Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Agudo Archmage 07-14-03, 11:12 PM	((OOC this open to everyone who wants to play no limit on people. its a Forgotten Realm kind of a Game!)) The rules are: 1. No superpower! “Yes you can be a half-god whatever, But “NO” you cant use Time-Stop spells, Death spells that kill half the enemy or anything all powerful. 2. No Teleportation! “Takes all the fun out of getting to places.” 3. Try to tell a Post with some detail. “What you look like and what you see or do as you move” 4. Tell us who you are, “Halfling Thief or Fat woman with hungry kids whatever” 5. And the DM has the last say on keeping the game going......have “Fun” its just a game ((Underground)) Deep in the caves under the city that they all call home, was a band of not so loyal adventures. They walked in a damp tunnel that was full of inky water, and was as disgusting as their leader. It smelled almost as bad as the “Dwarf” Boss. He was the person who had hired them, and said this would be as easy; as taking coins from a drunken “Halfling.” Two dead partners latter and several close calls, it would be called many things, but not easy. Agudo let out a long breath, Being a human, he wasnt used to being under ground. He looked at the others in the group with less than a smile. “My robes are filthy" He said to know one in particular, as he tried to rub the slime off.” The others made comments about why doesn’t he use his wizardry, to clean himself and the others. Agudo narrows his eyes and speaks icily………. “Because my so called friends, we are in a stench filed hell hole, that keeps getting dirtier and dirtier. So why waste my power on something that won’t change anytime soon.” Agudo listened as the other just grumbled more, he couldn’t blame them. They were being followd by something fast and deadly. Sadly it was “smart” and wanted to play with its food…………Them!
Kheldar Devaentar 07-15-03, 05:06 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar grumbles to himself. ". . . Well, that was a stupid question. . ." The small man was not having a wonderful time at all. His fine clothes were absolutely ruined, his black cloak was absorbing water like a sponge, and everyone, including himself, smelled like hell! At the very least this adventure hadn't turned out to be a paladin trap like Kheldar had originally suspected. . . Then again, with two comrades dead and the gods-only-knew-what after them, a dim-witted paladin ambush would have been much more enjoyable. "Hey Dwarf! What kind of "raging alcoholic halfing" are we dealing with here? Are we going to kill the bloody thing? Or just keep trying to avoid it?" Kheldar shakes his head and looks behind his shoulder. ". . . Hmmm guys. . . Methinks we're another party member short. . ." Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 07-15-03, 12:34 PM	(Ooc I be the Dwarf boss if its ok with the rest) “Shut up back there and stop thy wining, ye bunch of lazy hobbits!” Rocky the Dwarf wasn’t happy about his so-called grand thieves that he hired on. Talk about snot nosed children, he thought a couple of deaths and then they all want run to their mommy’s. The Dwarf turned to the others as he held the torch. “ So thou has become a bunch of children” Rocky grabs some scummy water, and rubs it on his face for shock value. “Now if ye want to be running home to your (Warm Buttered Bread) and smoke your hobbit pipes go ahead! But I be telling ye this that death of a few partners is no big deal, it just meant more treasure for us” The Dwarf then turned around and looked at the map. Mumbling about what a bunch of baby Orgs he has with him. :smirk:
Kheldar Devaentar 07-15-03, 01:18 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar frowns at the filthy Dwarf. . . the man didn't even have the decency to smile at his joke. Ugh. . . one sharp blow to the back of his head Kheldar. . . that's all it would take. Kheldar's head was indeed full of terrible thoughts. Hobbit? The dwarf must be belittling him. . . Kheldar was short for a human, but that hardly made him a Halfling! The whole trip had been like this. . . with him and the dwarf trading insults. But Kheldar was hardly worried about mocking the Dwarf at the moment. "You damn fool Dwarf!. . ." Then again. . . ". . . Could you humor us and show a little concern for the team? Casualty number three must be fairly new." Kheldar stops following the group, and gestures down the tunnel. "Well, are we going to even attempt a rescue? Agudo? Anyone?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 07-15-03, 03:50 PM	"Shhhhh!" I let go, wishing them to keep silent. Both the dwarf and the human spent their time bickering, and jumping at each other's throat. It was as irritating as dangerous, in our situation. I didn't know what they thought of the companion I was, though, and to try to command them like this could get dangerous. They may react like other people I...acquainted. I was wearing a chain shirt, a large shield, as well as a heavy mace in these dark tunnels. However, I was not really able to use these objects with great skill. My part in the group was that of healer, councilor, and traitor. I was bearing, on my chest, a purple chakram symbol of my deity that I could not even name myself. It made it clear that if I ever tried to discover who it was, I'd lose all my powers as well as its support. Unable to make friends, shared between my feelings of human and elven ascendances, I searched and found this group, where I could put to some use my...talents. Ignoring the task at hand, I just followed, watching our leader carefully. Trust must not be a gift but a reward, some say.
Agudo Archmage 07-15-03, 06:44 PM	(((OOC DM to you all thank you for joining, your posts have been perfect. Just kind of stuff I am looking for to soil Agudo a little. As far Rocky “Aka” Golddiger being the Boss Im ok with it, as long as Rocky Emails me so that I can share info. Also if the others would like to Email me, I can then send some info to them from time to time………. BUT it’s not a must or anything. Special Thanks to **KHELDAR** for joining, because he participated in my dramatic story with Viconia in the Tavern, he also added a lot of humor. :cool: “Luika” Good detail on your post, and thanks for joining!:D ))) ((Underground)) Kheldar took a verbal chunk out of the now slimyer boss, Agudo knew that being with a mix of Evil, and the so-called "walking the fence" Neutral people; would be a trial of his goodness. But he had all he could take from these lowbrow simians, he thought to himself that it was a wonder that they did not swing from trees and throw their “Dung” around. Agudo took a handkerchief that was just barley more clean than the Dwarf and wiped his brow. Its just a test of faith he told himself, for know one made him join. Sadly he volunteered for this adventure, so that he could help in the Archeological dig, to find something historical for his school. Or at least that’s what Agudo kept telling himself this was, and not a thieving quest. But that wasn’t the whole truth he knew, Agudo shook his head, as he tried not to trip on some wet rocks. He needed the money, just like some common peasant. He had gotten into debt building his school and now needed quick cash to pay off some less than honorable loan sharks. As they had turned a corner and jumped over some stalactites, they heard that same scratching noise; that same noise they heard just before the deaths of the two other members. :confused: Agudo gave a testy look to Kheldar……. “Well Kheldar do you think that your skills could set a “Trap” for this…this whatever it is that’s following us, or shall we pray that are so called Cleric”….. Agudo points at “Luika” ………..“Who cant say the name of his god, without losing his power…. Agudo rolls his eyes ….. “Have to heal us again for a price I mite add” Agudo looked at Luika with how could you be so greedy expression. ((OOC Again everyone I like your posts great job so far)) :angel:
Luika 07-15-03, 09:22 PM	I eyed Agudo back. "I never asked anyone money or my help, but if you insist, I shall remember your words when you'll need me." I then readied my mace and my shield, waiting for our leader to take a decision.
Golddigger Dwarf 07-15-03, 10:57 PM	"Tis mi falt Luika" Rocky says as he laughs and turns to look at the group. "I be charging the wizard "Agudo" for your help in healing. I told him you wanted me to get the money from Agudo." He looks at Agudo with a snicker and some ugly black teeth. "Ye not be geting your money back goody good, for if I want to charge for healing by my people" He points a fat Ax at "Luika" but not looking at him just pointing. "Then I be doing it! Besides thy is a fool for leting me take your coin so easy. Thy mouth should thank me Agudo, for teaching ye a simple leason." Agudo could see that he was being honest, as if had some how help the mage, by teaching him not to be so easy a target. He then walks up to "Kheldar" and puts a dirty hand on Kheldar shoulder. The Dwarf smiles and asks in a nice way. "The fool wizard is right and thy words ring true to "Kheldar," we be losing to many people on this job, so could ye please set a trap for the creature. Dont wory, we will hide near by and when it is caught we will kill it! Simple as that" He brushes some dirt off of "Kheldar" shoulder and waits a reply.:smirk:
Kheldar Devaentar 07-15-03, 11:34 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar quirks a brow at Agudo and Rocky. There wasn't much to make a trap with at first sight. But then his current mood was distracting him. "What? Do you want us to hurl stones at the monster?" Kheldar rolls his eyes and starts looking around the tunnel. . . There were rocks, more rocks, even more rocks, inky water, a patch of stalagmites*, rocks. . . A patch of stalagmites? Stalagmites were the lumps of deposited minerals that dripped off the top of caves. . . That in itself wasn't very helpful. . . But the idea for a trap was now so obvious in Kheldar's mind that he couldn't believe he had missed it before. "Yes, that's exactly what we'll do. We'll hurl stones at it! Everyone quiet. . ." With the scratching noises echoing off the tunnel walls it was hard to discern the direction of the creature. That's why Kheldar needed absolute silence. He listened very intently. . . "Good. . . the creature's behind us. . . I need some light explosives. . . anyone got some?" Kheldar's hands dived into his cloak. Maybe he had some. He found his flint and steel easily enough, but wasn't having much luck with the explosives. . . Perfect! Judging from the noise - we don't have much time left! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-15-03, 11:59 PM	Agudo just looks at the Dwarf with anger but says nothing he then hears Kheldar Idea. The mage Is surprised at Kheldar words about using rocks, {maybe he going a bit batty down here} Agudo thought. But then Agudo saw that Kheldar was on to something. Being a wizard it was common to make ones own potions, for many reasons left unsaid. So Agudo started looking in his bag of tricks quickly, and found two non-explosives and mixed them together. After a couple of puffs of smoke, and singed eyebrows, Agudo waives the smoke away; as wipes his now blackend face. “Ok everyone” Agudo said with a little fear in his voice and shaky hands, as he gave the volatile potion to Kheldar. “Now whatever you do, don’t drop it, nor anyone bump our…………. I pray at least competent Rogue.” Agudo says this as he steps way back
PoisonBlade 07-16-03, 12:18 AM	. . .
Leetah 07-16-03, 12:20 AM	* * * http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif A young woman with long blond hair and clear blue eyes continues to push herself further and further into the endless depths of the sewers as her hopes of secretly following the band of thieves quickly begins to fade. It had been hours since she last saw any of the band's members or even heard their footsteps. Kheldar’s argument with the Dwarf had been clearly audible at one point, but now even that was gone. . . Leaning against a murky wall, and letting out a sad sigh, the young woman begins to cry. She was completely lost! She never should have followed Kheldar into this place! But she was curious about what he was doing with those men, and there were some questions about the assassin that she needed answered. o O (Fine mess you’ve gotten your self into Leetah! Now what are you going to do? Cry for help? A lot of good that’ll do. Those men are probably hours away from where you are. . .ugh. . .what am I going to do. . .) Slowly shaking her head back and forth, the young healer continues to move forward. . .There had to be an exit somewhere up ahead. . .there just had to be! * * * Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-16-03, 02:09 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar accepts the potion from Agudo with a wolfish grin. "This is perfect, thanks Agudo! Rocky, if this trap actually works it should kill the damn thing for us." The short man eyes the tunnel up and down. "Ok, the plan is pretty simple. . . See that clump of stalagmites over there? . . Umm, the rocks we just passed though? Well, they form when water-drops containing minerals fall from the top of this cave. See how their tips are round and blunt because of this process? . . Well, they're useless - look up above!" Above the rocky lumps where a patch of sharp, pointy, icicle-shaped rocks. "Above every patch of stalagmites, is a patch of stalactites! Those spikes represent the spots where the water is dripping from. . . I'm sure you see how they can be useful!" Kheldar smiles at the potion. "I'll stand over there, out of the monster's view. . ." Kheldar gestures to a spot in the tunnel "And when I see the creature approaching those stalactites, all I have to do is throw this potion at the right spot and at the right time - and those spikes will stake it right into the ground!!" A sudden look of concern spreads across the young man's face. He was confident about his timing and skill, but he was a bit unsure about the potion. "Umm. . . This is only lightly explosive right? I just want to blow some spikes off the ceiling. . . not collapse the cave and trap us all in here." . . . Scratching sounds still echoed off the cave walls. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-16-03, 02:28 AM	Agudo was practically running when Kheldar asked a good question, about the potions killing them.. "Will all find out in a minute" He yelled as he jumped behind a rock. Agudo looked at the others who jumped with him “What? You think I know everything that’s going to happen, just because I can shoot fireballs out of my hands. Sometimes you just take a chance at the luck of the draw, or did you think thieves got rich by playing it safe” With that he took a slight look at what Kheldar was doing…… The strange noise starts to fade, but is it a trick?
Luika 07-16-03, 07:33 AM	Hearing the words of my companions, I just thought of the complexity of the tremendous task at hand. Throw a vial of explosives, hit the stalactites in the dark at the precise, right place, and then hope they would fall vertically, hitting the monster in vulnerable places. Some must have not read enough in their youth, I thought to myself. They would need incredible luck to achieve this heroic feat of courage. But luck could always be helped. Without a word, I approached Kheldar and touched his shoulder. "You, blind man who can not see You, blind mole in this tunnel You shall now act freely, clearly And our enemy you may repel." When I pronunced the last word, Kheldar'eyes changed. His pupils became pitch-black, like the night around us. But, for him, the night around us became as clear as a day under the sun. Without a word of encouragement, I left him and went hiding with Agudo.
Golddigger Dwarf 07-16-03, 11:56 AM	The Dwarf Rocky was thinking to himself *Well that was easy, I just asked nicely, and the boy is seting a trap for me. Maybe this goody good stuff works some times to get what cha want. But if not my trusted Axe will do* He gave a wicked smile at the others. Then the damndable mage played with his magic brew, making smoke fill the cave. "What cha doing Wizard trying kill us with no air?" The Dwarf coughed loudly as he spoke Then Rocky eyes got big "What cha be saying dont drop it?" This was said as Agudo gave the explosives to Kheldar "BLOOOOODY HELLLLL!" Rocky said as he ran with the wizard.
