Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 03-18-06, 12:13 PM	Appleblossomm, Marco, Leonin and Neil have each had a certain motive hounting theyr dreams, refusing to be forgotten during theyr hours of waking. A house cat was leading each dreamer somewhere, down winding tunnels and thick vegetation, into a crack too small for them to follow. The glint in the small critter's eyes, however, was so meaningful, so full of mischievous determination and contaging curiosity, that ignoring this dream, writing it off as just another game the mind plays with itself, seemed impossible. In Leonin's dream, the cat spoke. On behalf of Nobanion, of whom she spoke as one would of a freind, rather than a god, she asked him to follow her into the thicket, from whence the Revolution shall commence. In Marco's dream, the cat was snow-white, and quieter than silence itself. It looked into his eyes only twice: when first beconing him, and just before passing into the narrow crack. The stare of these cyan eyes, however, seemed to contain an entire world of cyclopean icebergs cruhing against eachother with cosmic force, breaking just to freeze together again, in new shapes of dreams and legends, amongs neverending, mighty waves, uppon which the foam itself seemed to harden into icy debris. The divine nature of these dreams could not be denied. In Appleblossom's dream, the cat was her own. Whether she ver had a cat or not, within the dream, she knew perfectly well tha this, indeed, was her beloved pet. The chase was merely a game at first, but as the feline critter ran further and further away, the night came down, and the surrounding became less and less hospitable. It did not as much jump into the crack, eventually, as fell into it, its eyes expressing fear and a plea for her owner's help, rather than a command, challange, or friendly encouragement for her to follow. Whatever deific source the dreams hay have, it could not, ofcourse, penetrate the Cage with the same ease with which it did the natural and corporeal world of Abeir-Toril. Besides, life in Sigil has inevitable effect on the psychs of mortals, bringing cynism of a level that is rare in any material envoronments. Thus, whether the dream was weaker or Neil's potential to resist it was stronger, we may never know how it manifested in his mind during the hours of sleep. While not nearly sufficiently taken by the dream to embark on some addle-coved voyage to hell knows where, even this blood couldn't shrug it off entirely. Fortunately for him, he had many valuable posessions. One such posession he sent, without telling her much, to answer the call that was supposedly meant for him. Be it from Waterdeep, Chult, Icewind Dale or even outside Realmspace, each of them made his own way, untill eventually, all four reached the thicket towards which theyr dreams - or, one one case, theyr orders - called them. Deep within the forest of Cormanthor, ignorant of eachother's presence and proximity, Palanth, Appleblossom, Leonin and Marco, each camped for the night at the foot of a mossy hill.
Agudo Archmage 03-18-06, 02:00 PM	Springtime set all cozy under the stars admiring the wonderful countryside She smiled as she could hear the many creatures prancing about at night Chirps of crickets always gave her comfort like a beautiful symphony in her own backyard Just then an owl flew over head barely making a noise as it landed on a nearby branch with barely a flutter The owl turned its head around slowly looking about the midnight forest until its large eyes came upon the wee one foot Gnome Appleblossom tilted her head up with a bashful child like smile as if she had just been caught with her hands in the cookie jar Hello my friend Springtime said quietly and truly pleased at meeting every one and everything in the forest Hehe I would offer you a bit to eat but I have already put my supplies away Yet my feathery night friend if you’re around in the morning we could have breakfast together With that she layback on her knapsack covering herself up with a leafy blanket she sowed together just moments ago Maybe will see a shooting star tonight Wouldn’t that be romantic? Yet to know ones surprise all the owl said was Hooo Hooo
PrGo 03-18-06, 02:20 PM	All Marco did was sit by the campfire and polish his axe, Rimefire. He watches out for anything suspicious. When he saw how Appleblossom was relaxed he did so too. He walked from the campfire and sat by a tree and layed back. He covered himself with his wolf fur cloak and slowly went to sleep.
ruthia 03-18-06, 09:11 PM	Huddled quietly in her blanket, Palanth eats the remains of her dinner in silence. Alone in this odd place, not a soul in sight anywhere around her, she forgoes the warmth od a fire tonight. Though Neil had given her plenty of suppilies for this trip and a bag of holding to keep everything in yet remain light enough to travel with, she was still uneasy. In her time working with Neil he had yet to lead her astray...but sending her to chase some vague dream? This was ridiculas! And yet, she would do as he asked of her. Meekily she had long ago accepted her fate in this life. She idly touches her forehead, the tatoo that marked her as a member of the Mako. Member was a loose term, she thought tiredly as she finishes the last of her bread. With a small sigh she curls herself up and sighs, falling asleep.
nickbeat 03-18-06, 09:12 PM	Leonin motions to Sascha to stand still. He takes a broken branch from the ground and begins to wave his arms above his head slowly. Animus Arboles! Both he and Sascha transform into trees (Tree Shape, Druid 2), quietly preparing to witness the identity of their stalkers.
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 03-19-06, 05:04 AM	As Appleblossom lay on her back, she was able to see the tops of the trees growing across from the low hill. Suddenly, she noticed something that doesn't normally happen in forests: two new treetops imerged among the far foliage, as if they were bent before, and now streightened, or even just grew with an unnatural speed. From theyr new, tall vantage point, Valdimir and Sasha are able to see that the hill is practicly surrounded by still individuals, all whoch are obviously un-native to any sort of forest, much less Cormanthor. They all lie down, possibly asleep, with intervals that would make the hillfoot's curve conceal them from eachother, and the noises Leonin heard earlier are indeed no more, and yet... it still doesn't quite seem as though these three were the source of those sounds.
PrGo 03-20-06, 04:04 AM	Marco opens his eyes. He looks around the campsite. The campfire was already out. When he saw nothing he takes Rimefire and stands up cautiously still looking around. Only thing he heard is the hooting of an owl. His instincts told him that something was wrong. He extended his arm to the lowest branch of the tree behind him and pulled himself up. Thanks to his mighty muscles, he was up in a second. From the tree he looked all around to find the intruder.
Agudo Archmage 03-20-06, 06:56 PM	Game Master As Appleblossom lay on her back, she was able to see the tops of the trees growing across from the low hill. Suddenly, she noticed something that doesn't normally happen in forests: two new treetops imerged among the far foliage, as if they were bent before, and now streightened, or even just grew with an unnatural speed. Appleblossom Springtime blinked for a moment A wide smile came upon the wee Gnome’s lips as she watched the trees rise in there splendor O’ my! How wonderful indeed, what a lovely enchanted place this must be Im sure all sorts of fun will happen at sunrise with such trees about Snuggling closer with her handmade leafy blanket she curled up closing her eyes Slowly falling asleep with joyful thoughts of warm food and good friends all wearing her latest tailored outfits she happily made for them
nickbeat 03-21-06, 12:46 AM	Leonin senses that these creatures below him are worthy of his protection. He readies himself to transform to Human form again at the first sign of trouble.
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 03-21-06, 10:55 AM	Marco yanked himself upwards just in time. The dagger, that would otherwise be in the back of his neck, now left only a tear down the wolven pelt on his back. Its wielder's dark skin blended well in the darkness, and the morningstar that next struck Marco's side, pushing him out of balance, was obviously covered in weaponblack, as it too was hard to make out in the night's dark. Just as she was falling asleep, Appleblossom was awoken by the owl's firghtened whoooing and beating of wings, both of which were silenced abruptly. The bird's death was not fully in vain, however: its warning woke the gnome up just in time to give her the split second she needed to avoid the sharp and polished military fork aimed at her chest. The dark, tall and slim figure that was holding it raised his weapon again, readying for another strike at the still lying Appleblossom. Squirls ran up Vladimir and Sasha's trunks, scattering away from the path of four nimble figures. Two of them wear chains gowns that, for some reason, make no sound in theyr movement; two others are wrapped in grey, slightly shimmering cloaks, with the same rune woven into theyr backs. One of these latter two also sports an odd piece of headwear: spikes rise from its base, and the cloaked person's long, white hair is spread among them in thin threads, like a spider's unfinished web. As the others spread in Leonin's proximity, looking around in wary confusion, the "crowned" figure's hands fold before her chest, and her elbows rise, as she begins to whisper something. Way before she has time to finish, however, the druid's transformation to his human shape is complete. Palanth, meanwhile, is still asleep. In her dream, she sees Neil, her master, following a dometic cat into a crack in a cliffside. He seems enraged, as if the cat somehow stole something valuable from him. As the animal enters the crack, Neil labors to follow, but the crack is narrow, and its walls within are full of sharp pebbles and other painful mineral formations. He bleeds escessively as he squeezes himself inside. Palanth wakes up, and before her eyes, hardly distinguishable in the starlight that mkaes its way through the canopy above, is a crack, of the exact same shape and appearance as it had in the dream. She cannot be fully certain, but slope of this hill, next to which she stopped for the night, seemed quite smooth and unbroken before she fell asleep.
nickbeat 03-21-06, 12:36 PM	Leonin appears before the drow surrounding them, his Sascha by his side. As she pounces onto the warriors in chain gowns and begins to encant, Dehumanea Canus Minorus! (Leonin casts Baleful Polymorph/Druid 5 at the caster Drow in the robe, turning them into a mongrel dog) Danger creeps in my friends, the Drow are your enemy this night!
