315 replies to this topic

[Dauth]

"Martial law is bad for business and trade, and speaking as someone who gets rich from stealing from businessmen and traders it would be unwise to encourage Martial law beyond necessity. Shava you have yourself a thief." Thaos pledged his support, if only for his own financial gains.

Thaos fell into character, once more a thief he removed his armour and began hiding several weapons and devices about his body.

"I will be there when you need me." he declared and faded away from view.

[Vortigern]

The group travelled into the Maughold by a much less circumspect manner this time, passing under the gargantuan archway which played host to the mighty, impenetrable oaken gates that lent the fortress city such an awe-inspiring air. It made a change from the side door and back alleys of their last visit. Theria, horse stepping forward right beside Shava's little pony, watched in shock as gnomes, humans, dwarves and even the occasional elf waved or made obeisance to Shava, noting the green robe of office she now wore. It seemed Arap Datrebil was a society worthy of no small respect.

"Is there something you left out about you and your friends?" muttered Theria, somewhat unnerved by the constant amiable attention.

"We may have claimed credit for freeing the Maughold from the tyrannical hold of Winter Vayu and the Paladins," replied Shava with a little grin. Looking closely, Theria saw her eyes glaze over a little, as they did whenever the little gnomess was communicating with the other members of her organisation. "We've also brought in a new age of enlightenment and happiness, and everyone seems to be enjoying it so far."

"Who's in charge of the Maughold then?"

"King Vassingar, of course. We're just concerned subjects." Theria could not hold back a little laugh at that.

"Concerned subjects?"

"We are concerned with the running of the kingdom."

"Does Vassingar know that you'll very soon be in charge, if you're not already?" wondered Theria.

"We have no intention of taking control, Theria," explained Shava. "King Vassingar has a great deal of potential, and the opportunity is his to seize. We are simply here to assist in removing a corrupt militant order from power." Theria must have looked sceptical as Shava carried on, qualifying her people's decisions. "Gnomes are not numerous enough to run a nation like Envael, never mind just the gnomes of Arap Datrebil. We may exert our influence at a later date, but for now we will only see to helping the establishment." Theria nodded, more or less convinced. Definitely convinced that Shava had no intention of overthrowing the current régime, but what the rest of the gnomes had in mind would have to wait until a later date.

"Can we meet the rest of your group?"

"That's where we're going now," revealed Shava, smiling widely. "You'll like them, and I know they'll like you."

((Ravnin, if you would be so good? I would have thought that by now most of the Paladins would have fled the Maughold and be hiding out across Envael, assuming they're not all retards, so yeah. I'm also going to PM you a little plot device I've been holding in reserve. I daresay I can trust you to play it out correctly. ))

[Vithar-133]

Vithar, having tied Nyrsavai loosely to his side, rather than reshething the golden blade, looked around.

:Looks much more people-friendly, if I do say so myself. I might get to like it here.:

Vithar rested his hand on Nyrsavai's hilt. "Well Shava, it seems your group has done wonders for the Maughold." Vithar turned to Theria. "Should I allow Rindar his bow back? Or should I retain it?"

[Fire Ze Missiles!]

"Oh, give the man his bow!" called Illyriel from further up. "He has given his oath, after all. What's an elf without his bow? He is as a minotaur without his size, a Deathknelve without his death...smoke on the wind."
Moments later Theria and Shava hauled on their reins and the column compacted to see who had been wheeled out to greet them. The unfortunates in question turned out to be a rather nervous looking human (who persisted in glancing at the various large weapons on display) and a few gnomes, acting as escort and, Illyriel suspected, advisory panel.
A dictatorship of gnomes. That was one thing that he'd never predicted.

[Vithar-133]

"Will do." Vithar lifted the bow gently and handed it to Rindar, but didn't let go. "Shoot Tom, or dare to flee, and I'll make sure you don't leave the Maughold alive," he muttered to the elf. Letting go of the bow, Vithar let his mount move ahead, but made sure not to pass up any of the others.

:I wonder what these gnomes want from us, if anything...:

[Rafv Nin IV]

((Sorry it took me so long. RL issues, and all that jazz.))