Leetah 07-16-03, 03:52 PM	* * * http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah was beginning to grow cold. Goosebumps had started to form all over her body; however, whether those goosebumps had formed due to the chill of the sewers, or due to the unsettling scratching sound she was hearing was difficult to say. Suddenly, Leetah spots the silhouette of another human up ahead! o O (Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! I must have actually caught up with that other group of men! Oh thank you so much for this blessing Lord Pelor!) No longer caring whether or not the traveling men saw her, Leetah dashes towards the silhouette. After fearing that see was going to remain lost in these sewers until she starved to death, it was a huge relief to see another person! "Hello there! Sir? Sir can you hear me? Oh thank goodness I found you. I was begging to worry that*. . ." The shriek that came form Leetah echoed down the tunnels of the sewer for a long time. Something wasn't right about the person she had found. . .there were pieces of him. . .missing. . .large pieces. Frantically looking around for any other travelers, Leetah hears the rumbling echo of a gruff voice. ~BLOOOOODY HELLLLL. . .Blooooody Helllll. . .blooooody helllll. . .blooooody helllll. . .~ "Maybe that's them up ahead." Looking towards the direction of where she heard the dwarf's voice, Leetah takes a step forward and then stops. Her eyes shift back to the lifeless form leaning up against the wall. "Oh. . .but I can't just leave him here. . .ummm. . .a resurrection spell should only take about a minute to perform. . ." Making her way back towards the corpse, Leetah notices that the scratching sound she heard earlier was becoming increasingly loud. . . http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/leetahcave.jpg Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-16-03, 06:54 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/kheldarcave.jpg Kheldar was about to protest about the potion when he heard something off in the distance. . . A scream? Causality number three was a man. . . Whatever happened to him must have been terrible to get it that high pitched. Strange though, at that pitch the voice almost seemed familiar. . . "Uh, any way, if I want to stand a change at doing this I had better put on my gla-*" Kheldar felt a hand on his shoulder, then everything got brighter. "The hell?" Everything was much clearer. . . even more so than what it would have been with his magical pair of glasses. . . A worried look spread across Kheldar's face. How could his eyes be taking in so much light? Without a second thought he pulls out a small steel mirror. "AAAAHHHH!!! I look like a damn shark!" At least his eyes did. . . They were pitch black. Kheldar wanted to scream at the cleric, but the man had meant well. . . The poor man hadn't really been received well by the party either, maybe Kheldar would change that. "I mean. . . ahh. . . everything looks so damn sharp. . . I can actually see! Thanks Luika!" Kheldar's face look impressed and grateful. . . "Well then, this'll be a lot easier. . . where's our monster?" The scratching noises were more distant now, was the creature just going to leave them alone? ((lol, sorry for the long wait guys. . . I just had to had to post a picture on this thread! (Which took a bit longer to make than I thought it would) Tell me what ya think! I know, the water looks more slimy than inky, but Kheldar got lost in the dark water. :) Lol, and Kheldar's first face looks all wrong, but I did the sketch at 3:00 in the morning. . . At least I like the way the second Kheldar came out! ))
Agudo Archmage 07-17-03, 06:46 PM	LOOKS GOOD, I LIKE IT ALOT! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! YOUR POSTS ARE GREAT! :cool: :D :angel:
Agudo Archmage 07-17-03, 06:58 PM	As Agudo waited for Khalder to set the trap, he also heard a scream. What was that? He thought. The smell and scratching sounds were getting farther away, as well. The wizard decided to take a look over the rock that he was hiding behind. "Khalder how is it going with the......What the?" Agudo saw that the potion was starting to smoke again. "I knew I should not have used so much Pixie dust" he mumbled. "Um....Rogue partner.....friend.......the potion is one of those things that you ether, use it or lose it!" Agudo said as he pointed to the potion that was smoking. ((Elsewhere)) The creatures eyes fixed on the helpless young girl, it saliva dripping away as it moved closer and closer. Through the darkness, it reached out and grabbed for the feet of the maiden. A hissing like noise could be heard as it did so. :behold:
Luika 07-17-03, 08:36 PM	When Agudo mumbled in his teeth about the pixie powder, I stood up, curious to discoverwhat happened. What I saw deceived me, for its lack of interest : Kheldar, holding the potion, with a puzzled look on his face. o O (Perhaps next time it would help him more if I threw the potion for him.) I decided to go back and sit behind the rock yet again, when I heard a scream echo through the tunnels, shouted by a feminine voice. Stoic and fearless, ut also greatly unconcerned, I eyed my companions, waiting for a reaction on their part.
Golddigger Dwarf 07-17-03, 10:06 PM	ROCKY waited and waited with his eyes shut, and ears coverd, with his hands. But nothing, came not even a "POP" so he opend his eyes and took a fast look around. Khalder was just standing there looking out down the cave at? Then Rocky heard the sound fade, and that foul smell become less. Dwarf scratched his head. "Well wizard I be thinking yer bad breath, scared the thing away" But before he could finish, he saw the potion in Kheldar hand start to go off. "What cha be waiting for Khalder? Do it already! Ya liver lily, candy Aress" Then at that moment a girl screamd down the cave. Well he thought this looks like a job for the Boss, but then he took another look at the explosive potion, "Well maybe the wizard should take care of this" He cowardly said, as he ducked back behind the rock, as the girl screamd out in pain again.
Kheldar Devaentar 07-17-03, 11:24 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar continues to looks down the cave. . . The whole point of his trap was to send rock flying down towards the monster, so he would wait until the monster came. . . and wait. . . and wait. Kheldar tried to ignore his comrades. They were yelling, and trying to distract him. . . Couldn't they see this would take split-second timing and all of his concentration? . . And all they could do was yell about smoke coming from the potion. . . or some such nonsense. . . SMOKE COMING FROM THE POTION?!??! Yup, a quick look at the potion told Kheldar is was definitely fuming. . . "Agudo! You didn't tell me this thing had a fuse!!!! Fine! Plan B! Hit the creature with it!" Without having any time to really think his plan through Kheldar jumps past the stalagmites and stalactites, and rounds the corner of the tunnel. . . Then Kheldar saw something he didn't expect. "Leetah!?!?!?" Right beside the mangled body of "casualty number three" was one of Kheldar's friends. . . Well, he was 65% sure they were still friends. . . Leetah! And she wasn't alone. Damn! Can't throw it at the creature with her so close! But? Desperately trying to get rid of the thing Kheldar throws it behind him, it might mean collapsing the tunnel between him and his party, but that was better than killing Leetah or himself! The potion exploded before it even hit the ground. Had Kheldar have been a bit quicker to make a decision he might have avoided the blast. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-18-03, 01:37 AM	As the smoke got worse, Agudo was looking through his pockets in his robe, to find something to stop the potion. “Now let me see, Mythril, Silver Scales of a Dragon, snake venom……. About that time Kheldar decided he would chase after the beast. Not a bad idea except time was running out, for him and the group. As Kheldar sees his girlfriend in front of him, and realizes that he can’t hit the monster and his friend, so without think he throws it behind him. Another good idea with one flaw, Kheldar is in the middle, and his so-called partners, are the ones behind him! At that moment Agudo decides to look up. “I found it! The wand of freezing, that should take care of the problem” but as he try’s to find Kheldar he sees that he has moved. “Kheldar?”…..Oh There you…….KHELDAR…….NOOOOO……… ((BAAAAMMM)) Agudo goes flying back, his whole body hits the wall, as fire and rock, go all around him. BAM.....BANG......SPLAT!:rolleyes:
Leetah 07-18-03, 05:01 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah had bearly begun casting the resurrection spell when she felt something grab her by the ankle and pull her down into the cold stinking filth! She would have let out a scream if her head wasn't completely submerged in waste. Desperately trying to emerge to the surface, Leetah catches a quick glimpse of two gleaming red eyes before being forcefully pulled further into the nauseating sludge. With her quarterstaff in hand, the young woman wildly thrusts it's pointed end deep into the creature's hand causing it relinquish it's grip on her sore ankle. Rising to the surface, Leetah lets out terrified shriek as she franticly tries to escape the creature's onslaught. She doesn't make it very far, however, before the monster bears one of it's massive claws deep across her back! Screeching in pain, Leetah stumbles a few more feet and then collapses back into the murky waters. The pain in her back became all the more excruciating once her open wound hit the raw sewage. Trying to kick her way back up to the surface, Leetah feels an enormous hand pick her up out of the water and then begin to slowly squeeze her. Tears burst from the girl’s eyes as she screams in agony feeling her bones steadily getting crushed. As Leetah's world slowly begins to fade to black, she hears an explosion off in the distance. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-18-03, 05:52 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar's body arcs through the air and splashes in the murky water. He could hear Leetah scream, although the water distorted the sound. . . Everything around him was filthy, cold, and awful tasting. Although the cool water did soothe Kheldar's burns. A dozen thoughts buzzed through Kheldar's head at once. Why was Leetah here? Why couldn't that potion have exploded further away from him? Why didn't Agudo tell him the damn thing was going to explode in the first place?! Kheldar had expected it to explode on contact, not by itself! Was the section of tunnel between him and his friends completely caved in? Was Leetah still alive? Leetah! Kheldar splashes his head out of the water and exhales a mouth full of waste. Leetah was being crushed to death by the creature. There was no more struggle left on her face. . . she looked dead. "NOOOOOOOOO!!!! Damn you!!" He wasn't sure if he meant that for the creature or Leetah. Something had to be done quickly! But all the sure-kill methods Kheldar knew to kill the creature would easily kill Leetah as well. . . No. . . As an assassin all he had to do was study the creature for a few seconds. . . Find the right place to strike, and kill it in one blow! And the best place to study was. . . UP CLOSE! Kheldar miraculously pulls a broom out of his cloak, and jumps up on it. "FLY!" The brooms shoots forward! And Kheldar plunges right into the creature, hitting it at the nape of the neck. Maybe it wasn't enough to kill the thing, but hopefully it would be enough to make it ignore Leetah and fight him! Jumping off the broom Kheldar pulls out his favorite short sword and starts looking for a good place to sink it in. The broom splashes into the water. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 07-18-03, 12:47 PM	Standing up stupidly from behind a rock when a destructive potion made by a crazy wizard suddenly explodes because of a careless rogue is never a good idea. Trust my experience. Fire covered every spot in the cavern, while the deflagration sent sharp rocks all around us. The shield I still held ready protected me from the flying rocks, but wearing a metal armor in blazing flames is probably the surest way to turn into something remembering a lobster. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" I remember falling on the solid ground, barely conscious. I found, more instinctively than by reason, the words required to intercede and activate a simple healing blessing. The chakram on my chest darkened, and sinister shadows escaped from it, pushig away the burning wounds from my body, as if they were cold waves made of darkness. After the apocalypse ceased, I stood up, and saw Agudo's body crushed by a granitic stone of impressive size. He was holding his broken leg with his arms. I walked next to him, and touched his knee with my right hand. Again, dark energy spread from my fingertips, closing the wounds and stopping the blood drop, but not repairing the leg itself. "This shall be 10 gold pieces, master. Unless you payed in advance to our leader." I said. Agudo could not be totally sure if either I was serious, or simply mocking what he said earlier.
Golddigger Dwarf 07-18-03, 01:32 PM	The "Blast" was loud as it was hot, Rocky had a large rock to hide behind. But it did not stop the shock wave, from knocking him back, into the wall. "OOOFFF" he grunted, as his head hit the cave. "I new I should of asked how many of your partners survived your last adventure with ye, Kheldar!” The Dwarf got up and wiped the sludge and dust off of him. “serves me right for assuming that when Kheldar said that he killed people before, that it was not his own team mates” Rocky could barely see with all the haze, but then he saw Luika helping the wizard Agudo. “What’s that Luika? You be charging him ten gold coins” The Dwarf smiled as he worked his way over to the healer man. “That’s me boy, tis good to see you learning how to make money, from healing, and robbing the foolish; like this wizard.” He kicked Agudo, but then thought better of it. “Blast it all to Gnomes, it’s a good thing I am a Dwarf for I be used to all this caves and explosions.” He then uses his mighty Dwarven strength, to pick the large rock off Agudo. “There ye be wizard, it’s a good thing we still be needing thy magic, or I would left cha for dead.” Rocky spits to his side. “Now where be the fool Kheldar?” A loud scream and fighting, can be heard a head. “ Come on Luika!, lets be fighting not just holding this half dead wizard!. The Dwarf Boss takes out his Axe and kisses it. “Besides if he alive when we get back, you can fix him then.” With that Rocky was off running for the battle, he jumps on the side of the beast, and slices deep with his Axe into one of the legs of the creature.
Agudo Archmage 07-18-03, 07:41 PM	Agudo lay there on the ground with his eyes closed; he felt a kick to his side, and some angry words by the “Boss” of this team Rocky. But before he could open his eyes the Dwarf moved a large rock that was on him. “Thank you” he said but when he opened his eyes he saw “Luika” “Its ok Luika you have healed me enough, for now go help save are comrades, I will lay here until then.” ((Close by)) The creature could be seen now; it was Half Scorpion, and Half spider. What strange magic made it know one knew, but it was deadly and fast. The tail swipes at Kheldar and it even try to buck him off. When Rocky ran up and started to hit its leg, the monster turned on him grabbing the Dwarf by one of it pincers. It took one of its spider legs and slapped at his axe, trying to knock it lose. :88E:
Kheldar Devaentar 07-18-03, 07:45 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar watches Rocky wildly charge into the monster. Judging from the scratches and burns on the dwarf, that potion must have been extremely more potent than Kheldar had thought. . . Too much Pixie dust indeed. . . Kheldar wondered what he looked like at the moment, he had been much closer to the blast! It's a wonder the tunnel didn't cave-in! "ROCKY! If you're gonna hit it's legs try to severe the extensor digitorum longus muscle on each one!!" The dwarf's look was not one of comprehension. "Ugh, Like this!" Kheldar slashes deeply into the front of the monster's leg, and feels the muscle pull apart. Good, now that leg was disabled! "Now do that to the rest of them!" The attacks from the two heroes (or scoundrels, rather) did the trick, and the monster dropped Leetah into the water. Kheldar hadn't really gotten enough time to observe the monster for a proper death attack, so he broke his concentration and ran to the place where Leetah had fallen in. He could faintly see her under the water thanks to Luika's spell. She didn't look well at all, but no time to check to see if she was dead or not. "Broom come!" Kheldar's Broom of Flying splashes out of the water and darts towards the rouge. Kheldar sets Leetah's limp body up on the broom, and- *dodges a pincer from taking off his head!* "Disable it's arms too!" Pulling out some rope from his cloak Kheldar ties Leetah's waist securely to the handle of the broom. "Broom, fly 20 feet that way! Slow!" Kheldar gestures down the tunnel, towards the corner he passed through. . . He would have delivered Leetah right into the arms of Lukia if he could, but the broom couldn't turn corners on it's own. After receiving the command, the broom drifts towards Lukia, and stops at the corner of the cave. "Rocky is it dead yet?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-18-03, 08:16 PM	((TRUE KHELDAR)) We did read your good story post..... BUT!:cool: As the ((MIGHTY DM)):king: I found it more funny :rofl: to have your guy make one mistake. Like the Rule says I the Dm has the last say on keeping the game going.:smirk: But your doing a grand job:D so dont worry, I am enjoying your post and I am sure the others are to.:pile:
Golddigger Dwarf 07-18-03, 10:29 PM	Rocky felt his world go dark for tiny second, but then his killer rage took over. He slashed and jabed at the arm of the Spider Half breed. Hitting deep, time after time, green blood was all over him, but Rocky loved it.:mad: The Beast let go of him, and with a thud Rocky hit the ground. "Die ya bloody Half-breed!" With a mighty hit with his Axe to the back leg, the thing loses balance and falls. With the help of the others in the party, He slices the devil spider thing to death. Panting hard Rocky looks over at Kheldar "Ya it be more than dead" Rocky coverd in green blood gives an ugly smile.:smirk:
Leetah 07-19-03, 05:35 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah continues to lay limply over Kheldar's flying broom, covered with filth and absolutely soaked. She hadn't moved a muscle since the the creature dropped her, and it was hard to tell if she was still breathing or not. . . . . .The wound across her back was bleeding terribly. At least that ment the girl still had some blood left in her, but unless someone did something fast, that would soon change. . . . . .Helplessly suspended in the air, Leetah continues to die. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Luika 07-19-03, 08:01 AM	The young girl was attached to he flying broom, her body losing blood fastly. In no time, I securely placed both hand on her back, and incanted. The now familiar waves of darkness descended from my outstretched arms and met the girl's body. However, a strange, bizarre thing happened. Once they reached her, the waves seemed to have trouble penetrating the dying person. They were slowly irking, dancing with bolts of light emanating from her. They still had somme effect, but nothing like what I expected. The girl would come back at brink of consciousness, probably nothing more. I delicately untied her from the broom. Lying down on the floor, I could see her perfectly. A nice figure, blond hair going down to meet...a symbol of Pelor!! o O ( Oh no! At least it explains why the spell fizzled....)
