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Post by skyman on Sept 11, 2011 19:00:50 GMT
(424) Skylarious: As the beast and warriors charged through the trees, Maren, Kalika, and Hoku cut to one side, hoping to circle around the Meyids and let the scouts hit them from the flank. Battle cries and the snorting bellow of the beast rang out as its gray, horned visage came into view alongside fur-clad Meyids... (423) Kalika: Kalika conjured forth from the earth a pair small, vaguely humanoid forms made of dripping mud which now stood between her and the approaching Meyids. (424) Skylarious: The great grey beast, a rhinoceros of Priva, lumbered toward the party, snorting angrily. (425) Maren: Maren suddenly turned his courser and spurred it towards the beast, using a nearby tree to shield himself as he approached in case the creature had longer reach than Maren. With a cry, Maren smote down with his sword, hacking into the creature's thick grey hide, and his horse also kicked out, slamming a hoof into the beast's armoured face (414) Hokulani: Hoku glanced at the enemies and decided to dismount, perfering to face her enemies on the ground. While on the ground, she walked, but it leaves no sign on the ground at all. (424) Skylarious: A bearded Meyid charged in behind the Rhino. His armor was lined with spikes, and he wielded a long chain lined with further spikes. He made an eerie whistle that broke into laughter and swung the chain into the side of Maren's horse. (424) Skylarious: The scouts unleashed a hail of arrows. Most of them stuck harmlessly in hide armor or were caught up in the trees, but two black arrows from Blackbow somehow found their way through the legs of the rhino and pierced into the chain-wielding Meyid, while one of Maya's arrows managed to pierce the rhino's armor. (424) Skylarious: Maya and Wishneedle leapt from the trees to move into battle, but another Meyid, this one a hulking brute with half-orc features and wielding a battleaxe in each hand, charged at Maya and slashed her along the side. whispering to Maren, Maren heard Maya's cry of pain both through his ears and through his mind. (423) Kalika: Kalika's summoned elementals slammed viciously into the rhino and its hander, downing the latter. Meanwhile Kalika herself cast a spell to haste herself and her nerby allies, including Maren's own horse. (423) Kalika: edit: to haste her nearby allies, including Maren's own horse. (424) Skylarious: The rhino seemed to have turned its attention to Maren's horse as soon as the chain wielding man attacked it. When the Meyid fell, the rhino snorted and stamped its feet, its eyes rolling wildly, but it remained focused on the horse and plunged its horn into the courser's side. The animal fell crashing to the ground and Maren fell heavily. (425) Maren: groaning, Maren slashed at the grey beast's legs with his sword, striking once but not deeply. (414) Hokulani: Hoku speeded up by Kalia'she's great spell quickly walked toward the five enemies and made few grestures and spoken words, a loud crack was heard and three men were stunned, dropping their weapons. (462) Skylarious: On Meyid moved up to swing his axe into Maren, but it clanged off the elf's armor. Two of the Meyids who had resisted Hoku's spell charged at her, and one landed a grievous blow into her side. (462) Skylarious: The archers unleashed a hail of arrows on the dual-axe wielding warrior. He had four already in his body when Wishneedle lithely moved around behind him. She closed her eyes, whispered to herself, and drove her spear into his spine. Even as the half-orc slumped he looked ready to swing, but an arrow from Blackbow pierced his throat. Maya charged and slashed the Meyid who had injured Hoku. (423) Kalika: While mud elementals kept slamming at the rhino and Meyid threatening Maren, Kalika conjured forth thin streaks of translucent energy which enveloped the rhino and some of the other Meyids, slowing and hindering their movements. (462) Skylarious: The rhinoceros moved lethargically, but it still managed to reach its snout down and drive its horn straight through Maren's armor. (425) Maren: Maren slashed wildly at the creature from the ground, sure it would gore him badly if he tried to stand, but unfortunately landed only another weak blow and the creature still stood. (462) Skylarious: The Meyids, some stunned, some slowed, gathered themselves and tried to continue the fight. One managed to strike Hoku again, but she had cast a spell of healing that reinvigorated her. Wishneedle charged into the fray, striking as arrows rained in around her from the scouts. Meanwhile Blackbow sent arrows toward the rhinoceros, one of which pierced its flank. The great beast was panting and staggering from its wounds, but it was still focused on Maren, ready to crush the warrior where he lay. But Maya slipped through the melee and desperately plunged her shortsword into its neck. It was just enough. The rhino succumbed to its innumerable wounds and fell to its front knees before totally collapsing. (462) Skylarious: "Run!" screamed one of the Meyids as the rhino fell. whispering to Maren, "You're welcome," said Maya smugly in Maren's head. (423) Kalika: While her elementals struck again the demoralized Meyids, Kalika greased the ground below two of them with one of her spells, turning it into a slippery mess. One of the Meyids managed to keep its footing, but the other was not as nimble and fell to the ground. (425) Maren: Maren's heart stopped pounding so fiercely as the rhinoceros fell. Protecting himself from being crushed beneath it with his shield, he shoved its carcass away and then stood. One of the Meyids slashed at him as he rose, but the elf simply allowed it to clang harmlessly off his plate armour. He raised his sword and his voice. "The spell on me now means I can run fast as a horse...now surrender or I'll fucking kill you!" (462) Skylarious: Hoku tried to stab the nearest Meyid but missed widely. (462) Skylarious: The Meyid next to Maren's hands shook, but he gathered his courage and raised his axe to swing... (462) Skylarious: Maren swung his blade before the Meyid could bring his own down, hacking through his arm and then his neck. His head fell to the dirt. (462) Skylarious: Wishneedle felled another Meyid as he tried to run. The one on the ground amidst the grease tried to stand but slipped, while the other near him ran back toward his camp. (423) Kalika: One of Kalika's mud elementals lashed out at a fleeing Meyid, covering him in so much that the man was seriously hindered and unable to get away. (462) Skylarious: The scouts rained arrows after the fleeing Meyid. Three pierced his back and he stumbled prone into the brush. The two remaining Meyids, one entrapped by mud and the other unable to stand due to the grease, raised their hands shakily into the air. "Surrender..." croaked one. (423) Kalika: edit: 'covering him in so much mud' (425) Maren: "Smart man," Maren commented, leaning down by his horse. Fortunately, he found that the animal had survived. "Hoku, can you heal my horse? This one here," he pointed at the rhinoceros' handler, "is alive too, may as well leave him unconscious and bring him back tied up." Maren climbed up onto the rhino's back and drove the point of his sword down into its brain. (425) Maren: when the beast had died, Maren cleaned his sword on the animal's corpse, then snatched a rope out of his saddlebags and walked over to the conscious Meyids who had surrendered. "Maya, help me with this," he said. "And thank you." (462) Skylarious: Hoku mended the worst of the horse's gore wound, and though the animal was still in pain it was able to ride. (462) Skylarious: Maya grinned and helped tie up the men. "I think I chose the right people from the future to fortuitously be rescued by. This is an exciting life." (425) Maren: "Wishneedle, Blackbow, you may as well check if any of these others are still alive, but be quick about it," Maren said to the Golatha. (462) Skylarious: They did as he asked. "The half-orc still lives, though I don't think he will much longer," said Blackbow. (425) Maren: Maren nodded, his hand reaching up to touch the broken crown spike he wore around his neck, seemingly unconsciously. "We're going to be asking you some questions," he told the Meyids. "Lie and I'll cut your fucking balls off, and that's just a start. Here's one for practice - have you ever heard of a Meyid captain or lieutenant by the name of Viren?" (462) Skylarious: "One of the other soldiers lives as well," called Wishneedle. (423) Kalika: "It's a good thing you're alive."said Kalika walking over to Maren as he questioned the Meyids "Rhinos are vicious...but then, so are you."she added looking at the hapless captives (462) Skylarious: One of the men gulped, staring at Maren wide-eyed. The other did not display much fear, though he did not look defiant; he just frowned. "I think I've heard the name. But there are a lot of rumors of other Meyid armies that filter through. I don't remember any details, but Badhath knows more of such things." He nodded in the direction of the rhino's handler. (425) Maren: Maren stiffened noticeably. "Try to remember the details. Try very hard. Is he with a Meyid army under the symbol of a whip and flail, or another one?" (425) Maren: as Maren spoke he directed the others to tie up the remaining prisoners. "Put them on the horses, we'll need to leave quickly," he said. (462) Skylarious: "Our army is large. But I don't remember hearing of such a man here, so if he's here he's not too important. I think I may have heard his name in connection with one of the armies in our territory farther south, or perhaps in Alvalora. Not on our own peninsula, I think." (462) Skylarious: edit: "I haven't heard much of him so if he's important he's probably not in an army so close to us. I think I may have..." (425) Maren: Maren gave a bitter snort. "Fine. As we go you can tell me everything you think you may have heard of him," he said. Once Badhath was tied up and his weapons were taken, Maren mounted his wounded horse and directed the scouts to lift the handler's body up to him so he could ride with the prisoner slung in front of him. (425) Maren: "Take their weapons and armour as well, Stragglecat could use more weapons," he said, indicating the dead Meyids. "Take everything you can reasonably carry, we can always throw it away and run if we get followed." (462) Skylarious: They loaded up the other two unconscious men, including the half-orc, and the gear before riding out. The forest seemed calm, but suddenly Maya pointed at a bird perched on a high branch. "I've never seen such a bird..." Its beak and eyes were deep red, its feathers black, and as soon as she spoke it rose into the air. (425) Maren: "That's a Meyid bird," said Maren. "Blackbow, shoot it down," he shouted, reaching for his own bow, clumsily as Badhath was tied up in front of him (423) Kalika: Kalika looked at the bird warily "A spy?"she asked (462) Skylarious: Blackbow raised his bow with quickness and grace, and within a moment had two shots off. One of the arrows flew true and pierced the bird's breast. It fell to the ground, and Wishneedle went to retrieve it. It was about the size of a raven, but bulkier; it looked almost fat enough that it should not be able to fly. "A strange collar..." she said, showing a black band around the bird's neck, patterned with gray runes. (425) Maren: "Do you know what that is?" Maren asked the prisoners (462) Skylarious: "We see a few of them around camp," said the braver one. "The warriors whisper that the mentalists control them with their minds and watch us for any sign of treason." (425) Maren: "Who and what are the mentalists?" (462) Skylarious: "They're mysterious even to us. They only appeared in our armies in the last year or so. They tend to stay in their tents and consult only with our leaders. But they have powers... powers over mens' minds and dreams. And they can talk with one another without making a sound out loud." (462) Skylarious: The other Meyid babbled "Artho, Artho said he didn't like them, he made a threat to one, told him to fight like a real Meyid instead of hiding. And that night he had terrible nightmares, and over the next week grew stranger until he cut his own throat!" (462) Skylarious: "Let us hurry back and speak of such things in town," suggested Wishneedle. (462) Skylarious: The group rode on. The Meyid could tell Maren nothing more of Viren except that he was probably one of the many captains to the south whose exploits in the internal conflicts of the Meyids in the south had become news. Many generals were battling over dominance there. Finally the party arrived safely back in Stragglecat, receiving some warm applause from the soldiers at the barricades as they brought in the prisoners.
