Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Master_Vega 01-21-08, 05:22 PM	Terjon's challenge thread was a lot of fun, so I thought I'd start one myself. The rules are the same as Terjon's, just describe who/what you think the character below is. Have fun! "So is this how heroes are hailed? Is this the way you treat one of the men who pulled your sorry hides from the fire!? Is it!? I've half a mind to strangle you right where you stand! You set a feast for the others, my comrades, but you deny me entry, threaten to leave your forsaken pile of dirt or you'll skin me!? I'd like to see you try, self-righteous worm. How I would love to have your sorry hide for a punching bag... but no, you're not worth it. Your petty people aren't worth my time, my sweat, or the difficulty of explaining the bloodstains on my gear to the next village. "Go on then, enjoy your bread and wine. I have no need of your food, but I do expect the payment you promised me, not this poor excuse for a reward. "... I should kill you. I should toss your corpse in the center of town, but ol' Celden would never let me hear the end of it. If you won't give me my pay, I'll extract it over time; I'll no longer be bothered by your requests, no longer remember your people, not once more will I lift a finger in your aid. When next your precious land is overcome with another shadow, you're on your own. Tell my friends I will be waiting for them on the crossroads north of here. Have a grand party." Our ranting friend is a... An angry-drunk swordsman, kicked out of the party for letting his hands wander to places they should not be. Heir to a now overthrown house, hoping to live a different life for the time being, only to be discovered and hunted again. A good-aligned Teifling druid, sick of being used and outcast simply because of his heritage. I'm not actually sure who gave the speech in the fourth entry, but it still rocks. More description later.
JulesCARV 01-22-08, 05:12 PM	A pained expression crossed Celden O'Timble's face, as he watched Teman embarass them all. Although perhaps some tertiary embarassment as Teman was expelled from the victory party with bad grace was too trivial to make things any worse than they already were. "My apologies," he said, "he's not a bad man -- that skinning stuff is just the ale talking, and he never acts on it. The drink changes him. We've been trying to help him stop, all of us, but it's in his blood... his mother was rarely sober. I'd... I'd better go after him, and make sure he doesn't do anything more stupid." Celden fingered his holly and mistletoe wreath, an unconscious nervous tic. "Yes, perhaps that is a good idea," Ledlar said, in a tone of voice that suggested that Celden and the rest of his party couldn't leave soon enough. Heldi had by this point stopped trembling, and Ledlar released his daughter from his embrace. In a hallow voice, all emotion driven from it through a strenuous exertion of will, she said "perhaps I was too reckless. I had a little too much ale myself, and I lead him on a bit, said a few lewd things, didn't tell him to stop when he was groping my breasts. I shouldn't have..." "Heldi, stop that talk," her father said. "it was Teman who was about to force himself on you when I came upon you in the grove, not you who were about to force yourself on Teman. Don't blame yourself." "He's done this before, hasn't he, in other villages," Ledlar said, his voice accusative rather than interrogative. Celden looked at his feet. "Well, I thought he was getting..." Ledlar pointed a quaking finger at Celden, "and yet you still take him along with you, because he knows his way around a greatsword. Well, if you're going to go around with that man on your adventures, and talk about how he's really a good man except when he has a bit of ale in him then I can't stop you, but you'd best stay away from Clover Hill. You'll receive the payment promised. After that, I hope to never see your face again, Celden O'Timble, and may you either learn to choose your associates more wisely or may Obad-Hai withdraw his blessing of you and leave you broken and powerless. As for myself, I care not which."
