NationStates Jolt Archive

Izual stood within the town square of Golum. The humans knew nothing of what was hiding within their town. Not a single person paid heed to the statue like elf as he continued to stand, motionless.

In one fluid motion, Izual withdrew his bow, notched an arrow and unleashed it toward an unsuspecting stable boy. The boy froze in fear as the elven arrow sped toward him, delivering his certain death. He closed his eyes to await the bitter nothingness of non-existence.....

Nothing. Slowly opening his eyes, the boy saw the arrow suspended in midair, a mere 20cm from his head. He couldn't quite work out what had happened. The the arrow fell, but not straigth down. First it became vertical within the air, then spun around so the tail was facing him. This had the boy deeply puzzled.

He didn't notice Izual withdraw two elven forged throwing daggers and launched them toward other random townspeople. The same result. Izual had now drawn the attention of the town gaurd, five men approached the elf, swords drawn.

"You, you are under arrest for disrupting the peace. Drop your weapons."

The elf didn't even look up as he carved severl sigils of power in the air around himself. With a final mutter, the sigils shot forth, speeding around the town. At first the appeared to be no result. Then they appeared.

Men all over the town, clad in complete black. Nothing of their features could be seen at all. Izual withdrew his sword, pushed throuh the guards and engaged the nearest blackclad stranger.

The guards stood dumbfounded, unsure of who the enemy was. It had begun......

*Tag* for possible future involvement.

BuMp!

Aelannor the thief, was stalking through the streets of Golum. He had just finished 'liberating' a man of his money and now was looking for somewhere to sleep. He arrived at the square, "Hmm, seems like the guards have found someone." A black clad man, looking quite like himself appeared out of nowhere in front of him, "What the hell?" Aelannor quickly drew his 2 daggers and proceeded to stick them in the man before he could do anything...

OOC:
This sounds interesting, so I am sending someone, although I do not know what will happen.

IC:
Clandestine browsing by the shops, looking at the people, experiencing life, felt a powerful blow to her shoulder, as a man pushed quickly in a hurry past her. Someone clad in black was hurridly moving toward a central sceen. Amused, like all by-standers, she decided to check it out. Nothing better than a "long necker" right?

She pushed past a small group of teenagers, coming closer to the large ensemble of black clad people.

"Interesting," she smiled to herself.

http://www.creativeuncut.com/media/sc2-ivy2.jpg
Character Picture

OOC: Tag...I'll be back later...maybe

Izual engaged the outnumbering force of black clad men. After several blows, Izual determined these men were imbued with physical strength beyond their normal capabilities. Their strength easily equaled his elvish strength and the look in the eyes of these men was disturbing.

The elf slashed his way through several more men, then backed off as another group of humans attacked him. Izual’s elvish reflexes saved his life once again as a crossbow bolt passed through the space his head had previously occupied. Izual cursed in his elvish tongue as the black clad men completely surrounded him whilst the guards chose to remain observers.

Quickly assessing the situation, Izual plunged his blade into the earth and quickly began inscribing runes into the air around him. The blue power of the elven magiks illuminated the area as the elf completed his spells. Withdrawing the blade, Izual watched as the runes began to circle his location, growing brighter. Finally they reached a stage where all onlookers, including the black clad men had to look away. Upon returning their gaze to the elf, a circle of blue, intense flame now hindered their paths.

Several brave men attempted to leap over the flames. They cleared the flames, only to have the blue heat stretch upwards and engulf them. The screams of horror soon died out, as the body became ashes. Other men attempted to attack with their crossbows; the bolts received a similar fate. For a few moments, the black clad men were puzzled as to how they should draw out the elf. The villagers. Several men moved towards the innocent people, ready to slaughter as many as need be.

Izual was not about to let this happen to people of his nation. They may be human, but he was still one of them. Withdrawing his bow once again, the elf loosed several arrows, plunging into the backs and throats of the black clad men. Several of them gasped as the few runed arrows sucked the dark magiks out of the human spirit, allowing it to pass from this realm.

Blade and bow ready, Izual searched the people for more black clad men.

OOC: All right then I'm joining. Let's have some fun y'all.

IC:
The pale blue eyes scanned the street, resting upon a scene where an elf fought against a large number of fighters, human an non-human alike. Normally he would have turned away, ignoring the situation, and continuing his travels throughout the world, but this elf had caught his attention.

Walking toward the battle, Tokram began to form within his hands, a ball of fire, intense in heat, and continued to make it grow larger by the minute. He carefully watched each of the figures in the fight, as he neared closer. Without much effort, he hurled the fireball into the crowd, and watched at the ball of fire split up, each seeking their own prey, as if they had their own minds to decide their actions. Tokram commanded each to keep away from the elf, and focus on the elf's attackers.

Tokram drew his sword, named Fireblade, and walked through the flames that had encircled the mass of black-clad men, bringing his sword to bear upon the men, severing the head of some, and severely injuring others. Just as soon as he had come, he disappeared.

He walked out of the blazing inferno, toward the elf, Fireblade dripping with the blood of the men. Holding up his scaled hand to keep the elf from being alarmed, he spoke:

"You looked like you needed a little help there, my friend."

The elf's eyes wandered over his body, trying to make sense of his scaled skin, and dragonlike features.

Tokram turned and watched as the flames continued to close in and burn the flesh of the men inside, their horrified screams piercing the air, their skin visibly seen through the flames, dripping off and forming sickening puddles of melted flesh upon the ground. Their bodies soon collapsed to the ground, their bones charred and mingled amongst each other, unmoving.

Tokram smiled, his double rows of sharp pointy teeth grinning menacingly. Fire was his favorite element of destruction. It was in his bloodline to gravitate toward, and employ its uses.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/draco_gallery/75653.jpg

He was a Draman, a dragon-man, a half-breed with the capability to transform into a fully fledged dragon with the assistance of certain magical items. He was currently on a quest to seek out these relics for this ability, and was close to finishing his quest. He had gathered four out of six of the relics, and was following the clues for his fifth.

TAG... Of course I gotta tag this.

Izual unleashed several more arrows into retreating enemies. The coming of the dragonic man and Izual's deadliness with the bow was enough to scare them off. Looking over the newcomer, Izual smiled.

"You're definately not from around here. Your help is most appreciated."

The townsfolk gawked at the pair and the remains. The remains being the black clothes. The bodies had completely disappeared, except for the ones struck by the runed arrows.

Finally the town guard took action. Bearing spears and swords, the men walked towards the elf and the dragon man. Izual sighed, some humans.....

"Do not hurt them. Shall we leave?"

Izual sheathed his sword and slung his bow.

Tokram turned back toward the advancing guards, and formed a flame from his hand, which he tossed onto the ground, forming an impassive barrier, allowing the elf and the Draman to leave without trouble. He sheathed Fireblade, and turned toward the elf.

"All right, all set now. Lead the way. I'm Tokram, and you are?"

"Izual."

The elf set a rune above the fire, glowing a deep blue. The guards stood in mute shock as the flame blocked their path.

Turning his back to the guards, Izual lead Tokram away from the village, toward a large forest that stretched across the borderland of the human/elven provinces.

"We shall take refuge there."

As the pair left the village, Izual's rune sprung to life, dropping a large amount of water over the flames, quenching the heat. The guards stood dumbfounded for a few more minutes, the people staring at them. There was nothing they could do.

"Carry on men!"

The guards dispersed back to their duties.

Izual determined the path of entrance and lead the way.

"What brings you to Khadrim, Tokram?"

"I am on a quest. A quest in which I am almost finished. I seek out the remaining two of six relics necessary for me to tap into the power of my lineage, my ancestors. I was merely passing through Khadrim, following the guidance of my dreams. However, I have not experienced a dream in which you were present, yet I feel you are important to my quest somehow."

Tokram's eyes expertly watched the trees, as Izual led the way further into the darkness of the woods.

A rotten branch suddenly broke itself from above Tokram's head, who instantly heard it clearly. Swiftly drawing his sword, he turned and sliced upwards, splitting the branch in half, as it fell around him, without injuring him. Tokram glanced back at Izual and said:

"False alarm......"

Two strange figures enter the town from the other side. One, Teldron Kavgrul, is a degral; the other, a shadowdancer named Vikar Teldriin.
When they saw the destuction and signs of battle, Vikar drew his sword; Teldron set his hand on his axe handle, his eyes shining a dim white. "What happened to this place?" he demanded. The townsfolk turned, surprised... both travellors had been moving quietly enough to avoid notice.
OOC: Descriptions....
Teldron looks basically human, of average height, with light brown, rather ragged hair. He is wearing brown pants, a green shirt, and a somewhat tattered black jacket. His arms are unusually long, and marked with strange runes and symbols. He uses a battle axe in his right hand and a sword in his left; both have holy symbols and magic runes inlaid with silver on their blades. His eyes, like those of all degrals, glow and change color to show his emotions. White is nervousness or fear.
Vikar is an ordinary shadowdancer. He is eight feet tall, and most closely resembles a living skeleton in black armor. In dim light, an eerie yellow glow surrounds him. Shadowdancers have certain unusual powers, including the ability to move through solid objects as if they were liquid, and fight extremely quickly. He is an unimportant character, and expendable if necessary.
Are these characters acceptable?

OOC: Yes, your characters are fine. Welcome aboard.

IC: A nearby guard eyed the strangers suspisciously before approaching to answer their questions.

"Many strange black clad men attacked an elf. He fought them off with the help of a strange looking dragon man. We don't want any more trouble here, hopefully that will be the last of it."
_____________

"I see. Well, your dragonic heritage is obvious, perhaps you would wish to meet some dragons of this land. I am on my way to convene with the High Council, you may come if you wish, for Ryath, the dragon leader shall be present."

Izual continued to lead through the forest, seemingly on a random path. The forest was dark, but peaceful.

"Much obliged to accompany you. Thank you for your invitation."

As they continued to walk along, Tokram once again reviewed within his mind the relics that he had both gathered, and those that remained to be found. In time, he would find them, undoubtedly.

Teldron's eyes shifted from white to a light purple, and brightened; the glow seemed to swirl and sparkle. (Curiosity, excitement)
"Huh, that is very strange. I take it you don't know what the fight was about... Which directions did the two groups go in?"
Turning to his companion, Teldron added "This seems like a situation worth investigating. Do you agree?"
"Aye." replied Vikar, sheathing his sword.

OOC - Is it ok for me to stick a dwarf into the mix? Or am I too late?

OOC: Khadrim, just checkin, what are your plans for this thread? DO you need any specific characaters?

OOC: Note these are characters of my own, I am not trying to control the guys from the village or affect any planned storyline.

A little way along the path...

Three men dressed in simple, but well cut and cared for black cloth robes stood on the pathway.
"They approach?"
"We believe so."
"Is it safe."
"Of course."
"They have the power."
"But they are still..."
The last words were spoken in perfect usion, "Only mortal."

(A lizard scurries through the bushes)

OOC:
Sorry, but I must pull my character out of this one for now. I will be back with another character or her later on, if that is alright.

"Much obliged to accompany you. Thank you for your invitation."

As they continued to walk along, Tokram once again reviewed within his mind the relics that he had both gathered, and those that remained to be found. In time, he would find them, undoubtedly.

Izual winded in and out of the thick forest, not really following any set path. Occasionally, the elf would halt and uncover several elven runes, discharging some and setting more. Finally, they arrived in a dark clearing.

"What you are about to see, you may never disclose to another being. Do you understand?"
____________________
Teldron's eyes shifted from white to a light purple, and brightened; the glow seemed to swirl and sparkle. (Curiosity, excitement)
"Huh, that is very strange. I take it you don't know what the fight was about... Which directions did the two groups go in?"
Turning to his companion, Teldron added "This seems like a situation worth investigating. Do you agree?"
"Aye." replied Vikar, sheathing his sword.

The guard was still slightly suspiscious of these beings, but their friendly manner eased him a little.

"Well, we're really not sure where the black clad men went. They just left our view and disappeared. Except for a few corpses. Even some of the corpses are gone as well. As for the elf and his companion, they went east, heading into the borderline forest."

OOC - Is it ok for me to stick a dwarf into the mix? Or am I too late?

Sure, go ahead. Make it a foreign dwarf though, one not of Khadrim.
_______________

OOC: Khadrim, just checkin, what are your plans for this thread? DO you need any specific characaters?

It is going to be centred around the threat these black clad men pose to the nation. More of the story will be unravelled soon. I don't really need any specific characters, except maybe a minor evil ruler later on.
__________________

OOC:
Sorry, but I must pull my character out of this one for now. I will be back with another character or her later on, if that is alright.

That's fine. Hope to see you later on........

OOC: Men? Neither of them is human, and the shadowdancer is eight feet tall...
IC: "Well, I suppose that determines which we follow, then. Thank you for the information. I hope your home doesn't have any more trouble."
Teldron then turned again to his comanion.
"We'll have to move quickly, if we want to catch up."
Vikar nodded, and the two travellors headed east at a swift walking pace. As they entered the woods, Teldron took the lead. The degral had spent for of his life in forests than in buildings, and was an excellent tracker; his keen eyes scanned for any sign of the two they were following. Vikar produced a bow of black steel, and set an arrow to its string. Something was making the shadowdancer nervous, though he wasn't sure exactly what.

The guard nodded in departure.

"Farewell. May you have a safe journey."

The guard returned to his duties, ensuring there would be no more disruption of the peace on his roster.

Tokram nodded, and sheathed FireBlade. The woods around them were silent, and he watched as Izual turn and continue what he was doing. He was already impressed at this elf's magical abilities observed so far, they differed from the magic of elves elsewhere. It was as if they had their own signature magic. Tokram would try to learn more about their customs from Izual if he could.

"You have my word, and the word of my kind is of upmost reliability."

Izual nodded in acknowledgement.

"That is good to know."

Standing within the centre of the grove, Izual closed his eyes as he spread his consciousness into the magnetic energy lanes of the earth. The leaves and grass were blown away, to make way for the flaring runes that created a circle around the perimeter around the grove.

Energy crackled around the circle as the border between the lane and the earth was ethereally opened. The elf's tuned senses could detect the resonance of the responding earth, he keyed the appropriate runes of request and transportation whilst muttering several phrases in his ancient elven language.

Illuminated by the bright glow of the activated runes and sigils, Izual opened his eyes.

"Step into the circle. I must warn you, do not let your consciousness stray from your body lest you wish it to be lost within the flow of the earth."

Tokram widened his eyes, and glanced somewhat nervously at the elf. The elf's calm nature calmed his own, and he nodded, and stepped toward the circle.

"Keep focused on myself...understood."

Once inside, he began to instantly feel a warm feeling envelope his body. He closed his eyes naturally, and suddenly he was shooting off for some unseen destination at a great speed. It was a wonderous feeling as he sped along. His body radiated as if it had become energy, and indeed, it had become as such. A melodic sound rang within his mind, soothing his fears, relaxing him.

*tag*

As Tokram stepped inside the circle, Izual keyed the activation rune. The circle flared even brighter, completely engulfing the pair in a diverted surge of energy.

To the onlooker, the elf and draman were standing within the circle, then a surge of power emerged from the ground and sucked both within. Once the flash subsided, the runes had deactivated and no sign of the pair could be seen.

The pair surged through the 6th lane of Khadrim, racing toward the dragonic province. An hour and 500km later, the pair emerged within a similar runed circle, at the base of a large mountain range.

Returned to their natural state, Izual and Tokram stepped out of the circle, allowing the runes to return to their dormant state.

"Welcome to the dragonic range. Home of the High Council member, Ryath."

Tokram's feet felt the warm earth below once again. He opened his eyes and looked at the smiling elf.

"That was quite an experience. I am honored you chose to allow me to be a part of your kind's obvious strong magic."


Looking about, he smelled the brimstone of the nearby mountains.

Ahh, the sweet familiar smells of my kind's homes...

The two wandering adventurers continued along the path, moving as quickly as they could without losing the trail.

OOC: You're gonna lose it **snickers**...we've just gone through the earth lol, to an undisclosed location in Khadrim

Shado was confused. He could have sworn he had seen two figures standing there a moment ago. There had been a bright flash...Magic, perhaps?

Amaris whinnied. The horse was afraid. Definately magic then.

Shado dimounted, and tied his horse to a nearby tree, to investigate further.

OOC: Am I too late to join in? If so, I could just wander off...

OOC: Shadostan, I don't see why you can't join, however, its up to Khadrim. Khadrim, I can vouch for Shadostan's rp skills, they're good.

