NationStates Jolt Archive

The cool night air blew over the choppy sea. It was quite windy, a storm had just passed through and it had been a bad one. The dark waters pushed along a medium sized wooden boat. The boat looked like it had been from hell and back. The boat was drenched, the wood appeared as though it had begun to rot. The gunnels were covered in seaweed and what was left of a small mast, sat, its jagged edges showed that it had snapped, likely by the force of the wind during the storm. In the bottom of the boat lay broken soggy bodies, strewn about. They had been through a terrible ordeal. Most hadn't eaten or drank in days. They had been rowing for hours. They couldn't go on like this forever.

A few hours passed, the boat gently rocked in the waves. Things had seemed to calm down. A large bird creature called from above but didn't rouse the occupants of the boat. The boat smashed against a set of rocks, nearly tipping. The current around the rocks pushed it away and the boat floated, north, until it finally got stuck in the shallow waters of a beach. As the sun began to rise, one of the occupants rolled over and got a blast of sun in his face.

Somethings different, he thought to himself.

No longer could he hear roaring ocean waves. He could also hear insects and birds chirping. He sat up and peered over the edge of the boat. He gasped. He could see the yellow sand of the beach and behind it a large forest. To his left was a large rocky cliff. He let out a scream.

''We're saved, everyone up, land ho, look where we are, we're not going to die.''

With that he had managed to wake everyone in the ship. Well, those that weren't dead of course. The creatures rubbed their eyes and looked about, amazed they had made it alive. It had been weeks since they had seen land. They had been banished from Orbath for crimes they did not commit. A fine example of human oppression.

A tall, young man watched with piercing, golden eyes from the cliff nearby, his long hair blowing in the breeze, unnaturally white for one barely twenty. Dressed simply in a red tunic and loose black pants held up by a simple belt, he was a sight, and not what he seemed.
"It seems we have visitors." he said to no one in particular. "I'll have to greet them." With that, he stood up, stretched, and leapt from the cliff, landing as if falling only inches on the soft sand below.

OOC I'm hoping that you know that this is not for Freeform Fantasy Earth, its something different?



The man landed, mere feet from the boat. His thud against the soft sand and his sudden arrival startled the closest creature. It was a shortish creature, very ugly with grey skin. It wore different pieces of loose armor, which appeared not to fit very well. It was mostly bald, except for a few black pieces of hair that hung down the back of his head. This creature was an Orc, not a very bright one.

The Orc turned suddenly and upon viewing the man, let out a sharp shrill of fear.

Why was this man beside him? Who was this man? Where did he come from?

His high pitched noise was heard by his companions, still pulling themselves from the boat. They looked, viewing the man with piercing gazes. Some clenched their weapons tight in their hands. After what had seemed like hours, a creature which looked much like a human except for its pointy ears and light skin spoke up.

'' Greetings friend, I am Eldar the elf and these are my companions. We have become shipwrecked on this land but that is a long story. Do you know of a place we can rest and be fed. Then we can finish the story.''

The Elf chose his words carefully. He tried to be as persuasive as possible. He knew his companions needed food and rest. So he offered a trade. Elves often traded like this back home.

OOC: I know it's not for Freeform Fantasy Earth. I followed the link you gave us from the Inhuman League Interest forum.

IC: The half demon shifted, then spoke. "Greetings to you too. My name is Joshua, and I think we can manage something for your group. At least the ones that are left. I can smell it, many have died on your trip, haven't they?"
He offered his right hand to shake as a token of peace, and he hoped it wouldn't scare the, what did he call himself, elf, for it was mechanical, replaced after an accident years before he arrived. Joshua almost withdrew it in favor of his left, but the cat was out of the bag now, and he knew it wouldn't go back in quietly.

The temple of the Ordo Xiola Umbar sat on the lonely stretch of coast, it's tall tower offering light and warning that the rocks offshore would grind a ship to ribbons.
Jhamba sat watch-the loneliest postion but one that permitted her to commune with the Goddess and her soul. Trolls did not care for light or fire in general, being creatures of Darkness, but Xiola Umbar was goddess of mercy and healing, and both qualities were needed here, on this ragged stretch of coast.
She made the ship out-it's inhabitants weak from hunger, and dying. *This must not be* she thought as she rang the bell of warning. "A ship! A ship!" she cried."Swiftly, dispatch a crew-and take them food, and water-bring them here quickly!"
Gathering the foodstuffs and canteens the Order kept ready for just such an occurance, the trolls formed a search party and headed out...

The Elf took his hand and felt its cool metallic presence against his hand. It wasn't much colder than his. The Elf then turned to his companions, who stood, frozen like, in the middle of climbing from the boat.

''This kind man has offered us food, warm, rest and shelter. We shall go with him.''

The companions spilled from the boat. Two of the larger creatures, a Fire Elf, pulled the boat up onto the shore. The Fire Elf pulled a rope from inside and tethered the boat to a nearby tree. He turned to face the kind man, his burning red eyes gazing at him, his long black hair blowing in the wind.

''What shall we do with the dead, they must be given a proper burial, they can't just be left.''

Joshua's ears twitched. "I hear the bell from the watchtower, it seems help will come to us. As for the matter of the dead, we will provide a proper send off, even if I have to dig the graves myself. But for now, we need to figure out who among you is in need of the most aid so it may be given to them." He looked out to the crowd, trying to understand how something like this could happen.

The searchers saw the pathetic bedraggled survivors-the wreck must have been horrific. Sister Hroolga leered consolingly at these sad things-though not trolls, Xiola Umbar gave charity to all. "Yu poor tings-poor poor tings." she clucked. "Pleez, komm wit uz to temple-eat and rest-we tend da ded for yu." The rest of the searchers offered jerky to them, and prepared to take them to the temple. The healers could begin their work there, and meals and shelter must be given. Seeing the skin and bones condition of the sad things, her heart went out.

"Eldar, now is the point when you stop worrying." Josh said. "Sister Hroolga, whose accent I don't think I will ever get used to, is here to help. Speaking of which, Sister, could you accompany them to town, send some of the other men and I'll begin work here. We may have a belief in different gods, but it never fails that teamwork is better than working alone." He walked over to the ship and the closer he drew, the fouler the smell became. "I guess I should be happy their sense of smell isn't as acute as a demon's." he muttered.

Joshua was stopped by one of the trolls-a shaman by his strange gaze. "Not all ded-but cloze." The grey-clad Brother stated."Zpiritz of dizeeze gadder here-not wurk fur zpirit-schild liyk yu. Go to temple wid udders-we zayv libbing and zing ded to Wonderhome."
Joshua saw the strange order was bringing food and blankets, and the trolls were inspecting the cadavers-some would grind food to mush and spit it down the throats of those to weak to move, others were given broth or potent herbs in tea. The shamans were struggling with various disease spirits hiding amongst the corpses, but it was a battle that raged mostly in the spirit realms, and the shamans seemed to have things well in hand.
Wagons drawn by large beetles plodded towards them, transport to the temple for those unable to walk.

Joshua crossed his arms. "Fine then. I'm more resilient that you might think, but I'll leave." He turned around and returned to the group, who were making steady progress. Every once in a while, someone would fall, but with a little help and encouragement, everyone made it to the temple.
It took a bit of searching, for the temple was not exactly small even if it wasn't huge, but eventually he found Eldar. "So this is where you've been hiding." He said. "I don't suppose it would do me any good to ask how this happened would it?"

Jhamba stopped her ministrations to listen to the well-dressed stranger. His question confused her-surely he was captain, or perhaps a well-paying traveller? Which made the elf he addressed the captain-and his answers important. She moved closer, eager to find out what the cause of this wreck was...

The Light Elf spoke, with a slight hatred in his voice.

''Humans.''

He took a deep breathe and continued on, calmer than before.

''We come from Orbath, a land we are no longer welcome in. The humans have began to wage war against us. Not through arms but through power. They have enacted all sorts of laws, obviously directed towards non humans, but nobody notices. We are arrested for crimes we haven't committed or for breaking these laws enacted in the night. They can't kill us though, that would be noticed and their would be a revolt. Instead, they load us onto these boats with a weeks worth of food and set us out to sea. They don't expect us to live and we don't expect to live either. If it wasn't for this place, or you, we would surely have died.''

He bowed his head, deep in thought. Light Elves were smart, thoughtful creatures and his mind had been clouded and filled with worry. He was glad to have a chance to think without worry.

''Where are we, and who are these people.''

As the Light Elf told his tale, the remaining creatures ate and fell asleep, where ever they happened to be.

"Ill-met, ill-met." Jhamba clucked sympathetically. "De Voivode and Silentium shall hear of dis-such cowardice!"
She told Eldar, "Yu haff home, now-here in de lanns of de Ordo Xiola Umbari. De wuds to de nort-we need timber for ships, now-yu clear, yu live-we bild ships to get udders-giff food and homeses. I send runners to Yellow Springs, tell Voivode-yu stay here, rest and heal. Dis terrbel ding not go unpunished. We tell Voivode-we tell neighbors-yu safe now-we help. We help."

The Light Elf focused on what had just been said. It took him a minute to think, trying to listen past the accent.

''You want us to build ships? We do not know how to build ships?''

"No.no-yu need land, land have trees, we need timber for ships-yu clear land, we build ships-we help, show yu how to clear wuds for homeses." Jhamba explained. "Yu stay here 'til homeses built-we send ships for udders. We help-we help."

"Your story is similar to others we have heard. And what my friend here is trying to say." Said Joshua. "Is that we will build ships to return to Orbath to collect the rest like you, like all of us here. You are more than welcome to stay, for we will build homes for you if you wish to remain here."

''Ah, I understand now.''

The Light Elf thought. It had only now just set in that he could never go back home. He and his companions would need a new home.

''We shall clear the woods, but we need more time to rest. No you have anywhere we can lay down for the night?''

Jhamba looked around the makeshift hospital-cots were everywhere, mostly used by the injured and weak. "Komm-me send runners, so yu sleep Jhamba's bed-much to do, liddel time-we give beds 'til more be made."
(OOC:The Order Xiola Umbar are mendicants, so the cells of the brothers and sisters will be simple affairs-piles of straw in small(by troll standards) stone rooms with only a dresser atop which are the stone fetishes trolls chew from rocks to represent the gods. Since Jhamba is the Great Mother here, her word is absolute to the Order, as well as any trolls visiting)
"When Voivode know, he send Dragon to talk-yu save energy to talk Dragon."

Joshua, knowing better than to argue, shrugged. "Might as well do as she says, there's a reason for everything she decides. In the meantime, I should go figure out what we're doing for cooking. It looks like we'll be needing a lot of help. Besides, I know an old recipe that may not be filling, but it's wonderful at helping with all kinds of illnesses. It's not good to feed the starving large amounts anyway, it will usually cause more harm than good."

Joshua, knowing better than to argue, shrugged. "Might as well do as she says, there's a reason for everything she decides. In the meantime, I should go figure out what we're doing for cooking. It looks like we'll be needing a lot of help. Besides, I know an old recipe that may not be filling, but it's wonderful at helping with all kinds of illnesses. It's not good to feed the starving large amounts anyway, it will usually cause more harm than good."

OOC:Probably a good idea to get into the kitchens as well as tell the trolls about overfeeding-they heal faster when gorged fully, and can eat anything unless it's made of fire or light. They do mean well, and want the survivors to be comfortable.

OOC:Probably a good idea to get into the kitchens as well as tell the trolls about overfeeding-they heal faster when gorged fully, and can eat anything unless it's made of fire or light. They do mean well, and want the survivors to be comfortable.

OOC: Interesting note. Will do.

IC: Joshua left for the kitchens and was mercifully able to get in without major incident. He whistled to get attention. "Alright, here's the deal. First, the trolls may heal better on full stomachs, but others, namely elves, don't. When they starve, their bodies stop working right and so have trouble processing large amounts of food. Start small, just a cup of tea or very small bowl of soup. Second, I need the biggest pot we've got over a large fire. Oh, and liver." He walked over to an empty firepit, stocked it with wood and started a fire, then helped a troll get the pot he requested above it.
Once that was ready, they added water and he started his cooking. Within minutes, pungent fumes began to fill the air as he added ingredients most people wouldn't even think Trolls would want to eat. After just fifteen minutes, it was ready to simmer before it could be served.
It took another half an hour, but the "tea," if one could call it that, was ready and he began to put it into cups to be brought to the refugees. It may be his family's miracle cure for almost anything, but one thing that didn't go away was the smell.