ruthia 03-21-06, 12:52 PM	Palanth, meanwhile, is still asleep. In her dream, she sees Neil, her master, following a dometic cat into a crack in a cliffside. He seems enraged, as if the cat somehow stole something valuable from him. As the animal enters the crack, Neil labors to follow, but the crack is narrow, and its walls within are full of sharp pebbles and other painful mineral formations. He bleeds escessively as he squeezes himself inside. Palanth wakes up, and before her eyes, hardly distinguishable in the starlight that mkaes its way through the canopy above, is a crack, of the exact same shape and appearance as it had in the dream. She cannot be fully certain, but slope of this hill, next to which she stopped for the night, seemed quite smooth and unbroken before she fell asleep. Startled, the elven girl looks at this obviously new feature in the hill. The dream had been so vivid, so real. It made her beleive that Neil really was here, chasing some damned cat into that crack. And the appareance of the crack seemed to cement it in her mind. But should she follow it? Debating she packs her blanket back into her pack. Neil had sent her her to chase a dream. But this was as far as his dream went. Should she follow on? On if that dream was really, could Neil be down there right now chasing a cat who stole something from him? But what could a cat steal? Shouldering the pack the small elf makes her way to the crack, and pauses again. Neil had said to follow the dream, to find out what it was about. Sighing in resolve she makes up her mind, she will follow the dream. Moving as quiet as any of those with her heritage she starts following the path Neil had taken, squeezing into the crack. The sharp rocks jab and scrape her, causing her to bleed. But she does not cry out. She's been past crying out for years now, pain does not bother her. Finally after some struggling in silence, she slips completely into the crack.......
PrGo 03-21-06, 01:40 PM	Marco yanked himself upwards just in time. The dagger, that would otherwise be in the back of his neck, now left only a tear down the wolven pelt on his back. Its wielder's dark skin blended well in the darkness, and the morningstar that next struck Marco's side, pushing him out of balance, was obviously covered in weaponblack, as it too was hard to make out in the night's dark. As soon as he regains balance, Marco activates Rimefire's special ability. The axe burned to life in cold blue flames that created dim light around it. The barbarian hoped to strike at the enemy in time before another hit came at him. He swung the axe to the side from which the morningstar came in hope to kill the assassin.
Agudo Archmage 03-21-06, 07:58 PM	Game Master Just as she was falling asleep, Appleblossom was awoken by the owl's frightened whooping and beating of wings, both of which were silenced abruptly. The bird's death was not fully in vain, however: its warning woke the gnome up just in time to give her the split second she needed to avoid the sharp and polished military fork aimed at her chest. The dark, tall and slim figure that was holding it raised his weapon again, readying for another strike at the still lying Appleblossom Appleblossom was so sleepy that she barely heard the coming of the big meany from the woods It was then that the owl screech caused her to rub her eyes and slowly rise up What? Morning already.....I barley feel rested SLICE Went the weapon into her knapsack and when in came out it was dripping with some kind of slimy goop This caused her to jump and turn wide eyed in surprise Seeing the weapon dripping with remnants of her sack she sniffed the air Blinking Appleblossom frowned at the dark fellow standing over her manically O’ dear! Look what you have done my poor tall one The cute little Gnome said this as the tip of the military fork started to sizzle and fizzle with a greenish fiery glow on parts of the fork that where just beginning to melt Shaking her head with her hands on her hips smirking like a mother cathing her kid hand in the cookie jar If you have lungs then that same smoke burning from your nasty utensil Will most likely be entering into your nostrils as well...and ...umm burning them like a marshmallow During all this Springtime stood still as if talking about the weather instead of a deadly enemy ready to flail her where she stood
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 03-23-06, 05:53 AM	One of the drow warriors falls under Sascha's massive weight, the instant he draws his weapon. Her paw lands on the side of his head with such force, that it is a wonder his neck remains intact. He tries desperately to wrigle out from beneath her, or strike her with his sword, but from such an uncomfortable position, he achieves no more than a minor scratch on her side. The other warrior quickly withdraws into the woods, backstepping without turning his back to the battlefield, and loads a pair of hand crossbows - one held in his right hand and one attached to the same hand's elbow - before cleverly vanishing into the forests night-darkened shades of green and brown. For a second, Leonin feels a dark presence in his mind, like a web closing around his brain, seeking to isolate it from commanding his body's muscles. While a weeker sould would probably be frozen helplessly in place, Vladimir proves no easy prey, and the web in his mind shatters, before it could even so much as distract him. Seeing her prayer apparently unanswered, the "crowned" individual turns towards Leonin, one hand extended towards him while another grasps a smooth, black amulet hanging on her neck. Oblivious to the fact that an oversized, furry ear of ginger-brown color has just grown on the side of her head, she moves her fingers ina wavelike pattern, sending forth a small, greyish ball of sticky matter, that splashes on the druid's chest, and slowly begins creeping out in all direction across his body. For some reason, the drow's new floppy ear was the only transformation she has undergone. Finally, the remaining figure raises its hands to the sides, and disappears, as two silvery spots of energy fly out from the point where he just stood, painfully scorching Vladimir's face and left leg as they crush into these parts of the druid. From somewhere in the direction of his left rear-flank {southeast, as he is fasing west}, Leonin can hear a dreadful coughing fit, posing a sharp contrast to the unnaturally silent ways of his attackers. He recalls seeing a very small figure, almost fully concealed by the vegetation, when he observed that direction as a member of the local flora, ere the arrival of his foes. The air is cut in a whistle under Rimefre's blade, propelled by the viking's strength, but alas, nothing more solid is cought in the axe's path. A second later, in the cold light of his weapon, Marco clearly sees the midjump figure of a dark elf clad in grey, just before the jumper's morningstar hits him from a full swing, throwing him down from the branch. The drow lands in a crouch, a mere two meters from where Marco hit the ground. A sound that could hardly belong in these woods is heard from the south: a painful coughing, like that of a man dying from the Tubercul. The enemy crouching before him, however, seems to either take no notice of the sound, or atleast not take it as any surprise. The crawl through the crack is painful, but as Palanth looks down, or at her own clothes, or practicly anywhere other than the walls themselves and her exposed skin, she can see no blood. While in her dream, Neil's blood ran freely down the walls and onto the ground, staining his shirt and boots, here, in realitym she soon becomes aware of the illusion, and with that realization, the pain disappears as well, her skin now again appearing unbroken and smooth. The tunnel, still extremely narrow but no longer torturous to travel, soon turns almost 180 degrees, and slopes upwards. In that dorection it continues for much longer than the hill's appearance from the outside would suggest possible: the section of the tunnel she was now in should, according to her memory of the hill's outerior, not exist at all, as it would logically be in the air above her earlier place of resting. As she moves on, the walls become smoother and smoother, untill they are mirrorlike. Finally, she reaches an apparent dead end. Here, the walls seem even more like mirrors, with each "reflecting" a different scene, but none of them showing her own form. The left wall shows a small figure standing over a medium-sized one, which lies, thrashing, on the ground. The picture is covered in greenish fog, and the features of these two figures are thus hard to make out. The wall on her right shows an impressive human, apparently a barbarian of illuskan blood, rising to his feet from the ground. The dead-end wall before her shows a drow, crouching in the undergrowth, aiming two hand-crossbows {one held and one strapped to his arm} at a target that must be close, but is not seen in the "reflection". The tunnel's cieling shows the back of a cloaked and hooded figure, moving its hands - clas in loose sleeves and gentle, white gloves - in patterns obviousy arcane. She is even able to recognize the spell he seeks to weave: "Confusion". The floor below her feet showsa scene different from all others, as its background is not the forest she has been traveling through, but a luxurious mansion, full of colorful pillows, small tables with treats that hang from the cieling, and various people of all ages - some dressed festively and scantly and some nude - leisurely walking around, reading from scrolls and books, drinking, eating, enjoying eachother's company, or parttaking in other, more complex activities. Incidentially, the mansion also seems as full of cats as it is of people; it is as if almost every visitor or resident therein had a feline pet of one sort of another. Not seeming to understand her words, the male drow towering over Appleblossom stares at his waning blade in disbelief for a second, before swinging its remains at the gnome with a whispered swearing. The dissolving poison would now surely have splashed over its owner, if it weren't for a sudden ceisure of unusually violent coughing. Rage is apparent in his eyes as the military fork - or, rather, what's left of it - flies out of his hands and onto the ground. Out of his sleeves, he draws two daggers of odd shape, and falls on the seamstress like a bear, pinning her hands to her sides with his arms as he drives one dagger into her shoulder and one into her torso. The wounds are deep and painful, but a look at the cruel stabber's grimace would suggest that it hurts him even more than it hurts her... or atleast something hurts him even more. Another coughing fit follows, even worse than the previous, and blood sprays out of the male's throat even as his deadly hug on the gnome weakens rapidly. One of the daggers falls off, while the other remains in her flesh, as he removes both hands to grab at his own throat, his eyes nearly popping out of theyr sockets from the pain. With another, horrible coughing shot, the assailant crumbles to the ground, where he thrashes helplessly in agony at Appleblossom's feet, covering the ground around him with the blood sprinkling out of his maw.