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Post by skyman on Sept 11, 2011 22:21:25 GMT
(8161) Skylarious: The guardsmen took the captured Meyids from the group, bringing the conscious troopers to captivity, and the unconscious Badhath and the half-orc to medical treatment before interrogation. "It was an honor to fight with you," said Wishneedle. "Now we return to Owleye and our fellows. You are welcome at our fire, though you look weary." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "It's been a long day," said Maren. "But I'll come for a drink later. For the moment I have some questions for Badhath when he finally wakes up." Maren indicated the unconscious Meyid with a flick of his blade, then sheathed his weapon as they were for the moment relatively safe. (8153) Hokulani: Hoku yawned for a moment, "Need sleep.." as she looked around for a place to crash into. Kalika: "Thanks for your hospitality, but as you suggest, we definetely need some rest."said Kalika, following Hoku's example Sleeping Dragon: Maren was used to long campaigning, so he decided to wait an hour or so to see if Badhath was going to recover his senses tonight. (8153) Hokulani: Hoku settled down and went to sleep. (8187) Skylarious: Kalika and Hokulani went back to the inn, while Maren followed as the unconscious Meyids were taken to a soldier with some medical experience, who crudely cleaned and patched their wounds to ensure survival. "This one'll likely not be able to move his legs," the soldier said, gesturing at the half-orc. "The other should be fine." He appeared correct, as within ten minutes Badhath's eyes fluttered open. He glanced about him, and his gaze rested calmly on Maren. "So. The townsmen found some real warriors," he croaked. "Are there enough of you it will be called a battle?" (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "Too many for the likes of you to deal with," Maren replied. "But it's me who'll be asking questions." Maren asked one of the guards outside the tent to get the Mayor. "I'm told you're aware of a Meyid officer called Viren. Do you know where he is?" (8187) Skylarious: "Viren. Hm. I know of the man." Badhath smiled. "I can tell you where to find him, for a promise that I, and all my limbs, will be kept alive and healthy, and I'll be released after the battle." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "Very well. Tell me where Viren is, and tell me the truth, and I'll make sure you're released whole and unharmed once Stragglecat is safe. If I think you're lying to me, however, that promise is void and you'll begin losing parts you treasure." (8187) Skylarious: Badhath grinned wider. "Ha! I like you. You could almost be Meyid. Yes, Viren. He was part of our southern wars, and quite fearsome, I'm told. An odd man, without the bravado we usually prize, but he earned respect with his canniness and sword. He didn't sign on with any particular general, just flitted in and out of armies, and seemed to always be where his skill was needed. But he disappeared a couple of months ago. I can't say with complete certainty, but my belief of where he is will be the best idea you can get. There is word of a mission... a secret mission, supposedly, but word always gets out. Some of our best, the best at blending in to your Duenian society, have gone to Metropos in the guise of simple travelers. What for, I don't know. But he would be perfect for the job." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: Maren removed his helm. "My ears are too pointed for me to be a fucking Meyid," he replied. "A secret mission from who? You Meyids have multiple emperors at the moment. Who does Viren serve? What is this mission in Metropos?" (8187) Skylarious: "Many of the generals in the south serve Baelhalanth, the Black Empress, though there are many who have not declared for her but still fight alongside her armies against the Duenians. If the order came from her, or from the generals, I do not know. About the mission itself, I can only speculate. Metropos is said to have many powerful magics and weapons. Perhaps they seek something there. Or, of course, I imagine the city brings all sorts of information in." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "And who exactly have you heard 'word' of this mission from? Is this just tavern gossip or do you have reason to think it's reliable?" (8187) Skylarious: "I have enough rank to hear things the common worms don't. I heard it from Hixintho, who leads this contingent. Or perhaps from his second-in-command. But they are not light gossipers." (8187) Skylarious: The Mayor pulled open the flap of the tent. "Ah, brave Maren! You've brought us a prisoner. Are you finished with your own questions?" (8162) Sleeping Dragon: Maren paused. "When you were around Viren, did he ever speak of how he came to serve the Meyid empire?" (8187) Skylarious: "Never spoke to him in person. Just heard vague stories of his joining the right side and abandoning some petty kingdom, and turning some battles for us. You part of that story, eh? You'll have to tell me, if both of us are alive and in the same place tomorrow." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "Get fucked, Meyid. I think I'm finished...just one last assurance, Meyid. I don't really care what you do after the battle, but I don't want you going anywhere near Metropos, or mentioning to anyone that I asked you about Viren. I would be most wroth with you if he got word that I was coming for him." Maren stood up and quietly told the Mayor he wanted to speak to him outside the tent. (8187) Skylarious: Badhath chuckled and nodded. The Mayor stepped outside with Maren. (8162) Sleeping Dragon: Maren told the Mayor of the deal he made with Badhath. "Obviously he's your prisoner and I've not actually got the authority to see he's released, but if you want me fighting for you I'd ask that you keep the bargain I made with him. I won't have you make me a liar," said Maren. The elf paused. "Do you have any contacts in Metropos? I'll be going there as soon as possible." (8218) Skylarious: The mayor nodded gravely. "You've done too much for me already to refuse you this. I'm afraid I can't help you with Metropos, but when Father Andrew returns, I think he can tell you of connections there." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: Maren nodded. "Alright," he said. The elf clutched the broken spike of crown around his neck. "I'm tempted to leave now, frankly, but some Meyid in one of these armies would probably pick me off as I went and that wouldn't do. Fuck it, I've waited forty years, I can manage a few more days before I make for Metropos. I need a drink." Maren first quickly told the Mayor everything Badhath had told him before he went off to find some wine. (8218) Skylarious: Maren found his drink (provided freely by the soldiers who near-idolized him) before collapsing to rest. The members of the group were all awoken early the next morning by messengers, but despite some headaches and still sore injuries, they felt refreshed. The messengers requested they come visit the Mayor in his office. (8153) Hokulani: Hoku went to see the mayor (8153) Hokulani: along with the others. (8162) Sleeping Dragon: Maren woke sprawled on the ground, drunken trance sliding away, half memories of the night before slipping from his mind like sand through his fingers. Maren looked up at the messenger, belched, and stood up, head pounding. He'd learned something last night and he thought it was important, but he couldn't remember what it was for a moment. Viren he remembered, and was jolted back to sobriety. In his mind a woman screamed and his son cried, but Maren summoned some anger and crushed the memory out. "Thank you, I know the way," he told the messenger, stumbling towards the inn. (8218) Skylarious: When they arrived at the office, they found Andrew there, along with a couple of guardsmen and a lone Meyid. She was small, almost a child in size, but muscular, and dressed in furs, leathers, and bits of mail. She had keen gray eyes under sharp eyebrows and a mop of red-brown hair. The straps on her armor contained a number of loops and sheaths, absent of weapons. A band on her wrist bore the mark of the whip and flail. Andrew gestured and spoke with politeness: "This is Calha. Her fellows have agreed to treat with us. They share our enemies of the bear claw sigil." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "Who's the whip and flail the symbol of?" (8182) Kalika: Kalika eyed the Meyid woman warily but said nothing. (8218) Skylarious: "We serve General Abthrayl," said the woman sternly, as if lecturing children. "His might is as that of the undying sea. But some others in our people have decided to be as rocky shores for the sea to break against. We will drown them, but it is... inconvenient." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "And who does this sea creature Abthrayl serve then? I assume he's not trying to become emperor if his title is only 'General'. Or maybe he is, I never really understood you Meyids." (8218) Skylarious: "Abthrayl still serves the true emperor, whose name I shall not speak to foreigners, but who was betrayed and slain. We will not serve any of these pretenders. Until then we plan only to gain dominance of the Meyids in this region, and create a bastion of loyalty so that when the true emperor's heirs rise of on our peninsula, we can sail back home to support them. Those other dogs who mass north of your town wish only to continue their aimless pillaging. They cannot conquer, only destroy and steal. They must be brought into line." (8218) Skylarious: *rise up (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "Someday you'll have to tell me what the difference is between 'conquering' and 'destroying and stealing.' I'd ask my kin in Alvalora, but one of your true emperors took exception to them." Maren rubbed his temples, then indicated that he wished to speak to the Mayor quietly. (8218) Skylarious: The Mayor nodded and stepped aside. (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "What did Badhath say? Who are these bear claw Meyids? I'd ask our new friend but I didn't want her to realise I didn't already know." (8218) Skylarious: The Mayor spoke quietly to the group. "They serve an independent general... Bandezhad, I think. They believe there are Meyid artifacts left here from the occupation, which is not true as far as I know. And they believe this town will be a good seat for further campaigns." (8218) Skylarious: "What about these... mentalists?" asked Maya. (8218) Skylarious: "Yes. He knew little about them, except that they arrived recently and mysteriously. He thinks they are connected somehow to the Black Empress, though Bandezhad has not declared for her." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "What else did Badhath tell you?" (8182) Kalika: "If he was truthful, then there's probably something...deeper about them. I wouldn't be surprised if they're involved in some kind of complicated plot for the Meyid throne."commented Kalika (8218) Skylarious: "Likely," responded the Mayor to Kalika. "But we can't worry about such things now. He said they were likely to attack within the day, though the soldiers don't know when the order will be given. I tried to press him on strategy, but he knows only that his own role was to help take down the barricades with that beast of his." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "Well that won't be happening now," said Maren. "I suppose we should continue treating with this woman then." (8218) Skylarious: They returned to speak to Calha. She spoke: "We have no demands other than--" A messenger burst into the room. "The fighting's started!" The Mayor's eyes widened. "They're attacking the barricades?" "No! Between the Meyids! The bear claws just suddenly started moving to strike at the whip and flails!" Calha started cursing. "I need my weapons back!" (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "Could you just clarify your demands first?" Maren asked mildly. "I assume you have no intention of trying to include Stragglecat in amongst this bastion of loyalty you're intending to create." (8218) Skylarious: "I was going to ask that we be allowed to station some troops behind your barricades. But that doesn't matter now. We both want the same thing. Bandezhad's dogs defeated. Provide aid to us now if you want to ensure that, and we'll leave Stragglecat alone and continue our mission to wipe out its enemies." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "My instinct is to sit back and let you Meyids kill each other, but then the wrong ones might win...I'll get my horse." (8218) Skylarious: "If these brave adventurers wish to go, that is their right. I will send out the mercenaries and a few of my men, but most must remain to guard the city." Calha nodded. "Then let's hurry!" The group gathered together with Calha and the mercenaries. Owleye nodded to them. "It is good to see you all returned, and... sober. Steelsuit, I think your armor has been punctured with some recent news." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: Maren snorted. "Of a sorts. I think after this is over I'm going to go and visit some of my daughters. I have some sudden stirrings of paternal feeling, and it's been...four years since I saw Holly and Cassie. Or maybe it's five or six, I don't really remember. Kalika, Hoku, Maya, come help me find my horse." Maren gave Calha a wary glance. (8218) Skylarious: They moved away from the contingent that had formed to speak privately. (8182) Kalika: "Are we joining forces with these Meyids, even if just for this battle?" asked Kalika, sounding like she didn't think there were other options "Of course, we should remember the could likely turn against us as soon as we're no longer of use to them..." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "We'll want to be careful, Meyids are treacherous people," Maren agreed. He paused. "I spoke to Badhath last night, he had some important information. Well, important to me. The man I've been speaking to the Meyids about, Captain Viren...well, he and I fought on the same side once, under Colantin, the King of Allinar in the north. Then things became difficult and Viren betrayed us to serve the Meyid empire. Because of his treachery I lost someone very important, my son Amar's mother, Salina. I have a lot of children and I can't pretend I cared much for most of their mothers, but Salina...I loved her in truth." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "I've been trying to find Viren ever since, but most of the time he's been in Meyid territory, and trying to make long raids into Meyid lands when you're an elf is suicide. Now though...Badhath says that one of the claimants to the Meyid throne has sent some of her men, who are best able to hide in Duenian society, to Metropos on a secret mission and he suspects Viren was one of them. It might be crap but if it isn't it's my best chance to finally hunt Viren down. I intend to go to Metropos as soon as this battle is over. Will you come with me?" (8218) Skylarious: Maya listened to Maren's story solemnly. "Of course I'll help," she said, without her usual playfulness. But then she smiled and said "What else would I do, in any case? A city sounds more fun than this town." (8182) Kalika: Kalika too listened intently and thoughtfully "A chance to foil some Meyid's plots and bring justice to a traitor? Sounds like a noble enough effort, I will definetely join. And as Maya suggests, Metropos is quite an interesting place, apparently." (8162) Sleeping Dragon: "It's the truest city in these parts. I have two daughters there as I said, though Cassie at least may be difficult...but I'll deal with that when we get there."
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Post by skyman on Oct 9, 2011 19:23:05 GMT
(12622) Skylarious: The group conversed briefly and quietly. "Come on!" shouted Calha impatiently. "We're ready to ride!" (12627) Maren: Maren sighed, pulled down his visor, and mounted his horse. "If any of these Meyids happen to get injured, I wouldn't really use many resources trying to save them," Maren muttered to Hoku. (12619) Kalika: "I can't help but agree. If the Meyids become weaker by fighting themselves, that is to the benefit of everyone..."added Kalika quietly (12636) Hokulani: Hoku nodded grimly, preparing for the upcoming fights. "Meyids are not my worry. You, Maya and Kalika are." (12622) Skylarious: The party rode quickly through the village and past the barricades, then along the river to the south. As soon as they were out of the bustle of Stragglecat they could hear the sounds of battle, shouts and screams and clangs and the thunder of hundreds of feet. Calha stared grimly ahead. Wishneedle whispered some prayers. After a few minutes they crested a small ridge and could see the battle ahead of them. There were at least a couple hundred Meyids on each side, perhaps as many as five hundred. There were large rafts against the bank of the river where the bear-claw Meyids had crossed. "How could they get across in those?" muttered Calha. "They would have been sitting ducks..." But it appeared that her own side was faring worse. They looked disorganized, fighting in dispersed clusters rather than the compact squads usual for the Meyids. Groups of bear claw Meyids were flanking and dispatching their foes with ease. The whip-and-flail Meyids looked to have a slight numerical advantage, still, but that would not last long. (12622) Skylarious: "Look," said Maya, pointing at a few spots in the battlefield. Her allies squinted toward the points, and saw men and women who were swaying and staggering despite no apparent injuries. It was hard to tell Meyid rank, but many were close to warbeasts, and others had followers attempting to revive them. (12622) Skylarious: edit: in the battlefield among the whip-and-flail Meyids. (12627) Maren: "They must be under attack by the mentalists," said Maren. "If we can find them and take them out we could turn the tide of the battle." (12622) Skylarious: Maren and Kalika spotted them--three bald-headed men in black, fur-lined cloaks. Two were at the far edge of the battlefield and hard to make out, but the third stood in the middle of the bear claw Meyid host, standing stock still and peering at some small object in his hand. (12622) Skylarious: "How the hell are we supposed to reach him?" groaned Maya. (12622) Skylarious: Owleye spoke up. "I have a way, if it comes to it. But it might be dangerous, but it might be necessary. We could avoid the soldiers, but the mentalists might gain strength against us." (12636) Hokulani: She merely looked at Owleye puzzlingly, "How?" she asked him. (12619) Kalika: Kalika looked curious, wondering what Owleye had in mind (12622) Skylarious: "I can take you on a Spirit Walk. We could pass through the combatants like they were but shadows. The mentalists, though... I sense their presence in the Spirit World. They will be there, and strong, but present to destroy." (12627) Maren: "How long would this spirit walk last? Would we be able to use it to escape? And what would happen if you were killed while it was ongoing?" (12619) Kalika: "I suspect that if our bodies were killed while our spirits were outside them...it wouldn't end so well?" said Kalika "But as Owleye says it might be the only way to turn the tide of this battle." (12622) Skylarious: "I could sustain it for an hour or so. Our bodies would stay here. If I were to be slain, you would all be sent back to yourselves, but unconscious for a while. Some of us would have to remain to guard our bodies, and I could not take everyone in any case." (12622) Skylarious: Calha spat. "I'll have no part in this foolishness. Who'll ride down and do some real fighting with me?" (12627) Maren: "I wouldn't want to get in your way, Meyid. Owleye, how many could you bring with you? (12622) Skylarious: "Myself and... five others perhaps, though with four I could be more certain of sustaining it." Wishneedle looked at Owleye with something like concern. "Are you certain you want to do this, elder?" Owleye smiled grimly. "We are often called to do things that are necessary but we do not wish for." (12619) Kalika: "Then perhaps one of us could stay behind in the material world, either guarding our bodies or helping the Whip-and-flail soldiers hold their ground?"suggested Kalika (12619) Kalika: edit: ignore/remove what I just said (12627) Maren: "Take the four of us then," Maren said, indicating his companions. "Will there be any visible sign if our attempt fails? If so Wishneedle and the others can take the reins of our horses and lead us back into Stragglecat even if we are unconscious." (12622) Skylarious: "I will know," whispered Wishneedle. "Indeed," said Owleye. "Are you all prepared, then?" Calha glared, and began riding down to join her army. (12622) Skylarious: "I'm... basically a native of the Spirit World. No problem!" said Maya nervously. (12636) Hokulani: "Prepared" She told them (12619) Kalika: "I'm ready." said Kalika (12627) Maren: Maren looked after Calha through his visor. "If we succeed in this, I think we may want to start heading back to Stragglecat. I wouldn't trust our 'allies' not to try to take us as hostages in the aftermath of the battle if they thought it would give them leverage." (12627) Maren: he said quietly. (12636) Hokulani: Hoku nodded, agreeing with Maren's supposeation (12622) Skylarious: Wishneedle nodded. "I'll have the horses ready."