The group was woken by that light elves and they shuffled sleepily into the troll's rooms. They took little notice of the surroundings, and fell asleep in seconds. They were woken some time later by a knock at the door and a foul smell. Most of them excepted the tea without hesitation, the elves however needed a bit of convincing. After the tea and another short nap, the Light Elf woke them all and led them out, he spoke to Joshua and the trolls.

''Now that we are well rested, I feel it is my duty to introduce you to my companions and myself.''

He took a brief pause and continued.

''I am Eldar of the first order of Light Elves.''

He motioned to his right. A rather short, pudgy, bald man stood. He was dressed in rather tattered clothing and carried a small spear. He flashed a smile revealing his crooked, pointy yellow teeth.

''This is Ak' Tung, a goblin.''

He continued on, pointing to the right of the goblin. A slightly taller creature stood. He was mostly bald, with only a few strands of hair issuing from the back of his head. He too was dressed in tattered clothing. He carried a large one handed sword and a large square shield.

''This is Kled, an Orc.''

Kled nodded at Joshua and the trolls. Next in line was a tall human like creature. He had deep red eyes, grayish skin and long black hair. In his hand he held a large war hammer. He didn't wait to be introduced, instead he spoke,

''I am Ashrock of the Fire Elves.''

Eldar pointed to the next creature, a rather beautiful woman in a brownish colored robe. She had long blond hair and green eyes. She carried a small wooden club and on her back was a bow and some arrows. She too spoke for herself.

'' I am Serina, I come from the north woods of Orbath. I am an Elf of the earth.''

She was quite against cutting down the trees but she understood they were needed to save her people.

The next person in line was a rather short person, the shortest of them all. He wore large bronze plates of armor and carried a large battle axe. He had a un kept brown beard that covered most of his face.

''This is Dormski the dwarf.''

The last person in line nodded before anything had been said. He was completely wrapped in a large black cloak. Only his eyes were exposed and they seemed to change colors. In his hand he held a large wooden staff with a black rock on the end.
He spoke in a raspy voice.

'' I am Johnathan, and I am an Oracle.''

The Order of Xiola Umbar was acting unilaterally--again.
The Voivode sighed. If only the Zorak Zorani had been first contact-but no, it was the healers. They would interfere, would blunder, would be attacked or killed-and all the Muri would howl for blood and fresh meat.
The humans were few in Orbanth, but many in the world--and as herd animals would band together, spelling the end of the Muri, even if the malefactors of Orbanth were brought to justice.
He needed allies, and allies as concerned as the healers about this. The Paladin Order, perhaps?-No, they were humans as well and unlikely to offer aid. Moreover, they would be more willing to destroy the Muri for invading Orbanth than to intercede to stop Orbanth's policy. He needed allies who would not be blinded by human biases, which meant nonhumans. Which meant few nations, or few who cared enough.
He decided to send letters through the Ordo Argan Argar and Ordo Annilla to trading partners and underworld figures with whom those orders interacted on a regular basis, invite them all to a vast Council at which this matter would be revealed. He also sent an investigator to the Temple of Xiola Umbar to talk to the refugees and determine their status within the Byzantine society of the Muri...

"All welcome here." Jamba insisted. "Silentium open land to all-accept all refugees. Me know nodding of yu peeples, but we make welkomm. We trollz-Men of Darkness, from Wonderhome Before Time, servants of Xiola Umbar, goddess of mercy and healing." she beamed, a ghastly leer revealing her sharp fangs. "Tell me where Orbanth-we zend undines to collect udder ships, bring all tu uz."
"Den yu tell me who yur leader-we zend to Voivode, get justice."

Joshua shook hands with all the newly notables that had arrived. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Would I be wrong in assuming that the tea helped immensely? I honestly don't know what I'd do without it some days. And she is correct, you are welcome here as if you had been born here."

They all nodded their heads in agreement. Although they hadn't noticed it before. When they thought about it they noticed they were a lot more energetic and felt ten times better. Although this had settled well with the elves and oracle, the orc, goblin and dwarf were still very hungry. They had some manners though and did not express this concern. Rather, they waited.

Joshua looked at the group, mainly Eldar, who had taken charge earlier. "We know where to go, and what we plan to do, but who is the leader who did this? There is no excuse for his actions."

''This injustice is caused by many but it is orchestrated but General Satachus. It is he who brainwashed the king, some believe by dark magic. By doing this he brainwashed the minds of the people. It is he who created all these laws. It is he who must fall.''

Eldar spoke with spite. He had grown to hate the General and this for him was a struggle. It is very rare for a Light Elf to hate anything.

''There is hope for us, though. I know who can help. The Order of elves moved some of us into the forest of Umbar. It was kept a complete secret. We spied on the General and the King, this is how I know of what is going on. There are many of us in the forest. We must contact them.''

His face lit up. He hadn't realized how much he missed his friends until now.

Joshua pondered his statement for a moment. "Then, wouldn't it be just as effective to convince the king of his error? If that could be done, then he'd take care of the rest for us by ousting the general as well as making amends. Of course, having a bunch of non-humans argue for their own cause in front of a human king isn't exactly easy."

''Especially when we have been ordered never to return home. Not only that, but he wouldn't listen, he listens only to his Generals.''

Joshua sighed heavily. "I guess that does just leave sending ships to collect then. But our first priority should be the burial of the dead once everyone else is feeling better."

''Yes, this must be done.''

Jhamba signalled food be brought and laid out-the rumblings of their bellies was disconcerting to her(Hunger is the greatest Evil to trolls) and she wished them comfort, so far from their homes. "De ded zung to Wonderhome, now-no want hungry ghosties plague uz. Yu like, we give chapel for memrable-zo comradez know yu mizz."
(OOC:troll funerary rites are simple-the dead are sung to Wonderhome-the troll Paradise-then the remains are devoured so nothing remains to bind the spirit to the physical realm. "From the Darkness you learned/For the Darkness you yearned/Unto the Darkness you are returned". Trolls are very paranoid about spirits of the dead needing revenge or placation, and these rites are quickly observed.)
"Dragon be here zoon-bezt yu eats and mourn yur frenzz."

The group ate without hesitation. After a large meal, Serina spoke up.

''I am sorry if it offends you but we wish to bury our dead. At the very least we should set them back to sea on the bat they came on.''

Joshua spoke up. "Jhamba, that would be a little easier on me too. I respect your traditions, but should we not respect theirs too? If my two cents are worth anything, it would be best for both groups for a burial at sea. That way the bodies aren't eaten, but they're not here either."

The group nodded their approval. Although each of them had different rituals about the dead. None of them were too fond of what the trolls had in mind.

"Well then." Said Joshua. "I can see this being done one of three ways. The first," he held up a finger, "is to simply push the boat off to sea and hope it never makes land again. Next," he held up another finger, "is we can push the ship out and then sink it somehow. I suggest lighting it aflame before we send it out. It works as a cremation then too. Third," He held a third finger, "and final is a bit more complicated. We send the ship out without the bodies on it, either aflame or to be sunk out in the water. Then we set the bodies out in the water, like the sailors of my world did when there was a death at sea." He looked around, hoping to see what would become of his suggestions.

'' I think it Joshua has the right idea. It would destroy the bodies making the trolls happy, it would be done in a way that makes Joshua happy and It would be done in a way we can all agree on.''

The dwarf looked around for nods of approval. His group nodded and turned towards the trolls to await their approval.

Joshua nodded and said "Well then Jhamba, what do you say? It would be easy enough to do tonight, unless you feel it would work better to wait for morning once more people are feeling better."

OOC: Are we to assume that the dwarf is going along with the cremation-at-sea idea?

Jhamba nodded, and rang a small bell, telling the Sister who appeared--Run to the crews, tell them to dig pits for the dead as the elves and dwarves wish their dead returned to the Earth. Repair the ship as well-we will return it to Orbanth with our curses for their evil.--before turning to the survivors and Joshua, "Dis not our way, but we do-giff boddies to Eard. No fire-fire bad, no zee-pur zoulz muzt not rezt where zent to die-krool.
"We go, we do, when pur wuns reddy."

To bury the dead was something they could all agree on. The group got together and prepared to head back to the beach and pay their last respects to their dead. They hadn't known each other for long but a special bond had been made. The Light Elf was concerned about the curses though. Curses were generally considered to be dark magic in Orbath. He decided to keep quiet and wait to see. He had to get used to living differently now.

The trolls were digging pits in a pleasant grove of elder, ash, and thorn, in the center of which they had erected a plinth certain of them-shamans, Joshua and Johnathon noted-were chewing glyphs into.
The Sisters began repairing the ship, canting in their strange language as they did, leaving the refugees to prepare the dead. The crews digging pits readily accepted any instructions, modifying the pits to meet the expectations of the survivors.
(OOC:I am assuming that Oracles have sensory capacity beyond the norm, but if they are Final Fantasy Tactics Oracles that inflict status effects, let me know.
In the event you are magically oriented, Jhamba and the Sisters are binding the disease spirits from the corpses into the ship as they repair it. The troll plan is to summon a salamander{fire elemental} to ride in a pot of coal, an undine{water elemental} to take the ship back to Orbanth, and a sylph{air elemental} to assist. Once in Orbanth, the salamander will burn the ship, freeing the disease spirits, then try to burn as much of the city as possible. While the magi and priests deal with the salamander, the disease spirits will ravage the populace, hopefully blowing an epidemic that the trolls hope will lead to plague while the sylph and undine guide more ships to the Temple. Now you know why the Voivode is so nervous.)

OOC: My Oracle is like a wizard but more geared towards telepathic or mind ''magic.'' Believe it or not, I've never played final fantasy.

The bodies were carried to the pits by the group. It was strangely quiet as the bodies were layed to rest.

The group worked swiftly, and one after another, the bodies were brought to graves as quickly as they were made. Joshua kept an eye on those that had arrived on the cursed ship, making sure they were not to do any work, but to remember those they had lost.
Once the last of the bodies had been brought into the graves, Joshua walked up to the ship and, purely out of habit, pressed his index finger of his right hand hard enough to dent the wood ever so lightly. He drew a small, but intricately decorated circle into the wood and after a few seconds, stood back to see his work. Josh pressed his left hand to it, hoping that maybe he could feel the pull of magic it would have provided in his world, but there was nothing. "Old habits die hard I guess." he muttered to no one in particular.

Eldar could see Joshua was troubled by something. He made a mental note to ask him about it later.

With the remains interred, the trolls began to play their drums and sing the souls of the deceased to Wonderhome. The Sisters wove their fell magicks and launched the ship under cover of darkness. Silently, they worked their way back to the circle and joined in the dirge.

Serina quickly wove wreaths out of branches from a nearby tree. She decorated them with flowers found around her. She then placed on wreath on the bodies of those that had died. The group, with help from the trolls, covered the bodies with dirt.

The group now turned to other thoughts. Mainly the prospect of speaking to a dragon. Dragons were very rare in Orbath, and none of them could talk. Most of them would kill you if you approached. Eldar walked over to Joshua.

''What troubles you?''

Joshua sighed. "There's a lot that troubles me. Right now, we have the problem of Orbath and it's leaders. But then, you haven't heard where I'm from. As you probably noticed, there aren't a lot of demons around here, and yet, I'm half demon. It's because I'm from another world entirely. What you call magic, we call science and we can use it to change the world around us. In fact, it was in an accident with it that I lost my arm and had to get this thing." He raised his right arm. "Anyway, I was trying another new spell and that's when things get blurry. Anyway, I woke up here and ever since, I haven't been able to work my magic. I can't tell if it's gone because no one here uses it or if it simply doesn't work here.
Anyway, I'm not complaining. In my world, I was regarded as an outcast, neither human nor demon. Here though, things are better, simpler, and I don't miss Sylvonia one bit. Is anything troubling you, aside from the obvious being cast from your home, the death, and Lord knows what else you faced in Orbath?"

Jhamba clapped a claw on Joshua's shoulder. "Magic tricky-like lurn, we teesh. Not now-tired from cursing. Take yu to temple, let yu rest-and pur Jhamba, tu."