Shava communicated briefly with the gnomes in the party in the mindspeak typical of Arap Datrebil before talking out loud. She had, foolishly, not consulted with her people before addressing the ragtag group of travelers about the situation in the Maughold. Due to a startling turn of events, the bitter struggle for the city had ended abruptly when the Paladinae fled overnight. Kasav and the old Chairman had since rebuilt and reorganized the metropolis, and had worked their way into the heirarchy of Envael. The gnomes wielded significant decisive power in the workings of the kingdom, but for the most part left it alone--they were not plentiful enough to monitor all of Envael, and for the meantime dealt with the Maughold and tried to erase the jihadist campaigns of the Paladins.

Shava Kartaan! a gnomess in the escort called her, the Assembly wants to talk with you and your friends. We've come here to direct you to the old meeting house.

We'll be there, Shava replied. With that, the human and the official and the gnomes beside him wheeled around and set off back into the city. Theria and Vithar glanced quizzically at Shava, but she only responded with a shrug and gestured to follow.

The group wound its way through the cobbled streets, hugging the outer wall of the Maughold; their destination lay in the outskirts of the fortress. Shava would explain nothing to her companions, but pointed later at the ramshackle warehouse that had been the site of the Assembly's meetings for the last decade. It had not changed since she had last been there: the roof was bare and hosted large, gaping holes in places and its walls leaned treacherously. Shava brought them to the front door--gnomes typically entered through the gap in the south wall, and while a determined human could squeeze through as well, Rom's bulk would never fit. "It'll creak up a fit when you push it," Shava warned Illyriel as he laid his hands on the door. Her promise delivered; such din and riot could surely have been heard half the way across Envael.

Inside sat three of the Representatives, as well as the Chairman of Arap Datrebil. The podium and six chairs were arranged as they always had been. The Chairman spoke first, in the common tongue; the message was intended for all the group to understand.

"You set out more than a month ago to garner allies for our fight with the Paladins, Lieutenant Kartaan. However, when you returned, you learned that the battle had ended prematurely and unexpectedly. The Paladinae have vanished from the Maughold. You undoubtedly wish to know why."

Shava nodded briefly, and the Chairman continued. "We were as confused as you when the event occurred; the Paladins, we thought, had an oath-sworn obligation to defend the Maughold to the last man, and yet, they abandoned it. After several weeks of investigation, we believe that we know the answer.

"This is the group that defeated Winter Vayu, correct?" The party murmurred their assent. "I do not doubt your claim--I have witnessed the event through Lt. Kartaan's memories, and the Paladinae would not have fallen had Vayu still led them. And yet..."

A Representative on the Chairman's right side proceeded to inform the group of what Arap Datrebil had learned. "I, like you, Lt. Kartaan, only recently returned to the Maughold. A group of my close friends and I investigated rumours of a new character upon the isle of the Vyre. These vicious creatures, while they occasionally roam the mainland of Arsencia, do not allow visitors to their islands to live for long. Tales of a sorceror thriving among the Vyre startled us, and we briefly landed on their shores. We repelled one attack by the Vyre, and promptly left the isle, but not before all of us noticed an unmistakable consciousness. Winter Vayu lives, and has made his home on the isle of the Vyre."

The Chairman continued, speaking swiftly, "This group defeated Vayu once. We do not know the inner workings of Winter Vayu's magic, but we can be assured that he will take revenge on us again. He is an enemy of all our races. If you value the peace and common good of Arsencia, you must do what you can to bring about his demise."

[Vithar-133]

Vithar stood, mulling over what he'd just heard.

:Vayu...lives...? That's not possible. Is it?: Vithar thought.

"How can he still live...? This is most...disturbing," said Vithar, "No offense, Theria, but I thought that the dead can't be brought back?"

[Vortigern]

"No," said Theria, slowly. "The dead can be brought back. I got it wrong, but I think the power that lent me its magic could probably bring someone back from the dead. I just don't know why it would bring winter Vayu back." That was something that did indeed have her wondering. Could Winter Vayu possibly be back? Would something so godly have resurrected the most evil man ever to walk Arsencia?

"Are you sure he's back?" asked Zhar suddenly, interrupting everyone's suddenly-morbid thoughts. "You might just have been getting echoes of his magic."

"They picked up a consciousness, Zhar," explained Shava, doing her best to put Zhar's argument aside, but he would not be swayed.

"If he had been there enough and using magic while he was, he could have imprinted a layer of his consciousness on the place. Knowing him, he'd be sure that you'd pick it up. This is probably a last trick of his to get us all killed."

