Medieval Fantasy RP: Closed [Archive]

06-12-2003, 07:57

OOC MODERATOR POST

Races Allowed: Human, Vampire, Elf, Drow, Angel, Demon, Dwarf, and any of various combinations of the aforementioned.

Players Allowed: Seven people playing at one time (one more than that if you include me, of course). If someone drops out of the storyline somewhere along the way, someone else can jump in with their character. Also, each player must be prepared to play a monster along with their character. This way I don't have to be all the monsters and obstacles. I don't want to talk to myself all the time, it's just not right.

:twisted: We've Begun! :twisted:

How This'll Be Run: To make sure the story goes smoothly and quickly:
1. Send me a telegram if you're not going to check the board at least once a day. Please try to check twice a day if your a main character at the moment.
2. Send me a telegram if you don't wish to continue with the story so I can open the space for someone else.
3. If you don't post for four days without letting me know, I'll consider you've left the storyline and open your space for another character.
4. If any of these requests seem too strong, telegram me so I can loosen them or something. I want this to be fun, but I also don't want to have to wait four days for one person to post. :wink:

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The year is 1431. Joan of Arc is at Rouen. James, a vampire who was transformed roundabout a year after the Christ was said to have been crucified, now sits in the dining room of an elven woman and her human husband. The woman is obviously with child. James, yellow-green eyes looking her over carefully as she spoke, rested one hand against his chin in thought. His reddish-brown hair was shoulder length, tied back with a black ribbon, and he wore the clothes of rich folk. He crossed one leg over the other as the woman continued talking.

"Could you?" She asked, her husband interupting with, "Please, my lord ... we are but peasants. We cannot afford another child." The wife nodded her agreement, clasping her hands tightly in front of her, raising them every now and again for emphasis, "Please take our child into your house, good sir."

James got these requests all the time, and he never turned down an offer. He could always use another servant, another blood meal, another mortal to add to his ever-growing collection. He nodded his acceptance to them, then stood to make his exit. The wife thanked him many times, the husband agreeing with everything she said. They actually believed he'd care for their child, and this amused James. He might take care of the child, he thought to himself, at least until it ceased to be a child.

"When are you due?" He asks. The response from the couple was, "Two months." He nodded, placing his hat upon his head as he did, and walked out their door and into the street. "May I ask your family name?" He inquired. "Winneker, my Lord ... Daniel and Rachael Winneker." Came the response. He then waved to the two of them and entered into his horse-drawn carriage, which had been waiting for him after his arrival.

"Home, Connery." He said stiffly, sinking into his seat with a sigh. "At this rate I'll never have to hunt for my meals." He said to himself, looking idly out the window. There was a harvest moon out tonight, the color as close to blood as he had ever seen. James smiled maliciously at the sight.

FIFTEEN YEARS LATER

The year is 1445. Gutenberg has just recently introduced printing in Europe. Kimberly "Kimli" Winneker walked into the study where her master was reading one of the old books. His hair was unbound and covering his face as he read, an old habit of his, but it didn't seem to bother his ability to read any. Kimli came to his side and lightly touched his forearm to get his attention.

"My lord, it's almost dawn ... will you be finished soon?" she asked kindly.
"Yes, I was just reading up on the fable of the blood goblet ... did you send out all the invitations I gave you a few weeks ago?" he replied with curiosity.
"Of course, I've heard one response so far ... what is this about, lord?" she inquired.
James slid back his chair and beckoned Kimli to his on his lap, which she did so without question, wrapping one arm around his neck as he spoke. "I've found recently that the legend of the blood goblet may be, in fact, true. There was a story once that told of a goblet that held unsurpassable might. The power to grant vampires the ability to walk in the daylight, humans immortal life, elves and drow the knowledge of their deceased elders, redemption to angels who have fallen, and supreme power to demons who possess it. Almost anything one could wish for. I've almost pinpointed the location of this fabled relic's resting place, but I couldn't go alone. I need allies to help me."
"What will you do with the goblet, my lord?" Kimli asked.
"Well, I would ask for the ability to walk in the sunlight again, of course. Though if the tales are true, it may be possible to use the goblet to rule the entire region." James mused, smiling evily. "I would quite enjoy that."

06-12-2003, 08:06

An unknown creature with pale white skin enters the town, slipping over a section of a wall with traces of blood and corpses left behind upon that tiny part of the wall. He came upon a house, trying to be descreet he went into the storage room and hid upon the roofs.
A few hours later, he heard voices and cloaked himself with his brown cape amongst the wall as he saw two people *obviously smiths* enter the storage room to pick materials up. After they left he waited for the next moment to catch another presence.

06-12-2003, 16:51

OOC: interesting post. let's see if anyone else wants to play.

Pantocratoria

06-12-2003, 17:42

The situation at home was desperate. Late last year, the great Crusade from the Latins for which the Byzantine Empire rejoined the Catholic Church had been crushed by the Ottoman Sultan. Andronicus had been present in court at Constantinople to witness John VIII Palaeologus receive the news. He watched the Basileus' heart break as his hopes were crushed. Nobody needed to ask the old man what the news had been, everybody knew that after the defeat of the crusader army at Varna, Constantinople was doomed. It was only a matter of time. John VIII Palaeologus had incurred the hatred of his people for surrendering to the Catholic demands, with the Union of Kalamar, all in the hope that the West would rise to save Constantinople from the Ottoman Turks, but the West would never try again, not after Varna. To do so would be pointless. It was no longer a question of if the Eastern Roman Empire would come to an end, it was merely a question of when.

But Andronicus couldn't accept that. He couldn't collapse into a purple-silk draped throne and wait for death like the Basileus. God would not deliver Constantinople through the Union of Kalamar, but Andronicus was resolved to deliver the city through his own exhortations. Well-read, he had come across an ancient Greek manuscript which alluded to the existence of a relic of unspoken power, a goblet, which could give Andronicus the power to defeat the infidel Turks, the power to save Constantinople from the final blow, the power to save his wife from being raped and murdered by Turkish looters, the power to save his daughters from being sold as slaves, and his sons from being raised as Moslem soldiers of the Sultan.

First he had sailed to Valencia in Catalonia, for at first he mistook these stories as allusions to the Holy Grail, and a small Catalan church claimed to hold the true Grail. But Andronicus had been disappointed, the Catalan Grail had no power to stop Sultan Murad's armies.

He went back to his study of the texts, and soon realised that the goblet was not the Grail, but something different altogether. Finally, his searches had led him to this place. His research had told him to expect trouble, so he came prepared, bringing some mail armour, a helmet, a spear, sword and shield.

His sword hung from his belt, but the rest of the heavy war gear was piled onto the back of the cob he led behind the rouncy he rode. Also packed on the back of the cob were rolls of vellum by the dozen, a generous supply of Greek wine, and a reasonable supply of locally purchased cheese and bread. He was dressed in the style of a Byzantine courtier, although his fine Greek clothes were sullied by the dirt of the road, and made him stand out as an alien would amongst the Latins (the Greek term for Western Europeans).

He rode towards the lord of the place's hall, and dismounted. He looks to the guard.

"I am Andronicus Phocas of Constantinople, a patrician." he said. "I am here to see the lord of this place, to seek his hospitality. By the laws of hospitality, since I am a patrician, or a gentleman as you may call them here, I believe your lord is required to admit me, good man."

Andronicus awaited the reply. A week ago he had bribed a messager carrying a suspicious invitation sent by a "Lord James", and he intended to find out everything this Lord James character knew about the blood goblet.

OOC: Could you tell us where we are, please? :)

07-12-2003, 00:08

OOC: Well, I did neglect to say which town we were in, didn't I :oops: ... let's call it a small, historically unknown town of Cwichelm, outside Poitiers. That's where the english defeated the french in 1356. And don't mistake me as a history buff, I went on an internet search to glean general world information from the year 1337 to 1644, just so I could have a little historical accuracy on the weapons and stuff. Nobody has to know history here. :wink:

IC: The guard looked to the man curiously, then nodded. "You must be one of those who received the invitation. You seem to have traveled far to get here. I'm sure my Lord James Chevalier will be more than glad to give you refuge. Please wait here." He said, stepping inside the door to alert the master of the house, leaving Andronicus with the other, younger-looking guard.

The guard soon returned. "My Lord wills you to stable your horse in the barn with the others of the estate and to follow Samuel here ..." he thrusted a thumb in the direction of a boy no older than eleven who had emerged from the dim entryway of the house with the guard, "... to a room that has been prepared for you. My Lord also wishes to speak with you once you've made yourself comfortable. He will wait in his study, and Samuel shall show you the way."

Samuel then came out of the house as the guard retook his position, walking towards the barn as to guide Andronicus there. He didn't speak, but turned and waved for the man to follow him. It was also clear that Samuel was at least 1/4 demon, because he had two small horns on his forehead as well as yellow, catlike eyes.

Aelosia

07-12-2003, 00:53

Atheril walked through the town. His blue cloak gleaming under the light of the stars combining with the armor made of Ithilmar covering most of his body, except for the head, the black hair floating in the night wind.

His features were fair, the ones of a proud son of the Doriath Kingdom. Grey elf, he was called by many. His complexion was pale compared to the more tanned skin of his Noldorin Cousins. His slim yet handsome figure, covered in the magic silver of his race, was muscular and agile, as a sharp dagger. In his hip was hanging his Golvarn sword, and his steadfast bow in his back.

He approached one of the guards, smiling at him, talking in a perfect human dialect, yet with a strong Sindarin elvish accent. "Should I ask permission to wander in this city, I come from a land far away, maybe you have special rules regarding strangers?".

07-12-2003, 01:13

The older guard, a human, looked the grey elf over slowly. "We don't have any rules about walking around town. It's a pretty free country ... what brings you to Cwichelm anyway?"

The younger guard, who was 1/4 elven, smiled kindly to the visitor, "If you want, I could tell you of some of the amenities we have here in Cwichelm. There's the Painted Rose Inn, which also doubles as a tavern ... the smithshop is just down the main road, near the house of Dorias Melborne ... and all the businesses in town have wooden signs hung over their doors picturing their product. There is a great variety, so do feel free to look around wherever you wish."

The older guard elbowed his young companion, then looked to the man again, "Might I be asking you why you ventured to our small town?" He was obviously wondering if this person was another guest of his master, Lord James Chevalier. He didn't notice he was repeating himself, though.

Aelosia

07-12-2003, 01:41

"I was invited", answered the elf in a sober tone. "By the High Lord Chevalier himself. I'm one of the Swordmasters of the White Gleaming Tower of Hoeth, skilled in swordplay and magic alike. I don't know what he could want from me, but I'm expecting to meet him soon, so he could explain to me the motives of his invitation".

Then he turned to the younger guard, a smile in his thin lips "Thank you, kind one, I'll try to stay in that inn, and get a good taste of your food. Of course a good forge always is interesting to me, although I'm not a dwarf", he said chuckling, "but I worked in the Forge of Vaul some time ago, and admire a good blade is always a blessing"

07-12-2003, 01:56

The young guard smiled in response to the kind words of Atheril, but the older guard only nodded solemnly. "Then my Lord will like to know you have arrived, sir ... and I have been informed that all guests of my Lord James are invited to stay in his mansion. You may stay at the inn, however, if you wish."

As the three had their conversation, inside the mansion James looked out on the sunlit world through tinted glass. He nodded slowly and turned from the view in response to a servant entering. The servant, an angelic woman of african decent, had listened at the door while Atheril arrived and came to inform the master of the house, as was her duty.

"My Lord, another of your guests has arrived just now, this one a swordmaster of the white gleaming towers of hoeth. He claims to have magical abilities ... do you know of him?" she inquired.

"Of course ... Atheril most likely ... thank you." he replied, signaling the woman to leave him. He then moved to his seat, looking upon the page of ancient, yellowed paper and colorful ink which depicted a picture of the blood goblet. He mused over the arrivals and hoped the rest would arrive within the next few days. If the legends he read of the goblet were true, then they had less than two months to find its resting place before it disappeared for another fifteen years.

Ravea

07-12-2003, 02:19

The former Teuetonic Kight wanderd across the fields ina desprete attempt to get some food. Exiled from his homeland, he had given up his traditional Teuetonic armor for the garb of a ranger. A Katana was steadfast at his hip, and a longbow was strapped to his back. He had a long scar on his neck. The crusades had not done him justice-instead it had turned his people against him.

He reached the top of the hill and looked out across the plains. A settlement glowed in the distance. Hoping that the town was friendly to strangers, he trudged twords it.

Jaxusism

07-12-2003, 02:25

OoC : Whoever invited me, thanks for the offer buy no thanks.

07-12-2003, 02:26

OOC: okay ... it was just that, an offer ... :D ... thanks for taking a look anyhow! :wink:

Five Civilized Nations

07-12-2003, 05:13

--Days Earlier--

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 Rouen. 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...

Azara travelled towards Cwichelm, intent upon meeting the lord that had sent the intriguing invitation...

07-12-2003, 05:21

OOC: ... Azara player man ... we aren't in Roen ... we're in a small town called Cwichelm, outside Poitiers, where the English defeated the French in the year so-and-so. Read the posts a bit closer next time, please. Especially the moderator's ... >.> ... oh wait, that's me ... nevermind, I never make any sense. :lol:

IC: Having spent the better part of the day out in the orchards gathering fruit, Kimli headed back towards town. A bowl of fruit balanced on her head and steadied by one hand, a flat basket of wildgrown herbs balanced on one hip, Kimli noticed two men, seemingly traveling alone, heading towards Cwichelm. She perked her elven ears, blonde hair braided in some spots and down to her knees, as she moved fluidly and quietly towards them both, barefoot.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/dd_gallery/dd4/Sif_p188.jpg

"Pardon me ... may I ask who you both are and why you have come calling on our small town?" Kimli asked kindly, stopping closer to Azara than (Ravea) because she had come along the path and he obviously had taken the natural route.

Five Civilized Nations

07-12-2003, 05:22

OOC: okay... will be edited...

Amerigo

07-12-2003, 05:38

OOC MODERATOR POST

Races Allowed: Human, Vampire, Elf, Drow, Angel, Demon, and any of various combinations of the aforementioned.

OOC: No dwarves? Thats racist...

07-12-2003, 05:42

Amerigo

07-12-2003, 06:00

OOC MODERATOR POST

Races Allowed: Human, Vampire, Elf, Drow, Angel, Demon, and any of various combinations of the aforementioned.

OOC: No dwarves? Thats racist...

:roll: I don't think anyone wants to play a dwarf, but if you do then go right ahead, I'll allow it ... :wink:
OOC: What would that goblet do for a dwarf?

Grundbrin Blackhammer strode through the town with an aura of pride about him despite his actual size. He was a dwarf of average height and thus only about 4'6. His face could barely be seen under the grand and highly decorated helm on his head and the black beard that covered almost half his face. His eyes were dark brown with a peculiar touch of crimson. He walked along with an axe on his back, clad in full plate mail. Every bit of his armor was decorated with ancient dwarven runes. His axe included, except it had pale crimson glow to it. The handle itself looked crooked and ancient. He appraoched the guards and declared in a deep brassy voice,

"I am Grundbrin Blackhammer son of Berevod son of Grashdur son of Grundail the Great of the Glorious Underground Empire of the Dwarves. I have been invited."

He spoke with such superiority in his tone that one would have thought that they were the short diminiutive men who stood before a great power.

Pantocratoria

07-12-2003, 06:06

Andronicus eyeballed Samuel suspiciously, before following him to the stable. He took the satchels of the rolls of vellum, and hung them from his heavy belt, on the other side to his scabbard. He turned to a stable boy.

"You may unpack and conduct the rest of this to my accommodation, boy." he says, before turning to Samuel. "Well... Samuel... where to next?"

Andronicus knew to expect to meet all manner of monstrous creatures during his quest for the blood goblet. Outwardly he didn't show the anxiety he felt about standing so close to a demon, but nevertheless, he felt it. He took some small comfort in the feeling of the crucifix about his neck against the skin of his chest beneath his chemise.

07-12-2003, 06:29

OOC: It would do for the dwarf whatever he wants it to do. It has limitless power and whatever the possessor wants, s/he gets.

The 1/4 elven guard, the younger one, looked down on the dwarf from his 5'11'' height with a strange look on his face of disbelief. They didn't get many dwarves around here. "C-could you repeat that name?" he asked, confused by how long it was. Lucky for him, the elder guard, 5'6'' in stature, heard it all and was accustomed to the culture of the dwarves.

"Of course. Amelia!" he turned and shouted into the house. The angelic woman of african decent stepped lively to the door, her white wings peeking from the shadows it cast when she opened it. "Tell Lord James that Grundbrin Blackhammer has arrived." he said, Amelia nodding and re-entering the house. He turned back to him, "A room has already been prepared in anticipation of your arrival. Do you have anything with you besides that on your back? A horse perhaps?"

As they spoke, Samuel was in the barn with Andronicus. The stable boy set about his task of unpacking as Andronicus adressed Samuel directly.
"Well... Samuel... where to next?"
He looked up to the man, only standing barely to the man's chest. He smiled, running a hand through his cropped short black hair as he began the short trip back to the house without a word, waving for the man to follow. As they reached the house, they heard the last bit of the conversation and saw the newest of guests.

"No horse?" inquired the young guard, amazed that anyone could travel so far a distance without an animal to ride upon. The elder guard looked towards the duo as they arrived however, and cut off the younger guards attempt to question the dwarf. "Ah, Samuel ... showing Lord Andronicus to his room? Good lad! Hey Avatin," the elder guard said, elbowing his taller but younger companion, "Continue your conversation with Lord Blackhammer as you escort him to his room, alright?" Avatin quirked a brow, then was elbowed again and nodded, rubbing his sore ribs. "Whatever you say, Gavin." was his only response. Samuel then led the way for the group, stepping past Avatin and opening the door to the mansion.

Just as Samuel began leading the group of men up the stairs to the second floor where their spacious rooms were respectively located, Amelia entered the study. "My Lord ... Grundbrin Blackhammer has arrived." James stood and walked to the window again, seemingly waiting for something as he watched the sun slowly set through the tinted glass. "Thank you Amelia, be sure to check on them to be sure they have what they need. And remind them that I would like to speak with them as soon as they are unpacked." Amelia nodded and closed the door behind her, leaving a feather or two in her wake upon the floor.

"The time will come soon, my dear. The blood goblet will be found and all our destinies shall be realized." James spoke quietly, pulling back the curtain slightly as he looked out upon the town. "Very shortly indeed."

Pantocratoria

07-12-2003, 06:43

Andronicus followed the boy to his room. He didn't speak up to correct anybody when he heard himself being referred to as "Lord Andronicus", but simply followed in silence.

When he reaches his room, he immediately puts his pack of vellum rolls in the chest at the foot of the bed, and locks it. He removes his dusty mantle, hangs it up on the door, and starts brushing the dust and dirt of the road off it with a small hand brush. After doing so, he washes his hands in a bowl of water, and then splashes the water over his face. He stows the gear brought in by the stable boy in another chest, before pulling his mantle back on. He draws his sword, pulls a rag out of the chest, dampens the rag, and starts wiping his sword down, so that it gleams, ready for his presentation to Lord James. He puts the sword back in his scabbard.

He was soon ready. Andronicus sat down next to the window, and waited to be called to meet Lord James, watching the birds in the trees.

Amerigo

07-12-2003, 06:54

The dwarf followed the young guard up the stairs and when they had reached the apropriate room the dwarf stopped suddenly and said,

"Lad. Would you tell me if there be a bit o' ale lyin' about somewhere or mayhaps some bitter black beer? I haven't had a drop of liquid on me tongue in seven weeks!"

Of course he was exaggerating as is usually the dwarven way---he hadn't drank anything in only two weeks. Before the young guard could reply, the dwarf continued,

"See here, lad," he pointed to a large scar on his eye. "I got this one, when seventy three bandits probably half-elves..." He mumbled something about half-elves--definately not a compliment!

"What are you standin' around boy! Get on with it get me a bit o' drink and ma'be some cheese and meat. If ya got any. I'll rest me eyes a while."

Once again, the dwarf interrupted the young guard before he could say nor do anything,

"And listen here, boy... You see me sleepin'... ya better not sneak up on me. In fact you better yell real loud 'fore ya enter, to wake me. Cause last guy who tapped when I was a'dreamin'... I chopped his head off!"

With that the dwarf turned around and climbed onto the bed.

07-12-2003, 06:59

OOC: :lol: :) That is hilarious! Though the young guard isn't the one who lead him upstairs, it was a 12-yr old 1/4 demon. No biggie, I'll just rewrite my post for the young guard to take you. This post is too hilarious to have you rewrite! I'll post again tomorrow, gotta give some other people a little time to catch up and post themselves. See everyone in the morning! :wink:

Amerigo

07-12-2003, 07:07

07-12-2003, 07:13

OOC: I agree ... you are so right! ^_^ Thank you for joining! :hug:

Holy Erat

07-12-2003, 07:19

can one still join, if so can you please tell what significant has happened so I can forward my posts asap.

07-12-2003, 07:29

OOC: You can join. This is basically what's gone on so far, and please do read the posts in your free time, they won't take long:

1. Introduced to Lord James Chevalier, one of the three rich men in the town of Cwichelm, and his house. This includes now, (1) Kimli, a fourteen year old half-elf who looks more like a woman than a girl, (2) Gavin and Avatin, the guards at the door to the house, (3) Amelia, an angel woman of african decent who is James' personal servant, and (3) Samuel, a fourth demon of twelve years who is apparently mute.
2. Introduced to Grundbrin Blackhammer, a dwarf who was invited by Lord James Chevalier. He is in his room at the moment.
3. Introduced to Andronicus, a human who bribed a messanger to get the invitation. He is also in his quarters.
4. Introduced to a grey elf who as of yet has not been formally named but his name is Atheril. He is currently touring the town, possible staying at the Painted Rose Tavern/Inn.
5. Introduced to a vampire who as of yet has not been introduced at all. He is sulking in the shadows of the town somewhere. He must be a bit antisocial. :wink:
6. Introduced to Azara, an archmage at only 34 years old. The youngest in his country, I believe he said. He isn't in town yet, lingering outside the border as of yet.
7. Introduced to a former Teuetonic knight. He is also lingering outside of town. But lucky for them, Kimli is just coming back from a trip to the orchards and will probably lead them to the house to be introduced formally.

Everyone's just getting announced, jump right in! My posting is over for the night, however, so I'll be seeing everyone tomorrow I hope! Especially the antisocial vampire ... I hope he sticks around. :twisted:

Holy Erat

07-12-2003, 08:27

The town was quiet as the scavenging of the fruit flies continued during the night as the stores were closing. The town was unusually quiet as new visitors came into picture. The tavern which was usually rowdy was semi-silent as prostistutes and glimmering torches were the only things significant.

Suddenly a black mist approached the village towards the mansion of the Lord. It reached the window were the Lord was currently staying.

A dark figure robed in scarlet and black came near the Lord. "Ah, James, it has been a while." The dark figure, his head shadowed by his cloak and magic, had a low noble tone in his voice. Under his light cloak was a golden saber encrusted with dark diamonds at its hilt. "I have searched you for 14 years, as the great seer of the Gauls, approached me for this day of our meeting." The vampire paused as silence and death came into the room.

"How impolite of me."
"I am Curufinwë Telrúnya, also known as The Hierophant of the Steely Moon and Emperor of Night. I am a child of the moon goddess, the origin of all vampires and an elf. I am both darkness and light and I have come to your assistance as the great seer has suggested upon me. Yes, I am one of the first vampires and my magic is unconquerable. My servants have informed me about you and your mission."
"Nyssa has told me about the other guests that are also staying in your mansion. An ex-necromancer, teutonic knight, and a dwarf. Well, well, James, where do you get your friends? It seems that I will get what I want in the end if I do anyway. I think it has something to do with a powerful goblet."

Yet, the elvish vampire was not alone. "Nyssa! Eripthe! You can come out! I would like you to get acquainted with my servants, James. Nyssa, a vampire assassin, who gets to do my dirty work and Eripthe, an elvish cleric."

Nyssa was wearing a femine dark cloak with two daggers at her side and a large scythe at her back. Eripthe had a white and blue cloak and an elven staff at her right arm.

"My carriage is located north of this town and they too will accompany us in our mission."

"Hmm...it seems that I have something missing. Ah, it seems you need this invitation." Nyssa handed a blood stained letter to the vampire. "It seems that the man who was invited was not fit for your campaign as Nyssa easily broke his head off, while I drank from his body. Hmmp, delicious." One can only imagine the vampire's evil grin. "Do not be afraid of me, James. I have come to help not to make a war. It is the least I can do for a brother."

Pantocratoria

07-12-2003, 13:28

OOC: Andronicus isn't actually a crusader. He is here searching for a miracle to save his home from the Turks after the failure of last year's crusade lead by the Hungarians against the Ottoman Turks at Varna. That crusade was the last conventional hope Constantinople had, and its failure explains Andronicus' desperation and urgent need for the blood goblet.

Five Civilized Nations

07-12-2003, 15:16

OOC: Azara is not necromancer, *shudders at the thought...* he's an archmage...

IC:

Azara gazed at the beautiful elf and bowed deeply.

My name is Azara Riskal, Archmage of the Dragon Hand, I received an invitation from a Lord James Chevalier in Cwichelm. Would you be so kind as to point me in the general direction of Cwichelm?

Slutbum Wallah

07-12-2003, 16:16

OOC: Closed? Meh...

*Wanders off, muttering something about Pineapples*

Aelosia

07-12-2003, 17:27

Atheril Hyral walked to the mansion of Lord Chevalier, slowly moving alongside the street. "This place is interesting, I thought human towns were boring. It's not the White Tower of Hoeth, but it has its own kind of beauty", he said to himself.

He stared at the beautiful sky filled with stars, the symbol of his kin. He remembered the endless decades studying the stars, their names, the fate written in their shape, and the power that they were hiding. He recalled the long duels at moonlight with his students, the gleam of the swords as bright as the stars above them. He remembered the light in the eyes of Adessia, her inmortal love, as clean and beautiful as the fabled Lúthien. Now she was waiting for him in the other side of the Halls of Mandos, waiting him for all eternity.

He pushed away those sad thoughts from his mind as he reached the door of the mansion, slowly knocking, waiting to see a servant.

Ravea

07-12-2003, 18:20

The ranger looked at the women and outstreached his hand to her. "My lady, i am in desprete search of food and drink. If you could be so kind to lend me some aid, i will promise to help you in anyway i can." He took her hand and knelt down in front of her, then stood back up. "You can call me Enigma for the time being."

07-12-2003, 19:23

OOC: I'll make the appropriate changes to that post ... :oops:

IC: Avatin felt quite out of place as the dwarf went on and on with his stories, cursing his brethren and warning against entering without loud announcement of entrance. To say the least, Avatin was uneasy about it, but he did as was asked and went in search of a servant to bring the dwarf what he wanted to drink and eat.

Meanwhile, out in the field near the town, Kimli nodded to the men, though quite confused by Enigma's kneeling and holding her hand so. She was but a servant and such frivilties were normally reserved for those like her master, James. She nodded to him in thanks, though, a soft smile in response and a clumbsy try at a curtsy. She then looked to Azara, "Yes, I remember your invitation, Lord Riskal. Let me lead you both to my master's house where I am sure he awaits your arrival. Lord Enigma, I am sure he will invite you as well to stay in his house, my master is very kind to Patricians."

As Kimli lead the men towards the town and the mansion itself, Amelia the angel of african decent opened the door of the house to Atheril Hyral, who came knocking. "Yes, My Lord?" She inquired.

James, also with his hands full at the moment, nodded to Curufinwëë and his two female companions as he took hold of the blood-stained invitation, flapping it lightly against one hand as he spoke, slightly unnerved. "I was expecting the seer to send at least one of the elder vampires to explore this great power I've uncovered." He smiled slightly, amused by the thought. "Though I am surprised, I thought they would send two or more ... I suppose Nyssa and Eripthe are the replacement for such." He paused to contemplate the death of the one who held the invitation before, but didn't seem to be bothered much by it. "I welcome you to join the quest, of course, it would be inhospitable for me to send you home emptyhanded after you've been searching so long for me."