Owleye bade them all sit down cross-legged in a circle and join hands. "Normally this is done in the confines of a tent, with sweet smokes and scents to open our minds to that world... but our spirits are strong." He closed his eyes and drew in his breath sharply. The companions could feel some part of them being tugged at, like a thread being pulled from a garment. They let the thread be pulled, and then there was the strange sensation of being turned inside out, and then... calm. Quiet. They saw their real bodies sitting their, heads slumped, vaguely outlined shadows. And the saw each other in this new world, this gray but tranquil world. They did not look much like themselves, more like rough sketches of themselves, but glowing in vibrant hues. Kalika noticed something to her side, and knew at once the indistinct shape of white-blue energy was her eidolon. Looking down toward the battlefield, they could see whirls of shadow rushing together, the reflection of the Meyids fighitng. And among them the three mentalists glowing like torches, the one in the center of the battle a great bonfire of energy. (12627) Maren: Maren moved experimentally, wondering whether his heavy armour would still hinder him in this place. (12636) Hokulani: Hoku looked around with great interest, "So grey..." (12622) Skylarious: Maren felt light, but slow, like a drifting cloud or a man underwater. He had merely to start to think of standing and he was drifting up to his feet. (12636) Hokulani: She eyed the enemies and wonder, "Do we fight big one first or attack all at same time?" (12619) Kalika: "Perhaps we should quickly destroy the weaker ones first, to avoid them coming to the help of the powerful one later on?"suggested Kalika (12627) Maren: "Owleye, if one of the mentalists is killed in this world they'll drop dead in the normal world as well, correct? It occurs to me that if the most powerful mentalist in the midst of the Meyid host were to suddenly drop dead it would probably demoralise his men." (12622) Skylarious: "Dead, or at least unconscious, and his power crippled." Owleye's voice was strained. (12636) Hokulani: "Then we should attack the big one..." She tolf them (12619) Kalika: "But we'll have to make it quick."said Kalika "We don't want to have to fight him and the other two at the same time. I shall haste us and then we can rush him when you are ready" (12636) Hokulani: "Let go then?" She looked at the big one, ready to attack. (12619) Kalika: Before they moved, Kalika turned to her Eidolon and laid her hands on him, chanting. Flames not unlike a torch's burst forth from the creature's claws and mouth, but did not seem to harm him. (12622) Skylarious: The group moved forward, approaching the powerful mentalist in the center of the battle. He did not move. When they got close enough, Kalika cast her spell of haste, and they felt the slow lightness of their bodies turn into quick lightness, like they rode on gusts of wind. (12622) Skylarious: The group moved forward warily. When there were about 70 feet away, suddenly the mentalist turned toward them. They could see his shadowy real-world body staring in concentration at a small crystal in his hand, but his spirit entity of blazing yellowish energy faced them with palpable hatred billowing from it like smoke. (12636) Hokulani: Hoku rushed toward the mentalist with determinment in her eyes (12622) Skylarious: Maya rushed up beside her. (12622) Skylarious: The mentalist opened a gaping mouth within its crackling form and let out a high pitched scream. A bolt of energy shot from it, passing through Hoku and the eidolon, damaging each. Kalika felt a push in her mind as the mentalist tried to harm her, but she resisted. (12622) Skylarious: edit: Hoku toward the eidolon, who barely avoided it. (12619) Kalika: Kalika advanced towards Maren and cast a spell on him. Suddenly the elf grew to double his size, together with his armour and weaponry, and now stood a menacing 12' tall (12636) Hokulani: Hoku smiled for a moment as she healed hersel, starry fields surrounded her, she came out looking better which afterward, she moved aroundf the Menalist, imn vaion attempt to move out (12622) Skylarious: The mentalist's spirit advanced on the eidolon. Two whips of energy extended from its body and lashed around the eidolon, searing into it. (12622) Skylarious: Maya took her chance to leap around behind the spirit, and stabbed into its back with her magical sword, sending sparks of energy flying. (12627) Maren: Maren charged forward on his suddenly longer legs, hefting his enlarged sword and hacking down over the eidolon's head into the mentalist, slashing deep into him. (12622) Skylarious: As Maya, Maren, and Kalika struck at it, the mentalist's spirit began to glow brighter, turning a shimmering white. (12708) Kalika: Roaring, the Eidolon lashed at the Mentalist, biting and goring fiercely, though the flames from Kalika's spell did not seem to have any effect. (12708) Kalika: Kalika took a few careful steps towards Maren and muttered a small blessing on him. (12636) Hokulani: Hoku quickly rushed to Kalika's pet and healed him, with starry field, it improved (12622) Skylarious: The spirit reared back, its mouth toward the sky, and let out another high pitched scream. White energy burst from it burning Hoku badly and Maren lightly, while Maya and the Eidolon managed to leap away. (12622) Skylarious: Maya leapt back into the fray and stabbed the spirit once again. It was screaming constantly now, though still fighting, and they could see the shadowy form of the mentalist himself clutching at his head. (12627) Maren: Maren brought his sword back and around, hacking at the wounded mentalist (12622) Skylarious: The spirit began to give off more sparks. For a moment, time seemed to slow to a halt... then there was a blindling blaze of light. When they came to, they saw the shadowy mentalist lying on the ground, with ephemeral figures of his men kneeling to see what had happened. Hoku was nowhere to be seen. The bright blazes of the other two mentalists in the distance soon winked out. Owleye approached behind them. "You have finished it. I will take you back. Well done, and goodbye." They felt a sudden rush of motion, and they were back in their bodies, eyes fluttering open. Blackbow was attending to Hoku, who was just being restored to consciousness. Owleye lay on the ground, not breathing, while silent tears rolled down Wishneedle's face. (12627) Maren: Maren looked over at Owleye, then over at the battle to see whether it had proved worth it. (12622) Skylarious: The effect on the battle was immediate. Chaos began to spread in the bear-claw Meyid ranks as they argued over what had happened to the mentalist leader. The other two mentalists could be seen fleeing across the river in a raft, with a few other men. The whip-and-flail Meyids soon rallied as their leaders took control, and the party could see Calha and others leading a massed charge. The battle was not over, but it seemed to have turned in favor of the whip-and-flail. "Let us return to the village," said Blackbow, as Wishneedle wrapped up Owleye's body and put him on a horse. (12627) Maren: Maren remounted, trying to work out how many of the whip-and-flail Meyids had already gone down, hoping it was enough that they themselves couldn't threaten Stragglecat in the aftermath of the battle. "Well that worked out reasonably well." (12622) Skylarious: Most of the Meyids seemed still alive, but a more pitched battle was beginning, and they would surely be severely weakened.
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Post by skyman on Oct 9, 2011 20:58:35 GMT
(17091) Skylarious: The group returned from the outskirts of the battlefield to Stragglecat. The Golatha returned to their own camp to prepare the last rites of Owleye. The party met the mayor and they continued to discuss plans in case one or both Meyid armies struck, but they proved unnecessary. Word arrived that the bear claw Meyids had been routed, a third of their number killed, another third pledged to join the whip and flail, and the rest scattered. Survivors might be a danger, but one that Stragglecat could handle. The whip and flail Meyids sent not so much as a word before marching away to the east. The mayor clasped each of their hands in turn. "You have helped us more than once. I wish we had more to give you, but your reward last time was all that adventurers might prize. All I can offer is that when you come to this town our inn, our armory... everything will be open to you." (17083) Sleeping Dragon: Maren shook the mayor's hand. "Thank you. Do you know where Father Andrew is? I need to speak to him." (17091) Skylarious: "Indeed. He is resting, but he told me he wished to speak to you when you came back as well." Andrew quickly opened his door at the knock. "What a success!" he said, smiling. "The gods are kind today." (17086) Kalika: "So it seems."said Kalika "But I don't think this is the last of these Meyids. ". She did, however, look relieved at their success turning the tide of battle (17091) Skylarious: "Indeed. Trouble always remains. All we can do is fight it each time it comes, until the hearts of men grow wiser. Tell me, what do you plan to do now?" (17083) Sleeping Dragon: "I'm going to Metropos. One of the prisoners thinks that Meyid agents are infiltrating that city, and that Captain Viren is one of them." Maren told Father Andrew what Badhath had said to him. "The mayor said you had contacts in Metropos...I have two daughters there and they will help - well one will at any rate - but the more aid we can get the better." (17091) Skylarious: Andrew smiled. "That is fortunate then. I was planning to ask if you were heading west, for I think it's time for me to do so as well. I need access to the libraries for my research into the artifacts we recovered. And when we arrive there I can put you in contact with whomever I know that might help you... I have friends high and low. And perhaps we can see about getting some information on... that other priest you wished to find." (17083) Sleeping Dragon: "We will want to find a priest of Balxo as soon as possible, I want to get a message to Amar. Captain Viren was responsible for his mother's death, it's only right that Amar should get a chance to help us hunt him down." (17095) Hokulani: "I heard about this Metropos..." She told them, "I will go with you, time to walk on." (17086) Kalika: "That's quite nice of you."said Kalika to Hokulani "Metropos is quite a place, it wouldn't hurt you to see the world a bit." (17095) Hokulani: Hoku nodded, "My journey is without an end..." She replied wistfully. (17083) Sleeping Dragon: "It's been a few years since I've been to Metropos, will be good to see the place again." (17091) Skylarious: "Then we must decide which route to take. The most direct route goes through the Chiming Forest. There are stories of dangerous creatures of the fey there. We might also bypass it to the north, which will add three or four days to our trip. In either case we must be careful to avoid any lordly squabbles... when I traveled this way, I nearly got forcibly recuited into some petty baron's army." (17091) Skylarious: "Dangerous creatures of the fey... sounds like fun!" said Maya. (17083) Sleeping Dragon: "He must have been a very desperate baron...no offence intended Father, but you're no soldier. I say take the direct route, I have no idea how long Viren will be in Metropos for and I don't intend to let him have a chance to escape." (17095) Hokulani: "Direct seems better. Creatures that try to stop us dies." She replied practically. (17091) Skylarious: Maya laughed. "Hoku, I like the way you think." (17086) Kalika: "We might as well go through that forest, yes. Didn't we actually find a weapon that was specifically tailored to fight fey a while ago?"said Kalika thoughtfully "You might get the chance to try it out." (17095) Hokulani: "Good!" Hoku replied back to both of them. (17091) Skylarious: The party agreed to leave as soon as they were ready. Preparing horses and supplies would take some time, so they rested in Stragglecat that night. In the morning the mayor bid them a final farewell, and many of the villagers shook their hands and called out their thanks.The wise woman Nahara, looking better than before, thanked them for slaying the mentalist who had trapped her. Finally, as they reached the outskirts of town, Wishneedle rushed up to wish them farewell. She handed them each a small pouch. "We burned Owleye's body last night, as is our custom. Among our people, ashes are distributed to our friends, and I think he would wish you to have some of his. The ashes of one touched by the spirit world are potent. If you face great dark magic, sprinkle these over yourself and Owleye will protect you. It may seem strange to you, but it would do him honor." (17083) Sleeping Dragon: Maren took the pouch and put it in his backpack. "Thank you. What will you do now Wishneedle?" (17095) Hokulani: "Thank you." Hoku answered back, "I will never forget him. I will see you again in long ahead." (17091) Skylarious: "We were following where Owleye led us. None of us know where to go yet. I imagine we'll stay here for a while, until we are ready to move on." She nodded to Hoku. "Yes. We will see each other again." She did not sound certain, but she sounded as if she wished it to be so. "Good luck on your journey." (17086) Kalika: "Alas... We will definetely honor Owleye, if we have the chance. I hope you find a place in the world."said Kalika (17091) Skylarious: The party finally departed Stragglecat, ready for the next stage of their exploits. The town quickly disappeared behind the horizon as the horses picked their way along the bumpy old dirt road. They made good time over the next week and a half, stopping every once in a while for provisions. The towns grew larger and more prosperous as they got closer to the center of the peninsula and away from Meyid influence. Castles dotted the hills. Sometimes they came near to fighting lords or those who demanded tolls to continue on the road. Mostly they slipped around these obstacles, though once to cross a a river they had no choice but to pay the toll. Finally on one gray morning they reached the edge of the Chiming Forest, full of willows and ash and other trees that swayed gently in the breeze. It would take two days to make it through the forest, and then they would be close to Metropos. The road before had become large and well-maintained, but as it went into the forest they could see that plants had crept onto it, and it became more of a track.
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Post by skyman on Oct 16, 2011 22:10:18 GMT
(19159) Skylarious: As the group's horses picked their way onto the rough track through the Chiming Forest, the day's light was replaced by the perpetual gloom of the forest floor, other than in a few sunwashed clearings. Beyond that, things seemed normal. Squirrels and birds and deer stared at the newcomers. The riding was slow, but not difficult. whispering to Sleeping Dragon, A couple of hours into the forest, Maren began to hear voices ahead. Tinkling laughter and sing-song calls "The court will meet tonight! We're taking him to court! The court will meet tonight!" (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Do you hear that?" Maren asked his companions, slowing his horse to a trot. "There's voices ahead. Must be the fey." (19163) Kalika: "I heard nothing, but I trust your ears."said Kalika "I'd expect trouble, the fey are known to be quite....mercurial in temperament. Hoku, keep that mace ready." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "'The court will meet tonight! We're taking him to court! The court will meet tonight!'" Maren repeated the words he'd heard. "I think I'd rather avoid that, the last time I spent time in a court it all went badly wrong." (19165) Hokulani: Hoku nodded and took out that mace out. (19163) Kalika: "I have recently learned a spell of invisibility. That could be of use for scouting ahead, though I wouldn't be surprised if the fey could see through such a glamour, being magical beings themselves..."said Kalika (19159) Skylarious: Maya placed a hand on her shortsword. "Say the word. I can't imagine there's much danger from a cuddly forest spirit. And if there is I can always stab it." (19163) Kalika: Kalika chanted a few words and gestured towards Maya before laying a hand on her, and she quickly faded from sight. "The spell should last some minutes, hopefully it will be enough. Try not to get too close, though..."said Kalika, cautiously (19163) Kalika: add:"Remember about using the headband to contact me - we'd want to know what's up there immediately. No use taking risks." (19159) Skylarious: "I'm off!" they heard, though her footsteps away were too light to be noticed. whispering to Kalika, After a few minutes, Kalika heard Maya's voice in her mind. "I can hear them... they're talking in my language! They're to my left and right. They're saying a great crime has been commited and it must be resolved now that they have judges." (19163) Kalika: "Judges..."muttered Kalika "I think it might be the 'justice' kind of court they were talking about, yes. Something about a heinous crime being commited."she added for the others whispering to Kalika, Another minute passed. "I can't see them anywhere. The voices have stopped." (19159) Skylarious: After a few minutes, Maya popped back to visibility in front of the group. "Boo." (19159) Skylarious: "They said a great crime had been committed and it can be resolved now that there are judges. It will happen tonight. That was all I could hear. I didn't see anything." (19165) Hokulani: "Nothing to do with us then?" Hoku glanced around cuiously. (19159) Skylarious: "I suppose not. Shall we move on?" (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Could you tell where they were? We probably want to try to steer clear of them even if this is nothing to do with us." (19159) Skylarious: "To my left, to my right, and ahead. I couldn't tell how many. Each time I heard a phrase it sounded like a different voice, but perhaps the same voice speaking higher or lower." (19159) Skylarious: Father Andrew rubbed his chin. "It would be fascinating to see one..." (19163) Kalika: "But worth the risk of being put on trial for...whatever they feel like charging us with? I don't feel so..."trailed off Kalika (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "If they're all around it will be difficult to avoid them. I don't particularly want to wander off the path...I don't like woods." (19163) Kalika: "So we just try and force our way?"said Kalika "We can always hope we're not the people they're looking for." (19165) Hokulani: "Hopefully..." Hoku shurgged, "We deal with them if we need to. (19163) Kalika: Kalika looked like she suddenly thought something up "Or...perhaps we're not the accused but the judges? I wouldn't dismiss that out of hand. Picking random people off the road to judge a crime sounds somewhat unbalanced, which might be fitting..." (19163) Kalika: edit: 'sounds somewhat unbalanced' -> 'doesn't look like a very reasonable course of action' (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "I'm only interested in one crime at the moment, and I intend to be the executioner, not the judge. Let's move." (19163) Kalika: "Let me summon my guardian first, then we can go."said Kalika as she began the ritual to summon the Eidolon to her side. In just a minute, the mighty creature appeared, nodding slightly. (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Does he have a name?" Maren asked Kalika, pointing at the eidolon with a gauntleted fist (19165) Hokulani: "Useful creature...!" Hoky praised Eidolon. (19163) Kalika: "Of course he does. Though the names of such beings are usually not to be shared freely, I think by now you may as well know. You may call him...'Kalim'. The resemblance with my own is not coincidental, if you are wondering." (19163) Kalika: 'Kalim' bowed slightly, acknowledging that this was the first time his name - or at least, a short form of it - was publicly shared. (19159) Skylarious: "Kalim, I don't know why you put up with following us around and helping out," said Maya, "but I'm glad you do." (19159) Skylarious: The trees grew thicker as they moved deeper into the forest. As the sun began to go down, the chimes for which the forest was named began. Some were tinkling series, some deep gongs. They came from everywhere in the forest, and would stop for a few minutes sometimes before unexpectedly starting once more. It was a clear, bright night, but eventually the tree cover grew too great to ride through at night, and they were forced to find a place to stop. (19165) Hokulani: "Would be good idea to keep watch during the nights." She glanced around with hint of suspsiousness. (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "I'll take first watch," said Maren. (19159) Skylarious: The rest of the group had been asleep only about an hour when something moved from the trees to stand in front of Maren. She was clearly visible in the light of the waxing moon. She looked like a ten year old child, with wavy gold-white hair that almost floated in the breeze. She wore a thick woven green gown, that just barely revealed that her feet were those of a bird. She grinned at Maren, and her unnaturally wide eyes did not blink. (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Who are you?" Maren called loudly enough to wake the others. (19165) Hokulani: Hoku woken up from her lovely warm sleep and looked grumpy as she settled up, her eyes naturally widen a little when she spotted this girl. (19159) Skylarious: As the others blinked awake, they heard her lilting voice. "I am Skiliwinthin. I've come to summon you to court! One of your kind has committed a great crime, and those of your kind must judge him!" (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Must we? Can we possibly refuse? As much as I respect your court, there's another person I'm seeking who has also committed a great crime and is in need of having my sword thrust through his belly." (19159) Skylarious: Her eyes widened even more, though that had not seemed possible. "You would refuse? They did not tell me what to say if you wished to refuse. I think Bon would be very angry." (19163) Kalika: After recovering from being woken up so suddendly, Kalika, looked almost eager at the idea of doing the judging instead of being on the receiving end of it - or perhaps just pleasantly surprised she had guessed correctly earlier. "Who is Bon, and what is this crime which - you say- has been commited?"she asked the 'child' (19163) Kalika: edit: remove the second comma. (19159) Skylarious: "Bon is our lord. The Most Beautiful among us! He shall be helping you make a judgment according to the laws of the forest. I am not to say any more of the crime until you arrive at court." