeve. "Aaarraa....that's going to take forever to wash out!" she whined, as her right eye twitched.
The girl glanced at her plate and noticed the vial then. "Ooohhh...I didn't see that," she whined again, wheeling her face from side to side after noting she had used up all the napkins before her.
Her mouth opened, her nose curled, her eyes watered and the right one took itself into a squint in an agonizingly slow, involuntary movement that suddenly sent panic into her gaze.
"No, no, no, no, no, no!" Viki shouted, her voice sounding awkward and muffled.
She held her breath and pinched her cheek.
She held her breath and took hold of the side of the table with her free hand.
She contorted her face in all sorts of ways as if her facial muscles were almost having a sort of seizure.
Her neck craned backward slightly. A tear streamed down her cheek.
Then she was fine.
"Oh! I knew this time would be different!" she exclaimed excitedly to the person next to her. "Finally! Okay! I'm gonna do this!"
She took her fork and knife into her hands and turned her eyes to the plate before her; her gaze almost mad with lust. She carved herself a sliver of meat and gazed at it longingly, then pushed it to her lips. The wondrous scents danced into her nostrils, caressing her senses in such a way that she could literally taste the food before she ate it.
She opened her mouth, and the jagged edge of the piece she had carved touched her bottom lip.
This was it. This was the moment, this was everything.
Then she sneezed, and the world exploded into light around her.
Maybe this happened next...
WARNING: SPOILER!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7go0rrfyZWk[/youtube]
...or maybe it didn't..
((I chose the English version, japanese version if you're snobby/don't want to understand what is being said is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO41HvYanlo&playnext=1&list=PL6A7640F494CB6E5B . I was going to make a montage of appearances but decided I didn't feel like spending half the day looking for them. Lazy.))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Thu Feb 10 2011 4:54pm
by Arcdragnbreth
"But why would you want to stay in this stuffy library all day, uncle?" a red-skinned dragonman asked, his underdeveloped wings nonetheless flapping behind him in excitement. "Come on! I wanna have a sword lesson today!"
"Quiet is wasted on the young," an older, golden dragonute replied, his blue eyes twinkling as he smiled. "You forget, Absalring, that my job is to collect and organize the historical records for Guardiana - no easy task, since the end of the war. Much was lost, and even with an army of dedicated scholars we may never recover all of what was damaged."
"None of the other historians leave for weeks at a time, armed to the teeth," the youth said slyly.
"None of the other historians need to travel halfway across the globe to meet with friends and contacts," the larger and older of the pair answered, patting the younger dragonman on the head. "But very well; when my daughter returns this afternoon, we will be preparing to take a trip. I have been meaning to visit with one of the mages in Thornwood, and I do not think they will mind a third visitor very much. I need to finish some things here, but in an hour we can go and pack supplies."
"You're the best, uncle Garudaos!" Absalring shouted, dashing down the halls of the castle library with reckless abandon, a small smile from his mother's brother-in-law following him the whole way.
Garudaos returned to Guardiana, where he spent the next five years working with the relief effort. After that, he chose to assist the kingdom's librarian by gathering hard-to-find historical material and meet with other war heroes to put their stories into writing. Not long afterward he married, and he now lives with his wife Yegrilde and his daughter Xioneina just outside the city.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sun Feb 13 2011 12:35am
by DragonmasterDon1
And if you haven't had enough green text for your epilogue...
Actually, you weren't going to get that much. Langston had seen more than enough for one lifetime, possibly two, and with a few careful goodbyes he had quickly removed himself from the scene as quickly as possible. To be fair he had been anxious to do so for awhile, killing had never quite sat all that well with him despite all he had been through before finding himself battered at a church's door, and certainly it sat even less well after finding a career in a travelling circus.
The circus was home, and evidently it would continue to be so. If anything, the ratman had become something just short of amazing when it came to performing gymnastic feats and narrow escapes, and whatever fans of the circus had seen before was easily topped when the man returned.
He found time to visit those special ladies at the church whenever possible, happily donating much of his earnings in exchange for tugs of his whiskers and hunks of tasty cheese in the meantime. Since finding the Lady's favor the place had become his home, and through his wild performances he was able to make it evenmoreso.
In fact, Langston Highbrave even found himself another special lady and had special ratchildren, but perhaps that is a story best left for another time.
((Yeah, I phoned Langston in a bit but no one really knew much about him anyway.))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Mon Feb 14 2011 3:35am
by Arcdragnbreth
"Let's go, Bereltiga!" an elven male yelled, hopping over a boulder as a black bear lumbered around it. His thinblade in hand, the blonde-haired elf darted between the trees as the group of orcs in the valley below hastily grabbed at their spears. Caught off-guard as they were, the sheer numbers were still impressive at nearly two dozen; even so, the swashbuckler's movements did not slow at the least, nor did those of the druidic animal companion alongside him.
The burly, grotesque orc pointing and yelling at the others - obviously the leader - grinned as he hefted his spear, ready to strike down the pair along with his men. No sooner did he do so, however, than a wave of debilitating, destructive lightning washed over the group, charring the weaker ones and noticeably injuring the rest. A shaman in their midst began to chant a counterspell, while another tended to their injuries, but the former only mouthed a few words before a trio of arrows lodged themselves in the creature's chest, driving deeper as it slumped forward and onto the shafts.
"Did you really think it would be that easy?" the elf asked, his sword flashing in the midday light as it cut again and again, drawing blood and growls of anger and agony from his victim. Spears, clubs and axes all aimed his way, but the nimble bladesinger bounced around, untouchable in the middle of the fray, with the bear at his side causing just as much fear and confusion. Another spell cascaded over the enemies, leaving the animal and the spellcasting swordsman untouched as the latter applied his own magical prowess. More arrows sought homes in the flesh of orcs, and despite the numbers, the effective and ferocious assault brought the number of monstrous humanoids down to none in under a minute.
"You like to cut it too close, father," the elf complained, wiping his weapon clean on the corpse of the horde's leader. "Did you really have to wait that long?"
"They weren't going to be able to touch you anyway, with the abjurations you have protecting you," Alampel said dismissively, walking with the archer towards the fallen foes to inspect his work. "They're probably the only spells you can cast better than I can, at least for the time being. But yes... if I had cast any sooner, they would have been on their guard and reacted before you could get into melee range with them. I needed you and the bear to keep their eyes busy; gods alone know that they can't pay attention to more than one thing at a time, dumb as they are."
"That's harsh," Elamoressa frowned, shouldering her bow as she walked. "They may not be as smart as elves, but they're still capable of higher-level thinking; the only reason we even attacked is because they raided that village. And Bereltiga is her name, you know."
"Not important," the older elf said dismissively, looking over the sacks of material around the soon-to-be abandoned camp. "Everything we came for is here; let's be done with all of this, so we can return to Brodaleaf."
"Still glad you took this little trip?" the elf asked, scooping up the ranger in his arms and kissing her, despite her noticeable height above him. "Or would you rather put a few in his backside, see how much he enjoys that?"
"He's probably figured out a way to use arcane magic to heal wounds; knowing him, he'd just make more noise," she giggled. "Come on, put me down; there are a lot of important things we should take back to where they belong."
"That's what I'm doing now," Ashathel laughed, hugging his wife all the tighter.
Ashathel tracked down his brother, along with the monk Kethra, before returning to Brodaleaf and beginning the search for Elamoressa's missing siblings. He found that she had begun training as a ranger, and while helping her with her training fell fully in love; after the two located her sister and two brothers, they were wed. They now live in Brodaleaf and have a son named Heomair.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Thu Feb 17 2011 12:42am
by Aldur
Disappearing in the final days of what would come to be known as the Chaos War, Kria Krystalpaw had enough. Having seen too much, she slipped silently away, knowing in her heart of hearts her friends would be successful. Eventually she made her way home, finding among the remnants of her village, some sort of peace in her heart.
