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Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Jan 04, 2007 12:07 pm
((Zook gained a level! yaaaaaaaay +10 HP, +13 skillpoints, +1 BAB, +1 REF, +1 WILL, Lead Collaboration[x9])) Zook gulps. "Well, uh... shall we be off, then?"

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jan 04, 2007 4:44 pm
((Aurik becomes level 13 (Clr 5/Combat Medic 5/RSoV 3)! HP increase by 8! BAB increases by 1! REF increases by 1! Heal increases by 1!
Knowledge Religion increases by 1!
Spellcraft increases by 1!
Spot increases by 1!
Aurik gains 1 2nd level spell!
Aurik gains 1 4th level spell!
Aurik gains 1 7th level spell!
Aurik gains the ability Aura of Warding!
))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Jan 04, 2007 5:37 pm
[Kethra is now level 13! * Max HP increases by 5. * Listen skill increases by 1. Spot and Tumble skills increase by 2. * Kethra gains ability Diamond Soul (Spell Resistance: 10 + Monk Level = 23).] Kethra breathes heavily, all of the fighting and the wounds she has suffered making her feel quite tired. Now was not the time to let such a thing get to her, however. They still had some work to do before the city would be safe. Kethra stands up strait and waits for orders.
Damas is also tired, due to all of the spells he has cast in such a short time. He glances at Isyndel for just a brief moment before he turns his attention to the elven scouts, and then finally to those in the front line.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:42 pm
Zook rubs at his temples, as if he was forgetting something. A light flips on behind his eyes and he stands bolt upright, triumphant, before slouching back into weariness. "Leviathan, form up, heal up, and get ready to move out on Cedric's word. Remember we're fighting undead, now." He sighs. "Then maybe we can take a break and count the fallen."

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Jan 05, 2007 5:37 am
Cedric nods grimly, "Let us wipe the blight of undeath from this forest...then...perhaps...we can rest." [Cedric leads the group after the undead... When they near the undead, he channels Divine Shield and Power Surge.]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:02 am
"Wyvern, reassemble. Dunno what you might have left, Sulia, but I know I saved some nice stuff for these losers. We've also got some wounds we need patched up." ((Dropping a bunch of stuff on people when we get close to the undead column. Ash: Blur, Cat's Grace, Fox's Cunning
Gabe: Shield
Van: Shield
If Van wants the Enarge Person, he can get it; if not, then it'll be cast on Gabe just before he goes primeval.))
<}---{Ashathel: AC 25}---{>
HP: 33/89
<] Spells [>
Lvl 0: Disrupt Undead [2]
Lvl 1: L. Orb of Cold, L. Orb of Sound [2]
Lvl 2: Baleful Transposition
Lvl 3: ----
<}---{Gabriel: AC 23}---{>
HP: 11/143
Rage: 1/2 per day
Primeval: 1/2 per day

Posted by: Rusty Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:22 am
*Faralon nods to Phoenix, and then to the group as a whole.* : "I still have the Staff of Healing that we obtained earlier. Aurik, since this is your field of expertise, I'll let you take care of that task again. Phoenix, the only orders I have for you right now is to catch your breath and relax as best you can before we have to press on. We just fought a lot of foes, and though we're not done yet, I think it would be best to take it easy if only for a minute or two. Oh, and actually, if you have any spells that can be cast prior to battle, do so as we're about to leave."
((What's everyone at, HP-wise?
Also, I have some protective spells left, like Displacement, as well as a Sonic Weapon or two if we need them. The other Sonic Weapon spell(s?) I cast should still be in effect as it's minute per level.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:52 pm
OOC: What does Enlarge Person do exactly? If someone casts a Haste, keep in mind I do have a Haste potion, so if that Haste is better off used on someone else, feel free and I'll use the potion. Van is at 43/96... and 600 EXP away from leveling.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Jan 05, 2007 4:04 pm
Isyndel caught the look from Damas and matched it briefly with an icy glare in return before quickly jerking her eyes in another direction as if he were nothing. She found solace on the ground nearby, pulling her knees against her chest as she caught her breath. Sleet came from the shadows, the coal coated feline's yellow eyes darting to and fro before brushing against the wizardess' legs with her tail high in the air. Isyndel reached and traced her fingers over her coat softly, both thankful and saddened that the other voice still did not deign to speak with her.
((Isyndel will cast the following before the battle.
Haste (12 Targets)
Mass Cat's Grace (12 Targets)
Protection From Evil
Protection From Evil
Mage Armor
Invisibility (If anybody wants it)
She's missing like 18 HP or something like that.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Jan 05, 2007 4:55 pm
((Gabe should be at full given that Aurik dropped a heal spell on him. Also, from when Aurik cast prayer it should last 3 minutes. It may remain in effect. 10 Charges of CSW: 3d8 + 15 = 3 + 3 + 8 + 15 = 29. Merkass 3d8 + 15 = 8 + 1 + 2 + 15 = 26. Merkass
3d8 + 15 = 1 + 8 + 6 + 15 = 30. Van
3d8 + 15 = 7 + 3 + 2 + 15 = 27. Merkass
3d8 + 15 = 7 + 4 + 4 + 15 = 30.
3d8 + 15 = 7 + 5 + 5 + 15 = 32.
3d8 + 15 = 3 + 6 + 5 + 15 = 29. Van
3d8 + 15 = 2 + 1 + 1 + 15 = 19. Isyndel
3d8 + 15 = 6 + 8 + 1 + 15 = 30.
3d8 + 15 = 8 + 7 + 4 + 15 = 34.))
*Merkass searches through the remains of his fallen adversary. The man reeks of evil to the core. His weapon and armor are both also tainted by its stench. His magic rings and cape are loosed from his body. The cape removed, the body seems more tangible, and Merkass became aware of why his attacks missed. Seeing nothing of particular interest on the Sin Master, Merkass takes his dagger, cuts a piece of cloth from his clothing to take with him, then gathers the Sin Master's belongings and reports them to Cedric. When they are ready to take off, Merkass leads out ahead of the group once more, tracking the final column down. Once Aurik casts his spell, Merkass asks Zook for a quick adjustment on his bow.*
((Listen: 1d20 + 21 + 3 = 4 + 24 = 28.
Spot: 1d20 + 18 + 3= 20 + 18 + 10 = 48.
Search: 1d20 + 19 + 3= 12 + 22 = 34.
Survival: 1d20 + 16 + 3 = 14 + 19 = 33.
Merkass asks Zook to take all of 5 seconds (if that) to increase the mighty bonus on his bow.))
*Aurik tends to the wounds of the wounded. Before arriving at the (hopefully) final battlefield, Aurik calls upon the strength of Volcanon to enhance his allies' abilities and the encompassing protection of his wings to stave off their enemies' attacks.*
((CSWs posted above.
Aurik casts Mass Bull's Strength
Aurik casts Divine Protection right before battle.
+4 STR, +1 to AC, +1 to saves.
If necessary, Aurik will recast Elation, granting another +2 STR (morale, not enhancement), +2 DEX, and +5' move speed.))
*Rhizor looks over the destruction of the enemy's forces with pleasure. Their fate was inevitable. The undead they would face would fall similarly. Without words, Rhizor assumes the form of a large, primitive looking bear. He growls, then walks around before they finally head off. Before reaching the scene, Rhizor casts a number of spells to enhance his battle prowess. His snout contorts into something more fearsome, and once Gabriel assumes his own animal form, both of the fearsome creatures grow in size.*
((Rhizor assumes Dire Bear form.
Rhizor casts Bite of the Werebear.
Rhizor casts Animal Growth on himself and Gabriel. Both occur right before the battle.
Rhizor casts Greater Magic Fang on himself and Gabriel.
Rhizor casts Nature's Favor on himself and Gabriel.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Jan 05, 2007 6:54 pm
[Kethra will take the 32, bringing her up to 85/91. Damas is at 59/64, so I'm not worried.] Damas catches the cold look from Isyndel, and he sighs. He does not dwell on it, though; there was still work to be done. [Greater Invisibility: Merkass, Kethra
I have three more 3rd level slots that I'm willing to use, and three more 4th level spell slots I'm willing to use. If anyone else wants a buff, tell me, ok?]

Posted by: FreedomJu Sat Jan 06, 2007 4:58 am
((Van will take a 30 HP charge, bringing him up to 73/96. As well as that Enlarge Person.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jan 06, 2007 6:35 am
The following should be correct, after all the above listed buffs and others that are supposed to be cast: <}---{Ashathel: AC 26}---{> HP: 120/120 Buffs: - Haste
- Cat's Grace
- Fox's Cunning
- Blur
- Bull's Strength
- Elation
- Prayer
- Sonic Weapon
<] Spells [>
Lvl 0: Disrupt Undead [2]
Lvl 1: L. Orb of Cold, L. Orb of Sound [2]
Lvl 2: Baleful Transposition
Lvl 3: ----
<}---{Gabriel: AC 31}---{>
HP: 251/251
Buffs:
- Haste
- Cat's Grace
- Bull's Strength
- Shield
- Elation
- Prayer
- Nature's Favor
- Greater Magic Fang
Rage: 1/2 per day
Primeval: 1/2 per day

Posted by: Rusty Sat Jan 06, 2007 6:37 am
((I have Displacement spells for people that want them - up to three of them. Casting Sonic Weapon on Ashathel's weapon (as noted above). Also, I have a couple of uses of Bardic Music left after all, so before we head to battle I'm going to use Harmony and start singing, the usual +4 to attack and damage, +3 to saves vs. fear and charm effects for all allies.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Jan 06, 2007 9:51 am
((When you're ready to roll, let me know.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Sat Jan 06, 2007 4:46 pm
((Van has currently... Shield Bull's Cunning Diving Protection Elation
Enlarge Person
Prayer
Haste (via spell or potion... either one)
Am I missing anything?
AC of 21... I think
My hit and damage rolls should look something like this now...
Hit=1d20+BAB+1(Enchantment)+8(STR)+1(Focus)+1(Prayer)+1(Haste)+1(Elation)+4(Bard)-1(Enlarge)
Damage=2d4+12(STR1.5)+1(Enchantment)+1(Elation)+4(Bard)
That look correct?))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jan 07, 2007 2:41 am

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Thu Jan 04, 2007 11:37 pm)
Cedric nods grimly, "Let us wipe the blight of undeath from this forest...then...perhaps...we can rest." [Cedric leads the group after the undead... When they near the undead, he channels Divine Shield and Power Surge.]

^^^^^^^
En route, Cedric also casts protection from evil.

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Jan 07, 2007 5:17 am
((You have thumbs up from Merkass, Aurik, and Rhizor.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:33 am
War never changes. The cries of the dying and wounded, the chaos and confusion of battle, the stench of the dead. To survive war, steel is needed, in the hand, in the mind, and of courage. One must be alert, quick, and decisive. Above all else, one must expect the unexpected. Adaptibility is key despite this being a sort of paradox because...
War... never... changes...
Shining Force: The Chaos War.
Cypress Campaign Gaiden Final Battle.
Cedric's group reaches the town, Cult advance force dead littering the streets alongside scattered elven warriors even as the few defenders that remain prepare for the final wave. A weary Kyoji, greets the paladin, the radiant Lillend and earthly druid at his sides.
"One more set to go," Ashathel said. "How are their defenses looking?"
"It's good to see you made it. Status?" Kyoji asks, holding his side. "Many of the defenders left to stave off a troop column that got too close. Of those that came back and those that remained, we have fifty veterans. The new soldiers... didn't last," Kyoji reports, sadly.
The elf nodded grimly. "And what of the undead column approaching? What do we know about them, besides their lack of natural life?"
"Only the undead column should remain." Cedric states wearily, glancing around at the defenders, "We should be able to handle it without the aid of the local defenders."
"Then what do you want them to do?"
"Enough of them have died this day..." Cedric states sadly, "I'm fairly confident that we can take on the foe without any deaths...in our ranks. I cannot say the same for them."
"I'm unsure of that. The enemy's elite looks to be fairly small, but they've great numbers of zombies and skeletons," Kyoji reports.
"Cedric, whether we need their help or not, they're going to be with us. You know they won't stand down until they're all gone."
The Lillend frowns, speaking in a singsong voice, "Sir Cedric, this warrior of the wilds is the head of defenses here, perhaps we should consult her."
"The horde approaches!" one of the scouts cries.
"There is no time for talk." Cedric mutters with a frown, "The local defenders will form up behind us, catching any foes that slip through and providing ranged support." He glances around, "Melee in the front supported by the clerics, casters and ranged in the back." He whispers a prayer of protection then moves after the scout.
The unsettling moans and cries of the damned fill the air as the elves scurry behind cover or on top of roofs, using their home to their advantage.
Kyoji sighs and gingerly touches his ring. "For what it's worth against those with no eyes..." Then he vanishes from sight.
Cedric closes his eyes and focuses his energy, an aura of strength surrounds him.
The dimly glowing pinpricks of light that are the first rank of undead's eyes pierce the shadows of the forest... Followed by an unsettling and all too familiar laugh.
"I would tell you to go to hell..." Cedric mutters bitterly, "...but they already threw you out of there."
"Well HELL-o to you too, Cedric," the voice echoes from nowhere. "That was bad, but I've spent too much time in the company of beings of questionable humor. But you shouldn't be so cross... I have a special treat for all of you!"
"You're finally going to stay dead?" Ashathel asked.
"Close, but no... You're finally going to stay dead! I worked very hard on this, you should be flattered I took so much time out of my schedule for just you insects!"
"I've something just for you... Tailored for each of you..."
The earth then begins to rumble and shake.
The Final Blow of Evil: http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Rusty/Granzon.mid
Fissures split open in the ground, causing some of the elves to plummet into them with screams. In other places, massive slabs of earth jut from the ground. Buildings are splintered and cleaved as the massive rock walls ascend like fangs of stone.
Faralon manages to leap to side as a fissure opens up beneath him, but he now finds himself seperated from his brother. Kyoji leaps as well, ending up near Faralon, but then one of the jutting rocks cuts the two off from each other.
A pit opens up beneath Cedric and the paladin falls, grabbing onto the ledge with his hands while in other places, shimmering walls of force spring up to cut Zook and the spellcasters off from each other.
"Damn you, this isn't the first time I've been cast into a pit..." Cedric spits out, struggling to pull himself up with hatred burning in his eyes.
Cedric can't seem to pull himself out. The nearest person is Gabriel, not yet cut off from the paladin. More rock walls are sprining up, accompanied by the walls of force...
Lilah takes flight, soaring into the air. Lilah is immediately accosted by the rotting carcasses of a pair of undead birdmen. Meanwhile, the wave of zombies and skeletons crash into the surviving elven forces that stand outside this chaotic battleground forming.
Gabriel, now in lionine form, extends a paw to help the paladin.
Lilah lashes out with the energy blade, singing out, "The archfiend did sent my fallen kind, can thou do no better?"
Cedric takes the paw with a wry grin. The lion easily plucks the paladin up from his predicament.
*Cautious about his surroundings, Faralon begins a tune to help counter the sudden horrible situation the force has found themselves in.*
Cedric scarcely has time to nod his thanks before the ground underneath them explodes in a shower of rubble as another wall rises in between the two, causing Cedric to roll to the ground in a heap...
((Each player character is now on there own. Cut of by a combination of magical walls, rock formations and fissures from the earthquake as well as the confusion of battle, you're by yourself as the battle rages around you...))
Cedric
As the Holy Knight manages to pull himself together, the tremors that had knocked him off his feet finally subsiding, he sees a figure out of the corner of his eye.
"Pick up your weapon, knight of the weak whore," the massive figure challenges. The knight is a full seven feet tall, clad in ash-black armor. A thin-slitted helmet offers a view of twin burning red pinpricks that serve as eyes. Huge gaunteleted hands clutch a giant blackened morningstar that might once have been beautiful, patches of silver shining out occasionally from it. The armor of the knight was once beautiful as well, delicates engravings and runes marking it in places, though much of it is scratched, marred, and melted. The warrior hefts his morningstar in his right hand even as a massive slab of iron... a tower shield without equal is raised to his left. "Come, warrior. Come... paladin," the word is spat with obvious distaste.
"We shall settle this dispute... With honor."
Cedric's Battle: Sir Perevis of the Black Star.
------------
Lilah
The twin birdmen twist and turn in the wind with unnatural grace for their rotting bodies even as they flank the winged celestial and prepare to attack. Bone peeks through molded and disease ridden flesh as blank eyes, the eyes no longer of a being but of a pure predator look over the flying morsel in front of them.
Lilah's Battle: Winged Terrors (x2)
-----------
Zook
"You would bring the tools of a dead world back to life..." a watery voice proclaims as Zook turns to see the soaked and machine-bespotted figure of Drowned Eye in front of him. The skeleton's fleshless grin can't help but send chills up the tinker's spine. "But... can you bring the world itself back? No... No one can. Then it is futile. Die."
The skeleton levels his chain gun.
Zook's battle: Drowned Eye Elite.
--------------
Faralon
"Mmmmmmm, this is the toy I'm to have?" a sultry female voice speaks beside Faralon as the unnaturally seductive form of a succubus materializes next to him. Leathery wings jut from the demon's back while horns stab forward from her skull. Crimson hair billows backward as slitted and predatory eyes look over the elf. Delicate hands toy with the coils of a flaming whip as the demon grins.
"I've heard that voice singing many a time in the heat of battle. That voice of yours calling out across the war torn land that will soon belong to the Demon Horde. Your voice too, shall soon belong to us. It's wasted on mortals... but soon you'll use it to sing my praises and that of my sisters... if I let them. My name is Ilraiel... and we're going to have a lot of fun."
Faralon's battle: Ilraiel (Succubus)
---------------
Castor
Castor finds himself hemmed in by a rock wall, a fissure, and a force wall against the rubble of a collapsed elven house. His trusty Atlas Axe at his side, the massive minotaur can't help but feel he should be doing more... more then he's ever done before.
These thoughts are interrupted as a decaying and bloody hand shoots up from the rubble of the house. More than that, the hand is also big... as big as Castor's hands are. Twin horns emerge from the pile of broken wood, followed by a decaying bovine muzzle and the beaten, battered body below...
Castor's battle: Pollux
--------------
"Are you looking for your husband?" A voice inquires of Sulia as the Favored Soul of the Light finds herself trapped on all sides by fissures, standing tall on a pillar of rock twenty by twenty feet around. A devilishly handsome male demon appears, barechest and holding a rapier in one hand, with which he playfully swings in the air. Bat-like wings beat smoothly to keep him aloft. He casually looks at his nails, then points the rapier at Sulia. "You won't find him, I'm afraid. He's quite dead. Slain in the service of our great lord, Shailtor. I understand if you're upset... he was..." the demon grins unwholesomely "Quite a handful. But come now..." the demon grins and chuckles as he says this. "Why are you wasting your time fighting? There are so many other... delicious ways to release pent up aggression... And besides, we have so much in common... Heh... Heheheh... More than you'd like to know... My name is Harrel. Yours is Sulia. Now that introductions are over..." the demon licks his lips. "Shall we... heh... get down to business?"
Sulia's battle: Harrel the Incubus.
---------------
Van
Van, forced away from the main group's struggles by the calvacade of spells finds his back to the doorway of the village's only tavern. The innkeeper opens the door a crack and shrieks fearfully, "Don't let them in!"
Then he slams the door shut even as a quartet of skeletons run towards the halberdier.
Van's battle: Skeleton Soldiers (x4)
-------------
Ashathel
The elven bladesinger finds himself alone for the first time in quite a while as towering walls of rock lock him in on every side. Then his keen elven eyes catch something... A flash of black leaping from wall to wall as it makes its way down. The figure ceases as it strikes the ground, light blue skin and hair and pointed ears marking him as a...
"Dark elf," the elf says, standing. "Or devil elf. Many other names besides. You've killed many of my brethren, Ashathel of the Burning Blade. Brethren that sung and supped and sat with me time and again. Is it for their sakes that I asked the lich for this task when the final column marched...
A long, curved blade flashes from one hand as a wide-hilted dagger is raised from the other. "I, Elemenst Urdos of the Shattered Moon clan challenge you, Ashathel Faesaen to a duel."
Ashathel's battle: Elemenst Urdos
------------
Merkass
Whirling magical energes closed in on the catfolk who'd always been so used to wide open spaces. Walls he could scale. Pits he could leap over. But this cascading and shimmering energy mocked his considerable skill as a scout and seemed to dare him to try and escape.
Then it hit his nostrils.
The stench of evil.
More than a stench, a smell so foul only the gods could possibly withstand it with any amount of stoicism. Merkass reeled at the reek suffusing his small personal arena as a fat, rotting hand broke through the surface of the earth and a bloated, rotting corpse pulled itself from a crude tunnel, eyes blazing. The sickly creature grins, exposing yellowed and cracked teeth set into a once feline jaw.
"Hey, kit. I've got a deal fer ya... If ye kin kill me, ye kin use mah tunnel to rejoin yer allies in the heat of battle... But the way I see it, it'll be acting as yer grave when I eat ya and crawl back in for some digestion time! Ha!"
The sickening ghoul lunges at Merkass, slavering jaws distended wide.
Merkass' battle: Plague Ghoul (Former Catfolk)
-------------
Isyndel
"Magic," a voice speaks tonelessly around Isyndel. Mist floats in the sky above her, mist sparkling with inner motes of light. "It is the magic you seek. The knowledge you crave, isn't it? Yet you continually dealwith the fleshly bumblings of these bags of meat that accompany you. You perpetually consort with these sacks of failure, these crude lumps of matter..."
The motes of light flash within the cloud. "Rather than give into the magic, you merely use it to aid the worthless specks you call your 'friends' and 'allies'. Such impurities have no place in the pure and sublime realm of the arcane. Thus you must be eliminated as a flawed outlet of magical energy. What a waste of intellect."
Isyndel's battle: Arcanehon
------------
Kethra
After a mad struggle to stay on her feet and not in a pit, Kethra finds herself at the edge of the fight, elves firing arrows into zombies, stabbing swords uselessly into skeletons. A jangling of bones alerts her as a group of the latter diverts to engage her, rusty swords and shields raised for combat!
Kethra's battle: Skeleton Soldiers x4
------------
Aurik
"Cleric of the fiery one, it is good to see another of your kind on the field of battle," a pale human in black plate armor cheerfully calls out to Aurik. The good-toned words are then called into question as the man readies a shield and flail, swinging the weapon casually as he walks closely. He grins evilly, fangs exposed. "It's been a while since I had the pleasure of killing one..."
Aurik's battle: Venethetrion the Unholy.
((Rest are pending. It's 5 AM and I have class. Sorry.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:48 am
"Oh, I accept... how could I turn down someone who gave me a name like 'Ashathel of the Burning Blade,' huh?" the bladesinger asked, mildly amused. "Yes, yes... I butchered Dark Elves like tomorrow, I'm a monster who slaughters and ambushes in the innocent, and... no, wait, that's you and yours. Not my fault they couldn't win even when they caught me off guard."
"They got what they deserved, and you'll get no less than an honorable skewering," the elf said, his tone deadly serious as he slipped into his battle stance. "I mean... I'm sorry for your loss."
"Now let's dance."
((On the defensive, waiting for his attacks before I attack.))
<}---{Ashathel: AC 33}---{>
HP: 120/120
Buffs:
- Haste
- Cat's Grace
- Fox's Cunning
- Blur
- Bull's Strength
- Elation
- Prayer
- Sonic Weapon
- Bardic Music

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:57 pm
Zook blinks, and his grip tightens on his rifle as he stares at the skeleton bearing down on him. "I..." he trails off, unsure of what to say, before becoming indignant. "That's not true! It's not futile! We'll..." Zook's voice cracks, "We'll get it right this time. We can learn from your mistakes. We can use the tools you left us. We-" he blinks and his tone becomes indignant again. "And another thing! You're one to talk about 'tools of a dead world'. Just what do you think you are! A soul pulled from the hereafter to fill out someone's army. Pfah!" The gnome frowns. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. What's your name?"
He tenses, studying the skeleton.
((Full Defense, raising my AC to I don't know. Only 3 of it is armor bonus, so the DE has to beat (I don't know - 3) to hit me. Which it could still probably do on a 2. Anyway.
Spot: 25
Kno[Ancients]: 39
Kno[Tech]: 42
Kno[Tactics]: 35
What's the best way to take this guy down? Full Defense is a standard action, Spot is a move action, and the Kno checks are all non-actions, so this should all fit.
Also if someone could tally all the buffs that are up on Zook that'd be great))

Posted by: FreedomJu Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:13 pm
((I need to know if the Haste on Van is the spell or potion so I can update my char sheet if needed. Also, does that Mass Cat's Grace also hit Van? Shield Bull's Strength Diving Protection Elation
Enlarge Person
Prayer
Haste
AC of 21... I think
Reach of 20', any AoO's?))
Van frowns at the situation he found himself in, but that frown was soon replaced by a determined look. He wouldn't let this village end up like his, he would kill every single enemy if he had to in order to prevent that. Tightening his grip on the guisarme, the village warrior readies himself for battle once more.
((I guess I'm going to just have Van stay put so he can get AoO's..... Dodge to the closest skeleton))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:22 pm
[Ok, here is the final list of buffs that Damas cast. Greater Invisibility: Merkass, Kethra Displacement: Damas, Faralon, and Isyndel (If she let him) And here is the list of buffs my characters have. Kethra
- Haste
- Cat's Grace
- Elation
- Prayer
- Greater Invisibility
Damas
- Elation
- Prayer
- Displacement]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:21 am
Rhizor The bat druid had found himself airborne when the ground came alive to attack his companions. No sooner than he beheld the spectacle of convulsing earth than did the heavens too, conspire to aid the foe. From nowhere, fierce winds surround the batfolk, making movement from the small 70' sphere of air he fluttered around in suicidal at worst, impossible at best. It is then that the chuckling starts.
The sound emanated at first from a cloud of green vapor, but the gas quickly solidifies into an elven male, pale and feral looking, clothed in rags and clutching a blackened, gnarled staff.
"You... druid? Unpure thing. Call yourself a friend of nature when you blind yourself to its only truth, the truth of the hunt!" the elf proclaims, baring fangs at Rhizor, each tooth filed to a sharp point. "But you'll see... You'll see... Even if it's only at the end when that last drop of crimson life flows from your veins..."
The elf begins grunting and roaring out what is barely recognizable as a chant.
Rhizor's battle: Borokuth the Blighter.
((Rest are coming tonight.))

Posted by: Aldur Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:38 am
Sulia visibly flinched from the words of the vile thing in front of her, and quickly shook her head, if she hated her enemy...they would be the victor no matter what happened. She smiled, yet there was no warmth in it, and inclined her head to the Incubus.
"Harrel is it? Well, I see you've met him, and announced his death, and yet show no remorse? Can you not see the folly of this path? Taking and taking from others...surely you realise you'll end up like those you...devoured?" She swallowed heavily, for even for one such as her, this was a hard thing to ask. Still, it had to be done before she would commence battle. "Will you not give thought on turning from this life? Come, let the light illuminate your path." Sulia slowly raised her mace, calling out to the light for aid, a gentle light emitting from her mace now.
((Weapon of the Diety: Sulia's mace temporarily gets +1 and the Holy enchantment.
Buffs:
Haste
Bull's Strength
Cat's Grace
Elation
Prayer
Divine Protection
AC is: 30))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:55 am
*Of all the stenches of evil he had ever smelled, one always came back to haunt him. None could be so evil as the twisted mockeries of life known as the undead. Ever since that day so many years ago where he had seen his young friends and clanmates felled by those shambling husks, he had sworn revenge. Merkass would send the undead to their eternal rest one by one if necessary. This one would be no different. It began there, it would end here.*
: I will give you eternal slumber, undead. I, Merkass, of the Pouncing Lion clan assure you this. However, I wish to know my adversary's name and clan, so I may talk of this in future days.
*In his invisible state, Merkass easily slips around the enclosure before firing a set of arrows into the bloated catfolk.*
((Manyshot with holy arrows. Rancor +2d6.
1d20 + 23 + 1 (haste) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (Elation) + 2 (Cat's Grace) + 1 (Prayer) + 4 (Bardic Music) - 6 (Manyshot) = 7 + 27 = 34.
Damage
1d8 + 1d6 (Exit Wound) + 1d6 (Nemesis) + 1d6 (Sonic Weapon) + 2d6 (Rancor) + 2d6 (Holy) + 5 + 4 (Bull's Strength) + 2 (Elation) + 10 (orb) + 1 (PBS) + 1 (FE: Evil) + 2 (FE: Undead) + 4 (Bardic Music) + 1 (Prayer) = 2 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 30 = 58.
1d8 + 7d6 + 30 = 6 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 4 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 30 = 64.
1d8 + 7d6 + 30 = 4 + 3 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 30 = 61.
Buffs:
- Haste
- Cat's Grace
- Divine Protection
- Bull's Strength
- Elation
- Improved Invisibility
- Prayer
- Sonic Weapon
- Bardic Music))
*Rhizor ponders when he drank the red bull to give his dire bear form wings.*
*The fissures begin to appear, and Aurik calls out to Volcanon to aid them one more time before he is separated from the others. Before long, his enemy is before him, and though he fears what may soon come to pass, Aurik steels himself.*
((Aurik casts Mass Align Weapon (Good) during the chaos before being shut off.
Aurik's action pending on a discussion with TUM.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:01 pm
Damas: All around the elven sorceror is the chaos of battle, he is hemmed in by it on all sides. Arrows fly overhead, screams of pain abound, it is chaos. His perception seems almost overloaded trying to keep track of his surroundings, they're a blur... and then...
Then he sees her again.
Beckoning across the field of battle.
Valkana.
Damas' Battle: Valkana.
-------
Laika
A savage howl rips across the battlefield as a dirty gray wolfman leaps from the ruined top of a building to touch down in front of Laika. The wolfman's eyes are blood red, froth and blood alike leaking from his slavering jaws. Fur matted with blood covers the body of this beastman. The creature gives a howl of delight as it charges at Laika, claws outstretched.
Laika's battle: MadWolf
--------
Gabriel
A brutish chuckle sounds over the din of battle as the ground shakes slightly... but it is not the effect of any earthquake.
"Turn around, lion of Volcanon!" booms a voice that could shatter boulders. "Hurry, turn and face me! It's been ages since I've hunted worthy prey..."
Behind Gabriel, clad in the skins and hides of dozens of monsters, is a huge humanoid, a giant pale as the snow, but with blood red eyes, and bloodied fangs. A club he hefts in both hands, less a crafted weapon than a tree trunk.
"Your strength and fierocity is reknowned among the Cult in Cypress. I'll want a demonstration! No matter who wins, this'll be fun..."
Gabriel's Battle: Ulku the Mighty.

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:47 pm
The battles had started to take thier toll on the poor Wolfman, if it wasn't for the spells of his allies, Laika doubted that he'd stand much of a chance against the rabbid MADWOLF. However, with his allies help, MADWOLF stood no chance. The Champion of Gwyhnarwyf stepped back to get more distance inbetween himself and MADWOLF , using the last of the abilities granted to him from lord VOLTRON... I mean... VOLCANON Laika's hands started glowing OMINOUSLY as they started to burn. Needless to say, MADWOLF wasn't making it out of this alive, at least as long as Laika had anything to do about it.
((Laika got as much distance between himself and MADWOLF as he could, and then cast Magic Weapon, Laika's gloves are now on fire, and will catch MADWOLF's axe on fiyah!))

Posted by: Aldur Wed Jan 10, 2007 3:32 am
"The Light illuminate my path? Are you seriously outreaching your hand to me... with goodwill?" Harrel asks, tilting his head. Sulia nodded seriously. "Indeed. Redemption is beyond no one." "No one's ever seriously done that before... Convince me then. I'm listening."
Sulia smiled at the Incubus. "Well, let me ask you this. Are you happy with your current diety? Does he satisfy all your needs? For a bargain price? We have a special on Reformed Magical Evil Beings, Get a free Wish for every year you devote to The Light!"
"Oh not allll my needs, honeybunch. That's right, I went there!"
"OH NO YOU DI-IDN'T! IMMA GET ALL GHETTO CYPRESS ON YO' ASS!"
((Sorry, I'll be serious now.))
Sulia cleared her throat, staring at the Incubus. "I can't say you'll get everything you ever wanted but, are you REALLY happy doing all this? Think of all the havoc and mayhem. All the killing. Does it content you?"
Harrel frowns. "What is life but havoc and mayhem? I can't say I enjoy slaughter... But how is what we do so different than what you humans do? You all grub and backstab for more... Why should I be different?"
"Indeed, many of my people do as you say, but why should you?" Sulia sighed, putting her mace back at it's strap by her side. She stepped forwards a little. "Harrel. Do me one favour...think back. And tell me, what to you, is the greatest accomplishment you've ever done?"
Harrel's brow furrows. "I've corrupted many souls. I've established a reputation among my kind... but not the highest." Harrel frowns. "Many souls have been swayed to the Demon Horde thanks to me. Our numbers have been supplied by a trickle of cultists I provide, but I've added many great warriors and wizardesses too. I've accomplished much, haven't I?"
Sulia nodded. "From your point of view I'm going to assume that's very well done. Enlighten me, What are the aims of your Demon Horde?"
"We will conquer the mortal world and finally be free of our imprisonment!" Harrel says, smiling. "We won't have to endure the black void of the Abyss any longer!"
"Did you ever wonder why you were in the abyss? In that darkness. Don't you see Harrel? You can make a difference now. You'll not have to return to that place if you mend your ways. The Light protects and cares for ALL living creatures, but if you act against it, it cannot aid you for your heart is shut off. For you to escape the abyss, you merely need to learn to love and care for others around you." Sulia shakes her head slowly. "Conquering and slaughter. Think. You'll take over this world. Then eventually someone will take you all over. And then them, and so forth."
Harrel looks at Sulia suspiciously. "But... How do I know that this isn't a trap? The things I did with your husband... You should hate me, I don't understand.
"Sulia stiffened at that remark. "Ah. Yes I will admit, my first instinct was to take my mace and attempt to beat you into a bloody pulp, for hate. For revenge. But...that isn't right. And it isn't fair. And as for this being a trap." She moved towards the Incubus closer, holding both hands up to show she was unarmed. "I will not resist. I'm sure if you win this battle you will be praised. And I shall go into the embrace of The Light. And it will have been worth it, if only to offer you the chance to redeem yourself. And Harrel? Please, even if you don't agree...remember my words in future days."
She stood simply, head raised. "I do not wish to die, but...this is a token of my good will. We must forgive. It is the best way to escape the darkness that lies in everyone's hearts."
Harrel stares at Sulia for a moment, then lands, taking step after step towards the woman and looking at her with his head tilted.
"You'd risk your life... to save mine?"
"Indeed. For though I could very well die here...you would continue along your path. And be trapped in the darkness. I blame you not for who you are, for I'll admit, many would have happily charged and attempted to kill you in the name of goodness. But...All deserve a chance for redemption, so I shall offer you one. Harrel. You think you are alone in the darkness of the Abyss, but darkness is everywhere, be it in the heart, or the mind. Let the goodness of all things, The Light illuminate your soul, and deliver you from your darkness."
"I've never seen such a thing... but how can I change now? So mired in the muck of evil?" Harrel asks, plaintively. "All I've known is evil... can.... Can you teach me then? If I agree?"
"I shall do my best Harrel, but you need to let me help you." She nodded to him, extending a hand, beckoning him forward. "Regardless, even if you only agree to stab me in the back later...I shall agree to teach you the wonders of The Light, and shall attempt to protect you from harm. Know this is not an easy path. You will be constantly faced with disbelievers. People who will not trust you. People who would run you out of towns. And yet...you must rise above that and forgive them. Like I...can manage to find a place in my heart to forgive you. So Harrel...please, try to open your heart."
Harrel blinks, then wraps Sulia in a hug. "I... I've never seen such mercy before... All it is in the Horde is pain and fear. Can mercy such as your truly exist?"
Sulia nods seriously, and embraces the Incubus in return. "Indeed. For The Light...and I desire that all can be united together through love and friendship. It is...why I fight. And my heart dies a little with every soul I have to send screaming to the other planes. Many refuse, and I'll admit few truly accept it, for it is not easy. But yes. This chance exists and is available to everyone. Harrel, will you walk with me in The Light?"
"Sulia... I'll walk. If wait you claim is true, I'll even continue on the path..." Harrel says, eyes tightly shut. "An escape from hate and pain..."
Sulia smiled. And sighed heavily. "Well, I am glad you have agreed." She let go of the Incubus and warmly clasped his shoulder. "Harrel. What do we do now? We can't just stay here away from everything." She took a deep breath. "My companions battle on as we speak. I wonder...do they face similar situations?"
Harrel reluctantly lets Sulia go, then looks out onto the battlefield. "Yes... The lich chose something he thought would be amusing, ironic, or devastating for each of you... The spells he put in place were designed to seperate you, but they have a contingency of sorts..."
"When Moritae has seen all the struggles resolved, either by victory or defeat, the magical walls will fall. Then it's only a matter of the ruptured earth and chaos of battle." Harrel looks at Sulia oddly. "Then he will allow the survivors to join the battle in earnest, for he believes he can defeat those that remain."
"That one again. I see...and so what of us?" Sulia frowned, pondering this, and looked at the incubus. "What will he do in this situation?"
"This encounter has been resolved... So I fear that he'll attempt to kill us both when the barriers drop and the others emerge..."
Sulia can't help but feel a tad heavy and drained as the battle rages on around them.
"Sulia... What will we do when the barriers drop?"
Sulia sighed. "I must attempt to stop the lich." She frowns again, thinking about something, beginning to pace around their magical cage so to speak. "Harrel. You may do what you wish. You may join me, or attempt to flee, I shall secure a route by sheilding you with my life if need be, or you can go back to your old ways. I will not force you to do anything. Your life is your our. Live it as you see fit..."
"I'll join you," Harrel says, stepping towards Sulia. "You said you'd teach me, you're not going to back out on that now are you?"
"Of course not." Sulia turned towards the wall, casting a spell. She frowned as nothing seemed to happen against the lich's magic. "It seems his magic is stronger than mine."
((Sulia just cast Zone of Truth at her feet incidentally.))
"The lich's magic is powerful," Harrel says with a sigh. "What now? What will we do while we wait?"
Sulia smiled. "I think it's time for...A SEXY PARTY!" ((<Ignore this.))
"Indeed." Sulia tapped at the wall of force, sighing irritably. " Well...come closer. Tell me more of you. If you are to become my travelling companion, I'll need to know more about you."
"All right, but to be fair, I think I'll start by telling you what I know of you," Harrel says, stepping towards Sulia until he's within arm's reach.
"I know your name and your personality, I know you were married to Amelios, but without passion. Not much really, but they figured I didn't need much for the mission..." Harrel tilts his head. "Why didn't you love him?"
Sulia smiled sadly. "He was a good and kind man before...things. But our marriage was one arranged by our families. We were younger then and much more passionate. He had a girl he loved and had to give her up for me. It wasn't fair on either of us but what could we do? Not too long after, I became a Spirit Hunter and he Became a church messenger, we didn't see each other much." Sulia sighed. "I am sorry to do this but...I must ask again. I'm sorry to be suspicious. But...you did mean what you said earlier? Stand before me, and look into my eyes Harrel. Show me the strength of your conviction."
Harrel gazes deeply into Sulia's eyes. "I meant what I said... But if what you said is true... How could you stand the loneliness?"
Sulia tilted her head, thinking about the question. "I became used to it. You must have noticed that I am not just an ordinary human. My hair is an indication of this. And I am very close to The Light. Closer than most clerics are...so people respected me but gave me a wide berth. It left little time for friends and I was always travelling. I became accustomed to roaming the lands, putting spirits to rest."
"Is that all you did?" Harrel asks. "It seems rather... empty. Wandering, I mean. Didn't you ever feel alone?"
"The Light is always with me. Everywhere I go Harrel. It is with all of us. We just have to notice it. And I did swear that I'd never allow my family to control me in such a way. So I became a traveller. And I wasn't always alone. I had companions from time to time. And then I eventually ran into this group. It might have sounded empty but I was happy..."
"Happy by yourself? Didn't you have anyone in all that time? You're very desireable, surely you attracted at least one soul that you could feel for in return."
Sulia laughed, genuinely amused, her eyes twinkling in delight. "I'm rather old fashioned. I was married. I could not lie with another..."
"Well, all right, but even without that part. Even I know it's more than the physical."
"It would not have worked. I was still married. And though I met I few I felt I could spend my life with...I wanted them to be the other half of my soul as it were. I couldn't completely give myself if I was still married. And it wouldn't be fair to recieve someone else's heart when I couldn't completely give my own." She sighed wistfully, turning from the Incubus, looking on at the battlefield again, eyes distant. "I could not have imposed so much on one when I could not return the gesture."
Harrel nods, then quietly embraces Sulia again. "This is the least I can do after what you've done for me," he says softly.
Sulia frowned, and gingerly embraced the Incubus. "Harrel? I know not how your kind interact but...being this open with a lady is not...what I'm used to."
"What's wrong with an embrace? I haven't done anything further. I'd have no objections if you wanted to, of course, but this is all I know... This is all I know how to ease sorrow with," Harrel says softly.
Sulia finds the embrace oddly comfortable, warm and welcoming. She then smiles and clears her throat, still somewhat uneasy. "Well yes...I must admit it's quite nice but...err, maybe not at this particular moment? It's a little innapropriate?"
"Because of the battle?" Harrel asks. "People constantly embrace in times of danger, it's to provide support."
"Urm...well for comfort and closure one would imagine. But, We should focus on trying to get out of here and maybe surprising the lich."
Harrel doesn't break the embrace, but his brow furrows. "I have teleportation abilities... but I can't bring anyone along. You said your magic wasn't any good against the wall."
"I wonder if we could break it? Let me try..." Sulia smiles, feeling oddly warm and fuzzy and then looks back over her shoulder at the wall. "And maybe a different spell..."
"What spells do you have that might work?" Harrel asks, turning his head, then looking surprised as he realizes he's still hugging her. "Ah... Do you want me to stop?"
"It would indeed be easier to cast Harrel." Sulia frowned. "Well...my spells are geared towards healing and fighting spirits but I have a few others than could work."
Harrel grins absently and squeezes Sulia one more time before releasing her. "That wasn't exactly a yes."
"Try your magic then, if we're to get the drop on the lich."
Sulia shakes her head ruefully at Harrel and turns her attention to the wall of force she happened to be in. She raised her arms and invoked her dispelling art.
The wall shimmers, then fades away. Behind it is a small clearing... With more walls seperating the others.
Harrel looks at the scene and frowns. "We can attempt to aid your allies here... Or... Since we're out of our 'cell' so to speak, I could try and fly you to the main battle. The villagers probably need help... Ah... Help me here, Sulia. Which is the good thing to do, help your friends or the villagers?"
"I mean, I suppose it's more selfless to help the villagers, but then again, since your friends are your friends..." Harrel says, rubbing his chin. "But then again, they might be able to handle themselves where the militia can't?"
"Indeed this is a problem...Can we get to Moritae? If we can perhaps surprise him now we can free everyone at once...and if the army is mostly undead, without their leader they'll be less of a threat." Sulia sighed heavily at this.
Harrel's eyes widen in surprise. "You can't honestly think to take on Moritae by yourself, do you?"
Sulia smiled. "You are correct in assuming that the difference in power between us is great...but The Light aids me. Futhermore, The main battle is between an army and a militia. I am but one person. As are you...We would not..." She clenched her fist in frustration. "We would get overwhelmed without the aid of my friends. And yet, it would take too long to free them all at once, and I can't cast forever. The riskiest course is the best here..."
"Your courage... impresses me... But the lich is not here. He cast his spell and left as was his plan. He intends to return if and only if enough people make it out of the tests. But he is watching."
"Do you know where he is?" Sulia looked ahead at the nearest wall, seeing who fought next to her. (Spot: 13. -_-)
Through the hazy wall, Sulia can only tell that a warrior fights there, one with weapon and not spell or claw.
"If he is not watching this place from afar, he'd been invisible and flying from the very back of his army I'd think."
"Invisibility hides no one from my sight...Ah, I know not what to do. And every moment is precious. Still...Harrel! We shall attempt entry into this next caged battle. After that...I do not know, but we two cannot make a difference alone. I am no leader...this is beyond me." Sulia moves towards the next wall, and attempts to take it down.
Harrel assumes the shape of an elf. "Eh... Forgive me, but in the heat of battle, I'd prefer not to be mistaken by one of your comrades as an enemy."
"Very well..." Sulia moves forwards with her new companion, into battle to aid her friend.
"And Sulia..." Harrel says, looking into her eyes again. "Be careful."
Sulia smiles brightly despite the situation. "May the light guide you Harrel."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:03 am
"Specialist Friedrich Marcom... At your service..." the skeleton says, opening fire. The first burst of gunfire strikes Zook in the chest, then the gun gives an odd whine and part of the mechanism comes apart, corroded with rust. "Accursed thing!" Freidrich snarls as he drops the weapon.
"Ah!" Zook grimaces as he begins picking bullets out of his chest. "So, eh..." the gnome trails off, not really wanting to attack. "What were you a specialist in?"
"Infiltration and sabotage," Friedrich says turning to Zook. "Defend yourself or I will destroy you." A thin beam of light fires from a lens attached to the Drowned Eye's skull.
Zook makes a pained expression. "Why did it have to be lasers..." he mutters to himself as he reaches for the wand Faralon gave him. "You sure there's no other way to settle this? I bake a mean scone." He raises his arm, wand in hand, and a burst of electricity fires from the tip.
The skeleton smoothly rolls out of the way. "You'll have to do a tad better than that," the undead says as the laser light lances out once more. The beam burns into Zook's thigh, but he's suffered worse.
"You know," Zook says as he nurses the burn on his leg. "None of the Guardian Eye were this obstinate. They all wanted freedom." He drops the wand, kicks his rifle into his hands and loads it all in one smooth motion. "Did you work under Sanford?" he asks as he fires a single shot.
"Maybe I want freedom too!" the skeleton roars as he detaches a grenade from his belt and throws it at Zook. "How do YOU know of Sanford?" The grenade rolls toward Zook, then hits a rock and begins to roll back towards Friedrich. The skeleton easily avoids it, the blast sending up a great cloud of dirt and rubble.
"Guess there's no training around bad luck..." Zook says under his breath as he raises his rifle again. "Sanford, Steven. Nicknamed 'The Silence'. Specialist long-range sniper. Has a beauty of a UV laser rifle." Zook pauses. "Had. Then there was the Storm. Big guy, courteous to the last, even while he was trying to kill us. We freed him too. The Salamander. He didn't take well to the undead thing. Absolutely mad. You thought he took crazy risks before! You should have seen some of the stunts he tried to pull off." Zook shakes his head. "Sound too, though I wasn't there for that one." He fires twice. "Freed them, Friedrich. Going to free the rest. The Shade, the Swarm. Even General Fasher. And I can free you too."
The lack of flesh and features denies Zook the opportunity to discern what emotions might be going through the skeleton's mind. Chunks of bone fly from him as the shots land. Eventually he roars and shakes his head from side to side.
"No, no, no, NO! Free me then, if you can!" the undead roars, several of the devices on him flaring to life. "Don't underestimate the Guardian Eye!" A blue glow ensconces the skeleton before erupting into a massive beam slicing through the air towards Zook. He manages to dodge to the side, the beam blasting apart a small hole in one of the rock formations surrounding him.
"The last thing I would do is underestimate the Guardian Eye. They beat the Dragon, for heavens' sake! That's why they deserve better than the Strife Lords have given them. The Castle was an undignified end for the greatest soldiers your people ever produced. So was being pulled out from death to serve evil. Way I see it," Zook says, emptying his rifle, "we're righting two wrongs at once. Beating back the Strife Lords, and letting soldiers die the way they were meant to."
Friedrich stumbles back, then roars as he throws another grenade. "Then kill me, damn it! Hurry! Before I kill you!" Zook again manages to dodge the explosive.
"I'm trying!" the tinker yells as he reloads. "I can only shoot so fast!"
The undead only gives a scream of rage as he fires his laser once more. "You... You can never equal what we did! It's gone! Gone forever! And this is what we paid for? The world's still using swords and sorcery a thousand years after the war had ended!!!" Another thin laser beam slices through Zook.
Zook cries out in pain as the beam cuts into him. "No!" he yells, raising his rifle. "We will make it whole again! How many centuries did it take for your people to create what you did? How many did your destruction set us back! NO! The answer is time!" The gnome fires twice. "Time is what we need to make things right. Time and will."
The bullets strike two of the cybernetics attached to the skeleton. The machines explode into sparks and the skeleton shakes and spasms for a moment before shakily drawing a hand axe from his belt and charging. Zook easily ducks under the weak and fatigued swing.
"And how much time before the next cataclysm..." Friedrich murmurs.
"And how long until our descendants rebuild from the wreckage," Zook says, backing up and levelling his gun. "It is the way of things. If suceeding dooms us to failure, we must still succeed. We must still create, even if our creations destroy us. We can't not try." He fires.
The undead dodges the bullet. "Then you've got your mission cut out for you," Friedrich says as he throws the axe with devastating accuracy, the weapon embedding itself into Zook's shoulder.
The crunch of bone can be heard as the axe strikes and blood begins to leak from the wound. Zook struggles to raise his arm through the pain, but he manages it, firing twice. "W-wouldn't have it any other way..." he says shakily.
The first shot strikes true and pierces through the metal implat dominating one side of the soldier's skull. The smashed remains of his jawbones mouth one word before the entire amalgam of bones collapses.
"About time..."
Zook looks down at the remains, his expression solemn though his eyes are still creased in pain. "I did a good thing..." he mutters. "I did a good thing."
((Zook took 80 damage total. Zook gained 4000 XP, 200 rounds of minigun ammo and some spare parts))