OOC: Shadostan, I don't see why you can't join, however, its up to Khadrim. Khadrim, I can vouch for Shadostan's rp skills, they're good.

OOC: :oops: Aww, thanks! You're too kind, Talarchia! :oops:

IC: Shado could find no trace of the two figures, not even a blade of grass was bent. It was perfect. If it had been magic, which Shado hardly now doubted, it was strong.

OOC: You're gonna lose it **snickers**...we've just gone through the earth lol, to an undisclosed location in Khadrim
OOC: I know that. They don't. I can't very well just have them appear in Khadrim; the only thing they can do is try to follow the trail.
Is anything going to happen on the way, or shall I post them encountering Shado?

OOC: Unless you want to make anything happen..... no.

Shadostan, you're welcome to join.

IC: Izual smiled. I thought you would like it.

Upon further invesitgation Tokram would discover that the pair was completely surrounded by shear rockfaces. There was no apparant way in or out save for flight or those that could operate the lane runes.

Izual moved toward a seemingly insignificant stone surface and placed his slender hand upon the surface. The rock reacted immediately to his touch, a large stone rectangle was outlined by a golden flow of energy. Upon completetion of the shape, Izual indicated to step through.

OOC: Thanks! :P
IC: Shado could find no way of getting wherever the two had gone, and he could feel the magic rapidly fading away. He walked back to his horse and waited. Maybe they would return.

Tokram stepped through the energized doorway, not sure of what to expect. The brimstone scent grew noticeably stronger, as they moved farther into the mountain. Behind him, Tokram didn't hear the door close as Izual turned and led the way down the narrow walkway.

Izual keyed a rune of closure before taking the lead. The pair stood in a massive tunnel, finely forged and perfectly smooth. Obviously the work of dragons.

Their footsteps echoed down the massive hallway, as Izual quickly lead the Draman toward the chamber of Ryath. After several minutes of passing through intersections of more gigantic hallways, Izual stopped at a door that stood far above his or Tokram's height. Spinning around, Izual spoke.

"You are about to meet the rest of the High Council of Khadrim. At the moment, business must be addressed, but afterward you are welcome to ask any of us any questions."

Izual didn't need to touch the doors, they simply slid open as he stepped forward, entering another massive chamber. This chamber was circular with a transparent part of the mountain looking over a large lake. The walls were decorated in many carvings of dragons which were painted various colours, gold being the most common.

The elf lead Tokram to a large, oak chair that was furnished with paddings and carved decorations. The chamber seemed rather bare, no possessions one would find in a human chamber.

Seated in chairs around the chamber, Thor and Bifrost nodded to Izual whilst the final member of the council sat upon the marble floor. The massive golden scaled body taking up the space of a large human chamber. Wings folded against her body, Ryath observed the newly arrived pair. Her boom dragonic voice was strong, but controlled for conversation with smaller beings. Izual indicated for Tokram to sit whilst he occupied another nearby chair.

"Welcome back, Izual my friend. And you, Tokram. I welcome you to my chamber within these mountains. I trust you understand that matters concerning this nation are to be treated as the lane runes you have learned of."

Tokram took his seat, as he studied the others in the chamber. Ryath addressed him.

"Yes, of course."

He remained silent as the proceedings went underway. Occasionally the group had heated moments in their conversations, but soon worked out the problems.

Slightly bored, Tokram turned his attention to the transparent view of the lake at the base of the mountain. The surrounding lands were beautiful, untouched by the foul hands of man. A perfect home for dragons.

Finally finished with their discussions over the recent incidents with various black clad men in several locations, the official council meeting ended.

Slightly more relaxed the High Council began to talk amongst themselves. Izual looked over toward Tokram.

"We thank you for your patience. Is there anything we can do to aid you in return?"

The human and the dwarf seemed engulfed in a conversation about trade between the two races whilst Ryath paid close attention to Tokram.

"I almost forgot. The other two members of the council are Thor and Bifrost."

Both nodded in acknowledgement as they heard their names spoken.

Tokram nodded to the other two who had nodded toward him in break in their own conversation.

Respectfully, Tokram stood, as he spoke, his eyes focused on Ryath:

"Thank you for allowing me to join you in this meeting. I am currently on a quest, a quest to unlock the full magic of my ancestors, the fire dragons of Tarlachia, an ancient line that has spanned the ages. There are six relics that are used to unlock this magic, a magic that would allow me to fully morph into a dragon. This magic is only accessible to the true of heart, and only to the lineage. I do not know if you are aware of this, but I am the last of my line alive. Therefore, you will understand my necessity to complete this quest. I do not know why, but my quest has led me here to find the next relic, and earn its possession. Perhaps you know of something that will aid me in my quest?"

OOC: Assington, IM me or contact me somehow before you post your response please.

Ryath nodded her massive head.

"I do know of an ancient relic that was placed within our lands by foreigners of your kind. Perhaps it is what you seek. I can direct to such a place, I believe it is hidden within Mt Pyro. I must warn you, unless you have a dragonic resistance to heat, you will not be able to enter."

Izual spoke.

"I believe Thor and I are heading that way. Perhaps we can offer assistance whilst we conduct our business?"

"I believe I can handle the heat, after all, my lineage is of the fire dragons of Tarlachia."

Toward Izual, he spoke:

"You may accompany me, but when we do actually find the relic, I must fight the guardian on my own. It is the only way that the relic will be handed over to me. Do you understand?"

As an afterthought, he said:

"I hope you have some way of protecting yourself from the intense heat that will undoubtedly fry you otherwise."

Izual noddded.

"We shall not be journeying into the heat of the mountain for we have other urgent business in that area. But we shall accompany you to your desired location."

Ryath casually swung her massive scaled tail as she spoke.

"I hope you find what you are looking for Tokram, be wary of what guards the relic though, I was not informed of such. If you have no other questions, you are welcome to make your way toward the mountain now."

"Thank you for your assistance. It shall not be forgotten."

Tokram turned toward Izual, who began to lead the other two out of the chamber.

Once this relic is obtained, I shall be one step closer to fulfilling my destiny...

Shado could find no way of getting wherever the two had gone, and he could feel the magic rapidly fading away. He walked back to his horse and waited. Maybe they would return.


A lone figure clad in black approached Shado and his horse. The horse bucked and whinnied. The man in black neither noticed it, nor cared.

"Tell, me good sir. What brings you out here all by... yourself?"

"Thank you for your assistance. It shall not be forgotten."

Tokram turned toward Izual, who began to lead the other two out of the chamber.

Once this relic is obtained, I shall be one step closer to fulfilling my destiny...

Ryath nodded.

"Fare well Tokram."

Izual and Thor led Tokram back through the massive corridors, moving deep into the mountain, toward a different exit.

"We must travel slightly to reach the next lane site."

The three travellers emerged through another magical doorway, directly in front of the massive lake. Across the lake, grasslands stretched toward the horizon, the grass standing almost as tall as the party.

Moving toward the lake, Izual took a step toward the water, about to plunge into the clear liquid. But it didn't happen. He moved his other foot onto the surface of the water and continued his casual stride toward the other side of the lake, Thor followed close behind.

What the?? Hmm...I wonder if I have that capability as well...or maybe this place is surrounded and engulfed in the magic of these creatures.

A tentative foot shoots out, and steps toward the water. Resistance is felt as pressure is applied.

"Well I'll be..." Tokram muttered to himself, and continued to follow the elf. He wonderd what else the Elf could do.

The wind whistled softly through the tall grass, bending and refracting the blades of grass, as they danced in harmony with the wind. Tokram's sharp hearing picked up the sounds of life hidden in the grasses, and his eyesight showed him various birds of prey gliding lazily upon the warm updrafts rising from the Earth.

"Your lands are quite beautiful to behold. One of these days, you will have to visit Tarlachia and view her own treasures."

Izual nodded.

"I would like that."

Finally they passed through the grasslands and came upon the ruins of an ancient stone fortress. The minor keeps stood tall whilst the defensive walls lay in pieces, scattered around the open field.

Thor took the lead and moved through several old passages until the party reached a elaborate chamber, covered in old tapestries. Thor stood slightly towards the left of the chamber, eyes glowing a deep blue whilst Izual activated the rune circle, preparing for the transport.

"You know the drill Tokram. We'll be ready soon."

Once again, Tokram felt the warm embrace of the rune magic of the lane. And once again, he was disappointed to feel the embrace leave him as they arrived at their destination.

Alas, all good things must come to an end.

Upon arrival, Tokram opened his eyes, and looked around. They were in a temple of some sort, obviously dedicated by the humans for the dragons that lived here long ago. Tokram wondered if there were any more left here. In the distance he spied a mountain range.

Which one is my quest?

The party exited the temple to come into an open field of short grasses. To the left wa a large city surrounded by massive stone walls whilst the right was filled with a large mountain range.

Within the middle of the range stood one mountain that towered over the others. It bellowed black smoke and the crater upon the peak glowed slightly red. The mountain was completely black and bare whilst the surrounding mountains were either covered by snow or grass.

Izual and Thor stepped off to the left.

"This is where we must depart friend. We shall be within the city for some time, if you complete your task in good time, you are welcome to join us within the walls."

OOC:
I found a character! Is there still room for me. I had to create one because believe it or not, all my countless characters are previously engaged.

So, my next character:

Here name is Nauguria.
http://www.angelvoice.net/anime/image/soulcaliber_xianghua.gif

Note: Her profile will be worked out through this thread if she is accepted into it. If she, what would you like her to do?

OOC: I've got no objections to your character...... perhaps you stumble across the black clad men's hideout and get drawn into the problems......

"Farewell Izual, Thor. I do not know if I will return from this quest, but rest assured, I shall try my best."

With that, Tokram turned toward the smokey mountain, his eyes holding a glint of determination within, and set out, making his way across the fields, toward the immense and oddly out-of-place mountain.

A while later, Tokram stood at the base of the mountain now towering over him, reaching into the heavens with its smoky entrails. He turned, looked at the city from which he departed the others, and turned back toward the mountain.

There had to be some way to enter within the mountain, a hidden entrance or cave...

Izual and Thor bid farewell to Tokram and began the trek toward the human city of Thelas. Within the hour they crossed the fields and entered the gates. Everything seemed normal, but to the trained eye, much was afoot within this city.
__________________

The beast could sense the presence of one with dragon heritage. It growled in pleasure, it had been many years since one had ventured into the mountain in search of the relic. It called out to the questing presence with a might roar, a roar which shattered open the hidden entrance halfway up the mountain.

Tokram suddenly looked upwards, as rocks seemed to explode from the side of the mountain, raining down toward him. A loud roar was heard, as if it were mocking him.

He moved quickly, narrowly escaping a large boulder slamming into the ground where he had been standing. He covered his head as he waited for the remainder of the rocks to fall.

Finally, the earthen shower ceased, and Tokram stood, looking up now at the large entrance made into the side of the mountain.

You're on...

He rubbed his hands together, flexed his joints, and soon began to scale his way easily up the steep rocky wall. A few minutes later, he lifted himself up and over the side of the entrance, and stood there, illuminated in the light of the day, which was swallowed quickly by the darkness within. Drawing FireBlade, he began to creep his way cautiously farther into the bowels of the Earth.

OOC:
Alright! Thank you! Whereabout are they, so I could work my way from there?

OOC:
Alright! Thank you! Whereabout are they, so I could work my way from there?

OOC: In the city i just mentioned.....
___________

IC: The beast immediately sensed the presence enter his lair. This would be entertaining. It bellowed out another might roar, drawing Tokram closer.

Lava began to flow through some of the tunnels as the beast surged out of the molten rock. This intruder was strong, that much it could sense, but the beast had centuries upon centuries of experience fighting off those that sought the relic of foreign dragons.

A lone figure clad in black approached Shado and his horse. The horse bucked and whinnied. The man in black neither noticed it, nor cared.

"Tell, me good sir. What brings you out here all by... yourself?"

OOC: sorry for the delay, I was working all weekend!

IC: Shado took a step back.

"I was just passing by... I know not what is going on here, nor am I affected by it. Who are you?"

Drawing closer, Tokram could see that the bright reddish glow coming from the direction of the guardian. Another roar shook the mountain, as the beast beckoned for him.The heat continued to rise, but it did not affect Tokram.

Soon, he came upon the beast, which had been waiting for him. It stood before him, its immense body radiating fire and Holding up his hand as if asking for a moment, he spoke:

"I have come for the relic. State the rules for victory."

Tokram unfastened the cape around his shoulders, revealing a strong, tan colored muscular body with reddish vertical stripes down his back. This would allow him better dexterity. The cape was tossed aside, and it softly landed upon a large rock.

Tokram took the FireBlade and whipped it around in an opening display of skill, and ended it with it over his head, his body turned against the beast, offering the least body mass to strike upon. His teeth bared, revealing two rows of canine-like teeth, minature versions of dragon teeth.

OOC: Here's a pic of FireBlade. Not sure if I already showed it, but here it is again.

http://www.pjsoutlet.com/images/bl12.jpg

Nauguria meandered about the city of Thelas (I do hope that is the correct city). She slowly walked up and down streets, wondering about looking around...for something she herself was not sure of what.

A lone figure clad in black approached Shado and his horse. The horse bucked and whinnied. The man in black neither noticed it, nor cared.

"Tell, me good sir. What brings you out here all by... yourself?"

OOC: sorry for the delay, I was working all weekend!

IC: Shado took a step back.

"I was just passing by... I know not what is going on here, nor am I affected by it. Who are you?"

"My name... does not matter at this point in time. I will reveal myself to you later... if there is a later."

The black figure waved a hand down the path.

"I am searching for a city named Thelas... tell me, do you know how I may find her?"

Shado weighed up the possibilities. Somehow, although he had never heard of the city the figure mentioned, he had grown a sudden urge to visit this place. He spoke;

“I have never heard of such a place…although I would be willing to aid you in your quest. I will need neither payment nor incentive. I may not know the way, but I have a feeling I may be able to help you, at least with transport. Can you ride?” he asked, gesturing to Amaris, the horse still tied to the sapling.

“I have never heard of such a place…although I would be willing to aid you in your quest. I will need neither payment nor incentive. I may not know the way, but I have a feeling I may be able to help you, at least with transport. Can you ride?” he asked, gesturing to Amaris, the horse still tied to the sapling.


"Yes, I can ride..."

The man in black walked over and untied the horse. He jumped on with no ill-ease and rode it back to Shado. Together, they took off down the path.

"I thank you for helping me in my travels. I am afraid however that I cannot tell you much more about myself at this time. It may be... too dangerous.

"I must ask you however a question: have you ever seen other man who have dressed such as I?"

A few minutes later, the shadowdancer and the degral stepped into the clearing.
"Strange... the tracks simply vanish, here." muttered Teldron.
"Odd." replied Vikar. "There was some sort of magic that surged up here, then went off through the ground... that way. I can't trace it very far, though, it gets to deep. You want me to follow it?"
"No, I can't go that way. There are some other tracks here, two men on foot and a horse. They're quite recent. Let's follow them; perhaps they know what's going on. They went that way..."

The two adventures followed the trail of Shado and the mysterious man in black, moving quickly. Unless the other two were hurrying, they would catch up soon....

The beast roared in excitement as Tokram approached. Finally another opponent had arrived, by the looks of thins, the battle would be interesting. In a voice that shook the very walls of the mountain, the beast spoke.

"To be victorious in this battle and claim the relic as prize, you must be able to restrain me into a situation where I cannot stop you from killing me. If your heart is not pure within this quest, your life will be forfeit. These are the rules given by the ancients."

Stepping out of the molten rock, the massive creature presented a firery whip within one hand and a flaming sword within the other. Flames leaped off the creature as it moved toward Tokram, preparing for battle. It's skin was composed of patches of fire hardened rock and thick, molten rock. All of which was engulfed by intense flames.

http://lotr.dvd.cz/images/rasy/balrog.jpg
_______________

Thor and Izual sat alongside the large fountain within the town square. Thor had already informed the town guard to be suspiscious of any black clad men. Casting runes of discovery, the pair allowed them to be carried through the air and running water of the town. Soon, any hidden men would become uncovered.
_____________

Within the poor quarter of town, two completely black clad men stood within a dark alley. They held a young, unconscious girl between their arms as they faced a blank stone wall. Standing completely still, they merely waited.

Tokram hardly nodded before he propelled himself forward toward the beast, as he let loose a glorious war-cry. His first attack was blocked by the beast's own sword, but Tokram's strength surprised the beast. He had not expected this challenger to be so strong.

Moving quickly and with great agility, Tokram continued to send powerful attacks at the beast, searching for an opening. All the while, the beast snapped his whip at him, and used its sword in defense.