Golddigger Dwarf 07-19-03, 12:40 PM	Rocky wipes his Axe off and then sees the girl, “Well, well what is my eyes be showing me?” The Dwarf walks up and lifts the girl head. “Tis cute for a scrawny thing” he drops her head down without thought. “What? This another Cleric?” For the religious symbol is showing on her. “Blast it all taa hell, I be needing Wizards, but now I got two Clerics and one half-brained and half-dead wizard.” Rocky thinks for a moment “Ye may leave her here, for we no be needing another Cleric.” He then spits on the ground. “My tummy is kind-cha hungry? Naa no more cannibalism for me. Besides thou is to scrawny like I said ":smirk:
Kheldar Devaentar 07-19-03, 07:04 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar notices a quite triumphant Dwarf leave the body of the monster. "Mmmm, good work Rocky! . . . Ugh, my whole body feels like burning. . ." Fiddling with the equipment inside his cloak. Kheldar finds a vial filled with clear liquid, and begins to follow the Dwarf back to Luika and Leetah. Luika had set her up on a platform above the water surface. Definitely a better place for her than tied to a broom. Kheldar begins to drink the potion. But almost chokes when he sees Rocky touch Leetah! He didn't know a lot about healing, but he knew you weren't suppose to do what Rocky was doing!! When he heard Rocky speak his mind about what they should do with Leetah that only upset him more! * * * Rocky feels a sharp blow across the back of his head. The force behind it could have easily knocked out a human, but Dwarves were more sturdy. Behind the sore Dwarf was Kheldar. The man's burns and scratches were mostly gone, but he looked very angry. He held a small sap in his hand. "Never move the patient's head! And for crying out loud don't drop it!" Kheldar opens his cloak and tosses the sap in. "And you have two wizards already!" Kheldar gestures his hand in the air and speaks something in Elven. Poof! He was Rocky the Gold Digging Dwarf. "See lad? You've got a bloody band of wizards! There be no problem in allowing this lass to join us! Besides, I doubt she'll be charging as much as our young mercenary-cleric here. . . In fact I doubt she'll even charge us a copper!" Kheldar the Dwarf speaks again in Elven and changes back into himself. Kheldar knew a little bit of magic, but he was hardly a wizard. Still, showing Rocky one fancy trick might be able to convince the Dwarf otherwise. Kheldar looks at Luika. "Luika, she doesn't look much different. . ." There was obvious concern in his voice. Kheldar leans over Leetah and checks her pulse. . . A tear secretly escapes from one of his eyes. Thank the Gods, she's alive. Kheldar wipes his cheek and turns around. "I don't get it. . . Can't you do anything?" What? Was this monstrous healer going to charge Kheldar a fortune before he started? Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 07-19-03, 08:44 PM	"Rocky" the Dwarf felt a slap on the back of his head. When he turns around, he sees the half-pint Kheldar, angry :mad: as can be. "What cha be hitting me in my good looking head for?" The Rogue goes into why touching the half dead, is a no no, and even turns himself into "Rocky" "Bloody hell, thou are the most handsome man I ever be seeing" The Dwarf laughs, and pinches his look a like, on the bum. "So thy power can make ya look good as me, but if ye be telling me a fib Kheldar, about thy wizard power; thy magic wont save ya from me Axe. Just then Kheldar lets out a tear for the young girl. :( Rocky smiles an evil smile "But dont worry thy girlfriend will not suffer by me Axe, if thy words of magic turns to be wrong. For I will take good care of her" Rocky says this with wicked look "Ye better can do magic Kheldar, and I be talking big magic like {Archmage} stuff. for where were going will die without a strong wizard." With that the Dwarf waited for the girl to get better and cleaned his Axe some more.
Leetah 07-20-03, 05:25 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Before Kheldar could reply, Leetah begins to cough up a mouthful of sewer water, and rolls onto her side trembling. If nothing else, Luika's spell had at least brought back the struggle into the maiden's face. Feeling two fingers move away from just under her chin, Leetah slowly opens her eyes. . . ". . .Kheldar. . .?" It was hard to tell if the dark figure in front of her was Kheldar or not; her vision was blurred with tears. Every part of her body throbbed in pain. . .her back worst of all. "Kheldar, Kheldar I was so scared. . .I thought tha-AAAAHHH*" Whatever Leetah was going to say was replaced with pain filled yelp. The priestess tightly shuts her eyes and begins to bite her lip. It hurt, oh Gods did it hurt! "What's going on. . .what happened. . .why am I. . ." Leetah stops herself again as she closes her eyes even tighter and lets out another agonized shriek. She had tried to make it a little quieter than her last one, but that only made her scream sound more defeated and pathetic. Giving up on trying to speak, Leetah tries to move her right arm to cast a healing spell. . . . . .The arm doesn't respond. . . . . .Leetah begins to panic. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-20-03, 06:08 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif "If you so much as touch her with the flat of your axe, I'll s-*" Kheldar stops when he hears Leetah speak. . . She was awake? "Leetah? . . Leetah! A-*" Leetah screamed in agony. It was one of the worst sounds Kheldar had heard in his life. Leetah tried to speak, but it only provoked another pain-filled yelp to come out of her mouth. "Shhh. . . shhh. . . Leetah. It's alright. . . Everything's going to be ok. . ." Well, he hoped it was. Kheldar wasn't sure if Luika had even tried healing her. He saw the cleric do something to her, but it didn't look like it had done much. Kheldar pulls out another vial with clear liquid in it. "Here, drink this. . . It wont immediately stop the pain, but it should heal your body some." Kheldar pours the liquid into Leetah's mouth. He wished he could do more than dump potions down her throat. . . But what else could he do? He was a trained killer, not a healer. . . "Luika? Agudo? Is there anything you can do?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-20-03, 11:40 AM	The Archmage of Light lay there in the dirty water for along time, allowing the healing to take place that was given by Luika. “By the Light, I think my comrades, if I dare call them that, have abandoned me.” Agudo slowly moved, and lifted himself off the ground. “But what did I expect, from this group of thugs, it not like I joined a righteous good party. Besides I knew rocky was evil. But Kheldar and Luika seem ok, I sense something good in them. One more than the other though, to be honest with myself. Agudo continued to mumble out loud about his adventuring group, when he stumbled on them all several feet away from some hideous dead creature, and …? A girl! Kheldar looked at Agudo and asked him to do something for her. “By all that is of Light! Of course I shall Kheldar” Agudo limps over still in pain, but leans down and prays for her. A flash of Light, can be seen leaving his hands, and entering into her body. Agudo turns to the others “She should feel her arms start to heal soon, but who is she? Where did she come from?”
Luika 07-20-03, 04:08 PM	Besides, I doubt she'll be charging as much as our young mercenary-cleric here. . . In fact I doubt she'll even charge us a copper!" Strangely, when Kheldar pronunced those words, his vision slowly faded, becoming like what it once was, barely allowing him to see in these damp tunnels. My voice echoed in the close tunnels, so sharp Kheldar would have died if my tongue was a blade. "You should learn about silence, young man. It pays greatly, sometimes. Learn to observe, also. Haven't you understood again, what test of faith fell upon all of us? You may criticize me for her body is not completely repaired, but you may also reconsider your words. I, servant of darkness, have been persuasive enough to ask, and obtain, enough power to keep a follower of Light, as they call it, as well as her immortal soul from leaving to the Fugue Plane. Before doubting of your peers and of their capabilities, please take a few moments to think. It is even more important if you are the one casting spells to impress people, or if you're the one who almost caused a cave-in by the combination of stupidity and lack of skills. "
Leetah 07-20-03, 05:20 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Panic fades from the girl's face as soon as she feels the soothing touch of Agudo's healing spell. Her trembling begins to subside, and her body slowly uncurls into a more relaxed position. After a few second's of calm quiet breathing, Leetah opens her eyes again. "Kheldar? Mr. Kheldar? AAAH!" Suprised to see the face of an older man instead of her younger friend, Leetah lets out a startled gasp and then quickly covers her mouth with both hands. Red spots slowly began to bloom on her cheeks. "I'm sorry sir. I didn't mean to alarm you. Where are we? Where's that creature?" Quickly scanning her surroundings, Leetah realizes that they were still in the sewers and that the creature was dead. . .or at least. . .it looked dead. Standing beside the creature was a stout dwarf cleaning his axe blade. Every now and then he would look up at Leetah and smile, but his expression was far from friendly. Next to the dwarf was another man she didn't recognize, shouting at a partner so violently that it sent shivers down her spine. Trying to get a better look at the person being yelling at, Leetah recognizes a familiar face. . . "Mr. Kheldar!" Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 07-21-03, 01:29 AM	Rocky sees the youg girl come out of it, and smiles at her with that ugly look of his. He hears that Luika is giving the Rogue the once over with his dark magic attitude, and smiles more. Rocky then turns to the girl "I be the one who saved cha from that monster, my lovely youg lass" Rocky gives a slight bow and a wink.:smirk:
Kheldar Devaentar 07-21-03, 09:21 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Everything begins to fade from Kheldar's view. Compared to what he was looking at, everything seemed pitch black. Kheldar shrugs. To the cleric's credit, he probably deserved this. Kheldar pulls out an odd pair of glasses with green lenses, and puts them on. Everything suddenly came back into view. Well, everything within a 60 foot radius. . . These glasses were not quite as good as Luika's magic, but they allowed Kheldar to see other things as well. Now that he could see again, Kheldar looks at Luika with a dull expression. Inside he felt shaky, this cleric could certainly make one tremble when he wanted to, but Kheldar was good at hiding his outside emotions. ". . .Oh, you're one of those clerics. . ." Kheldar smirks. "Any way, a simple yes or no would have sufficed. . . And I don't see what words I have to re-consider. First I asked you if you could you do anything. . ." Kheldar would just ignore the fact he had said it in a derogatory fashion. "Second, I believe I said - is there anything you can do? Those were innocent enough questions weren't they? . . Ha! . . And as for the almost cave-in, I believe that was a team effort. . . Agudo was the one who made the potion so damn powerful. . . And perhaps you'd like to know that I took most of the force from that explosion. I don't know what debris managed to hit you from where you were hiding, but it flew me across the bloody tunnel! I could have thrown it at you guys easily enough, and run in the other direction, but I didn't! And ya know what? I'm glad I didn't throw it in the tunnel, because if I did and the tunnel had have collapsed, Leetah would be DEAD right now! What would you have done in my position? Would you have inflicted the most damage on yourself in an attempt to save everyone else? Because that was pretty much my only option! Maybe you should take your own advice before speaking your own mind. . . Gods! Kheldar turns away from the cleric and towards Leetah. If the cleric had trouble making friends, Kheldar could certainly see why. Unfortunately, Kheldar knew if had have been a bit quicker and the potion got into the water like he had wanted, the damage would have been much less. . . Well maybe, the water was only a few feet deep. . . However, it wasn't really the cleric's lack of judgment that upset Kheldar. Luika had said something that made Kheldar feel terrible for speaking to the man so disrespectfully before. . . Luika had said he had saved Leetah from dying. . . Kheldar hadn't known that. . . He had been too worried about Leetah to think. When he saw that she was pretty much in the same condition as she had been when he tied her to the broomstick - He had wanted to tear Luika's head off! But. . . the man had actually done something. . . something that might have saved her life. . . Maybe Kheldar would apologize to the man. . . But not right now, not after yelling at him. As Luika looks after Kheldar he notices 5 metallic coins flip behind the short man. All landed exactly were Kheldar had last seen Luika's hands. Upon first inspection the coins looked like silver pieces. . . Further inspection, however, showed that the coins were really platinum pieces. "And you Rocky, lets give credit where it's due! I believe this rescue was also a team effort. . . I pulled Leetah out of danger. You killed the "danger." Luika *Kheldar wanted to wince* did. . . what he could to keep her alive. And Agudo. . . Well, if he didn't make that killer potion, I wouldn't have got the crazy idea to run back and throw it at the monster. . . and had I not run back to the monster, we may never have found ya Leetah!" Alright so Agudo's contribution sounded a bit scratchy. But it was important to make each team member feel like they helped some how! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 07-21-03, 09:53 AM	I lowered my body, taking the platinum pieces. "You don't seem to understand, do you?" I said, walking to Kheldar. "The point of what I said, despite the insults that sparkled it thouroughly, was to make you think. If I reacted badly when you called me a mercenary, do you really think it is appropriate to send me pieces? Or is it just another insult you're giving me? Keep these bit of metal: I won't pay you for scouting ahead of us, declenching traps and being the bait if we need to distract a group chasing us down. "
Agudo Archmage 07-21-03, 01:19 PM	As the group bickered among themselves, this would be a good time to be peacemaker Agudo thought. But he was tired and hungry and just sick of “Rocky” Agudo brushed off his robes again, even though it didn’t do any good, in this dirty place. Agudo turned to Rocky “Its true that you gave the killing blow to the creature, but to say it in a way, just to get the “girl,” is…..well…….just Evil!” Agudo seemed to be getting madder as he spoke. “Yes I knew your alignment when I joined, and I am sure not trying to convert you, but I will not stand by and have you abuse your position to seduce this young girl! The honorable thing would to give credit to Kheldar” Agudo stopped and turned away, not wishing to start a fight so soon, after the last battle. He then walked over to “Luika” and thought for a moment. “To be honest Luika you are an enigma, I since the dark power with in you, and yet I since something good in you as well, that fights the darkness that try’s to control you. Maybe it’s just your desire to have some type of morality, with the dark power, that you have. Or maybe it’s more like your alignment is Neutral. You know….. swaggering back and forth, from good and evil, at your own needs see fit. Agudo seemed to get lost in thought, as if he discovered a new riddle that he wished to study for a class assignment. He then turned and started to walk away, when he stopped in mid walk, as if remembering something. “Oh yes Luika, Thank you for helping me.” With that Agudo walked away continuing his thoughts about his new Riddle Luika. When he eyed Kheldar, “Yes Kheldar your right, If I had not asked you to set a trap, for the monster, then none of this would have every happen; you would never have followed the beast, to find the girl, and end up saving her life.” Agudo says this in away that more a matter of fact, than any need for thanks, or gratitude. More like as if he was reading a book about history, than real time. “But as far as knowing that you would throw the, potion behind you instead of at the creature……well….. Lets just say we now both know, to share more information when handling explosives” Agudo winks at Kheldar and then turns and walks up to Leetah “Greeting young maiden allow me to introduce myself I am Agudo Archmage of Light, I am pleased to see you coming around. From what I have heard your name is Leetah, by what chance did you come here?” Agudo smiles warmly at her.:angel:
Leetah 07-22-03, 03:51 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Agudo's smile helped comfort the priestess a little, but her face was still beat red with embarrassment. Speaking with a hint shyness in her voice, Leetah replies. . . "Pleased to meet you Mr. Agudo. Yes, my name is Leetah. Leetah Rosella Silverlocks. I followed you guys down here because. . ." Looking towards Kheldar, Leetah’s voice slowly trails off. Embarrassment quickly fades from her face as worry and concern sets in. Lowering her voice to a barely audible whisper, Leetah continues. . . "Mr. Agudo. . .why is Kheldar traveling with you? I mean. . .He hasn't been hired to hurt anyone. . .has he? No one good at least. . .Right?" She realized how stupid her question must have sounded, but she really wanted to know the answer! Ever since she discovered that Kheldar was an Assassin, her feeling towards him had been a little shaky. The short man had tried to convince her that he only ever annihilated evil men, but she wasn’t so sure if she could believe him. After all, he was an Assassin. . .and Assassin’s were notorious liars. . .Weren’t they? “Ummm. . .What I mean to say is: I followed you guys down here because I wanted to see if. . .Well. . .that is. . .” Leetah pauses for a moment and bites her lip. Shifting her gaze back to Agudo, the girl gives him a desperate look. “Please tell me what you’re all up to, and what Kheldar’s involvement in it is. That’s all I really wanted to know. That’s why I followed you guys down here. . .To find that out. . .That’s all. . .Please, tell me." Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-22-03, 05:42 AM	“The Archmage of Light smiles at Leetah’s shyness and innocents. He then rubs his short blond beard and then takes out a corncob pipe. Slowly the wizard taps it on his wrist, and after a few taps, sludge comes out. “I am afraid that it’s very dirty down here, in the sewers under the city. It’s gotten into everything even my pipe.” Agudo looks at the pipe and like magic his eyes flash blue, causing the pipe to start smoking. He takes a few puffs and snaps his fingers, with that he starts to float; in a sitting position. He seems very comfortable, just a few feet off the ground, and looks to Leetha once more, by taking out his corncob pipe from his mouth. “Well my dear girl, I can see you care deeply for Kheldar. As an Archmage of the “Light” I can honestly tell you that I since good in him. I don’t know if that tells you all about him, but its something for you to think about young lady.” He then looks at Kheldar for a moment, takes a few more puffs on his pipe, and finishes his thoughts to Leetha. “As far as why he is here, I can only guess. Yet if he his like me it is for several reasons. I for one am here to recover ancient artifacts for my school that I run. It would be very educational to have these things, for the betterment of knowledge seekers everywhere.” Agudo then shy’s away for a moment then looks at the Leetha. “The second reason for me, and possibly everyone else here is…………Money!” Agudo gave a shrug of his shoulders. “You see I have built a prosperous School of Magic, and a Cathedral of Light; and well like most good people, I have my heart on my sleeve. Or in other words, it cost money to allow so many students to go to school for free. The teachers need to be paid and supplies need to be bought…..” Agudo waives his hand. “I wont bore you with the details, lets just say I have borrowed some money and need to pay it off. Plus the artifacts will bring in needed research coins to the school.” Agudo turns his head at Kheldar and Luika “As for Kheldar this young Rogue you care for, I do not know if “Coin” is the only reason, he and Luika are on this ill-fated adventure with their own secrets.” The Archmage of Light then shakes his head at Rocky, their so called leader. “But Rocky the Dwarf I am very sure, that he is here, for gold and silver for, his greedy heart knows no other love.” The wizard turns to Leetah. "So my dear care to join us?":angel:
Luika 07-22-03, 06:39 AM	After the excruciating fight against the still unknown monster, everyone needed to sit, at least for a few times. I put back into place my heavy mace, as well as my large shield, and sat down on the ground, a little away from the group. Then, I heard Leetah's concerned comment about Kheldar. o O ( Not to kill someone good, right? They will call themselves good : I call it selective goodness. When you only help someone that helps you, or destroy only those that are not like you, but still you say your task is protecting everyone, you're not just fooling everyone but also yourself. ) Then, Leetah asked about our motivations. Who did she thought she was? Why would we have to answer her? Did she saw herself as the only holy beacon of shining Goodness among this nest of never-do-wells? A slight lesson about humility would do her well soon, I promised myself. But, for now, I had to gain the group's trust. "I am here because It told me to come. It made it clear that a test of faith would fall upon me and, to tell you the truth, since I went in here my faith has already grown. " I stopped, biting my lips, restraining myself from returning to Pelor's servant her own question.