While she felt the green furred friend's presence in her heart whenever he roamed through her voices, she used to hide, for her heart belonged to her small tribe of then children. And though she lived for the rest of her days as a recluse, she often wondered about what she had missed in that last great journey. Shrugging her shoulders, she would offer a prayer to the statue of Volcanon erected in the village and pray for her friends, and Tanis's happiness. Kria's Klaws as her brood eventually grew to be known became something of a nuisance in the forests north of Galam, in a good natured way however, they inherited their mother's curiosity and 'unique' way of talking...
**
Michael simply disappeared one day, leaving behind nothing but a feather that one special person would find one day. Perhaps he has moved onto a 'higher calling'?

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Thu Feb 17 2011 4:56pm
by Kaihaku
Casting aside her holy symbol, the emblem of an empty deity, Sophia never returned to her order and never again whispered a prayer in the name of the gods. The terrible war had left her rich beyond her wildest dreams, just one of her magical artifacts worth more than an entire village. She put this wealth to use in creating a Shrine to the Fallen Heroes, where she enshrined relics from their struggle and collected lore of them.
Some joined Sophia in giving their lives to the shrine, in time it became a solemn community devoted to the memories of heroes and a struggle that the world beyond was slowly forgetting.
For reasons all her own, Maria resigned from the Rangers shortly after the group left Rune and was last seen in the company of Okori, heading off to some unknown destination.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Fri Feb 18 2011 2:04am
by DragonmasterDon1
"Are you satisfied with this then? Can't say you've ever really been one to stay out of the limelight for long. I remember when you were younger, you always paraded around the backyard after everything you did. You had that little crimson flag you made from a branch and your dad's shirt, and you would march around humming that Protectoran cadence I taught you."
"Mooom," Eve rolled her eyes.
"Oh, I could go on," Dusk chided, eyes glistening with mischief. "Wouldn't you just love to hear about how for years, Eve refused to wear a shirt anywhere she went? She was totally obsessed with this birthmark she has, oh, right about...," she paused, pinching Eve about an inch below her bustline, "...here."
Eve winced, suppressing a bit of a giggle. Dusk lowered her gaze on the other people in the room suddenly, as if a thunderstorm had literally just spawned overhead.
"And if any one of you ever tries to get a look at it now I'll leave a hoofshaped footprint scarred in your nether regions; you got that? I was young once too. You're probably all just like Tanner." Despite herself, she smiled.
"Mo-," muttered an exasperated Eve.
"Oh, hush, they know I'm just giving them a hard time. That's what mothers do."
"At least in this family," she replied dryly, turning around to address the handful of other centaurs behind them. "Alright, you all head out front. I'll join you in a moment."
"And miss out on your mom's stories?!"
"And her cooking?"
"I'll be sure she never cooks for you again if you don't do what I say! Holy hell!"
"Sorry, boss!" They took off.
When she was certain all eyes were elsewhere, Dusk trotted forward wordlessly and wrapped her arms around her daughter. Neither spoke for what seemed like an eternal moment. Finally, Dusk leaned away, leaving her hands bracing her daughter's shoulders. Eve shirked away slightly, embarrassed.
"You weren't like this when I was saving the world, and that worked out okay," she began. "I know you want me to stay, but--"
"--you're young, and the work's not done yet. I know. But I'm your mother, and you're just going to have to deal with me for a minute longer before you go." She took her hand and raised Eve's chin, forcing her eyes to meet hers. "I am so very proud of you. Your stubborn mule of a father is too, you know. Wherever you go, when the sun beats down on you and you're apprehending brigands and rebuilding homes and all the great things this little free unit of yours will do, you'll know he's watching you, and you'll know that he...that we are proud. Not just because you saved the world, but because what you accomplished, you accomplished by doing what neither of us could. You did it without selling yourself to a country or to someone else's ideals. And you continue to make us proud by doing so now, and you'll continue to do so by just being you until the day I join him."
She paused, and turned her gaze to the old oak tree behind her for a moment before turning back at the sound of the sniffles coming from Eve.
"I love you, Mom. Even though you go and make me cry," she said, wiping her nose with her sleeve. "before I have to go be a hardass. Don't think you played any small part in it either, if it weren't for you, I'd have given up long before we accomplished anything."
"I just prodded you on a bit faster; you'd have come to the same conclusion on your own. Now get lost, those boys of yours are gonna end up traipsing over my garden with boredom, and you've got more important things to do than replant it for me. Not that I'd ask, I'm not that old yet, but still." She grinned, and wiped a lone tear from her cheek. "You're gonna do fine. And when you find a nice place to settle down, you let me know. I'll come keep you company and teach your recruits so your little red-haired ass can do paperwork."
"Every young adult's dream, to have their mother follow them around," she joked. "I'll visit alot, you know, but I can't wait until I find that place."
She turned and started to leave, then looked over her shoulder.
"Did you hate him when he left?" she asked timidly. "I've always wondered."
"I don't hate you for leaving, if that's what you're really asking," she replied. "You're my child, and you're more than ready to go into the world, and I couldn't be a luckier mom to have such a capable daughter." She paused. "No, you're not asking because of that. I..."
She pursed her lips, unable to finish her thought for a few seconds before taking a deep breath and continuing. "I hated him for dying. I loved your father for leaving, that was who he was. I thought his sense of duty, his passion for it, was one of his best qualities, and he died because of it. As he probably should have. And to be fair honey, I always hated myself worse, I just never had time to dwell on it because I always had you. You were such a pain in the ass and he was always better at calming you down. There wasn't time." She snickered, then doured as her daughter's expression faltered. "I'm fine. And you turned out fine. I don't dwell on it, so neither should you."
"You need a man," she joked. "You're turning into an old bitty."
"You're one to talk," Dusk quipped. "Now go get your work done and settle, Mommy wants some grandchildren. I love you."
"I love you too, Mom."

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Fri Feb 18 2011 2:06am
by Dark Maiden
Following the end of the Chaos War, Kayla sought out her mother and returned her to Yeel. She resumed adventuring for a time, and returned home later in the company of a paladin named Eitrieg—a man of cursed blood like herself. Their relationship started out innocent enough, but as Shera predicted they eventually fell in love. Eitrieg and Kayla had touched each others lives, and together they decided that it would be worth it to try and touch yet more lives. With the considerable wealth that Kayla had accumulated over the course of the war, they opened a special school for 'gifted' individuals—half-demons, tieflings, and others touched by darkness. There they could learn to harness and control their unique abilities and have a place to call home and live in peace. Eitrieg and Kayla later married, and Shera decided to take up residence at the school so she could teach and be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. The school turned out to be far more successful than either of them thought possible. After several years, the couple was finally blessed with children of their own—twins: a son they named Alexis and a daughter they named Athena.
Kethra accompanied Ashathel to track down her lover Faralon. The two eventually found him, but he was forever changed. His love for her remained, but his lust for adventure and his special spark had left him. She returned with the brothers to Brodaleaf where she and Faralon settled down and got married. After some time Kethra gave birth to a daughter that they named Gaelira.
After the war ended, Merla decided she had had enough of adventuring—at least for a time. She pursued her biggest dream and became a teacher in the mage city of Manarina. She kept close contact with her family and friends, but whether or not she ever found a man—no one knows.
Myala chose to continue serving her deity, and after some time she became the High Priestess of one of Volcanon's temples. From there she performed many good works in his name and spread his message wherever she could. The loss of her love haunted her for some time, but she the wound in her heart eventually started to heal. Whether or not Myala would ever find love again has yet to be seen.
