NationStates Jolt Archive

Balfar stumbled into the crowded inn. It had been many long days since he had been anywhere near civilisation. The room was filled with the odour of ale and blood. No one noticed as the cloaked figure, holding a staff limped over to a table in the corner and collapsed. The others were intent on observing a brawl on the other side of the room.

Within minutes a serving girl approached the cloaked man.

"Would you like anything?"

"Yes. First of all, what nation am I in and what is the name of this inn? And I'll also have an ale please."

"Well, you are within the borders of Khadrim and this is the House of Mirth. I'll be right back with that ale."

The girl wandered off and continued with her work.

Balfar sat back in his seat, as he projected a message as far as he could.

Attention to those who seek either fortune or knowledge. Whether you be warrior or mage, I require your services. I search for an ancient artifact, hidden high within the Copious Peaks of Khadrim. There is bounty enough to satisfy a man of either profession upon the location of this artifact. I implore those of you that are interested, to meet with me at the House of Mirth, within the land of Khadrim.

Upon sending his message, Balfar relaxed in his chair and enjoyed the ale.

OOC: Khadrim is my puppet, so instead of switching between nations, I'm just going to stick with this one. I'll play any roles or characters from Khadrim with this nation. Any questions?

OOC: Remember Azara?

IC:

Azara sauntered through the forest, lightly wounded from a battle with a horde of bandits. Azara suddenly stopped as he felt a mental message projected into his mind...

It said, Attention to those who seek either fortune or knowledge. Whether you be warrior or mage, I require your services. I search for an ancient artifact, hidden high within the Copious Peaks of Khadrim. There is bounty enough to satisfy a man of either profession upon the location of this artifact. I implore those of you that are interested, to meet with me at the House of Mirth, within the land of Khadrim.

Interested, Azara focused his mind and projected a reply.

I accept your invitation for a treacherous quest to the Copious Peaks of Khadrim. I will be at the House of Mirth in two days... Wait for me...

as Kragoth walked through a deep valley with his servant, Chester, he felt a sudden urgency. At first, his mind was scrambled, he had no clue what had happened, as he fell to the ground. Then, after a few seconds, he recovered and concentrated on the disturbance. It turns out that it was a message.


Attention to those who seek either fortune or knowledge. Whether you be warrior or mage, I require your services. I search for an ancient artifact, hidden high within the Copious Peaks of Khadrim. There is bounty enough to satisfy a man of either profession upon the location of this artifact. I implore those of you that are interested, to meet with me at the House of Mirth, within the land of Khadrim.



He may have weak telepathy, but he makes up for it with his curing abilities. Magic is his strength. He decided to send a message back to the sender, not knowing if he was powerful enough to do so.

I am willing to join this quest. I am not in it for an artifact, I am just willing to help the travelers with whatever they need. I will be at the House of Mirth in a day.

The flames of the campfire warmed Eleson's pale white flesh, it provided lttle warmth or confort to him. The elf sat staring at the midnight stars, wondering how he got into this predicament. Of royal blood, Eleson had the greatest of luxuries, he was the son of a rich merchant. With wealth, power and status from his connections, Eleson was the haughty and arragant, and a passionist duelist. Such an obsession with pride and honor, the trill of the sword combat which caused his downfall.

"It was that bastard human's fault, he was not skilled enough." Eleson muttered to himself.

This "unskilled human" was in fact a prized duelest, who challenged Eleson to a sword battle. He eagerly accepted, the young and hot blooded elf enjoying the challenge of combat, the thrill of each delicate and precise swipe of the sword. He had his own sword still with him now, it was both decoritive. Eleson had the flair for dramatics, of like an actor upon the stage playing to his audiance. He played with his opponents.

But this opponent was far more skilled, his human hands swiftly defeating Eleson with ease. Eleson was furious with this defeat and refused to accept defeat. He then proceeded to kill the human in the back for defeating him, out of anger of being beaten by a lowly human! He could not care such a defiance, such a thing drove Eleson to the edge.

And now, he was the rich son who ran away from the elven authorities, who had blown everything for his own haughty pride, now sat looking at the stars from the grass in the forest blaming it all on other people.

He wore rich clothes still, his armour decoritive and stylish, the goldern pads where not too heavy, yet deeply ornate. They provided dress sense and protection in combat. He wore light, yet rich clothes.

He had strange hair, it was a slightly blue-grey colour, which was raised at the edges. With typical eleven eyes which held arragance, pride and prejudice towards most people, they where brown and held intellegence and wit. Wit which was often used to hurt people.

Eleson was not the kind of person you would call a bad person, but certainly he was no saint. He was the one which where the most annoying, and often caused great pain, and many of the world's problems.

Attention to those who seek either fortune or knowledge. Whether you be warrior or mage, I require your services. I search for an ancient artifact, hidden high within the Copious Peaks of Khadrim. There is bounty enough to satisfy a man of either profession upon the location of this artifact. I implore those of you that are interested, to meet with me at the House of Mirth, within the land of Khadrim.

Eleson sat up in astonishment. Who the devil would ask such a thing? Eleson considered it, he had been bored as of late. Brigands which attacked him simply fell to his finely tuned blade, he did not even have to try he thought. There was no challenge or honor in it. But this might provide more....

He raised his thin and light sword, the decorative hilt running down the blade for balance and spoke, looking at the shining steel.

"Looks like our skills are in need again. People will always need us." Eleson said to the blade, though it held no kind of life. Smiling he got up and doused the flames and headed out.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/FR_ART/People/ElaithCraulnober.jpg

The man looked through the coins that lay on his gloved hand. They were fairly knew and presented face of the current lord of Khadrim, whoever he was. Weighing the coins in his hand he decided that the weight was good enough to match the amount of gold he demanded. Throwing them into the pouch and nodded at the mayor that was nervously standing infront of him. The man sighed and took a couple of steps back to get as far away from the stranger as possible without looking like running.
Anahid, the Bastard of Duke de Argonn strapped the pouch to his belt and moved to the skinny animal that was his horse side stepping to avoid the carcass of the thing he killed for the money.
As he made ready to mount he heard a voice in his mind. Though usualy he avoided the company of wizards the part of the bounty got him interested as it was getting harder to find work with all the younger sons of nobles, bastards and generaly mercenaries taking every job avalible.
Seeing a peasent that was still looking at the corpse demanded directions from him, he recieved a stuttered reply,
"South mi'lord."
Not wasting any more time Anahid mounted and rode off.
http://uk.games-workshop.com/warhammerworld/warhammer/bretonnia/extras/full-tilt/images/colour_fg.jpg

Balfar grinned as he recieved replies from those that were able. He continued to wait for other replied or arrivals.

One day passed as Balfar continued to wait, rarely moving from his seat.

Eleson moved through the forest to his destination. He was pleased that no impetous bastard would try to rob him, or worse, try and force him into slavery. Eleson was disgusted by the barbaric nature of humans, no matter where he went Eleson thought, I see a human with thier detestable profit making eyes, thier short life spans making them quick and daring, always moving....

He continued on, uninterupted from any brigand or thief on the open path. THe days where bright and warm, for which Eleson was glad. He would much prefer to be within a mansion or library of some sort, but this was...kind of enjoyable he found.

(Can I assume things about the city? Can I make this stuff up? If not, I shall change it)

Continuing onward, he traveled into the city. It was most like the city to which he had been born and raised. He saw the familer sights, the markets with thier exotic sights and smells, targeting the poorer purse, the guards strolling around lazily in Eleson's eye, too incompetant to see the swiftness of another human pick pocketing other humans. Could they not see it? Of course not, thier eyes where inferior.

He continued on, but saw something he had rarely seen, and when he had news about it, he simply brushed the thoughts aside. He stopped in the middle of the slightly less busy path to look upon them. These where the homeless, the poor, the deabilitated. Slowly, and extremely disgusted at the retchedness of it, he continued along, trying not to make eye contact. But this rich figure amoungst these beggers was too much, most of the beggers came up to him, thier hands open and begging,

"Sir, please a simple coin to aid my sister!"
"Generous sir, please, a few coins to ease the pain?"
"Only a few sir? Out of your generous heart?"

"Enough!" Eleson barked and sent most of them cowering slightly,

"Get away from me you lazy humans, can you see that I have better things to spend my money upon than drunken bastards!" Eleson cursed them as he walked with a faster pace away, tempted to draw his sword and cut his way through. Mutters which Eleson could not hear where spoken.

"Elfs...they are all the same...bastards which no compassion..."


He continued on, and saw to his relief that he had reached the "House of Mirth" as it was quaintly called. Although Eleson did not like crowded places, prefering sophisitication and class about his places of residence, he saw no alternitive. He opened the door....

(Description of the tavern please)

Azara walked through the forest, slowly, enjoying the tranquility and beauty... He had changed greatly form his battle with the Necromancer and has grown wise beyond his years. At 34, he was the youngest mage ever in the realm of the Five Civilized Nations. He had fought many battles to protect himself and his homeland from destruction. He has watched a multitude of friends fall, bringing grief to his existence. It seemed that wherever he went, grief, destruction, and death followed...

Recently, he had changed his style of magic, reverting to the power of the Dragons and dropping his bloodstaff, along with the demonic energy and fire...

http://www.sden.org/jdr/prophecy/image/mage.gif

Azara considered his upcoming assignment with apprehension, as he walked towards Khadrim. He pondered about his wife, dead for fifteen years, killed during a brutal war with the Orcs... He called softly to his wife's essence...

Katrina...Beloved Katrina... Come and ease my worries... Come and bathe my soul with your presence...

Azara breathed slowly and deeply as his dead wife's spiritual essence danced around his body. The spirit ever so slowly wrapped around his body, gently caressing... Over the breeze that had suddenly blew, Azara heard his wife's voice.

Azara, my love, ponder not about what evil you will bring to others, instead ponder the assistance, you can render to others... Azara, ou are the not cause of the deaths of so many... You are the savior of the lives of others who would have died, if you had not intervened... Please, beloved Azara, go and complete your destiny...

As suddenly as it came, the spiritual presence of Azara's wife faded, and Azara was left alone once more...

His resolve was strengthened by his wife's support.

I will go and fulfill what I have been created to do... Thank you my beloved Katrina... Thank you...

A man in knightly armor is always a strange sight, so Anahid wasn't surprised that his armored form drew the attention of many as he rode through the mass of people going about their bussines in the city. Reactions were of course different, some when they saw that it was somebody looking like a knight stepped aside to let him pass, others also stepped aside only to mutter curses at his back.
City's, Anahid generaly tried to avoid such places as the crowds always hada bad influence on his mood, also it was easier to meet someone that would not respect his, truthfully only partly, yet always higher birth. In the country side people would be to afraid of "'is lordship" to cause a threat but cities...
Stopping near a shp he quickly dashed the shop keepers hopes of selling something to a lord and recieved directions to the "House of Mirth"
After getting of the horse he kicked the stable boy to wake him up and instructed him to watch after the horse. Anahid also took the time to inform him what sort of painful death one can expect forstealing something belonging to a noble.
(OOC: If their isn't a stable than say so and i'll change the post)
After making sure that his horse was safe he moved nito the inn...
(same reguest as Kain Irenicus)

Jonathan walked through the lands of Khadrim, his sword by his side. At 21 years of age, his skills with the sword were excellent, but his inability to calibrate a plasma rifle had prevented him from gaining any high status in LuceEterna.
Then, he heard a voice.

Attention to those who seek either fortune or knowledge. Whether you be warrior or mage, I require your services. I search for an ancient artifact, hidden high within the Copious Peaks of Khadrim. There is bounty enough to satisfy a man of either profession upon the location of this artifact. I implore those of you that are interested, to meet with me at the House of Mirth, within the land of Khadrim.

"What was that?" Jonathan asked himself. "Spooky, but inviting nonetheless. I shall find the adventure here that is not granted in LuceEterna."

He walked faster, to find someone who he could ask for directions.

ooc: LuceEterna is one of my nations. Jonathan is 3/4 human, 1/4 elf.

OOC: This is fantasy, not future tech...

OOC: This is fantasy, not future tech...

OOC: Jonathan is fantasy! He's part elf! And he won't use any future tech (if I'm permitted to use him in this RP.)