"The same thought had occurred to me," agreed Theria, nodding at Zhar's words. "He set the melds to be released as soon as he died, so I'd say it's quite likely that something is amiss with this whole scenario."

"Those arguments aside," cut in the little Gnomish Representative. "We would be most grateful should you travel there regardless. If it proves that he is already dead and merely playing little lingering tricks on us, so be it, but I would much rather be certain of his passing."

"I'll second that," said Tom, with no small fervour. "If we leave soon we can be out of the Maughold by this afternoon, and well on the way there by sunset."

"We have a method of transport ready for you," said the Chairman. "Kasav will accompany you to the lower caverns of the Maughold. The underground streams will see you out safely, and then you can simply sail downriver until you reach Anharad. The boat is already equipped for your group, complete with stables and larger than usual quarters for your Minotaur friend."

"Well, I think that's an offer we can't refuse," chuckled Illyriel. "Adventures begin again, it seems."

((So yeah, underground rivers and whatnot, feel free to write about that bit, then I'm thinking some plain sailing up to Anharad (which is this other big fortress like the Maughold but in concentric rings and not yet complete) after which we'll head north to the sea and get to the damned isle of the Vyre. That's the gist of the plan, anyway. Oh, and sorry for the multiple godmoddery.))

[Vithar-133]

"Oh fun. Sailing. Well, I suppose it's better than walking," muttered Vithar, "Perhaps I'll like it, although it worries me..."

Vithar moved Nyrsavai back to it's proper sheath, rather than the leather loop that held the naked blade to his side.

"Well, let's go, I guess. Anyone able to tell me what being on board a ship is like?"

-------------------------------------
((So, Vithar is a little fearful of sailing. I can give a good reason later, but not until they are on the ship. Not to mention Vithar's never been on a ship.)

[some_weirdGuy]

((incase you didn't notice zhar was still gone, but its ok, i was going to make him reappear randomly like that anyway, Although i probably would have had him make someone jump when he speaks up from right behind them. Or have the gnomes saying 'ah, the dark one joins us' and they look over to see zhar sitting there or something, but meh))
((VORT: Oh, sorry, I just kinda assumed you were with us. It made sense that way. I'm confused, why was he gone?))
((see this post. After that everyone was kinda pissed at Zhar, so he thought it would be best to give them some time to 'cool off'))

"so you are back Zhar" said Theria in a cold manner
"yes, Theria the cruel, i am back" he said, a nasty little grin on his face
Tom narrowed his eyes, but said nothing
"Dont worry, i wont torment..."
"...That Demon!" burst out the words, frustrating him to no end
Will you shut up about the demon! is it all you even think of!
You know it is, why bother asking him?
yesss
"...erhm, i mean, Theria, any more" he shivered, and reopened his eyes
"I am sorry, i was not refering to you with that outburst" he voice was almost kind
you... began the voice in his head, but it didn't finish, instead saying
stop being so god damn nice! i swear if i could i would slit your throat!
...yes, but you cant, so be silent

Edited by some_weirdGuy, 10 March 2009 - 08:59 PM.

[Copaman]

((IIRC, there was a bit of godmodding that happened after Theria went uber. Tom nearly stabbed Zhar in the face, but Zhar dissappated before he could go through with it.))

"Sailing, for those who have never done it before, can either be a blessing or a curse. On one hand, you've been freed from the land, but on the other, you might end up losing your meals to the waves."

Tom nodded his head to the Arap Datrebil leaders and turned to go.

"We need to get moving."

[Vortigern]

((Gotcha. Well, Zhar's back now, and it's all peachy.))

The boat was riding low in the water, laden as it was with horses, supplies and now Rom. Theria was a little worried that the vessel would not prove substantial enough for the whole group, but she laid her fears to rest as best she could and stepped aboard. She had never been on a boat before, in over four hundred years of life. Tom, who seemed to know what he was doing aboard the boat, laid a calming hand on her shoulder.

"We'll be fine," he told her, his voice steady and reassuring. "Just don't think about it." Theria said nothing; she was afraid that should she open her mouth she might unwittingly throw up. The rocking of the boat, even still here at the little jetty, made her feel nauseous. She shuddered to think how her stomach might feel after four or five hundred miles on the water.