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jan 11, 2007 12:52 am
"I don't have a clan anymore, but ye kin call me Gorgot," the ghoul says with a toothed grin. The ghoul leaps into the air, avoiding the arrows and landing on top of Merkass... However, the agile catfolk manages to roll mostly out of the way, only being scratched by a single claw. The ghoul however, seems to have snapped a limb in the fall, and is busy putting it back on. Though the wound is shallow, Merkass feels the cut burning oddly, he feels sick and sluggish, though not by much
((10 damage, -2 Dex.))
Merkass fires a barrage into the rotting catfolk. The arrows tear off ribbons of flesh from the monster, who groans and rolls in place. "Ooooooow, that really hurts, ya jackass... I'm ginna gnaw extra slow on yer bones fer that!"
*Merkass drops his bow back down to his side for the moment, readying himself for the coming assault.* "The only gnawing you will be doing is upon the earth once you are laid to rest once more. Why do you press this fight?"
"BECAUSE I WANT TO EAT YOUR EYES!" the ghoul howls, managed to pull himself up to his feet after reattaching his arm.
"Gorgot, our people are more proud than this wretched existence you now have. How can you let them control you?" *Merkass shakes his head and points his bow once more. He fires another set of arrows, but on the last the bow slips from his hand. He looks down at the ground in shock.*
Gorgot leaps at Merkass, looking to latch on. However, without any ability to actually find the Merkass past his general location, the claws and teeth miss completely.
*Merkass picks up his bow while simultaneously drawing another arrow. He draws and fires one more time at the ghoul.* "You should stop while you're behind." *The arrow rips through Golgot's left arm at the shoulder, and it drops off.*
"GAAAARGH! I'LL TEAR YOURS OFF TO REPLACE IT!!!"
With incredible ferocity, Gorgot lashes out with his remaining claw and malformed jaws. Merkass' invisibility enables him to dodge two blows that would've dug into his chest otherwise.
Unrelenting, Merkass fires another set of arrows. The next arrow takes off his other arm and his screaming degenerates into mindless raving. However, he drops his bow again, your hands shaking from the disease, your vision begining to cloud.
The ghoul charges, snapping at the air mere inches in front of Merkass' face.
*Merkass picks up his bow once more shaking is head. This should be going better.* "Gorgot, why do you serve them? They force you to live like this." *Merkass raises the bow and prepares to finish this, but he wants answers.*
"Food!!! FOOOOOOD!!!!" the ghoul raves, launching himself at Merkass again.
*Merkass shakes his head and fires into Gorgot's*
The arrow cuts through the chest of the ghoul, and with one final scream of rage, the undead leaps and latches its fangs onto Merkass' neck. Blood spurts out, but the bite is weak, not piercing very far. However, Merkass feels his disease worsening even as the undead's jaws go slack and the body falls, the unholy light dimming from its eyes.
((14 HP and 4 CON damage. Merkass now has Ghoulish Necrosis. Merkass gains 4000 XP. Merkass passes the secondary save for Ghoulish Rot, but will take another 5 CON damage in 2 minutes.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Fri Jan 12, 2007 12:59 am
((Van's battle music. http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Lance/62%20-%20Redrum%203.0%20(Choir).mp3)) Van swings his guisarme at his opponent's legs in a wide arc, causing two of the undead to stumble and fall even as the villager’s follow up attacks strike them. The rest reach him and the warrior dodges one sword strike and grimaces with pain as the last hits him.
The tripped skeletons try to get back up, only to be tripped once again, and receiving more damage for their efforts from Van’s follow up strikes.
The standing skeletons raise their arms and slash at Van, opening what some would call shallow gashes on his arm.
Van’s focused attack upon one of the prone skeletons smashes its bones into small pieces while the warrior allows the momentum of his last strike carry his weapon into the side of the other prone undead warrior.
When the skeleton goes to get up, Van’s attempt to trip it once more goes wide and in unison all three undead warriors attack, but only one hits. With all of them inside the effective range of his weapon, Van swiftly ducks, weaves, and rolls away from the skeletons, leaving them no chance to take advantage of his movement, before turning back and tripping the skeleton that had just gotten up once more. The follow up attack deals a powerful blow, but fails to destroy the evil thing.
The skeletons that are still standing charge Van, but he manages to halt the charge of one with one of his customary tripping attacks. The other however leaves a nasty injury on the warrior’s torso.
Determination turning Van’s face into a grim mask, the village warrior lashes out with another salvo of attacks, once more aimed at a tripped foe. The first blow is more than enough to dismantle the undead thing, and the warrior swiftly pummels the other prone skeleton with a trio of attacks.
The standing skeleton once more lashes out with an attack that pierces Van’s flesh, sending waves of pain through his body. The prone skeleton, apparently having learned from its mistakes, crawled closer and attacked from its prone position, but the blow is poorly aimed and leaves it wide open, an opening so glaringly large that not even Van could miss it. The blow strikes true, and the unholy energy moving the bones vanishes.
With the last skeleton inside the effective range of his guisarme, Van backs up a couple of steps until his back impacts the tavern door, causing his face to grow only more determined. The guisarme strikes out four times, tripping the skeleton and battering it severely. The thing still moves however and crawls just inside Van’s weapon range before attacking, but like the other skeleton that tried attacking while prone, it misses with its attacks.
With his main weapon useless in this situation, Van hastily drops it and draws his sword, leaving himself open to yet another attack from the unholy thing before him. By now the combined injuries had started to take their toll on Van, but he still musters a powerful strike against the skeleton.
The skeleton, being as unflinching as undead ever are, lands a single blow upon Van. In desperation Van lashes out with a flurry of attacks that are among the most skill he has ever done and utterly demolishes the skeleton, apparently drawing upon some level of skill learned from his sparring with Ash, despite the repeated losses. When it was all said and done, the warrior was left gasping for breath and leaning against the tavern door as his shaky hands sheath the sword. He pauses before picking his guisarme long enough to drink his last healing potion, healing a few of his wounds.
((Van is at 25 HP after drinking his last potion, a CMW one. He gains 4000 XP. Van is now level 13!
Name: Van Akei
Race: Human
Class: Fighter
Alignment: Neutral Good
EXP: 81400
Level 13
HP: 106
AC: 19
INIT: 4
FORT: 10
REF: 6
WILL: 5
Base Attack Bonus: +13/8/3
== Abilities ==
STR: 18 (+4) (With gauntlets, 20 (+5))
DEX: 14 (+2)
CON: 15 (+2)
INT: 11(+0)
WIS: 10 (+0)
CHA: 9 (-1)
== Skills ==
Jump (9)
Craft (8)
Intimidate (9)
Tumble (8)
Spot (3)
Listen (3)
== Feats ==
Dodge
Power Attack
Cleave
Mobility
Spring Attack
Combat Expertise
Combat Reflexes
Improved Trip
Distracting Attack (Circumstance bonus)
Deft Opportunist
Hold the Line (You may make an attack of opportunity against a charging opponent who enters an area you threaten. Your attack of opportunity happens immediately before the charge attack is resolved.)
Heroic Destiny (Once per day, before you make an attack roll, ability check, skill check, saving throw, or caster level check, you may roll 1d6 and add it as a bonus to the roll, check, or save.)
Weapon Focus (Guisarme)
== Languages ==
(O) Common
(0) Giant
== Weapons ==
Sweeping Guisarme +1 made out of Flametouched Iron
Weapon is Good Aligned
+4 to hit for Trip attempts
Ghost Touch +3 Longsword
== Armor ==
+3 Chain Shirt
Ring of Protection +1
== Inventory ==
Lamp
Tent
Waterskin
Backpack
2879 GP
Haste potion
Protection from Arrows potion
Gauntlets of Ogre Strength (+2 to STR)
))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:12 am
Cedric As the Holy Knight manages to pull himself together, the tremors that had knocked him off his feet finally subsiding, he sees a figure out of the corner of his eye. "Pick up your weapon, knight of the weak whore," the massive figure challenges. The knight is a full seven feet tall, clad in ash-black armor. A thin-slitted helmet offers a view of twin burning red pinpricks that serve as eyes. Huge gauntleted hands clutch a giant blackened morningstar that might once have been beautiful, patches of silver shining out occasionally from it. The armor of the knight was once beautiful as well, delicates engravings and runes marking it in places, though much of it is scratched, marred, and melted. The warrior hefts his morningstar in his right hand even as a massive slab of iron... a tower shield without equal is raised to his left. "Come, warrior. Come... paladin," the word is spat with obvious distaste.
"We shall settle this dispute... With honor."
Cedric's Battle: Sir Perevis of the Black Star.
Sir Cedric Theodoric of the hammer stands to his feet, taking his weapon in hand and meeting the stare of the fallen warrior before him undaunted. A dark sneer appearing on his face, his eyes smoldering with contempt and hatred, "What foe stands before me that can match the blows of the Lord of the Twisted Web and the Lord of the Burning Might?" His gauntleted fists tighten, his muscles bracing for the assault to come, "The fallen remains of a greater man, I think…" He whispers a prayer and wisps of life force drain from him surging around his weapon.
"You'll know much of fallen remains in a moment, whelp. Now steel yourself, I come," Sir Perevis says, hefting his mace and charging. The massive knight charges and slams his huge morningstar into Cedric's chest.
The Paladin is pushed back a few steps by the force of the blow, though his smile only hardens as he replies, "You will receive only one reprieve, throw down your weapon and beseech all that is holy for mercy…" As he speaks, Cedric is surrounded by an aura of radiance, his eyes unwavering, "This is the last hope for redemption that you will be given."
"Clinging to your ideals to the last, I see. The teachings of that woman won't save you. They didn't save me," the fallen knight says, lashing out with a devastating series of attacks. The sheer power behind the attacks makes them somewhat easy to dodge, Cedric avoiding two, but taking another hit with the last.
"Perhaps…" Cedric states coldly as he replies blow for blow, "I'm not as feeble as you." His first blow is shining brilliantly with sacred energy, landing with a blast of crackling lightning and thunder. His next is weaker, glancing off the befouled armor with a thunderclap. This third strikes true and mightily, resounding upon the armored mass of the former devotee of Mitula. "Times such as these are not meant for true followers of the Goddess." His voice carries a strange authority, his eyes filled with condemnation, "The gentle natures of those who heal and mend must secret itself away against the dark influences of those who would destroy them." Smoldering hatred burns in his eyes and yet there remains a hint of compassion, "I mourn your fate, brother, you lacked the strength to preserve and now must perish." He lashes out mightily, his first blow landing with the force of a lightning bolt, "I will make the sacrifice to defend sheep like you." His visage shines brilliant, "Neither sheep nor shepherd, I am the hunter and those who perverted you are my prey." His first blow is quickly followed by two more, each matching the one before it in strength.
The blows dent the knight's armor and force him back until he stumbles and falls to one knee. "Are you a paladin or a preacher?" Sir Perevis growls. "Your very sight fills me with loathing... You think your goddess cares a whit about you? She's just using you like she uses everyone. Her worshippers give her strength. It's nothing good, just another exchange like a merchant... She really IS a whore!" Fell power crackles around Sir Perevis and black energy flows over him, sealing the wounds he had just suffered. "And you're just another servant to her... Sheep? You call me SHEEP? Blindly follow your goddess into oblivion then! I'll be laughing in hell right with you!"
Cedric hears this declaration with a scowl, his eyes filled with anger and sorrow, "There really is nothing left of you but foul rotting remains and putrid lies. You, a traitor to creation itself, dared to speak of honor." He takes a step back himself, his eyes narrowly as he renews his strength and whispers a prayer of protection over himself, "Save your feeble corruption for another, more pathetic, being than myself. I have faced the Lord of the Twisted Web; your twisted words are the devices of a child."
Sir Perevis utters words in a corrupt tongue and an unholy aura surrounds him. "Oh? I speak lies? I'm a traitor to creation? How amusing! Pray tell, noble sir knight, how I betray creation," Sir Perevis challenges.
"Another cumbersome attempt to ensnare me or the sorrowful pleading of a lost soul?" Cedric replies curtly, holding his hammer before him defensively, "You stand with those who slay, maim, and pervert all of existence. Yet, you ask how you betray creation?"
"Pfah. The Strife Lords are just more would be gods. In the end, they'll fall just as the gods will. Judging me by my temporary allies? How typical," Sir Perevis says, standing his ground. "What do you know of the gods save for the lies they screech at chapel? What do you know of the heavens and hells save what glimpses you see on this mudded mortal realm? You can't possibly know the truth of things..."
His eyes narrowing, Cedric glares at the knight before him, his voice low and dark, "Heaven I may not know and I care not whether I ever see it, but I have seen hell." His eyes burn with hatred, his hands tightening around his weapon as he takes a step forward.
"I've lived it," Sir Perevis says, stepping up and lashing his morningstar at Cedric. The Paladin is unable to dodge the first, vicious blow. His chest feels tight as the morningstar dents his breastplate. However, the Holy Knight manages to use the haft of his hammer to parry the following two blows, the Death Knight's burning visage inches from his own as they struggle. "The deity you claim to worship is just like the rest of them. She cares for her power and nothing more. These... things that lord it over the mass of humanity. They're nothing more than leeches nursing on the blood of mortal consciousness."
"…and living in hell gives you the right to spread it?" Cedric grunts out in reply, his eyes burning as he sneers maliciously, "How typical." The Paladin twists his weapon about and lashes out skillfully, guarding himself while striking his opponent. His first blow is a glancing one, his second lands mightily, while his third misses its mark completely. "Right now, do you really think I give a damn if she's a false whore or a sacred mother?" The Paladin spits out, "She isn't the one slaughtering babes and raising the corpses of their kin as undead." His eyes burn, "It was not her who slaughtered my mother before my very eyes, you twisted wreck of a man, you claim to know honor but there is no honor in 'temporary service' nor in serving those who know no honor."
"Ohohohoho! Who says I serve anyone?" Sir Perevis laughs even as the blow falls and he winces slightly. "The intricacies of temple policy that drain gold from buying bread to feed the hungry and into church coffers is just as bad as what the dark gods do... At least they are open about it. I exist to cast them all down." Another two blows clang mightly off Cedric's armor as the Death Knight presses the attack. The third blow lands periously close to his neck, but instead smashes into Cedric's shoulder.
"What a hypocrite you are…" Cedric mutters with weary contempt, his eyes burning with hatred, "You dare to raise those who butcher the hungry to the level of those who refuse to feed them." Breathing heavily, he lashes out again, his blows missing wildly, "If you really were independent, you which feed on whichever side were the strongest, weakening both enemies until you could destroy them." He glares at the man with contempt, "You are a pathetic being, a slave who believes he is free…" He chuckles, "Even if you strike me down, I'll die a servant while you live a slave."
"What is a servant but a slave stupid enough to labor willingly?" Sir Perevis growls, his morningstar battering against Cedric's defenses and finding no hold.
Cedric lashes out again, landing a single blow against the thick armor of the warrior before him, "A servant receives their pay." He breaths heavily, "A servant has rights…" He smiles, "A servant has a choice." He looks at the warrior, "I suppose you were asked if you wanted to fight me? How kind of the Lich to offer this challenge to you."
Sir Perevis doesn't reply, landing a single blow once more.
Cedric coughs up blood, his grip on his hammer weakening. His eyes are alight with unyielding resolve even as his body begins to yields and he wavers as if he were about to fall. Cedric feels iron will steel his failing muscles and sight, a holy glow suffusing his form.
Cedric's Special: The Hammer That Smites Evil
TheUnknownMarine: When reduced to below 0 HP, Cedric is immediately stabilized at 0, and may make one last full attack before falling under. This attack deals double damage, and gains a bonus to hit equal to Cedric's CHA score.
Filled with sudden strength, the Paladin lashes out mightily, his hammer infused with sacred light.
Cedriç's final blow manages to fell Sir Perevis, who groans and falls to his knees, black mist pouring from the cracks in his armor and creases. "Damn... At least destroy the evil gods then... If you insist on blindingly following your own deity..." Perevis hisses before the light of his eyes fades and he moves no more.
The voice of a friend echoed in the mind of the Paladin, If the creator is evil, then we'll have to destroy it too...
"I'll start with them..." Cedric states coldly, then he trembles and falls to the ground unconcious.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Jan 14, 2007 7:55 am
The dark elf charges at the bladesinger, leaping into the air to perform a downward slash. However, Ashathel parries the blade, bringing his own up to meet the attack. "Come now... is that how you're going to avenge your fallen brothers?" the elf asked, parrying the strike. "A little tip... you want to hit at some point."
And with that he lashed out four times, the first two cutting through flesh while the second pair missed the target by inches. ((61 and 54 damage.))
"Gargh! Your technique is, as expected, impressive. But you'll have to do better than that to stop me!" the warrior says as he erupts into a flurry of bladestrikes. However, two missed the mark by a hair due to the magical effects which blurred his form, and the final was extremely far off to the side, allowing a counterattack which just barely missed.
Ashathel executes a dazzling array of sword strikes that nearly slice apart his foe. The dark elf collapses, blood spraying from four very deep cuts, a look of bafflement on his face. ((49, 62, 52, and 65 damage.))
"But... I was... the best..." he mutters, then coughs up blood and falls.
"You were... and I wasn't such an asshole," the elf said, shaking his head. Searching the body for useful items, he asked himself aloud, "Jeez... did I really just mock a dying man from start to finish?"
((VICTORY! 3000 XP!
Ash finds the following items:
(O) 100 platinum pieces (1,000 gp total)
(O) +5 Amulet of Natural Armor
(O) +5 Longsword
(O) +4 Studded Leather of Light Fortification
(O) +2 Ring of Protection
(O) Ring of Spell Storing (5 levels)
(O) Figurine of Wondrous Power: Red Drake))
<}---{Ashathel: AC 35}---{>
HP: 111/120
Buffs:
- Haste
- Cat's Grace
- Fox's Cunning
- Blur
- Bull's Strength
- Elation
- Divine Shield
- Prayer
- Sonic Weapon
- Bardic Music
==========================================================
Eyes locked on the supposed hunter, the leonine barbarian growled under his breath, the air buzzing with his displeasure. Then, with a roar that shook the loosened earth, the lion bounded towards his foe.
Massive paws tore through the air, shredding flesh and raking across the giant's defenses as teeth clamped down on the air.
"Gaaaargh! Fine then! I'll tear you apart with my bare hands!" the giant roars. Two massive fists hammer away at Gabriel, striking the giant twice each.
The transformed giant continued his rampage, laying into the giant with teeth and claws. This time, he succeeded in clamping down on he creature's shoulder, holding him securely.
"Heh... pretty good..." the foe mutters, huge bloodless cuts all over his body. "But... I'll have one last go before I... go."
The giant lashes out with his mighty fists, cracking bone with titantic blows. Gabriel, not to be outdone, held fast with his teeth, raking and clawing until the creature was no more.
With a final earsplitting roar, the giant falls. His body swiftly begins dissipating into foul, green gas, which rises up, emitting a chuckling sound. Finally the giant's voice emanates from the cloud.
"Well done, Gabriel... You're worthy of my time to hunt. We'll meet again... and again and again until your blood runs through my veins!"
Then the cloud moves upward and away, vanishing from sight. Still growling at his wounds and the strange weakness in his muscles, the half-giant picked up the greatclub between his teeth and looked for a way out.
((VICTORY! 4500 XP!
Gabe finds a +4 vampiric huge greatclub!
Gabe gains 4 negative levels.))
<}---{Gabriel: AC 31}---{>
HP: 153/231 (max 251; 4 negative levels)
Buffs:
- Haste
- Cat's Grace
- Bull's Strength
- Shield
- Divine Shield
- Elation
- Prayer
- Nature's Favor
- Greater Magic Fang

Posted by: Sighrus Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:11 am
Castor only gives a hard glare to the animated corpse of his friend, merely watching as the mockery of life pulls itself from the wreckage of what was once a home to the elves they had been attempting to save. The glare persist even after the thing rises, steady, unflinching, the minotaur making no move against the creature. Suddenly, a twitch tugs at the corners of his mouth, bringing it to a twisted smirk before a chuckle begins to shake, growing soon to a full-blown laugh at the sight before him. When this passes, he looks again to the zombie, hatred in his eyes as he raises his axe. "You're not Pollux," he says simply, charging forward to slam the flaming Atlas into the foul creation's body.
Pollux stumbles back from the force of the blow, but stands tall, simply giving a hungry bellow and attempting to grab at Castor. He leaps at his former friend, attempting to put the minotaur in a hold, but fails.
Castor drives the weapon into the corpse's flesh as it grapples him, tearing off another large chunk from it's putrid form, then tossing him off as his claws attempt to wrap around him. The mercenary scoffs as he throws off the undead, scowling at it. "Pathetic. If he knew you wore his face, he'd be ashamed." Castor's strikes carry much less weight than before, however, as he lashes out at the beast.
Pollux roars again and gores Castor while clawing at his wrists. The two minotaurs struggle, but in the end Castor is grappled, with several gouges on his arms to show for his effort.
The mencenary growls as the beast cuts into him before breaking free with a prodigous effort, a glare at the creature his only retort.
Pollux madly grabs at his former friend once more, leaving behind wounds, but unable to get him in another hold.
Castor, holding a viscious scowl towards the undead in front of him, silently tears into the body of his dead friend once again.
Pollux groans and falls still as the Atlas axe cuts him in half.
Castor merely stares at the split corpse, the anger dying from his eyes with each labored breath, a great shuddering sigh slumping his shoulders as if a weight had been placed upon his shoulders. He moves to the abomination that had been made of his friend, an animated rotting doll of the thing Pollux had become. He did not deserve this mockery, to be returned to this plane, trapped in a hideous semblence of life. If he simply left the body like this, another could raise him again, perhaps even more monstrous than it was now. There was only one way to clease its corupted presence from this place, to assue his soul was never raised for such a fell purpose again.
The warrior looked to the artifact in his hand, watched the flames slither over the blade before suddenly running the corpse through, the flames washing over the putrefied body. Soon, a thin trail of smoke was coiling its way into the air above, carrying with it the scent of burning flesh. The minotaur stood stoically by, observing the way the fire consumed, spread along the skin and ate all underneath. Hate returned to his eyes as he watched the pyre, a low growl rumbling from him as he took a vow against this gruesome scene. "I'll kill him. That who would enslave you so callously, bring you from your release to animate this thing...I will kill him. He will know the cold grasp of death, feel the dark swirl around him as his fell life drains from his body, and he will scream as I send him to the hell he belongs. I will kill him. Or I will die in the attempt."
It was a time before the body had turned to ash and dust, to which the minotaur simply let the axe dop, its magic-fueled fire dying the moment his grip left the hilt. He regarded the remains one last time, for a moment thinking of how he would look upon his death. Then, seeing little point in speculating what was destined to come, he made his way to a wall and sat, awaiting his release.
[Castor has gained 4000 XP. 86/155 HP.]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:49 am
"Magic," a voice speaks tonelessly around Isyndel. Mist floats in the sky above her, mist sparkling with inner motes of light. "It is the magic you seek. The knowledge you crave, isn't it? Yet you continually dealwith the fleshly bumblings of these bags of meat that accompany you. You perpetually consort with these sacks of failure, these crude lumps of matter..."
The motes of light flash within the cloud. "Rather than give into the magic, you merely use it to aid the worthless specks you call your 'friends' and 'allies'. Such impurities have no place in the pure and sublime realm of the arcane. Thus you must be eliminated as a flawed outlet of magical energy. What a waste of intellect."
Isyndel Rhoe'wyn stood erect at the sudden change in surrounding, flicking her azure eyes from side to side frantically for a moment before her composure returned. Surprises were still surprises naturally, but the unexpected was becoming sort of a recurring theme with things about her she reminded herself. As a voice spoke and a form flickered it's existence about her, the Wizardess dug her fingernails deeply into the skin of her palms, her wrists bent slightly as she craned her neck upward to survey it while it spoke. She paused after its words ceased, reaffirming what she beheld once more in solid belief that she was not mistaken, and opened her body ever-so-slightly to the magic flowing within her in preparation once deciding on the creature's form. Then she brought her hand passively to her lip and grinned shortly. "The unfortunate thing is that I am having trouble disagreeing with you," Isyndel replied snidely. "The lot of them are for the better part useless."
"Then why do you still cling to them?" the creature asks. "Just leave them. This world is nothing worth fighting for when compared to the mysteries that magic offers."
Isyndel pondered the question once more and rather passively at that, taking several silent seconds as if to give the question more serious thought than she intended. Turning about on her heels once more, she replied simply. "Why, indeed? I seem to be a bundle of inconsistency and ill-will to all, do I not? The answer is simple. So simple, in fact, that even our party's songstress could answer the question and yet none of them could so simply grasp the reasons why."
"Oh? And what reason might that be? Are you amused by their capering?"
It took most of her will to stifle the giggle she dismissed quickly by covering her lips with the edges of her fingers. "But of course. It seems simple, no? And to the uninitiated perhaps it is, but as you well know there is more to magic to that, more to the schools of the arcane and to even Damas' incessant need to fling energy about irresponsibly," Isyndel stated simply, pausing once more to collect her thoughts. She paced slightly once more. "Magic influences everything, from the smallest iota of existence to the very largest. While allowing it to take over me as you suggest would grant a new insight into the matter, it would be meaningless to me. What fascinates me so about the arcane is not simply it's existence but its application and the reaction of the uses by those of this world. Perhaps someday, when I pass on I will give myself to it," she mused.
"I see. Then there is nothing more to discuss. You must pay for your association with such inferior beings," the Arcanehon states flatly, magic shimmering around it.
"And you," she spoke firmly, narrowing her eyes and lowering her head as she wheeled to face the conglomeration before her, "will see that I am more than a flawed outlet regardless of the outcome. Should evil take the world, I will have no place for my study after all."
A prismatic spray of light bursts from the cloud, but is swiftly dissipated.
"Clever..." the cloud murmurs. ((Isyndel had previously readied Greater Dispel Magic))
"You are quite the incarnation of magical energy after all," Isyndel spat, withdrawing her wand. She could not be more direct this time in showing her intent and probing the creature's defenses; with rapid and seemingly erratic motions of her arms the woman created a flame resembling a dragon, sending it scorching from the tip of her wand toward the mist.
The cloud emits a shrill, psychic scream as the flames burn part of it away.
"You... You dare.... Inferior being!!!!" it roars.
A ray of pure icy cold shoots towards Isyndel.
Isyndel howled and immediately brought the force of her shield to bear, the abrupt change of the flow of mana in her body causing her to gasp for breath as she did so. For the briefest moment she applauded herself at the success of the opening seconds despite the near fall, having discerned parts of its potential. She scoured quickly for methods to overcome it, well aware of the weakness her mortality brought her, but found little solace in all of her knowledge thus far. "It is meaningless for you as well, you know...for one who antagonizes me with such ease," she spoke through gritted teeth, digging her heels into the ground.
"What do you speak of? The lich has paid me in many secrets of the arcane for this service."
"Yet what will it change?" Isyndel questioned. "My life bears little to no importance as a flawed magical outlet, does it not? If I fall, it will bear almost nothing in how easily my comrades defeat him or how easily he defeats my comrades."
"Truth, but what do I care? All I need do is defeat you and leave, or to force your surrender."
"My surrender," she repeated. "So that I may become one of his employed in some fashion, I assume."
"That is probable. I care not."
"I should not be surprised," she replied, summoning magic forth from her wand once again. "You are expendable after all," she spat.
The cloud shimmers and begins to lose much of its glow. "Im... Impossible... I can't be defeated by a mage who clings to the material so!" the cloud hisses. "Die! Die now!"
A shimmering beam of orange strikes at Isyndel, melting into acid on her shield.
Isyndel bit at her lip, bringing the mana toward the shield once more, fully aware that she was close to fully tapping all her resources for the day. Still, she pressed on. "Perhaps I should accept it as a compliment in some way; after all I am apparently feared enough to have you sent personally to deal with me." Her voice trailed off as she lowered the wand about her once more.
The cloud forms a hole which the spell passes through.
"If only you had the pleasure of catching me earlier today," the wizardess replies, the hum of her shield absorbing the blow and remaining intact. "Then I would not have to disappoint you with a weaker variant..." Levelling the wand once again, she invoked the Bolt spell, level one.
The cloud whirls around, evading some of the lightning, but not all. Its once dazzling shine replaced by a low luster. The Arcanehon howls as Isyndel manages to avoid the brunt of the magical flames it calls down on her.
Able to glide freely with minimal damage in her dodge, she scrambled to raise the wand once more, hoping for her final strike. Quickly she began the incantation for her oft-used cold magic, summoning the power of Freeze 3 to bear.
The now dim cloud whirls around like a tornado in a desperate attempt to evade the cold that permeated the area. However it was no use, chunks of the being were drawn into corporeality and then frozen and shattered. "How... I... underestimated... you?" Then the cloud bursts apart into a million minute shards.
She sunk to her knees in fatigue and frustration. "Pawns always do, unfortunately," she breathed.
Gain 4000 XP. Isyndel learned her special!
Isyndel feels some of the magical energy from the dead being flow into her and bolster her own waning energy.
Isyndel has gained "Mana Pool."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jan 27, 2007 1:27 am
http://www.geocities.com/celeste_delacroix/so2devil.mid Kethra finds herself at the edge of the battle after a mad struggle to avoid falling into a pit. She does not have much time to take in her surroundings as the jangling of bones alerts her to the presence of skeletons. The Monk spins around in time to see four of them divert to engage her. Kethra smiles wryly.
{I'll give it my all!}
She falls back into a defensive stance, and just as she does so, the skeletons charge! The half-elf gracefully dodges each sword swing, and she strikes back at one of the skeletons. Two punches manage to connect, sending the undead reeling as electricity arcs off its bones.
The skeletons strike once more, and the agile half-elf dodges every attack but one. One of them manages to hit her with its sword, leaving a nasty wound at her side, causing Kethra to wince. One of the other skeletons stumbles and leaves itself open to attack, an occurrence the Kethra takes full advantage of. She punches it in the sternum, and follows up with a karate chop to its spine, severing its head and putting an end to its life once again. Kethra then spins around to kick another skeleton, and she punches it afterwards.
Kethra is once again able to dodge most of the attacks from the skeletons...except one. Its sword opens up a wound at her side, and another skeleton leaves itself open to attack. She swings at it, her fist hitting the side of its skull. Moments afterwards, she slams her fists into it four times, damaging its body to the point where it ceases moving.
The two remaining skeletons swiftly flank Kethra and attack in unison. Their swords open up two new wounds on her body. Kethra strikes back quickly, slamming her fist into one skeleton twice.
The skeletons attack one more, but neither manage to hit her, and one of them leaves itself open to attack. Kethra kicks it in the side, and then follows up with two punches. The impact of her strong blows smash its ribs and sends it reeling, but it is still able to stand.
Kethra manages to avoid both attacks, and she staggers, but does not fall.
"I'm...not...done," she says as she strikes again.
Kethra manages to take the skeleton down, but the other one attacks, and hits her. She grunts in pain, but she still manages to remain standing despite the wounds she has recieved. Eager to end this quickly, the half-elf Monk attacks. All of her attacks hit, and she nearly pounds the skeleton into dust.
It still has some life left, and manages to score a minor blow. It is enough, however, and Kethra is too badly wounded to stay up any longer. She falls down finally; there is a slight thump when her body hits the ground. Even though she is probably looks dead, she still lives...
((Kethra stabilizes at -5))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jan 31, 2007 5:28 am
*The air is tainted. The stench of the foul blighter is caustic to Rhizor's extra-sensitive nostrils. Rhizor shakes his head and clears his vision. Though winds buffeted around him, he was still on the ground. However, his enemy was not, and he would have to remedy that problem.
Rhizor lets out a feral roar, and soon after the buffeting winds seem much closer to Borokuth.*
((Rhizor casts downdraft. Reflex save passed.))
The blighter easy avoids the winds, sneering at Rhizor. "Is that the best you can do, batling?" the foe says, even as he drops to within 10' of the ground. He flies up another 30 feet before begining a new spell.
"Let's see if your gusts of wind can match a firestorm! Burn to ashes!" Sheets of roaring flame surround and converge on Rhizor.
((Reflex save passed. Rhizor takes 21 fire damage.))
"So... You're fast... but speed won't save you..." the blighter murmurs.
*This simply wouldn't do. The blighter would have to come back to the ground, lest this battle drag on for too long. Rhizor rushes forward, actually passing the blighter. He then pulls back up onto his hind legs, leaps and turns in the air, and lashes out an enormous paw at his foe.*
((Move, Jump, Claw, Grapple. Borokuth takes 40 damage.))
"Gargh... Is this truly all you're capable of you overgrown circus freak?" the blighter snarls as a dark aura envelops him. "I'll suck the life from your bones!" Rhizor feels a wave of weakness come over him, but is able to remain in the fight. The aura remains flickering about the evil spell caster.
((Fort save passed. Rhizor takes 46 damage. Borokuth is healed 46.))
*Rhizor shakes his head, then snorts quite forcefully into Borokuth's face, spraying him with liquids. Without any warning, Rhizor releases Borokuth from his grasp, and then proceeds to tear into him quite forcefully.*
((Claw/Bite/Claw/Grapple - Upgraded crit, miss, hit. 155, 50. Borokuth is regrappled.))
"You're nothing but a beast..." the wounded Borokuth snarls as blood gushes from his many wounds. "I won't be defeated by an animal..."
Once again another wave of weakness washes over the animalistic druid, and once again Rhizor finds the will to fight.
((Rhizor takes 43 damage. Borokuth is healed 43.))
"Thanatos heed my call! Grant me thy aid!" the blighter calls out as Rhizor feels the foe's flesh begin to squirm and write under his grasp. Borokuth's flesh splits open and begins to bulge, new muscles multiplying and bursting from his thin film of skin. With a terrible scream, Borokuth bursts from his former flesh, a mass of bloody muscle and bone, now thrice his size.
*Rhizor quirks his head. What [i]is this Borokuth? This would have to end soon. Rhizor releases his grasp from this new, monstrous creature. With no further delay, he once again tears into his enemy.*[/i]
((Claw Claw Bite. Claws hit, Rhizor rolls the palindrome 4 5 6 6 5 4 on his damage dice for 52/52 damage.))
Borokuth lashes out with powerful blows against Rhizor. The druid feels his strength sapped from him with a particularly powerful blow.
((Rhizor takes 11 STR damage.))
*Rhizor huffs. This battle wasn't going as well as he would have liked. However, he could not give up. In one final act of desperation, he lashes out with all his might, hoping to put his adversary to rest.*
((Rhizor deals 154 damage in 3 hits.))
"Than...atos... ...why?" the humanoid monster moans as it collapses to a knee. "...I... I'll take you to hell with me!" Suddenly, in a last ditch effort, Borokuth latches onto Rhizor's large body and begins to rend his flesh. The attack feels as though it saps the strength from Rhizor's body, but the druid succeeds in staving off the blighter's foul effects. The Blighter collapses after its final attack, melting by the energies it drew upon.
((Rhizor gains 3000 XP.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:55 am
((Most of the duels are done, and DM's having trouble, so I'll resolve Damas' duel "off table" in order to move things. Please have your duel posted by Thursday. Thank you.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jan 31, 2007 11:58 pm
: Foul creature from the pits of hell! I shall cleanse you with holy fire direct from its Lord Himself! *Aurik moves back, leaving some distance between himself and his adversary. Raising his armaments before him, he extends his right hand forward, palm toward Venethetrion. A beam of light extends outward from it, flying toward the vampire*
((Searing Light. 51 damage.))
"Gahg! Ha! It'll take more than that paltry blast to defeat me!" Venethetrion says with a smile. "But enough about me... How much can you stand, little cleric? Can you stand the sound of..."
The next word Venethetrion utters is a horrid blasphemy, a word so wretched that those unfortunate elven defenders edging on the battle are stuck down lifeless by the sound.
"Nii!!!"
((Blasphemy. Aurik is Dazed for 1 round and takes 11 STR damage.))
Venethetrion laughs hysterically as he strolls up to the motionless Aurik.
((Move action 20', then move 20' for the next round.))
Venethetrion looks Aurik over, then pushes aside the chain coif covering his neck. "I think I'll have a taste of that hot blood causing you to attack with such fury... You don't mind, do you?" Aurik, however, finds enough clarity in his mind's eye to bringshis mace up at the last moment to knock away the vampire's hand.
((Venethetrion takes 17 damage))
The vampire priest hisses as the holy weapon touches his hand. "So... It really IS hot! Ha!"
*Aurik shakes the cobwebs from his head, knowing he was precariously close to something of which he certainly wanted no part. He begins to chant, a glimmer of hope and a feeling of extreme healthiness enters his soul. He looks to the vampire with a glimmer in his eye.*
: Come... let me heal your heart!
((Aurik casts Heal. Venethetrion saves and takes 80 damage.))
Venethetrion shrieks as holy energy fills him, when it fades, he breathes hard, and looks at Aurik no longer with amusement, but hate.
"Then let me devour yours!"
((Venethetrion casts Harm on Aurik. Aurik saves for 75 damage.))
*Aurik is chilled to the bone by the foul energies coursing through his body. He buys himself some time by moving quickly away from the heavily armored vampire, then launches another lance of light at the undead.*
: "The Lord of Flames will show you the light whether you wish to follow it or not!"
((Move 65' away. Searing Ray. 47 damage.))
"No... It's not that easy..." Venethetrion says with a grimace as he falls to one knee. "The... the powers of darkness will sustain me..."
The cleric chants evil words and a fell glow suffuses him, curing the burns.
((Harm cast on self. Healed 150 damage.))
*Aurik calls out to Volcanon, and the area around him seems brighter, more vibrant, and full of life where there is none. Aurik feels awash with the grace of Volcanon, ready to continue the fight*
((Positive energy Aura with Healing Kicker (Aid). Aurik moves another 10' back))
"Let's see how you deal with the Ancient god of death... Have you ever felt the caress of a Desoul spell?"
((Desoul level 1. Aurik passes his FORT save and takes 17 damage.))
*Aurik feels a tug upon his soul but resists the effects of the death lord easily. Once again, Aurik calls out to Volcanon, asking for protection against the wiles of death. To further distance himself from the vampire, Aurik begins moving toward the opposite corner.*
: "The powers of death pale -- quite literally, as you would attest -- to those of life."
((Death Ward cast. Move until 10' from the wall of people in the corner opposite Venethetrion. Aurik heals 5 hp.))
"Well, some prefer paleness to the burns of the sun..." the vampire responds.
He utters a string of words and the area around Aurik is filled with fire.
((Flamestrike. Aurik passes his REF save and takes 0 damage. Nat 20 I.))
"Most impressive," the dark cleric hisses as Aurik jumps out of the way.
*Aurik raises his arms into the air, and utters a prayer for Volcanon to aid him in cutting his enemy down. Tiny motes of fire appear around Aurik, puffing out and transforming into swirling blades.*
: "To whom did you sell your soul for your power, vampire? Did they pay you in silver? If not, these blades should be payment enough for the labor of your sins!"
((Ring of Blades. Aurik heals 5 hp.))
"Thirty pieces, in fact. Very pretty... I'm not sure what you intend to do with all that glitter, though," the vampire responds, moving forward. "Does it move with you or did you just pin yourself to a single location?"
"You should come and find out."
Venethetrion moves forward, closing the distance some. With gesture and a word, the blades around Aurik seem to flicker, but otherwise remain in tact.
((20' forward. Dispel magic failed.))
"I guess I will."
*Aurik points his hand toward Venethetrion once more, and another beam of pure light sails toward the vampire. Then, in what seems like an act of defiance, Aurik steps forward toward him, the blades in tow.*
((Searing Ray. 52 damage. 5 hp healed. Aurik moves 20' forward.))
"...You do fight well, cleric. Even I must admit that," the vampire says as he grins. "But even a single word can still fell you...
NII!!!"
((Blasphemy again. Aurik takes 3 strength damage and is dazed for 1 round.))
"You've rendered my trump card obsolete..." Venethetrion says with disgust, then he smiles. "Well played..."
Venethetrion chants louder and a fell aura surrounds him. "Come now, try again."
((Unholy Aura cast. Aurik IDs via spellcraft. Natural 20 II.))
*Aurik makes arcane gestures and then points forcefully toward Venethetrion. The aura of evil emanating from the vampire begins to wink out.
Knight00019: In an instant, Aurik rushes forward, the blades surrounding him slashing into Venethetrion, and Aurik then takes advantage of his speed to retreat away once more.*
((Dispel magic cast. Dispel check successful. Natural 20 III.
Aurik heals 5 hp.
Aurik moves forward, then away, hitting Venethetrion with his swirling blades.
14 damage. 2 damage from Positive Energy Aura.))
"Blast! I shouldn't have underestimated you at the start, but I'll make up for it now!" The vampire growls as the blades slice into him. "I'm not half finished with you..."
Once more, fell energy heals the cleric's wounds.
((Harm cast. HP back to full.))
*Now that he would have to start over again, Aurik continues his speed tactic. Upon moving back once more, Aurik fires yet another beam of light toward the vampire.*
((Searing Light. 49 damage.
Aurik heals 5 hp.
RoB deals 13 damage.
PEA deals 2 damage.
AoO misses.))
"This... is starting to lose its charm..." Venethetrion mutters as he's hit once again by a searing beam.
"Enough talk! Have at you!"
Venethetrion charges, being cut viciously by the blades once more.
((Hit, Aurik takes 20 damage but no negative level. Venethetrion takes 15 damage))
Aurik feels life energy being siphoned away by the wicked spiked mace of the vampire as it slams into him.
*The blades cut into the vampire once more after Venethetrion lays his fists upon Aurik. The cleric moves away once more, distancing himself a ways before firing another beam at his foe.*
((RoB 15 damage.
PEA 2 damage.
SL 48 damage.
Aurik heals 5 hp.))
"So... Using mobility? I will remember that..." the vampire hisses, glaring at Aurik. Venethetrion then murmurs ancient words and a protective shell surrounds him.
((Spell resistance cast.))
*Aurik raises his hands to the heavens, and suddenly he is enveloped in a golden light. He then closes the distance between himself and Venethetrion to 45'*
((Light of Mercuria cast. Aurik heals 5 hp.))
Venethetrion howls and suddenly swells with power.
((Divine Power cast.))
*Aurik again moves in to kite his enemy, then backs off to fire a bolt of light toward the vampire.*
((RoB 12
PEA 2
Light of Mercuria SR passed. 14 damage.
Aurik heals 5 hp.))
The vampire grimaces, but makes no other response to the attack. Immediately following, however, he charges with a bloodthirsty howl. The swirling blades catch him in the midst of his motion, though the vampiric unholyman takes no heed of them.
((RoB 14 damage
Aurik takes 20 damage.))
*Aurik takes a step back, the blades lashing out at the vampire once more. He then fires a second beam of light at Venethetrion.*
((RoB: 11 damage
PEA: 2 damage.
LoM misses. Nat 1 I.))
*Though his shot with the light goes regrettably wild, Aurik closes his eyes, whispers, and courses positive energy over Venethetrion's body.*
((Immediate action: Close Wounds. SR passed. Will save passed. 3 damage.
Aurik heals 5 hp. Move 10'.))
The vampire grimaces, then charges once more with abandon into the blades guarding Aurik.
((RoB: 11 damage
Charging grapple.
Aurik's AoO fails. Nat 1 II.))
The vampire casts his mace aside and hands outstretched, goes for Aurik's throat. Venethetrion wraps his fingers around Aurik's throat, fangs lunging for the exposed arteries alongside his neck... Then he screams in frustration as his body begins turning to gas.
"You... So close... Whahahaha! Fine then! The next time we meet it will be different. I know how you fight now... Next time..." the gas whispers as it drifts away.
((Venethetrion takes 2 damage due to PEA, and is reduced to exactly 0 hp.
Aurik heals 5 hp.))
*Aurik pants heavily, catching his breath after the intense exhaustion caused by the tremendous fight between him and Venethetrion. To say that he viewed his enemy and felt no fear would be a tremendous lie. He had been terrified and felt unprepared for such a one on one fight, especially with such a powerful foe. However, through his faith in Volcanon, and Volcanon's good grace, he was able to overcome his foe.
To better catch his breath, Aurik drops to one knee and rests for but a few moments. In doing so, he surveys the battles that had been waging about them. The foul skeletons, zombies, and pitiful undead fighting against the hordes of Elven warriors had been either too afraid or more than intelligent enough than to interfere with Aurik and Venethetrion's battle. The aftermath of their battle was horrible, especially on those not involved. Elven warriors lay on the ground, grey-skinned and bleeding from the ears from the shock of Venethetrion's blasphemous utterances. Exploded shards of undead creatures are strewn about from the positive energy emanating from Aurik. What remained now was but a shadow of the all-out war that had begun. Relatively safe at the moment, Aurik can think of little to do. He simply lowers his head and prays until everyone's battle has ended. Somehow, deep inside his soul, even with all the death and destruction he had witnessed and caused, especially this day, he felt at calm. He felt... protectd. Untouchable.*
((Aurik gains the special "Resilience of Purity"Aurik is immune to possession, conversion to undead, and gains a +5 divine bonus against mind-influencing enchantments.))