LuceEterna is fantasy and future tech, but Jonathan is not good with technology, so he won't be using it.

Eleson was greeted by the cheerful laughter of the drunk and merry, gossip which traveled around in this place was the ususal talk, all of which Eleson heard with his pointed ears. He sneered in revusion of the place and walked on the wooden floor, each step giving a very soft chink. He held a grace that he held a sense of class and self-digitnation, that few people held within this place.

He walked over, getting a few looks from others, the regulars....and the not so regular. Eleson saw other scruffy adventures obviously willing to the same message he had recieved, no doubt for the money. Eleson sat down, trying to seperate himself from the drunken slobs to which he detested. He definately looked like a wealthy elf, a duelist, his scabbard was long and shining black, with ornate goldern decoration upon it. He looked totally out of place.

Sitting there, the bartender came up to. He was a human around middle age, with black hair whom had a warm smile. Currently, he was cleaning a mug with a less than clean cloth.

"What can I get you sir?" he asked politely and with a welcoming tone.

"What elven spiced wine do you have." Eleson replied, not looking at him. He was not polite back, he spoke as though he was higher than the barman in status.

The barman proceeded to tell him of the little selection of elven wines they did have, and to which Eleson was appalled. They where practically the lowest quality...he deserved far better he felt. But it would be better than drinking thier foul stuff he thought.

"Very well, one glass of Reilwood Wine, and make it quick." Eleson ordered the barman,. His glass was given to him very swiftly which Eleson savored. He sipped at it, observing the others.

"Hmm...not bad I suppose." He muttered to himself as he tasted the red spiced wine, which was typical of elven wines, sweet and exotic. It was expensive however, but Eleson did not care of money. He had plenty...he thought. He was used to the comforts of rich life, he was not about to give them up.

He continued to observe the others, and looked for people who might look like they where involved in this job ahead.

Description of the Inn...

It is a two storey building, made of wood. The bottom level is dedicated to eating and entertainment, the top level is composed of rooms for guests. There is a fully equipped stable and staff. There is a sign out the front of two men laughing with ale mugs. It is usually quite crowded.

Four races make up the people of Khadrim. Humans, Elves, Dwarves and Dragons. I'll go into the dragons later, but it is common to see elves and dwarves within human cities.
_______________________

Balfar watched as an elf walked through the doorway and approached the bar. He could tell immediately this being was intent on his quest. Balfar smiled as he sensed others approaching. He sent a message to the elf.

I believe you are seeking me elf. The corner, in the back.

Eleson turned his head, to see who was talking. He was him. Balfar. Drinking the last of his wine, looking through the glass at the person who had summoned him.

Eleson set the glass down, and walked over slowly. Eleson was tall, a typical trait of the elven people, but his way of walking seemed to make him taller, more elegent and refined. His rapier hung at his side, within seconds he could draw it and defend himself, with still time to add flair to his attacks and defence.

He walked over, and looked at the man. He simply anaylised and said nothing.

(Character descripton please.)

*Tor'sien Eilan Wav'Se'ent ran easily across the open plain to the east of the city, the main road to his right. Along the road humans and their clumsy wagons and volatile beasts moved, bringing their commerce to the city. Those others may move ploodingly across their carefully made road, with its gravel and stone, its runs and drainage, but he preferred to run accross the grass, grass that was still wet from the morning's rain.*

*As he ran the drops of water clinging to the foliage beneath his feet seem to shimmer with a light of their own, as if his touch somehow enriches and purifies it. Around him the few plants seem to somehow intrude upon his personal space*

*Eilan is tall and slender, with uplifted ears that appear to be missing three small semi-circles of flesh up their backs, but closer inspection would reveal that the strange shape is natural and not the result of injury. His eyes appear to have no pupil or white, the entirety appears to be a complex interweaving of rich, sea-blue iris. His nose is a single, unbroken piece that joins his brow smoothly and without flaw, his hair a bluish white colour like a cross between white sand and lagoon sea. His skin is bluish-tinged and paler than most.*

*He is clothed in loose trousers that are fastened by a woven gold belt, the clasp in the shape of a seaserpent. On his torso is a strange garment, very like a waistcoat, but made of a thicker material that would appear to be silk, were it not for its thickness. Beneath the white coat is a cloth harness to which is attached various vials, scroll tubes and other items. His feet are bare.*

*On his left hip is buckled a smoothly curving sword, a cross between cutlass, scimitar and sabre. Upon the other is a curved dagger and held lightly in his right hand is a long harpoon that appears to be entirely made out of a silvery metal. The head of the weapon looks like it is a flowing item, deceiving the eye with its graceful curve into thinking that it is moving like a wave when it in fact remains perfectly still.*

*His hair hangs to waist-length and slivers of metals - valuable and mundane - and stones both precious and not and woven into it, making him look like either a gemstone hoarde, a prince, a peddler or a magpie's nest. It is hard to tell which.*

*When Eilan reaches the city gates he slows down as he makes his way through the streets, his feet nimbly avoiding refuse and people. Occasionally a copper coin is tossed to a beggar, but not often and only to those whose age is still young. Before too long he discovers himself lost and asks a watchman for directions. A few minutes later he stands in front of the "House of Mirth", pondering the strange psychic message that had reached his mind while he was sailing aboard the Ocean Blade. He shrugs and enters, unconsiously wincing at the smell.*

*He moves over to the bar and asks for a large glass of water, and a small glass of whisky. When these are produced and paid for the blue-tinted being places a finger in the murky water, which starts to stir and form tiny whirlpools within the glass. A moment later it is crystal clear, and despite it only being water, looks better than most wines to those who see it. Eilan knocks back the whiskey, then starts sipping his water, looking around for whomever may have sent that message. He notices in particular a well-dressed elf and a man in plate armour.*

*Thus, Tor'sien Eilan Wav'Se'ent of the Wavekin came to the House of Mirth*

((OOC: Let me know if any details of the city or tavern need to be changed))

OOC: I'm assuming that my character is allowed in this RP. If not, just tell me and I will cease posting.

After much difficulty, Jonathan reached a building marked as "The House of Mirth". With curiosity, he peered inside. It was quite full. Upon entering, he spotted a cloaked figure who seem to stand out somehow. He knew it must be the one whose voice he had heard.
He walked through the crowds to Balfar, who had a elf standing next to him.

"Good day, sir", he said, boldly, as was his way. "I believe you were calling for warriors."

Anahid let the door shut behind him, he got a few glances but he got used to it, a man in full armor had a tendation of drawing gazes,
"Especialy in such a place." he thought, the inn definently couldn't match with the best that he had lived in, though it wasn't as bad as some he was forced to live either.
He glanced around the room and smirked at a mental image of a old man in a robe covered in stars with a beard reaching the floor.
"Wake up" he thought "You should know that people rarely look like the stereotype."
Then he noticed someone who definently stood out, a man with highly decorated armor and expensive looking clothes, and pointy ears.
"An elf, a pure blooded one by look of it." Inwardly he cursed, he never did like the race. Hoping that this one would show some respect towards a noble, which the elves rarely did, he moved towards him, patrons moving out of his path. Near him he saw that the elf was standing in front of someone.
" I trust that you are the man that sent the psychic message."

OOC: why is everyone part elf or elven?

((OOC: Eilan is not even remotely elven - Wavekin merely look a bit similar, but they are a different race in their own right))

(OOC That is what I am wondering....Some guidance to how many people join this....to keep quality high. I would mkae it around 6 people in all, otherwise we are going to become bogged down. And please, do not try and copy personalities, I have never played an elf before, and I am trying to mkae my character unique, although some racial traits are in there obviously. Put some panache into it.)

((OOC:

And please, do not try and copy personalities, I have never played an elf before, and I am trying to mkae my character unique, although some racial traits are in there obviously. Put some panache into it.)

If that's referring to me...Eilan is actually a character from a fantasy roleplaying game, he isn't changed from how I normally play him, you'll probably find before too long that he is very different from your character))

OOC: Yes you are allowed in the rp.......

IC: Balfar sat upon his chair calmly, his deep blue cloak covering his entire body save for his head. He posessed a thick set of dark black hair that would hang over his eyes when allowed. His eyes were his most distinguishable attribute. He had no pupils like normal humans, he merely saw with his entire, emerald green eye. A slight reminder of his demonic past.

Balfar studdied the elf whilst casually rubbing the beginnings of a beard. He looked to be around the age of thirty, but his youthful face was decieving. To all those that observed him, Balfar appeared a man of power. Finally he spoke.

"Would you like to take a seat?"

Balfar nodded as others arrived.

"I am the one you seek, pull up a seat."

OOC: I agree with Kain... Six people should be enough...

IC:

Azara slowly floated with the breeze as he moved closer to Khadrim. His mind wandered as he thought back to his conversation with his dead wife... He thought back to the disastrous war with the Orcs and the Centaurs, where his entire family was killed, his hometown destroyed and sacked, and the province ravaged. He hated Orcs and Centaurs. He also greatly loathed the aloof Elves, who stayed undisturbed as the Orcs and Centaurs looted and sacked their way through his homeland. He thought to himself...

Damn elves... Your high-handed aloofness must end... Your arrogance is unappreciated. Your existence is a bane to life in this world...

((OOC:

And please, do not try and copy personalities, I have never played an elf before, and I am trying to mkae my character unique, although some racial traits are in there obviously. Put some panache into it.)

If that's referring to me...Eilan is actually a character from a fantasy roleplaying game, he isn't changed from how I normally play him, you'll probably find before too long that he is very different from your character))

(OOC That was not directed at anyone just a warning. :) )

OOC: I think we have enough players......

OOC: Don't mind me... I'll be joining the party tomorrow... Right now, I'm floating around, expressing hatred for this and that...

Anahid pulled up a chair, no point in standing, and sat down looking at the man before he spoke again
"I am sure that all of us would be interested in finding out more about this "quest" for which you wish to hire us."

OOC: Yes, six would be a good number.

Sorry about the doube post :oops:

Anahid pulled up a chair, no point in standing, and sat down looking at the man before he spoke again
"I am sure that all of us would be interested in finding out more about this "quest" for which you wish to hire us."

OOC: Yes, six would be a good number of players.

*Eilan seated himself on one fo teh chairs by the table, although it takes him a moment to realise that the chairs are not fastened down to the floor. When he does seat himself he shifts until he is at least a bit comfortable and waits for Balfar to speak. Noticing Balfar's eyes, though, he looks closer as they are fairly similar to his own. However, ater a moment he is satisfied that the mage(?) is not one of the Kin Races and relaxes slightly. His harpoon has never left his hand, and his left still holds the glass of water - now only about a quarter full*

Eleson did so, he saw this human looking person, and saw that there was something different. Eyes. His swift eyes noted it, and simply put the explanation to magic. Who knew what mages got up to?

Eleson sat down, his armour clicking very softly as he did so. He sat rather tall, holding his own sesne of digity and purpose. He held his toungue for the moment, there was little sense in insulting this person, mages where dangerous people, even if they where human...They where quick and intellegent.

(What is up with the *this* in all of your posts arcane? It is not nessicery, you can OOC if you want to say something as a player, and " " if you are going to have your cahracter speak)

Balfar nodded in agreement.

"I seek an ancient artifact called the Tear of the Gods. It is said to be a solidified tear of the ancient god of magic, Azgard. This object contains the secrets of magic itself. It is said that those who come into physical contact with it are blessed with such knowledge, but one must seek the knowledge to be able to obtain it. Of course, getting to it will not be an easy task, or I would not need your assistance."

He paused for a reaction.

Eleson leaned forward and added his comment.

"So we are to be your bodyguards yes? And to whom might we face who guards this artifact, it is obviously guarded by some being. Such items are usually under powerful protection." Eleson said, his own hint of synicism and sarcasm within his voice, but less than it usually be.

OOC: It's 2:30 am here so I think I'll go to bed.

And the forum is pretty slow at the moment...... :x

Bye all.

Azara floated on the breeze ever closer to his destination and continued to think about the past...

Kragoth slowly approached the House of Mirth after a long journey through the wilderness. His journey was slowed by a few bandits along the way.

I hope that I'm not too late to join this journey....