Joshua sighed again. "Ya, rest sounds good. As for learning magic, I suppose I could give it a shot. It can't really be too much different that what I already know, can it?" He stretched his flesh-and-blood limbs before beginning the walk back to the temple. It would be wise to stay there instead of home in case there was a problem.

'' No, I just miss my homeland, much is different here. It all seems backward.''

He paused.

''I don't know how exactly magic works for you but I was born with it, maybe it can be taught, I do not know. The Oracle knows quite a bit about magic. I know he isn't a very approachable looking person but I think you should ask.''

Joshua looked back. "Well, there is no turning back now and as for it being backward here, there's something peaceful about it that makes it seem all perfectly normal after while. On approaching the Oracle, I will consider it. But tomorrow, it's late and we all need our rest. As for being able to teach it, I don't know about your magic. I can quite easily teach the theory of my magic, but not how it works because I can't get it to work here. I guess we'll wait and see."

''Yes we should rest. We will see what tommorow brings.''

The group trooped back to the temple and slowly marched in. Joshua watched everyone enter the temple from a tree near the entrance and soon before the last had entered, he had fallen asleep.

Joshua was roused from his sleep by a gentle prodding. He saw a massive troll on spiderback, in black chain with a heraldic device-a wyvern perched on one leg, it's tail winding beneath it and around to rest in it's mouth. --Why are you sleeping outside? The Sisters will let you in and give you a meal-especially a spirit child such as yourself-- He growled in shadowspeech, the native tongue of the trolls

Joshua was roused from his sleep by a gentle prodding. He saw a massive troll on spiderback, in black chain with a heraldic device-a wyvern perched on one leg, it's tail winding beneath it and around to rest in it's mouth. --Why are you sleeping outside? The Sisters will let you in and give you a meal-especially a spirit child such as yourself-- He growled in shadowspeech, the native tongue of the trolls

Joshua nearly fell from the tree. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that in English? I'm not good with shadowspeech. If my father was here, he could translate in a heartbeat, but not me."

The large troll stared, then flicked a small stone mask hanging from the end of his spear haft with a foreclaw. It clacked loudly, and uttered, "What? Can't an imp get some--oh, outlander.
"Why ain't youse sleepin' in the Temple? Sisters take good care of youse."

"Oh, that makes things clearer. I thought he was saying something about a fern. I just fell asleep out here, that's all. It's actually pretty comfortable." Joshua said while stretching. He hopped out of the tree, landed next to the troll, and looked back at him. "Are you coming in too?" he asked.

The troll snorted and dismounted, tying his spider's harness to the tree in which Joshua had been sleeping. "Haff tu-me Greblor, Ordo Drakul-Zizterz zend fur Voivode'z man."

After the group had all rested, they met together and told stories. When the Troll and Joshua entered, Serina called,

''Come, listen to the tale of the great tiger that stalks the forests of Orbath.''

The rest of the group looked, calling out words of encouragement.

The troll stopped in the doorway, and began handing his weapons to the Sister at the door:first his spearhead, then his mace, his sling, his pouch of stones, then untying the stone mask from his spear haft, he handed the haft over as well. He strode in, and the Sisters brought him a stool. He nodded to the Elf, "Yez-tell. Me komm lizten-me lizten dis furst."
He stood, and let the Sisters remove his scale, piece by piece, then sat on the stool. He leaned forward, listening intently, and told the mask--Translate exactly--in shadowspeech.

'' This tale is told throughout the north woods, it has been passed down for hundreds of years.''

'' People claim their is a tiger, in the north woods, not just any tiger though, a magical tiger, 5 times as big, 10 times as smart, this thing is a monster.''

She paused.

'' And so, One day, Ray was walking through the woods. He had set out to find and bring back the berries of the nurture tree, and turn them into medicine. This trip took him far away from his usual path. He walked deep into the woods, it became darker, thicker, and scary. He pulled his sword from its sheath and began hacking away branches. After a few hours, he came across the nurture berry bushes. He pulled open a pouch he had slung to his side and began filling with berries. He heard a mighty roar, like nothing he had ever heard before. He turned and watched something streak by, so fast it was a blur. He was scared. He pulled a few more berries from the bush, put them in the pouch and closed it. When he turned back he was face to face with the tiger. Its head actually looking down at him. He stumbled backwards, tripping over a stick and landing in the nurture berries. The tiger lashed out with a mighty paw. Ray used his magic to enhance his abilities, rolling out of the way just in time. The tiger advanced on him and he drew his bow, pulling an arrow back and enchanting it with much power. He let go. The quick tiger attempted to dodge it but was hit in the shoulder. The arrow, though small, being enchanted, fractured the bone. The tiger once again roared, Leaping into the air, crying in pain. It landed over top of Ray and stuck its large head in front of his, preparing to bite Rays throat. Ray pulled his sword and enchanted it with every bit of power he could. The sword pulsed with energy as he thrust it straight into the tiger's belly, pulling downwards and gutting it. The tiger fell to the left, crushing many nurture berry bushes. Ray exhasted, got to his feet, pulled some nurture berries off of a nearby bush and mixed them with ingredients from another pouch. He crushed these together and mixed them with a liquid from a vial and drank. Almost instantly he felt as though he had slept for days. He walked to the tiger and pulled a fang from its mouth. He then headed home. As he walked away, he swore he could hear the roar of the tiger. When he got to the village he told his tale but nobody trusted him. That is until he showed them the fang, which he had made into a sword. It is said that the person who holds the sword becomes instantly stronger, smarter and faster.''

Selina finished and the group clapped.

Joshua stood listening at the doorway. It was and outstanding story and he made that fact known as he applauded, even though it was more a ringing due to his metal arm. "It sounds like you tell this story often." he said. "Or more to the point, it sounds like you tell many stories often. You truely have a gift for it."

The troll laughed, a deep booming belly laugh, and clapped his foreclaws, drawing a small circle in the air before him. As the Sisters hurried to fill mugs and bring drinks, the troll recieving a large leaden tankard first, he stripped to the waist, and noticing Joshua, jammed a thumb at him-a drink was swiftly brought. His deep rumbling voice spoke in Shadowspeech, but the small stone mask he carried spoke in the native tongues of those present(OOC:the bolongo is a telepathic translator-all hear it in their native tongue)
"As the Second Age fell upon Reality, the sun was slain and dispatched to Wonderhome, marking the Age of Chaos and admittance of Death into the world. The trolls come to suface then, and find there all that hates them still, and all wish to share the New Power with us, and strive to kill us.
"A band of trolls met Gorakikki, Father of All Insects, who thrived on the Surface with all his children. Gorakikki friend of trolls in Wonderhome, and he renewed his friendship. 'Help us!' trolls say,'All we meet tries to kill us.'
Now, Gorakikki is master of camouflage, and he has day's hunt with him, so he makes deal with trolls-their skins for skins in his pouch-dwarf skins, elf skins, orc skins, goblin skins-"the troll cast an eye at Johnathan-"Whatever-the-hell-you-are skins. All skins he trade for troll skins, so trolls remove their skins and wear skins Gorakikki have.
They wander in new skins for long time, but no find home, no find family-lost and weary, unaccepted because not know strange ways, they return to where they meet Gorakikki, where they see Gore and Gash have raised Dakori Ingarth, and try to enter, but sentries stop-they no trolls, they elves and dwarves and what-have-you.
"So trolls sit outside and cry until Xiola Umbar hears, She comes down and asks what is wrong, and trolls say 'Gorakikki has taken our skins and not give back!'
"Xiola Umbar goddess of mercy, and heart goes out, so she brew special potion and set out honey to draw Gorakikki, spiced with drugs to dull Gorakikki's senses.
"When Gorakikki come, she take small drink and offer rest to Gorakikki-this troll greeting among brothers, so Gorakikki drain entire mug-and head explode! Xiola Umbar take head and tell Gorakikki he get back if he give troll skins, but Gorakikki fed troll skins to children long ago, and are no more. But, Gorakikki Father of All Insects, and know secrets of transformation, so he teach Xiola Umbar how to change like insects, but change to troll instead. Him not know how do this right, so troll no look right, but ritual work, and troll troll again. Xiola Umbar give Gorakikki head back, and him agree it good joke."
The troll solemnly looked them all over. "Since that time, we know some trolls not in troll body, so we make all welcome. Those who wish be troll again can prove themselves troll and we make troll again, but this great honor. We give welcome to all who may be troll, and Xiola Umbar open heart to all anyway, so we let all stay who live in peace."
"Now, we have shared tales of our people-there bond between us. You know must tell me tale of yourself and how you came to be here."

Joshua took a sip of the liquid in his mug as the troll spoke. He didn't want to imagine what it would be like to a frail human or a demon with outstanding senses because of its strength. "Well, I can't go back as far as you can, but I can go into how I got to this island." He looked to the small idol of the trolls and sure enough it was translating. "For hundreds of years, humans of my world have been researching what you call magic. For us, it's a science and a a way of life. But for as long as we've been able to use it, we've been searching for a tool, a catalyst, to improve it.
"Where you use verbal spells, we use small circles." He pulled a small piece of paper from an open spot in his mechanical elbow. "Something like this. Anyway, it was in an accident while I was researching the catalyst that I lost my real arm. I was fortunate that a prosthesis specialist lived nearby or there would have been problems. She made this arm for me, and it's been working great. But I digress. People around the world continued to study the catalyst, myself among them. And of course, I don't need to go into the fact that it can be good or evil depending on who uses it, right? This power was tearing our region apart. Those that wanted to use it to wipe out all that couldn't, and those like me who wanted to help those less fortunate were constantly at war, and whoever could create the catalyst first would be the winner. Anyway, I eventually succeeded, or at least I think I did. But when I woke up, I was at a gateway, much like the doorways seen here in the temple, carved with the symbols and idols of Xiola Umbar. After that, it's a blur until waking up on the field overlooking the beach.
"But digressing from my now seemingly lost magic, this world isn't all that different from my own. Heck, I could have simply opened up a rift and just landed on another part of my world without leaving it. We do have elves in the Halls of the Ainur, and a few trolls, but none as intelligent of helpful as you have been. Demons too exist there, in countless forms, shapes, sizes, and all with different powers. Not all demons are evil though, like my father, who I don't know much about come to think of it. Anyway, God was letting his mercy shine on me to arrive here after whatever it was that took my home away." Joshua looked at the group. He was a scientist at heart and always would be, as such, his explanations could get to be a bit much at times. "Do I need to make anything a little clearer?" He asked tentatively.

Eldar this time spoke.

'' It is interesting to here of the tales of your beginning. I'll do my best to tell of ours.''

'' It is said that many many moons ago their existed 5 great wizards. These wizards constantly fought and argued over many things. One of these wizards eventually decided to wage war against the rest. He left the great hall and moved, far away, nobody knows where. For years he practiced great magic, great but very evil magic, dark magic, black magic, the magic of hell. He raised an army. An army of the most evil creatures, vile beasts. One day he led the army to the great hall. He battled with the armies of the other wizards for days, some say weeks. He unleashed horrors that no one could believe. In the end, the armies of the 4 wizards perished, taking many with them. All that remained was the 5 great wizards. The dark wizard gained entrance to the great hall and fought the other wizards. They too battled for days. Finally, as they had all tired themselves. They agreed that they would all cast their most powerful spell. The four wizards directed theirs to the dark wizard, the dark wizard directed his at the coming spell. There was an massive explosion, the entire great hall was blown, and the wizards sent flying hundreds of kilometers. With them flew the greatest evils and the greatest goods and everything in between. These goods and evils roamed Orbath, creating things. Since good could never gain control and neither could evil, the creatures were always born with hints of both. This is why humans today are neither kind nor rotten. The wizards somehow survived, each ending up somewhere. Pang' ton, the fire wizard, landed on a volcano and bred fire elves from the lava and rock. Orilel, water wizard, landed in the ocean and bred water elves from seaweed, and ocean water. Dor' um, wizard of the earth, landed in a forest and created earth elves from soil and branches. Sorn, light wizard, landed high in the clouds and created light elves from sunlight and good. Oramar, dark wizard landed in hell and created dark elves from the evils and darkness. These elves are the only pure creatures, earth, fire, light and water truly only good. Dark elves however are the only true evil creatures. It is said, someday, these great wizards will once again make their presence known and lead us into battle against the dark wizard. ''

Joshua continued to sip on the strong drink. "I pray we don't get caught up in that. Of course, looking at recent events as well as the truthfulness of our tales, it's looking more and more like we may encounter said wizards on our trip."