Posted by: Nightmare Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:38 am
Without an intelligible word, Madwolf charged at Laika, his mouth foaming, his eyes glazed with rage. The powerful beast proved to be quite a formidable opponent merely seconds into the tussel. A flurry of claws, fangs, fur and blood. The wolves were both quite evenly matched. Wounds were appearing on both of them at an alarming rate.
Laika wasn't doing as well as he'd have hoped. And Madwolf went in for the kill, chomping down on the force member's neck, and as the froth from his mouth ran into the open wound, Laika howled in pain.
Laika knew this was his last chance. He closed his eyes, shoved his foe away and struck out with four ferocious blows using the aid of the might Volcanon, as "I will not die!" was growled out by the hero.
With his final strike, Madwolf was thrown to the ground. Lifeless, he had failed.
Laika stood victorious. But at what cost? The wound on his neck was bleeding profusely. Miraculously, as if by Volcanon's will he had managed to avoid infection. But even though the imediate threat had been dealt with, there was still another problem to deal with... How to get out?
((Yeah, so having no access to the log from when the battle was done on this computer, and just wanting to get it done lead to a nice little summary. It's not like I'm missing any major plot points.
Also due to the lack of the log, I'm not sure what Laika's HP ended at, I do know that he leveled which should be editted in shortly.))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:26 pm
((Bardic Knowledge on the Succubus: 35. Three attacks on the Succubus. #1: Roll to hit: 17 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 37. Damage: 5 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + [Point Blank Shot] = 11. It's treated as Good thanks to mass align weapons.
#2:
Roll to hit: Natural 1. Confirming....18 + many many pluses = regular miss.
#3 (Haste attack, unless you want the second to be it. Either way, this might hit):
Roll to hit: 7 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 27.
Damage: 7 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + [Point Blank Shot] = 13.))
: "Sorry, doll, but you've got me all wrong. For starters, I'm not terribly fond of red heads. The body's great, though. I'll give you that."
*Taking a step back, Faralon quickly fires three arrows at the demon, one missing. The arrows thud into her body, but she only smiles sickly.*
"Oooooh, into that kinky pain stuff huh? That's fine..." the succubus says with a wink. "We can do whatever you want... If you'd just stop this senseless war."
((Will save. Pass.))
A sudden desire fills Faralon, but he's able to fight it off.
*Faralon smirks.* "You know I can't do that. Senseless as it is, I'm not on the side of the ones that started it."
*The bard fires three more arrows at the Succubus, watching her movements.*
((#1:
Roll to hit: 3 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 23.
Damage: 4 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + [Point Blank Shot] = 10 good damage.
#2:
Roll to hit: 2 + 3 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 17. Miss.
#3 (Haste attack):
Roll to hit: 11 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 31.
Damage: 6 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] = 12.))
Only a single arrow strikes this time and the Succubus grunts as it hits, then grins, evilly. "Why Faralon, I don't mind being pierced, but this is a tad much, don't you think?" she asks playfully, snapping her whip at the elf's bow. Ilraiel laughs as she snaps Faralon's bow from his hands. "I'd thought you'd have a stronger grip. Ah well."
Ilraiel then snaps the whip towards Faralon again, but the agile elf allows it to wrap around his wrist, then takes hold of it, ripping the weapon from the succubus' grip. *Faralon smirks again.* "I guess it's good enough, though, isn't it?" *The bard drops the whip, picking up his bow once more before firing a single shot at the demon.*
((12 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] = 30.
Damage: 6 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] = 12))
Ilraiel winces as another arrow sticks into her. She dashes over and picks up her whip.
: "I'd rather not put another scratch on your body, but if you don't back down you won't really leave me a choice, Ilraiel..."
"Oh? Shall I scratch your body then?" Ilraiel asks as she cracks the whip again.
"You can try." *Faralon says, stepping back as he shoots an arrow at Ilraiel.*
((13 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] = 31.
Damage: 1 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] = 7 good.))
The arrow rebounds off an invisible barrier. "That I will!" The whip wraps around Faralon's leg, but he's able to slip out of it. Undaunted, the succubus tries again. This time Faralon is unable to escape, the whip dragging his leg from under him and causing him to crash to the ground.
*Faralon rolls back, moving to his feet.* Faralon: "You're wasting my time..."
As Faralon stands, Ilraiel moves in to lock him in an embrace.
(Negative level 1.)
*Faralon manages to break free quickly, however.*
"Aw, I'm not done yet, honey..." she says smoothly, trying to drag Faralon back into the embrace.
: "That was less than satisfying. I'm disappointed." *Faralon frowns, stepping away from Ilraiel, firing an arrow at her.*
((5' away, and a crit. 35 damage.))
"Oh, don't say that! Satisfaction is my specialty... If you'd just drop that bow..." Ilraiel says.
((Will save. Pass.))
*Faralon steps back again.* Faralon: "Sorry, it must be cursed. I just can't let go of it." *With a wink, Faralon shoots three more arrows at the demon.*
((Moving back 5' again
#1:
7 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 23.
Damage: 6 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] = 12 good.
#2:
12 + 3 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 23.
Damage: 8 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] = 14 good.
#3:
11 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 27.
Damage: 1 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] = 7 good.))
Only one of the arrows hit, the demoness performing a rapid series of acrobatics to dodge the missiles. Ilraiel begins to sing, softly and in a low, seductive tone.
((Faralon receives a -4 to Will saves for 2 rounds.))
*Faralon shivers, trying to stay focused on actually fighting the Succubus.* "Your pitch is a little off. You're a bit flat." *With that, the elven bard steps back, continuing his arrow assault.*
((#1:
Natural 20. Confirming...12 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] - 2 [Rapid
Shot] = 28.
Damage: 2 + 4 + 4 (10) [arrow] + 12 [music] + 3 [prayer] + 3 [point blank shot] = 28 good.
#2:
7 + 3 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 18. Miss.
#3:
12 + 8 [BAB] + 7 [DEX w/Elation and CG] + 1 [haste] + 4 [music] + 1 [Prayer] + 1 [Point Blank Shot] - 4 [melee] - 2 [Rapid Shot] = 28.
Damage: 4 [arrow] + 4 [music] + 1 [prayer] + 1 [point blank shot] = 10 good.))
Two more arrows thud into the Succubus and for the first time, Ilraiel screeches in pain. "Why are you HURTING me?" she asks with a whimper.
((Will save. Fail.))
Suddenly Faralon doesn't understand why he's attacked the succubus. Aside from defending herself, what had she done to him? And she was good at singing, so she couldn't be that bad...
((Charmed. 4 shore))
*Faralon frowns, looking at his bow. He stands at ease, speaking to Ilraiel.* "I'm sorry...It's not you I want to fight. I just want to get to Moritae and help my allies."
Ilraiel's sad tone continues. "Then why don't you put down the bow? I'm afraid you'll shoot me again and those arrows hurt..."
: "All right. I don't think it would do much good against Moritae anyway..." *Faralon says, kneeling down and laying his bow on the ground.*
"We might be in here a while, until the force barriers drop. We'll need something to pass the time," Ilraiel says, looking around. "Why don't you sing something? You're a bard, aren't you?"
*Faralon smiles and nods.* Faralon: "Yes, you said you've heard me sing before, right? Hmm...Wait. Is the barrier in the sky as well?"
Ilraiel: "It might be. A few are invisible. I don't know."
: "Do you think you could fly up and find out? I would love to sing for you, but if it's at all possible that we can get out of here, I would like to take care of this battle first."
"All right," Ilraiel says, flying up and around for a bit. She lands after a minute of scouting. "I guess he didn't think to put one up."
*Faralon's eyes light up.* "Excellent work, Ilraiel! Do you think you could carry me out of this little prison he made? I'll play a second song for you if you do."
Ilraiel: "All right. Where do you want me to take you?"
"Hmmm..." *Faralon strokes his chin.* "I guess that depends on who is battling with Moritae...If my friends are there, take me to him as well. But if they're not, anywhere outside these invisible barriers is fine." *He gives a hearty smile to the succubus, then speaks softly to her.* "Hey, Ilraiel...I'm...sorry about hurting you like that..."
"That's fine," Ilraiel says with a smile. "Can you sing a little something why we fly?"
"I'd be more than happy to." *Faralon responds with a grin. Quickly, he takes a sharp deep breath before singing.*
((Perform check: 34? Might be 32 what with the levels lost.))
Ilraiel wraps her arms around you. "Are you ready?"
"Yes!" *Faralon nods, wrapping both arms around her, holding on tightly. A thin smile covers his face as he begins to sing.*
"Ah... As I remembered, your singing truly is beautiful. The mortal realm doesn't deserve you," Ilraiel says with a sigh.
*Faralon blushes, which is somewhat unusual for the bard.* "I wish Kethra would compliment my singing like you do. Sometimes I don't think she even pays attention to it. It's nice when someone can appreciate your gifts, especially when they're so kind and beautiful."
"Thank you," Illraiel says. "As a fellow artist, I know talent when I see it. Your singing is amazing, though. I can't imagine that someone could be so deaf to not hear its value."
*Faralon continues to smile, then the smile cuts to a blank stare as he surveys the battlefield from above with Ilraiel.* "I hope all of this chaos ends soon so others can hear me sing too..." *Faralon begins to feel lightheaded and giddy at his proximity to the succubus.*
((Level draining begins...))
"Oh, but your song can cut through any battlefield," Ilraiel says, smiling. "You didn't ask me where I remembered your singing from."
*Faralon glances over at Ilraiel, smiling.* "Ah yes, a good point! Where else did you hear my singing?"
"I heard it when I still trapped in that dark void between worlds..." Illraiel says with a shudder. "It was there that I heard your
voice and stirred. That's why I accepted the Cult's offer to get here... I was looking for you."
"You heard it from a void between worlds?! Incredible...I did not even know that was possible." *Faralon says, amazed.* "Now I feel even more terrible about hurting you, since you came here looking for me. I must have greatly disappointed your expectations of me..." *Faralon's odd giddiness increases.*
"A little, but your singing is every bit as pure as I'd remembered it," Ilraiel says with a smile. "I don't understand how your Kethra can not appreciate it."
: "Hmm...Come to think of it, I doubt she has heard many others sing. She's a monk, you see, and I'm sure she was solely focused on her training until she joined up with the group in Cypress. I guess it's less impressive if there's no comparison."
"A monk?" Ilraiel makes a disgusted expression and Faralon feels a little more lightheaded. "Hardly the type to properly appreciate your music."
*Faralon blinks and shakes his head lightly.* "Even so, I like her. She'll come around." *He smiles, looking down again.* "Actually, Ilraiel, could you fly a bit lower? I'm starting to get a bit lightheaded. I don't think we're in any danger in the air anyway."
Ilraiel: "All right. See anyone to land yet?" The flight drops a hundred feet, but the feeling doesn't go away.
"Why don't you simply let me fly you away from all this?" Ilraiel urges. "You're not meant for battle, but for art! And your singing must not be lost in a sea of blood."
*Faralon smiles, barely able to take his eyes off Ilraiel. His face pale, .* "I can't run away from this. Whether I like it or not, I'm involved in this war. What good is my singing if everything is lost? I have to fight to be able to sing. Hmm, Ilraiel, do you think you could take me down to my leader, Cedric? He would know the best course of action from here, I think."
Ilraiel: "Can you see him?"
: "No, not yet. Try flying lower, if you could. This feeling isn't going away, either..."
"All right." Ilraiel flies a little lower. The feeling still doesn't go away, but Faralon has a better view of the battlefield. "See him?"
Faralon: "Lower still...Sorry, my eyes are not as good as yours."
Ilraiel: "All right. If you give me a description, maybe I can spot him. Well?"
*Faralon shakes his head.* "Sorry...let's see. He's a tall human...looks like he could be a nobleman, now that I think about it. He has dark rings under his eyes - he's had them ever
since the battle with Shailtor, I think. His hair is a reddish brown, and he has a beard. He wields a hammer of sorts and wears heavy armor. He would be hard to miss, actually."
Ilraiel: "Give me a minute."
((RustySFC (3:44:37 AM): BUT I ONLY HAVE 6
ROUNDS))
After a few minutes, Ilraiel laughs. "I see him. Standing over that stuffy Sir Perevis. Well, collapsed, actually. But he looks alive. Can't say the same for that death knight."
: "Ah...Set me down so I can heal him, please." *Faralon's voice trembles as he speaks.*
"Certainly" Ilraiel says as she lowers Faralon. "Though I must say I don't want to let go..."
: "I don't either, but...I really need to tend to my leader, and I might need to lay down after, too. For some reason I feel really, really drained." ((Get it? Drained? lolz))
"Sure you don't want to lay down with me?" Ilraiel asks, setting Faralon down.
*Faralon smiles.* "I can't, Ilraiel. As much as I'd like that, I am with Kethra. But I'm flattered you want me to, if it means anything." *Winking, he turns and moves to Cedric, pulling out the Staff of Healing.*
"But she can't sing like I can. Can't understand your music the way I can," Ilraiel says, tilting her head. "Why are you with her?"
: "Well...You're very beautiful, though she has her own charms, you know? You two are very different, it's true. I've known her for a fairly decent length of time now...But there's one thing in particular I really like about her, and that's that she's needlessly devoted to me. Even after what I nearly did to her, she was still willing to be with me. That is an exceptionally rare thing indeed. Though...you haven't harmed me even when I hurt you...so that's very much the same." *Faralon smiles.* "I can't just make a decision just like that, though. I'd certainly like to get to know you better. Perhaps I just need more time, hm?" *Smiling at her, he leans down, laying the head of the Staff of Healing against Cedric.*
((17 HP restored.))
*Faralon shakes Cedric a bit, trying to stir him.* "Cedric?"
The Paladin coughs heavily and slowly pushes himself up, glancing around wearily but with
bitterness burning in his eyes.
"Well you seem to be doing fine here..." Ilraiel says as she leans over to kiss Faralon on the lips.
She lingers before withdrawing. With a smile she says, "I'll be seeing you again... soon."
((Negative level 12. Natural 1 on the Will save.))
Cedric hesitates for an instant, disbelief showing on his face for just a moment as the fiend
lays her foul lips upon his old friend. Then he leaps forward, pushing the elf to the side and brandishing his hammer as he glares with hatred at the beautiful succubus.
The succubus flies away and Faralon can't help but stare at her and think that he's begining to
yearn for her.
*Faralon pushes Cedric after the Paladin was unable to strike the demon.* Faralon: "What did
you do that for?!"
His eyes smoldering with barely restrained rage, the Paladin slowly turns to face the elf and
slaps him powerfully across the face. He speaks coldly, "What are you thinking to consort with a fiend?"
*Faralon growls, but goes defensive. He did not want to seriously hurt his leader.* Faralon: "She's not like other demons! I swear, she didn't even hurt me when I struck her."
Cedric shakes his head with a frown, "Did Derrik put you up to this like that other time?"
((Someone told Cedric? o-o?? I must've missed this??))
Faralon: "No, nobody 'put me up to it'. It was just a simple realization that she wasn't as bad as I thought she was, fiend or not."
Cedric stares at Faralon silently for a long moment, then he sighs and shakes his head
wearily, "You are not yourself..."
*Faralon blinks.* Faralon: "What do you mean??"
"The fact that a master of lore such as yourself cannot surmise what harm a succubus would
wrought is sign enough of your ailment." Cedric replies with a frown then he turns to look around the shambles of the village. "We need to find the others ere the Lich makes his appearance, unless you believe him to a friend now as well." He throws a glance back at the elf.
((Faralon gains 3,000 XP.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Feb 02, 2007 1:17 am
The magical barriers around the battlefield, the walls of force, flicker and fade even as some of the walls of stone crumbl. Most of the chasms seal shut as well, the earth reasserting itself. Much of the area is still chaotic and difficult to traverse, though... Great rock outcroppings still just from much of the land as a result of the earthquake, here and there a chasm refuses to close, and of course the battle between undead and elf rages on.
Zombies and skeletons lay into the hard pressed lines of elven defenders, who grow weary and bloodied as wave after wave of undead smashes against their lines...
Free form battle!
((Nearly all of the PCs will just stomp the undead line soldiers flat, so the rules are temporarily suspended for this battle. Have fun with this and kill some zombies!))
Auto-hitting allowed.
Enemies:
120 Skeletons
65 Zombies
13 Ghouls
Allies:
((All are levels 1-5.))
36 Elven swordsmen
12 Elven mages
24 Elven scouts
12 Various adventurers that happened to be visiting at the wrong time
6 Druids
2 Elven Clerics

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Feb 02, 2007 5:56 am
She staggered up from her knees as the world came into view once more, taking labored breaths at the sudden shifts about her, both the shift back to how the world appeared before and the shifts causing the land to do so. Drenched in sweat and dirt once more, she straightened her robes about her and slowly made her way to a location better suited to view the remaining chaos before then.
Her brethren were still battling against the undead Horde with their lives and the outcome all were hoping for seemed to be slipping quickly from their grasp.
She clenched her teeth as she took her first step again, her chin lowered close to her chest as her azure eyes cascaded from place to place about the undead lines. Screams echoed in her ears as occasional gusts fluttered past her, through her hair and over her dirtied skin.
She clenched her fists at her side as she stepped further; traces of incandescent energy flicked about her as the magic about her began to flourish beneath the flailing remains of the energy shield that still held about her.
She clenched every muscle in her body as she walked, pent up frustration and rage coming to bear with every few inches closer that she moved. Finally she dug the toes of her boots into the earth at her final steps, coming to a halt. Her eyes traced once more over the battlefield as her mind raced through training and experience and memory, and she crept inside herself to find whatever reserves of power she had left.
The conduit known as Isyndel Rhoe'wyn found a new source in the energy flow that she had absorbed from her battle. She tapped herself into it as she stood, fists still clenched at her side as she probed it, teased it, prodding each unseeable fold to determine it's usefulness. Momentarily her eyes glazed over while the woman lost herself in it just as her foe had suggested, knowing only delving further into it would determine the nature and origin of it.
She understood it well enough only scant seconds later, opening herself to it and allowing it to flow within her as only she could now. It pleaded for release, and she was more than willing to oblige. Her fists opened, and Isyndel began all the necessary movements required of her, feeling the reserve strength flow through her arms as she did so. Her movements were forceful and rigid; the incantation spoken moreso, and when the spell was complete she extended her arm before her.
The winds about her whipped furiously by, fluttering hair and clothes alike as they surged over the battlefield. Icey chunks and shards materialized from the thin bitter air and crashed into the lines of Zombies and Ghouls ferociously.
As it came to a close, the fingers of her outstretched hands drooped slowly as her eyes began to tense and loosen in slow twitches. Her arm fell to her side and as she did so, she began to turn awkwardly to face the others and move away only to feel her strength finally cave as she met the ground sprawled on her side with a soft thud, exhausted and unable to continue.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Feb 02, 2007 8:13 am
A massive blur bounded out of the rubble, an oversized club dropping to the ground a split second before a deafening roar rattled loose earth free. Diving into the midst of the battle, the great lion tore into foes with tooth and nail, claws rending ghoul and skeleton alike even as one of the latter was reduces to a pile of broken bones with a single bite. Glaring around the field, Gabriel prepared to annihilate the undead menace wreaking havoc in the Fairy Woods.
"I don't even think he scratched me," Ashathel muttered, stepping out of his enclosure with bow in hand, shaking his head. "Hell... I've probably injured myself worse..."
And so he continued as he fired his bow, peppering a ghoul from afar. As it fell, he drew his blade and took a step closer to the midst of the raging battle.
((Total enemies defeated:
4 Skeletons
3 Ghouls))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:58 am
Still scowling angrily after his encounter with Faralon and the fiend, Cedric trods forward and holds forth his holy symbol which blazes with brilliant light incinerating a group of on coming undead. He then moves forward and clods the head from one mockery of life before crushing the chest of another.
Lilah descends, using the wand to heal herself and seeking assistance from the others to help her defeat the creatures pursuing her.
[7 Zombies Fried and Mangled]
[I need to make up a character sheet for Lilah]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Feb 03, 2007 9:46 am
The wind shifts eerily within the enclosed space. Kyoji could climb most walls with ease "and some trees with difficulty" he thought wryly, but the walls of force he was surrounded with were beyond his ken. Impossibly to scale, idiotic to try and jump over, he was trapped.
But unlike the others, there was no opponent in sight for him to fight.
This just made the ninja more apprehensive, straining his senses to their fullest as his hands grasped his blades tightly.
He dodged nearly a moment too late.
Out of thin air a wicked scythe materialized, held by a bony and incorporeal hand as the gauzy and indistinct form of a shroud- wrapped spectre appeared before him. Kyoji narrowed his eyes.
"What, no ressurected form of my uncle? Oh, that's right, we stopped you from doing that. This is the best you could do as a replacement?" Kyoji virtually spat out. The ninja concentrated and spiritual energy filled his blades. "If you think that robbing me of my ability to strike vital spots will ensure this battle for you... You are mistaken."
Kyoji leveled his swords at the motionless wraith. "I can strike you as easily as if you were truly standing there... Let me show you!"
The ninja jammed his blades into the motionless ghost, the undead suddenly squealing with pain and rage like a stuck pig as the ki-imbued blades tore into its etheric form. Twin gashes in its body were now visible. The Wraith Lord howled in anger and twirled its scythe around, guiding the weapon inevitably towards Kyoji. The agile warrior ducks and rolls to the side as the weapon sails overhead, escaping a hit even as his swords flare with spiritual power again, and are driven into the Wraith Lord's ghostly visage. The undead growls and feints with its scythe... then reverses the arc of the weapon, flipping it around in mid swing to go past Kyoji and slice him from behind. The ninja gasps as he feels suddenly weak and cold, but it's nothing compared to what the journeys he had been on with this group have prepared him for.
Kyoji grimaces, but remains on his feet, moving around and slashing again, though the spectre evades his reach this time. The scythe sails towards Kyoji again, and he appears to split into many different selves for a brief moment, the scythe passing harmlessly through an illusory double. Before the wraith can recover, Kyoji leaps from his swiftly vanishing doubles in order to once more stab the spectre with spiritually imbued swords, the magical weapons cutting deep into the very soul of the foe.
The Wraith Lord shrieks and strikes again to no avail, receiving a counterattack in return. Weaker, it lashes out again to strike only air and be met with a devastating counterattack. Again... and again. Until at last the undead moans piteously and collapses into dust, the scythe remaining for a brief moment before disintegrating as well.
Kyoji breathes a sigh of relief, then a sigh of weariness as the walls vanish and he is yet again thrown into combat...
-----
In the thick of the battle, an elven swordsman falls, bloody and gasping, his body locking up as a ghoul howls with delight, prepared to bite into the warrior's now undefended neck. Nearby, one of the other ghouls shrieks with anticipation as it bounds towards its brother, jaws distended and drooling with the prospect of sharing a kill.
The ghoul falls, sliced in half by an ancient and foreboding sword, its companion diced by a blazing dagger as Kyoji suddenly appears between the rampaging undead and the wounded soldier. The ninja appears drained, slightly, but no visible new injuries are upon him.
"They are many, but weak... We will win, it just a matter of minimizing elven casualties," he murmurs, taking in the situation. "So away again to protect the lives of others..."
The ninja leaps towards the next group of undead, not bothering to use stealth as he lands and becomes a flurry of blade strikes once more...
((2 ghouls down, many more to come.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:18 am
Zook limps his way out of the fading forcefield. His eyes are on the ground as he drags his sack of salvage out into the field. "Well, that was tough," he says, panting, "I'm glad it's over so we can take a..." He looks up. "...break." His head slumps, and the sack drops to the ground. "Just can't win, can I..." he mutters to himself as he pulls a pair grenades out of his satchel and begins juggling them absently. He scans the field, looking for safe detonation points.
The tinker spots a pack of zombies ganging up on an elven swordsman backed up against the remnants of a wall. "Alley-oop!" he shouts, flinging one of the grenades in that direction. Zook watches with satisfaction as the explosive banks off of a rock behind the undead and lands in their midst, its detonation muffled by the flying limbs. The elf is covered in bits of his attackers and a fine mist of soot, but he is otherwise unscathed.
At the opposite end of the field four skeletons advance in formation on what appears to be a dwarf in plate. Zook makes a running start towards it, but neglected to remember the sack of salvage he had just dropped at his feet. He trips, and the grenade sails from his hand. "No!" Zook cries as it tumbles out of the air, landing in the ruins of a stone fixture to the side of his target. But by a miraculous stroke of luck, the grenade's explosion kicks up several loose chunks of the destroyed stonework and sends them flying into the skeletons, who are crushed.
Zook heaves a sigh of relief but is startled by the shriek of some predatory bird not far overhead...
((8 Zombies and 4 Skeletons destroyed))
Retaking the form of an eagle, Telanna rides the currents of the wind, scanning the battlefield. The friends of the Lillend and the quiet man were powerful, but so were the enemies they faced in their conjured cells. She sees warriors on both sides drop dead just by being around two of them. She sees the titanic clash of the druids. She sees a man in plate pushed to the brink of death only to lash out and destroy his attacker. One by one, the battles ended. One by one, good defeated evil. One by one, the victors moved from their cells to aid the elves.
Swiftly, she sails into the heart of the enemy lines. Her eyes glow white as she releases a piercing shriek. A column of holy fire shoots up from the center of the battlefield, incinerating a squad of skeletons. She swoops low, making sure the undead were destroyed before rising again summoning another column, burning a dozen zombies to cinders.
((12 Zombies and 12 Skeletons destroyed))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:53 am
The battle rages on, and everyone though many are wounded, only four Elven swordsmen fall to the undead horde as a result of the tremendous firepower being afforded to them by the Cypress Expedition's timely reinforcement. Kyoji is hardly visible within the melee even without his magical ring, the ninja flashing from place to place with gleaming blades slicing easily through rotted flesh. A webwork of dazzling bladework surrounds him as he leaps into the middle of a group of five zombies and cuts them all down, effortlessly.
The undead hordes begin to thin, the defenders turning the tide. Soon the numbers are even and the battle less pitched as each warrior finds that he is no longer beset by large groups of mindless corpses. A hearty cheer goes up from the elves.
"Drive them back out of the forest!!!" one druid yells triumphanty, raising a staff and waving it in the air to call down lighting upon an unfortunate skeleton's head. "Victory is near!!!"
Enemies:
76 Skeletons
15 Zombies
8 Ghouls
Allies:
((All are levels 1-5.))
32 Elven swordsmen
12 Elven mages
24 Elven scouts
12 Various adventurers that happened to be visiting at the wrong time
6 Druids
2 Elven Clerics

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:11 am
*Merkass pants heavily, the walls confining him in his stony prison beginning to crumble, but the scars of his battle remaining. What was Gorgot, anyway? He was far more powerful than any ghoul he had ever seen before, and his abilities far more advanced and plentiful. Merkass had little time to contemplate his fallen foe. The walls fall apart, and the enemies around are suddenly plentiful. They would also be easy prey.
Merkass slings his bow back over his shoulder and begins to take off toward a pile of rocks, upheaved soil, and whatever else might lie beneath. Into his right hand he draws his longsword, and into his left his silvered dagger. Quickly approaching the pile, Merkass drops into a bent-over position, increasing further in speed. With long strides, Merkass propels himself up the rubble hill.
The instant he makes it to the top of the pile, Merkass launches himself in a tight corkscrew, spinning rapidly and somersaulting wildly in a flurry of blades. Coming down he immediately dispatches a zombie with a flourish of his sword, then stabs into another with his dagger. Drawing up with the blade he succeeds in spilling its rotting entrails and ending its hopefully short unlife. Merkass snarls, then hisses, and proceeds to enter into a frenzy of steel. While melee was not his specialty, his blades had remained unused for far too long.
Merkass remembers the Dragon form training taught to him by Kyoji, and proceeds to slash through the throngs of undead around him. His movement is more dancelike than anything else, guided by his hatred for the undead. Surrounded, he could care less. Each spin, each flick of the wrist, and each shift in body weight left another zombie, skeleton, or ghoul at his feet. They had come as a horde to his tribe. Now he came as one to stand against the hordes. They fell, one by one, a dervish of flashing metal disappearing at random moments into another undead body before reappearing once more, slightly more soiled. He had waited long for this.
Now, Merkass had his revenge against the multitude of rotting flesh that had besieged his people so long ago. Each enemy sent back into a grave left him closer to peace, yet left him thirsting for more. He would tear each of these apart, and then the true prize would remain. Moritae the lich would be next, and he would not get away so easily. At the end of it, Merkass coughs heavily, and believes he tastes blood in his throat. He shakes his head, but feels sweat bead under his fur. Sheathing his weapons, Merkass once more brings his bow to bear. Time seemed to be at an end.*
: Foul creatures of undeath, back to whence you came!
*Aurik wades effortlessly through the hordes of lesser undead. They find themselves unable to scathe him, some seeming to cower in his presence, even. They know against whom he had stood and remained victorious. In the midst of a large crowd of undead, all eyeing him hungrily yet knowing they could never lay their slavering jaws upon him, Aurik raises a flaming sun into the air. He calls out to Volcanon to cleanse this place, and the symbol suddenly flashes. Undead scattered all about him suddenly collapse into ash.
Aurik walks forward once more, advancing further into the crowd. They seemed unphased by the destruction of the other undead. They were mindless, but Aurik could not help but project some semblance of humanity upon the vile husks. Once more, Aurik raises the symbol of his Lord into the air, and another set of undead collapses into the dirt.*

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:13 am
Zook hurls another pair of grenades into the onrushing ranks of skeletons. One rolls to a stop several feet short but the undead oblige but rushing right over it. The other sails into a gap in the ribcage of a skeleton. They explode simultaneously. Bone chips shower the battlefield.
((14 skeletons destroyed total))
Telanna empties her magical reserves onto the forces of evil, willing a final column of fire to destroy advancing skeletal warriors. Finally, she comes down near ground level, opening her beak and issuing forth a screech that came with an arctic gale; freezing almost all of the remaining zombies solid.
((13 Skeletons and 14 Zombies destroyed))

Posted by: Nightmare Wed Feb 07, 2007 7:59 am
Adreneline pumping through his system, Laika had long forgotten about the massive wound on his neck. The Werewolf charged forewards at full speed, leaping into the air. An intimidating howl being the only warning to his foes of their impending re-death. His shadow growing as he approaches the ground, landing in the middle of a throng of the foul undead.
The barbarian shatters bone, tears rotting flesh and sends limbs flying as Laika's claws wreak havoc among the undead ranks.
((7 skeletons, 2 ghouls dead.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:42 pm
Determined to defend the tavern and other nearby buildings with everything he had, Van took up a defensive position a short distance in front of the Elven defenders in order to make use of his enlarged body to keep the undead at bay. He lashed out with his weapon several times in the blink of an eye, each attack causing an undead beastie to fall to the ground where follow up attacks smash the skeletons to bits and take the head off the remaining zombie.
(1 Zombie and
6 Skeletons destroyed)

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:22 pm
Snarling like the ferocious beast he was, Gabriel made another pass at the dwindling ranks of undead. Bones continued to crumble to dust in his wake, skull fragments indistinguishable from shattered femurs when driven into the ground by his massive paws.
((14 skeletons destroyed.))
"No fair... everyone else is having so much fun," Ashathel said, tossing the Force Blade to his free hand as he drew the thinblade. "I may never get to do this again, so... en garde, undead!"
Flailing blades wildly, the elven bladesinger's skill was more than sufficient to offset his inexperience with two-weapon fighting, and though his performace was far below normal, the quantity for once was more important than the quality. Sheathing the thinblade and returning the Force Blade to his hand, he watched as the last of the fell monsters ceased to move.
"Now that's what I call a party..."
((9 Skeletons and one Ghoul dead.
That brings the total, by my count, to 16 skeletons and 5 ghouls dead. This doesn't take into account what Merkass and Aurik destroyed (since no number was specified), so I think it's safe to say that everything's dead now.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:48 am
The last undead falls with a moan and all is still for a moment. A great cheer then erupts from the assembled defenders of the Elven Village, as brothers in arms dance, embrace, and cry with joy. Here and there, though, people mourn. Many are the corpses that fill the streets, not all of them undead.
An ancient druid clad in a rough-spun brown robe raises his hands and all is quiet.
"I would speak with the outsiders," the druid says. "Then we will bury the dead. Then we shall retire and feast in their honor, for their sacrifice was not in vain, our village stands!"
Another cheer goes up as the druid waits for the outsiders to approach.

Posted by: Aldur Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:48 am
Sulia arrived on the scene with Harrel at her heels and sighed in relief at seeing some of her companions. She smiled, and gasped, having run around looking for them. She swiftly appraised them. "Is everyone alright?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:00 am
"Hang on," Ashathel said in elven, looking around. Then, speaking in common for those who did not know his native tongue, he added "We don't know where Moritae is, right now, and I don't think he's done with us yet."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:03 am
Sulia nodded. "His plan was to kill or weaken us; then finishing off whoever was left." She sighed heavily, feeling tired. "I'll admit that this is not easy."

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:18 am
Cedric nods wearily, glancing around, "Wise words, Ashathel." He looks around the area with a heavy frown, "Healers, deal with our wounds, this is not yet finished." He then begins slowly walking through the battlefield, his eyes searching. [Detect Evil until I find some evil]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:27 am
Cedric sweeps the village, but can't find any lingering trace of evil. Of course, Detect Evil only cover so far an area for so long.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:38 am
"I KNOW HE'S HERE.... MOCKING ME!!!!" CEDRIC CRIES OUT, HIS EYES WIDE WITH EMOTION, "HE'S HERE!!! AHHHH!!!!" HE LASHES OUT WITH HIS HAMMER, SMASHING AND CRUSHING ALL ABOUT HIM, HIS MOUTH FOAMING, "SMITE! SMITE! SMITE!"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:08 am
The eagle descends, taking the form of a young woman with dark brown skin and hair the color of autumn leaves. She looks about the battlefield angrily. : "Don't just stand there! Help people!" She strides purposefully about, laying a glowing hand on the unconscious. Slowly, they feel reinvigorated, or at least able to stand. She is shortly directed to the elven bard, who was heard to have cavorted with a succubus. The woman makes a wiping motion in front of his face, whispering something.
: "There. That should do it."
((3 CLWs cast on the 3 fallen PCs
12 HP for Kethra
13 HP for Isyndel
11 HP for Damas
Dispel Magic against Faralon's charm. Check: 27))
Zook brings two of his fingers together and emits a sharp whistle. From outside the forest, over a dozen tinkers swarm into the village, tools in hand, cheering. The gnome begins giving orders to the mechanics to make repairs, his arms waving like an orchestra conductor.
((15 repair checks from the Zooklings, ranging from 15 to 31. The goal is to fix any essential structures like wells and to begin making the initial structural repairs. Because they are being ordered around by Zook, the repairs take 10% less time than they ordinarily would.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:50 am
Kethra lets out a soft moan, her eyes fluttering open as the healing magic washes over her. Even though Kethra is still wounded, she is able to muster enough energy to stand. "Thank you." Damas stands up, and his eyes fall briefly upon the young woman. Damas brushes the dirt off of his clothing and bows his head slightly. He speaks in a soft and sad tone.
"You have my thanks."

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:40 am
Cedric crosses his arms with a heavy frown written across his features, finally turning back to the group, "The Lich cannot have gone far, keep your wits about you."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:44 am
Zook pauses, confused. "Uh, Cedric..." he says, "Don't you need to be a really powerful spellcaster to be a Lich? So..." he trails off uncomfortably, "Couldn't he have gone pretty much anywhere? What with teleportation spells and all."

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:48 am
The Paladin slows and lets out a heavy sigh, looking down at the ground, "I suppose so..."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:41 pm
((You can pass that 13 to someone else; Isyndel collapsed from exhaustion and not from HP loss. She's been at full.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:54 pm
((In that case I'll toss it to Cedric)) She lays a hand on the paladin, and a white light courses over some of his wounds, closing them. : "You should speak to him." she says quietly, pointing out the old druid. Zook feels a tap on his shoulder. He turns around, and stares up at a tall elf in violet robes.
"Can I help you?" he asks.
The elf bows with a flourish. "Sir, my friends and I-" he waves his hand behind him, and Zook sees half a dozen more elves in brightly colored robes milling about, watching the meeting with nervous half-glances, "-we have heard of your exploits, and see even now proof of your power and talent. Why the stories we have heard speak of-"
"This has a point, right? Can we get to that, maybe?"
The elf appears taken aback. "Of course. My friends and I would wish to join you."
Zook blinks. "No."
The elf appears shocked. "But, but why?" he sputters.
The gnome shrugs. "I don't deal in magic. I'm a tinker." He reaches into his satchel and pulls out a wrench, waving it under the elf's nose for emphasis. "See?"
The elf draws himself up stiffly. "Sir, don't you see the possibilities? Imagine what you could accomplish -- what we could help you accomplish -- with the integration of magic into your work."
Zook tilts his head, thinking. He wobbles his head, as if trying to shake the thought loose.
"And we certainly know our way around tools," one of the wizards in the back pipes up, earning a withering glare from his leader. "We may not be tinkers, but we can make weapons, armor, sundry goods..."
The tinker's eyes light up, and he grins. "Fine. Take your things and leave them with the caravan," he says, pointing out past the village boundary.
((Zook gains 7 new followers, all elven wizards))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:09 am
The Paladin wavers for a moment, then nods to the woman while replying in a dead voice, "Thank you." He turns and walks over to the elder where, though he is covered in wounds and exhausted, he speaks in a monotone voice that somehow yet carries an air of greatness, "I greet you in name of Mitula, elder."
[Diplomacy: 38]
"By the graced sky above and the warm earth below, I greet you, servant of Mitula," the elder says with a bow.
"I shall not veil my words... The actions of your war-party have saved our village. We have suffered much from the single group of undead, but were all of the enemy battalions to have attacked at once..." The elder shakes his head. "It is bad... but not too bad that we can't weather it. Enough men of fighting age remain with us to sufficiently guard the village from bandits and monsters. Almost no townspeople not of the militia were harmed during the assault. Though the earthquake and spellstorm wrought much damage to our dwellings, they can be repaired. Lives cannot."
"That is heartening..." Cedric replies in a distant voice laced with pain. He sighs heavily and nods, "Excellent, then I believe we shall leave you to your work." He glances up at the mountains in the distance, "What do you know of the cult's workings nearby?"
"The cults?" the elder asks. "We're the only settlement for miles and miles around. If any cults exist, they aren't known to our scouts, and our scouts are eagle-eyed," the Elder says.
The Paladin rubs his face, then continues in a hoarse voice, "The forces we just defeated were aligned with the Chaos Cult."
"Cult?" Telanna asks, stepping closer to the pair. "Are they who did this?"
"Yes." He nods to Telanna, "They are lead by three archfiends who call themselves the Strife Lords." He frowns as if recalling something unpleasant, "We have faced two of them but were unable to defeat them."
"I see..." the elder says. "We are an isolated village. What can you tell us of this cult?"
"Who cares?" Telanna sounds annoyed. "We have to go after them!" She looks to the elder. "Let me go raise a militia to fight the Cult."
"Telanna, our numbers are just enough to protect the village. We can't afford to start a war," the elder says with a sigh.
"Our numbers aren't even enough to protect the village!" Telanna cries angrily. "We'd all be dead right now if not for them!"
Cedric watches the exchange with a frown, then interrupts, "Your heart is in the right place but it would be best for you to focus your efforts here." His voice soft, "The Strife Lords will destroy you if you face them...even victoriously." He glances around, "Stand here and defend your village, leave the cult to us."
Telanna folds her arms and stares at the ground, glaring at a patch of dead grass.
"They have toppled and subverted kingdoms across the world, only through great effort and at great cost were we able to thwart their plans in Cypress." Cedric replies to the elder.
"Then that makes two places you have saved," the elder says with a nod. "Telanna... is partially right, though. Selfish as it is, I have a request."
"What is this selfish request?" Cedric replies in a empty voice.
"The village is damaged... Please, can you tarry for a few days? Your presence will deter any that might seek to take advantage of our state, and we might need you should our scouts find pockets of survivors from this... cult."
The Paladin ponders this visibly for a moment, flames of eager hatred burn in his eyes then he nods quietly, "Very well..."
"In return, we can offer you a place of rest for a short while... Also, I am sure that your presence would inspire the villagers. Thank you," the elder says with a bow. "Regardless if you had accepted or not... I have a gift to bestow upon you. There is a small grove in this village that is sacred to Mitula. A tree grows there that is said to have been touched by the goddess. We will permit you to enter this holy place, and eat some of the fruit. This is the highest honor we can bestow upon you."
Telanna looks up, surprised. "Elder, are you sure..."
"Telanna, this man's group saved us all... In addition, he is a paladin of Mitula. Surely he must be blessed by the goddess."
A faint expression of anger crosses Cedric's face at the mention of Mitula's blessing, though it is quickly suppressed.
Telanna bows her head. "Yes, elder."
"Thank you." Cedric nods quietly, "For now, however, there is work to be done. If you would excuse me..."
"Of course," the elder says with a bow of his head, "Go with the peace of tranquil waters, friend of the village," the elder says as Cedric prepares to leave.
The Paladin nods and takes his leave.
Telanna watches Cedric depart, before going to help the villagers.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:35 am
She rose to her feet shortly after the chaos ended, likely roused awake by someone or another, and groggily shook her head as she smoothed out her clothes, brushing dust and dirt as free as gravity would allow. So much happened so quickly that the woman simply could barely hold herself up for the initial rise, stumbling aimlessly for a few steps as she rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands.
Isyndel wished she had kept them there.
The sight of all the dead elves before her, a sight evaded accidentally only by the chaos only moments ago so widespread, was unavoidable now. The elven wizardess nearly gagged on the spot at the realization of what was before her, and she scolded herself for not being prepared nor accustomed to it. As the group meandered closer to the village and onward, she fought her hardest to keep her eyes focused only before her.
Images that could never be lost. The thought sparked her out of the blue; how she was unable to remember specifics of even the halcyon days of youth or so to speak, yet knew that the vision just witnessed had etched itself inside her. She had changed, she knew, but wondered exactly how much more this was going to take her in a new direction.
Whether the walls she closed herself in were crumbling slowly or mounting higher she did not know. In fact the walls themselves were something the woman was unconscious of to begin with, and so studying said changes was a matter saved for years down the road.
===
It was only a short time later that the Wizardess watched a display with some amusement. It was an unusual sight to watch in fact, so unusual that the logic about it both confused and slightly irritated her. She caught herself however, pulling her knees into her chest as she watched from a perch atop a comfortable rock, the memory of a previous conversation seeping into her head as the others left for the caravan.
"Zook," Isyndel finally stated flatly after a moment. "Tread carefully with that lot; it will be difficult for them to embrace their own studies and yours at the same time. I do so worry you will have a clash of schools of thought with your little tribe."
"Still," she continued, running one hand smoothly through her hair. "I would enjoy watching your...Zooklings at work in this regard. Perhaps if your new whelps require extra direction..." she trailed, a smile curving about her lips into a grin.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:54 am
Zook mulls this over, and shrugs, smiling. "I'm sure you could keep them in line, if they get unruly." --- As Telanna tends to the wounded, she throws furtive glances at the members of the warband that had saved the village. She watches the gnome wave his arms frantically around as his underlings scurried about repairing the village. His movements gave the curious impression that he was raising the village from the ground, whole, instead of restoring what had come before. As the injured were carried off to beds, Telanna approached the gnome and bent down, tapping him on the shoulder.
: "Excuse me."
Zook whirls around, looking up at the young woman. "What is it? You want to join too?"
Telanna is taken aback at his question; it struck closer to home than she realized.
: "W-what? No that's not-no." she stammers, running a hand through her hair. "I was just wondering if you could help me." She looks coyly at Zook. "You look like just what I need."
((Diplomacy 34))
The tinker blinks, oblivious. "Sure, how can I help?"
: "What can you tell me about your leader? Cedric, his name is?"
Zook frowns. "Cedric's a great man."
Telanna waits for Zook to continue. When he doesn't, she prods him.
: "And...?"
"I'm not sure what you mean..." Zook trails off, confused. "Look, I'm sure you mean well, but this is not exactly the best time to pore over the nature of a man." His head jerks involuntarily backwards, as if something was tugging at him. "If you'll excuse me, miss, this roof's about to collapse." Turning around, he waves his arms frantically as one of the Zooklings drops an armful of shingles. "No! No! You have got to be more careful! Here, stack them like this, then they won't fall. Better yet, load them up in that cart. No, no, not that one, the wheel's loose. Come on, give them here, I'll..."
Telanna turns away, seemingly frustrated, but her mind is made up. These people do things. They don't sit around and talk like the druids. Maybe I'll take him up on that offer...

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:03 am
((Post the spoils you do not wish to claim for yourself. Cedric is taking the Warrior's Ring. Up for grabs is a +4 Adamantine Large Shield.)) "This will be your room, Sir Knight..." The elf states softly as she opens the door to reveal a simple but well furnished room.
"Thank you." Cedric replies emotionlessly, stepping pass the elf into the room. He pauses then, looking around the simple comforts as if at a loss.
"If you need anything, please let me know." The elf with a bright smile, bowing slightly, "You rescued us in our darkest hour, thank you!" She then softly closes the door and steps away.
Cedric stands staring silently at the door for a long moment, then he turns and slowly sets his hammer on a table. The blood of the foes of the day besmirch it, the dull silver metal stained a dark brackish red. The Paladin begins pulling off the layers of armor that have served him so well. Armor striped from the body of a follower of his sworn enemies, the irony was not lost on him. Shreds of foul flesh and gore fall away with the armor leaving the floor sullied. His clothing clings to him, thick with sweet and blood. The last bit of armor tossed onto the pile in the center of the room, he walks stiffly over to the bed and collapses onto the clean sheets.
He stares up at the ceiling with a dull expression on his face. His frame trembles, tears welling up in his eyes and gasping out quiet sobs in the silence.
Heroes? Saviors? Once such words had meant something. Once bringing hope to others had seemed enough but now, when he needed it, where was the hope for him? The future before him was one filled with hatred and blood, the darkness of it loomed over him. The lesson that the world had taught him, the one he was terrified to admit to himself, was that to preserve good one must forsake it. He wept for what was lost, for the innocence that had been butchered not only around him but within him.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:51 am
"Excuse me," Telanna approaches Ashathel. "You're with the warband, right?" "Yeah... I am," the elf replied, obviously tired in one form or another. "Ashathel Faesaen... or, apparently, Ashathel of the Burning Blade if you're one of the cult's Dark Elves..."
"Sounds intimidating," Telanna says, laughing lightly. "My name is Telanna'brielle, but I answer to Telanna." She tilts her head. "You look like you're about to drop."
"I'll survive, which is more than I can say about some of the people here," he said, shaking his head as he straightened himself out a little. "I saw what you did... the people of these woods - no, the elven race - owes you a great thanks."
Telanna bows her head modestly. "From what I hear, the whole world owes you their lives."
"I don't know about all that... mostly I just stab funny-looking stuff," Ashathel said, giving a slight grin. Then, his tone more serious, he asked "So... why are you here, instead of at home with your mother and father?"
Telanna looks down at the ground. "My mother died giving birth to me, and my father abandoned her."
"I'm sorry... that's not any way to grow up," he said, sadly. "If your father left and your mother died, who raised you?"
"My aunts," Telanna says. "They're the ones who told me what happened, told me my father's name." Her voice wells with bitterness. "But he's long dead, no doubt."
"Why would you say that?" he asked. "Maybe he's survived, somewhere..."
She shakes her head. "I know how young I look, but I'm older. Much older. He'd be almost 70 by now." Her face contorts with hate. "I hope he's dead. And I hope it hurt."
"No you don't," Ashathel said, his tone grave as he looked out across the shattered forest. "Look out there. Go, look at the bodies layed out like dolls. Look at the snapped spines and broken jaws, the blood and gore and the suffering painted on dead faces. Is that what you wish for the man who helped bring you into this world?"
"Yes." Telanna says, looking away to hide the tears that had welled up in her eyes.
"You say you're not as young as you look, but you've still got a lot to learn," the elf muttered. "I've seen that attitude before. I've seen that hate in a man's eyes. I've seen where he was and where it's taken him, and it's not a pretty path. I'm not going to say that I have the answers, but holding onto this hate isn't going to do anything more than eat a hole in you."
"How long has your group been together?" she asks abruptly, changing the subject.
"A little while now... since Prince Nick went missing in Cypress. We found him, thankfully, but we've been together so long I'm losing track of how long it's been since we started."
Telanna frowns. "You seem like such an odd group."
"You don't know the half of it," Ashathel said. "I think it's part of the reason why we do so well against the cult."
"What? That doesn't make any sense," Telanna says.
"Sure it does. If we can't even predict what we're going to do, how's the enemy supposed to formulate a plan against us?" Ashathel asked, shrugging. "Like I said... I like to think that, so I might be wrong after all."
"What I don't understand is how everyone can get along with the gnome," she says, casting a sidelong glance at Zook. "I mean, he's so weird. What's with all the metal things?"
"He's an odd one, I know... never really got into the machines, myself," the elf said, smiling slightly. "But he's damn good with them... it's out of order, half the time, but he's even got a flying suit of armor. Damn good in a fight as artillery too, I tell you."
"Flying?" Telanna says. "That's ridiculous. He must be using magic."
"No, no... no magic at all. Believe me, I'd know if it was," Ashathe said. "Something to do with steam or something at first, then we got some sort of power source that the Ancients had and now he's zipping all over the place."
Telanna gives Ashathel a dubious look, but she brightens shortly thereafter. "Well, I'm going to go see what other help I can give. I'll talk to you again, Ashathel. We'll be seeing a lot of each other from now on!" She winks and turns to depart.
"Sure... I guess," the elf said, slightly confused.
I like him, Telanna thinks as she walks away, even if he did say those stupid things about my father. I'll make him understand why he's wrong. I'll have all the time in the world.