Aaarrrgh 01-22-08, 07:08 PM	This ended up being longer than I had planned. But once I started, I just couldn't stop... As he reached the crossroads, Derren sat down and started thinking. How could he have turned into this? In his mind he replayed the conversation from ten minutes ago. Two years ago he would never have believed himself capable of such threats. But those two years had changed him in more ways than he could ever imagine... Next week would be the mark of exactly two years since his world had crumbled to dust. It had started as any summer day, and Derren had gone out hunting with his best friend Narrod. Not that they needed to hunt, but it was fun. When they returned to the castle, they immediately knew something was wrong. The gates were wide open, and everything was quiet. As they cautiously entered, they saw the very thing they had feared the most: guards wearing the colors of count Yellowthorn. Knowing they had no chance to defeat the counts forces, they went back into the woods, hiding and planning their next move. The next day there seemed to be heralds everywhere, telling the news for all to hear: Count Yellowthorn had killed baron Eaglewing, and was the new ruler of these lands. All cooperation with members of the Eaglewing family was now a crime, punished with death. As Derren heard the news he broke down and cried. He had inherited his fathers title, and was now the new baron Eaglewing, but the title and name felt like a curse, because instead of giving him power and wealth it had made him an outlaw. After a while, he knew he had to do something. He had to take back what was legally his! He began to travel with Narrod from village to village, trying to gather some support for his cause. After all, his father had been a good ruler, and count Yellowthorn was a dictator of the old school, so it shouldn't be too hard to gather a brave militia... Derren soon learned his first lesson: real people are not as brave as those in the stories, and a death sentence is enough to make people follow your orders. To top things off, there were always someone who was prepared to try and sell him to the authorities. After all the 800 gold pieces he was worth could change a farmers life, so he couldn't really blame them... After several months of disappointments, they gave up the idea of revolution, and decided to focus on keeping alive. Since they were both good fighters, they joined a traveling band of mercenaries. The mercenary leader, Celden, gladly accepted them, and even offered support in fighting Yellowthorn. However, the mercenary band was to small to fight the counts army, so Derren refused the offer. Instead he and Narrod joined the band, but disguised to prevent trouble. Derrens life got better, while his soul hardened from the fighting. Sometimes he was unsure if he was on the right side of a conflict, but after a few weeks, he no longer cared. The fighting kept him alive, and that was all that mattered. Then his past finally caught up with him. Someone in this village had recognised him, and when they returned after defeating the bandits they had been hired to fight, a troop of the counts men were waiting in ambush. The mercenaries easily defeated the troop, but not before they suffered some casualties. The first to fall was Narrod. That was probably the main reason he had reacted so heavily. After all, the villagers had reason to be afraid. The count would not send a small troop the next time. But with Narrod gone, and being refused entry to the feast where his memory would be celebrated, Derren had just snapped like a twig. Narrod had been his last connection to his simple life, his best friend, and his cousin. Now he was Derren, last of the Eaglewings.
Master_Vega 01-23-08, 12:22 AM	Wow, I didn't expect entries of this size... Awesome work, both of you. JulesCARV -- I was hoping someone would take the story this way. lol! Way to turn the speaker into a bar fly. :P Aaarrrgh -- Very nice. You've created a deep reason for him to have lost it, something you could even make a fun campaign out of. I'm enjoying these. I can't wait to see additional entries. :P
Terjon of the Blue Rose 01-24-08, 02:37 AM	Yeah! I inspired. It's a bit of a rough draft but here's my take. Thennul sat in a clearing not far off from the crossroads. Celden and the others would be along in time. As he sat he stared at his hands and a tear formed. The palms were face up and yet the thumbs were turned inwards... a sure sign of his demon heritage. He bore no other mark yet it seemed no matter how he tried others always noticed those hands. They saw them and knew what they meant. It had been less than a decade since another Tiefling had managed to ransack and destroy very nearly every kingdom in the south and they were only now rebuilding. People watched for those hands. Still it wasn't fair. They would accept his aid and then turn on him. They would withhold offers of aid that had called him to their service claiming they feared what he would do with his reward. He had never harmed another except in defense yet they called him a killer. Worse by far was when they called him unnatural, an abomination. Those words brought forth painful memories and with them still more tears. He needed comfort so of course, as it always had, it came to him. First a bird lighted upon his shoulder and then a deer came to nuzzle. A reminder that he was a natural, and what's more a good and kind, creature. The wolf that crept to his little clearing barked a little to remind him that nature could be a harsh thing but each creature, both predator and prey alike, had their place. Here in Thennul's presence the deer and wolf would co-exist peacefully but outside in the world one would die to allow the other life. Thennul's life had come at the cost of other's lives too. He reminded himself now why he had chosen to defend that village. He remembered that and banished their harsh words with another, more potent, memory. He was a creature naturally drawn to evil and yet because he was also a mortal, a human thing, he had been gifted with a choice in his paths. He had chosen to forgo the path of his mother in exchange for that of his father. He dismissed his companions quickly at a shriek from the hawk that flew above keeping an eye out for his companions. His friends would tolerate each other for a time but they distrusted his human companions. "Thennul!" Celdon called out to him. "Here" came his resonse. "I hate it when you do that. You know they don't understand and you scare the daylights out of them when you threaten the poor fools like that. I just spent 2 hours convincing them that you had not actually placed a curse upon them. They were certain you had somehow marked them out for some sort of invasion of demons." "They cursed me. Even though I called the fire that destroyed those trolls. Even though I summoned up wolves to track the creatures. You know it occurs to me that those trolls had as much right to this place as they and yet be cause they hired us we had to eliminate the trolls. Without me they would never have survived the troll's rampage." "True enough. But then you fouled your deeds with threats. You destroyed all you had worked to gain." "Of course... but that girl... she called me a monster. An unnatural thing." "I am sorry for that. But once again I am forced to remind you. Even I called you that once. It was a mistake and I am sorry for it but even a man such as myself can be a fool from time to time. You must give others a second chance as you did me." "Of course father. I hope they can forgive me." Thennul smiled at Celden. His father was now worn with age while Thennul had not grown much since he had turned 20. He smiled at his father but inside he feared. The man was old and soon he would not be able to travel with his son anymore. What would Thennul do once his father passed and he was again alone in the world of men. Above a shining, golden hawk looked down. Thennul doubted himself but that simple creature knew he would always have a place in the world.