He walks into the House of Mirth, and as he enters, he stumbles, from the long distance that he has traveled. Kragoth needed to rest as soon as everything important was discussed. As he walked through the building, he approached a table full of a very diverse group of people. He stopped there, and everyone stared at him in silence.

what is their problem? why are they staring at me?

After a few seconds passed by, which seemed like an hour to Kragoth, he introduced himself.

My name is Kragoth. I am a human white mage, and I wish to help all of you on your journey to seek out the Tear of Gods. I feel I need a challenge to prove to myself that my training has been a success, and if not, I will learn much from this journey.

Balfar nodded.

"Take a seat....."

Then he proceeded with informing the others of their role on this journey.

"In a sense you'll be playing bodygaurds. But you'll do much more. The mountain has a massive ward around it that limits magical use. If this weren't the case, I would have obtained the Tear long ago. Our first destination is the top of Mount Shard. We must walk up there, that is where we shall discover the location of the chamber. All those that seek the Tear are tested by Azgard. Unfortunately, I do not know how much of my powers will be limited by the ward. The ward focuses mainly upon those that seek the Tear itself, so unless any of you wish for the Tear, I doubt you magical abilities will be hindered. I am proficient with a sword, and realatively fit, but I must admit that physical combat is not my field. Hence this party. Do you have any questions?"

Azara floated above the city with the breeze... He gazed down at the city and with a slow chant, Azara began to descend from the sky and two inches from the street in front of the House of Mirth. His sudden appearance like a thunderbolt from the sky startled the pedestrians. Azara hovered into the House of Mirth, startling the people in the tavern. He detected a powerful nexus of energy and presuming the nexus to be the ones he was going to find, Azara floated towards the table. With disgust, he noticed several elves sitting down at the table. Arriving, Azara politely bowed.

I am the Archmage Azara Relic. I have heard of a quest for the Tear of the Gods... I am willing to assist with the powers imbued in me...

Azara bowed again after finishing his short speech...

This sounds like exactly what I need to prove myself, thought Jonathan. Finally, I shall gain respect amonst my peers for more than just pulling off a few fancy sword techniques.

Balfar nodded to Azara and quickly filled him in on what the others had heard, mentally.

"Have a seat."

"I've got some quistions first, firstly what do you need the artefact for? All wizards that I have met only seek things when they know that it will increase their power, wealth and such. Secondly, how much are you willing to pay for our services?"

Eleson stroked his finely chiseled chin with a delicate hand. He thought this might sound interesting, a way to test his abilties. Also, with the gold that he would give him, that would supply him for a while with the luxuries he had come used to. And perhaps a new sword...

"I agree, how much shall we be paid for this endevour? I do not want to be cheated out of my money....a deadman cannot pay us. How do we know that you will not teleport with our gold and leave us for the gnashing of teeth?" Eleson asked. When he implied a deadman, he did not mean that he would kill him, but a monster might.

Eleson's eyes looked at Balfar for the answer he wanted. He needed proof, not assurances. Call Eleson what you like, but he certainly was a shrewd buisnessman, like his father, taking few chances as possible.

On one account, when his father was not paid fully, he sent a armed party to retrieve the money. It took them two months, but his father was willing to do such a thing. The person who wronged him was a human, and he was just as hateful against human as his son. The merchant was found, they took double of the money that he owed, and cut of one of his ears as punishment. Harsh perhaps, but his father wanted others to know the price of not paying where he was due. Such lessons went onto Eleson well.

Balfar nodded.

"That is a fair request. If you seek gold and treasures, that is plentiful within the chamber of the tear. I care not for the treasures so you may take as much of it as you like. I am also willing to allow any who wish to obtain the knowledge from within the tear, a chance at it. But only those who truly seek the knowledge for the sake of learning will be able to obtain the tear's secrets. If you require more than my word, ask one of the surrounding mages to cast a truth ward over me. I shall make a statement upon the casting of the spell, and if I am false to my word, I shall be incapacitated."

Azara remained hovering two inches off the ground...

I wish for more information about this Tear of the Gods. In ancient text from my homeland, I have come across such a reference... What power does it imbue? Why do you so fervently seek it?

"The Tear itself does not imbue power, it imbues knowledge. Supreme knowledge of magic. This tear is that of the god of magic, Asgard. I seek it, because I have dedicated my life to the quest for knowledge."

Anahid, who was silently starring at Balfar, nodded his armored head,
"Alright I believe you, when are you planning to go for this Tear?"

I have one final question... What will you do after you gain the knowledge you seek? What then?

Balfar answered Azara's question first.

"I shall find something else to seek out. There is always something. Perhaps I will visit some of the famous gold dragons of this land. They're magical abilities are said to be spectacular. As for the time, we have enough people. I was thinking we stay here for tonight and leave tomorrow. The trek will take a few days."

Dragons... If you wish to meet dragons to exchange knowledge you should visit Azashim the Seer, the oldest Dragon alive... He currently resides on Mt. Skyfire with the human-dragon hybrid Dragon Lord Omnus Stormrider...

Balfar nodded.

"Perhaps I will. I never know where my journeys take me. Any other questions?"

One of the many spies of Kazar-Tiyon heard the message as well. A tiny, almost invisible point of red light had also joined the adventurers. Its mind was simple, a construct of magic, but enough to recognize that this would be of interest to its master.

Azara felt some weird presence in the air. Using his magic, he searched about and discovered a tiny mote in the room. Intrigued, Azara observed the mote telepathically and traced it back to its master, Kazar-Tiyon...

Balfar too sensed the presence. He did not consider it a problem and decided not to mention it.

"If there are no more questions, then everyone is free to do as they wish until we depart, tomorrow morning. After breakfast."

Eilan glanced up at Balfar and asked a question quietly, his voice seems to sound like the ocean turned into language.

"What are we taking in the way of supplies and transport?"

He continues to sip his water while we awaits a reply.

"We travel by horse until we reach the mountains. Then we go by foot. Supplies can be obtained from here or another shop. We only need the essentials, nothing fancy."

If you give me the location of this Tears of the Gods, I maybe able to teleport us there...

Balfar shook his head.

"It is protected by the most powerful wards I have ever encountered. Most likely set by Asgard himself."

Then I can teleport us to the mountains...

Balfar shook his head.

"If it were that simple, I would teleport everyone myself. But this quest requires that the one seeking the tear, only use magic when necessary. To prove they are not wreckless with abilities and are responsible with power. It doesn't particularly bother me, I enjoy travelling. I hope it isn't too much trouble for you. We should arrive at the base of the mountains by nightfall tomorrow. We'll camp there, then make our way up the next day."

As you wish...

With a soft thud, Azara landed on the ground. Taking a seat, Azara ordered a bottle of Aelirisa Wine and some food...

Jonathan listened carefully. He had little to say, as he was inexperienced with adventuring. This was the first time he had left the land of LuceEterna alone, and he didn't have any plan for what to do outside. He had grown tired of being an insignificant blacksmith in his hometown. It was only supposed to be a temporary job until he could join the army of the light, but with his repeated failure to learn the necessary skills, it did not look like that was going to happen. He decided to leave and seek fame and fortune in the outside world.

Eleson nodded.

(OOC Sorry I have not been online for quite a while. Tech problems.)

OOC: welcome back Kain...

Balfar nodded.

"Unless there are any more questions, I think I shall retire."

OOC: Arithorn do something interesting or this RP is going to die...

OOC: Ok, I'll post Balfar going off to bed, once the others react, we'll skip straight to the departure.

IC: Balfar arose.

"I am going to get some rest. I suggest all of you do the same, we have much to do on the morrow."

"Aye..." Eleson said and went outside himself from the busy tavern to think about this in the darkened air. He went outside, the cold greetings him in comparison to the humidity and warmth of the tavern.

He leaned against the outer wall of the tavern and thought about this propesition. There where few people out now, just the odd traveler or merchant going back to thier homes. There was a sense of fatigue amoungst the people now, the usual rushing of the people was not there, the noise was considerably less. A guard casually walked by, his halberd thumping in beat to his steps. He gave Eleson a look that almost seemed to mean, "I am watching you". He continued on his way.

Eleson reached within his jacket, reaching into the silk matieral and producing something similer to a snuffbox. It held an aromatic substance, which was slightly addictive and gave a pleasurable experiance. Similer to cigars, it was the rich man's luxury.

THe snuff was held within a golden clam, and Eleson clicked it open, revealing the white green powder. Eleson thought that he needed to get more, there was not much there. He patted some of it on the side of his hand and then proceeded to snort it, which gave Eleson a rush of sublime pleasure. It was nothing like a hard drug, it was something which you could not compare as a high. More of a brief pleasure. It calmed Eleson down it seemed, he relaxed more and his mind worked in a musical fashion.

Clicking the snuffbox close, he placed it back into his jacket. He had reached a decision in these few minutes. There was not exactly an alternitive, heavens to think that Eleson would have to work a peasants job, that would be to much for Eleson. No...this was far better. There where others which would fight, and he would simply fight too, aiding them. It would be a thrill too, to go to these places. Eleson had not been outside of the large cities much, only reading of other places.

"Damn it's cold..." Eleson muttered to himself, and decided to leave the cold and darkness to it's own devices. He went to his room rather slowly up those wooden steps. It seemed that everyone else had gone to bed too, or was preparing to. He did not bother to say goodnight, he barely knew them.

Going into his room, he set out his things, leaving his rapier close to him. His teacher had taught him that, and he was not foolish enough to forget it.

Setting himself into the bed, he looked out of the darkened glass window. He stared at those dark clouds drifting past, with the moonlight gently beaming through, giving a conforting light. It was a quarter moon it seemed. Slowly drifting to sleep, Eleson thought of the old days, and proceeded to go there in his dream.

The morning came quickly. Balfar was the first to rise, at dawn. He sat at the same table, eating a collection of breads and cheese. A small pack lay against the wall, under the table.

None of the others were down yet, so he waited.

Azara appeared in the entrance to the tavern and slowly floated to Balfar...

A good morrow to thee, sir... I hope you had a good night's sleep...

Balfar nodded in greeting.

"Indeed I did. Were you comfortable as well? Once the others are ready, we shall depart."

OOC: Azara doesn't sleep...

IC:

I wandered through the tranquil forests of this nation, playing with the animals and thinking... The stars were extremely beautiful last night, but the sunrise was more so... I envy you for living in such a beautiful nation.

Balfar smiled, one of the rare ocassions.

"It is a beautiful place, but I do not live here. I have no home. But if I ever settle down, some of the elven forests of this land would definately be under consideration."

OOC: I thought so. That's why I didn't mention sleep.

Azara also smiled.

I just hope that everyone can get up soon... I'm getting a little impatient...

Balfar nodded.

"Agreed. I have a feeling there will be many things that stand in our way before we reach the Tear."

Eleson woke up rather late, he was annoyed by the sunlight upon his face. It was too bright. He slowly got up and got himself prepared.

Getting all of his equipment, dressing himself smartly in the rich clothes with beautiful yet practical armour. It allowed him speed, but it was going to protect him fully. He wore chain mail underneth his jacket, which had a verst behind to prevent chafing.

He came down, with barely a noise from his boots as he held the handrail with his delicate hands. Eleson had the look of an artist of some kind, that sophisticated look that meant, "I am better than you, I am brilliant". It was subtle, yet to soem it would be highly annoying.

Looking from side to side, Eleson put a few loose grey blue hairs back upwards in it's highly unusal and striking flair, it was an elven hair style, one which gave the person a royal apperance. At least Eleson thought so.

He walked over to the table and sat himself down. he would get something to eat in a moment.

Jonathan awoke with an uncomfortable feeling in his neck. He wished he had brought enough money to hire a room for the night. He had slept on the floor before, but not enough to get used to the experience. Wearing light armour made it especially unpleasant. He had not slept well, and had a headache.

He pulled himself up and headed over to Balfar.

(OOC OK. I am happy with most of the notes I have on each character and such apart from one. Euroslavia, your character Kragoth, all I have for him is "human white mage". anything else you can add to it? The more we get, the better we can roleplay it. And also your character said "I am a human white mage". Think about it, would your character say that he was human? I do not think so....it is like a black person saying he was black when you are looking right at him. Just something I saw...)