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:09 pm
It is the night following the vicious battle to defend the forest. The group has had a chance to rest and cleanse themselves of the filth from the vicious battle. The dead have been buried and with the help of the Zooklings and Lillah's magical harp the town has begun to recover from the vicious earthquake which rocked it.
The Force has been told to assemble in a small patch of grass in the midst of the town. Here Cedric stands, wearing clean trousers and a white shirt, over which rests a simple blue overcoat, clearly a gift of the elves. While he still stands tall, a heavy weight seems to hang over him. His face is free of the grime of the day's work, though deep dark circles yet rest under his haunted eyes. The silver circlet he gained so long ago shines anew after a polishing from a thankful elf. His sacred weapon and armor are not to be found, though he holds the ornate staff which saved so many lives ere its power was drained.
The Holy Knight looks out over the assembled group appraisingly, then speaks in a quiet voice which is nether the less filled with authority, "We have won another victory against our enemies and many lives were saved as a result of this...however, our struggles will be meaningless unless we can struck down the head of the serpent."
He turns his eyes to where the young maiden hunted for her strange powers sits, "Moritae has learned our location once more and through him the Stride Lords. There is no doubt in my mind that our enemies will attempt to steal Simone away as they have done in the past." He looks to the magical swordmaster, "Ashathel, you did well in leading your squad to victory despite being isolated and facing superior numbers. It shows that I was right in placing faith in you. I have a further request of you, as we continue on I would like for you to train Simone in swordplay." He looks to the master ninja, "Kyoji, I wish for you to train her in the art of stealth and defense. No matter how small an improvement in our prowess, in the end it may be the weakest of us who gives us the advantage we need to overcome."
He looks to the genius gnome, "The elder of this village has asked that we remain here for a few days while they restore their defenses. I know that it is a distraction from your work but I would ask that you and your devotees aid them in this regard." A faint smile threatens to appear on his face, "Your skills are legendary, I'm confident that you can enable this wood to repel any assault." He nods to the massive warriors standing among the others, "Gabriel and Castor shall provide you aid as well."
He looks out over the group, his eyes narrowing slightly, "We have been passive in this area for far too long." His voice is stern, "While we remain here in relative peace, I want a means of conquering the seal that the Strife Lords have placed over the realm of the dead." His eyes are alight with resolve, "Isyndel, Faralon, Aurik... Each of you alone are a formidable master of the mystical, I want you to combine your efforts and use any means at your disposal to learn more of this seal and how we may be able to counter it." He frowns a moment as if remembering something then adds, "Lady Yeesha, I would appreciate it if you would aid them as well."
He turns his eyes to the peerless archer, "Merkass, the elves of this village are skilled at the art of the bow, however I feel that there is much you can teach them. Please do what you can over the time we are here."
He glances at the favored soul, a hint of anger entering his voice, "Sulia, a foul succubus used its perverse powers to manipulate the will of Faralon, I want you to cleanse him of any remaining effects of that dark power."
"I want Kethra, Laika, and Lilah to scout out the terrain ahead of us and see if they can locate a path up into the mountains." He continues glancing at each in turn, "Be cautious, only scout ahead for a few hours at a time and return here to rest. We cannot afford to lose anyone through carelessness."
"Damas, Van... I want you to return to the dwarves and inform them of the situation here." He frowns slightly, then nods towards the master gnome, "Ask Zook if he requires any materials from their mines and obtain them while there. See if you can persuade them to provide aid to the elves."
"Our enemies may attempt to strike at us once more, keep up the regular patrols and stay on your guard." He pauses for a moment, then continues, "The elder has blessed us and granted us permission to enter a grove sacred to Mitula which rests near here. Ere we depart this place we shall visit it as a Force, until then carry out the duties requested of you..." He looks at the group silently then adds, "You should also rest..." He suddenly sounds old, "The past behind us and the future before us are filled with turmoil and strife, no matter the outcome, take advantage of this moment of peace..." He stops, then adds darkly, "It may be the last we have."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:49 pm
Kethra stands with the others that have gathered before Cedric. Kethra is wearing a long sleeved red oriental shirt, and pants of the same color. Kethra's hair is pulled back into a ponytail, like it usually is. The half-elf nods her head as Cedric
"I will do my best."
Damas is wearing a simple but elegant midnight blue shirt, and pants of the same color. Damas is also wearing his cloak, and his hair is braided. Damas' thoughts drift even as Cedric speaks, but he does hear what the Paladin is saying. After all that has happened, the elven Sorcerer cannot seem to focus. Damas' ears perk up when Cedric speaks his name, and he turns his head in Cedric's direction. Damas sighs and speaks in a very weary tone.
"Very well, Cedric. I could use a telaportation spell to get us there, if there are no objections. It would save time, and it would probably be safer."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:47 am
Zook looked down, arms folded, as Cedric spoke. He rocks slowly on his heels as he looks first at Damas and Van, then at Cedric. "Well, the elves won't need any raw materials, but if the dwarves have some mithril and smithing tools, they won't go to waste. I would ask, though, that I have some time to go over the intelligence we received from ATHENA."
A thought occurs to the gnome. "Yesterday I was stopped by a woman who wanted to know about you, Cedric. Just a heads up, she might be coming your way. She's about yay high" Zook stretches up on his tip toes, straining to approximate about five and a half feet, "with orange hair and dark skin."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:55 am
Cedric arches an eyebrow at Damas, a hint of a frown on his face, "It would have been useful to know that you could manifest such teleportation abilities..." He then sighs and shakes his head. "Zook, take all of the time you need. Your first priority is to prepare yourselves and us for upcoming battles." A ghost of a smile crosses his face, "Fortifying this forest should prove an easy accomplishment on the side. I wanted it done but, of course, other things are more important." He then frowns slightly, "A woma... Oh, you mean that girl?" He seems to ponder this for a moment then shrugs.

Posted by: FreedomJu Sat Feb 10, 2007 1:14 am
Van listens to Cedric's orders and pays careful attention to the items Zook mentioned before deciding that he had better buy some healing potions, just in case. "One moment, Damas," Van says before he starts searching for someone selling healing potions. Once he finds one he quickly buys a pair of potions before making his way back over to the mage. "I'm ready then."
(Van buys 2 CSW potions for 1500...)

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Feb 10, 2007 1:36 am
Zook nods. "Shouldn't take more than a week on my end to get everything fixed up." ((These are the things Zook wants to do: Add something to Cedric's armor (2 days, 100 gp) Fix/upgrade ADAM (3 days, 1000 gp) Go through the discs (how long?)))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Feb 10, 2007 9:43 am
"Telanna," Ashathel said. "I spoke with her as well... and I do believe she intends to meet with us again at some point, if only for the reason Zook mentioned."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Feb 10, 2007 4:56 pm
"With everything that has been going on lately, I forgot to mention it. Sorry about that, Cedric." Damas checks to make sure he has all of his belongings. Once he knows that he has everything, Damas stands there until Van gets back. "So you have everything you need, then? We should go, then."
Damas rests his hand on Van's shoulder and looks at the people around him.
"We should be back in a few days. Don't wear yourselves out too much."
With a clear image in his mind, Damas says a few words. In an instant, the two of them are gone.
((Here's the % roll for the teleport attempt: 55%. So it works, thankfully.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Feb 11, 2007 12:44 am
The sun begins to die, drifting lazily down past the horizon. The village has been cleaned up and partially repaired, work ceasing for the night. The next day is to be one of feasting and rejoicing before the work resumes. Isyndel sat squarely at the top of a small hill just above the caravan with Sleet on her lap, reading a book. Time and time again, perhaps more often then the new Zooklings would care to, her eyes locked onto every little thing they focused on.
She said nothing, the look was enough and the intent clear. Satisfied, she'd turn to her book once more.
"Supervising?"
Sleet leaped to her feet and darted to a nearby bush, and Isyndel herself clearly jumped, having lost herself for the moment in the latest passage. She turned herself without getting up and nodded curtly, and her ears twitched in minor irritation at the surprise. With one breath, she replied "I suppose I could be, yes."
"Sorry if I startled you," Kyoji says. "I walk quietly by habit."
She nodded once more, her expression softened a bit. "As is my nature to lose myself in pages. I should pay better attention to the recruits." She shot them a glance once more.
"How are they doing?" Kyoji asks, turning his head.
"I prefer the other lot," Isyndel replied. "These seem a bit...disorganized thus far, but then this sort of thing may be out of the realm of their comprehension."
"Indeed... They're adjusting to new things. It will take some time," Kyoji says with a nod. "I've returned from teaching Simone some basics of stealth. She's naturally quiet, but lacks discipline. However..."
"I was a tad surprised when Cedric asked Ashathel to train her in swordplay. With her inclination towards books and already apparently magical ability I thought he'd request yourself or the Lady Yeesha to train her in magic."
"Admittedly I found the request a little unusual," the woman mused. "Perhaps he did not wish to disturb the lady, and Ashathel is certainly much easier to work with then me."
"Perhaps..." Kyoji looks away towards the village. "How are you? I noticed... your reaction to the aftermath. Are you all right now?"
She turned for a moment, her hair draping back over her face before she brushed it away, casting her eyes over the newcomers once more. "Such a sickening sight, wasted life...I wasn't able to hold myself up after my own encounter. I will be better tomorrow with more rest," she finished. "But thank you for your concern."
"You're welcome..." Kyoji says, shifting his weight and looking towards the horizon.
"Rest is something we'll be getting I hear. We're staying at the village for a while, perhaps a week if Zook is allowed to work on his projects," Kyoji says, after a long pause.
Isyndel cocked her head slightly to the side at the thought. "An opportunity to learn some new magic while I'm here, perhaps. Along with the assigned research, of course."
"Of course... But that's hardly what rest is supposed to be," Kyoji says with a sigh. "Says the person whose bulk of time is spent training."
Isyndel laughed quietly, a hand raised to her chin. "Too true, too true. But the time is well spent; perhaps less productive than live experience, but far safer. Hopefully a time will come soon when such training will not be needed."
"Indeed," Kyoji says. "What do you think they're planning for the feast?"
"So long as it does not involve the Strife Lords, whatever they do will suffice. They are elves after all, so I am certain it will be beautifully executed." She paused, giving that statement thought. "Well, perhaps not to everyone else's liking, but I will certainly enjoy it."
Kyoji chuckles softly. "I wonder if they'll provide a bard or if our own will take the stage... or if they'll fight over it."
"The latter is more likely," she replied, rolling her eyes.
"That in of itself might make for a good show," Kyoji says.
"Only if ours is embarrassed," she replied, a telling grin on her face.
Kyoji is quiet for a moment. "Can I ask you something?"
"Certainly."
"It's quite obviously that Damas has feelings for you. What are yours for him?"
She felt the air drain from her lungs in a rush and return quite the same way. The question was unexpected to say the least, and Isyndel narrowed her eyes without speaking for what seemed like a long moment in examination before actually giving the question some thought. "He is infuriating," she replied factly. "I think it is not so obvious as it seems; more obvious he seems to prefer watching his precious monk. I thought," she started, trailing off into thought again.
"Yes?"
She shook her head. "It is a question I cannot easily answer, and as such...one I cannot afford the time to think about. How I feel is irrelevant; there is too much else going on." Isyndel nodded as she finished, feigning satisfaction with her answer.
Kyoji sighs. "You don't know, do you?"
"Hmm," she murmured with a shrug. "I wonder."
"Wonder what?"
"Oh, nothing." She smiled evasively.
"Well... You should try and decide how you feel..." Kyoji says, uncomfortably. "Hopefully he won't pull a knife on you if you reject him as he did the first time."
She tilted her head. Something about this was peculiar; it nagged at her sense of logic and her experiences, but the wizardess could not put her finger on it. "He has changed since then," Isyndel replied in defense. "Though perhaps that aggressiveness would serve him better."
"These are not times for the weak and indecisive. That weakness may prove his undoing."
"True, but aggression and..." Kyoji stops himself. "Aggression that drives one forward and aggression to blindly lash out are two different things."
"Mmm. He seems to have found the middle road for the time being."
"I disagree. He's not on either road. He seems content to merely wait by the wayside."
"Perhaps better to say he continues to stand at the crossroads then," she replied, scratching the back of her neck with one fingernail in thought before prodding. "Kyoji. This line of conversation is unusual."
"I suppose it is," Kyoji says, looking away.
"I've let the subject sit for a while while I thought on what to do."
"I do not think there is much that can be done," she replied, displaying her usual tact with a casual shrug. "He must find his own way." She narrowed her eyes once more in study.
"That's... not precisely what I meant," Kyoji says with a sigh. "But I suppose it should wait for a better time."
Isyndel traced her finger idly over the pages of her book. "I see," she replied, a slight smirk playing over her lips as her eyes glimmered in understanding. "Time is something we seem to have for the next few days; after that...in any case there is time at that."
"Indeed," Kyoji says, turning. "I'll see you at the feast, then. Good evening."
"You will, at that." She nodded and bowed her head slightly, watching him momentarily as he did so. "Hmm," she murmured again when feeling alone enough to do so, before pushing her head back into her book.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Feb 11, 2007 1:13 am
Alone in the room the elves had provided, Zook pops open the cylinder. There is a faint pneumatic hiss as the lid rises, revealing the plasma pistol and a pile of discs: a series bound together and one standing alone. The gnome puts the solo disc into the playing device, and studies the device carefully, waiting for something to happen.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Feb 11, 2007 1:14 am
The small machine begins to hum as the tinker fiddles with it, finally emitting a hazy cloud of light that coheres into text. The Threat to All: http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/1253/29 Compiled Briefing on Negative Energy-based Lifeforms Class 207109: Informal designation: "Strife Lords".
A seperate cloud of light is emitted, refining itself into transparent, ghost-like images of the three brothers.
Part One: Overview
The beings known as "Strife Lords" are in fact a form of life that subsists on negative emotions to survive. Much as a deity draws its power from the faith and spiritual strength of the believers behind it, so do the Lords suck power from sentient minds full of rage, greed, and anguish. A number of variables affect how much power they can draw from an area or individual, these include the depth of the emotion suffered as well as the vibrancy and strength of will the individual sentient possesses. The feeding process seems to occur continually, which the Lords drawing power from and absorbing negative energy around them constantly via a form of "spiritual osmosis." As such, they require no special time or condition to feed save being within a few hundred miles of a great conflict or within sight range of a being consumed by negative emotion.
It should be noted that while they feed on negative emotional/spiritual energy, positive emotional energy seems to have a slightly toxic effect on the beings. As expected, exposure to "holy" items weaken or hurt them, but going further, the Strife Lords have been observed to feel slightly weakened when faced with a large concentration of positive emotional energy. This was most notably observed during an encounter within a ruined city on the now desolated world of Borolis. The Strife Lord known as "Shailtor" seemed to be physically ill as he crossed a monument that was still standing. The monument in question had generated hope for the city for centuries and so had come to be imbued with generations of positive emotional energy. Shailtor slowly limped away from it, but regained full "health" once a short distance away. While within thirty feet of the monument, he seemed in pain and slowed to half speed. It should be emphasized that such reactions seem to only occur when great amounts of the energy are generated. Agents in the field CANNOT produce a discernable effect by "thinking happy thoughts." Research into methods this knowledge can be used against the Strife Lords is underway, but a few methods have been found by other hunters of this scourge.
The picture of the Strife Lords fades to be replaced by a picture of a scholarly looking halfling in white robes, a faintly glowing crystal pendant around his neck.
High Purifier Salis Brenjan of the Order of the Healing Hand managed to develop a way of investing high concentrations of positive energy into a special type of crystal, and modifying it to specifically be effective against the Strife Lords' corruptive energies.
The halfling fades, but the pendant remains, the picture zooming in on it.
The Purifier Crystals were effective against driving the influence of the Strife Lords from a victim's mind as well as physically keeping them at bay for a short time, but the Purifiers themselves were hunted down and destroyed by the Strife Lords. The method of how to create these crystals were lost, though some are trying to regain that knowledge.
The picture fades again, this time reforming into a picture of a grand battle, armies clashing on a bloodsoaked field.
"The Strife Lords commonly seek to start wars and corrupt great heroes and figures of note to their own cause whenever they descend upon a world. Not only does this give them a ready supply of "food", but it also aids them in building a power base for their long term plans. The Lords appear to be searching for [Classified]."
The picture resolves back into the Strife Lords again.
"The Strife Lords exist mainly on the spiritual plane, and as such their physical bodies are a matter of personal preference rather than anything concrete. Each Lord's form is a construction he uses to interact with the physical world for the most part, though damage done to the shell hurts the true self. This is because each body is not a pure construct of material, but rather a direct energy into matter concentration of the substantive being of a Strife Lord. They are literally made of pure evil. Though due to this the Lords can be killed simply by destroying their physical bodies, this is not as easy as it might first seem... Though they might flaunt their power to "lesser" beings, they do not hesistate to vanish once they learn of a genuine threat to their being. Not literally, as the Lords cannot shed their shells and revert to a purely spiritual presence, but rather they will hide or flee, leaving minions to stall for them. Xadoss, however, seems loath to do so unless the threat is overwhelming."
Part Two: Individual Profiles
Erebeus: The eldest of the three and the most powerful and cunning. The other two follow his commands without hesitation, for they are all too aware of the eldest's capabilities. Erebeus' mastery of magic is absolute, he can cast all manner of magic with ease and often does so. In addition to this, he is a formidable opponent physically and possesses a frighteningly tactical mind. Not much else is known about this enigmatic figure.
[i]Shailtor: The deciever and corrupter, Shailtor delights in "playing with his food." Though it would seem that such mental and physical torture as Shailtor enjoys provides more of a "meal" for him, the being partakes in it with such glee that it leaves little doubt as to whether he does so out of necessity or pleasure. This penchant for elaborate games and play may be used to great effect against the creature, as Shailtor will often choose the more "fun" action, rather than the most efficient one. Despite this, he is chillingly effective at the breaking and remolding of minds, and as such, should not be underestimated. He is the most physically weak of the group, but equal to Erebeus in magic strength."
[i]Xadoss: Pure, brute force. Xadoss is not stupid, but his impatience and undiluted rage often causes him to act in a brash and dangerous manner. Though lacking in tactics, the third brother excels in destructive magic and relishes combat with his bare, stony hands. Xadoss possesses the odd ability of being able to command stone and earth with concentration. He has been observed constructing citadels and fortresses for his followers within an hour or two simply by magically ripping bedrock from its resting place and molding it into new shapes, or by calling forth lava and directing its flow so precisely that minion strongholds have been made of still cooling magma. Though not competent at setting traps himself, Xadoss is fairly proficient at telling what is a trap and what isn't. His response to such attempts on his life is characteristic of the being: Overwhelming and merciless force.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:24 am
Shortly after the meeting, Gabriel is found working with several of Zook's assistants to raise a barn that had been demolished the day before. Telanna approaches, clearing her throat. "Excuse me, do you have a moment?" "Watch that pillar. It's still not stable yet," Gabe said, before turning to the druid. "What is it?"
"You're with the warband from Cypress, right?"
"Yes. And you helped in the fight, correct?"
Telanna attempts to sidestep the question gracefully, but doesn't quite succeed.
"Well, you know, I just... yeah." She sighs. "Who's your leader?" ((Diplomacy 15))
"Cedric. The guy with the hammer in the last fight," the half-giant said. "You need to speak with him?"
The half-fey nods, smiling.
"I do, but I don't want to go in and say something wrong. Is there anything you can tell me about how to talk to him? I've tried asking a couple other people but they weren't very helpful."
"Don't talk about family. Don't pledge allegiance to the Strife Lords. Other than that, I don't remember anything that would bother him," Gabriel said. "He is a paladin of Mitula; treat accordingly."
Telanna frowns.
"He doesn't like family?"
"Many of us have had... unpleasant experiences from the time we set out on our original quest. He and his kin were not spared such a fate."
"Oh," Telanna says meekly, looking down at the ground. "I... I'll keep that in mind." She looks up hastily. "I don't want to keep you, so I'm going to go find him now. Do you have any idea where he might be?"
"I can work and talk, if need be. But no, I do not know where Cedric is at the moment; perhaps Ashathel or Faralon might know, if you can find them," Gabriel said. Then, turning back to steady a pillar while the tinkers pounded braces into place, he added "If you're going to ask him to join us, you should decide if you're ready to die young."
"Better than living afraid," Telanna says distantly. "I'll go look for him, then. Thank you, you've been a great help."
"Mmm," he said, still facing the pillar. "One other thing, young lady... don't let the line between fear and caution blur too much. There is a difference."
Nodding absently, Telanna smiles and turns to walk away, thinking to herself. Not in this. Not now.

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Feb 24, 2007 4:40 am
*The morning following the hell that had beset the Elven village, Merkass awakened and stretched his war weary, disease wracked muscles. Gorgot had left him with much to think about. Had the putrid Catfolk come from his own clan? Did his clan still exist, or had they been wiped out? Cypress had remained well intact, but he could only wonder. What of the other clans of Catfolk that existed? Then, what extent of foul magic do the Strife Lords possess to create an undead as loathful as what Gorgot had become? One thing was certain, however. He had to get clean. Merkass searches out Aurik, and quickly, the cleric is able to cleanse the disease plaguing his body. With a brief thanks, Merkass again sets off, this time to search around the area as well as to meet with the remaining archers of the village. With the battle past, he hoped they had learned much and would be receptive to what he had to offer. The rest of the day he spends around in the woods surrounding the village. He hunts, but does not kill. He takes in nature, breathes in the air and relishes it, and finds a home in tranquility. Merkass finds feelings he had not known in some time, and now that they were with him once more, he took the time to take them in.*
*Aurik quickly mends Merkass' body early in the morning. From his normal, yet pained beginnings, Aurik had become an adept healer. His allies now depended on his talents more than ever. However, throughout the day, Aurik could not and did not think about his place with the others, nor did he think about the injuries sustained, or even much about the ways of Volcanon, even if the latter is his life. Instead, he thinks about the hellacious battle he had fought, one on one against a vampire hellbent on his destruction. A vampire with powers far greater than his own. His faith, convictions, and - quite honestly - tremendous strokes of luck had allowed him to live through that night, even to what very well could have been the end for him had he fumbled or the Venethetrion latched onto his body one second prior. Things had changed. Life was far less about preaching Volcanon as it was living the life of Volcanon. Aurik spends time in contemplation and meditation before taking the others assigned to the seal to study its ways. They ponder long and hard over its nature, struggling to find an answer for Cedric.*
((Kno: Religion: 1d20 + 18 = 10 + 18 = 28.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 17 = 16 + 17 = 33.))
*Rhizor wanders the enchanted grove in no hurry and with no particular interest in any one thing. He moves in a half trance, taking everything in about the place, and contemplates one day creating his own grove. A grove to study that which interests him and none else. Rhizor wondered about the foul energies powering the undead and if it had any use beyond the unholiest of taints. If its destructive power could be harnessed to something more useful. Fire is a destructive power. Nature itself has the power to create and destroy. Possibly negative energy could be harnessed just as any other. Even better, what of a union of positive and negative energy? The mixture of elemental forces and either could result in something more than any of the individual constituents. Rhizor knows this thinking would be best kept to himself, but the study must be done. In the mean time, he gathers up whatever druids and keepers of the grove he can to speak with them to learn more of it, its purpose, and its creation and existence.*
((Knowledge: Nature: 1d20 + 19 = 6 + 19 = 25.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:16 am
Later that day, Telanna approaches the beleaguered Cedric. She catches his attention, bowing gracefully before him. "Sir Cedric, I have a request of you." Cedric pauses for a moment, casting a perplexed look at the fiery haired girl which gives way to weary comprehension. "No." He states finally, "This struggle is no place for a youth."
Telanna is taken aback by the Paladin's bluntness.
"But...but..." she sputters, her facade of dignity broken. "No! I'm not too young for this!" She regains her composure quickly. "Sir, you and your band understand better than anyone the power of this evil. Do you think you can do it alone? Are you so certain in your strength that you will turn down the offer of aid?" She grows indignant. "And what about the 'youths' you already carry with you? The monk, the elves, that strange little gnome. All of them are as young or younger than I, in years and maturity. What makes them so much less fragile than me?"
Cedric crosses his arms with a resigned expression on his face, listening to the young druid patiently before finally replying in a quiet voice, "I am not questioning your strength or resolve... I want to protect you from that which would warp you beyond recognition. If you take part in this war, you will forever lose a part of yourself that you can never recover...if you are fortunate, that is all you will lose." He pauses for a moment, then continues in a heavy voice, "When we yet struggled in Cypress, I asked a young woman to join our ranks and aid us in opposing the evil growing across our homeland." His voice grows soft, filled with an old pain, "Though young, she was nearly as skilled with the bow as Merkass and a great asset to our forces." His voice grows bitter, "She sacrificed her life to save the lives of others..." His eyes smolder with near hatred, "The warriors I travel with are not all what they seem to be. I have seen most of them quiver and shake with fear, openly taking the path of safety which doomed another to death. If a few of my companions had been concerned with more than their own well being, that woman would still be alive today." He laughs bitterly, "Here, among the so called champions you will find the most despicable of cowards and knaves." His eyes lock on hers, burning with emotion, "Do you really want to find out if you are to be a forgotten sacrifice or a knave masquerading as a hero?" He snorts in disgust, "The 'youths' who travel with me, they never had the choice, the Lord of the Twisted Web made that decision for them. Most of them would far rather be in comfort, letting others suffer for their benefit. I'm glad that they never had the choice, they deserve this fate, to be forced to confront open evil, for what they have done and those they have slain through cowardice."
Telanna looks down at her feet as Cedric belittles his comrades. She speaks quietly. "I don't have a choice either. I can't sit here and do nothing. Not knowing that this is happening. What am I protecting, if I sit here waiting to die? What don't I lose going crazy with anger and grief and helplessness that battle takes away?" She looks up, angry, defiant. "What comfort is there anywhere now?"
Cedric looks at her for a long moment, then replies in a quiet voice, "You will not be swayed then?" He smiles bitterly, "The good perish while the knaves escape nearly unscathed." He laughs unsettlingly, then his face grows sorrowful and he speaks in a quiet voice, "When your sacrifices have been made light of and you have been forgotten by those you gave your all to protect, for what assurance it provides, if anything remains of me, I will mourn you."
Telanna bows her head. "Thank you. I won't fail. We won't fail."
"No." Cedric states grimly, "We will not fail, too many have fallen who should not have." His eyes burn darkly, "I will not allow us to fail."
Telanna isn't going to say anything else so you can end it on that.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Mar 05, 2007 11:32 pm
((So are we going to roleplay the talk with the dwarves or just say we talked to them, Marine?))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:16 pm
Isyndel Rhoe'wyn held her arms aloft as if she were being crucified, her wrists flailing loosely at their ends. She stared at herself in her slip, surprised at the shape she was in. Most of her wounds were superficial at best and barely noticeable, and those bruises and cuts that were marginally more noticeable were easily concealed. She tightened her lips on the needle she held in her mouth as an elven woman scrambled about her with a notched cord and a notepad, tightening it at varying positions about the Wizardess' body.
"It is finished," the woman finally spoke after a few minutes. Isyndel lowered her arms to her sides and returned the needle to her, surprised that she had not needed it. She watched as the seamstress made a few more notations on her notes, and the wizardess eyed it warily.
"You're an anxious sort, and for no reason," the seamstress noted with some dismay. "You have a perfect shape; any excess weight you might have had before your journey you have now certainly lost. I'm envious."
Isyndel idly glanced at the seamstress' busom and then to her own, noting an obvious difference that was not in her favor. "Perhaps I should seek another seamstress; your eyesight seems to suffer," she replied tersely.
"Please, I have borne two children," she replied, showing no offense and waving her hand dismissively. "Adequate proportion is far more important than these; everything about you works with your figure. You will be the feast's belle even in your ragged travel gear. I imagine the men of this town will line up to be your suitor; you'll have no shortage of offers to stay here if you wish to leave your travels."
"And your head seems aloft in the clouds, no less," Isyndel replied flatly, secretly embarrassed but making her best effort to show it. "What men think is of little concern of me in any case; I simply wish to "celebrate" in the elven spirit, as it were, and to do so I require an elegant dress such as the one I selected. The adjustments will be complete in time for the feast later, then?"
The seamstress nodded. "At the wage you are offering I can do no less."
"See that it is done, then," Isyndel spoke, finishing the last clasp of her clothing and turning to step towards the door. She paused, pursing her lips and looking to the ground for a moment as if realizing something. Turning to the seamstress once more, she gave a curtsy. "Thank you. I will return later this evening then, and perhaps the next day to see about having new clothes made for my travels. I look forward to wearing your work."
She stepped out of the shop and looked to her left, knowing full well who would be waiting for her. Sleet stared upward, tail swishing happily from side to side and bright yellow eyes meeting hers. Isyndel smiled in spite of herself and turned to continue her walk. There would be time to research later; the day was beautiful and despite it not being so, the elven village reminded her very much of her home.
The feline fell into tow behind her owner, and the sentience inside it felt no need to intervene.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Mar 20, 2007 4:27 am
Rubbing his eyes as he attempts to process the information in the briefing, Zook stares at the bound set of discs. Don't want to bother Cedric just yet, he thinks as he reaches for the first of the bound set, unmarked except for a plain number one.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:24 am
((Oh wow. I just reread the thread and only now realized what a tremendous amount of work I need to do here. Er, Vox, your scene will be on tommorrow assuming someone else posts in between so I don't double post.)) Damas and Van: "Aye? What d'ye want to talk to me about?" the de-facto leader of the dwarves asks the unlikely pair. The three speak at the mouth of the cave, the rest of the dwarves hard at work excavating ore from deeper in the cavern, the ringing of their picks against stone making normal speech impossible.
Aurik:
The village has a surprisingly nice library, so your research bears more fruit than it normally would have, several forgotten tomes and... Secret Books present in the village that possess much knowledge. From what you've gathered, the Strife Lords seem to be doing two thing: siphoning the power of the Gods of Light to their followers, and at the same time maintaining a necromantic barrier that hinders the journey to the next world, if not stopping it completely.
It is beyond your capability to discern how the barrier works, or how to stop it... but from your research it seems likely that the Strife Lords are weakening the powers of the clerics of Light by using a secretive and unholy order... the Ur-Priests. The knowledge gleaned from a journal written by a Heretic Hunter of the Church of Elbesem was most useful in this regard.
Known by few and thought to be long since vanished from the face of the world, the Ur-Priests were founded just after the fall of the Ancients. Viewing the gods as intruders on a land meant for mortals and mortals alone, they devised blasphemous methods to secretly siphon divine energy from the deities without their knowledge or consert, inpreceptibly weakening the god while empowering the Ur-Priest. However, those methods and indeed their goals eventually changed. What once started as an order dedicated to the supremacy of mortalkind over the supernatural slowly twisted and turned over the many centuries into a foul pseudo-religion of its own. The means by which they stole power from the gods grew more and more effective... but also more and more abhorrent and unholy. Their purpose changed from bringing the dominion of mortals over the world back to reality into a self-serving and nihilistic power struggle. The Ur-Priests as they were in ancient times are dead, and the last known Cult of Ur was thought to have been destroyed by the Kingdom of Enrich in a great purge years ago. However, since then an occasional report has surfaced of mysterious shrines to no known god appearing in the far wilderness... or of black temples hidden deep in the earth where chants and blasphemies echo eeriely through newly refurbished catacombs...
If the Ur-Priesthood does indeed still exist, they could easily be behind the weakening of clerical powers. Their twisted and blackened ideology easily would allow them to ally with fiends such as the Strife Lords in order to destroy and desecrate the true Gods. How they managed to jump from their previous miniscule drains and this new noticeable one is a mystery, however.
------------------
Rhizor:
((I'm having the Elder repeat this to the group once they actually go into the grove, BTW.))
The Grove of Mitula has been here since Ancient times. No one knows how it came to be, but it is said that the goddess herself rested here after helping to heal the world after the devastation of the Ancient War. It is said she created the grove to give her shade, and the trees within to give her fruit to eat as repast. However, as more and more pitiable creatures gathered around her new, beautiful creation, she felt moved to expand it. The Mother of Mercy called forth more trees, for shade and fruit, and the refugees that had gathered to her sang her praise as they ate and rested as well. Mitula moved among them, changed twisted and mutated forms into beautiful and healthy bodies. Here it is said she created the fairies and dryads, out of crippled humans who were almost unrecognizable as such. She gave them new life, and in return they pledged to help guard her forests until the end of time.
More and more came to her, until one day she simply vanished, being unable to find either rest or continue her greater work so busy was she with those that gathered in the Grove.
But she did leave a single, great gift behind.
The central tree in the grove, the first one she created, bore fruit that strengthened the life force, the body, and the mind, helping to cure all sickness and bolster one against future illness.
The simple town known only as Elf Village slowly grew around that grove to protect and guard it, as well as provide a haven to travellers who got lost in the wilds. The village acted as a sanctuary to those in need, lost, or abandoned. So it was that the grove continues to inspire mercy to this day.
-------
Yeesha sighed as she went through another stack of papers. She was at her desk, surrounded by the myriad books she had lugged from her cart into her room at the inn. Hours of study, hours of reading, and frustrating little progress.
"Just about all I can figure out..." Yeesha said to herself with a huff. "Is that there isn't any documented way of siphoning divine power from a deity with an arcane method."
"There aren't even that many cases of [b]combining[b] arcane and divine power much less using one to drain the other... Dispelling magic dispelled and was universal, but it couldn't work on such a specific and widespread spectrum. Celestial mystics managed to cast both arcane and mystical spells, but that didn't drain anything..."Yeesha thought. "What a mess. Things didn't use to be so complicated in the old days..."
Yeesha let her mind wander to the past, as if often did. Her leg throbbed a little.
"Have you found anything to heal your leg yet?"
That was the Prince talking. Yeesha was only ten years older than him, but when she thought back of how she had watched him grow up during her scant years as court mage, she couldn't help but feel infinitely older and wiser.
"No... I don't understand, your hand healed once you faced Iom down, why isn't my leg better now he's destroyed?"
"I don't know... But that's what we're trying to find out.
Yeesha smiled. He was also so... so loyal to his subjects, there wasn't any other way to phrase it. She was still trying to find out what precisely about the Cypress royal line had made its true rulers so damn noble, but she was glad of it.
"Haven't I paid back your loyalty with mine?" Yeesha said with a faint smile. "Saved your life as you saved me from that spell."
Bazoo's spell. Yeesha surpressed a shudder as she remembered the long, long months of being frozen, suffocating, unable to move, breath, speak, hear, see... Just darkness. If the Prince had been one day later in freeing her from her enchanted confinement, she thought she'd have done mad.
"Who would've thought someone with such an idiotic name would be so... dangerously evil..." Yeesha murmured as she allowed the memory to leave her. It then struck her that the old days WERE in fact this complicated... it was just that she didn't feel it as keenly. Wasn't hobbled by a damn curse, or when she WAS, wasn't at risk to life and limb. There was also the fact that she was apart from everyone else.
Yeesha sighed and closed her eyes as the old, familiar loneliness crept around her. It was to be expected, she thought, since she was the employer and the band the employees. There was a formal distance. Respect and station, just like the Royal Court.
Gods how she hated it.
Perhaps it wasn't probable, perhaps it wasn't wise to think so, but as time went by, Yeesha had found herself hoping to share in the camraderie that the rest of Cedric's band seemed to share. She found herself hoping to have the old experience of being in a Shining Force again. The informality, friendliness, and bonds that were forged in the heat of battle... she remembered them keenly. There were no such bonds in the Royal Court... or at least, not many of them. Yeesha, Prin... no, KING Nick now, and Mayfair were all part of the Royal Court, but would also share that time. However, in the stiff formalities and ceremonies of the Court, there was little room for friendship. It was all business once the day's audiences began. Yeesha had hoped to capture a bit of that spirit while travelling.
But such was not to be. Her leg kept her out of most fights, made her a liability, a burden. She had grown unaccustomed to warfare in the time she had spent divining, enchanting, and spellweaving for the King in her function as Court Wizardess. She remained in her cart, researched and planning for the most part. She was the employer, the advisor, not the friend or the comrade.
Yeesha cursed herself for dwelling on something so trivial and stupid as...
She was alone.
...as her loneliness when the world was at stake. She should focus on her job. It...
That suffocating darkness... months alone... unable to see or hear another, cut off...
It was critical. It didn't matter that she was seperate from the others. She had a job to do anyway, she needed to concentrate. This damn injury didn't help matters either.
Yeesha cursed herself again as she doggedly began turning pages once more.
But her most potent of curses couldn't stop a tear from sliding down her cheek.
((Still to come: Kyoji trains Simone, Zook's Hologram... and the arrival of some new guests for the village.))

Posted by: Aldur Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:09 am
Sulia frowned, looking around. She had been lost in thought. A process that was horribly all consuming these days. She watched impassively as her other companions went about their business. Harel wasn't around for once either. Which was...a welcome relief. He made her head hurt from time to time. The follower of the light sighed, and watched as Yeesha lugged her books around. She shook her head and simply sat by a tree.
Why on earth am I here?
She sighed, and thought about things...and now with Harel. He seemed to be trying hard but was still a danger? She shook her head. That couldn't be right. It just couldn't. But still...she sighed going back to her room and changing into a simple palest blue robe. She then moved to Yeesha's room and knocked. Have I ever...talked to Lady Yeesha before? With all the battle I've barely even smiled at her, let alone told her who I am and why I'm here. Not that I seem to know that either...
"It's me. I'm coming in if that's alright?" Sulia waited for a few moments and then pushed the door open, walking into the room, looking around curiously at all the books and other things. "Goodness...most of the others are relaxing. Shouldn't you do the same?"
"Trying to find a way to pierce whatever seal the Strife Lords have placed on the hereafter... but it's not going well. I'm starting to think that the problem can't even be touched upon by the arcane," Yeesha says with a sigh.
"I can relax later... though it's sounding increasingly tempting."
"Indeed? Such things are not within my ken I'll admit. And pushing off things you might need until later doesn't tend to help. Stuffed up in here with such...morbid texts is certainly not good for your health." Sulia moved and shut the door, leaning lightly against the wall, looking at Yeesha. "How did you injure yourself?"
"Huh?" Yeesha says, surprised, then she grimaces. "Oh... my leg. During the battle against Woldol, he channelled a great deal of Iom's power through himself. This power caused his blows to deal terrible curses when he struck. The most well known is of course, that he turned King Nick's hand to stone temporarily..."
"...but he also struck my leg and made it impossible to heal, as well as interfering with my magic."
"I have yet to find anything that is...impossible to heal. Mayhap once this threat is over a way may present itself. So you've been in many, many battles then?"
"Yes. I was part of the second Shining Force, you know."
"I see...and now you're with this lot? I must admit, I feel an outsider here from time to time. They all seem to have such a strong bond and..." Sulia paused, shrugging her shoulders. "I think sometimes they view me as a walking medical supply closet if that makes sense?" She chuckled, shaking her head.
"Tell me about it!" Yeesha says with an empathetic nod. "Sometimes I think I'm just a portable library."
"Ah! I see!" Sulia smiles, brushing her celestial hair out of her eyes. "Well it's maybe to be expected. I did just happen to tag along. Apparently they were all made lords of the realm or something. How very grand! And of course...it probably will take them awhile to release I'm more than my husband's replacement."
"Knights, not lords," Yeesha says. "I don't know, I've been them since the begining of the trip and I still feel like I'm just tagging along for the ride."
"Ah. I didn't enquire deeply enough I see...and why is that? Didn't you...start all this?" Sulia raises an eyebrow, somewhat bemused.
"Yeah, I did. I think that might be the problem you know," Yeesha says with a sigh. "I mean, how many people get chummy with their boss?"
"Did you get chummy with Nick?"
Sulia frowns. "I mean, Prince Nick! This is why I like to travel, courtly stuff confuses me."
"King Nick now," Yeesha says with a chuckle. "Sometimes it confuses me too. Yeah, everyone got chummy with each other back on the Force. It was surprising how much everyone came together back then."
"While here we have a far more...dysfunctional group? They're all likeable well enough but...Well, do you fancy gossiping?" Sulia smiled impishly, something she didn't often do.
Yeesha's mouth slowly twitches into a smile, and she replies, "Sure."
"Right. I'm new to this group but...Hm. Kyoji seems likeable enough, if quiet, though I think that's his way. Then we have our...quite emotionally young elves. Damas is twitchier than Cedric around a demon when Isyndel's around. Doesn't take a thinker to see something going on there. Next up we have Kethra. She's rather naive and...tempery? For a monk anyway. Then the Brodaleaf brothers. Asathael is getting a rather large head and Faralon just plain...I don't know. He makes my teeth itch for some reason. Zook is...well frankly, I think he's insane!" Sulia pauses, waving a hand. "Well, in a good way. Then we have Van. He's not very...social. Less so than Kyoji for some reason. Merkass rains fiery death from above, below, to the right, wherever you like! And yet he doesn't seem to like speaking to anyone. Who else now..."
"Aurik's handy to have around, I've not seen many healers with such skill... but oh boy you should've seen him earlier in the trip! So preachy! Volcanon this, and Volcanon that... he's quieted down ever since converting Laika, I think that wore him down. As for Laika... Him and Castor seem to be competing with Van for the title of most antisocial! Though with Castor maybe it's just because he likes to spend his time painting."
Sulia blinks, her jaw dropping. "He...paints? Really? You're kidding!"
"No! He does, and it's decent enough! Really, ask him to show you," Yeesha says with a nod. "I know, it's the last thing you'd expect!"
"We should get him to paint a picture of the whole team once we beat the Strife Lords. Commerative painting or some such."
"What an enchanting idea. Maybe Demon face'll crack a smile. Though I know he's been through much..." Sulia sighs, shrugging.
"Demon face?"
Sulia looks away, slighty bashful, her lips twitching with mirth. "...Cedric. I think he's the Demon and Devil's version of the thing that'll get you in the night."
"Heh, he'd probably be flattered to hear that... Why the bashful look?"
Sulia smiled ruefully. "He scares me a little."
Yeesha sighs. "He used to be very open and genial..." Yeesha's face twists with anger for a moment. "Damn Shailtor for what he did!"
Sulia tilted her head to one side. "What did the Lord of Deceit do? Aside from...subvert my husband."
"He brainwashed Cedric's sister into killing his mother in front of him."
Sulia blinked. "Ah. That'd...explain things."
"Yeah," Yeesha says, looking down
"Well...At least she didn't kill his father! I mean, one outta twoain't bad right?"
"She almost did, but one of number died saving his life," Yeesha says, her frown deepening. "Cedric... I think he still resents the group for not doing anything to save her when she died saving his father."
"Ah...that's understandable but...maybe not fair." Sulia sighed, looking down. "Not much we can do there...hey." Sulia smiled, suddenly laughing to herself, and looked at Yeesha. "I just had a good, yet quite devious idea."
"Oh?"
"Nothing to do with Cedric I'm afraid. But the Damas and Isyndel thing is nagging at me. Fancy...stirring things up? It's good way to make things happen."
"Like what?" Yeesha asks.
"Well...It's probably a bit...not great but, let's write a letter! To each of them! They'll go to the arranged place...and hopefully talk to each other!" Sulia blinked and smiled earnestly.
"You're joking right? That sounds like a plot out of some cheesy romance novel," Yeesha says, blinking. "No... Too large a chance of it snowballing into something horrific..."
"There might be dancing at the feast, maybe something to do with that?"
"What then? Slap him into her and hope everything picks up from there?"
"No, not at all..." Yeesha says. "Perhaps a subtle hint here or there... We could prompt one of them to go dance."
"Hmm...Isyndel is stubborn but more bold, while he's shyer but more prone to...hinting. Oh the choices!" Sulia smirked, rubbing her hands together. "I'm enjoying this too much."
"I say we play it by ear... but the feast is definitely when to make the move."
"Indeed..." Sulia hesitated. "We're not...doing anything bad. We're just giving a helping hand as elders...Well, in a way."
"Elders?!" Yeesha says with dismay.
geddis the hero: Sulia laughs heartily at this. "I said in a way. But we're more...worldly than them!"
"A holy servant of the Light... more worldly?" Yeesha says with a raised eyebrowl.
Sulia frowns, and blushes deeply. "What does THAT! Have to do with anything? I wasn't always a servant of the light from birth!"
"Ooooooh, I see..." Yeesha says with a grin. "A wild and misspent youth forced you into the folds of the Light's flock. I see it all clearly now."
Sulia blushes, her cheeks going crimson. Then she glares at Yeesha, eyes narrowed. "And I bet from day one, you were Read it Girl, am I right?"
Yeesha laughs loudly. "Dodging the matter proves me right! Oh, I've forgotten how good this sort of talk was!"
"My youth was not misspelt! I just deciding to...exercise compared to study all day long. Last I looked at the scriptures of the Light it never said 'You may not enjoy yourself!" Sulia grinned, her perfect white teeth shining in the light of the room.
"Ohohoho... What sort of exercise that you'd get all flustered about it?" Yeesha teases.
"I'm not drunk enough for this." Sulia blinks, eyes widening. "Dear light forgive me for saying that!"
Yeesha can't respond, she's laughing too hard. "We... Ha... We have to do this more often... I haven't laughed like this in months!" Yeesha says, putting a hand on Sulia's shoulder.
Sulia joins in, laughing also, a wide grin on her face. "Indeed! Laughter is a good thing! Hey, do you think if we both walk up to Cedric and really try, we could make him laugh? It's my one goal on this quest, aside from the norm! And I am quite enjoying myself."
"I think that would require careful planning, as his wounds go deep," Yeesha says. "But it would be a worthy endeavour to make him smile again."
And so the two woman continue to talk as time goes on...