Tokram let loose another powerful cry, as he continued to fight...

The challenger was strong. Far stronger than any challenger for a long time. Blocking the attacks with his sword, the beast sent his whip spiralling toward Tokram, the flames leaking off the weapon.

Taking the oppurtunity, the beast began the assault with it's own blade in conjunction with the whip. The whip released a cracking sound as it missed it's target and thudded against rock. The sword on the other hand, left gigantic craters of molten rock where the black had melted the solid earth.

The challenger definately had agility as an advantage, but the beast would not let that stop him. He continued the attack, using the whip and sword in perfect unison.

With a determined look upon his face, Tokram began blocking the new offensive from the beast. The heat from the beast's body increased tenfold, but this did not sway Tokram. It only served to empower his will and his counter-attacks.

For quite some time, Tokram continued to battle the monstrosity, as the two locked in stalemate with one another.

The beast cast his whip toward him again, and finally connected with Tokram, slashing him, along his face and chest. Tokram took the hit, but remained where he was, his wounds smarting.

Just after this, the beast slowed slightly, opening a window of opportunity, and Tokram noticed this immediately. With a loud roar that shook the walls of the mountain cavern, he quickly manipulated this advantage to attempt to plunge FireBlade into the beast's side.

The beast saw Tokram lunge toward his side, but the challenger was too close for the beast to react in time. The blade plunged into his side, tearing through it's vital organs and unleashing the boiling hot blood of the beast.

An ordinary blade would not have injured the beast so, but this dragonic blade knew the weakness of it's own kind. Being a spawn of the ancient dragons, the beast suffered greatly at this blow.

Not about to give up, the beast swung it's massive blade toward Tokram's open flank whilst unleashed a heavy blow with his fist towards the challenger's face.

A powerful strike by the sword pounded upon Tokram, followed quickly by a powerful punch to the face. The sword did not penetrate, for his skin was that of his ancestors, in which only a special type of blade or weapon could penetrate directly.

With a grunt, Tokram fell to his knees, as his body swayed from the powerful attack. His hand still gripped FireBlade tightly.

With a determined tone in his voice, Tokram cried out to the beast,

"You shall not defeat me! I have the will and determination of my ancestors!"

And with that, Tokram jumped to his feet yet again, and took advantage of the beast's surprised look. He jumped up, as high as he could, and slashed his sword downward, and sliced through the beast's arm holding the sword.

"Never shall I give up to the likes of you!" he cried, more as a motivation to himself than anything else.

The beast watched as his sword arm plunged into the depths of the molten rock below. Cursing in a dragonic dialect, the beat cracked his firery whip several times at his challenger, each time hitting different targets.

Drawn to a desperate rage, the beast lunged toward Tokran with his good arm, attemptting the spear the challenger with his clawed hands.

With a cry of rage, Tokram swung his sword the opposite direction, and watched as the blade sliced through the beast's second arm.

A howl of pain greatly shook the cavern, as the beast stood before Tokram, armless, and greatly wounded in its side.

Tokram addressed the beast,

"Now, what are you to do with no hands? Do you surrender?!"

Shado tried to get a better look at the mysterious man, but on horseback, it was useless.

"I have never seen one such as you, no. Might I enquire as to why it would be so dangerous to talk? And also, why do you seek this town of Thelas?"

Despite his mind being pre-occupied with finding out more about his strange travelling companion, Shado couldn't help but feel that they were being followed...

"You have not defeated me yet."

The beast bent over and impaled Tokram upon the massives horns of his head. With a sudden shake, Tokram was sent spiralling off the beast and toward the river of molten rock.

The beast laughed in glory, perhaps he would win afterall.

Shado tried to get a better look at the mysterious man, but on horseback, it was useless.

"I have never seen one such as you, no. Might I enquire as to why it would be so dangerous to talk? And also, why do you seek this town of Thelas?"

Despite his mind being pre-occupied with finding out more about his strange travelling companion, Shado couldn't help but feel that they were being followed...
Teldron spoke, stepping out of the bushes behind him.
"May I speak with you for a moment?"

Tokram hurtled through the air, and smacked hard into the opposing wall above the lava. With one hand holding a small ledge he had managed to get a hold of, he hung there, as he looked up at the beast. His own stomach raged with pain, as the injury had penetrated the tough scaled skin.

Looking up at the beast, he didn't say anything, but tried to think how he could defeat it. Surely there was a way to restrain the beast in such a way that would give Tokram the victory. His pale blue eyes looked upward at the ceiling, and noticed something abnormal.

With great effort, he hurled his only weapon toward the ceiling, and watched as it lodged itself into the loose rocks. Suddenly, the entire cavern began to quake as the rocks began to fall from around the sword, directly above the beast on the cliff. Huge rocks pummeled the beast, pinning him to the ground upon the cliff. The beast lay still.

Tokram looked about, searching for a way to get back to safe ground. Finally, he grew agitated enough, and placed his feet upon the wall, and shoved off with a powerful thrust from his legs. He flew over the molten rocks below and tward the cliff.He reached his hands out, and fingers scrabbled against the cliff finally gripping hold of it. With difficulty, Tokram walked over to the fallen body of the beast.

He drew Fireblade to the beast's throat.

"Now I believe you are defeated. You are completely pinned under these rocks and not a single limb of yours can move.....Now do you remember what you said? Allow me to help you..."


To be victorious in this battle and claim the relic as prize, you must be able to restrain me into a situation where I cannot stop you from killing me.

Shado tried to get a better look at the mysterious man, but on horseback, it was useless.

"I have never seen one such as you, no. Might I enquire as to why it would be so dangerous to talk? And also, why do you seek this town of Thelas?"

Despite his mind being pre-occupied with finding out more about his strange travelling companion, Shado couldn't help but feel that they were being followed...
Teldron spoke, stepping out of the bushes behind him.
"May I speak with you for a moment?"

The man in black pulled back on the reins, waiting until the horse had calmed before speaking.

"What business does a Shadowdancer and a Degral have with us? Do not hold us for long... we seek the city of Thelas. Unless you know a shorter way, delay us shortly."

Tokram hurtled through the air, and smacked hard into the opposing wall above the lava. With one hand holding a small ledge he had managed to get a hold of, he hung there, as he looked up at the beast. His own stomach raged with pain, as the injury had penetrated the tough scaled skin.

Looking up at the beast, he didn't say anything, but tried to think how he could defeat it. Surely there was a way to restrain the beast in such a way that would give Tokram the victory. His pale blue eyes looked upward at the ceiling, and noticed something abnormal.

With great effort, he hurled his only weapon toward the ceiling, and watched as it lodged itself into the loose rocks. Suddenly, the entire cavern began to quake as the rocks began to fall from around the sword, directly above the beast on the cliff. Huge rocks pummeled the beast, pinning him to the ground upon the cliff. The beast lay still.

Tokram looked about, searching for a way to get back to safe ground. Finally, he grew agitated enough, and placed his feet upon the wall, and shoved off with a powerful thrust from his legs. He flew over the molten rocks below and tward the cliff.He reached his hands out, and fingers scrabbled against the cliff finally gripping hold of it. With difficulty, Tokram walked over to the fallen body of the beast.

He drew Fireblade to the beast's throat.

"Now I believe you are defeated. You are completely pinned under these rocks and not a single limb of yours can move.....Now do you remember what you said? Allow me to help you..."


To be victorious in this battle and claim the relic as prize, you must be able to restrain me into a situation where I cannot stop you from killing me.

The beast barely accomplished a simple nod.

"Indeed I said such. You are victorious and have earned the Dragonic Relic as prize."

In a sudden surge of power, the beast erupted from beneath the rocks and rolled into the steaming molten rock. He entered with a massive splash and quickly sunk to the bottom.

Several minutes later, the beast emerged, fully healed and bearing the ancient relic that Tokram required.

"You have fought well challenger. This relic is now rightfully yours."

The beast kneeled and placed the relic before Tokram.

Within the poor quarter of town, two completely black clad men stood within a dark alley. They held a young, unconscious girl between their arms as they faced a blank stone wall. Standing completely still, they merely waited.

OOC: That is for your character to notice..... DFD.

Teldron spoke, stepping out of the bushes behind him.
"May I speak with you for a moment?"

The man in black pulled back on the reins, waiting until the horse had calmed before speaking.

"What business does a Shadowdancer and a Degral have with us? Do not hold us for long... we seek the city of Thelas. Unless you know a shorter way, delay us shortly."
"I noticed your tracks in a clearing a ways back, where some powerful magic seemed to have been performed. I was wondering if you saw anything back there?"

OOC:
I am still here, I just have not had sufficient time to post. If any of you want to play my character, feel free. I will try and get on later today to make a good post and get caught up on what I have missed. Sorry all.

Teldron spoke, stepping out of the bushes behind him.
"May I speak with you for a moment?"

The man in black pulled back on the reins, waiting until the horse had calmed before speaking.

"What business does a Shadowdancer and a Degral have with us? Do not hold us for long... we seek the city of Thelas. Unless you know a shorter way, delay us shortly."
"I noticed your tracks in a clearing a ways back, where some powerful magic seemed to have been performed. I was wondering if you saw anything back there?"

The man in black was silent for a moment, and then answered.

"I... saw nothing of import to you. At any rate, my companion and I must be off, unless he has anything he wishes to add."

Teldron spoke, stepping out of the bushes behind him.
"May I speak with you for a moment?"

The man in black pulled back on the reins, waiting until the horse had calmed before speaking.

"What business does a Shadowdancer and a Degral have with us? Do not hold us for long... we seek the city of Thelas. Unless you know a shorter way, delay us shortly."
"I noticed your tracks in a clearing a ways back, where some powerful magic seemed to have been performed. I was wondering if you saw anything back there?"

The man in black was silent for a moment, and then answered.

"I... saw nothing of import to you. At any rate, my companion and I must be off, unless he has anything he wishes to add."

Tokram quickly cleaned and had sheathed Glamdring when the beast returned, the relic in its grip. It placed it down in front of Tokram, and stepped back.

Tokram glanced up at the beast's face, now filled with respect for the Draman. Lowering his gaze to the relic once again, he picked it up in both hands, and held it out to himself. It wasn't that large, nor was it very heavy.

As Tokram held it, he muttered in the tongue of his ancients, an absorption spell. Soon, a reddish-blue fire erupted from the relic, as it seemed to come alive with immense power. It danced within his hands for a moment, before it confirmed that Tokram was the correct descendant. A flash of light, so bright that even the Beast turned its head, filled the cavern, making it seem brighter than day.

A roar of victory and strength howled from Tokram's mouth, as his body absorbed the relic, to join the first four. Each one had given him another attribute/characteristic of the lineage. And this was no different for this relic.

Stepping back, Tokram cried out in an unearthly voice as his body began to mutate and quake under the morphing spells. His back erupted in pain, as holes were torn into his dragonskin, and dragonian wings began to emerge from the holes. His fingers became less human, and more like claws. He grew another foot in height. Then...it stopped.

Tokram stood before the Beast, as his newfound dragonian wings whipped the hot air around him, swirling the flames emitting from the Beast's body. He felt stronger, more powerful now.

"Thank you. You have provided me the strongest challenge for me thus far. I am glad to have done battle with you."

The Beast nodded and roared in response, and dived back into the lava below.

Turning back toward the way he came, Tokram picked up his cape and made his way back to the entrance. Once there, he stood, as the lands of Khadrim opened up before him, the sunlight shining upon the land, giving it an enchanted look. And enchanted it was...

Opening his wings wide, Tokram launched himself off the cliff, and flew toward the city of Thelas. He was there within minutes, as flight served to cover ground much faster than walking. Oh the joys of his ancestors! Upon arriving at the edge of the city, Tokram landed, and folded his wings together, the central tips of the wings behind, and above him. The cape was still in his hand, as it was now useless to him due to the wings. He walked into the city, instantly catching the little interested gaze of the civilians.

It was time to find Izual once again, and yet, he had no clue where to look.

The runes dispersed around the town, unveiling any black clad men within the city. Thor and Izual immediately began their mental search of the city occupants, brushing through the many minds that went about their daily business.

Brushing through the minds, Izual hit a familiar presence.

"Tokram has returned. He is different as well."

"Good to see he succeeded."

"Indeed."

Thor sent Tokram the mental bearings of the quiet little inn that the pair occupied.
_______________

The pair of black clad men were suddenly uncovered, their invisibility spells dispersed. They continued their business within the dark alley, unaware of the change in their form.

Shado looked around, confused. Where had these two men come from? How had they caught him on horseback?

He snapped back to reality with the black-clad man's words, and looked around at the men.

"I...Who are you guys? Why are you here, following us? Answer me these questions and I might be able to help you."

Shado did not trust these men, this "Shadowdancer" and "Degral", as his travelling-companion had called them. He had never seen anyone like them, and was more afraid now than angered. He didn't want to delay any longer, but was driven by an unexplained curiosity to find out more about these things, this Shadowdancer, and the Degral. He was torn now, between a desire to learn, and a desire to get to Thelas. It suddenly occurred to him that this place, these people, were having very strange effects on his behavior, and he shook his head violently.

"On second thoughts, forget it. Unless you know a quick way to Thelas, as my friend here said, you'd better let us get on with our quest."

A voice spoke within Tokram's mind, immediately identified as that of the human, Thor. They directed him to the Green Fields Inn, not far from his current position.

Thank you. I shall wait for you there, unless you need my assistance at any time.

Tokram continued his walk once again and soon came upon the small, but homely inn. Pushing open the double doors, he walked in, immediately drawing the attention of the people within the lobby. He headed for the counter, drew out several coins and spoke:

"I am here for a room. Do you accept Tarlachian coinage?"

"uhh...never heard of Tarlachian before buddy, but seeing as how your coins are made of gold and silver, this shouldn't be much of a problem. The clerk picked up the coins, observed the details briefly and handed Tokram his key with his other hand. He seemed to be fascinated by the inticate designs of this stranger's homeland as he muttered the directions to the room:

"Just around the corner, about halfway down on the right, room 157. *Looking up at Tokram and giving a half smile* Thank you for choosing the Green Fields Inn."

Tokram didn't reply as he turned and headed down the hallway. Suddenly, a soft hand touched upon one of his wings, and he whipped about. There, stood a child, a look of wonder upon his face, and fear at his sudden reaction. Softening his stance, Tokram knelt down, looked into the now embarrassed child's face. He smiled kindly.

"What can I do for you?"

"I'm sorry mister...I...I never saw a dragon-man like you before. I just wanted to know if your skin felt the same as the dragons around here."

"And do they?" Tokram asked, amused.

"Yes sir, quite the same."

"Well that is good to hear, perhaps these dragons you speak of are my cousins?"

"I would not know sir."

"It's not a problem, I shall find out in due time...here, why don't you take this and get yourself something as a treat?"

Tokram handed the child a silver coin, the emblem(dragon head, see below) of Tarlachia etched into it.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TwDKAnAZFyBUMnXqYYV3MjrI6wqAZ3ODWzIEg6crJ0TjCFBKI1AivmnBPo4B87*9cfFtXZM!dol4P3mGP64UOyg*C!My60NYJpT kF3twgQP12I24OAx1WQ/silvrdrg.gif?dc=4675458798625882387

The child timidly took the coin, and ran back to his mother, who had been watching the exchange from a distance. She smiled her appreciation for Tokram's kindness to the child. Tokram raised his hand in response, his claws waving slightly. He turned and continued his search for his room.

Finally he arrived upon it, and keyed the door, opening it to a darkened room. He closed the door behind him, locked it, and then stepped to the bed. He took his weapons off, tossed them onto a nearby table, and sat upon the bed, his wings opening slightly to stretch. Lying down on his side he promptly fell asleep, as he was tired from the battle. He knew Izual and Thor would contact him or appear at his door when they were ready. His mind briefly reviewed the battle, and thought about the final relic now his quest. He was so close...so close to fullfilling his destiny...

His eyes closed, as he drifted into sleep, the darkness of the room encompassing him.