Master_Vega 01-24-08, 11:27 AM	That you did. :P Thanks for participating, and excellent job on your entry. I'm glad to see the variation in the posts so far. So far, Terjon's got the closest to my original character concept, followed by Aaarrrgh. julesCARV's take on the character is a lot of fun, but not exactly in the right area I'd still like more entries. :P I'm trying to think of something neat for a prize. Particularly, I'm trying to decide if I have enough time to sketch a character for whoever wins first prize. If I do, don't expect the same quality you'd find out of the WotC books; I'm not that good. :P
Aaarrrgh 01-29-08, 05:01 PM	:bump: This thread should not be forgotten!
Master_Vega 01-29-08, 11:27 PM	If you're worried that I forgot it, that's not the case. :P I do hope for some more entries, if for nothing else so those who place don't feel like they placed solely because they were the only three... that and it'd be a lot of fun to see what everyone else thinks. :P
Ironblue 01-30-08, 12:17 AM	EDIT: Ooh... looks like my piece conflicts with the details of the prompt a little. I know this point of view is a far cry from the preconceived idea behind the challenge, but I wanted to see how much I could stretch a Lawful Good alignment. :P Only you guys can tell me if I succeeded or not. Incidentally, I'd like to say this was one of the most enjoyable things I've come across lately, and I really like the idea of holding impromptu character brainstorming sessions. Everybody else wrote awesome stuff, and I hope to see more threads like this! :) Fall From Grace: The world can seem like such a simple place astride one's mount. Gilean rode into town with the radiance of a fiery angel, clad all in resplendence atop his snowy charger. The charismatic champion was a sight to behold, and his friends traipsed meekly behind him in due accordance, willing to let the paladin handle most of the contact with the locals. He had always been quite good at it. The job was a simple one, but the danger daunting. They were adventurers of skill though, heroic characters all. Gilean accepted the effusive praise of the villagers with a humble bow of the head. Affectionately stroking Nalsha's mane, he whispered a few words into the charger's keen ears. To grateful applause, the troupe turned up the path, comrades at each other's sides, and old Celden's beard quivered amusedly as they began the quest. They had not to take but a single step ere the quest came to them. An eerie pall came over the village courtyard, and a stiff, pungent odor assailed the nostrils of those assembled. A fat guardsman, lounging at the staked wooden gates, gasped suddenly and alarmingly, and as an imperceptible shadow passed over him, buckled and collapsed in an instant. Old Celden, beard quivering no more, closed his eyes and screwed up his face in concentration. Taking the wizard's cue, Gilean slapped his mount and yelled to his compatriots to stand firm. The gate shuddered, and fell to pieces slowly and smoothly, as if in a dream. The party tensed themselves as though to meet an oncoming army, but could only stare when a single, diminutive man issued forth from the sundered gate, stringy, mangy hair low over his closed eyes. Celden reeled for a second, his concentration broken, and the arcane energy around him dispersed as an incantation unspoken slipped away from his lips. At this, the figure before them laughed suddenly, a screeching, terrifying sound, and raised his arms, with fingers arched, as though he were the puppet master of an invisible cabaret. Appearing as one from the mist behind him, dark shapes rushed into the town, shambling awkwardly with weapons held high. Gilean's mount neighed and reared, and the paladin's face broke into a scowl as a nimbus of light enveloped him. Now a terrible sight, he roared in fury and galloped into the onrushing mob. His comrades, galvanized, kept pace with him, and a great battle ensued. Together, the two forces met in the street, and the adventurers were surprised to find that the foes they assailed were all human, appearing to be simple commoners not unlike the frightened townsfolk watching from afar. Wise Celden met the yowling mage in the center of the commotion, and their minds locked in personal combat. The evil spellcaster, in an animalistic rage, wielded his spells as a barbarian wields his axe, and rays of energy shot wildly from his fingertips, setting the scene alight with the fire dancing in the crazed man's eyes. But old Celden was a master of arcane skill, and he deflected the mage's attacks with nary a gesture, smiting the man with a well placed word. The foul mage spasmed in rage and defeat, and uncontrollably rose into the air. The battle seemed to stop abruptly, as all the combatants shuddered to a halt, and hero and slack-jawed villager alike turned their eyes to the figure above them. The floating sorcerer hunched over in pain, and spat his final curse in full fury upon all below him, before disappearing in a shaft of bright light that issued from Celden's staff. The spell cast over the attacking commoners ended now, and they fell about each other, gasping and sobbing. For though they were under the foul magician's thrall no more, his dark work could not be undone, and the afflicted townsfolk could only watch in horror as blight and boil sprung out amongst them, bodies warping unnaturally and features turning bestial with the lasting marks of the spellcaster's evil. They cried out in terror to their watching brethren, the unaffected people of the town, and some of these cried back in like manner, for they knew the