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:32 am
The holoplayer begins working as Zook enters the disc. Flight Recorder: Compiled combat data: First section of engagement. External/Internal footage. The cruiser known as the Shadowblade glides silently through the stars, barely visible with its black hull against the starlit void. Yet unblemished by the horrible damage it suffered by the time Zook reached it, it is a sleek and beautiful marvel of engineering. The view pans around the ship and the area immediately surrounding it as it slowly moves toward a blue-white ball with touched of green and brown.
"Salvador One to Maria, recon run complete. Several abandoned stations and sattelites around the planet. None look online, most don't appear to be operational, though a few appear to be just offline and dormant. Salvador One out."
A miniscule speck against the planet, a streamlined and graceful craft far smaller than the cruiser it is returning to is shown for a moment. Text runs across the screen, encrypted as several specks in the "outside" view are highlighted by green circles. A zoomed in view is shown in a window at the bottom of the holograph: Boxy machines of metal with odd appendages, floating dead around the planet. Sattelites.
The view changes to that of the bridge, no longer damaged and stained with blood, but bustling and busy as a multitude of beings go about their tasks. Races Zook has never laid on man their stations even as he recognizes elves, humans, and even a few gnomes and dwarves among the crew. On a raised platform, surrounded by monitors is who can be none other than the captain, a man in a grey uniform overcoat with a single badge of of command on his chest. None of the crew bear any crest or coat of arms to identify what faction or nation they might belong to.
"Salvadors One and Two, return to base. We will proceed closer. Maria out," the captain says.
"Acknowledged, Maria. Salvadors One and Two, RTB." the disembodied voices of the two pilots emit from one of the monitors at the captain's station.
"They've found nothing," the captain says. At his side stands a single man, one clad in strange black clothing with dark glasses covered his eyes. Zook recognizes him as one of the warriors that faced off against Xadoss in the ship's final moments. "Are you satisified?"
"Melinda insists something is still wrong..." the man in black says. "But her sight has been oddly cloudy as of late. Still, this could be a trap."
"It might be at that, but we've survived their traps before... and this is the first time in a while we've managed to find them before they managed to escape," the captain notes. "What do you think, Athena?"
One of the monitors ceases showing its wall of text and displays the face of a beautiful woman. Zook recognizes at once the ATHENA A.I. encountered on the ship.
"Normally I would calculate the probability of a trap here to be at 73%. However, the facilities scanned by Salvador Squadron and our own long range sensors seem to be incapable of penetrating our stealth field. Given the lack of intrusion against our psionic and arcane barriers, it's safe to say that we have not been detected magically as well. Given that the evidence points to the conclusion they don't know we're here yet, the probability of a trap falls to 36%. I would advise advancement with caution."
"Advancement with caution... as ever," the captain notes with a faint smile as he waves his hand, speaking to the crew. "Ahead half. Notify the ground teams to prepare for an immediate drop. We'll try and pin their location, then storm them. Once the three are destroyed the danger here drops dramatically, but it increases each second they exist unmolested."
"Yes sir!" a young woman with dark hair notes from her station. She would appear to be an elf save she is extremely pale, nearly pure white, and an extra finger is on each hand. "General Hawke, Major Etolos, Captain Kurz, and all attache operatives, please begin landing preparations."
The planet looms in the ships' main viewscreen, it is Rune, there can be no mistaking the continents.
"Fifty kilometers to outer atmosphere. Nothing abnormal detected on scanners..."
"Ah!" a woman in pale grey robes standing near the doorway out shouts as she clutches her head and falls to the ground.
"Julia? What's..." the captain.
"Arcane barrier, intrusion detected!" one of the crew shouts from his station. "Chain effect across the enchantment layers! Arcane barrier breached! Wards at 31% and failing!"
"Detecting energy readings from some of the sattelites, they're powering up!"
"Massive energy surge detected planetside! Orbital defenses have been brought online and are aiming at us!"
"Wha... How? They shouldn't be able to detect us..." the captain says, mouth agape. A man clad in the same black uniform as the man by the captain's side runs up and salutes.
"Sir, Melinda, Julia... All our diviners and psychics that were actively probing or seeing have just gone unresponsive... Sir... Their minds appear to be gone."
"What?!" the man in black shouts. "Impossible! All of them? Not even a demigod can acheive such a feat in so short a time!"
"Space-time disruptions detected within the ship!" another crewman reports.
"Fire main guns at those sattelites... no, at the ground defenses! Fire missile bays at those sattelites and scramble the Salvadors! Engineering, activate ST-Anchor!" the captain shouts.
"ST Anchor online, disruptions smoothing..." one of the crewman reports. "Anchor systems at 100%."
Brilliant streams of energy scythe towards the planet, vanishing from sight as they enter the atmosphere. A flurry of projectiles launch from exposed launchers as panel in the hull slide open. The missiles fly across space from the ship, annihilating the sattelites they touch. Yet more of the boxy machines awaken though, and from long dormant weapons, beams of energy streak towards the Shadowblade. A translucent halo around the vessel deflects the bombardment even as a massive beam juts up from the planet below, return fire from the ground.
"Sir, the ground installation is too well protected to be destroyed with a single bombardment!" one of the crew reports. "They've got some sort of shielding operational!"
"Fire all guns!" the captain shouts. "Take out those sattelites, then focus on the ground! One at a time!"
"Space time disruptions redetected! They're strengthening!"
The ship rocks again as missiles and energy beams impact it. More explosions blossom silently in space as more sattelites are destroyed.
"ST-Anchor is at 35% and falling!" the report comes in. "ST disruptions at near critical level!"
"Power drain on all systems!" ATHENA reports. "Something's siphoning off power from the reactor, but I can't find a cause!"
"It's them..." the man in black says. "It has to be... Some sort of magic or they wouldn't have brought down our wards..."
"ATHENA! What about our mages? Can't we get them to put up more wards?!" the captain shouts.
"They've been trying the moment they went down, but so far it's no good," ATHENA reports. "They're being overpowered by whatever force is messing with the ship!"
"How are they doing this?" the man in black murmurs to himself. "They don't have that kind of power... Unless..." The man in black rips off his glasses, a look of pure horror on his face. "Captain. Order the men to prepare for boarding. Guide the ship down and get ready for a crash landing."
"What?" the captain says, confused. "We're still fine, we don't..."
"By the time we hit the upper atmosphere, we won't be," the man says, quietly. "This ship's purpose, its mission is to transport my strike teams down to the planet to hunt the Strife Lords. So long as it does that, nothing that it did will have been in vain. The sattelites and ground base were just feints meant to draw our attention and energy... but the main thrust will be soon, and I don't think we can counter it..."
The disk shows a few more images of the captain frantically barking orders, the ship firing on the sattelites, more sattelites and orbital defense stations being destroyed, and the ship receiving more fire. Then it cuts out.
((Still to come: Kyoji trains Simone, and the arrival of some new guests for the village.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Wed Mar 28, 2007 4:01 am
Van waits quietly for a few moments, thinking Damas was going to handle the talking, but when the mage fails to speak the village warrior sighs and speaks up instead. "Just recently the Elf Village came under attack by minions of the Strife Lords. Cedric and the rest of us helped the Elves fight them off, but Cedric wants your assistance in helping them recover from the attack. Secondly, Zook wants some materials..." Van pauses as he recalls what the tinker wanted, "...namely some mithril and smiting tools."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:12 pm
Damas passes a glance at the warrior, and seems very much surprised when he starts talking. I have never really thought of Van as the diplomatic type, Damas thinks to himself. Looks like I was wrong. Damas looks back at the dwarf, and after Van is finished speaking, he says something.
"Zook is quite the tinker; we can assure you that such materials would not go to waste." Damas pauses for just a moment. "So, what do you say?"
((Diplomacy [In case it's needed]: 15 + 7 = 22.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:19 pm
"What will they be payin'?" the dwarf asks.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:58 pm
Damas rubs his chin thoughtfully as he considers their options. Estimating an amount that the village would pay them does not strike the Sorcerer as a good idea. Neither does trying to convince the dwarves to lower prices, or taking out a loan. This leaves only two options as far as he sees it: Promise the dwarves payment from the party treasury, or pay the dwarves out of their own pockets. After a few moments Damas looks at Van and then the dwarf.
"I would like to have a word with my compatriot, if that's alright."
((At this point, he thinks it best to discuss said options with Van first.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 08, 2007 11:51 pm
((oh hey I forgot I was in this, lol)) The holorecorder shuts off with a click, and Zook stares at images that have long since vanished. He struggles to make sense of what he has seen, even as he reaches for the next disc. I have the Link. And I wield it.
What did that mean? Erebeus's cold voice gave no answers. Questions piled upon themselves into a chaotic jumble that was beyond sense, beyond nonsense. There was a solution here, somewhere. There had to be. Zook leans back on the bed the elves had provided, hands folded behind his head, eyes locked on the patterned ceiling. The pattern fades in and out of vision as his eyes flutter closed and he drifts off to sleep.
Flying.
He was flying. The engines roared a challenge to the sky, and ADAM barreled forward like a gleaming silver comet. Before him, fat white clouds unfolded to cling to the machine as it sailed through them.
He felt so small, here in the sky. Below him stretched lazy hills and clear smooth lakes of polished glass, the patchwork quilt of farmlands. Above him was infinity. Disconnected from the ground, he couldn't help but feel frail and helpless. An errant wind, a mechanical failure, a thunderbolt... his mind ran through a litany of things that could go wrong and end him. But not once did it occur to him to land, or to stop. He pressed on.
"Where are you headed?" a voice asked, cracked with age. Zook's eyes flickered to the side and he saw a wizened old gnome hunched in the copilot's seat, hands folded under his chin. Zook wanted to ask what he was doing there, where he'd been, how he'd fit another chair in ADAM's cramped cockpit, but he could only gape. It was his uncle.
Jimbeddo smiled. "I said, where are you going?"
Zook blinked. "Out there," he said in a child's voice.
"Why? What's out there?" the elder gnome asked gravely.
"I'm not sure," was Zook's reply.
The old tinker unfolded a hand and pointed a long, gnarled finger out the windshield. "Look," he said.
A sight stranger than ADAM caught Zook's eye. Not far ahead, a figure moved along a flight path similar to his own. Great white wings beat lazily, but pushed through the air with astonishing speed.
"What is it?" asked Zook, who could not tear his eyes away.
"She," Jimbeddo corrected. "And what does she look like?"
Zook squinted, as if to study her, but he knew the answer already. He'd known it the instant he saw her. "An angel," he said.
Zook's uncle laughed. "Precisely!" he cried, clapping Zook on the back. "Get closer. Tell me what else you see."
The gnome complied, and peered out the window at her. "She's young," he said, "Her face is unlined. She looks..." Zook struggled to find the word. "Calm. But more than that... she looks peaceful." He shook his head. "I don't get it. Mile off the ground, en route to who-knows-where, and she looks like she's exactly where she's supposed to be."
Jimbeddo tilts his head downward, to rest his head on his hands. "Of course she does. Look at those wings, those beautiful white wings. This is exactly where she's supposed to be. Sky's her birthright." He cast a glance at Zook. "But what about you? Why aren't you comfortable? Isn't this where you're supposed to be?"
Zook stopped, and looked down at the controls. "It was," he said in a small voice. "When I was on the ground. When I hadn't done it yet."
"And now?" Jimbeddo asked.
He didn't answer for a long time. "Now I have go out there," he said. "To whatever's next."
"You speak as if you don't know what's next," Jimbeddo said. "As if you can't see it, on the horizon there. Look again."
Zook did, and on the horizon he saw black spires rising to pierce the distant sky. It was what he imagined it looked like. The Citadel.
"Of course you don't know what it actually looks like. Haven't seen it yet. But that'll do, that'll do." Jimbeddo said. "This is what you have to do. Now look at our friend over there."
The angel Zook was flying with had changed. It was the same person, but she wore gleaming armor with a sword at her side. Her placid expression had become grim and determined.
"She's going too?" he asked.
Jimbeddo nodded. "And she's not the only one."
"So this is what's next?"
Zook's uncle laughed, and clapped Zook on the back. "Of course not, boy. That's what's coming. What's next is, you wake up."
He sits up with a start, nearly knocking over the holorecorder. He stumbles out of the bed, lunging for it, and bobbling it a bit between his hands before he can rest it on the bed again. He stands, staring at it for a moment, tangled up in the blanket.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:50 am
The moon was high over the village, starlight providing a gentle glow in the heavens... and everywhere there was silence. Not a sound could be heard in the sleeping town... SNAP! : "Oh... Oh thistlethorns!" Simone curses as she withdraws her foot from the branch she had stepped on. The young elf was clad in a black shirt and pants, hair pulled back and in a ponytail that was slipped down the back of her shirt to prevent it from catching on anything. Hoping against hope that her curse and blunder had gone unnoticed, she glanced from side to side... only to see the form of Kyoji emerge from the shadows behind her.
: "Found you," the ninja replied simply, advancing. Simone winced.
: "Not again..." Simone whined, stamping her foot.
: "Your improvement is steady... but a bit slow. You must learn more control. If you had not cursed I would not have known for sure that the branch was you and not a stray animal or the like. You must discipline yourself."
: "This is stupid, I don't want to be a ninja or a rogue or whatever!" Simone complains. "I wanted to be a scholar, not a skulker!"
: "We aren't asking you to be a ninja... We all want you to know how to hide and sneak..." Kyoji breathes deeply. "In the case that the enemy gets past or defeats us, you must learn how to hide yourself properly. How to sneak, how to stay quiet, how to select the best hiding spot, how to remain motionless... We want you to remain safe."
Simone's face trembles a little.
: "Maybe I'm sick of hiding all the time..." Simone mumbles, looking down. "I... I didn't ask for any of this. I just wanted to finish my studies, grow up and... and..."
: "And?"
: "And live!" Simone says, face twisting in sorrow. "Maybe... Maybe I did want an adventure or two... but not like this! I didn't dream of being chased around the globe while seeing people I care about in danger! I didn't want... I... Light, why can't I be normal? I don't even know what I am..." Simone says, barely restraining sobs. Kyoji silently puts a hand on her shoulder and levels his eyes with hers.
:"Simone... No one asks for what life gives them..." the ninja sighs and turns his head to the stars. "No one wants to suffer, no wants wants to be hunted... It isn't your fault and I agree with you that it's a terrible thing... but what else can you do but face it?" The ninja turns back to the young elf. "The time may come when you are forced to fight instead of hide... but you are far from being able to defend yourself yet. Until then, you must learn to defend yourself the only way you can... by not being detected. Even if you never use the skills I teach you again, they may save your life some day. And if they do that even once they've served their purpose."
Kyoji is quiet for a moment.
: "No one wants to sneak around..." he says softly. "We all wish we could boldly stand and face our fate head on... but not all of us have that strength. For those that do not, the way of shadow is all they have to defend themselves."
Kyoji shakes his head.
:"Perhaps I speak too much for one supposedly teaching stealth... That is enough for tonight. You can go back to bed."
: "No..." Simone says, quietly. "I... I'm all right now. Continue the lesson, please."
Kyoji looks at Simone for a moment before closing his eyes and speaking.
: "Very well... One more time, then..."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Apr 09, 2007 11:57 pm
"Alright, Simone... are you ready?" the elf asked, blade in hand. "I won't launch an attack unless you tell me you want me to." Simone raises her own blade, a slim longsword in front of her in a two handed stance. Her hands unsteadily grip the blade as she nods.
"You know what? Practice with my rapier," he said, stopping. "You're not going to beat anyone with power... finesse is more what you should be focusing on."
"All right," Simone says, lowering the longsword. "Where did you put it?"
"I brought it, just in case you didn't have a suitable weapon," he said, walking over to where he had left some of his things. "Here we go... see how this feels in your hand."
Simone walks over and takes the rapier. "This is much lighter... Thanks! This should work much better!"
"Indeed... I find it far better to hit often than to hit with power," he nodded, adding, "You don't carve a piece of wood with massive strokes... you use small ones. Now then... move with it - let your hand become accustomed to it's weight - and let me know when you're ready to begin."
Simone steps back and experimentally slashes the slim sword around, trying a few thrusts through the air before falling into a guard stance.
"All right..."
"Okay... attack at your leisure. Remember that it's a piercing weapon, and your thrust is what's going to be important."
Ashathel sidesteps Simone's thrust with smooth grace, though her form is very good for a beginner.
"Not bad at all... I may need to be more careful," the bladesinger said, nodding with approval. "This is about how hard it'll be to injure the average plate-armored knight... I don't expect you to be facing them, but if you can strike them you will most likely be able to strike anyone."
"Thanks," Simone says, falling back into her stance. "What now?"
Arcdragnbreth: "Work on being able to hit first," Ashathel said, his thinblade in hand. "Causing more damage comes after that."
"Ah... Ok. Should I attack again?" Simone asks, waving the tip of her rapier around in the air.
"Yeah... keep attacking until you hit me," he said.
Simone lunges again, but her foot slips in the mud and she nearly falls forward. However, the young elf swiftly bends her knee to keep her balance and manages to return to her stance with minimal problems.
"Easy, easy... take it easy, Simone," Ashathel said. "Let me ask you... do you dance?"
"Wha... What?" Simone asks, taken off guard by the question.
"Do you dance?" he repeated, smiling. "It's an easy question... no hidden meanings."
"Uh... no... not really," Simone says as she looks away. "I... I never really got the hang of things like that..."
"Well... no wonder. Come, then... we're going to have to take care of that first,." the bladesinger said, sheathing his thinblade. Extending a hand, he said "Come."
"Come now, it won't be that bad... what's that face about?" the bladesinger asked after a moment, noting her odd silence.
Simone frowns. "Isn't it obvious? I can't dance."
"You've not yet had quite as many occasions to dance as others, that's all," Ashathel said. "Come on... I tend to be a bit freer with my dancing, but I know a few steps for more formal occasions, if that's what you'd like."
Simone's face scrunches up. "What on earth DO they do dance at these things, anyway?"
"Ehh... the more formal ceremonies, people might as well have been petrified, they're so stiff," Ashathel groaned, rolling his eyes. "There's more than one reason I didn't stay at home, and all the ceremony and formalities are part of it."
"Well... Whatever they're going to dance, I suppose I'd better learn it," Simone says with a sigh.
"Well... if you're going to dance, why not enjoy it?" the elf said, with a grin. "Come on... let's figure out how you want to dance. The hell with formalities; we're not going to fool anyone into thinking we're prim and proper."
"Yeah..." Simone says with a smile. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Posted by: FreedomJu Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:27 am
OOC: Sorry Jess.... TUM wants this done soon and I need to post before I get distracted by games again. Like Fallout. Unfortunately for Damas, no sooner does he mention wanting to speak to Van privately does the village warrior toss out his proposal to the dwarves. "First of all, the destroyed Cult forces left behind a bunch of equipment, swords and the like. I see no problem if you wanted to claim some of that stuff for your own as I figure you can melt the metal down and make it into something else if nothing else. Second, if you need something fixed, I'm sure Zook or his group of tinkers would be happy to help you. They may even be willing to build something from scratch for you. If you still need more payment besides that, well, it will have to be in gold."
OOC: Total Diplomacy roll after my CHA mod is 7....

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:09 am
((Eh, no problem.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:12 am
The dwarf smiles. "All right... We'll take the tinker's help in a few items to be specified later, enough scrap to provide most of the materials... and twelve hundred gold coins."

Posted by: FreedomJu Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:23 am
Van nodded his agreement to the terms after a moment of thought. He didn't see any reason for anyone to be unhappy by this agreement; if nothing else he figured Zook would be happy to have something else to tinker with.

Posted by: Rusty Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:24 am
*A day after Van and Damas return, there is some commotion at the village gate. ((Listen checks. Rawr.)) *Merkass hears a general murmuring from the crowd as well as a conversation between the elven guards and someone else. The newcomer sounds familiar. The crowd is wondering aloud at whoever the person talking is.*
*Merkass says nothing and simply begins to slowly move toward the familiar sound in hopes of better identifying it.*
*Merkass sees the scout arguing with a figure clad in white plate mail.*
*Merkass gives a loud whistle, then continues moving through the crowd.*
*As Merkass gets closer, he can see that it is Lisa.*
*Merkass gets closer, trying to get a feel for what is going on.*
*Merkass sees Lisa and the elven sentry arguing, but by the time he finally gets closer it's winding down.*
Lisa: "Why in the Light's name would you think that? I'm clad in holy armor with a holy blade, with a holy aura. I should think it obviously what sort of warrior I am!"
*Merkass moves forward, butting in with little regard to either party.* "I'll vouch for that."
"Ah... that is true, but understand we can't be too careful..." the elven scout says, turning in surprise. "Ah, Sir Merkass. I didn't hear you approach."
Merkass: "I'd hope not."
"Merkass?" Lisa says in surprise. "Unbelievable! How did you manage to get ahead of me? Your party was days behind last I checked."
*Merkass doesn't change facial expressions.* "Travel is quick and easy when you don't have to do the travelling.*
"Ah, well if you vouch for her, I'll trust your judgment and allow her in," the elf says, taking his leave.
"I don't quite follow what you mean," Lisa says to Merkass.
Merkass: "We teleported."
Lisa quirks her eyebrow. "All of you? One has been here before?"
Merkass: "It's a long story involving a spaceship and a little girl." *Merkass tilts his head back quickly* "Come, the others are this way."
"Very well," Lisa says, allowing Merkass to lead her.
*Merkass leads Lisa in the direction of the others.*
*Cedric sits at a large wooden table beneath the branches of a mighty tree. Outlayed before him are piles of scrolls and parchments which Aurik informed him were meaningful. His brow is furrowed heavily as he studies them.*
Van is leaning against the trunk of the tree Cedric is sitting under, his attention divided between examining a block of wood and his surroundings.
"Odd. I never figured you for a scholar. You surprise me yet again," Lisa comments as she nears Cedric. "Greetings." Lisa turns to Van. "Ah, and to you."
Van blinks in surprise as he had failed to notice Lisa's arrival. "Hello again, it is rather unexpected to see you here."
Lisa raises an eyebrow. "Unexpected to see me? You are the runs who managed to beat me to my destination by days despite myself having a head start."
Cedric winches as if the good hearted greeting were a vile curse, then he looks up with a weary smile, "Ah, I might say the same to you." He slowly stands, looking at the holy knight with a curious frown.
A small smile crosses Van's face. "Lets just say that our journey has been unusual to say the least."
"And rough," Faralon chimes in as he enters, carrying his lute as usual.
Lisa notes Cedric's reaction and frowns for a moment, but the expression passes as swiftly as it had come. She responds to Faralon. "Indeed? From the looks of it I can certainly believe that."
"You haven't the slightest idea," *Merkass adds.* "The stench of evil still lingers here.*
"I think I have some idea," Lisa says, stooping to pick up a charred piece of wood. "What happened?"
"The Cult." Van says simply.
Merkass: "Moritae the Lich returned once more to attack the village, with each of us specifically in mind. We were separated and forced to do battle. I was forced to fight a ghastly, undead catfolk I suspect was from my own tribe."
"Yes, and I engaged a rather nasty Vampire named Venethetrion," *Aurik chimes in, taking a second to raise his nose from the scrolls.*
"Hmmmm," Lisa says, putting a gauntlet to her chin. "To specifically be targetting you... do not lose heart, it is a good sign. They're afraid or they wouldn't use such drastic measures. Have you had any luck in your quest since last we parted?"
*Merkass shakes his head.* "Lose hope? Far from it. Enraged? Quite."
*Aurik raises his head once more* "We have discovered a large amount of information in regards to the Strife Lords and what they are planning within this village."
Cedric maintains a heavy silence as the others describe their challenges. He seems relieved to change the topic to the topic of their quest, "You were ill advised to part with us, we encountered one of your foes." He smiles grimly, his eyes burning, "Xadoss."
"What?!" Lisa says, clearly surprised. "Where?!"
*A bear lumbers its way toward the group. The hair suddenly seems to fall from its body, and its form melts away. Rhizor then flutters to the ground from where the bear had once stood.*
"Remember the spaceship I mentioned?" *Merkass adds.*
"ATHENA." Cedric replies pointedly, watching her response carefully.
Lisa winces and she clenches her fist. "You found the wreckage of the Shadowblade," she says, simply. "What happened there?"
Faralon: "Xadoss appeared...He said they, the Strife Lords, have the Link..."
The sword falls from Lisa's hand. "Wh... what?" she says, almost in a daze.
Faralon continues. "Soon after, a battle ensued. Xadoss, who had managed to kill everyone on the Shadowblade, was eventually being overwhelmed. The ship's defenses pushed him over the edge...And that's when Erebeus appeared to save Xadoss's worthless hide."
Lisa is silent for a long moment. "Who told you they had the Link?"
Faralon: "Xadoss."
"Xadoss told you that?" Lisa says, quietly, picking up her sword. "Xadoss......I...I need time to think, forgive me," Lisa says, turning. "I shall be resting at the inn if you need me for anything."

Posted by: Aldur Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:51 am
Sulia cackles. "That bitch knows something. Hellz yeah! Gimme some crack."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Apr 17, 2007 5:27 am
Time passes, as it has a habit of doing, and the sun is still only begining to drift down when the festivities begin in the village. The elves of village gather around the town square, where an extravagant late lunch has been laid out on the tables. Fruits and vegetables, select cuts of meat from rabbits, deer, and game fowl hunted in the forest as well as eggs line the tables. Though far from a royal banquent, the food is plentiful, hearty, and good. Vats of stew cast an alluring fragrance over the town as bottles of wine, casks of ale and mead, and for those not inclined to indulge, water and milk are set out.
The elves of the village chat with each other excitedly as they wait for the honored heroes to make their appearance.
((It's the feast you all've been waiting for.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:31 am
The noises and smells generated by the preperation of the feast and the chattering of the elves slowly brought Van back from the land of dreams. Blinking slowly and yawning softly, it took him a few moments to realize he had fallen asleep while sitting against the tree where they had been talking to Lisa. Glancing at the block of wood still in his hand, he decided that he would work on his carving at another time.
Putting away the wood block, the village warrior got to his feet and made his way over towards to where the noise and the smell of food was coming from, intent on finding out what was going on.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:59 pm
Zook pores over diagrams one of his underlings had prepared. "No, no, no!" he cries, pushing them away from him. "That's not how it works! You've got to--forget it. What's next?" One of the wizards steps forward. "Sir, I must protest to that woman's treatment of us. She is rude and demeaning, and an arcanist of my stature cannot permit--"
"Don't care. What's next?" Zook says, interrupting the elf who leaves, livid. He looks about the room, which is now empty except for Musril. "Where is everyone?" the tinker asks, annoyed.
"Well it's just," Musril begins, "Everyone's been working really hard, and they all thought that with the feast and all that they've earned a break. We," he says, "We all thought."
"What? Don't tell me about-- you can't honestly think-- fine." Zook says. "Fine. Go have fun. Make sure not to break anything. And make sure the wizards sit as close to Isyndel as possible. 'An arcanist of my stature'. Pfah!" With that, the gnome goes back to scribbling in a massive spellbook.
"Sir..." Musril says, inching closer to the gnome. "Don't you think you should come too? You need a break more than all of us put together."
"No time," Zook grunts, as he bends down, pressing closer to the book, the still-wet ink streaming onto (and into) his nose without Zook seeming to notice. "Not hungry, anyway. Go!"
Musril frowns and departs, leaving Zook alone amongst a pile of papers, with no sound except the scratching of his quill.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:10 am
Van emerges into the townsquare and is greeted by cheers. "The first of the heroes arrives!" the town elder says as the applause heightens in intensity. "He saved my bar!" the tavern owner shouts, lifting a mug of ale. "Fought of a horde of skeletons he did! Must've been a dozen of them, at least!"
An elven lady in a flowing green dress which almost appears to be made of leaves takes Van's arm and leads him to a seat at one of the feasting tables. Another elf presents him with a tray of mugs and glasses.
"Which would you like to drink first? Here is mead, wine, ale..." the elf says, pointing at the glasses. While he lists the drink options, a plate piled high with food is placed before Van, magnificent silverware accompanying it.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:11 am
Zook hears a knocking at his door. He doesn't look up. "It's open," he calls. A young man of Haponese descent in a black silken robe enters, frowning at the tinker. "The feast is starting and you're writing in a book?" Zook looks up at Kyoji's voice. "I've got to finish this."
"Perhaps, but the feast is only one night of your time," Kyoji says with a sigh. "How long do you think you'll be?"
Zook looks down, continuing to write. His hand appears to tremble slightly. "Oh, I'll be here all night, I expect. I've got to finish this, and then there are plans that need revising, holo-recordings that I ought to go over again, then a few preliminary sketches on something I thought up for Merkass. Why do you ask?"
Kyoji is silent for a moment. "I thought you might only delay an hour or two, but..." Kyoji shakes his head. "I'm not going to allow you to kill yourself, even if the method you choose to do such is work. Zook, you're burning yourself out and you know it," Kyoji says. "Exertion is admirable... so is working hard and showing effort... but all things need rest. Even your tools need maitenance, do they not? Your greatest tool, your mind... When was the last time you gave it maitenance? When was the last time you rested?"
"Seventy-eight." Zook blurts out, before looking back down at his book. "Do you know what antimatter is?" he asks without looking up. "It's a substance that obliterates an equal amount of matter, while releasing enough energy to annihilate everything that isn't destroyed outright. You put a drop of it in a special container, then throw the container on the ground, and everything in a fifty foot radius melts -- just literally melts. Stone, wood, flesh, bone... I don't have time right now. Please, go enjoy the party."
Kyoji is silent for a few seconds. "You deal with such things in your state? Your hands tremble... what would happen if they were to slip while working with such a thing? What would happen if you were to miscalculate a critical equation because your mind was foggy with fatigue?"
"About the same thing that's going to happen if you don't LEAVE ME ALONE!" Zook shouts, flinging his book across the room.
"Look at yourself, Zook!" Kyoji shouts. "This isn't you! You're dark under the eyes, pale, and weary! You act like an ogre to those souls who've travelled so far to learn from you, who trust you with their lives! You fling your beloved books across a room? You're not stupid, Zook! You MUST know what you are doing to yourself!" Kyoji says. "This war strains us all, but that is precisely why we NEED time to rest!" Kyoji points outside, to A.D.A.M. "Look at that, Zook! Look at what you can accomplish when you're at your peak! You've mastered FLIGHT! You've recovered one of the dreams of the Ancients! I saw your face when A.D.A.M. first touched the skies... There were no dark circles then, no twisting of anger or frustration... just exhiliration and joy!" Kyoji takes a deep breath and his voice grows quiet. "This group... We ask a lot of you, I know. But the one thing we ask and the one thing you MUST do... is take care of yourself. Come to the feast. Eat a good meal. Relax for a day or two. Get some sleep. When you are yourself again, all this will be waiting for you," Kyoji says, gesturing at the thrown book. "The person that can solve the riddles of the Ancients is Zook. But... you seem to be someone else lately."
"They weren't monsters," Zook says quietly. "Not fiends, or undead, or robots. They were men, and elves, and dwarves. How many of them had families, d'you think? Wives, children, pets? How does one celebrate that, exactly? How am I supposed to sit and listen to merry songs and act, even for a moment, like there wasn't a charred crater two clicks into the forest with my name on it, and six and a half dozen graves besides?" He sighs, and rubs his eyes. "You're right, I am working too hard. And you're probably right that I need a break. But I'm not--I can't go to the party. I'm sorry."
Kyoji is quiet for a moment, a common occurence with the ninja. "You speak of the Cultists slain by the grenade."
Zook nods, gnawing on a thumbnail.
"How many of them do you think killed families? How many destroyed lives, corrupted happiness? Even if they were beguiled, what else could you do but stop them from spreading the madness of the Cult?" Kyoji asks sadness on his face. "And... You're wrong on one thing. It is not their deaths we celebrate. It is our lives. Our lives and the lives of this village. Have you looked around this place? Children play in the trees, sunbeams dancing around them as dryads laugh and tell ancient tales."
"Elder elves craft magnificent cloaks and garments from silks and furs harvested from the woods this town guards. Couples laugh and dance. Here... Here is life in every sense of the word."
"Even without the town, the animals and trees, the forest itself sings. All this is because we fought."
"How can we not celebrate that such a place still exists? How can we not take joy in the light remaining?"
"I don't know," Zook says, "But I can't. There's something wrong with me, because I can't think about the children out there without thinking about an orphan somewhere who's an orphan because of me. The part of you that lets you feel good about doing good, it's broken, I guess." He sits in silence for a moment, rocking on the edge of his bed, poised to tumble off. "I should ask Cedric. He'll know what to do." Zook looks up to Kyoji. "You think Cedric will be at the party?"
"Cedric will be there, I am certain," Kyoji says. "If you don't want to stay for all of it, that is fine. But I must insist you at least stay for the meal, you need food. You can just leave after that..." Kyoji winces and looks down. "I think it's important you at least make a token appearance though. It is... uncomfortable for some of us, but to this village we are heroes. This feast is their way of thanking us. It would be terrible of us to snub them, especially with the effort they're putting into it. And... I hate to say it, but I'm not sure asking Cedric about that would be a good idea." Kyoji looks grim. "Even moreso than you, Cedric drifts from himself, though he hides it well. I need to talk to him too, but I want to see if perhaps the festivities will help lighten his mood... If nothing else perhaps our imminent visit to the Holy Grove will aid him."
The tinker is silent for a moment. "Alright," he says, sliding off the bed. "Let me--let me clean up a little bit, and I'll be down." He rolls his eyes, but it's clear that color has returned to his face. "I think I've met my quota of annoyed elves today."
Kyoji laughs. "Ah... annoyed elves... I... Yes, take your time. I'll see you at the feast. They've reserved seats of honor for us, you know."
"Yes, yes," Zook says, waving the ninja off as he rummages through his satchel, looking for a tunic slightly less wrinkled than the others.
Kyoji chuckles again and takes his leave.
---
The tinker arrives fifteen minutes later, his deep red shirt in impeccable condition, except for a large splotch of oil on the right shoulder.
Musril looks askance at him. "Boss?"
"What?" Zook asks, absentmindedly brushing at the oil stain as if it were dust. His expression is lighter.
"...Nothing." Musril says, suppressing a smile.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:36 am
"The second hero has arrived, and more than that, the gnome responsible for rebuilding half our village!" the Elder says as a cheer rises from the crowd at Zook's arrival. "Eat, drink, and be merry, for lovely though the stars may be, when it rains, the roofs you built shall cover our heads!"
As with Van, a plate of food is placed before Zook as an elf present him with a selection of things to drink.

Posted by: Aldur Fri Apr 20, 2007 1:15 pm
((Blooper reel.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:02 pm
Zook smiles a bit as he takes a small bunch of grapes. "Thank you very much," he says, before popping one into his mouth. "You know I'm not sure that's the way I learned the expression. 'Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow...' something something."
He chews briefly on the grape and his words before shrugging. "Oh well. It'll come to me. We agree on the first bit, and I think we can all agree that that's the most important part!"

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:53 pm
*Merkass had heard Zook was holing himself up in his room. Slyly on his way to confront his Gnomish friend about his demeanor and force him to go, Merkass saw the wizened tinker strolling toward the celebration. He sighs. So much for that opportunity, but at least he had decided to go. While Merkass would much rather spend his time patrolling and reflecting, the importance of this event outweighed his personal preferences, and he was glad Zook had realized the same. Wearing a blue, shroud-like robe with green embellishment, a mark of his tribe, he continues toward and enters the area of celebration.
His bow yet remained at his back, as always. Even in times like these, where transitory, fleeting peace permeates what seems like all time, he could not leave his treasured weapon behind. With short, acknowledging yet friendly greetings to the townsfolk he came upon, Merkass makes his way to a seat near Zook. Quietly, he sits, placing his bow at his feet between his legs. Inquisitively and intensely, Merkass looks foward across the table, eyes focused on nothing.*
: To the future.

Posted by: Rusty Fri Apr 20, 2007 11:44 pm
"Well... if it isn't the master performer himself," Ashathel said, pushing open the door to Faralon's room. "Ready yet?" *Faralon smirks, looking at his brother as he holds his lute. It is clear Faralon was practicing just a moment ago.* "I don't think they'll want us to leave after this one..."
"My, my... already planning on how you're going to seduce the ladies? What would Kethra say?" he smirked, leaning against the door frame. Tapping the flute, which shone with polish, he said "Be careful... I may outdo you again, little brother..."
*Faralon was taken back by this.* "Huh? That's not what I meant at all! Bah...You took it the wrong way, naturally." *He chuckles, standing and stretching his arms out.* "Ah well...I suppose I'll have to wait until after I perform to eat - but somehow I don't think they'll be running out of food."
"Come on, now... can't I make a joke every now and again?" Ashathel asked, folding his arms. Then, his voice more serious, he looked into the hallway before closing the door. "Faralon..."
: "...What?"
"This is getting increasingly worse, Faralon... I knew that the Cult wasn't to be trifled with, but if they can even invade the Fairy Woods..."
: "They invaded Guardiana, didn't they? And the Shadowblade...a powerful, large vehicle, whose capabilities escape me, but I'm sure it was quite advanced - they could invade that too. They can invade worlds, and aside from Xadoss, who we have directly fought, we've only seen a glimpse of their power. Still, I think we're one of the only forces that has a chance to take them out - and when we defeated Xadoss in the Shadowblade we proved that. It's funny, though...as you actually touched the very subject of my song."
"I guess it didn't really hit me until I started teaching Simone to use a blade," Ashathel said, leaning against the closed door. "The entire time, I kept thinking, 'she shouldn't have to deal with this... she shouldn't have to learn to fight to survive.' I mean, she doesn't even know how to dance, Faralon."
: "I know...and she has all that power. But this isn't just Simone we're talking about, now is it? We're talking about everything and evreyone we've ever known, and those that we don't. What we're involved in here - it's not just something huge - it's something epic. From a storyteller's perspective, this is gold. From an elf's perspective, this is horrible in every sense of the word. We just have to keep a close guard on Simone at all times - she's very important in all of this, and while I don't know completely why, I'm more than certain it has to do with her great hidden powers."
"I know, I know... it's just... a lot, I guess. And with all the fighting, I don't think it really hit me how much until things got this close to home, so to speak."
*Faralon nods, sharing his brother's feelings, but not letting them show. They couldn't be despaired...not now.*
Sighing, he pushed off the door, standing upright, and shrugged. "There'll be time for this later, I guess..."
: "Wait..."
"What is it?" Ashathel asked.
: "Just think about it - all of it. Think about the journey from the very beginning. Think about how much we've accomplished - how much worse things would have been had we not constantly battled the devils." *Faralon continues.* "Sure, many terrible things happened nonetheless, but we saved Cypress, we saved Simone, and we saved the Fairy Woods from total annihilation, not to mention all the other things we've done along the way."
"I'm not going to quit... I just feel like, more than before, we have to fight harder and faster. This can't keep happening."
: "They're scared, Ashathel. You might feel discouraged here, but...the devils...they're shaking. They were so used to bullying, they didn't expect such a comeback. They didn't expect to be pushed back over and over - and they don't like it. They'll be at their worst now, but we'll take them down, even if it kills us. But the point I'm trying to make is this: we're a beacon of light in a dark world. We're that glimmer of hope that comes to save the day. Cypress would be gone without us. Simone would be in the hands of the enemy. The Fairy Woods? They had no chance at all until we came along. But we saved them. The devils are taking down past members of Shining Forces, yet here we stand, alive and ready to take down the forces of darkness. Like it or not, Ashathel, I think we're destined to fight this battle. Call me delusional, but I think the stars have chosen us for this - and if we're here to serve that purpose, I believe we will win."
"I know... and I'll keep fighting, brother," Ashathel said, nodding. "But tonight... tonight, I have something in mind..."
*Faralon tries to lighten the mood.* "...Should I be scared?"
"Actually, I need you for my ingenious plan. Come on... I wanted to go get Simone so she didn't have to go in alone, so I'll fill you in on the way..."
: "Okay..." *Faralon follows Ashathel outside of the room.*

Posted by: FreedomJu Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:18 am
When Van first saw the feast, he was momentarily surprised as he had forgotten all about this with his preoccupation. A frown started to creep onto his face as recent events and what he knew of the world's situation had robbed him of any desire to celebrate, but that frown quickly changed into a gaping hole of astonishment as the sheer amount of food and drink put before him.
After several long moments he managed to get out his choice of drink and select a small amount of food to start with. As he started to eat, his mind drifted back to one of the things he had been thinking about before falling asleep. He had wondered what he was going to do if... no, when they managed to defeat the Strife Lords. He knew that he wanted to search for those from his village, but after that he did not know. That made him curios about if the rest of the group knew what they were going to do after their world had been saved.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:26 am
Kethra enters the town square, clad in a flowing white dress. She brushes her honey blonde hair off of her shoulders as she looks around at the people that have gathered.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:41 am
"The heroine arrives! Please be seated, honored guest," the newly promoted Captain of the Guard says to Kethra, bowing and kissing her hand before pointing to her seat. "There is food, drink, and music to be had! Come! Minstrels, strike up a tune while we wait for the bards to arrive!"
A small gathering of elves with lutes, harps, flutes, and other instruments begin to play a merry and lighthearted tune as Kethra is seated. The Elder's eyes widen as Merkass appears.
"Sir Merkass, you skills precede you, I didn't even notice your presence! Forgive me for that slight, please. The fourth hero, the gallant archer Sir Merkass has arrived!" the Elder says with a smile.
Applause fills the air as Merkass and Kethra make their appearances.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:11 am
"Thank you," Kethra says with a smile. The half-elf curtsies and then takes a seat. She looks around once again, and is quite surprised to find that there are only three other people here at the moment. 'I wonder where everyone else is,' she thinks to herself. 'Still getting ready, I suppose...'
Kethra lifts a glass of water to her lips and takes a sip.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 21, 2007 4:57 am
Yeesha walks up to Sulia in an elegant somewhat ornate robe. "I've seen grander, but that's to be expected. It's a very nice setup considering what they had to work with." Sulia raises an eyebrow, chuckling to herself; clad in a simple white dress, quite conservative. But there was something about how she wore it...almost like she was glowing. "I'm sure they'll be thrilled to hear you say that. Of course, for me this is a veritable bonanza. My idea of extravagance is a roadside inn!"
"Really? Sulia, you need to learn to spoil yourself on occasion!" Yeesha says with a grin. "But I guess here they're going to do that for you. Look at all that food!"
"Well, I've managed to keep a smile without all this, and really usually it's quite tedious back home. I remember a family banquet. Goodness, I had no idea most nobles were so...well...tedious?" Sulia shook her head in mock disappointment. "After that well, I lost interest!"
Yeesha smirks. "Obviously your family wasn't doing it right... Most of the nobles really can't seem to manage it. No, no... What REALLY makes a good feast is when you take the spirit of a jolly village banquet, but give it the funding of a royal soiree."
Sulia nodded. "I suppose that would certainly make it more fun. Of course my family do tend to not enjoy the lighter side of life. Maybe that's why I worship the light?" Sulia's lips twitched. "And that was woeful. I'm a bit rusty socially."
Yeesha's face falls. "That was actually a joke? Oh... Oh wow... Honey, we've got to get you a joke book or something."
"...There are books...on humour?" Sulia blinked. "Well what does a townie like you expect from a travelling bumpkin? Honestly, lower your standards oh noble LADY Yeesha."
"Hey, hey, hey..." Yeesha says, putting up her hands. "I didn't mean to offend you... That was a joke... I guess my own need work as well."
Sulia frowns. "But I wasn't...oh dear. I was kidding again."
Yeesha stares at Sulia for a moment before bursting out into laughter. "Oh... Oh that's good. We both stink at this."
Sulia blinks, looking away from Yeesha and then begins to snigger a little herself. "Well at this rate we'll be slapping each other while screaming obscenities..." She grinned. "Maybe a drink would freshen our...repetoire?"
"It might at that," Yeesha nods. "I'm going to try the wine, myself. Maybe some mead..."
Sulia smiles. "Mead sounds good. Wine doesn't tend to taste good to me...Of course, I've not drank for quite awhile. So then...Shall we?"
"Let's," Yeesha says with a nod as she starts towards the fesitivities
Sulia follows after Yeesha, a smile on her radiant features as the two went to join in the fun the rest of the party was engaging in.
"More of the heroines have arrived! The Lady Yeesha and the Lady Sulia now grace us with their radiant visages," The Elder calls, applause from the crowd greeting teh pair.
Sulia looks around, an uneasy smile on her face when greeted with such applause. "Oh my...this is all very extravagant..."
"You already said that," Yeesha says with a slight smile as a pair of elves lead the ladies to their seats.
"No wonder Bazoo turned you into stone. You've this nasty habit of pointing out things." Sulia smiled, watching Yeesha's reaction as she sat down.
Yeesha's face falls. "That's... that's the worst joke you could've told," Yeesha says, quietly, sitting down.
Sulia frowns. "I'm sorry...you just seemed so light hearted about your...curse, I thought it'd be the same." She sighs heavily, closing her eyes, sorrow lined on her face. "This is why I don't talk to people..."
"No... No it's all right, you didn't mean anything by it," Yeesha says, shaking her head. "And if you don't talk, you can't get any better at it, can you?"
"Still...I think it's better to not offend." Sulia nodded, turning to look at Yeesha. "Painful memories I didn't mean to bring up have come to the surface."
"I'd rather you offend me at times, then not speak at all," Yeesha says with a small smile. "We're social beings, after all, mortals."
"I'll happily remind you of that when something I say has you ready to fry me out of existance then." Sulia remarks dryly, facing forwards to pick up a piece of fruit; staring sidewards at the Archmage.
"Hey, I hardly ever fry people," Yeesha protests. "That's what polymorph spells are for."
"The big bad witch turns me into a frog? Oh dear...You lack the warts for the classic style I'm afraid. I hope you won't be too heartbroken though." Sulia smiles brightly as she bites into the apple she picked up.
"Frogs are cliche. I turn people into cockroaches," Yeesha says with a smirk.
"Well that's...a...lovely conversation piece." Sulia nodded as she took another bite. "To be honest I tend to go high melodrama. Nothing frightens an ignorant person more than threats of divine punishment...of course, I'm pretty easy going."
Yeesha chuckles. "Well that's one way to avoid hangers-on."
"And then of course I have to make my eyes look celestial." Sulia turns, rolling her pupils back, showing off the whites of her eyes. "Quite scary as you can see."
"I'm just quivering with fear," Yeesha says as she takes another sip of wine. "Mmmmm... This is delicious! It's got to be an older wine, it's really good!"
"Well it is an elven village..." Sulia nodded, reaching for her mug, smelling the rich, sweet nectar inside. She drank, sighing lustily. "Ah, now that is good stuff."
"I thought nuns didn't drink?" Yeesha asks.
"Ah yes. I worship the Light. The illuminator. I see nowhere in it's scriptures saying 'Thou may not enjoy life'. And besides...I'm not part of the main church. All that...heavy stuff. It's not very me. And if My liege had problems, I'd soon know about it." Sulia nodded purposely.
"Joke again," Yeesha says with a sigh.
"And a habit so not me. I don't grow my hair to hide it."
"Making a habit out of showing your hair, though... There's a thought. Which defines a nun? Habit or habit?" a familiar male voice asks.
Yeesha jumps in her seat, the empty chair a few seats down suddenly occupied where minutes it had not been before.
Kyoji frowns. "Well I knew it wasn't good, but was it really that bad a joke?"
Sulia frowns, and then nods. "It was a...mouthful Kyoji."
"You scared me half to death!" Yeesha says. "How'd you... Oh right, ninja. OK, WHY did you sneak here? There is a feast going on."
"I didn't want to attract attention, I'm not used to..." Kyoji begins.T
"And another one I almost missed? Another hero, the shadow warrior Kyoji Kumoriken!" the Elder yells as the crowd cheers again.
Kyoji winces and looks at his plate, a faint blush tinging his cheeks. "...damn it."
Sulia sniggered. "Well well, the unshakeable can blush? Aww...cutie Kyoji." She blinks in surpise, laughing. "It rhymes!"
"I... I'm a tad apprehensive about tonight. I do not excel in the social or personal spheres," Kyoji says, regaining his composure. "I'm used to the shadows, not the spotlight."
"Wouldn't a ninja who can blend into daylight as well as night be useful? Or a banquet...think of it as training!"
"But that's the problem... By the very way this banquet is to proceed, I cannot blend in. If I leave, it would be terribly rude to these people," Kyoji says with a frown.
"Hide in plain sight then. Look natural. Like...part of the crowd. Then you become just another face..." Sulia chuckled. "As a guest of honour that's hard to do..."
"That was my point," Kyoji says with a sigh. "It matters not, I suppose. How does this night find thee?"
"I'm attempting to improve my ability to joke." Sulia smirked ruefully. "Failing however."
"The same," Yeesha says.
"And myself as well," Kyoji says with a sigh. "I guess I should try slapstick... Plenty of trees to climb..."
"I'm sorry?" Sulia frowns, tilting her head in confusion.
"Nevermind," Kyoji says with a wry grin. "I see we're relatively early... Where are the others, you think?"
"Painting...plotting...moping...getting ready..." Sulia sighs. "Who knows?"
"Speaking of which, did we ever decide how we were going to meddle?" Yeesha asks Sulia.
"No, but I hope to the Light that we're better at it than joking."
"Meddle?" Kyoji asks.
"Well..." Sulia looks down sheepishly. "Help things...along."
"What things?"
"Have you tried this mead? It's quite divine!" Sulia looks over at Yeesha, sheepish and confused.
Yeesha winces and takes a cup of mead, "No, but here I go!" Yeesha says, taking a long pull from the cup.
"What the Dragon are you two up to?" Kyoji asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't you like surprises Kyoji?" Sulia smiled eerily, winking.
"It depends HIGHLY on the surprise. Why, what do I have to do with this?" Kyoji asks, suddenly uncomfortable.
"Hey...Jealously does WONDERS, doesn't it Yeesha?"
"That it can, that it can," Yeesha says with a grin.
"I'm starting to enjoy myself..." Sulia laughs, refilling her mead.
Kyoji grabs a glass of wine and take a big drink from it.
"This is going to be interesting one way or the other, I suppose..." he says with a sigh.
"Won't it just?" Sulia sips at her mug, while smiling mysteriously.