Eldar knew much of his religion but never once considered the great wizards would make an appearance during his lifetime. He knew though that certain things would have to happen first.

'' The wizards will only appear when they are strong enough, I fear we are at our weakest, therefore they are too.''

He was slightly afraid by this statement. If the elves were at their weakest, it would be the perfect time for the dark wizard to make his appearance. He had faith though, he believed that no matter what happened, no matter how bad things look, good always beats evil.

'' Now you understand why I am taken aback by things here. We have trolls in Orbath, they are evil, vile creatures. Here it is backwards.

Orbath

The ship had sailed for many days. The many curses placed upon it kept it heading on a straight course, despite the rough seas. The ship rocked in the waves until it bumped onto a sandy shore. It was found a day later by a fisherman. He towed the ship into port.

OOC: I'm not sure how these curses work, is it like a virus?

OOC:The disease spirits will cause a plague or epidemic. The trolls used those spirits as were festering in the corpses, so whatever effect you'd like, really. The spirits will roam, spreading sickness, until stopped.
IC:The troll nodded, and his bolongo translated his words. "Yes, during the Godswar and later, the War on D'Wargon, trolls were taken, infected with chaos and bred to serve it. We sometimes keep them as pets or guard beasts, so long as they no longer serve Chaos.
"I understand you are to be staying, then? What are your plans for that?"

Eldar again spoke.

'' I know little of how society works here. I assume we can build houses in the woods you spoke of. Each of us as abilities, things to offer, jobs we can do, things we can build. Are their towns here, do people trade?

Orbath

The fisherman examined the ship. He was horrified as he pulled back a blanket, revealing a large pool of blood red ocean water. He puked on the dock beside him. He felt very sick. He tied his ship and the ship he found to the dock and began to walk home. Along his walk, he threw up several times. He opened his door and walked into the bedroom, he pulled of his boots but had no strength to remove his clothes. He lay back in bed. The room spun, he was very dizzy. He then fell asleep and had horrible nightmares. Unthinkable things happened. Before he died though he made sense of the twisted dreams.

Before long, creatures of the night emerged. Rats, cats and other creature licked up the fisherman's puke. Before long, they too became sick. However, instead of dying like the fisherman, they became rabid, biting the first person they saw. This would allow the curse to spread.

The troll nodded. "Yes-Crabtown not a day's journey-it is an Ordo Argan Argari city, so you will be able to trade there. I would suggest you not venture too far south-the lands of the Ordo Zorak Zorani are there, and they consider all non-trolls to be food.
"If you should venture into Crabtown, do not bring fire or light with you-these are serious taboos to us, and will result in your deaths. You may, of course, use fire and light in your own community-but we will avoid it, as we are creatures of darkness and the night.
"If a Sacred Mother should come to your community, she will act as judge for legal complaints-her word will be law, but if she is making bad decisions, you should let the Sisters here know, and they will lodge a complaint on your behalf.
"The land from which you came-tell me of it's laws that set you out. I have heard only stories from the Sisters, and wish to know more."

'' They are laws designed to target us. Laws against a meeting of three or more non humans, laws against us entering certain sections of the city, laws against us building things. They are all funny laws, designed to target us. If somehow they can't find a law for us, they arrest us anyway. Slowly but surely we dwindle. We no longer see neighbours or friends. Many of us move away from cities and go into hiding. There have been a few battles between Orbathian troops and our makeshift cities.''

The troll nodded. "I will inform the Voivode of your refugee village-you are protected now by the Order of the Dragon. We will send a diplomat to your king and negotiate for your people-the Blue Moon will doubtless send people to verify your stories before the Voivode makes a decision one way or the other.
"The Silentium has already ruled refugees are welcomed here-and the Voivode has overthrown rulers he found to be abusing their peoples before. I will make a full report-if you have anything you would like to add?"

'' Yes, please make note of the group in the north woods. I advise you to send someone to speak to them, especially, an elf named Baravar. He is a truly wise elf and a great friend. I ask that you also bring news of our homeland to us, If this is possible.''

--Baravar of the North Woods, remember that--the troll spoke to his bolongo. "Very well-after I make my report, I shall either head to Orbath or here, depending on where the Voivode wishes me to be. Before then, I should appreciate a bath and meal."
He lumbered off then, without another word.

Joshua swallowed the last of his drink. "So where do we go from here?"

"Eidder yu komm uz, bild homezez, or yu go wid him-tell Voivode, go udder landz." Jhamba leered. "We build homezez, we make sayf-no worry."

OOC: Please stick to your own characters. I don't want to be offensive, but I keep to mine unless absolutely necessary.

IC: "Well Eldar, mind if I tag along?" Joshua said. "It's not like I really have anything better to do."

'' I want to return and I'd like to bring Joshua with me. What of the others though?''

(OOC:Sorry about that-it was very late here and I'd forgotten the main Sister's name, so I stuck with what had been stated. Again, my inadequate apologies-I'm still getting used to online gaming and I am an idiot)

OOC: Just letting you know. It's generally not accepted to control another's character unless you have their permission. I'm not mad, just letting you know. And don't worry, it's late here too (11:40ish). Also, the name you're thinking of is Jhamba.

IC: Joshua raised an eyebrow to the point that it was in danger of disappearing into his bangs. "We're definitely heading back, but I don't think it would be wise to bring everyone that came here, back. So wouldn't it be best just to bring the needed forces and let the rest stay here? Besides, leaving some behind will let at least part of your group integrate better and will ease the town into things."

Jhamba bobbed her head idiotically, "Yez, yez-zend wun wid Dragon, tok Voivode, keep udders heer, mayk gud homezez fur all."

Eldar replied.

'' I think we should take Selina also, she has great knowledge of the northern woods which can be quite dangerous. At the very least we should consult her.

Joshua chimed in. "I think it would be better to bring her along. You never know when we'll meet up with something she neglected to tell us about. Is there anyone else that knows the layout or at least a lot of a certain area of Orbath? We should bring them along too for the same reason."

''Each of us has knows much about we came from. However, most of the group knows of areas we will likely never come upon. Each of are species tends to stick to the same area with our own kind, especially times like now.''

"So then, why don't we simply bring the one person that knows the most about the areas we're most likely to encounter? It means a few more supplies, we know that, but if we have a guide and someone to help us out of a tricky situation, it's probably worth it."

Jhamba leered at them. "Mebbe ask Dragon how menny he want tayk to Voivode furst. Him in bath now, so no ask unlezz want zugzug tu."
(OOC:Troll bathing practices are similar to those of the Byzantines-what we would call a Turkish bath today-with a heated pool and steam. The Dragon is being allowed a private bath due to his status in troll society, but there's certainly room for everyone)

The group didn't seem pleased with the idea of bathing with a dragon but they attempted to hide this on their faces. In Orbath, dragons were extremely solitary and quick tempered. Also, there were many evil dragons in Orbath.

''I think we will let him bathe in peace. To be honest, nobody else really knows much, Selina, I, Joshua and yourself should be all we need .''

Joshua didn't like the idea either. His idea of bathing was quite different than what was seen here. "I agree!" He nearly squealed with joy at the thought of dodging that bullet.

Hours slippped by before the troll emerged from the baths.--I have overindulged, perhaps, Sister-you have fine facilities. Might I trouble you for that meal before heading back? He spoke to her in the odd hoots, clacks, and whistles of the troll language.
--No problem, honored Sir-our Temple is in your debt--Jhamba bowed, and escourted him to the dining hall--We have some small mukade that raided our gardens-perhaps that would be suitable?
--You are a magnificent hostress. One wonders what else you desire--the troll winked.
--They wish to accompany you, both to the Voivode and to Orbath--
--(groan)Don't they-well, the Voivode will be happy to see them and get the story firsthand, but I doubt very much He will send convicted criminals as part of a delegation to Orbath. Of course, that decision will be His to make, not mine, and perhaps these outlanders can convince Him. How many wish to go, and can they keep up with my spider?--the troll sounded cynical, for those used to the nuances of Shadowspeech.
--Only four or five--
The troll rolled his eyes.--Very well-after my meal, we will haggle over a wagon for them. The Ordo Argan Argari has my funds, if that is acceptable to you?--
--The Order of the Dragon are paragons of honor. Your word would be enough for me. I will tell them--Jhamba leered, and bobbed up and down.
--Very well. I will share my meal with them if they so desire. It will give me a chance to take their measure, see if they are worthy of a Voivodal audience.
Jhamba returned to the outlanders and happily reported,"The Dragon inviytz yu tu eatz wid him, an' will tayk yu to the Voivode."

The group sat down at the table around the dragon. It was completely silent. Nobody knew what to say.

The troll set down the giant centipede he'd been eating when they sat and stared at them. The room grew still, oppressive, until the troll spoke through his bolongo. "If you want to stare at me, all well and good, but since I invited you to dine, could you have the decency to at least nibble something? I'm starving and the trip to the Yellow Springs is mostly foraging on the way."

Joshua picked up what looked to the the leg of some kind of bird and gave it the tiniest sniff. That told him all he needed to know; almost 15 seasonings, fully cooked, and apparently it's some kind of guinea fowl. After pausing a second, he took a bite and realized that these people really knew how to cook. "It would be a bad idea to offend them by not eating. Besides, it's actually pretty good."

The group mumbled apoligies, they felt bad for being rude. The goblin and the orc had no problem digging in. This was their type of food, even better actually. The rest were hesitant, picking through to things that looked more appealing. As they ate, they began to notice that the food was quite good.

Once everyone had at least sampled something, the troll resumed his meal. "I understand you wish to send a delegation to the Voivode-I have no problem with this, and feel you can tell your story better than I. However, going back to Orbath may not be wise. The Voivode will send diplomats first, and I understand you were all exiled. It is His decision, so I would suggest you prepare an eloquent statement to convince Him your presence would not jeopardize the diplomatic process. You will have time to polish it on the trip to the Yellow Springs. For my part, I only wish to know who is going, so I can arrange for transportation and supplies."
His bolongo spoke for him, as he was busy stuffing his face with the food provided.

'' I'm not so sure the diplomats will be treated so well, but diplomacy is always first. I would like to go, to speak to my people. I mean no offence but in Orbath, you may not be seen the way you are seen here.''

Joshua spoke up "I will go too. It can't hurt and it's not like I have a whole lot that I could do here."

The troll shrugged, and his bolongo spoke:"Here, I am a nocturnal predatory marauder who is known to kill and eat those who displease me-I expect to be treated as such by your king, if the Voivode hands the mission to me, but that may mean something other in Orbath-I anticipate fire and a howling mob at the very least, but we will see."
He returned to his meal with gusto.

Joshua burt out laughing. "From what I've heard, the human king will treat you like a hog at best. We may get your torches and mob, but only if we make an attempt on that moron's life. Speaking of which, that may not be the worst idea I've had recently..." He added the last bit as though he were scheming.

The troll continued eating, but his bolongo replied, "Diplomacy, and War-which is Diplomacy of last resort-are the province of the Ordo Drakul. Assassinations are the Ordo Annilla. It would not do for a diplomat to kill this king-I am not quite sure if smacking him around would be acceptable-Humans have such strange ways."

Another chuckle. "Do I look like a diplomat to you? No, on this little trip, it would be better to think of me as more of a body guard. Should he or his guards attempt anything, they first have to go through my metal arm, I promise you that. But I will keep my cool and avoid confrontation.
"However, having lived among humans all my life, I will tell you the mistreating a king is the highest offense short of actually killing him. If things become unreasonable however, I'm not above the latter."

"We don't have those problems, here. The Sacred Motherhood ruled that the lynching of public officials is protected political speech, so our leaders tend to behave themselves. We even use our bolongos so the Silentium can pass laws with it's members staying in their legislative districts-easier to get at that way." The troll gobbled hungrily at the remnants of his meal. "The sort of horse's ass that invariably seeks power is rarely interested in the repercussions of it's misuse, so we make it easier for the people to assert themselves."