innocent unfortunates and wished to save them. However, the inferno caused by the evil magician grew great, mimicking his fury and spreading inexorably across the crippled town. The adventurers paused, with uncertainty etched in their faces, as wailing, diseased townspeople clawed at them, imploring rescue and sympathy. They looked to Gilean, their hero, to command them. He gazed down at the despoiled villagers he had been fighting but a moment before, the fury of the combat still etched on his face. He raised his shining sword. His friends following meekly behind him, Gilean hacked a path to safety through the abominations and condemned their souls to burn with the village. Atop his glorious mount, he galloped in a great circle around the unafflicted townspeople, and commanded them to save themselves, and when they recoiled from him in horror he grasped their collars one by one in his mighty grip and dragged them free of the blaze. The other heroes could only attempt to save as many of the untainted as they could. Epilogue: Another lone scream pierced the gloom. Old Celden stared at Gilean. This time, the accusative reproach on the wizard's face could not be mistaken. Gilean, looking away, checked the buckles on his steed Nalsha's harness. The salvage of the village had taken most of the day from them. They rested now, watching the final dying embers, like the setting sun, pass into shadow and darkness. Skilled adventurers all, wearied and beaten, they were dust-ridden and stock still, so they blended into their ruined surroundings. The villagers were slowly marching into the last hall left standing amidst the debris, wearied and beaten, but still grateful of life. A fire was kindled in the building, and a feast was being prepared. Eager to be done with the adventure that had gone terribly wrong, the heroes filtered into the hall one by one, until all but Gilean and Celden were left. The final villager paused before the threshold, gasping and clutching his wrists. Old Celden came over to kindly help the man through, but before he could, another stayed his hand. Gilean was there, gazing down at the wounded villager. The grimy man tried to hide his face, but it was to no avail. His hands rotted and crumbled before their very eyes, and the truth could not be concealed. Old Celden looked up at Gilean, and shook his head in warning, his thick brows knotted in apprehension. But Gilean could not be assuaged. The bright sword of Gilean sang free of it's scabbard. The forsaken man, doubled over on his knees, gazed up at his ultimate judgement. Old Celden saw the irrational punishment of the already punished, but all Gilean saw was the light of his blade blotting out the shadow below him. And all the villagers saw was a fallen angel butchering one of their own.
Master_Vega 01-30-08, 01:38 AM	Great work, Ironblue! You are right, though. This is different from what I had in mind (which isn't a bad thing at all.) Before I go on, I'd like to pass the credit for this idea onto Terjon. Check out his thread: "The Enlightened (etc)..." for the original thread of this type. :P As for stretching Lawful Good, it seems the affliction you described was turning the affected villagers into monsters... if it could spread, there wasn't much else that could have been done (baring the sudden appearance of an army of clerics). If it were in my game, the paladin would not fall, especially if he prayed for the souls of the fallen villagers after the battle. I have to ask, though, where did the quote happen, or did it? Also, what was the error? I don't mean any offense. I'm simply curious about what made you take the story this direction... I might start a new game with that alteration if it works well enough. :P Now I get to stop being lazy and add all of my summaries to the main post! :D
Ironblue 01-30-08, 01:58 AM	THE FINAL EDIT: (I think) I'm so sorry for all the bother, but I think I've handed in my final copy now. The epilogue should clear up everything. :) Haha, good questions all. I did realize that after the fact, there was a little discrepancy with the morality conflict I presented... ;) I guess I tried to show that, irregardless of the nature of the villagers transformation, the original, unafflicted townspeople wanted to save their fellows, and while the paladin had the opportunity to show mercy on them, he was blinded by his black and white, good and evil view of the world, and so dispatched them for the aberrations he thought them to be. I suppose a more... peaceable paladin would have tried to help them... remove disease, maybe? :P Either way, I think I could have definitely presented that issue a little more clearly. You're pretty spot on with your analysis, Vega. As far as the quotation goes, all the other submissions detailed the events directly following our character's little outburst, so I figured I'd try another angle and show the events that lead up to the quotes. I didn't write it happening (though I probably should have), but after the town burnt to a crisp the villagers probably salvaged what they could, holed up in a tavern for their feast, or perhaps even migrated to another town, though that's a little less likely. What a sad, subdued aftermath feast that must have been! :P The 'error' I saw was just that, logically, the paladin would not react as violently as he did in the quotation, based on my interpretation of the preceding events. Some more could have happened there, off-camera, to incite him into speaking as harshly as he does... Well dang, now I want to rewrite my story. But I can't, it's bedtime for me. :( Thanks for the critique!