Eleson saw what seemed to him, a very strange variation of an elf. The blue skin and strange eyes where complling to Eleson. He knew that this fellow must be elven, his slanted eyes and pointed ears displayed that to him. But that person was of different heritage it seemed. That harpoon he had...very strange. He had never seen anything like it. Eilan seemed to be from a foreign country, espically with that hair. Eilan was a complete alien to Eleson.

"Hello there. Might I ask, where do you come from? I have never seen anyone who has such...interesting features as you." Eleson asked politely, trying his best to remain tactful towards Eilan.

(Notes help A LOT! Helps for referances...)

Ah... I see at least some of our members are awake... Good...good...

Anahid swore silently as he finished strapping on his armor, only a idiot would sleep in full plate armor when it isn't necassery. He fondly recalled the time when his squire, what was his name, was around and help him get into armor, take care of the horse and such "less" dignified work. But then the idiot got himself eaten by a band of trolls that demanded pay for usage of "their" bridge.
Finally glad with how he looked he made his way down, despite his armor he made his way silently, without the rattling that he made when he was younger.
Downstairs he made his way to the table at which Balfar and Azara sat,
"Morning, I trust that your night past pleasently."
turning to Balfar he contineud,
"When are you planning to move? If you would ask my oppinion we should move not long after we ate."
As if the last words reminded him of the fact that he didn't eat yet, he waved for one of the taverns personnel.

"It could have been better" Eleson said critically to Anahid, his armoured form coming down the stairs. He found the plate armour odd. Such forms of armour where too clumsy and lacked grace. They did not allow the user to dodge and weave, agility was one of the most important defences. Not that unsophisticated human would know anything about that....

"I leave whenever our employer wishes to." Eleson said. He had ordered just a minute a go, and a waiter came around with a humble breakfast upon a wooden plate. Eleson looked at the meal blankly for a few seconds and sighed. It comprised of a nutrious array of foods, cheese, apple, bread and the like. A peasants breakfast...

He ate it without relish, it would fill a hole within the elven stomach which was used to much finer and therefore, expensive foods. Eleson was not really in a talkative mood, but he could find something out about the others....

Azara quietly pulled out of a satchel at his side a flask of Obelis Elixir. He then ordered some breakfast from the waiter...

Sitting down, Azara poured himself a cup of the Elixir and offered some to Eleson.

Want some?

( Azara looks human right?)

Eleson looked at the mage with a certain degree of suspicon, but no less than he would have done to anyone. He looked at the liquid within his cup. Eleson thought for a little bit. Anything might be better than this water...it might be good. But if it is poison or anything...I do not want to be sprouting wings or anything...

"Alright....as long as it does not do anything to me...." Eleson said, and waited for him to pour him some of the (I assume) red liquid from the container.

Azara poured a cup and proffered it to Kain.

(OOC Kain he aint...lol. Simply mistake!)

Eleson took the cup in his delicate hands and sipped iot slightly. It was good, like a very fine wine Eleson thought.

(OOC Anythign I should know about this Elixer? Would it taste good, or would it do anything to Eleson?)

OOC: Oops... my bad... :oops: The Obelis Elixir is made from the collected saliva of a Golden Dragon mixed with some honey... Its supposed to prolong life.

IC:

Not bad, eh?

"Indeed..." Eleson said with suprise. He savoured it as he drank some of it.

"So...why are you here then? Why of all the places and job prospects you chose this profession?" Eleson asked, his tone slightly less harsh than it was before.

Azara chuckled at Eleson's question.

"I am trying to purge myself of my sins... Six years ago, I began to study demonic magic, resulting a year ago, when I achieved the apex. But I unwitting unleashed the demon Hezekial from its prison in the Timeless Realms. It was only through the efforts of the Dragon Lord, Omnus Stormrider that Hezekial was banished and I was able to recover. While Hezekial was possessing me, I unintentionally murdered millions of civilians... Because of this, I stopped practicing demonic magic and secluded myself to study with the Golden Dragon, Yun Ti the Golden Seer. From legend, the Tear of the Gods can help me purge myself of the dreadful sins that I committed. Hopefully that is true..."

Eleson remained silent. He simply did not fully compherend it fully. he had heard of magic, but was reluctant to say that there where demons and such. This man must be insane....he killing millions of civilians? That is absolutely abserd.

"I...see. Well I am just here for the...well...challenge. I want to test my abilities, the place where I have come from had no one worthy of challenging me. So, I left and continued on my way, and sure enough, someone presented a challenge. Balfar." Eleson said, twisting the truth a little. He did not exactly want the part about money coming out, or the murder of that human. That would just show his weakness, Eleson had a strong sense of pride, he still wanted to be seen as a wealthy man with great power and skill.

I see that you do not fully believe me... All I say is true... Nothing is false... But I sense a good deal of falsehood from you... I will not pressure you for the truth, but hiding it from others is never good...

Damn mages! Why are they always so decieving and sneaky! Can't a elf have his mind to his own?

"Think what you will...." Eleson simply muttered as he finished the drink that he had been given.

Balfar finished his breakfast.

"I have no concern for your past. As long as you all do your allocated jobs. Once everyone is ready, we shall depart."

OOC: I apologize for not being on lately. Internet problems. And yes, i didnt mean for my character to say he was a human white mage. I meant to make that OOC, but i was rushing. I'll just write a short description of him. He's a very tall man, about 6'3, weighs 155lbs, very pale skin, light blue eyes, and perfectly white hair, yet he was very young.

As Kragoth woke up very startled, he realized the sun was already risen, and he was late. He got up as quickly as possible, and threw on some clothing, and a crimson red cloak over that. He ran downstairs to see that everyone was getting ready to leave.

I'm sorry for stalling this journey already. I haven't had much sleep in a while. I keep having this....dream...well, more of a nightmare. I keep seeing this man...in a black robe. He's pointing at me, and he is just about to summon a powerful spell to destroy me. I try to stop him, but Iit seems that i'm not powerful enough, and when the spell is just about to kill me, I wake up. Ahh....forget it. It's just a stupid nightmare. Let's get on with this journey.

Kragoth walked around as if he had no clue where he was, and who he was. He seemed very distant from everyone, and preferred to be in the presence of only himself. He walked over to the corner of the room, and sat there, away from the rest of the followers.

Balfar nodded at Kragoth.

"Be ready in a few minutes."

OOC: Is that everyone?

(No problem Euroslavia. That is what I wanted to hear! :) Lets get this show on the road! Just a few things I want to say to make this a great rp.

During journeys, allow the characters to talk and interact. I am trying really hard to mkae this seem like a living breathing world. Obviously with my following things, these are just my suggestions these are not law, so just do what you want! Wizards, I think you have to look at your spell books at some time? (Depends how you want to do it) Think about when to do it. Swords need to be sharpened, armour mainained, camps set up by the party (I see a lot of the time camps magically appear without any effort! Does the group actually know how to mkae a tent? Some might not, i.e my character too well...). When does your character need to go to the toilet? During combat, character interaction, shouts, commands, ignorance, arrogance, honor, the aftermath of battle (wounds upon daily tasks, ripped shirts, damaged weapons/armour). Oh and something I just do, if I want my character to say f*** I make them say frell instead. Good old Farscape! Just things which I think will make this a great rp.

What I do think would be a great idea, if Arithon gives a description of an area, than we work with that description, adding our own depths etc. Take the tavern part, I think I added a few things to that i.e the barman not having good elven wine. Not bragging, but you know. What I am suggesting, is that Arithon is not the complete DM (only term I could think of, means dungeon master, the person who leads the characters through adventures without his own characters). He gives us the descriptions to places because he knows about these places, but we as players ourselves should add our own depth into it, to make Arithon's life easier. It is far more enjoyable that way. Anyway, do what you want, and if you want to do some of that stuff, do it and have fun! I have ranted too long... :oops: )

Eleson noticed the white robed human who kept himself away from the others. Another damned mage! Those sneaky bastards are everywhere...I suppose it is to suspected with the motive of this journey. This should have an interesting end....what mage will take the Tear in the end? Not that it matters, as long as I am paid and the journey gives me something interesting to remember, I could not care for thier fates. After all, they are only human.

Eleson tapped his padded boot against the wooden floor of the tavern, which was slowly waking up, as was the city. People who had satyed the night where begining to leave, and new customers where coming in for thier own breakfast. There was not the haze of drunkadness anymore, now was not the time for ale. Although Eleson noticed a dwarf in the back quaffing four mens worth of ale without tipping a bit.

Eleson had no real problem with dwarfs. They where good buyers, they came they bought, they left. Anti social most of time. Until they got to places like this. He remembered the time where a drunken dwarf branishing two hammers, bombarded through his father's home looking for his wife. The mad dwarf proceeded to smash a few objects before he and his father had killed the dwarf with thier dueling skills. Took a little while, but any armour has weakness, they bled the dwarf to death in it's drunken battle rage. Caused a frelling mess with the blood, but it was not half exicting from the droll normalities.

Eleson smiled a little in rememberance and finished his breakfast. He had all of his things in a small backpack. It did not have a lot, the barest of essentals. The backpack was completely different from his normal dress, in comapirison to the rich and decoritive clothes which he wore, his backpack was a practical yet ugly thing to Eleson. He hated wearing it. it implied that he had no home most of the time....and he hated the fact that it was true. He tended not to think about tomorrow too much. It was too painful.

"Well I am ready, tell me when we are to leave. I will be outside." Eleson said as he got up, leaving his plate. He walked out with his usual sense of pride and upper class snootish look as he exited the still sleepy patrons to thier food and ale.

Outside, the air was crisp and the sun was warm. Eleson's slanted brown eyes looked around, and he was quite pleased. The enviorment invited confidance and hope. A few birds twittered thier morning song, which Eleson heard clearly over the buying and selling of merchants, outraged dealers and haggling customers.

Walking a little along the dirt path from the tavern, he waited just outside of it, so he was not directly on the now growing traffic of people. His feet left obvious tracks, his padded feet left small shallow prints in the warm dirt path.

Eleson leaned against the wall of the tavern and waited for the others while he thought of a few things. Mostly to do with the journey, what they would face, what enviorment they would face.

OOC: I like your idea Kain. Should make things a little more interesting.

IC: Balfar arose and headed for the door.

"It is time to depart. I must collect my horse from the stable."

Balfar moved outside and passed Eleson as he headed toward the stable which was on the side of the building.

"We're moving out. Do you have a steed?"

Getting up from the table, Anahid moved to ready his horse for the journey. When in the stable he spent a minute or two looking aroundfor the stable boy before he gave up.
"Morning Baron"
the horse raised it's head, recognizing the voice of its master and snorted.
Anahid saw proof that the stable boy was here as fresh straw was strewn below the animals and hay was in their troughs. In a matter of minutes the horse was ready for the journey, saddled, in its armor and with its owners sack on its back, the spear currently serving as his lance was strapped on as well as his shield displaying a white stripe on black.
He led the horse out in to the sunlight and double checked if everything is in place, he also recalled how much easier it was when that squire of his was still around and he took care of such matters, that in turn made think even further in the past, to the days of his youth nad he listened open mouthed about tales of knights, nothing in those about the less glories jobs besides slaying dragons and marrying maidens, nothing about hard work, starvation, hatred and loath in the eyes of those you save from damned creatures.
"A knights life." he muttered as he tightened a strap, "If i'll ever right a book, that will be the title."

Balfar approached a jet black steed and stroked its nose.

"How are we this morning Shadowbolt?"

The mage saddled the horse and attatched his belongings. Once this was complete, he made his way out of the stable and onto the side of the street, where he awaited the others.

Eleson said to Balfar, "No...no I do not. I suppose I am going to have to buy one..." He said it slightly disgruntled, he was annoyed that he was going to have to buy more things...still, it would be better than walking the entire way, he thought. He got himself off of the wall and began to head off in looks of one.

(OOC I do not know where you would buy a horse in a city...any thoughts?)

OOC: Where to buy a horse in a city? Tough one, well sometimes a merchant might bring a herd in hopes of selling them (not necasserly to individuals, more likely to companies or the city council)

"I, too, will need to purchase a steed", said Jonathan. "I hope I have brought enough money."

Jonathan winced as he looked at the morning sky. His eyes hurt due to lack of sleep, but he had worse before. He had a soldier's training, and this was nothing new to him. He looked about for a direction to head in.