((And there you have my lazy, half-assed character endings. I went off the assumption that her "boyfriend" died since his player seemed to have dropped. Damas' will be coming in the next couple of days if everything goes right.))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Fri Feb 18 2011 5:07pm
by Kaihaku
Lilah was slain in the last desperate assault by the forces of darkness, the substance of her being otherworldly, not even the potent resurrection magic wielded by the heroes of light could bring life to her once more. Her beautiful voice was never again heard singing of great deeds or hope. Few upon the fields of Ysgard noted her absence until many centuries later.
Felix vanished in the magical ritual performed by the great wizardess; he never emerged from the chamber of the creator with the other heroes. His fate was left unknown, few even noticed his absence.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sun Feb 20 2011 4:15am
by Dark Maiden
It is the night of the celebration, and Damas and Isyndel are dancing...
She took her head off his shoulder just long enough to turn it towards his before resting it there again. "I owe you an apology," she whispered. "I know this is a celebration; I feel as if perhaps I am not happy enough. I hope that I've not been horrible company, if so, it is not because of you."
"There is no need for you to apologize. I have quite enjoyed our time together Isyndel."
She nuzzled her head into his neck a little more closely. "Long ago I would have accused you of attempting to placate me, but I daresay I believe you," she whispered, letting a small giggle out as she said so. "Or maybe better to say I am making an effort to bypass my cynicism on your behalf. I am enjoying myself as well, just...I suppose I expected to feel more joy at the journeys end. As if evenmoreso now, there are more questions than answers."
"Is something bothering you?" Damas asks curiously in a soft tone.
She leaned back from his shoulder to meet his eyes. "It bothers me that the Creator thought us so inept; that we were caught up in ourselves so much that we failed to act on so many things. That I did not do enough in the time I had the authority to do so. That so many were lost and that I still live." Her voice trembled. "Why are we any more deserving of living than they?"
She bit her lip, and clutched her arms around him more tightly as they moved to the music. A moment later, she continued, "And given the gift to live on, what do I do with it? It was almost easier to face those odds than face the uncertainty of going back to what's left."
"I can understand why you would feel that way," Damas replies. "It is often easier to live in the moment than it is to think about what the future will bring. I have my own dreams and my own goals, as I am sure you have yours. What the future holds for us--I really cannot say. Only time will tell," he admits sheepishly.
Isyndel grinned. "I have chosen well on one level at least; you intuited the part I purposefully held back from you. No," she paused, correcting herself, "more than one level. Many levels. And you are even a bit handsome to boot," she teased. "Meanwhile I've proven to mostly whine when I finally find someone I can confide in. I think perhaps you've lost in this deal."
Damas chuckles. "Is that so? You are quite the catch yourself. I pray that I am not out of line for saying so my lady," he adds with a wink.
Surprisingly, she flushed at the comment, smiled, and said nothing for a few moments more, content to enjoy the dancing before finally, she said "Though I am not sure I am fit to do so, I believe I will go to Manarina, at least for a time," she told him softly, trailing her fingers down his neck as they swayed. "If...your goals could be accomplished there, perhaps we could go together. Even if you do not plan to stay.
"I had thought of rebuilding the Adventurer's Guild where I grew up, and of erecting a monument to honor the people that fell there." Damas' expression now conveys sadness; he has clearly thought of something painful. "Seeing as how I had a part in its destruction--I figure I owe them that much." He tries to force his thoughts to something more pleasant, but he is doing a horrible job of it. "Still--finding architects willing to build it and staff to teach there will take money--and considerable time. Perhaps I could stay in Manarina...for a time at least."
"Manarina would likely have a fair amount of both in any case," Isyndel added. "At the very least, a good spot for you to lay the foundation." She placed her hand on his cheek. "You will do an admirable job, of that I am certain. I will help with what I can if you will have it."
Damas places his hand over her hand. "Thank you Isyndel."
She smiled, eyes dancing. "There, we have a bit of an arrangement for a little while at least. Now that the world is no longer in danger, and we...harrumph." She paused and stared at him for a moment, her gaze suddenly glittering with mischief. "Forgive me."
"Forgive you for what?" Damas asks--his eyes widening and his eyebrows raising to convey his feelings of confusion and curiosity.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, gently, raising herself onto the tips of her toes. One arm cradled the side of his cheek as she touched her lips to his in a smooth, sinous motion. For a brief moment, eyes closed, she separated from him just an inch and whispered "For that. There was no meeting to interrupt me like the last time I steeled myself up to attempt it."
"Ah--that," Damas whispers. "No worries my dear--I forgive you," he adds with a smile.
"Believe it or not, I was concerned about it," she admitted. "At least now the gates are open for more later then," she stated matter-of-factly. "Which is good, as the hour is growing late."
"So it is," Damas says as he turns his gaze to the sky for a moment. His eyes lower to meet hers again and he smiles. "Time certainly does pass quickly when one is enjoying themselves."
"Mmmm. Well, we need not be constrained to the end of this celebration in any case," she said. "If it is not too bold, I would like to perhaps continue that last part of conversation elsewhere..."
Damas nods. "I would like that."
"Well, well...this promises to be a night of celebration after all then," she grinned, separating from him but keeping hold of his hand as she left the dance floor.
((There it is. :P))

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sun Feb 20 2011 10:41am
by TheUnknownMarine
Ending II: http://lparchive.org/Neverwinter-Nights ... uegood.mp3
Some time after the war ended, Garoudaos received a large package of tomes, notes and journals containing detailed information on the world's history from its inception to the present. It was only delivered with a notation, "From one person who lived through history to another, and from one who sought the truth to another." Some say they noticed an elf with pink hair dropping the package off before vanishing into thin air...
Battered by devils, starved by siege, the Kingdom of Galam nevertheless persevered, its citizenry shepherded through the long night by the great heroes that arose during this last, terrible conflict. The destruction of the Devil Fortress commanded by Aelisnyx and Zassahd not only annihilated the rogue Devil Army elements wreaking havoc on Grans, but also cut the regional Chaos Cult off from their leaders and powerbase. Left without support against the waking might of the Galam Army and Ian's Shining Force, the remnants of evil on Grans were scoured clean with little life lost. After the intervention of Dam's group, casualties dropped to next to nothing and the island was secured with far greater ease. This debt was never forgotten by the Gransealans or the Galamites, and those who took part in the assault on Zassahd's Fortress were immortalized in local lore even if they hadn't of had a hand anywhere else.
Kria and the remnants of her tribe were never seen again, but occasionally someone will get a glimpse of something moving in the treetops in the forests near Galam, and chants praising Volcanon's name are sometimes heard on the wind at night...
After the calamity, succession of Destonian was passed to Medion, who managed to bring some good out of the sheer chaos the war's aftermath produced. With so many of the old guard slain or ruined by the fighting, the prince managed to collapse the old nobility... to a degree. The Destonian Crown began an immense public works campaign, and with the backing of the victors of the Chaos War, sweeping reforms were made. Decades later, the Empire was no longer a seething sea of corruption, vice, and inequality masked by culture, tradition, and power, but a nation with good and bad, like any other. Though not quite a model society, it had come a long way in a relatively short time... with more time, perhaps even the lingering problems remaining would be dealt with. Emperor Medion would go down in history as the Destonian Empire's most beloved monarch, and the peacemaker that finally set down a fellowship with the Aspian Republic.
Emperor Domaric was confined to his chambers after the war. Though many wanted to see the manipulative monarch slain, he retained some powerful supporters even then, and Medion found it difficult to order his father to death. It was decided to postpone the trial until after reconstruction... but this was not to be.
A few years after things had settled down, Emperor Domaric was found slain in his cell, his chest caved in and heart torn out. An extensive investigation was ordered by the crown, but little could be found other than the murder was committed undoubtedly by someone with supernatural strength... since the wound was created by bare hands. Rumors abounded, but the killer was never found.
With the liberation of much of the Destonian Empire's territory, Lisa returned to Halcyon and claimed her place as queen. Though she searched long and hard, she never found her son, Ignatius. She ruled justly for a long time, using the long, painful trials of her life to guide her decisions as leader of a small nation.
