315 replies to this topic

[Copaman]

"The gods no longer meddle in the affairs of this world - we've ruined their fun, I've heard. Although I, for one, know that they occasionally enjoy putting their fingers into our pies..."

Tom sheathed his swords, slightly relieved that he no longer had to engage the enitre town in combat.

"Now, we've got to get Rom's axe back. Or, at least, be sure he's not assaulted by the locals again. Not to mention, I believe some pleasentries might be in order - the arrival of our entire group to the same place at the same time, without prior knowledge, raises some questions as to why we are all here."

[some_weirdGuy]

"Yes, it is almost as if we are all being role played by some sadistic higher powers, who use magical boxes with electrical signals, which are linked by a great invisible library that spans across the lands like a giant 'Net' or 'Web', and who are collaborating together to mastermind our meeting so as to go off on another adventure, all for their own amusement" said Zhar, as he was talking his eyes wandering in two different directions, before flicking back to the center at the conclusion, and giving way to a dead serious expression on his face
Everyone just stared at him with a 'what the fuck?' type expression on their faces.
"Anyway..." said Theria in a long, dragged out way
"we should probably get a move on fast, before they get the confidence to stand up to us and our insane mages corpse puppets" she looked over at the now inactive bodies, biting the side of her lower lip, then looked back to the group.

((sorry, couldn't resist ))
((Copa edit: Moved the OOC to the end of the post and changed WTF to what the fuck... I highly doubt that they'd know wtf.))

Edited by Copaman, 05 February 2009 - 01:37 PM.

[Vithar-133]

Vithar almost stummbled, staring at the mage.

:I swear, if I never thought of him as crazy before,: thought Vithar, :Then I most certainly think he is now...:

Regaining his composure, Vithar looked back. The townspeople where still trying to keep away from the corpses.

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((You know, that's honestly the wierdest thing I've every read....))

((@ Copa: Yeah, kinda figured, but I just find it different. Never thought about things that way.))

Edited by Vithar Megilaglar, 05 February 2009 - 10:59 PM.

[Copaman]

((He's trying to be funny about it. As in, having his character remark about the internet to show how we are their gods, so to speak, controlling their destinies. I've seen it done before.))

[some_weirdGuy]

((and he's crazy so he can get away with saying stuff like that and still stays in characters

and i thought the townspeople had run away already, it was the unspoken assumption i had made, now, i say we move onwards))

They set off quickly, back towards the town to get Rom's axe, as they were walking zhar suddenly looked over at Morion
"Heyss..." he hissed
"...who the hell is this guy and why is he following us!?" he now snarled, before going on to say in a more 'normal' voice
"...if we keep adding members at this rate we'll have a bloody army at our disposal"

[Vithar-133]

"Numbers are always a help," said Vithar, "Although, I'd very much like to know where Morion came from."

Vithar looked at the newest member without turning his head. Obviously not one of society's best loved characters. Vithar decided to keep wary, as anyone that cause a nagging sensation of familiarity was likely to be trouble

:...Or not. But better safe than sorry,: thought Vithar.

[Rafv Nin IV]

Shava quickly scanned Morion's mindset; not enough to provoke a reaction--it was swift and passing, and Morion likely did not realize that it happened. Well, he'd learn about Shava's powers soon enough. She addressed the group: "He's fine, and means us no harm; he's a friend of Rom's. We can all pester him once we get away from all these idiots who think their daggers can hurt us."

[Dauth]

"Yes they are rather tiresome, might I suggest we make our own way out as to not look like a battle group and meet up about three miles down the road." Suggested Thaos. "I am sure Zhar would love to then sit around a campfire and listen to stories of where we have all been" commented the bandit, taking pleasure in the look of fury passing Zhar's normally calm features.

"Morion was protecting Rom and Shava says he's ok so I trust him, now if you'll excuse me I have a mob to incite in the wrong direction" Thaos walked off stripping down to his waist.

[Vortigern]

((I figured I should get this rolling again.))

Rom lumbered off to get his axe back, and Theria turned away, seeking the shadows of the buildings in order to remain unobtrusive on her way out of the town. Tom slid into the darkness behind her, the pale patches of his skin illuminated by the moonlight. It was nice to see him again. All of them, in fact.

"Let's get out of this damn town," he muttered. Theria could not have agreed more. She moved forward, figuring that moving far enough in any direction would eventually lead them outside the town limits. "Where's Illyriel?"