((OOC: Sorry for the delay in posting. Kain - most medieval cities would have stables near their outskirts))

When Eleson had asked, Eilan had replied that he was from "Yruisan", wherever that was, but further probing would have revealed that it was a small island far out into an ocean upon the other side of the world, and that it was home to the seafaring race of the Wavekin (which Eilan would not have failed to point out was a crude translation dating from when the Wavekin had first encountered humans - crude as the Wavekin had their own language and before the birth of their merchant fleets knew only a little of the common tongue)
It turned out that Eiland was also lacking a horse and went wandering throughout the city in order to find one. It might be noted that he now carried a simple carry-bag slung over one shoulder. It only appeared half full but presumably contains the food be bought the night before.
As he left the inn he scooped up a half-loaf of bread, a small amount of fruit and a slice or two of cheese.

Eleson walked away into the city, in looks of a horse. He searched for a little while, the smells and noise rather familer to Eleson, but he did not like the manner in which trade took place. Everything was rushed, everyone was wanting everything now. It was all very uncivilised. But what could you expect from humans?

He continued along the various stalls, all kinds of products on offer. Exotic foods, wines, swords, armour, insurance, ships, robes, tents, furnitiure. Almost anything you wanted, you could get. And sure enough, after a little bit of asking around, Eleson found someone who was selling horses.

The merchant had various neckleces which where indeed very beautiful, yet useless trinkets. They where imported from another distant island apparently, but Eleson did not believe the owner for a second.

The owner was a female dwarf with a female human helping her. Both looked very tatty, thier clothes had numerous repairs on them. They looked like they traveled a great deal and knew each other well. The femlae dwarf had brown hair, with a beard which had various locks with brass trinkets all over. She had a pleasant smile and demanour, a frecily (I do not know how to spell it) warm face. The other girl was rather young, yet pleasant too, she had black hair and remained quiet and shy during the buisness with Eleson.

"Hi there, wha can a get cha?" The female dwarf said as she stood behind the table holding all the trinkets.

"I heard that you sell horses. Is that correct?" Eleson asked, without any kind of chit chat. He saw the girl in the background, attending to something.

"Indeed we do sir, we have the best horses aroun'! Com with me and I'll show ye." she said, and gestured as she went back from the stall a bit. She gesture to see the girl, as she tended to three horses.

"Hello there." the girls said well spoken and politely. "You want to buy a horse yes?"

"Yes, that is why I am here." Eleson said, rather rudely. He went over to each horse, inspecting them. Each one was quite good natured, well fed and the like. He came over to a brown one, and decided that horse was the one for him.

"I will take that one. And I will buy three weeks supply for the animal. You do sell food here don't you?" Eleson asked, turning from the animal to the girl.

"Of course...sir" the girl replied, she was not used to his way of speaking to her. "Well that will come to....including a saddle and the like...urm...one hundred and twenty gold."

"Make it one hundred and it is yours." Eleson replied.

"Urm..." the girl wondered about it.

"I am in a rush and I need this horse now. Now if you want that horse away from you, than you best accept my offer before I go elsewhere. I know other places that would be quite happy to serve me over you." Eleson said to her, his talking was quick and made the deal sound urgent. Eleson ahd perfected the art of haggling.

"A-alright. One hundred gold. Give Deia the gold on the way out then." the girl replied, and put the saddle and food on the brown horse. Being led out by her, Eleson gave the dwarf the money and promptly left. He heard the female dwarf lecturing the girl on not accepting such low prices again. He smiled slightly as he heard the details before it was drowned out by the usual noises.

He continued onto the tavern again, to meet up with the others.

(OOC Thanks.)

Eilan returned from his search for a horse perhaps twenty minutes after Eleson aquired his. The Wavekin's horse appeared to be of higher quality than the elf's and, if asked, Eilan would mention that he got it for a mere fifty gold.
When he returns it may well be noted that he is walking alongside a well-dressed young man who seems to be complaining that he ripped that young man's father off when buying the horse - this complaint is accompanied by excessive cries of "swindler" and "thief". Eilan seems to be ignoring the human and often pauses to stop at stalls near the inn to purchse trinkets or interesting bits of food until his pack is full. Just before he enters the tavern he speaks briefly to the man who stands stock still, then sighs and walks away grumbling.
Eilan entered the stable to wait for Jonathon. It turns out that the loud young man was the son of a merchant on the other side of town from whom Eilan had bought the horse. An amused comment or two from the Wavekin determines that the human was a poor bargainer - unlike his father - but who realised how badly he had lost the bargaining that he could not let it go.

Jonathan found the stables by heading the way he had enterred the city from. There he bought a horse. It was white, like the ones LuceEternan soldiers sometimes rode for ceremonial purposes. With little money left, he rode it back to the tavern to meet the others.

As Kragoth walked through the city looking for a horse, feelings of despair came over him. Would he even be able to find a horse? Was he going to fail....again..... but wait! he thought. This town is where my cousin Jade lived. Maybe she could show him where to find one, or even lend him one. He walked through the streets aimlessly, having no idea where Jade would be, when all of the sudden, a man fully dressed in black ran into him, and knocked him over. Kragoth quickly got up, and stood face to face with this man. The stranger whispered, "Get out, leave this town now...". Then he ran away again. Kragoth stood there in confusion for a few minutes, and all of the sudden, Kragoth was pushed again, but didn't fall. He turned around in anger, only to discover it was Jade.

"Hey! What are you doing here?"

umm....personal reasons. oh, i need to ask a favor of you. do you have a horse that you could lend me? or do you know a place where I can find one?

"Sure, actually, I have two horses. Are you going on a long journey or short one? Guardian is for long distance travel, and Ari is for short distance."

I'll take Guardian. Thank you Jade. I will explain all when....well, if I return.

"What do you mean, IF you return?"

Nevermind. Please just take me to Guardian so I can go on my way.

Jade gave him a confusing glance, but knew that he was in a hurry, so she took him to her small house, and untied Guardian.

"Now you be a good girl Guardian. Keep Kragoth safe now. He'll treat you well."

The horse gave a heavy heave, and walked over to Kragoth. Kragoth reached out his hand slowly, and started to pet Guardian and suddenly, the horse stopped all angry noises that it was making before. It seems that Kragoth has a calm touch to it.

"Looks like you two will get along great! Good luck on your journey! Please come back safe, along with Guardian!"

thank you Jade. I will see you...sometime.

He gave her a hug, and rode Guardian back to where everyone was packing.

"Are we ready, or do we have to wait any longer?" Eleson asked, as he by his horse, he tapped his feet impatiantly. He looked around for the others when they slowly came to the tavern.

"So what is the plan?" Eleson asked Balfar, as he got onto his horse. He got up onto it easily and gracefully. He wore a small cloak on his back, which gave his even more of a regal look, it's dark purple cloth had no gold upon it, much to disappointment to Eleson. But it was something. He held the riens loosely as his horse trotted around a little bit impatantly. Apparently the name of the horse was Glade. Strange name Eleson thought...

Azara chuckled to himself as he watched the others scrambling for steeds. Azara tightened his satchel and once again began to hover two inches off the ground, right in front of the archmage Balfar.

"Why do you do that? Hover I mean." Eleson asked Azara with a sense of curiousity. It was more like someone asking a foriegner why they did thier disgusting custom.

Eilan climbed into the saddle and shifted about, trying to get comfortable. He did not seem to be having much luck and looked distinctly out of his element on the horse - continuously changing his position. Fortunately for him, the horse was a quiet one and did not prove to be troubleson.

"Exactly.", Anahid rode up near Azara and Eleson, "Why do you always fly around? Wouldn't it be better to ride and save your strength for casting spells when they will be needed?" he paused and patted barons neck before continuing, "Not to mention that sometimes it is better not to draw to much attention to ones self, and a man hovering above the ground is not something easily overlooked."

At least someone has thier sanity around them, Eleson thought. Mages where mysterous and often melodramatics to keep people around them in fear he thought.

Balfar nodded.

"It would be easier if you obtained a steed. Put the choice is up to you." Once we leave the city, we pass through a large forest. Then we travel a path surrounded by swamps and finally we have a few open fields to travel through. Once we make it through all of that, we shall arrive at the base of the mountains.

bump

Azara disregarded the comments and elevated into the air, above the clouds...

Anahid turned his head towards the others,
"I geuss that means he doesn't give a damn about what we think."
A ansty smile crossed his lips,
"Makes him look like a stereotyped mag, doesn't it?"
he pauses,
"No offense. Balthar are we finally going to move? From what you said we got a long road ahead of us."

Balfar nodded.

"Let us depart."

Without another word, he lead the group through the streets and out of the southern gate. The forest could be seen in the distance, a dark cloud sitting above it.

As the riders neared the southern gate, they saw Azara and another creature hovering above it. Azara was awash with a golden aura.

Begone, foul creature of darkness, your presence is not welcome here.

Azara spoke with such venom that the creature fell back a pace. But building his courage, the creature moved forward and laughed wickedly.

Stupid Mage... The Master already knows of your quest for the Tear of the Gods. You will reach the end of your journey to find your goal stolen...

Azara ignored the creature's comments and with a quickly growing fireball in his right hand, screamed a word of command, La Askdas!!!.

With that the creature was suspended. Azara brought up his right hand and threw the fireball at the creature.

Your time in this realm is at an end... Begone!!!

The fireball vaporized the creature. Azara descended onto the ground and stood staring at the dark forest ahead...

Eleson made his horse trot a little ahead, and he turned to Balfar.

"Lead the way then." He said, waiting for the journey ahead to unveal itself to him, the world would offer him far more than the usual mundane he had been raised on...that was guarrenteed.

Azara floated forward, over the riders and descended in front of them. Continuing on Azara scanned the dark forest...

Balfar looked up as Azara drew near.

"What was all that about?"

He continued toward the dark forest, considering the best path to take.

We better hurry... Others, already know of our quest...

Balfar nodded.

"If they intend to take the tear, they shall not succeed. It is protected by the wards of Asgard. Those of evil shall never gain access to the Tear."

He hurried his pace toward the nearing forest.

(OOC Yo, a description of the forest and stuff please. Set the scene etc so we can rp! :) )

As the party drew closer to the forest it became easier to make out. The forest was composed of massive trees, some trunks the the length of two men in diameter. The canopy was thick, not allowing any sunlight to penetrate the area. This was of little consequence because as the part drew closer to the edge of the forest, they noticed the sun had been replaced with dark storm clouds, adding to the ominus mood of the forest.

The path stopped 50 metres in front of the forest. Balfar looked at the forest for a few minutes before heading off to the right, toward a path that was overgrown with thick vines and shrubs.

Eilan sighed as he looked at the forest, muttering something very uncomplementary about it - his kind, used to the open oceans, did not like forests. With a shrug he nudged his horse towards the ominous canopy, tightening his grip on his harpoon momentarily for reassurance

Balfar halted at the entrance of the forest. He spun his horse and faced the others.

"It is more than likely we will meet a few challenges within this forest. Besides the natural inhabbitants. Be on your gaurd."

Anahid nodded and checked if his sword would slide out of it's scabbard easily, it did so as usual.
After this small ceromony he asked,
"Balfar, could you be more precise about the"besides the usual inhabitates"

"Well. This forest is home to a few creatures daring enough to attack us. They would include: Drakes, dragon like creature. Arachtors, man sized spiders that sit within the trees and Raptors, large meat eating lizards that hunt in packs. Most other animals we shouldn't have to worry about."

Balfar sighed as he checked his own sword.

"From what Azara has told me, we are not alone in our quest. So we can probably expect something to hinder us. It may be a demon or it could be traps. Also, I wouldn't put it past Asgard to make things easy. We'll probably encounter some magical creatures. Any other questions?"

"Well. This forest is home to a few creatures daring enough to attack us. They would include: Drakes, dragon like creature. Arachtors, man sized spiders that sit within the trees and Raptors, large meat eating lizards that hunt in packs. Most other animals we shouldn't have to worry about."

Eleson listened when he was staring into the impenetrable gloom of the forest's depths, which seemed to move shiftily. He was slightly apprehensious about all of this, his felt cold, but did not let it show. When he heard about the talk of spiders, he was not quite expecting to fight something like that. He was expecting something like bandits or the like, but not spiders…. let alone Drakes!