PrGo 03-23-06, 06:50 AM	The viking stands up ignoring the pain and cautiously moves to the drow with his axe in hands. Rimefire's light reflected of his face making him look even more dangerous. As he swings his axe, Marco looks the drow directly in his eyes, still watching for his strikes. *Time to die, spawn of the shadows!*
ruthia 03-23-06, 07:41 AM	Watching wide eyed for many long moments Palanth begins to put many things together. And one firm realization stands out in her mind, this was not real! She frowns, focusing on the the one up top and frowns more when she realizes he's the one causing the problems here. Debating what to do, because she had not been asked to help others or interfer with anything at this point. She chooses to watch for awhile more, if things start to look bad and seem like the other people can't figure out what she is sure off, well then she'll step up and try to help them out in some way. Though how might take a few minutes more wark, she muses as she watches the spell caster working.
nickbeat 03-23-06, 02:45 PM	Drat! Darn Spell Resistance. Sascha, they come from all sides! Wincing from the pain, Leonin shouts Immobilis Frenti!(Freedom of Movement, Druid 4) Hope his concentration is good enough. He will then move to behind cover of a tree toward the coughing sound. Sascha is awakened, and will act of her own accord in the meantime.
Agudo Archmage 03-23-06, 11:18 PM	Appleblossom Springtime closed her eyes as the dark elf fell on her coughing up bile and stabbing her as he did The pain of the knives were clearly felt yet she seem unusually calm as if this wasn’t an unwelcome attack Grimacing as the Drow rolled over taking one of the knives with him She pulled out the other knife and licked it for a moment as if tasting some new recipe for baking Hmm bland ....and simple! Hardly something I expected from a Drow (Giggle) Maybe all the tales of fiendish ways they kill people was just drunken Bard talk Tasting it once more she frowned like a cook trying a bad soup Just common poison mushrooms....a blind org could make this! Laughing as she was reaching for her ripped Knapsack she shook her long strawberry blond hair away from her face Now where is it? Springtime dug about in it for a moment then smiled If you want something done right do it yourself ...including healing yourself! Taking out some homemade bandages and ointment she began to dab the wounds How am I ever going to build up a tolerance for Drow poisons if all they use is child’s play junk! Then looking at the dead Drow who eyes were open glaring lifelessly into the sky Well now did this sweet Garden Gnome..... Springtime winks at the corps Trespass on your land? Or do you just go around and ravish lovely young lasses as myself Not expecting answer she quickly finished mending her wounds and serch the body of the Drow Taking whatever she could and puting it in her sack Being one foot tall allowed her the ease of hiding in the tall grass even when standing Grabbing her pack she slowly made her way over to a hollowed out tree stump Glancing inside the wee Gnome takes out the broken bottle the Drow weapon had damaged Tsk tsk Three hundred silver coins spilt like cheep Halfling liqueur Gigeling she duck inside and started humming a tune thinking happy thoughts then taking out a thread and needle began fixing her pack as if all the Realm was her playland
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 03-25-06, 11:31 AM	With a self-confident expression, the drow waits for Marco's approach, without rising from his crouch. When the viking is near, he sends his foor into the human's ankle, seeking to trip him down and at the same time push himself out of the axe's way. Unfortunately for him, however, Marco is both sure on his feet and - this time, atleast - quicker than his assailant. He does not lose his ground, and Rimefire's blade strikes the drow's extended leg, obviously breaking the bone, before he could roll away. The drow opens his mouth in what would normally be a scream, but isntead, a snakelike whisper of pain is all that escapes his throat. Aiming at the back of the human's knees, he swings his blackened morningstar, but distracted by the pain of a nearly severed leg, he hits higher, merely puncturing the man's skin a little through the thick furs. From the southwest, an angry feminine scream is heard. Before Palanth's eyes, the mage completes his spell, and immidiately starts a new one. It is an evocation, and a relatively powerful one, but Palanth can't recognize its specific name and intended effect. As she focuses on tunnel's cieling, showing the caster, that scene begins looking realer and realer, while the ones of the walls and floor fade somewhat, now resembling moving images on a painting, rather than refelctions in a mirror. The sorcerer cannot be sure, but it is a likely assumption that concentrating on any one scene can eventually let her step into it. The air around Sascha waves under the weight of arcane influence. For a moment, she blinks, then looks over her shoulders and upwards, as if seeing something on top of the hill, then draws her head slightly into her shoulders, perfectly imitating a human shrug, and bites down, crushing the neck of the drow below her. The stuff now covering Vladimir's entire front side continues to expand, but other than smelling bad, seems to have no effect. The drow's amulet is powerless to hold down one, whose mobility is cherished by Nature itself. The female stands on her knees, for the first time in this battle uttering words. Hr eyes are closed, and her words are obviouslt one of prayer. A bolt strikes the tree, just as Leonin slips behind it, and another tears Sascha's ear. The wound is, ofcourse, too insignificant for her to care, but as she leaps from the now still corpse of her first victim and into the flank of the "crowned" drow, her motions seem somehow softer, slower or less finished. Regardless, as she crashes into the priestess, the latter's chant is broken with a surprised scream, and hardly manages to pull our a small skin from under her cloak. She squeezes its contents quickly into her mouth, and suddenly rises to her feet, inspite of the dire lioness' weight and strength seeking to hold her down. With a quick motion of her hand, she distances herself from Sascha, and walks away unhurriedly, her eyes closed, and a new prayer on her lips. The noble beast is left standing there, looking around in confusion, eventhough the priestess seems to make no effort of hiding from her as she slowly pursues Leonin. As the druid comes around the curve of the hill's foot, he sees two things: The body of a drow lies on the ground. Its metal-reinforced leather outfit is undone and obviously searched, exposing his torso, on which not even a scratch is seen. His face is stuck in a grimace of utter torment, and blood covers it - although no wounds can be found on it - and the fallen leaves in a wode perimeter around where he fell. A wooden handle with bits of melted or dissolved steel lies nearby, the compartment in its butt now empty, and a spot of some greenish, rancidly smoking stuff can be seen about a meter away. The second thing he sees is the hollow trunk of a fallen tree, from whence a cheerful, merry humming can be heard. On the corpse, Appleblossom found two sealed bottles, a small, black, ceramic rod, and some twenthy golden coins, held in a purse that somehow kept them from ringing against eachother. She easily found the other dagger, which was of a different shape than the one she tasted, and unlike it, had a bloodstone in its pommel. Both blades, as she noticed, were not of steel. Inside the wooden handle of the ruined military fork, where some would store a stiletto, she instead found a tightly rolled papirus with an odd, but not unpleasant smell. As she was entering the hollowed tree, she heard an angry feminine cry from somewhere due west. She did not, however, hear the druid's approach, which took place when she was already busily working on her pack.
PrGo 03-25-06, 01:48 PM	With the drow off balance, the viking sets his axe above him in a ready strike. If there is a lady in trouble, no drow will stop him to help her. Marco swings his axe at the evil creature. Rimefire's flame reflected on his eyes as he felt the joy of killing the drow and ridding the world of another evil creature. When the drow didn't take another breath, the barbarian ran in the direction of a female scream.
nickbeat 03-27-06, 03:28 PM	Come to me Sascha, we must pull back. As Sascha withdraws, Leonin begins to conjure a thorny wall from the ground itself. It rises up between the Crowned elf and the two of them. (Wall of Thorns, Druid 5) Leonin and Sascha then follow the sound of the gleeful gnome. Perhaps this small creature will join us in this fight. Let us make haste into this new window of opportunity my friend.
ruthia 03-31-06, 07:48 AM	Before Palanth's eyes, the mage completes his spell, and immidiately starts a new one. It is an evocation, and a relatively powerful one, but Palanth can't recognize its specific name and intended effect. As she focuses on tunnel's cieling, showing the caster, that scene begins looking realer and realer, while the ones of the walls and floor fade somewhat, now resembling moving images on a painting, rather than refelctions in a mirror. The sorcerer cannot be sure, but it is a likely assumption that concentrating on any one scene can eventually let her step into it. She starts glacing quickly at the other ones, trying to determine where she should go and what she should do. Finally she see's the one with the little female in it who is picking through and gathering stuff. She also see's that at least one of the others seems to be heading that way. Making up her mind she concentrates at that picture.....