Master_Vega 01-31-08, 07:25 PM	Interesting addition... Alright, I'm giving this contest until tomorrow at (western) noon... At which point I'll hand out places and prizes. Unfortunately, my school schedule is picking up, so I won't be able to do a character sketch for everyone (sorry)... I think I'll do similar rewards to what Terjon handed out. In other news, I'm going to write another quote/situation in my next post. :P
hopelessoptimizer 01-31-08, 08:01 PM	Ok, this is my first attempt at anything like this so please be nice when critiquing my side of the story. I hope it makes sense to everyone else as I kinda drew from past game experiences with this. Thok had never spoken that way before, yet the words came so easily. He surprised even himself with how violent he had become, after all they had a right to bar him from the feast. It was his fireball that had caused a good portion of the town to bust into flame. He hadn’t meant to do any harm, he was just trying to help. It seemed whenever he helped, or at least tried to, something burned to the ground. “I can’t help it my fire spells are always so much more powerful than any others I have access to,” Thok thought out loud as he walked the three miles north to the crossroads. “Ha, that was a good one, ‘pulled yer sorry hides from the fire,’ that blaze was set by you. Ha, just makes it even more funny, “ a familiar voice came from behind. Thok knew it was his long time friend Gotte, come to cheer him back up as usual. Gotte was always the life of the party keeping everyone’s hopes up, making them smile even if they didn’t want to. It wasn’t a surprise and he was a welcomed guest. “Yer gonna be a great wizard someday, I know ya will, ya just need a little help with your aim is all,” Gotte continued, “see ya want the explosions to happen away from us and things that burn quickly like that hayloft for example.” That put a big grin on Thok’s slightly hairy and green face. His long obtrusive fangs glistened in the moonlight. It was hard on Thok being a half-orc and a wizard, not many people accepted the fact that he could hurl flames with the best of them. His poor accuracy didn’t help his cause either. “Is Celden upset with me?” Thok questioned. “Just a little, that temper of yers can get ya into all kinds of trouble. Ya let me deal with Celden though, I’ll get ya back on his good side soon enough,” was the response Gotte gave. Their walk to the crossroads was nearing an end. The three miles went by a lot faster than what Thok would have thought, but when you have good company time always seems to fly-by. His thoughts kept going back to the fire though. While everyone was still focusing on the fight at hand he had run in and saved at least seven people before anyone else had turned to help. He could understand why they were mad, yet at the same time he helped save the village and tried to fix his mistake. “Well, the others’ll be here after a bit they said they weren’t gonna eat to much so we could head out sooner and be on with this blasted holy mission,” Gotte made small talk. “We should just rest up a bit and get some food in us before they get here then,” Thok suggested. “Aye, here take some of this,” Gotte pulled out a bottle of wine and a big bag full of food. “Where did you acquire this?” Thok sounded a little confused. “Stole it from that blasted feast. They barred you from the building but said nothing of not eating their food,” Gotte explained. They both had a good laugh at that and ate what they could.
Master_Vega 01-31-08, 08:18 PM	Note: this isn't the end of the first challenge. This is just me posting the new one now so people can start working (and even posting) on it. :P Challenge Two: Prisoner "Get yer arse off th'floor, maggot," a harsh voice spat into the cell, followed shortly by its owner's hand reaching in to grip a prisoner by the hair. The figure made no sounds, not even a yelp of pain as he was jerked to stand and walk behind the guard, "It's time." It's certainly time... Thirty times light has swept across the stone floor of the cell hall. I've seen other's leave, several making a ruckus as they were taken, other silent, like me. I've often wondered if it is more terrifying watching a struggling man, fire in his eyes as he tries to break away from the guards... only to be beaten, pinned, and carried away broken... or to watch the already broken walk alongside the guards, resigned to whatever lay in store for them upstairs. I would not know, cannot know... Fear has long been gone from my mind, but sadness still finds its way there, and with every passing soul I wish I could have shed a tear... but I can't. I will walk with them, but I will not be broken like the others. I only wish they could see... but it doesn't matter anymore to my fellow prisoners on this block, for I am the last one. My body is not as strong as it has been. I am starved most days, and the few days I have been fed the food has been laced with poison... What do I care now, though? Starvation would take the same toll, and if I am to recover, then I will... If I am to die, no such poison will make me weep and beg for my life. I will not be a coward, will not repent. If they view what I have done as a sin, then let them judge me as they like... but I do not regret my actions, my words... and I swear I will not regret what I will do soon... A door opened from the dark hallways and the figure was promptly, unceremoniously shoved through into the light. Who is he? Why is he here... and what happens next? Story format entries like last time would be awesome/preferred, but you don't have to write a really long submission if you just want to put your idea out there... Granted the long submission is most likely to win you a place.