He held onto his rapier tighter, and felt the chill slightly more. He tightened their formation as he stared again into the gloom; he swore he saw something move….

“Let them come….” Eleson said rather unconvincingly into the gloom in defiance of the creatures, trying to seem more brave and courageous.

Jonathan heard Balfar speak of the forest creatures they would be facing. He was nervous, yet excited. He had faced monsters before, but not these kinds. He moved his sword-hand slightly, to stop it from shaking. He took a deep breath and relaxed. Concentration was of utmost importance in these situations.

OOC: I'm sorry to leave like this, but my family and I are going on a holiday, so I won't be able to get on NS. I'll be back on the 10th of January.

I suggest we put this thread on hold. Can someone make sure it doesn't get deleted?

Mods, please don't delete this thread as it will be resumed

(OOC No problem at all! :) )

OOC: I'm back. Shall we continue?

(OOC Yes please do. But if you want to contact me, it wopuld be faster to tell Veric, my other profile which I am more on. Continue the story on!)

As the group entered the forest, darkness quickly engulfed them. The thick canopy blocked out all light except for a few minor patches. Balfar did not seem troubled as he raised his staff and muttered an incantation. This caused the staff to light up with a soft glow that illuminated the area for the entire group.

A sense of dread and being watched quickly came over the part as they continued through the forest. The trees became gnarled and ominus, reaching out toward the path. Random noises could be heard and occassionlly a bush would rustle.

Balfar stayed calm as he continued.

"I suggest we stay on this path if we wish to continue. Be wary of what you touch and what is above you."

OOC: I'll post something tomorrow...

BuMp!

Where is everyone?

(OOC I have no idea...)

"And what manner of...being would we be careful of in this place? Birds? Monkeys?" Eleson said slightly derisively, his tone of arragonace...ro lack of experiance with the outside world of danger and death evidant.

(OOC: Neither do I)

Azara stared silently into the forest and glanced at the others.

"We must hurry, this forest is not a good place to stay for long..."

Dragons, spiders and lizards...bah, I'm not afraid of these creatures. I have my sword-skills to protect me.

Jonathan looked around, expecting a monster to jump out at any second.

As the party drew deeper into the forest, something strange happened. Those that were not used to forest life may not have noticed it, but Balfar picked up on it straight away.

Dead Silence.

Balfar communicated with the others, mentally.

"Be extremely careful. Something is happening and I'm not sure what. Silence is never a good sign in a place like this."

In the distance something roared...

This is not good... From the extent and power of that roar, it must be gigantic...

Balfar shrugged.

"You should be more worried about the things you can't see and hear."

Above the party, an eight legged creature quietly moved across the branches. Watching and waiting for the right moment.

Eleson practiced with his rapier, using the balanced weapon against the shadows of the forest, pretending they were some vile creature or something.

Let them come Eleson thought. They would be no match for them.

The massive creature watched. The party had no idea it was there, and at the back of the party, an elf. Elves were rare within this forest, this one would make a nice meal. The creature continued to follow the party, formulating a plan of attack.

As Balfar made his way through the forest, he noticed the extreme silence, the lurking shadows and the squinting eyes. These bothered him little. His mage's sense allowed him to see things others couldn't. Including the wraiths up in the trees ahead.

Wraiths!

Balfar stopped and put up his hand.

"We have a problem. There are five wraiths in the trees ahead. These things don't abide by physical law. Only mage trained can combat such creatures. Gaurd yourselves well, they may attempt to posess your body."

Balfar drew up his staff, his eyes glowing faintly.

"What manner of-" Eleson stuttered as he looked up, caught short by the fear in his throat of these creatures. He had never seen anything like it.

His entire body went numb, his legs would not respond to his wailing commands. His rapier became nothing in his hand, a useless toy of a child. He took a few steps back, as his body tried to recover, getting to Balfar.

Azara placed one of his hand on Eleson's shoulder, channeling calm into Eleson and giving him back motor control. With his other hand, Azara began to form the Ethereal Lightning, a spell utilizing electricity that affects only those not of this realm...

delete

The staff began to glow even brighter, Balfar drew infront of him as he demounted.

"The nasty kind. They haven't noticed us yet, but that won't last long. Whatever you do, stay on the path."

Energy began to crackle around the staff as he prepared to unleash some form of energy.

As Azara cast the spell, he felt a strange presence behind him. Surprised, Azara pushed Eleson to the floor and dived away, doing so just in time as the thing came down...

Jonathan wondered if he was in over his head. No, I can cope...just have to focus...should have become a paladin...

Balfar unleashed his blast of power, sending it crashing into the wraiths. Two were immediately dispersed by the blast, the others merely became aware of Balfar's presence.

He was about to unleash another blast when he head a massive thum behind him. Spinning around, Balfar encountered a massive spider, looking directly at him with all eight eyes. Balfar reacted immediately, dropping to his back and pointing his staff at the underbelly of the creature.

The spider hissed as it was launched into the air and came crashing back to the ground, landing on it's back.

"Pin the legs! Don't let it get up."

Balfar turned around to see three wraiths racing toward the party.

Meanwhile, Azara's right hand crackled with electricity. Satisfied at the strength of the spell, Azara unleashed it upon the three approaching wraiths, slightly altering the spell into the Forked Ethereal Lightning...

Two of the wraiths were consumed by the electricity of the spell, while the last somehow managed to deflect the attack...

Balfar nodded toward Azara.

"This last one is different. Probably a mage wraith."

Balfar erected a small shield around the party. It wouldn't keep the wraith out, but if it broke the shield, it would allow the other to see it. Balfar placed a clear blue sapphire within his staff. After drawing a few runes over the gem and uttering a quick incantation, he began calling upon the cold depths of his gem, causing ice to form on the head of the staff. It would take some time to prepare the ethereal ice attack.

Eleson shook his head. He raised his rapier again in defiance and went slowly towards the spider.

With a swift slice, he brought the cold steel of his sword in contact with the numerous legs of the spidar, hearinmg it shreik. ELeson fought his fear of this vile thing jumping back when it tried to grab him...or at least touch him with one of those legs.

Balfar smiled. The elf was proving useful. He withdrew a large dagger and passed it to Eleson.

"Wedge that in it's underbelly. The wards on it should finish the job."

Eleson nodded and gripped the knife within his slender hands, getting ajusted to the weight of the knife. He went back to the spider, who was currently bleeding, yet still dangerous for all of it's possessive pain. It hissed in frustration at Eleson.

Eleson waited for a moment, swift upon his feet, keeping away from the thrashings of this creature. He had his rapier in one hand, and the knife in his correct hand. He waited for the correct moment...

And he saw it. He sprang from his position, moving sideways as though he was in a dance, his moves elaborate and beautiful as he moved his rapier around. A leg darted towards his delicate figure, a spin from Eleson, the leg hit nothing but air. The rapier bit into the leg, severing it, leving it twitching in the dark grass.

Exposed and reeling from the shock of the leg being severed, the spider was vunerable. Eleson span again, and thurst the knife into the spider.

Maddened by this new pain, the spider attacked Eleson with it's legs, throwing Eleson to one side by the blow. Eleson rolled into a dakrer corner of the forest, recovering from the kick of the spiders giant legs.

Seeing Eleson throw aside, Jonathan lept at the spider, holding his sword in the air with both hands, and swung it down in the direction of the spider's belly. The sword had a mild enchantment and ought to cause a lot of pain at the least.

The dagger within the spider began to glow a dark blue, burning the insides of the beast. It hissed in agony as the blade seared through it's flesh and organs. That combined with the pain of Jonathon's blade was enough to cause the creature to fall into darkness. It twitched slightly now, not feeling the pain.

Balfar looked back at the sider, seeing that it still breathed.

"It is unconscious. Someone with a long sword, ram the blade through on of the eyes, that will kill it."

Balfar returned his attention to the mage wraith. It hovered barely 15m from him. His spell still wasn't ready, energy continued to gather, creating more ice crystals upon his staff.

[[OOC: Sorry about the massive delay in continuing this post]]

Meanwhile, Eilan does appear to have noticed any of the attacking enemies. A glance at him would reveal that he is sunk deep in a misery of his own, with shoulders hunched and head down, indeed, he has been like ever since they entered the forest.

However, after a while the sounds of battle appear to get through to him and he (finally) looks up and sees what's happening. Seeing that the mages are preparing spells to deal with the final wraith, now closing rapidly, and that Eleson was injured leaving Jonathon to fight the spider, Eilan half-climbed, half-fell off his horse and righted himself quickly.

Balancing on the balls of his feet his arm drew back, then thrust forward. His harpoon hissed through the air toward the wraith, it's elemental magic probably not enough to kill it, but certainly able to distract it long enough to allow the mages of the party to finish preparing their spells.

Then he turned, sword and dagger in hand toward the spider - in case the thing decided to wake up.

The harpoon rammed into the Wraith, knocking it off course. The distraction gave Balfar the perfect oppurtunity to release his spell. The blue sphere sitting atop his staff flew at at a rate too fast to see. The others just noticed a blue blur as the sphere sped by and collided with the wraith.

As the energy hit the ethereal creature, it crackled and howled. Suddenly, the bottom of the wraith became visible to the untrained as ice began to grow around it. It howled and hissed, attempting to intimidate the party in a last act of desperation. But it was too late, the ice completely engulfed the creature, freezing it in midair.

Balfar smiled as he casually strode up to the frozen being and with one mighty whack from his staff, the ice smashed all over the path. Soon the remains of the wraith would melt away into nothingness.

Turning his attention back to the spider, Balfar watched. He was ready in case the creature caused anymore trouble, but he wanted to see if his team of adventurers could handle themselves.

(OOC: If Wraiths are ethereal, there is no way for it to be hit by a solid weapon such as a harpoon...)

Slightly annoyed, Azara stood up and brushed himself off. With his right hand, he began to summon a fireball. With a yell, Azara unleashed it at the stunned spider. He watched as the spider slowly withered away under the flames and heat of the fireball.

[[OOC: Unless the weapon is magical, as I mentioned that Eilan's is]]

OOC: The harpoon had some magic in it. It was only enough to distract the wraith.

Balfar jumped back onto his mount and waited for the others, watching as the spider withered away.

"We should get going. We don't want to be around this forest come nightfall."

BUMP!

OOC: Alright. It is obvious that some players have buggered off. I'm not going to wait around anymore. I'll continue the rp at a steady pace, and those that don't post will be presumed as non-participating.

IC: Balfar steadied his horse and waited for the others to remount. Once everyone was ready, Balfar retrieved his dagger from the spider, then made his way down the dark forest path, past the icy remains of the wraith.

If they hade haste, they would reach the end of the forest before nightfall.

Jonathan hurried after Balfar. The adventure had proven dangerous so far, but he enjoyed it and couldn't wait for more.

Several more hours into the journey, the group had suffered no more disruptions. Balfar estimated that darkness would fall within the hour. Hopefully it would take the group slightly less.

Balfar kept his senses extended, waiting for something else to hinder their path. It wasn't long before something drew the mage's attention. Balfar couldn't quite pin it, but something was not right........

"You guys feeling what I'm feeling?"

Balfar nodded.

"I hoped to not encounter this, but it looks like we may. You feel the presence of a higher drake. A dragon realative, higher drakes have limited magical abilities, mainly projectile attacks. They are extremely tough, and have strong magical resistance."

We are in for a hard battle.

Eilan sighed as Balfar spoke. He was already sunk deep in his own misery at merely being within such a dense forest - his race were creatures of the open sea, and as such suffered acutely from claustrophobia. After a moment though;

"Well, let's it over with. What kind of "projectile attacks"? Fire? Ice? Gases?"

"That depends on the colour of the drake. Different colours have different specific abilities. We draw close to the edge of this place, perhaps we shall miss the beast."

As the group drew closer to the edge of the forest, thin rays from the setting sun began to penetrate the canopy, they were mere minutes from reaching the edge of the forest.

The massive beast soared through the clouds, circling a dark forest. The creature could sense moving beings, almost out of the cover. A feast.....

"Ah shit... That's a rainbow drake... It knows all elemental attacks... We're in for a big fight..."

Balfar nodded.

"Indeed it is. This creature may have a number of attacks and is one of the strongest colours of higher drakes. This is not good."