Posted by: Sighrus Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:29 am
"Simone... are you ready?" Ashathel asked, knocking on her door. "Just a minute," Simone's voice comes from behind the door, as shuffling is heard from within. "Faralon, do you think this was a little overkill?" Ashathel asked, holding the hilt of his thinblade up to be seen. "You think I'll be the only one with a weapon?"
"Well...it's not bad to prepare, but the others will probably find you a bit paranoid."
"Well... ehh, if they ask me to leave it at the door or something, I will, I guess," the elf shrugged. Then, grinning, he added "And, technically... I'm never unarmed, so long as I can cast a little something something..."
After a few more minutes, Simone opens the door, clad in a simple sky blue dress. A small gold necklace with an amethyst pendant is around her neck. She frowns. "I... I hope it's not too fancy."
"Maybe I should give you my blade... you're going to be beating back the men all night," Ashathel grinned, giving a little bow. "The brothers Faesaen, at your service... we shall take you wherever you wish to go."
Simone blushes a little. "Ah... Thanks... but... All right, let's go."
*Faralon chuckles, shaking his head.*
"Come now, Simone... you're traveling with the most famous bard this side of Cypress, and arguably one of the most handome and skilled swordsmen the elven race has ever produced," Ashathel said, puffing his chest out playfully. "You've got to grab life by the reins - give it a good shake and make it run with you!"
"And the most modest I guess," Simone says with a light laugh.
"Pfftt... I'll have time to be modest when I'm dead," Ashathel smirked, gesturing down the hall. "Care to take a little stroll, fair lady?"
"Certainly, brave knight," Simone says, striding towards the feast.
"Brother, why do I feel the roles have somehow been reversed?" *Faralon says, half-mockingly.*
"I hardly think so... I have no intention of doing anything," Ashathel said, giving a wink. "Anyway... Simone, Faralon and I have been talking, and we've got something in mind."
"Doing what?" Simone asks, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? What would that be?"
"Well... this is going to be your first big banquet, no?"
"Yes..." Simone says.
"Well, then, I think it ought to be memorable, don't you?" the elf asked, walking alongside her.
*Faralon coughs, feigning awkwardness.*
"No problems there..." Simone says with a sad smile. "It hasn't exactly been hum drum the last few months."
"The good kind of memorable, I mean," Ashathel said. "Specifically, putting some of those combat maneuvers we worked on to use, if you catch my drift..."
*Faralon coughs again, louder this time.*
"I don't think I'm good enough to put on a fencing display..." Simone says with a frown.
"You've got to be better than Van." *Faralon says in jest.*
"She is, sadly," Ashathel said, with a grin. "No, not that... the other combat maneuvers," Ashathel said. "The fun ones."
[There is a thirty minute lull in the conversation, as everyone takes the time to pick themselves off the floor and replace their diaphragms.]
"What?" Simone says, at a loss. Then realization dawns on her. "Oooooh, the dancing." Fear suddenly overrides any other expression on her face. "The dancing??!" "Are you mad?! I... I can't dance in front of all these people!"
"Why not?" Ashathel asked, stopping.
"I... I'm not that good... I'll embarass myself," Simone says, blushing furiously. "More than that, I'm no good in front of audiences..."
"Simone... believe me when I tell you that your dancing is fine." Putting his hands on her shoulders, he said "Look... it won't just be you dancing. I'll be right next to you. Hell... I'll even match you step for step."
VoxPVoxD: stop flirting and get to the damn party
"Please don't make me do this," Simone says, quietly. "I can't dance in front of an audience... I can dance as part of a crowd, I can dance by myself... but not with everyone watching me..."
"With the right tune, I'm not sure she'll be able to resist dancing anyway." *Faralon says, smirking.*
"I won't make you dance if you don't want to... it wouldn't be right," Ashathel said. "But do you think you'd be happy with yourself if you passed up this opportunity?"
"I'm not some fruit," Simone says with a sigh. "Don't bring this gay musical shit down on me," she adds coyly.
-----
"The opportunity to what? Look like an idiot in front of a hundred or more elves?" Simone asks. "If... If you told me ahead of time, gave me time to rehearse something, maybe... But I'm not like you. I can't just spontaneously burst into song and dance..."
"Well, let's see what you've got now. I've seen many dances before, myself, and my brother has seen many as well, and he says you're fine. I don't think he would say that if he thought you would make a fool of yourself."
Simone dances for a short while, and though nothing outstanding, it is well enough.
*Faralon smiles.* "I agree. You have nothing to worry about, Simone."
Simone appears uncertain for a moment. "What... What exactly is the plan?"
Faralon grins. "Bend over."
-----
"We enjoy ourselves," Ashathel grinned.
"So Faralon is going to get real drunk, then spend the rest of the night staring at Kethra?" Simone asks.
-----
"The vague quality of your speech unnerves me," Simone says
"We eat, we drink, and we are merry. We take whatever comes with it," Ashathel shrugged, before adding "Within reason, of course... we are still role models, after all..."
"Yes, the Faesaens are the epitome of responsibility," Simone says with a giggle. "Come on, if we don't hurry they won't have any food left!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:19 pm
Damas walks into the town square where the others have started to gather. He is clad in an elegant and ornate royal blue robe, and his long black hair is braided like usual. A silver necklace with a small engraved silver locket with a small aquamarine in the middle is around his neck. The elf looks around for a moment and tries his best to keep a smile on his face.

Posted by: Aldur Sat Apr 21, 2007 5:48 pm
Sulia smirks, leaning into Yeesha. "There's one of them..." She laughs, whistling a little. "He cleans up well. I wonder what Isyndel will think?"

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:16 pm
As if cued, Isyndel Rhoe'wyn found her way to the edge of the party and peered rather pensively through the treeline before stepping into view after a deep breath. Unlike the others she made no effort to slip into the event unnoticed; in fact, she glided ever-so-casually toward the village elder without making any effort to turn her attention otherwise.
She wore a dress that seemed satin both in feel and appearance; in the evening light the celadon color gleamed quietly against her white skin. The cut was modest, measured perfectly above the bust leaving nearly all to the imagination. Pinned just above her left breast was a soft purple iris that matched a similar string arranged upon a simple tiara she wore amidst her azure hair which she had earlier had styled above her head rather carefully, letting only two tendrils of hair to fall to her sides in front of her ears to frame her face. It clung securely to her, fastened by straps criss-crossing from her lower back, and the gown ruffled near her ankles, covering the soft green slippers she had picked to match that no one would likely see. Her arms were framed in slips of a fainter green from just above her elbow to the tip of her middle finger on each hand, where the fabric was woven around a small ring fashioned of oak.
The wizardess approached the elder warmly, her face slightly blushed (but whether or not she was embarrassed or wearing a shade of makeup was too difficult to tell just yet), and bent herself into a curtsy before him in thanks before stepping away and off to the side, scanning her surroundings with a careful glance, keeping her distance from contact for the time being.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:44 am
Kethra stands up in order to get a better look at the "new arrivals". The half-elf looks at Damas for a moment and she smiles slightly. 'Damas certainly is handsome,' Kethra thinks to herself. 'I wonder how many of the ladies will be hounding him tonight.'
The thought causes her to laugh a little bit, but the moment she sees Isyndel, the half-elf falls totally silent. It is a few minutes before she says anything.
"She looks so beautiful..."
Kethra looks at herself, and lets out a soft sigh. Her white silk dress also clings securely to her body, and is fastened by strings criss-crossing from her shoulder blades to her lower back. The half-elf's dress is modest and elegant, yet she cannot help but feel it is fairly simple in comparison to Isyndel's dress. A few more minutes pass before she sits down again.
((Kethra's dress looks like http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/tenshinekootome/Pictures/dress.png, is case anyone wants a visual))
Damas smiles when he sees Kethra stand up and look at him.
'Kethra certainly looks beautiful tonight. I wonder how Faralon will react when he sees her.'
The young elf chuckles slightly. When he sees Kethra's gaze shift somewhere else, he turns around to see what she is looking at. His ruby red eyes widen slightly when he sees Isyndel standing there. After a few moments, Damas looks away, his cheeks now a pale shade of pink.

Posted by: Aldur Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:09 am
Sulia leant over to Yeesha smiling. "For a monk Kethra certainly has no problems showing herself off." The Favoured Soul chuckled. "Seeing as how she could easily beat up any unwanted attention I think I see why...still, I wonder where she got that from? Monastery life promotes humbleness."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:13 am
this is what Zook's wearing just so your mental image is clear

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:16 am

QUOTE (Aldur @ Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:09 am)
Sulia leant over to Yeesha smiling. "For a monk Kethra certainly has no problems showing herself off." The Favoured Soul chuckled. "Seeing as how she could easily beat up any unwanted attention I think I see why...still, I wonder where she got that from? Monastery life promotes humbleness."

"I think she wants to attract the eye of a certain minstrel this night," Yeesha replies. "Attract and hold it, since many others seem to be fancying themselves up tonight as well."
"The Archmages Damas Heretic and Isyndel Rhoe'wyn!" The Elder announces as the crowd cheers. As with the others, food and drink is placed before them. "We are honored to have such masters of the mystic arts with us this night!"

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:20 am
Cedric leans over the table staring at the parchments almost feverishly, a heavy frown entrenched on his forehead. Sweet as nectar, a voice cuts through the heavy silence, “Sir Cedric, dost thou know that the time to feast is at hand?” The holy knight stares at the parchment for a moment longer, then looks up and speaks in a hoarse dry voice, “No… I had forgotten.” He stands staring down at the parchments for another moment, then runs a hand through his hair, “Thank you, I’ll join the festivities in a moment.”
The Lillend hesitates for a moment, then continues, “M’lord, I fear that I feel that I must part company with your bold warriors.”
Cedric tenses but makes no other reply, his eyes fixed on the parchments.
”War in thy world is a sorrowful and dreadful curse…” She continues softly, watching him with concern, “I wast ill prepared for such a trial.” The musician lowers her head, “If I continue with thee, I fear that I wilt forever lose the part of myself that I hold most dear.” She looks up, her eyes alight, “I cannot allow such a thing to come to pass.”
Cedric looks up at her, his voice weary, “Of course not…”
”I wilt remain with these people for a time, continuing to strengthen them.” Lilah continues with a frown, ‘One day, I may rejoin thee but before that day I must come to terms with myself.”
“You must do what is best for yourself and the world.” Cedric replies softly, turning away, “Be at peace friend.”
The lillend opens her mouth to speak more, then pauses and slides around with a troubled frown.
…
Lilah enters the feast a bit late, wearing elegant silver and white silk. She is strangely silent.
A few moments later, Cedric arrives wearing the simple blue overcoat that the elves had given him in times past. The only adornment he wears is the circlet on his head. Large dark circles rest under his blood shot eyes. He shows little concern for formality or the lateness of his arrival, bowing to the elder stiffly before walking towards a table. He blankly glances around the room, then as Yeesha mades her annoucement his eyes light up and his weariness instantly vanishes. He strides to the wizardess intentionally, his eyes shining with feverish passion. “Isyndel…” He states desperately, as if his very existence hinged on her, “ We have to strike back. We must do more than slaughter the fodder of their armies.” His eyes burn with conviction, “ I have a mission for you…and a few select others… Make preparations to travel to Enric…” Then he pauses, his energy vanishing all at once, visibly he sags under the weight of his emotions, “…nevermind…” He smiles distantly, sadly, “I’ll discuss such tomorrow.” He turns away, walking over to a chair and sitting with blank disregard. He stares at the space before him dully.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:35 am
"Lilah, of the legendary Lillends!" the elder announces as applause once more rises to greet the heroes. Then Cedric appears and the applause grows near deafening. "Sir Cedric Theodoric, Holy Knight of Mitula and leader of our saviors!" the Elder proudly announces. As with before, food and drink is offered.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:44 am
Zook rolls a grape around in his hands, staring at it intently. He seems completely distracted, and doesn't see Cedric enter. Popping the grape into his mouth, he leans forward, resting his head in his hands, elbows propped up on the table, staring at the food the elves had left before him.
"I... I really don't feel very hungry," he says, though with the reverie no one can hear him.
---
Telanna arrives, wearing a simple homespun green gown and an emerald necklace. She strides over to Cedric, bowing gracefully before him.
: "I'm glad you came. Everyone is. We really can't thank you enough.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Apr 22, 2007 2:12 am
Cedric glances up at the maiden and manages a weary smile that looks more akin to a grimace, "No thanks are necessary..." He glances down at the table, "In this dark time, all should stand united aganist the darkness."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 22, 2007 2:15 am
Telanna smiles. : "I think we ought to sit united for a little while, instead. Come on, the gnome and the catfolk are both staring off into space."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Apr 22, 2007 2:31 am
Kyoji cuts off a thin slice of meat from the roast venison on his platter. Hints of a smile grow on his face as he chews. "The meat is exquisitely prepared, I can't imagine the spices you used," Kyoji comments. "It's a far cry from travel rations."
"We of the Fairy Woods take pride in our ability to use the bounty of the forest," the Elder says with a nod.
"And this wine! Strong and sweet, you don't find wines like that every day!" Yeesha says, bending her head over the table slightly to talk to the Elder.
"It's a special vintage made only in this village," the Elder says with a smile. "I'd tell you how it was made, but I don't want to give away our secrets. Minstrels, strike a tune while we eat! What is food without music?"
The small number of elven musicians begin to play a cheerful tune as the feast progresses.
http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/493/2

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:09 am

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD @ Sat Apr 21, 2007 8:15 pm)
Telanna smiles. : "I think we ought to sit united for a little while, instead. Come on, the gnome and the catfolk are both staring off into space."

Cedric looks at her for a long moment, his face heavy, then he turns away, replying in a quiet strained voice, "You don't know what you ask..." He glances up at the table, the festival music and his face twitches, "He'll destroy all of this too." Adruptly, he stands and steps away from the table. He grimaces out an apologetic smile to the elder, speaking in an unsteady voice, "Forgive me, I feel rather ill. Please continue." He then strides from the chamber.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:15 am
Telanna grimaces. I knew this was going to happen... --- Zook looks up to see his leader depart. "Cedric?" he says, getting down from his seat to follow the paladin. "Cedric, are you alright?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:23 am
Cedric stands outside of the communal area, leaning against a wall and breathing heavily. As Zook approaches, he takes a deep breath and gasps out, ”I’m going to kill those bastards…all three of them.” He slowly stands straight, rubbing his eyes, “Please…go enjoy yourself…”

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:27 am
Zook stares at his feet in silence for a moment, before looking up to Cedric. "Not alone, you're not."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:33 am
Isyndel was startled to say the least, whether it was the abrupt appearance of the man, the man's appearance itself, his words, or the fact that he chose her to speak to regarding it surprised her all equally. So taken aback that she literally had to catch her breath, she nodded curtly before mustering a reply before he turned away. "Very well. Tomorrow it is."
As he turned, she touched her fingertips to the flower above her bosom, tracing her fingertips over the petals in thought. She glanced to Damas, then Kyoji in rapid succession, careful to not leave her gaze on either longer than necessary. Then she looked to Cedric once more as he walked away; her eyes lowered to the side in thought.
And think of something she did, returning her eyes before her to lock on an empty seat. She scoffed, sighing faintly, realizing that even the feast she had looked forward to so much may very well become work.
She was surrounded after all, like vultures circling about a corpse for dinner.
No, that metaphor didn't work, Isyndel reminded herself. The wizardess smoothed the underside of her gown and took a seat. Vultures took what was no longer wanted; took from things that had no control, no life. She possessed both and would surrender to none of them, or at least so she believed.
They were all equal, they were all men, they were all the same.
Still, it seemed a waste to sacrifice all the time she spent on Damas.
But then, it seemed a waste to turn a blind eye on the gentlemanly ninja, the only one who made the effort on her behalf on the beginning.
And even still, Cedric needed someone. Anyone. She wondered if she had overanalyzed her importance, but the possibility could not be ignored. The wizardess pondered a weight suddenly placed upon her shoulders if that were the case; wondering if she could fix him, wondering if she did nothing it would only make matters worse.
But Damas...
She sighed again and nibbled on a fingernail, realizing how futile all her internal debating was for the moment.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:41 am
"No...not alone..." Cedric repiles grimly, then he starts walking into the darkness, "But I'm the focal point, the greater part of the defilement will strike me." He laughs bitterly, "As if it matters, I'm already defiled, I can only go forward and complete the task that was appointed me."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:58 am
"You...you don't mean that," Zook says, following Cedric into the shadows.

Posted by: Rusty Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:44 am
"You ready, madame?" Ashathel asked, as the music began to get louder. "I'd still like it if you showed off your moves a little..." "Yes, I'm ready," Simone answers. "And you, brother?" "You know I'm always ready for anything." *Faralon says with a smirk.*
"Then let's get this party going, shall we?" Ashathel said, with a smirk.
*And so, Simone and the Faesaen brothers arrive on scene.*

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:08 am
"The heroes Ashathel and Faralon Faesaen, and master swordsman and minstrel!" the Elder announces as the two arrive. Cheers greet them, the crowd seemingly growing more excited with each arrival. ((Mingle for a while, talk, RP. Next scheduled feast event occurs on Saturday... Of course you may have your own plans. If nothing else, just post what you eat and enjoy the feast. It's all very tasty.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:06 pm
"What's this... nothing for the real guest of honor? Please... can we not get some applause for Lady Simone?" Ashathel said, bowing while he extended a hand in her direction.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:38 pm
Simone blushes as the elves politely clap for her.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Apr 26, 2007 5:29 am
Cedric turns on the concerned gnome, his voice thick with emotion, "You think so?" His voice takes on a dangerous note, "What do you call it but defilement?" He covers his face with a worn hand, "I'm not who I was, I'll never be that person again." He sighs heavily, sorrowfully, "I'm not in this for compassion...not anymore... That sweet beautiful weakness has been crushed." He smiles mirthlessly, "I'm after vengeance, not justice."
"...Weakness?" Zook asks. His face is incredulous, but there is another emotion buried beneath. "That's what you call it?"
"I do." Cedric nods softly, his eyes filled with a resigned suffering, "Can there be a more sure sign of defilement?"
Zook shakes his head rapidly, as if to knock the idea loose. "No... you don't--no..." He looks up to the paladin. "How can you be so stupid?"
"I pray that you never understand..." Cedric replies wearily.
"Shut up!" cries Zook angrily, jabbing his index finger accusingly into Cedric's thigh to punctuate his words. "I've followed you for how long now? Through what? How much death and destruction, how high the pile of corpses because I have followed you here. You listen to me. You want to know how badly you've lost just by saying what you said? How many people have followed you through--we're your friends, Cedric!" The tinker begins to pace around Cedric. "That's it, right there. The whole game. We're your friends. How many friends does Shailtor have, d'you think? How quickly do you think he'd applaud what you just said? That's the point. It's not a weakness. It's our only strength. It's their greatest weakness that they see it as you do. Strength in weakness. Weakness in strength." Zook shakes his head. "You were wrong, you know. You can do it alone. You're strong enough, whether or not you'd admit it to yourself. You can conquer them all. But you'd better be ready to kill everyone." Zook's eyes brim with tears. "And you'd better start with me, because I will raise up an army, and I will beat you, because you'll be doing their work! We're not mercenaries, Cedric. We're your friends."
"Friends..." Cedric repeats dryly, his eyes filled with an old pain and bitterness, "The..." He stops, biting off his next words and is silent for a long moment before speaking again, "He touched me. He reached into my soul and awoke something that was sleeping there." He looks down at the tinker, "All he did was cause it to stir... It was always inside of me. You know what it says?" He swallows thickly; his words twisted by spite, "Friends... Friends? A handful at best are my friends." He glares at the building where the festivities continue, "I've given them my life, vowed to protect them at the cost of my soul...and..." His face contours into a vicious sneer as he spits out the next words, "...they refused to take even...a blow to preserve my mother's life. They stood by, thinking only of themselves while the blood of the woman who saved what remained of my kin was spilled...needlessly." His frame tenses, his eyes alight with rage, "I would slaughter the false cowards myself if I had not sworn to protect their lives..." He turns to the gnome, his face twisted by a fierce fury, which then fades to exhaustion and sorrow, "...but...my vows are all I have left now. The fiends and the cowards have bereft me of all else. Mitula, innocence, love are crushed. Loyalty, trust, kinship are betrayed.” His voice grows as hard as steel, “All that I have left is my own integrity, knowing that I can still choose to defy both the evil of Shailtor and the cowardice of my comrades.” He rubs his hands over his face, “I…am fallen…” He lets out a weary sigh, his eyes filled with pain, “Forgive me, friend Zook, I’m not who I should be…”
"How are you going to defy Shailtor's evil if you're certain he's right?" Zook asks in a weak voice. "Tell me, because I'm going to need to know too. You're waiting for someone to make it better? It's not going to happen if you think what you think. You're holding the wound open, and you're breaking your promise."
“I… I …” Cedric begins emptily, then shakes his head, “I spent most of my childhood ill, laying in my little room…” He pauses for a moment as if recalling the memory; “My health grew worse until my mother was afraid that I would die. Then…a miracle, my mother prayed to Mitula for my healing and a traveler restored my body.” The paladin crosses his arms silently, “When I began my training among the clerics, I longed to be a healer. I wanted to spread that joy, that restoration…” He shakes his head, “I lacked the gifts for such a role, I was more suited to become a champion.” He looks at Zook, “A great honor to be a Paladin…one would have gladly forsaken.” He closes his eyes, “I’ve never been a healer, I never will be. I protect, I champion… I cannot…heal even myself…” His face is grief stricken, “I’ve tried. I’ll always try. I don’t know how not to try.” He opens his eyes, “But it doesn’t matter. I’m not a healer. I cannot purify this defilement, its…wrong of me to beg for a second miracle in my life.” Unnoticed, tears well in the corners of the paladin’s eyes, “I have no other choice… I have lost my belief, my guidance, but…whether he is correct or not, Shailtor must be opposed. The world he proposes is too terrible, better to be wrong and live in delusion.”
Zook backs up, jerking a thumb at the now distant feast. "You want to see what happens if you were to call on these people for help? These people who would walk into fire if you told them to. These people who are here to fight! You cannot heal yourself, that you lack the strength to do. But you are not alone. Ever, ever, ever. You are not alone. You have your friends, even as you push them away. You have your goddess, even as you think she's forsaken you. You have the miracle, and your blessings, and you have the memory of every miracle you have ever worked in this fight, of every impossibility we have made possible together. You're not alone."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:55 am
Kethra has mostly fruits and vegetables on her plate, a small amount of meat, and a bowl of stew. The young monk chooses to drink water and milk, having no real desire to partake of alcoholic beverages. Damas watches as Cedric walks off and Zook goes after him. The elf lets out a soft sigh and stands up.
"Excuse me for a bit."
Kethra looks up at the elven mage.
"Damas, what's wrong?"
"No, not exactly... There is just...something I need to do."
Damas leaves, heading in the direction he saw Zook and Cedric walking off in. The elven mage finds them after a little while.
"Cedric...Zook..." he murmurs. Damas then adds in a concerned tone. "Is everything alright?"
((Sorry for not posting this sooner ))

Posted by: FreedomJu Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:26 pm
*Faralon chuckles to himself at his brother as he takes an empty seat near Van, who wasn't really speaking to anyone.* Faralon: "Hey, Van. Are you feeling all right? I noticed that you seemed like you were in your own little world just then."
Faralon's statement startles Van, bringing him back to reality. Taking a few moments to finish chewing and to swallow the food in his mouth, the village warrior shares his thoughts with the bard. "I was thinking about what I would do after we finish this whole conflict. I mean, I'm going to search for any survivors from my village, but besides that I don't really know." Van pauses for a moment, then looks at Faralon. "How about you, do you know what you want to do after all of this?"
Faralon: "Hmm...That depends on what happens. I'm more of a 'here-and-now' person. It's too early for me to plan anything, I think. Things change, y'know? Never in a million years did I think this is what our quest would entail. Never in a million years did I think I'd be here, battling against devils and monsters of all kinds - even demi-gods of sorts. 'Robots' as they are called, dragons...This is the stuff of legends. So yes, I don't really know what I'm going to do yet. I know one thing, though: I'll definitely go on holiday."
"Stuff of legends, huh?" Amusement was very clear in Van's voice. "It is hard to believe that not so long ago I barely knew magic existed, and now I'm involved in this 'stuff of legends' as you call it." The guisarme-weilder scans the celebrating elves for a few moments before continuing. "I don't know about you, but I'm rather uncomfortable with being called a hero and being a guest of honor."
Faralon: "Why is that? Haven't you earned it?"
"Well..." The village warrior trails off as he searches for the right words. "It's just that this feast is far more, fancy I guess you could say, than anything we had back home." Van waves a hand at the type of clothing almost everyone is wearing. "I mean, how can they stand to wear that? All of it looks rather uncomfortable to me and doesn't seem to serve any real purpose other than to look pretty." A long sigh escapes Van's lips as he gets to his main reason for discomfort. "Honestly though, I'm just uncomfortable being part of the center of attention. My wedding was bad enough when it was just people I knew, this is rather overwhelming."
Faralon: "Haha, so you're the type that doesn't like to get attention. Yeah, dressing up can be rather uncomfortable, but it's good to look nice here and there. After all, you want people to see you at your best, right? You don't see kings wearing tattered clothing. Of course, some kings where some pretty silly things anyway...But enough of that. We've gone through a great amount of things - we've endured atrocities people don't dare dream of. We deserve this."
*At this point, Faralon's eyes scout the room and he sees Kethra. He smiles to himself as he gazes at her from afar. Shaking his head, he looks back to Van.*
Faralon: "I don't think you can argue that."
A small chuckle could be heard from Van. "I'm not arguing about deserving this, just saying why I don't care for it too much. However, I do think that a person's best depends on what of person he or she is. I don't see how the clothing a person wears has anything to do with their 'best'."
Faralon: "I don't think you can argue that an unclean person is more attractive than a clean one. If you're wearing blood-ridden, muddy rags, you can bet you won't be terribly appealing. You might make people fear you or you might gross them out, but you're not going to win their favors dressed in such clothing. No, outfits do have a fair amount to do with people being at their best. Why do you think a wealthy merchant keeps himself well-dressed and clean? He wants to appeal to the rich, and they might not take him as seriously if he comes out looking like a homeless man. If he's well-groomed, they might assume he has an education and might believe he knows what he's talking about, even if he doesn't. So you see, even one's image can be important."
Van frowned at this statement. "We saw such a merchant in my village shortly before I left, dressed all fancy and such, but nearly everyone assumed he was a fool for spending so much time on how he looked." He shook his head slowly in disagreement. "I'm sorry, but I can't see it that way Faralon. I agree a person needs to clean themself, but there are far more important things in life than what type of clothes you are wearing, no matter how badly worn out they are."
Faralon: "They saw him as a fool, either because he was indeed a fool and a poor actor, or because your village looks down upon the rich. Obviously your clothing isn't important as your life. I'm merely telling you why people dress up. It's important to them to look nice."
"I still don't really understand, but I'm not going to worry about that anymore today. I may be uncomfortable here, but that doesn't mean I want to spend this feast trying to understand something that promises to give me a headache." The corners of Van's lips curve up into a grin. "No offense to your teaching ability though."
Faralon: "Heh. Common things like that are not my specialty. Maybe if you'd like to learn about the stars sometime I could teach you a bit about that. Anyway, just try and think simple things right now. Enjoy the food, enjoy the music, and enjoy the mood, even if you're not completely relaxed. It's a nice change, you have to admit, isn't it?"
Van nods once, then blinks in sudden confusion. "Stars? What about them?"
Faralon: "Heh. I'm an Astrologer, you see. At least, I was, before all this."
"Ah... what is an Astrologer?" Clearly, Van's knowledge of the sciences (even fake ones) was lacking.
Faralon: "Well, to put it simply, an astrologer studies stars and believes they have an affect on everyday life."
Van's brow furrows in confusion as he attempts to make sense of this. "How does something so small and far away have the ability to affect our life?"
Faralon: "Heh. Just as people believe the gods affect everyday life, an astrologer believes stars can."
"That is interesting, I hadn't known such a belief existed." Van takes a sip of his drink as he thinks upon this.
Faralon: "Well, try and enjoy yourself. I'm going to talk around. At such events, I can rarely stay in one place." *The elf smirks as he stands up.* "Oh, and do try and socialize a little. Maybe it's not your thing, but you should do it here and there. It'll be healthy for you."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:21 pm
As the feast continues, a number of the elves begin to get up and dance at the center of the town square, making use of the large cleared area as the musician's songs become more upbeat and cheery. Rhythmic clapping fills the air as the villagers make merry, maidens twirling around their dance partners as the square becomes filled with motion and emotion alike.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Apr 28, 2007 11:30 pm
Zook looks up at Damas. He stares at the sorcerer for over a minute before starting to walk back to the feast. "Fine," Zook says. "Everything's fine. Why wouldn't it be? It's a party, after all."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:46 am
((Sense Motive: 12)) Damas looks at Zook and sighs. "If you say so..." The elf then turns to Cedric. "It's not fine, is it? Something is bothering you..."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:53 am
((It's not fine. It's not close to fine. It's not even approaching the vicinity of fine.)) Zook walks back into the party, weaving through the dancers that had appeared out of nowhere since he'd left. He takes his seat, reaching for a piece of bread. He nibbles at it, watching the dancers spin around like the gears of a watch.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Apr 29, 2007 1:27 am
((I didn't think so))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri May 04, 2007 4:32 am
*A bear approaches the dining area. Before anyone could get up to shoo it away, feed it, or otherwise, its form dissolves away into that of the familiar, old bat man. He brushes the ruffles and dirt from his forest green robe, looks about, and sniffs strongly at the air. It smells of good, fine food, pleasing him. Whether his presence is as wanted or not, Rhizor Eyeclone is now at the feast. He surveys the choices of food, and is further pleased with the selection. He makes his way to a seat, meandering about, before finding one to his liking.*
: Dies irae, lux aeterna. From this day of wrath comes light everlasting.
*A straight, yet airy, flowing robe dancing like flames through the air hangs from Aurik Desmond's form. Fiery red and golden trim contrast against his shock white hair. The noise of the feast reminded him that he was running late. Minding time had become difficult as of late, his mind more focused on the many questions brought about by his studies. However, the time for celebration, rejoicing, and reflection was upon them. Entering into the area reserved for the feast, Aurik once more utters "Dies irae, lux aeterna." Slowly, he walks to the nearest open seat, nodding and greeting every individual he comes across. Finding a place to sit, he takes it, hoping Laika would arrive shortly and catch a seat near him. Aurik had many questions for his werewolf friend and student, curious about how his studies were going. Looking over the accoutrements and food, only one thing comes to Aurik's mind, slipping out of his mouth as his mind wanders.*
: ...Lux aeterna indeed.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri May 04, 2007 11:51 pm
Kethra looks up as Zook comes back, and Rhizor and Aurik make their appearance. 'Zook is back...but where are Cedric and Damas?' The monk sighs and reaches for a piece of bread. She nibbles at it as she watches the elves dance.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat May 05, 2007 4:03 am
Entering silently, the towering half-giant moves towards the table, stopping only to give a grunt or a nod at each of the others in the party before taking a seat.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 07, 2007 7:05 pm
Damas comes back after a little while and sits back down. The elf's gaze wanders to Isyndel every so often, but he is careful to not let in linger for too long. After watching the other elves dance for a little while, he decides that he is going to ask Isyndel to dance.
However, just as he moves to stand, a comely young elf maiden approaches him. "Would you care to dance with me?"
Damas stands up at smiles at the female elf. "I would love to."
The female elf smiles right back and she leads Damas to the center of the town square. The two elves dance together and seem to have a good time. They do stop dancing after a little while.
"You are quite the dancer."
"Thank you for the compliment milady." Damas bows.
The female elf curtsies, and then Damas makes his way back to the table.
Kethra is asked to dance by four different elf men during the feast. Since it is a hobby of her's, she dances with each of them. The monk does get just a little bit nervous, and misses a few steps here and there. Regardless, she does enjoy herself. Kethra sits at the table afterwards and takes another piece of bread. All the dancing has made her a tad hungry.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue May 08, 2007 12:24 am
Ignore me.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue May 08, 2007 3:26 am
If Isyndel noticed TheUnknownMarine she made no effort to acknowledge him. In fact, she had done her best to acknowledge as few people as possible, stirring her drink idly as various folks approached her for her hand. The wizardess dismissed them with her usual candor until she spotted a few of their number actually take to dance.
Then she noted something else and bit immediately at the inside of her lip, narrowing her eyes in examination, perhaps a quick scowl, before settling the glance at the source of her irritation and turning elsewhere.
Isyndel reached for her glass and swallowed the rest of her ale with a grimace as she was approached once more by an elven villager, a man barely so with nerves suiting his young age. The wizardess beheld him sternly for a moment, making the boy shirk inside himself further, before allowing a smile to play her lips as she rose from her chair and kneeled into a curtsy.
She shot the table a quick glare as she did so, passing her gaze between Damas and Kyoji quickly before allowing herself to be led energetically to the dance floor. The young man's confidence surged and he moved with a swagger at his prize, tightly wrapping his hands about her as they moved.
It didn't occur to him that he was the one being used.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue May 08, 2007 5:12 am
Damas does notice Isyndel passing him a quick glance, but he pretends not to. The sorcerer glances at Isyndel as she allows herself to be lead to the dance floor by an elf that is probably younger than him. Damas watches both of them as they dance, and takes a sip of wine every so often.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue May 08, 2007 6:49 am
The soft swish of robes alerts Cedric to Kyoji's presence, the unmasked ninja not making much of an effort to conceal himself. "Greetings, Cedric." The knight slows his pace, glancing into the shadows and replying quietly, 'Hail friend...' He crosses his arms, glancing around, "Is something afoot?"
"Indeed," Kyoji says with a straight face. "Some dastard has gathered the entire village together and set them dancing, drinking and making merry."
Cedric lets out an frustrated sigh, "I see…" He turns to the shadows, "I'll trust you to keep watch then, go take control of the situation."
"Cedric, why did you name your horse Fortune Cookie?" Kyoji asks.
"Horses are well suited to simple names…" He states wearily, "…and my mount was to carry me to my fate."
"Why Fortune Cookie and not just Fortune?"
The knight shifts, looking at the ninja with a frown, "Why do you ask?"
"I can't see you naming your horse something like that if you were to name it today," Kyoji says, quietly. "The name carried with it an innocence of sorts, a carefree spirit. The same spirit that once echoed in the songs you'd sing when in the midst of battle." Without his mask to hide it, a sort of wistful sorrow is easily apparent on the ninja's face.
"All have been changed." Cedric states softly, "Reflecting on what has been lost is something that can be done once the war is ended."
"The broken blade can still cut, is that it?" Kyoji asks.
"The scabbard is broken, not the blade." Cedric counters, "The blade has been reforged to meet the challenges it must."
"Do you consider yourself just a weapon then?" Kyoji asks.
"No." Cedric states sadly, shaking his head.
"Good," Kyoji says, relieved. "But still, to expand your metaphor, a sword without a scabbard swiftly rusts."
"It need only last until the final enemy is slain." Cedric replies.
"Cedric, when was the last time you felt anything positive? Any happiness or laughter or love or hope?" Kyoji asks.
"How..." Cedric replies with hurt in his voice, "How can you ask me that?"
"I ask because I feel I must," Kyoji says, frowning. "I already know the answer... but... no... No." Kyoji shakes his head. "I... Cedric, I cannot recall. Did I ever tell you about my sister?"
"You did." Cedric states simply.
"Then you know what befell her at the mansion, what I lost," Kyoji says, quietly. "Cedric... I know how much it hurts. I know what that pain can drive a man to do. I know how easily duty and vengeance can smother all else in the heart..."
"What I'm so desperately trying to figure out is how to stop you from becoming what I almost became. How to stop you from dying in all but name and purpose," Kyoji says. "Myself... The days after the mansion I was extremely bitter, angry, and sad. The days were like falling into an endless abyss in my mind as my sense of duty and my hunger for vengeance drove one foot after another, drove my sword through foe after foe. I hated everyone, blamed everyone, myself, the group, the Strife Lords... If only we had gotten there sooner, if only I had been faster, if only such blights on creation never exist..." Kyoji's face tightens as powerful emotion ripples across the usually stoic ninja's visage. "I couldn't laugh. I couldn't dream. I could only train, and picture the sword forged for me ripping through enemy after enemy, all bearing the skeletal visages of the monsters that took my sister away..." Kyoji says, closing his eyes. But... that changed after we fought the Storm."
Cedric listens silently.
"That such a great warrior would be twisted so only fueled the consuming fire within me at first... but then I came to a realization. I was not only mad because of what he'd been forced to do, turn against all he'd fought to save... I was also mad at what he had become. A sentient weapon. Devoid of anything but the sad memory of what was, and the commands that filled his struggling brain. No light. No laughter. No hope. No longer human," Kyoji pauses, turning to the paladin.
"Cedric, what has always slain monsters and villains, the greatest of evil?" Kyoji asks.
"I'm not interested in what has always slain them." Cedric responds with sudden vehemence, his voice ceased by cold passion, "Dark Sol, Wodol, Galm, Bulzome, Shailtor…" The shadows fade as the holy knight is slowly wreathed with a soft light, "Again and again and again…" He spits out the words with hatred, 'Eternal."
His burning eyes stare at Kyoji, "This solution, mortals and gods sacrificing themselves to halt the march of the legions of the damned is not sufficient."
Caught in a frenzy of conviction, he seems unaware as the light surrounding him grows bright, "The malevolent should be hunted until not one remains, their blight wiped from existence." He looks into the heavens, "It requires sacrifice….a sacrifice dissimilar to those that have occurred throughout the ages."
The shining light flickers, fading as the holy knight turns back to the shadow stalker with growing weariness, "I lack your strength, old friend. My resolve comes not from the integrity of my soul but from the world around me." He rubs the circles under his eyes, "I am a servant of truth before virtue, this struggle has proven it." He trembles, his voice breaking with sorrow, "Betrayals and cowardice, hatred and abandonment… There is little good in the world and what is there is weak." The light is extinguished, "Great acts can be made in the name of good but with evil intentions."
His voice breaks, "Why…why are there children starving, beaten, and bereft? Why?!" His passion returns with abrupt vehemence, he cries out to the heavens speaking no longer to Kyoji but to another, "WHY?! He turns back to the ninja, demanding answer, "Why? After facing the darkest of fiends, watching heroes create hope where none was… Why? Why do men not cast down the evil in their hearts!? Tell me why if not that good is powerless."
"Are you not a man, Cedric?" Kyoji asks, quietly. "For you have cast down the evil in yours. Even if you still feel temptation, still curse yourself for thoughts you may have... What people think doesn't matter. It is how they act."
Kyoji draws in a deep breath. "Cedric, my strength? I am just as weak as the next man. I carry a sword that grants me the powers of those who have gone before. I carry the teachings of those same in my mind. I stand on the shoulders of giants and with arms that tremble wield their weapons. I am what anyone can be. Should you curse then, that more like me, like you, like any in the Shining Force do not arise?" Kyoji asks, sadly. "No. I am what anyone can be... but I am lucky to be what I am. For rare it is to have comrades and family enough to support me and lift me to this height. Anyone can be as we are... but they require help. Haven't you received such help?" Kyoji asks.
"Many spurn aid when it is offered, turn their back on the light and embrace the darkness." Cedric replies curtly, then adds softly, "It takes less effort to feed and clothe a child, raise them well and set them on the path of a good life than it does to stand before Shailtor. They need less aid than I and it has been provided them."
"Many do spurn aid. But why do you say they embrace the darkness?" Kyoji asks. "Men DO cast aside the evil in their hearts. There is good all around... Was it not a simple guard from a Cypress fort that saved your father?" Kyoji asks, quietly. "Weren't we all travelers, wanderers and adventurers, not too far from the common folk before we became what we are? If evil is so prevalent, why does it resort to trickery, why pour so much effort into corruption and temptation? You say that darkness is overpowering the light, but you drove Shailtor to flight. Cypress is free and whole again. You say that men easily embrace evil, but haven't we mostly seen mortals fighting monsters?" Kyoji asks.
"What, tell me, of the men who hunted and wished to sell Simone?" Cedric interupts, "Evil is not all that rests with the heart of man, I do not make that claim, but most will gladly embrace it in secret from what I have witnessed." He then adds quietly, "I did not drive Shailtor away, all of us had a part in that."
"Yes, they were evil. They were also a single band in a large city. Most will embrace it in secret? What makes you say that?" Kyoji asks, then frowns as Cedric speaks again. "Perhaps, but your part was greater than most. Perhaps that is why it is even more critical that you not lose yourself. You are the sword at their throats," Kyoji says, quietly. "No, that is not right..."
"Zook fears that I feel I can overcome this struggle alone." Cedric explains quietly, "I want to be careful not to give that impression."
"Then why do you turn from us?" Kyoji asks, sadly. "I kept my struggle to myself and not a day goes by when I wish I hadn't turned to someone for help. I was lucky to have survived intact, was lucky or blessed..." Kyoji shakes his head. "Just as we fight to protect our homes from the looming evil, so do we fight to protect each other... Cedric..." Kyoji begins. "After we fought the Storm, I realized that it is heroes that have always slain the greatest of evils. Heroes that laughed, cried, and hated. Heroes that loved, were loved, and were human. Heroes that represented all of mortal-kind. Weapons alone were never enough, be they warriors or magic swords. Anger alone will not help you. Will alone will not help you. Even your drive alone will not help you. The greatest strength is from a whole self, a whole being. Fight with your love and joy as well as your anger and your sorrow," Kyoji says, urgently. "You must fight with everything, but the part of you that laughs and loves is dying... We can all see it in your eyes."
Kyoji shakes his head in frustration. "But... but it's more than that. You're important, you know, just as important as the people we save. Don't forget to protect yourself as well as others. We're all here to help... but we're only mortal..." Kyoji frowns. "Cedric... You keep talking of secretly embracing evil, of betrayal... What incidences do you think of?"
Cedric listens silently as the ninja speaks, then finally responds in a soft voice, "You still do not comprehend the difference between the two of us. Between me and all of you." He continues wearily, "This is my life, not a quest that I partake in so that I may return to my life." He shakes his head, "I am sworn to the divine, willingly giving my life for others. In turn, as I am bond to the Goddess to carry out good, she is bond to me to care for my mortal needs."
He looks at the ninja intently, "Was this not obvious? I may remain a moral man but I have been touched by the divine. You seek to convince me to see myself as man and not a weapon, but in a sense, I am both. A weapon is a tool for what the wielder makes it to be." He glances up at the heavens, "In the utmost faith, I gave myself to be wielded by the Goddess as a tool to shape her vision for the world."
He glances back to the ninja, "What did you think a Paladin was? Just a knight with divine blessings? We are the instruments of the divine; more and less than those we protect. We can yet love and laugh, weep and mourn, bleed and die, but we have been set apart." He holds out his hands, "We are not chosen heroes but rather given souls. A hero follows their own path, a paladin follows the path set by the divine." Then he sighs, "…I…am not a hero, I am a champion. Now…I am a man dying as you say and a weapon unwielded which threatens all around it." Cedric continues softly, "I lack the strength of a hero, I am a holy knight because I need the divine." He sighs, "I need the guidance and support; that blessed assurance of unassailable good." He shakes his head, "I need faith, I need to have something to believe despite all of the horrors of the world."
He looks down at himself, "If not, I become what you see, increasingly defiled and lost." Shame enters his voice, "Filled with growing hatred and condemnation of all." He rubs his forehead, "Condemnation of friend and foe… The cowardice, Ryhir abandoned by his comrades when resisted the wiles of Shailtor. The hatred, the bloodlust in their eyes as they strove to kill poor corrupted Amelios. The selfishness…"
He stops, looking down to the ground, "How can I find the balance between justice and mercy without her?" He looks up after a moment, "All I have left is the final purpose I was given, I cannot do this alone but I can take the greatest part of the pain, defilement, and sacrifice upon myself." His words are soft, "Then, when this is over, you will be able to return to your life and I will have served my purpose."
"I do not claim to be as learned as you on matters of religion..." Kyoji says, quietly. "But from what I know the Goddess does not want tools or weapons, or even worshippers. She just wants people to care for each other, to protect each other. People with their own will, their own selves. Dedicated yes, dominated no. What you say..." Kyoji sighs. "You are a man yet, Cedric. You chose the path you walk on. You chose to follow the Goddess. She didn't force you to, didn't shape you into anything, just gave you support, lent you her strength. She gave you guidance, yes, but there is a difference between faith and blind servitude..." Kyoji shakes his head. "No, you know that already... Cedric, it is as I have said. You've received help, divine help at that... But you're still you. Are you telling me that you cannot stand on your own feet without the Goddess to prop you up? Betrayal of Ryhir? No one betrayed him, we were mostly slow to act... I... Cedric, I was paralyzed when I saw him. For all my will, I could not move a limb. Who knows how many else had the same befall them? Did I then betray him? As for Amelios, yes Merkass and Ashathel were eager for blood, but most were not. Cedric, you seem to consistently focus on the bad while ignoring the good that has happened. This is one of the things that worries me the most," Kyoji says. "Cedric... A paladin is more than a gauntlet to fit over the hand of a god, they HAVE to be... What sort of deity would lessen their most faithful?" Kyoji says in an almost pleading tone. "I can't believe it is as you say."
"You ask me how you can find the balance between justice and mercy without the goddess..." Kyoji finally says. "I tell you that you've been doing that all along. The goddess is still with you as much as she's even been. She hasn't lost faith in you and neither have we... So please... Don't lose faith in yourself."
Cedric weakly replies, "I...need to be alone...for awhile."
Kyoji nods, then puts a hand on Cedric's shoulder. "I understand... Be well, Cedric. Be well." Then the ninja turns and walks back towards the tables and the feast.
Kyoji returned to the table as quietly as he left, most not even noticing his absence, reseating himself, he views the dance floor stoically.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed May 09, 2007 5:19 pm
As Van sipped his drink, he gave thought to what Faralon had last said and realized he hadn't talked to his comrades much since he returned to the group. As he looked over the others he noticied Gabe taking a seat and realized he hadn't spoken to the half-giant much outside of the one sparring match. Van figured it was about time to rememdy that and switched to a seat next to the mighty warrior. "How are you faring today Gabe?"
"Alive," the half-giant said. "More than some from this village can say. And when I get my way, the same for Shailtor."
Van nods in agreement, understanding Gabe's desire to make the Strife Lords pay, but at the same time he puts forth a question he had asked Faralon. "What about after that though, what will you do then with yourself?"
"I haven't thought about it," Gabriel said, unusually talkative. "I can't see anything past dealing with Shailtor."
The village warrior half expected an answer like that, given what Shailtor had done to Gabe. Still, Van thought it would be better for the barbarian to have something to live for after the defeat of the Strife Lords. While thinking on this, an idea occurs to him. "Well, I'll make a deal with you then Gabe, I'll keep Shailtor's minons off of you so you can deal with him, but afterwards you help me look for any survivors from my village. Deal?"
"It works," the barbarian said, nodding. "In my... the memories he gave me, that's the kind of stuff I was doing... helping to rebuild the village I was supposed to have been with."
The comment Gabe said about his memories made Van wonder if the half-giant just agreed because he didn't know what else to do with himself, or if he was really sincere in wanting to help with the village. After a few moments Van dimissed those thoughts as he saw no point in worrying about that now. Instead he decides to seek Gaberial's opinion on another matter. "Cedric," Van starts with a sad tone, "seems to be more.... well, cold and hard I guess you could say, than I remember him being before I left. Do you think he will ever return to his old self?"
"To be perfectly honest," Gabriel said, dropping his voice as low as he could while still being audible, "I think he likes the way he is now. I think he would rather fight and fight. I don't think he knows how to go back to the way he was anymore, and if he does get anywhere near that close, it'll be because of nothing less than a miracle."
Van sighed upon hearing this. It saddened him that such changes had fallen upon Cedric during the short time he had spent away from the group investigating his village, even more so to hear that the Paladin seemed to like who he was now. "I was afraid you might say something like that, but unfortunately I have to agree with you on this." The corners of Van's mouth tug downards into a frown. "At this point I suppose we can only hope he doesn't get worse."
"You can only spend so much time in a place without becoming like the people there," the half-giant said. "If you spend time with theives, you'll become one. If you spend years in the forests, alone, you become like the animals there."
"And if you spend enough time around devils," he added, his eyes cold and hard, "you start to become one yourself."
"So if we all were to work to surround him with kindess and the good things about humans he might become a little more like his old self?" The frown on Van's face only deepend. "It would be nice if we had that kind of time and if it was possible to get everyone to do that, but I don't see it happening right now."
"The thing about that kind of evil, Van, is that it doesn't just go away. All we can do is hope it doesn't get worse."
"Hope..." Van whispers to himself. "We've become symbols of hope to others.... but what about those of us who have lost their hope...?" Shaking his head clear Van's voice returns to its normal volumn. "You could be very well be right about that, as unfortunate as it is." The village warrior pauses for a moment. "I think I've had enough conversation for now, thanks for your time."
"Yeah... I need to stretch my legs a little, anyway," the barbarian said. "Maybe we'll talk again later."
Van simply nods his agreement.