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Will this take very long?" (19159) Skylarious: "Long..." Skiliwinthin looked confused. "It will be done before light comes. Is that what you mean?" (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Yes it is," Maren said impatiently. "Fine. I would hate to displease your most beautiful so let's get to it." Maren wandered over to his backpack and picked it up, muttering under his breath. "Fucking forests..." (19165) Hokulani: Hoku nodded, "Might as well." (19159) Skylarious: Skiliwinthin led the group down an animal track for a few minutes. As they drew closer to a clearing ahead, they could hear chattering voices. Finally they came out of the trees into the clearing, and saw the court. Arrayed in a circle were at least three dozen of the fey. They were all fair of face, but had odd features. Some had animal limbs like Skiliwinthin. Others had horns, or branches growing out of them, or a second face on their chests. They seemed to be in order, the ones with the strangest look at one end, and growing progressively more normal (to human or elven eyes) as they got closer to the couple leaning against a large rock at the edge of the clearing. The woman was one of the most beautiful they had ever seen, with pale skin that almost shined in the moonlight - except that she had no eyes. The young man was leanly muscular, fair of face, with his only visible imperfection a mole on his cheek. They pair were draped together, almost naked, except for a few small pieces of conveniently placed cloth. In the center of the clearing lay something stranger, perhaps, than the fey: a lizard like creature, human sized but with yellowish scales, a pointed snout, and a curling tail. He wore tattered trousers, and blood dripped from a few tears in his scales. He stared dully at the travelers as they entered the clearing. The handsome young man raised a hand. "The judges have arrived! They can decide a fitting punishment! This wanderer before you has committed a great crime... the crime of ugliness!" The fey immediately took up his call, cackling and shouting "Ugly! Ugly! Ugly!" (19159) Skylarious: edit: human shaped and sized (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Are you fucking joking?" (19159) Skylarious: "Don't speak to Lord Bon such!" cried one short fey with goat legs. "He is the Most Beautiful!" The young man Bon raised his hand. "Settle down, my subjects. They do not know our ways. He pointed to Kalika and Hokulani. "You are the most beautiful present among your kind, so you will be the chief justices, and the others your council. You must decide a fitting punishment. But it must be one that fits our laws. You might have his scales flayed from him, or his body cut up to be rearranged in a more pleasing form." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Does your law include banishment by any chance?" (19159) Skylarious: "If his crime were simple ugliness perhaps," said Bon sadly. "But this crime is too monstrous for such light punishment." (19163) Kalika: Kalika did not look pleased at all by the 'accusation' involved, and she did not seem to apprecciate Bon's flattering words, either. "Crime?"she said "I do not think he is one of your people, is he? Did you just capture him as he was passing by...?" (19159) Skylarious: "By our graciousness we permit travelers to come through our forest as long as they commit no crimes, such as being hideous or whistling the Forbidden Tune. He did not respect our home." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "What qualifies as ugly to your kind? Humans have a saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, though I suppose your partner may not appreciate that particular wisdom." (19159) Skylarious: "What is Most Beautiful is what is most similar to Lord Bon!" said Skiliwinthin, gazing at her lord in awe. (19163) Kalika: "Why, for all you know, he might be counted the most handsome among his kind."commented Kalika, drily, looking at the hapless saurian. "If one of you were ever to pass by the lands of his people, would you not prefer to risk being judged by such...local standards?" (19163) Kalika: edit: would you not prefer to avoid being judged by such...mutable standards?" (19159) Skylarious: Bon waved a hand. "I'll have no more of this debate. Hashta will answer any questions you have about our law and this creature. I desire an answer in one hour." Hashta, an old bearded man with no legs but long arms with massive hands, made his way over, using his hands like feet. Skiliwinthin also stayed near the party, wishing to hear their discussion, while the rest of the fey began to chatter with each other. (19165) Hokulani: Disconnecting from server... (19165) Hokulani (exit): 14:09 (19156) Sleeping Dragon: Maren wandered over to Hashta. "So how does your law work? What kind of punishments would be acceptable to inflict on this creature?" (19163) Kalika: "That don't involve physical...alterations, if possible."added Kalika, having approached Hastha together with Maren (19159) Skylarious: "Our laws are mostly what satisfy our lord," said Hashta in a low, wheezy voice. "A punishment must be related to the crime, so with ugliness I do not see how you might get away without physical harm for him. Unless of course you could make him beautiful, for Temporary Ugliness is a less serious crime, but I think that would be impossible." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "How long have you answered to Lord Bon?" (19159) Skylarious: "Lord Bon came to us only a year ago," said Hashta. "None of had known him before then. But Lady Baay brought him here. She had felt his face and body, so even without eyes she knew he was beautiful. And soon everyone was entranced with him." Hashta did not sound entirely entranced. (19159) Skylarious: "Only a year?" said Skiliwinthin. "It seems forever! Wonderful forever!" (19159) Skylarious: *edit: none of us (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Am I right in presuming those furthest away from him are those judged least beautiful, and those nearest to him are most?" Maren said, indicating the circle of fey around Lord Bon (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Can Lord Bon and Lady Baay do anything or are they simply judged the most beautiful?" (19159) Skylarious: "Indeed," said Hashta. He had come from a spot nearer the less-beautiful end. "The less beautiful are no less important in our society, but we wish always to gaze upon beauty, and not have it be corrupted by being too near ugliness." (19159) Skylarious: "Lord Bon has no true... legal authority. But our people listen to him, and to his Lady, though she rarely chooses to speak." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "I meant could he do anything - is he a warrior, does he do great magic, that kind of thing." (19163) Kalika: "Legal authority?"Kalika sounded slightly surprised "Who has that? The Lady?" (19159) Skylarious: "Hmmm." Hashta tugged at his beard. "He has not shown it. Lady Baay is one of the strongest among us in the ways of the forest... she can make illusions and affect the minds of mortals, and command the earth and the roots of trees. I have never seen Lord Bon do such things." (19159) Skylarious: "We decide all things by consensus. These days we all agree to do what Lord Bon wishes." (19163) Kalika: "But if you didn't, say if there no longer was a consensus and Bon and Baay were no longer considered the fairest, or if you held some other...virtue in higher consideration, would things change?"suggested Kalika (19159) Skylarious: "What?" cried Skiliwinthin. "Who could argue they are not the fairest!" Hashta nodded. "She is right. But yes... if our opinions were to change, they would not hold sway over us." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "That woman is clearly not fair, she hasn't even got fucking eyes for a start. What does beauty mean to someone who can't see?" Maren shook his head. (19159) Skylarious: "We all have our flaws," said Hashta. Skiliwinthin said: "Except for Lord Bon!" Hashta added "I think perhaps Lady Baay loved Bon when they first met. She delighted in touching his form. It is hard to tell what she feels now, for she speaks much less." (19163) Kalika: "You seem to trust her judgement. "said Kalika "After all, you took Bon as your lord after she bought him in. Did she say anything about the prisoner?" (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "What do you think of all this?" Maren asked Maya. (19159) Skylarious: "Well, I wouldn't say she suggested that he be our lord, that came from others, but her love for him did earn some trust, certainly. The prisoner... no. I would venture a guess that she did not like his treatment. She was always gentle. But she did not object." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "Which others?" (19159) Skylarious: Maya shook her head. "I think Lord Bon is a royal arse." Skiliwinthin gasped. Maya continued "And these fairies, or whatever you call them, need to stop listening to him." (19159) Skylarious: Hashta shrugged. "Well, it happened over time. It is hard to say. Many complimented his beauty, and he began to speak of how where he came from beauty was known as the most important trait, that being closest to the ideal form was the ultimate goal. Since he clearly was the closest among us to such a form, he became our Lord." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "What exactly is the ideal form?" (19159) Skylarious: "Well... a man like Bon, of course. Or a woman like Baay, if she had eyes." (19163) Kalika: "That's a bit...circular, don't you think?"said Kalika "Bon is handsome because he is like Bon, you say. I don't think 'ideal form' meant that, where I heard of it..." (19156) Sleeping Dragon: "If being most like Lord Bon was the ultimate goal where he originally came from, why did he leave?" (19159) Skylarious: "Indeed," said Andrew. "I think it was Andus who wrote of ideal forms? That there was an ideal sort of table, and all tables made by men were attempts to capture that ideal. Certainly there was a human ideal, but not one any being could reach. It was more something to strive for, to perfect your body and mind. I would not think the fey would have heard of such things." (19159) Skylarious: "I do not know why he came here, to be honest," said Hashta. "He seemed shocked to meet us all, and confused at first. But soon he was happy."
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Post by skyman on Nov 6, 2011 22:02:49 GMT
(26114) Skylarious: The group huddled together with no-legged Hashta and bird-footed Skiliwinthin to discuss the fate of the poor Saurian lying bloodied in the middle of the clearing. (26115) Maren: "Is there some way of being able to prove whether or not someone is fey?" Maren asked Brother Andrew. "Lord Bon's notions seem distinctly human. Well, the less sensible humans, normally your heads are reasonably screwed on." (26114) Skylarious: "Hmmm..." Andrew rubbed his chin. "Well I believe all fey are capable of at least a little minor magic, or have an aura of their own that could be detected. If he is a spellcaster he could fake it, but if not..." (26115) Maren: Maren frowned. "Unreliable, I'd probably detect as a spellcaster because I have a magic weapon." He turned to Hashta. "Would it matter to your people if Lord Bon were proved not to be fey at all?" (26114) Skylarious: "Not to be... Well... yes. We do not like to be meddled with by outsiders." (26114) Skylarious: Andrew added "An item's aura can be distinguished from its bearer. But, as you say, it still may be unreliable due to the presence of other spells." (26118) Hokulani: "Any other way proving he is something other than Fey?" Hoku considered on this route. (26115) Maren: "His woman is supposed to be a fine illusionist," said Maren. "That's if she is in on this which I suppose she might not be. Where does Bon say he comes from, Hashta?" (26114) Skylarious: "Well... some spells do not affect fey. But I doubt they would consent to being hit with many spells," added Andrew. (26114) Skylarious: Hashta shrugged "He does not speak of his past. Few of us speak with him of much, beyond his wisdom about beauty." (26114) Skylarious: Maya tapped her foot impatiently. "Well if he isn't a fey, let's call him on it. And if he is, let's just tell him he's an idiot." (26115) Maren: "If Lady Baay is skilled at illusions, why doesn't she just use one to make the saurian appear to be handsome and allow him to be on his way?" (26114) Skylarious: "She is probably capable of such..." said Hashta. (26118) Hokulani: "Maybe Lady Baay is under his control?" (26115) Maren: "It's possible. How can we turn this into a punishment..." Maren rubbed his chin. (26114) Skylarious: "She is acting a bit vapid for a powerful forest spirit," said Maya. (26115) Maren: "You've never met many elves, they're capable of being very vapid and are still supposed to be powerful forest spirits." (26114) Skylarious: Maya grinned. "Well apparently they can break out of it with the addition of some armor and a sword. I doubt that'll work on her, but perhaps a good smack to the back of the head would do the trick." (26114) Skylarious: Andrew piped up: "Their leaders do seem the key to everything. If we can undermine Bon or convince Baay to disagree with him, we may win over the fey." Skiliwinthin continued to glance back and forth at the conversing humanoids confusedly. (26115) Maren: "Do you not have a memory?" Maren asked Skiliwinthin. "Bon has only been here for a year, that's fucking spit. What kind of immortal spirit considers what's been done for only the last year as some kind of immutable custom?" Maren shook his head. "Honestly, humans seem more sensible the more I have to deal with anything else." (26114) Skylarious: "A year... That means one passage of the sun? We don't measure time that way," said Skiliwinthin sadly. "It used to be that a long age was as the blink of an eye. But as the humans rose and encroached upon us, and our kin died and our forests burned, time seemed to change... Now every day seems a lifetime." (26115) Maren: Deciding that dealing with Skiliwinthin was a waste of time, Maren turned back to the others. "I think I have an idea. Hashta, if we apply a sentence that Lord Bon doesn't fully agree with, what happens?" (26114) Skylarious: "Well, all will decide together, and the arguing will continue until all agree. But I doubt many of us would go against Lord Bon, unless Lady Baay were to disagree with him." (26115) Maren: "Do we count as some of the 'all' that need to agree?" (26114) Skylarious: "Oh no. You are merely here to propose a possibility for us fey to adopt." (26115) Maren: "Pity. Does anything happen to us if you don't adopt our possibility?" (26114) Skylarious: "There are no rules about it. I imagine Lord Bon would give you another chance, but... he can be fickle." (26118) Hokulani: "Hopefully, we will be on the way afterward..." Hoku muttered (26115) Maren: "Alright." Maren nodded. "Hoku, I'll need your help with this, you're more persuasive than I am." (26118) Hokulani: She nodded at Maren's request, "I hope so..." (26114) Skylarious: Seeing that some sort of verdict had been reached, the fey finished their conversations and looked toward the party. (26114) Skylarious: "Well, outsiders?" said Lord Bon. "Have you come up with a suitable punishment for this ugly creature?" (26115) Maren: Maren toyed with the spike of the crown hanging from the chain around his neck for a moment, then nodded and stepped towards Lord Bon. "We have indeed, Most Beautiful Lord Bon," Maren was unsure if he had been able to keep the sarcasm from his voice. "We considered a number of options. We might have had his eyes put out - but then that might cause him to resemble Lady Baay, which would be an improvement. We might have had his legs mangled - but then he might come to resemble Hashta here, which would again be an improvement. So we decided - why damage his body, which has already reached the nadir of repulsiveness, when we could damage his mind instead? What could be more fitting than to impress upon this misshapen creature how truly repugnant he is? This is our verdict - the Lady Baay should put forth her magical powers to cast a spell of beauty upon this saurian. The spell will last only so long as is required for the creature to leave beyond the confines of this beautiful wood. While under this spell, the creature will be required to look at himself and see how he might have been, were he not such a horrific grotesque, and live with the knowledge that he will never reach such dazzling heights again, while the beauty of the Lord Bon and the Lady Baay will last forever." (26114) Skylarious: Lord Bon's cheeks colored slightly. He started to open his mouth to speak, but already the other fey were cackling with glee. "Yes! Yes! He will know his true ugliness!" Bon stood up. "But there will be no pain! He must have pain!" The other fey hesitated, confused. But then Lady Baay stood up. "No. It is fair. By your own rules, it is fair," she said softly. Bon looked back at her, surprised. The other fey had already begun chanting "Fair! Fair! Fair!" Lord Bon sat down promptly, lips parted, eyes wide, brow furrowed. "Fair..." he muttered. Lady Baay made her way down gracefully to the saurian, showing no sign of her blindness, and knelt down next to him. She whispered a few words to him, laid a hand on his shoulder. Mist seemed to shroud both of them for a moment, and his body seemed to warp and shift. Then he looked human, muscular and tan, with only a slight gleam to his skin reminiscent of scales to remind of what he was. He pushed himself up with a grunt of pain and staggered to his feet. His face was beautiful. More beautiful than Bon's as beautiful as any the companions had ever seen. He looked over at them gratefully. Bon glowered. "Go, outsiders. And don't come back to my forest." The saurian-in-human-form limped over to them, and Andrew took one shoulder to support him. (26115) Maren: Maren waved sardonically to Lord Bon, then wandered over to the saurian. "Let's leave these ugly people behind quickly," he said quietly. (26118) Hokulani: Hoku paid her respect toward the Lord and Lady and joined Maren and group into leaving this forest quickly as npossbke (26114) Skylarious: They left the clearing with the eyes of the fey following them. "Her spell... I see my own face in front of me," said the Saurian as they walked, his voice low and hissing. "Or... the face of what I appear to be. You people are strange looking. No offense intended." He blinked and shook his head. "I owe you my life. I should have never come to this wretched forest. I hope somehow I can repay you. You can call me Hassor." (26115) Maren: "Maren, and I prefer the word 'exotic'. That's what I tell the women anyway." (26118) Hokulani: "Hoku" She introduced herself, "Happy that we leaving alive." Hoku glanced around warily (26114) Skylarious: The saurian's laugh was a series of low, slow chuckles. "Heh... heh... heh..." He shook hands with the companions as they introduced themselves, and they could feel his rough, scaly skin despite current appearances. "Are you headed for Metropos? There's not much reason to head the other way, for most." (26115) Maren: "Yes, I'm going to visit my daughter...daughters," Maren corrected himself.