The spawn of the last Vandal simply disappeared after the last fight. He left no word or warning... but occasionally Lisa would dream of him living happily deep in a forest and felt that maybe he was happy at last.
A GDO rescue vessel arrived in orbit a few days after the cataclysmic fight had finished. Rather than allow themselves to be rescued, the Rangers chose to remain until a second fleet arrived with relief and reconstruction supplies and workers for the beleaguered world. Reconstruction division aid workers traveled to the devastated settlements of Rune and offered their services as a sign of good will. During this time, the Rangers were allowed to rest while their comrades completed the work they began. After a few months of work, it was deemed that everything that remained to do could easily be done by the natives themselves. With many a fond farewell, the Rangers and their Reconstruction allies departed, carrying the fight against evil to a new system, and the light of hope to another world in need.
Sheila never forgot the lessons taught to her by Talacre, using them in her own style as a Gun Dancer. Thanks to the sword-swinging elf, Sheila carried her own take on the skills of the Dervish to many more battles and struggles against evil... those skills saving her hide more than once.
Among the keepsakes she treasured from the short time she spent on Rune, one was set apart from the rest. A mysterious feather she found in the aftermath of the attack on the Fort. Though she couldn't explain it, it reminded her of the companions she'd met on Rune. She kept it with her for good luck ever after. And the fancy clothes from Destonia she packed up with glee, finally having something besides a dress uniform for formal occasions.
Losing much of their strength in the Chaos War from casualties, desertion, or retirement, the Rangers were dissolved as a stand alone force. Acting on behalf of Pantherath, Field Commander Jim Radford requested and was granted leave to take volunteers on one last mission. But that is a story for another time.
To say that Jim Radford was disturbed by the events of the Chaos War would be putting it mildly. Though his team had managed to slay the Strife Lord that had caused their old defeat at Algol and had born witness to the death of the third, the first and foremost Strife Lord had managed to escape yet again. If that were not enough, the unit under his command suffered badly during the fighting, he himself skirting death's door more than once. Disgusted with himself and his performance as Field Commander, Radford offered his resignation on returning to base. It was denied. Although reassured repeatedly by friends and superiors that he had done as well as could be expected under the circumstances, Jim never truly forgave himself. The failure on Rune, much like the failure on Algol, would weigh heavily on his soul for the rest of his life.
Jim always had a nagging feeling like he missed something important on Rune. He often found his mind going back to the mysterious feelings the Vault had awoken or the words spoken to him by Elise. No matter how many times he revisited the areas or replayed the scenes in his mind, he never figured it out. Often enough, there was always the next mission to keep his mind off it.
The GDO Black Operations remnants shipped out with the rest of the GDO forces once rescue came, awaiting the commission of a new ship that could carry them across the stars to resume the hunt for Erebeus. But weapons and apocalyptic science was not the only thing Megiddo stored. The Black Ops left behind the mark of their passing, a partially restored Megiddo, with detailed analysis and notes quietly passed on to those who might make use of the knowledge therein... including a certain Doctor who received text upon text of Megiddo's medical knowledge.
Rumors persist that a lingering GDO presence lurks somewhere in the world, ready to send out the call for more of their brethren should evil raise its ugly head once more... but for now, they exist mainly in legend. Still, occasionally groups of villains or monsters will find their plans interrupted by a sudden cacophony of weapons fire as soldiers with advanced weapons appeared without warning, only to leave in the same way once whatever foul deed at work was prevented.
Informed of the presence of GDO artifacts within the Vault, a covert research team was dispatched to the Manarinan Mountains shortly after Commander Radford's report was filed. They met up with a few other native research teams from places such as Prompt, Manarina, and even far away Lookover. The GDO found out, along with everyone else there, that the entrance to the Vault that had started this whole tragedy was collapsed. Efforts began immediately to excavate and study the layer upon layer of mortal and deific ruins... but the mountains did not want to cooperate. Monster attacks, geographic instability, and the sheer amount of excavation required stymied the project. However, every few months the cooperative dig manages to unearth some relic or artifact that sheds a little more light on the mysteries of Thanas.
With Mechanis partially devastated from the terrible war, the tinkers of that nation returned to their seclusion. Tales continued to abound of the mighty airships and restored ancient devices of that far off country, but the island remained isolated. In time, perhaps that would change, but for now, the tinkers focused on trying to restore their lost glory.
The Tech Knights, never fully able to achieve the level of support they desired in the war effort against the Chaos Cult, hung their heads and returned to Mechanis. Facing a severe shortage of soldiers, the former guardians of that city were welcomed back with open arms. A few of their hidden bases continued to operate, guarding the Ancient teleport gates that allowed the Mechanians to occasionally observe the outside world.
Having withstood yet another bloody war and catastrophe whole, Cypress continued to flourish in the aftermath of the Chaos War. The Cypress Expeditionary Force was honored as some of the greatest examples of valor and courage the citizenry of that country could produce. Historians as well as the populace of the time acknowledge that without their acts of heroism, Cypress would've been pushed to the brink of ruin if not outright destroyed during the Chaos War. Though the nation had lost some of its most revered heroes during the fighting, the crown had decreed they should not be forgotten. Inspired by the Hall of Heroes in Shade Abbey and hearing of another shrine under construction by one of the Force heroines, King Nick gave the order to build a memorial on the grounds of Fort Ordalia. It was done, and the memory of those heroes soon became legend.
With the death of Derrik Swiftjoke, the tales of the Jackass of the Realm faded swiftly from memory, though some merchant kept wondering where the mysterious traveler that traded exotic and magical goods with them went to. In the end, no one ever knew just how much or how little he contributed to the war, and probably never would. He rests now in an unmarked grave near Fort Ordalia.
Fort Ordalia was rebuilt by order of the crown, even more impressive fortifications and structures added to the original complex as it became not only a key defensive point, but a living shrine to those who had fought in the Chaos Wars. The quarters of each hero were kept clean and ready for them, and no matter where they traveled, they always had a home there if no where else. In time, a prosperous town would grow around the fort and its silver mine, with thousands of visitors arriving each year to inspect the place where the world's final heroes lived.
His dying reconciliation with his son failed, Arthur concluded he had been right the first time, that he had no place with him. Rejoining his comrades of old, they patrolled the world, eradicating any vestiges of taint left behind by the Tideforms and their dark master. Finally, the ageless hero allowed himself to rest with Akane in the Far East village, where he stayed until her death of old age. Where he journeyed after that, no one knows.
Daran returned to Guardiana to help the city rebuild with his knowledge of advanced machines as best he can. Though not as used to putting his intellect to work on peaceable projects as he was at thinking up a better bazooka, he soon got the hang of it, and the Guardiana Engineering Center now stands as testament to his work. Finding itself with a small corps of talented and trained engineers, some of whom were rumored to have immigrated from distant Mechanis, Guardiana soon became home to a small but sturdy technological sector, producing, designing, or rediscovering ways for science to help the kingdom. Those who work with Daran occasionally see him ask the severed head of a robot for advice as he designs new machines or attempts to restore Ancient ones...
Though ravaged by two long wars in quick succession, the hardy people of the Aspinan Republic rebuilt as they always did, with the leadership of wise King Benetram and General Synbios to guide them. The close friendship forged between Synbios and Medion allowed the Empire and Republic to enter a long and prosperous peace.
The mercy shown by the heroes at the battle of Storich may have influenced that a little as well. His life spared by the Shining Force, James Tolrooth's Second Imperial Engineering Corps faced disgrace for a short time under Emperor Domaric... but that swiftly changed once Medion took the throne. No longer in a state of war, the Engineering Corps was able to lend their considerable expertise in rebuilding the Empire, greatly accelerating the rate of reconstruction. They were so successful that Emperor Medion loaned them to the Republic for a time to help them repair their own war-damage, as a sign of goodwill. The engineers never forgot the mercy showed them, or their brush with history after the heroes' deeds became the stuff of legend.