"I've no idea," she replied, eyes on the road. "I haven't seen him since Askalon." She shrugged. Illyriel knew how to take care of himself. From then on they proceeded in companionable silence, travelling east out of Temora. They finally arrived in open ground, and found Shava seated comfortably atop a little pony. Theria stroked the diminutive beast, producing an apple from the recesses of her pack. The three settled in to wait for the others to arrive.

((Mike, if you can get your thing with your axe and whatever sorted now, that'd be appreciated. If you got my PM I'd also appreciate you mentioning what I suggested. FZM, if you ever have time to write a big post, can you remember what we said Illyriel had been doing? If you can, awesome, if not, PM me or something and I shall refresh your doubtless sieve-like memory.))

[Vithar-133]

Vithar flipped up his hood and facecloth, effectively darkening his face. He headed along the darker back streets, eventually finding the edge of the town, he sought he is two horses, and eventually found them leading them to where Theria, Tom, Shava and Shava's pony now stood. He had long since sold most of the armour, except for the helm and a surcoat. He'd also kept a lance.

"Well, here's about all of my equipment," he said, dismounting and moving most of his belongings on to one of the destriers, "Should anyone want a horse, I have an extra..."
---------------------------
((The horses, armour and lance are things that Vithar got on his solo journey. Although, he's pretty much sold all of the armour...))

[some_weirdGuy]

Zhar went off, deciding to indulge himself. Sure he and the group had attracted alot of attention, but he wouldn't get caught in the act.
dont do it said his good personaility
"no, i think i Will 'do it', and there's nothing you can do to stop me" He walked in around the town and selected a target, he then stalked his victim and when out of view slid his dagger between the womans ribs before she even knew what killed her. Inside his head the voice had screamed out against it, but more voices were egging him on, before he knew it however a new personality had taken control.

He fled quickly, feeling refreshed once more. The murder had not even phased him, and even as he thought back on all the countless deaths he felt nothing, only one seemed to feel anything for them, and he was weeping inside his head
she had a child, and you killed her said a cracking voice i will never forgive you
"thats what Zhar said every other time too"
yes, we all felt nothing, except for a revitalisation, its only you who is hurt by the deaths... whats wrong with you?
yesss wrongsss
wrong with me!? you kill without regret or remourse and you are asking whats wrong with me!?
Shut up, if i could kill you i would, just think yourself lucky you are in the only place i cant slide a dagger through you. Although i am working on it...
"all of Zhar be quite now, the group is up ahead" He walked out to see part of the group plus horses sitting around waiting. They would not know that he had just committed another murder, not even Shava would know.
"well, Zhar feels adequate again, when is Zhar and company moving onwards and away from here?" he said in an almost cheery, and rather posh sounding voice.

((VORT: Good to see you survived all these fires I've been hearing about, SWG. Anyone you know been affected?))

Edited by Vortigern, 09 February 2009 - 08:17 AM.

[Copaman]

Tom's patience grew thin with the filthy town. "Can we just get going? While I think it's simply grand to be seeing you all again, can we catch up on the past in an area where the ground is not soaked in the blood of slaves?"

He flipped his hood up and sat down, the hard earth keeping him from lying flat. Seeing Theria once again is a... pleasant... surprise, although I would have preferred we run into one another on slightly different circumstances. Hopefully we will have some time to ourselves on this journey, instead of running willy-nilly across the land to kill an evil warlord. Funny, because that's what I was on my way to do myself. I wonder what the priestesses will have to say...

Tom felt the touch of another conscience on his briefly, and instantly threw up barriers to keep it out, remembering how secure he had felt inside his mind while Vayu had sealed it off for him. After a bit, Tom felt it brush again, this time slightly less aggressively, and with more warmth. Who are you, he ventured to it.
You know me, came the reply. We have shared a bed recently...

Priestess? What are you doing here, and where are you? And why are you bothering to contact me through these means and not in person?

Fear not, my king. I am a good distance away, and I am only barely able to reach you through help of the others of the council. We know what happened, scried you the entire time. Halii was a traitor, and what you did was just. Based on your actions, we have high hopes for your reign.

And you have not told me why you are contacting me...

We feel that this reunion of yours is no coincidence. Wherever they may lead you, follow and reintegrate with them. It may be crucial for your new empire. Besides, we feel that the gods may have a hand in this.

Very well. When and where will I find you next?