Agudo Archmage 03-31-06, 07:08 PM	Game Master She did not, however, hear the druid's approach, which took place when she was already busily working on her pack. Appleblossom finished her sowing work and seem content It look like a good time for a snack and to look over her new found booty she had gained off the dark elf Diging through her sack she smiled and was trying to understand what the neat papyrus was used for A lovely smell came from it and she thought why the dark fellow had it so hidden on him O' my soooo many things ...tehehe...must have been rich darkling Springtime was so busy that the sweet Gnome didn’t hear the approach of the Druid
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 04-03-06, 01:56 AM	The drow raises his morningstar to parry, but it breaks in two under Rimefire's blade. Two more swings, and Marco's attacker lies as dead as can be. As he runs westwards around the hillfoot's curve, he is able to see a great, majestic beast of yellow fur, feral appearance, and graceful stature turning its feline head in confusion and anxiously moving its brush-edged tail before perching its ears and quickly striding off into the woods, further around the hill. It emmits a roar, that could be either of anger, irritation, or pain, but the trees' concealment makes it hard to determin what provoked the short roar. Other than that, only the forst's anymals seemt to dwell here - nothing that could have uttered the scream Marco heard during his duel with the sudden attacker. Sascha's sences are confused, and she does not like that one bit. She is thus glad to hear Vladimir's call, and follows it instantly. Two sharp harbingers of pain tunnel into her body as she turns, but agreeing to escape the unseen sniper, as per Leonin's orders, rather than further expose herself by trying to locate him, she hurries in the druid's steps, soon to find herself in safety: Just as she catches up with the druid, thorny vines sprout from the soil, knitting among themselves into a thick and complex knotwork. Making one's way through such a natural obstacle would mean fertizing the forest's earth with one's own blood. And indeed, no pursuit follows, although... the crowned drow has just been there, on the other side from the barrier. The throny growth is not as tight as to prevent vision through itself, but somehow, the priestess is nowhere to be seen. In mere seconds, both Sascha and Vladimir are close enough to peek over the bark "walls" of the long-dead tree. There, almost surrounded by an aura of cuteness, sits a lovely gnome, curiously examining a scroll of some sort. Concentrating on the wall on her left, Palanth quickly becomes oblivious to the events that develope on each of the other four surfaces. The picture on her chosen wall, however, grows more lifelike by the second: Now a man stands over the hollow remains of a tree, alongside an immense, female lion. Soon, she can not only see them, but smell the forest's usual scents, and hear - in addition ot the natural background of night critters and trees in the light wind - the melodical sound of humming, coming from inside the tree. A minute does not pass, and already the wall she looks at is non-existant, while the floor, cieling, and walls she neglected are more natural than ever, with the moving images on them about as corporeal as a night's dreams uppon waking. She clearly sees that only one step sporates her now from the duo by the hollowed trunk. The symbols on the papirus Appleblossom holds are definately arcane. While stylized diffrently from what she used to see, she can be certain they are of the lagnuege used to form magical spells. The papirus does not look very practical, and by the texture and smell of it, it must have been made of bark or leaves unnative to anywhere she has been - inspite of her considerable gardening experiece. Within the eldritch text's lines, she sees specs of purple: it seems as though an amethist, or other precious stone, has been ground into dust and mixed with the ink. All the above hints at the scroll being of a rather powerful spell, that would not easily be attained. The bottles' content is much easier for her to discern, even without much examination: One hold some Oil of Taggit, commonly known as "drow knockout poison", while another is filled with a mineral poison that can slow, or even paralize, if a sufficient quantity is introduced into a living being's system. The rod has the same single rune carved on both of its flat ends. The gnome cannot recognize it, nor tell for certain whether rod has any enchantment. As far as she can tell - the rune itelf, atleast, is not of an arcane nature. The daggers' metal looks like nothing she has seen so far, and she is not sure whether the dark color of the blades belongs to the metal itself, or an alloy of some sort, ment to disguise it in the dark like a permanent smearing of weaponblack.
PrGo 04-03-06, 03:41 AM	The barbarian's eyes widened as he saw the creature's movements. He was hypnotized by its grace and strenght. Even after he lost sight of it, Marco still stood looking at the spot he saw the magnificent beast. After a few long seconds he returned to reality. He headed back to his camp then turned south, where the coughing sound came from.
nickbeat 04-04-06, 04:44 PM	Leonin stands proudly beside his Lioness companion. Surely this creature will need our protection, so careless she is in these dark times. Hello little one. What have we here? It would appear that you have found something these dark elves desire. Fate has brought us together for a reason, our path is clear. Would you join us? If any others are in site. Leonin will call them to their side. Power to the People! Bring down the dark elven oppressors and take back this land!
ruthia 04-04-06, 08:21 PM	Palanath takes the step....walking through.....She blinks as she appears, looking around startled and confusied for several moments...then almost scared as she looks around wide eyed
Agudo Archmage 04-05-06, 06:40 PM	With a gleeful smile Springtime examines her booty not sure of it all Bbut like all good packrats the Gnome knows its good for something and puts each one away Just as she is about to put the dark Drows knife in her boot strap A voice calls out from the outside of the hollowed tree trunk Comrade Druid Leonin Hello little one. What have we here? It would appear that you have found something these dark elves desire. Fate has brought us together for a reason, our path is clear. Would you join us? Uhh hello ....no body home but us Gnomes Standing Appleblossom tosses her backpack over her shoulder and holds the Knife ready for action Leonin the Revolutionary If any others are in site. Leonin will call them to their side. Power to the People! Bring down the dark elven oppressors and take back this land Blinking for a moment the wee little Gnome no taller than one foot high peeks out of the tree trunk Seeing the large kitty and fanatical Druid she swallows hard (Gulp) O’ dear! Im no mousey for you big kitty Reaching into her pocket Appleblossom takes hold of the Drow Oil of Taggit She slowly dips the Knife into it just in case this turns into that scary story of the Lion and the thorn in its paw...she never really bought into the lion not eating the mouse Hehe comrade..... planning a revolution of the forest brownies or something?
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 04-08-06, 10:42 PM	While continuing around the hill would seem a shorter way to reach his destination, the hill's eastern side proved much less tangled with vegetation than the western, and so, there was indeed some merit to Marco's chosen route. Reaching the dead drow's body, he hears a voice from the south - the same direction from which the coughing came earlier. It sounds like a call to arms, but the distance makes figuring out the words quite difficult. From his campsite, he moves around the hill from the other side, and soon sees an odd crack in its eastern slope. The crack seems unnatural, since its shape is such that would be expected in a hard, rocky mountain, rather than a soft, earthy hill like this one. Scarce but fresh evidence of someone stopping here recently for the night can be seen, yet no signs of a campfire ever being started. When he reaches the hill's southern side, the viking sees the same enormous lioness he observed earlier, though now her head is turned in his direction, if not her face. Beside her stands a human, the immidiate proximity suggesting some sort of a bond between them. Separating the two from Marco is the dry-standing trunk of a fallen tree, probably hollow inside, into wich both are looking. In the undergrowth, a short distance from them, a body is lying. The flora and insects obscure the details, but surely no living humanoid, no matter how tired, would allow such frivolous crawling of ants, beetles, and less pleasant dwellers of the forest's ground all over his flesh or clothes. The answer to Valdimir's call comes almost instantly, in the form of an exoticly-outfitted elven maid dropping onto the ground by Sascha's side, apparently out of thin air, so that the latter stands between himself and the elf. A minute or so later, another figure shows, apparently rallied by his call as well. It is a human, stepping out of the thinner woods to the northeast, on the hill's "balder" side. His appears to be wearing dead wolves, or somesuch. From the heght of a couple meters, Palanth crushes to the ground. The dire lion towers above her, seeming even larger thah when she looked at it from inside her odd "theatre". Looking under the lioness' torso, she can see the druid's feet: he stands just on the other side of the beast. The hollowed trunk is blocking her vision to the north right now, but moving a bit away, or rising to her feet, should be enough to see beyond it. In a flash of gold and pink, something drops from the skies before Appleblossom's eyes, landing on the "big kitty"'s left. Its position is concealed by the gnome's wooden cover.
ruthia 04-09-06, 01:01 AM	From the heght of a couple meters, Palanth crushes to the ground. The dire lion towers above her, seeming even larger thah when she looked at it from inside her odd "theatre". Looking under the lioness' torso, she can see the druid's feet: he stands just on the other side of the beast. The hollowed trunk is blocking her vision to the north right now, but moving a bit away, or rising to her feet, should be enough to see beyond it. Palanth looks up wide eyed at this HHHUUUGGGEEE cat in front of her.. SHe sits up and scuttles backward a bit only to see the Druid standing there next to it. SHe stands quickly, looking around wide eyed still as she see's the gnome a short distance away...confused, disorainted and all and all feelling a bit fearful..she falls back on her butt...
PrGo 04-09-06, 01:33 AM	While continuing around the hill would seem a shorter way to reach his destination, the hill's eastern side proved much less tangled with vegetation than the western, and so, there was indeed some merit to Marco's chosen route. Reaching the dead drow's body, he hears a voice from the south - the same direction from which the coughing came earlier. It sounds like a call to arms, but the distance makes figuring out the words quite difficult. From his campsite, he moves around the hill from the other side, and soon sees an odd crack in its eastern slope. The crack seems unnatural, since its shape is such that would be expected in a hard, rocky mountain, rather than a soft, earthy hill like this one. Scarce but fresh evidence of someone stopping here recently for the night can be seen, yet no signs of a campfire ever being started. When he reaches the hill's southern side, the viking sees the same enormous lioness he observed earlier, though now her head is turned in his direction, if not her face. Beside her stands a human, the immidiate proximity suggesting some sort of a bond between them. Separating the two from Marco is the dry-standing trunk of a fallen tree, probably hollow inside, into wich both are looking. In the undergrowth, a short distance from them, a body is lying. The flora and insects obscure the details, but surely no living humanoid, no matter how tired, would allow such frivolous crawling of ants, beetles, and less pleasant dwellers of the forest's ground all over his flesh or clothes. Marco looks at the body then lifts his gaze back to them. *What happened here?* he asks curiously, his eyes looking at the magnificent feline creature. He moves his gaze to where the two were looking when he came.
nickbeat 04-09-06, 07:55 PM	The words come as if they are your own, they state with clarity, We are all friends here. It is not the druidic figure of bald humanity, but Sascha that speaks to the group! The Drow are your enemy, they seek the scroll. prepare to fight. Please forgive my long absense. I was attending a wedding.