Golddigger Dwarf 07-22-03, 12:11 PM	Rocky was shocked and dismayed, by the so-called wizard verbal attack on him. Rocky just took it, listening to every dig into his character. As if it was wrong to try to take Leetah, from the short guy Kheldar. But then Agudo said that rocky was in it just for the gold. That was the last gold nugget! “Ok Ya stinking goody good of a mage, I be taken just enough out of your smart arss mouth.” Rocky pointed his Axe close to Agudo, as he spoke. “Just who do think ye be, with thou holeyer than thou attitude. For ye no be knowing I, nor Luika!" "Maybe thee since good in him, because he be so evil, that he knows how to trick ye. Luika admits that this is a test of his faith.” “Thoe I not be caring ether way, I know that maybe Luika’s test is to be tempted by goodness, and resist! Maybe he will be more evil after this! HA! I cant wait to see Luika stick a knife in thy back Agudo!.” Rocky spits on the ground. “Now as far as me, thy words,” Rocky shakes his Axe with anger and bloodlust, more for dramatics than truth. “Thy words about me is, TRUE! HA! What Cha be thinking I would deny my lust for gold and silver. HAAAAAA!” Rocky put down his Axe and had a good old evil laugh. “But thy is wrong Agudo about one thing, its not just the shiny things of treasure I be wanting. It’s the fight! The Mayhem! The Blood of Battle!.” At that moment with the lust in his eyes, everyone could see that it was true. “Just remember down here we all be getting dirty!” Rocky points his finger at everyone. “And I not be talking about the outside either!”
Leetah 07-22-03, 09:39 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah looks towards Rocky with open fear in her eyes. It was quite intimidating to see the stout dwarf release an evil laugh while shaking his axe like a mad man. Trying to pull herself together, Leetah looks back at Agudo. "Join you? You mean you want my help in recovering those artifacts? Well. . .I do owe all of you my life. . .and as long as we're not stealing the artifacts. . .I'd be more than happy to help you guys in any way." Pleasantly smiling at Agudo, Leetah notices that Rocky was grinning at her evilly again. A cold shiver runs down the young priestess' back. o O ( What in the Shining One's name is he thinking? ) Looking away from the dwarf, Leetah's eyes fall upon Luika. Now here was a man who intrigued her greatly. Like herself, he seemed to follow the preaching’s of a higher authority. Wanting to learn more about the mysterious Cleric, Leetah timidly approaches him. "Hello there Mr. Luika. So, this is a test of faith for you huh? Which God is it that you're trying to please?" Something in Luika's eyes told the girl that she asked too many questions. Taking a few steps back, Leetah tries to retreat from Luika's cold gaze. "EEK! I'm sorry, I'm sorry. . .I didn't mean to upset you. . .I know I ask too many questions. . .Please forgive me. . .I*" Still taking a few steps back, Leetah bumps into someone behind her. Quickly turning around to see who it was, the maiden's eyes meet up with Kheldar's. . . . . .The Assassin's gaze was ignited with fury. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Luika 07-22-03, 10:32 PM	Sitting on the ground, I now had a more distant, if not relaxed, view on what was hapening among the actors of the scene we were currently playing. Still, I mostly focused on the girl. She had awoken, and now almost seemed as greedy as all of us. The only difference was that she had to find an excuse to explain her new love of unclaimed treasures. She would go along well with wizard, I sadly thought. Once again, they proved right what I thought: that hipocrisy was do-gooders' bread and butter. It looked like Leetah had in mind to get acquainted with everyone before she even stood up on her two legs, for she tried to get to know a little about all of us. However, her attempt at it was downward pathetic. She started by the leader, the which is, at her credit, always a good decision. Though, to cower in fear when looking at him is not. To seek refuge, she turned to me. Poor helpless woman. As soon as you spoke, you regretted your words. You even had the boldness, flirting with insanity, to take back these words, making you again appear as a courageless creature. That, a test to my faith? The girl was lying to herself, asked questions without thinking and did show she was as spineless as Aril, this sun elven wizard I once knew. He, too, claimed to serve the ho-so-glorious-way-of-Goodness. These thoughts kept swirling through my head, when I heard someone violently banging against someone else. I raised my head, looking once more at the Shining One's acolyte. It was rather funny, I pondered, that the man who once blamed me for my incapacity to help his friend would now look at her with such fiery eyes... ________________________________________ _________ OOC : But thank you...I guess. Perhaps it is just the fact that what you consider shyness is what I consider fear. Anyeay, when I saw a clric of Pelor showing, I thought it would be great fun ;).
Kheldar Devaentar 07-23-03, 02:01 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif "What the hell were you thinking?!?!?!?" The words would have definitely been startling to Leetah. This coming from the man who had earlier said, Leetah. . .Everything's going to be ok? "You nearly got yourself killed!!! Why didn't you at least bring that big Orc that follows you around?!?" The first question had been pointless. But like a bubble filled with too much air, it had to pop out of Kheldar. So, she wanted to make sure he wasn't assassinating orphan children? Kheldar could scream. Ever since Leetah had discovered he used to teach the rogues and assassins at the Elaesian Academy for Adventurers, she had convinced herself that he was some demon loosed out of Hell. . . The worst part was, she was only half-wrong. . . Kheldar certainly had a murky past. He had done a lot of terrible things, and perhaps to this day he continued to do terrible things. . . It was true that he only killed terrible people now. But the people who hired him were usually just as terrible, if not more-so. Still, there was a lot of money to be made in the business of killing corrupt people. And Kheldar's new policy against killing good clerics gave him quite a bit of repeat customers. . . "Ugh, you've been avoiding me like a plague lately. And now, at the first opportunity, you're investigating me?! I take it my little chat with you mustn't have been very convincing. . . Do I really strike you as a monster?" Kheldar was mad at her, that much was clear. But not really about this. . . He was more upset about her putting herself in danger! And he probably should have just said as much to begin with. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-23-03, 11:31 AM	As Kheldar hides his true feelings for Leetha, buy saying all the wrong thing; like most young couples in love. Agudo could not help but smile, and mumble to himself. “Ahh to be young and in love again.:cloud9:
Leetah 07-23-03, 08:15 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah regards Kheldar with an expression that can only be described as hurt. "A monster? Of course not! How could I think that about someone who's been so kind to me? I know you have a good heart Mr. Kheldar, but it's been awfully difficult to trust your word ever since you lied to me about what you do for a living." Releasing a depressed sigh, Leetah walks over to the large flat surface where she was healed and sits down. Her head hung low and her eyes suggested that she was struggling with something in her heart. "Don't you understand that I only followed you down here because I was worried? Worried that maybe you'd attack someone you shouldn't. . .Worried that maybe you'd commit some terrible crime incapable of forgiveness. . .Worried that. . .Worried that maybe you'd. . ." Leetah pauses for a moment as a tear falls from her eye. What ever she had wanted to say she found incredibly difficult to get out. Trying again, Leetah feels another tear roll down her cheek. . . Feeling embarrassed about not being able to speak. . .Leetah turns away from the three men in front of her and remains silent. . . . . .She couldn't say it. . .she just couldn't say it. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Luika 07-23-03, 09:32 PM	Leetah, looking at the other side of the men, didn't see it coming. She heard the chainmail banging on the large shield, though, and wasn't surprised to feel a helping hand, gently put on her shoulder. I sat on her right, not looking at her wet figure for she seemed really incomfortable crying around us. "I guess I know what you feel" I said softly, in a whisper. "You know things unknown to most. You've been chosen by a god to spread over this place his holy words, and you would like to help those around you, those in need of it, those who need to see clearly. You fear for your friend. You're scared that he may deliver our planet of some who do not deserve it, and then taint his soul forever. You know what this would mean, probably as much as me : he wouldn't reach the outer planes upon his death or, worse even, may enter the vicious circles of the infinitely-layered planes...the Abyss. I know of your burden, my friend. Here, you will be alone. I want to be of help to you. If you ever feel it is too much weight for you...speak to me. I'd like to know more about you, and also about your beliefs. I'd strongly await such an interview with you." Then, I turned my head, waiting for any expression she may have.
Agudo Archmage 07-23-03, 10:37 PM	Just as Agudo was thinking Rocky might have been right about Luika. That Agudo had Luika all wrong, that the goodness he had since in Luika; was just a test of evil trying to get Luika to reject goodness. Then all of sudden, right after Luika harsh rejection of Leetah, almost proving Rocky right, about how evil Luika could be. Then this?………This sudden sign of compassion. Agudo looks on at Luika with intrigue and mumbling out loud “A riddle indeed”
Kheldar Devaentar 07-24-03, 04:11 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar frowns as Luika walks over to Leetah. Oh grow up Kheldar! Making Leetah feel bad about herself wont really accomplish anything. . . Leetah wasn't the only hurt individual. . . Kheldar still didn't enjoy the fact that Leetah didn't trust him. . . But he supposed he could understand why. He pretty much had to lie about his past to her. What? He certainly wasn't going to admit to killing hundreds of innocents. . . A lot of those deaths still shamed him to this day, but it was either him or them, and Kheldar's decision had been a very selfish one. Kheldar smiles half-heartedly, trying to get rid of all these negative thoughts. They weren't doing him any good. "Good grief, I worry about you too much Leetah. . . Sorry to blow up on you. . ." Kheldar turns away and goes back to following the path they had been taking. Some small voice in the back of his head screamed at him to say one more thing. ". . .Oh. . . and, thanks for showing some concern for me. . ." There he said it! Now the voice could leave him alone. "Sigh- * I think we better start moving again. How much longer is this cave? And were is it taking us?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 07-24-03, 09:59 AM	"Good grief, I worry about you too much Leetah. . . Sorry to blow up on you. . ." o O (Oh no...Don't do that Kheldar. She needs you, now. You're the last one I want her to exchange with.) I gave a small pressure on Leetah's shoulder : nothing agressive, only so she knows I'm here. ". . .Oh. . . and, thanks for showing some concern for me. . ." o O ( SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!!) "Sigh- * I think we better start moving again. How much longer is this cave? And were is it taking us?" o O ( Yes, good boy. Now prove unable to show your feelings and stay away from her, please.) I stood up, and offered Leetah an helping my hand.
Golddigger Dwarf 07-24-03, 02:03 PM	"Ye'er lovy duvy, stuff makes me want to hurl! Now this is the way" Rocky says as he points to the cave that leads down. "Thy eyes should stay alert, for we be going to places even I am scared to go." He then looked at his map ,and walked on deeper into the darkness. But where they alone?
Leetah 07-24-03, 06:26 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah turns her head around and looks up at Luika with moist eyes. A touch of confusion adorned her fair face. o O ( What? . .What is he doing? I thought that he. . . ) Leetah continues to stare at Luika for a few more moments before finally realizing that he was offering his hand to help her up. Blushing a little, and trying her best to put on a smile, Leetah takes his hand and rises to her feet. She didn't say anything to the Cleric at first; she just continued to look at him with a hint of puzzlement. ". . .Thank you. . ." A small smile comes to the girl's face before she turns away and follows the dwarf. Luika had made her feel surprisingly better, but her heart still felt sick. At least her original worries about the group were starting to fade. . . . . .They wouldn't be like that last group of bandits she saw. . . . . .They wouldn't commit the horrendous acts that she had witnessed back then. . . . . .They were good people. . .or atleast. . .They seemed to be. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .She really missed her family. . . :b: Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-24-03, 08:13 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar looks behind his shoulder, and immediately gets annoyed. Leeath was beaming in Luika's face, she showed no sign of even listening to what he had said. Now they were walking together. Gods! for once I agree with Rocky! This lovy-dovy stuff is making me sick. Kheldar turns back to looking forward. He felt like some fool love-sick kid. Jealousy was flaming up inside him! Perhaps a little too much. Kheldar could see Luika off the reflection of his glasses. . . Luika was just in the perfect spot. "Broom, return!" Kheldar's broom zips towards Kheldar, but bonks Luika in the head! The noise makes Kheldar look behind with obvious surprise. "Huh? Broom, slight arc to the left, return." The broom obeys the command and returns to Kheldar, this time arcing out of Luika's way. Kheldar grabs the broom and stashes it back in his cloak. "Sorry about that Luika." Kheldar turns back to follow Rocky. Perhaps the Dwarf could see the short man's satisfied grin. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 07-24-03, 08:39 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif The loud bang of the broom smacking Luika on the back of the neck startled Leetah. Quickly looking towards the Cleric to see if he was okay, she notices possible signs of anger building up in his eyes. Hoping to avoid a quarrel, Leetah quietly whispers two words to him. "Please don't." She knew it was a desperate. . .but she prayed it would stop whatever the Cleric may have been planning. Taking a step closer to Luika, Leetah gently places her hand on the back of his neck, and without showing any signs of magic, removes the pain. o O ( I hope that eases him a little. . .Still, he souldn't be too angry with Mr Kheldar. . .it was an honest mistake after all. . .Wasn't it? ) Leetah continues to look worriedly at Luika, and then at Kheldar Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-24-03, 08:55 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar's grin didn't last long. He didn't even have to look back to know Leetah was healing the dark cleric. Talk about a plan back-firing on ya. Kheldar just grumbled under his breath and approached Rocky. ". . . So Rocky, is this place we want to get to inside this cave? Or is it on the outside? You were a little bit scratchy on the details before, and I'd like to know where we're eventually going." Kheldar hoped it was outside of this cave, the sooner he got out of this murky place, the better. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 07-24-03, 09:17 PM	Walking along Leetah, wondering if my plan was working, I had a really bad feeling. I looked forward, eyeing Kheldar suspiciously. What a surprise was it, to receive the attack from behind. Knocked from the broom's blow, for I was pretty sure this mistake was not one, I fell on ground. Thirsty for vengeance, I gazed murderously at Kheldar. Then, a soft voice whispered simple ears in my words. Two ilttle words, but they were so helpful. Quick fingers passed on my neck, delivering me from the pain. I smiled at Leetah. " Don't worry for me, milady. You eased my pain, and now everything is okay. You're a precious addition to our group, Lady of the Shining One. " We walked behind the group, trying to catch up. o O ( I guess I won this one, Kheldar. Would you continue like that, please? Perhaps I will not even have to lift a finger to get what I want, after all.) "Leetah, please, entertain me. These tunnels are cold, and I'd be pleased to understand you and your, reather, inexplicable beliefs. At least, they are to me. What is it that motivates you?"