"In reality, the man you killed for this invitation might have never known me at all. I sent them randomly to all the regions I could think of, calling upon strong warriors and mages by reputation alone. You did me a service if he was so weak." James added with a menacing smile, tossing the invitation into the wastebasket. He was indeed unnerved by this elder vampires arrival, but since he expected at least one of his invitations would be found by them, it wasn't as unpleasant as one would believe. He was also confused as to why he'd been seeking him out for fourteen years. But that was a question he would ask at a later time.

James then glanced out the window, and after seeing Kimli approaching the mansion, turned back to the three. "Shall I have someone show you to your rooms? Or would you like to stay here while I assemble the rest of the guests here? We should all be properly introduced, don't you believe?" With his last word the door to the study was opened by Samuel, the young fourth demon, and James raised a hand for him to wait there until he received Curufinwëë's response.

Kimli, now at the door of the mansion with the two men, turned and bowed to them with her head. "Welcome to the mansion of my master, Lord James Chevalier. Let me show you straight to his study so you may be introduced properly. Follow me, please." She handed Enigma some of the fresh fruit she had gathered and a cup of wine from another servant's tray. She then lead them up the stairs to the third floor and towards the study itself, passing priceless art and statuettes along the way. The house was very rich indeed.

OOC: I've got lots to do today, so I'll check the string again later tonight. Feel free to post Samuel fetching you all to the study (after the Dwarf gets his food and drink of course) so I can come back and move us along a bit further. Thanks! See you tonight!

Oh, and Atheril player guy, have Amelia show you to where you want to go, alright? ^_^ TTFN

Amerigo

07-12-2003, 20:31

A soft rumbling began to echo throughout the halls. It's volume began to increase until it thundered throughout the halls. It was peculiar sound indeed, half a growl half a low deep hum. What it could be was difficult to say.

As a servant with a silver tray made his way up to the dwarf's chambers, the sound began to yet again increase--at least it seemed so to the servant. He was standing in the hall where among the many rooms Grundbrin's chambers lay. The rumbling was more like a roar now and the servants arm that held the tray shook slightly. The servant began to think of fantastic impossible possibilities behind this growl. Had a dragon somehow made its lair in one of the chambers and ate all its occupants? But no, thats laughable!

The servant continued and slowly approached the doors of the chamber and then he new the now deafening sound was coming from the dwarf's quarters. He swallowed wondering what horrible creature crawled into the Lord Blackhammer's quarters certainly ate him, and now was consuming the furnishings. The tray and everything on it rattled from the shaking of his own arm. Luckily, the young guard was not too far away and came to investigate, he approached the servant cautiously, with weapon drawn. Both did not have to say a word.

"Lord Blackhammer!" the young guard called out over the roar. He then knocked on the doors, which apparently were not closed completely and swung open an inch or two. The young guard paused and then worked up the courage to open them. He pushed the doors with all his might and they swung open with a great sound.

There in the room they saw, neither ogre nor dragon, but just the dwarf--snoring! Such snoring was stupefying and both stared at amazement! That rumble that echoed throughout the halls was his snoring!
The servant and the guard laughed with relief. Smiling the young guard once more sung out,
"Lord Blackhammer!"
The dwarf went along snoring on the bed.
"Lord Blackhammer!" he called out a little louder.
"LORD BLACKHAMMER!" he yelled with all his might.
Nothing.
The servant set the tray down and had already left.
But the young guard, was no determined to wake this dwarf. Remembering the dwarf's warning he extended the blund end of his sword and poked the dwarf with it.
Nothing, he went along snoring.
He poked the dwarf a little harder.
Nothing.
Deciding he was safe, he went up closer to the dwarf and shook him by his shoulders, but it didn't seem he felt it. He shook harder, but with no avail.
Giving up this ardous quest, the guard turned around with a sigh.

However he stepped on a creaking floorboard and the dwarf lept awake axe in hand in a sudden second!

"I told yea not to sneak up on me. Ya could be dead now! Foolish lad..." he murmured something about the young guard being such an elf.

The guard apologized relenting, not really wanting to explain what actually happened left the dwarf to his meal.

Aelosia

07-12-2003, 21:00

OOC: I'm not a guy! :P

IC:

Kithail bowed in front of Amelia, a little bow made of the simplest courtesy, yet exquisite as all the manners from the elven court. "I'm Sire Hyral, I come from Hoeth invited by Lord Chevalier, you can suppose I want to meet him as soon as I can, to know why he called me here", said the elf, in his soft voice, avoiding to talk in his native language, using a flawed human tongue.

"I'm Amelia, servant of Lord Chevalier, please follow me". The woman simply nodded, taking him to the study where the others were waiting. "My Lord will arrive soon, I hope you could be comfortable here, but if you need something just call me all right?", said the woman before she closed the door.

He looked at the study, trying to distinguish some symbols of the host's personality. The furniture, the paintings, the little details...

Five Civilized Nations

07-12-2003, 22:59

Azara stared for a second at the mansion and then followed Kimli. As he entered, Azara felt the long dormant demonic energies within him tingle. Shaken by this, Azara collapsed to the floor as the powers of the demon began to course through his veins. With great effort, he grasped Kimli's dress and stammered.

Speak... Is there a demon here?

With that spoken, Azara became unconscious and slowly, but inexplicably began to take on a more demonic form.

OOC: Azara forsake his demonic magic and under the tutelage of several Dragon mages began to learn dragonic magic... But something caused Azara to change... Maybe the demons... :wink:

Amerigo

07-12-2003, 23:47

Grunbrin had finished his meal and was lead by a young boy to the study. He walked along wiping the grease and ale from his beard, grumbling. HE stopped sniffed the air and grasped the boy by the shoulder and turned him around and stared coldly at him.

"Boy, you got some demon blood in ya? Nay, this one's stronger. Comin' from down da stairs. Make haste, boy, I ain't smell no blood like this when I entered."

They descended down the stairs and through the intricately designed hallways, then stopped and stared down at the transforming figure on the floor at the feet of a half elf woman.

"What in the Six hundred and Sixty Six Hells is this?" he asked approaching the figure on the floor, while grasping the handle of his axe at his back.

"Speak, elf, and make haste, for if this demon be an unwanted visitor, it'll spill its blood on this floor soon!" he said raising his axe into the air, threateningly.

Aelosia

07-12-2003, 23:53

Atheril heard the yelling, and opened the door of the study to see a dwarf grumbling something about a demon. "Hey, filthy beard, What's happening?", said the elven swordmaster to the dwarf, putting a hand in the delicate hilt of his Golvarn blade.

A dwarf, I hate the smell of those cavern dwellers. They betrayed us in the War of Wrath, and killed our King Thingol because of their greed. They sacked Doriath and battled us when they shoud fought at our side against the hosts of the Orcs, he said to himself, but he restrained his wrath, still the red flame in his eyes. This is not the White Tower, is the House of a human, and that dwarf hasn't do anything to me yet.

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 00:05

"Elf!" he replied, with all the malice and hatred that any creature could merge into one word. "Well don't this beat all, I'm surrounded by elves and demons."

He slowly lowered his axe to his side.

"Well tree lover, maybe you could tell me what this creature is?"

"Oh how I hate elves," he thought, "even more than demons, at least demons were open about their villany, but these elvish fools had lost the Mithril Ark the only thing that could have saved us and forsaken us at the Battle of Urug where King Serug fought to the death. We slayed their Thingol who had stolen our Ark, and hid it in their fortress city of Doriath. But when we almost had it. They destroyed it. This crime is unforgivable. He would not kill them, though, they deserve punishments worse than death. But, I shall save this ancient grudge, now is not the time for it."

Aelosia

08-12-2003, 00:11

OOC: Ahem, well. Doriath was a cave realm, not a forest one. The Grey Elves lived in mountains and in caves. And the dwarfs killed him to retrieve the Nauglamir, an ancient dwarven necklace. And to steal the Silmaril.

IC:

"I don't come from a forest, neither I love trees, coal miner scum", said Atheril, knowing that this was going to be a verbal argument. He turned to see the half-transformed demon at his side. "For the love of Isha!, what in the Halls of Mandos is that?", he said, his blade coming out of his scabbard with a fluid and fast movement. The blade, adorned with many elven runes, was black, but an eerie blue light was surrounding it, like some kind of aura. Atheril switched to a two hand grasp and waited...

Ravea

08-12-2003, 00:41

Enigma walked inside the mansion, grateful for the grapes and wine. Before he could feast upon this food, however, the other man fell to the floor, convulsing wildly. He started to transform, and Enigma relized that the man was a demon, or at least part demon. He had thougt that there was something funny about the man.

Enigma leaned against the wall, facinated by the transformation and making no effort to help. He looked up as an elf and a dwarf appeared in the doorway. Seeing an elf and a dwarf in the same place and having them not trying to kill each other waas a rare sight indeed. Enigma knew of their mutual hatred, and knew that it could also lead to trouble. Elves, Dwarves and Demons were never exactley a good combonation. Indeed, the Elf had his sword ready in his hands. Enigma laizily edged his hand to the hilt of his Katana and watched on.

Aelosia

08-12-2003, 00:50

Here's a pic of Atheril hyral, Swordmaster of the Tower of Hoeth.

http://uk.games-workshop.com/warhammerworld/warhammer/highelves/HE-articles/images/heartwork5.jpg

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 01:18

OOC: Ahem, well. Doriath was a cave realm, not a forest one. The Grey Elves lived in mountains and in caves. And the dwarfs killed him to retrieve the Nauglamir, an ancient dwarven necklace. And to steal the Silmaril.

OOC: Well frankly I'm not about to use some actual written source for thee whole history between Dwarves and Elves. Be it Tolkein, be it Gygax or be it any other. I'm making this history up myself. Thank you very much. Because we can't really set a source thats official. Also I doubt the dwarf cares to make any distinction anywho.

Aelosia

08-12-2003, 01:22

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 01:23

The dwarf scoffed,

"Fine you handle it..." he said, then mumbled, "pointy eared freak."

With that remarked he decided to scout around for some more ale. The ammount of spirits humans drink was laughable to him. He replaced his axe back on the strap on his back, and seeing the figure in the corner asked,

"You. Ya be a servant here?"

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 01:26

OOC: I don't meant to be offensive (I never do!). It's just that Atheril thought what he thought regarding Tolkien's history. I have no problem, let's stay with the Mithril Ark story, anyway, and make some good original story around that.
OOC: Good, because frankly I don't particularly want to excavate through Tolkein's fictional histories trying to find a particular name. But whatever, this arguement between our charecters could wait until later.

08-12-2003, 01:41

OOC: heheh ... let's try and not fight, kay? It's no fun if we fight. :twisted: Oh, and Aelosia ... sorry for thinking you were a guy ... I'm not a guy either :P ...

IC: Kimli looked between the dwarf and the elf, confused as to what their problems with each other were. She'd been raised in this house and since there were servants of almost every race imaginable here, she wasn't biased at all. "I ... don't know what's happening to Lord Azara. He asked if there were demons living here and collapsed. I never got to answer him."

Samuel looked down upon the man on the floor and tilted his head curiously, leaning forward to try and touch him before his hand was grasped tightly by Kimli. "Samuel, you heard me. He's probably reacting to the presence of you and the other demonic servants." she then added, after pausing to think, "Samuel, be a good boy and gather the servants of demonic decent, will you? Take them to the Painted Rose Inn." she said, handing him a large purse of gold. "Have them stay there the night. I'll have the other servants fill in for them, alright? Go quickly!"

Samuel did as he was asked and went along his way, Kimli sighing as he left and looking to the Dwarf as he seeked a servant. She then looked to Enigma and Atheril. "I'm sorry. I should have anticipated something like this would happen. Please do not be alarmed." She then walked over to a wall and rang a bell, seven servants of various decent came out from the back of the house. There were four men and three women, of various skin colors, but all seemed to be at least partially angelic. "You called?" One of the males asked. "Yes. Please stand over there near Lord Azara. Perhaps your presence can help him recover from his transformation." Kimli replied. The angelics obeyed and kneeled, linking hands and creating a mystic circle around Azara.

Kimli soon looked to Lord Blackhammer again, watching as one of the human servants brought him large bottles of good wine. She blinked in curiosity, but let it go for the moment. She looked to Lord Atheril. "What is it between you and Lord Blackhammer, may I ask?"

OOC: Can't post James doing anything until Holy Erat posts. :wink: But FYI, this isn't a human's mansion, Lord James Chevalier is a vampire who was transformed around a year after Christ was crucified. His real name is James son of Judas, but changed it when last names became popular.

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 02:07

Uncorking one of the bottles with his teeth, Grunbrin, looked to the half-elf,

"It's before your time, child. An ancient hate brough over from across the Seas."

With that, he took a large gulp of the wine, wiping the crimson droplets from the beard.

Ravea

08-12-2003, 02:22

Enigma frowned as a demon boy came down the stairs and was suprised as angelics entered the room. He turned and spoke to Kimli.

"Is the owner of this house not human?" He asked her.

08-12-2003, 02:26

Kimli nodded to Lord Blackhammer. "I see." Then turned to hear Enigma asking her if her master was human. "Of course not. He's a distinguished vampire, almost one thousand, fourty years old. Why do you ask?" She was curious as to what that had to do with anything, except that James WAS the only vampire in the town. She thought that made him special.

Ravea

08-12-2003, 02:46

Enigma's mind froze for a moment. A vampire.....Enigma had come across only 1 vampire in his life, and had almost lost his life in in a vicious attack. He had managed to slay the Vampire but had been ripped apart in doing so. He knew that it shouldnt matter what Lord James was, seeing as he had already provided food and drink and a place to stay, but he couldnt help feeling apprehensive.

"Oh, no reson." he said to Kimli. He would have to try to put his prejudices aside if he wanted to stay here.

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 02:56

"Of course not. He's a distinguished vampire, almost one thousand, fourty years old. Why do you ask?"
The dwarfed laughed heartily,
"One thousand forty years old? You think it be a long time? I knowed your master when he was still human, thats why he invited me here! Why me and the elf, here we've been alive a long time... While this side of the Sea was still in the making and only deer and wolves roamed this land. The humans came with us. But generation over generation they've forgotten everything, on the other side. Why I'm 5 thousand years old... and something in your human years. The elf... he's probably twice that! Over there all races lived long, here even the elves die quickly."

He gulped down the rest of the bottle and stared away, remembering the Halls of Berundum, his long forgotten home.

Five Civilized Nations

08-12-2003, 02:57

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 03:01

Azara slowly recovered. Propping himself up, he observed several servants standing around him. He gazed at them and suddenly realized that they were part angelic. Azara stood, as he slowly controlled his demonic energies. His demonic features gradually disappeared, but his dragonic features became more prominent.

Demons... There were demons here...

Azara shook his head and straightened, his hand going to a golden runed medallion hanging at his waist...
Seeing the figure on the floor slowly recover the dwarf came up to where he was and took a look at him. Seeing his draconic features now the dwarf let out a low chuckle,
"Poor whelp, yer parents must a been a mighty strange pair to look at!"

Aelosia

08-12-2003, 06:16

OOC: Sorry for the delay... :oops:

IC:

Atheril looked at Kimli saying. "Yes, it's more like funny insults now, but eons ago our people battled for weeks. Now it's just ancient history. By the way, I didn't know that Lord Chevalier turned into a vampire, to me the undeath is....distasteful, but I hope he can deal with that burden in a pleasant way. And the dwarf is right. I have seven thousand years and a little more".

Then he turnde to Enigma. "Let's see, demons, angels, elves, dwarves, and what about you?, I suppose you have something special, since you're here", he asked.

08-12-2003, 06:40

Kimli looked between Atheril and Grunbrin. "The elves here live perhaps three thousand years at most. How can you live longer? Is it the food?" Rememberd the dwarf guzzling down wine and restates herself, "Or perhaps, the dangers here are more formidable than where you both have come."

While she spoke, Kimli waved for the angelic servants to go back about their work, all except Eleison, an asian-looking angel. He was one of the few fullbloods who worked in the house, as angels were rare in any shape or form. "Eleison, could you stay with Lord Azara? Just in case he has a relapse when he is introduced to Lord James or the other guests?"

"Of course." Eleison replied. He looked to Azara with worry. "Are you well now, My Lord?"

As Eleison attended to Azara, Kimli began to speak about her master again. "My Lord James has confided in me that he did not choose to become a vampire. He has also told me that he was evil for many hundreds of years before he began returning to his humanity. I fear for him, he has a good heart but a sin-laden conscience."

OOC: I assume Holy Erat is on a different time-schedule than the rest of us, so he'll probaby post sometime soon, 12-1am my time. When he does, I'll be writing a post that gets everyone into the same room and introduced to each other by James. Tomorrow we'll begin the journey. :twisted: And hopefully that means you guys can do more posting between each other and I can do less posting ... it's killing me sometimes trying to reply to everyone as well as playing, what was it ... five or six NPCs? :wink: I'm not complaining. This is more fun than I ever thought it'd be. You guys make the mad posting worth it. 8)

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 06:47

OOC: I assume Holy Erat is on a different time-schedule than the rest of us, so he'll probaby post sometime soon, 12-1am my time. When he does, I'll be writing a post that gets everyone into the same room and introduced to each other by James. Tomorrow we'll begin the journey. :twisted: And hopefully that means you guys can do more posting between each other and I can do less posting ... it's killing me sometimes trying to reply to everyone as well as playing, what was it ... five or six NPCs? :wink: I'm not complaining. This is more fun than I ever thought it'd be. You guys make the mad posting worth it. 8)
OOC: Damn, so I guess this would be a bad time to ask if I could have another charecter, besides ol' dwarfy. I mean a dwarf is always a supporting charecter and is more limited in many senses... I'd a' liked to bring in a half-drow too. I mean everyone here some cool graceful charecter, and I'm the only one with the uncharismatic fat dwarf. But I mean as you can see, I can post plenty of times in a day... Although thats not too good. I got re-addicted to NS... DAMN YOU NS!!!!

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 06:56

As Eleison attended to Azara, Kimli began to speak about her master again. "My Lord James has confided in me that he did not choose to become a vampire. He has also told me that he was evil for many hundreds of years before he began returning to his humanity. I fear for him, he has a good heart but a sin-laden conscience."

The dwarf looked at the bottle which he was drinking and softly asked a servant that happened to be near-by,
"Ya got anything stronger? This... this is for elves and humans. I'd like some ol' Dwarrrrven ale. But even here on this land, they can't make it like they used to across the Seas."

He sighed and finished the bottle of wine and then turned once again back to Kimli,

"Dangers? This land is something tame compared to across the Seas. It's something else. We elves and dwarves.... we're slowly dying out here. Our time will soon be over and only humans will rule these domains. It is something beyond comprehension, and started over on the other side."

Then a blaze of hatred crossed his eyes and he growled, "The Ark was the only thing that could have changed our destiny... But now the goblet... A last hope..."

08-12-2003, 07:05

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 07:15

OOC: Damn, so I guess this would be a bad time to ask if I could have another charecter, besides ol' dwarfy. I mean a dwarf is always a supporting charecter and is more limited in many senses... I'd a' liked to bring in a half-drow too. I mean everyone here some cool graceful charecter, and I'm the only one with the uncharismatic fat dwarf. But I mean as you can see, I can post plenty of times in a day... Although thats not too good. I got re-addicted to NS... DAMN YOU NS!!!!

OOC: You can bring in another character if you wish. :wink: I was hoping for a drow to appear anyhow ... as well as an angel, but we can't have everything we want, can we? :twisted:
OOC: Excellent... Wait damn... That only gives me an excuse to spend more time on this. Aw...

IC: Upon a horse rode a rider, a cape fluttering through the wind as he rode his steed forward. His face was enveloped in grey cloth and only his eyes could be fully seen. They were peculiar in that they were black, but not simply black... obsidian. As if they were bottomless pits, empty of feeling and emotion--vacuums.

He stopped his black mare at the gates and dismounted his horse. A large sword hung sheathed on his back. Under his cape, he was clad in black leather armor, which seemed cheap and raggedy. He appraoched the two guards and whispered, in a whisper that sound so sinister it sent a chill down the young guard's spine.

"Am I late? I got tied up by some bandits, for a spell--had to kill every each one of them. Ah, yes I almost forgot to introduce myself, I am Traigous Darque. My father, Teliaxpozian Darque could not attend and sent me instead."

08-12-2003, 07:21

Amerigo

08-12-2003, 07:31

Avatin shivered alright. He'd never seen someone as dark and menacing as this man seemed, and he was definitely put out of ease. The elder guard, Gavin, who was more experienced with such visitors, nodded to the man politely. "Good to see you made it. The others are at the mansion awaiting your arrival, I believe. Simply stable your house in the barn over there with the other animals of the estate and knock on the door. Someone will be sure to let you in."

OOC: ... I'm in love! :twisted:

He stood there, for a moment and studied the surroundings. Then once again turned to the elder guard and whispered in the same tone,

"He is quarter-Nightmare, he will kill the other horses. It would be best to leave him be. He will come to me when I call him."

The horse was indeed a different breed, it had more strength and power in its mere presense and the inherited malice from the Nightmare steed was everpresent in the glowing crimson eyes. The horse was without saddle or reins, it should be noticed, and it seemed doubtful that it would allow any placed upon it. The horse neighed in a strange tone and gallopped into the woods. It was as if the horse felt its masters command, or perhaps it would have left anyways.

The half-drow then walked through the main enterance.

Holy Erat

08-12-2003, 11:05

OOC: I am so sorry for the late post...well I'm here so I'll just post then. Tom. I'll be posting early...so guys be there.

The elven vampire sneered. "Ah, at last I found a vampire not scared of my presence. They would usually scower when I visit them. Anyway, I do not sleep James, I feed. Now it seems that there is some commotion on going and it seems that we all must get this issue over with." The vampire suggested in a forceful tone. "Now, tell your servant that I would be needing more bodies for me to drink, or do I have to pluck one of your possessions to do so? Also, I would be staying in this room. It seems that the elf and the dwarf have met."

Suddenly, the vampire disappeared and the ones remaining were Nyssa and Eripthe. "Give the body to Nyssa, she knows what to do with it. I have to collect something." A voice bellowed the walls of the room.

Aelosia

08-12-2003, 11:37

"So, you're searching the goblet too. The fabled Goblet of Kinfriendship. Created and crafted by the most talented dwarven runemasters, and enchanted by the most powerful elven wizards. It's now a legend, but many of us, me included, believe that the goblet could unite our powers again, to fight against all evil together. As the Ark divided our people and made us enemies, the goblet could make us friends. It's amazing that you know about it, being just another drunken miner", said Atheril, in his mouth a grinned smile. "One of my purposes was to find worthy men and women to join me in the search of that ancient artifact. Of course that a dwarf like you would join just for the fact that the goblet is a priceless treasure, the metal and the gems the most beautiful thing mortal eyes could see", the elf concluded, waiting to see the flash of greed in the dwarf's pupils.

Pantocratoria

08-12-2003, 14:26

Tired of waiting for someone to fetch him when the lord of the town was ready to speak to him as the laws of hospitality required, Andronicus decided to venture out of his room and into the main hall. He surveys the occupants - an elf, a dwarf, an angelic looking man, and Kimli. He blinks, crosses himself, and proceeds into the hall.

"I am Andronicus Phocas of Constantinople. I have come to speak to Lord James le Chevalier. I take it you are his other guests?" Andronicus says. "From beyond the edges of the Earth, no doubt, a faerie and a dwarf, a servant from far off Cathay, and another from Africa... I am a Roman, although here in the West my people are sometimes called Greeks. May I inquire what it is which drew you all to this quiet Poitevin manor?"

Five Civilized Nations

08-12-2003, 15:02

08-12-2003, 18:51

OOC: flex my fingers ... here I go again! :twisted:

IC: When Traigous Darque opened the door to the mansion, Kimli turned and walked over, stating kindly, "Another guest? Please, do come in." She looked him over strangely, though, being as he was wearing dark clothes and she could barely tell if he was even a man. It confused her, but she decided it was best just to be hospitable, it wasn't her place to ask questions about someone's privacy issues.

"You can't be Teliaxpozian Darque, can you?" Kimli asked of him just as Atheril began taunting Grunbrin about the jewels that were said to be encrusted into the Blood Goblet. Kimli was particularly interested in how Atheril stated it could bring people together in kinship against evil. She could hardly believe he'd said it, especially since some of the guests were sure to not be on the side of good.

Then Andronicus came down the stairs and into the group, introducing himself and asking why it was that each guest had decided upon entering this town and this manor. Kimli looked between guests, not wishing to interupt if they were to speak, but pretty sure that her master would be wishing to meet them all very soon. And he doesn't like it when he's forced to wait.

Meanwhile, James quirked a curious brow as the eldern vampire made demands on him and then disappeared. He wasn't used to being ordered around and certainly didn't care for it. "Of course ... why not." he stated, the tone of his voice calm even though he frowned with the treatment he was getting. He supposed it was best not to question, though, because this eldern vampire's powers did seem to be much greater than his own. He didn't want to start a war.

James moved to the wall and rang a bell, Amelia soon coming to the door to see what he wished of her. "Amelia. Go fetch a few of the slaves, will you? Bring them here to this room." he stated, then adding, "Leave them in this woman's care." motioning to Nyssa. Amelia nodded and left, returning ten minutes later with what was asked for.

James, in the meantime, decided it was time to meet his guests, and he was becoming impatient. "I'll go greet my other guests now, if you don't mind. I shouldn't be long." he stated as he reached the door and opened it. "If you need anything else, ask Amelia." he added before closing the door behind him.

He walked to the main staircase, just now hearing all the commossion(sp?) going on downstairs because his study was carefully soundproofed for privacy in matters he couldn't avoid like feeding on the slaves. But James didn't let this shake his composure for the moment, he simply came down until he reached the top of the second story staircase and all his guests could see him as he spoke.

"Welcome, all. I trust your journeys were safe and your paths straight. I can see some of you have already been introduced, but allow me to introduce myself properly. I am James Chevalier, the Lord of this mansion, and I thank you all for coming on this quest with me. I promise you will all get what you want from the Blood Goblet once we find it."

He looked over his guests. Grunbrin the dwarf he'd known since before he was transformed and was delighted to see again. Atheril the elf he'd heard of from fame alone. Enigma the Knight and Andronicus the Roman he didn't know, but wondered how they came across their invitations. Azara the archmage's reputation as a demonic force had preceeded him, though now James was disappointed to see he had changed his ways. And then there was Traigous the son of Teliaxpozian. James had hoped he'd see him again, but realized he was an old Drow back when James had first met him. Perhaps having his son come was best. In any case, James walked down the stairs to the group, hands clasped lightly before him, then kissed Kimli on the cheek with a whispered praise that made her smile before turning again to face his guests.

"Are there any questions? Have you all been introduced to each other?" For those that weren't, he went through the names, pointing to each person he knew and Kimli filling in the rest. James then continued, "We should begin the quest for the Blood Goblet immediately, but if any of you need nourishment it can be provided."

Five Civilized Nations

08-12-2003, 21:26

OOC: Azara has changed his style of magic from demonic to dragonic... But, he still can utilize both types of magic and is prone to relapses of his demonic nature.

IC:

Observing his changes in a mirror in the mansion, Azara grimaced and pulled the hood over his head, shrouding his features. When James Chevalier approached. Azara bowed gracefully and deeply.

You are Lord James Chevalier, I presume... As you probably know, my name is Azara Riskal, Duke of Vanglis, formerly known as the demon Hezekial...

Ravea

08-12-2003, 21:39

Enigma steppd out from th shadows. "My lord, if you would provide a quick meal, i would be most thankful. I came acoss this" he said, withdrawing an invatation from his pocket "on the body of a dead man. It said to meet you. I was lost, and by chance wandered into the town. I have no idea hat this goblet is, but i will help you nonetheless, seeing as how your hospitality saved m life, and i have nothing better to do. I have no need for this goblet, but ill help you in any way i can." He bowed and retreated beck nto the shadows.