Agudo Archmage 04-11-06, 01:50 AM	Leonin The words come as if they are your own, they state with clarity, We are all friends here. Raising a whimsical eyebrow the Gnome looks about her sugery voice sounding as cute as the wee gnome looked Well that a sweet thing to say after the last reception I was given Basically a near death experience But who are you? And for that fact when you say join us....Why? Game Master In a flash of gold and pink, something drops from the skies before Appleblossom's eyes, landing on the "big kitty"'s left. Its position is concealed by the gnome's wooden cover Yip! Look out something fell near you O’ giant feline mouse catcher! Palanth SHe stands quickly, looking around wide eyed still as she see's the gnome a short distance away...confused, disorainted and all and all feelling a bit fearful..she falls back on her butt... O’ no others! Maybe Drow? Seeing Palanth fall she blinks And a clumsy one at that! It was then that a voice rang out Marco What happened here?* Leonin It is not the druidic figure of bald humanity, but Sascha that speaks to the group! The Drow are your enemy, they seek the scroll. prepare to fight. Drow are my enemy? O’ no and they want my scroll Ok let’s fight! You go first big kitty but ill be back up....waaay back Screaming out as loud as she echoing out of the stump like some giant You want a peace of me do ya! Im not just sugar and spice and everything nice For your knee caps will be mine! Springtime does as the Lion says and gets ready attack anyone foolish enough to poke there heads into her wooden sanctuary She does not know that the others out there are not Drow she just goes by what the socialist Druid talkative Lion says
ruthia 04-11-06, 08:53 PM	Palanth stands, her thin form shaking slightly as she looks at the group Around her. If anything the girl looks scared out of her mind, trying to look at all the sounds at once, her delicate elvine ears catching it all. She finally walks backwards, away from them...still scared speechless...
nickbeat 04-13-06, 02:56 PM	Leonin speaks, as if the whole forest is listening... This should be a memorable day for all of us.... We heroes, by our solid resistance to the drow have proved that at a difficult moment there are still people in our midst who can uphold our common interests, that our worthy adversaries have not yet succeeded in turning us for all time into the miserable slaves of their bottomless purses. Let us, then, comrades, stand firm and steadfast and carry on to the very end, let us remember that we can improve our conditions only by our common and concerted efforts. Above all, comrades, don’t fall into the trap so cunningly prepared by them.
Agudo Archmage 04-15-06, 01:41 PM	Shaking somewhat as she prepared for battle the cute Gnome seem puzzled at the actions of the Druid Walking forward she spoke up to the lion Hmmm I could be wrong comrade kitty But do you plan to have your Druid friend bombast the Drow with big socialist speeches? Shouldn’t you and the tree huging flower lad charge off into battle? You know to smite the greedy coin purses of the Drow Freeing us.... um what was that part in your speech? O' yes From slavery and some such....Sooo umm go slap them around She still didn’t know who he was really talking to
nickbeat 04-16-06, 02:58 PM	Small one, you will always be a slave to others if you expect someone else to fight for you. Keep your eyes and ears on the wood, while I summon aid. Leonin begins to encant, "Equis Purificus Fecundium!" Two (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=412912) unicorns come racing out of the woods, and stand by Leonin's side. He and Sascha stand back to back, preparing for the attack of the drow.
PrGo 04-16-06, 04:10 PM	The barbarian looks at the druid *I agree. We seem to have equal goals so i agree to join forces with all of you* Marco said and took his axe that burned with blue flames and waits for the drow.
ruthia 04-17-06, 12:28 PM	Palanth says nothing as these odd people all talk around her. Unsure where to run to..or even if anywhere is safe at the moment, the girl pulls out her bow and notches an arrow. WHen backed into a corner she did have the ability to fight, though she hadn't had to in along while. She Looks back and forthe between the three, not saying a word as she waits for direction..
Agudo Archmage 04-17-06, 02:53 PM	Nickbat Small one, you will always be a slave to others if you expect someone else to fight for you. Keep your eyes and ears on the wood, while I summon aid. Leonin begins to encant, "Equis Purificus Fecundium!" She blinks for a moment then shrugging she glances about I rather live another day than fight first.... and worse........ die first It was then the other person spoke once more Prgo The barbarian looks at the druid *I agree. We seem to have equal goals so i agree to join forces with all of you* Marco said and took his axe that burned with blue flames and waits for the drow. Seeing the other tall fellow clearly now (Barbarian) Springtime realized he wasn’t the Drow Looked more like those wiled Barbarians who jump about hacking and slashing every time they get mad Yet he was waiting for the Drow as well so he must be on there side Palanth Palanth says nothing as these odd people all talk around her. Unsure where to run to..or even if anywhere is safe at the moment, the girl pulls out her bow and notches an arrow. WHen backed into a corner she did have the ability to fight, though she hadn't had to in along while. She Looks back and forthe between the three, not saying a word as she waits for direction.. Soooo is that young lass over there by the tree..... (Gulp) Pointing the arrow at us the enemy? Looks mean enough and kids can be real sneaky perhaps the kid a spy? Hmmm maybe the Unicorn can do something about her?
Agudo Archmage 04-18-06, 02:54 PM	((Opps lol wrong area OOC))
nickbeat 04-27-06, 03:30 PM	Leonin smiles. Do not fear us my elven friend, our intentions are noble. However do fear the DROW, whose motives are unknown to us all. We stand here TOGETHER beset by the same foe. We stand ready to rise up against this sea of dark magicks and once again gain LIBERTY from fear. We will surmount this GREAT EVIL. We WILL OVERCOME... Come into our fold, and ye shall find sanctuary. Leonin and Sascha bow gracefully at the elven woman, as do the unicorns.
Agudo Archmage 04-27-06, 04:39 PM	Feeling inspired by Leonin words Springtime awkwardly bows as well before the young maiden O’ my I feel like I have joined a religion of capitalist Drow hatters If this keeps up I may have to become a Knight or something And go about smiting evil and money lenders Tehee She eyed the young lass hoping she will do as the Druid says and join the fold
ruthia 04-27-06, 08:22 PM	Palanth looks at the whole group of odd people and shakes slightly, her aim dropping to the ground. She looks wide eyed at the group, quiet for several moments before putting her eyes on the ground sumbissively and nods qiuetly, not uttering a word.
PrGo 05-01-06, 10:01 AM	The barbarian stood still, watching for any sign of threat. Though he didn't react, he heard everything what the others said. He just smiled, still not moving.
nickbeat 05-18-06, 12:55 PM	Greetings, I am Leonin! This is my companion Sascha. These foul drow seem to have retreated, or perhaps they lay in wait. May I suggest we move to a safe place, before these drow beset us? I will gladly lead you to freedom. Leonin waits for a nod from the others...
Agudo Archmage 05-18-06, 05:10 PM	Druid and the Lion Greetings, I am Leonin! This is my companion Sascha. These foul drow seem to have retreated, or perhaps they lay in wait. May I suggest we move to a safe place, before these drow beset us? I will gladly lead you to freedom. Leonin waits for a nod from the others... Picking up a long twig in inspiration to the Druid’s words She waves it about as if daring the Drow to attack Well met tall ones! I am Appleblossom Springtime from the Gnomish lands Glancing up at Leonin and Sascha Lead us to freedom I say to you O' mighty tree huggers of the Druid faith! Spare not the Capitalistic Drow pigs our mighty anger and If they even dare come upon us, I know we shall be victories.....or ...(Gulp).. .die trying! With that she looked about waiting to see who was fool hardy enough to march first into the darken woods
ruthia 05-20-06, 03:20 PM	She looks up quietly and mummers "I'm Palanth...." She says it quietly, not sure if anyone heard her. She quietly follows them.
PrGo 05-26-06, 11:30 AM	The barbarian turns to them *I am Marco of the Icewind Dale* he said. *I belive that you might be powerful allies indeed, especially against the foul drow.* He nods to Leonin and follows his lead.
nickbeat 05-26-06, 12:56 PM	Welcome Palanth and Marco, let us then make haste comrades. But first... Show yourselves, oppressing DROW! Floralius Reducio! (Leonin casts Diminish Plants in a 100 foot radius) The plants and trees quickly thin out as Leonin and Sascha peer around looking for signs of hidden Drow.
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 05-27-06, 10:31 AM	The moment Leonin speaks his comand to the surrounding forest, another comand is heard, as if in responce: "Elgg ilta! Nin!" A demanding, comandeering voice... the same one who screamed a while ago, prompting Marco to search for its source. Even as the growth all around the four adventurers recedes - drawing into the ground, shrinking in size, as if time went backwards for it with great speed - the world darkens before Appleblossom's eyes. She hardly feels the pain at all, and even that, only after all blurs and a weekness overcomes her; she can feel twin streams rushing from the sides of her neck, and within a second, she collapses, her miniature shape limply folding against the hollow bark that was meant to protect her from unexpected harm. Dressed in extremely thin and tight clothes, the drow responsible for Sprigtime's death tries to retreat, but as the growth lays small, he is revealed. Confused by the suddenly changed landscape that robbed him of his cover, he desperately darts from side to side, seeking a place to hide before retribution comes. From up the hill, smoke begins to rise, and from the south approaches a monstrosity, previously conceled by the trees: a mass of spiderous legs coming out of a single point, with no apparent head or body for the legs to grow from. Behind it is the priestess, a sinister smirk on her face, her fingers joined at the end of a whispered prayer. Marco begins to feeling as though he is no longer alone within his own head...
ruthia 05-27-06, 10:48 AM	Startled by the appreance of the drow, and even more so by Appleblossoms death, Palanth Draws her bow. Sure and steady with her aim she follows the drow with her arrow as he darts around. Mummering softly in elven, "Gurth gothrimlye"* She lets loose her arrow, her skillful aim sending it flying at the drows neck. *Death to our foes.