"If only all governments would be like that. Where I'm from, the Führer King has absolute power, even though we do have a group of Generals that function as congress. It's a military run state and they use our best alchemists and magicians as soldiers. It'd be nice to see some change, but it doesn't look like I have to worry about it anymore."

'' I'm hoping we can do something about it, I fear it can only get worse.''

"I hope so too, but I don't exactly relish the idea of returning to Sylvonia. Fuhur Tobias is probably going nuts without me there. I was smack in the middle of two projects. One of my own, another of his, which is half finished and has probably mutated into something I don't really want to look at by now. For the meantime, let's focus on Orbath and getting the rest of the non-humans free."

The troll leaned back and issued a mighty belch, then a mightier flatulence. "Aaah, may as well get underway. How many will come along, so we can get proper transport?"

Joshua's face turned slightly green as his more-than-over-sensitive nose was assaulted with a troll's bodily gasses but spoke without losing his meal. "I'll come with."

'' I'll be going,'' answered Eldar.

''I will be too,'' said Selina in her sing song voice.

--Three, then. Excellent-will we need a wagon or can you ride beetles?--the troll asked, waiting for his bolongo to translate.

Joshua looked to the little mask. "Hey, freaky little translating dude. What did he just say?"

"You should want a wagon or individual beetles?"the bolongo rolled it's eyes.

'' I think a wagon would be better, as long as its not too much trouble.''

"I'll agree there. I'm not a bug person, especially big bugs."

The troll snorted, and his bolongo replied, "What do you think will draw the wagon? Eh-probably a good idea to take the wagon, give you some time learning to handle them-plus, we can bring supplies so you won't have to forage. We'll leave as soon as the Sisters set us up."

Joshua sighed heavily. "I know, but at the least, I won't have to touch them."

'' We have no problem with the bugs, its just we don't know how to ride them. Selina has never ridden a horse and I have limited experience.''

"Any dray experience?" the troll looked at them, critically. "If you can't handle a team, best let me know now."
He sized them all up briefly. "Ah, to Hell with it-either you'll keep up or you won't."

"If they at least behave somewhat like horses, we should be alright. If not, I hope the rest of you are fast learners."

The troll cackled in an unnerving way, as his bolongo spoke, "Beetles are nothing like horses-they don't spook, they don't struggle to determine whose the dominant male, and they don't attack each other when bored. Only thing I like about horses is the taste. I'm assuming you don't have gear, so grab up enough food for about three days, then load the cart-Sisters'll take you, while Jhamba skins me of my discretionary income-we head out as soon as I get armored back up."

Joshua looked to the new comers. "Well, he didn't exactly touch on what I meant, but close enough."

The troll wrote out a note he sealed in wax and gave to Sister Jhamba, then girded himself in full armor again before checking the cart and hitching two large beetles to it. "Load up, and we're off." he grunted through his bolongo.

Eldar and Selina said their goodbyes. They had filled a small sack with letters the others had asked them to bring home. If they had the chance, they would be sent out.

The troll hefted himself up on his great spider and spurred it to action. "Snap the reins, and tell Poll and Rhingho to move it!" his bolongo translated. "The Yellow Springs lies far off, against the path of the Sun. We will cut through the Spoorwood, a vast fungal forest. Be wary what you eat there-the aldryami of Spoorwood are tricksters, and will try to pass off poisons and hallucinogens as edible. If I call you to stop, halt immediately and get under cover-insects here are huge and predatory."

Joshua climbed into the cart. "Do what he says, just don't take off without me!" He situated himself opposite the troll.

Selina and Eldar tossed their things into the cart. They didn't have much, each had a backpack like bag filled with a few things they had brought from Orbath. They were both nervous, giant bugs was not something they wanted to run into. Each clutched their weapons, Selina's wooden branch, pulled from a magical Ar'dar tree and carved with inscriptions only known to her. A single, bright green leaf still grew on the end of the branch. Eldar held his sword, still inside of its sheath. It was a long, thin, blade, made from unnaturally shiny silver. It was adorned with light elven religious symbols. The hilt was made from what could easily mistaken as ivory but was actually a rare stone, mined only in a few dwarf mines in Orbath.

The moon was full, allowing the travellers to see better the strange flora of the land in which they found themselves. Vast ancient trees loomed menacingly over the gravel road, and the troll seemed to flicker in and out of vision on his gray steed.
"Xentha, goddess of Night, welcomes you, it seems." The troll's bolongo spoke. "She was always a kindly goddess, and our only friend here when we came. She has lifted her veil that you may see our realm. This bodes well, as her grace may well influence the Voivode.
"If you will look off to your right, perhaps twenty yards west by southwest, you will see an aldryami-a plant symbiote that derives sustenance through tending it's plants. That one's a green aldryami-tree tender. In the Spoorwood, we'll see black aldryami-fungus tenders."
Barely visible in the dim light of the moon stood a small, elf-like creature, leaf like growths sprouting from it's scalp and where body hair would be. It carried a bow and watched them warily.

Eldar was unsure of what to make of the creature. Not wanting to stare, he averted his gaze, looking high into the night sky at the moon. Selina on the other hand was rather intrigued. She studied the creature.

"It'll watch us until we leave it's woods-there are others, hidden." came a whispered explanation. "There are always others. Once, they had great cities and were quite the nuisance, but they lost much in the Age of Chaos. So long as we don't chop down trees or harm their wood, they'll leave us be. They clear out deadwood, prevent fires, so we leave them alone unless they try to expand their region or attack travelers. Sometimes, they leave the materials they collect where we can get them-things they have no use for and wish to be rid of.
"They somehow derive all they require from their plants in exchange for their strange ways, some sort of symbiosis. Had an Ordo Zongi explain it to me once, but we'd drunk enough Powzie! to-well, to make an Ordo Zongi talkative." He rumbled deep in his bellies before continuing. "They're good eating-a delicacy. If that one looses an arrow, I'll let you try some. If you hear anyone bad-mouthing elves in our towns, they're talking about the aldryami. When we hit the Spoorwood, I'll be wanting some mushrooms, so I'll let you talk to one there. The black aldryami are ancient allies-we brought them from Wonderhome in the Great Exodus. These-well, they've hired us as mercenaries in their wars with the Mostali, but they've also filled us with arrows for building homes from their trees. Now, they abide by the Great Compromise-we only chop their trees with the Tree-Chopping Song, and eat them only when they become bothersome."

Joshua, cold from the night air, drew his left arm closer, trying to keep warm and all to familiar with what happens when he brings his right arm close while cold. "Seeing as we have no intention of harming them, I think we'll be alright. But it will be nice to get to a town, or at least to someplace warmer."

''That is very interesting, Selina replied.''

She always had a thing for others, it was an earth elf thing. She admired her surroundings, they reminded her of the forest where she lived back in Orbath. She thought about her friends, she truly missed them.

Joshua looked up to see Selina looking a bit withdrawn. "Everything alright?" he asked her

"Do not fear the aldryami, little one." the troll's bolongo spoke. "If you like, I can drive it off, though it is best to let it watch-the aldryami do not allow large predators near them, so their presence indicates an absence of the other.
"It is watching you rather intently-I hope it doesn't decide you are one of the Rootless, though I will welcome the meal."

Joshua turned his attention the the troll and the Bolongo. "The rootless? Did I miss something?:

"Aldryami are colony creatures-their sentience is dependent on the size of the colony. They share a group mind, and as our friends here are similar in appearance to the aldryami and not part of their group mind, the aldryami may well decide she is Rootless-a rogue to be destroyed. The instant he nocks his bow, I shall strike him down, and we will feed. He may determine you are, in fact, a separate species, or he may attempt to parlay-I have him sighted and am ready to strike, so be at ease. He will die before he looses a single arrow."
The absolute certainty of the statement was chilling.

Joshua sighed. "I don't know if I should take that as comfort or disturbance. However, I think you've singlehandedly turned me into a vegetarian."

"Yes, the aldryami are plants, and most delicious-were I alone, I might claim that one for myself-but meat has it's own nuances to delight the palate."

Selina was slightly alarmed by the prospect of this thing possibly trying to kill her. The trolls presence calmed her though.

'' I just miss home,'' she replied to Joshua.

"Wait, they're plants? I was under the assumption they were some sort of being. Upon this epiphany, you may have swayed me past omnivore to carnivore. And Selina, I think we all miss home. The best thing now is to bring the rest here and to start over."

"Home is where the heart lies." the bolongo provided. "You will have a new home soon, with new possibilities. We have a saying, 'The future is what we make of the present.' We trolls tend to be nomadic, though, and do not develop the feelings towards places we have towards people. I am certain you will adapt, and if your friends survive, they will be welcomed as well."

"You know, I think you finally said something I can't disagree with any part of. Remember, it's always darkest before dawn, and I'm positive that it's almost dawn for the non-human population of Orbath."

"Say that not-it is death for Dawn to greet one-best they enter a twilight, with a glorious evening ahead. If worst comes to worst, we will bring the Dawn to the humans-and usher in a Era of Eternal Night where Humans are forgotten for we of the Elder Races." The bolongo stated simply. "As for your strange dietary movements, are not the children of the spirits feasters on emotions?
"We have just set out, with the whole night before us-to stop now would slow us intolerably."

Joshua took a moment to consider what he just said. "Sorry, I neglected to take into account that trolls are nocturnal beings. For us creatures of the daylight, we adore dawn and take note of the fact that is is the darkest time of night before said dawn. It basically means that the worst times come before the best times and that things are usually difficult before they get better.
"As far as my 'strange dietary movements' go, they're a vast series of expressions. Put simply, I'm appalled at eating anything that has achieved sentience, even if it is a group effort."

Eldar looked up.

''That is a very wise thing you said, and it is very true. It will take some learning and we will never forget where we came from, we will remember those who helped us, and most importantly we will never forget where we are now.''

"If their gods didn't want them eaten, why are they edible?" the bolongo supplied. "Forgive me-we trolls can derive sustenance from anything not made of fire or light, and aren't opposed to devouring the sentient. We eat our own dead to return them to Wonderhome and keep them from returning, and certain orders must eat relatives for religious reasons. You didn't answer my question about feeding on emotions-if you don't wish to, tell me and I'll drop the matter."

"I suppose we can just chalk it up to personal preference then on who likes what. I can't say the same for everyone, but I know my stomach isn't quite the strength yours is. As for your question on emotions, I guess I don't really know how to answer that. I could ponder it day and night and I doubt I'd ever reach an answer I found suitable."

"We worship children like yourself, feed them our faith and love-many eat nothing less." the bolongo stated, then: "The aldryami is following-should we hasten our pace, make him run, or should we camp, let him talk if he wishes?"

Joshua sighed. "I guess I still don't quite understand. If it's demons and spirits you refer to, it doesn't include me. As for the plant creature, you said wasting time by stopping wouldn't be a good idea earlier, so let's give him a little exercise, if that's alright with the rest of you."

''The poor creature can't mean much harm, but you say it might try to kill me so I suppose speeding up might be a good idea.''

Selina looked back and saw the creature, following them, looking at her intently. She remained ready, gripping her staff, but she did not fear the creature.

"So, care to refresh my memory on how to speed these guys up?" Joshua inquired while cracking his joints in his left arm as if preparing for a fight. It should be noted that he didn't know what would happen next and thus, preparing is exactly what he was doing.

"Crack the reins sharply and tell them 'Hyaa!' Think we've time enough for 'Ladybug, Ladybug?' I shall keep them on the road."

Joshua did as he was instructed and the cart lurched to a pace that made moving around quite uncomfortable. "Is it just me, or is he still keeping up?"

"I told you there would be others, and a group mind amongst them-he's passed it on, can't you tell?" If only the bolongo wouldn't pass on sarcasm with speech. "Get those d----d elves under cover-the less they're seen, the better-perhaps they'll understand we mean no harm and merely wish to pass."

Joshua looked to the elves. "You heard him, duck. I can't do much to help outside controlling these beetles or a fist fight. Since I'm not so keen on the latter, I'll stick with the former"

"There are rather more of them than I thought-they're moving, tailing us. They haven't attacked yet, but we must hasten-if this continues, I shall have to slay many to convince them we must be left alone-perhaps it is curiousity, but it is no longer idle. Keep moving!"