Master_Vega 01-31-08, 08:26 PM	hopelessoptimizer -- Great entry! That's actually very close to what I imagined. :P Thanks for entering the contest! If everyone keeps these up I'll have a really difficult time deciding tomorrow... which will be awesome. :D
LadyLindis 01-31-08, 11:40 PM	Challenge two: Prisoner. "You've a visitor, wretch." another male voice a few feet ahead of him, said simply. Once the prisoner was on his feet again, pulled up by another rough hand on his upper arm, he was lead along the stone path constructed above the poor section of the city Lasparna. Below them, commoners screamed vitriol at the prisoner, and one even threw a rotten cabbage...it hit the bridge's side and rained onto the thrower, causing the man to curse at the others who laughed at his poor aim. Soon, they reached a door and his escort opened it for him, "She's inside." and pushed him beyond the thresh hold, closing the door with a muted slam followed by four latches turning to keep them inside. The woman, who had been sitting in at the wooden table in the room's center, dressed simply in a white blouse dark skirt and boots looked up, her brown eyes fixed on the prisoner with worry ...she waited for the guards to leave them alone in this small chamber, the room before the magistrate's judgement hall, before hugging the man passionately then glaring into his eyes, "What were you thinking?! We all knew the Duke and his son were behind the blackguard's attempted coup...if you'd only waited! Now, his son is trying to pin their entire plot on you! They've bought our so called justice system with blatant bribes and countless presents...I couldn't find a soul willing to represent you, Kaen...I think they..." She looked away, letting a tear fall from her cheek landing on her scuffed black boots, "They're going to kill you." Kaen held her close and sighed, he knew that much a month ago, "Liah..." he started, stroking her soft hair, inhaling her scent; a combination of lilac water and mechanical grease, "You know why this had to happen and what he was capable of...Lasparna would be a graveyard by now...the darkness would have turned on him like it has every fool who calls it." "Darkness?" she asked, "You don't mean...were they honestly foolish--no, stupid enough to...?" "The very same." "Then why aren't we letting the people know this evil is about to be wrought on the world again?" "Who is going to believe 'A bloodthirsty, calculating assassin ' over a now nearly sainted, though obviously corrupt Duke?" "We're barely two generations away from the last time they were unleashed on the world...we're finally starting to recover." Liah shook her head. "That's it exactly...few people living remember the hopelessness, these are stories told to little children to make them heed their parent's warnings never to go too far into the woods or a demon will devour them...no one really believes that we can bring these beasts to our world." Kaen explained, "And people like Jirlion and his son see nothing but a way to attain more power, not thinking of the consequences attached to calling these creatures back." They stood together in silence, above them sunlight filtered through the barred windows, "We'll have to fight them again, won't we?" she asked. Kaen nodded. "Can I bring you anything?" "You can, but don't expect it to come to me." he smirked sarcastically. Liah brushed some of his hair, now longer than she had ever seen it and quite dirty, out of his face and smiled, "You never cease being sarcastic..." "I can't help it anymore than you can help being so beautiful." he chuckled as her cinnamon skin flushed red. "Flatterer..." He let his smile fade and bought them back to the reality of the prison around them, "Does anyone know you are visiting me?" "No, I didn't tell a soul." "Good...I don't want you in here for conspiracy." Kaen kept the rest of his thoughts unspoken...she was a pretty girl and the last thing he wanted was the same dastards who had been monitoring him for the last month with any power over Liah... She nodded, "Your first appearance before the magistrate is tomorrow morning. I'll bring you fresh clothing if I'm allowed." "I don't think you should--" Liah's lips against his ended further debate," So...can I bring you something clean?" "Yes...just please be careful...don't give these--... people an excuse to detain you." "I promise I won't." They stayed together, holding each other close until Kaen heard the door opening and ended their embrace, he kept his face still as the lecherous eye of a second guard moved over Liah as he lead her out of a side door, back to the city while he was escorted back to his cell. Though still starved, dirty and ill treated, seeing his intended bought a spark of life back to his tired form.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 02-01-08, 02:32 AM	Nicely done Ironblue. What I saw was that the paladin failed to aid cursed, yet innocent, victims of a wizard. The speech would certainly have happened aftwerwards as the villagers began accusing him for the deaths of their friends and loved ones (albeit that the feast from the op does seem a little off.) As for the next suggestion I am amazed to see such quality from someone named hopelessoptimizer. Very nicely done. I'll read the input for the next contest and make a submission in time but I would recommend in the future that you use a new thread for each challenge M_V. It just seems like it will help avoid confusion.
Master_Vega 02-01-08, 11:32 AM	The second challenge doesn't have a due date yet. It's the first one that's due today. Sorry if I confused anyone with the second contest... I probably should have waited 'til the first one ended. The reason I put it in this thread is because I didn't want to fill the front page with challenge threads. :P Thanks for the suggestion!