Agudo Archmage 05-27-06, 02:15 PM	The All Wise GM And Shameless Gnome Killer :P Appleblossom's eyes. She hardly feels the pain at all, and even that only after all blurs, and a weekness overcomes her; she can feel twin streams rushing from the sides of her neck, and within a second, she collapses, her miniature shape limply folding against the hollow bark that was meant to protect her from unexpected harm. Dressed in extremely thin and tight clothes, the drow responsible for Sprigtime's death Gagagagagaagaaggagaagagaggaaggaga ........ sppaapappap.. aggagag....OUCH!
PrGo 05-30-06, 03:32 PM	The huge barbarian charges the spider-like beast trying to ignore the presence in his mind. As he ran, Rimefire bursted in flames as always. Marco's long legs took him to the abomination quickly. He lifted the axe above his head and changed the momentum. As he struck the beast the axe dug deeply at its flesh as the cold flames slowly consumed it.
nickbeat 05-30-06, 05:32 PM	"Your evil will be undone foul Priestess! Your false gods will not help you now." Leonin mentally commands his small Unicorn army to defend the others as best they can, attacking any drow that appear. The body of Leonin explodes with anger, his arms grow hairy and huge, reaching out to grapple the drow priestess that killed the wee gnome. Sascha leaps for the cowardly assassin, attacking her with claws and teeth, rending at her dark flesh.
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 06-03-06, 03:52 PM	Hearing the elf's bowstring, the assasin tries to dodge or fall prone, but too late: the arrow scratches his neck as he turns, and breaks into his jaw from below, practicly nailing his mouth fixed. Decades of training do not keep him from screaming in pain, but he is soon delivered from his agony - heavy, clawed paws break off the arrow, his balance, and his spine, the latter in atleast two places. If anyone could afford looking at Sascha at this time, they'd notice an oddity: inspite of thepurpose in her eyes, her motions are slow, somewhat impersice, as if made in sleepy sloth; if it weren't for Palanth's arrow, the lion might have even lost its quarry. Vladimir's hypertrophed arms reach for the priestess. With some effort, they tear theyr way through the tangle of insectoid legs she hides behind, but the one they sought easily evades theyr grasp, then painfully lashes at them with her whip. Pleased by the long, red line it left, she lashes again, this time having the whip wrap around the overgrown wrist, and yanks. Her strength, however, proves neglible in comparison to that of the Shaper, and her monster has already moved on, closer to a target it percieved as the easiest, and no longer stands in the way between Leonin and her; she releases her weapon's handle before it's too late, and carefully withdraws backwards, reaching for a dagger at her belt. The spiderous creature now towers over Palanth. One of the unicorns rears, defending her in accordance to the Druid's command, and strikes with its hooves at the nearest multiflexed legs to no apparent result. Several of the appeandages pierce his sides and underbelly simultaneously, and though he breaks one with a wild thrust of his horn, the others practicly impale him, and almost effortlessly turn him on his back; the creature climbs onto the nigh-helpless beast, and two more of its legs reach for Palanth once more. Marco emerges from the deapths of his own mind, to realize he is indeed running, Rimefire raised, to strike at a giant, beastly arm. A small tree - that was a great yew mere minutes ago - bursts into frosty flames, freezes through and slipts in half, while the arm moves just in time to escape his wrath... LEONIN's arm! The druid can see his northborn comrade raise his axe again, an okward, unlikely glare in his eyes, while in Marco's head, the alien presence loughs triumphantly. As if understanding what just happened, with some natural intuition of the woodlands, the other unicorn charges up the hill, head bent forth, rushing to liberate his summoner's ally from the foul magic enslaving his will... but he neighs in horror, rears and turns back, when he sees what descends from the hill to meet him: the smoke of burning vegetation reveals its source, as a great mass of living fire creeps down, growing in size, turning all in its way to ashes. Handlike tongues of flame sprouf out of the elemental, closing theyr grip on nearby trees and setting them aflame, before disapearing back into the roaring fire; two dark spots shake angrily within the infernal heat, that could be its eyes, if blind and burning rage were voyant. The unicorn reaches Vladimir's side and snorts, looking wildly around in fear and indecision. Its twin screams a final, dying neigh, before it is torn beneath the spiderlike monster. Sascha roars at the monster, everything happening so quickly before her eyes, and is about to leap, although she feels her legs can hardly lift her in the air anymore, then turns... so slowly... as the corner of her eye catches something in the bushes that were trees not long ago... another drow... the one whose bolts penetrated her hide earlier... another roar... crushing undergrowth beneath her, with a loud noise, she fianlly collapses from the poison, paralized. The male motions to someone hiding far behind him; must be slaves, for his gesture is not of the elegant and subtle motions of these villains' silent tongue. Hushed whispers of goblinoid voices. He approaches the majestic, paralized lioness, and burries the blade of his plain shortsword in her neck, twists it, and retreats back to lay with his lowly minions. Appleblossom's blood still trickles down the hollowe trunk; it seems slower than sap, whe compared to the tragically spectacular pace of the battle.
ruthia 06-05-06, 09:31 AM	Palanth looks wide eyed at this monsterish spider in front of her. She seems frozen in fear for several moments as the unicorn gets impaled and killed. It's pain is what finally snaps her out of it. She starts mummering to herself lowly, holding her hands cupped in front of her. Then with a flicking motion she suddenly throws two fire balls at the creature in front of her. Then without slowing down she immediatly begins casting again, taking a step backwards as she does. This time she uses magic to rip a massive tree from the ground and wack the spider with it hard in the face. She pepares a third spell, not casting it yet.
Agudo Archmage 06-05-06, 02:44 PM	Game Master Appleblossom's blood still trickles down the hollowe trunk; it seems slower than sap, whe compared to the tragically spectacular pace of the battle. Laying on the ground eyes wide open...left all alone ....if only we had a healer ....hmm even a Druid healer...in fact if lore rings true a Unicorn have been known to heal as well :P
nickbeat 06-06-06, 11:59 PM	SASCHA! Leonin cries in horror at the attack on his beloved companion and quickly races to her side. He places his hand upon her mane and a soft glow begins to surround her as he attempts to heal her with his natural magicks.
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 06-20-06, 01:37 PM	With spectacular agility that seems impossible for such a massive creature, the monster flattens momentarily against the earth: the first fireball flies over it and continues on and up, untill it explodes in empty air far away. The second fireball strikes it, however, and the spiderous creature catches fire - tongues of flame dance all over it, and it screeches with pain, swinging at Palanth with many spear sharp - and now burning - legs. Thanks to the pain it is in, its aim is less than accurate, and most of its appendages only scratch Palanth's skin in multiple places or tear at her clothes, but one pierces her left forearm, scorching the wound as it opens, and ruining the spell second spell. Vladimir calls uppon Nature's healing, but after the glow around his companion fades away, there is no change in the noble beast's condition. The wounds close, both from the bolts and the blade, but the soul has already departed from this now-wholesome body, and neither breath nor heat return to Sascha. Still posessed by the hiding wizard's will, Marco raises his axe to bring it down uppon the unicorn's neck. A burst of cold is felt as his blow is parried by the creture's horn. Confused, the beast turns to run away; Rimfire still tears a long wound in its side, before it finally excapes... right into the great eleemntal, in whose infernal embrace it burns alive within seconds. Seeing the druid is distracted and no longer an immidiate threat to her, the priestess stops her withdrawal, and simply stands there, arms folded, a vcitorious half-smile on her face. "Plynn lil rothen ulu ply'uss ukta!", she says calmly; although she does not shout, her voice is easily heard over the battlefield's noise. From whence Sascha's killer retreated, rise out of hiding and hurry to surround leonin over a dosen of dirty humanoids, mostly orcs, their clothes torn if not missing but their weapons well maintained, although simple and cheap. They do not attack, possibly hoping to take Leonin alive. Certain of their victory, the mage begins descending from the hill. With the vegetation reduced and partially burnt, he is plainly visible, now that he makes no effort to remain unseen. Finally, a single drop of Appleblossom's blood ends its excuriatingly slow race down the empty tree-bark and reaches the ground. Silence falls uppon the forest. The priestess and mage exchange glances, an uncertain look uppon their faces, with a barely-percievable hint of fear. The other drow, his fear much less contained, leaps out of his hiding place and runs away, leaving both his comrades and his slaves behind. Even the monster shudders, leaping a meter away from Palanth while the flames still feet on it, as if not daring to strike her again inspite of its agony. It seems the drow, unlike the orcs and their kin, have some sort of an idea as to what is about to happen. No more than a second after the soil accepted Appleblossom's blood, the air tears above the hollowed tree-trunk, and bright light shines from the tear. "Who dareth spill innocent blood on Elven soil?!" The voice is beautyful and ageless, the speaker's outrage and sorrow felt behind it clearly, but do not diminish the words' songlike fluency. "Your kind has been banned from the face of Faerun o'er eleven thousand years ago, Ilythiiri. I may have tolerated your presence, but this crime undoes my compassion!" A beam of sunlight shoots from the glow, striking the runaway drow in the back, and burning him so completely that neither smoke nor even smell rises. His slaves turn to look in terror at the beam' source; arrows, bolts and darts fly, but all pass unhindered through, and fall to the ground. "Thy presence here is sacrilage in itself, Handmaiden! Bow to Zandillar in repentance!" Stepping from within the glow and onto thin air, the speaker turns out to be an elf of rare - even among his kind - beauty. His nearly-colorless hair is knee-long, and his only clothes seem to be flaps of colorfull fabric that fly about him like banners on the wind, partually wrapped around his body. Around his head is a golden circlet, which holds a ruby-made symbol above his brows: feminine lips, closed as if for a kiss. With an unreadable face, the mage whispers a single word, and the air around him begins quivering and shaking with fantastic patterns of color and texture, as every defence in his vast magical arsenal is activated at once. With his attention entirely focused on self-preservation, he can no longer afford to hold Marco under his power, and the barbarian immerges back into self-awareness, so see the scene as it is now, with no memory of anything that happened between his charge at the monster and this moment. The orcs and goblinoids shoot again, not daring to retreat without an order from their masters, but all their missiles pass through the elf's form as if he were not there. "The Spiderqueen bows to no one, and I - to none but her! Discend to me and face her fury if you dare, Murrpau-vith'rell!", screams the priestess madly as she watches the tide of battle swiftly turning against her.