With Galm destroyed, Julian and Jane continued to travel... but with a different aim in mind. They searched the globe for years before finally deciding on a place to settle down in. Where that is, is a closely guarded secret known only to the few close friends they allow to visit.
With Otrant slain and Isis mysteriously vanished the academy-city of Manarina had to rely on the strong leadership of its archmages... mainly the newly arrived Isyndel. Though it was somewhat disconcerting how familiar some of the city's occupants knew her from the magical monitoring during the war, Isyndel led the mage settlement into the new age with a firm hand and keen mind. She was aided in this prospect by her lover Damas and her battle comrade Merla. Though no longer able to work the magics they once wielded, the three still retained most of the knowledge they had garnered from the war... this made them excellent teachers when they were inclined to suffer students.
Contrary to what some believe, Felix's absence was noted and he was sorely missed. Even if the quiet halfling hadn't become a reassuring presence to some of his comrades, the loss of the mysterious crystal he wore proved almost disastrous. Only now learning of the cure to the Strife Lord's corruption, Mae awaited Felix's return anxiously, hoping to ask the halfling hero to restore her husband Ken to sanity, as well as what Shining Warriors were found corrupted and serving the enemy within the Citadel of Strife. When it became apparent he was nowhere to be found, Mae almost gave into despair completely. Only with the support of her friends did she make it through her ordeal. Eventually a potent magical workaround was discovered that cured the Shining Warriors of the touch of evil, but it came years after the war and after much suffering was had by those noble heroes. Anri persisted in efforts to find the halfling even after the cure was found, never forgetting his stalwart defense of her in the early days of the war. Her magics yielded nothing, though, and eventually even she gave up.
Though abandoned by the GDO and long thought to be haunted even still, the ruins of Megiddo attracted a small but constant stream of scholars, treasure hunters, and others. A small shrine manned by a genial half-giant near the entrance gave all who arrived a measure of comfort and wisdom as they went about the task at hand. In time, a small stream of pilgrims joined the others in coming to the place where Xadoss met his end and the mysterious warrior called Lisa gave her life. In the years to come, the shrine would grow to become a full fledged temple, guarding both the entrance to Megiddo and the first triumph against the Strife Lords.
Gilliam fell at the battle against Shailtor, his robotic shell never again moving from the spot where he met his end. However, in the time to come, a new figure emerged among those who studied the ancients and the ways of technology. Immensely knowledgeable about the world of the past, but cryptic as to how he gained that knowledge, this man wrote book after book detailing with amazing accuracy the world that had gone before. When not studying, teaching, or writing, he was often found at the temple of Mitula, deep in prayer.
The ninja Kyoji fought the foes of Light in the shadow all throughout the war. It is a sort of sad irony his death was much of the same, under the shadow of many other sacrifices that came before and after. Those few who remembered took comfort in the knowledge that he would not have cared so long as the job was done... and done it was.
The inhabitants of the Fairy Wood never forgot their saviors and remembered them yearly at a celebration that mimicked the original meeting of the Shining Forces there so long ago. Though they opted to remain hidden, they always made sure to welcome those who fought for good with open arms as another way to remember their benefactors... a fact that years later a long haired swordsman would find much relief in as his weary Force stopped to rest on their way to Creed's.
Though initially shrugged off, the merchant Cedric spoke to eventually heeded his warning after learning just who he had dealt with. Though not particularly kind, he became, at least, fair in his dealings. The bandit he released so long ago in Uranbatol was a different sort, immediately selling his weapons and opting to become a laborer, so unnerved was his by his brush with justice.
Its master long since disappeared, Maerglecrow mansion stood lonely for many a year, kept from disrepair only by the lone loyal butler that remained. Eventually the Crown of Destonia took possession of the building and converted it into a museum of sorts, dedicated to those who fought for Destonia against oppression from within and without.
Defended so well during the war against Destonian, Stamp village prospered as it always had, with only a few war dead to mourn. A statue carved of the finest wood was commissioned to commemorate the victory that had so completely saved the town, and those who took part in it. The elven brothers from there especially found that they'd gained a whole new level of fame in their hometown.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Sun Feb 20 2011 2:22pm
by Lord Oddeye sama
Morgan rotted, Leonard mourned.
The End.
And more...
~And so the tides of providence come crashing onto the shore of fate, carrying in their trail the legacy of times gone by.~
*SPLASH*
Carried by the ever rolling waves, the body of our fair-haired dashing hero washed ashore.
~An outcome has been reached. The last page is within grasp. The circle is complete. As the Old Destonian dialect users would say: "La boucle est bouclée".~
Enrick recovered consciousness when an especially thick formation of seaweeds whiped his face. He coughed out water and sweeped them aside groggily with his arm. He tried to open his eyes but salt water did them no good.
"...Unnn..... ngh...?"
He struggled into a kneeling position and rubbed them for a while, trying to gather his bearings.
~Heroes come and go, unsuspectingly roaming the vast expanse of infinity toward tomorrow.~
He was completely soaked but safe and sound, though all his equipment had mysteriously gone missing, leaving only his fancy outfit, magic and personality to fend for himself. The dandy's gaze surveyed the unfamiliar beach and its surroundings. This puzzling aftermath left him with mixed feelings of uncertainty, resignation, accomplishment, and freedom.
~This is one of many ends... One of many beginnings... To the book of existence.~
Shortly after, a little creature joined the shore from the moving waters, sneezing and coughing but otherwise living. The man turned his head and his expression brightened at this sight.
"Zack my friend!"
~Wheel of destiny spin spin spin. Tell us of the wonders that lie herein. Forevermore.~
"Let's find a place we can call home for the night. Preferably with a bite to eat."
*squeak*
"I know, right‽"
---
http://oddeye.alphaalec.com/RPGs/SFCW/2 ... _theme.mp3
This concludes the first act... and a half started at the hand of Viki.
Goodbye, Enrick! And may the gods of fortune spare your wild soul.
Until another adventure.
[Insert picture of Enrick walking away in the setting sun with a weasel familiar on his shoulder]
Fin ^_^

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Mon Feb 21 2011 2:18pm
by Kaihaku
Following the joyous celebration of the forces of good, the Doctor headed off to find his old and very wrinkled friend Sorel.
What happened once he found him? That's a story for another day.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 22 2011 9:05am
by Arcdragnbreth
"You okay, sir?" a man asked, the bone blades protruding from his forearms marking him as Nietzschean. His form-fitting uniform, sandy tan with deep brown borders on the collar and sleeves, was emblazoned on the back with a lion inside of a sun, its tail wrapped around the handle of a hammer; on each shoulder was a matching patch, a trident-like starship surrounded by a field of stars.
"Just thinking, Orric," a massive, bearded man replied with a heavy sigh, looking out of the window of the modified GDO transport ship Cedric's Fortune Cookie. Sitting heavily in one of the chairs of the mess hall, the imposing figure shook his head. "Sometimes, I wonder how everything is, back on my homeworld; sometimes I wonder if I really should have left. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm not punishing myself, diving into these hellish places and dragging all of you with me."
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" the man asked.
"Permission granted," the half-giant responded, with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.
"Sir, before you, we were just pirates and beggars; we were just waiting to die. That was hell, sir. I don't know whether or not they need you back there, or how easy it would be, but none of us would be here. That, in my mind, would be more of a punishment than anywhere we could be."
"Reminding me how you got to be my right hand?" he smiled.
"Reminding you why we would follow Gabriel Volcanson to the edges of infinity," the man responded, smiling in kind.