Aaarrrgh 02-01-08, 01:57 PM	This turned out to be another long one, I just can't stop myself... Challenge two: Prisoner. As Logan was forced through the door, he once again cursed the father he had never known. While he knew his father had not meant any harm, he constantly told himself it would have been best if his parents had never met. Logan's mother had died when he was born, and he had been sent away, seen as a disgrace. Of course, he had always known he was adopted, but when he found out about the whole story, and how he was the only grandson of a rich man, he went there to claim his right. Now he did not even understand how he could have been so foolish. Logan had learned the hard way that a respectable man can go very far to keep that respect, even if that meant ordering the death of your own grandson. He was still surprised that he hadn't seen through the obvious trap, and he was extremely mad at himself for not talking to his friends after he got the letter: You have to understand that I must be careful with these things, and I want to be sure you are who you say you are, before meeting you. Please meet my assistant in the tavern outside town, and he will confirm your identity. It had begun the moment he walked into the tavern. He was used to getting strange looks, and when someone stood up and said "We don't like your kind here", the situation was sadly familiar. But this time was different from all the others. Based on where the men stood in the room, and the fact that they all had their weapons ready, told Logan that they had been waiting for him. As they attacked, he let his instincts loose, and fought with all his power. As his lightning struck the first attacker, the others hesitated for a moment, before jumping him again. He kept up, however, until the guards arrived. That was when the worst part came. He was the one carried away as a criminal! The trials had been terrible. It seemed like there were hundreds of witnesses who had seen him attack the defenceless men in the tavern. Not that it mattered, though. Everyone had considered him guilty from the moment they saw him, just because of the obvious heritage from his father. Still, that heritage should have made them see he was not evil, if they only had been a little wiser... He had not even tried to tell the truth about his grandfather, since he knew that none would believe him. At least the others had kept quiet during the trial. Logan would never be able to forgive himself if they had gotten in trouble because of him. But they had been there, and that had given him the strength to continue. But when he was sent to death row, he almost broke. Over and over he asked himself why they did not execute him there and then, but for some reason he was sent to prison for a month, before the actual punishment would be put in action. But now the time had finally come. As he stood on the platform, looking out over the crowd, he suddenly saw Nairon. The tall elf was hard to miss, since he was a foot taller than everyone around him. Logan saw him smile, and froze. Once again he cursed, but this time it was because of his foolish friends. They were planning to free him, and considering the usual level of planning Nairon and Galbor did, it would probably be something spectacular, and crazy. Before he was able to finish that train of thought, he heard the crowd scream. Of course, they had been screaming since they saw him, but this was another kind of scream. One of shock, and fear. Then he felt something pull him off the platform and into the air. Logan was confused. What was going on? A few minutes later, and several miles from the town, he touched ground, and finally got to see his rescuer. It was the most majestic sight he had ever seen. The bronze dragon looked at him, and spoke: "I'm so glad that elf friend of yours found me in time. When I found out your mother had died, it broke my heart, but at least I have got you now, my son."
Master_Vega 02-01-08, 03:21 PM	Edit: What the heck, I'll illustrate the prizes (just sketches, but they're fun. :P). I'll finish them all as soon as I can, but first and second prize are complete. The first challenge (Unwelcome) is over! First place was a very hard decision, as both it and the second place piece were superbly written and imagined. In the end, I decided to let accuracy to the original concept determine which of the two took first. Terjon's entry wins first place! The half-demon outcast you described was almost exactly what I was looking for. Your prize is a +3 Orcish Croquette Mallet of Shocking Burst and Mighty Cleaving, and a masterwork Orcish Croquette set (http://master-vega.deviantart.com/art/Orcish-Croquette-76220558) to go with it. Have fun playing the game, or wreak havoc on burrowing rodents! Aaarrrgh's entry wins second place! You crafted the beginnings of a campaign, one that I'd enjoy playing in. Excellent work! Your prize is a +2 Elven Table Tennis Paddle of Pigeon's Bane and returning, with masterwork ammunition (http://forums.gleemax.com/leaving.php?destination=http://master-vega.deviantart.com/art/Orcish-Croquette-76220558). Hopelessoptimizer's entry wins third place! Also very close to the original concept, and well done to boot. Great job! Your prize is a (medium sized) +1 Halfling Lacrosse Sling of ghost touch, with masterwork ammunition. Honorable Mention: A few things about Ironblue's entry didn't click with the original situation, but it was none-the-less very well done. You'll receive a +1 (American) Football of Protection. Sorry this is a little late. Great work everyone! If anyone else wishes to add an entry to the first challenge, go ahead (though there won't be any more placements for it.) Good luck on the second challenge!