PrGo 06-21-06, 03:30 AM	As he returned to councessnes, Marco's gaze fell upon the drow mage that was controlling him. Rage builded up in him as he slowly started to charge the wizard. He didn't even notice the elf, who the drow watched. Every step he took, his muscles pumped with greater energy and Rimefire burned with brighter and greater light. His long legs took him quickly to the mage. He posed his axe above his head the last step before he got the drow in reach. The barbarian's mighty arms chopped down at the drow in one mighty blow.
ruthia 06-22-06, 04:30 PM	Palanth falls to her knees in pain, her vision blurring for several precious moments as the spider flays above her wildly. When is suddenly stops and a death blow does not fall, Palanth looks up to see it cowering in fear despite it's obvious pain. She blinks hastily, getting back to her feet, her left arm bleeding slowly from the scorched wound.She stands in wonderment then goes wide eyed at the powerful voice behind her. She turns, astonished to Find such a beautiful and rare elf standing near her. She bows her head in reverance of the male as he speaks.When the priestess speaks again Palanth turns back to the battle, a new determination coursing through her. Looking at the flaming spider. then the others gathered she pulls all her will into forming another spell, casting Magic missles first at the spider, then at the orcs/goblins firing arrows at her new companions. After this casting, wither successful or not she wavers on her feet, the drain for four spells and the arm wound getting to her. She wavers and collapses slightly, panting with her head down.
Agudo Archmage 06-22-06, 07:49 PM	Floating above the horrific battle of life and death, AppleBlossom Springtime looked as her companions fought bravely Mournfully she glances at her own petite body Ahh I was to beautiful to die so young How will the Realm survive without me? It’s a travesty I say! If only I could aid my comrades against the diabolical Drow and their lackeys In the spirit world AppleBlossom felt more attuned to life around her Even the trees and bugs seem more real to her. A fall of a leaf was so vibrant in this after life The death of the Unicorn was a devastating loss she could feel its breath slip away Not knowing what to do she looked about the battle below her It was then she noticed the trickle of blood on the tree bark drop to the ground Game Master Finally, a single drop of AppleBlossom's blood ends its excruciatingly slow race down the empty tree-bark and reaches the ground. Silence falls upon the forest. The priestess and mage exchange glances, an uncertain look upon their faces, with a barely-perceivable hint of fear. The other drow, his fear much less contained, leaps out of his hiding place and runs away, leaving both his comrades and his slaves behind. Even the monster shudders, leaping a meter away from Palanth while the flames still feet on it, as if not daring to strike her again in spite of its agony. It seems the drow, unlike the orcs and their kin, have some sort of an idea as to what is about to happen. No more than a second after the soil accepted AppleBlossom's blood, the air tears above the hollowed tree-trunk, and bright light shines from the tear. "Who dareth spill innocent blood on Elven soil?! Your kind has been banned from the face of Faerun o'er eleven thousand years ago, Ilythiiri. I may have tolerated your presence, but this crime undoes my compassion!" Wow I did that? Alright yaa whhohohowowow You drow better hope I don’t get a nose bleed...or..or... You will see what I can really do Game Master ......A beam of sunlight shoots from the glow, striking the runaway drow in the back, and burning him so completely that neither smoke nor even smell rises. His slaves turn to look in terror at the beam' source; arrows, bolts and darts fly, but all pass unhindered through, and fall to the ground. FEAR ME! It didn’t really matter to the sweet cookie maker, that no one could hear her; nor that it was the Elf Spirit who was ravaging the enemy As long as her blood was involved and as wee Gnome, she would take whatever credit she could YES US GNOMES ROCK THE AFTER LIFE!
nickbeat 06-30-06, 01:53 PM	Tears flow down Leonin's cheeks as he cries out with great fury... You have destroyed my love, but not my ideals! The Spirit of the Wood has risen up from below to overthrow the petty bourgeoisie dictatorship of these dark elves! Our revolutionary struggle will see their unconditional defeat! Leonin transforms into a great Dire Lion, claws extend from his hands and golden hair grows from his bald head. Standing over the limp form of his dead companion, he lets out a great ROAR!
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 07-23-06, 08:56 AM	Even the massive arcane protections of the mighty wizard could not fully negate the wrath of a norseman whose mind has been trifled with. Marco feels as if his axe travels through some invisible barrier, seeking to deflect it aside and slow it, as it quenches the cold fire dancing on its blade. Still, the blade finds its target, though not with the whole gruesome effect it would have had if left unhindered. The drow's robes tear at the side of his chest, and so does the chest itself; ribs burst and he falls on his back from the sheer impact delivered by Rimfire. With a shaky hand, he reaches for a flask that would grow flesh again between his heart and the night's air - any clever formulae he were about to utter, now lost to pain and fear for his life. Finding the flask shattered from the fall, the drow grows pale. With fatalistic determinition, and no more hope of leaving this hill's slope alive, he quickly ripps a hair from his head, and ties it in a knot, looking in the barbarian's eyes. The moment the knot is tied, he wheezes out a word, though it is lost in the battlefield's noise. Marco's figure sparkles oddly, as if the colors of his body and attire were subtly altered, and disappears. One of the monster's appendages flies away, as a projectile of magical energy from Palanth's hands hits its upper joint. Though the spiderling, now desperate, darts forth again to destroy the sorceress, the rest of her magic missiles prove quicker, striking it one after the other and pushing it off balance, until the last of them finally ends its existance. The grotesque creature collapses to the ground, and in the next moment, its body melts and vanishes. The elf turns and winks with a smile, as if to someone who floats on the same height as he, though there doesn't seem to be anyone there. If any of the living notices this odd gesture in the heat of battle, they are likely to be puzzled. Two of the slaves are struck by Palanth's projectiles as well, but before they can even realize the source, a much greater danger draws their attention: For the first moments of Leonin's transformation, none of them does much but stare inconfidently - once at him and once at the elf that came from nowhere, and through whom their darts and arrows pass as if through a ghost, while their masters seemed to have recognize him. Some of those among them, who listen to the druid's words, are mildly confused, except for one: A hobgoblin, whose grab is not as neglected as that of the others, and whose forehead is scarred with the drow house's insignia, gazes in absolute terror as Vladimir roars. In is masters' tongue, he screams - "Z'haan! Zze'lthi!!!" and runs madly away northwards. Each of the other slaves soon follows his example, and with trrified screams of "Zze'lthi!", they are soon scattered, except for a few who merely drop the the ground and play dead. "With pleasure, Oh Dung of ye Demonweb Pit's Buttom.", answers the elf calmly to the llothite's histerical words, and courtsies before assuming a posture more suiting for a dance, than for a fight. As the bright flaps of cloth he wears blow around him like flags, descends in great speed, as if running down a wide staircase leading from his posission in the air to where the priestess stands on the ground. At the hand of his run, he flails his left hand, as itf to deliver a witch-slap to her cheek, only that their skins nevers touch: his fingers pass an inch or two in front of the drow's face, seemingly missing it, though her face does turn as if from a slap, and four fine lines of blood appear there, running from the ear down to her chin... not unlike like a large cat's scratch would. As if his interest in this pariticular "playmate" has thus been spent, he turns his back on the priestess and faces the mass of fire that has been closing in on Palanth and himself from behind. "As dust returns to dust, so shalt flame with e'en more flame rejoin.", he utters, raising his hands with palms facing the elemental, and immidiately it disappears, leaving the heavy smoke, scorched earth and burnt vegetation as only evidence it was ever here. Then, completely oblivious to any danger of having an enraged, near-panicked servant of Lloth in his unguarded rear, he tears off some of the cloth from his odd "garments", removes a strap at his hip, and begins leisurely soaking the coth in the liquid it held. His chalanger menawhile stands, as if ina stupor, while the wound her only surviving subject suffered prevents him from rising, or doing much else.
ruthia 07-23-06, 10:04 AM	Unsure what to do or how to react, the blondish green haired elf lifts her head to survey the chaos in front of her. She breaths a small sigh of relief upon seeing that most of the attackers are dead or fled. Good thing, she thinks to herself, I couldn't have casted another spell to save my own life let alone anyone elses at this point. Why oh why did the Master send me here? Slowly she forces herself up to her feet again, half heartedly reaching once again for her bow. She moans softly, carressing it's wooden curve as she tries to decide where her attention should be now. Eventually she forces her like lead wieght arms to draw the bow and place an arrow, aimed at the priestess. She does not release it yet, just aims and waits, wondering what the others plan on doing.
nickbeat 08-02-06, 05:37 PM	Leonin, still enraged by the death of his loved one, charges toward the mighty wizard that just disposed of Marco. Claws and teeth rip and tear in a bloody feline embrace.