Gabriel assisted in the construction effort for some time, then chose to leave with and join the GDO. He earned a number of medals for bravery, and was made commander of the Lions of Mercy, a division tasked with creating necessary structures in dangerous areas and relocating evacuated civilians. All of the people he commands are hand-picked from the edges of galactic society, all outcasts from their own cultures intent on making a difference; each and every one of them has been saved by the primeval at least once, and all are more loyal to him than they would be to themselves.
~~~~~
"-nd that's all I know, for the time being," the woman said, shaking her head. She stared for a moment at the much shorter figure before her, then blushed briefly. "I'm sorry... I'm just not used to seeing a dwarf so... so smooth. I know it shouldn't surprise me anymore, but it does."
"He once told me, 'Kid, the best razor is beardlessness'," the monk responded, a staff in his lap. Looking intently at the woman's face, he smiled briefly, and added, "Three months along?"
"How...?"
"That isn't important," he replied, uncorking a bottle at his side. Sniffing it, he took a sip, then corked it once more. "What is important, though, is that you tell him. If need be, I can take up his mission once the child is born - tell him that. I may not use his methods, but I can and will achieve the same result. Give him my regards, Kysha."
"I know, Grandmaster," the red-haired female said, kissing the drunken monkey shen on the forehead. "I'm sure he'll want you to be the godfather."
"You know Graigus is fine," the martial artist fussed, giving her a hug. "But I would be honored."
Graigus traveled with Dam Dicem for some time after the war, helping where he could. A handful of years later he returned to the Stone Leaf Temple for Master Quialis' death and funeral, initially denying the position of leader and leaving it to Razahr. Graigus spent some years at home, then finally returned to take up the position all agreed he rightfully deserved. Once a year, he leaves the temple to visit his goddaughter, and search for a certain druid.
~~~~~
The heavy axe cleaved the air in front of the centaur, but the body that was once there had moved too fast to be caught. Roaring again, it again aimed to decapitate the moving figure in front of it, and again the fighter ducked impossibly low to avoid the strike.
Flipping backwards twice, the indigo-haired figure landed in a crouch then disappeared, less than a moment before his rock-hard fist connected with the exposed back of the multi-legged humanoid before him. Landing blow after blow in sensitive spots, the half-horse soon dropped to his hands and knees, clutching the dirt in agony.
"Who... who are you?" he gasped, slumping onto his side.
"Not someone you want as your enemy," the silver-tongued rogue warned, pulling free one of the sheathed daggers. "That dragonman you're thinking about attacking, when he passes through here tomorrow? Don't do it. I know where your family lives, you see - even your estranged brother in Destonia - and whatever you do to him will be done to each of them. If you speak of this to anyone, him included, you will disappear, like ash in the wind."
"I get it," the centaur said, receiving no reply aside from the sheathing of the blade. Seeming to stream from the man as he walked away, a layer of fog sprang from nowhere, masking even the sound of his steps. When it cleared, the rogue known as Dam Dicem was long gone, leaving his quarry with only bruises and sense of hovering dread to prove he hadn't dreamed the whole encounter.
Dam Dicem traveled with Graigus for some time after the war, grudgingly lending assistance and attempting to put away the darkness that had permeated much of his life. Returning with the monk to the temple when his master died, he stayed for some time and exorcized many, though not all of his demons. Though not at the level of the Stone Leaf Temple's master, his martial arts are rather impressive.
After leaving the temple, Dam finally met with his family, and has an unsteady relationship with his parents. His brother, also a skilled thief, works with him on a freelance basis, and the two get along very well. He found out that he also has a sister, a talented actress, but though they exchange occasional letters, they have only met face-to-face once.
Despite letting go of much of his anger and hatred, there was one matter he could not let go of. He continued to fight, joining with Kysha to destroy all traces of the Black Owl assassin's guild. So completely did he obliterate them, there is little to no no trace of the members having ever existed; even their bases cease to exist, expensive scrolls of earthen magic used to erase even the very foundations of the razed structures.
Once his daughter Sorella was born he settled down somewhat, though he founded the secret guild Deepest Root to keep him informed and allow his goals to be reached, even from afar. Today, being the most powerful of the Shining Heroes who sealed the darkness, he secretly protects his war companions from hidden threats. And, to keep the guild funded, he also engages in profitable and exhilarating treasure hunts.
~~~~~
Pantherath, son of Katt and Tiga, returned with the rest of the Rangers, receiving his decorations with a mixture of pride and impatience. Once the group that had been his family for so long was disbanded, he submitted resignation request after resignation request and was summarily denied twenty-nine times. However, after the thirtieth submission, he was honorably discharged.
What happened after that, however, is a tale for another time...

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Tue Feb 22 2011 9:33am
by Cyrus
It began months ago, the villagers had told anyone who would listen. The sub-humans who had infested the Katair mountains for decades had been ousted, everything from the lizardfolk barbarians to the feral halflings that lived closer to wolfs than people. The conqueror, as claimed by several witnesses, was a griffin whose coat and claws glinted like steel, and whose feathers shone like fire. He then drove the humans from the cliffs, and in the tongue of the angels, claimed the mountains as his own. The clergy were convinced the griffin was The Creator's anger at their cowardice, for they had not faced down the sub-humans themselves, and sought to placate His Hatred with prayer and offerings. Their failure convinced all others that the creature was cursed, and that those who tread upon the mountain would be the same. These facts were pondered by a tall, red-haired woman while she approached the summit, where the beast roosted. If she was wrong about the creature's identity, she would have little time to reflect on the mistake.
Her footfalls vanished in a rush of whipping winds, the fanfare of the mountain king. The sun rose over a crown of feathers, and the voice of Heaven rang out from the royal's beak. "Halt! This sky, and the rocks below it, are home to me and me alone! I will brooke no trespass through either." The command crashed over the maiden, and she walked toward the tyrant. Her eyes failed to waver when the beast shrieked again. "I hold no compunction about braking your body, be you woman or child! Leave!" At this, the woman stopped. She knelt down, and put her hands on her lap, and bowed her head to the living idol. When she spoke, it was in the tongue of The Light. "I'm sorry, Anthem. It was heartless when I abandoned you, and I have no excuse."
Anthem stood stock still, and watched the woman sit until his eyes became pins under a sharpened brow. "She is here, and She sends you. What can a village girl hope to accomplish, if She lacks the courage to face me? Begone, child, and tell your savior to seek an audience Herself." The woman's form refused to yield, and she spoke once more.
"You are Anthem, son of Splendor, Father of your clan who calls miracles of the Light, and endured with the half-giant Hrumbabi in poverty and asceticism. He is son of Corona, whose claws fought with a servant of Volcanon named Iadal, a bird man champion who broke the back of a devil army with a single arrow. They are both descendants of Eminence, the first of his kind to receive the Light's blessing...and ally of my father."
"Enough!" The shout split the air, and his claws split the earth when the king descended from his seat. "Your ruse has cost you more than your dignity. You will serve as a message to the wingless, one you should hope will be better than the one you brought to me. Do not bother crying. It would only shame you." A cruel talon rose to strike, stopped only by the force of the woman's words.
"I never gave much thought to Heaven. I believed Heaven was where the soul went to forget its life, before returning to the world renewed. What we saw was a place above earthly beauty, golden fields under endless skies that looked more painted than real. Yet even from the glass stairs that led to the stars, we saw it was empty. That even in that infinite expanse, there was no place for the soul of a person." Her face faltered at the memory, at old feelings torn anew. "I know that's wrong, I know there is some other reason...and yet I know what I saw. I had hoped, if I found you, perhaps you could show us our mistake...but if I am to be condemned, then I will soon have my answer."
The lord of the sky stared at the woman, still bowed before him. The creature lowered his head, his eyes leveled with her own. His breath rustled her hair. "You have changed a great deal. I doubt you could beat me as you are." The maiden refused to stir. "I will leave this mountain, and those who lie near it. You should tell them."