Golddigger Dwarf 07-24-03, 11:41 PM	Rocky was walking along when Kheldar asked a question, of when will they go on top, to see the sun. “Ye’er not getting cold feet are ye Kheldar? Just because of a few deaths and some dirty times under the ground.” Rocky shakes his head. “Now don’t worry thy little head about whats going to happen. No matter what! Once ye’er in the group that it! The only way out is death!” Rocky gives an evil grin at the Rogue, but it seemed like Kheldar was distracted; for he kept looking at his girl and Luika. Then from the corner of Rocky’s eye he could see the broom thing hit Lucika. But what really made Rocky smile was the sneaky look on Kheldar. Rocky turns to the others and said very smugly “Yes like I said we will all be getting dirty down here, and not just on the outside” Rocky then gave Kheldar along look, that said it wont be long until someone in the group is dead through jealousy. Rushing water could be heard a head, and Rocky walked on.
Agudo Archmage 07-25-03, 02:40 AM	Agudo followed behind Rocky, and it became clear that the rushing water was coming closer. As they turned down a side tunnel, a waterfall could be seen coming from the city above ;down through the cavern. “We must be near the city center” the wizard smiled. But as they got closer it became dangerous to step until all of a sudden the ground beneath them gave way. “AAAAHHHHHHHHHH” Agudo screamed as the water spurned the group. Kheldar, Luika Leetah were caught by surprise as the muddy floor turned into a giant whole sucking them down the waterfall. Agudo slammed into Rocky as they tumbled together heading down and down., and down ((OOC Picture the movie Ice age and the ice slide ride))
Kheldar Devaentar 07-25-03, 03:19 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif The look Rocky gives Kheldar makes the small man grin a touch. What? was the Dwarf telling him he was tempting fate? "Well Dwarf, my feet are literally cold. . . But in this place that's to be expected now isn't it? No. . . I don't want to run off, I was just wondering where our final destination is. . . IAah-*" Before Kheldar knew it - he was being sucked down into the great unknown. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-25-03, 03:23 AM	. . .
Leetah 07-25-03, 05:03 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah's face turns a deep shade of crimson when Luika tells her that she's a "precious addition" to their group. It had been a long time since she received such a compliment, and it made her feel terrific! However, the color on her face slowly begins to fade once Luika asks what motivates her. That wasn't one of Leetah's favourite subjects to talk about, and the sick feeling in her heart was rapidly returning. "My Parents. . ." Leetah continues to walk beside Luika in absolute silence for a long time before continuing. "When I was about sixteen, my village was attacked by a band of blood thirsty bandits. I was kept hidden in a crawl space while I heard the battle raging above. I can remember hearing the screams of friends and neighbours all around me. . ." Leetah's face begins to crumple a bit, but she forces back her tears. Letting out a shuddered breath, she continues. "It wasn't very long before I heard our own door get kicked down and. . ." Leetah stops again. She tries to resume talking, but nothing comes out. Frustrated with herself, Leetah begins to feel the tears slowly make their way down her cheeks again. She couldn't talk about what the band of thieves did the last time she tried, and she wasn't having much more luck this time. Her father was dead when she crawled out of her hiding place, but her mother wasn't yet. Watching her mom die in her arms was the most painful thing the girl had ever witnessed; next to watching her own legs being snapped as she was abducted by her parents killers. If she knew back then what she did today, then perhaps she could have saved both of them. No one she cared about would ever be taken away from her again. NO ONE!!! Still sorting through a tidal wave of unpleasant memories, Leetah feels the ground give from underneath her feet as she falls straight down into the unknown. Her scream was quickly drowned out by the rushing water. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 07-26-03, 01:04 PM	Down the Dwarf went like a drunken Elf, at an all night party. “BLOOOODY HELLLL!” But as the ride got going, down this watery, and muddy tunnel of a hole. Rocky climbed on the back of the wacky wizard, and used him like one of those crazy Gnome water boards, that ya see at the beach. “YE HAAAAAAAA!” Rocky could not help but think, that this was the most fun he had in a long time, without killing anyone. But the ride wasn’t over yet he wickedly smiled. :smirk:
Agudo Archmage 07-26-03, 11:44 PM	It was a wiled ride like none Agudo had ever been on. Then as suddenly as it started it stopped. WOOOSHHH and a SPLAT! Agudo and the others came flying out of a small cave, with a rush of water behind them. They hit the sandy dirt hard, they were soaked and muddy, but other wise all right. “Spuf blaaaa YUCK!” Agudo coughs out some mud from his mouth. “Where our we?” Just then birds and other animals could be heard. The wizard slowly pulls himself up, and looks around. The sun is bright and white fluffy clouds can be seen in the sky. The trees are swaying in a soft breeze, and they seem to be near a large lake; fed by the water jetting from the small cave they shot out of. Wet and tired the group decides this is as good as any place to camp for awhile. “Well at least were clean now” Agudo says as he looks at his wet but other wise clean robes. With in an hour they had a small fire going and Agudo with a little help of his magic, he was able to catch some fish to fry for everyone. After the fish was given out to the group to eat, it seemed that a nap was in order after fighting and swimming all day. The wizard lay his head down on his arm and slept for awhile.
Luika 07-27-03, 07:43 PM	Finishing my frugal meal, still sitting on a log laying on the luxurious plains on which we landed, I thought about what I would do next. It would be tougher than I thought to deal with the pesky do-gooder. She had a lot of weaknesses : lack of confidence in herself, dependance of her god, unhappiness and inability tod eal with her own past. However, I did not know how to make them overwhelm her. She seemed to hide them, escaping them without thinking about confronting who she really was. Pathetic fool! I needed time. I did not know if I should count on luck, or not. Still, as for this day I wished some quiet times to think alone. It would be funny to test my companions, seeing how they would react to the riddle that they thought I might be. I was really surprised the Archmage went to sleep so early, without lending me another of his inquisitive look. His attention, though, was not welcomed. "If you're looking for me, I'll be sitting under that tree, up there." I distanced the little group and sat under the massive, pulling from my back an enormous book. Its covers were pitch-black, and anyone observing it directly experienced a strange impression, as if darkness emanated from the book itself. I opened it and read sparsely, for I was also occupied at watching my companions.
Golddigger Dwarf 07-27-03, 10:43 PM	Rocky just loved that ride, he had to admit that their bad luck, sure had some fun moments. The Dwarf was drying off his clothes, and standing as naked as can be, to the disgust of the others. What was bothering him though, as he held the map, was that this place should not be here. The Dwarf scratched himself in place best left for thee imagination. “Now how in the great Dwarf Hammer, did this all get here?” Rocky burped as he spoke and scratched some more.
Leetah 07-28-03, 03:52 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah had waited for a long time before the dwarf to finally got out of the lake, but the wait was more than worth it! Stripped from her filthy clothing, Leetah slowly lowers herself into the lake. She was about a minutes walk away from the rest of the party, and she prayed that the surrounding foliage was enough to cover her from their view. Regardless, the cool clean water felt wonderful against her body, and there was no risk of anyone swimming towards her now. . . * * * Putting on a new dress, and packing away her dirty one, Leetah makes her way back towards the party and notices a camp fire set up with some fried fish beside it. Inquiring about who had made the fire and meal, Leetah learns that it was Agudo and looks towards the sleeping mage with a warm smile. She had greatly misjudged these people. They were nothing at all like the monsters that she had originally feared they were. Well, except for maybe the dwarf. . .but even he wasn’t so bad. . .He was just. . .kinda scary. . .that's all. * * * After the meal, Leetah finds herself becoming quite tired and curls up under the shade of a nearby tree. She desperately wanted to fall asleep, but as soon as she was by herself, the unpleasant memories crept back into her head. She tried to push them out every now and then, but the harder she tried to get rid of them the more they bothered her. . . . . .Oh well, sooner or later she'd become exhausted enough to fall asleep. It wasn't like this was the first time she'd had trouble finding slumber. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-28-03, 05:33 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar looked at Rocky with a more than stunned looked on his face. !?!?!?!! "Ugh. . . Why don't you get cleaned up and then take first watch? We can worry about our orientation in the morning. . . I'll relieve you in a couple of hours. . ." Oh Gods! I didn't need to see that!!! Kheldar walks away rubbing his eyes. If he ever saw another naked male dwarf again it would be too soon! They were certainly no Nymphs! . . Speaking of which. . . Leetah would eventually have to clean up. . . That begged an interesting question. Well. . . Kheldar certainly couldn't leave her unprotected while they were lost in an unfamiliar area. . . That would be wrong. . . right? * * * Kheldar felt much better now. . . At least his eyes felt redeemed. His ring of sequestering had certainly come in handy. No one could have seen him or detected him via magic. And he had protected Leetah that's what was important! Among other things. . . Still keeping himself invisible, Kheldar checks up on Rocky. The Dwarf was looking as alert as ever. The sky kept getting darker and darker by the minute. Kheldar supposed he should get some rest if he was to ever relieve the Dwarf. . . Eventually he found a comfy spot up, in a tree. * * * Kheldar found himself in one of the many abandoned buildings on the outskirts of city Thindletar. The place was a dump. Large chunks of the interior walls were missing, parts of the ceiling had collapsed, and there was loose timber and rubble everywhere. Kheldar's guild, the Order of the Black Daggers a secret assassin's guild, had informed him there was a Dwarf that needed to be interrogated here. And here he was. Metal shackles kept the filthy warrior chained to the wall. . . The Dwarf was helpless. . . Good. . . Kheldar began in a friendly, if not slightly intimidating voice. "So friend, as I'm sure you're well aware - we have just recently acquired a treasure chest. . . One from your dearly departed King. . . King Ulfgar. . . Well, you Dwarves are master craftsmen, and for whatever reason we can't pick the lock on the bloody thing. . . But that's not a problem now is it?" The Dwarf froze at the sound of Kheldar's voice. That was hardly a surprise. . . This Dwarf wasn't stupid - he knew what was coming. "I'm told that you have the key somewhere on you. . . Or rather, in you. . . What a stupid idea. . . Well, lets not make things harder than they have to be. . . You tell me where they key is, and I let you go free!." "Kheldar looked the Dwarf in the eyes. There was something in them. . . Something wrong. . . He couldn't quite explain it, but he didn't like it! The Dwarf's eyes were begging for mercy. . . Begging for him to stop! "WELL WHERE IS IT?!?!" The Dwarf opened his mouth, and blood oozed out. He had bitten off his tongue! He began to cry. "YOU IDIOT!" Kheldar pulled out his favorite dagger. . . It had been given to him by a special person. Somewhere in this guild of evil scoundrels and liars he had found someone with a fair heart. Her name was Tara. Like him, she only wanted to become a more effective thief, and thought recruiting herself in an assassin's guild was the most effective way to do it. After his training in this guild Kheldar thought about a partnership between him and her. . . and maybe something more when they both decided to give up the life of a traveling adventurer. "Fine! Why don't you just look at the spot where the key is hidden!" The Dwarf's eyes bugged out and started frantically looking everywhere. The bloody fool was panicking! Kheldar just shook his head. . . This was pathetic. SNAP! The Dwarf's elbow had been snapped back completely the wrong way. The pain would have been excruciating. "Pay attention! Let's not be breaking any more limbs here, hmm? Where is it?!" The foolish Dwarf only looked into his eyes. The tears wouldn't stop pouring. Kheldar hated this dwarf! What an ugly, despicable creature! SNAP! Now the Dwarf's knee was destroyed. The Dwarf's holaring was music to Kheldar's ears! He doubted the dwarf could take much more of this. "You don't want to show me? . .No? . . Well, I'm afraid that's all the time we have. I'll just start by opening your throat and go down from there! See ya! With a swift arcing motion Kheldar neatly sliced open the Dwarf's throat. The Dwarf gave was last hopeless look deep into Kheldar's eyes, then the head went limp, and dropped. Kheldar shook. . . That was quite unnerving. . . But something more unnerving was happening before him. The Dwarf's body began to change. He became taller, more beautiful. Shoulder-length redy-brown hair spilled from his scalp. Kheldar stared in disbelief. He couldn't believe what was happening before him. . . The figure looked familiar. . . Intimately familiar! Kheldar pulled back the limp head. it was Tara's face! The most horrible laugh in the world filled Kheldar's ears! The laugh of the guild wizard! Kheldar looked into the eyes of his dead partner. . . Tara. . . killed by his own cruel hands! The laugh grew louder!! Tara's head began to change again. Not her face this time, only her hair. . . It became blonde, longer. . . He was holding Leetah's dead face!!! The eyes opened! She glared at him angrily!!! * * * Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 07-28-03, 01:00 PM	Kheldar asked Rocky to keep an eye on things. "Dont ye be worrying thy head about it. Rocky laughes "tehee" "For I got thy back" The scary thing is ,he says this as he holds a knife.:smirk:
Kheldar Devaentar 07-28-03, 04:23 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif "Aah!!" "Kheldar woke up in cold sweat, breathing very heavily. . . What a terrible nightmare! . . What a terrible reminder of his past. . . Tears began to furiously escape Kheldar's eyes. Why did Tara's face turn to Leetah's? That had never happened before. . . Kheldar didn't want to think about it. . . The sky showed that Kheldar had only slept for two hours. That's all the sleep Kheldar really needed. . . he should be relieving Rocky now, but he didn't feel ready for that. . . not just yet. Although nothing could be seen up in Kheldar's tree, soft sobbing sounds could be heard among the branches. * * * "Ring reveal me!" Kheldar appears behind Rocky with the usual playful smirk on his face. The short man looked as cheery and bright as ever. "Sorry for the long wait. . . I over-slept. But hey, 3 hours isn't that bad is it? Any way, you better get some sleep. Have you seen anything tonight? I see you haven't bloodied that knife yet. . . Kheldar talks to Rocky for a while before the Dwarf goes to rest-up. Then he begins what he suspected would be an 8 hour shift. . . maybe less. Agudo had been at least sleeping for 4 hours, the wizard would only need another 4, and probably another hour to study his spells for tomorrow. With a sigh Kheldar pulls out a black book. He supposed he should prepare some spells too. . . Assassins were hardly the magic users that Archmages were, but they new some tricks! After all, most assassin guilds had at least one wizard to teach the members simple arcane spells. Putting down the book and recalling most of an incantation, Kheldar looks towards the camp fire. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-28-03, 07:27 PM	The wizard lay quite comfortable, when suddenly he awoke. “What?……Who?” Agudo looks around, not sure if he was totally awake. “Did any of you guys hear that?” He gets up and starts walking towards the water, at that moment four lovely women merged from the water. They all smiled, and seemed to call to all men near by, with their intoxicating song. It was obvious that these water women were “Succubus” They seemed to hypnotize the men ,with their smiles and sweet voices, begging them to come to them.
Luika 07-28-03, 07:30 PM	Used to pray at night, I awoke in the midle of my restorative slumber. o O (Maye this could be a part of faith that may be revised. It is completely uneffective to go to sleep, pray under the midnight's moon, and then go back to sleep again.) Nonetheless, I got up. I reched for a small, cilyndric onyx stick in my backpack. I took my chakram from my neck, passing the stick in its inner edges. A loud vibe was emitted by the constant friction of metal and metal, meant to favorize concentration. My eyes closed, my spirit relaxed, I rythmed my respiration along with the constant echo, until it completely surrounded both my mind and spirit. Forgetting the former, the latter left the ground, reaching for the black sky up above me. Distancing my self, I left behind this world, until I was in complete communion with the intricae plane of shadow. Indistinct forms surrounded me, giving me the energe and power necessary to accomplate my patron whims on the Material plane. After a few times, my vision darkened, and I went back to the material world. exhausted by my periple. What a surprise to see, after such a soothing trip, a wonderfully refreshing view welcoming me back in this excruciating reality of mine. I saw Agudo near a small body of water, surrounded by lovely singing women. Touched by the dominating accent of their voices, I approached, eager to know more about these formidable creatures.