Holy Erat

08-12-2003, 23:52

OOC: He's an elfish vampire. I prefer that you call him that than eldern vampire. His heritage is half elf anf half vampire. His mother is the moon goddess and his father was an elf, since they were the first people who have lived during this time.

The same deathly mist came about the room and a voice again bellowed against the soundproof walls of the study. "How rude, James." Then the voice concentrated on one area and on one person. "You forgot to introduce me." The vampire was back holding a bloody goblet, probably with the slaves' blood. The two servants of the elfish vampire was settled in the shadows across the room.

"It has been a long time Grunbrin. Your grandfather made a tasty bite and it seems that we cross paths again. How long has it been? 3500 years if I'm not mistaken. And Atheril, how is your village now. I deeply apologize if my scourge got out of hand. They had some kind of mutiny and they started attacking your people. I tried to tell them to feed one by one, but they wouldn't listen. Ha, I had to turn them all to stone, slimeless gits." The vampire paused. "I have all known you, before and after the great seer has professed this very same meeting. And it seems that our mission will be all cleared by the the Lord of the house."

Ravea

09-12-2003, 00:47

Triple post.... :shock:

Amerigo

09-12-2003, 00:52

OOC: Just a brief bio on Traigous. His father, Teliaxpozian Darque was the human, although he was actually half-god, since Teliaxpozian's father was Bhaal the God of Murder. Teliaxpozian however forsaken his heritage to be with his love, Viconia, a drow. However, she was hunted down by her drow brethren and killed shortly after Traigous was born. (Yes for those of you who played Baldur's Gate series thats pretty mcuch the plot of it). So Triagous is essentially half-drow, quarter human, and quarter evil murder god... However since Teliaxpozian had refused his godliness, there remains very few divine traces in Traigous's blood.

"So, you're searching the goblet too. The fabled Goblet of Kinfriendship. Created and crafted by the most talented dwarven runemasters, and enchanted by the most powerful elven wizards. It's now a legend, but many of us, me included, believe that the goblet could unite our powers again, to fight against all evil together. As the Ark divided our people and made us enemies, the goblet could make us friends. It's amazing that you know about it, being just another drunken miner", said Atheril, in his mouth a grinned smile. "One of my purposes was to find worthy men and women to join me in the search of that ancient artifact. Of course that a dwarf like you would join just for the fact that the goblet is a priceless treasure, the metal and the gems the most beautiful thing mortal eyes could see", the elf concluded, waiting to see the flash of greed in the dwarf's pupils.

The dwarf laughed, "Kinfriendship you call it. It is an interesting translation indead. It is the Goblet of Power, that will resotre the power of the elder races... We might live and proper again... The same was with the Ark... However..." he glared at the elf, "It could not come to be..."

"And yes, the goblet is a beauty of beauties. So richly decorated with diamonds, mithril, gold, platinum, saphire, blood rubies..." he trailed off, his eyes showing that he was lost deep in thought... his eyes flashing with a sort of bizarre ecstasy.

Just then: The same deathly mist came about the room and a voice again bellowed against the soundproof walls of the study. "How rude, James." Then the voice concentrated on one area and on one person. "You forgot to introduce me." The vampire was back holding a bloody goblet, probably with the slaves' blood. The two servants of the elfish vampire was settled in the shadows across the room.

"It has been a long time Grunbrin. Your grandfather made a tasty bite and it seems that we cross paths again. How long has it been? 3500 years if I'm not mistaken. And Atheril, how is your village now. I deeply apologize if my scourge got out of hand. They had some kind of mutiny and they started attacking your people. I tried to tell them to feed one by one, but they wouldn't listen. Ha, I had to turn them all to stone, slimeless gits." The vampire paused. "I have all known you, before and after the great seer has professed this very same meeting. And it seems that our mission will be all cleared by the the Lord of the house."

The dwarf snapped out of the daze and took out his axe, with a indignant yell,
"You!"
He was on the verge of leaping forward in attack against this vampire.

***

Traigous stood in the room, his face still enveloped in the grey cloth. He was quite tall (6' 2"), however skinny as well. Other than that there were few features that were unhidden. That and the aura about him was one that held neither good nor malice, however a deep and profound darkness.

He walked up to the elfish vampire, boldly until he was within a hair's breath from him and whispered,

"But you have not known me nor my father. You are powerful, but arrogant, and that will bring your doom." With that he stepped back a step and bowed his head slightly, then turned away and walked to a corner where he leaned back against the wall.

Holy Erat

09-12-2003, 02:09

Ravea

09-12-2003, 02:51

Enigma withdrew from his corner yet again to press a dagger to the undeads's chest.

"I would advise you to relese him." said Enigma. "This may look like a simple dagger, but in its lies many secrets of artifice, a skill that comes eisily to me. Im not sure what effect this would have on you, but if it does what i think it will, you may not find it pleasent."

He looked at James. "It seems," he said, "that this fellowship has many distrusts among it."

Amerigo

09-12-2003, 02:51

The vampire waved his bony white hand and chanted, "Acerbus decipio funis magus!" Suddenly, a dark mist sprayed the dwarf banging him to the wall. There were giant black cords wiggling like etheral spirits trapping the dwarf, crushing him. One could here Nyssa and Eripthe giggling. "Fool"

"So, you and the drow come to threaten me, Grunbrin! With what drow magic and your axe? Your axe is weak on me remember. I am undead, and ,you, my dear Grunbrin, will be dead if you don't stop your yelling. And tell your drow friend that I should have ordered to get rid of his kind, even before this mission. How dare he come up in front of me. Vampires would burn before they came up to me like that." The vampire's voice bellowed once again. "If I had my way, I would start killing and find the goblet on my own. But, I do not wish to disturb the hidden prophecy of seer. Now before you do anything stupid like your grandfather, let James begin. I had my nourishment, thank you James." The vampire held the bloody goblet. He still knew how to be well-mannered even in a fight. For he has ruled for countless centuries and also served kings and queens and he wasn't going to let this dwarf ruin his etiquette.
The dwarf was frustrated and furious, and struggled against the cords, with no avail.

***

The half drow laughed, a laugh that was like no other. It echoed throughout the room and it seemed as though it sounded from all directions. He hissed in his usual whisper,

"I do not threaten you my lord, but nor do I fear you. Your threats are empty and you seem to not realize that there are powers beyond your comprhension, at work here... No not mine if thats what you are thinking. Your foolish brashness with others will lead to your doom as I have said before. Even vampires can suffer and suffer beyond the agonies of man." He then turned to James, "You will excuse me, my lord, but I would like to wander a bit about your halls, and marvel at the architecture for a while."

He laughed again, which seemed to be directed at the elfish vampire, and walked away into other halls looking about him at the paintinings and indistinguishable intricacies of the stone work.

"Bloodthirsty animal," he thought, "if the fool only knew how many such pathetic creatures I came upon in my travels."

09-12-2003, 05:06

OOC: :shock: Well ... this will definitely be an interesting journey ... oh, and I'll call him an elven vampire from now on ... :wink:

IC: Kimli clung to James as the elven vampire appeared with his two minions. She cringed as he threw around stories of deaths he'd been responsible for, and yelped when Grunbrin and Traigous made a scene that the elven vampire must have anticipated and perhaps wished to happen.

"Oh ..." she whispered, covering her mouth to hold in a scream when Grunbrin was thrown to the wall. She hung tightly to James, who whispered something in her ear just as Traigous was moving to go tour the halls. Kimli nodded, grateful for the order, and went along to follow Traigous for awhile. After she left, James took a deep breath and tried to wave off Enigma as he stepped over to the elven vampire.

"That won't be necessary, Enigma. My Lord Curufinwëë, I can understand your pride in your acts, but please do not encite a riot among those who will be accompanying you on our quest." he said with a sigh, "It would be unwise, and I am sure you can understand why." With that said, James snapped for a nearby servant to come over and told him to bring a table and food out for Enigma. He then called another servant over and arranged for chairs to be brought into the main hall for him and his guests. He didn't like the idea of having to talk here, but it seemed getting all of them together was harder than he'd anticipated.

OOC: I'll post James explaining the journey they'll be taking tonight before bed, alright? You might see it late tonight then, and if not, you'll definitely see it on the board tomorrow morning. :wink:

Amerigo

09-12-2003, 05:31

Traigous could smell the scent of the Elven blood behind him, strongly if anything even through the grey cloth. He stopped suddenly as if to admire a painting upon the wall, when actually he was waiting for the young elven girl to overtake him. He had turned to face her when she had come with in a satisfactory distance of him. The cloth about his face hid all of his facial expressions, that was true... but his eyes managed to convey his feelings well enough, thats why he preferred talking to people at a very close distance.

When she appraoched there was a curious emotion displayed on his eyes, a look that was solemn and reserved, and at same time franticly stirred. What he could have been feeling was truly an enigma. He suddenly estended his gloved hand toward her and with two of his fingertips gently made contact with her chin. With that he slowly moved a half circle about her, looking directly at her face, while doing so.

"Interesting," he whispered his tone, less intimidatingly chilling as it had usually been--but not too much, "A half-elf serving a vampire. How strange? Tell me how such a relationship came to be with this... James..."

***
The dwarf was enraged beyond normal limits and his face demonstrated, there was more hatred and malice present in his eyes than ever in his life. But he was not foolish, he would keep his wits about him and eventually...
No... he would not slay him, he would not grant the foul creature its freedom. He would see it suffer. He would bide his time, and wait for the moment. The dwarf had allies, yes... Powerful allies... More powerful than even this wretched creature.

Aelosia

09-12-2003, 05:49

Amerigo

09-12-2003, 06:01

Atheril waved his hand in an arcane gesture, dispelling the vampire's spell, freeing the dwarf. "I'm not like the drunkard dwarf. I won't attack you today, or tomorrow. I'm very controlled, and usually people call me peaceful. I still remember how my sword sliced in pieces at your minions and my magical fire burned them to the ground, how delightful it was to make their undead flesh suffer. I still remember how I pursued your favourite slave into your crypt and disintegrated her with the flames of the phoenix. However, more than anything I still remember the screams of the wounded and the dying wails of those who were killed by you and your assassins, without any reason, just for fun. However, someday you will pay for all that, even if that its the last thing I ever do in my life". His face was red, his eyes ablaze with contained anger. He rose hia hand, wrethed in blue flames lickinghis fingers "Don't tempt me too much, Curufinwë, I know you're far powerful now than when you fled from me in the Nortern Wastes, but I have advanced too. Now I'm not just a swordsman, but a battlemage, a true myrmidon".
Unable to cope with such an impotency at the hands of an elf-vampire and to add to that being freed by an elf, Grunbrin growled, but replaced his axe back onto his back. Then went to occupy a corner grumbling. He knew he had lost this battle, but he would not lose this war. His mind held much wisdom and long forgotten lore, and he began to formulate a plan for vengence. And he would have his vengence or, by Galdarum, die trying. But, for the mean time he would bide his time, and not get his beard in a twist over this. Yet the bitter hatred and embarrasment bit at his heart, perpetually. He would pay. He will., he thought. Then paused a moment glared at the elf vampire for a bit then deciding that he gave him a good enough glarin', turned his eyes to the Elf and glared at him some, as well. Then glared back at the elf-vampire for good measure. Then satisfied, he looked in a random direction and went back to fabricating his plan.

Aelosia

09-12-2003, 06:24

Amerigo

09-12-2003, 06:34

Atheril approached the dwarf, noting that he was staring at him "And prepare your axe, although I'm very good with my sword, I have to recognize, painfully, that it can't chop undead into pieces as a good Dwarven Waraxe can. It's a shame that most of you are always too drunk to wield those weapons properly", although his words were hard, in his eyes a deepbit of respect for the dwarf could be read.
The dwarf narrowed his eyes and growled, "Don't patronize me." But he could no longer look at the elf, in the eyes, and turned his head away in shame.

"Begone, elf, I have no use for you words," he barked bitterly. The flames of hatred only intesified. He was humiliated by a vampire-elf and his cursed magicks. He would return the favor, another time, another time. A dwarf never forgets. Ever.

09-12-2003, 07:04

Pantocratoria

09-12-2003, 07:18

Andronicus watched the insanity unfold as Lord James' guests threatened each other, drew weapons on each other, and ranted and raved.

"I was under the impression..." he says to nobody in particular. "...that was contrary to the laws of hospitality for guests to fight thus under their host's roof."

"My lord," says Andronicus, bowing. "My name is Andronicus Phocas, a patrician of the Eastern Roman Empire, and courtier to His Majesty the Basileus of Constantinople, John VIII Palaeologus. I have come across an invitation here in my travels. I search the blood goblet."

Amerigo

09-12-2003, 07:20

Kimli walked down the hallway quietly, trying not to disturb Trigorous but also trying to be sure it didn't look like she was spying on him. She leaned forward carfully at the waist to look around a corner he'd turned, the last twelve inches of her blonde hair (which hasn't been cut since she was born =P) laying with a thump to the floor. She noted that he'd stopped to look at a painting, and stood upright, moving into full view. As she neared him, she took a look at the picture he was seemingly gazing at. Then she was surprised by a hand reaching up to touch her chin.

"Uh ..." she uttered under her breath, turning pink at the cheeks. She wasn't used to anyone besides her master touching her, which is the reason she blushed when retrieving Enigma and Azara on her way back from the orchard. Her eyes followed his hidden face as he looked her over.

"Interesting," he whispered his tone, less intimidatingly chilling as it had usually been--but not too much, "A half-elf serving a vampire. How strange? Tell me how such a relationship came to be with this... James..."

"I ..." she began, looking off to the side for a moment before looking back to him. "I have lived under Lord James' roof since I was born. I am told my parents weren't able to take care of me because they had too many children." she replied, wondering why he would ask. Her hands were clasped in front of her as she looked at the hidden face before her.

He let out a soft chuckle at her timid behaviour, but this one was close to comparable to that hideous laugh he had voiced not too long ago. This chuckly seemed benevolent and pleasant, although as always very mysterious in its intonation.

His hand dropped to his side, and paused a second looking deep into her eyes.

"A strange girl you are," he whispered, "Are you not afraid of me? A drow? Ah yes... of course, you have been sheltered from the evils of the world by your... master..."

He paused, his gaze never faltering from her eyes. His eyes seemed to illustrate a strange smile that was undoubtedly upon his face under his mask.

"Are you not curious... about this mask that I wear? Wherefore I'd wear it? But of course you are... I can see it in your eyes. And you are much to shy to ask, fearing that you may offend me? Well you won't offend me."

He laughed once more, still in a tone that seemed fairly disarming and amicable.

Aelosia

09-12-2003, 07:23

"The greek is right, that's why I will respect that withered wretch unlife today", said Atheril, staring at the elven vampire. Then he turned too to Lord Chevalier "Atheril Hyral, Swordmaster of Hoeth, and Marquis of the Marble Glade, under the service of the Phoenix King and the Everqueen, I answered your summons. My crusade is that goblet too", he said bowing, then turning to the Pantocratorian and giving him a warm smile.

09-12-2003, 07:32

Kimli blinked curiously as Trigorous gave a laugh at her naivete. She furrowed her brows slightly as well, curiously, wondering what could mean by it. She then looked down as he lowered his hand, bringing her gray eyes back to his as he seemed to stare at her.

"A strange girl you are," he whispered, "Are you not afraid of me? A drow? Ah yes... of course, you have been sheltered from the evils of the world by your... master..."

She was about to retort in respect and honor of her benevolent master, but stopped short as the half-drow addressed an issue she had been pondering for some time now. Since she'd first laid eyes on him, actually.

"Are you not curious... about this mask that I wear? Wherefore I'd wear it? But of course you are... I can see it in your eyes. And you are much to shy to ask, fearing that you may offend me? Well you won't offend me."

He laughed once more, still in a tone that seemed fairly disarming and amicable.

Kimli quirked a brow as she responded, "You wouldn't be offended? But it is very rude ... I shouldn't have even thought it." She shook her head to emphasize this point. She felt this was an odd conversation to be having, especially in the hallway where any passing servant could hear as well as make innumerable connotations on. But Kimli soon realized there was something else she needed to do before worrying about other servants.

"I'm sorry ... I didn't introduce myself earlier, did I? I can't very well ask you about yourself when you don't even know my name." Kimli stated, pulling hair from her face behind her pointed ears simultaneously with both hands before continuing. "I am Kimli Winneker ... and you are not your father, whom my Lord James was expecting ..."

Pantocratoria

09-12-2003, 07:48

Amerigo

09-12-2003, 07:50

09-12-2003, 08:12

OOC: whoops ... I get confused with names sometimes ... :? ...

"But you needn't worry, I'll not intrude into your mind," he repeated empahsizing his words. But then again had he actually uttered the words materially? Had his vocal cords produced the sound? Or mayhaps he talked to her in her head? One could not be sure.

Of course Kimli couldn't tell if it was telepathic or not, his face was still covered. But she was comforted by the comment in any case. As she and Traigous talked, James was addressing the other guests, replying to their inquiries.

"I know that you all have come for the goblet, all for your own reasons, but that is exactly why we're here." As he spoke, he pulled a map from his sleeve, holding it up and pointing so everyone could see where their trip was going to take them.

"Once we pass the Andiyar plains, we'll have to face the threat of dragons at the base of Pandora mountain. The mountain itself will be another challenge, for I read there are ogres and other strange creatures guarding the path to the Blood Goblet. We'll have to find it before the next full moon as well, because I was told by a wise woman that the Blood Goblet will be moved to a new location at that time and we'll have to track it down all over again." He smirked, "And we wouldn't like that much, now would we?" He sighed after speaking so long, clearing his throat before continuing.

"And no, the goblet is not located in the mountain, per say. If I've translated the texts right, and I am almost certain I have ... then the goblet will be located in an Uriwe shrine laying in the mountains shadow. It's quite confusing, since that could be the east or west side. We'll have to check both, and that could mean even more danger. If you're up to this, say so ... I'm sure you were expecting something along these lines ..." He then summoned some servants and told them to ready the group's means of travel. He thought about summoning Kimli and Traigous, but decided they'd be back soon in any case. Traigous was simply cooling off and Kimli was the best servant James had. If anyone could help him regain his composure, she could.

Aelosia

09-12-2003, 08:19

"I can help with the dragons at the base of the mountains, and maybe I coul even provide fast transportation for some, even all of us. I suppose we need to share our strenghts and weaknesses so we could back up each other", the elf said, his mind pounding as he stared for the last time at the map. "But the last time I ventured in the Andiyar plains it was plagued by an orc warband, and that inside the mountain great and forgotten dangers lie waiting".

Ravea

09-12-2003, 14:11

Enigma sheathed his knife and turned to James. "I will use my skill of artifice in anyway i can. I am a skilled traker and pathfinder, as well as an exxalant fighter.Im sure these can be of some use on this quest." He gave a deep bow and turned away.

Pantocratoria

09-12-2003, 14:56

"Andiyar plains? Pandora mountain?" Andronicus asks, suspiciously. "I've never heard of either. And I've not heard of this pagan god Uriwe whose shrine you say the goblet is in. Where did you get this information, my lord?"

Holy Erat

09-12-2003, 15:03

OOC: This is a lot of after posting to do. Well here goes.

James gave the order to move Enigma away from the vampire. "Oh please." The vampire was already emanating high levels of deathly aura. The elf also disappated the magic of the cord trap. "Very good, elf, as I predicted only a true elf mage can destroy that spell." The vampire paused waiting for the dwarf to slide down from the wall. "Don't you dare threaten me again Grunbrin. That goes to the assassin, the elf, and the drow. I have come here only to assist you, and I will make it my business if of you slow or dare double cross me in this mission." The vampire warned.

"For your information elf, I did not order the killing of your village it was a coup against me. So I thank you for slaying all those that went against me. Also, I have found the Great Vampiric scrolls that have increased my magic after your damned visit. So considering your futile attempt in the future, same with our dear friend Grunbrin, they will prove useless unless I let you stake my heart." The vampire stated.

"We all have to consider that we must travel by night or at least under the shade of a carriage. The Lord and I are not equipped under the sun, for as you might know will kill us. I know you want me dead, but for James, he's your favorite vampire." The elven vampire bellowed in laughter. "Eripthe will drive my carriage for me, but during the day, I can only shield a vampire for 5 hours of protection from the sun and after that he burns." He paused. "Yes, during the years the vampiric elders have tried to study on making us daywalkers and it seems the only answer is the goblet."

"Regarding the ogres. They come as to no problem, unless an army attacks us. Then we would all have fun." The vampire drank more blood from the goblet. "Delicious."

Pantocratoria

09-12-2003, 15:09

"Then my suspicions are correct. You are both vampires." snorts Andronicus.

Five Civilized Nations

09-12-2003, 15:09

When Azara saw Traigous Darque walk in, his face hardened in anger... Enraged, Azara's energy began to flare, causing a blinding light to flash through the house. With a swift mutter, Azara's temper cooled and his energy dissipated. Seeking to calm himself, Azara walked out of the mansion and ascended into the sky, to seek tranquility...

That thing looked like the evil one, Teliaxpozian Darque... Death is too good a punishment for him...

OOC: Since Ellendrium said we could bring additional characters, another of my RP characters is arriving... If I can't, please disregard...

IC:

A dusty traveler staggered into the town of Cwichelm, clutching his Tempest Staff. From his shaved head and his cloth, one could tell that he was a Buddhist monk. His name was Armad Delaz. He slowly made his way in front of the mansion and bowed to the guards.

Amidha Buddha... My name is Armad Delaz, the tenth Lohan of the Mt. Song Monastery... I have an invitation from a certain Lord James Chevalier...

Holy Erat

09-12-2003, 15:12

"Yes we are Lord Andronicus." The vampire addressed the knight. "As you have been told by the lord's servants." He paused. "It does not matter whether we are vampires, what we need are plans on how we are to travel, fight the orcs, and reach the goblet before the moon problem arises."

Pantocratoria

09-12-2003, 15:34

"I'm not a lord of anything, sir. I am a simple citizen of the Emperor of the Romans. And I am here for one reason, to deliver him and his city from the hands of the Turks." says Andronicus. "The fact that you are vampires is important insofar as your reasons for seeking the blood goblet are significant..."

09-12-2003, 19:02

OOC: Sure, ya can bring in another person :lol: ... let's take a look at who we have already, shall we? :twisted: In order of appearance, of course ...

01. James Chevalier, Son of Judas the Vampire (me)
02. Kimberly “Kimli” Winneker the Half-Elf (me)
03. Unknown Vampire (Zarlo) <~I'm removing him now because he hasn't posted since the first one and neglects to answer my telegrams.
04. Andronicus Phocas, the Human from Constantinople (Pantocratoria)
05. Amelia Terra the Angel (me)
06. Atheril Hyral, the Grey Elf of Hoeth (Aelosia)
07. Enigma, the Teuetonic Knight (Ravea)
08. Azara Riskal, the demonic and dragonic Archmage (Five Civilized Nations)
09. Grundbrin Blackhammer, the axe-weilding Dwarf (Amerigo)
10. Curufinwëë Telrúúnya, the Elven-Vampyric Hierophant of the Steely Moon (Holy Erat)
11. Nyssa, the Vampire Assassin (Holy Erat)
12. Eripthe, the Elven Cleric (Holy Erat)
13. Traigous Darque, the mysterious Half-Drow (Amerigo)
14. Armad Delaz, the 10th Lohan of the Mt. Song Buddhist Monastery (Five Civilized Nations)

I think that's enough ... poor Ravea and Aelosia probably feel left out, though ... you can bring in a second character if you want ... :wink:

IC: James nodded his thanks to Atheril for his offer of help against the dragons and possible quick travel. It was most appreciated. He then turned to Enigma as he spoke and nodded again, knowing tracking and pathfinding will be very much needed if they are to avoid some of the worst creatures near the mountain. Then he spoke to Andronicus.

"I have ... requisitioned ... every book ever to utter a single word pertaining to the Blood Goblet, and have placed all the clues together to realize where it has been hidden. You see, whenever the goblet is moved, dreams occur to certain people sensitive to it's charm. They then write about their dream, and as such the clues are laid for those to find the Goblet." After that informative speech, James paid a close ear to the elven vampire's statements, put ill at ease by his arrogance. James himself was arrogant sometimes, but it seems arogance in vampires only grew in time.

"Of course I am a vampire, Andronicus." James stated, head tilted very slightly in curiousity. He then turned to listen to the elven vampire again. "That's quite right." he agreed. Finding the goblet was the most important thing. Deciding if we like each other could be postponed till then.

As all this was being played out, the guards spoke with a new guest. "Yes? Of course. Go right ahead to the house. Avatin, be a good lad and lead him, will you?" Gavin bellowed, knowing Avatin wouldn't refuse. He gave a smile as the two left for the mansion.

Aelosia

09-12-2003, 19:02

Aelosia

09-12-2003, 19:07

Ravea

09-12-2003, 21:09

Enigma stepped back and tuned to james. "If you could lend me a fine thurobred horse, i can make the journey. When do we leave?"

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 01:03

The dwarf said nothing and stood in his corner. He would go along with this strange party of misfits, but he would offer no extensive arcane knowledge of the lands, when the elf-vampire was about. He knew the lands well and he had powerful allies there, and that was all the more reason to keep his silence.

***

Traigous stood there mysteriously, silently. The once agin whispered, "But you won't tell will you? To the others? Not even to your master? Let this be a secret between us, temporary of course, for eventually they'll find out. My presense in their thoughts is subtle and it is impossible for them to detect it, if I only observe, slightly... yes even those with their great power most especially the elf-vampire..."

He paused suddenly and his pupils dialated slightly then returned to normal and he laughed once more, his eyes showed that he was clearly amused,
"Your master, seems to think I was angered by the empty threats of the elf-vampire... But never mind with that... I am sure you wish to ask about the cloth about my face, do ask, if so you wish and I will answer. Because they all wonder, every each one of them... Yes, even your master, for he knows little about me..."

Holy Erat

10-12-2003, 04:57

The vampire was slightly disturbed by the group and he knew that everyone hated him, even Andronicus. It didn't matter to him that they loathed his presence, what mattered to him was the goblet and the sooner he gets his hands on it the better. The problem was sharing the goblet's power with others when he does changes sides. He knew that the drow was not frightened by his words for he knew from experience that drow's possess such uncanny abilities that even his knowledge of magic cannot comprehend. Yet, this drow was different and it made him uneasy.

He knew that everyone was hiding something, some desire or strategy in mind. It was quite troubling that the dwarf was silent, as he knew before this one was very boisterous. "So, how do start travelling then? You could take the griffins by night, anyone who can transmogrify would be easier for them. Yet, these orc warbands can be a nuisance and time consuming hunting us down.

Eripthe came close to the dwarf and whispered. "Do you need any healing assistance, sir Grunbrin? I am sorry for my master's arrogance." The elven beauty waved her palm that seemed to heal the scars of the dwarf. "One does not need to thank thee, for I know how one feels upon such humilation."

Suddenly, Nyssa approached the elf-vampire and spoke in elfish tongue. "Damn that witch." The vampire blurted. "I am sorry." Knowing that he caused everyone to stop. "The great seer was just killed by Azura's assassins. The witch from Orbos has heard from the goblet and I predict she too will run after it. She has the power of wishsong, the ability to use magic and song that can let her forsee what individuals are thinking. I have sent Nyssa to prepare for the trip against the witch. Let us be wary for she controls the foulest of all creatures, the behemoth."

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 05:29

Eripthe came close to the dwarf and whispered. "Do you need any healing assistance, sir Grunbrin? I am sorry for my master's arrogance." The elven beauty waved her palm that seemed to heal the scars of the dwarf. "One does not need to thank thee, for I know how one feels upon such humilation."