The odds are that we will find you first, Rethalar. When the time comes, if you have not found us, look for us in the town of Diru-thalan. It is one of the last known havens for supporters of your coming regime, a refugee town set up by those who fled Shadowfang Keep but could not be compelled to travel further.

Your council is valued. May the gods watch over us all.

And you especially, Tom. You're going to be needing it more than we are.

And with that, he felt the presence of the priestess of Vala'ai withdraw. He was now free from their influence, free to do what he pleased.

"Now, who's ready to get moving?"

[mike_]

((OOC: This outta both get the ball rolling, and make you guys happy ))

Rom strode thunderously down the back alley, Morion racing along at his side. They finally made it to the back entrance to Garik's smith-house, despite the bands of money-seekers prowling the streets. Morion opened the massive door, keeping an eye out for waylayers. Rom ducked inside, and Morion silently followed suite.

Inside, the pair of unlikely friends found themselves in the old Dwarf's smithy. Two Dwarf apprentices were working the furnaces, while another pair of Dwarfs were off to the side talking quietly of all things metal-working. Striding over, Morion found that one was Garik himself, but didn't recognize teh other. Rom did, greeting the Dwarf-paladin with a gruff, "Hail, Bazric. Long time no sight." The Dwarf saluted the Minotaur, a broad grin on his face.

"Been busy, lad? From what I've heard, Master Garik here has a mighty gift for you." Rom nodded a hopeful affirmative.

Garik laughed in reply, "Aye, aye, it's right in here." He then walked over to a storage closet, and opened it. He then whistled to one of his attendants, who promptly bustled over and withdrew a gigantic object obscured in the shadows.

Then it came into view; a mighty axe. But it was not so much of the axe it had been before, but instead a hybrid of a halberd, battleaxe, and warhammer; a massive, flat surface composed the head, and opposite it rested an even larger double-sided axe blade. The butt of the eight-foot long haft was sharpened to a point, as was the top end.

Fingering his greatly-improved weapon, Rom smiled cynically. It would serve him well in days to come; hopefully they would take their time in coming.

--------

During this, Morion had double-timed it up to his borrowed room with the intention of collecting his effects. Taking the stairs three at a time, he jumped lithely through the open door and landed gracefully on the hardwood floor. Everything was where he'd left it; his hat on the bedpost, sword on the bed, and coat on the hanger. However, his crossbow was missing; putting his things back on, Morion tightened his sword-belt, tossed on his trench-coat, and donned the distinctive broad hat. Pacing quietly down-stairs, he stopped halfway down the flight; several horsemen had come to a halt outside the shop.

Peering through the glass window, Morion's eyes narrowed in anger.. Paladins.

[Rafv Nin IV]

Shava listened to the discussion around her, but found no reason to comment. Her aim in rejoining the group was selfish and arrogant; she intended to persuade them, at some point, to enlist in Arap Datrebil's struggle against the Paladins. She could only assume that the others had similar, independent missions and that each only stayed around for his own gain. Rom would never had fought in the arena had he not had some ulterior motive; Shava could not imagine the day when the ferocious minotaur could be held as a slave. Tom, Shava had pieced together both from his surging thoughts and the stories of the fight against the deathknelve that Rom had refused, had some business of his own in Temora. Vithar, with his new armour and horses and pensive attitude that differed from what she recalled, definitely hid some secrets. Shava had yet to determine the rest of the group's reasons for arriving in the slave town, but the gnomess felt sure that their rejoining was merely coincidence.

Shava did not believe in Gods; at least, she did not admit belief in them. If they existed, they had not been kind to her, and she did not wish to grace those who did her ill by worshipping them. But if others understood some greater truth that she did not, Shava would let them.

Shava nudged her pony forward, and slid off of it. "We might as well wait for Rom," she commented.

[some_weirdGuy]

Zhar looked down and saw a splat of blood on is robe, he quickly covered it with a hand, before licking his finger and rubbing at the drops till they were all but gone. He felt strange, always before in his wanderings he had felt as though he was heading somewhere, but now he felt lost. He did not know what to do or where to go. The groups reunion gave him some form of purpose, even if he cared little for their goals, whatever they were. If he found something better to do he could always leave.

With this in his thoughts he decided to bring it up
"so... why are we here? i left my tower because i felt the need to wander once more, but you lot must have a reason for journeying once more?" maybe this will provide me with insight into what the gods wishes are with our reunion
there isss no godss...
Only That Demon! came the exclamation in his head
...Oh, i do not doubt their existence, what i said earlier is true, the gods probably think this is all one big game, and when they get bored they decide to select a random group of individuals and have some fun...
...There is only one 'god' that is of any consequence to us, and i will find a way to break the binds that king of the demons has placed upon me, more then that, i will take up his throne and rule over all worlds, be they Arsencia, Hell, or the Heavens themselves!