Teldron frowned, thinking These two know more than they’re saying; there’s no doubt of that. From their tracks, they met in that clearing… we were close enough behind the elf and the dragon-man that they almost certainly saw them. The odds of these two groups not being related, when they were in the same place at the same time, aren’t worth considering. What are these people hiding? The guard said those two fought with a number of men in black; here we find another man in black, who is very secretive and crossed their trail. Coincidence? Not likely! There’s one way to find out where they’re going….
What he said was “Very well; in that case, we’ll take no more of your time.”
He turned, and headed back toward the spot where Tokram and Izual had vanished. As soon as the two travelers were out of hearing, he whispered to Vikar “I’m going to follow them. They clearly know more about this matter than they’re willing to say. I hate to separate us, but maybe it would be best if you go after those other two….”
The shadowdancer pulled two spherical white stones out of one pocket, saying “I hunted for Kiimbor once, when he was working on a complicated project. In return for the food, he gave me these. We can use them to communicate, and to locate each other if necessary.”
---------------------------
Moving in an odd crouch, Teldron followed Shado and the man in black. He could easily keep up with horses in this forest, and made little more sound than a cat as he slipped between the trees. He kept out of sight, following the sounds, and sometimes the tracks, of the two men.
---------------------------
Vikar reached the clearing, and sank into the ground as if it were water. The trail left by Izual’s magic was clear to a shadowdancer’s eyes. He could not travel as quickly as the spell had moved Tokram and Izual, but he was in a hurry, and his long legs covered ground quickly. It would not be too long before he reached their destination….

The man in black gestured backwards as they rode out of sight of Teldron and Vikar.

"I don't trust them to stay away... watch out for them, and for others like them. They operate on an agenda different than ours."

Shado nodded, but said nothing. He did not know anything truly about his companion.

"What if your agenda and mine are entirely different?" thought Shado.

**********

After a while longer, Shado and the man in black arrived at a huge, bustling city.

"I believe... this is Thelas." said the man in black.

The two men rode into the city, watching for any surprises.

Little did they know that one watched from behind...

Teldron followed cautiously. His eyes gleamed a dim white; the city made him nervous. He was used to the woods, but he had spent very little time in crowded areas...
He tried to look casual as he followed them into Thelas, but his right hand hovered near his battle axe.

Izual extended his thoughts toward Tokram.

"We are occupied at the moment with other issues, you know where to find us if necessary. Be wary of any men dressed in black, they are intruders to this land and cannot be trusted."

Getting back to business, Thor and Izual continued their scrying, watching for and significant activities. They had already spotted several men about the city, none seemed to be doing much.

Thor called for some refreshments hours later. Soon enough, a serving wench brought a platter of bread and cheese, as well as some elven wine. She quickly hurried off, slightly intimidated by the magical activity of the pair.
____________

The spell was working. At first, only a tiny hole appeared within the alley wall, but it immediately sucked in nearby light, creating an even darker environment. It would still take some time for the portal to be an appropriate size.

Tokram didn't open his eyes as the message, this time from Izual, floated through his mind. He soon replied:

All right, I shall come to you, and see if my assistance is needed.

Sitting up, Tokram held his head within his hands, as he sat there thinking to himself. He was totally unaware that he was being watched closely...

The three black clad men were startled as Tokram sat up. Before he could react to their presence, the moved out of the shadows an engulfed his head with a dark red powder. He would no longer bother their mission.

Tokram slumped back down onto his bed, paralyzed in a semi-conscious state. Whilst Tokram lay helpless, one of the men pulled out a large, black bag. It was covered in blood red runes and was easily big enough to engulf Tokram's nearby sword. The bag was slid over the blade, the men careful not to touch it.

With an evil grin, the man slung the bag over his back and made for the window, the others close behind.

After a while longer, Shado and the man in black arrived at a huge, bustling city.

"I believe... this is Thelas." said the man in black.

The two men rode into the city, watching for any surprises.

Little did they know that one watched from behind...

Looking around, Shado drank in the scenery, the town, its inhabitants, the smells, the noises...

"So this is Thelas, huh?" he asked, "Nothing looks unusually special. Why did you want to get here, anyway?"

Shado got the sneaking feeling he was being followed, and his hand strayed to his bow, loosening the straps on his back.

One moment, Tokram was alone, the next, he was paralyzed before he had realized what had happened.

Paralyzed completely, Tokram could do nothing but witness the three dark shapes moving about within his room. And almost as fast as he saw them, they disappeared. His eyes searched frantically for them, and fell upon the table. It was empty. Fireblade...was gone.

Anger boiled quickly within himself, as he finally was able to shake free the powerful grip of the parlysis. He let loose a great roar, the decibels shattering the windows and mirrors in the entire building. His wings spanned out, as he clenched his fists tightly. Firey flames engulfed his fists, a byproduct of his fury.

The unprovoked attack would be dealt with harshly... guaranteed.

Tokram stormed out of the room, past the startled clerk, and the fearful faces within the lobby. Once outside, he leapt instantly to the air, his wings catching the warm updrafts of the Earth, as he soared just above the buildings. His piercing blue eyes scoured the streets below, searching for the thieves. He roared again in fury, sending some of the citizens scurrying for cover.

What he did not realize was that Izual and Thor were nearby, and had heard his shattering roar...

"So this is Thelas, huh?" he asked, "Nothing looks unusually special. Why did you want to get here, anyway?"


"I seek... those who would try to destroy the likes of you and I... the dark ones."


Suddenly, A loud roar echoed from down the street. The dark one (No relation as of right now to THE dark ones.) and Shado looked up and saw a winged man take to the air, and then move off, as if searching for someone, or something...

The dark one pointed to the flying figure. "He... he has information. Important information."

Shado and the dark one rode off in search of the man.

Izual and Thor both looked at eachother as Tokram's roar shattered glass and shook foundations.

"This cannot be good."

The elf agreed.

"We should investigate this."

In the blink of an eye, Thor and Izual stood suspended within the air, on either side of Tokram. The Draman's rage was extremely obvious. Izual placed a hand upon his shoulder.

"What is the problem friend?"

A gentle hand touched Tokram's shoulder, but even if it had been a rough hand, he would have reacted as he now did.

Gripping one of the hands with a blur of speed, he pulled his face into the owner's own face, snarling. Red blinded his sight, so full of anger he was. His grip remained fierce and strong upon the one he held.



Suddenly he stopped, as he realized who it was.

"Izual...forgive me...I am quite unhappy right now. My sword, FireBlade has been stolen. It is very valuable to myself, as it is my only physical weapon, and my only artifact of my ancestors..."

Izual prepared to defend himself but slowed as Tokram realised what he was doing.

"It is understandable friend. The black clad men appear to be thieving random items around the city. We must put a stop to it. We shall aid you in recovering your blade."

Izual and Thor slowly descended into the city, extending their awareness around the city in search of the thieves.

"There is high magical activity in the poor quarter."

"Indeed, they are there."

The three descended to the ground, Tokram being the last to touch the ground. His massive dragonian wings folded themselves, and relaxed, as they started walking, not having stopped.

Tokram's mind raced, searching for any possible reason as to why these black-clad men would do the randoms thefts. Was there an overall motive? Or did they do it just to spite the owners?

Either way, they would beg for mercy from Tokram, and chances were that he wouldn't show it...

Tokram scanned the face and people around them as they walked along. They must have looked like an odd group, an elf, a human and a Draman. This was evidenced by the stares they recieved.

Without looking at his friends, Tokram questioned:

"What do you know of these black-clad men? Where do they hail from? What are their motives for their petty behavior?"

When Teldron heard the roar of rage, and saw Tokram flying over head, his eyes flashed to bright purple.
That must be the dragon-man the guard spoke of!
He broke into a run, trying to keep Tokram's form in sight. The degral ran in an odd crouch, little different from his fastest way of walking; it was quieter than the normal human method, and allowed for greater agility.
-----------------
Vikar emerged from the ground with a slight splash in the spot Tokram and Izual had earlier appeared. He set an arrow to his black steel bow, looking around quickly....
OOC: Would someone there have detected his approach? He wouldn't activate anything searching for active magic, but shadowdancers have a fair amount of inherent magic (surprise!), and he makes a certain amount of noise.

OOC: Physically, Izual might hear him because of his elven hearing, but maybe not. Thor and Izual are likely to detect any threats to them, as it would spark their wards of protection. So a bow aimed at them would get their attention.

IC: Izual and Thor sighed simultaneously. The black clad men were indeed, a puzzle. Thor spoke.

"We are not sure where they hail from or what they intend to do. They are invaders to this land, possibly this realm. They have dark forces behind them, necromancy and blood magiks give them strength, there is no doubt about that. They began to appear upon the destruction of a very powerful necromancer within Khadrim, perhaps they are connectted, we are not sure."

Izual took note of his protection wards, there was one behind them. He did not react, but merely alerted Thor.

OOC: Teldron is approaching Tokram, Izual, and Thor. Vikar just arrived at the spot Izual's spell brought Tokram and him to near the beginning; that's where I was wondering if he would be detected. We can assume that Teldron drew his axe to scare people out of his path so he could run faster to account for him triggering Izual's wards; he doesn't carry a bow.
IC: Teldron arrived in time to hear only the end of Izual's reply, but he assumed these were the travelers the guard had told him about. Lowering his axe, he asked "They being the men in black you fought in that town?"

OOC: And Tokram would probably be oblivious to what's going on...though his dragon-like hearing might pick something up...

IC:
Tokram considered the response for a few more silent moments. They passed by a booth selling fruits, and in one swift movement, Tokram drew a coin, flipped it toward the man, and took a large Granny apple. He bit into it, slowly savoring the sour taste of the apple, as he thought.

"Then we must stop these men, for they threaten all of us. Maybe we can pull in some outside help to assist in finding and capturing these men?"

His wings opened slightly to beat a little cool air upon himself, as the sun was giving strong waves of heat unto the Earth.

Before Izual could respond, Tokram heard a voice behind him, addressing them. He turned, with a snarl upon his face. A face that would frighten many who crossed his path wrongly. At his side, his apple dropped to the ground, and his hand began to form a fireball that fitted within his palm. It was held out of view, until he could determine if this new intruder was either friendly or hostile.

Izual and Thor spund around slowly, their mage sight boring into the inner essence of the one that addressed them. No intentions could be hidden under such scrutiny, this allowed the two council members to determine the truth of his words.
____________

The portal began to widen, consuming more of the alley wall. The alley was no completely black, a piece standing out in an otherwise bright, sunny day. The two men continued to wait. Soon enough, two others joined them, one carrying the black bag bearing Tokram's sword.

OOC: DFD, if you can't post frequently, you should withdraw your character.

Teldron slipped his axe back into its holder and folded his arms. He was curious, and uncertain of what he would do next.
"Am I correct?"

Tokram took the liberty of answering the man's question:

"You are correct. What is your name? Why does our business concern you?"

Tokram brought himself to stand imposingly upon the stranger, and brought his flaming hand to his side, visible to the stranger. If he tried anything, things were going to quite literally get heated up around here.

"I am Teldron Kavgrul. My traveling companion and I happened to come upon that town a short time after you left, and we heard something of what happened from the guards. It sounded... unusual... and we thought we might be able to help. As a degral, and a son of the king at that, I must spend a certain amount of time seeking adventure. Naturally I was intrigued by a story of black-clad men appearing out of no-where, fighting with an elf and a dragon man, and then vanishing. Does that answer your question?"
The degral seemed relaxed, but the purple glow of his eyes had faded to white.
Whatever is going on here, it certainly seems to put people in a bad mood. Those first two wouldn't even talk about it, and now this one looks ready to kill me at a moment's notice...
OOC: Just a reminder... Teldron isn't human. He looks closer to it than Tokram does, but it would still be noticeable.
What's happening with Vikar?

"I find no problem with your story, therefore, you are welcome to join us, as far as I am concerned. I cannot speak the same for the other two here.

My name is Tokram. Forgive me of my anger which you undoubtedly have noticed. My preferred weapon, FireBlade, was stolen by these black-clad men..."

Tokram hissed the next bit under his breath:

"They will be dealt with accordingly."

Looking up at the being before him again, Tokram spoke:

"What do you think you have that we may find of use?"

"I understand how you feel... I would be furious if someone stole my weapons.
As for how I can be useful, I am a fairly skilled fighter, and my sword and axe have been effective against every enemy I have ever encountered... including the undead, and others who are difficult to kill. I am experienced at travel in forests, and am a capable tracker. I have a few other skills, as well; who knows what might be useful? There's also my friend, a shadowdancer. His abilities could be useful in any situation where we want to locate an enemy, or find out what they are doing, without them knowing; he is also an excellent fighter.
I saw a man in black enter the city recently. I know not if he is part of that group, but I would be surprised of he and his companion aren't involved in this situation somehow."
He paused for a moment, then added "What would you find useful that I might have?"

Tokram listened patiently as Teldron spoke of his credentials. His eyebrow rose slightly when Teldron informed them of the second black-clad man who had entered the city.

"We shall have to find these individuals...especially this single mysterious one. I do not know if he is dangerous to us, but I intend to find out.

You and your friend shall be beneficial to us. You are welcome to join us, and help us search."

After a moment of silence, a thought crossed Tokram's mind, of which he immediately spoke:

"Why are you helping us? What is your motivation for this? What do you seek to get out of this?"

The fireball in Tokram's hand slowly disassipated, until it finally gave its last flicker and was snuffed by his hands clenching itself momentarily.

Shado and the man in black rode until the man in black held up his hand.

"Why do we stop, shrouded one? I believe that the flying man is right around the corner..."

The man in black did not reply right away, but then shook his head.

"It is no good. That degral we ran into has made it here before us. He has made that draman believe that I am in league with the others."

"But.. thats not true... is it?"

The man in black was silent, but then replied. "If I said no, would you really believe me?"

"..."

"Alright. it is time to cut out the middle man. Let us see if we cannot find these other men in black ourselves..."


OOC: Where are the others located Khadrim?

"I offer to help because it is my duty to fight evil, and to prove that I am worthy of my father's name. You might say that I seek glory. That isn't exactly accurate, but it's rather difficult to explain...."
OOC: Did you hear us talking, Valient, or notice us in some other way? If you were close enough to hear us, then Izual would almost certainly hear you, and Teldron and Tokram probably would, too. If that's the case:
IC: "Wait- did you hear those voices? I think those are the two I saw earlier!"
OOC: Otherwise:
IC: "I'll call Vikar now, if you don't mind."

Izual and Thor gave little heed to the pair as they were involved in scrying the location of the newly opened portal. Several black clad men were congregating at this point.

Snapped out of their trance, the pair gazed at Teldron. Finally, the elf spoke.

"Call your friend quickly, we must move with haste."

Balfar took note of two other men nearby, men that were not daily citezens.
__________

The portal continued to grow, soon it would be ready to pass through. Their mission would be one step closer to completion.

OOC: Everyone is just standing in the street.

OOC: Everyone is just standing in the street.

OOC: I mean, the other black men.

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What is he trying to say?

Izual and Thor gave little heed to the pair as they were involved in scrying the location of the newly opened portal. Several black clad men were congregating at this point.

Snapped out of their trance, the pair gazed at Teldron. Finally, the elf spoke.

"Call your friend quickly, we must move with haste."

Balfar took note of two other men nearby, men that were not daily citezens.
__________

The portal continued to grow, soon it would be ready to pass through. Their mission would be one step closer to completion.

OOC: Everyone is just standing in the street.
Teldron pulled a round, white stone from his belt pouch; as he held it in one hand, it started to glow softly.
"Vikar!"
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"I''ve found them; we're going to help. Come, quickly! There isn't much time."
After another pause, the glow faded and Teldron put the stone away.
"He'll catch up as quickly as he can. Let's go."

OOC: Damn spammer! :evil:

IC: Thor and Izual spun around and begun a fast pace down the street. They must reach the portal within the poor quarter before the black clad men escape. If they did not make it in time, they would lose their only lead. Unfortunately, magical wards were placed around the ally, the only way to approach was by physical means.

Izual mentally spoke to Tokram.

"We have located several men converging at a dark portal in the poor quarter. It is not far, but we can't let them notice us."

OOC: Indeed! :evil:...............Oh, umm...Khadrim, I think you got mixed up with which character is with Izual...You put Balthar instead of Thor lol :wink:

IC:
Tokram replied mentally:

Understood. I have an idea, both of you hold onto me, I shall transport us faster at low level.

Izual nodded, and alerted Thor of the plan. Behind them Tokram unfurled his powerful wings, and flapped them a few times, before he gripped both of them under each arm, lifted them off the ground and suddenly propelled them forward, the ground merely a few feet below them. Citizens of the city ducked out of the way of the massive wings and the fast moving trio.

Upon signalling from Izual, Tokram set the three of them down quickly and folded his wings again. Just around the corner lay the portal of which Izual had spoken of. It appeared that their arrival was unnoticed, despite their arrival method.

Teldron arrived a few moments later, breathing heavily.
OOC: How far away is Vikar, in terms of travel time?