Kheldar Devaentar 07-29-03, 02:25 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar stared at the camp fire. He could see the silhouette of a young woman. It was Leetah. She looked troubled. Kheldar approaches her. "Oh, can't sleep?" The last image from his dream still echoed in the back of his mind. It bothered him, he needed to ask Leetah something. . . He tried looking at her, but looking at her face was too hard. . . Maybe he would just look at the fire. "Leetah, di-* . . . do you have a sist-*?" ~soft singing could be heard in the distance~ Kheldar dully looks at Leetah. She had to be the most dull person he had ever met. There was definitely better company to be had elsewhere. Kheldar picks himself up and heads straight for the water. There were lovely women in the water. Lovely women with beautiful voices. They were the most lovely women in the world! They were calling for him, they wanted him caused they loved him! Kheldar smiles as he steps closer and closer towards the water. Artwork copyright © 2003 Gordon R. Quigley ((Save the males! :)))
Leetah 07-29-03, 04:45 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah sat close to the fire hugging her legs. It had grown terribly cold by the tree, and the young Priestess was finding it impossible to sleep there. Clearly the warmth of the fire would help her find sleep. That's all she needed really. . .just little warmth. . . . . .Leetah was a terrible liar. . .even to herself. . . Continuing to stare at the flames in front of her, Leetah hears someone approach her from behind. Quickly spinning her head to see who it is, she catches a glimpse of Kheldar's face before the Assassin looks away from her. Leetah gives the dark figure a puzzled look. o O (Why is he avoiding my gaze?) Kheldar: "Oh, can't sleep?" Leetah blushes a bit and nods her head. "Yes. . .It was cold over where I used to be. . .But I should be fine over here. The fire's quite nice actually. . .would you. . .possibly. . .care to join me? . ." The girl's face was a deep shade of pink, and her voice had become a bit shaky near the end of what she said. She really hoped that Kheldar would agree to sit beside her, but the man made no movement towards her. He just continued to stare off into the distance. . .Not looking at anything in particular. After a few seconds of awkward silence, Leetah looks away from him and back into the fire. If she looked sad before, she was absolutely crushed now. . .rejection hurt. . . Kheldar: "Leetah, di-* . . . do you have a sist-*?" o O ( A sister!? Where did this come from!? He's never asked questions about my family before, why now!? Ugh!!! Men make no sense!!! Fine! I'll answer his question! There's no harm in telling him that-* ) Just as Leetah turns her head to look back at Kheldar, she notices that the short man is walking away from her. o O ( What!? Now where is he going? Oh. . .What did you do wrong Leetah? All I wanted was to have him sit beside me! If he really didn't want to all he had to do was say no! There's no need for him to leave me like this! Why is he doing this? Dose he really hate me? Wait! . . . . . . . .Is that singing? . . ) Looking towards where Kheldar was heading, Leetah sees a group of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. They weren't alone either, The other men were quickly advancing on them, stupid love-struck expressions on their faces. Suddenly, Leetah sees one of the women lash out and grab Agudo with demonic lust in her eyes! o O ( SUCCUBI!!! ) Letting out a panicked scream, Leetah throws open her arms as an enormous pillar up fire roars down from the heavens completely engulfing the Succubus holding Agudo. Had the Archmage have been a few inches closer to the demon woman, he would have been engulfed by the flames as well. Letting out a terrible shriek, the Succubus lets go of the mage and turns a hateful gaze over to Leetah. The other Demons had stopped their singing as well, looking towards the one responsible for hurting there comrade. Burnt Succubus: "Well, well, well, what do we have here? A scrawny little b**** looking for death? I think we can accommodate that. Oh Boys? Could you please kill this bothersome little girl. After that, I promise you all to a wonderful round of WILD SE-*" The men reacted before the Succubus could even finish her sentence, all of them staring at Leetah sadistically! The Demon Women just watched the frightful encounter with amused grins. There was no need for them to get involved, the boys would do all of the dirty work for them. Leetah just stood there looking at Kheldar, Luika, and Agudo in absolute terror! How could this be happening!? They weren't actually going to attack her. . .Were they!?!?!? . . .Somewhere in the distance, the loud snoaring of a dwarf could be heard. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-29-03, 05:03 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar grins. "Ring hide me." The assassin vanishes. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((Umm. . . Well things have really gotten from bad to worse now haven't they? Save us Leetah and Rocky! :bigeyes: ))
Golddigger Dwarf 07-29-03, 08:16 AM	(ooC ok you all choose the best reaction of Rocky, a vote if you will.) Rocky was deep in thought, some would say his eyes were closed and a sleep. But others would think, that he always set next to a tree, naked with just a map covering him, mumbling about gold. When out of know were the candy A..s…. Girl started screaming. “What thy bloody hell!” Rocky said as he through away the map, and standing there in the buff. “What be this?” Rocky the Dwarf say as he grabs his Axe and was amazed to see, lustful woman, wet and wiled, in the water. (ooC ok now from one to three, you all choose his next words, it wont effect his actions. but it will lets us all know what kind off since of humor this group gots going.):smirk: 1. “Well now its be a good thing that, I don’t go for woman!” 2. “Yum! Fish! Me be hungry” 3. “What? Thy words don’t need to tell me to kill Leetha, I was going to do it anyway! HA! But first ye be dying because no fish husy, is more evil than me! With a mighty yell “I luv me Axe!” Rocky charges the “Mermaid Demon Cocubines of the Underworld” He rams hard into an invisible “Kheldar” knocking Rocky and “Kheldar” down for a second. But Rocky had a hard head, and got up running. He grabs sand with one free hand and throws it into the dumb Wizard and evil Clerics eyes, who were trying to kill Leetah “Leetah thy hold spells woman use thy hold spells!” Rocky screamed as he ran by her and the others. SLAM! WAM !BAM! Rocky knocks two over with a “tumble charge,” that he learned when playing bowling, in the Underdark by using his whole body. Rocky then dodged a killer kiss, by slapping the woman with tip of his Axe causing her to bleed but die {Yet!} Rocky thought with his blood lust, for he was playing with his marks :mad:
Luika 07-29-03, 10:41 AM	The annoying little girl made her flamboyant entry in our wonderful feast. She even had the stupidity to attack those women, who could lead us to the enlightened path of nothingness. But I wouldn't let this happen like that. For it was stupid, I told myself, that a meger follower of Good would turn us down this easily. I am not quite sure, but I think that some independant part of me, aside from the powerful auras of my new mistresses, wished to end Leetah's destiny by itself. "Surrounding darkness, help me clean this mess. Silencing darkness, let us once again rest." I psalmodied. A ball of dark emanated from my outstretched palms, trying to find their way to stop Leetah's agressive prayers. (silence spell) I then readied both my shield and my mace, waiting for the next attack.
Agudo Archmage 07-29-03, 11:16 AM	I pick number 2 Rocky! I like fish! :bounce: It was clear that all he had to do, was kill Leetah, what woud be so hard about that. But just his luck he thought, the grummpy Dwarf gets in his way. Agudo could not aim his spell with the sand in his eyes. "Blast" he screamed. And started shooting Lightning spells everywhere. ZAP! Agudo hits one of the evil woman she goes flying back. That left three very prety, but mad evil woman.
Kheldar Devaentar 07-29-03, 04:34 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif ((I'm stuck between 1 & 3. . . 3 seems like something he would say, but I doubt we need more party animosity! :))) "Oof!" Kheldar flies backwards from the Dwarf's attack and splashes into the water. Ugh. . . I must kill him!! Wait. . . Mistress said kill Leetah. . . Maybe my mistress will let me kill him after. These thoughts felt wrong. . . Like they weren't his even though he was thinking them. It made thinking difficult. . . Water starts splashing towards Leetah at a rapid pace. Before the maiden can react, sharp steel finds it's way deep into her back! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-29-03, 04:40 PM	. . .
Leetah 07-29-03, 05:56 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah gives the dwarf a startled look as he dashes towards the Succubi swinging his massive Axe. He was. . .naked. . .completely. . .naked. . . Giving her head a quick shake, Leetah catches Rocky's words of advice and acts. "My hold spells? Right! ~HOLD PERSO-*~" Before Leetah could finish the incantation, a globe of swirling dark energy surrounds her. Letting out a confused gasp, no sound escapes from the young Priestess' lips. o O ( A Silent Spell? Oh dear! No matter, I can still cast a fe-* ) Suddenly, the water in front of Leetah begins to splash violently as unseen footsteps rapidly advance towards her. Before she can react, an invisible arm wraps tightly around her neck and a sharp blade is shoved forcefully into her back! Tears of pain aren't accompanied by any scream. o O ( KHELDAR!!! ~Dispell Magic~ ) A thirty foot blast of magical energy bursts from Leetah as the Priestess' body soundlessly splashes into the water. Kheldar's invisible form flickers into existence for a split second and then returns to nothingness. The enchantment placed on the Assassin's mind was shattered. . .Kheldar's mind was now free. . . The Burnt Succubus lets out a triumphant laugh. "Good work my puppets! Now finish off her dwarven companion! QUICKLY!!!" . . .A small shimmer of light can be seen where Leetah lies. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley (( lol, Thank Goodness for the Metamagic Feat Silent Spell! I vote for Number 3 Rocky! lol, I'm sure Leetah would disagree, but ". . .first ye be dying because no fish husy, is more evil than me!" Is just too darn classic to pass up. :rofl: ))
Luika 07-29-03, 06:23 PM	I turned to face the one who was supposed to be my leader. A little, agressive, badly educated and stupid leader, whose only strentgh was...his strength. It would not be hard to take care of him..ironically, with the powers he himself wished to summon a few seconds earliers. Opening my arms, I discovered my chakram and started chanting yet again : "Thee who can not, in nothingness, find solace, Thee who threaten us with your mass, Thee shall stop now by my master's grace, Thee shall be stunned by my heavy mace" Rocky, looking at the chakram standing upon my chest, felt a little drawn to it. He perceived its center held a deep dimension, unknown to most, the which had an abyssal depth. He could just have stared, looking into the infinite void before him. (this spell is my own version of hold person. Enjoy!)
Golddigger Dwarf 07-29-03, 11:27 PM	(ooc I am glad knowone picked 1: becaouse I always saw Rocky getting the girl. You got that Leetah Wink, ;) wink;) What? a smelly, cant seem to find his cloths Dwarf, cant get the girl? Ok have it your way!:confused: What if Rocky takes a bath?:rolleyes: Just kidding:D ) Rocky slashes at the dazelying Succubi, slashing hard the second time, on her not so lovely face anymore. When that no good evil of a Cleric ,"And" like a son to Rocky for being so tricky, Luika uses his magic on him. "What? Nay ye wont, wont" Rocky being a Dwarf, has strong magic resistance; but part of him is proud of his boy Luika. For stabbing him in the back, like he did his fist adventure boss, all those years ago.:cool: "Nay I nooot" Rocky is being pulled closer to Luika he slowly moves his way.
Kheldar Devaentar 07-30-03, 05:17 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif What was Kheldar doing knee-deep in water? The last thing he could clearly remember was talking to Leetah in front of the campfire. Everything after that was fuzzy. . . Currently he felt a lingering joy for assassinating Leetah. WHAT?!? Leetah lay bleeding under the surface of the water. Kheldar had somehow managed to let this happen to her twice in one day! Before him where 2 Succubi. Agudo, Luika and Rocky were with them - But they were all fighting. . . It was impossible to tell who in the party was the enemy. Kheldar looked at his arm, he was still invisible. Good. If he wanted to avoid being dominated again he would have to kill the demons immediately. Unfortunately, the water would give his position if he moved. . . He would have to fix that! "Silent image! Ghost sound!" At first, hundreds of soundless splashes race across the water in a hundred different directions. Next, came the noise for those splashes! There appeared to be an army of invisible people racing through the water. An army of Kheldars for all they knew! Satisfied with his work, Kheldar darts towards the Succubi. They clearly had no idea which direction was the best to defend against. One Succubus' head was twisted until it made a loud crack! The other's head spun completely off her shoulders. Both bodies splashed into the water. Well, that took care of the Succubi. . . Next came Leetah. Let the others fight for a while, Leetah's safety took priority! Kheldar dashes to Leetah's side and pulls her out of the water. "Ring reveal me! . . Leetah. . . I. . . I. . . are you alright?!?" Up close Kheldar saw that he had missed his mark. . . But how long had she been under water? Leetah? . . LEETAH?!?!? Water continues to splash around him. ((Mmm, I shouldn't post when I'm so tired. . .Oh well. . . Luika I must say, you play evil with such style!! :cool: :devil: Great job role-playing!)) Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 07-30-03, 07:46 AM	The Archmage of Light, just stood there. He was not sure how all the dead bodies came to be. But he could tell this was a trap by evil. This whole place in fact, was a made just to trick the surface people. Agudo decided to see where they really were at, he cast Cats Eye, causing the illusion to disappear. With an unsettling change, the group found themselves in a Wizards lab People could be seen dead, they lay on tables. With fiendish devices near by, to cut them open. A couple of doors could be seen, near the front, and the side. The wizard was about to ask Rocky a question, when he saw him walking strangely towards Luika. “Rocky!” Agudo yelled “Snap out of it, Luika see what you can do for him, he looks dazed.” With so much magic around sand most of it evil, the wizard did nut detect that Luikas was the cause of Rocky’s problem.
Luika 07-30-03, 09:10 AM	The battle raged. In a few seconds, though, the apocalypse itself fell on us, innocent mortal bystanders. From a body of water nearby, steps started to echo, as if a dozen of invisible water pixies decided to have a dance next to us. Then the pixies all left the water, running in our direction. I felt a strong wind by my side, and two seconds later I heard the two bodies of my new mistresses fall down on the ground. Huh..what? Two mind-influencing succubi laid on the ground, while Kheldar fled to get to Leetah's side. I was thinking about the consequences of either helping her, or not, when I heard Agudo pronunce an occult incantation. The world shimmered around us, as if my vision became slowly blurred. It came back to normal, but the world itself around us changed. We now found ourselves in a small lab, in which several bodies waited, apparently, for a curious mind to come and dissect them. “Snap out of it, Luika see what you can do for him, he looks dazed.”, Agudo yelled. o O (Rocky? Dazed? How are you able to notice a difference anyway? He must be quieter...) In front of me stood Rocky, lively as a golem without a master. It was quite odd to see him like that, though, for I knew this kind of look. He just stood still, gazing at my chest. I lowered my gaze, trying to find an explanation for this mysterious situation. Then, my eyes met with the small portal leading to the Plane of Shadow, that had established itself within my own chakram. Resisting the ineluctable appeal of my own master, I passed my hand over its symbol, erasing the void. "Now, everything should be fine."