Zhar felt a bit surprised, this was the first time his darkest side had admitted any grand desires for domination. But he kept his surprise masked.

[Vortigern]

"I missed the company. I just chanced on being here, and when I heard there was a Minotaur fighting a Deathknelve, my curiosity was piqued. And then it turned out to be Rom." Theria did not feel entirely comfortable with revealing to Zhar and Vithar that she had been visited by an extranormal presence of whatever form. She looked across at Shava, expecting the little lady to reveal what had brought her in her new confident persona to this part of the world. As she looked, Theria saw Shava's ears twitch and her face harden, and the gnomess sat up in her saddle a little straighter, as though angered by something.

"There are Paladins in the town," she revealed. "You can always recognise their minds. Corrupt as all hell yet entirely unaware of it. It's a strange mix." She paused for a moment, no doubt performing some kind of mental trace or searching method. "They're outside the house Rom and his friend are in. And-" She hesitated, a look of surprise crossing her face. "Bazric?"

"Bazric's here too?" cut in Theria, amazed. "This was already a little weird, but now... Are you sure it's him?"

"Definitely. There are a few other dwarves there too. The Paladins seem to be focusing on one of them. And Rom's friend. Who is he?"

"I think we should find out," said Theria, sliding her hand up the quarterstaff to a comfortable position for movement. "You'd think these Paladins would leave us alone after what we did to their order," she muttered.

((Sorry for the major godmod, Ravnin, but it made more sense like that. Let's go poke around and stab things. Oh, also, these are probably some extreme Paladins, as there aren't too many of them. It would make sense that these guys are probably fucking awesome at what they do, so no crazy easy kills.))

[Rafv Nin IV]

"The Paladins," Shava briefly noted to the group, "are far more desperate now than when the rest of you left the Maughold." The gnomess stopped speaking, afraid of revealing her true intentions to the group until she felt sure that they would aid Arap Datrebil in its struggle. Murmuring under her breath, Shava added, "An emerald-robed gnome ought to scare them a bit. I bet these ones have found some excuse to escape the fighting in the Maughold. They're all cowards."

Shava climbed back onto her mount, and trotted off towards the town. "I don't much care for Paladins," she announced. "Let's make the world just a tad bit of a better place."

[Vithar-133]

Vithar sensed the Paladin's as well, repulsive black areas to his mind.

"They come here...?" said Vithar, "Most curious..."

Vithar dismounted and began walking, replying to Zhar: "No idea. I felt a...presence...guide me this way. And, to tell the truth, I have no other motives."

Vithar felt this satisfied the question, and did not respond, his hand resting on a saber's hilt on his right hip.

----------------------------------
((In case anyone didn't read Vithar's sidequest, he pick up the saber at some point. He still has Nyrsavai on his back.))

[Taralom]

It became silent when Varin entered the room. The guests of the inn stared at his cloaked appearance. He looked back in silence, checking each and every one of them for a potential threat. The room was cozy, with wooden furniture like chairs and tables. The innkeeper was selling his guests beer and other drinks for a moderate price, from behind a stone bar, greedily claiming the shiny coins that were given to him. Several elders had made themselves comfortable at the fireplace.
Varin grinned, as he threw off his soaked hood. It was raining heavily outside. He came to the conclusion that, apart from the three broad mercenaries in the corner, no one posed a threat to him, as long as they didn’t kill him in his sleep. Ah well, they don’t have the balls to harm me, he thought with satisfaction. He walked to the bar and ordered a drink. Still, no one was talking. I must be quite impressive, Varin mused in his head, pathetic lot.
‘Here’s your drink.’ The bartender shove the beer to him over the wooden bar.
‘Thanks.’ Varin turned around and turned his attention to the lot. ‘Well, go back to your drinks! Playtime’s over!’
The people reluctantly started talking again. Their soft muttering bounced off the walls.
Varin quickly finished the beer and drew the attention of the innkeeper. ‘A room for the night, please.’
‘Yes sir, follow me.’
Varin glanced towards the people one last time, before he followed the man upstairs to see his room.