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 08-03-06, 01:16 PM	The mage, powerless to rise, makes a nigh-hopeless attempt to weave one last spell, but Leonin's magnificent, golden paws soon undo his careful hands' gestures, along with his blood circulation, heartbeet, and other such trivialities. The elf, who was already bending with the soaked piece of cloth, streightens back up and shrugs. "So ends the life of one as vain and weak as he be petty", he speaks melodically, almost playflully, then turns to face the priestess, whose stupor begins to wear off. For an instant, their gazes lock, but soon the drow's eyes become much like those of Marco during his posession, as her will - fortified as it may be by her powerful faith - is broken. "Rejoice then, o demons' willing slave! For ye redemption, meant for thy poor semblant yonder, shall in his death be thine... Come hither." She approaches obediantly, and as if moving in her sleep, settles to the ground, then lies down on her back. He crouches, to place the cloth over her nose and mouth, then rises with a serene smile. And now, behold thy childish works of bail unspun. Fore'ermore hence, thou shalt unspin such venom of thy kind. He turns away from her, letting the priestess lie there, inhaling whatever liquid it was that he carried in the flask. He walks to the hollow trunk, and takes Appleblossom's body in his arms, lifting her. He reaches with one finger to the ruby lips symbol on his circlet, then presses that finger to her lips, while his own lips touch her forehead. "Awaken, sleeping beauty. Thou'st yet to taste of many pleasures waitning in these Realms and far beyond; t'would cruelty be, to leave a world so desp'rately in need of thee... my little heroine", he whispers, and like a powerful wind only she can feel, the gnome's breath returns to her, her wounds close without a scar, and heat returns to the body that was still lifeless a moment ago. Still with the lady Springtime in his arms, he looks around, then spots the body of Sascha and heads there. Kneeling by the lioness's side, he lays Appleblossom gently down, and rests his hands uppon the golden fur. "Thy friends' eyes burn, o royal doughter of Sharess, with tears of grief for thy demise. Elude with us Kelemvor's eager reach, rise and claim life again, proud sister!" The beast's mortal stiffness melts away, as life resumes its course through her veins. The wound on her neck closes, and even the tiny drops of blood, that marred her fur where hit the poisoned darts, now vanish as her eyes open. Content with his work, he stands up and hurries towards Palanth. Kneeling gracefully by her side, as the colorful strands of cloth still flap around him - inspite the absence of wind - he takes her hand in both of his, and silently looks in her eyes with an odd expression of awe, as a wave of feasible glory passes through her body, healing and mending every damaged tissue, washing away her fatigue like a deep in a nymph's pool. A gentle voice springs within the sorceress' mind...
nickbeat 08-11-06, 05:42 PM	Seeing his companion rise from Death, Leonin quickly strides toward Sascha. They nuzzle for a short time before looking over at the enigmatic elf spirit. Both bow in respect for their divine saviour.
Agudo Archmage 08-11-06, 10:47 PM	Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai He turns away from her, letting the priestess lie there, inhaling whatever liquid it was that he carried in the flask. He walks to the hollow trunk, and takes Appleblossom's body in his arms, lifting her. He reaches with one finger to the ruby lips symbol on his circlet, then presses that finger to her lips, while his own lips touch her forehead. "Awaken, sleeping beauty. Thou'st yet to taste of many pleasures waitning in these Realms and far beyond; t'would cruelty be, to leave a world so desp'rately in need of thee... my little heroine", he whispers, and like a powerful wind only she can feel, the gnome's breath returns to her, her wounds close without a scar, and heat returns to the body that was still lifeless a moment ago. Still with the lady Springtime in his arms, he looks around, then spots the body of Sascha and heads there. Kneeling by the lioness's side, he lays Appleblossom gently down, Blinking for a moment she looks about, mumbling the words echoing in her mind Thou'st yet to taste of many.... pleasures.... waitning in these Realms and far beyond Seeing the one who healed her she smiles A man...and what a man!
Palanth 08-14-06, 10:36 PM	She lifts her head to meet the other elves eyes, her green ones filled with a soft wonder as she looks at him and listens to though voice. She doesn't seem to even note she's been healed as she looks at him, her eyes locked with his for several moments untill she asks in her quiet, soft voice. "h..how do you know?" She looks slightly shaken by this.
Quathmoir Dlaeh Issarhai 08-16-06, 06:31 PM	"No sinful humiliation as thou did endure, nor any centuries of slavery and mutilation of thy spirit could e'er break thy glory, Magnifiscent one. It blazes fro'n thy heart of gold, shining uppon those unblind. Lingering in thy presence is an extasis, and thou hast already granted Cormanthyr a sweet boon by aiding in the destruction of House Axa's shock party. Yet, i would ask of thee another deed, e'en more deserving of thy shyly veiled might... Would thou come to my Temple and hear our plea?" All that he says in an excited whisper, his voice shaking in a barely noticable way, without losing its melodyc fluidity or tembre. He gently helps her to her feet, and only then rises himself, and looks at the others. They are all beautyful, he smiles to himself; all five of them... Would that i could return the illuskan from his Webcrawl, but with the wizard's death, 'tis now his own will alone that shall bring him back to Faerun. A flying squirl lands on his shoulder, soaring from a some treatop nearby. He turns to it with an amiable smile: "Good eve, Meri! Call hence thy mistress; a battle was fought here, and the Illithiiri fell, but a druid's caress is now called for." The flying squirl darts away wth a nod, and the elf turns and walks up a few meters into the air, as if invisible stairs formed under his feet. He speaks loudly, as if addressing a crowd: "Akharai, son of Akharekha! Zarg, Vara, Satat, Ergh and Bazaz of the Toothclash Warren! You seven Orphans of the Bleeding Menhir Clan! Raghmai and Yakhbessh, champions of Rach-za! Gnah, Rorg and Bzan of Gnawthroat Tribe!" From the dirt, the undergrowth and the other places where they hid in fear after Vladimir's transformation, the goblinoid - and other - slaves of the vanquished drow begin to step out in dumbfounding confusion. They hesitate, but cannot resist the elf's divinely inspired call. None of them can imagine how could this "thing" know their birth names, when their masters never bothered to learn {and in the orphans' case, they didn't even have any names, having been captured during infancy}. When finally all of the dirty creatures stand, some shaking, and stare at the airborne figure, he speaks again: "What you have done so far is forgiven! These were deeds of fear, for you were not free; they were not deeds of YOU. Now Sharess grants you all FREEDOM! Your deeds from NOW shall be your own! Know that you owe me NOTHING, for if i demanded ought for your freedom - it would not be freedom at all. Do as you will! Your clans, if they still live, may take you back. But KNOW, that should you side with Sharess - 'twould be HER sacred will, that I, her High Priest, fill your lives with revelry unlike any you could e'er gain through murder and destruction on your tribes' behalf! Go to your tribes, and you shan't be harmed untill you harm, or come to MY fold, and roll pleasure and plenty!" The mixed crowd of eighteen orcs, goblins and bugbears are left blinking and exchanging shocked, uncertain glances, ocasionally turning their heads to the lethargic, deeply breathing body of the llothite priestess, whom they used to fear more than death. The elf, meanwhile, slides down onto the ground, and turns to look at the two lions and two ladies. His tone is no longer formal and festive, but calm and warmly intimate: "Cormanthyr is indebted to you all. But lest your feat of heroism be quelled in time by the patient and everpresent scourges of shadow, let us join and cleance this wood of its defilers!" He turns to Leonin - "Thine was a good call, son of Nobanion: once all taints are struck off the land, the way shall be open for the old peace to return; from this thicket's many ruins, the supreme place of Good shall rise again, as it shone in ages past..." His hands move quickly and gracefully, in some complex gesture that involves touching his lips, the place of his heart, and the holy symbol worn on his forehead. A nearby oak, as if eagerly abiding by the queue, opens bredthwise like a great scroll, revealing a swirl of gold and green. "Let us head to Bast's temple, to quench the thirst, fatigue and hunger your ordeal must have brought ye..." And with these words, he steps through the floral portal.
nickbeat 08-18-06, 03:01 PM	Leonin transforms into human form and speaks. Come my friends, clearly this is our true path. Sascha and Leonin then follow their elven saviour into the floral portal.
Palanth 08-29-06, 04:16 PM	She blinks in surprise and looks the elf as he talks to her and walks away. She thinks a moment the quietly follows him through the portal.
Agudo Archmage 10-06-06, 02:15 AM	((OOC lol not a large post I know, but maybe it will help get this story going)) Catching up Leonin Appleblossom seem somewhat nervouse After what I have been through, Ill take any help we can get. Even following this new stranger. She wasnt even sure what was going on But it was best to stay with her new adventuring friends; than wonder about with Drow in the woods