The dwarf growled at her presense and before her healing was done he knocked her hands away, but then seeing her reactions, he added in a whisper in a more kindly fashion,

"A dwarf needs not healing, these are merely scratches..." but paused and added in a harsh bitter tone, "And I need not your pity."

With that he turned away and began to sharpen his axe, glaring at the elf-vampire every once in a while, his hate blossoming, consuming.

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 05:30

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 05:30

10-12-2003, 05:37

"I'm going to the roof. I'll call several friends of mine. I will send a message to the Annuli mountains of Hoeth. I'm sure that Symbel will be happy to help us. She always answer my summons, and maybe he could tell us more about the goblet's location. She's as older as I am, and a powerful ally indeed. And maybe I could find a couple of griffins", said the elf, leaving the room, quietly.

James nodded to Atheril and watched as he left.

Enigma stepped back and tuned to james. "If you could lend me a fine thurobred horse, i can make the journey. When do we leave?"

James turned to Enigma as he spoke and canted his head forward in understanding. "Of course. All will be provided that isn't already carried." he said, moving to the window to admire the evening sky as well as watching his servants rushing about to ready the caravan for departure.

Meanwhile, Kimli smiled as Traigous asked to keep his mental abilities a secret. "Of course." she replied, "I don't see any harm in them not knowing of it." She then tilted her head curiously as he spoke of the current thoughts of her master. "If you don't mind me asking of the cloth, than I will ... why is it you wear it? Are you horribly scarred or perhaps you use it to make yourself seem aloof?" she asked, having a much darker question floating in her mind that she didn't wish to ask aloud. If since you're telepathic, perhaps you have no voice box and use the cloth to keep your secret.

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 06:01

Meanwhile, Kimli smiled as Traigous asked to keep his mental abilities a secret. "Of course." she replied, "I don't see any harm in them not knowing of it." She then tilted her head curiously as he spoke of the current thoughts of her master. "If you don't mind me asking of the cloth, than I will ... why is it you wear it? Are you horribly scarred or perhaps you use it to make yourself seem aloof?" she asked, having a much darker question floating in her mind that she didn't wish to ask aloud. If since you're telepathic, perhaps you have no voice box and use the cloth to keep your secret.
"Scarred?" he asked, "I wish it were so. Nay... nay... There are no physical deformaties or scars that are present... It is something... different." He paused slightly to rethink how he would phrase what he was about to say next and decided to speak his dark truth bluntly,

"I have..." he paused again, but then continued, "...died, before. But was ressurrected... by my father. I have visited my afterlife, and saw its wonders... its horrors. I fully living, now, of that, have no doubt. Even your master, has not experienced an actual death... he was transformed but he did not die. Although my face physically remains unchanged, unharmed, unscarred, it is a face of... death."

He stopped and looked about him, upward at the delicately crafted ceiling, the rafters, the flowing pillars, the golden statuetes, and then back at her.
"Everything in this life, you see, it has no value to me now. I see no beuty in all these architectural "splendors". But yet, it seems there seems something different about you."

He took off one glove, revelaing a pale hand. He extended it once again and delicately touched her chin (his fingertips were very cold), and gently raised her head up as if to look at her from a different angle. Then paced about her in a quarter circle his eyes studying her face.
"It is strange, yes, but I can not fully explain it. There is something about you," he whispered, "You are different... from the rest."

Then once more his hand fell to one side and he replaced the glove back onmto his hand and let it drop to his side, then turned toward the painting he originally was looking at and gazed not at it, but through it. Somewhere beyond...

10-12-2003, 06:18

Kimli listened quietly as he spoke of being dead once before. Of his father resurrecting him. How he felt nothing for the beauty of this world anymore. But what surprised her was that he placed her aside from everything else. That somehow she was different than the other things he viewed, and Kimli knew why.

She felt a chill when he touched her chin with bare fingers, now erasing from her mind any thought that he may be lying about his past. She held her breath slightly as he spoke and stared at her so strangely.

"It is strange, yes, but I can not fully explain it. There is something about you," he whispered, "You are different... from the rest."

Kimli blinked a few times when he released her chin, then turned to look at the painting he was observing. She wanted to tell him she knew why he felt differently about her, but she decided it would be best if they returned to the others. So she suggested it, in a low voice just above a whisper.

"Perhaps we should rejoin the group, Lord Traigous. I promise to keep your secrets as well as share you mine when it seems necessary. I am sorry, but I am not allowed to speak of it." she said, turning to the direction which they'd need to go to return to the group, adding barely audibly, "You are right that I am different. Let us go now, and leave it at that for the moment."

In the main hall, James tried to get everyone's attention. "The caravan is ready, let us move outside and mount on our expedition before it becomes too late and we become hungry or tired." Servants ran back and forth across the courtyard when James opened the front door and exposed the carriages, animals, and supplies that were so quickly brought together. He thanked his servants and walked out into the courtyard, breathing in the night air with relish. "It is a wonderful night for a journey." he said to himself, turning back to the house as he sensed Kimli would be coming soon.

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 06:31

"Yesss." he half hissed half whispered, resignededly, "They await..." He turned around and headed back to the others, knowing full well, all that has been said... and even thought. But , what amused him most is the strange fact, the more power a creature had, the more transparent its thoughts, its emotions. He himself, had intersepted the invitation to his father and told him nothing of it. There were many reasons for it, which he went over many times before. He stopped his racing thoughts when he reached the group... He was calm... calm as usual. Deathly calm. He strolled by everyone without even a quick glance. They were meaningless to him. He called his steed (telepathically of course), so it would be waiting for him outside. As he stepped outside his horse was galloping at great speed from the woods. "Hmm," he thought, "must have went far."

***
The dwarf merely grumbled and followed the others. His jolly mood that was present before, completely gone. He walked along grimly, grumbling, talking to no one directly, at time responding with grunts to the comments of others.

10-12-2003, 06:53

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 07:10

Kimli walked beside Traigous as they rejoined the group, but fell behind as she noticed Grunbrin moping and went to cheer him up. "My Lord Grunbrin ... don't tell me you are allowing the words of others to sway your unsurpassable jolliness? Pay no heed, pay no heed. Let not the actions of others take away your enjoyment of this night." she stated, resting a hand on his helmeted head with a smile to him.

"Nay, not words, lass, actions," he grumbled, "But pay no heed to me, child. After a good bit o' drink I'll forget today happened." Then went outside and waited behind the others. His beard swaying in the slight wind, his axe glowly duly with crimson, he stood there, ready for another long march.

***
Traigous approached James whilst his stallion galloped toward him. He as usual appraoched to a very close distance, and bowed slightly whispering,

"Lord James, please, forgive my impertinence, I have not even formally introduced myself, for I know we have not met before. I am Traigous Darque, son of Teliaxpozian Darque. I know that you have known my father only briefly... and my father wishes to extend his gramercy to you for such an invitation. And as you can clearly see, he could not come, and sent me in his place and I am humbled for such an oppurtunity."

Everything he said were lies, but lies came natural to him, he could express all that was said above with the upmost sincereity without actually meaning any of it. His horse arrived at that moment and he hopped onto it with an experienced grace.

10-12-2003, 07:20

Kimli nodded to Grunbrin and hurried out the front door as she heard James calling her. She stopped short though, as she noticed Traigous was speaking with him. She moved more normally this time and mounted her horse next to James as she listened in on their conversation.

"Yes, I quite noticed that Traigous. It is good to meet you, as I am sure you will be just as essential to this trip as your father would have been. How is he these days?" he asked absentmindedly, just making conversation as he turned towards Kimli and whispered something to her in his very next breath. Kimli, in response, shook her head with a smile. She looked to Traigous for a moment before responding to James in an old vampyric tongue. How she knew it might confuse some, but the reality was she had been taught by James from a young age.

Kimli never knew why he was teaching her such things, or why he was so good to her. But she nevertheless was a brilliant student and what she spoke sounded as natural as any vampire would speaking it. "Of course I understand. You've done well, Kimli." James stated, in a tone just above a whisper. He then nodded his head to Traigous and looked to the others, to see how they were coming.

Amerigo

10-12-2003, 07:42

"Yes, I quite noticed that Traigous. It is good to meet you, as I am sure you will be just as essential to this trip as your father would have been. How is he these days?" he asked absentmindedly, just making conversation as he turned towards Kimli and whispered something to her in his very next breath.
"Oh, as fine as he can... But albeit his divine blood, he is mostly human and is probably unfit for another adventure off to some other land." This was a lie. His father was as young as ever, his magicks had stopped his aging not his divine blood, however. In half a century or so, he would probably turn himself into a lich.

Traigous of course could detect the whisper and could by all means interpret it (essentially he could understand any spoken word, if there is a visual image behind it and most intelligent beings had at least partial images which was enough, if it simply a "word" or a sound from another non-intelligent creature he could not translate it), had he wished, but he did not. He had spent his childhood dabbling with psychic powers--spying on everyone. Now, he simply did not wish to overhear everything and didn't. He listened to things he thought were needed to be heard.

Kimli, in response, shook her head with a smile. She looked to Traigous for a moment before responding to James in an old vampyric tongue. How she knew it might confuse some, but the reality was she had been taught by James from a young age.

Kimli never knew why he was teaching her such things, or why he was so good to her. But she nevertheless was a brilliant student and what she spoke sounded as natural as any vampire would speaking it. "Of course I understand. You've done well, Kimli." James stated, in a tone just above a whisper. He then nodded his head to Traigous and looked to the others, to see how they were coming.
At that moment Traigous turned away and looked deep in thought to the forest. Listening to the birds of the night, let loose their songs upon the world. They didn't have such birds in hell... or at least the portion of hell he ruled over. After death he would visit the 665 remaining ones, but that was for later, right not he had other tasks at hand.

OOC: This RP is turning out simply awesome. Very nice, very nice. And hte plot twists get more intriguing by the minute don't they? :D

Holy Erat

10-12-2003, 10:30

"I am only here to help Lord dwarf. My master needs me as well as well as I need him." Eripthe let the issue go and let the dwarf loose.

--------------------------

"Very well then. I do not need a horse, for I have my carriage at the north part of town. I will see you." The vampire at last transmogrified with Eripthe. The elf became a white hawk and the vampire into dozens of large bats. They flew out the door and into the darkness of the night.

"At the carriage, Nyssa was placing different runes ready, also sharpening her scythe for various fighting scenarios. She could sense that her master was near for it was he who freed her from the chains of mortals into a cold blood assassin. The elf-vampire transformed once again. "Do we have everything set, Nyssa."

"Yes, master, everything is in order. We can leave anytime." The vampire assassin whispered.

"Excellent, prepare the horses, ride to the mansion. We shall be waiting for the others there."

Five Civilized Nations

10-12-2003, 15:14

Armad Delaz slowly walked into the mansion, chanting under his breath Buddhist scriptures. From the staff on his back and the special monastic garb he was wearing, one could tell that he was from a Shaolin Monastery. James Chevalier was an old friend of the Fang Zhen of the Mt. Song Monastery, and when he asked for help, Fang Zhen had dispatched Armad Delaz to assist.

Meanwhile, floating with the breezes, Azara continued to think...

OOC: I'll tell you what Azara's dealing with a little later...

Ravea

10-12-2003, 17:32

Enigma turned as the elf vampire transformed and flew off into the horizion. He had a bad feeling about that one.

he turned back and walked out of the mansion. He saw his steed waiting for him. It was a fine, jet black horse, made for traveling both over long distances and speeding acroos a short strach of terrian. He turned and thanked James for the horse, then mounted it.

"So, shall we go now?" He asked James.

Pantocratoria

10-12-2003, 17:49

"And how the goblet could help the Emperor of Constantinople. The turks are howling at his gates again, What the goblet could do?, scare them away?", asked the elf to the greek, rubbing his chin with his gloved hand.

"With the power of the goblet, the Theodosian Walls will remain as impregnable as they were when they were built 1000 years ago. The Turks will be swept from the Empire like the Latins, like the Bulgars, like every other invader before them." answers Andronicus. "The goblet could do all of this, as well you know, no doubt."

Pantocratoria

10-12-2003, 17:55

"I am ready to go." declares Andronicus. "I will meet you out the front of the manor..."

Andronicus bows, and leaves the hall. He races upstairs to his chamber, and hurriedly collects his belongings from the chests there. He carriees them down to the stable, and loads them onto his horse, before mounting it, and riding out towards the caravan.

10-12-2003, 19:55

James smiled as everyone seemed to be coming along nicely. He looked to the monk and waved him over before moving to the front of the caravan, Kimli following next to him. He thought back on the night he met Kimli's parents, a strange smile on his face with the memory:

"When are you due?" He asks. The response from the couple was, "Two months." He nodded, placing his hat upon his head as he did, and walked out their door and into the street. "May I ask your family name?" He inquired. "Winneker, my Lord ... Daniel and Rachael Winneker." He then waved to the two of them and entered into his horse-drawn carriage, which had been waiting for him after his arrival.

"Home, Connery." He said stiffly, sinking into his seat with a sigh. "At this rate I'll never have to hunt for my meals." He said to himself, looking idly out the window. There was a harvest moon out tonight, the color as close to blood as he had ever seen. James smiled maliciously at the sight.

"Soon." he said. "Soon the moon will be blood red." he continued as the carriage carried him down the mostly empty streets. He pulled a book from the seat next to him and opened it to the bookmarked page. "Yes. Things are coming together nicely. But two months is too long." he stated quietly, doing the math in his head. "The blood moon will come up next month ... perhaps this couple isn't the one mentioned. The child must be born next month, on the night of the bloodmoon. The journey for the goblet will be much harder if I cannot find the right child." he said disgrudgingly. He had waited so long, and it looked like he'd be waiting even longer.

James blinked as he recovered from the memory, looking forward to see the elven-vampire's carriage arriving. They journey would begin once Atheril and Azara got themselves together. "My dear monk. I fear we haven't been introduced. I assume you were sent instead of my dear friend? I hope he is in good health." he stated.

OOC: None of you can know that that flashback happened ... it'd ruin the surprise ... :twisted: ... and yes, there are many twists going on in this story ... :) ... just the way I like it. Oh, I wrote the flashback so you wouldn't be too darn surprised with what's gonna happen later on, but your characters must not know. And I hope they act surprised when it happens too ... :evil: :wink:

Holy Erat

10-12-2003, 21:43

*The plot is indeed going nicely...*

A black carriage zoomed past the torch lights of the town. It was a silver black carriage with a scarlet finish and a torch at the top side. The windows were closed tight,as sunlight will kill any vampire. Yet there was a bony hand placing the window cloth aside. Nyssa was driving the carriage driven by four black stallions. The carriage stopped in front of the Lord's mansion. The elf-vampire got out of his carriage, Eripthe following him. "Do we have everything set, James?" As the vampire greeted James. "I will take care of Azura's behemoth and the witch. She has been crossing my path for more than five centuries.

"So do you know your master who gave you the gift of eternal life?" The vampire asked James. "Just a curious question. I have known many vampires that have risen and fallen, yet I really don't know you or your heritage."

10-12-2003, 22:34

OOC: Crud, I forgot I was logged in under the wrong nation name ... aw well, you guys know who I am :twisted:

IC: James looked to the elven vampire curiously, then answered his question. "My master vampire, the one who changed me into what I am today, went by the name Zhenzi Chu. I was in egypt at the time, hiding from the jewish parliment which crucified Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He was a spice trader from China. He seeked shelter in my home while he bartered off his goods, and before I knew it, I was in his grasp." he said, looking off to the side as if remembering the ordeal.

"After two hundred years, he released me to my own accord, not before turning me into a quite effective killing machine. But he was in the wrong, because since his absense I've become more human than ever. It would disgust him to see me as I am now, though I do sometimes receive letters from him." he continued, thinking on the subject before closing off.

"Do you know of my master? He told me that he was an original, so it is likely you've crossed paths before." he said wonderingly.

OOC: Now to log in as myself :wink:

Five Civilized Nations

10-12-2003, 22:41

Delaz bowed...

Amidha Buddha... My master, Fang Zhen have dispatched to assist. I am at your service. My master is old and venerable and regrets that he is unable to come personally to assist, but he sends some token gifts to represent his spiritual presence.

Delaz bowed once more and from his satchel he pulled out a small statue made of pure ivory and gold and presented it to James.

This is the statue depicts the defeat of Hezekial (one of Azara's demonic transformations). Here the winner, the Dragon Lord Omnus Stormrider is stepping on the defeated Hezekial. My master believes that your quest will result in a similar manner, with your foot on top of the evil... Finally, my master brings these words from a vision he has seen. He said, "Beware of the Dragon, for it shall bring about your downfall..."

With that said, Delaz bowed again.

Meanwhile, Azara had descended from the sky and landed in the courtyard of the mansion, his robes fluttering in the breeze. With his arms clasped behind him, Azara entered the mansion...

Five Civilized Nations

10-12-2003, 22:41

11-12-2003, 00:22

James looked to Delaz as he spoke. "Of course. I had forgotten how long it's been since I'd last seen Fang Zhen ..." he said just slightly above a whisper, bringing his forefinger to his chin in thought. He then looked to Delaz again as he continued speaking and presented a beautiful ivory and gold statuette. "My foot atop evil, you say? Perhaps. Perhaps it shall happen that way ... 'beware the dragon, for it shall bring about your downfall'?" he mused, contorting his face in thought. "Fang Zhen's visions have always been true to themselves, though shadowed in metaphor ... I shall take it into deep consideration, Delaz ... thank you." James stated, signalling for a servant to come and place the statuette in a safe place until they returned from the journey. He then bowed his head in response to Delaz' bow and looked up just in time to see Azara land after dropping from the roof. He wondered why it was he entered the mansion instead of mounting his already-prepared horse, but decided to leave it for the moment. It was more important that they got on their way. Azara could catch up easily, it seems.

"Let us ride!" James shouted, signalling for the caravan to begin it's trek to teh resting place of the blood goblet. James knew that finding the goblet would only be the beginning of their troubles and trials, so it was best they started now instead of lingering and perhaps losing any chance of ever finding the goblet this decade.

OOC: A decade is ten years, right? :? I get so confused. I'll check on the board again later tonight. I have another class to attend ... ew, Botany ... where was I? :wink: In any case, ta ta for now!

Amerigo

11-12-2003, 00:47

Traigous looked about at this caravan, then hissed to James,
"I shall scout far ahead, and warn you of any dangers upon my return, my steed is fast and my eyes, vigilant. The enemy may have set up ambushes and it would be unfavorable, if all of us venture into a trap."

Not waiting for any response he hissed oddly at his horse and it took off in a blinding sprint. His black hair and cape energized by the rush of wind, he rode far ahead of the rest of the caravan. It was indeed apparent that, his horse was not an ordinary steed--due to its speed and its behaviour. A vivacious spirit was in this horse's blood--and it was quite apparent by the outermost demeanor of the steed that it was by nature evil. Fortunately, it seemed that the malignance lay dormant in its veins.

The town soon disappeared and the cloaked rider charged through the fields of the outlying farms sending a shiver through the manes of the stabled horses and the sleeping dogs, and should a human been out for some reason he would have felt sick with a passing darkness for a fleeting moment and would run quickly inside his home. As the rider passed the farmhouses, a sleeping child would wake screaming from a nightmare, and an old man would feel the presense of death close by him. The people and creatures he passed would not feel evil in the air, but a icy, searing darkness.

Five Civilized Nations

11-12-2003, 04:56

James looked to Delaz as he spoke. "Of course. I had forgotten how long it's been since I'd last seen Amidha ..." he said just slightly above a whisper, bringing his forefinger to his chin in thought. He then looked to Delaz again as he continued speaking and presented a beautiful ivory and gold statuette. "My foot atop evil, you say? Perhaps. Perhaps it shall happen that way ... 'beware the dragon, for it shall bring about your downfall'?" he mused, contorting his face in thought. "Amidha's visions have always been true to themselves, though shadowed in metaphor ... I shall take it into deep consideration, Delaz ... thank you." James stated, signalling for a servant to come and place the statuette in a safe place until they returned from the journey. He then bowed his head in response to Delaz' bow and looked up just in time to see Azara land after dropping from the roof. He wondered why it was he entered the mansion instead of mounting his already-prepared horse, but decided to leave it for the moment. It was more important that they got on their way. Azara could catch up easily, it seems.

"Let us ride!" James shouted, signalling for the caravan to begin it's trek to teh resting place of the blood goblet. James knew that finding the goblet would only be the beginning of their troubles and trials, so it was best they started now instead of lingering and perhaps losing any chance of ever finding the goblet this decade.

OOC: A decade is ten years, right? :? I get so confused. I'll check on the board again later tonight. I have another class to attend ... ew, Botany ... where was I? :wink: In any case, ta ta for now!

OOC: the master's name is Fang Zhen... Amidha Buddha is a Buddhist saying that can be used as a greeting...

11-12-2003, 06:27

Amerigo

11-12-2003, 06:34

OOC: :? Don't confuse me with monk talk ... I have a hard enough time trying to remember how to spell everyone's names ... :wink: I'll correct the post though, and afterwards I'll lengthen this post to include some IC with James leading the group towards the Andiyar Plains. :twisted: God, I'm falling in love with this story ... when we're done with it I think I'll bind it together into a book and sell it! :roll: I never get around to anything, who am I kidding? In any case, if I do I'll ask y'all for real names and such so I can give you the due credit you diserve.
OOC: Now, now, we've got to finish it first, and I doubt we'll be done with it this year :!: Even when you plan to finish, I am quite certain this story will stem into another until we all tire of it in sevral years. Okay I'm a little optimistic about this, so sue me. This is turning out to be a an RP masterpiece, thats for sure.

11-12-2003, 07:07

OOC: :twisted: Yes ... I never knew my one post could attract such high-grade RPers ... :idea: ... and if this does stem off into another story, I could write the first one up as a book and use the new stories as sequels ... so there! :wink: Oh right, I was supposed to post ... guess I'll do it here :)

IC: The caravan moved out the stone path of the estate, past the metal gates, down the main road towards the edge of town and the lingering perils beyond. The silhouette of mount Pandora was visible on the horizon as a pyramid-like peak which glowed an eerie orange in the red moonlight. The moon was a bloody sliver tonight, so the group had little over a week and two days to traverse the distance and recover the goblet before it would be moved to a new resting place and they'd lose their chance.

James and Kimli rode in the front of the caravan, many peasants and citizens of the town shadowing their lighted windows and doorways to bid farewell to them all. Kimli waved kindly to the people who lay indoors, but also keeping watch for the children who now filled the streets with laughter and shouts of encouragement to the travellers. It seemed as if they really were on a holy quest, but Kimli knew better.

The shouts and cheers soon faded into the silence of night as the caravan moved onto the winding dirt path which lead through the deep forests surrounding the small town. Sure there were fields here and there for farmers to till, fresh food to sustain the people between excursions to the city for supplies. But because of the freshwater river just a half mile down the path, most people only had to go to the city for luxury items.

As they reached the river, which the townspeople called Potter's Pool, it became quite apparant why. On the right there was a small lake of water which was fed by a small waterfall. On the left, where they were to cross, was a small river no wider than five feet that siphoned out of the lake itself. James and Kimli lead their horses across the shallow river and continued on the path, knowing the rest would follow.

Amerigo

11-12-2003, 07:45

OOC: Now time for some action... :twisted:

Traigous continued his wild ride forward, his eyes constantly searching for dangers, that may threaten the caravan behind him. (OOC: I'm assuming the plains begin not too out of the village... Don't worry... Traigous will soon be rejoined with the rest of the group :wink:... probably in this post...) The outskirts of the town were bhind him and the wild rolling plains of Andiyar stretched before him. Something off to the west, however, caught his attention. He stopped his ride abruptly, yet smoothly and examined the object from a far. It was an odd looking hill--a huge mound if you will. Burrowed out carefully revealing a large cave. The darkened soil did not match with the surroundings and it was obvious some creatures made this huge hill.

He rode toward it to investigate, naturally. As the hill grew larger by each moment he approached it was quite obvious the monstrous size of this strange furrowed out hole and the artificial mound into which it lead. Traigous then stopped his steed, realizing what this thing was. A hill giant had forged this and was presently occupying his built lair, undoubtedly sleeping. He stopped to think for a minute. This Giant was potentially a threat to the caravan behind him, since if it should wake it would no doubtedly spot them on these plains, no matter how they attempted to circumvent it. Obviously, he would have to slay it, but herein lay the problem. Psionics are the bane of intelligent creature, a stupid giant would be very resistant to the full extent of his powers. Then it hit him--a perfect plan, which would unfortunately would require a little brute force.

So he dismounted his horse and boldly walked into the Giant's lair. There he saw the sleeping beast. It was at least 50 feet tall and quite bulbous in weight, too. The beast slept on a bed of bones, his head swimming in his own drool. Traigous, went around the creature so he was facing its face, picked up a piece of a crushed skull by the creatures face and with all his might threw it into the giant's left eye. This got the giant's attention and slowly his sleepy eye opened. Dazed and confused for a second, the beast thought it was half dreaming, but lazily rubbing his eyes open with his humungous hand he realized he was not dreaming and a foolish morsel... mortal wandered into his lair for him to snack on. Delighted at such a surprise he sat up, slowly so as not to scare it away. But lo! it stood still. Poor mindless morsel. Then with a quick grab, the human was in his hand.
Smiling at his snack, the giant opened up his mouth and threw him in.

The first part of Traigous's plan went perfectly, for he had protected him with a psionic power that, hardened his skin slightly, to prevent him from getting burned by the beast's saliva. Well, once in the creature's mouth, to avoid its massive teeth, Traigous swiftly unsheathed his sword and dove into his throat. The giant began to choke and Traigous began to hack away at anything that got in the way. The giant stumbled about gasping, choking his insides bleeding and all the while Traigous kept hacking at the throat more or less stuck there. This horrible deed lasted for at least 15 minutes until Traigous managed to hack his way out through the now lifeless giant's throat. He crawled out of the bloodied passage and stood there soaked in blood and saliva. There was some of his own blood too as the acidic saliva of the giant managed to eat through his "psionically improved" skin. He was gasping for air and most of his garments were ragged and torn, but he dispatched of the giant with relatively few wounds.
But my he did make a mess of the cave! Crimson splattered everywhere from the throat.

Holy Erat

11-12-2003, 09:59

OOC: A masterpiece indeed. I have been thinking the same thing...making it into a book.

IC: "Nyssa, Get me my horse I will ride with the young master (young in relation to the elf-vampire age)." The elf-vampire rode upon his black steed and marched in front of the caravan near James and Kimli. "How are you doing dear?" The vampire never spoke to Kimli, and it was good to make his acquaintance with the half-elf. "Hmm...Zhenzhi Chu, well, well, so your the old nitwit's apprentice. I never seen master Chu for a long time, probably before Christ. You must be skilled to be able to stand Chu's training I heard, he's quite a perfectionist with the sword and predatory attacks." The vampire paused opened his free palm and chanted. A silvery mist enveloped his palm as it came from the vampire's carriage. Now laid a small dagger, with a gold encrusted hilt and a bone carved at its blade. The vampire handed the weapon to James. "This is the Kuronami, a legendary vampire weapon that improves strength, speed and skill of any undead. The council wanted to give this to you, as respect to the soon contribution you will make to the vampire community."

Five Civilized Nations

11-12-2003, 15:06

As Lord James Chevalier and Kimli departed from the town, both Azara and Delaz quickly followed.

Azara hovered two inches above the ground following the caravan as it moved on. Azara arms, held behind his back occasionally flared with energy as Azara kept practicing. His hood still shrouded his features, but occasionally one walking or riding nearby could see within and note the quite evident dragonic features on Azara's face.

Meanwhile, the Shaolin monk, Armad Delaz walked next to the carriage carrying Lord James Chevalier and Kimli. His rolling gait quickly eating up the distance, his staff on his shoulder as he walked...