The elves both layed flat, pressing their bodies against the bottom of the cart. Eldar unsheathed his sword, preparing for a fight.

Joshua forced the elves down and cracked the reins again. "More than you thought? MORE THAN YOU THOUGHT!? Are you saying it's time for a good, old fashioned fight?"

"That is for them to decide, is it not? Or would you have me engage them for your escape?"

"If you're going to attack, I'm coming with you. We can't leave you behind, you're the guide for this trip."

Selina had an idea. She rolled on to her stomach, pulling the bow, and an arrow from her back. She rolled back over onto her back.

''I can shoot em, maybe they'll see their friends fall and they'll give up.''

She could see that they were closing in, two bounding along the cart path. Using her magic, she focused on a set of tree roots that the cart had just bumped over. The tree roots pushed their way up, a little farther out of the ground. This, she hoped would trip the unlucky followers. She hoped that the creatures wouldn't be able to detect that she'd used magic.

Joshua looked back to see the tree roots. "Selina, are they supposed to be glowing? Or is it just me?"

She smirked, ''I guess I focused to hard, I made them grow, normally they don't glow unless I focus too hard. I haven't had much chance to use my magic since I arrived here.''

Eldar had detected the use of magic and considered using his own. Then he remembered that trolls did not like the light, so his magic might hurt more then it would help. He reached into a pocket on his once bright white tunic, and gripped a small vial. He could feel the liquids warmth inside of it. He brought his hand back out of his pocket, feeling much better.

OOC: Light Elves are somewhat religious, they often carry various items on them that have spiritual value, like a catholic might wear a cross. In Eldar's case, he has a ''holy water''. Water taken from an ancient spring a god bathed in and blessed.

"You're not making them glow, child. The group mind is examining your effect, determining whether or not to dispatch one of their priests-elder beings steeped in their magics." The bolongo's voice sounded anticipatory, eager. "Stay low and try to avoid the trees-if we pass their woods before the Tree Lord arrives, they will not violate that boundary. Keep a sharp eye for one wreathed in an oaken garland-he will command the forest to take us, and we must parlay then-I would rather we be gone from this place by then. Your magic has given them pause, and that may well have saved us, if we are swift."

Joshua looked back, wondering just how far back they were. "Oaken garland, got it." As he turned his head back to the road in front of them, he thought he saw a figure. After looking back he spoke. "Oh crap. I hope you don't mean like him back there?"

Selina and Eldar remained still. They heard Joshua's voice. He had thought he had saw the creature. Eldar was quite terrified. In Orbath, he had never been somewhere where the woods would begin attacking him. Selina on the other hand, had. In Orbath, their were trees capable of talking, walking and killing. They often resided among normal trees, lashing out only at large beasts and sometimes humans. These creatures had equally been divided between the forces of dark and light so it was hard to tell whether they would help or kill you. Selina had seen one once. It had been still like the other trees. A large moose had walked near it. Its branches lashed out, slicing the body in half. A large mouth opened and the pieces were placed into it.

The troll placed a stone in his sling and whirled it overhead, chanting:"Annal Nathrak Oothroth Bethod Dochyel Dienvae!"
A flaming bolt flew from his sling, shattering and overhanging bough and bringing it down before the being Joshua had sighted. Illuminated by the flickering branch, it appeared to be a wizened thing of oak and bark, it's garland over a shrivelled elfin face with jowls like a bulldog. The troll howled at it, and the bolongo casually reported,"These are not for you, unlike my next stone."

Selina and Eldar saw the large stone pass over their heads. They both heard the crash as the tree branch hit the ground. They both sat up. Eldar really couldn't do much. Selina on the other hand pulled the bow back, aimed and enchanted her arrow. The arrow was now capable of changing directions. If the creature hid behind a tree, she could make the arrow follow it.

"Kin-thief." The aldryami spoke in perfect Old Elvish, and the bolongo made some hooting, clacks, and whistles. "You have taken our sister-we feel her know, telling Aldryama to guide her wood. You shall not take her to your stewpot."
The troll hissed, and the bolongo spoke:"Kaa! You're mad-and it is a grave insult to imply I should cook such sweet fare."

Joshua kept looking forward. "Dare I stop the cart or do we continue on? Where as you have long range weapons, I have only my claws and metal arm so I feel it would be best to continue. Should my magic have been working, they would have died a horrible death by now."

He heard the voice of the bolongo:"Keep going-increase your pace to extent you feel you can keep on the road-this *ssw*p* has had too many dire accusations for me to let him live if he pushes it,"

Selina cried out, ''While I possess the powers of the forest, I am not one of you, now begone.''

She said this in a sing song voice. It was oddly controlling, as though Selina was able to force it to do anything.

After she had done this, she began to feel fatigued. Her use of magic, especially without practice was beginning to drain her.

After this, Eldar spoke.

'' I understand most creatures are creatures of darkness, I have something that might hurt or stop them but it uses light and I don't want to hurt you.''

OOC: Selina is able to control small and sometimes large animals to some extent. If your creature is a creature of darkness, it will be harder as well as if it is more intelligent than say a deer. Selina can't make it do anything, but can try to make it believe it should. This doesn't always work and is draining to do so.

"All things of the forest are ours." the voice called out in the Darkness. "You call on us, but this thing holds you-we will save you."
A flaming bolt took out it's head, and the spider turned as the bolongo instructed:"I may be a while, now-hasten your steeds, go to Crabtown-Greblor shall aid."

Selina pulled another arrow from her quiver, firing it at one of the creatures giving chase. She noticed a group coming up along the left. She focused on the ground they were about to run over. The ground instantly turned mushy and muddy, she hoped it would slow or stop them.

Eldar, wanting to put as much distance between the creatures and him as possible pulled a small ball from his pocket. It was a shiny silver like material, engraved with a picture of someone as well as inscriptions. He raised it into the air, yelling out;

''Shield your eyes.''

He threw it into the middle of the road behind the cart. It smashed into bits and a large flash of light illuminated the roadway and into the edges of the forest.

OOC:

The orb contains a ''holy light'', capture inside of a magical object and blessed by various priests as well as himself. It likely won't kill the creatures, but it might blind them, those close might even be blinded for a few hours. It also burns the skin, so any creatures nearby would feel a burning sensation.

Joshua, being half demon felt the effects of the light. "DAMN ELDAR! A little warning next time on what to expect! Now, Hyah!" He snapped the reins and the beetles surged forward. "Feel free to keep going with the cover fire as long as I don't get hit."

"DAMNABLE ACCURSED LIGHT!" the bolongo cried. "Annal nathrok oothroth bethod dochyel dienvae!"
A flaming bolt flew, setting a great fir ablaze."That should give them something other than us to think about-let us make haste now."

Eldar sat back.

''Sorry about the light, I thought it would be quite effective.''

Selina also sat back, worn out.

"It was-burned me rather badly." the bolongo translated out of the darkness. "Trolls are creatures of darkness, born in the lightless cold of Hell-the aldryami are plants who feed on light. Guess who was hurt worse?
"We will discuss this further once out of these woods, but our immediate quandary is escaping these damned elves while they fight the fire I set. Apply all speed to the beetles."

Joshua did as he was instructed and was rewarded by toppling backwards, narrowly missing landing on Selina. "Sorry about that." He stood up, and said "Does someone care to tell me if I should be watching for anything else or are we mostly clear now?"

(OOC:check out post #172-his head's gone missing, so he's bigger problems now)

OOC: My bad. I missed that. I'll edit my post.

Eldar and Selina both surveyed the woods, waiting for something to pop out. Eldar finally broke the silence, answering Joshua's question.

''It appears we are in the clear, I wouldn't slow down too soon though. God knows what lurks in these woods.''

Joshua chuckled. "If I slowed down now, all that work would be for naught."

The troll was muttering darkly, skin still smoking from Eldar's light. His bolongo sounded gleeful as it recited,"Damned snooty elves, trying to turn the whole damned world into damned filthy hippie forest..be better off if we ate them all...like their damned contributions to the damned betterment of damned life is so damned good..hell, if we were supposed to use their damned napkins, why'd we grow damned forearms anyway?"
(OOC:there's more, but it's far too uncivil to be permitted in this forum, and largely a racist diatribe against the aldryami, who he's calling "elves")

Joshua at that point intervened. "I think, for Eldar and Selina's sake it would be good for us to focus on peace and escape rather than how much we'd like to kill the ones chasing us."

"Once we're out of these woods, we'll stable the beasts for a bit and get some food-damned elves should be busy fighting that fire for the hour or so we'll be racing out." the bolongo provided. "The beetles and poor Krogos, here, will need a rest, and I'm starving and crispy-should be a Thunderguts holding just after these woods. Keep up the pace until the woods are behind us."

Joshua raised a hand as if in school. "Question. What's a Thundergut? No, wait, before you answer that, answer this: do I WANT to know what a Thundergut is?"

"How should I know the intricacies and contradictions of your inner workings?" the bolongo asked. "But since you did ask, I can but assume you desire that knowledge. The Thunderguts clan is spread throughout our lands, where they operate inns and public houses. With any luck, the Thunderguts holding will be an inn where we may rest a time, but I'd welcome a meal and a few drinks, at the very least."

Joshua chuckled softly. "You have a point there. I suppose you wouldn't know. If they operate inns, I'll at least assume they're friendly unless provoked. And a meal sounds good right about now."

''Ah yes, a hot meal would go well with me,'' Eldar replied.

They moved swiftly, finally coming to a walled complex by the roadside. Though dark, raucous singing and music came from within. As they slowed and pulled into the open gates, trolls naked but for iron rings on their necks approached. The troll jumped off his spider, and bellowed,--Tend our beasts! We have had a rough ride and I want meat, a hot bath, and a warm bed!--
He turned to the cart, and his bolongo spoke."Be careful here-trolls don't realize the limitations of other races. Ask me if it's safe to eat or drink, since we can handle substances you'd find deadly. If you see someone eating something you'd like, tell me and I'll order it, since I doubt you'll be able to read the menu. Stay close by me, and I'll protect you-we'll take a table in the back and be discreet as possible."
He lumbered into the building, and roared:--Food! A whole aldryami, with lots of roof rats, and Powzie! Lots and lots of Powzie!, plus food for my friends.--

''Powzie? What is that?''

Joshua leapt from the cart. "If I ride in that again, it will be too soon..." he muttered. He caught up with the troll (ooc: whose name presently escapes me, if it was mentioned at all) and tapped him on the shoulder. "How long do you think we'll be here? The rest of the night? Just a few hours?"

"Powzie! is fermented mammal blood, with an alcohol content high enough to kill the lesser species." the troll answered through his bolongo, wincing as Joshua tapped him. "Sun is on the rise, and the beasts need rest-ran hard last night. I, for one, need a bath and some burn salve, and I expect you'll want food and rest, as well. Besides, if I can get a game of darts going, I can make a little money-or maybe some arm-wrestling, but I'm a bit tender for that."
The holding was very dark within-trolls don't use light or like it-and a small troll was howling to his drums, to the pleasure of the crowd. The troll from the Order of the Dragon sat at a small table and indicated his demands should be met soon. When the aldryami torso arrived on a platter surrounded by roof rats and batter-dipped pixies, he tore into it with gusto. "Take that, you rotten bastard." he told his meal, washing it down with a tankard of Powzie!.

Joshua's gag reflex was strong when his nose was assaulted with the smell of the Powzie. "I think I'll get a room, it's been quite the trip. I don't suppose you know where someone that can get me a room is do you?"
OOC: As you've noticed earlier, his nose is extremely sensitive, but blood is the thing that affects him the most, thus, this combination of fermented blood and alcohol is enough to give him quite the migraine.

--Take my boy here to our rooms-there's four of us, and I'll be wanting a bath also-if he wants one, that's fine, but I'll want fresh water for mine--the troll told the waiter, tearing into his meal ravenously. His bolongo spoke to Joshua,"Follow him, and he'll take you to a room and bath-should I send up an oilcan, too?"

"The oilcan won't be necesary." Joshua said, eager to escape the fumes everyone else seemed impervious to. if only they knew just how horrible copious amounts of blood smelled. he thought as he followed the waiter to a room. Although it was nicely furnished and there was fortunately a window (albeit with blackout curtains), he didn't have enough time to appreciate this as he was asleep before his head hit the pillow on the bed.