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Post by skyman on Nov 13, 2011 22:43:17 GMT
(28546) Skylarious: As they came back to their horses, the saurian Hassor explained his situation. "I'm a writer in Metropos. A writer of a particular sort, called a journalist. We publish a booklet together with stories about the city and other places, sometimes about a person, sometimes about a group or an event. I thought writing about the fey of this forest would be a good idea. And I do have a good story... heh... heh... heh." (28551) Hokulani: "And a warning to others about this forest." Hoku nodded at Hassor. (28547) Maren: "Does your booklet get read by many people? I'd rather that my creditors not realise I'm coming back to Metropos." (28548) Kalika: "Indeed. It's a good thing we were passing by, Hassor. "said Kalika "Whatever they'd have done to you otherwise, it wouldn't have been...pretty."she added, her last word obviously deliberate (28546) Skylarious: Hassor nodded to Hokulani. "I thought they might not harm me since I came alone, but that was foolish." To Maren: "Indeed. If any of you who wish to have your identity hidden, I can conceal it in my story. Though I'm sure if people in the city read of you, you'd get free drinks in most every tavern!" To Kalika: "Yes... I've only once encountered such cruelty, and in that case I was only interviewing a madman about his crimes across prison bars." (28547) Maren: "Conceal it entirely, even a description of me would probably give it away. What did the madman do?" (28546) Skylarious: "His job was to help newcomers to the city, mainly Privans, acclimate themselves and find work. Many of the women disappeared. He had a hidden room under his officer where mutilated bodies were found. They were subjected to all manner of perversions. And he showed no remorse." Hassor shuddered. "Even now after this I am more frightened of the look on his face than of the fey. And to think he is still in that cell, probably smiling... Some friend in the government must have kept his head from the block." They helped him up onto one of the horses. "Forgive me if I don't speak much on the ride. I am weary..." (28548) Kalika: "Some of humans can be just as wicked as...less mundane beings, if not more so."said Kalika, shivering uneasily "I hope Metropos offers us a kinder welcome." (28547) Maren: "Do you have any copies of your booklets with you? It's been years since I've been to Metropos." (28546) Skylarious: "The fey destroyed everything I had. Metropos is much the same as it has always been, but perhaps even more... well regulated. You'll have to leave your weapons with the guards, and spellcasters will have to submit to Locking Hexes that will make spells impossible except in the Mage's Guild and a few other places. Other than that, all I can warn you of is that there is tension among the guilds over how to deal with a recent increase in crime. Some profit from purchasing smuggled goods or selling security, and others lose out on their own business interests." (28547) Maren: "What sort of crime?" (28546) Skylarious: "All sorts. Smuggling, robbing, forgery, extortion... the occasional murder. No one can seem to explain what has changed over the last few months." (28548) Kalika: "Strict rules, applied fairly I hope..."said Kalika sounding put off by the idea of having her magic powers so severely restrained "Perhaps we'll manage to avoid getting into fights. But I doubt that." (28547) Maren: "Is there some way you can keep your weapons with you? Getting a licence or the like? I'm rather attached to this sword." (28551) Hokulani: Hoku rose her spear, "This is not a weapon, it is a hunting tool..." (28546) Skylarious: "Not unless you are an upstanding citizen for a long time, or have a friend in the upper echelons of the guilds. Of course there might be less legal means, but I wouldn't know..." He shook his head at Hoku. "There isn't much hunting to be done in Metropos." (28551) Hokulani: Hoku looked disappointed at that statement (28546) Skylarious: The rest of the journey through the woods was as uneventful as they could hope. There was no sign of the fey, not even the chiming sounds they'd heard as they first entered. Finally, the next afternoon, the woods thinned and then ended, and they found themselves on a dusty road lined by large farms of wheat, barley, and vegetables, as well as grazing horses, sheep, goats and chickens. The spires of the city were immediately visible in the distance, rising above the great stone walls. Some towers were delicate and tapered, others sturdy and stern. Over a hundred thousand people lived in Metropos, within myriad districts, run by guilds and churches or the city. Soon the saurian's illusory guise fell away and he was his scaly, bruised self once more, which pleased him. After a couple more hours of riding they reached the walls of the city. Many were on the road now, as different paths converged heading for the eastern gate of the city. A long line of caravans and travelers waited, being checked by guards and inspectors. (28547) Maren: "Where do you live?" Maren asked Hassor. (28551) Hokulani: Hoku looked with surprise at the sight, "Big..." (28546) Skylarious: edit: ...run by guilds and churches or the city. Lakes were everywhere around the city, great and small, with fishing boats and barges moving slowly in the breeze. Irrigation canals ran out to the farms, making them as fertile as any in Duen. (28551) Hokulani: Disconnecting from server... (28551) Hokulani (exit): 14:12 (28546) Skylarious: "With my fellow writers for The Questioner, in apartments in Blackstone. It's one of the Free Districts, not controlled by any guild or church and at least a bit less tightly controlled as the others. The taverns tend to be better there, and although there are plenty of watchful eyes, at least they don't all belong to a single authority." (28548) Kalika: Kalika looked pleased at the sight of the city busy with activity and trade, but then she turned to Hassor "Watchful eyes? Are there many spies and informants here? Should we lay low?" (28546) Skylarious: "In the Guild Districts, most everyone answers to someone, and in many cases that means informing their superiors of anything suspicious or interesting. In the Free Districts, people can make good coin with useful information. But I wouldn't worry too much, unless you plan to get involved in business or politics." (28546) Skylarious: Their group made its way up to the gates after some time, and a mustachioed inspector wearing an official looking black uniform with a brass badge came up to them. "Names, business in the city, length of intended stay." (28547) Maren: "Maren, visiting family, and a month. These four," he indicated Hoku, Kalika, Maya and Brother Andrew, "are accompanying me." (28546) Skylarious: Andrew nodded. "And I will be visiting my brothers in the church as well." Hassor added "And you remember me, Inspector. Just back with another story." The inspector did not blink at the saurian's battered condition. He looked them all over, then nodded. "While in Metropos, you will abide by the following rules: No fighting except in legally defined fighting institutions as described in section 2B of the City Code. No spellcasting except as allowed by the Mage's Guild or legal church institutions. No seditious activity as defined..." He went on for a few minutes, then handed them each a copy of the City Code. "The guards up there will take your weapons from you and give you a Receipt which can be used to claim them when you exit the city or are granted a permit. Do not hold your breath for a permit. If any of you are casters, you must enter the Mage Hall ahead to submit to a Locking Hex. Have a pleasant stay in Metropos." He said this last as if it were required by statute.
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Post by skyman on Jan 22, 2012 22:05:02 GMT
(3028) Hoku: Hoku is not happy about this as she handed over her wickedly sharp spear. (3026) Skylarious: After so long in the outskirts of society, the companions found Metropos an amazing contrast. Some of the spires were as high as ten of Stragglecat's main hall, while many of the shops and inns near the gate had great carved metal doors or ornate statues standing guard. They submitted themselves to the removal of their weapons and the locking hexes (a process made smelly by the rubbing of a garlic tincture on their hands and foreheads as a bespectacled, robed guild mage dourly muttered incantations). "Well ten," said Hashta as they finished. "You can come with me to Blackstone if you like, unless you have somewhere else you wish to head quickly." (3026) Skylarious: edit: Hashta -> Hassor (3029) Maren: Maren strode in annoyed. He had been stripped of his spiked gauntlets, his bow, dagger, and blade, and his naked hand kept twitching towards where his sword-hilt should be. "You humans are normally much more sensible than my people, but the ones that live here seem to have had all their sense dribble out. Is it something that happens when more than a few thousand of you get into one place? I don't know if that would ever happen to us. And this," he waved the City Code in disgust, "seems to change every time I come here except that it remains completely useless. Who the fuck can remember this many rules anyway? What need is there for any laws anyway beyond 'don't attack people' and 'don't rob people' anyway?" Maren shook his head. "I have a daughter - daughters - here we'll be able to stay with, near the Merchant's Guild. Where exactly are you staying though? It would be good to be able to get in touch with you." (3029) Maren: edit: What need is there for any laws beyond 'don't attack people' and 'don't rob people' anyway? (3025) Kalika: Kalika had no weapons whatsever to hand over, so she merely had to submit to the hex-locking, something she was obviously not particularly pleased with. (3026) Skylarious: "I am at the Tripletree Apartments in Blackstone. Ask for the rooms of the Questioner writers," said Hassor. He did not comment on the laws of the city. "If you're heading to the Merchant's Guild go east along Sandstone Street until you reach Ebony and turn right. Don't turn before... some of the sidestreets are home to the criminal elements." (3029) Maren: "I've got two daughters in this city, I have been here before," Maren replied. "But thank you." (3028) Hoku: Hoku looked slightly annoyed at the Code, "Cannot read..." She dumped it behind her. "Are there things I need be careful of?" She asked (3025) Kalika: Kalika skimmed absent-mindedly through the code for a while before putting it in her backpack. "Without our magic and weapons, we really don't want to get into a fight, Hoku."she said matter-of-factly (3026) Skylarious: "Indeed, but some things have changed. Watch your back," said Hassor. He turned to Hoku "In the Merchant's Guild district, read it if you plan on starting a business venture. In the Free Districts, don't worry about it beyond the obvious rules of not killing anyone, and so on." He nodded to them and departed on another street northward. Other visitors to the city pressed passed them on their way in and out of the guard precincts or toward the inns, flipping through the Code without taking much in. (3029) Maren: Maren scratched his chin. "Criminal elements eh? I might have an easier time finding Cassie than I'd thought. But we'll go find Holly first, as I know where she lives." Maren headed for Sandstone Street (3028) Hoku: Hoku nodded as she glanced around new sights, "Very big, lot of people here." (3028) Hoku: as she followed Maren and Kalika (3028) Hoku: and that girl who names esacped Hoku's memeory (3026) Skylarious: They moved along Sandstone Street, passing buildings of a hundred styles, some grim stone some colorful and bannered. A few scruffy men sold souvenirs from mats set up at the edges of alleyways, and hid when guards came around. They reached the junction with Ebony to turn toward the Merchant's Guild. Nearby was large copper-and-marble domed building, in the northeast Privan style. The letters above the door read Embassy of Elbanhir. (3025) Kalika: "Ah, Elbanhir..A tiny but wealthy principality ruled by an epomynous dynasty, renowned for, among other things, its magical books and artifacts."said Kalika for the others (3029) Maren: "Do you suppose it would have any of those magical artifacts in the embassy?" (3025) Kalika: edit:eponymous (3025) Kalika: "I wouldn't know."said Kalika, sounding slightly surprised by Maren's question "Though I would expect the embassy of such a wealthy country to be well furnished." (3029) Maren: "That Meyid we captured thought Viren's mission here was to be someone who could blend in in order to, possibly, steal or seek some powerful magic or weapon here. I would have thought the embassy of a small nation with powerful artifacts might be a good target for them. Perhaps." (3029) Maren: Maren shrugged. "Or perhaps I'm speculating, we don't exactly have fantastic intelligence on what Viren is doing." Maren continued on towards Holly's home (3026) Skylarious: After an hour and a half of walking from the entrance (slowed by the crowds and sights), they reached the ourskirts of the Merchant's Guild. A small building large enough for only the one tubby clerk leaning out the window waited at the edge. "Official or personal business," he asked dully. (3028) Hoku: Hok whispered to others, "Does this city suck souls out of these people?" (3026) Skylarious: They gave the clerk a vague mention of their business, and he checked a box on a form and went back to staring at the cobbles. Maren led them into Guild territory, past the smaller houses and depots on the outskirts to the large apartments, fine houses, and guild halls, even a few mansions. Zarina and Holly's house was not among the largest here, but it was fine, with columned corners and even a small, lush flower garden in front. The big red door had a simple brass knocker. (3029) Maren: Maren strode up to the door and, ignoring the knocker, rapped on the door with his knuckles. "Not sure if her or her mother will be home yet so we might be waiting here a while." (3026) Skylarious: After Maren knocked, they waited a moment. Then they heard footsteps and a single voice talking. The door opened to reveal Holly, a pretty young half-elf woman with auburn hair and gray eyes. She'd matured in face and figure since Maren last saw her. She was holding an unwieldy stack of papers and reading to herself something like "The records were lost in the Third Barony War, but all evidence..." She looked up and saw Maren, and a grin broke across her face like sunshine through the clouds. She almost tossed aside the papers, thought better of it and placed them down carefully, then rushed forward