Theria found herself a quiet, solid nook on the lower deck of the craft, and she was soon joined by Bazric, himself none too comfortable with the idea of aquatic motion. They felt the boat float away from the jetty, leaving the Maughold and the secret subterranean port of the gnomes behind. The water soon picked up a great deal of speed, tossing the vessel downstream, through the bowels of the mountain. The darkness was illuminated only by the few lanterns on the lower deck and the six or seven torches arranged around the outside of the top deck. Exactly what was going on out there, Theria had no idea, and nor did she wish to. Sailing was an alien world to her, and so it would ever remain.

((Just some sailing and whatnot. I figure there'd be some hairy moments with underground streams, which I leave to your discretion.))

[Copaman]

((There's not much you can write about hairy moments, seeing as how we need this ship to get all the way to wherever we're going. You can't gash a big hole in the hull, you can't tear off a mast or two, and you can't have anyone go overboard. Time jump?))
((VORT: Whatever, then. Go for it. I'll post up our arrival in Anharad this evening or tomorrow. Taralom and Mórvír, be ready to meet the gang! ))

Edited by Vortigern, 12 March 2009 - 03:17 PM.

[Fire Ze Missiles!]

For a day and a night they sailed the current underground, flowing swiftly down the river out towards the great Northern sea. It was an unnerving experience for all but the sailors of the vessel, all of whom had made the treacherous journey many times before. Even Illyriel, a wanderer by nature and sailor of, at one time or another, all the ocean's of the world he knew, found the experience utterly disconcerting. It was unlike anything he had ever known; exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure.
But it was worth every moment of damp darkness for the glorious emergence into the shimmering morning sunlight of Anvar. Stood at the prow of the ship Illyriel embraced the bright rays of brilliance, a wide smile lighting his features. How he loved to travel.


((OOC: I haven't posted in a while ^^ Oh and by the way, I somehow managed to miss that whole Theria/God sequence and Zhar's rebuttal until SWG linked it above, and having now read it, holy shit that was awesome! Had to be said.))

[some_weirdGuy]

Zhar had stood silently aboard the boat as it had made its journey. One advantage of never eating was that you couldn't really throw up either. While the others were looking a little green Zhar felt the same as ever... which was dreadful by most peoples standards, but normal for him.
Every so often he had ascended into the darkness, follow the ship from the air. The cavern was large enough for him to do so... even if just barely. The darkness was almost soothing to Zhar. When he was not flying he usually stood, mostly arguing with himselves, as usual, although he mostly kept silent on the outside.

The hostility the group showed Zhar numbed down, after the initial re-kindling his appearance had caused, it was now back to normal. Although they made their dislike for him more well known then beforehand, but just a little. But he did not care. He was lost in internal conflict when the boat crested the radiant brightness of the outside.

Zhar squinted against the harsh light and took one last look at the now retreating darkness as it fled off the back end of the boat to sulk in its cave. He looked up at the lovely fine day, his mood souring at its beauty.
One day when i rule over both Hell and Earth, i shall blot out the sun so that i can enjoy the darkness no matter when i go
again, Zhar was slightly surprised at this personalities aspiration for global domination... Never before had it mentioned it, but now he had talked of it twice, even if unknowingly so.

[Vortigern]

The river wound across the plains, never taking the easiest or straightest route, but after roughly a week aboard the boat the group finally made it to within sight of Anharad, the towering grey stone walls looming up over the four hills that afforded it shelter. Even from this far out Theria could see that the walls of the fortress were far from complete, huge blocks of granite lying around on the grass waiting to be lifted into place and cemented there by a combination of science and magic.

Eventually the little vessel came to dock inside the outermost wall of the citadel, finding a free spot to moor against the wooden jetty. Doubtless when the building work was complete the jetty would be replaced by a similar structure made of stone or iron, but for now a simple wooden affair was all the locals could knock together. Theria was the first off the boat, overjoyed to have her feet back on solid ground. She hurriedly made her way off the jetty and on to the grass, sitting down heavily. A seafaring life was most definitely not for her.

Slowly the group made their way to join her, Rom making the little jetty wobble with every step he took. As soon as the horses too were unloaded, the group set about finding somewhere to stay for the night. Inns and taverns were a fairly common sight around Anharad, the city it was, and built on the site of numerous little villages, most of which had played host to at least hostel or similar before the arrival of the new kingdom.