Kathryn_aka_Kat 07-30-03, 10:37 AM	The time has passed uncomfortably since the tavern, and not just when she misses a return catch with the green dagger. She hasn't been sleeping well, the possibility of a curse seeming to prey on her mind. Now she eyes the door warily, a slight frown on her face. The place had been easy to find... just ask about a wizard skilled in curses... then follow the direction of the frightened glance that always escaped before the person shook his head and said he didn't know. And the closer she got, the easier it seemed to be... almost as if she knew the location herself. She knocks lightly on the heavy door, then more heavily when there is no reply. Still no answer. So he's out... I should come back later... Instead she finds her hand reaching for the knob. And turning it. What I am doing...this is a wizard's door! and not a nice one!... you'll get yourself killed... But the door opens easily, silently, moving on well-oiled hinges. She steps inside, eyes widening with confusion at her own actions. The place seems empty and she moves through it as quietly as a ghost, her hand tight on the supposedly magic staff, her natural curiousity eventually adding to whatever brought her this far. Well so good so far... and it wouldn't hurt to know a little of this wizard before meeting him... I wonder what's through here? ah... his books... This room is a library and not an unfrequented one. Massive tomes are stacked precariously on the table and several are opened to display closed written words and some rather stomach-turning illustrations. She's examining one of these more closely when there is a sudden shouting from the room beyond this. Whirling in dismay, she is even more dismayed when the staff in her hand hits a stack of books and sends it toppling to the floor. Dammit! I'm not used to having this stick! This had better be worth it! ((edited to add the first paragraph and time delay; Kat's description: human, mid-30's, brown hair up, green/gold eyes, dressed in shirt/breeches/boots with a heavy leather vest, 4 daggers at her waist beneath the vest. And now with a staff. :) ))
Leetah 07-30-03, 12:35 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah? . . LEETAH?!?!? Leetah lets out a pain filled gasp as Kheldar brings her head out of the water. The girl's expression indicated that she was in pure agony at the moment, and her subtle shaking and whimpering confirmed that fact. ". . .Mr Kheldar. . .Please. . .Let go. . .Your hurting me. . ." Struggling to open her eye lids, Leetah notices that Kheldar was continuing to hold her in his arms with a confused and concerned look on his face. Another terribly uncomfortable sound leaves the maiden's lips. ". . .My back. . .Your hurting my back. . .I need you to let go. . ." Realizing he was putting pressure against her open wound, The assassin quickly re-adjusts his hold on her. His arm was stained with blood. ". . .Thank you. . ." Leetah awkwardly reaches for her back and casts a cure spell. Her agonized expression slowly goes away but her weak whimpering stays. Something was troubling the girl. o O ( This is pathetic! I joined this group in hopes that I could be of some service to them, and all I've proven to be is a liability! I thought that maybe I my clerical abilities would help them, but I'm using them on myself! I'm sorry Lord Pelor. . .Please forgive me. . .I must be an embarrassment to you. . . ) Leetah continues to tremble in Kheldar's arms for a few moments more before realizing exactly what she was doing. . .Which made her feel even worse. . .Quickly letting go of Kheldar, and taking a few steps back, Leetah lets out a quiet apology. "I-I'm sorry. . .I didn't mean. . ." Just then, Leetah realizes that the ground under her feet wasn't water any more, and quickly jerks her head around to scan her surroundings. A horrified gasp leaves her lips. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley (( lol Rocky! Don't worry, You'll capture Leetah's heart yet! Luika, Kheldar's right; you do play evil with style! Agudo, great campaign so far! Kat, YAY! Welcome to the thread! Glad to have ya here. :) ))
Kheldar Devaentar 07-30-03, 01:22 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar frowns as Leetah gets up. For one thing, it seemed grabbing her had done more damage than good. . . For another, he had no idea what Leetah meant by, "I didn't mean. . ." Kheldar looks down at his cloak. There was a wet patch around were Leetah's face had been. She had been crying? Why? Had he hurt her that much? The room changed around him. It was certainly alarming! Kheldar immediately puts on his glasses. The lenses would defeat any illusions he looked at. The room, however, remained constant. Hmm? So it was like this all along. . . That would explain why Rocky was confused. . . and here I thought that fool Dwarf had just gotten lost. . . Wait! If this room was playing sick tricks with our minds maybe Rocky's nakedness was a trick too! Kheldar looks towards Rocky and winces. Urk. . . guess not. . . "Ahem-* What have we here?" The assassin picks himself up and starts looking through the dead people. To the others, it might look like he had some morbid fascination with dead things. . . However, what Kheldar was really looking for was marks that indicated how the people had died. And perhaps use slight of hand to grab any valuables the dead might not need any more. Continuing his search, Kheldar begins to speak. "Anyone recognize this place? It is on your map after all isn't it Rocky? . . And for Moradin's sake put on some-*" Kheldar thought he heard something off in the distance. "Did anyone else hear that?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 07-30-03, 01:46 PM	Rocky felt the power over him stop; he just stood there looking at Luika. The out of know where Kheldar yelled for him to put some close on. Or that what Rocky thought until the Rogue changed the subject That’s when Rocky knew, that the world had changed. "What the?" Rocky-eyed Luika one more moment, then walked away with an evil smile. oO' So he tried to kill me, probably would say it be the woman that made him do it. Thy is a fast one Luika, I like that kin a partner. oO Rocky walks over to a desk that was a tree that now has his cloths. He puts them on, but never does he take his eye off of Luika. :behold:
Agudo Archmage 07-30-03, 04:59 PM	Just as Kat, knocked over the books with her staff, a small pipe can be seen, with smoke coming out of it. But was odd was, that it was being lifted up, by un seen hands. It floated near a chair, that sat next to the bookcase. “So my dear, you have finally arrived.” The disembody voice said with a sinister laugh. “I had honestly thought you were more skilled than that.” More laughter came from the unseen man. A puff of smoke can be seen blowing, from the invisible mouth. “Come closer my dear, so that I can get a better look at you.” (((Next Room))) Agudo had walked over and started to inspect, the many gadgets lying around. For those in the group, who inspected the room they see sharp knives, Necromancer books and scrolls. On the tables next to the people, are discarded …. **necklaces, broaches and silver and copper coins; off no more than thirty per table.** A chest is near the door, where the noise came from. It has a small-warded lock on it, for those with lock picking abilities, they may have a #30 chance of opening it, without setting off the trap. (((DM call on the results, but don’t be shy)) “Kheldar brought Agudo out of his rather good mood, in what only a mage could find to be, fascinating materials of knowledge.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 07-30-03, 05:26 PM	Kat takes a deep breath, willing herself to relax rather than stiffen at the voice and the floating pipe. Relaxed, but ready. She turns to face the... voice?... at least. "More skilled than what, sir? I came here directly, through an open door, seeking the one who lives here. And I have found him? I've come on business; I'm not here to rob you. My apologies, though, for knocking over your books." She glances at the tumbled pile of books, and then away, since a particularly gruesome print is now displayed by one of them. "The noise startled me. And I am only starting to get used to carrying a staff." Kat moves the staff casually as if to display it, guarding her front in the process. And she ignores the suggestion to move closer, since the smoke from the pipe seems to be giving her a very bad headache.
Kheldar Devaentar 07-30-03, 06:58 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar looks at Agudo. The mage seemed upset with him. "What?" Kheldar speaks in a hushed voice while secretly slipping away the last jewels and coins into his cloak. "I was only trying to figure out how they were killed. Dead people can only tell you so much ya know. . . And even then you have to search the entire body to get the full story." Kheldar abandons the bodies and creeps towards the door where the sound was coming from. He puts an ear to it. There were definitely people on the other side, a woman and a mad man. . . he could hear their conversation. . . The woman's voice sounded quite familiar. . . It was Kat! But. . . but what was she doing talking to this crazy guy who laughed at the end of every sentence? Keeping his concentration on the conversation in the other room, Kheldar notices a locked chest by the door. He wondered what could be inside it. He looked over at his team. Judging from their gestures, it looked like some of them were suggesting he pick the lock on it. NO! were they crazy? Everything Kheldar touched turned into a disaster. If he threw a potion it would kill half the party. . . If he tried to help Leetah it would only make her cry. Like hell he was going to try to open the chest! Kheldar shakes his head. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((It's "Fun Mini-Game Time!" Can you convince Kheldar to open the chest? Make sure not to alert the Sinister Man or Cunning Woman in the other room!!! :)))
Luika 07-31-03, 12:20 AM	Ignoring Rocky's mefiant expression, the which is totally explainable in my opinion, I searched with Agudo for some relics of ancient times, possibly having a link with the entities I held in such a high esteem. Then I heard some odd sounds, through a door to the east. It was strange, still Kheldar did the grunt work he seemed alays so eager top do, and went to glue his ear to the cold portal. I waited for him to tell us what he would learn. It was more important than the chest he seemed afraid to open, anyway.
Agudo Archmage 07-31-03, 12:21 AM	((The Library)) The Dark man smiled and reveled his robed form, he had his hood up, and the lighting was just right; that Kat could barely see his chin. “So you have come, and I am sure you thought it was all your idea no?” He put out his pipe out, and grabbed a scroll, near his hand on the table. “You took the gifts at the tavern willingly, and no one forced you. In fact you knew, one of the items was cursed; and yet you took it anyway.” He shakes his head with a snicker. “So before we go into the basic questions of who am I? And why this? And why that? Lets skip to the fun part shall we” with that, the sinister man began reading from the parchment. The words were strange and yet hypnotic, almost seductive. Kat sees the world blur for a moment, then she is perfectly fine. The Dark man just smiles. ((Laboratory)) Agudo puts down the objects he is holding, and looks at Kheldar “Well? What pray tell, do you hear on the other side of the door?” At the same time the wizard sees the lock chest ;and waves Rocky over. “Rocky take a look at this thing, Boss man, and Kheldar lets see if you can redeem yourself, by not getting us killed; when your sticky fingers opens this chest”. Agudo puts his hands on his hips. “Or have you lost your nerve?” He then turns to Luika and Leekah “Get ready, if the trap on this thing goes off, we may need healing quickly.”
Golddigger Dwarf 07-31-03, 02:24 AM	“This group is a bit wishy washy for me, but I hired them. So thou must put up with them, until ye slices them up” Rocky was barely saying this out loud, as that daft wizard, started telling him what to do. He walked up to his two henchmen and slapped Kheldar on the back. “Ok boy, don’t be a simpleton, ye girl friend is looking after all. Show her what kind a man thee be.”:turkey:
Leetah 07-31-03, 02:33 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah just quietly looks at Agudo and nods her head. There was a glint of fear in the young healer's eyes. Everywhere she looked she saw dead bodies. . .piles and piles of dead bodies. . . o O ( Who could be so cruel? This is terrible. . . ) Trying to look at something a little less morbid, Leetah shifts her gaze over to Luika. The Dark Cleric didn't seemed to be phased by all the death around him in the slightest bit. Leetah didn't know whether to admire that or loathe it. He was either very good at hiding his emotions, or heartless. . .Leetah prayed it was the former. Rocky was dressed by now and approaching the party again. Leetah gave the dwarf a puzzled look. She couldn't tell whether or not she heard him say he had plans of killing her. She must have heard him wrong. . .Maybe it had been one of the other men who had said that while they were under the Succubi's spell. Leetah then looks up at Kheldar, waiting for the Assassin to make his move. *Edit* (( Missed your Post Rocky )) Rocky: "Ok boy, don’t be a simpleton, ye girl friend is looking after all. Show her what kind a man thee be.” Leetah's face turns a deep shade of pink upon hearing the dwarf say that, but she tries to retain her composure. . ."Try" being the operative word here. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-31-03, 03:54 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar looks at his party with despair. . . They wanted to kill him. He actually admired Luika at the moment. . . It seemed the dark cleric couldn't care less about the damn chest. However, having established that - Kheldar doubted the cleric would rush to his aid if the chest fired a million poisoned quills into his body. And it seemed that opening the chest was exactly what Kheldar was going to do. . . Why did Agudo and Rocky have to get so personal? With a soft sigh, Kheldar takes out a lock pick and goes to work on the chest. skitch. . . skitch, skitch, skitch. . . skitch, skitch, click. Kheldar prepared for the worst! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 07-31-03, 10:05 AM	(OOC: I didn't mean to be rude or upset you, nor sound paternalist...sorry http://forum.narod.co.il/html/emoticons/undecided.gif) As I searched through the scrolls and trinkets of magical lore, one the most interesting thing that could ever happen in this group took form. Rocky, our beloved leader, as well as agudo, the might Archmage, herald of the luminescent Light, proud shining beacon in the nest of scoundrels he was with, were trying to manipulate Kheldar in opening a probably trapped chest. How entertaining, I thought. However, despite the fact I would be glad to see Kheldar looking like an innocent lamb roasting on a grill, I had to protect my own skin. I went to a mutilated corpse, took it despite the overwhelming doisgust that screamed to me to let it fall, and put it softly on the ground. Then, I inclined the table, in such a way that it now stood on two legs alone, its hard, flat surface facing the chest. I sat behind it, motionning toward Leetah to join. She seemed puzzled though, shared between her need for safety and the sight of a cleric of opposite faith, poised with the blood of a cold body - the which laid on the floor a few inches away. Then, a tiny spark lighted a few cells in mt brain. "Guys?" I whispered. "If this chest is trapped and the trap triggers, it will probably be heard by our neighbors. You tought about it, right?"
Agudo Archmage 07-31-03, 11:47 AM	((OOC looks like its time for one of Agudo big Teletubby Hugs :P :pile: Dont be shy everyone join in, *Agudo grabs Kheldar by the shoulder, puting his face deep in the chest. Now you Luika come on! come on! Luika backs up :sad: Shacking his head, but Leetah who loves hugs, :love: grabs him; and then they are all in a big bundle of Love. :cloud9: Just then Rocky and Kat have a tear in there eye,s :bigeyes: and runs in slobbering on everyone.:P
Kathryn_aka_Kat 07-31-03, 12:10 PM	((OOC: NotBloodyLIkely! heh!)) What a nice man... what an intelligent man... what an... attractive man... The headache slides away and the staff is lowered as Kat smiles warmly at the robed figure. She walks over and curls herself into the chair next to his, acting more like her nickname than most would have believed possible. The staff is left leaning against her chair. "Hmmm? Who you are? that hardly matters... I'm so pleased to meet you... and your friend? the one who shouted?... I'd be pleased to meet him, too... " Everything is so pleasing and pleasant. Except the little voice shouting far back in her head. Silly voice.
Agudo Archmage 07-31-03, 12:26 PM	Luika has some words of wisdom about the Chest. “Whats that?” Agudo turns to Luika “Who?” The wizard then turns to Kheldar, and scratches his head. “Um Kheldar partner old pal, Um did you answer my question, about what you heard on the other side of the doo……r “ BBBBAAAAAAMMMMM……Puff? With a loud noise and little else, a puff of smoke appears. Kheldar did it, he disarmed the trap. It made everyone jump back, but no harm was done. Agudo seems truly happy “Good job! Kheldar, I new you could do it; without the normal death and destruction” they all gather around, and look inside the box, and what they see surprises Luika? Inside the chest is a symbol of Luika faith. “How odd” Agudo says as he steps back, to let the evil Cleric look at it. “Is this symbol dangerous Luika or valuable?” The wizard asks with some puzzlement. ((OOC note to Luika this is part of the story that makes the characters more involved. That has consequences latter. BUT you don’t need a perfect answer, whatever comes to mind. )) (((The Library with Kat))) The Dark Robed man is pleasantly surprised at the out come of the spell. “To much cupid dust I suppose” he chuckles I must talk to that goody good Light wizard about that” he shakes his head with dismay. “All right my dear, I want you to play the helpless damsel in distress; when they bust through the door trying to save you. Oh! and please be a good pet and get Kheldar attention. With those puffy eyes, of yours. I will play the bad guy” he chuckles some more. “Not to much of a stretch, no?” The man then gets up, and lets Kat fall like a rock on the ground . He then opens a bottle and Kat voice could be heard, screaming from this enchanted bottle. “””NOOOOO Helllpppp DOOONT DOOOO IT””””
Luika 07-31-03, 02:22 PM	Hidden behind the table, I awaited the imminent catastrophe that would fall upon us in minutes, when I heard a loud noise. Looking over the table's edge, I distinguished Luika, bearing an angelic smile. He seemed relieved not to have screwed up...once again. I approached the chest, wishing to see what was hidden for such a long time. What was not my surprise to discover a small onyx statue, representing a woman clothed in a long robe. I knew I have already seen her somewhere, probably in my book, but I still couldn't put a finger and what were its properties. "People, this statue down there is a symbol of my faith. I would like to keep it, as much because I have a deep connection to its meaning, and also because I wouldn't want some of you to be hurt by the threats it may carry." I reached for the statue, when I heard someone shouting from the other side of the door. I quickly made my way back to the center of the room, from where I could have a global vision of what happens if ever some fool decided to open the door. "Now, please don't tell me we'll stupidly rush in, all weapons ablaze. For what we currently know, the cries could be those of an female wizard, who also loves to play with her little toys when she've got free time." At the mention of her toys, I made significant gesture of my arm, showing to the group the corpses laying all around us.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 07-31-03, 05:08 PM	Damsel in distress? but I'm not in distress... well... whatever he wishes... Kheldar?... Kheldar's here?... now that I can do... but it will need more than my eyes... She pulls herself up a little after the fall, and watches curiously as the mage opens the bottle. That voice... my voice?... how odd... Kat considers, and draws a small dagger to prick her finger. She smears the blood artistically across one sleeve and slices the cloth as well. She smiles at the other, and leans against the bottom of the chair, holding the arm as if injured. Her eyes gleam as she waits for her "rescue."