to embrace him. "Father!" (3026) Skylarious: She was wearing fine cut but unadorned silk clothes, likely what she wore out to performances. (3029) Maren: Maren gave Holly a light embrace, trying not to damage her with his steel-plated arms. "Hello Holly. Can we come in? These are my companions, Hoku, Kalika, Maya and Brother Andrew." (3025) Kalika: Kalika nodded slightly in greeting to Maren's daughter "Pleased to meet you." she said (3028) Hoku: Hoku smiled slightly before saying, "Hello, nice to meet you!" (3026) Skylarious: "Of course!" She glanced at them and raised an eyebrow, perhaps noticing the proportion of women, but smiled all the same and led them inside to a small foyer where they could put down their belongings, and then into a sitting room with comfortable couches and chairs and plenty of natural light from a window above them. She clasped each of their hands in turn and introduced herself as Holly. Maya and Andrew exchanged their pleasantries. "So," said Holly, "how do you all know my father? What brings you all here?" (3026) Skylarious: Maya seemed impressed by the decor, and sprawled out on a couch. "So much nicer than being dead, or in Stragglecat," she muttered, which Holly didn't seem to notice. (3029) Maren: "Mostly war companions, we just fought a battle against the Meyids around a town called Stragglecat." Maren proceeded to give Holly a highly exaggerated version of the battle for Stragglecat. "...so after we had finished cutting down the Meyid commander and the others fled in terror, we were able to go back to Stragglecat and interrogate one of our prisoners. Out of curiosity, I happened to ask this prisoner if he had ever heard of a Meyid captain named Viren - and he had. He had heard a story going around Meyid command that there was a secret mission afoot, with those loyal to the Meyids who could most easily blend into Duenian society heading out to infiltrate Metropos. I think Viren is here in the city somewhere, and I mean to finally track him down." (3026) Skylarious: Holly listened intently to the story, asking questions and complimenting everyone on their valor. "I'll have to write a song about it..." She looked less pleased at the mention of Viren, though her expression of shock also held a glimmer of excitement. "He's here... Oh I wish I knew where he was so I could lead you to him. But perhaps I can help. Some things are changing in the city, so maybe there's a clue about what he's looking for." (3029) Maren: "Yes. I need your help with something else as well." Maren sighed. "I need you to somehow convince Cassie to help. Whatever Viren is doing, I imagine it's largely illegal. Cassie and whatever gang she's running with at the moment might know something useful." (3026) Skylarious: Holly got excited. "That's part of what I was going to suggest. I saw her just the other day, and she was evasive, but clearly something big has changed for the gangs in the city. I think they've found something... she let slip something about a 'new meeting place'. I can get you in touch with her." She turned to Andrew. "And you're a priest! Perhaps you can go find some other disciples of Heshuxen... the churches seem to have changed their tone lately. There's more talk of great catastrophe in the future, and of lurking menaces and whatnot. Maybe they'll tell you more than they would us." Andrew nodded. "A fine idea young lady. Although I am not encouraged by the idea of catastrophe." (3029) Maren: "Oh, while you're contacting the churches, Brother Andrew, could you do me a favour? I have no idea how to contact my son Amar but some of the priests of Balxo in this city might. I'll write him a message and see if you can get the Balxo priests here to pass it to him, it might arrive too late but nonetheless, Amar should have a chance to get revenge on the man responsible for his mother's death." (3026) Skylarious: "The smaller communities in the city always have their own bits of knowledge too, if we need to seek it. Like the Privans," she said, glancing at Kalika, "and the... people of the Tundra?" She smiled looking at Hoku. "Oh, it's so exciting! I've never met anyone from your land, only read of you." (3026) Skylarious: Andrew nodded. "Of course. In fact, I should get on these tasks now, as I also have to report with my superiors in the order about my research. I'll come back for your letter soon, or you can send a courier to the temple." He said his goodbyes and prepared to leave. (3029) Maren: Maren sat down at a table and began to write a letter, saying something quietly to Maya as he did so. (3029) Maren: (whispering): "I should just warn you, Holly is a historian so if she finds out where you're actually from she'll stalk you for days trying to talk out everything you know." (3026) Skylarious: Maya grinned and whispered back. whispering to Maren, "Are you sure she's your daughter?" (3029) Maren: (whispering): "The ears would tend to say so, yes. Either that or her mother's been with more than one elf, which would be incredibly adventurous for someone as conventional as Zarina." whispering to Maren, "I'm looking forward to meeting this Zarina. It'll be some nice insight into your character." (3028) Hoku: "We will see each other, Father Andrew... Thanks for help" Hoku said confidently. She turned her attention at Holly, "Never been to the city before, it is big. Happy to tell you anything you like to know on my home, Snow Bear." She smiled friendly yet sadly. (3025) Kalika: "Hopefully we will be able to find out...something about Viren's whereabouts. Before he finds us, if by chance he heard anything of our arrival. Though I doubt it, but still..."Kalika shuddered "I don't feel very safe without my magic." (3026) Skylarious: Holly gave a little clap of her hands to Hoku. "Fantastic! Let me just see if I can get in contact with one of my friends who might know where Cassie is, then we'll sit down and you can tell me everything!" She got everyone some sweet lemon drinks and biscuits, and set about writing her own note to her contact. (3029) Maren: "I'm sort of hoping Cassie will be able to find some way around the hex and get me a licence of some sort to carry a sword, though I hate to think how much she'll charge for that. Unless she decides to do it out of daughterly affection, which is unlikely as she doesn't have any."
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Post by skyman on Jan 29, 2012 22:08:32 GMT
(3537) Skylarious: Over the next few hours, Holly got the companions settled to stay in one of the extra rooms for the night, and Andrew returned to collect Maren's message. In the late evening Zarina, Holly's mother, arrived. She was a straight-backed woman in her sixties, hair cropped neatly into a bun, whose every movement and word seemed to have a sense of purpose and focus. She greeted Maren and his friends amiably though without any of Holly's glee, and seemed to accept their presence there for her daughter's sake. She soon went up to her room to continue her work, while Holly remained to chat awhile before bed. "Hopefully I'll get Cassie to talk with you tomorrow!" She was true to her word. Through a message passed on by a beggar, Cassie sent her reply: "Magistrate's Eye. Dusk." That next evening they found themselves in a tavern in the Free Districts. It was a small, seedy place that smelled of a few different varieties of smoke. The patrons were either congregated in one corner, puffing at rolled up herbs, or scattered about drinking on their own in silence. Cassie sat near the fireplace, leaning back with her feet up on the table. She was short and thin, garbed in dark wool, with long dark hair and piercing indigo eyes. Her face was as cold as the rest of her appearance. She watched Maren and his friends enter without a word. (3539) Sleeping Dragon: Maren ordered an ale and then took a seat near his daughter. "Hello, Cassie," he said. (3537) Skylarious: "Maren," she acknowledge flatly. "Every time you come back alive, I'm surprised." She nodded to the others, sizing each of them up. (3537) Skylarious: *acknowledged (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "I intend to keep surprising you for a long time," Maren replied. "These are my companions, Kalika, Hokulani and Maya. How much has Holly told you?" (3542) Hoku: Hoku merely nodded at the mention of her name. (3537) Skylarious: "Told me you were in the city looking for the Grand Archenemy Who Consumes Your Life, because he's involved in some Epic Evil Meyid Plot. I suppose I thought I'd best talk to you, to prevent him or you from killing too many in the city as you search." Maya grinned, obviously enjoying this interaction. (3540) Kalika: Kalika too looked somewhat amused by Cassie's way of speech to her father. However once in a while she glanced around warily, slightly worried about the seediness of the place. (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "I only intend to kill one person, and anyone who gets in the way. What I've heard suggests Viren and any other Meyids with him are probably trying to steal something, or several somethings. You have a bit more expertise on that than I do - have there been any major robberies around lately? Particularly of anything magical." (3537) Skylarious: "There have been a lot of robberies lately, and certainly in this city some of those things will be magical. The Artificers are terrible about leaving their latest creations near open windows. But not much that's of real value. The one pattern lately has been items of Anthraleb origin disappearing. Clockwork machines, that sort of thing. The most valuable was a set of cogs that continued to turn, year after year, never slowing. That was in the Anthraleb Museum, and it disappeared last week. And I think I might know where these things are going." (3537) Skylarious: Maya's interest went from mere amusement to fascination as she heard mention of the Anthralebs. (3542) Hoku: Hoku looked at others with hint of confusion over the name, "Anthraleb?" (3537) Skylarious: Maya jabbed Hoku in the ribs and gestured at herself, smiling. Cassie's eyes narrowed. (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "That sounds like the sort of things they'd be interested in. Where do you think they're going?" (3542) Hoku: Realisation filled HOku;s eyes as she settled down to listen to the talks. (3537) Skylarious: "Well, I'm not sure I want to tell you. Because they happen to be passing through the hands of some friends of mine, and I wouldn't want to send anyone to them who lacks... subtlety." (3542) Hoku: Hoku asked, "What you mean?" (3537) Skylarious: "These are people who find discretion important. Someone barging up to them in armor to ask questions or going after their clients for more information could be trouble." (3540) Kalika: "We can be quite discreet if there is need to..."said Kalika (3542) Hoku: "I understand. Like among the ices, you do not want to scare away snow bears... Kalika is right." (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "I've been trying to find Viren for forty years, I'm willing to be careful and discreet if it will lead me to him." (3537) Skylarious: Cassie gave a thin smile. "Alright. But only because this Hokulani is adorable. Snow bears..." She shook her head, chuckling. "A lot of people with my particular skills have been hired recently. There's an old warehouse near the south gate. Every time I go there there are new Anthraleb items being brought in, and whatever I saw last time is out of sight. They might be in the crates, it's filled with crates, but there are too many for just the Anthraleb items. There are guards there, hired toughs, and a man named Runo who handles the buying. Don't know if he's the one looking to acquire these things or just a frontman." (3537) Skylarious: edit to add: "...or just a frontman. He pays in metals and gems, never coins, strangely." (3539) Sleeping Dragon: Maren frowned. "How much do you know about this Runo? Has he been in Metropos long?" (3537) Skylarious: "Never met him until a few months ago when he first hired me, and none of my friends seem to have any dirt on him. He's a bit... strange. Sweaty, and a fast talker, and never seems to quite look at you." (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "Does he always seek people out to take specific items, or have any of your friends tried just bringing an Anthraleb item to him and seeing if he'll pay for it?" (3537) Skylarious: "He's asked for specific items, but I once snagged an extra trinket that was nearby and he paid a bit extra for it." (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "What items has he asked for?" (3537) Skylarious: "As I said, Anthraleb things. Clockwork, mostly, and a little metal rod covered in letters... Mostly they seem useless." She tossed back a drink. "Now have I fulfilled my daughterly obligation?" She said this last with a roll of the eyes. (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "Yes, I was expecting to have to pay you." (3537) Skylarious: "I know you're used to paying women, Maren, but I'd rather not wait around, since it can take you a while to count out coins." She stood up and walked out, pausing only to give Hoku a friendly pat on the shoulder. (3540) Kalika: "Quite an exemplar of filial piety, your daughter is."said Kalika a while after Kalika had walked out "Still, she did turn out to be useful" (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "You'd have thought I was horrible to that girl at some point in her life instead of finding somewhere for her to live. It's hardly my fault she decided she'd rather steal things for a living than stay in an orphanage." (3540) Kalika: edit: a while after Cassie (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "Do we still have those clockwork toys? If we sell them to Runo he might let something interesting slip." (3537) Skylarious: "She reminds me of you," said Maya. "Yes, let's find out what this man's obsession with Anthraleb is about!" (3542) Hoku: Hoku watched Cassie walked away with hint of saddness in her eyes. She glanced at Maren, "I think we do. Someone must have." (3540) Kalika: "I had been thinking about these toys earlier, yes. I'm fairly sure we still have them with us."said Kalika (3537) Skylarious: They rummaged through their gear and found the toys intact. (3539) Sleeping Dragon: "Do you think it's better for all of us to approach him and sell both toys at once, or should we try selling them separately to see if we can coax more information out of him?" (3537) Skylarious: "That might make him suspicious," said Maya. "But we could be nonspecific on what we have to start with, and offer both if it seems necessary when we get inside." (3542) Hoku: "Might make it that we found them iup north and was told him as buyers."