OOC: Oops.... Fixed that up. :oops:

IC: Thor nodded to Tokram in thanks, they would easily reach the portal now. Slowly rounding the corner, Izual took a quick glance to see several black clad figures moving into the portal. His mage sight allowed him to see in such darkness that others couldn't.

"They have stepped through the portal. I suggest we follow."

The man in black rode away, harder. faster. The others... so close. Really, across town in the poor quarter.

He knew what they were doing, and he could not let them finish.

However, even by horseback, he had arrived too late. The men in black were long gone in their portal, leaving in their wake the others: Tokram, Izual, Thor, teldron seemed to be waiting for someone else.

That meant that he would wait too. He had waited so long to complete his quest. A few more minutes wouldn't hurt...

Thor nodded in agreement.

"We cannot let them escape now. They must be stopped before they can carry out their ill deeds toward Khadrim."

Without another word, the pair dived into the darkness, still able to see. The black portal swirled, not allowing a view of the other side. Even though the elf and the human did not like the idea of diving into the unknown, it was necessary.

Not hesitating, they both stepped through the portal and disappeared from the city of Thelas.

A moment after his two friends entered the portal and disappeared, Tokram followed. Suddenly his entire world seemed to lack any dimension as he was taken and moved along in a swirl of black and gray light. Apprehension came upon him as he continued to move along. Such was the natural effect of this dark energy portal. His wings naturally tried to open themselves but his entire body was frozen in the powerful magic tht transported them.

Where they were headed, he did no know.

Izual and Thor landed upon a sticky surface as they exited the portal. The room was completely dark and filled witht the stench of death. The pair's mage sight allowed them to see clearly in the abyss, for once they wished they could not.

The walls were lined with the tortured bodies of hundreds of humans and elves. All of them had runes of dark magiks carved into their bodies, their anguished faces staring into the room, where their inards lay. Where Izual and Thor stood.

The pair remained complete silent as they surveyed the room. There were none alive within this chamber of pain save for Izual, Thor and Tokram. Izual finally communicated.

"We are no longer within our world. We have entered a world of darkness."

Thor nodded, he too could not sense his earth link.
_____________

Several men approached a blood stained alter, one of them carried a black bag. All kneeling, the one with the bag placed himself in front of the others. Suddenly the alter was illuminated by the appearance of two, crimson red eyes hovering above the stone. The first man spoke in a tongue foreign to the known world.

"Master, we have gathered almost all of the items you required. We only need the dragon heart and the dwarven head. Then we can begin the ritual."

The room shook with the sound of the replying voice.

"Good. Make sure you do not fail me. Once I re-enter this world, you will be rewarded for your loyalty, and the world will be mine to consume."

The laughter echoed around the room, filling the unholy acolytes with a sense of fear and dread, even though their plans were well underway.

The warp of cold black and gray swirls ended suddenly, pushed Tokram into a dark world. A world where the dead lives. His sensitive sense of smell clearly picked up the scent of death all around him. Not too far from him stood Izual and Thor. He walked up and whispered:

"Let's get my weapon back and shut these bastards down...but first...where are we?" he asked matter-of-factly.

Tokram's eyes carefully searched the area around him. He made sure that his wings would not touch the abominable walls either.

The man in black looked on as the men jumped into the portal. He prepared himself to follow them, but stopped.

"This... this is not my battle any longer. That man with the wings. It is his time now..."

The man in black turned the horse around and rode off towards the exit of Thelas. He would return to his home country and reevaluate his life. Perhaps it was time to start anew? Leave his past behind.

The HYRAPHORE. That would be the name of his guild.

So as his name was Driretlen...

*Out of this thread :wink:

As Teldron emerged from the portal, his eyes flared red... then blue.
He whispered grimly "Whoever did this will be destroyed. If it costs my life to see them fall, so be it."

On the other side of the portal, an series of odd runes were carved into the wall. When Vikar arrived, he would know how to follow them.

The small green dragon roared in fury as a volley of enchanted arrows pierced it's armour like scales. At least 50 black clad men launched arrows at the beast whilst another 25 lay ready to attack in close combat once the creature was injured enough to draw near to.

Landing with a thud on the ground as the creature's wings were rendered useless by the arrows, another volley struck it in the eyes and neck. Guided by magical force and accuracy, the arrows released so much pain into the baby dragon it could not harness it's powers.

Beginning to feel the effects of the poisioned tips, the dragon didn't notice several men bearing long swords approach it and thrust many times into the massive neck and skull. The reaction was instantaneous. The beast flicked it's tail around and collected five men, snapping them in half whilst another ten were engulfed by the fury of the beast's fire.

The damage was done. 15 men lay dead as the dragon's life slowly seeped out it's neck. Within ten minutes, the ground was covered in ash and blood. So much blood. The remaining men approached the dead creature and began carving away at the shielded chest. It took them at least an hour to break through the armour and aquire the dragonic organ. Placing it in a dark bag, the party prepared to depart when a land shaking roar filled the air.

The men spun around to see the mother of the now slain dragon roaring in fury as she dived towards the group. The men widened their eyes in horror as the beast unleashed several fireballs toward them. A select group of men took cover behind the dragonic corpse and completed the portal spell. Using blood magiks to speed the growth of the portal with the dragonic blood, the five men jumped through the portal and immediately sealed it, leaving the others to their death.

The battle did not last long. The adult dragon employed it's magical abilities and halted the movement of all remaining black clad men. Completely immobile, the men could do nothing as they were burnt alive by the intense flames of the dragon.
__________________

Izual and Thor took little heed of Teldron as the continued to examine the room. Suddenly jumping to the side as their magical senses flared, the pair watched as a portal burst open and five men sprung out, just as surprised to see these men within their lair.

Tokram was the first to react, and sprung at the men. Moving quickly he pummeled into the men, knocking them down. A dark bag slid away from their grasp, near Izual's feet.

Tokram had two of them in his hands by the throats, their feet dangling off the floor. His eyes became that of a dragon in his rage, and steam began to smoke from his nostrils. He made his hands begin to heat up intensely as he held a firm grip upon the two.

"You better not move or I'll kill you where you hang!" he growled deeply.

The two men struggled franticly, drawing their daggers and attempting to impale Tokram. They did not fear death, they embraced it.

The other made a run for an unseen exit but was quickly taken down by one of Izual's arrows. The man didn't have time to scream as the arrow protruded from his throat, leaking his prescious life. The remaining two saw their predicament and quickly made a decision. One bit into a black ring upon his finger and quickly fell to the ground convulsing whilst the other ran.

With a cast of his hand, Thor appeared in front of the fleeing man. skidding to a halt, the man went for his ring. Not quick enough. Thor lunged out with his staff striking the man in the wrist. The sound of snapping bones echoed throughout the room as the ring was removed painfully and he was swept onto his backside. Holding the man at staffpoint, Thor mentally spoke to Izual.

"Probably best we keep one alive. He may come in useful."

The daggers slashed at Tokram but failed to stab into him. Letting out a loud growl, Tokram increased his grip upon the two men's throats while at the same time digging his talons into the men's necks, slowly but surely slicing through their neck, killing them slowly. He noticed a rather wickedly protruding bone sticking out of the disgusting wall and laughed darkly as he thrust the skull of one of the men into it, waching as the bonne protruded out the front of the man's face. He let go, and the dead body slumped against the wall, still held in place by the bloodied bone.

Turning his attention to the second one, he smiled angrily. With his free hand, he pulled it back and suddenly shot it forward, smashing into the man's torso, his fingers clawing and digging deeper and deeper. Finally his hand encircled the man's heart and gripped it tightly. A gasp came from the man, as he looked downward and then back up to Tokram again. Tokram yanked hard, and held the heart up to the man, who was quickly dying, but not before he saw his own heart...completely detached from his body. Tossing the corpse down Tokram held the heart up, examined it closely and then chucked it behind him. He then moved to pick up the bag that the men had dropped. Opening it, he could smell the dragon blood emanating from inside. He growled greatly as he closed the bag.

"How dare they!" he spoke, deathly quiet.

Teldron's weapons gleamed in his hands... despite the darkness of the chamber. He advanced toward the captive, the bright glow of his (currently) blue eyes clearly visible.
OOC: How long would it take Vikar to arrive? He can travel easily twice as fast as most people, but he can't fly.

Izual looked up as Tokram cursed. He knew what was in the bag, his elven smell picked it up as soon as the bag was opened. He approached Tokram and held his hand out.

"I believe I should take that, it must be disposed of in the correct way."

Thor nodded as Teldron approached.

"Do not take things into your own hands, we have our own ways of getting the information we need."

"Of course..."
---------------------
Vikar arrived at the portal, and examined the message that had been left for him. He brushed his hand against the wall, which splashed like a pool of water tilited sideways, to destroy the runes. The he stepped through the portal, holding his bow ready to fire.

The two council mages advanced upon the black clad man. Thor began the interrogation, his face hidden behind the shadow of his hood, save for his glowing eyes.

"You will tell us what we want to know for you have caused great offence against this land."

The prisoner merely looked at the party, then spat at their feet.

"I don't fear you. Kill me! I don't fear death. You can't do anything."

"Ah, but that is where you are wrong. You may not fear death, but there are far worse fates than death."

Thor's staff began to crackled with power as he neared closer to the man. Izual began scribing a sound barrier, to prevent the prisoner's comrades from hearing the soon to be present screams of agony.

OOC: Sorry I haven't been able to post for a whole week! :oops: What's been going on? Am I too far behind (and therefore should I bow out of the thread?) or can I still get "back in the game" as it were?

OOC: Sorry I haven't been able to post for a whole week! :oops: What's been going on? Am I too far behind (and therefore should I bow out of the thread?) or can I still get "back in the game" as it were?
OOC: You could notice Vikar, recognize him from the meeting in the forest (shadowdancers are rather distinctive), and follow him through the portal; you would then be virtually caught up.

The prisoner unleashed a blood curdling scream as raw power flowed from Thor's staff and into his body. The energy seared his muscles and heated his blood, causing the man's body to twitch and shake in pain. After several minutes, Thor finished.

"So, are you ready to give me an answer?"

Steam flowed off the prisoner's pain filled body as he glared at Thor. With great effort, the man moved forward and spat at the mage. Sighing, Thor commenced the treatment once again. This time, he delved into the prisoner's mind, breaking down his barriers and crushing his will. Several minutes passed as the screams continued, finally stopping, the man barely alive. Thor had crushed his will completely, the man would easily cooperate now.

"Since you have had a sudden change of mind, I have a few questions for you. So, what are you people doing in Khadrim? And what are you gathering?"

After a few moments to process the questions, the man replied.

"We are the disciples of the ancient Necromancer, Kragoth. We are attempting to restore him to his full existence, so he may complete the godly ascenssion ritual. Certain items are needed for the calling and the ritual."

"I see. That would be the Kragoth we banished a while ago. Where have these items beent taken?"

"They have been placed in the alter room. We only need the dwarven head, and we are complete."

"I see. Thankyou."

With the information he needed, Thor unleashed a blast that plunged the man into darkness. His soul released from the dark magiks, he would awaken much later.

OOC: Cool, thanks! 8)

IC: As though awaking from a dream, Shado shook his head. He had no idea how long he had been sitting there, but he knew something was wrong. Looking around, he saw the Shadowdancer from earlier disappearing into some kind of portal, and, without a second thought, he leapt off his horse and ran after him, loosening his sword and pulling his bow from his back, an arrow appearing in his hand as if by magic. He wasn't sure what he was running into, but it didn't look like a walk in the park. He would be ready for anything. Keeping his bow and arrow lowered, he approached the Shadowdancer. He called out to him, hoping the drawn bow in the other man's hands would not loose at him.

"What occurs here? I sense before me much power, much pain and suffering. Can I perhaps be of assistance?"

Izual looked up as Shado emerged through the now closed portal.

"We have gained..... certain information reguarding this black clad men. We must stop them for they would certainly destroy our world if they were to succeed."

Thor got up from the sleeping man and approached Tokram.

"Your sword will be in the alter room, along with the other artefacts they have collected."
____________

The massive gem sat atop a stone platform, within the abandoned mines of Gorgoth. Ryan ran as fast as his dwaven legs could carry him, heading toward the glinting ruby. His fear and caution had been swept away by his greed for such wealth.

Continuing to run, Ryan never saw the sharpened disk swoop out of the abyss and slice his head clean off his shoulders. The body collapsed in a t umble of weapons and flesh whilst the head rolled into the shadows.

Soon enough, a black clad man stepped forward and deposited the head within a black, runed bag. The last item had been collected.

Blast, Shado thought, I knew there was something wierd about that black-clothed man!

"I would help you, if my sword and bow are needed. Accept or decline, I can see no way back for me. Fate has brought me thus far, I am now under your command."

Shado put away his bow, and lay his sword at Izual's feet.

"I shall help in any way I can. My sword is at your service for as long as it is needed."

Tokram nodded and looked Izual in the eye.

"Let us continue, we cannot afford to stay still for too long. Every moment these men are a step closer to their goal."

He looked over at the newcomer who wield a bow, studying him. Finally he turned and led the party down the dimly lit path toward its unknown destination.

Izual nodded as Tokram walked off, then turned toward Shado.

"You're help is welcome and appreciated Shado. Your services will not be forgotten by the council."

The elf departed, catching up with Tokram so they could discuss the situation. A faint light outlined a door in the black distance. That was the only obvious exit.

The pair attempted to ignore the blood and gore spread around the room. They had to keep in control.

Tokram halted, holding his hand up. Not too far in front of them stood the dark doorway. He knelt, sifting some of the dirt, and lifting it to his nose, smelling it carefully. His mind could sense it.

Beckoning to Izual and Thor to kneel next to him, he spoke quietly,

"There is another here, a dragon or a dragon-man at the least. And my senses tell me he or she is being held against their will. I can sense that they are just beyond that door. What should we do to help them and how?"

Tokram glanced upward at Shado beckoning for him to kneel down as well. Tokram's eyes shone a sharp light blue color, which held the true thoughts he had deep within the recesses of his mind.

Izual and Thor both attempted to spread their consciousness beyond the door, but they hit an intricate maze of warded energies, completely blocking them off from the hall behind the door. Thor examined the door closely.

"We are unable to pass through magically. But I don't see anything physical that could hinder us. We must merely move this door."

OOC: Tarl, I assume you want to play the girl?

Shado joined the others by the door in a crouched run.

"A prisoner? It must be rescued...Do we know what evil lurks behind the door? What monster guards the captive?"

Shado's hand strayed unconscously to his sword hilt, the other hand rreaching for the shield strapped to his back.

ooc: yep...
Tokram stood once again, and walked warily to the door. Placing his hand upon the door he felt the door, realizing that it was made of heavy wood. Tokram turned and smiled at the others,

"Let's light this party up eh?" he said, grinning and revealing double rows of pointy teeth. "This may be a magical door, keeping it locked, but it is still wood. And fire consumes all..."

Standing back, Tokram began to move his hands in opposite directions of each other, only inches from the other. Soon, a ball of fire began to form in his hands suspended in the space between them. Pulling his hands farther apart the ball grew in size. He cast the fire toward the doors hinges, and followed shortly thereafter with several more blasts to the door itself. Within moments the entire door was ablaze, glowing purple from the destruction of the magic that had held it. Waving his hand the fire instantly extinguished themselves.

The doorway was now wide open, scorch marks along the edges.

Tokram was the first to enter the doorway carefully scanning the interior of the room. He sniffed the air, smelling its contents. His eyes darted over to the far corner, where deep shadows lay. Squinting, he spied a dark form hung against the wall, arms and legs spead apart and held by manacles attached to chains. Other than that, the room was empty.

He moved quickly, silently until he stood in front of the being. The being was unconscious, her head slumped against her chest. Tokram stared in amazement at her. Her skin was a silvery-white color, her hair a darker shade of this. Her hands were more of claws than actual fingers, and she had a tail that lay limp and also held down by manacles. She also had large ears, torn obviously by the beatings she had recieved. She wore a red and black dress, with a black cape to complement. Anger swelled up inside Tokram. These men would pay for abusing the female.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UwDNAqoa6IXMPKzUk04Bldjael*hNF7t2y5igQwdio4KcW6vBkMZwpuWy5B6vzBwPFQWeJkfwGuaKTTe8FUXmZ4VgRrl66eK5Nl O5RySAEY2IQOPRBuMQ0ipVtqpOVSb/Dragonpearl2.bmp?dc=4675463092669596573

She was a dragon person. He had been correct in his senses.