The woman's eyes rose to meet the griffin's. "Where will you go?" She felt the confusion in his furrowed brow. "My purpose is to serve You and Yours until the end of my days, or the end of theirs'. I refuse to lie that purpose die before I."
----------
Gail would have a long life ahead of her. She would learn to live with the absence of her heritage, through many newly-darkened nights and many winters whose cold could now reach her. She would find lasting happiness with Alastor, spending peaceful days with him and their seven children. She would give everything to help Sophie in her cause, even if she could only give the love of a sister. She would again confront suffering, but this time with her voice instead of a blade, and even though she found a sword's weight no longer suited her, she would practice for the day when it would find use. And even though she would never know either, her dreams often turned to a tall, golden eyed man, and to flying on fiery wings.

### Re: Shining Force: The Chaos War IV

Posted: Wed Feb 23 2011 1:34pm
by TheUnknownMarine
Ending III: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5ZjbW55 ... re=related
Having been corrupted once and directly responsible for the ruin of the kingdom, Queen Anri gave one last address of farewell to her people and begged their forgiveness before abdicating the throne. Most Guardianans were dismayed to see their beloved queen leave them, the blame having solely placed on the far more visible faces of their suffering, the Strife Lords. Despite the people's forgiveness, Anri went ahead with her plans. She left Mae and Lowe in charge, and the Runic Republic was swiftly reformed. Accompanied by the hero Max, the ex-queen left for parts unknown. Perhaps to rest for a while and live in peace, perhaps for a time before moving on, and perhaps for the rest of their days. Only their friends knew, and this time, they kept in contact with them.
The kingdom of Guardiana was no longer truly a kingdom, nor a queendom since its last ruler abdicated. Though it had capable regents in the members of the First Shining Force, and was aided by those of the Last Shining Force, a new national identity was sorely needed. Though it took painfully long, eventually a quasi-republic arose, with stations based on merit. Despite this upheaval and the devastation of the wars, Guardiana endured and prospered, recovering admirably just as it had so long ago when Runefaust invaded. The leadership of its heroes was credited for much of this.
Its' power increased by the exposure to the divine energies and soul-stuff released in the Creator's final confrontation, Gail's Armor of the Stars sought to continue the hunt after Erebeus. It waited patiently for months, but when it was clear that the last Strife Lord would not be returning, and clearer that Gail had no intent to pursue the monster, it sent her a vision. One night, Gail dreamt the spirits of the armor thanking her for her deeds and wishing her well... but telling her that their own fight wasn't finished until Erebeus lay slain, his threat to mortalkind extinguished. With one last round of goodbyes, the dream ended. When Gail awoke, she found her suit of armor vanished without a trace.
Sulia lived the rest of her life a humble priestess at the temple of Mitula. Forever split from the myriad paths her old life had taken her, she spent her days in prayer, meditation, and advising those younger than her using the vast experience she had built up. It was a simple life, and a happier one than she once had.
Despite the 'death' of the Light and the ensuing silence of the deity's direct voice, Clerics of the Light have lost none of their power, and spells to commune with angels and his higher agents work as normal. Though none deny that something happened the day the world was saved, some believe he is not yet fully gone and watches over everyone still to some extent. The details of this depend on which branch of the Church of Light you listen to.
The kingdom of Grans had been barely touched by the chaos and conflict all over the world, a fact its king found great relief in. Even moreso was the support of his old friend Dam Dicem, who had risen in status just as Ruburan, and just as he himself once had. Of most comfort to the king was a series of documents given to him by someone Dam had recommended highly as an advisor and source of information. He always made sure to follow the advice and suggestions contained with the texts, and found his kingdom swiftly growing as a result. Suppressing the knowledge that Granseal sealed away Arc Valley from the general public dramatically increased immigration while reducing the number of unsavory characters seeking entry into the place. Pulling back all the guards from the Shrine of the Jewels to the south gave him extra soldiers to help keep the city safe. Suppressing the knowledge about the shrine made sure no one would think to go there. These and many more suggestions guided the kingdom's growth. Sometimes though, Nosshu would think of the man that Dam told him to trust, the source of this advice. He would always wonder what became of Lew, who was never seen around the kingdom again...
Spared by the Chaos War, Grans would find itself the center of a far different war almost a century later. But that story has already been told... hasn't it?
The cycle finally shattered, the touch of evil finally rebuffed, the corruption conceived millions of years ago finally banished... So much ended on that day. So much was proven, so much was shown. Throughout the world's bloody history, so much was desired. From the machinations and calculations of Galm's quest to learn the desires of the Creator from Pyra's endless search for truth, so many answers were sought. Yet in the end, what lesson could be derived from all the chaos and despair? What was inherent in the cosmic tangle of time and space that tried so hard to resolve itself here?
These questions were once put before Pyra during one of her infrequent appearances in Guardiana. She smiled and turned, saying only a single, cryptic sentence.
"Fate is forever."
-------------
Credit Theme: Fate is Forever: http://www.alphaalec.com/tum/fate_is_forever.mp3
CREDITS
Cast
TheUnknownMarine as the DungeonMaster, Gilliam, Kyoji, Jim, Sheila, Daran, and Additional Characters.
Arcdragnbreth as Garoudaos, Ashathel, Gabriel, Dam, Graigus, Pantherath, and Stone Leaf Temple Cast.
Lord Oddeye as Enrick, Leonard, Morgan, and the Mansion Staff.
Alpha as Talacre, Laeralas, Septimus, and Tanis.
Crystalgate as Septimus (younger)
Angel Scare as Aurik (younger)
Kaihaku as Cedric, Felix, Alastor Coventry, Lilah, Astrid, Maria, Sophie Alfort, Rangers Second Squad, and Saraband Cast. Special appearance as Isaac, the dwarven blacksmith.
Rusty as Alexander, Prestle, Faralon, and Ombligo.
Jath Linoe as Jath.
Nightmare as Thavon, Laika, and Gorrik.
Critical Mass as Malsvirlexi, Thaske, Nail, Bagu Riverman, and Rhizor (younger).
Knight 019 as Rhizor, Ivellas, Kyuu, Aurik, Merkass, Mahler, and Dagron.
DarkFox as Kyuu (younger)
B as Gabriel (younger) and Liam
BLT as Caius.
Tarethan as Farain.
Wandering Dezorian as Solomon, Arbeiten, Brand, Johann, and Sha'asta.
Kyosokun as Marcus, and Ryhir.
Cyrus as Rue, Castor, Gail, and Okori.
Aldur as Sulia, Amelios, Michael, Kria, and Villeta.
Dark Maiden as Myala, Damas, Kethra, Kayla, Jessica, and Merla.
VoxPVoxD as Zook, Sorel, Telanna, Hal, Wraith Nortlinn, and Varro.
Damas Heretic as Damas (younger)
DragonmasterDon as Isyndel, Langston, Eve, and Viki.
Lord Zendor as Nortlinn (normal).
White Rose as Acacia
Century as Elias.
Gwydion as Amylrilanth? Amylr... whatever. That snake guy that kept starting fights.
GE Silver Dragon as Stoltz, Jokulligr, and Granit.
FreedomJu as Van, Melissa, and Taklinn.
Darkwolf as Kiterra.
Riegien as Bozak and Kanmeshi.
----------
Back at the feast...
"One thing bothers me..." Jim said, tapping his finger on his glass. He and Sheila were on the outskirts of the celebration, Jim in a somber mood despite his attempts at relaxing, and Sheila simply checking in on her C/O. Jim turned to Sheila. "Isyndel told me she wished for what Garoudaos suggested. That the Light and Dark be encased in mortal forms, not destroyed. If that's what happened, where are they?" Jim frowned. "Did it not work in that regard?"
Sheila shrugged.