The elves were rather hungry but did not seem to have the same thoughts about the troll's meal as the troll did. Eldar briefly considered biting into a pixie but as soon as he seen its body torn apart by the trolls teeth he reconsidered. Selina was quite appalled. In her forest, pixies often aided you, even going so far as to gather food for you. They both silently agreed to head upstairs, Selina was quite tired anyway. Selina soon found herself asleep, she was quite tired from her use of magic. Eldar on the other hand sat awake, thinking about home.

(OOC:I'm terribly sorry, but there is a reason trolls have so few allies. I'l be happy to move this forward to the Voivode, so Orbanth can take over diplomacy. My trolls are pretty much cut-and-dried, so just let me apologize for their behavior)

OOC: Don't worry, they have shown themselves to be quite the characters. I'd be okay to moving it ahead. If you learned more about Eldar I don't think he would appeal much to your trolls either.

OOC: I'm all drugged up on adrenaline because we're performing our musical at school and tonight was not only opening night but also the Party at Max's Grill (a local restaurant) so I guess whatever works for you is good for me.

Edit: I guess we're jumping...

Permit me to congradulate you-and please, feel free to brag here-I've certain RL issues to deal with, and would enjoy the lapse

OOC: I don't like bragging, at least when it's coming from my mouth, er, fingers, whatever. I will however say thank you.

Travel through the troll lands was nauseating to the refugees. While friendly and cheerful, trolls had no cultural bias against eating sentient species, and worse, preferred their prey alive for freshness. Their escort was no help, either-he'd order them appropriate food, but if he weren't eating himself would joke with the server, "If I were hungry, would they be here?"
Things got worse when they entered what the troll called "the Heartlands"-a massive Red Moon hung perpetually over these lands, making the brightest day a dim red light, and a daily solar and nightly lunar eclipse make it seem more depressing. Vast fields of fungus covered the region, feeding vast hordes of giant insects, which served the trolls as their only domesticated species, other than the great spiders they used as dogs and horses.
"This is the Yellow Springs!" their guide announced, finally.
The city was massive, everything comprised of carefully chewed stone-they had already been privy to troll stonemasons chewing their rocks into shape. Their guide took on a vastly different attitude here, leading them to a great stone complex before dismounting. "We walk from here-not far now." he instructed them via bolongo. Soon they were in a vast courtyard, before a massive troll, who sat on a three-legged stool, where they heard the bolongo translate their tale, as they'd informed the troll, told to a person they were introduced to as Bruno I, Voivode of the Ordo Drakul.

'' Our problem is simple Bruno,'' Eldar began.

''We come from a place called Orbath. In Orbath, our king has turned on us, influenced by a ruthless General. We have been exiled like many before us. Most die on the ocean however, I and a few companions landed here. We were taken in and helped. We wish for you to go to the king and talk with him.''

"Zowns mor liyk me shud tok to Jen'ral." the massive troll replied. "Zend Black Fleet fur zurviverz, tell NO ENGAIJ YET. Zend mezzaj to King uv Orband, azk parrlee."
(OOC:"Sounds more like I should talk to the General.""Send the Black Fleet to rescue any adrift-no engaging the enemy, then Send a message to the King of Orbanth requesting a parley.")
The Voivode looked at the three foreigners. "Me dinkz yu shud go-if King ztoo-pid 'nuff forz izzue, me forz bak. 'Ziydz, me need no to zend Blue Moon or Argan Argari."
(OOC:"I think you should go-if the King is stupid enough to force the issue, I'll force back. Besides, I need to know if I should send a Blue Moon(spy) or Argan Argari(diplomat/mercantilist).")

Joshua spoke up. "Meaning no disrespect, but if he's anything like the generals from Sylvonia, he'll slice us up first, ask questions never. It may be best to get the rest of the non-humans out first, then try reasoning with the king to see if it may be possible to return them. If not, would it not be a simple matter for them to simply relocate here?"

'' We won't be able to reason with the General, he will not listen. He will likely just have us thrown back out of Orbath. I don't think he would go as far as to kill us but I wouldn't put it past him.''

Eldar paused.

'' The king on the other hand is just listening to what the General says, trusting his lies. If we can get the king away from the General and speak with him alone, we might be able to show him the way.''

Selina spoke up.

''I am not one to condone murder but maybe we should get rid of the General. With him out of the way, we might be able to talk sense into the king.''

Eldar spoke again.

'' I fear if this does not end soon, non humans will go to war. There is a growing number of non humans who have fled human populated areas for the north woods. I know many there, fully prepared to fight. For all I know, it has begun while I am gone.''

Selina chimed in

''My home is the woods, I have seen the hundreds even thousands of refugees flocking there. They have gone deep into the forest, even to the to the other side possibly. Rumor has it they have built a new city. They pay us to keep watch for humans.''

Eldar had been curious about something and decided to ask.

''What is the black fleet. I don't imagine the Orbathain Navy is going to let a bunch of ships into its waters, good intentions or not. The chance of rescuing anybody at sea is slim. On land, is a different matter.''

"De Black Fleet owr zhipzez-we haff need, dey go weyr me tell." The Voivode told Eldar. "Ordo Rokagi yooz black zail-no zee at niyt. Call fog-no gud for eyzez, no 'fect fur Darkzenze. Zhipz no zeen, no inz'dent. King want war, we giff.
"Me dinks Jen'ral be key-he led uz tayk, yu liff heer, but me no homezez hard tu leef fur yu. We tok furst-tok no work, we eatz."
(OOC:"The Black Fleet our ships-if we have need, they go where I tell them." "The Ordo Rokagi use black sails to remain unseen by night and summon fogs to guise their ships, which doesn't blind our Darksense as it does vision. If the ships aren't seen, there will be no incident, but if the King wants war, we'll give him his desire.
"I think the General is the key. If he lets us relocate you, we will do so, but I know it is hard to leave your homes. We will talk first, and if that fails, we'll eat them.")

Joshua's eyes bulged slightly. "Eat them?" He asked tentatively. "If we eat them, that in itself will start a war. Governments don't typically like it when their higher-ups are eaten. Or killed in general for that matter."

''Ah but his plan sounds fair. May we accompany the Black Fleet?''

Joshua sighed heavily. "It's your people, you know best I suppose. May I accompany them as well?"

"Radder yu go wid diplomat den Fleet-me want tayk meh-shoor of King." The Voivode said. "Yu help riyt message, go wid embazzee-me diplomat wash, zee wot King do, Me zend by raffen, fly fazzt, get rezponz zoon-giff me tiym deziyd hu tu zend."
(OOC:"I'd rather you go with the diplomat than the Fleet-I wish to take the measure of your King." "Help me write the message, go with my embassy-my diplomat will watch, see what the King does. I'll send the message by raven for speed, and waiting for the response will give me time to decide who of my people to send.")

Joshua spoke. "That sounds like it would work. Open diplomacy first, and see where that road takes us."

''It is a deal then.''

"Gud. Wot shud we fraym dis embassy az, den? Trayd? Or shud we ztart wid de refyoojee sityuashun?" the Voivode thought aloud. "Me dinks trayd furst, den git de egg-zile ding wurked owt."
(OOC:"Good. What should we frame this embassy as then-trade? Or should we start with the refugee situation?" "I think trade first, then get this exile thing worked out.")

"I'm open to either one. It would be good to start off on a friendly note, but at the same time, the refugee situation is nearing the crisis point." Joshua was analyzing things as per usual. "There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to both."

'' I think we need to act as quickly as possible.''

To the King of Orbanth, Hail!
It has come to Our Attention that, though neighbors, We have not met in fellowship and comity as is meet and proper. We are too close not to enter into the Divine Brotherhood of Trade, which is the lifeblood of Our Nations, and the fault is Ours, for we are an insular people.
For this neglect, We beg Your Indulgence, and would send Our Envoy to open discussions of Trade and Mutual Defense, if this is acceptable. We shall dispatch, with Your Approval, Our Servant, who shall arrive bearing such goods as We offer up in trade, as gifts for Your Majesty, that You may know what We would bring to Your Markets, and that We come in the Spirit of Brotherhood and Respect. May Our Friendship be long and profitable.
Bruno I, Grand Master of the Ordo Drakul, Voivode of the Muri

The Voivode dictated the letter then passed it on. "Try no zmudge, and zay if pro-per. Reed cayrful, let me no wot King think."
(OOC:"Try not to smudge this, and let me know if it is phrased correctly. Read it carefully, and let me know what your King would think.")

Joshua listened carefully to the diction. "It sounds nice, but don't you think it would be good to include the non-human crisis and the fact that we are willing to work with that?"

"We du dat furst, we clohz King's mind befur him zee uz, and warn Jen'ral urlee-on." the Voivode spoke softly. "Want no King furst, mayk frenzz-den azzk az frenzz ztop, not az skreemin' outziydur."
(OOC:We do that, and we close the King's mind before he sees us, and warns the General early on." "I want to know the King first, befriend him-then ask him to stop as friends, rather than walk in screaming recriminations as an outsider.")

"That sounds like a good plan." Joshua mused. "I guess it should work unless he finds out we're not human."

"He no zoon az zchow up-hardlee blend in at mickzer." The Voivode leered. "But if giffs niyz 'nuff, may offerlook fur pro-fett. Hoo-manz luff pro-fett."
(OOC:He'll know as soon as we show up-hardly blend in at a mixer." "But if our gifts are nice enough, he may overlook that for the potential profit. Humans love profit.")

Joshua sighed. "You're right. Greed is one of the seven deadly sins, but they still look out for themselves. They may still not trust us. Nice mixer joke by the way."

'' Sounds good, it may just work.''

The Voivode rolled up the parchment, sealed it in wax, the seal of a wyvern standing on one leg with it's tail in it's mouth, and handed it to a great raven the size of a barn owl.--Take this to the King of Orbanth, and bring me his response.--he ordered in Shadowspeech.
As it flew off, he turned to the trio. "We haff lotz guds heer-fedders frum the tzin-tzin, jems and gold frum Doraddi, fiyn zilkzez, quaga dyes, and metals frum de Indigo Range-wot yu zug-jezt?"
(OOC:"We have lots of goods here-feathers from the tzin-tzin, gems and gold from Doraddi, fine silks, quaga dyes, and metals from the Indigo Range-what do you suggest?")

Joshua pondered the statement for a moment then spoke. "Feathers won't sell much outside a small market, but gems and gold would about triple this areas economy if you traded them along with the metal, humans love all three. The silks and dyes would go over rather well too."

--Looks like I owe you a Powzie!, Ulreg--the Voivode told one of his ministers, who leered happily."Tayk elvzez, mayk King klotzez-dey fashun, silk, gold, jemzez. Zend clok, alzo gold wid iffory face and silber inlays, and empady kris-toll wid fiendship and loyalty zet in nek-lazz. Zend hunert powns golt, tu hunert silber, full zet chitin armor, and tree hunert powns silk, wid azzorted zpice an alkem'calls-kozmetik, no yooz-fill. Want reddee wen raffen komm bakk."
(OOC:"Take the elves and makes the King clothes-their fashion, our silk, gold, and gems. Send a clock, also gold, with an ivory face and silver inlays, and an empathy crystal with firendship and loyalty set in a necklace. Send one hundred pounds of gold, two hundred silver, a full set of chitin armor, and three hundred pounds of silk, with assorted alchemicals-cosmetic, nothing useful. I want this all ready when the raven comes back.")

Joshua smiled. "Truly a wise ruler you are to send this to them. This will foster relations with them nicely."

"Trik is giff 'nuff dey want mor, but no so mush dey want komm and tayk." the Voivode winked conspiratorially. "Shud prob'ly zend Argan Argari to zkin proper, mebbe hiyd Blue Moon in embazzee."
(OOC:"The trick is to give enough they want more, but not so much they want to come and take it." "Should probably send an Argan Argari to skin them properly, maybe hide a Blue Moon in the Embassy.")

OOC: HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!

IC: Joshua smiled. "You have strange ways. But they work so well, it's no surprise you stick with them."

Very true, they do seem effective though.

OOC: Thanks for the Thanksgiving giving wishes though I'm Canadian and my Thanksgiving has already passed :).