11-12-2003, 18:39

Kimli nodded in response to the elf-vampire's greeting. "Quite well, my Lord, and you?" was her response. She soon noticed he needed to speak with James, so she didn't request a response.
"Hmm...Zhenzhi Chu, well, well, so your the old nitwit's apprentice. I haven't seen master Chu for a long time, probably before Christ. You must be skilled to be able to stand Chu's training. I heard, he's quite a perfectionist with the sword and predatory attacks."
James nodded to him. "Yes, that he is ... he chose well, and he always says so in his letters to me, but time is a harsh mistress to habit. She has you questioning your motives before long, and having Zhenzhi gone, she got her point across with no hinderance." he said quetly as the vampire created the dagger from seemingly nowhere. Gold encrusted hilt and a blade made of bone. Those were not seen often anymore in this age of metal and steel.
"This is the Kuronami, a legendary vampire weapon that improves strength, speed and skill of any undead. The council wanted to give this to you, as respect to the soon contribution you will make to the vampire community."
When James heard that, he smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure they are as anxious as we are to find the goblet. This is a fine dagger." he commented, clipping it carefully to his belt. As he spoke, though, the caravan began to peek out from the deep forests into the Andiyar Plains. The trees became progressively more scarce, and grass almost as tall as the horse's backs filled most of the space. One could now see the hill in the distance that Traigous had gone to investigate, though the group wouldn't notice it to be as ominous as Traigous did. Since the path was fairly straight through the Andiyar Plains, James began wondering if Traigous had traveled too far ahead.
Kimli suddenly looked back to Delaz, speaking softly, "Are you sure you wouldn't like a horse to ride upon? Or perhaps to ride in my master's carriage? The mountain is very far, and I'm afraid you didn't get much time to rest when you arrived earlier."

OOC: James and Kimli are riding on horses, silly ... :wink: ... as the elf-vampire with the unpronouncable name is now ... heheheh

11-12-2003, 19:36

The vampire jumps upon Kimli as a attempt to suck blood, but noticed he picked the wrong opponent too late...
With low experience compared to Kimli he is thrown off and shuddered. He runs away to his master with the awkward silence being left behind among the group he has just "attempted to attack"

11-12-2003, 19:39

The vampire leaves behind an odd helm
[quote=???]Most probable a magical sword by its red hue and eerie glow that comes from inside its helm[quote]
It lays on the floor waiting, however somehow leaks blood whenever it is worn by a living creature, whos blood is it?
[quote=???]Probably the user[quote]

11-12-2003, 19:41

The vampire leaves behind an odd helm
Most probable a magical sword by its red hue and eerie glow that comes from inside its helm
It lays on the floor waiting, however somehow leaks blood whenever it is worn by a living creature, whos blood is it?
Probably the user

Aelosia

11-12-2003, 20:49

A pair of griffins flied over the group in circles before finally landing before them. The beasts were regal, the body of a lion and the head and wings of giant eagles. Their fur was grey, and their feathers were of a fantastic silver. Riding them were two figures clad in celestial blue and bright silver clothes.

Atheril dismounted the first griffin, walking towards Lord Chevalier. "I found my friends, they can get us to the mountains. Their names are Pharis and Phalaris, they'll make excellent mounts and fearsome fighters of their own. Symbel is with me too".

As he spoke those words, an elven maiden dressed with a delicate silver robe and crystal sandals dismounted the second griffin. However, her features weren't those of a normal elf, her complexion was grey as the purest marble, and her eyes resembled molten silver orbs. Her hair was silver too, the skin gleaming as made of metal. "So, you're looking for the goblet, too", she said with a strange and cavernous voice, not appropiate for such a slim and delicate maiden. "I'll help you, I have waited for eons to find that artifact. I'm Symbel, the Silver Lady of the Annuli Mountains, the bane of Inferno, the great red of the Eylie Volcano, and friend of the elves of Hoeth".

11-12-2003, 23:57

OOC: Zarlo, Zarlo, you're trying too hard. I can't even understand what your second (accidentally duplicated) post means. Did the vampire leave behind a sword? I appreciate the surprise though. Everyone, I will be telegramming Zarlo to let him know where we are every day so he can jump in every now and again with random attacks to add unpredictability to the storyline. If you don't want him to attack you, let me know.

IC: Kimli had struck down the vampire with ease, and looked around curious as to where he'd disappeared to after his defeat. She wasn't used to being attacked, and was lucky she had been trained carefully in the use of swords. But instead of sheathing the blood-streaked dagger after her attack, she handed it to James, who sniffed it.

"Definitely was a vampire ... young, too ... I wonder who could have made him? I was lead to believe I was the only vampire in this area." he said, wiping the dagger clean on his cloak and returning the blade to Kimli. "I am impressed." he stated, just before the two silver griffins landed and they had to stop the caravan.

"Atheril, you've made good time. What lovely creatures." he said wonderingly. "But you know, the goblet isn't on or in the mountain ... it is at the base on the shadowed side ... or at least that's what my books have lead me to believe." he added, looking now to Symbel.

"It's very nice to meet you, my Lady." James said with a bow of the waist from his mount. Kimli also bowed her head, looking to the woman curiously as she'd never seen an elf like her. "Why is it you look for the blood goblet, Symbel? If you have searched so long, why has it eluded you?" Kimli asked, though afterwards wary about being so blunt.

"Kimli, it took me hundreds of years just to track down the necessary books for finding the goblet. It isn't surprising that it eluded the elves as well." James said, explaining himself after noticing he sounded rather arrogant. "I mean, each time the goblet is moved dreams occur to certain individuals all over the face of the planet. It's likely when she began searching for it there wasn't much of written language involved. She would have had to track down every dreamer individually."

Holy Erat

12-12-2003, 00:20

"You are welcome, James. The elders have their own plans in mind and I do wish to concern myself with a wicked few." The vampire sneered, his face still cloaked in darkness.

"What a foolish knave." The elf-vampire was surprised that the vampire attacked. "I never thought that there are master vampires that keep their apprentices astray."

Suddenly the griffins appeared with Atheril and Symbel. "Ah the elven griffins are here, this would speed our journey. Yet, we have to find the drow, before we depart. I wouldn't mind leaving him or unless he already knows he is being left behind."

"Eripthe will ride with you and your griffins, elf. It would be easier for me and Nyssa to fly our way there."

OOC: Even I don't know the name of the vamp anymore. Anyway, just use "lord", "master vampire" or some adjective you made up.

12-12-2003, 00:30

OOC: Even I don't know the name of the vamp anymore. Anyway, just use "lord", "master vampire" or some adjective you made up.

OOC: Technically his name is Curufinwëë Telrúúnya, the Hierophant of the Steely Moon and Emperor of Night ... that's how you introduced him ... lol ... I copied the entire thread to my computer, so I can check easily :twisted: Aw well ... Elven-vampire and Lord Ancient Dude it is! lol

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 00:45

The dwarf suddenly walked up from the back of the caravan closer to the griffins. He looked them over, leaning heavily on his axe and sneered,

"I never been a ridin' no horses and I sure 'ave no plans to be ridin' over-sized pigeon cats! The Earth be solid enough for me and I have no wish to walk da clouds!"

***

Traigous meanwhile had fully climbed out of the hole in the giants neck which still was spewind fountains of blood. He sat there, breathing heavily and looked about the giant's lair. He headed back to his steed, still completely drenched in scarlet, his leather armour (which consists of pants and shirt) was surprisingly relatively unburned by the giants acidic saliva and was obviously somehow magically enchanted... The same could not be said for everything else. His boots were completely ruined and he threw the hole riddled boots to his side. His cape too was nothing but a torn and stained rag. His gloves remained less damaged but had several holes nonetheless. The cloth about his head was also burned slightly, but no holes exposed any skin on his head. That and of course every garment now was permanently vermillion.

So bootless, he returned to his horse and rode back toward the caravan with great speed. He noticed it made great progress and he could see it in the distance.

***
He rode in a bloody mess, of course very little of it was his blood, however it would appear to all the spectators that he was heavily wounded and in fact near death. His horse's back too now was stained with the giants blood, so he dismounted and stood there with a death-like calm as usual.

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 00:46

12-12-2003, 01:17

Aelosia

12-12-2003, 01:31

"Maybe you can ride me then, Master Dwarf", said Symbel smiling at the dwarf. "And well, the cromatic dragons always have hide the goblet from us", she said.

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 01:43

Kimli gasped as Traigous stopped his horse and dismounted, completely covered in blood. "My Gods, Traigous, are you alright?" she asked, falling silent as she looked down and noticed he wasn't wearing his boots anymore. "And what in the devil's name happened to your boots, man?" she added, wide-eyed, a strange quirk in her voice that made the issue sound more humerous than serious, though she was still worried for him. James had trouble holding in a laugh, however, his right hand brought up to cover his mouth which was fashioned into a smile. He could smell that the blood wasn't Traigous', so he made a much different statement than Kimli would.

"Perhaps you will like a new pair, Traigous? And how about something to wash all that blood off, eh? The river is but a short ride back." he said, thrusting a thumb in the direction they had come. He combed a hand through his hair, slowly regaining control after such a humerous moment. Kimli only looked from Traigous to James in curiosity, not seeing the humor at all.
Traigous stood there a moment, and then whispered in his usual tone,
"I've had an 'unfortunate' run-in with a giant.... But he bit off more than he could swallow."

His double entendre amused him very much and he chuckled a bit at his own wit. Then realizing that such an explanation would satisfy only the likes of those who had inhumane sense of observation, then added,

"Do not worry. The blood is not mine. A giant may have threatened the caravan had he woke and looked for food. Thus, it was necessary to... kill him... I am relatively unscathed... and the giant is... dead."

Then he turned to James who via his vampirism seemed to understand more clearly than some of the rest. He whispered,
"Yes, a new pair of boots would be greatly appreciated... But as for the meanwhile I believe I shall go to the lake to wash the blood off..." He eyed the griffins and the new elf, then continued,
"I judge we shall travel by griffin, soon? Or mayhaps just a few of us? Hmmm... no matter, you can wait for a couple of minutes can you not? Perhaps the rest will rest a while, and have a snack while I'm gone...? For you see, I'd rather walk the way there, but if we require haste, I do not even need to journey there, and wait to clean off the blood 'till another more convinient time. You are after all the leader of this... curious expedition...."

Ravea

12-12-2003, 01:46

Several thigs happned in the beggining of thier journey. Strangest was a minor attack on kimli by a small vampire. Kimli eisely defeted it, but Enigma wondered what it was trying to do. Soon after, the Elf, riding a pair of griffins, landed. Enigma looked into the fiery eyes of the elven maiden in awe, then turned his face the the griffins. They were wonderful creatures, and Enigma had always wanted to ride one.

Enigma looked around as a blood stained Traigous came riding back to the caraven. Enigma was relived to hear him say it was teh blood of a giant, and made a mental note to thannk him later.

Enigma looked at the griffins and asked, "How many people will be able to ride on these?"

Holy Erat

12-12-2003, 01:47

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 01:48

"Maybe you can ride me then, Master Dwarf", said Symbel smiling at the dwarf. "And well, the cromatic dragons always have hide the goblet from us", she said.
OOC: Wait okay... hold on... before I somehow misinterpret this post, let me ask you this, did you mean to put "with" in the first sentence of is she in human form, but is actually a dragon or something? Secondly what do you mean by the second sentence?

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 01:52

"It seems you wanted more action than expected, drow. I have a cloak there if you want." The vampire grinned as he was looking at the boot. "Just get on the bird, dwarf. don't waste our time with your babbling and move it."
"Yesss" he hissed in his usual tone, "but a new cloak is unnecessary, sire. I need only to replace my boots, and Lord James so generously offered to do so."

Holy Erat

12-12-2003, 01:58

"As you wis,drow. I still would like to see you in clean clothes. Probably a habit I formed." The vampire paused. "Shall we go then, the night is still young and we must ride on before morning."

12-12-2003, 02:00

OOC: I was wondering the same thing about the silver elf, Amerigo ... :lol: ... NEway, back to the typing ...

IC: Kimli dismounted and went back to the supply cart, a covered wagon filled with food, water, and assorted clothing and utensils. Almost anything one would need was provided for there. She soon came back with a pair of black boots and handed them to Traigous.

Meanwhile, James had taken an interest in the peculiar conversation between the dwarf and the lady elf. Did he hear wrong? He assumed it would take as much to get a dwarf onto anything that didn't toucht he ground as it traveled, but he was quite sure he'd just not heard the entire conversation and was making assumptions.

James blinked for a moment before registering the elven-vampire's words. "Oh ... quite right ... Traigous, you go get clean ... we should still be here as we pack the griffins with the supplies for when you return ..." he said, then dismounted from his horse.

Holy Erat

12-12-2003, 02:03

"Dwarf, if you don't ride the bird, I will make you ride it, with or without the elf's charming persuation." The vampire was tired of waiting For vampires the time of the night was not on their side. They could be immortal, yes, but the daylight shunned them from the daywalkers.

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 02:20

Traigous bowed slightly and began walking off toward the lake, boots in hand. He glanced over his shoulder at Kimli as he began his trek.
"Strange girl," he thought and then remembered, what she had said to him
in that hall...

I promise to keep your secrets as well as share you mine when it seems necessary. I am sorry, but I am not allowed to speak of it.

Curious it was indeed, but then again he now enjoyed such mysteries, due mainly to the ease with which he had solved many of them, with his powers. He did not want to probe her mind for the answers, he enjoyed this rare feeling of mystery and he would let it last as long as possible.

***
The dwarf growled at the elf-vampire, "Ya can pro'bly with yar dirty magicks, but I know the region of the mountains well... very well... and the creatures who be makin' thar home there. Ya "make me" ride da griffin and ya'll not hear a word from me 'bout those parts!"

Aelosia

12-12-2003, 04:26

OOC: Ahem, make your own conclusions about the elf maiden, I won't say nothing about her...yet. She said "Maybe you can ride me, then", all words are in the right place, and nothing is missing. And about the second phrase, I suppose sometimes I can't translate all my thoughts (english is not my first language), but looks ok, it's just that the elf maidne can't speak properly the common language.

IC:

"The red, blue, black, white and green dragons. They helped to hide the goblet from us, to avoid to be found, as they know too that the old races will flourish again and wage war against them", the voice of the maiden was even more strange now, as if a being of ancient wisdom was talking from inside her body. "And Master Dwarf, I was talking abour riding in my back, I can fly too, and carry you to the shadow side of the mountain. I have heard that dwarves hate birds because of the feathers, but I also have heard that they love metal".

She looked at the elven vampire, smelling the air around him "DolDûldur!, you're a dead that walks, but you're an elf too. What made you to embrace such a pitiful way of living?. Not inmortality, because you had that from your birth", she asked, a grin of despise in her face.

"Please relax, my beloved Symbel, this people will help us to find the goblet. Look, I'm trying to get along with the dwarf, and you know that our races can't...", said Atheril, trying to mediate in the arguing.

"Dwarves are a good race, they born, live and die. As all things should do when the moment arrives. But this man, this elf, is an abomination to nature, please keep him out of my sight", said the maiden, little pieces of ice forming aroind her lips.

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 06:47

Aelosia

12-12-2003, 06:57

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 07:00

"You see?, these dwarves can smell precious metals. He got you, of course your phrase regarding he riding you was a clue too", said Atheril chuckling, standing behind Symbel and hugging her, placing his face against her clear silver hair.

"I am surprised, Master Dwarf, very surprised. And yes, I am a dragon, but a Dragon of a kind you have never seen or heard before. I'm the only dragon with an elven soul. I was once a silver dragon, but I'm now the first and only Mithril Dragon, friend of the elves and defender of the greater good", she said, placing her hand in Atheril's cheek...

"Mithril???" his eyes bulged from his sockets, in awe the dwarf approached the elf and scrutinized her skin for traces of it, "It is so rare... on this side of the Seas... So rare... and beautiful..." The dwarf could barely contain his awe and excitement, he would see that glorious metal once again!

Aelosia

12-12-2003, 07:15

As he approached his face to Symbel's skin, he could barely see tiny scales made of the brightest metal embedded in her skin, disguised in a perfect manner. However, he could see too a perfect mithril dagger, with the form of a scale, below his beard, pointing at his throat. "Not so close, Master Dwarf. This dagger, as my sword, is made of mithril too. Please stand aside. I don't want the wretched Curufinwë hunting Symbel by her scales. I hope you can understand my concern for her", said Atheril, putting his dagger away as soon as he drew it.

"Don't be rough, Atheril. He's just making me a compliment", Symbel said smiling at the dwarf. "I promise you will see and touch mithril again, as long as you promise to let me show you the clouds", she said placing her fine fingers beneath the dwarf's chin.

Amerigo

12-12-2003, 07:34

As he approached his face to Symbel's skin, he could barely see tiny scales made of the brightest metal embedded in her skin, disguised in a perfect manner. However, he could see too a perfect mithril dagger, with the form of a scale, below his beard, pointing at his throat. "Not so close, Master Dwarf. This dagger, as my sword, is made of mithril too. Please stand aside. I don't want the wretched Curufinwë hunting Symbel by her scales. I hope you can understand my concern for her", said Atheril, putting his dagger away as soon as he drew it.
"Bah, I ain't a' fixin' to do nothing. Don't be so jumpy, elf," he stated. His expression unphased, from its state of wonderment. He barely even noticed the dagger.

"Don't be rough, Atheril. He's just making me a compliment", Symbel said smiling at the dwarf. "I promise you will see and touch mithril again, as long as you promise to let me show you the clouds", she said placing her fine fingers beneath the dwarf's chin.
"Ah the blessed Mithril may be worth it, indeed!" he replied, his eyes shimmering with awe.

12-12-2003, 08:09

OOC: Summary time! Tomorrow we fly! :twisted:

IC: James had just finished thanking Kimli for fetching the boots for Traigous as well as watching to be sure his passage to the river was safe, when Grunbrin made a fuss over the flight on griffinback. He was about to state a few good reasons for taking the griffins when Curufinwëë stated quite bluntly:"Dwarf, if you don't ride the bird, I will make you ride it, with or without the elf's charming persuation." The vampire was tired of waiting, for the time of the night was not on their side. They could be immortal, yes, but the daylight shunned them from the daywalkers.Kimli was still looking on as Traigous fell out of sight as this all happened, but James was rather annoyed with it. "Come now, fighting about how we get to the mountain will not get us there any sooner." he stated, being drowned out by Grunbrin's dwarven shouts:"Ya can pro'bly with yar dirty magicks, but I know the region of the mountains well... very well... and the creatures who be makin' thar home there. Ya "make me" ride da griffin and ya'll not hear a word from me 'bout those parts!"James sighed as it seemed he woulddn't be heard in this matter. Then Symbel, the strangely silver woman, came to know that the one on the other end off the battle was indeed both a vampire and an elf. It seemed to disgust her greatly, and James had opened his mouth to make a comment but was this time anticipated and cut off without a word said by Atheril, who now seemed much more friendly with Symbel than James had thought they were. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and curiosity at such a union."Bah! Hate of feathers? That be preposterous, nay not feathers, but them heights. We dwarves are peoples of the Earth, we have nay need for no flyin' 'bout the... Say... yea be one of 'em metallic dragons ain't yea?" A strange sparle of greed flashed in his eyes, "Aye... so which one are yea? The silver? The platinum? Eh?"This certainly got James' attention. Kimi's as well. She turned abruptly when she heard the news, her eyes searching faces for understanding after coming in mid-conversation. She then smiled as Grunbrin's dwarvish nature shown through in his love of metals and jewels. Symbel would be quite a study specimen for him, Kimli thought with a curious smile."I am surprised, Master Dwarf, very surprised. And yes, I am a dragon, but a Dragon of a kind you have never seen or heard before. I'm the only dragon with an elven soul. I was once a silver dragon, but I'm now the first and only Mithril Dragon, friend of the elves and defender of the greater good", she said, placing her hand in Atheril's cheek.Kimli blinked and tilted her head wonderingly. It seemed Atheril had a girlfriend, and that made Kimli's small smile grow to a steady grin. She was impressed with Atheril and his choice. She also felt it was a good matching, but coughed slightly, scratched her head, and tried to stop smiling when she got a funny look from James.

Grunbrin continued his investigation of the dragon-elf woman as Kimli tried to recover her composure. That is, until the enamored elf she was standding next to pulled a knife on the poor, curious dwarf, and asked that he back off. Jealous. It was one of the earliest and best signs of affection. As the situation died down, James thought this would be the best time to make himself heard.

"Well ... now that we've all gotten to know one another ... let us be on our way. Let's pack the griffins with what they can carry and send the horses back with Amelia (this whole time she was driving the carriage that would house James in the daytime, should that have happened). Then we can continue our trek and discover the resting place of the blood goblet." he stated, himself and Kimli already at the side of the supplies cart, seemingly ready to begin whenever the rest decided they'd had enough controversy and would like a little team-building excersize. They were going to have to be much less combative in the future if they were to pass the trials for possession of the goblet.

Aelosia

12-12-2003, 08:35

Atheril helped to pack the saddlebags of the Griffins, helping Kimli and James along with the others, of course always maintaining a distance from Curufinwë. Symbel just stayed with the Griffins, trying to comfort them and convince them to be manned by the rest of the party, speaking to them in the arcane draconic language.

Then he retired to a quiet place, sitting on a rock, reading a tome about the ancient high elven magic. Symbel soon joined him, and finally the elf rested in her lap, letting Symbel's finger play with his long hair, then soon falling into the deep elven trance of sleep, the maiden soon joining him in the rest. Although it was clear they were together, an unspoken sadness in their eyes showed that some problems were between them...

Holy Erat

12-12-2003, 13:21

The vampire was disgusted by the elf's tone. After packing, the vampire came close to the elf. He didn't want interruptions as you might know soon why. The elf-vampire was too proud of his heritage, his ancient goddess bloodline to be even greatly insulted by a mere dragon-elf.

Nyssa's scythe came into contact with the ground as she struck it hard to give a fair signal, to Eripthe to come swooping by. The elf-vampire chanted as spell, "Nebulosus Ater!" at the heavens. A huge black dome quickly enveloped the trio with Symbel inside it as they were no longer seen.

Inside the darkness of the magic dome. "Well, well, lady elf. We are at last alone. Do not try to dispell this dome for as you can see is being powered by me and my cleric. I know we need you for the travel, but if I had my way you would already been dead, same with the dwarf. But, I am good madman, so I'll let you go with a certain curse I learned. As you can see I am a vampire that came from the vampire goddess herself. I didn't choose be this way, for she has chosen the strongest and only race capable of making vampire heirs. Enough, explanation!" He grinned as Nyssa did too. "No I won't turn you into a vampire, that's too easy." He waved his hand as the vampire enveloped mist again at the elf. A chain appeared at the elf's neck. "This chain is called the master's curse. It does not get removed for 30 days. If you try to even anger me, then it will just do something ghastly, remove it and you turn into stone."

The mist dispersed as the darkness of the night filled the setting once again. The noises from the griffins was earbreaking. "Let us be gone, James." The vampire smiled at James, making it note that nothing even happened.

Five Civilized Nations

12-12-2003, 15:28

Azara watched the two griffins and dryly commented to himself, Two unwieldy creatures...

Azara pulled from his waistband a beautiful, handcarved horn, which he put to his lips and blew. A deafening, earth-splitting roar filled the sky. Azara continued to blow, until he was answered moments later by several roars... Flying swiftly through the air, a trio of massive yet extremely beautiful and magnificent golden dragons.

http://aitech.ac.jp/~huggett/pictures/asian-dragons-101.gif

Two of the dragons remained hovering in the air, while the third dragon a massive bearded one descended to the earth. Azara stepped forth and stroked the dragon's head reverently.

Hello, old friend... Thank you for coming to help... You have borne me countless times... I hope that I am not too much of a burden...

Azara, my friend... Your burden is but a light one... I am happy to forever carry you...

Delaz watched the three dragons in awe... As an isolated monk in the Shaolin Monastery at Mt. Song, Delaz had not ventured far from his home. This was the first time, that he saw a dragon...

Ravea

12-12-2003, 16:16

Enigma looked wonderingly at Symbel the Mithril dragon. He examinded her and saw that she was indeed metallic. It seemed, however, that she and the Elf-Vampire were not on even terms with each other.

Enigma jumped as Azara blew a horn. Soon, a roar echoed aross the plains and a huge shadow blocked out the sky. 3 Giant dragons hovered in the sky. Never haing seen a dragon before, Enigma looked on in amazment as Azara started to talk to one of the dragons.

Aelosia

12-12-2003, 17:46

Atheril woke up from Symbel's lap, looking at the chain around Symbel's neck. "What you have done to her?", he almost roared, the graceful and well mannered elf long gone from his face and his expression. "Who gave you the right to place a finger in my beloved?. This time you have gone too far, my tolerance has a limit!", he yelled, his eyes ablaze with an unspoken rage, the veins of his forehead and neck inflamed with anger, his clenched fist grabbing the hilt of his greatsword.

"Don't start something that you could regret to finish, Atheril. He's just mistaken. I swear this to you, cursed one. If we find the goblet, I personally will send you to the hell where you belong, even if that is the last thing I ever do", said Symbel, placing her hand in her neck. "I only can be dominated by love and awe, Doldûldur, your dark powers have no effect on me. If you want to enslave me and dominate me, you need to love me first. I'm chained to those who I love and to who loves me. That curse was placed on me in the moment of my birth, your curse won't be stronger. As I said to the dwarf, I'm not an elf, but a dragon even older than your Goddess. Now be gone, and look for another place to test your sinister toys".

As she spoke, she grew, her skin slowly turning into the reptilian form of a huge dragon, her scales made of the brightest silver, magical mithril of the ancient times. She was as big as the Golden Dragons who were flying around them, her eyes a pair of quicksilver pools. Around her neck the chain broke, falling to the ground. Her scales gleamed violet for a moment, as the Dark magic of the vampire ran through her body, then dispersing in the air. "Go now, and never approach me again, Curufinwë the Cursed, and I'll forgive your life for now", the dragon spoke with a cavernous voice, no longer the thin and sweet voice of the elven maiden. The huge Mithril Dragon approached the golden one, raising a leg in salute of her relative. "Greetings, Wise one, How can you help us in our needs?", she asked to the golden, bowing her head out of respect.

Five Civilized Nations

12-12-2003, 18:49

The Golden Dragon returned Symbel's bow.

Ah... A Mithril Dragon... I have not seen one of your kind for more than four millenia. My name is Yun Ti the Golden Seer or as the Heavenly Ladder. My companions are Wan Shen (*Chinese for Forever Victorious) and Qi Feng (*Chinese for Rising Wind). We have been asked by the Dragon Mage, Azara Riskal to come and assist in this quest for the Blood Goblet. According to legend, the Blood Goblet will render a powerful dragon a god... My master, the Dragon Lord, Omnus Stormrider, has sent me on this mission to protect the Blood Goblet from those whose intentions are evil...

OOC: Hey Elendilrim, be careful of Yun Ti, Wan Shen, Qi Feng, and Symbel... Their all dragons... :wink:

And also, Azara is a Dragon Mage...

12-12-2003, 19:00

OOC: lol ... yeah, I kinda noticed ... :roll: ... funny, I don't ever remember allowing dragons into this fray ... :wink: Nevermind that. I'll reply in an hour ... just had to check the board ... :evil: It rules me, you know ... :lol:

Edit: Here I go!

IC: James quirked a brow as the dragons appeared as a result of Azara's blowing of that infernal horn. James' ears rang for a minute before returning to normal. Kimli, however, was more interested in looking over the griffins to be sure they had everything. It would be very hard to get more of this stuff if we accidentally leave it behind.
James looked curiously between the elf-vampire and the elf-dragon. It seemed they were not to get along at all this trip. What really caught his attention, however, was Atheril's severe disgust with the actions that came in his sleep. He would have stepped in had Symbel not taken care of it herself. James nearly laughed when she turned into a dragon and snapped the spell. The elven-vampire always seemed to try and force his power upon those who were able to dispell it. James knew this was just his arrogance and that it was inherit, so it shouldn't be held against him.
"Come now ... the griffins are packed ... let us ready for flight ... who shall be taking the dragons and who the griffins? Let us decide before Traigous returns from washing away the giant's blood and wonders what we've done in his absense." he said, trying to keep his enjoyment of the pointless verbal battles that kept cropping up between old enemies and new ones. He knew that if they found the goblet this would become even worse, and that could either work against or for him. He pondered this as Kimli stared down the path, wondering what could possibly be taking Traigous so long. She wondered about the Giants' blood even now.