Theria led the group to a large yet simple place, run by one of the friendliest barmen she could remember. Or maybe her opinions were somewhat biased, having just spent a week cooped up on a boat with the same few people. Either way, they managed to procure food and shelter for the night, and that was all Theria was concerned with right now.

((We'll get started on the next bit of the story soon enough. Basically, Anharad is a city that hasn't yet been completed. Feel free to wander around. Taralom and Mórvír, any time now you'll be more than welcome to join us.))

[Taralom]

((I was hoping for, at least some, back-up from Morvir's side... Guess I'll do it now))

The captured horses were tired and sweaty, but the group had made it. For several hundreds of miles they had pursued the fleeing group of raiders. And now, they had arrived at Anharad, the uncompleted citadel of Umbar. Several thousands of buildings, some inhabited, others abandoned, waiting for people to live in them. 'They are like ants,' Varin mused quietly. 'Waiting to be crushed under a mighty heel of an empire.' He bowed down his head, as he entered through the gate. The stench of horse sweat, mixed with that of human filth and the smell of building, stinged his nose. He did not like this place, already.
'Well, this is as far as we go.' Narcon's voice had a trace of relief in it. They were standing at the market place, just behind the gate in the wall.
Varin turned his head towards the man, and looked at him with some surprise. 'What? Why?'
Narcon gave a brief smile. 'We do not have the intentions to go in this place. It reeks of death, and we just wanted to make sure you'd arrive in one piece.' He grinned. 'Well, and by the looks of it, you ''are'' in one piece!' He laughed, though his joke was only appreciated with the remnants of the mercenaries.
Thomas came closer. 'What? You are miles away from home! You could at least spend the night here. Join us!'
Narcon shook his head with discontent. 'No,' he spoke softly, while he glared around. 'It could be me, but something big's gonna happen. It starts soon.' His eyes focussed upon Varin and Falk. 'And the two of you will have something to do with it.' A silence fell, only to be disturbed by the shouts of the vendors. He resumed swiftly. 'Well, if you don't mind. We've got a load to travel. See you around!' He waved, and galloped off.
Varin just sat there, on his horse. Thomas was the first to know what to say. 'Well, I know a fantastic inn here. Shall we go there?'
Falk agreed, while Varin did not respond. He was too busy thinking of what had just happened. It could be me, but something big's gonna happen. And the two of you will have something to do with it. What did Narcon mean?
The mage shook his mind clear of thoughts, and followed Thomas and Falk, deeper in the citadel.

[The Best Guest]

Brok smiled at the sunlight and rocked slightly along with the boat as it tied up. oh is it good to be out again after all those years of hiding.
He climbed off the boat. well it was a short way from baruk time to get back looking for some business. Ill sell some weapons and trinkets to meet some people and see if anyone needs a merc. He walked down the crowded street and came into a inn.
"yes I would like a room please" Brok said.
He got his key and headed over to the bar.
Ill start tomarrow, for tonight i celebrate my return with some ale.

[Copaman]

((Nurse, set for 3000 Volts! I think we can get this one back! *chooooooo_defribulator* ))

Tom woke up the next morning to find the group waiting for him. He felt refreshed - the soft bed he recieved had worked wonders, he thought. Not knowing what to do next, he grabbed an apple from a table, took a bite, and turned to Theira.

"Soo," he mumbled between bites, "where to next?"

[Vortigern]

"We've got to take the horses, get out of Anharad fairly soon, and be on our way to the north coast," replied Theria. "Then we have to find a boat that'll get us over to this isle of the Vyre. After that a little walk in the jungle with hostile Vyre on all sides to find something that we may not be able to make head or tail of." She sighed. This was not going to be one of the easiest missions she had been on. In fact, even hunting down Winter Vayu had presented lesser peril than this present occupation.

"Let's just have some breakfast and be on our way," she decided. The less time wasted here the better. Theria leant down to pick up an apple for herself, just as the door clunked open, the heavy oak rolling gently up against a pillar. In the doorway stood a young man in dark robes and a solid-looking human at his side. They were both well-armed.

((Sorry, I haven't had as much free time as I hoped recently, and I probably won't in the next couple of weeks either. Big project needs doing, unfortunately. It turns out my course does involve some work after all... Taralom and Mórvír, that's Varin and Falk who just came in. Any kind of introduction's fine. TBG, whenever you're ready. I'll leave it up to you.))