His hand reached up, carefully touching the female's face while speaking in a draconic language.

"Wake up, have hope."

She instantly woke up, glaring at him, but ceased her actions as soon as she noticed that the party in front of her was not the black men. Her amber eyes stared at Tokram, studying him. She spoke softly in reply in the draconian language.

"Help me, they will kill me."

Tokram nodded in reply and moved to the manacles. He gripped them and pulled with a great force, but they did not break loose from either her or the wall. He looked back at Izual.

"They are bound by magic. I cannot break it."

#tagged

Izual and Thor quickly followed. Luckily there had been none within the room to attack the party as the bursted through the doorway. The pair followed Tokram until they gained sight of the tortured girl. Although the pair didn't appear to be phased, every such sight bore into them, spreading a deep regret that they hadn't done something sooner.

The human appeared beside the girl and nodded to Tokram. He closed his eyes, extending his spirit towards the metal. The wards were only set for physical resistance, allowing his presence to pass through them and come into direct contact with the metal.

The first thing every mage learnt was that everything in creation had a spirit essence. Since the iron is part of the great shceme, it will respond to his touch. Probing deeper into the force of the shackles, Thor finally found the spirit, laying passive.

The mage sent forth his warning, immediately awaking the spirit. Metals were renound for their inquisitive spirits, and soon enough Thor was being hounded by several questions. It took him a few minutes to explain the situation and make his request. Since it was asked so politely, the metal was happy to comply and expand to a point where the girl's wrists slipped out of the shackles. Thor returned his thanks and took the journey back to his body.

Returned to his senses, Thor watched as the shackles lay motionless against the wall and the girl held her wrists.

"It is done. We still have much to do though."

Tokram looked at the female and spoke to her in the draconic language.

"Come, we are shutting down these men, and getting my weapon back as well. You will be taken care of and protected by us."

The female nodded in return, and followed Tokram to the next doorway.

He is a fine one. I will have to attract him when this is over. she thought to herself as she watched him walk, her head slightly cocked sideways.

Her tail flicked lightly, enjoying the freedom from the restraints again. She pulled the tail around to her front and grasped it with her hands, stroking the ends, massaging the area where the manacles had chafed at her scaled skin. Her amber eyes darted about, watching all the shadows carefully as they made their way toward the doorway.

She was glad to be free again, and yearned to see her elemental force once again, the moon. She was a rare breed of dragons. Only a few could be found in random areas. She was the youngest out of any that lived these days.

Shado watched as the fireball engulfed the door, and had to stop himself from gasping as the metal shackles binding the dragon-woman visibly loosened their grip under the mental strength of the mage. Suitably impressed, but ever cautious, Shado drew his sword and strapped his shield to his arm before entering the room, walking backwards to keep his eyes on the doorway.

"Greetings, m'lady, and may the moon guide your path. Tokram, this seems too easy, and I don't like it." He said, finally turning to the group. "If anything was in here guarding this place, is would have heard us by now."

He followed the group to the doorway, but seemed reluctant to go any farther. Standing in the doorway, he spoke.

"If we try to escape, we may be caught and forced to fight on the terms of our enemies. We should advance, yes, but with caution. We ought to try not to get cornered, and we should definately stick close together. Now, which way is out?"

The pair didn't move. Izual quickly spotted another door, this one slightly ajar.

"We must pass through that door and stop these men. There is no way out save for portal, to my knowledge."

The pair didn't move. Izual quickly spotted another door, this one slightly ajar.

"We must pass through that door and stop these men. There is no way out save for portal, to my knowledge."
Excellent. If there's no other way out, there's no way they can escape. We probably need to know what's on the other side before we go through, though... Vikar?"
The shadowdancer strode silently toward the door, peering through it toward the room beyond...
OOC: Shadowdancers have to be able to see through things at will, since they frequently travel through stone. What does he see?

Tokram thought for a moment.

"Can you create a trace portal, one that can follow the men should they try to escape through their portal?" he asked Izual and Thor.

Without waiting for a response, he led the female to the doorway by the hand, carefully smelling and sensing the area in front of them. He could tell that the female was doing the same. Such was a natural thing for draconians to do.

There are many...

Tokram turned toward Izual and held up a hand with talons repeatedly going up and down, indicating multiple enemies. Izual nodded when he understood. Beckoning for the others to stand back a few feet, Tokram opened his large wings, which spread out behind him. With a deafening roar, he beat his wings quickly, propelling himself rapidly, bursting through the doorway and immediately plunged into a crowd of startled men. The others followed in close pursuit.

He landed once again, and began fighting the men who had begun to approach him. Tokram's hands immediately burst into flames, and he cast fireballs at the men, igniting some of their clothing.
__________________________

My, a good voice he has. the female thought silently, before moving quickly into the room as a sprint. Growling she slashed at the men, snapping the necks of some others, and using her tail as a weapon in itself. She moved quickly, and with the skill of a trained warrior.

Suddenly, she spied the damned altar and in front of it lay several items, obviously the items meant for the ritual she had been originally been held for. Among those items she spied the finely crafted FireBlade.

Shoving past some of the men who moved into her way, and using various methods of disposal on others, she finally reached the sword. Picking it up, it felt somewhat heavy but graceful in her grip. She turned, looking for the male draconian and finally spied him surrounded by a number of men.

She let out a loud growl, attracting the attention of the male. His eyes lit up when he saw what she held, and caught the sword that was flung quickly through the air.
__________________________

FireBlade...it is good to have you back...

Tokram swung the blade swiftly, decapitating several men at once. The others backed up slightly, more for their own safety as they considered this new threat.

Tokram bared his teeth, daring them to charge.

Thor and Izual had no time to react as Tokram burst through the door. It wasn't exactly what they had planned, yet they now had to deal with the situation. Izual tucked the bag with the heart into his cloak and moved through the oppening, closely followed by Thor. The pair unleashed a wave of fire, pushing the black clad men back.

Around 100 of them filled the massive chamber, causing Thor and Izual to curse in unison. The elf drew his enchanted sword and began a series of swings and spins, cutting through a nearby group of enemies. Thor's eyes came across the alter, and the items aquired for the summoning ritual. They must be destroyed.

Staff held outwards, Thor plowed through the crowd of enemies as he unleashed a blizzard of ice, impaling or freezing many men until he could easily slide toward the alter. Finally hitting the crimson stone, Thor releashed a quick incantation and etched the rune for unbinding over the items. The rune came into effect in a dull glow and flowing into the items. At first nothing happened, then they simply melted away as the bindings holding the atoms together were severed, causing the matter to seperate and spread all over the room in a small burst of power. They would not be reformed.

His main objective complete, Thor began to discharge random balls of energy, keeping his enemies away from his position. He could not shake the feeling an evil he had not felt in ages was watching, ready to pounce.

So much for caution... it's too late for that now. Kill!
Teldron's eyes shifted to a bright red, and he charged. Striking with axe and sword simultaneously, he slammed into the crowd of black clad fighters like a giant saw blade....
Vikar followed, as calmly as if this attacking an army of five score fanatical torturers in an unknown world were an everyday occurence. His black bow sang, pouring arrows into the enemies with speed to rival a semi-automatic rifle.

Tokram growled loudly as he slashed continuously at the men around him. Suddenly hordes more swarmed into the room. Tokram cursed in draconic as he noticed the others fighting as well. However, they were looking to be outnumbered unless something dramatic happened.

The idea formed within his mind. He smiled a nasty face.

Protect yourself female, Izual, Thor, Shado, Teldron...

All looked at him momentarily as he seemed to say this with no voice.

He fought his way to the center of the room.

Tokram suddenly stopped hacking away at his enemies, and crouched down. Suddenly a wall of fire, circulating in a clockwise direction, sprung up from the ground around him, closing off as a dome above him.

Outside the dome, many stopped fighting and turned to stare in wonder and fear upon the domed fire that began to glow with an incredible light, changing from orange to yellow to white and finally reaching blue. Tokram's friends all quickly moved to either hide themselves behind a large object or set up magical shields as they realized what was about to happen.

Blue flames licked around Tokram, yet he was not harmed. The circle's radius suddenly started expanding slightly. Then it stopped. The black clad men stared in confusion at this.

A blinding flash of light and heat exploded outwardly...
______________________________________

A powerful explosion rocked the rocky chamber in which they all were. The female draconian had dived behind the altar just in time as searing flames arched around the altar. She crouched close to the ground, wrapping her tail around her body.

A dead silence filled the room. The sounds of battle had ceased. She stood, and stared out at the room. Tokram stood there in the center, breathing heavily and looking about the room now full of dead and burning bodies...

Shado had had little time to react after the door had been opened, but ran into the room, barging into the first man with his shield, knocking him back into his comrades and giving Shado some room. Giving a hefty swing of his sword, a red/blue flame flashed out as the blade struck, leaving a searing burn in the chests of three men. Blocking the next blow with his shield, Shado struck forwards with the point of his sword, cutting through the man. Pulling his sword back, he heard Tokram's voice, without really hearing it. A momentary lapse in his concentration as he turned to look at Tokram left him open, and one of the black-clad figures lashed out, striking Shado's shield and knocking him to the floor. Shado's world went black as the men pile don top of him, seemingly wanting to suffocate him...

He heard a muffled explosion, and the ball of men got incredibly hot.

Pushing his way through the dead bodies and back into the air, Shado gasped for oxygen. After a few moments he looked back at the huddle of men who had been on top of him. All of them were dead, many charred to a crisp or still alight, their black robes burning blue, eerily illuminating the room. Shado began to look around for the others. Seeing the female draconian stand, he walked over, concern covering his face.

"Are you hurt, m'lady?"

The female draconian moved back into the center of the room, eyeing the burned bodies about them. One of the friends of the male draconian spoke to her, but his language could not be understood.

She turned and cast her gaze upon Tokram, speaking in the draconic language

"What is this one saying to me?"

Tokram spoke, his face drawn with the slight exaustion from having completed such a powerful attack.

"He is making sure you're fine."

"I am." she replied.

Tokram nodded to Shado positively of her answer.

"It looks like we're done here, but I don't know what to make of this feeling of impending trouble..." Tokram said to Shado, glancing about the room carefully.

(before the explosion)
Teldron dove for cover behind a fallen boulder; Vikar simply dropped into the ground. In the silence that followed the explosion, the two emerged from hiding at almost the same time. Teldron's eyes were wide and purple, and even the ever-calm shadowdancer looked impressed.
"Well... that was efficient." commented Teldron.

"It looks like we're done here, but I don't know what to make of this feeling of impending trouble..." Tokram said to Shado, glancing about the room carefully.

"I feel it too, as though the very walls of this place were plotting our deaths. The sooner we get out of here the better."

Shado sheathed his sword and strapped his shield to his back before reaching for his bow. Readying an arrow, he glanced around the room a couple of times before speaking again.

"We should stay here no longer; this place holds evil secrets not meant for us."

Tokram turned his attention back to the draconian female, speaking once again in the draconic tongue.

"I am known as Tokram Firescales. I am the last of the Fire Dragons of Tarlachia, and am here in Khadrim on a personal quest to unlock the powers of my ancestors. As you can see, I am nearly complete in my quest."

He spanned his hands about him indicating the charred corpses.

What is your name?"

The female draconian looked carefully at Tokram with her amber eyes. Finally she replied.

"Tokram...a strong name...Yes...

My name is Lumina Beam. I am of the Moonlighter Dragons, a race that has relocated to this planet from the moon Io, a satellite of the planet known as Jupiter. We were unprepared to encounter the harsh reactions many of us recieved. Now, few of us remain. I am one of them. We possess the power to harness the elements of all that is affected by the moons of the universe. Weather is but one of these examples..."

Tokram nodded slightly as he listened. Shado stood to the side, obviously perplexed at the strange draconian language passing rapidly between the two. The remaining members of their party all came and stood by the three in the center of the room. Tokram faced them.

"Her name is Lumina Beam, a Moonlighter Draconian from Io. Her kind is endangered upon this Earth, but I'm sure you will all make her feel safe among us."

He said that last bit with a slight demanding tone, one that warned them to not cross the two draconians.

All bowed respectively to Lumina. Once this was done, Tokram spoke:

"Now, Izual, our job here seems finished. It is time to go. Start the portal. Our presence here must be as short as necessary."

Silently he spoke to Izual:

Something is wrong here. I suggest we get out of here before it reveals itself.

Izual and Thor released their shields as the explosion died down. The attack had been quite effective, destroying all enemies. Very few items survived the blast, the largest being the alter with the semi-circle mounted upon the middle.

Izual nodded.

"Agreed. It is time to depart."

Closing his eyes, Izual began to inscribe sigils of power within the air, a bright, golden light illuminating from his work whilst Thor began to channel power through his staff. It would take a while to open a stable portal within this place.
___________

Whilst the party awaited the opening of the portal, a slight crackle of energy flowed around the ring, unseen by the others. It would have vengence for the deeds done today.

The energy began to grow and surge within the ring, attracting tha attention of the others. In a burst of violet light, a viewing portal appeared within the ring. Within this portal, lay a pair of crimson red eyes, glaring at the party that had desecrated his alter.

"You shall pay for your meddling puny creatures! You know not of what you deal with, the god of darkness himself."

The portal dissipated and silence rang over the hall. Before any could speak, a jet of black power shot forth from the portal and flew around the room, finally converging upon one position, the alter. The dark energy began to form the shape of a beast that stood the height of the hall, and the width of the entire altar. Within minutes, the beast would be fully formed and ready to unleash the fury of the god of darkness upon the intruders.

Thor cursed. This was not good.

Tokram and Lumina turned quickly at the booming voice that shook the walls. Both of them opened their eyes in surprise at the size of the demon that rose before them.

Growling, Tokram stepped back, brandishing FireBlade. In one of his hands, held behind his back, he began to create another fireball, one that was compact, but would be powerful upon impact.

It looked like they weren't getting away as cleanly as thought...

A similar line of thought went through the minds of the degral and the shadowdancer. These two were, in certain ways, much alike.
Even all of us together have little chance against that.
It certainly isn't going to let us escape.
I might as well go out hard, then....

Teldron's eyes flared red so brightly that the room in front of him was dimly lit. He was breathing heavily, though his weapons were held lightly in his hands; his teeth were bared in a wild snarl.

Vikar checked his sword and set an arrow to his bow. He began a strange chant, with a high, flowing sound and a very fast pace. A bright yellow glow surrounded him, and the black steel his arrowhead sparkled with brilliant white. Even now, in the face of near certain death, he seemed calm.

Any degral would consider such an enemy worth dying to harm... and a shadowdancer never runs.

Shado loosed the arrow in his bow as soon as the creature seemed solid enough to take a hit. He would shoot now, and ask questions later. The arrow hit and stuck, but seemed to be causing the beast no discomfort, let alone pain. Shado cursed under his breath, and drew his sword, letting his bow fall to the ground. Hurriedly strapping his shield to his arm, he moved close to Tokram. If the dragon-man could make a whole room explode, Shado wanted to be the first to know about any other such destructive tactics.

The beast finally took full form, not even noticing the arrow launched at it as the head bounced off it's thick hide. The creature was covered in ash black scales, harder than any man made item in existence. Stepping off the altar, the beast surveyed the room, examining it's soon-to-be victims.

With a roar to shake the cavern, the beast placed two of it's four arms forwards and unleashed two bolts of deep purple lightning towards the two dragonics. The air sizzled as a result of the intense energy passing through it, heading directly for Tokram and the woman.
_________

Izual didn't need to draw his bow to know it would be useless. This was no mere demon, it was a partial manifestation of the evil god himself. The body must be completely destroyed and that would only banish it back to the dark realm. He began scribing runes into the air whilst chanting frantically. This would not be easy.

The room got hotter...much hotter as two purple bolts of lightning crackled through the air from the demon. Tokram was caught by surprise and was flung heavily backwards into the stone walls. His impact was so great that the rocks compressed and fissured several large cracks in the wall.

Lumina simply stood there for the second bolt. Then, an unexpected thing happened.

"LUMINUS REFLECTI!!!"

The bolt reversed its path and surged back toward the demon!

Tokram saw this, and groaned as he got up from his own attack. He glared at the demon, while at the same time admiring Lumina's powerful reflection of the bolt sent to her.

And to think he worried about her...

Shado cried out in alarm as Tokram shot bacdkwards, propelled by the purple bolt. Running to help him, he didn't see the reflecting of the other beam, but heard the cry, and turned, mid-run, to see the bolt hurtling back towards the demon. Ignoring this, he got to Tokram just as he was standing.