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Post by skyman on Feb 5, 2012 22:02:45 GMT
(4056) Skylarious: The group made its way south to the warehouse Cassie had specified. The area was newer and cruder than much of the city, with large simple stone cut buildings for storage, and smaller wooden homes for laborers. The few homeless people in the area were lying on the ground, paying no attention to passersby. The warehouse itself was marked only by a number, 103, posted on a wooden sign above the plain brown door. Next to the door was a larger, closed gate for transporting out goods. (4060) Sleeping Dragon: Maren examined the area curiously. "If this fishing for information doesn't work we can always try watching the place and see who goes in and out," he said quietly. (4058) Hoku: Hoku nodded, "It might even be your enemy..." (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "I hope this Runo person isn't him because he'll recognise me on sight." Despite this, Maren moved for the door. (4061) Kalika: "You never know...Perhaps you shouldn't be the first to approach him."suggested Kalika (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "It's fine, if Runo is him I'll rip his head off and then I'll be the only one of us who gets arrested." (4058) Hoku: "Oh good..." Hoku said... "Arrested?" as the tone went over such strange word. (4058) Hoku: She followed Maren to the door as well (4056) Skylarious: Maya seemed slightly nervous. "Something... odd in there. I don't know. I can sense it." (4058) Hoku: "Something from your people maybe?" Hoku asked curiously, "Need be careful!" She looked at the door warily. (4056) Skylarious: Suddenly, as they prepared to knock, the door swung inwards, and a man stared out at them. He was of average height but very thing, dressed in thick work clothes, boots, and gloves. His black hair, tinged with gray, was in disarray. He wore large spectacles, with lenses that were attached by a pivot and currently sitting above the frames. His skin was pale and clammy, his eyes wide and green. His smile was wide, his teeth yellowing. "Eh, eh? Come here to visit Runo, eh? Who are yeh? Who are yeh? Whatcha looking for, eh?" whispering to Sleeping Dragon, Maren noticed that, as the man moved his head about, the veins in his neck and face would become momentarily visible, and they had a strange, greenish, throbbing look to them. whispering to Hoku, Hoku noticed that, as the man moved his head about, the veins in his neck and face would become momentarily visible, and they had a strange, greenish, throbbing look to them. (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "Are you Runo?" (4058) Hoku: Hoku eyed these veins. (4056) Skylarious: "Yes, yes. Runo. Collector and all that. Completely legal collector of course, and I have the papers to prove it, just tell me I don't! So, you you, who are you? I've got things to be, places to do, or something along those lines." (4061) Kalika: Kalika looked slightly weirded out by the man's unusual appearance. (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "You collect Anthraleb artifacts?" (4056) Skylarious: "I collect oddities, trinkets, gewgaws, doodads, and various sorts of knicknacks. Some of them may be Anthraleb in nature? Why? Why? You want to find some for me? I have gold for the right items, certainly, but you don't look the... archaeological expedition sorts, not at all." (4056) Skylarious: edit: "I have payment..." (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "You might be surprised. We made an expedition to an Anthraleb ruin a short while ago. What are the right items?" (4056) Skylarious: "Well any item of technical and historical interest is worth something, something small. But for a good payment I have lists, lists of things to procure. Are you... aligned with anyone, eh?" whispering to Sleeping Dragon, Hoku, Runo seemed to put a strong emphasis on the word anyone, and watched the companions closely for their response, perhaps thinking of the criminal groups Cassie had mentioned working with him. (4058) Hoku: "No. Not aligned with anyone..." She told him (4056) Skylarious: "Hmmm. Well. Not aligned. Then why should I concern myself with you, eh? I'm a busy man. Sending amateurs after something would draw attention, rival collectors, that sort of thing." (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "It would also allow a certain degree of discretion. We're not from Metropos and don't intend to stay long so our ability to cause you trouble is fairly limited." Maren retrieved one of the clockwork toys they recovered from Maya's home. "Here is something we found at the last ruin we went to. Anna here is an expert on the Anthralebs so we can always rely on her expertise," he said, indicating Maya. (4056) Skylarious: Maya nodded. "Uh, yes. This clockwork has particularly fine energy retainment for pieces so old." (4056) Skylarious: Runo looked down at the objects. He took his lenses and pivoted them back onto his frames to peer at them closely, then looked back up at the party. "Hmmm. Not items that I particularly need, no, but interesting finds, interesting. Perhaps you are worth something, after all. I'll be back in a moment, and then we can discuss a job, eh?" He closed the door. whispering to Hoku, Hoku noticed that Runo visibly squinted when he looked at Maya through his lenses, as if he were noticing something new about her. (4058) Hoku: Hoku quickly whispered to Maya, "He noticed something about you, Anna." (4061) Kalika: "I have to say I find this man slightly..unsettling."muttered Kalika "You say?"she asked overhearing Hoku (4056) Skylarious: "Noticed something?" Maya sounded equally unsettled. "I'll be happy to get out of here." (4060) Sleeping Dragon: Maren's fingers went for the sword hilt that wasn't there, then away. "Watch the veins in his neck, they're green," he told the others quietly. "And don't talk too loudly, he could just be waiting on the other side of the door listening to us." (4058) Hoku: "Me too." She whispered, glancing at the door, "He may not human or changed." Hoku frowned, she started straining herself for a moment.; (4058) Hoku: EDIT: stretched her muscles, as if to relax herself (4056) Skylarious: A few minutes later the door swung open again. Runo stood there, holding a small black metal device. He handed it to Maya "For our... Anthraleb expert." It appeared to be a compass, pointing to the Northwest. "There is an old barrow about a day northwest of the city, which I believe contains an item I desire, something that looks rather like a large tuning fork. The compass has been attuned to it. If you find it, bring it back. If not, bring any other items of interest you find. I shall pay you handsomely, in precious metals worth two thousand a piece." whispering to Hoku, Hoku thinks he is lying about something, but she is not certain what. (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "Out of curiosity, why not gold? Either one will work but it's a bit more work to turn metal into something you can spend." whispering to Hoku, edit: lying about something or hiding something (4056) Skylarious: "I have access to gems and metals. It is a facet of my work. There are many moneychangers in the city, and I will give you enough that even with their fees you shall receive the appropriate payment." (4058) Hoku: Hoku looked intrested at the mention of precious metals. (4061) Kalika: "Is there any specific danger we should look out for there?"asked Kalika (4056) Skylarious: "Hm? That's why I hire you, eh? You're the experts. Clockwork defenders, spirits, or good old fashioned grave robber competition, I don't know." (4061) Kalika: "As you sounded like you knew about the place's whereabouts and the items that might be inside, I thought you might also know about any potential...dwellers. "said Kalika "But no matter, we shall deal with this anyway." (4056) Skylarious: "Good, good, thank you, I'll see you when you have the item then. Now, if you will excuse me, I have things to do..." (4056) Skylarious: Runo slammed the door, and they were left on their own outside the warehouse, with only the occasional group of workers lugging a box from one storage area or another, and the homeless man leaning against a building across the street. (4060) Sleeping Dragon: Maren wandered over to the homeless man and handed him a few coins. "That fellow we were just speaking to, do you know how long he and his warehouse have been here?" (4056) Skylarious: The fellow gawked at the money, and scratched at his scruffy beard. "Well, I'd say about nine months, maybe a year. The warehouse had been empty for a long time, and then I just noticed more people coming in and out, and sometimes him at the door. He never seems to come out farther than that, though he has a few men who work for him who bring in supplies on occasion. All the objects that are brought in... they never seem to come back out, neither." (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "The men who work for him, can you describe them to me?" (4056) Skylarious: "Hm. Well, never paid 'em too much mind. There's maybe four or five of 'em. Think one's a Privan. All mean looking fellers, who look like they could do some damage with their fists. Don't talk much, just do the lugging for man with the spectacles." (4060) Sleeping Dragon: "Alright, thank you." Maren stood up and walked away.
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Post by skyman on Feb 26, 2012 22:12:03 GMT
(227) Skylarious: The group moved away from the warehouse where they had been given the task by Runo to find an Anthraleb artifact in a barrow northwest of the city. (233) Hoku: Hoku relaxed slightly, "He is strange. Will be happy once I get my weapons and magic back." (227) Skylarious: The group gathered together at the gate to the city to retrieve each of their equipment (after signing a number of forms). As they reached about a hundred yards past the gate, Hoku and Maya felt a certain sense of lightness and freedom, and knew that their magic was restored. They party walked for the remainder of the day along the road, following the strange compass Runo had given to Maya, passing lakes and farmsteads, inns and groves of willow. Finally it got dark. Based on Runo's mention of the distance, they were about halfway to their destination. (233) Hoku: Hoku glanced around, wary for any dangers that still lurk among these soft lands (231) Kalika: "We don't know anything about what to expect, do we?"said Kalika, sounding only slightly worried as he was obviously pleased with having her magic back (227) Skylarious: "We'll have to approach the area cautiously," said Maya. (233) Hoku: "Maybe we should ask around about the barrow? Maybe they got some stories about it?" She asked, "Unless there is no villages ner by?" (231) Kalika: "Perhaps you could do some scouting ahead, then. "suggested Kalika to Maya "I could make you invisibile for a while, hopefully whatever...guardians are there won't be able to see through that." (227) Skylarious: Maya nodded. "And we can keep in touch with the headband, just in case something goes wrong." (233) Hoku: Hoku nodded, "Good idea" (244) Skylarious: The party camped for an incident-free night. The next morning they continued to follow the road, until the compass began to point them away from it, into a range of grassy, rolling hills and light trees. After a few hours, with the midday sun above them, Maya stopped suddenly. "It's close. I can feel it." She gripped the compass, and they could hear it emitting a low hum. Maya stared ahead, past a cluster of small rocky hills. (247) Maren: "Hoku, do you want to check for tracks? It'd be useful to know if anyone else has been here recently." (233) Hoku: Hoku nodded as she glanced around for any possible tracks closely. (244) Skylarious: It didn't take long for Hoku to find them: The tracks of six humanoids, wearing boots, heading in the same direction as the party. And then... the tracks of only two people, clad in the same boots, heading in the opposite direction back toward the road. They seemed to have been made about four days before. (247) Maren: "Hopefully they'll have sprung some traps for us or something," said Maren. "I'd give reasonable odds we come across four fresh undead though." (233) Hoku: Pleased about finding these tracks, "Yes, at least we have some hint of trouble ahead" (231) Kalika: "Six people went, two came back..."said Kalika "Ominous. Maybe the two fleed or killed the other four..."she added shuddered (231) Kalika: edit: she added shuddering (233) Hoku: "Hopefully," She sounded hopefully, "We be better than them." (247) Maren: Maren drew his sword. "We should at least be ready. Do you want to scout ahead a bit Maya?" (244) Skylarious: Maya nodded. "Alright, Kalika. Can you make me invisible?" (231) Kalika: Kalika chanted a short incantation and laid her hands on Maya, who vanished into thin air. (244) Skylarious: They group waited for a couple minutes as Maya moved ahead... (231) Kalika: Meanwhile Kalika called forth Kalim, her eidolon. After the short ritual was over, the creature appeared silently as usual and nodded. whispering to Maren, Maren heard Maya's voice in his head. "I can see the barrow. Just a big mound with a big black entrance... but in front of it there's something. I'm getting closer.... Alright, I'm about a hundred feet away, five hundred past where you are. There's some sort of device in front of the barrow entrance. It's metal, and about four feet high with nobs and wires and... there are two creatures beside it. Humanoid but strange. They have... antennae like insects. They're looking at the device, poking at it with tools." (247) Maren: "Maya is about a hundred feet away from the front of the barrow. There's some sort of metal device in front of the entrance with nobs and wires, and there's two humanoid creatures with antennae looking at the device and poking at it with tools. We should get moving, she's about five hundred feet away." (233) Hoku: "Rivals I wonder..." whispering to Maren, "They... they noticed me. Or they noticed something. They're looking around, but I don't think they can see me. I'm heading back!" (247) Maren: "She's coming back, she thinks they may have noticed her. Move!" (231) Kalika: "...Antennae? How unusual."said Kalika, a hint of curiosity in her voice "Let's get there quick." (233) Hoku: Hoku readies her spear, ready to attack. (244) Skylarious: The group quickly moved around the hill, and immediately ahead of them they could see the barrow, a low mound of grass-covered earth with a small black entrance. And in front of it they could see two figures near to a lumpy metal object. The figures were thin and long-legged, brownish in color though wearing what looked like strips of gray cloth. They were darting about, looking for something. Even as the party saw them, two more figures emerged from the barrow. whispering to Maren, "Get down, get down!" Maren could hear Maya say. "I'm coming! They haven't spotted us yet!" (247) Maren: "Get down!" Maren hissed, throwing himself to the ground. "She's coming back, they haven't seen us yet." (233) Hoku: Hoku quickly ducked, copying Maren's act (231) Kalika: Kalika and the Eidolon threw themselves on the ground in an attempt to become less noticeable. From her prone position, the summoner peered at the figures, trying to get a better look at them. (244) Skylarious: They heard the sound of someone flopping to the ground, and Maya popped back into view, crouched beside them. She wiped her brow. "That machine... I think it was reacting to the compass." She pulled it out. "It was letting off a strange sound the nearer I got. Perhaps we should throw this away." (247) Maren: "Maybe this tuning fork we're supposed to be finding is actually in that machine. What the hell are those things?" (231) Kalika: "I think I heard something of them now that I think about it."whispered Kalika to the others "A mysterious, rarely seen people, likely from another plane. Not much is known except that they are tecnologically advanced, and might sometimes use in their machines." (231) Kalika: edit: use electricity in... (247) Maren: "How the fuck do you use electricity in a machine?" Maren shook his head. "Are they likely to attack us on sight?" (231) Kalika: "It's pretty clear they want these artifacts. And while we're not going to give them up, I wonder if peaceful interaction is possible..." Kalika trailed off (231) Kalika: "Although the rumours of them abducting people suggests otherwise, unfortunately."she added sounding less hopeful (247) Maren: "Could we even speak to them? I think we should probably assume they're hostile, even if we could treat with them we couldn't be sure they wouldn't turn on us at the first available moment." (233) Hoku: "Electricty" She said unfilimarly... (244) Skylarious: "I heard them speaking a bit..." said Maya. "Though just from a distance. It didn't sound like any language I'd heard." (231) Kalika: "Think of it as...lightning, but not from the sky."said Kalika to Hoku, hoping to make things clearer for her "So what do we? You said they might have noticed you and so are suspicious...Perhaps their antennae let them perceive things others would miss. If so I'm not sure just waiting here is the best idea..." (244) Skylarious: "Well, we can't get into the barrow without confronting them one way or another, unless we want to try to wait them out until they leave," said Maya. (231) Kalika: "It might be...dangerous to let them leave, however. Their plans for that object aren't necessarily benevolent. So..." (233) Hoku: "Attack?" (247) Maren: Maren squinted at them. "None of them seem to be the leader as far as I can tell. Kalika, do you know anything about how these creatures fight? We could attack them from a distance but not if that will favour them." (231) Kalika: "Perhaps try to take one alive...although as Maya as suggested, communication might be impossible."said Kalika "As for how they fight, not much specifically, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had some very advanced weapons which are indeed ranged, or perhaps involve lightning. " (247) Maren: "Probably better to close with them fast then, they don't seem to have much in the way of armour." Maren looked down at them. "They're not wearing boots. I bet those six whose tracks we found earlier met up with these creatures and only two got away." (233) Hoku: Hoku looked concerned... "How worrying" (231) Kalika: "Or..."said Kalika sounding ominous "Well, they are known to be connected to human disappearances. Perhaps these four who couldn't run away were captured and turned into...them?" (231) Kalika: edit: change 'Well' to 'This is just a theory but...'
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Post by skyman on Mar 11, 2012 21:12:50 GMT
(1550) Sleeping Dragon: "I think we should hit them, I'm not going to risk trying to talk to these things," said Maren. "Maya, I'm going to head back up to the horses quickly, could I take the compass? I'll leave it in my horse's saddlebags." (1537) Skylarious: Maya tossed the compass to him, and laid a hand on her sword hilt, gazing out at the creatures. (1550) Sleeping Dragon: Maren went back up as stealthily as he could manage, stuck the compass in his warhorse's saddlebags, and made sure the horses were securely tied so they wouldn't run off when the fighting began before he crept back down to the others again (1546) Hoku: Hoku looked prepared as she muttered in her language for a moment. She gestured at Kalika's creature, Eidoloin. Suddenly, it shimmered for a moment. (1537) Skylarious: "So are we trying to get close as quickly as possible then?" asked Maya. (1550) Sleeping Dragon: Maren nodded. (1535) Kalika: Meanwhile, Kalika prepared her eidolon Kalim for the battle, conjuring powerful magical defenses around its body. "I'd hope so, especially since we don't know whetever they have some sort of ranged attack or not."said Kalika to Maya when she was done casting her spells (1546) Hoku: Hoku nodded, "We know soon" (1537) Skylarious: The companions did their best to move stealthily out from behind the hill and pad their way toward the strange creatures. They had only closed within about 400 feet though when the insectoids seemed to notice them, and turned to face them. (1550) Sleeping Dragon: Maren immediately sprinted forward (1535) Kalika: The eidolon followed (1546) Hoku: Hoku also followed Hoku, her hands holding spear fiercesomely (1546) Hoku: edit: followed Maren (1537) Skylarious: Two of the creatures, the ones that had emerged from within the barrow, moved to either side of the entrance. They grabbed small, tubular implements from a strips of cloth at their sides, and raised them up. They snapped their hands, and strips of black material extended from the tubes like whips. (1535) Kalika: Kalika moved behind the others, glancing at the 'tools' the creatures carried with a mix of curiosity and fear (1537) Skylarious: The other two creatures, who had been prodding at the device near the barrow entrance, each grabbed something from behind the device and hurried in front of the others. They were holding metal cylinders about two feet long and a foot across, with one hand on a handle above it, and another supporting the large implement below. The stood still, the cylinders pointed at the approaching party. (1550) Sleeping Dragon: Maren moved forward again, slowing slightly to keep his defences ready (1535) Kalika: Kalim advanced, keeping close to Maren (1546) Hoku: Hoku also followed Maren but slightly apart just in case (1537) Skylarious: The creatures with the whips advanced slowly, spreading out. (1535) Kalika: Kalika chanted and gestured, casting her spell of hasting on the whole party, speeding them up considerably and letting them close the distance sooner. (1537) Skylarious: The two creatures with the cylinders moved to face the party directly. They held the metal devices up, seemed to twist the handle on top, and bolts of lightning burned through the party, injuring Maren, Hoku, and Kalika, while Maya anticipated and leaped aside. The bolts were followed almost immediately by a thunderous crack. The creatures immediately tossed the cylinders to the ground, where they lay smoking. (1537) Skylarious: Maya leapt up quickly from where she'd fallen to avoid the lightning, and ran up alongside the rest of the group.