Aelosia

12-12-2003, 21:11

OOC: Although I thought adding Symbel as a dragon, I didn't thought of using her in her true form until something really bad happened. I was thinking in keeping her in her elven form. However, an intent to enslave her would be a provocation.

IC:

"Lord Chevalier is right. We have to hurry, I know many of us don't like each other, but we must try to fulfill our mission. I'll go with Symbel, as usual, and the griffins can carry two people each. Two more can come with me, if they want", said Atheril, more calmed now that Symbel took care of the situation.

"I have heard of your master Omnus, and of his intention too. I will help you to the best of my capabilities, although I'm linked to the elven warrior", Symbel said, then she continued after hearing Atheril's words. "I would like to carry Master Dwarf, as I promised".

13-12-2003, 00:08

OOC: Hey ... I made a board on another server for information related to this one ... could you come over and let me know if I'm not being accurate with your characters? I didn't write anything in the summary as of yet, but I wrote out character information. If NS gets really bugged out when one or all of us try to post, we can move to this board, but it won't be used for much else. Thankies!

http://www.bbfree.com/MedievalRP/index.php?showtopic=12

Ravea

13-12-2003, 00:29

Enigma, hearing that they were about to embark once more, raised his hand as if taking a vote. "Could i ride with you?" He asked Atheril.

Aelosia

13-12-2003, 00:46

OOC: Nice board :D

IC:

Atheril smiled at Enigma "I have no problem with that, knight. But you should ask the lady", he said, pointing at the huge mithril dragon "She always have the last word about that".

Amerigo

13-12-2003, 03:42

Traigous saw the flight of several dragons from the lake, and laughed to himself.

"My father," he thought, "certainly had a knack for killing these creatures. Every dragon (good and evil alike) he had met in his previous journyes he slayed. What was it again? 20?" He no longer remembered, but the trials that his father had faced were deadlier than dragons, and he fully knew that. He wondered if his own actions would ever come close to the legacy his father had forged.

The blood was mostly soaked off, all except the cloth about his head and face, which was still tattered and crimson. He decided he'd leave it stained. He knew they would be expecting him soon. So he stood there for one moment, his eyes closed and breathed in the atmosphere of wild nature. He reveled in this pure primal chaos... of the second. Every element of the lake and its forestry surroundings interacted with itself against itself in a marvelous chaos. The songs of the nightingales filled the air, the soft waterfall murmured its legacies of before man had set foot on this ground. The mixture of sounds enveloped him for just that moment, but then he knew it was time to return to the group.

He opened his eyes, dressed, and was soon on his way back. He stopped briefly and took out his bloodied bastard sword from its sheath. He looked it over and realized that it was slightly damaged--a tiny dent on the edge of the blade. The sword had nothing special about it, no enchantments of any kind, so he just discarded and kept the sheath on his back. He didn't usually enjoy using a sword in combat, anyways. True, it was probably the one of the most graceful of weapons, but still a weapon for the likes of some barbarian. His dagger however, he better appreiciated, and used more often then the sword.

He had arrived at the temporary camp, and could barely stifle a laugh when he realized that the group now contained almost every species on this side of the seas. He wouldn't have been surprised if an orc would suddenly join their expedition.

He glanced at Kimli when he passed, but then looked to James.
"Ah so now we could probably take the horses too?" he asked jokingly.

***
The dwarf's eyes glittering with admiration at the specatacular creature. He needed no more persuasion to keep him form such a huge ammount of wealth. He scrabled in an awkward dwarf-run and appraoched the mithril dragon. He was indeed in a sort of hypnotized gaze and it seemed his expression would not change even should he have a spear in his belly.

Holy Erat

13-12-2003, 03:56

Symbel suddenly spoke out words then she turned into a dragon.

"How dare you threaten me, Dragon. I am not afraid of you, for I have seen daylight compared to a dragon slaughtering me. Well, enough of this." The vampire paused then laughed.

"Ah, you elves these days anger too fast. I didn't know that such an expedition would have dragons to collect the goblet. Well, well, at least I have extracted it from you, mithril maiden." The vampire bellowed in laughter. The two other ladies also laughed. "You could have at least made a nice impression, maiden, but you chose to insult me. So I welcome you in a most uncanny fashion." To the vampire this was just a prank that he made upon Symbel. Symbel insulted him and the vampire made the dragon look silly.

"Well, well, James. Are we leaving now? We still have a lot of things to do, and I'm getting hungry for more."

13-12-2003, 04:13

As Traigous arrived and joked, Kimli smiled and nodded. James, however, patted Traigous on the shoulder in response to the elven-vampire's query of time. "Yes, Traigous has returned and we can now take flight ..." he said, walking towards their rides as Amelia turned the carts around and began the short trip back home.

But before they could begin their new mode of transportation, a strange vibration was felt throughout the ground, almost as if an earthquake was about to happen but somehow different. As the group stoodby, dazed by the strange experience, a small regiment of orcs (I'd say thirty - fifty, you guys decide) zoomed in on their location. Soon the tremors ended, however, and calm returned, so James and Kimli (and I'm assuming the others too) went back to their preperations for flight. As soon as Kimli was lifted onto the Griffen, however, she shrieked "AMBUSH!" and jumped down. Her elven eyes, lifted high above the tallgrass, had noticed one nonchelant orc who decided it was okay to do his business near the treeline outside of normal sight.

OOC: ... have fun! They're surrounded, so it's gonna have ta be a battle ... =P ...

Aelosia

13-12-2003, 04:41

Atheril muttered a curse, and drew his blade. The long and slim Greatsword of his forefathers. The blade gleamed with a blue light as it felt orcs nearby. "Orcs, several of them. Let's face them united. We should make a circle", he shouted, standing right to the dwarf, at the side of Symbel. The dragon just jumped out to the air, extending her wings to fly.

From the tip of Atheril's sword, a lightning bolt flyed after the elf whispered the words of a spell, the energy ray finding the nearest orc's chest and dropping him to the ground. He pushed his cloak aside, saying to the dwarf. "I bet I can kill more orcs than you, miner, let's see what that axe of you can do against the greenskin scum!".

The Dragon rose high upon the air, looking at the grass below. Too close were the orcs of her companions, too close to use her icy breath upon the attackers, so she just waited there, looking for an opportunity to dive in.

OOC: I say fifty of them. Fifteen is not enough. Many of the characters are more than powerful to handle fifteen orcs all by themselves. I'm talking mostly of Azra and the vampire-elf.

Amerigo

13-12-2003, 04:44

"Orcs?" growled the dwarf taking his axe in hand, sniffin' the air. "Ain't they got anything ta do then to be 'nterruptin' me from me mithril... er... dragon... Oh well... T'ain't be nothin' but a few hacks of me axe."
With that he raised his battleaxe over the head and with a loud deep roar he charged at an arbitrary direction, but since they were surrounded it was good enough. Three orcs sprang forth from the tall grass, growling with filthy smiles upon their faces. A flurry of arrows flew at the dwarf from all directions. It seemed all of them just bounced from his full plate upon contact. Grunbrin swung back his axe and one of the orcs lay headless. The two other orcs with their scimitars sprang upon him. With the blade of his axe, he managed to block one scimitar which split in two upon contact, while the other one he took to his shoulderplate. The dwarf kicked one orc and hacked at the other with his axe. The kicked orc tumbled to the ground and not a minute later, had felt the dwarf's axe descend upon his face. However the grass spawned more orcs and they charged at the dwarf, each losing a limb or a head from the dwarf's powerful axe.

***
Meanwhile, Traigous stood there partially amazed, partially amused.
"This is no ordinary fireband, what orcish brigands would attack four dragons?" he said, voice calm as usual and showing not even the slightest bit of apprehension. Then pondering about it, he decided that either they brought an entire army along with them or a figure of great power. He stood where he was, awaiting the orcs to penetrate through the more eager warriors. He'd let the others have their glory, but he would wait and see.

Amerigo

13-12-2003, 04:46

OOC: I say fifty of them. Fifteen is not enough. Many of the characters are more than powerful to handle fifteen orcs all by themselves. I'm talking mostly of Azra and the vampire-elf.
OOC: Many? I'd say every charecter is pretty much a beefed up powerful force and each could handle 15 orcs.

13-12-2003, 04:50

OOC: :lol: c'mon ... not all ... Kimli's a half-elf with no real magical or physical finesse beyond that of a normal 15 yr old half-elf ... she couldn't take that many ... and James isn't used to fighting orcs, being as he's lived in the mansion for many years without conflict, so he'd prolly be able to take eight or so but not many more ... :wink: You guys give too much credit ...

IC: James unsheathed his sword and kept Kimli behind him and between the griffins for protection. He woulddn't fight the orcs head on, but he'd damn well protect what's his.

Ravea

13-12-2003, 05:03

As soon as Enigma heard the words "Ambush" He leapt from the griffin he was mounting and nocked an arrow to his longbow. He looked for a target, and after a moment a pirticuraly ugly orc caught his eyes. He loosed the arrow and it pierced the head of the orc.

He put the bow across his back and his hands dove into his cloak. He withdrew a pair of Cat-Claws from within and charged at a small group of orcs to his left. He dove within them, tearing at thier faces and gouging thier eyes. A large group surged at him. He drew his Katana, swinging it in a wide arc, slicing open stomachs and cutting limbs. Relizing that he would be soon overwhelmed, he high-kicked an orc and backflipped, hurling a dozen Ninja stars at the Orcs. He took a quick drink out of a hip flask, wiped his sweating face, and headed back into the fray.

Aelosia

13-12-2003, 05:15

Amerigo

13-12-2003, 18:33

Atheril jumped behind the dwarf smiling. The hard armour of the dwarf would protect him from many of the arrows as he dove in for the kill. As the first orc leaped upon him with a black scimitar in his hand he raised his sword, expecting the orc to impale himself in his blade. As the crushing sound announced him that his sword opened his way through the orc's ribs, he turned to face the second one. He tried to kick off the orc's corpse from his sword, but the blade was embedded too deep into the orc's chest.

He raised his left hand, muttering the words of another spell. A fireball left his fingertips and struck the second orc's face, intercepting his jump and throwing him backwards, his head awfully burned to death. "Three to three, Master Dwarf. You must do better if you want to win this bet. If you win this, I'll give you my mithril's dagger", he said to the dwarf finally kicking off the orc from his blade.

"Yer on," chuckled the dwarf, "and if yea win, I'll give yea an ancient Dwarven scroll." He paused and hacked off an orc's leg with one clear swing, the continued, "Yea, being a spellhurler and all, yea could find a use for it." With that he swung his axe again and then back, and an orc lay headless, but his stroke continued passed straight through and embedded itself in the skull of another one.

"Six to three elf!" he declared as an orc tumbled to the ground lifeless.

Five Civilized Nations

13-12-2003, 20:21

13-12-2003, 21:13

James did his share of killing orcs as well, having taken down five now with quick and delicate swipes of his longsword across their necks. Sure, now he Kimli and the griffins were sparingly stained with splattering orcs blood, but the point was the other orcs got the idea and seldom went in their direction.
Kimli climbed up on the griffin once more to try and get a handle on how many orcs were surrounding them, and began counting. "Ten ... twelve ... eighteen ... twenty six ..." she said quietly, adjusting her footing every now and again as she scanned 360 degrees with her elven eyes.
"AH!" she yelped, falling from the griffin to the ground with a thud. She'd been nailed in the shoulder with an arrow and, since she wore no armor, it had pierced straight to the bone. She now lay in the fetal position, gasping with the realization that an arrow hurts like hell.
"Kimli? What's wrong?" James asked, turning with great surprise, just in time to see her hit the ground and begin crying. "Bastards ... Kimli, stay still ..." he said, unable to assist at the moment as another wave of orcs decended upon the party.

Amerigo

13-12-2003, 22:09

OOC: One comment... I think we've gotten a little too powerful with bringing in allies---dragons and all... and it seems that every batttle will have to be quite big and our enemies quite powerful... In that case, is it okay if I bring in some powerful enemies into this battle? Ie. like something that could give the dragons, some trouble.

As some orcs penetrated the front line and charged at Traigous (and James, Kimli and the griffins (who were in the same general location)), he had withdrew his dagger and stabbed many orcs, all the while gracefully dodging their blows, which demonstrated his expertise in dagger fighting. It seemed he never actually put forth an effort. Just then he heard Kimli scream and saw her fall an arrow in her shoulder. He stopped, suddenly staring at her for the briefest second--which was plenty time enough for an orc to slash his stomach with a scimitar. Traigous reacted, although slowly and managed to avoid the most damage of the blow, but from his leather tunic blood poured forth. Traigous dropped his dagger suddenly. The orc before him laughed as he raised his scimitar over his head, for the deathblow.

Triagous's pupils dialated. He stood perfectly still, then extended his hand toward the orc. The orc dropped his scimitar and clutched at his head in pain. Then... it imloded. His head imploded, with a bloody mess of brains and bone just fell with his limp body.

Then Traigous left forth a terrible roar and the orcs about James crumbled to their knees, screaming in a horrbile agony. He ran forward toward Kimli's limp form and hissed at James,
"Keep them at bay..."

He bent down before her, putting pressure on the wound. "The clerics are all... occupied in battle," he whispered, "I'll have to pull it out... immidiatly... as it may be poisoned."

He took off his gloves and took hold of the arrow, then whispered, "Brace yourself... This will hurt." Then with sudden forced pulled the bloody arrow from her shoulder.

13-12-2003, 22:29

OOC: Bring in whomever you like, I just give what enemies I can think of ... :wink: ... oh, and while I'm thinking about it ... "Traigous, my hero!" ... heh, I feel better now ... :lol:

James was wide-eyed by how Traigous had defeated the orcs. He now knew for certain that the half-drow had been hiding some things more important than his face. "A telepath ..." he whispered, smirking and shaking his head at the irony.Then Traigous left forth a terrible roar and the orcs about James crumbled to their knees, screaming in a horrbile agony. He ran forward toward Kimli's limp form and hissed at James, "Keep them at bay...""Of course ..." James said with a nod, pointing his sword at the advancing troops. "Just take good care of Kimli ..." he added, before letting loose a warrior's yell and charging a group of orcs that were headed in their direction.
He bent down before her, putting pressure on the wound. "The clerics are all... occupied in battle," he whispered, "I'll have to pull it out... immidiatly... as it may be poisoned."Kimli writhed as he touched the wound, moaning and fidgeting with the unholy pain that she felt. "I understand ..." she whispered, "... you're hurt ..." she realized, seeing the blood from the scimitar slash. Another wave of pain hit her and she decided it was more important at the moment, "... just get it out! it burns!" she spoke though clenched teeth, looking up to Traigous with gray eyes mirroring her pain.
He took off his gloves and took hold of the arrow, then whispered, "Brace yourself... This will hurt." Then with sudden force pulled the bloody arrow from her shoulder.Kimli nodded and kept her eyes fixed on his to help ignore the fact that the arrow was going to come out. But when he ripped it out she couldn't help but scream, purple-tinged blood gushing from the wound. She gasped and fainted, and soon the blood regained it's natural red color. It seemed somehow the evident poison hadn't been allowed to infect her body or even enter the bloodstream, it had stayed centralized only to her shoulder.

Amerigo

14-12-2003, 00:12

He heard a woman laugh with a sinister note behind him, he turned his head and saw a woman drow in chainmail standing there a mace and a small shield in hand. She had an air of importance and arrogance about her. "So..." she said with glee, "You are now tending to a wounded smi'ndol now? Oh my, my, my, you really are a pathetic bastard aren't you, without your father to protect you?" She laughed, again and then said,

"You are an aberration to your race, your mother was weak and traitorous, and now you are the aberration of the drow race. What's more you make a mockery of drow maricks with what?... tricks picked up from the illithiad. It's disgraceful. You pathetic worm, you will be punished for your crimes against the Spider Godess, like your mother was."

"You, underestimate my power," he whispered clamly, "oh proud race of drow? Now using orcs for your dirty work? Too much to handle yourself."

"Fool, I am the Handmaiden Des'then'la, I use whatever creatures are necessary. Oh yes, your dragons won't help you either."

With that four swirling holes opened in the sky and from there flew terrible demonic beasts. Dark and crimson, with jagged teeth and horrid eyes--no true shape, but a shifting morass of putrid, slimy flesh. They took on the shapes of winged humanoids, except they were the size of dragons and they flew on toward the dragon a dark aura about them. She laughed almost hysterically in a high pitched tone.

"You never quit hunting me, do you?" he hissed, "You never learn." He stood up Kimli lying behind him. With that he unwrapped the cloth about his face, slowly, yet determinedly. His face was finally revealed--a face of sharp yet rounded features, a prominent chin, and every feature pale and almost bluish. There was nothing wrong with his face, no noticeable, deformation, imperfection, or the like, but... His face reflected a deep darkness and to stare into his face was to stare into the burning boweles of hell. It was inexplicable, yes, there was no real and logic reason for such an effect, but it was there.

The Drow handmaiden stared in disbelief for a second, but regained her composure and her voice unwavering she said,

"An unexpected turn of events, but you are just another pathetic u'bal'ish," With that the mgaicks began to swirl around her as she conjured up some spell. He stood by in a tacit concentration. A swirl of power. A burst of energy. Smoke. The Drow was still standing. Traigous was on the ground bleeding from countless wounds. He looked up at the still standing Drow and noticed that she was bleeding from the eyes. Then she too collapsed, except she was now dead, he was still breathing. He noticed the creatures in the sky were still battling and the orcs were still coming. Arrows flying every which way. He looked back at Kimli an arrow striked the ground close by her lying form--too close. He picked up the cloth with which he draped over his face and staggered over to where she lay and covered her with his own bleeding body. The arrow would have to go through him, to reach her. There he collapsed into a hazy unconsioussness.

14-12-2003, 01:23

Amerigo

14-12-2003, 01:35

OOC: ... I ... hmm ... that was ... interesting ... :wink: ... as soon as Five Cilivized Nations, Holy Erat, Aelosia, Ravea, and the elusive Pantocratoria post ... I'll end the battle and count up the dead orcs ... then we can get ourselves some medical attention and move on to the next chapter. This is a really great battle scene, though ... so much imagery.
OOC: Yes, indeed... We are missing the seemingly massive powers of the elf-vampire! But oh, well. Lets hope that they will post soon. This RP is very addictive.

14-12-2003, 01:40

OOC: very very very very very very very ... :sounds hyped up on expresso: ... very very very very ... :roll: :wink: :lol: ... I'm so alone! And hyper! I'm gonna go make useless changes to my backup board ... nothing else to do ... :)

Ravea

14-12-2003, 05:18

Enigma had dispached almost a dozen orcs by the time he spotted a drow in armor among the crowd of orcs. It looked like the Drow was commmanding the orcs. Enigma drew his Longbow and notched an arrow, but before he could loose it, portals tore the sky open. Demons flew throgh it, heading for the dragons.

Enigma drew what little magical streanth he had in him. He aimed his arrow into the group of horrors emerging from the sky and loosed it. He outstreached his hands and cast his spell. The arrow suddenly split into 5 seprete arrows. Then each of those arrows turned into 5 other arrows. The proccess contined until there was a varitable arrow storm. The arrows hit the demons, slowly taking thier toll. Over a dozen demons lay dead before the arrow storm exausted itself.

Enigma, worn out but pleased at the effect of his spell, noticed 2 bodies lying on the ground by the Griffins. He recognized them as Kimli and Traigous. The Drow commander was dead, and it seemed Traigous was badly injured. He shot a few more arrows to clear a path to the Griffins, then made a made dash for the injured pair, hoping he could reach them in time before the orcs overtook them.

Kanuckistan

14-12-2003, 07:42

Delaz crouched into a combat stance, his staff in front protecting him. With a whirl of his staff, Delaz jumped into the nearest bunch of Orcs smashing his staff through them. Meanwhile, Azara had risen into the air and with his magic began to launch massive fireballs into masses of Orcs. Beside him, the three Golden Dragons also spewed their fires...

OOC: Hey FCN, we've been waiting for your response over in the Rampage at Ribos thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2350028&highlight=&sid=fd9bee53f6e9b37949724f9efdec8ae9#2350028) for a few days now. You're holding everyone up.

Holy Erat

14-12-2003, 10:41

OOC: thanks for the wait! Thought I would have no more orcsies to kill! :lol: Oh, I'm forming a really ironic and unexpected conclusion for the trio in the end. It would be the ending of the story that no one will expect! Also there would be unexpected in the relationship of the three that you woudn't expect... O...I didn't see that only 4 demons came from the portal...edited my work again

The elf-vampire just stood there after James shouted that there was an ambush. He was trying to see how powerful his allies really were, he didn't want to swoop in their battle and void their fun. He placed his magic at bay, holding both Nyssa and Eripthe inside a shield of mist. There were invisible from everyone. "What brave souls we have here, and ah, the drow commander has arrived."

They witnessed Traigous and the drow maiden battle it out with spells and creatures and in the end they were both spent and dead, respectively. The elf-vampire removed the mist and they were soon in action. Eripthe swooped down enchanted her spell, and suddenly white rays hit the wounds of the group and thus they quickly healed. She went closer to Kimli who needed much medical attention. "Don't move sister, we need to have a look at thy wounds. Ah, it seems that our elven breathren has done a nice job." She closed her palm near the arrow wound as it gently closed giving Kimli a euphoric pleasure. "Rest, weary one, my master will take care of this." The elven beauty smiled as she took off and gave aid to others.

"Come, orcs, I feed on thy flesh!" Nyssa cried. Using her scythe created a small blade tornado that swept through a battalion of orcs like a hot knife through butter. Orcs flew away their internal organs splashing the ground in a morbid work of art. "It seems that they keep on coming. It's my turn." The elf-vampire moved into position.

The vampire raised his arms. "Oh foul creatures of the night, I command your souls return to wence they came and obey only thy wishes. Pick up thy bodies and surrender to thy art of darkness." Suddenly the orc corpses and skeletons begin to rise. Dozens of zombie and skeleton orc/ human soldiers appear carrying their weapons. He set one battalion to guard the weary others while the cleric was healing them. He ordered the zombies to march and destroy their once comrades. He concentrated again and made the dead drow-maiden also into a zombie, using her magic and drow abilities to his use. Her demons that were slain also became zombies, unable to be destroyed by weapons alone. His zombie infection swept the incoming orc army. "Here's another one." He enchanted again. "Oh, elements of darkness circle around thy aura and beseech thine god of light and destruction." A dark cloud appeared from the heavens, as lightning rained aiming at the orc soldiers, frying them to a crisp. The vampire bellowed in an evil laughter as he was admiring his orc massacre massacre. "Is this all the orcs can muster against the Emperor of Night." He walked forward an orc battalion as he carried his sword quickly breaking orc necks and slashing their stomachs and skulls creating blood streak marks on the grass.

But then the demons from the portal sieged the group as they fought with might and magic. "Nyssa! Eripthe! We have to protect the others from the demons! They formed a triangular position. We have to concentrate all our magic at the demons." Eripthe enchanted her spell as it increased the elf-vampire's magic aptitude. "Now you demons of darkness, here thee. I, the bearer of the Steely Moon, will return thee to thy grave to wence thy came." A huge cresent shaped moon appeared above the vampire. The air circled around him like currents, the vampire was transforming.

The vampire grew as his cloaked face became demonic. He grew claws and gigantic wings. At last his transformation was completed as his body was the size of the dragons, a demon from the depths of hell. "I am Bal'she'dor, the demon of the Steely Moon." He waved his hand as a large dark ball appeared before it as it fired at the 4 portal demons. It created a static field, the demons were incapable of movement. "Now, dragons, finish thy job, or I will finish it for thee."

Five Civilized Nations

14-12-2003, 15:03

Azara watched the scene unfolding below him... With a twirl of his hand, Azara began to channel powerful dragonic magic into a massive fireball, laced with elemental energy. With a roar, Azara unleashed it at the portal...

The massive ball headed straight for the portal..

15-12-2003, 06:08

OOC: Okay ... gonna wrap this up and hope Pantocratoria and Aelosia can catch up ... and aren't too upset that they missed the end of the orcs ... :wink: ... oh, and I can't wait to see the relationship between your three people unfold, Holy Erat ... ^_^ ... unexpected twists are good.

Edit: FYI ... cut a little back on your chars powers, people ... you're starting to scare me with your capabilities ... xD ... be vulnerable! it's fun! Um ... after we get to the mountain most of these dragons and griffins are gonna go byebye, right? if they stay we'll have to think up super-powerful enemies just to give them a chance to stop us from getting the goblet ... we need challenges, and the easy way to get a challenge is to limit ourselves so the enemies can be stronger without being Gods. Thank you! :D Either this, or I go Indiana Jones on you people ... lol

Edit: I've just noticed Pantocratoria hasn't posted since Wednesday ... I'll have to telegram him and see if he's still gonna play.

IC: As soon as Azara's fireball reached the portal, a demon came flying out and was flung back in, lit up like a christmas tree. Soon all the portals were closed as the controllers on the other side decided it wasn't safe to go through anymore. A burning carcass landing on your encampment will do that. They were more worried about putting out the flames at the moment than sending more demons to their deaths. The few orcs left, now knowing their edge in the battle was completely null and void, tried to make a hasty retreat (feel free to chase them and slaughter them if you wish).

Kimli blinked her eyes. She slowly awoke, then noticed that Traigous had somehow ended up laying on her. She looked to her shoulder and found it had been healed, and couldn't feel any blood coming from Traigous, so she assumed they'd already been healed by one of the clerics (Eripthe, of course, but she don't know that she was unconscious). She noticed also that Traigous' clothes seemed in horrible disarray, like he had fought something or someone very strong and had just barely won. She wondered what it could of been he was fighting, definitely not an orc, but at the moment was more concerned with why he was there.

"T-Traigous?" she inquired, sorta stuck there for the moment with his head laying on her left collarbone. She looked up a bit from his head and noticed an arrow nearby. For a millisecond she thought he'd been shot in the head with an arrow, but realized she could hear and feel his breathing, so he must still be alive. This helped her relax.

James sheathed his sword as he saw the orcs flee. "Very good work, everyone ... and Azara ... that was an amazing display ... I'm very impressed." he said, praising everyone individually as he looked himself over and realized he'd need to wash some of this horribly sticky blood from him before they went on. He also looked to the griffins and where Kimli lay, and sighed relief as he saw her move her arm up to her face as she awoke. "Good ... everyone's alive ..." he whispered, smiling.

Amerigo

15-12-2003, 06:31

OOC: I'll wait for the elf to post before I post as the dwarf...

Traigous slowly began to regain consiousness, the healing rejuvenating his body. He opened his eyes, and through the initial blurry vision saw a face. He could not tell who it was, for a minute as everything was still blurry... slowly coming into focus. He staggered up to his feet and everything was clear now. He remembered perfectly of what had occured and knew full well that the attack had nothing to do with any goblet, but was solely an attmept on his life, however they underestimated him, and sent a force that was relatively weak.

He looked down suddenly and noticed Kimli still lying there, however consious. He extended his hand to her, and asked with concern in his tone (albeit masked),
"Are you... all right?"
Then remembering the poison he merely muttered,
"The posion..."
Then he more firmly wrapped the cloth about his face, although now a portion of his neck was revealed. His cloak now completely in tatteres and his leather armour full of deep slashes. Suddenly he heard something, a soft whistling and then he saw a figure... an incredibly short figure... a gnome walking through the high grass, dressed in a grey tunic and pants, with a stick in hand.