"Are you hurt, Tokram? What is this thing? Do we even stand a chance?"

In the momentary silence that followed, Shado thought he heard Izual's voice...

Vikar sent a barrage of ten arrows blasting toward the creature as quickly as he could, faster than most beings could have fired three. Since he was concentrating on speed rather than accuracy, three arrows missed, burying themselves deep in the stone walls of the chamber; the others shot towards the beast, aimed at its heart, throat, shoulders, and face. The shadowdancer did not expect them to do a lot of damage; this was a test, probing the creature's defences.
---------------------
Teldron gave a wordless snarl of rage and charged, his rune-marked weapons shimmering.

OOC: Note that Vikar's arrows bury more than half their length in the stone when they hit... shadowdancer-worked steel is considerally tougher than anything made by humans. I'm not sure it will pierce this creature's scales, but it should do something.

Before Tokram could answer his questions, Shado saw the barrage of arrows fly towards the beast. Using this distraction as cover, he saw his chance. Sprinting up to the creature's leg, Shado took a huge swing and hit the limb with all his strength. The sword flew out of his hands, and Shado was thrown to his back about ten feet from the beast, such was the force of his blow. He recovered quickly, and ran to collect his sword, looking for any damage on the beast's leg as he went.

The demon roared in fury as the arrows scratched his thick hide, drawing a few drops of his demonic blood. The bolt of lightning had shot over his head, barely missing the beast. Ready to commence full attack, the demon was shocked when a searing sting shot forth from his leg. Looking down, he saw Shado falling back after swing a blade into his demonic leg. Another cut.

The beast roared in fury. He was darkness manifest, he would not let such happen. Calling forth waves of power, the demon unleashed a hollow half sphere of fire and launched it toward Shado, within seconds it would land over him, trapping him within flames.

Now focussing on the archer, the beast held it's long, spiny arm forth and called upon the an elongated, sharpened cylinder of molten rock. One in each hand, the beast threw both spears towards Vikar.

Vikar's feet sank into the ground, and he ducked at the same time. The two deadly spears soared over his head, narrowly missing him. Slowing his chant somewhat, he set an arrow to his bow, pulled it back as far as he could, took careful aim at the demon's eye, and fired. Almost instantly, he had drawn another arrow- one of the four he had left- and was drawing back his bow...

Reaching the monster, Teldron swung his ax toward its slightly wounded leg, at the same time thrusting his sword towards it at an upwards angle (hoping to slip the blade between the creature's scales).
"You will be destroyed!" snarled the degral, his voice so harsh that it was difficult to understand what he was saying.
OOC: Teldron is basically in a near berserk rage... He is stronger and faster than usual, but had less self control... and, of course, he'll pay for it later, if he survives. The weapons are enchanted with strength, and a few other factors, but aren't any sharper than any other high quality ax or sword.

Shado looked up and saw the fire racing towards him. With barely enough time to breathe, he slipped a blue crystal from his tunic, and a light of the same colour surrounded him, the fire and light seeming to battle. It was some moments before the light faded, and the fire went out, leaving Shado singed, mentally drained, but unharmed. Seeing Teldron aim an ax at the creature's leg wound, Shado prayed with all his heart that the ax would sever the beast's limb - they might stand a chance if it only had one leg, and, though preferable, tying it's hands behind it's back would probably be out of the question.

The beast was ready for the arrows and obliterated the projectiles with a small wave of intense heat. The shafts dropped to the ground, a smoldering heap.

The sharp pain of the axe digging into his leg drew the attention of the demon onto Teldron. The wound was now much deeper, giving the demon a severe limp and a continuing ache that hounded his leg. With lightning speed reaction, the demon shot his clawed arm forth and grabbed Teldron by the sword arm, causing him to drop the sword. Infuriated from such an attack, the demon swung Teldron over his head until he thought the speed was sufficient.

Teldron could do nothing as he was sent flying across the room and slammed hard into the rock ceiling of the cavern. He seemed to fit against the roof for several seconds, but finally gravity took over and he fell.
______________

Izual continued to chant, laying intricate thread of energy in preperation for his attack upon the beast. The power surged around his still figure as he lay in concentrated trance. If the ritual was disturbed, the attack would be useless.
______________

Thor watched as the demon turned it's attention to Shado, ready to unleash demonic fury. In an attempt to distract the beast, Thor released a long stream of light directly into the beast's eyes, momentarily blinding it.

OOC: Sorry about the wait... was on spring break :P

IC:
Tokram watched momentarily as the others attacked the demon using basic weaponry. Something wasn't right...this demon would not be defeated by just these methods alone.

Something more powerful was necessary...

In the draconic tongue, he called to Lumina. She looked at him, her eyes glowing strangely with a silvery-white color.

"More is needed to take him down. Use what you've got, and I shall do the same!"

She nodded, and focused her attention back upon the demon. Her mind raced as she swiftly thought through the multitude of things she could do. Finally, she was satisfied with one in particular.

The only logical thing that countered darkness? Light... But there was a problem, she could not sense any light that could be harnessed...except the fires around her...

It would have to do.

Her eyes raised to the ceiling as she spoke cryptically in the strange draconic language. What began as a small shimmering of matter, formed into a massive magnifying glass like reflection. The light from the surrounding flames began to focus into an intense beam of heat that centered upon the chest of the demon before them. A powerful beam of reflected firelight slammed into the demon, encompassing its massive body. Lumina let out an unearthly howl that transcended all other noises.

Tokram stood by as all this continued, conjuring up his own powers. Fireblade hummed deeply in its sheath from the energy that flowed about him. Blue flames seemed to sprout from his skin, forming into a massive fiery outline of his body and wings. With a great roar he beat his powerful wings, and hurtled toward the demon, flames slightly trailing behind him. He drew his sword, which glowed with its own energy as it was pointed straight at the demon's throat. His wings beat quickly and heavily into the air, propelling him ever faster toward his prey. A snarl lay upon his face, revealing rows of sharp pointed teeth. He kept himself safely out of the reach of the magnified light from Lumina.

The demon stood, stunned. He could feel the heat of the fire upon his body, yet that had no effect. Demonkind are immune to flame and so he attack was not of any concern. What was the problem was the beam of light the mage had launched into his eyes. The light had rendered the beast sightless, for an unknown time. All that could be seen were fuzzy shapes.

With sight disabled, the beast still had it's other supernatural power to depend on. Launching several rock spines from the cave roof toward the heating light source, the demon turned attention to an incoming shape. Not quite sure of the situation, the beast raised a massive wall of flame, complete surrounding it and blocking off any attackers. The flame raged with the intense heat of the demonic realm as the flames melted rock.

Lumina saw the incoming rocks and smiled slightly. The rocks hit the beam of light, and heated up, boiling the moisture trapped within. Within moments, all the rocks had exploded from the pressure of the trapped air and water within the rocks, sending the rock particles in harmless directions.

Tokram saw the wall formed and roared angrily in response, continuing his advance. A wall of flame was just composed of flames, of fire. Fire was his element. He extended a bluish flamed hand toward the wall, seeming to draw the fire together to a focal point, and casting it aside. This left a gaping hole in the wall, of which Tokram easily slipped through.
Fireblade was still aimed dangerously for the demon's throat which grew closer by the second...

Glad of the distraction provided by Thor, Shado threw himself behind some rubble, and gasped for breath. Watching Tokram plunge towards the beast's neck, Shado could do nothing but hope that what had happened in the room previous to this one would happen to the demon. He closed his eyes and breathed slowly, trying to regain his energy.

OOC: Vikar's arrows are an exceptionally tough steel- the entire shaft, not just the point. Even a fire hot enough to vaporize them wouldn't eliminate their momentum; they should still have hit, even if they splattered on impact. Anyone picking up Teldron by his sword arm would get hit very hard with his axe, and it's questionable that he would have dropped his sword. He is very close to immune to pain at the moment... I'll go with it, but it's debatable.
IC: Teldron folded into a crouch as he landed, weakening the impact, then stood. He had severe bruises, and possibly some broken bones, but no pain could fight its way through the rage that filled his mind. He started to charge in again- then saw the wall of flame that protected his enemy. Snarling wordlessly, the degral pulled a small, white object out of his pouch and popped it into his mouth. He then drew a large dagger that shimmered oddly in the light, and strode calmly toward the fire. A greenish gas began to fill the air around him as he chewed....

Vikar put away his now useless bow and drew his sword... then sank completely under the stone, searching for a way to bypass the fire-wall.

The beast noticed Tokram's penetration of his wall, but that was second in priority to the threat the chanting elf posed. His sight fully returned, the demon dropped a small portion of the wall and let go with a mighty stream of dark power that surged directly for the chanting elf.

Unaware, within deep trance, Izual could do nothing as the energy rocketed toward his still, vulnerable form. Thor launched a shield of energy in an attempt to save Izual from the blast, but it wasn't strong enough.

Shaken from trance by the pain of searing energy, Izual opened his eyes to see a breaking shield of power splitting as a stream of dark energy broke through. The elf had no time to react as the power passed into his unsuspecting form, burning his flesh and spirit. Izual screamed in pain as he felt the effects of the blast. If it wasn't for the wards of protection, he would not have survived.

Slumped on the ground, smoke flowing off his charred body, Izual devoted his last minute of consciousness to communicating with Thor.

"I'll be fine. I just need some time to heal."

Thor nodded in acknowledgement and cursed simultaneously. The ritual for the spell had been broken, he wasn't quite sure what they could do now.

"It seems we're a little stuck for ideas now."
_________

Focussed upon Tokram once again, the demon stepped to the side to avoid the blade and watched as Tokram skimmed passed his demonic head. Raising his nether powers, the demon unleashed swirls of shadow that sped toward Tokram, their task unknown.

FireBlade swished harmlessly past the demon, causing Tokram to growl angrily in response.

Suddenly, massive swirls of darkness encircled Tokram, and a remarkable thing happened.

His limbs were gripped, his wings as well. He hung there at head level to the demon, unable to do anything, most of all move...

The demon laughed wickedly, to which Tokram growled ferociously in rsponse,

"I will not give up that easily, demon!"

Teldron stood near the wall of fire, waiting while the gas he was exhaling lowered the oxygen content of the area. Fire can't burn without air...
OOC: Can Vikar get through under the flames or not?

OOC: Yep. As you said, fire cannot burn without oxygen.

IC: The demon grinned at the still form of Tokram. It chose not to speak as it's words would be lost upon the draman anyway. With a flick of his claws, the beast watched as the swirls of darkness plunged into Tokrams body, causing him to wretch and twist in extreme pain as he began to change......

Tokram's face registered shock and pain as the darkness began to fill him. A loud scream of agony shook the cavern, loud enough to shake some rocks loose and cause them to fall.

The horrid view of the changing continued...

__________________________________

Lumina stood shocked. She couldn't think of anything to do to help Tokram, and watched as he screamed in agony at the demon's pleasure.

Her tail twitched at every scream that shook the cavern.

When a section of the fire went out from lack of oxygen, Teldron charged through... but he moved carefully, ready to dodge at any sign of an attack.
At the same instant, Vikar rose from the stone behind the demon. His long black sword was almost invisible, seeming to be just a blur of motion, as he swung.

Seeing Izual crumple to the floor, Shado sprinted out to his prone form, forgetting his own pain and tiredness, and sttod in front of him, sword drawn and shield raised. Anything the demon wanted to do to Izual would have to get through him first.

He let out a cry as he saw Tokram, suspended in mid-air, begint o twist and morph, and was kept, horribly transfixed by the sight, as Vikar strode through the wall of fire protecting the beast.

Tokram writhed in agony as his good nature struggled weakly against the overwhelming evil that was penetrating his very core. A weaker roar issued to the air about him.

The demon merely laughed in response as his tendrils of his hand flowed effortlessly in his work.

Tokram's natural light reddish-tan color darkened considerably, become deep red and black. His wings grew black and ripped, revealing the bones of the wings in some places. Natural draconic features grew nastier in sight. Two of his upper canines expanded greatly and stretched out of his mouth downward.

The swirls of darkness continued their penetration into Tokram's body. Suddenly, the swirls multiplied exponentially and became an enormous cloudy mist that shrouded both Tokram and the demon.

No one would be able to find them in the thick mist.

An ear splitting, ghastly scream-howl sounded, causing even more shaking in the cavern, dislodging more boulders.

Then, strangely, all went silent. All eyes stared fearfully at the slowly disappating mist. Within, a horrific shadow stood there, breathing heavily as it held its weapon, what was once FireBlade had been transformed as well, to a blood-covered curved sword. The beast's eyes remained shut.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/bovd_gallery/88161_620_43.jpg

The eyes opened suddenly, shooting immensely evil and hateful glares outward. The mouth snarled, revealing rows of jagged, yellowed fangs to the audience...

Thor cursed as he watched Tokram change into a monstrous demon. There was nothing he could do to stop the demonic change. Moving next to the dragonic girl, Thor sighed.

"I'm sorry, there was nothing I could do. But we may be able to save him if we defeat the source. Unfortunately, I'm stuck for ideas."
_________

The beast roared in pleasure as the newly formed Tokram emerged from the crowd. Destroy all others, the beast commanded. Now turning his attention to his two attackers. Sensing the movement of air behind him, the beast shot into the air, causing the blade to only grave his foot.

Spinning around, the beast shot forth a barrage of razor sharp spines, filled with the deadly blood of his kind. The spines covered the entire circle, save for Tokram.

Teldron flung himself to the ground, sweeping the shimmersteel dagger up to deflect the dangerous looking spikes. Jumping to his feet, he flung his glimmering blade at the demon and ran toward his sword.
Vikar simply twirled his sword in a circle, knocking away the spikes like so many dead branches. He altered his chant for a moment, and a golden light surrounded the degral.
((Shimmersteel is enchanted to be very strong and durable; its most powerful property is that it has more momentum for its target than for its wielder. The dagger will hit as hard as if it had about five times its actual mass. Its blade, however, is only eight inches long, and wouldn't do a lot of damage.))

Destroy all others

The demonic creature; once known as Tokram; stepped forward several times, his eyes locked upon Shado. Murderous intent swelled within his eyes as he swung his sword toward him with lightning speed, at the same time releasing an incredibly hot orb of black fire in his direction.

Shado's shield protected him from the first attack of the sword, yet he could undoubtedly feel the incredibly strength of the demonic draconina pound into it.
________________________________

Lumina looked quizzically at Thor. Somehow, the being had spoken to her, and she understood... Magic? Perhaps...

How to respond? The only language she knew was that of the draconian tongue. Her eyes watched the demonic demon hack away at Shado across the cavern.

A response was needed. It was worth a try. She spoke in her native tongue quickly yet quietly:

"The source is of darkness. I cannot do anything about it..."

She paused momentarily as a thought ran itself through her mind. What an interesting thought, one that deserved sharing:

"Wait! I might know something! I will need your help mage in order for this to be done. I need you to summon the life forces of all us here, more specifically our group. Only then can I do my part..."

Lumina saw the orb of black fire deflect against the shield and wildly shoot in their direction.

"Look out!" she yelled, as she shoved Izual and fell with him. The ball of fire passed narrowly over her backside, and slamming into the wall of the cavern. The cavern shook yet again.
________________________________

In the center of the room, at first appearing miniscule in size, demonic summonings from Tokram began to appear. Spears, blades, and orbs of flame grew larger and more numerous, gravitating together for the time being.

Seeing Tokram's mutated form step forth from the cloud of smoke, Shado tried his hardest to show no fear. Not a sound escaped his lips as the demonic form approached. No cry of fear as it raised it's sword on high. Raising his shield, he gave no scream of pain as it brought it's weapon down, shattering his shield arm. The huge ball of dark magic bounced from the shield, before his arm hung uselessly at his side, his shield dropping to the floor from his limp hand. Hefting his sword deeper into his grasp of his remaining hand, Shado lifted it in salute, before running through Tokram's legs, and towards the original demon. Leaping up towards it, Shado brought his sword down as hard as he could, aiming right between the eyes. He knew it was a futile gesture. He knew he would probably die in the attempt. But the thought, no, the hope, that he might give the others a chance to organise something more potent gave him strength, gave him hope. He heard dimly Izual and Lumina talking in some strange tongue, but it no longer mattered to him. Hopefully they were formulating a plan which would save them and the rest of the party, but that was only a hope. As the blade began to swing, Shado finally let out a huge, guttural cry, unleashing a hidden strength not seen in a Shadostanian since the Dawn Ages, a cry of pure power, as though the sound of it made him strong. Suddenly regaining use of his broken arm, Shado grasped his sword with both hands, and the blow fell upon the demon's forehead.