"Well that crazy time distortion popped us out a few weeks ahead in time, maybe it popped them out somewhere or sometime else?" Sheila suggested. "Anyway as mortals they can't do much, so we shouldn't worry about it."
"I guess you're right. And maybe it's for the best. Gives them a shot at normalcy," Jim says with a shrug as he takes another drink. He lowers the glass with a sigh, looking out at the green fields surrounding the camp. "May things work out better for them wherever they are than they did here."
-----
The room was a little cramped, full of boxes, filing cabinets, and assorted storage units. Yin didn't bother turning the light on as he opened the door and entered. He took in the clutter with a sigh and made his way over to the lone desk in the middle of the mess, an island of tidiness in the sea of disorder. The black haired apprentice collapsed in the desk's chair with a sigh and put a hand over his face, groaning with weariness as his other hand fumbled for, then activated the light switch. The desk was clear of anything except a single picture, in a frame. It was that item that Yin picked up and stared at.
-----
It was raining that day. It was also very cold.
Those two things Yin always remembered vividly.
He and his brother were huddled against the side of a building, what little rags they could scavenge draped around them as they desperately tried to keep warm. The rain bit into patches of exposed skin like tiny teeth of ice, sending chills throughout their bodies. The two children looked no more than six. The impact of rain on stone, the sound of falling water masked the sound of approaching footsteps until he was upon them.
"Man," the stranger remarked, twirling an umbrella over his head with idle energy. Brown hair, blue longcoat, flashy smile. Young man. "Don't you two look happy as clams."
He and his brother shrank away, bracing his body for the inevitable kicks, stones, or blows that were sure to come. They always did. Being a streetchild was bad enough, but being marked by the supernatural gave the townsfolk all the incentive they needed to 'try to drive the witchspawn away'. Silver hair, golden eyes for one, black hair, red eyes for the other, making them stand out. If it was dark, his eyes glowed, his brothers shined comfortingly. Even if there weren't other things marking them apart, those alone would've been enough.There was nowhere to flee to for the brothers, the monsters prevented living in the wilderness, and they couldn't make it to another town. Beyond that, for two years, as long as they could remember, they'd lived here in the streets. So they stayed. And suffered.
It had been a while now, but still no blows came.
"Kids, what are you doing?" the stranger asked, puzzled. "I made a joke, I didn't draw a knife."
The brothers just stared at him. The stranger sighed.
"Look, I'm looking for a local Merchant Lord. Name of Huforl? Yeah I think it's a stupid name too. Know where his office is?" the stranger asked. The brothers slowly shook their heads. The stranger sighed again. "Well you're just real useful, aren't you? Fine, I'll find it myself."
The stranger turned to go, took a few steps, then stopped, sighed, and turned back to the brothers.
"Look, kids, you're going to end up real sick if you keep messing around in the rain like this, why don't you go to the local temple? They welcome urchins like you."
"Can't..." his brother muttered. He spoke next. "We're... marked. Unnatural."
He braced himself again for the blows, they'd surely come this time. Instead, the stranger was silent for a while.
"I see," he said. "Safe to say you don't have any parents?"
The brothers were silent. The stranger sighed again.
"Right..." the stranger said, looking down at the rain hitting the cobblestones. He was quiet for a long time. Finally, he looked up. "Hey. I've got a lot of stupid busywork and chores that I can't really be bothered with. If you feel like being apprenticed to a freewheeling jackass, I can see you're fed and clothed for a while."
The two brothers looked confused, they remained silent.
"My name's Derrik. Derrik... Swiftjoke. What are your names?"
"We don't..." he managed to say. "We don't have... names. Can't remember them, if we ever had them."
"Are you serious? You are. Well that won't do..." the stranger said with another resigned sigh. "What are you... half celestial and a half fiend? That's a pair, all right. I'll call you Yin, and you, Yang. Now, come along. We've got a lot of work to do, and not a lot of time to do it in... and I think you'll be wanting a meal before we start, eh? Maybe some clothes too, sheesh."
The savior of the children turned and walked away, the two brothers stared at him, then at each other, then scrambled out to follow him.
-----
"And now you're gone," Yin says quietly. He stared at the picture. It was a few years old, a slightly younger Derrik stood with himself and his brother Yang. They were in front of the Pao Caravan. Yang had always wanted to see the marvelous machine, and as a treat after finishing the basic training in the mercantile arts Derrik put them through, he relented and took them there. Yang also insisted on the picture. The Ancient technology Derrik had stockpiled fascinated him. Yang grimaced. Memories of Derrik were swiftly becoming bittersweet.
"Was it worth it?" Yin asked the picture. His face tightened. "Was it WORTH throwing everything away to see him dead? Was it WORTH getting killed like that? Was it worth ignoring everything you taught me about subtlety and never directly interfering? You didn't even manage to seal the deal, he got away and called down that stupid Black Tide of his!" Yin's arm rose, he tensed to throw the picture at the wall. His arm lowered. "I get it... I get you had to try and kill him. I get that you had to go after him for your family..." Yin slammed the picture down on the desk. "I just thought we were your family too, you stupid jerkass... You were stupid... You were SO stupid!"
Yin's throat tightened, he stopped for a moment. He picked up the picture again and looked at it.
"I didn't tell Yang anything," Yin said. "For his sake, you know. He thinks... thought so much of you. But I know."
Yin looked down. "It was you who leaked the location of the Link to the Strife Lords. You drew them here, hoping the heroes this places makes would destroy them. No matter the cost, you had to have revenge. And it almost worked." Yin slowly put the picture back down in its original place.
"You really WERE Jackass of the Realm."
Derrik's Theme (Instrumental): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYsdw4Vwx8
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Mapping and Battle Design: TheUnknownMarine
Game Design and NPC Design: TheUnknownMarine
Rules Adaptation: TheUnknownMarine, Knight_019
World Adaptation: TheUnknownMarine
Music Hosted by Shining Series Music Collection, Galbadia Hotel, Youtube, Arcdragnbreth, Kaihaku, Knight_019, Alpha, and Rusty.
Map Hosting: Shinola, Kaihaku, Knight_019, Arcdragnbreth, VoxPVoxD, Alpha, Rusty.
Ending Pictures: Alpha, and Ani (http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=551270)
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As the feast is winding down...
Daran stood with a faraway look in his eye. He'd eaten a little, then had shied away from the festivities, standing at the edge of the party and staring into the sky. He heard footsteps. Daran turned to see Anri quietly approaching, a worried look on her face.
"Are you going to be all right?" Anri asked the unassuming tinker. "They told me what happened... I know how hard it can be to see someone you care about torn away..."
Daran smiled softly, looking at the ground. "I guess you would. How bad was it, waiting for all those years?"
"It was bad," Anri softly said. "Sometimes almost too much. But I had friends to help me through it. You do too, you know. They're all here."
"I'm OK..."
"Are you sure you're all right?" Anri asked.
Daran looked up at her with a sad smile.
"I think so..." he said. "She's... gone from me. I know that. But I don't think she's gone, gone. I just..." his lips lifted in a sad smile. "I get the feeling she's OK, wherever she is now. Maybe one day... maybe one day we'll even meet again."
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The library was large and mostly empty. The sole occupant was a little girl with brown hair, clad in a simple purple and white dress. She pores over a book with zeal, not noticing you until you finally walk straight up to the table. She looks up with a start.
“Oh, hello!" she says, cheerfully. "I didn't see you there. I just finished this huge book called... the Chaos War..." She pauses, as if trying to remember something. Then she shakes her head, the memory not coming.
"Hey... Do you... Do you want to read a story with me? You do?" her face brightens. "Thanks! Not many others like to stay here and read all day..." Her face lifts again, as if a wonderful idea had struck her.
"Let's be friends! My name's Simone...”
For all those who traveled to Rune so long ago, and found friendly company therein...
This game was for you.