By the time he came back from his room inspection, many had left, leaving the drunk and the shady people behind. Varin sat down on a table and ordered the maid to bring him a meal. He felt like having some meat.
It didn’t take long before the mercenaries came to him.
‘You,’ the headman shouted, ‘this is no place for the magician scum like you!’
‘Is it?’ Varin replied. He didn’t look back to them, as if they were not important enough. ‘Last time I checked this was Umbar territory.’
The mercenaries didn’t expect such an answer, and had to think of an appropriate reaction. However, one of them, obviously the dumbest, unsheathed his blade and attacked with a loud battle cry.
Varin suddenly reacted by pushing the table against the brute’s legs, delaying the mercenary long enough for the lad to draw his own sword and stand up.
He could barely parry the first blow, but could follow it up with a punch in the mercenary’s belly. Tge brute stepped back, dazzled by the fury of the counter. Varin pointed the sword at the knees of the man, and made ready for the second set of moves.
The brute charged once more, this time focusing upon his opponent’s movements. Varin stepped forward, evaded the blade of his foe, and turned away. He chose not to land a blow, and awaited his foe’s return. The mercenary turned around, and stepped forward, this time slowly. Hmm, he learns fast, Varin thought with satisfaction. He looked at the stance of the mercenary, and quickly decided what he was going to do.
The brute suddenly rushed forward, with his blade pointed at Varin. The young lad jumped back, upon a table, but was too late to step away from the razor sharp edge. He felt the steel cut in his leg, but it didn’t take him out. With all his force his slammed his fist in the face of his opponent, and jumped from the table, to take position somewhere else. He knew that if he would keep this up, he’d be defeated. I have to end this now, was the first thing he thought.
The mercenary came forward, watching the boy with his grey eyes, before attempting an assault. This time he would not be so lucky. As he started to rush forward again, Varin turned around on his heels to evade any attack. He stopped, glanced where the man was from the corner of his eye, tensed his muscles and attacked. He launched a devastating twirl. His sword cut through the mercenary’s leather armour several times, cutting through the flesh. When he stopped, he saw his enemy drop dead, and his friends look away in terror.
‘You want some more?’ the lad spoke softly.
The mercenaries were gone before they could reply, leaving their dead friend on the floor of the inn.

‘Holy fuck,’ the innkeeper stuttered. ‘How did you do that?’
Varin quickly inspected his leg. The cut wasn’t deep, but he did have to put some bandages on it. ‘Talent. Now help me stop the bleeding of my leg.’ The innkeeper rushed away, in search of some bandages. ‘This night will become very interesting,’ Varin muttered.

[Copaman]

"Paladins, you say? I thought we were done with them. In fact, I'm willing to wager we are done with them, and they're only here to take Rom away. They have no quarrel with us, now," Tom said jokingly. "I say we leave them alone."

His last comment drew scornful looks from Theria and a few others, much to his dismay. "So much for sarcasm... Ah well. I guess we should go bail him out." He popped his hood up over his head and walked out into the street, the wind causing his clothes to add yet another dimesion of movement to his fluidity.

Tom had taken note of where Rom and Morion had been staying, and led the group towards the house; needless to say, Shava already knew where she was going. "Watch this," Tom said over his shoulder to the group as he approached the house.
He had been working himself up into an angered state of mind, just enough so that his unsheated swords were glowing their otherworldy blue. As the group approached the house, Tom called out to the paladins. "We don't take well to your kind," he shouted. "So I personally will give you this chance to leave and not bother anyone here, ever again."
"And who are you to offer the chance? The light grants us passage to wherever we must go!"
"I am King Rethalar Daggerweave of the Deathknelve, the most feared blade dancer in all of Arsencia. If you know what's good for you, you will leave and not die at my blade!"
"King, our asses! You are no king! Our order have defied kings for years, what makes you different?"
"I was there when Winter Vayu was killed. That's what makes me different."

The paladins were notibly moved, unsure whether to take Tom seriously. One made to grab for his weapon, and Tom noticed. In a flash, his blades ignited into full flare, the ethereal flame playing out across the cold metal and reaching out several feet with the help of the wind. "Are you honestly going to fight me? Or my group for that matter? You defy me still?"

A second paladin placed his hands on his mace and fell into a defensive stance. Rain began to fall on the heads of everyone outside the house, and the fire on Tom's blades still burned strong.

"I don't believe you. This is some kind of dark trick you're playing. I can feel your evil, and the light compels me to cleanse you!"

Tom spoke over his shoulder to the group before the paladins began their attack. "You can't say I didn't try warning them..."