OOC: I'm quite happy for that to do no damage at all, it was only really a diversion and somewhat of a heroic gesture, nothing more. Of course, if I managed to do something, that'd be nice too... :wink:

EDIT::See above. I didn't read the part about Thor and Lumina speaking draconic, hence it is no longer to give them time, as it was before, but to give anyone time to make some kind of plan, that Shado went for the demon. My bad, sorry guys! :oops:

OOC: Unless Shado knows how to speak draconian, he CANNOT know what Izual and Lumina were saying to each other...If you read my post carefully, you'll see that I had Izual speak to her in draconian, to which she replied in the same language.

Just thought I'd let you know, and ask you to edit your post to something like:

"looking over to where Lumina and Izual were, he noticed them taking rapidly in that strange draconic language. They were obviously trying to think of something to do, and so, in order to assist them, Shado rolled between the legs of the evil Tokram..."

Distracted by the blade that had struck within the back, the demon didn't have time to react as Shado flew forward and crashed his blade into the forehead of the beast. In a fit of pain and shock, the beast roared loud enough to send Shado spiralling into a nearby wall. Slightly dizzy from the attack, it fell back against the wall, causing the cavern to shake.
_____________

Suddenly it dawned on Thor. He knew exactly what Lumina wanted to do.

"Alright, we'll need to get the others over here though and do this quickly."

The mage began wildly etching runes into the air around him, preparing for his spell.

Hearing the great roar of the demon, evil Tokram turned and roared in response, but agressively at the ones attacking the demon. His eyes followed Shado's flung aside body and immediately set to bear down on him. Reaching him, he reached down and pulled up Shado by his throat, holding him tightly, his claws gripping into his throat with incredible strength.

A fierce and hot breathing roar was thrown into Shado's face, causing him to squint in pain from the heat.

Evil Tokram brought his blade closer to Shado, threatening to disembowel him. He pulled it back, and suddenly thrust it with amazing speed toward his stomach.

Then the unexpected happened.

Lumina's own tail had wrapped itself around evil Tokram's arm, halting the forward thrust, stopping it as it began to draw drops of blood from Shado. Evil Tokram turned and roared in her face, to which he recieved a powerful slash across his face. Lumina continued her offensive, and with her tail's grip upon his arm, she hefted the large demonized draconian and cast him toward the center of the room where he landed heavily. For the next few moments he would be attempting to recouperate from teh fall.

A few moments that were quickly disappearing. She picked up Shado, but with little care and carried him back to where Thor and Lumina had discussed the plan. She turned back to the battle at hand once more and roared to get the attention of her allies. Thor would have to tell them, she had no way to understand their strange human language.

I need us all...

OOC: Unless Shado knows how to speak draconian, he CANNOT know what Izual and Lumina were saying to each other...If you read my post carefully, you'll see that I had Izual speak to her in draconian, to which she replied in the same language.

Just thought I'd let you know, and ask you to edit your post to something like:

"looking over to where Lumina and Izual were, he noticed them taking rapidly in that strange draconic language. They were obviously trying to think of something to do, and so, in order to assist them, Shado rolled between the legs of the evil Tokram..."

Sorry, missed that! :oops: OK, it's changed!

Not knowing the plan, and seeing what looked like a moment of weakness, Teldron and Vikar struck at the demon from both sides. Vikar's chant grew faster; his sword kept pace with it, striking at every change in pitch or volume.

Still stunned from Shado's attack, the demon didn't have a chance to prevent the incoming attacks. Screaming in rage and pain, the beast unleashed a wave of energy, inflicting searing burns upon it's attackers and launching them far away.

Thor watched as they both landed.

"Both of you, over here now. We've got a plan that will hopefully fix things up."

Shado winced as he rolled onto his side. He seemed to be unable to move, at least for the time being. He could do nothing but watch as the beast flung Teldron and Vikar away like rag-dolls, and was barely able to hear Thor's words through the searing pain in his torso. Suddenly it was as though a spell had been lifted, and Shado found he could once again move. Grimacing, he crawled towards Thor, slowly at first, then gradually forcing himself ont his knees and finally standing beside him.

"So," Shado's voice croaked through a slightly-crushed throat as he turned to face Thor, and he smiled a grim smile, picking up his sword which had fallen nearby, "What's the plan?"

Thor helped Shado to his feet and enscribed a rune of healing over his injured companion, slightly easing the pain and speeding the healing process.

"The dragon girl and I plan to summon the light within us all to banish the demon. We can't see another option, so hopefully it will work."

Turning his attention to the the two remaining members of the group, Thor cast a web of telekinetic power, catching Vikar and Teldron and quickly pulling them in.

The demon was still stunned, but it would not last for long.

A dangerous smile crept across Lumina's face. The others looked at her and Thor with a somewhat confused look on their faces. Thor spoke, to further clarify what was about to happen. He spoke quickly, for time was running short...

"She has come up with a plan that may just defeat this demon. However, this can only be done by myself drawing into sight, the very core essence of each of us here. This will create a lighting effect, and light can be manipulated by her. Now...hold still!"

Thor instantly began chanting and waving his hands about, before stepping forward to each person. His hands transparantly plunged into each of their bodies and gripped upon their essences, pulling them with great strength. They could feel a strangely warm sensation as their essences passed upwards and exited through their mouths. It did not hurt them, but rather left them feeling rather...buzzed almost. Soon, just above each of them, a blazingly blinding white flame hovered. Thor turned to Lumina and nodded slightly, indicating he was finished.

Lumina levitated off the ground, her skin beginning to glow with an intense light, a reflection of the light of their souls. Her eyes became fearful to see, having turned bright blue and glowing intensely. Her claws extended, invisibly pulling all the essences together, merging into once. She rotated her claws in a circular motion, spinning the lights together, faster and faster. Her eyes focused upon the demon who had stopped to look at the amazing spectacle with shock and wonder upon its face.

An unearthly feminine screech filled the air, threatening to deafen even those with the most hardy of hearing capabilities.

The spinning orb of all that was good, of all that was right, of all that was in the name of Life, began hurtling toward the demon. It shortened the distance between the two incredibly fast before plunging into the demon's body...

At first, nothing happened. The demon looked at the fighters in front of him, and began to laugh in defiance. Suddenly, he stopped, his face twisted oddly as he began to feel himself reacting...

What was this the demon was feeling?! Love?! Peace?! Good?! LIFE?! Whatever it was, it was clearly visible that he was not enjoying the searing sensation that tore at him from inside!

The demon's face writhed and contorted in agony as the pure light energy coursed through it's foul body, demolishing everything the creature's existence in this realm depended on. The light continued to surge, burning and purifying the demonic flesh and organs.

Laying one last glare upon the party, it relayed a final message they could all understand.

"You have sealed your fates upon this act. Have no doubt, upon the return of my master, you shall all suffer a fate beyond your imagining. Draconians, your price will be the highest."

A sense of dread overcame the group as the demon began to rumble and bulge. For several minutes the creature's agonised screams filled the cavern until the final moment. In a massive explosion of acidic blood and seared flesh, the demon was gone, but the sense of dread was not.

OOC: Sorry I wasn't here earlier...
IC: Battered and charred, the two warriors from Dar-Kavryn looked at each other. Teldron's eyes had faded to a swirl of blue and white.
"Something tells me this isn't over yet." the degral said. "I think, perhaps, it's time to call my father... if the next enemy is any stronger than that one, we'll have no chance whatsoever."
Vikar nodded, replying "Aye... though there's no saying if the message will get through."
Teldron pulled a small, black-bladed knife from his belt, and cut a slash across the palm of his left hand. Holding the communication spell against the cut, he muttered...
"Hear me, o king, for I face a foe beyond my skills, and my cause is worthy. My enemy is one who's death would honor our people, and seems beyond mortal skill. Come to me, Father. Aid my friends in our time of need. You know I would not call you lightly...."
OOC: Trag Kivor, the Degral King, is very powerful... but it seems like the enemy that's coming would be a challenge even for him, especially if there are minions. I'll leave it up to you to decide if the call for help reaches him or not. Do you want a powerful character added, or do you just want who is there already?

Thanking Thor for his help, Shado stood, his sword held loosely in his hand. As Thor drew out his essence, he felt calm, almost relaxed, and watching the demon writhe and contort in obvious agony, Shado felt at peace. The beast exploded, showering everyone with its flesh and blood, but Shado stood absolutely still, savouring the moment. Never before had he fought such a beast, and to think it had been destroyed, and with his help...

Shado smiled and looked around at the rest of the party, and then frowned. They were so serious, so melancholy... Why? It seemed the demon's last message had not reached the naive mind of the Shadostanian in his moment of glory, and he was troubled by his companion's reaction to the unheard speech.

Slamming his sword into the ground, Shado turned to the party and demanded to know what was going on. Why were they so unhappy? They'd won, hadn't they?

Izual stood up, still dazed from the demonic attack. Leaning upon his elven staff, he began to chant to scribe runes into the dirt below.

Thor sighed as he brushed himself off and looked around the party.

"I think it's time we got out of here. That demon's threat will hold true, but his master isn't ready yet. We still have many years."

A moan came from behind the others as Tokram, no longer under the influence of the demon lay upon the ground. He had been drained of energy once the demon released his possessive spell upon him. Tokram's clawed hands pushed up from the ground, his head hanging low. However, he was incredibly weak and crashed to the earth once again. He lay there, panting in exaustion, his eyes almost losing all sign of life within them as he stared blankly at the others from the ground. Slowly his eyes closed.

Lumina watched this and immediately ran over to Tokram. She muttered a few things in draconic as she moved her head to Tokram's chest and faintly heard his heartbeat. In draconic she screamed at him:

"Don't you die on me! You saved my life!"

The words were strange to hear to those who couldn't understand draconic, for they sounded like gutteral sounds and not like words at all.

A clawed hand lifed his unconscious face toward her as she stroked it gently. She then moved to hoist the body of Tokram upon her shoulders, a strange feat to see. Tokram was bigger and definitely stronger looking than she was. She stood holding him carefully. Noticing FireBlade upon the ground, she swung her tail around to take hold of it and carry it with her. Lumina looked up at Thor with a pleading look in her eyes. A single tear rolled down her cheek, surprising the others. They probably had never seen draconians cry before...

She walked over to where Izual was scribing the runes into the earth and stopped, waiting until the portal could be completed.

Thor took a single glance at Tokram and rushed to his side.

"I'll sustain him until we can get him out of here."

The mage bent his head and began invoking a few minor incantations, forming a faint blue glow around Tokram, keeping him alive.

Izual's chants had grown faster and his scribing more frantic as he called forth his remaining energy to open the portal. A red crackled appeared outside the circle, slowly growing.

Shado wearily drew his bow, raising an arrow at the darkness, daring anything to attack. He had seen enough battle for one day, and all he wanted now was to go home...

Finally the chanting ceased as a large red sphere had appeared within the cavern. Izual stood, leaning upon his staff as he directed the others.

"The portal is ready. Let's go."

Izual moved into the sphere and awaited the others whilst Thor directed them into the glowing field of power.

Lumina followed the directions of Thor, but not before carefully surveying the strange portal. She had never gone through portals before. But wait...how had she gotten into this forsaken place anyway? All she remembered was fighting them, then being knocked unconscious, then finally waking up chained to the wall.

After listening to the instructions given by Thor in draconic, she stepped forward, still carrying Tokram with strong strength. A half a minute later and upon a large hill just outside the city, she stood next to Izual on the other side of the portal, watching as the remaining members of their party appeared next to them. Finally all were through the portal, and Izual began to lead them down toward the city.

Tokram grunted in his unconsciousness, but Thor's magic seemed to be working, maintaining its blue glow around Tokram's body.

Izual smiled. It was over for the moment. Stumbling down the path towards the city, the elf spoke.

"What say we all head to an Inn and get a good drink?"

Thor nodded as he quickly checked up on Tokram.

"Sounds good old friend."

The two High Council mages led the group into an old inn, The Broken Axel. It was a calm, quiet inn that Thor favoured for a good drink. Leading them all around to a table, he quickly ordered drinks for all and sat.

"I must thank you all for the deeds performed of recent. Without your help, things could be a lot worse."

Lumina set Tokram gently down into a chair and pushed his chair in, making sure the table would hold him up until he came around again. She sat next to him, flicking her tail about to avoid being tread upon and to remain out of the way.

Lumina turned to Thor after a moment and spoke in draconic:

"Your friend seems to be appreciative of our help, am I correct?"

Thor nodded and smiled, just as the drinks arrived. Lumina took hers, looked at it warily and set it down in front of herself. She had never had a human 'drink' before. She looked over at the others drinking theirs then back to hers again.

Oh well, first time for everything...

The glass lifted upwards and slowly poured the contents into her mouth. Surprisingly she enjoyed the taste and soon got used to it.

After several drinks, Thor and Izual both stood. Both appeared to be in complete control of themselves. The pair addressed Lumina and the now conscious Tokram.

"Thankyou again for your help in this situation. We fear that we have not seen the end of this, and perhaps we shall meet again some day. Until then, farewell."

The elf and the human nodded in acknowledgement at the two draconians, as the others were already passed out in their seats. The two mages took one last glance at their companions before they moved through the shutters and disappeared, no longer within the city of Thelas.

Tokram looked over at Lumina, still trying to understand all that the others had told him that had happened when he had been possessed by the demon. In draconic he asked,

"Well, It's time for me to continue my quest, finish my search...would you like to join me?"

Lumina looked at him with a smile, revealing rows of sharp teeth.

"Of course, I would love to go with you..."

Tokram smiled in return, before getting up, somewhat still unsteady. He tossed some coins from his moneybag that hung from his belt left them upon the table. It would cover for the entire table's cost.

Together, Tokram and Lumina left the building as quietly as they had come.

"Did I really threaten to kill some of them?" Tokram asked her quietly as he continued walking, brooding over his actions.

"Yes, quite frightening too I must add, remind me to not piss you off in the future..." Lumina replied.

Tokram laughed as he felt her clawed hand reaching out and taking his, just before they disappeared from view, and eventually from Thelas as well, embarking upon their journey to an unknown destination...

And still, the others sat drunk and passed out at the table...

At least the barkeep would keep an eye on them...

OOC: Ok, TETA is now officially over. Thanks to all that partcipated. It is most likely there will be a sequel in the future, so keep an eye out for that. I'll also be requesting the archival of TETA.

OOC: Sorry for being so slow, I've been having trouble getting on for the past couple of days...

IC: Shado followed them through the portal, but no further. Something told him that if he followed, he would simply get drunka nd laze around for a while. He had no time for such frivolous behaviour. Smi;ling as the others walked off, Shado silently saluted them with his sword, before turing to find Amaris standing, waiting. She whinnied gently, beckoning him forward. Shado sighed. It seemed his journey was not yet over. As he rode away, his mind turned to the rest of the party, but quickly he stopped that train of thought. He had a strange feeling they would all meet again...

OOC: Thanks guys! Hope to see you soon! :D

OOC: Gah! Missed the end! Oh well, what is, is. This was fun; I look forward to the sequel.
IC:
Teldron leaned against the wall, asleep- or perhaps "unconsious" is the word. A partially finished bowl of stew lay on the floor beside him. He had taken some severe injuries, especially when the demon threw him, and the rage that had kept him fighting despite the pain, with speed and strength far beyond his normal abilities, was always exhausting; the degral wouldn't have awakened if a herd of elephants had stampeded through the inn.
Vikar stood over him, his right hand resting on his sword hilt. The shadowdancer occaisonally took a bite from a roast chicken leg he held in his other hand, but his gaze did not stop flickering about the room for a moment.

A short time after Tokram and Lumina left the inn, another degral walked in. This one was slightly taller than Teldron, and wore a strange steel crown with a wide, sharp-looking brim on his black hair; he carried a battle axe in his right hand, but seemed to be otherwise unarmed. As soon as Vikar saw the newcomer, he dropped to one knee in a deep bow.
"Your son will need much rest to recover from this struggle, Majesty."
The Degral King, Treg Kivor, rushed over to his son. His shining white gaze swept quickly over the still form, carefully noting each visible injury.
"We'd better carry him."
Treg spoke with the inn-keeper for a few moments, and handed him a bag of coins. He then cleared everything off the nearest unoccupied table, and chopped a board out of it with two quick blows of his axe. After he and Vikar carefully moved Teldron onto the make-shift stretcher, Treg slashed a hole in the air and the two carried it through. As the portal closed behind them, Vikar began explaining what had happened....