He stopped suddenly and looked at the aftermath of battle. Then in a high and squeaky voice he cried,
"What has happened here? I smell orcs..." He said this while he was standing not three feet away from an orcish corpse.

"Yes, indeed! They are dead, I think." He smelled the air.
"Which is good news for them, because otherwise they would have faced the wrath of Khan, the great half-orcish barbarian!"
With that he swung his stick in humorous motion that seemed to be intended as a wave of intimidation.

"Yes! For they shall otherwise feel the might of my mighty broadsword, yes!"
He swung his stick back and forth.

15-12-2003, 06:45

Kimli smirked slightly as Traigous hurried to his feet once he noticed where he was. She caught glimpses of his skin while he moved as well, and didn't put much thought into it for the moment."Are you... all right?"
Then remembering the poison he merely muttered,
"The posion...""Yes ... I am quite healthy thanks to one of our esteemed clerics ..." she said, grasping his hand and using it to get up before continuing. "... and the poison ... did not spread ... I was very lucky ... it must have been fairly weak." she lied, knowing full well what had happened with the arrow, and the fact that orc arrows used one of the deadliest poisons known to elves. She looked away for a moment to collect her thoughts before looking back to him.
"Your clothes are terribly ruined, aren't they?" she asked, changing subjects rather awkwardly. "There should be some things you can use in the supplies ... we thought of everything one could need." she went on, for the first time looking herself over to notice she had both wet and dried blood all over her from her own blood, Traigous', and the orc that had first attacked her and James. "I better change my clothes as well ..." she added, and began to turn slowly around to go about getting what they needed from the supplies tied to the griffins' backs. Her head was ever so slightly bowed as she turned.
Before she could, however, that unusual gnome came out of the tall grass and addressed the dead orcs like he was some great warrior. "What in the gods names is that?" she said quietly, not wanting to upset the strange little man. "He sure talks big for such a small man ..." she added curiously, wondering if he had the power to back up his talk.

Amerigo

15-12-2003, 07:00

"Fairly weak?" he queried, "I know..." But then stopped. She seemed reluctant to talk about this so he decided not to press the issue. He knew much about poisons and the poison he saw was not a fairly weak poison...

"Well, if we'll be flying I won't much need supplies before flight..." he said somewhat mysteriously. Then he looked up at the sky, the seething mass of darkness, so beautiful and yet so foreboding in its own accord. A slight breeze swept passed them, going about its own way in itw own respective direction. This would be a perfect time for a flight.

Just then he heard the squeek of the gnome.

***
Seeing Kimli, the gnome approached her with his stick on his shoulder,
"Fear me not, young maiden," he squeeked in the irritating mousy voice, "For although I am a large half-orc, I do not run with these savages. I have sworn a most noble oath to defend the tribe that has domesticated me and made me its mighty warriror!"

Then he stopped looked at James and squeled
"Halt! I smell eeeeeevil. You there!" He pointed his stick at James. "Dare you challenge the mighty wrath of Khan? Or dare thee shrink from my present back into the shadows! BACK! BACK! BACK! Foul creature. Ah! But you have allies!"
He pointed at Traigous, with his stick now.
"You are holding this fair maiden, hostage, foul drow! With that foul vampire! Release her at once! Or you shall invoke the righteous rage of Khan and Khan will have to slay you all!" He paused and for effect added, "DEAD!"

15-12-2003, 07:12

Kimli covered her mouth lightly with a hand as she nearly laughed at the strange little gnome's self esteem. It was highly disproportional to his ability. She soon gasped, however, when he addressed Lord James in such a derogatory manner. "My Lord Khan!" she said quickly, trying to play along with him as well as get him out of this alive. "I am not being held captive ... these are merely my escorts." she added, continuing to talk as the ideas flowed. "I wouldn't be very safe with normal guards, as I am the crown princess of Morali ... so I had to enlist the help of cutthroats and villains who swore to protect me for the great mountain of gold I'll be giving them in return. Be not afraid for me." She grabbed hold of Traigous' arm as she finished off. "I will be completely safe with my step-brother here ... he may be evil, but he's the sweetest thing around me and mother." She hoped this would appease him.

Meanwhile, James merely shook his head at the gnome, knowing he was no threat and at most was a terrible nuisance. He sighed and dismissed the opportunity to cut the big talker in half as he saw Kimli wished to endulge him in his fantasies, whispering "Half orc my ass ..." under his breath.

Amerigo

15-12-2003, 07:20

"Half-brother?" he asked surprised at the sudden remark. "Why am..."
The gnome cut him off suddenly with a squeek,

"It is good tidings indeed for if he was an evil-doer he would invoke the wrath of Khan. Where are my manners? Your higness..."
He made an effort to bow, but then fell over--he was only two feet tall, thus this scene seemed quite strange. The gnome than wriggled on the ground, his limbs to stubby to lift himself up. He grunted and squirmed, wiggling his arms in a panicked fury, then stopped. He looked up at Kimli,
"Er... Your highness... a little help here?"

Traigous looked over at the little man and could barely believe that such insanity had not killed the gnome already... He looked to be quite old...

15-12-2003, 07:32

Kimli's eyes widened as she thought Traigous would give her away, and was strangely relieved to hear the gnome's high-pitched voice interupt Traigous' questionings. Then the gnome tried to bow and ended up unable to stand again. Kimli fought back laughter as she let go of Traigous' arm and kneeled to lift the gnome to his feet.

"My Lord Khan ... we have just had a very long and dangerous battle with millions of orcs trying their hardest to kill me and my escorts. They may return, and you wouldn't be safe here ... though you are, of course, an impressive fighter just by reputation. Since you aren't on my payroll, I cannot allow you to stay here. Don't you worry ... I'll be completely fine." she said, turning him back towards the tall grass where he'd come from, hoping this'd be enough of a clue for him to get lost.

She looked back to Traigous for a moment, before getting quite embaressed and looking back at the Gnome to see if he was leaving. She was just glad she couldn't really blush like anyone else, so Traigous might not notice her unease.

Holy Erat

15-12-2003, 09:24

OOC: Mistress Elendilrim, don't worry that's the strongest he is going to get. As you can see he controls the power of darkness and destruction, so anything that falls upon that category, he can more or less whip up. But the demon transformation is the highest magic he can achieve. Actually, he even needs Eripthe for that. Well, actually he is invunerable being a vampire and all, unless you put a stake properly at his heart, he is not going to care.

Also, of all the foulest of creatures the gnome didn't recognize the elf-vampire and Nyssa, oh well. At least we have some comedic nuisance during our travel.

IC: The elf-vampire transformed back into his original form, spent. "My Lord." Eripthe cried as she and Nyssa aided him to stand up. The elf-vampire was shaking unable to stand from the magic he used. "My, my it seems that I have been abusive of my ability." The vampire spoke in a weak tone while he was being rejuvinated by his cleric.

He stood up and went to the group. "It is good that everyone is alright, ah, such a work of art." He looked at the large array of corpses and blood streaks on the now black grass. "Ah, and what is this, a gnome." The vampire bellowed in laughter. The gnome was of no use to him and he went to talk to James. "Shall we go now? This orc caravan has slowed us down." The elf-vampire was getting to be really impatient. What did he really that fast?

In the northern regions, a village was being burned, people was being massacred by strange winged demons. A woman out of the ruins appreared laughing. "It seems that the great master vampire is also helping the blood goblet caravan. We need to slow him down then, I have already found the 2nd location of the goblet. Behemoths go and destroy them all!" Suddenly, out of the flames the dozen of winged demons flew towards the direction of the mountains waiting...

Aelosia

15-12-2003, 14:05

OOC: Sorry about the weekend delay. I was on the beach! :D

IC:

Thanks to the help of the elven vampire foul magic, Symbel was able to bring down two of the demons with her Icy breath, freezing them and cutting them into pieces with the sharp shards of ice. But then a third clashed against her, and she felt as a hundred mouths pierced her scales, reaching the flesh below. She slashed with her claws and sank her teeth deep into the foul beast, but the demon just grabbed her wings with some kind of pseudopods, and threw her to the ground. Symbel screamed and cried when one of her wings broke as her own weight crushed it between her body and the ground. As the dragon hitted the ground the demon fell over her, biting again the dragon's flesh, trying to find a vital spot. Then Symbel breathed deep, and launched her frozen breath again before she passed out.

Atheril slashed at the last two orcs, severing the first one head with a clean stroke, and when the second one turned and fled, he reached for his bow and put an arrow through the orc's throat. "We're finished, Master Dwarf. They were a weak lot after all, those orcs. Nine orcs, five fell to my sword, four to my magic and one to my bow. And you?", he said smiling, knowing that probably the dwarf killed more orcs than him, due to the troubles he had to kick off that orc corpse from his blade.

Then he noticed that Symbel wasn't flying above them, neither was she in the camp. He tried to find the dragon's presence, the light of the dragon soul nearby with his magic, and he failed, as the mind of Symbel didn't answered his summons. He feared for the worst, running to the camp, just repeating to the others of the group. "Have you seen the mithril dragon, the silver one?, Have you seen her?, Do you know where is she?", as the desperation took his soul.

Five Civilized Nations

15-12-2003, 15:15

Azara kept in the air and examined the environment around them. As he looked, he spotted smoke coming from the base of the mountain ahead. Quickly, Azara flew with the breeze towards the smoke and hid in the nearby forest. Laid out before him was a massive fortress. As Azara watched, one of the fortress gates opened and thousands of Orcs streamed out heading for the caravan. Suddenly twenty-three Orcs broke from the forest, heading for the fortress. Azara watched as the Orcs talked to each other.

The commander of the tattered remnants of the Orcs tried to justify his actions to the commander of the massive Orcish horde. But the commander in anger slashed with his scimitar cutting the head off of the beaten commmander. With a roar, the rest of the beaten Orcs were killed...

Perturbed, Azara flew back to the caravan and descended to the ground in front of Lord James Chevalier.

We may have a problem. There is an Orcish fortress up ahead. And we're going to have a lot of company pretty soon... An Orcish army of several thousand is heading for us... We better get out of here pretty soon...

Delaz heard Azara's message and walked over next to the two talking.

If there is indeed a massive Orcish horde heading for us, we should get out of the way as soon as possible... Nothing will be gained from delay...

Holy Erat

15-12-2003, 17:10

"I agree with the mage, James. We have to get out of here, my powers are not fully optimal, and fighting orcs with weapons only and our weary selves could be a problem. If they do come, I could at least cloak us in an invisble mist or we could double time the flying caravan and move out of here and into the mountains." The vampire suggested.

Ravea

15-12-2003, 18:04

Enigma sighed as the last of the portals closed. He took a minite to rest, panting hievily. He overheard Azara talking to James.

"An Orcish army of several thousand is heading for us..."

Enigma siHged and lauged. Was this all that could be thrown at them? He loosned his bow, ready to pull it off his back at a moments notice if he had to. He hoped that the caravan would leave soon and quickly!

Aelosia

15-12-2003, 19:14

"Then you must go, and find the goblet. That's our main concern. I'll stay back, I need to find Symbel. Don't worry, I'll try to give you some time", said Atheril to Azara, almost without breath. "I can hold them, for a time and for a price of course, but that will give you enough time to escape from the road", then he left, looking for his beloved dragon.

15-12-2003, 19:31

OOC: lol ... something tells me you guys wanna take flight rather fast ... I don't know what though ... xD ... perhaps a faerie told me. Oh, and thanks for letting me know, Holy Erat. I was just making a general statement to let everyone know I love Indiana Jones and if I have to, I'll use puzzles and unsolvable riddles to get us to the goblet. :wink:

IC:
The gnome was of no use to him and he went to talk to James. "Shall we go now? This orc caravan has slowed us down." The elf-vampire was getting to be really impatient. What did he really that fast?James was still laughing with the imputence of the gnome when the elf-vampire came over and turned to him still smiling, though it faded fairly fast. "My ... but you are in a hurry. Is there some reason as to it? Is there someone..." he said, interupted by Atheril running into the clearing.He feared for the worst, running to the camp, just repeating to the others of the group. "Have you seen the mithril dragon, the silver one?, Have you seen her?, Do you know where is she?", as the desperation took his soul.James quirked a brow, he hadn't been paying attention to where the dragons were, he was much too worried for Kimli's safety. "I am afraid I didn't see where she went ..." he said, "Though I am quite sure she's okay ... don't worry yourself." he added, noting the elf was very upset.Perturbed, Azara flew back to the caravan and descended to the ground in front of Lord James Chevalier.

We may have a problem. There is an Orcish fortress up ahead. And we're going to have a lot of company pretty soon... An Orcish army of several thousand is heading for us... We better get out of here pretty soon...

Delaz heard Azara's message and walked over next to the two talking.

If there is indeed a massive Orcish horde heading for us, we should get out of the way as soon as possible... Nothing will be gained from delay...James nodded to Azara and Delaz. "We should definitely be moving quicky then ..." he whispered to himself. Looking aroound to see that most of their rides were still around. He was about to announce departure when the elf-vampire, impatient as ever, interupted him."I agree with the mage, James. We have to get out of here, my powers are not fully optimal, and fighting orcs with weapons only and our weary selves could be a problem. If they do come, I could at least cloak us in an invisble mist or we could double time the flying caravan and move out of here and into the mountains." The vampire suggested."Yes ... quite a good idea ... wonder why I didn't think of it ..." James said amusedly, belting out a few laughs aimed at the elf-vampire's incessent need for them to move faster. It scared him really, and he knew that meant someone strong enough to put even him off edge was waiting for them somewhere between here and the goblet. "I'm sorry ... you're right ... everyone mount up! Dawn approaches in two hours, we must get to the mountain before then!" he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "When we take flight, Atheril, I'm assuring you we'll see where your dragon friend lay and can retrieve her. We can't do much with all this tall grass ..."Enigma siHged and lauged. Was this all that could be thrown at them? He loosned his bow, ready to pull it off his back at a moments notice if he had to. He hoped that the caravan would leave soon and quickly!James looked to Enigma. "We may need you to cover us from above while we retrieve Symbel ... the orcs move fast, and shooting from the air will help accuracy and distance ..." he said, deciding to clean himself up sometime later. Getting back on track to finding the Blood Goblet was indeed more important at the moment. Especially if someone else seeking it has the elf-vampire so unnerved.

Aelosia

15-12-2003, 19:57

"You're right, from the air I have more probabilities to find her. Thank you, Lord Chevalier", he said hitting his forehead with his open palm "It's just that...if something happens to her, I couldn't forget myself". He prepared his bow and whistled, calling one of the Griffins and riding it. "Shall we go, madam?", he said to Kimli, pulling out an arrow with one hand and extending his another one to the elven girl.

15-12-2003, 20:05

Kimli blinked curiously at Atheril. "Come with you? Alright ..." she said, taking his hand and waving to Traigous and James with the other as they flew off in search of Symbel. She kept her eyes open for her and eventually spotted her, pointing to the dragon's unconscious form. "There!"

OOC: I'll be going to eat lunch and get ready for another hellish day at college ... I'll post again in about ... four hours ... see ya then.

Edit: Well ... I go to afternoon and night classes ... so ... >.>

Aelosia

15-12-2003, 20:17

"But what's over her?, she looks like in troubel, hang yourself, I'm going to dive in", he said, launching the griffin to the spot where Symbel was lying. As the Griffin touch the ground he jumped to the floor, running to the place where the dragon was with the amorphous demon over her.

OOC: OK, I see we're on differents times. I just arrived from college...

Ravea

16-12-2003, 00:25

Enigma siHged and lauged. Was this all that could be thrown at them? He loosned his bow, ready to pull it off his back at a moments notice if he had to. He hoped that the caravan would leave soon and quickly!
James looked to Enigma. "We may need you to cover us from above while we retrieve Symbel ... the orcs move fast, and shooting from the air will help accuracy and distance ..." he said, deciding to clean himself up sometime later. Getting back on track to finding the Blood Goblet was indeed more important at the moment. Especially if someone else seeking it has the elf-vampire so unnerved.[/quote]

"Of course. If you could lend be a griffin, i will accompony the elf to search for the dragon."

He hopped on the remaining griffin and sped behind Atheril and Kimli. They soon found Symbel, and Atheril jumped down and ran to her.

"No! Wait!" called out Enigma, but it was too late. He took his longbow out, sensing an ambush.

Holy Erat

16-12-2003, 00:57

The elf-vampire and Eripthe with their strong sense of hearing heard a commotion from the forest area clearing. "James, we have another ambush. I hear arrows in that direction." The vampire pointed at the clearing. I and Azara will take care of this, you and the others, James, speed up the caravan and head to the mountains, if you wait for us you might be in peril." Yet the vampire thought about another ambush by Azura in the mountains. "No! stay here, I predict it would safer here than the mountains alone. He waved his hand as mists enveloped the caravan making them invisible. "Now move!" He then transformed into dozens of flying bats, Eripthe a dove, and Nyssa bats as well. The master vampire knew that there could be an ambush in the mountains and in the forest clearing, demons and orcs. The caravan was not safe until everyone was intact.

They flew off to the clearing when a small army of orcs rained arrows at the griffin and Symbel at the ground unconscious. "He flew near an undisturbed clearing and dozens of torches was heading towards the direction of the caravan and Symbel. 'These orcs are clever." He enchanted in a whispering tone also noting that he was still drained from the last battle. "Eripthe go and heal the dragon, I and Nyssa will cover you. Having the dragon on our side is helpful." He enchanted in a whispering tone also noting that he was still drained from the last battle. Suddenly the arrows didn't hit the griffin anymore it reflected towards the orc archers. The three moved towards Symbel, making all the commotion for the Atheril and the others to get down. Nyssa was still smiling slashing away all the orcs she could massacre. The elf vampire slashed with his sword and a few basic spells. Arrows rained at them, yet they were protected by their immortality and Eripthe's shield.

Eripthe removed the shield as she made a huge ball made of light as it circled Symbel, healing her from her wounds.

Meanwhile, the winged demons flew fast as they reached the plains near the mountains. They would reach the mountains by 2 days for they do not need rest and nourishment. They feed upon darkness.

Amerigo

16-12-2003, 01:03

Atheril slashed at the last two orcs, severing the first one head with a clean stroke, and when the second one turned and fled, he reached for his bow and put an arrow through the orc's throat. "We're finished, Master Dwarf. They were a weak lot after all, those orcs. Nine orcs, five fell to my sword, four to my magic and one to my bow. And you?", he said smiling, knowing that probably the dwarf killed more orcs than him, due to the troubles he had to kick off that orc corpse from his blade.
"11, elf. 6 headless." he remarked breathing heavily from the exertions. His armor was stained with dark red orcish blood and he leaned on his axe heavily.

"Aye, but it be nothing compared to that one time when there be orcs on me left and orcs on me right and I be weaponless and tied to a tree... with chains... Then they be poking me with spears, so I says bein' in a position that can't be no more good... I says, 'Look over thar, thar be a titan!' So the poor fools be a turnin squintin' an shiverin' an I knows that be my only chance so bein' tied up with chains and all... I ain't got much ta do ta free me... sos I bite 'em... I bite 'em chains with all me might and luckily due to me golden tooth I break through one of 'em links--half broke all my teeth to do that but I did it. So thens I got one link left and then tha drow attack 'em orcs and an arrow flies striaght for me strikes the link and I be's free. So then they see a mighty dwarf all free and unbound so they both attack me and I have to fight with me bare hands! Every each one of 'em. And I says I reckon there be at least 3 score orcs and 2 score drow. Sos I take that chain and I start a swingin' it and a lashin' it and then they be..."

The dwarf continues to ramble and soon it is difficult to say what exactly he's talking about.

***
Meanwhile Traigous stood where he was indeed immune to the clamor of camp and stood there thinking for a moment. He was somewhat disturbed by the fact that with danger still imminent (spelling?), that the elf would take Kimli with him to search for that dragon. It was indeed true, he didn't like dragons and he frankly didn't care if they were good or evil. His father killed both and he would too, should the need arise. However, he said nothing and instead he decided he needed to prepare for the flight.

He stepped several feet from camp away from the views of others and softly chanted in ancient drow. His form began to fizzle as if he was becoming ethereal, but then he began morphing, shrinking... His nose grew out into a beak, his arms to wings, his feet to claws.

Soon Traigous was no more, and all was left was a large raven amidst the tattered leather armour cloak, boots and gloves. It took flight immediatly and followed the gryphon upon Atheril and Kimli flew.

***
The gnome was leaving at the prompt of Kimli however, then he turned to the laughing elf-vampire and pointed his stick at him... He squeeled, "Dare you laugh at mighty Khan. Speak, before thy tongue will be ripped out with my might barbarian rage. Speak! Speak before you truly anger me, foul cretin! Foul knave!"

Aelosia

16-12-2003, 01:06

Atheril approached the fallen dragon, to see as the mighty form was lying broken, one of her wings in an unnatural position. One orc jumped from the grass towards the elf, slashing wildly as he yelled an orcish battlecry, the elf just stood in front of him, cutting the orc in two pieces while he was stilll in the middle of the jump, then placing four more cuts with an amazing speed before the corpse fell to the ground, cutted in sixteen parts. Then he kneeled at the side of the fallen dragon, covered by the body of the dead amorphous demon, whispering some words in the huge ear.

The Dragon slowly transformed into the little and silver maiden again, naked and bloodied. Atheril pulled out her body from beneath the demon, and covered her with his cloak. "Let's go, more of them are coming", he said, whistling to call his steadfast griffin.

Amerigo

16-12-2003, 01:32

Traigous perched on a tree overlooking the clearing with the fallen dragon and observed all that was happening occasionally making orcs trip and fall over for no reason and making sure that some "accidentally" stopped their fellow orcs. Easy psionic spells. He took a moment to ponder. The presense of the demons and orcs was mainly his fault. They found him. They were always hunting for him and they intended to kill him. His presense put the entire party in danger (most especially Kimli, he cared little of the rest). Of course there were all ready present dangers of a similar if not greater magnitude with the whole business with the goblet, but adding to the list of threats the wrath of all drow was definately not helping. He then decided perhaps it was better that he "disappeared" and followed them in this raven form.

Amerigo

16-12-2003, 01:33

Ravea

16-12-2003, 03:00

"Come on! Hurry!" Shouted Enigma. A steady stream of Orcs had started to flow from out of the woods. Enigma drew an arrow and put it into an orc chest as he saw Atheril pick up Symbel. "Run!" He shouted. He steered his Griffin over Atheril as he shot another arrow into an orc.

Suddenly his griffin thrashed around wildly, an orcish arrow sticking out of its hind leg. Enigma was thrown off in an instant and fell 10 feet to the ground with a heavy thud. The Griffin flew away, gliding in the direction of the caravan.

Enigma struggled to his feet, the wind knocked out of him. Atheril was nowhere to be seen, mainly because he was surrounded by more than half a dozen orcs. He knew he wouldnt have time to draw his sword. He closed his eyes, waiting for the death blow. He stepped backwards and almost tripped over someting long and whippy. He opened his eyes.

Enigma ducked as the orc simitar flew at his head and grabbed the vine he had stepped on. It was enourmas, with large thorns sticking out of it. He swung it in a wide arc, knocking 4 orcs down. One of the orcs found a 6-inch thorn buired in his throat.

Enigma weilded the vine like a whip, slashing the orcs with wild strokes. He was able to kill 4 orcs this way. Only 2 remained. One of the remaining orcs was fast enough to get his fist through Enigma's defences, and knocked the wind out of him.The other orc grabbed him from behind. The first orc grinned stupidly as it raised sword, then howled in pain as Enigma kicked it in a very sensitive place. He flipped the other orc over and stabbed it twice with a dagger. The other orc started to hobble away at full speed. Enigma laizily drew his Katana and flung it like a spear. It gutted the orc and went through it front to back, afterwards slamming into a tree trunk with enourmus force. Enigma ran and pulled his sword from the tree and sheathed it, then hurried away in search of Atheril.

16-12-2003, 05:25

OOC: So much happened while I was gone ... >.> ... shoulda come back when I said I would, but I was busy worrying about my visit to hell (a.k.a. botany class) later in the evening.

IC: As Atheril suggested, Kimli stayed mounted on the griffin as he jumped down to investigate Symbel and the strange black creature over her. She looked up just as Enigma shouted "No! Wait!!" and began looking about her to see what worried him, soon noticing the telltale deviation from the norm of the grass stalks as wind blew through on its way from the mountain. Some patches didn't move with the wind, and she noted that was the sign of an orc hiding therein. She gasped. "Ambush! Hurry Atheril!" she said just above a whisper, knowing if she shouted it, the orcs would move in and crush them.

Meanwhile, James listened as the elf-vampire noted an ambush arriving from the treeline. "Oh really ... they really are rather insistent, aren't they?" he said quietly, nodding as he began organizing the last of the camp while the elf-vampire and his cohorts went off to defend. Once he got the animals ready, he whistled loudly as a signal.

Kimli now saw torches coming close and covered her mouth with a concerned hand. She looked desperately to Atheril, still afraid to shout. She sighed relief as lifted Symbel, who was being healed by Eripthe's cleric abilities even as they moved. The griffin flew closer to the two and Kimli helped lift Symbel onto him, reaching her arm out to Atheril next. "Let's go ... and fast!" she said quietly, her eyes alone warning him of the danger she knew was approaching.

Once they got in the air, Enigma shouted at them to hurry, and Kimli responded with, "We are! Come! Let's ..." she was interupted by the screeching of the injured griffin and nearly screamed as she saw Enigma fall to the ground below. "Enigma!" she shouted, but she knew getting Symbel somewhere safe as she recovered was much more important at the moment than Enigma, as he got up and began battling orcs right away. Kimli was still greatly relieved to know he was alright. The griffin took Kimli, Symbel, and Atheril back to the caravan and into the invisibility shield. Before they landed, though, Kimli looked around to notice where all the warriors were, and was slightly distressed to find she couldn't see Traigous.

After landing, Kimli quickly jumped from the griffin and rushed to James. "Is everything ready? We have no time to waste anymore ... there are too many orcs here ..." she said, looking around afterwards. "Where ... where's Traigous? He's not out fighting ... is he?" she asked. "That's the last thing I saw him doing myself, Kimli ... he's probably somewhere giving the orcs hell ... don't worry." came James' reply.

"But ..." Kimli began, then stopped. But I didn't see him out there ... he wasn't anywhere she thought to herself, now concerned. She hid the feeling, though, as she noticed James staring at her. She quickly gave him a half-hug and let out a laugh. "As long as we get out of this alive, right?" she said, trying to make it seem like she was worried about the battle. James took the bait. He'd never even considered she could like someone, besides himself of course. Kimli bit the fingernail on her forefinger as she made last-minute adjustments. They'd fly as soon as everyone retreated back here and Symbel recovered. That shouldn't take long, right? It seemed like an eternity though, and thoughts of seeing Traigous' dead body as they flew towards the mountain gave Kimli a great amount of unease to deal with.

Amerigo

16-12-2003, 05:51

The dwarf now, stood by Kimli and James hacking at separated orcs, all the while, overhearing Kimli's statement,

Where ... where's Traigous? He's not out fighting ... is he?

The dwarf loudly replied,
"Bah! It be better he be dead and so'd be rid ourselves of his filthy drow presnse... Aye and the elf-vampire too... But nay, nothing ever goes Grunbrin Blackhammer's way... Nay... Those bastards, probably as live and hoppin' as jackrabbits, aye." His armor blood-drenched much like his beard, he seemed like he went through a meat-grinder and came out unscathed. If he had any wounds, he'd never let on, until someone would come and heal him--and even then he'd protest that he didn't need any healing.

The gnome was no where in sight anymore and it seemed that he had permanently disappeared.