Balfar placed several gems within the claw head of his staff, preparing for the battle. The trees began to thin as light was allowed within, the path continued to wind through the forest, ever closer to the end.

The massive creature continued to cut through the skies of Khardim, light reflecting off it's different coloured scales. It could smell the creatures within the forest, drawing closer to his trap.

Balfar could now see the edge of the forest, to the casual eye all seemed innocent, but Balfar noticed there were no other creatures on the fields. This was strange.

"Prepare for the drake. It will strike quickly and powerfully."

Finally the party emerged from the dark forest to see the setting sun. The sight was short lived though as a ball of fire crashed into the ground mere metres to the left of the party.

Balfar raised his staff, power flowing around the mage, his cloak being whipped around in the swirld.

"All magic users, we must get the drake out of the air!"

"And what the hell am I supposed to do? I cannot fight...that!" Eleson said exasperated and angry. His swished his rapier for effect, accusing Balfar as though it was somehow it was his fault. Eleson was covered with mud, and it did nothing to aid his mood. He had obtained it when the spider had sent him hurling away.

(OOC Sorry about that, going to keep up to date with this now.)

Jonathan looked up at the drake. This was to be a difficult battle. Never had he fought something so intimidating.

This is it, he thought. Death or glory...this is either the end of my journey, or the beginning of something more.

http://www.bbfree.com/shadowrp

OOC: sorry for not posting so long...

IC:
Anahid finally caught up with the group in time to see the fireball slamming into the ground.
"How nice... a Drak."
this was muttered under his breath at the same time as almost every other member of the party was either shouting, cursing or mumbling.
Raising his voice he shouted,
- Someone knock it to the ground! As long it's in the air it's got the advantage!
He highly doubted any spell would kill it outright, cripple it maybe but he ddn't doubt it would have to be killed the old fashioned way...

"With frelling what!" Eleson cried in frustration as he paced around.

Balfar jumped off his horse and landed with an agility none would suspect he possessed. Quickly leaping off the ground he had recently occupied, Balfar had acted none too soon as spear of ice thudded into the ground.

It was definately a rainbow drake. At times not always obvious unless viewed in the correct light, the sure sign of a rainbow drake was the combination of elemental attacks. Balfar cursed.

"Alright, normally a drake of a certain element can be taken care of with the opposite of its offensive element. This is not the case. As I've never battled one of these things before, I'm a little stumpped. Perhaps a combination of different elements from each of us shall work?"

The drake roared as it realised the full numbers of the group. Arcing it's massive jaw open, the beast released a wave of intense blue fire toward the travelling party.

Azara glanced relatively calm at the incoming Rainbow Drake. Cursing silently under his breath, Azara began to summon something that could possibly fight against the Drake. Instinctively, Azara began to channel his draconic magic into his hands. As he did so, Azara opened a portal into a form of purgatory known as the Timeless Realms. The gateway opened with a flash of lightning. Suddenly, the sky darkened as a knight stepped out of the portal.

Once the knight had exited the portal, it closed adruptly and disappeared as quick as it had come. The knight kneeled before Azara and lowered his head.

"Master, what do you request of the Dragonrider Ackl?"

Balfar rolled backwards and sprayed a sheet of ice to protect him from the incoming fire. At first the conjured ice held, but in the end, the drake flame prevailed. Melting the ice to a mere puddle of water, the flame plunged into the ground at Balfar's feet, causing him to be hurled through the air and onto the hard ground once again.

On sight of a dragon rider, the beast roared in fury. Dragon riders were non-existent within Khadrim, but every dragon spawn new of such creatures. In a burst of fear and malice, the drake unleashed several fire balls, ice spears and arcs of lightning toward the knight and Azara.

Azara glanced briefly as the fireballs drew closer, but he was immediately bowled over when the Dragonrider Ackl ran into and carried him away. A moment later, a big smoldering crater appeared where Azara stood caused by a massive fireball.

When Ackl dropped Azara down onto the floor, Azara glanced at Ackl.

"A little easy on the shoulder there, hm?"

Ackl did not acknowledge Azara's comment. Instead, he moved swiftly to combat the dragon. Bringing to his lips a fantastically carved horn, Ackl began to call to the Rainbow Drake, slowly driving it towards submission. Meanwhile, Azara stood up and began to set up some magical defenses for the members of the party...

The drake resisted the ancient calling. It had never been a slave before and it had no intention of changing. Eyes glowing red, the beast glared at the dragonrider as it unleashed several strange noises, senseless to those that didn't know the language. The dragonic words completed, a swirl of shadow poured forth from the drake, wrapping around the dragon rider.

Once he lay engulfed, the shadows began to contract and sizzle with lightning, taking on a physical form and continued to enclose the rider until he would be crushed.
____________

Recovering from his fall, Balfar also erected some basic defensive wards around himself and nearby members of the party. Running out of ideas, Balfar cursed, pondering what kind of spell would be effective against a rainbow drake.

His words flashed through his mind once again. Multi elemental attacks. Immediately the mage began chanelling energies from the land, into his staff.

Balfar's wards flared into activity, protecting those that could not defend themselves magically. He hardly noticed as he communicated with the earth, asking for its energy.......

The Dragonrider Ackl struggled to escape the grasp of the swirl of shadows. Unable to do so, Ackl prayed silently to the long-dead Eternal Dragonlord, Lance Crusade, for guidance. As he did so, Ackl slowly turned ethereal and escaped the swirl, albeit with some damage due to the electricity.

Meanwhile, Azara drove his staff into the earth and began to channel magic into the ground, slowly creating something monstrous...

Balfar conveyed his idea to Azara mentally.

"I intend to borrow elemental energy from the earth and attack the dragon. Draw on the powers of light, shadow, air, fire, earth and water. Unless you have something else in mind, I believe this will be enough to take the creature down, where your knight can do some damage."

Balfar's staff glowed a bright red as he collected the necessary energy for fire. Two elements down, four to go. He could feel the earth channeling it's energy into his staff, sharing what it could afford to fell the drake.
_________

The drake roared in fury as the dragon rider escaped from the shadow encasement. This was definately a foe to be wary of. Switching attacks once again, the drake began focusing light energy into it's massive jaw. The dragonic eyes flared gold as the power flowed through the beast, prepared to attack once again.

OOC: Bump damnit!

OOC: I'm just going to continue this, even if none of you post. It's important for my character history so I want to get it done. :x

IC: Balfar glowed with a power that few ever came into contact with. The planet's energy surged through him and his staff, the elements combined and ready for the necessary attack.

A ring of power surrounded him, one representing each element. Black, Gold, Red, Green, Blue and White. They hummed in unison, awaiting Balfar's command.

Staff pointed at the drake, Balfar alerted Azara that he was ready to attack.

Azara closed his eyes and murmured something quietly, inaudible. Opening his eyes, Azara pulled his staff out of the ground and slammed it down again. Within seconds, the earth began to rumble and massive chunks of earth blasted in the air towards the Rainbow Drake. Immediately afterwards, molten lava began to flow freely from the rift...

Balfar keyed his attack in unison with Azara's. Several beams, representing the elements in the energy form raced towards the beast, ready to do their damage.

The beast was distracted by the massive rocks speeding towards it. Dodging one rock, the drake was caught off guard as the elemental energy slammed into it, causing it to roar in pain and unleash several fireballs. Pain blinding the senses of the beast, it couldn't avoid the boulders heading directly for it.

In a monumental collision, the boulders exploded into the drake, striking a wing and the chest, the beast went crashing to the ground in a massive thud. With one wing broken, it would not be flying again. Sore and angered from the attack, the beast stumbled to it's feat.

Balfar moved towards the others.

"We need to attack from every direction we can, we have much better chances then."

Azara held up his staff preventing the others from moving towards the Rainbow Drake.

"Its too dangerous, my last spell has greatly damaged the ground and a volcanic eruption will occur any minute now... The best solution for us is to get the hell out of here..."

Balfar considered this for a moment. Azara was correct, an eruption would be too dangerous. It would definately be enough to wipe them all out, including the drake.

It may not be able to fly, but it can still cover great distances by foot.

"We must put restraining spells upon it whilst the drake is still stunned!"

Balfar began to call upon his arcane reserves, weaving the threads of power into an appropriate barrier to hold the drake.

Jonathan stood watching the drake. There was little he could do, having been told not to approach, but it didn't mean the drake would not approach him. However, in such a place it paid to be wary of what was happening from all directions. This was something Jonathan had forgotten, and he would regret it...

The threads of power spiralled around the drake, binding it physically and magically. It would not be going anywhere. As Balfar completed the spell, the earth rumbled under him, almost knocking him off his feet. Turning to the others he spoke.

"We must get out of here. The bindings will keep the drake there long enough for the eruption to destroy it. Now let's go, towards the mountains."

Balfar pointed to the large mountain range on the horizon.

OOC:sorry again, i had to update my computer from windows ME to XP. ME is quite possibly the worst windows ever, so many problems. But i lost the link to this, and i just stumbled upon it. I'd really like to join in again.

Kragoth re-appeared just in time to see the Drake in tangles. He didn't know exactly what happened, but he knew he was in the presence of some powerful mages and fighters, and he is honored to even be there.

"I apologize for falling behind. There was some...err...business I had to take care of. From now on, I dedicate this mission as #1 priority. Now let's move before this volcano erupts!"

Kragoth casted a speed spell that increased everyone's movement in order to get away from the eruption quicker. He hoped that it was enough to save them.

'How long will it take to reach the location of this "Tear"?'
Anahid asked Balfar riding nearer him to ensure he would be heard,
'And I would suggest sending out one of our number from time to time as a scout to ensure that if anythings like the ones we already met are in are way we could try to avoid them, saving us both time and potentialy lives increasing the chance that we get the "Tear" and bring it back without getting killed by the first group of bandits.'
The knight went silent looking at the mage through the eye slits in his greathelm waiting for an answer.

OOC:sorry again, i had to update my computer from windows ME to XP. ME is quite possibly the worst windows ever, so many problems. But i lost the link to this, and i just stumbled upon it. I'd really like to join in again.

Kragoth re-appeared just in time to see the Drake in tangles. He didn't know exactly what happened, but he knew he was in the presence of some powerful mages and fighters, and he is honored to even be there.

"I apologize for falling behind. There was some...err...business I had to take care of. From now on, I dedicate this mission as #1 priority. Now let's move before this volcano erupts!"

Kragoth casted a speed spell that increased everyone's movement in order to get away from the eruption quicker. He hoped that it was enough to save them.

(OOC: I don't think you ever joined... I could be mistaken, which I'm usually am...)

Azara stayed behind, watching the drake attempting to escape. With a sigh, Azara quickly sent the dragonrider, Ackl back to the Timeless Realms. His feet not touching the ground as he hovered away, towards the mountains. With one last glance back at the stunned and injured drake, Azara slammed his staff once more into the ground, hastening the volcanic eruption. Moments later, Azara joined up with the others, as a massive explosion occurred behind them in the valley...

Balfar turns his attention to the knight.

"We are to camp at the base of the mountain range for the night. Then we reach the the peak, where the location of the Tear will be revealed. It won't be long."

The mage didn't turn back as the eruption filled the sky with noise, destroying the drake. The party had almost reached the campsite.

[[Sorry about the delay in posting]]

Eilan followed Arithon quietly, one side of his face blistering from the drake's intitial attack, one that had rendered him useless for the confrontation.
He removed one of mant small vials attached to his cloth harness and started rubbing the substance over his burns before offering it to the others.

Kragoth listened to Balfar, and followed him. He stopped for a minute though, and wanted to talk to everyone for one minute.

"I apologize for...not being there today...against that Drake. If I were there, then maybe there could have been something I could have done, to save any of you from being wounded. I promise you though, that I'll be there for everything from now on, and remember, I'm mostly a white mage. I may prove quite useful in the future. Is there anyone I can help for now?" Kragoth told the group.

Balfar nodded to the white mage.

"I am fine, but I'm sure others may appreciate some help."

Finally the group reached the site. Directly at the base of the mountains, the area was bare and surrounded by large boulders. The rocks had many different runes inscribed into them, none of them familiar to any that did not know the language of Khadrimian elves.

Sliding off his horse and removing his gear, Balfar sat against a large rock.