Terjon of the Blue Rose 02-01-08, 09:02 PM	Wonderful! Though I think mighty cleaving may be outlawed under Standard English Croquette Rulings.:P Good thing I play under the Scottish rules.:D On a side note it's nice to see LadyLindis back here on the CD boards. If I recall correctly that'll be a nice boost for all of us.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 02-01-08, 09:23 PM	Shoved roughly from behind, Daven fell. The fall was farther than he had expected though and he felt his arm pull free from the socket when he finally hit the bottom of the pit. "So you are the strongest they could find." The voice seemed to come from in front and behind, above and below, every dark shadow echoed those words. "Well lift you sword, angel, let's make this sporting." Before him lay his sword, a rapier covered in pitted acid and the notches of dozens of hard fought battles. That sword had saved his life on many occasions. Through the magically created darkness Daven saw the wolf-like creature that would devour him preparing to pounce the moment he bent for his sword. He raced forth, grabbing for it anyway, and rolled at the last moment avoiding the ravening beast that sought his life and power. The creature howled in frustration "You could not have seen me! How! How did you see me!" Calming the creature turned "It matters not. I'll still feed on your flesh and soul. I'll take your strength for my own until I free myself. Like you, angel, I have been imprisoned in this pit until I am strong enough to free myself. But unlike you I grow with each foe I defeat. Unlike you, I will one day escape my bonds." Daven stared into the barghest's eyes. He unfolded his angelic wings behind him and seemed for a moment to banish the shadows. "Beast, my mother may have been an angel by I am by no means. In this pit I can channel my true power... And I cheat." With that Daven seemed to explode. Dozens of bats flew from his exploded form, up and out. He fled his prison and arena to gather a new force. He would avenge the companions who had fallen in that pit. And not only on the beast who had killed them but on the men who had fed them to the beast in the first place.
Master_Vega 02-01-08, 09:25 PM	Glad to see the prizes are appreciated. I had fun coming up with them. :P It is great that she's posting here, though I'm not sure if I can fairly rate her entry in the second challenge, what with her being my girlfriend and everything. Even when she's not posting on the boards, though, you'll see her work. Most of the stuff I post here goes through her beforehand for editing and additional ideas (though the challenges here are purposefully all me.) ^_^
Master_Vega 02-01-08, 09:38 PM	Now to reply to the entries thus far: Ladylindis -- When I wrote this, I didn't expect a romantic angle to come of it. Great job surprising me. I have to wonder if Kaen is doomed, or has an ace in the hole... Aaarrrgh -- Coooool, dragons... :P I don't mind long entries (I actually prefer them). There hasn't been a short one yet, anyway. This is another idea I didn't see coming. Like both of the other submissions, I want to see what happens next (but that's not the challenge... oh well.) Terjon -- A second entry with Divine (well, planer, I guess) influence, very neat. I like Daven's one line of dailogue, particularly the last part, "... And I cheat." Looking forward to more entries!
Terjon of the Blue Rose 02-09-08, 02:23 AM	Glad you enjoyed it. :bump:
Master_Vega 02-09-08, 12:48 PM	Sorry I haven't placed everyone yet. Really busy week. Running my first serious campaign, school, work, etc... >_> Prisoner now has a deadline: 12:00AM (western), February 11th. Good luck, guys!
Master_Vega 02-11-08, 02:54 PM	First, let me say that your submissions were excellent, even though they couldn't not place. :P First Place goes to Aaarrrgh. I haven't seen a half-dragon story where the dragon parent actually cared about the child. Very nice work. Your prize is a +2 Distanced Paintball Marker (a gun) of Paint-Wiper's Bane. Shoot from long range and be sure that, if your shot hits, the sucker you got won't wipe the paint from his armor! Second Place goes to Terjon. "...And I cheat." I don't believe there's much else to say. Great work! :P Your prize is a +1 Seeking Airsoft Rifle of Returning, great for annoying the neighbors! LadyLindis, though I could not place her story, gets a Heightened Wand of Charm Person for taking the story a very unexpected, romantic direction.
Aaarrrgh 02-11-08, 03:49 PM	:w00t: Victory!
Terjon of the Blue Rose 02-13-08, 11:23 PM	Aaarrrgh has challenged my dominance. I shall destroy him utterly and completely. :schemes: :rant: :evillaugh :evillaugh :evillaugh :duel: :ghosted: :devil:
Aaarrrgh 02-14-08, 04:16 AM	Aaarrrgh has challenged my dominance. I shall destroy him utterly and completely. :schemes: :rant: :evillaugh :evillaugh :evillaugh :duel: :ghosted: :devil: ...I don't like this... :hides:
Terjon of the Blue Rose 02-14-08, 04:59 AM	:bigeyes: Awww I didn't mean anything by it. :angelhide
LadyLindis 05-03-08, 08:48 PM	:bump: *returns a few months later to see her present waiting* :blush: :D Wow, I didn't now I'd get anything for my part ('cause I assumed I wouldn't be given anything on account of possible bias.)...Yay! ^_^ *plays with her new wand*