Meanwhile Traigous had been watching Kimli's movements back to the caravan. It was frustrating that he there were no trees nearby the caravan so he had to remain where he was if he wanted to stay perched. Yet, he decided it would be useless to stay there and examine from a distance as any actual help that she... er.. the rest of the group may need would be unavailable at the proper time. So he spread his wings and took flight, carefully avoiding hails of arrows--he had to fly quite high. Then he realized that his discarded clothing were still in the grass close to the caravan, but it was after all ruined... Still... that enchanted leather armour cost him a pretty penny. Reluctantly he abandoned all his possessions were they were and flew over toward the caravan. To make himself look natural, he landed on a dead orc and started pecking at his bloody flesh consuming morsels of it. Quite unpleasant... yes, but necessary nonetheless... Out of the corner of his eye he watched Kimli, who seemed distressed. He wondered why for a minute unable to comprehend the most rational answer... It came to mind yes... but he dissmissed it, immediatly.
"Impossible," he thought and continues pecking at the disgusting corpse.

16-12-2003, 06:19

Kimli sighed as she bit her fingernail, rubbing the back of her neck with her other hand. She kept a sharp eye on the warriors, watching each movement in hopes of seeing Traigous somewhere nearby fighting alongside them. Each instance that revealed itself brought joy to her, and each disappointment nearly lead her to hysteria. Sure, she worried for the health of ALL the group. But Traigous seemed different. He was so nice to her, and so mysterious, letting her alone in on his telepathic secret was such a great honor to her.

Kimli heard a strange sound and turned to see the raven picking at the orc. She walked towards it and tried to shoo it away. "Don't eat that, it's bad!" she said, waving her arms at the bird delicately. James merely laughed. "Let the bird alone ... it scavages carcasses for a living ... it's a raven ..." he said, and Kimli nodded her understanding.

Thats when she remembered idiot! that's right! he's telepathic! and tried to think something loud enough to reach him by her naive understanding of telepathy. It'd sound something like this to poor Traigous:

TRAIGOUS? ARE YOU ALRIGHT?! WHERE ARE YOU?

Amerigo

16-12-2003, 06:56

Traigous, almost choke on a piece of flesh as he hear her thought, his head was ringing and he was shocked to see that she could project her thoughts so... loudly. He continued with his horrid deed, pecking at the darkened flesh of the orc. Yet, his mind was elsewhere.

Could he... somehow reply... He looked about... They probably have observers, everywhere watching, waiting. Hmmm, he thought about this and decided that if he should reply, it would put her in danger, for then she would know that I was alive for sure and any detect lie spell if captured could definately doom her. No, it was safer that she'd thought him dead, she'd get over it... Like everybody else. He knew how it was, he died before... and when his father ressurected him, everybody had forgotten about him and then when he told him of what had occured... They feared him--hated him... everyone he ever knew... They wanted him dead, again. Apparently they took such a long time (a week) to get used to his death, and then getting used to his life, would be too much trouble. They attacked him, everyone. Wanted him dead. Dead. They said it wasn't natural. Nobody wanted him lving... So thats why he left in the first place and began travlling the world, with the cloth about his face.

He would thus stay dead, as he was, and watch over her. He did nothing, thus, and continued pecking at the flesh of the orc.

16-12-2003, 07:18

Kimli's heart was in her throat as she waited and hoped for a response. Nothing. She waited longer, seconds seemed like minutes, but no voice came nor a familiar face. She brought her blonde hair over her shoulder in a mass and began playing with it, running her hands and fingers through it in nervousness. Her heart soon sank like a brick when she realized there would be no answer. And she brought her hands up to cover her face as she fought back tears. They had barely begun the journey for the goblet and already they had lost someone. But not just anyone, this was Traigous. He'd already died once and was brought back. Now Kimli feared he'd been killed yet again. The very thought sickened her to her stomach.

She looked to the raven who still pecked at the dead orc, a sick expression coming over her face. In her mind's eye Kimli traded the brutish orc for Traigous' body, laying on the ground somewhere getting pecked at by birds of prey. Kimli gripped the piece of shirt right above her heart and hurried to the supplies, yanking out some dried and salted meat (beef jerky in laman's terms). She brought it over and tried to feed it to the raven, holding out a piece of it as she kneeled.

"Here, sweety ... try this ... that dead orc can't be that tasty ... this is sooo much better. C'mon ..." she said, following her words with whistles and cooing noises, trying to get the raven to stop. Every time it ripped a piece from the carcass she imagined the same thing happening to Traigous, and it was beginning to frighten her. As long as she could get the bird to stop doing that, she could hold onto the slim chance that Traigous was still alive somewhere ... just unconscious or something.

Amerigo

16-12-2003, 07:31

His head slowly turned and stared at her for a second. He could feel the intensity of her sadness, it pained him, it a bore a stake through his heart, to see her like this... Yet this was better than, her being dead later or physically tortured.

"Foolish girl," he thought, "You care for everyone don't you... even strangers?... Do not care for me... I am nothing but a shadow in the sands of time."

Yet, he thought it to himself--he would send her no thought...

Kimli gripped the piece of shirt right above her heart and hurried to the supplies, yanking out some dried and salted meat (beef jerky in laman's terms). She brought it over and tried to feed it to the raven, holding out a piece of it as she kneeled.

"Here, sweety ... try this ... that dead orc can't be that tasty ... this is sooo much better. C'mon ..." she said, following her words with whistles and cooing noises, trying to get the raven to stop.

As she offered him some dried meet, he turned his head. Cocked it to his side slightly and wondered if... But no... Wild ravens are not so easily tamed. So instead he outsretched his wings let out a caw and proppeled himself up into the currents of the wind. He flew high upward and away from her, until she'd look away... Then he would return.

***
"Bah!" the dwarf declared again pulling his axe out of the ribs of an orcish warrior, "Why yea be a wastin' food on a raven. Ya know what they mean don't ya? They reek of bad tidings that will come the new morrow. Indeed, it is, likely one of our warriors will expire. One of 'em good ones.... Like the mithril dragon elf... It'd be sad tidings indeed!"

16-12-2003, 07:43

Kimli gasped as the raven took flight. She hadn't expected much more from it, but she had hoped it would at least take this meal with him. Then the dwarf spoke and her eyes widened with the myth of a warriors death being foretold by a raven's appearance.

"No! It's just a myth!" she said loudly, "You're just waiting for one of the others to drop dead! What a cruel person you are!" she added, slightly more harsh than she'd intended herself to sound. She then took a deep breath and continued, much calmer and quieter, "Wishing death on anyone ... and blaming it on a bird is very foolish, I meant to say ... I'm sorry I raised my voice." she added, "I'll ... be over by the griffins if you need me ... it's safer there for me." She walked over, calm and collected, then as soon as she was around the back where no one would see her, she cried silently. "Nobody was supposed to die ..." she said quietly, remembering how James had told her there would be battles but that the team was unbeatable and they'd all get what they came for when they retrieved the Blood Goblet. That gave the assumption that everyone would make it to see the Blood Goblet. She wasn't used to loss like this.

Meanwhile, James had hear her yelling, and was completely surprised by it as she'd never yelled in her life that he could remember. She sure was acting strangely. He wondered what was up. He whistled again, hoping all the fighters would hear it and get back to the caravan so they could take off for the mountains.

Amerigo

16-12-2003, 07:55

The dwarf stood there unmoved, but as she was leaving he grumbled after her, "And I ain't be a person neither. I'm a dwarf! And proud of it."

He made sure he could hear it, and then hacked another orc's skull open.

***
Tragious had returned as she spoke to the dwarf and flew after her, unnoticed. He was shocked as he landed on an orcish corpses by the gryphons. He stood a moment thinking, disturbed by her weeping. Yet, wouldn't she weep that way for any fallen warrior, he started thinking... To him it was obvious that there would be more deaths among the party. This was a given with the dangers at hand. So wasn't he thus prepping her for another tragedy? This made sense to him, he felt positive that her sadness would soon pass and she would forget him just as everyone did last time. It was in her best interest to forget him, as the drow may start hunting for clues among the minds of all he had met. Not yet, though... Right now they only search for, him physically. Soon... they'll want to make sure, he was gone...

Five Civilized Nations

16-12-2003, 15:06

Without a word, Azara disappeared into the forest at a run. Azara ran swiftly through the forest, moving towards the quickly approaching horde of Orcs. As he ran, he thought back to the hatred of the Orcs. Ten years earlier, Orcs had massacred his entire hometown, killing his wife and child. Azara touched grimly a scar on his left cheek, a reminder of that bloody massacre. Azara vowed to obliterate the last Orc off theface of the earth. Suddenly, Azara sensed another presence in the trees above him. Flattening himself against a tree, Azara roared and cried out.

Who goes there!?! Show yourself!

A slim figure suddenly descended from the trees and landed in front of Azara. When the figure stepped into the light, Azara realized it was the Shaolin monk, Armad Delaz.

Monk... What are you doing here?

I was going to ask you the same question mage...

Begone... I have pressing matters to attend to... I must destroy those Orcs before they come any closer...

One man against thousands of Orcs... Are you mad? You'll be killed.

Better my death, than the death of many innocents... I have cause too much pain and suffering. I have to do this...

With that, Azara began running once more...

Aelosia

16-12-2003, 17:49

Atheril nodded to Kimli, thanking her for saving them back there, he smiled as Kimli left to save the drow, he was smelling the attraction between them from quite a while. He drew his dagger and give it to the dwarf "Well done, miner, you earned it, please keep it, gambling debts are an obligation", he said smiling.

Then he left Symbel on the ground, as her wounds slowly were healing. But suddenly something happened. The skin of the dragon-maiden turned black, and her hair from a pale white, in just seconds the delicate maiden was sufferings heavy convulsions, moaning through the process as slowly her body turned into the body of a female drow, the dark skin gleaming as made of bright obsidian. Atheril just looked at the transformation with his eyes open wide, his mind traveling between sanity and madness as the awful vision twisted his mind, heart and soul alike. He grabbed Symbel's body, holding her tight against his chest, trying to realize what was happening to his beloved as her compulsed body was trembling hard. "What's this!, someone help me please!", he shouted in his native elvish, forgetting that he was surrounded by strangers, tears appearing in his eyes. "Symbel, please tell me something!", he yelled to the maiden.

Ravea

16-12-2003, 19:47

Enigma wandred aimlessly through the woods, trying to find his way back to the caravan, but he had nosuch luck. He could hear orcish yells and he knew that the forest was infested with them. He emearged from the treeline and spotted 2 figures a short disatnce away. He recognized them as Azara and the Monk. Azara quickly started running into the forest.

Enigma rushed at the monk and asked,"Where is he going?" The monk only stood in silince. "Oh, no!" said Enigma, relizing what Azara was going to do. He couldnt leave Azara alone to face an army of orcs. He put his hand on his sword once more and ran into the forest to pursue Azara.

Amerigo

17-12-2003, 03:58

"Bah. Where in da 666 hells be them others? Pro'bly lost 'eir way, best go after them."

With that the dwarf ventured toward the woods away from the caravan, his armour glistening by the reflection of the moon. He walked boldly forward, hacking at orcs that crossed his path. Soon his muddied footprints had reached the outskirts of the forest, entering the thick woodied forest, grumbling about the ammount of trees, he trudged along through bodies of orcs. However suddenly, the charging Azara crashed into the dwarf with great speed and a painful collision--not so much for the dwarf who had his heavy full plate armour about him.

"Oye! Watch where yea be goin'!" the dwarf growled, and then realizing who it was added, "And where have ya been, we gettin' ready ta leave dis place 'ere!"

Holy Erat

17-12-2003, 07:58

"You idiots, where do you think you're going." The elf-vampire approached the monk, mage, knight and dwarf. "It seems we do not need to find each other then." The vampire grinned as his cloak was drenched in orc blood, arrows were seen punctured in his body. "We have wiped most of the orcish battaion headed to the caravan, it would take them time to find us. We must head back and hurry to the mountains before they reach us." He paused. "No one is going to be left behind now move!"

The vampires disappeared as they raced back to the misty caravan. "Where's the drow? We have no time finding the others, another orcish army is approaching. I have also found the others they will be here soon." But, Eripthe saw the dragon-maiden shaking. "Possibly a poison from some arrow." Eripthe approached Symbel as she tried to heal her again.

17-12-2003, 09:27

As soon as the group reached the caravan, they began mounting the griffins and dragons for flight. It was high time they got out of this field, and the swarm of orcs they defeated twice was proof enough of that. James and Kimli were on one of the griffins, and the others were arranged however they liked it.

"Traigous is missing ... and may be dead. If not, I'm sure he'll catch up ... we haven't time to wait for him to arrive if he's around." James declared as the griffin lifted itself into the air. The group flew towards Pandora Mountain, but James knew they wouldn't make it there by flight alone. As soon as they were within 10 miles of the base, a flight of dragons would most likely arrive to guard their nests which lay in the craggy caves of the mountainside. James thought it best not to alert everyone to this great danger, but said something similar so they wouldn't be caught completely off guard.

"When we get close enough to the mountain, some dragons may try and attack us ... guarding their nests and whatnot. Don't worry too much about it, we can handle them even in our already-weakened state." he said, sighing lightly and turning to view the mountain in the distance before noticing the moon was waning and it would very soon be dawn.

"Oh hell ..." he commented. It would take three days to get to the mountain, especially since they'd have to wait out the days because of James and the elf-vampire. They didn't have their coaches anymore, Amelia had taken them back to the estate. They'd have to wait it out in the forests and caves surrounding the mountainside. Perhaps, if worse came to worse, James and the elf-vampire (and Nyssa I assume) would have to be buried so they would be safe from the sun's rays. Either way, they were going to end up holding back the entire team. James cursed himself for it. Such a waste of valuable time.

Meanwhile, Kimli simply did as she was told, no real expression on her face at all. Though if someone looked into her eyes, which she avoided, they woould see the sadness. She cringed as James made the announcement about Traigous possibly being dead and was glad she had cried before or she would have now. Having her own doubts about his life or death was bearable, but hearing someone else state it was heartbreaking. She sighed heavily as she held fast to James as they flew, thinking hard about projecting one more set of thoughts, hoping they'd find Traigous.

Traigous ... if you can hear me ... we're moving towards Pandora Mountain ... please, try your best to meet us there ... please ... PLEASE DON'T BE DEAD! Her breathes became short for a moment, but she recovered her composure and simply stared off to the side, wondering and hoping.

Five Civilized Nations

17-12-2003, 15:27

Azara ignored everyone else, only intent upon finding the Orcish horde and annilihating it. As he approached the other side of the vast forest, he observed the quickly approaching horde. Boldly, Azara stepped forth and challenged the approaching Orcs.

STOP!!! I command you foul creatures of decay and darkness to STOP!!! Your presence has defiled the earth enough!!! Today, you shall meet the true power of a Dragon Mage and your doom.

With that Azara gathered into his hands a massive amount of energy. With a roar, Azara unleashed it upon the unsuspecting horde of Orcs. Hundreds of Orcs were killed by the massive lances of golden electricity that split the ground asunder. Satisfied, Azara gathered more energy into his right hand, forming a sword of dragonic energy. Yelling, Azara raced into the midst of the Orcs, slaughtering many. Azara's first attack caused tremendous amounts of smoke to obscure the entire rear of the Orcish column. As he approached the center of the Orcish horde, Azara sensed the presence of demonic energy. With his dragonic energy blanketing him, Azara would not react violently to the demonic energy. Azara retreated a pace and observed walking through the smoke, five figures. As he watched, the five figures walked until they were twenty meters from Azara. With growing horror, Azara realized that they were Orcish Warlocks. As he watched, Azara heard a dreadful chant.

Arise Demons of Darkness... Your time on earth has finally come!!!

Azara observed the appearance of several ethereal forms behind the Warlocks. With horror, Azara recognized the forms as Demons... Thinking quickly, Azara struck, gathering swiftly a massive fireball, laced with electricity, Azara threw it at the Warlocks. The three Warlocks in the center avoided the blast, but the other two continued to summon the Demons. Azara stamped on the ground, improving his balance. With a roar, Azara extended his palms and spewed dragonic fire out of them. The two remaining Warlocks, unprepared as they were preoccupied with the summoning were burned to a crisp. But Azara had acted to late, one powerful Fell Demon had been summoned.

A demon... I feared as much... Yet I'm already wreary...

With a roar, Azara attacked the summoned Demon, his palms extending and spewing dragonic flames...

Meanwhile, Armad Delaz decided to continue on the quest. Climbing onto the Golden Dragon, Yun Ti, Delaz sighed. As the Dragon flew into the air, Delaz looked back one last time and observed the massive smoke being emitted from the other side of the forest. Astonished, Delaz yelled to the others.

Look!!! Smoke!!!

Five Civilized Nations

17-12-2003, 15:30

Holy Erat

17-12-2003, 16:02

While flying in bat form, the elf-vampire shot out his thoughts to James. "I can at best advance us for about 5 hours of daylight, after that we have to stay hidden. I and Nyssa need not be buried or coffins, just a cave or dark clearing or so. It is best to train ourselves or rest during the day. We have to awake, the behemoths do not sleep, they will be probably be there when we arrive or worse attack us in the air."

Aelosia

17-12-2003, 17:46

As the cleric tried to heal her, Symbel convulsed even more, until finally she rested, now fully transformed in a Drow Maiden, although her skin still showed the tiny scales of before, now black as obsidian.

"What happened?", asked Atheril to the cleric "Do you know what happened to her?. It was a poison?". His voice was strange as he pulled strands of hair from his own head with his fingers.

17-12-2003, 18:32

OOC: ... uuummm ... didn't I write a post a while back about making your characters too strong? :? I ... hmm ... well, you didn't fight many of the orcs that I can remember ... I guess this can be Azara's time to shine a bit, but after this no more fancy one-man army stunts ... okay? You've gotten your metal of courage. lol :wink: You can only get it once.

Amerigo

18-12-2003, 01:07

The dwarf would fly on one of the gold dragons--since one of the mithril type, was at the moment unavailable (OOC: there are gold dragon's still right? And also we're flying about now right?). He seemed distracted fingering each golden scale, with a sense of withdrawn wonder. He clung on to the golden scales tightly, nonetheless.

***

Nobody seemed to notice a wayward raven gliding after them. He lagged behind however, as he was no match in speed compared to the enormous dragons or gryphons. He would follow them, most of the way, he decided, although he wondered how much endurance his raven body had. He was already mildly tired, and hours of flight at his maximum pace, would exhaust him. He decided he would slow down, since he knew where they headed. Yet, the fact that his mind drifted was not a very wise decision, for he was not yet out of danger yet, as plenty of orcs were still swarming down below.

Just then, a wayward arrow struck him. The pain that flowed through him at the moment was excruciating, and he already felt the poison slowly spreading. He fell... downward, unable to move his body anymore. He tried to slow the fall with his psionic powers, but he was moving too fast and the poison had thrown of his concentration. His powers of the mind were useless now. He felt that horrifying feeling all over again--a feeling he had felt once before death. He retired himself to his fate, then he was tired too tired, and as the sleep began to envelop his mind, the pain dulled until his body was numb.

Just then...
Traigous ... if you can hear me ... we're moving towards Pandora Mountain ... please, try your best to meet us there ... please ... PLEASE DON'T BE DEAD!

The last words echoed in his mind.... "please don't be dead..."

"How ironic," he thought "it looks like I will be after all... and meet my end in such a disgraceful way..." He paused... He was still very much falling its just every second slowed down for him to a minute...

He decided that he would at the very least die a man, instead of some bird of ill-fortune. So he spoke the words he had memorized long ago... and his body once more began to warp, distort itself until, a human shape was once again reached.

Just then he hit the ground, and he as if every bone in his body shattered. A horrible unconsiousness enveloped him, in the massive wave of pain that overtook him. In a sort of semi-delirius state, he realized he still was alive--the pain was too real.

He lay there on the ground, his body a naked, bloodied mess. Another drow handmaiden, stood by his body, she smiled in a twisted horrible way. She had a bow in her hand... and it was apparent she had fired the arrow.

"You thought us so foolish, as that we would not see through your disguise?" she asked him, but all he heard was a garbled mess, he was semi-consiouss still, in an extraordinary ammount of pain. He knew he should have been dead from the fall, but it was the drow that kept him alive. Death was too lenient of a punsihment for his crime--the crime of being born with drow blood in his human veins. But no... he had killed a handmaiden, death used to be his punishment... now his fate was far more grim. With that realization, he forced himself to slip into unconsiousness.

***
An illithiad stood by the handmaiden. It was a beastly thing, with tentacles at its mouth hollowed out eyes, yet in a more or less humanoid form. It wore a brightly glittering robe. A thing that was remarkable, was that it had a collar of chain about its neck and an orc held the other end firmly.

The Drow Handmaiden, turned to the Illithiad said,

"Send her the thought, perhaps we will kill two birds with one stone." She of course referred to the goblet, a strange charecter was so helpful as to send a message to them saying the group's true objective--some witch, who claimed to be powerful. Now perhaps they will be able to get both the goblet and their much sought for revenge.

The Illithiad had sent Kimli the image... the image of Traigous's mangled body, the following words accompanied the horrid picture:
"He is alive, but we have him... Tell anyone about this and he will suffer...."

And that was all.

Ravea

18-12-2003, 02:15

Enigma was worried. He knew Azara would probably perish if he faced that entire orcish army alone. And now Traigous was missing! He could only hope that they were both alive for the time being. And now James was saying something about hostile Dragons. Enigma wondered just how many dangers they would have to face in just getting to the mountin itself.

Holy Erat

18-12-2003, 05:32

OOC: Sorry, cause you didn't specify that he was out of my hearing range as a bat...you know echolocation. Sorry, Amerigo.

With the vanpire's bat transformation, he could see and definetly hear everything. He heard an arrow, not far away hitting some bird.

Amerigo

18-12-2003, 05:52

With the vanpire's bat transformation, he could see and definetly hear everything. He heard an arrow, not far away hitting some bird, yet this bird grew as his echo bounced back to the vampire. "James, the drow is alive, he was following us all along." He shot out a thought. Yet, he sensed that Kimli was uneasy. "It seems that the drow's capturers are too drows. For it seems Kimli already knows about it. What is your plan of attack, James?"
OOC: Okay frankly, Erat... with that you just ruined everything I had planned originally... Let's just say he was well beyond sight nor hearing radius of a bat... Because he was... And I make this clear now... Nobody could have seen him or heard him... Ok?

18-12-2003, 06:06

OOC: lol ... always with James, James, James ... :wink: I spend one day away and you all hound me for information ... :) ... what are you guys gonna do when I'm off the computer for two-three weeks starting monday? That's right ... monday I'm going on christmas vacation and this story will have to either be postponed or you guys will have to carry it without me for a bit ... I think postponing would be best. In any case, I won't be here, there will be no computer, and there are no ifs ands or buts about it.

Edit: I'll handle the earshot thing, Amerigo ... no hissy fights. :wink:

IC: Kimli's eyes watered as her distress rose. Why were they after Traigous? What could they want from him? She pondered silently to herself. She couldn't understand why they would involve her in this either. She couldn't risk Traigous' life by telling the rest of the group or trying to save him, so why tell her? The thought alone brought shivers to her spine. Kimli didn't want to leave him behind, not with those evil creatures, but she had no choice. If she called out and alerted the others, he would die, but if she left him there he may die as well. She was torn.

Meanwhile the main group containing James, Kimli, Delaz, Nyssa, Eripthe, and the elf-vampire (and whoever else came ... perhaps Andronicus ... I've heard from him but he has yet to post) were long out of range, far ahead of the slow raven. Not to mention the noise and shifts of winds caused by the dragons and griffins would drown out any sonar or mental abilities that may have helped in the location of Traigous. The only reason Kimli heard the thoughts sent to her was because it was sent by an illithiad (which I will assume is a creature with immense telepathic abilities beyond that of even the elf-vampire).

OOC: Sorry Holy Erat, but he has a point. He got shot down for a reason he thought up all on his own. Where was this "How shall we save him, James?" attitude when Azara went off to cause major damage to the orc colony? lol ... Sorry if I sound rude ... but the point is, he did it for a reason, and Kimli is the only one who knows for a reason, so let's leave it to him to tell teh story. It's about time a few of us broke off from the group to have our own problems. lol ... nevermind me, I just ate and I'm rather hyper ... :D ... dun be upset with me, Holy Erat ...

Holy Erat

18-12-2003, 08:44

OOC: None taken...I understand if he has something up his sleeve. =)

IC: The flying continued on as the flew over the plains. It would day soon, and they had to find cover in a nearby cave. The breeze was frosty as the elf-vampire could sense Kimli's tension. She had something to tell.

Five Civilized Nations

18-12-2003, 15:07

OOC: There are two Golden Dragons not being ridden on, so the dwarf can get one of them...

Azara slumped on the ground, badly wounded and physically exhausted from his extensive use of magic. The Fell Demon laughed.

Stupid mage... Your pathetic power is no match for the power of a Fell Demon...

With that the Fell Demon stomped on Azara, adding insult to the injury and walked away, preparing to terrorize the world.

Azara tried to get up, but his wounds were too extensive. Coughing up blood, Azara spoke telepathically with Lord Chevalier.

Lord Chevalier, this is Azara Riskal. I held the Orcs off... But I battled a Fell Demon... I'm badly wounded and require assistance...

Azara with the last bit of his energy extended his palm and emitted a burst of flames. Exhausted, Azara fainted...

Aelosia

18-12-2003, 16:39

"Symbel....Symbel answer me", almost cried Atheril holding the transformed maiden. Then suddenly the body that once was Symbel opened her eyes, sinister eyes of a crimson color. She launched her arm forward, a slim one, but with the strength of a Dragon's claw.

The punch caught him under the chin, launching him several feets away from the maiden, falling to the floor and rolling.

The maiden rose from the ground, looking at the fallen elven warrior with a sinister look. As he stood, spitting a teeth from his bloodied mouth with surprised eyes, she approached and landed a kick to his side, shattering several ribs with the impact and sending him to the air. "Your Symbel is not around, fool. I'll return to finish this, but first I have some gold dragons to kill", said the drow woman.

As Atheril hitted the floor, he lost his consciouness due to the intense pain, not before seeing as the strange dark maiden transformed into a pitch black dragon, made of solid darkness with deep red eyes...

Five Civilized Nations

18-12-2003, 17:59

OOC: Aelosia... What happened!?!

Aelosia

18-12-2003, 18:34

OOC: Well, I suppose it's a mixture between the effect of the poison on the demon that the drows summoned, and the magic of the cleric of Holy Erat. Symbel transformed, (or was possesed), from an Mithril dragon turned into an elven maiden, into a Drow Maiden that can turn herself into a Darkness Obsidian Dragon...Now she's an evil Dragon trying to tear apart the Golden Dragons...

18-12-2003, 18:59

OOC: I'm confused ... didn't we all take flight, including your characters, Aelosia? :? Aw well ... and we were making time too ... and FCN ... do you two even read my posts anymore? I said they won't be able to hear any sonar or telepathic waves because of the dragons (with exception to the illithiad, because it's a exclusively telepathic creature). Hmm ... tis a puzzlement, but thank God for your smarts, because you sent up a flare ... :lol: ... I'm damn sure James can see it.

IC: Kimli wondered what Traigous' capturers would want from her to get him back alive and well, but she didn't know how to project feelings. She wasn't even sure projecting thoughts was going through because of no responses. She was definitely distressed.

Meanwhile, James and the rest of the group flying towards Pandora mountain were stunned to notice a large fire being shot into the sky where it exploded. "My dear God in heaven ..." James said as he turned the griffin around to look, shielding his eyes partially with his arm. "It's as bright as daylight ..." he added, noticing next that it came from the orc encampment and probably meant Azara was in trouble. He sighed heavily.

"And we were making such good time ... well, shall we return to help our fallen comrade? I'll take a vote ..." he said, laughing as the griffin turned and readied to return to where they had left from. He looked to the others in flight with him, and nodded. "We'll probably need him along the way ... and I could have sworn Atheril was here too ... but he and the dragon elf maiden seem to have fallen behind as well ..." he added, shaking his head lightly with a smile. He then looked up and saw a large dark creature flying towards teh group. "Or have they ..." he said, furrowing his brows as it didn't look like a silver dragon to him.

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