"We camp here for the night."

Darkness had already fallen as the group pulled up, luckily firewood was plentiful within the area and a little mage light allowed the group to gather wood and start a fire.

Azara disappeared into the night, intent upon exploring the area around them. He grimaced at the folly of the others in not checking the area around them for traps or ambushes. The first lesson one learned was to always check one's surroundings. To fail to do so would only result in death. As he checked, Azara discovered a small cave halfway up the slope of the smallest mountain. Curious, Azara disappeared into the cave, his staff's fierocious draconic light easily lighting up the dark cave...

After the fire was cast Anahid made a primitive torch and began looking at the ruins on the rocks. As suiting his birth he had learned enough of reading and writing to get by as well as some runes of older languages as was lately in fashion though he never mastered elvish and dwarfish much.
But what he saw on the rocks was way beyond his knowledge, he couldn't make anything out of it except that it was some form of elvish.
Turning to the group he pointed at the runes with his torch and asked,
'Anyone can read this?'

Balfar nodded and looked around the foor largest boulders bordering the campsite.

"They are elvish runes of protection. Those that camp within this site are protected from anything that may seek to harm those within. It's a convinient site that came to my attention on my journeys through this land."

Balfar continued to lay against the rock as he withdrew some dried fruits and bread from his pack.

Meanwhile, some distance further up the mountain, a figure moves through the shadows. It muttered quietly in a language that had not been heard in several thousand years. A faintly glowing mist drifted through the trees; where it passed, dead branches shifted. Soon, about a dozen rough, basically human forms had been gathered. The mysterious figure moved its hands in an odd gesture over each, spoke a few more words in the ancient tongue, and vanished into the night.
12 deadwood golems arose, and started moving toward the camp. They were not fast, but they wood arrive well before dawn....
OOC: Do you want that cave to be this new opponent's lair? It isn't time for a confrontation yet, but you could find some evidence of him.

OOC: Sure, go for it.

IC: Balfar closed his eyes but kept his staff within his hands. He wasn't sleeping, merely resting his body. His mind raced, aware and waiting for the next challenge. He would be ready.

Taking a last look at the woods slowly disapearing in darkness Anahid walked to the fire, throwing the torch into it's flames he noted that some members of his team dissapeared, probably answering the call of nature he thought.
Sitting down he removed his great helm and pulled out some food to make himself some sort of dinner.

Balfar spoke as a member of the party sat down. Keeping his eyes closed and his mind elsewhere, he gave out a simple warning.

"There are strange creatures roaming these lands at the moment. Make sure you sleep within the circle of runes, or you won't be waking up."

Jonathan looked around carefully to check that he was in the safe area, then laid down to rest. He was tired, but his mind was filled with thoughts of the coming trials. After having to fight the rainbow drake, there was no telling what horrors would befall the group next.

Jonathan looked around carefully to check that he was in the safe area, then laid down to rest. He was tired, but his mind was filled with thoughts of the coming trials. After having to fight the rainbow drake, there was no telling what horrors would befall the group next.

Kragoth began to fall asleep after reaching the camp. It's been a long time since he's actually had a good night sleep. He's been having the same nightmare every night, ever since the group went to the pub, before they left on the journey, and for a second there, he thought that he wouldn't have in tonight, but 2 minutes later, Kragoth woke up in a hot sweat, scared to death. He could have sworn he saw another black mage standing in front of him, but he was imagining things. Kragoth decided to get up and walk around for a bit to calm down. He began to feel very threatened for some reason. There was something very evil near. With him being a white mage, he is very in tune with the light, and feels threatened when darkness is near.

The deadwood creatures paused when they neared the camp. Nervous about going near the fire, one of them threw a stone towards the circle....

Balfar stirred when Kragoth awoke and began to move. He was about to speak when a large rock shattered against the stone next to him. Within an instant the mage was on his feet and looking in the direction of the rock source.

"Look, over toward the forest. Wake the others and get ready for a fight!"

When they saw movement, the creatures quickly retreated a short distance into the forest. They gathered more rocks as they searched for hiding places....

Eilan groaned, rising as the rock shattered nearby, his burns are still obvious despite the salve he used. What is strange about the the blisters and burnt tissue is that only the tiniest flicker of flame actually hit him, yet his injuries are much greater than one would expect.

Nonetheless, he clambers to his feet and picks up his harpoon, waiting for whatever is out there to show itself.

Anahid nearly jumped to his feet, grasping his sword. After peering into the woods for a second he put on his great helm and still eying the woods he grasped a branch from the fire.
Still eying the woods he walked to Balfar and asked,
'You sure that these runes give us protection/'
and soon after he added,
'Do you got some spell enabling us to see in the dark? It could be usefull.'

Azara walked cautiously into the cave, his staff illuminating it. As he walked, he accidently crushed a group of bones.

"What the hell!?!"

Upon closer examination of the cave, Azara realized that it was filled with bones, the bones of the dead...

Picking up a brittle skull, Azara crushed it with his hand.

"These have been here a while, what the hell happened?"

Uneasy, Azara quickly turned towards the exit...

Balfar nodded, not taking his eyes off the forest.

"These runes offer protection from magical attacks and prevent any that wish us harm from crossing the circle. Unfortunately, physical projectile weapons aren't included."

The mage summoned a small ball of golden light into his hand. With a mighty hurl, the ball soared into the air until it finally halted, slightly above the forest entrance. Balfar's eyes glowed the same colour as the ball exploded in rays of sustained light, illuminating the forest under it and the area between them and the forest.

"Will that do?"

Anahid lifted his arm to bloke the light. Seeing how effective it was he tossed his torch into the fire.
'Yes it will do. If these rings don't protect us from thrown objectives we'll have to either keep watch or scout the area and try to find our assailents. As your the leader it's your call.'
the knight said sheathing his sword seeing no danger in the area.

Azara walked cautiously into the cave, his staff illuminating it. As he walked, he accidently crushed a group of bones.

"What the hell!?!"

Upon closer examination of the cave, Azara realized that it was filled with bones, the bones of the dead...

Picking up a brittle skull, Azara crushed it with his hand.

"These have been here a while, what the hell happened?"

Uneasy, Azara quickly turned towards the exit...
It was then that he saw the tracks... one set leading in, and two leading out.
OOC: Unless you have something specific in mind for this, of course.
The mage summoned a small ball of golden light into his hand. With a mighty hurl, the ball soared into the air until it finally halted, slightly above the forest entrance. Balfar's eyes glowed the same colour as the ball exploded in rays of sustained light, illuminating the forest under it and the area between them and the forest.
The animated wooden creatures hefted their rocks, waiting for someone to venture forth and enter their field of view.

Balfar shrugged.

"There really isn't much we can do. We don't want to get too close to those things. I'm not even sure what they are, so I don't know a weakness. Is anyone else familiar with them?"

The mage continued to dodge rocks as they bombarded the camp. They could not last like this forever.

OOC: Just so you know, they're most vulnerable to fire, and can also be taken out by thorough chopping or smashing.

OOC: OK.

IC: Balfar brought his mage sight into full force, examining the faraway beasts. They seemed to be animated wooden creatures, perhaps tree golems. He watched the stands of energy course through them, giving them life. Although he had never seen something like that before, he had a good idea of what might hurt them.

"I think they may be afraid of fire. Does anyone have a long bow?"

'Or a crossbow perhaps?'
Anahid said walking to retrieve his from his limited baggage,
'Though I got to warn you, I'm short on bolts and not the best shot.'
this was true, as a youth he spent more time training for personel combat, and when to take in account the fact that he comparred himself to proffesional archers or the few elves he met in his life his skills looked preety shabby.

Balfar nodded.

"That will do. Do you think you could hit one of them?"

The mage spawned a small sphere of blue flame within his hand, ready to light the bolt on fire and unleash it at the beasts.

Anahid cocked the bow with the "Goats Claw" a lever that pulled the bow back, took the claw off and placed a bolt made of ash tipped with steel and with flights made of leather. He kneeled and checked the distance,
'I think I could hit them.'
Taking the bolt off he pulled from his pouch a bundle of wool and began binding a small bundle to the bolt.
'It's dabbed in tar, helps it burn.'
he explained while removing his helmet to help his aim. He placed the bolt on the bow and waited for Balthar to light it before to shooting towards the things.

Balfar nodded as he placed the sphere onto the bolt.

"Be quick, the flame burns with an intense fury and will consume the arrow if you take too long."

Anahid nodded and fired, immediatly after he placed the "Claw" on the crossbow and with a slight grunt drew the compozite bow back to it's place, the situaton wasn't unnerving for him, it sent his memory back to a siege he had tooken part in a couple of years ago.
'One of the problems with flamming arrows' he began saying, 'Is that they burn the wood so quickly that you have little time to aim. That and the fact that the extra wieght shorten the range, though it's still better than a longbows.' while speaking he bond another bolt in the prepared wool before placing it on it's spot in the crossbow.
'Did my first shot do an impression on the blighters?' he asked while waiting for the bolt to be lightend.

Balfar squinted until he spotted the arrow.

"You missed by about 2 inches. It hit the tree next to the beast. Aim 6 inches to the right and you should be the beast square in the centre."

He summoned another flaming sphere and placed it upon the arrow.

'Will do.'
he stated simply before the way it was and letting the bolt fly.

"How tough do you think these creatures are?" Jonathan asked. He had but a taste of real battle, and wanted more.
Before waiting for an answer, Jonathan turned to the others. "Cover me, I'm going in!"

Sword ready, Jonathan ran towards the wood golems. They're only made of wood. My skills and a LuceEternan sword should be enough to take them down. At least with help from the others.

Fuelled by adrenaline, Jonathan ran in and swung his sword with full force into one of the golems.

"How tough do you think these creatures are?" Jonathan asked. He had but a taste of real battle, and wanted more.
Before waiting for an answer, Jonathan turned to the others. "Cover me, I'm going in!"

Sword ready, Jonathan ran towards the wood golems. They're only made of wood. My skills and a LuceEternan sword should be enough to take them down. At least with help from the others.

Fuelled by adrenaline, Jonathan ran in and swung his sword with full force into one of the golems.

Balfar cursed as Jonathan left the circle and charged towards the beast. Before he could react, his attention was captured by the howling cries of a wood golem as it burst into flames after being struck by the bolt. The flames licked up the side of the beast, illuminating the area as it ran around, releasing howls of anguish.

Balfar nodded.

"Good job. That's one down."

OOC: How many are there?

As Azara exited the cave, disconcerted by what he had saw, he noticed a pair of carefully concealed tracks. Walking cautiously, Azara knelt and began to look over the tracks. Looks to be a couple of hours old... I should investigate. Wearily, Azara proceeded after the tracks and into the dark...

A wood golem reeled as its arm parted from the rest of its body. The creature's remaining arm swung around and struck Jonathan with great force, knocking him to the ground. Jonathan rolled just in time to avoid being stepped on.

(OOC: There are twelve of them...)

Anahid's smile of truimph was replaced by a frown as he noticed in what sort of situation Jonathan was in.
'Balfar, could you send some fire balls or something to help the guy, I'll go in and pull him out.'
as he spoke he put on his helmet and grabbed one of the logs from the camps fire before running out.

Flames spread swiftly through the golem, and it soon collapsed into ashes... As it fell, nine rocks hurtled out of the shadows toward Anahid and Balfar.
The armless golem stomped somewhat clumsily toward Jonathan; another one lifted a stone and threw it towards his head.

OOC: Is Azara going into the cave or away from it? There's some potentially useful information in there...

(OOC: Out of the cave)

The rock missed Jonathan's head, and hit his shield arm instead. It was not a direct hit, but it was hard enough to make him drop his shield. Jonathan crawled away a short distance, and got to his feet. He held his left arm so as to minimize pain and readied his sword. He faced the dismembered golem. One arm vs one (useable) arm. Jonathan didn't have time to ponder the irony of the situation. The golem swung in vain, as Jonathan's sword removed half of its remaining arm. Jonathan smiled weakly and looked about him to see several more golems headed his way.

A short distance from the cave, one set of tracks (the one that entered it) turned aside into a rocky area and vanished. The other set began curving through the woods, with new tracks occaisonally joining it...
-------------------
Several more of the golems began throwing rocks at Jonathan.