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri May 11, 2007 9:19 am
Cedric is walking along the edge of the forest, staring out at the plains and stars above. The clomp of armor announces the approach of Lisa long before Cedric sees her, "There you are... I thought you'd be at the feast, or at least within the village," Lisa says.
"You have been looking for me?" Cedric questions quietly.
"Yes," Lisa says. "I have... decided to share with you some information I have found."
"This decision was not easily reached?" Cedric asks.
"No..." Lisa says, turning. "It was not. The information will either be your deaths or the hope of millions... I thought long and hard on it."
"Cedric, one week from now a force the likes of this world hasn't seen for ages will amass and strike at the installation known as Megiddo, the facility to the mountains of here. The same one that shot down the Shadowblade," Lisa says.
Cedric holds up his hand as she begins to speak, glancing around anxiously, "We are not warded here, better to speak under the protection of Lady Yeesha."
"It is as you say," Lisa says, stopping. "Where shall we go?"
"Let us return to the village." Cedric replies with a frown.
The two move to the room that Cedric has been using as his study.
"Now." Cedric asks as he sits across from Lisa, "What is the force of which you spoke?"
"Soldiers with weapons which you call Ancient. Allies drawn from the worlds the monsters have destroyed. Even a handful of starfaring warships may appear," Lisa says. "One of the commanders from the Shadowblade escaped and rallied the survivors, along with whoever was willing to fight. A week from now the strike force will begin to assemble."
“They will begin to assemble a week from now or they will have assembled?” Cedric questions intently, “Timing is very important in this.”
"Yes, it is," Lisa says. "They will begin to assemble a week from now. I estimate that in one week if you leave the village you'll arrive at the mountain at about the same time as the attack will commence."
“We are in a position to assault the mountain at any time we desire…” Cedric replies thoughtfully, “…even tonight.” He then slides aside some scattered parchments and spreads a crude map of the area, “We will need to coordinate our efforts, is there a means of contacting the surviving leader?”
"I don't want you to take part in the attack," Lisa says, quietly.
“Then what aim did you have in sharing this information?” Cedric questions, leaning back and waiting.
"The attack serves many purposes," Lisa says quietly. "Taking the facility will destroy the Strife Lord's long range firepower and their ability to control the orbital defenses that shot down the Shadowblade. But... It's also a diversion."
"While the main force assaults the base head on, I will be investigating the secondary entrance to Megiddo, a heavy mechanical door set into a canyon behind the mountain. The main force doesn't know this, but..." Lisa breaths deeply for a moment. "I believe Xadoss himself to be somewhere in the area. Furthermore, I do not think he has fully recovered from his fight on the Blade. If ever there was a time to strike at him, this would be it."
“I see…” Cedric ponders with a frown, then looks at her intently, “Does this mean that you are reconsidering striking at them alone?”
Lisa closes her eyes and is silent for a moment. "No, but..." her eyes open. "If I fail, you must do what I could not."
[Diplomacy: 19 + 28 = 47]
Cedric says nothing for a moment, collecting his thoughts, then looks into her eyes, “I feel that you are repeating a mistake that fate has given you opportunity to undo.” His words carry the weight of his belief, “If you had not left us, together we may well have fell Xadoss ere Erebeus intervened and…with your superior knowledge perhaps we would have been able to save more lives.” He tents his fingers, continuing quietly, “You know more of this matter than I, if you feel that it is absolutely necessary for you to face them alone, I will not stop you.” He tilts his head slightly, “However, I think that your best opportunity to defeat them is with us. I have wounded two of the three. Together, we might cast them down before they take flight.” He sighs, “I told you once before, we are marked by them, they will not grant us peace until the day that either they are destroyed or we corrupted pawns.” He sighs, “You need not hunt, merely remain with us and they will come.”
Lisa nods, her hands brushing against her sword. "I... will think on that..”
Cedric nods silently.
How fare you?" Lisa asks. "It has been a while since last we met. Have your wounds healed any?"
“Have yours?” Cedric replies, then adds wearily, “I…fear that resolution must be had soon or I will fail.” He looks away, at the walls, “Thrice, thrice now… I have been urged to let loose my wounds and became again who I had been.” He lets out a scornful laugh, “As if it were so simple.”
"A small bit... But a small bit is better than none," Lisa replies. "What do you mean, resolution?"
“No…and yes…” Cedric replies distantly, “I need to learn to cope with…the world.” He looks up at the ceiling, “Be it judgment, truth, or otherwise.”
"I see..." Lisa says, quietly, moving towards a window and looking out at the festivities. "I can relate to that."
“Could you join them?” Cedric watches her and asks distantly, “Could you lay aside your defenses for a moment of simple mirth?” He continues sadly, “Could you forget, even for those few moments?” Then, quietly, he reflects, “…and if you did forget, what horror when you remembered.”
"I..." Lisa says, touching the window lightly. "I would want to so badly..."
“Then do so…” Cedric states simply, “If I have been entrusted with millions of lives, surely I can be trusted in this. I will keep watch.” He gestures to the hall, “Go…”
"You should go..." Lisa says, quietly, withdrawing her hand. "This is your world, not mine. This is what you're protecting... These people. These hopes."
“All the more reason for you to go.” Cedric replies gently, though his voice grows empty as he continues, “I…couldn’t bare to be part it…not now.” He looks at her, “Please, go in my steed. Enjoy what I cannot.” He looks towards the festivities, “At this moment, I’m not at a place where I can receive the gift they want to give me.”
I'm not sure I am at such a place, either..." Lisa says, quietly, still staring out the window.
"I will not fail to slay the Strife Lords, though what I become in accomplishing that aim...could be my greatest failure." Cedric states quietly "You believe that you may fail. For that reason you should take this chance, you may never be given another chance."
Lisa doesn't turn, still staring out the window. "Perhaps... Perhaps in a little while I will go down and eat my fill. I'm not of the village nor one of your band, but I doubt they'd turn me from filling a plate. In a little while."
“Lisa…” Cedric states quietly, “I need you to do this so that I can know that someday I will be able to do it as well.” Then he turns away, “If we cannot, then let us give up the farce and embrace what we have become.”
Lisa is quiet for a while, then sighs. "Have you ever died before?"
“Well, no actually, now that you ask...” Cedric states with a grin, “What with charging the boss every battle, I deserved to more than any other CW character, but I’ve never died.” He giggles with mirth, “Sorel died though. Sorel died three times.”
…
“No." Cedric states softly.
"I have. For a very, very long time," Lisa says quietly. "It's... odd. The taste of food or drink... The formless world of dreams... The solid feeling of being in a body. You cannot even begin to appreciate what you have until you've lost it all. Down there, all of that is to be experienced. Everything I missed for so long," Lisa says. "I should race down there right now... but it feels odd." Lisa is quiet, then flexes her fingers. "But... if I can do this, then surely you can. Understand?"
“I understand.” Cedric replies quietly.
"All right," Lisa says, turning for the door and opening it, pausing to look back. "Even if you don't join them, you might consider grabbing a plate of food and taking it with you back here. Even heroes have stomachs."
“I need to think…” Cedric replies with a frown, “I need to remember who I am before anything else…” Then he looks up, “Thank you.”
"You're welcome," Lisa says, nodding. "And... thank you."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri May 11, 2007 9:22 am
Lisa quietly loads a plate of food and takes a seat at one of the back tables, watching the proceedings as she sups.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat May 12, 2007 12:38 am
So as Isyndel dances away, her current partner suddenly stumbles, tripping on his own feet, it looks like. The young elf hits the dirt with a wince, redfaced. DragonmasterDon1: "F***ing noob." "Sorry... I guess I tripped..." he mutters, a blank look on his face. "Must be too much of the wine.. Maybe I better go sit down..." The elf wanders back to his table as a finger taps Isyndel on the shoulder.
She feigned annoyance rather obviously, rolling her eyes and exhaling a sharp sigh before laughing just a little bit. "Your courage did not seem entirely realistic just the same," she quipped. "Very well, rest then." As the elf made his way from her, she was startled and turned to see the source.
Standing behind Isyndel is Kyoji, hands now folded behind his back. "I didn't know you liked to dance," he says, quietly.
Isyndel cocked her head to the side with a slight grin. "There is a certain amusement to it, obvious events not withstanding," she replied firmly. "I suppose the festivities remind me of it. That or the choice of drink being served; one of the two."
Kyoji smiles, chuckling. "I see... Enjoying yourself, then?"
She nodded emphatically. "Though I am careful to remind myself that the night is young and our journey is not over. But yes, I am pleased; this very much reminds me of home."
Kyoji turns his head, viewing the "dance floor". "I actually have never danced before, but it doesn't seem too hard... Do you dance often?"
"Not often enough," came her reply, narrowing her eyes in examination for a second before returning her gaze to normal. "Moreso when I was a little girl; I rarely had the chance to do so for the past several years."
"I see," Kyoji says, returning his gaze to the dance floor. "I think I'd like to try it. Care to join me? I think I see how it's done, but I might err and would like someone to..." Kyoji frowns. "Let me try again. Isyndel, would you like to dance with me? I'd like to learn how."
She crossed one arm below her bustline and brought her other elbow to rest upon its wrist, raising the knuckle of her index finger to her chin. "Mmm," she murmured, casting her gaze over him from head-to-toe slowly. Raising an eyebrow and fighting a smile, she quipped "Only if you believe you can avoid any natural accidents as before; I do not think breaking the limbs of nearby trees fits the spirit of the festival all that much."
Kyoji grins. "If I'm falling down a tree in the middle of a dance, I think something has gone terribly wrong other than my footwork."
"Give me a moment and perhaps I can come up with a more realistic stipulation," Isyndel joked softly, extending her hand. "Come. But you had better be a fast learner; I've denied most eligible partners already. I do not need the reputation as the woman who seems to be out to break everyone's legs tonight."
Kyoji takes the hand, still smiling. "Oh, but of course, milady."
The Macarena plays.
Isyndel casts Radiant Assault on the musicians!
It's super effective!
TheUnknownMarine: YOU CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC
"Perhaps I should not take this so easily," the wizardess mused, trailing behind. "You appear to be a rather quick study."
"Controlling movement is something all ninja must learn early on and well," Kyoji says with pride. "Or perhaps I just have a good teacher."
Isyndel smiled dismissively. "Hardly. You would not want me as a teacher; it would dismiss any possibility of fun you would be having."
"Perhaps you are right. I saw the shattered faces of those poor new wizardly additions to Zook's little band after you were through with them," Kyoji replies lightly.
Her face brightened. "Most would not consider that a compliment. I will leave it to your observation whether or not I think so," she replied, stifling a short laugh.
"Whatever it was, you seemed to enjoy it, so it has served its purpose," Kyoji says, continuing to move with the music.
"An astute observation." She laughed quietly again.
"I have those on occassion," Kyoji says, looking around. "It is... It is excellent to rest for a while. I am extremely glad the village decided to put this together."
Isyndel nodded once, her expression shifting to something more reserved. "Almost everyone is enjoying themselves in some fashion," she spoke, trailing the end of her sentence for a moment before continuing. "Though I am ... curious, to say the least, regarding our leader's earlier outburst."
Kyoji's expression becomes more serious. "I spoke with Cedric... He had been brooding over the mission even now, but I think... I pray I got through to him even if only a little."
"A relief if you did, even were it only a little. I appreciate you doing so; his mental health is of...great concern to me."
"Oh?" Kyoji asks.
"Let us not speak of it any further this evening," she concluded, taking a deep breath to cleanse herself of the feeling taking over her at the subject.
"As you wish..." Kyoji says, quiet for a moment. "Did you try the venison? I thought it was quite excellent."
"I think perhaps I tried a little bit of everything. I may have overindulged myself, but...given the reason for this festival I hardly feel ashamed for doing so."
"Indeed... And after eating trail rations for so long, who can blame us?" Kyoji says. "I do not relish the idea of returning to jerky and hard biscuits when we must leave."
"If you did I would consider you quite insane," Isyndel replied, smiling a little bit.
"Indeed," Kyoji says, smiling in return. "Can't you devise a spell to make the stuff more palatable? About all I can do with my skills is cut it into bits, a difficult enough feat considering how hard the stuff is, but..."
"I will look into it when I return to my studies tomorrow if you wish," she stated. "I am certain there are ways to do so."
"I was speaking in jest, though in all honesty, it would be quite something to do..." Kyoji says, a thought suddenly occuring to him. "Would certainly help with morale..." Kyoji shakes his head. "But enough of that, we're here to relax, not talk about our journey."
"Mmm," she murmured, closing her eyes to give herself to the music as she danced.
Kyoji follows likewise, simply enjoying the moment.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat May 12, 2007 4:04 am
Damas merely stares forward as Kyoji and Isyndel dance. The elf is silent and still for a few minutes. After that he reaches for a glass of wine and downs half of it in one gulp. "Is it my imagination, or are you jealous?" a familiar voice asks from behind the sorcerer.
"It's your imagination," Damas says curtly, knowing full well who is standing behind him.
"Whatever you say," Kethra says, rolling her eyes. "You know, you really only have yourself to blame. I mean, you should have asked her earlier."
Damas sighs and stares at the glass of wine for now. "What's the point?"
Kethra places her hands on her hips. "Anything is better to ask than to just sit here and mope. This is a celebration! You should at least try to have fun."
Damas casts his gaze over Kethra.
'Kethra is right. I should try to have fun...'
Damas stands up and extends his hand to the monk. "Kethra, would you like to dance with me?"
"I would love to Damas," Kethra replies, taking his hand.
Damas leads Kethra to the dance floor. He passes a quick glance to Kyoji and Isyndel, and then starts to dance. "So...Kethra, has Faralon danced with you this night?"
Kethra moves with the music as well, and she barely stifles a giggle. "Oh no, not yet. The ladies here seem to be taking up all of his time."
Damas frowns. "Well he had better find the time to dance with you, or I'll have to have a few words with him."
Kethra chuckles. "I do hope it does not come to that."
Damas and Kethra fall silent after that and continue to dance.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat May 12, 2007 7:16 am
((If anyone has scenes for the feast they'd like to do, they can be done as flashbacks or the like.)) Time passes all too swiftly as the group enjoys a night of story telling, song, dance, and of course, fine food and drink. The town's bards tell fantastic tales of struggles long ago, of heros, of fools, of lovers and of monsters. Elves whirl around the dance floor, people sing, and joy and life fills the air even as the sky darkens and the stars emerge. The revelry goes far into the night.
Needless to say, the next day is mostly spent sleeping for many.
But on the third day, the time comes to visit the sacred grove. Assembled before the northern edge of the village, the Elder stands in front of you, leaning on his oaken staff.
The Elder points to the path and steps out of the way as he speaks, repeating the tale that Rhizor had already discovered earlier.
The Grove of Mitula has been here since Ancient times. No one knows how it came to be, but it is said that the goddess herself rested here after helping to heal the world after the devastation of the Ancient War. It is said she created the grove to give her shade, and the trees within to give her fruit to eat as repast. However, as more and more pitiable creatures gathered around her new, beautiful creation, she felt moved to expand it. The Mother of Mercy called forth more trees, for shade and fruit, and the refugees that had gathered to her sang her praise as they ate and rested as well. Mitula moved among them, changed twisted and mutated forms into beautiful and healthy bodies. Here it is said she created the fairies and dryads, out of crippled humans who were almost unrecognizable as such. She gave them new life, and in return they pledged to help guard her forests until the end of time.
More and more came to her, until one day she simply vanished, being unable to find either rest or continue her greater work so busy was she with those that gathered in the Grove.
But she did leave a single, great gift behind.
The central tree in the grove, the first one she created, bore fruit that strengthened the life force, the body, and the mind, helping to cure all sickness and bolster one against future illness.
The simple town known only as Elf Village slowly grew around that grove to protect and guard it, as well as provide a haven to travellers who got lost in the wilds. The village acted as a sanctuary to those in need, lost, or abandoned. So it was that the grove continues to inspire mercy to this day.
All this the Elder relates to you.
"You will know the blessed tree when you see it. You may take a single piece of fruit each, no more," the Elder says, bowing his head. "Please, enter."
The path is unassuming, a simple blanket of grass under a canopy of tightly woven branches. Birds chirp happily around the tightly packed trees on either side of the grassy trail.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat May 12, 2007 11:48 pm
Cedric Theodoric walked silently amongst his companies, sullen and withdrawn, brooding over the question which had plagued him for days. He made no pretense of paying heed to the tale of the elder. "You are a man yet, Cedric. You chose the path you walk on. You chose to follow the Goddess. She didn't force you to, didn't shape you into anything, just gave you support, lent you her strength. She gave you guidance, yes, but there is a difference between faith and blind servitude..."
He remembered how those words had struck him, deeper than any swordblow. The ninja was his friend…and he had stated absolutely that Cedric was in the wrong. No, not just in the wrong but that the path to which Cedric had devoted his life was…false. The simple beauty of his calling which he had so deeply loved ere this dark time fell upon the land…not even worth mention.
”A paladin is more than a gauntlet to fit over the hand of a god, they HAVE to be... What sort of deity would lessen their most faithful?"
A gauntlet… A mindless tool… An automaton... Kyoji, who had been with him for so long, would not even consider that Cedric’s calling was more than misguided at best and slavery at worst.
…he was not alone in that belief.
"What is a servant but a slave stupid enough to labor willingly?" Sir Perevis growls, his morningstar battering against Cedric's defenses and finding no hold.
"And that in of itself is slavery, you are merely blind to its constraints," the dark priest states smugly as Cedric turns away.
"She is freedom? With all of the restraints she places on you, her supposedly beloved servants? How long have you slaved away in her name?” Shailtor sneered.
Again…and again…that which he held most beautiful and precious had been spit upon. Was it really nothing more than slavery? That blessed assurance…how could something so pure and wholesome be nothing but a lie?
"It would seem a difficult path to someone not of my order. You assume what most assume..." The Paladin smiles with inner peace and confidence, "...that I persevere through my own strength. I am merely an instrument. Too often people assume that I somehow earned the blessings bestowed upon me through my own merit." Cedric sighs, "It is true that my calling has taken a great deal of discipline and devotion, but I find strength in the Goddess." He turns at Zook thoughtfully, "To your tools, the task of creating a marvelous item such as the weapon you carry must seem monumental, perhaps even impossible...but under your skilled hands and guided by your clever mind they shape bits of metal into something greater than themselves. I falter when I look at the task given to me, it seems impossible for one mortal to make a difference but then I remember that the will of the Goddess is with me, guiding and empowering me."
All false… The goddess had no desire for such intimacy? That…relationship was empty? That peace was just a lie? Even the goddess saw such accord, such devotion, as nothing more than slavery?
” A paladin is more than a gauntlet to fit over the hand of a god, they HAVE to be... What sort of deity would lessen their most faithful?"
Was that…was that what being a champion meant to him? To them? That precious sacrifice and trust was… Yet, the world agreed with them. They could not see the beauty in it, the love and humility it inspired…the confidence… They could not see it because it was not there. It was all a lie.
“Cedric, you seem to consistently focus on the bad while ignoring the good that has happened. This is one of the things that worries me the most.”
Was Kyoji not guilty of the same? Worse?! But…they all seemed to hold the same view, what Cedric held pure and good, had devoted his life to, was not only misguided but wrong. That service which was most beautiful was just another delusion. Just another false belief.
"Ah, this is a cruel joke indeed. To dodge the abomination and yet fail in my faith to the Goddess. Am I to suffer what Sister Claire went through?"
A delusion he had not been alone in believing.
Cedric stares fiercely at the cleric, his face awash in helpless emotion. His fist tightens around his weapon and his body is tense as if wishing to take action. He shakes visible, then opens his mouth as if to speak but says nothing.
Turning, he strides away from Amelios, his eyes snapping at the scattered bodies of the fortress' defenders. His face twitches as he grinds his teeth, then he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Mitula..." Helplessness washes over his face as he drops to his knees and leans his head against his hammer.
’Mitula... Is one so loyal and devoted to you to fall so low?’ The Paladin asks silently, his mind tormented by his helplessness. ‘Was I lacking? Is that why this could not be prevented?’
Was he lacking? Was he to blame? Is that why this could not be prevented?
"You ask me how you can find the balance between justice and mercy without the goddess..." Kyoji finally says. "I tell you that you've been doing that all along.”
Have I? Without the goddess? Am I worthy to judge other beings without divine guidance? Is that what I have been doing? Deciding the fates of others only in the name of the goddess?
“The goddess is still with you as much as she's even been.”
There it was. He had devoted his life to the goddess but somehow the ninja thought he understood their relationship better than he. Kyoji brushed aside the pain…the emptiness… The unanswered prayers. The abandoned promises. All those assurances the ninja had never had nor needed. How could he comprehend what had been lost? There was one who knew all too well the pain Cedric felt, but Amelios had not been able to bear the loss and was now in the clutches of the enemy.
”She hasn't lost faith in you and neither have we... So please... Don't lose faith in yourself."
The answer came to Cedric now, after so much searching of his soul, he had not lost faith in himself. No, he had gained more faith in himself than he had ever possessed. Abandoned and bereft by the force which ought to have upheld him, he had found immense hidden strength inside of himself.
No. He was not the one judged. He was not the one lacking. His faith and belief in her were what was lost, not his faith in himself. Somehow, he had persevered on his own strength. He managed to find a way where others abandoned had instead fallen.
Despite the sight of nature thriving, the heart of Cedric does not seem lightened as he beholds it and instead he speaks quietly almost to himself, “I wonder what dark torment our friend Amelios is being forced to work now…” He glances around the group, then nods distantly and speaks, his words empty, “Very well, let us enter this sacred grove of the goddess of creation.”
Telanna stands next to the elder, watching the force pass with a solemn expression on her face.
Zook follows close after Cedric, staring at his feet, partially because he can't bring himself to look at the Paladin and partially to avoid tripping over a stray branch.
Faralon stays close behind Zook. He smiles as he takes in the surroundings - every smell and sight. It was so peaceful, and he found himself momentarily lost in that peace.
Telanna leans in, whispering to the elder. "Should we follow them in?"
"No, my child. The grove is guarded by Mitula herself, there is no need for us to watch over them. Let them walk unimpeded," the Elder responds.
Telanna nods in deference.
Kyoji walks silently down the path.
Laika... ummm... I forget what Laika does, probably licks his balls or chases a bunny or something
The paladin stares at the path for a long moment, then continues forward dismally.
Sulia hums to herself as she walks through the trees, eyes bright at the natural beauty around her.
He reaches for Amelios but fails to get a hold of the cleric, "Amelios! Fool, stop!"
The crazed cleric chuckles as he rushes across the worn tiles towards the Strife Lord. He starts to run, eagerly, passing the forbidding Blood Armour. Then he passes Cedric’s family, laughing now, and does nothing to help them.
Cedric was not the one who had been lacking. He had given his utmost, more than he had imagined he had to give, no, he was not the one who had been lacking.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun May 13, 2007 3:49 am
Eden: http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/1845/1 At last the path opens into a wide and spacious grove of trees. Sunlight filters through the branches, bathing the whole of the grove in gentle and warm light. Small ponds with crystal clear water dot the landscape while majestic and old trees raising their branches to the heavens almost as if in praise. A nearly overwhelming sense of peace saturates the place, even the most hardened of souls can't help but feel more at ease. Every here and there sprites and fairies move through the treetops, giggling lightly, their tiny wings moving almost too fast for the eye to see as they dart to and fro. The plants are the most vibrant and alive green you have ever seen. The air is crisp, clean, and pure, smelling even now in fall of summertime, touching on memories of youth and play. A gentle breeze caresses your skin.
The sight is beautiful, if one word can ever do the scene justice. A thousand artists could labor for years and only barely manage to capture the simple beauty of this place of trees and life.
At the center of the grove is a huge apple tree with branches bending low and heavy with fruit. The apples on the tree are bright red, unblemished, and perfectly smooth, the most perfect apples you have ever seen.
These are the sights and sensations that greet your eyes as you enter holy ground.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun May 13, 2007 5:22 am
The air seemed purer, more wholesome only a moment before as the group steps into the grove, yet this does not lighten the heart of the troubled paladin. "What I'm so desperately trying to figure out is how to stop you from becoming what I almost became. How to stop you from dying in all but name and purpose," Kyoji says.
Kyoji was not one to afford himself comfort; it was not surprising that he was not able to afford it to others. The ninja did not attempt to reach out and embrace him as a brother, share his pain and by sharing lighten it. No, he sought to mend. He came with the answer.
Cedric slumps slightly as the group continues on into the grove, as if a great load rested upon him.
That…was why he needed the goddess. Cedric needed someone who walked with him before anything else. Sick… Weak… Broken… Someone who accepted him as he was and loved him in spite of it. Perfect love, to love someone despite their pain and the pain they caused. The miracle of his life had come from that love. The ninja was a true friend…but…few mortals could give what he so desperately needed. His mother had. Resisting the urge to recoil from his pain, overcoming the impulse to make all well again without first understanding what it meant…instead she had shared his pain, held his hand while he wept, and then she had prayed for his miracle. No words of wisdom or convincing arguments could carry the weight of that love.
((Vox: I really think Cedric just needs a hug
KingKai: Basically.))
Cedric needed that love…and the healing it brought…to show him the way? That soothing comfort, it would show him the way. Without it, if it were false, what had he given his life for?
"You became a paladin because you were comforted and supported and wanted to see the same done for others," Kyoji repeats, tilting his head at the paladin.
It could not be false. It was what Cedric had devoted his life to…in the name of the goddess.
Ashathel says nothing, his head bowed in reverence as he moves with surprising silence towards the grove.
Zook finally lifts his head, looking about. He can't quite manage words.
Kyoji takes in the sight, merely whispering the obvious, "It's beautiful..."
Rhizor looks around pensively.
Cedric looks up at the divinely inspired beauty, his eyes tracing over the perfect riches of this grove in silence. He takes in a deep breath, then steps forward solemnly.
Goddess! His heart ached, the wholesome beauty embraced him. It only heightened the pain of his blemish. Cure me!!!
Cedric grinds his teeth, "Because she is everything you are not. You represent decay, death, and slavery. She is life, growth, and freedom!"
Yes! His heart ached with longing. Yes! Be everything that is good! Everything that is good in this world! Purify me! Goddess!
Zook shifts his weight back and forth, waiting for Cedric to do something.
“Goddess…heal me…” Cedric whispers softly, his eyes locked on the perfection incarnate in the midst of the grove.
It must be not, my faith cannot suffer another blow.
A tremble runs through him. Tears begin to flow down the face of the holy knight as he walks straight to the boughs of flawless fruit.
A gentle breeze ruffles the leaves of the tree, almost invitingly.
Faralon tries to form words as he gazes at the marvel before him, but finds himself unable to. Only a bit of breath escapes his lips. Have I gone mad? The fruit is...it's absolutely perfect!
Zook hangs back, thinking he probably shouldn't have had that second scone.
His face twisted by longing, grief, and hope; the paladin steps into the cool shade of the holy tree. He then comes to a stop, engulfed in the hallowed tranquility. Then he looks to a ripe apple hanging beckoningly near and slowly reaches out a hand towards it. His fingers brush against it, fingers that wrought the doom of many a wayward soul, and his face is darkened by a shadow. His eyes widen.
Shailtor whispers. "You can have it all, everything you've been forced to give up. Riches, power, immortality... we can even give you Mitula..."
…Mitula was not something you could possess. She was not to be had, not through force of arms…nor from the fruit of a tree, no matter how perfect. Mitula was not a person…or a thing…she was love incarnate. She was an ideal.
An old, familiar feeling washes over Cedric, but he is uncertain what it is... other than it is warm and welcoming even now. The apple drops from the tree and into his hand the moment his fingers brush it, Cedric reflexively catching the fruit.
The paladin stares at the unblemished fruit in his hand. His frame tenses, for good or ill it had come to this, then he slowly lifts the fruit. His teeth rend and crush its perfect form; its blessed juice runs down his throat while he grinds its flesh into pulp.
A delicious taste fills Cedric's mouth as he tastes the fruit, a pleasant warmth building in his stomach. A moment passes, and nothing happens. Then...
http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/2039/31
Warmth all around him, a familiar feeling of love and affection suffusing his soul. Though to the others everything is normal and Cedric is merely staring at the fruit in his hands, to Cedric, something else entirely unfolds.
A familiar presence he though lost to him nudges his mind as two feminine arms embrace him in a loving hold that he knew since the day he was born. Before his eyes, old events of happiness and family replay and before he sees, he already knows the presence.
Cedric shudders, the apple dropping from his hand as he attempts to embrace the empty air, sobbing out piteous words. His speech is broken but one word is heard again and again till it becomes recognizable, "Mother."
Cedric's hands actually embrace something tangible as the radiant presence becomes visible to all. He cannot help but feel the warmth and caring of his mother as the spirit embraces her son.
[[A Happy Mother’s day from TUM.]]
Mother and son, the two embrace for a long tender moment, then they slowly part. Cedric looks at the spectral form of his mother, then a smile slowly appears on her face and she fades away.
The paladin stands there for another moment, then turns back to face the others, his eyes clear for the first time since the disaster that claimed Amelios, Rachel, and his mother. Tenderly, he looks at each of them in turn, as if seeing them after a long separation. His voice is weak when he speaks, but it is at peace, “Friends…” He beckons to the flawless tree, “Come and partake in what the goddess has provided you.”

Posted by: Rusty Sun May 13, 2007 11:53 am
*Faralon examines the fruit, not because he does not trust it, but because he wants to get a good look at it. He studies it in detail, even sniffing it. He takes the apple in his hand, brushing his thumb along the skin of it, amazed by how flawless it is. Lifting it to his lips, he takes a tiny bite to savor the taste, studying this as well.*
The taste is amazing, sweet and seeming to dance on his tongue even as the texture gives a satisfying crunch. A pleasant warmth settles in his belly and memories of the best times of his life float to the surface of his mind, music running through his mind.
*Faralon closes his eyes as he takes another bite...and another...and another, the eating a sort of reflex as his mind runs a mile a minute. Memories flood in his mind as the juice of the apple rolls down his throat.* Mmm...
*A strange feeling overtakes the bard. He seems to be shaking, though not out of fear. As his thoughts turn to Kethra, he realizes he is overjoyed. The guilt that still lingered inside of him washes away as he realizes more how he has changed over the course of the journey - and for the better. For once, everything seemed to be going all right, on top of that, so he felt very secure. Having been on edge for so long, he breathed a happy sigh of relief.*

Posted by: Aldur Sun May 13, 2007 2:14 pm
Sulia smiles at Cedric, simply standing before the Tree, admiring such a thing of ancient beauty. The Favoured Soul moves up to the tree, gently touching the bark of it, whispering something at the majestic tree. She steps back, reaching for one of the perfectly formed apples, smiling as she looks at it in her palm, staring up at the sky for a moment.
She bites into it, the lush apple causing her to shudder with it's glorious sweetness. Her gentle eyes misted over as she thought of her past, all that she had done. She continues to eat, biting through the apple as though possessed. She laughed then, remembering her past, and all those happy days, she frowned then, because although she was comforted she could still not forget about her original Mission, to find him. To see what had caused his disappearance. To try to help him. That would be her atonement.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun May 13, 2007 9:27 pm
Seeing Cedric feel better, even though he doesn't quite understand how, brings Zook a comfort and happiness he hadn't known in a long time. He steps forward, head held high, and reaches for an apple that hangs from a low branch. It falls easily into his hand.
He rolls it about, studying it. It was a nice looking apple, to be sure, but Zook had half expected it to glow or sing with the way the elves had spoken of the grove. He raises it to his mouth, but a movement out of the corner of his eye stops him. He sees a specter, a broad-shouldered man in Ancient armor floating off to the side of the tree. In his arms is a rifle that crackles with electricity. It was the Storm, as he had been before the Castle sunk. The spirit bows to Zook, and fades into the air. He watches the space where the ghost had been for a moment before looking back down at the apple.
The tinker shrugs and takes a bite. It tasted delicious, but Zook had eaten a very large breakfast. He stops mid-chew.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid..." he mumbles around a full mouth. "I should be using cold iron wires, they're much more conductive than copper. That alone could increased power output by, I don't know, thirteen, fourteen percent..." Absentmindedly he takes another bite. "Why didn't I vent the engines better? They're far too noisy and inefficient. A lattice of pores would reduce drag and I could finally hear myself think up there. Hmmm..."
Zook steps away from the branch, still muttering to himself and taking periodic bites of the apple. "There has to be a way around the minigun's fire rate. Maybe... maybe I could rig a burst-firing mechanism. Gah, it'd take me weeks to figure out how to use, forget about design. But if there's a disengage on the firing pin, then the weight of the barrels would move into the shot and the loss of accuracy would be minimal."
He stops, clenching his fist. "Aha! Hey-" he says, looking down at his hand and seeing juice and pulp dribble out around his fist. He opens it to find the crushed remnants of an apple core in the palm of his hand. Zook drops it on the ground, wiping his hand off on his trousers. "Who gave me that apple core?" Zook asked, looking around.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon May 14, 2007 3:24 am
Ashathel walks slowly to the tree, whispering in elven as he approaches. More reverent than he has ever appeared, the bladesinger's voice dies out as he looks to a piece of fruit above him. Reaching upwards, he grabs for it... and as it falls into his hand, he almost can't bear to look at it.
"Such beauty," he whispers in his native tongue, loath to destroy it's perfection with a bite. And yet, the longer he looked at it, the harder it became not to taste it, until he was shocked to find it pressing against his lips. And with a sigh, he bit deeply into it, savoring the flavor of the sweetest apple he'd ever eaten.
Immediately, his eyes widened, as if seeing something for the first time... staring off into the distance, it was a few moments until he smiled to himself, his allies and the magical grove once more shifting into focus.
==========
Gabriel strode slowly past the other members of the force, not stopping to look at them. Instead, almost roughly, he jerked a hand upwards towards an apple much higher than the rest, one that almost seemed larger to the half-giant. Without hesitation he bit deeply into it... and shook at the sight which he beheld.
"You know who I am," the voice said, the form almost completely obscured by flame. "How long do you think you can ignore me? Blame me? Did I do anything to you?"
"N...no..." the barbarian stammered, dropping to his knees. "It... it can't be..."
"You asked for my help, did you not?" he continued, large wings becoming visible. "And yet, still you hold a grudge against me for memories of something you think you should blame me for. Memories which are not your own, and would be no less justified."
"I... I..."
"I am Volcanon," the god-phoenix said, a veritable inferno seemingly building around the half-giant. "Have I not tried to help you, to assist you and guide you?"
"Yes," Gabriel whispered, almost to the point of tears.
"Then why do you hate me?" the firebird bellowed, his anger apparent.
"I don't know!" Gabriel cried, his head dropping to the soft grass. "I don't know what I'm doing! I don't know what to do and I can't take it anymore!"
"Speak with my servants," Volcanon rumbled, his form disappearing as the world the barbarian knew shifted back into focus. "You will find what you need..."
But Gabriel only cried, shaking from his heaving sobs.

Posted by: Aldur Mon May 14, 2007 1:51 pm
Sulia looked around her new companions and friends, wondering to herself, whispering aloud. "I wonder what he sees right now..."

Posted by: Sighrus Mon May 14, 2007 10:41 pm
[Placeholder. To be returned to at a later date.]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon May 14, 2007 11:00 pm
Isyndel viewed her apple skeptically, turning it on its side to get a better view for a moment before casting her gaze about the area instead. She debated momentarily, smelling the air, breathing it and testing her feel of the grove, and decided there was nothing to be afraid of. As others in their number began to try the apple she finally did as well.
She paused, her eyes widening a moment.
And then she nibbled some more, and nothing spectacular happened. Still, the Goddess must believe in us if she exists, and that is better than nothing. We can...must succeed. We will, in fact.
She nodded to herself and continued eating in satisfaction.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed May 16, 2007 8:05 am
Kyoji plucks an apple from the tree, glancing over it for a long while before taking a bite. The ninja eats slowly, savoring each bite. When he is done, he moves from the tree and begins digging a small hole using his dagger. "Death is part of life. It is inevitable, natural, and neccessary."
The hole deepens slowly, gradually reaching half a foot in depth.
"In the course of any war, you can expect to be put on intimate terms with death. You can expect to learn its many forms, its innumerable ways. You can expect to brush against it constantly, ever in a grim dance."
Kyoji halted, staring at the hole and at his now dirt covered hands. The mansion was burning before him again. His sister's final breath fleeing her battered body.
"What matters then is not that you die or live, but how you die and how you live... Megumi gave her life for a cause she believed in. She lived as a warrior. She did precisely what she thought was right and she did it with her own will... She died with honor, even though such a passing is ever a tragedy. She died well, and she lived well."
They were little again, splashing in the small lake outside the family's home. They were listening to grandfather's tales, to uncle's stories of travel and epic battle. They were helping with the chores, they were eating at the same table, they were a family untouched by war.
The small convoy of children, sprites, and various other creatures making its way from the burning mansion under the protection of the Cypress Expeditionary Force.
"She gave her life in the most noble way possible, the most sacred of deaths... She died protecting..."
Kyoji pushes the apple core into the shallow hole and covers it with dirt.
"...the seeds of new life."
Kyoji didn't need to see any apparition. He felt his sister's presence brush his own for a moment in the sacred grove. A soft, lingering touch as if to give a proper farewell... but also to remind him that no seperation lasts forever. That what one loves is never truly lost.
"Never lost. And that is why we will not fail."

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed May 16, 2007 8:12 am
The paladin watches the other take the blessed fruit, then he frowns slightly and, after a moment of hesitation, he turns to walk down the path away from the sacred tree. Stepping into the mundane air, he pauses for a moment as if fighting an internal battle. Then he continues on to where the elder and Sorel Spawn stand.
He half bows to the elder, then nods to Sorel Spawn, "Telanna, if you would share in our trials than you should also share in our blessings." He looks to the elder, "It is my belief that the Goddess would also wish for this. In this at least, please allow her to enter the holy grove."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed May 16, 2007 8:24 am
The Elder consents, easily enough.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed May 16, 2007 6:13 pm
Kethra walks up to the tree and takes an apple. She looks at the apple for a few moments and seems reluctant to eat it. When she sees her allies and friends partaking of the fruit, she bites into the apple. She savors its sweet taste and pleasant warmth wells up in the monk. Bite by bite she finishes the apple.
Kethra finds her thoughts turning to Faralon then. She had forgiven him for his foolishness and yet doubt has lingered in her heart since then. She would often wonder if they should be together. In almost an instant that doubt vanishes and she realizes now happy Faralon makes her.
Damas walks to the tree slowly and looks to the fruit hanging from a branch above his head. The elf stands there for a few moments, merely looking at the tree before he reaches up and takes an apple from the branch. Damas looks at the apple for some time and he finds himself reluctant to take partake of such perfect apple. It is then that he sees the people around him, his allies and friends, partaking of the fruit. He whispers something in his native tongue and takes a bite.
Damas savors the apple's sweet taste for a little while before he nibbles at the apple some more. His thoughts turn to all of his old friends from the guild. Even after his promise, guilt has still lingered in his heart since then. Damas takes bite after bite of the apple until it is gone. His most pleasant memories begin to flood his mind and the guilt is washed away. He stands there for a moment before he turns to face the rest of his comrades. Damas has a totally different look in his eyes now and he seems so calm and almost spiritual. For the first time in the long time, he is at peace.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu May 17, 2007 1:25 am
((Just in case you haven't figured it out, the apples are Brave Apples, everyone gain a level.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu May 17, 2007 5:04 am
Here are my level-ups ^ ^ Damas gains a level in Frost Mage! (Sorcerer 10/Frost Mage 4; ECL 14) > Max HP increases by 5 (3 + 2) > Base Attack Bonus increases (+7/+2) > Will save increases by 1
> 1 rank each in Concentration, Knowledge: Arcana, and Spellcraft
> Natural Armor increases by 1 (+2)
> Class ability Piercing Cold gained (Cold spells bypass any resistance to Cold that a creature has [Like a devil or demon, for example], and any creature that is immune to Cold still takes half damage. This ability also negates any resistances and immunities to Cold granted by magical items)
> Damas learns
> Gains one more 6th level spell per day and four 7th level spells per day
Kethra gains a level in Monk! (Monk 14; ECL 14)
> Max HP increases by 8 (6 + 2)
> Base Attack Bonus increases (+10/+5)
> All saves increase by 1
> 1 rank in Jump, 2 ranks in Listen, 1 rank in Spot and 1 rank in Tumble
> Slow fall increases to 70 ft.
If there is anything wrong with my spell selection, please tell me ^ ^

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu May 17, 2007 7:56 am
Cedric Theodoric gains a level in Knight of the Chalice!!!! HP +9 BAB +1 Will +1 Fortitude +1
Diplomacy +1
Sense Motive +1
Concentration +1
Jump +1
Intimidate +1
Fiendslayer improves to +2/+2d6
Gains level 2 spells.
The Paladins nods to the elder in thanks, glances at Sorel Spawn questioningly, then steps on down the path to the hidden village.
Once there, he seeks out Lady Yeesha and asks if she would join the group at the grove.

Posted by: Nightmare Thu May 17, 2007 9:22 am
((Laika gained a level in CoG! Level 4 Werewolf/Level 2 Barbarian/Level 2 Fighter/Level 6 Champion of Gwynharwyf ECL: 14 +1 BAB +1 FORT +1 REF
+1 WILL
+7 HP
+1 DR/-
+1 Level 3 spell per day
Laika Gains Destructive Rage!
So did the apple just bump our XP to the minimum amount required to level?))

Posted by: Aldur Thu May 17, 2007 2:37 pm
Sulia gains a level in Favoured Soul! HP+11! +2 skill points to Heal! Gains Deity's weapon Specialization! Gains an Extra known Sixth level spell!
Sulia: 13th Level favoured soul. ECL 14.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu May 17, 2007 7:44 pm
((The apple gives the amount of XP you need to get from one level to the other as if you had the starting amount for one level.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu May 17, 2007 7:46 pm

QUOTE (TheUnknownMarine @ Thu May 17, 2007 2:44 pm)
((The apple gives the amount of XP you need to get from one level to the other as if you had the starting amount for one level.))