OOC:Thanks for the Thanksgiving Day wishes, and I return them heartily. Orbanth, was this past holiday Remembrance Day or Guy Fawkes'? I have a certain curiousity regarding foreign customs. Should I post the raven entering the King's Court in Orbanth or shall you? My temptation is to try and recreate the court of Charles III, the Merry Monarch, who was so beleaguered by special interest groups he could barely hold the throne without resorting to political favoritism, but I do feel you are best equipped to handle it. Ravens can copy human speech, so I don't mind if you tweak it to a sentient bird. Just go with whatever you're comfortable with.

OOC: The past holiday was Remembrance Day. What is Guy Fawkes, I've never even heard of it? As for the king, we can both do it, I'm not so familiar with King Charles the third.

The bird soared in through an open window, scaring the hell out of the king who was perched on his throne. He pulled himself together and looked at the bird, which sat in front of him. Reaching down slowly, he pulled the message of of the birds leg and read it.

''Hmm, this does sound promising'', he said aloud

His General had other ideas.

''These are vile creatures, the scum of the earth, filthy no good non humans. Not to mention the fact that they have dealings with the magic of the dark.''

The General raved on and by the time he was done, he nearly had the king convinced.

If either of them had been paying attention, they would have noticed that that the raven appeared to be taking note of everything that was being said.

OOC:Guy Fawkes' Day is November 5th, as in the poem:
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
Fawkes attempted to blow up Parliament and was literally caught with the torch almost to the fuse. I didn't know if Canada still celebrated or not, since they stopped being British around 1965 or so.
I am a tad confused as to whether the King will accept the Embassy or not, so I will ask you: should the Black Fleet begin sinking Orbanth ships to make him desperate for allies? Since this general is playing Jaffar, it is perhaps best to force his hand, make him look for help outside his domain. This IS a reprehensible technique, but I'll want the sea lanes clear if I'm to war with him anyway-the raven can tell us everything if the King refuses to send a reply.

OOC: Well, Happy BELATED Thanksgiving to you then! Does that work better? Lol.

OOC: lol, thanks. As for the king, he probably won't go for the embassy idea. Also, the King, influenced by the General is very against non humans so he isn't the type to ask for help.

Time rolled by, and the little colony grew with regular drop-offs from mysterious black-sailed ships that bore no insignia. The Voivode summoned the three to his court, where he sat, stroking a large raven. "Yur King will no parlee, zo it iz to dink, now. Yu tu, yu elvzez-riyt tu frenzz, zee wot rezizztanzz need. Josh-wa, yu liyk go tu Orbad wid Blue Moon, kill Jen'ral?"
(OOC:Your King will not parley, so it is to think, now. You two, you elves-write to friends, see what a resistance would need. Joshua, would you like to go to Orbath with a Blue Moon and kill the General?")

The elves discussed what to write before Eldar began. Eldar was highly educated and could read and write well, however, Selina couldn't do either very well. Eldar pulled from his pocket a piece of perfectly white parchment, in seemed to resist crinkles, even though it had been in his pockets for months. From another pocket he pulled a bright golden quill which sparkled in the light. He wrote,

Whoever find this must deliver to Elden at once.

Firstly, I wish that you would let our families and friends know that we are ok. We have taken refuge inside of a very caring nation. Although I must say, it all seems backwards here, teaches you to keep an open mind. The last few groups exported have been brought here also and are safe. I must say though, I have to get to business. I need to know the strength of the forces you have in the forests and what has been going on lately. We have attempted diplomatic means but it hasn't gone well, we may be going to war. You must keep this to yourself though.

The message was sent out. Although they craved to communicate on an emotional level, they realized that they needed to get done what needed to be done first.

A message came back several days later.

Eldar my friend, it is good to hear you are safe. Many were worried. I'll explain what has been happening lately. It has become much worse. Most of us have moved away from the human population. We have ''colonies'' in several places, most races sticking to each other. The General has launched several raids against us but has been pushed back. We haven't gone on the offensive. Yet. Here is a rough list of what we have available in the north woods. We've had trouble getting the ''others'' to cooperate. Not just their fault though, some of us can't except fighting alongside them. (Others are ''Dark'' creatures such as trolls, goblins, orcs, dark elves, ect.

1000 Light Elf Soldiers
(Bow and Arrow, Small, Light Thin Sword, Variety of Religious Objects, Light Magic)

2500 Earth Elf Warriors
(Bow and Arrow, Slings, Clubs, Staffs, Whips, Rocks, Earth Magic)

400 Fire Elf Soldiers
(Sling, Rocks, Armor, Sometimes Magical Objects, Fire Magic)

100 Water Elf Soldiers
(Trident, Magical Objects, Water Magic)

600 Dwarf Soldiers
(Battle Axe, Hatchet, Club, Armor, Sometimes Magical Objects)

150 Goblin Soldiers
(Spear, Knife, Armor)

300 Orc Soldiers
(Large Swords, Spiked Clubs, Flails, Maces, Armor)

100 Dark Elf Soldiers
(Two Large Swords, Religious Objects, Dark Magic)

15 Troll Fighters
(Club, Helmet)

We also have several war machine made by the dwarfs as well as defensive measures made by the Earth Elves.

The Voivode listened to troop numbers, scowling. "It now zeemz we muzt con-ker, den ok-yu-py. Zend 500 zchipzez, blanket coast in fog-no refujeez forgot, no Orbath zchip zpared. Need troop numberz fur Orbath, and a few killingz in the offizer ranks. Zee if Josh-wa and Blue Moon reddee."
(OOC:"It now seems we must conquer, then occupy. Send 500 ships, blanket their coast in fog-no refugees forgotten, no Orbath ship spared. I need Orbath's troop numbers, and a few killings in their officer ranks. See if Joshua and the Blue Moon are ready.")

Joshua approached the Vodivode. "We're more than ready." he stated. "All we need now is your blessing and your order to launch."

The Voivode snapped his foreclaws, and a massive troll with his face bleached white, and two blue crescent tattoos on his eyelids stepped forth, garbed in midnight blue so dark as to appear black. "Minister Muritan haz zerffed me mennee yeerz, and he will zerff me now. Josh-wa, I wan yu tu zlip in, be diplomat fur me-giff giftz to King, pro-mizz woteffer yu feel riyt, an mayk kon-tac wid Eldar and Zelene'z frenzz-fine frum dem weyr gud tu go, wot zupplize dey need. Yu mayk King dink we hoo-man, dink we help wid pie-rayt. Enneewun ask, Muritan yu zlayv-he get troop numbers, fiyn zoff zpotz, mebbe kill wun or tu. Yu haff pro-blem, now tiym tu mayk it nown."
(OOC:"Minister Muritan has served me many years, and he will serve me now. Joshua, I want you to slip in as the diplomat for me, give the King our gifts, promise whatever you feel is right, and make contact with Eldar and Selene's friends. Find from them where good landing ports are, what supplies they need. Make the King think we are human, think we'll help him with his piracy problem. Anyone asks, Muritan is your slave-he'll get me the troop numbers, find soft spots, maybe kill one or two. If you have a problem, now is the time to make it known.")

Joshua grinned almost evilly. "So long as I'm the one that gets to slit that idiot of a king and his puppet master's throats, I'm fine. Besides, with me looking human, except the arm and the eyes obviously, I've got no problems."

The Voivode became almost feral as he spoke, "King yurzz-Jen'rall miyn."
(OOC: I can't really express the level of emotion here, save through:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0AiN8vrn9Y, so let me know if this is too far.)

Joshua smiled. "Yes sir, we can definitely work with that."

OOC: That's not too extreme at all. It sounds about the right level of extreme. If you're thinking Feral however, it's not quite crazy enough on Scar's part.

OOC: Orbathian Military Troop Strength

I haven't really written a huge order of battle or anything but here is what they have.

Ground Units

10,000 Pike & Spear Infantry Soldiers
(Pike or Spear, Small Knife, Cow Hide Armor)

10,000 Regular Infantry Soldiers
(Mixture of Weapons, Shield, Chain Mail)

5000 Heavy Infantry Soldiers
(Large Sword, Shield, Mixture of Plate and Chain Mail)

5000 Archers
(Bow and Arrow, Small Knife,Cow Hide Armor)

2000 Crossbow Men
(Crossbow, Small Knife, Cow Hide Armor)

2500 Horse Calvary
(Joust, Sword, Shield, Plate Armor)

Depending on the area, other units might be encountered.

Naval Units
I'm not very good at naval warfare, so naval units will be limited. We can just say that your ships got through them, wouldn't be that hard anyway.

Orbath

For the past few months, a mystery illness had traveled up and down the coast. Many people had been killed. Elven Healers were offered immunity and brought in to help. It was nothing they had ever seen before. They couldn't defeat it at first. They they came to a realization. The disease only made people ill at night. Building on this, they believed the disease to have a weakness to light. Anyone who became infected was brought into a room, their bed surrounded in lanterns. Elves recited magic and fed the effected person ''holy water.'' Although the person was not cured completely and we feel the effects forever, it stopped the spread as the curse was killed inside of that persons body.

OOC:Have no fears-this is my first major assault not played out in a sandtable, which is one reason I was going diplomacy first-the other being that diplomacy is the proper course. Of course, as one of the wisest philosopher-kings of Earth once said, "War is Diplomacy of last resort."
The ship battles would be terribly one-sided, as troll naval tactics involve operating in mystically summoned fog, which doesn't hinder their Darksense-a form of passive sonar, then launching flaming missiles to damage the other vessel before boarding or ramming. It would require modern technology, or at least radar/sonar, to even realize the black-sailed ships were patrolling. Later, when I've time, so try Thursday, November 29th, 2007, I'll post troll tactics for human lands, as well as, should it become necessary, elf forests and dwarf mines. Despite the King's actions, there will be patriots who will dissent. I personally find the troll's behavior somewhat reprehensible, but as a veteran of the Cold War, I know these things do happen, I'm just not going to justify their actions with all that commie "greater good" nonsense. I was hoping to deal with this the same way President Reagan handled South African apartheid, but my Voivode is no Ronald Reagan.
IC:The ship which would carry Joshua to Orbanth was slender and elegant, with a swan's figurehead, trimmed in gold paint and blindingly white. Muritan was decked out in fine linen tights, with a starched lace collar almost as wide as his shoulders, with a brocade corset that accentuated his waistline. "One wonders how human servants manage to serve in this." he complained through his bolongo, before handing a second, a small stone mask, to Joshua. "We're going to teach you how to use one of these like a Blue Moon-the bolongo translates from the subconscious, so we want to be certain you don't blurt out anything, while still being able to telepathically eavesdrop. We begin..."

Joshua took the small mask and looked intently at it. "First, I'd like to start by saying that for creatures of darkness, your ships sure are bright from the outside. Second, they usually hate it just as much as you are, but they get paid a lot better. Third, not blurting things out from the subconscious would be a very good thing to learn."

"This is a diplomatic vessel-our ships of war are black, sleek, and designed for camouflage. Few outsiders realize they are from the same nation, and that is well for us. We will fly the standard of the Ordo Drakul-a wyvern on one leg with it's tail in it's mouth. Although technically only our diplomatic corps, we prefer outsiders think it is our government.
"Now, the bolongo is home to a spirit-a perverse imp bent on bending all conversation to chaos. You must conquer the imp, hold it in your mind." Muritan explained. "It must not be allowed even the slightest leeway, or it will work it's will, not yours. Have you any experience in spirit summoning of any sort?"

Joshua laughed at the comment on the ship. "Absolutely genius." he mused. But on the subject of the Bolongo, he was a bit less enlightened. He thought of the last time he saw something that would classify for a spirit, it had taken his arm. "I have some experience, but I'd rather not talk about it. The last time I did summon a spirit, it was an accident and it nearly killed me."

"Don't let that fear dissuade you-the bolongo has to know who's boss. It cannot rip your arm off, but it can tell the King everything we're up to if you let it-contacts among the resistance, the fact we are his coastal pirates, any plans you may have for an assassination, including the target and method you intend. Now, I want you to reach into the stone and pin the bolongo down. It will struggle and fight back, but you must lock it into a cage of your will and keep it there. A bolongo is a minor spirit, but slippery-it will be like catching an eel with your hands. Now, reach in and take it."