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Post by skyman on Apr 15, 2012 21:02:17 GMT
(1394) Sleeping Dragon: shaking off the effects of the lightning blast, Maren rushed forward towards one of the creatures that had set off the lightning, slashing into it with his blade. (1394) Sleeping Dragon: as Maren cut into it he saw its blood was sticky and green (1395) Kalika: The eidolon charged forward, swiping a claw at one of the creatures which had previously shot and wounding it (1399) Skylarious: The creatures that had shot lightning looked much frailer than the other, whip-wielding beings, and Maren's sword blow injured it significantly. (1399) Skylarious: As the eidolon charged, a creature with a whip snapped the weapon toward him, and as it did so crackling energy ran across the black material. It was not fast enough to strike the eidolon. (1397) Hoku: Hoku rushed to a distance from Marern's left and while muttering in her language, a sound of strange mystic roars filled the area. It seems to affected two strangers whom in fight with Kalika's pet. (1399) Skylarious: The beings' antennas waggled crazily upon the sound burst, and they cringed back, hissing, but kept their composure. The ones with the whips struck at Maren and the eidolon, striking the elf and sending electricity coursing through his armor and his body. (1395) Kalika: Kalika moved closer to the battle, gesturing and chanting towards Maren until the elf - together with his weapon and armor - grew to gigantic size, easily twelve feet tall. (1399) Skylarious: The creatures which had shot the lightning pulled odd arrangements of metal with black handles from their belts, and white-hot fire appeared at the tips of the implements. They advanced on the eidolon and Maren, and one of them burned into Maren, melting a small part of his greaves into his flesh. (1399) Skylarious: Maya charged forward and rolled up behind the whip-bearer fighting Maren, hopping to her feet and stabbing it in the shoulder. (1394) Sleeping Dragon: briefly disorientated by his growth, Maren looked down amidst lightning and fire. Raising his enlarged sword, he hacked down with magically enhanced speed at the whip-wielder. The first strike slashed across its face, spraying green blood across Maya. The second, a powerful overhand strike, bit deep into the creature and sent it stumbling to its knees, and the third sent it sprawling, dead or dying on the earth. Maren quickly stepped away. "Bit of help, Hoku?" he asked, wincing with his wounds. (1395) Kalika: Lunging with its long arms, Kalim slashed at the one of the more soldierly-looking creatures, wounding it greviously, and then took the opportunity to bite and gore at a closer foe, driving it into the ground. (1397) Hoku: Hoku smiled slightly as she leaped to Maren's help and starry field surrounded him and suddenly he looked better, much better. (1399) Skylarious: The creature with the whip, nearly dead, looked down and pressed a button somewhere on its belt. Its skin began to warp and bulge while electricity crackled around it... then it exploded, sending lightning and green blood spraying around it. The eidolon nimbly escaped damage however. (1399) Skylarious: edit: The eidolon was seared and soaked in sticky goo. (1395) Kalika: Looking surprised at what just happened, Kalika quickly and cast a spell at the last visible surviving creature, leaving it dazed and confused. (1399) Skylarious: "Shall we kill it?" asked Maya, readying her blade. (1394) Sleeping Dragon: Maren replied by bringing his blade up and down, hacking the creature's head in half (1399) Skylarious: "Good answer. What the hell were those things?" asked Maya, bending down to look at one of the bodies. (1395) Kalika: "There might be others around..."said Kalika (1397) Hoku: Hoku looked seriously, "Better on guard then." (1399) Skylarious: Maya picked up one of the whips. The electricity had disappeared from its surface, and she couldn't seem to get it working again. "Well, shall we try to find out who the four travelers who didn't return from their encounter were?" (1395) Kalika: Kalika looked at the whips and whatever other gear the creatures had left for signs of magic (1399) Skylarious: She detected no magical auras on them. (1395) Kalika: "As I expected...Not magic at all, but very advanced craft. A shame we had to slaughter these creatures..."Kalika said
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Post by skyman on Jun 10, 2012 21:06:34 GMT
(830) Skylarious: The companions stood near the hacked-up bodies of the strange creatures, green blood soaking the ground. Ahead of them was the mound with the dark entrance from which two of the creatures had emerged, and the strange metallic device near it. (834) Hoku: Hoku walked toward this strange metallic device and exmained it curiously. (830) Skylarious: The four-foot high device was a lumpy hunk of various metals, iron, gold, copper, silver, and something black and reflective, stuck securely in the ground. Two large wires and a number of smaller ones poked out at various angles before bending upward. Two levers and rows of round knobs dotted the device almost at random. It buzzed faintly, almost like a bee, but the sound broke up at sudden intervals, going quiet or being replaced by brief clicks. (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren cleaned his sword and examined the creatures for a moment, before heading back up the hill to get their horses. (835) Kalika: "Be careful with that."said Kalika to Hoku "You don't know what it might do." (834) Hoku: Hoku was about to reach at one of the lever. However after Kalika's word of caution, she took a step back, expression of wariness on her face. (835) Kalika: "Of course, it might turn out not to be bad..."said Kalika, who despite her warning's to Hokulani looked like she was pretty curious herself (830) Skylarious: The creatures' chitinous skin covered a mass of fibrous, gooey innards without distinguishable organs. Their antennae continued to twitch occasionally, though this faded after a couple of minutes. When Maren returned with the horses, the "compass" they had received from Runo began to click more and more frequently. When it got close to the device, the clicks merged into a single low tone like a long frog croak. (834) Hoku: Hoku glanced between the compass and device, "Linked? What we looking for again?" (838) Sleeping Dragon: "Runo said it looked like a tuning fork," said Maren, pulling the compass out from his horse's saddlebags. (830) Skylarious: "I don't see anything on here that looks like that," said Maya, walking around the device. whispering to Sleeping Dragon, Maren was the first to notice, a faint sound coming from the other side of the mound, a low moan. (835) Kalika: "Perhaps one of these creatures hid it somewhere..." (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren drew his sword again. "There's a moaning sound over there," he said, pointing to the other side of the mound with his blade. (830) Skylarious: The others could hear it too when they listened, faint but seemingly human. (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren put the compass back in his saddlebags, then began to move slowly over towards the other side of the mound. "Sneak ahead?" he said to Maya. (835) Kalika: "Moaning...That doesn't sound good."said Kalika (834) Hoku: Hoku considered the dangers as she readies her sharp spear, "Maybe leftove from last group?" (834) Hoku: Hoku reached over to Maren and after muttered few words in her language, Maren suddenly looked less wounded after starry surrounding. (834) Hoku: She then walked over to Kalika's mighty creature and Kalika and starry surrounding them both and they also looked better. Hoku did it to herself as well. (835) Kalika: Kalika thanked Hoku "I don't hear that...moaning getting closer. I really think we should investigate..." (830) Skylarious: Maya nodded and crept stealthily around the mound. She returned quickly, looking slightly ashen. "There are three bodies, and one man alive. He doesn't look dangerous, just... ill." (834) Hoku: "Hmm... at least we know what happen to last guests..." (834) Hoku: Hoku walked towards Maya, "What wrong with him" Her eyes glanced at others with increased wariness. (835) Kalika: "Ill?"Kalika looked like she didn't fully understand what Maya meant "Perharps we should go and check ourselves." (830) Skylarious: "His skin has greenish lines, and he keeps shivering and clutching at his body. The others... they're just skeletons lying near him. And their possessions are in a pile." (834) Hoku: "Sound like danger, should we deal with it?" She glanced at others? (830) Skylarious: The party moved around the mound, and saw what Maya had described. Three skeletons were laid neatly in a row in front of them, each browned and blackened in certain spots and stripes, as if from burns. Near them was a pile of clothing, leather armor, wooden sword and axe hilts without blades, a leatherbound book, and various bags and ropes. Farther on lay a man, feverish as Maya had said, with bulging greenish veins and rolling eyes. He was wearing Meyid-style furs. When he saw the party he grimaced, but began crawling toward them. "Blood... I need the blood..." (838) Sleeping Dragon: "You'll have your own blood if you come too close. Who are you?" (830) Skylarious: "Raadith, name is Raadith!" he said in halting common. "Did you kill them? I need the blood, it's been too long!" (838) Sleeping Dragon: "What is the blood, and what are you doing here?" (830) Skylarious: "The Moonbeast's blood! We came to find our enemy, but instead we found the Moonbeasts. I was caught, and they cut themselves and fed me some of the blood, and then I could hear them in my head, and feel their brothers beneath the earth. They said I would serve. But now it has been too long since I have drank the blood!" He moaned again and continued to crawl toward them. (835) Kalika: Kaliak looked at the scene with mixed interest and preoccupation "Blood?"she said "Are you a Meyid?" (835) Kalika: edit:Kalika (830) Skylarious: "No... yes. Was a Meyid." (835) Kalika: "Perhaps if we offered him some blood he might start making sense."suggested Kalika "But...I suspect we might regret that..."she trailed off (838) Sleeping Dragon: "Do you know a person called Viren, Meyid?" (830) Skylarious: The man's eyes widened at that. "Yes. How did you?... We sought him here." (838) Sleeping Dragon: "Viren is here? He is the one you were seeking?" (830) Skylarious: "Yes. The mentalist said he was here. I don't know why we sought him, except he follows the Black Empress. Now the mentalist is dead and..." he trailed off, rolling over and clutching at his forehead. (835) Kalika: Kalika glanced at the obviously deranged man as if confused by the story "Who are the Moonbeasts?" she asked (830) Skylarious: "I heard you fighting them. The ones like insects. They are dead now, I felt it, the ones on the surface at least." (838) Sleeping Dragon: "And you need their blood?" (830) Skylarious: "Yes! It will take away this pain!" He rolled back over and began crawling again. (830) Skylarious: He reached the skeletons, and pushed one aside heedlessly as he crawled forward. (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren walked over and stood in the Meyid's path. "I mean to kill Viren. Tell me everything you know about him and where he is, and I'll bring you one of these Moonbeasts. Otherwise..." Maren pointed his sword down at the man. (830) Skylarious: The man cowered back. "I know nothing more than was said! The mentalist was our leader, we were only here to protect him! But his things are there..." He gestured at the pile of possessions near the skeletons. Within it they could see a fur-lined black cloak like what the other mentalists they'd seen had worn. (838) Sleeping Dragon: "How long ago was Viren here? Is he still here?" (830) Skylarious: "I don't know! The mentalist said he was here, that's all! We didn't ask questions, we followed." (834) Hoku: Hoku nodded at Maren, "Four days ago, remember?" (835) Kalika: "Perhaps we should check the man's belongings..."said Kalika glancing warily at the cloak (834) Hoku: "Good idea..." Hoku glanced around for vountter (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren nodded at Kalika. Rather than go and check the belongings, however, he headed back to the clearing, cut a limb off one of the dead moonbeasts, and headed back. He kept a distance from the Meyid. "So you know nothing more about Viren or why you were here?" he called from some distance away, holding the severed limb up above his head. (834) Hoku: EDIT: volunteer (830) Skylarious: The man's eyes gleamed hungrily, but he shook his head. (838) Sleeping Dragon: "So what exactly is your plan here? You need moonbeast blood to stay alive and...how many of these things are there?" Maren asked, making sure to keep distance away from the man. (830) Skylarious: "I don't know exactly... I can feel many beneath us... hundreds or thousands. I have no plan... When my Meyid allies died and I was given the blood, I would serve the Moonbeasts, but now there are none here to command me. I want only to drink." (835) Kalika: Kalika kept looking at the man with uneasiness "How were you to...serve them? For what?" (834) Hoku: Hoku raised an idea, "Scouts? Warriors? Hidden Ones?" (830) Skylarious: "I do not yet know... they said I would serve when they brought me beneath, but I do not know what is down there." (834) Hoku: Hoku pointed at the enterance of the holes, "In there?" She asked curiously (830) Skylarious: "Yes, I think so, but I never saw what's inside." (838) Sleeping Dragon: "Well you don't have much choice but to hang around here as this is the only place with any Moonbeasts that I'm aware of. Is that what you want?" (830) Skylarious: The man paused, clearly having not yet considered long term goals. "Yes. I cannot leave." (838) Sleeping Dragon: "I don't mean to sound harsh, but wouldn't it be more dignified to die?" (835) Kalika: "Are you sure you will die without blood?"asked Kalika (830) Skylarious: "I do not know if I will die, but I could not stand it. Just give me a drink, then do as you will. I do not care." He reached out toward the limb Maren carried. (835) Kalika: "We don't know. Perhaps drinking will make it worse, and you have to resist your....thirst."mused Kalika, though she sounded unsure (835) Kalika: "Perhaps he might be more helpful alive, Maren."she suggested "We might be able to find out more about these...things. And yet..."Kalika was obviously both intrugued and unsettled by the whole situation (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren threw the limb to the ground and kept his sword pointed at the man. "Have your drink, and don't do anything stupid." (830) Skylarious: The man scampered up to the limb and pressed the hacked-off end to his mouth, sucking and lapping greedily. After half a minute he dropped the limb and curled up groggily on the ground, closing his eyes. (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren wandered over to the mentalist and started going through his belongings (835) Kalika: Kalika wandered over to Maren (830) Skylarious: The pile of Meyid belongings seemed to contain nothing metal. Metal parts of weapons and armor were gone, and coin pouches were empty. Maren did, however, find a small leatherbound journal written in Meyid. (834) Hoku: Hoku stood out of the range of strange sleeping creature and casted a spell over it. (835) Kalika: Kalika chanted and gestured slowly at the belongings, though she didn't seem to focus on it whispering to Sleeping Dragon, The journal mostly seemed to contain dream recollections, but there was a small note inside written in a different hand: "Beware, the Black Empress’s pawns are tricky, particularly this one. If he gets control of the Engine, she’ll soon have Metropos, and then Duen and the homeland won’t last long. Your first goal is to find where Viren is hiding and kill him. Your second is to find what you can about the Engine, and if possible take control of it. The Moonbeast horde will likely be too much for you, however, so scout out what you can and call for help." In the margins of the note, written in the same hand as the dream journal, were some scribblings: "V is working with Moonbeasts? Beware. The blood said to be potent. Must examine to find a countermeasure." (838) Sleeping Dragon: Maren started looking at the journal. whispering to Hoku, Hoku detected a strong aura of poison in the man. whispering to Kalika, Kalika detected no magic among the possessions. (834) Hoku: Hoku went over Maren, Kalika and Maya and whispered to them, "I can feel there is strong poisoning within him. Good thing we do not let him touching us..."
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