((so in going from level 13 to level 14 you gain 13,000 XP))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu May 17, 2007 7:49 pm

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD @ Thu May 17, 2007 7:46 pm)
((so in going from level 13 to level 14 you gain 13,000 XP))

((Yep.))
Yeesha agrees, and slowly makes her way to the grove, wearily leaning against an ancient oak before sitting down underneath the shade provided by its majestic branches.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat May 19, 2007 2:16 am
Telanna is speechless as the Paladin ushers her into the grove, and directs her to the sacred tree. Slowly, she takes an apple, kneeling with it cradled in her hands like a jewel. She whispers a prayer to Mitula as she bites into it. In the back of her mind, she hears music. A song her aunts had sung her, an old song of the dryads, in a tired, aged human voice.
Wait 'till the lark ascends,
And the skies are blue,
There, where the rainbow ends,
I will meet you.
((Telanna gains a level))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat May 19, 2007 2:49 am
After accompanying Yeesha to the grove, Cedric watches the others devouring the sacred fruit for a long time. Finally, he takes in a final breath of the holy air then exits the pure forest. …. Cedric stands in a small clearing in the forest, starting up at the sky far above. He still wears the simple garments provided by the elves but carries his hammer with him.
"Cedric," Lisa says, approaching in her mail and cloak as always. "I have come to a decision."
The holy knight slowly turns to face her, his face is haggard and worn but at peace, he speaks to her kindly, "What path have you chosen?"
"I've concluded that you're right. It was pride and hunger for vengeance that caused me to strike out on my own. I shan't let such foolishness endanger my mission or cause. So I will stay with you. If as you say, they will come to you, then it makes all the more sense to face them united and not scattered," Lisa says.
The paladin nods, his voice relieved, “I’m gladdened.”
Lisa tilts her head. "Indeed... That much is obvious; you seem far more... at peace than earlier."
“The fever is broken though…the hurt it inflicted remains.” Cedric states quietly, then looks out at the wildflowers blossoming, “There are powers in this world beyond the comprehension of our enemies. Healing can yet be found…for any wound.” He smiles sadly, remembering, “If one can find it in themselves to lower their guard.”
"I see. It is good to see your pain lessened, then," Lisa says with a nod. She is silent then, following Cedric's gaze to the flowers.
“No, my pain remains as deep as it has ever been.” Cedric replies quietly, his voice carrying the weight of his sorrow, “What was lost was too dear…too precious…” He looks up at the heavens, “It will always be a part of me…but it need not define me.” A quiet strength enters his voice, “I have been reminded of my calling, the power that preserves…” His eyes narrow, “No, the hate is still there…beneath the surface… I could again forsake all that I love to avenge what I have lost.” He glances at her, “All are different, for myself, I must fight for that which I love or not at all, else I will became what I hate.”
"None of your pain has been lessened, even in the slightest?" Lisa asks, a tad puzzled. "It certainly seems the opposite..."
“I…” The paladin frowns, “This is still strange to me, to feel alive again…after so long…” He rubs his beard pondering, “No, my sorrow has lessened…just…not my pain at the affront of our enemies.”
“Does it feel good?”
"You need to ask?" Cedric asks with a laugh.
Lisa smiles slightly. "True."
Cedric grows silent, staring at the healthy forest.
"This place is beautiful," Lisa says, quietly. "It is easy to think a goddess has blessed it."
“You should have accompanied us to the grove.” Cedric replies softly, “If only I had had the presence of mind to request that you do so.”
"Perhaps I can make the visit after the assault," Lisa says, quietly.
“Perhaps…” Cedric mummers, then frowns, “How were the festivities?”
"They reminded me of better times," Lisa says with a wistful smile. "The merriment, the dancing, the song... I still remember them."
“I’m glad.” Cedric nods, then adds with a smile, “A suggestion that may aid you next time, you might consider wearing something other than armor. I dare say that dancing in mail is awkward at best.”
Lisa chuckles a little. "In case you haven't noticed, I hardly carry a wardrobe with me. The clothes I wear now, my armor and sword is all I have aside from a few magical items in my backpack. Besides, I didn't see you trying a jig. Besides that," Lisa says with a hint of pride, flexing a mailed hand. "My armor is extremely well made. I bet I could dance in it if I wanted."
"Well, I trust that you will offer good proof of that claim at the next possible occasion." Cedric replies with a smile.
"I somehow don't think another feast will be held within a week's time," Lisa says.
"After all that we have faced, you question our ability to manage a feast?" Cedric scoffs.
"I have seen the swords of your group slice many things, vegetables have not been one of them," Lisa replies.
"Your lack of faith is what cuts." Cedric replies with a grin, then nods, "Very well, we will have a second feast. Perhaps not as grand as the one before it but dancing there shall be."
Lisa raises an eyebrow. "Ah... You do know what I spoke was in jest, right?"
"I will not allow you to retract your bold statements." The Paladin responds firmly, "You must stand by them and defend them as you are able."
A smile tugs at the side of Lisa's mouth. "A question of honor is it now? Shall I have to duel you?"
"No, but you will have to match Ashathel." Cedric replies, "He will defend the honor of the Force, for he also can dance in armor..."
"I have yet to see him in full plate," Lisa says, dryly. "A shirt of chain is hardly armor."
"Elitist as well now?" Cedric scoffs, "...or perhaps afraid of his grace and agility?"
"Merely aware of the facts," Lisa says, before grinning slightly. "And my skill."
"Well, we shall see." Cedric replies thoughtfully.
"I suppose," Lisa says as the smile falls. "For now though, I need to tell you a few things about the assault."
"Yes?" Cedric replies with a frown.
"The main force will be attacking the front, where the defenses are concentrated. There is a small back entrance that was only recently exposed due to return fire from the Shadowblade. If we attack there, Xadoss will emerge to defend it."
"How can you be so certain?" Cedric queries with a frown, "Last we spoke you were much less willing to accept these details as fact."
"Having committed the bulk of his forces to the front, he will be the most potent force left. He is too prideful to allow a single soldier to step foot in territory he was assigned to protect. For the sake of his pride, he will engage us," Lisa says. "I'm not completely certain... but I am more convinced. There is a chance reinforcements will come, that perhaps for once he'll not take a chance, that one of his brothers will arrive to save him... There are more than a few things that could go wrong. But it's worth a shot," Lisa says, conviction in her voice, "The worst that could happen is that we secure a path into the base."
"True enough." Cedric nods.
"The entrance is in a crescent-shaped narrow canyon carved into the mountain's back by a cannon volley from the ship. You'll have to plan accordingly."
Cedric smiles slightly, "Sounds like a great place for an ambush." His smile deepens, "Perfect."
"So you will go, then?" Lisa asks.
"Of course." Cedric replies with a rapacious light in his eyes, "I'd be breaking a promise if I didn't.”
"When will you tell the others?" Lisa asks.
"I'll inform them of when we move out tonight and discuss the matter more in-depth the day before." Cedric states.
"Very well," Lisa says. "Is there anything you need to know?"
Cedric shakes his head quietly, "No..."
Lisa regards Cedric for a moment before returning her gaze to the flowers. "In that case, I suppose I shall leave you be. Farewell."
"Farewell..." Cedric replies in a quiet voice.
….
That evening, the Force gathers at the summons of Cedric. The meeting is a brief one, more of an announcement than anything else.
“In five days we will continue on to assault our enemy.” The Paladin states simply, his eyes betraying his eagerness, “In all likelihood, we will face at least one of the Strife Lords.” He nods slightly, “Make what preparations you need to.” He pauses for a moment then adds, “Tomorrow, I will pay King Nick a visit to request his aid in this endeavor. I have no doubt that he will give us the greatest of aid possible, everything hinges on this. Any who wish to see the capital once more may accompany me.” Cedric crosses his arms, “For now, rescind efforts to pierce the seal on the realms of the dead and study of the ur-priests. Focus on this battle, if we fall here all we will be for naught…and I do not say lightly that we may prove lacking in the face of the challenge before us.” He smiles slightly, “Yet, we have faced greater before and I have faith that despite the odds we will persevere.”
With that, the meeting is ended.
….
"We won't be able to teleport into the throne room of course. It's warded," Yeesha says. "But there's a small clearing outside the castle I usually use. Everyone ready?"
"What? Yeah, I suppose," Zook says.
Telanna nods, still speechless.
"Certainly Yeesha. This'll be my first time in the castle." Sulia nods seriously, face glacier like.
"Then let us proceed." Cedric states plainly.
The capital city of Cypress, Cypress Castle, is a town built at the foot of the mountain where the city's namesake lies. The actual Castle of Cypress stands on a high mountain, overlooking a narrow trail of cliffs as well as its city.
The air wavers in a small clearing before the bastion of Cypress, the royal castle overlooking the capital city. A moment later, figures great and worn spring into existence before the stronghold.
At their head is a tall man clad in worn full plate, a mighty hammer strapped across his back. He takes in his surroundings with an air of authority, then nods to his comrades.
Telanna looks around anxiously, waiting for something to happen.
Zook sways back and forth, shifting his weight from one foot to another. "So, do we need to knock or are they going to let us in?"
"Come." Cedric states simply, then begins to stride towards the castle.
"Sulia smiled as she looked around. "This is nice...shall we continue?"
Sulia follows after Cedric, her nimbus appearing, forming a light around her body. The Favoured Soul seemed to not notice it, but as they approached she looked a benevolent figure.
The minotaur nods, shaking his head to clear the disorienting effects of the transposition before following suit.
"Halt," the guards say, crossing their halberds. "You... Oh, apologizes, Lady Yeesha. Proceed."
The guards allow you to pass.
"Sulia chuckles to herself, nodding at the guards as she passes into the Castle. "I see it helps to know people around here..."
Cedric slows to match the pace of the crippled Yeesha.
Zook scurries to keep pace with the physically crippled archwizardess and the emotionally crippled Paladin, since he is a gnome with stubbly legs.
"Sulia hums as she skips into the throne room, singing "Zippeddy doo dah"
Advancing through the large halls, in short order Cedric's group is in the Cypressian throne room once more.
"Ah, my friends, what news do you bring me? How fare your struggles?" Prince Nick says, rising on his throne. He is clad in royal robes and armor.
The Holy Knight of Mitula strides to before the throne and bows graciously to his lord and liege. Standing, he nods to the king, "Your majesty, I trust that all is well with Cypress under your wise guidance?"
"Sulia frowns, watching the proceedings in silence, shuffling from one leg to the other, clearly uncomfortable.
Zook looks around. "They seem to be doing alright..." he mumbles.
Nick nods. "Things are begining to fall into place at last. Our forces haven't seen any Cult activity in weeks and the restoration of the kingdom proceeds smoothly..."
"Sulia nods, shutting her eyes, thinking about Amelios and the stories she had heard from the group. "Indeed..."
Castor hangs his head at the mention of cost, the memory of those who had been sacrificed flashing briefly through his mind.
"We have weathered the storm, though not without dire loses of our own..." Cedric states formally, though sorrow lines his voice, "Now, we stand posed to face one of the so called Lords of Strife once more." His eyes shine, "Nearly a month ago, we faced Xadoss in the desert sands and he left that encounter gravely wounded, now we have hunted him to a stronghold and prepare to press our advantage in hopes of wiping his blight from the earth."
Nicks nods. "Excellent... Do you require my aid, then?"
"Sulia nods, tilting her head to one side. "I wonder if those purple curtains will line my face properly...I do so hate having clashes."
"Many allies fell when last we fought Xadoss, it was not by our efforts alone that he was put to flight." Cedric states simply, "Even weakened as he is, this battle could well prove beyond us, I would ask for what aid you can provide us."
"I cannot offer you any soldiers..." Nick says with a frown, "And most of the treasury is being devoted to reconstruction. However, I will grant you a chest of coins and a selection of magical equipment to aid you."
"Sulia frowned at this, stepping forward. "Excuse me, but we've never met but...Why can you offer no soldiers? We understood you're sorely pressed...but if we can do this it eliminates a third of the problem."
"I don't think that's a fair assessment," Zook says. "Xadoss is not one third of the threat posed by the Strife Lords."
""It demoralizes those who worship him and gives them one less domineering hand."
"Their plans are far more dangerous than their strength, and Xadoss is by far the least intelligent of the three. If we stay out of smashing distance until we're ready to strike he should pose little threat."
“The Cypress Army took many casualties. Most of our experienced warriors were lost during the struggles with the Cult. All I could offer you would be relatively inexperienced knights."
"Sulia sighs. "My point was that those cultists who are loyal to him will likely break or disappear...or maybe worship one of the others...but all three seem very different. I feel you're underestimating him." Sulia sighed and nodded. "I understand...they are not experienced enough to survive or be of much help."
"I feel you're overestimating him," Zook says. "I was there. I saw how he fought and how short a leash his brothers keep on him. He will be the easiest of the three to beat, and the one we least need aid for."
""Ah, so tell me. How big is his striking area? And it's a far less grave error to assume your enemy is stronger than he is, than weaker."
"Not if it requires a commitment of resources that weakens us on other fronts," Zook replies.
"Well it doesn't matter now, does it?"
"There is no doubt in my mind that most of the soldiers of Cypress, though stalwart and brave, would prove little more than fodder in this battle." Cedric nods in agreement with the King with a slight frown, "Unless…" He turns to the king, "What of the members of the Shining Force we managed to rescue, are they well?"
"Yes, the survivors are quite well now... They're scattered, though. They've taken command of various garrisons around the kingdom to ensure our security."
"Too bad you can't just go from place to place, talk to them, complete tasks to get them to join you and then return here with a mirror."
"There travels with us a mystical being whose skill is of no small renown, Lilah of the Lillend." Cedric states thoughtfully, "Her powers of inspiration are great and I have witnessed her craft bridges and mend buildings through the power of her song alone." He nods, "She is poorly skilled as a warrior and wishes to put her powers to uses better suited to them, perhaps she might aid you in rebuilding."
"Yes, I remember her. We'll certainly have a place for her if that's what she wants," Nick says with a nod.
Cedric bows slightly once more, "I pray you success then my liege." There is a faint light smoldering in his eyes as he rises, "Thank you for your gracious assistance in this dark time, I can only hope that we prove worthy of it and that we do not fall before this sinister power." He looks the king in the eyes, "There are other forces at work for good in the world, if we fall, I pray that they will prove sufficient to keep all of our endeavors and your efforts to rebuild the kingdom from proving naught."
"We've been pretty worthy so far," Zook mumbles.
Sulia sniggers at that.
"You are most welcome. The moment things are settled here, I will attempt to muster a force to aid you properly," the King nods.
Cedric nods with the same smile plastered on his face, "You are too kind, my liege."
He then nods to the others, "May we have your leave? It has been long since we have beheld our native land and ere returning to the vile task before us, it would be strengthening to view it once more." He then glances at the archwizardess, "Additionally, perhaps you would wish to speak with your old friend and comrade in private."
"Of course, of course," Nick says.
....
The Shining Force receive the following from King Nick.
Items were specifically requested for characters who have missed out on the "sweet" items as well as two utilitarian items for all around use.
o - Staff of Life - 39 Charges
o - Dimensional Anchor stone - Four Charges - Effective out to 100'
o - Robes of the Archmagi White - Isyndel
o - +5 Holy Guisarme... (Van didn't want it.)
o - Some musical item - Faralon
"This was traditionally the weapon of the Arch Deacon of Cypress, but if it can be employed to stop the menace growing across the land it is a small price to pay," Nice says, opening the box. Inside is what appears to be a simple, worn and well used cudgel.
o - Freakin' Saint's Mace - Sulia
o - Party Fund - +20,000gp
....
It is mid-afternoon before the soldiers finish unearthing the corpse of the fallen scout. The grand figure of the holy knight stands nearby, his cloak flapping in the cold brisk wind, his gauntleted hands clasped around the staff of life. Having little heart for the grim business at hand, his companions have chosen to wait for him in the nearby fortress.
The coffin is slowly raised from the ground, enveloped in the putrid stench of death and decay not yet purged by time. As the coffin is laid to rest beside the grave, the soldiers step back, ill at ease despite the assurance of the noble holy knight. With a grimace, a solider pries the lid of the coffin free and swings it open revealing the rotten corpse within. He stumbles back, fighting back his urge to retch and covering his mouth.
The holy knight exhales, then strides forward to the coffin with stalwart determination. He does allow himself even to wince at the horrid sight before him. Instead, with an air of authority, he holds forth the staff of life and speaks in the tongue of the gods. Wisps of sacred power surge around the staff, which shines like a star. Holding the staff to the side with one hand, Cedric leans forward, reaching out to gently touch the befouled remains.
There is a flash of sacred light as the rot and decay is wiped away in an instant. The healing seals wounds almost with violence, making the slain woman whole with its tremendous power.
The paladin leans over the coffin silently, his eyes tender and filled with kindness as he waits for the savior of his family to awaken.
Rachel stirs eyes opening with confusion, "Cedric? What? Where... Ah! Why am I in a coffin?!?!" Rachel screams, leaping out. In horror, she looks at the scene before her.
[Diplomacy: 8 + 29 = 37]
The paladin slowly stands to his feet, the light of the staff in his hand fading away, he speaks gently, “You were slain months ago when we fought the Lord of the Twisted Web.” His voice is soothing and assuring, certainty in the midst of confusion, “I would that we might have restored you to life before now…” He sighs sadly, then offers her a hand to steady herself on, “Thanks in part to your efforts; we succeeded on that day in saving the King and driving Shailtor from our land. Cypress stands liberated. Only a few scattered remnants remain of the cult.”
"What? Dead? But..." Understanding dawns on Rachel as she distantly takes his hand. "It... wasn't a dream, was it?"
“No…” Cedric states with compassion, looking at her sadly, “It was no dream.”
"Your father..." Rachel says, suddenly. "Is your father OK?"
“Yes…” Cedric states with deep gratitude, looking in her eyes and his hand tightening around hers, then he looks out towards the fortress, “Shall we return to the living?”
"Please..." Rachel says, looking back to the fortress, "But... But, how..."
“Fortune favored us…” Cedric states quietly, then begins leading her towards the fortress, “Now, we have pursued our enemy into other lands, while they remain the world is yet in peril.” He glances at her with concern, “How do you fare? Returning from death must be taxing…”
"How..." Rachel stares, blankly. "I came back to life because fortune favored you?"
Cedric frowns for a moment in confusion, then laughs, “No…” He holds forth the staff of life, “I misunderstood, you were revived through the power of this relic.”
"Oh... Oh!" Rachel says, laughing nervously, hesitantly reaching out to touch the Staff of Life. "Uh... Is it... safe? No side effects or anything?"
[Knowledge(Religion): 20 + 10 + 12 = 42]
"Your vitality may be diminished…otherwise there should be no serious effects." Cedric replies softly, looking at her, "How do you feel?"
"A little sick... and not to make a joke, but I'm dead tired," Rachel says with a weak grin.
"Then…" Cedric nods with a smile, gesturing to the fortress, "…let us return you to your lodgings." He looks at the bastion, "I already asked that room be prepared for you." He then looks at her wryly, "As well as a change of clothing and a bath..."
Rachel arches an eyebrow. "Don't look at me like that when mentioning bathing and clothing, a girl might get the wrong idea."
“You doubt the intentions of a paladin?” Cedric questions with mock offense, then shakes his head with a chuckle.
"You men are all the same," Rachel says with a laugh.
“That may be true.” Cedric replies with a slight frown, “Regardless…” He glances at her as the two near the fortress gate, speaking seriously, “Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude… My family owes you a debt that we cannot hope to repay.” He releases her hand and bows to her.
"Uh... I've never had a knight bow to me before..." Rachel says, blinking. "I was just doing what I thought was right... You don't owe me anything, though I appreciate the thought."
After a moment, Cedric stands and gestures to a female soldier standing near the fortress gate who Rachel recognizes as her friend Susan, "Please, allow your friend to care for you."
He nods respectfully to the scout in parting, then to the soldier who begins to approach. The paladin turns to enter the fortress.
"Wait," Rachel says. "I'll gladly take some time to get my bearings, but how much time do I have until we're off again?"
The paladin pauses in mid-stride, glancing back at her with surprise evident on his face, “You…intend to continue with us?” He stares at her for a long moment, “Cypress is free; you have carried more than your measure of her defense… I am certain that the King would be pleased to have a soul as noble as your’s aiding him with the reconstruction.”
"Are you kidding me? After what I've seen, I'm not letting this alone," Rachel says, raising an eyebrow. A sad smile touches her face. "I may not be too much help in such company, but I'll bend my bow to your will...and if it comes down to it, I won't mind dying again... Well, not too much. After all, when all's said and done all that's truly required of a soldier is that she die standing."
Cedric looks at her for a moment longer, then nods quietly, “I am honored to know one such as you.” He bows to her again.
"Uh, thanks, but..." Rachel says, bowing in return with a wince. "You still haven't answered my question. When's leave over?"
“I had planned to depart immediately...” Cedric replies simply, “However, we will leave early tomorrow morning after you have had a chance to rest.”
"Thanks," Rachel says with a nod, fingering her tattered and rotting funeral garb with distaste. "And now I've got to go take advantage of that bath and clothes... See you in the morning!"
Cedric nods respectfully, then makes his way into the fortress to seek out his traveling companions…and finds Damas drunk off his ass. AGAIN.
....
[Summary]
The Force leaves in five days for doom.
The Force visits Cypress via teleport a day after grove scene.
The Force receive the following items from King Nick.
Items were specifically requested for characters who have missed out on the "sweet" items as well as two utilitarian items for all around use.
o - Staff of Life - 39 Charges
o - Dimensional Anchor stone - Four Charges - Effective out to 100'
o - Robes of the Archmagi White - Isyndel
o - Some musical item - Faralon
o - Freakin' Saint's Mace - Sulia
o - Party Fund - +20,000gp
Cedric had Damas teleport him to the Fortress where he resurrected Rachel Orlus. She then decided to rejoin the Force.
Five charges expended from Staff of Life (34 remaining).

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat May 19, 2007 8:24 am
((I can think of a few good reasons why I should have gotten that robe. It might just be me but it seems like Isyndel has gotten quite a bit of magical items. I mean when I asked for the ring of major spell storing when Isyndel already had a ring of minor spell storing, and she still got the ring. I do believe I would get just as much use out of the robe anyway.))
Oh and by the way Kai, when has Damas ever been drunk? ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat May 19, 2007 12:31 pm
((When we last left Batman and Robin...)) *Music fills the air through the feast, and it is only a matter of time before dancing begins. Folk tunes play through the air, lifting everyone's spirits. Aurik leans back in his chair, enjoying a cup of the fine Elvish wine, right leg crossed with his foot resting on his left knee. Relaxation was a thing he had not experienced in a long time. While troubles still existed in the world, and he knew this well, it could not weigh down upon his spirit now.
Smiling happily, Aurik's train of thought and enjoyment are interrupted by a stunning young elf maiden, an even larger smile struck across her face.*
*She giggles* "Would you like to dance?" *Her smile grows wider still, stretching from ear to ear.*
*Aurik had been caught in his enjoyment of seeing the others dance, viewing the revelry and making it his own as is, that he hadn't considered the prospect of joining. He looks up from his chair to the Elven maiden, then reaches out and takes her hand*
: "Why, my lady, I would be delighted to dance with you and in your company."
*He stands, looks her in the eyes and meeting her gaze, and begins to lead her toward the dancing. Suddenly, however, he stops.*
: I may be a cleric, but there is no reason we can't steal the show.
*Aurik smiles. Soon thereafter he begins to speak in a tongue unknown to the maiden with him. Aurik's extremities seem to glow, and he appears far more lithe than his form would indicate. Then, he begins again, only both Aurik and the maiden feel the effects. Their confidence rises, and they appear comelier than usual. Aurik smiles at her, and she smiles back, giggling.*
((Divine Agility cast, +10 DEX, mass Eagle's Splendor cast, +4 CHA))
: What is your name?
"Elytharra!" *She says excitedly, eyes beaming.*
: Well then, Elytharra, let's not keep the dance floor waiting, *He says, smiling back.*
*They begin a courtly styled dance. Aurik takes her left hand in his right, places his left hand on her hip, and the two seem to float about the dancing area. Their quickness subdivides the time of the music in half.*
: Are you having fun?
"Much! But I hope you weren't implying I'm not a good dancer with that spell..." *Elytharra grins widely*
*Aurik appears fakely stunned.*
: Why, never! I hardly know you, and would never dare to insult you if I did, my lady.
*The two dance with flare through the song. The musicians catch wind of their feverish pace and suddenly switch into a much faster, livelier dance. Giving similarly no warning, the two begin to tear the ground apart with blazing footwork the likes of which Aurik had never performed in his life.*
"You do this often, Aurik?"
: Actually... no. I was taught a few, simple, courtly dances for the sake of politeness, but nothing like this... If anything, the spell was more for my sake than yours, *Aurik says, smiling at her.
"You're just dancing so well, and it's so much fun!"
*Aurik takes Elytharra by both hands, and the two spin in place for a time. Aurik releases her left hand, and the two unfurl in opposite directions. With what strength he can muster, beginning to tire, he pulls her back toward him, spinning her a bit. Finally, the music ends, and they are left looking at each other once more.*
"I loved that! Thank you soooo much for dancing with me! You should come back when you're finished," *she smiles and giggles at him.*
*Aurik blushes.*
: You are quite the magnificent dancer. If all goes well, perhaps I will stop back. However, it seems the others are going, and I should be off. Farewell, Elytharra.
*Elytharra smiles, her features more pensive now.* "Farewell for now, Aurik."
~~~
*http://magic19.homestead.com/sfcw/sfcw2/merkassgrove.mp3 the likes of which Merkass had never before seen. He had been in numerous wildernesses, traversing forests, running across open plains, following rivers both tranquil and tumultuous, and climbed upon mountains, yet this location held an otherworldly perfection not seen anywhere else on Rune. Merkass, clutching his bow in his hand, is subconsciously forced to put it away. All thoughts of the hunt of evil and the Strife Lords are put from his mind. The ranger's weariness leaves him, and he begins to step toward the tree.
He examines its branches, and finds no marks of disease, insects, or other forms of defacing. No carvings have been taken out of it, and as the others take their fruit from its branches, no marks that an apple was plucked or fallen remained. In this tree Merkass is reminded of the true reason he sought Mitula as his patron in the hunt of evil. It was not silly revenge, which had merely sparked his interest. It was the call of nature, its perfection. The ability to cleanse and heal. Evil is a blight. It is a scourge. It destroys and festers, preventing healing from ever happening. Merkass thinks back to many of the black times where his heart darkened in his lust for revenge and the destruction of evil at the cost of all else. No more.
An apple-carrying limb seems to lower itself from the tree, coming toward him. "Impossible," he thought. It taunted him, hanging over his head. He reaches toward it, and at the slightest touch of his finger, or maybe even it was the fur of his hand, it pops gently from the branch and rolls into his opened palm. Eyeing it over, he finds it, too, is blemish free. It shines as though cleaned and polished in a freshwater stream.. Curiosity plagued him, but so did a desire to partake of the fruit's beauty. Merkass opens his fanged maw, bringing the fruit to his lips, and rends part of the fruit with his teeth. The sweetness overcomes him, and he thinks back once more.
In their simplest notions, good and evil are ideas. However, they exist as entities as the very apple in his hand or himself or the tree. Deities, the very incarnations of good and evil, the force powering the unlife of the undead, or nature itsself all add a nuance to the abstract, yet tangible ideals of good and evil. Can that which is evil be redeemed? Of all the memories, Merkass thinks to each of the named, ancient servants of the Strife Lords: The Storm, The Salamander, The Sound, The Silence. They were good people, perverted to evil. The Storm showed feelings of regret. And Gorgot. Both were sentient, yet the latter was steadfast on destroying Merkass. Is destruction sometimes a better alternative than redemption?
The thoughts are fleeting. They pass, and he is left standing in front of the tree once more, a perfect apple core left in his hand. Even at its end, the fruit is completely cleaned and the core is a thing of beauty. Merkass kneels down, digs and lifts part of the soil, and places the remaining fruit under the ground. There it may nourish the tree, becoming part of it once more. Merkass turns and walks from the grove, having not said a word as usual, but with a lightness to his step and feeling as though he knew far more leaving than he did upon entering.*
~~~
*Dancing had left him tired, but in a strange way, Aurik felt fulfilled. It was as though he was meant to dance with that girl, if she could be called that, yet he had never had an intention of dancing here, if at all, and as he had told her, had never been trained in such things. The sight of the grove served as a refreshment that no amount of rest or beverage could have provided. Something holy, not here or anywhere for that matter, made and left its mark on this place*
((Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 18 = 2 + 18 = 20.))
*Aurik approaches the tree, reaches up, and grabs for one of the apples. In observation he finds that its skin glistens and sparkles in the sunlight that penetrates the tree canopy. The light dances across it like licks of flame, reminding him of his duty. That never ending task to provide healing, protection, and comfort to all the servants of good while spreading the message of Volcanon across the land. As it seemed everyone else was doing, Aurik raises the fruit to his mouth.
The succulent juice and meat from the apple flow down Aurik's throat simultaneously with tomes of knowledge flowing into his mind. All the studying done while in the grove and beforehand is trumped in an instant by the facts imparted by the fruit. The world seemed clearer and brighter, and all consuming flames of passion for the work of Volcanon overcome him. So much more to do, he felt. Gabriel, in particular, was a cause worth working, since he, of everyone, is in need of help moreso than any of the others.
Aurik suddenly drops the core of a once perfectly beautiful apple, a wide-eyed look on his face. He exits the grove quickly, something having come over him.*
~~~
*Home. Rhizor had found a place to call home. Years he had searched, wandered, researched, and lived as a vagabond on nature's bounty. The days consumed with fevered thoughts and questions, the nights consumed with loathing and denial. Could he really be a good person tasked with saving the world? Is he as evil as the Strife Lords for pursuing the research he had? Dava was shunned, but revered even with her version of the undead. However, maybe in this grove, where openness seemed of the utmost importance, he could find a place to satiate his dark interests. After all, what better than to turn the power of their enemies against them.*
((Kno: Nature: 1d20 + 16 = 16 + 16 = 32.))
*Club/Cane in hand, Rhizor slowly wanders over to the tree, taking in the beauty of the landscape. The quality of the plants and fleeting glimpses of animal seem almost too perfect to exist in nature. No matter. The quintessential birthplace of all life should appear dissimilar to all other areas of the world to have spawned from it.
At the tree at last, Rhizor runs his clawed hand over the bark of the tree. Perfectly smooth to the touch, no blemished. Not a single knot, scratch, or otherwise stained the beauty of the tree's form. Rhizor leaps into the air, fluttering a bit to gain some altitude and reaching for one of its fruit. He touches one of the round apples, dropping it from the stem anchoring it to the branch. Rhizor floats himself back down to the ground with a few flaps of his wings, then wastes no time sinking his fangs into the fruit of the gods.
Thoughts of abandonment at the castle fortress so long ago stir in Rhizor's mind, but they are quickly shattered by thoughts of his newfound camaraderie with his allies. While he still felt as though the others were distant, he blamed his age partly for the separation. They are all young while he is a bit out of his prime. Furthermore, his coldness, reserve, and touch of darkness were certainly unappealing. Rhizor sighs audibly. His research would have to wait some. To defeat this threat and allow time for great discoveries to come, they would have to band together now. If only there were a way to do both...
Rhizor meanders his way out of the grove, taking extra time to examine the details of such a holy grove one last time before exiting, never to see its natural beauty again before his task is completed.*

Posted by: Aldur Sat May 19, 2007 4:54 pm

QUOTE (Dark Maiden @ Sat May 19, 2007 8:24 am)
((I can think of a few good reasons why I should have gotten that robe. It might just be me but it seems like Isyndel has gotten quite a bit of magical items. I mean when I asked for the ring of major spell storing when Isyndel already had a ring of minor spell storing, and she still got the ring. I do believe I would get just as much use out of the robe anyway.))
Oh and by the way Kai, when has Damas ever been drunk? ))

((Damas can't have it. It'd give him negative levels. Check out the item BEFORE whining.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat May 19, 2007 5:07 pm
((Ok sure I was wrong but you don't have to be so rude I did check it out and he would get negative levels. It would have to be gray for him to be able to wear it because he's Neutral ))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat May 19, 2007 9:23 pm
(( To be fair, you were whining over a roleplaying item. Maybe if you roleplayed with the group and not by yourself between two characters it'd have been better received? ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat May 19, 2007 10:39 pm
((Sorry if I sounded like I was whining, I didn't mean to. I would love to roleplay with other characters but I always seem to catch the players at bad times. It's hard when you don't own your own computer.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Sun May 20, 2007 5:17 pm
It was the day Cedric was due back at the castle and Van had been working on a wood carving in the mess hall for some time. His mind however was not on the carving, but instead it was back at the grove once more. He remembered his surprise when memories of his wife Aaralyn sprang into his mind. Their marriage, the nights they spent together, and her trying to learn wood carving, then finally a simple memory of her smile had all flickered through his mind, and when they were done he had realized he had finished his apple during that period of time. He had thought he had gotten over her vanishment, but the sense of peace that he had gained after eating the apple and had persisted with him so far told him that he had instead just gotten used to the pain of her not being there. Now he felt like he could truly move past his loss and continue happily onward.
With a start he realized he had finished his carving, and the shape it had taken both surprised and pleased him. Before he would have tried to carve something in memory of his wife, but what sat in his hand now was nothing more than that of a carving of a perfectly formed apple.
OOC: Van levels up! (And numerous errors are being fixed)
Name: Van Akei
Race: Human
Class: Fighter
Alignment: Neutral Good
EXP: 94400
Level 14
HP: 118
AC: 19
INIT: 4
FORT: 11
REF: 6
WILL: 5
Base Attack Bonus: +14/9/4
== Abilities ==
STR: 18 (+4) (With gauntlets, 20 (+5))
DEX: 14 (+2)
CON: 15 (+2)
INT: 13 (+1)
WIS: 12 (+1)
CHA: 11 (+0)
== Skills ==
Jump (9)
Craft (8)
Intimidate (9)
Tumble (8)
Spot (7)
Listen (6)
== Feats ==
Dodge
Power Attack
Cleave
Mobility
Spring Attack
Combat Expertise
Combat Reflexes
Improved Trip
Distracting Attack (Circumstance bonus)
Deft Opportunist
Hold the Line (You may make an attack of opportunity against a charging opponent who enters an area you threaten. Your attack of opportunity happens immediately before the charge attack is resolved.)
Heroic Destiny (Once per day, before you make an attack roll, ability check, skill check, saving throw, or caster level check, you may roll 1d6 and add it as a bonus to the roll, check, or save.)
Weapon Focus (Guisarme)
Weapon Specialization (Guisarme) (ugh...)
== Languages ==
(O) Common
(0) Giant
== Weapons ==
Sweeping Guisarme +1 made out of Flametouched Iron
Weapon is Good Aligned
+4 to hit for Trip attempts
Ghost Touch +3 Longsword
== Armor ==
+3 Chain Shirt
Ring of Protection +1
== Inventory ==
Lamp
Tent
Waterskin
Backpack
1379 GP
Haste potion
Protection from Arrows potion
2 CSW potions
Gauntlets of Ogre Strength (+2 to STR)

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon May 21, 2007 3:13 am
Having found herself sufficiently bored, Isyndel confined herself to the libraries and archives of Cypress after their arrival. While we remain here in relative peace, I want a means of conquering the seal that the Strife Lords have placed over the realm of the dead," was the charge, though she had arbitrarily 'forgotten' the latter half of said charge that suggested she work together with Faralon and Aurik.
She had several reasons for that of course, none of which she chose to think about. After all, there were texts and manuscripts to read and formula to muse over and she had wasted enough time frolicking already despite secretly missing the scant few days of relative freedom.
Isyndel nudged the frame of her reading glasses with her thumb, pressing her lips tightly on a pencil she held between them horizontally as she read. Sleet stretched idly in the corner of the room before crossing to brush the wizardess' ankles before hopping easily up on the table. The feline arched once more before sitting on her backside just before her.
Quite a conundrum, came a familiarly irritating voice inside her head.
Isyndel made a faint murmur in thought before removing the pencil from her mouth. "So far I've determined nothing."
Nothing at all with so many apparent suitors?
She rolled her eyes. "I do not know why I did not suspect that. I give you far too much credit."
Or too little. Or are you still playing games? Pretending that none of it matters to you sure gets old, huh?
"None of it matters to me," Isyndel repeated firmly. "As if it were business of yours in any case."
I'm bored. Excuse me.
"And you are running out of time, I surmise."
Silence.
"You are having trouble reaching me, no? I suspect that is why you have not contacted me in so long."
See, you do care about me.
Isyndel removed her glasses, placing the frames on the table. She leaned back in her chair and thrust her arms to her side in a lingering stretch before running one hand through her hair as she leaned forward again. "Of course I do."
The feline's eyes met hers sharply. But you have not been looking for the counterspell lately.
"No, I have not."
Because your mind is elsewhere, playing with your new toys.
She slammed her palms into the table in frustration. "Because if the Strife Lords succeed you will die long before I can free you, you petulant child!"
Silence enveloped the room for several moments as the wizardess brought her fingertips to her temples, rubbing them slowly. "Teth'in," she whispered. "I have not forgotten. You need not fret so."
You said so yourself Isy; my time's running out. What if it runs out before you finish what you were doing? What then?
"I don't know. I've barely unravelled what you have done, let alone find the way to undo it. Whatever mishaps occured during your trials seem to be uncalculable." She sighed heavily, shrugging her shoulders. "I...am sorry. I may never find the answer, let alone discover it in time to prevent what is left of you from disappearing. What do you want me to say, Teth'in? What do you want me to do?" she asked, staring at the cat helplessly.
Is...go...
"...Teth'in...?"
Silence.
She buried her head in her hands, trembling and crying softly to herself. Sleet curled up at the edge of the table to take a nap, yellow eyes glimmering at the woman for a moment before drifting to sleep.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 21, 2007 4:13 pm
Damas decides to spend some time in the library as well. Though he not exactly the type that likes to study, reading happens to be one of his hobbies. If he could find any useful information at the same time, all the better. Damas walks through the library, gathering different books from various shelves. With more than a few books in his arms, the Sorcerer moves to find a table to sit at. When he gets close enough, he sees Isyndel. His eyes widen, and he moves behind a shelf nearby. From here he can see and hear everything that is going on and hopefully not be seen.
It is when Isyndel begins to cry that Damas comes out from behind the shelf. He takes a few silent steps towards Isyndel, but he stops himself.
What am I thinking? Isyndel is going to be so mad if she finds out I was watching her... Oh, I'm such an idiot! Maybe if I just slink over to the table there, she won't notice me.
Damas walks towards a table silently enough where she would probably not hear him. That is until a book slips from the pile in his arms and hits the ground with a thud.
((You know, this is a time where you would normally stop and say "Oh sh*t." ))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon May 21, 2007 10:14 pm
The wizardess jumped at the noise and lashed her head at the source angrily. Her eyes shifted immediately from sadness to rage as she held her gaze on Damas for several seconds silently without so much as wiping her eyes. Then she turned away, placed her hand on her reading glasses and brought the frame over her nose to return them to where they belonged.
"If you are looking for literature to accomodate your lack of spine," she hissed angrily as she brought her gaze back to her work, "you would do best to find another library. Perhaps on another continent."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon May 21, 2007 10:44 pm
"Wouldn't you rather be inside?" Zook says as he approaches Castor, who is far from the others, on top of a small green hill overlooking the courtyard. The minotaur turns as the gnome approaches, surprised that would take notice of him out here, before looking at the great castle a good way behind them. "When I was young, I lived farther out in the wilderness then this, taking things with us whenever we needed to move. I guess I'm not comfortable with a home you can't take with you."
Zook shrugs. "I grew up in a mountain. So what are you doing out here?"
Castor motions to the canvas in front of him, portions of rolling green hills and distant blue mountains dotting the cloth.
"You know, I see you carrying that stuff around, but I don't think I've ever seen you actually use it before." He studies the canvas. "Why landscapes? Why not people?"
"I used to think I was unable to capture the vitality of a person, so I never tried," the warrior replies, smiling as he reaches in his supplies. "Though, lately, it's something I've been working on..."
He produces a painting of the force's efforts rebuilding the Elven Village, reconstructing a home ruined by catastrophe and battle. It's almost as if the painting could jump to life at anytime, reenacting the scene placed upon the canvas.
The tinker stares at it. "That's... that's remarkable."
The beastly brawler raises a brow at the tinker's amazement. "Really?" He then analyses it, earth-colored eyes moving from one edge to the other. "Huh." Replacing the painting, he returns to his current work.
"Where did you learn?" Zook asks. "I can't imagine there are minotaur painting schools."
"Well...shortly after I reached human towns, I..." He pauses for a while, searching for the right word to use. "...joined with a mercenary group. One of the members loved painting, and when she caught me admiring her work, she offered to teach me. After the group split, I suppose I taught myself."
"Oh." Zook says. "Well, that would explain it." He looks around. "Strange to be back here, after so long. I remember you were the first one I talked to, all those months ago."
"As do I," the minotaur replies with a smile. "You seem to be the only one who can stand speaking to me yourself, actually. Most of the others just leave alone, for the most part."
"Well, when you spend all your free time as far from everyone as you can get, it sort of lends the impression that you don't want to talk to anyone." Zook says.
"True enough," the fighter nods with a shrug. "I don't mind, either way."
"I figured as much," Zook says, looking down the hill. "Hey, do you know anything about the new girl? She kept pestering me about Cedric the other day and now she's travelling around with us."
"If she's pestering you, I'm sure you'd know more about her than I do," Castor reasons. "Though, it is odd...She must have been persuasive to have Cedric allow her along. Perhaps there's more to her than we've seen?"
Zook shrugs. "I hope so. Although, Cedric seems to be doing better since we went apple picking, and I'm glad for that."
The warrior nods at Zook's observation, his eyes taking on a far-away look as he remembers his own experience in the grove, a confident, serene grin coming over his face. After a while, he turns to his friend. "You seem in a better mood yourself, lately. Do we have the apples to thank for that, as well?"
Zook laughs. "Maybe. Maybe it's just seeing everyone else cheer up." He looks at Castor with a lunatic gleam in his eye. "Maybe I've finally gone mad."
"You're just going mad now?", Castor asks with a joking smirk.
"I'm resilient," Zook says, beaming.
A low chuckle comes from the minotaur's mouth, shaking his head as he continues to paint the kingdom of Cypress.
Zook departs, smiling, as he goes off to write a letter. He finds a quiet space in the corner of the Cypress library, and sets down, pen and paper in hand.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 21, 2007 10:53 pm
Damas kneels down to pick up the book he dropped on the floor. After that, he stands up and walks over to another table nearby. The elf puts the pile of books down onto the wooden surface. Without the slightest bit of hesitation, Damas moves around the other side of the table Isyndel is sitting at. He places both hands on the table and he looks at her.
"If you are going to insist on being so mean, Isyndel," Damas says, "you could at least have the decency to look me in the eye."
((This won't end well... ))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon May 21, 2007 11:19 pm
"I seem to have not made myself clear," Isyndel replied as she turned a page, visibly calm. "Go. Away."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 21, 2007 11:39 pm
Damas moves back from the table and he lets his arms fall back to his sides. He lets out a faint sigh and speaks in a calmer tone this time. "Since I am a considerate person, I shall find another place to read and leave you to your work." Damas walks over to the table where he left 'his' books and picks them up. He glances at Isyndel and whispers something in elven before he walks away.

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue May 22, 2007 3:27 pm
((Merkass becomes Level 13 (Ranger 2/Scout 4/Stalker 2/Evil Hunter 5)! HP increase by 10! Tumble increases by 1! Merkass gains the special Sense! SR increases to 20!
Rancor increases to 3d6!
Aurik becomes level 14 (Cleric 5/Combat Medic 5/Radiant Servant of Volcanon 4)!
HP increase by 6!
BAB increases by 1!
FORT increases by 1!
WILL increases by 1!
Heal increases by 1!
Knowledge (Religion) inreases by 1!
Spellcraft increases by 1!
Spot increases by 1!
Aurik gains 1 level 6 spell slot!
Aurik gains 1 level 7 spell slot!
Rhizor becomes level 14 (Druid 14)!
HP increase by 10!
BAB increases by 1!
FORT increases by 1!
WILL increases by 1!
Knowledge: Nature increases by 1!
Listen increases by 1!
Spellcraft increases by 1!
Spot increases by 1!
Rhizor gains Wildshape 5/day!
Rhizor gains 1 Level 6 spell slot!
Rhizor gains 1 Level 7 spell slot!
))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed May 23, 2007 1:14 am
How infuriating, how long did the buffoon stare at me? Isyndel's cheeks were burning crimson as she flipped page after page in frustration. She grit her teeth together, taking deep breaths to calm herself. Then suddenly it stopped. She shook her head slightly, wondering if her eyes had deceived her. Quietly the wizardess flipped the pages back one by one until she found what she thought she saw. Snatching the book in one arm and Sleet in the other, she burst out of the room and immediately to the quarters Yeesha inhabited, rapping anxiously at the door.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed May 23, 2007 2:01 am
Damas finds a quiet corner of the library and sits down. He pulls a pair of reading glasses from a fold in his cloak and puts them on. After that he takes a book from the pile on the table and opens it. Damas sits at the table for quite some time, reading. Every once and a while he stops to write something down his notebook before he tucks the pencil behind his left ear again. He turns a page and starts to think to himself.
I wonder why Isyndel was so upset. Perhaps she did notice that I was watching her, or she just figured it out on her own. Still, she did react quite strongly to something that wasn't that big of a deal. Damas sighs. Then again, perhaps she did not overreact. Perhaps her reaction was completely justified. I should have just left when I saw her...
Damas takes the pencil from behind his ear and brings it to his lips. He nibbles on it a bit as he slips deeper into thought. Eventually, he does come to a conclusion that makes sense, to him at least.
Isyndel was probably just mad because I interrupted her while she was working and didn't make myself known. I really shouldn't worry about it too much.
Damas tucks the pencil back behind his ear and turns another page, then continues reading.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed May 23, 2007 2:27 am
"And so that is the basic technique. However, I am going to need to test my theory out firsthand as quickly as possible if I am to present this to Cedric, or should our journey require me to invoke it down the road. Please Lady Yeesha, you are the only one I can trust and the only one who can tell me if this is worth investigating." The look on her face was urgent and insistent.
Yeesha frowns. "I really wish you'd have told me of this sooner as I'm very knowledgable about breaking curses... What do you think I've studied the past few years while trying to find a way to break my own injury? No matter, of course I'll help you."
She pursed her lips, lowering her eyes to the floor. "I was arrogant to presume I could do this on my own in the beginning. With the voice slowly ceasing and else that has occured, I..." The wizardess nodded. "If it is not too late, this line of thought will not matter, in any case."
Yeesha sighs, her expression becoming more gentle. "It's all right... Let's simply do our best to undo what has been done."
"If there remains anything left to undo," she added. "Then, you agree that there is at least some possibility?"
"There's always a possibility," Yeesha nods. "We just have to try."
Isyndel let a faint smile cross her lips. "Then you have done more already than I have asked of you. I think it best I make the trip alone; should something go wrong at least you will be here to inform Cedric," she said flatly. "Magical misfire has put him into this situation; if the same were to happen to you during the incantation..."
"Then my wards will protect me," Yeesha says with a nod. "Honestly, what sort of archmage do you take me for?"
A quiet laugh escaped her. "You wish to see the results firsthand," she stated flatly. "We are often similar enough that I should have seen no reason to ask otherwise."
Yeesha smiles. "Well, asking is always polite. Shall we be off?"
Isyndel nodded. "As quickly as possible," she replied, immediately closing her eyes and raising her hands before her. In a flash they returned to her home village of Brodaleaf.
==============================
"If the method is successful I will require you to remove the wards sustaining his body," the wizardess explains. "If it is not I suspect we may very well dispose of it."
"So noted," Yeesha replies, nodding grimly.
She raised her hands to the sky and began muttering peacefully under her breath, eyes closed. Slowly a ring of emerald glistened around her feet, expanding until its radius extended a few short feet away. Another ring formed beneath it, emanating a soft green glow that glistened off the ground and into the air around her, caressing the woman's body in a soft green hue. Lines formed between the two rings in intricate patterns as words in ancient elvish etched themselves inside them in a golden glow.
The wizardess, content with the spell's formation, slowly cast her hands outward to her sides until they broke the haze of light flowing upward from the floor. The magical mist circled her hands and began trailing about the length of both of her arms as she brought her left hand toward her chest before pushing it carefully before her, extending her fingers toward Teth'in's body.
Isyndel eased her consciousness then, allowing herself to not simply feel her body be used as a conduit, but to allow her very essence to merge with it as it did so. The woman became blissfully ignorant of her surroundings and happenings to the extent that she no longer noticed her own breathing. She glided carefully into the magic, then through it and then surrounded the elven man's body.
The sixth minute passed. The aura enveloped Teth'in just as it did Isyndel, and when she sensed this she began to probe into the body, searching for the very seal that had not only thrust this man's soul from it, but prevented him from returning. She found the source then, deep inside the mist and man, where his magic still lay dormant fluttering around the empty shell where the rest of him should be. The wizardess worked about it slowly, taking careful prods at the shadow seal that had begun the whole ordeal so long ago. The magic was still very active, she could feel the sudden feedback even in her trancelike state, but she pressed further. Each flicker exposed a weakness in the seal she had anticipated but not expected, and after long seconds the magic seeped through, cascading through the barrier in a ripple, counterspelling the magic boundaries. Piece by piece broke apart until the seal crumbled completely.
Sleet shifted uncomfortably on the floor to the side before the cat's eyes rolled upward, eyelids flickering before she returned to normal as if nothing happened.
Isyndel felt something confront her then, a familiar sensation weakly poking at her magic from outside. She allowed it to flow into the magic stream as she began to draw herself out of the shell, and scant seconds later the magic faded from the body alltogether. The emerald hue about her dissolved slowly, the area about her glistening as it faded away.
"It is finished," Isyndel spoke, short of breath. "I am fully confident that the magic seal has been removed. If you would, Lady Yeesha.
Yeesha raises her staff, uttering powerful words of magic as the magic surrounding the young elven body is washed away in an instance by a tide of magical power.
Isyndel brought her knees into a curtsy. "Thank you. Even if he does not recover, it settles my heart some to know that it is done. There is nothing to do now but wait."
"Please allow me to return you to Cypress in the meantime. If he does not wake in time for our departure I will leave him in the village's care and return."
"Very well," Yeesha says, frowning slightly with concern. "Take care, Isyndel."
"I do hope Cedric will not be too angry; assure him that I will return no matter the circumstance," she finished, raising her hands again. "Thank you again, Lady."
"Quite welcome," Yeesha says, sadly, as she murmurs the words to her own teleport spell.
Isyndel let out an audible sigh as she pulled a chair forward. Scooping the feline familiar into her lap she brought her head into her hands very much as she had done in the library before, and began to wait.
Isyndel learned the spell Greater Seal Shatter!
Isyndel reaches level 14!
Hp increases by 4!
Will Save increases by 1!
Storm of Fire and Ice learned!
One spell still not chosen.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed May 23, 2007 5:17 am
Zook frowns, looking over the letter he had written. He read it over and over again, but he could not shake the feeling that he had no idea what he was trying to say, or why he was saying it at all. Grumbling, he crumples up the parchment, tossing it in a nearby waste bin. From his satchel he pulls a heavy leatherbound spellbook, a few words etched on its cover. He opens it, and begins to write in a tiny script.
***
From Ars Machina: Time, Travel, and the Tinker's Craft:
Chapter the Fourteenth: On Doubts and Dreams
I have heard it said that certainty is the province of gods and machines. I take this to mean that life is so fraught with confusion and mystery, that only the resolve of the divine and the predictability of science can penetrate it. It is a saying that many men would, upon hearing it, nod sagely and proclaim it to be the truth. It is, in fact, a comfortable lie. There is no protection from doubt, not in temples, nor in labratories.
Recall the expedition into the Shadowblade, related earlier. Recall the technology I described, its complexity and power rivaling that of the Ancients themselves. Then recall the state we found them in, the destruction wrought upon them by the Strife Lords, specifically the lumbering, brutish Xadoss. Their mastery of nature meant little before the decidedly unnatural evil and strength of these beings. Weapons that had undoubtedly served so well in countless other conflicts found themselves wanting against this new foe, including many weapons of my own construction! For many days after this I had great trouble with my work, overcome as I was with a feeling of futility. What value were these tools, I thought, if they did not pass their most essential test? And what value was I, if I could only build inadequate tools?
What value does reason have against the irrational?
But by my estimation, this is the lesser of the two lies that saying holds. For to claim certainty from the gods is a far more dangerous proposition -- and yet the price one pays for doubting that certainty is great indeed.
I do not claim to understand the nature of a Paladin's call; in fact, I claim the opposite: it is and will forever be a mystery to me. But I have seen the strength of that call, and the anguish when that call is called into question. I have seen a goddess's chosen contorted through despair and joy, and I have not forgotten his face.
Cedric Theodoric came to be our leader through sheer force of will (and perhaps a bit of luck on his part -- good or bad I cannot yet say). Since our undertaking began he has had to endure many terrible things, and each one left its mark on his psyche and soul. He grew hostile and withdrawn, as if something deep inside him had been broken. I cannot say what this was, precisely, but it was very possibly tied to the duty he felt as a Paladin and something he found lacking in it. What is clear is that he doubted, and that doubt cuts most deeply those who are most certain. He continued in this way until a strange encounter in a holy place seemed to renew what he had lost. Again, I could not say what was restored -- sense I can hardly be sure of what had been missing! -- but it was obvious that Cedric felt well again, and his certainty had been restored. But it is that doubt that plagues me, even now, even though I do not have the comfort and burden of faith.
I doubt the goodness of this.
I cannot accept, as other people seem to, that the destruction we have caused -- no matter how deserving the target or how much further destruction was prevented -- can itself be a good thing. How does one stand over a pile of ashen dead and feel a sense of accomplishment? How does one risk the lives of himself and his friends and take solace in it? How do you fight evil as evil must be fought without feeling as if you are evil yourself?
If there is an answer to this, it eludes me, despite my best efforts to find it. The comfort I can find comes, as it does so rarely, in dreams.
In dreams everything is clear and nothing is certain. I had a dream not long ago that seemed to offer a clear path and a clear choice. A vision of angels and war. A moment where, at last, there would be no doubt as to the right and the wrong of it.
And yet the true measure of a person's courage is how he rises to master that moment when it does arrive. I am not certain that I will be up to the challenge -- I doubt anyone is -- but what I do have is trust. Trust in my friends, trust in myself, and trust in gods and machines.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed May 23, 2007 6:24 pm
Why on Earth did everyone post to Gaiden? Someone C/P all this to III, then lock this topic.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed May 23, 2007 7:13 pm
KingKai279: Now that Coventry is dead, this is the cooler thread.

Posted by: Sighrus Wed May 23, 2007 8:00 pm
What I want to know is what happened to the leadership chat? If I'd known that wasn't going to show up, I would've gone to bed at a decent time for once. Decent being 3 in the morning.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed May 23, 2007 8:08 pm

QUOTE (Sighrus @ Wed May 23, 2007 3:00 pm)
What I want to know is what happened to the leadership chat? If I'd known that wasn't going to show up, I would've gone to bed at a decent time for once. Decent being 3 in the morning.

I've got it formatted and ready to post, but I'm waiting for this stuff to move to the right thread

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