Leetah 07-31-03, 05:10 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah hated being behind the table; the aura of death that surrounded her was almost enough make the girl choke. Still, she had to agree that it was the safest place to be at the moment. . .but that didn't mean she had to like it. Feeling a little queasy, Leetah looks up at Luika. o O ( How can he keep such a straight face back here? I feel like I'm going to be sick. ) Suddenly, Leetah hears a big bang and watches a puff of smoke rise to the ceiling. After a second or two, she hears Agudo pass his complements onto Kheldar. The priestess smiles. o O ( Good job Mr Kheldar! I knew you could do it! ) Blushing a little, and not realising it, Leetah gets up from behind the table to see what the chest held. However, just as she's approaching the party, she hears a cry for help. "Miss Kat!" Leetah quickly spins her head towards the door with a look of absolute horror! What was Miss Kat doing here!? What was happening to her beyond that door!? Visions of Kat being tortured like the dead bodies of this room quickly enter the girl's mind. She had to help her! She had to stop whoever was hurting her! "Luika, that's not a female wizard in there. It's a woman I know, Miss Kathryn. We have to have to help her! The gods only know what could be happening to her on the other side of that door! Please! We have to hurry!!!" Leetah quickly makes her way towards the door. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-31-03, 06:16 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif ((Sorry Luika, I thought I sensed a hint of ice in that OoC note. . . But maybe I'm crazy. Any way, please don't feel bad! Feeling happy feels better! :) On that note, good job on the happy post Agudo!)) The loud BBBBAAAAAAMMMMM from the chest made Khedlar jump! A trap! . . Wait? Kheldar looked at his chest. . . there wasn't any sign of a spike being driven through it. . . Just a loud noise? Well, it was better than being killed. . . But just barely, that loud noise certainly wasn't good. ". . . whew-* Oh sorry Agudo, I heard a conversation between a man and a woman in the other room. . . It sounded like she was meeting with him for the first time. You want his Luika? Here. . . Any way i-" “””NOOOOO Helllpppp DOOONT DOOOO IT”””” Kheldar's heart skips a beat. He springs up and grips the door handle. He'd have opened it had Luika's voice not stopped him. Damn the voice of reason! Kheldar wished he could see what was going on in the other room. . . "Dammit, Luika's right. . . It's probably a trap. . . They do know there are people in this room after all. . . Well, any ideas? Leetah. . . What are you doing? No, stop!" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 07-31-03, 08:06 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif . . .Too Late. . . Fearing for the worst, Leetah grips the door handle and throws open the door. She'd never forgive herself if Kat died due to a lack on initiative on their part. Didn't her party realize that they had to act quickly? The woman's life could be at stake! Dashing into the room, Leetah blinks in amazement. . .The room wasn't at all the dungeon she had expected it to be. . .it was a beautifully decorated library. Near the centre of the room was a tall man dressed in a dark robes with a hood that hid most of his face. Beside him on the floor was Kat, holding onto a wounded arm. Something didn't look quite right about the rouge's wound to Leetah's eyes, but the Priestess was far too concerned for Kat's safety at the moment to be give the injury a second thought. How dare this man harm her! "Miss Kathyrn, are you okay? What has this man done to you!?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 07-31-03, 10:52 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar chases after Leetah! At least if it was a trap they'd be expecting it! Upon entering the room, Kheldar immediately spots Kat on the ground clutching a wound. Above her stood a suspicious looking robed figure. Oh. . . this old timer was going to get it! Kheldar walks towards Kat. He wanted to keep his attenion on the robed fellow. . . But his eyes kept trailing back to his hurt friend. "Kat, are you alright? What on earth are you doing here?!? And who the hell is that guy?" Kheldar shoots the tall figure an icy glare and reaches for his short sword. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((Sorry for the almost point form post, had to rush though it. . . I'll have to fix it when I return - have fun! :)))
Myranthor 08-01-03, 12:06 AM	wrong character...
Luika 08-01-03, 12:08 AM	o O (Ho damned thing. All this for these pesky do-gooders and their annoying relations. ) Without advancing further than from where I stood, for there was no need to risk my own life for someone else, I prayed my god, hoping no one would hear me. "Entity of higher knowledge and considerable power, Please allow me to know what I should not hear, Please listen carefully to your faithful servant pleas, so that he may, for your glory, treat your enemies as fleas" With this new outlook on what surrounded me, it would be quite simpler to know what really happened in the next room. If there was really a hostage situation being held, it would be a great asset to know the kidnapper's ideas. Also, it could be quite interesting to learn about what of my fellows thought at the currentmoment. (my version of detect thoughts. enjoy!)
Agudo Archmage 08-01-03, 01:24 AM	Just before the predictable entry, of the good and the super goody heroes. The Dark robed man leaned over and “kissed” Kat on the head. “Yes my dear, you are the seductress when you want to be and your a marvelous actress” He smiled evilly as he gazed at her. “ I promise when I free your soul in death, it will be pleasurable for you. But not until we have had our fun” The door slams open with Leetah in the front, then the helpless romantic Kheldar. They both see Kat in her dramatic bloody look of pain. Those who come into the room, see a very nice library full of magic scrolls, books and other objects of value. On a table is a large pearl that sits on a gold stand, a few more chests lay around the place as well. The room is lit by candles, and a Golem stands passively near by the door. Just as Kheldar reaches for his short sword, the ((magic smoke spell)) from the chest takes effect. He feels the room spin for just a second, and then he thinks of Kat. Kheldar cant help but see how much she reminds him of {Tara} The love for Tara grows strong in him. Kat looks deep into Kheldar eyes, she has that look of help me my love; don’t fail me like the last time, with the wizard. Leetah cant help but see the moon struck look on Kat and Kheldar. She is surprised at the un-natural jealousy she feels towards the two. But before anything else happens Agudo the Archmage of Light, walks in with all his power and might ready to defend Kat and his comrades. But the dark robe figure, isn’t surprised to see Agudo. “You have done well Light wizard” The evil man chuckles a hideous sound; if there ever was one. The others in the room look to Agudo, as if they have some how been betrayed. “Leetah my dear lovely chilled, you really our more woman than girl now. No matter how immature you seem.” The dark robes man walks closer to Leetah. “it’s a shame that Kheldar can only save one of you” The evil man looks to Kat and then back Leetah. “I have plans for the two of you, my young and most beautiful ladies.” He then turns to everyone near him. “You see my pure hearted fools, you are my beasts, my playthings. Even this so called Archmage of Light, has done my bidding.” Agudo becomes more upset by the moment, but holds his words back. The Dark robe figure removes his hood, “Yes Kheldar its me your old brother of the guild, ((Jerado))” *** Luika and Rocky in the Laboratory** Luika calls on his dark power for insight into the workings of this evil place. What he sees though is the future………. (((((He stands near Leetah, she has fear in her eyes, he holds the symbol of his faith that was found in the chest. Luika then looks at Rocky who has this wicked grin of satisfaction on his face, and points to Leetah. Just behind Leetah is a young girl no more than ten or eleven, she holds tight to Leetah in pure fear. Luika then hears his own voice and the words were disturbing to him. ………….If can’t have you then no one can………and then the vision is gone)))))
Golddigger Dwarf 08-01-03, 02:16 AM	“That was a big bang ye gave Kheldar” The dwarf swaged over, trying to see is anything good was inside. But that sneaky evil Cleric Luika, walks up and takes the object of his ridicules faith. “Take the silly thing Luika, we no be needing the crutch of thy faith. Me Axe is all the faith I be needing.” Then the cutie Leetah runs by and opened the door, like some knight of Helm. And the feathered brain wizard, with that cocky Rogue run in. “I think I be keeping me eye on thy face Luika, ye is like me Cleric, always looking out for number one.” But Luika was day dreaming it seemed for he said nothing.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-01-03, 05:38 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar stares at the wizard in absolute horror. Jerado, wizard to the Order of the Black Dagger. . . An assassin that could cast spells as well as an archmage. . . The only person who had escaped Kheldar's vengeance - this was bad. "The guild is gone Jerado! Or had you forgotten? I systematically killed them all after the Order betrayed me!" Of course, killing people in their sleep was easy. . . And Kheldar had failed to kill this wizard even then. Letting go of his short sword, Kheldar grabs Kat with both hands and pulls her away from Jerado. Why was Kat here?!?! Why had she been negotiating with this wizard before?!? It didn't matter, somehow he would be able to escape with everyone. "And I don't think recovering Leetah and Kat will be a problem. First, I'm not alone! I have friends that are quite accomplished adventurers!. . ." But which ones of them were really on his side? Agudo had betrayed him! Rocky had admitted to back-stabbing in his past, and had openly stated he would kill Leetah. Luika seemed to have an agenda of his own. . . Dammit! There was no honor among thieves! Kheldar prayed he would be surprised and have his friends join him. . . But what good was praying when you didn't worship a god? ". . .Second, if you think this wound is going to stop Kat, you're dead wrong!" Kheldar hoped Kat would be able to help. . . it not the others, please Kat! Naturally Kheldar could rely on Leetah. . . But Leetah didn't feel comfortable in combat. . . It was a terrible thing to think. . . But Leetah was probably a liability right now. Kheldar speaks to Kat in a hushed voice. "Kat, I'll distract him. . . Please grab Leetah and get out of here! The others might help too. . . I'm not so sure which of them are on our side." Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-01-03, 09:24 AM	"Leetah?!" When Leetah comes through the door, Kat looks up at the hooded one with mingled confusion and fear. ...it's Leetah... not Kheldar... you didn't tell me what to do about Leetah?... Then as Kheldar bursts into the room behind Leetah, Kat's face clears and her eyes shine almost feverishly. He pulls her to her feet but she leans into him, the hand still covering her "wound." "Kheldar! you're here... but I'm sorry... so sorry... he's done something to me... Poison? or a spell. Please... please help me... I need you. I trust you. Only you. Please... if you care for me at all... don't let me die here!" ...nooooo... hellllpppp... dooon't doooo it... My voice? ...again? but they're already here... She clings to Kheldar, but her eyes turn to Jerado. The bottle is not in sight. Her head hurts. My voice... but just the inside voice... stupid voice... make it stop...
Golddigger Dwarf 08-01-03, 01:11 PM	"Ok Luika, lets ye show thee wizard what a Cleric and me Axe thee crazed Dwarf can do." The dwarf laughed louder at the thought of a little magic bood. He walks into the mages room and looks around at the new commer. "Well thy are prety one" He say to Kat with lust. "But I be killing before luven any day" The Dwarf stands between Kheldar and the dark wizard guy. "Ok ye got one boat load of trouble, for I be a wizard hating Dwarf." Rocky spits on the ground. "Now let me people go and Ill promise to only kill ye slow! But not to much pain" The Dwarf turns and winks at the others in the party. "What? Ye thought I would let cha all die and make a run for it." he smiles a blood lust smile. "I always be killing before running. Rocky turns back to the new wizard, at the same time thinking that half the group must be in shock that he didnt backstab them. like the so called light wizard. "Just dont ye be forgeting, never trust a wizard." Rocky said the last part out loud, just to hurt Agudo more than this old friend of Kheldar. :smirk:
Leetah 08-01-03, 04:11 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah looks towards Kat and Kheldar with a surprising amount of shock and sorrow. She never knew that Miss Kat held such strong feelings towards Mr Kheldar. Did Mr Kheldar feel the same way towards her? He must! That would explain why he didn't sit beside her last night at the camp fire. He must have been afraid of betraying his love for Kat! Leetah looked like she wanted to cry. o O ( Of course he loves Miss Kat. . .She's a rouge just like him. The two of them must have a lot in common. . .What would he see in a healer like me? Nothing! Nothing at all! I was a fool to think I ever stood a chance!!! ) Still looking as if someone had just crushed her heart, Leetah turns her head to Agudo. Tears roll down her cheek. "Why?" The archmage's expression told her he was guilty of betraying them somehow. . .Leetah wanted to know why. She trusted him! This was the man who had healed her and prepared her meals! Why did he betray her!? Why did Kheldar betray her!? o O ( Enough!!! Mr Kheldar didn't betray me! There was never anything to betray!!! ) Leetah continues to stand in the library shivering. She wanted to be somewhere else. Anywhere else! Who was this dark mage who stood in front of her? What did he mean when he said he had plans for her. Leetah didn't care what his plans were! She couldn't be hurt more than she already was. Why was this happening to her? Were the heavens punishing her for something? Leetah wanted to scream! Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 08-01-03, 08:23 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar frowns. This wasn't the Kat he knew. . . The one who stood defiantly when confronted with danger. . . The one who stole trinkets from him when he wasn't looking. . . What had this monster done to her? This Kat needed his help. But what could he do? He didn't want her to die here. But Jerado terrified him. And without knowing what exactly had happened to Kat, he couldn't very well do anything about it. Kheldar walks further away, the smoke from the trap begins to clutter his vision more. "Yes Kat, I'm here. Don't worry. . . Everything's going to be all right. . ." No it's not! We're all going to die here - Why don't you just tell her as much Kheldar? Just then Rocky leaps forward to confront the wizard with his mighty axe! Not all of his friends were traitors? A shimer of hope sparks inside of Kheldar. "Alright Rocky! Defend Leetah with everything you've got! Leetah, I need you here quickly! Something's wrong with Kat." Maybe Luika would come too, Kheldar still didn't know if he could trust that cleric. Kheldar looks back at Kat with concern. What he saw was not what he expected! I-IMPOSSIBLE!! Tara was in his Arms, holding onto him desperately like a child. Kheldar almost drops her from the shock. * * * ((3 years earlier)) The Dwarf's body began to change. He became taller, more beautiful. Shoulder-length redy-brown hair spilled from his scalp. Kheldar stared in disbelief. He couldn't believe what was happening before him. . . The figure looked familiar. . . Intimately familiar! Kheldar pulled back the limp head. it was Tara's face! "Tara? . . NOOO!!!!" Kheldar immediately pulled out the key for the manacles and started undoing them. He had to get her off that wall! He could take her to a cleric. . . Voll would bring her back! Kheldar hastily opened the first manacle, and started unlocking the second when he noticed something strange happening behind Tara's body. A big black sphere moved out from the wall. . . The whole world turned surreal as Kheldar watched his beloved partner soundlessly get sucked into the black mass. . . a fallen angel falling into a portal from which she could never return. . . It didn't stop after Tara, he was next! * * * No. . . you can't be here. . . You were destroyed! I saw it!! I tried for years to bring you back. . . How can you possibly be here!?!?!? Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((Whew, confused yet? Kheldar sure is. . . Stupid magic smoke.))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-01-03, 08:59 PM	As the evil wizard's will communicates itself to her, Kat's headache eases again... his wish matching more to her own. But her face tightens as Kheldar frowns and pulls away from her, a flash of panic in her eyes, unsure if she is supposed to let him go or not. She takes her hand off her "wound" to hold his arm. And then he turns back, and his eyes are widening with surprise... what? what does he see... oh no... stupid of me... should have slashed the arm itself... Now Kat pulls back herself, turning so that the bloody sleeve is away from Kheldar's prying eyes. She straightens and tries to smile at him. "Better...I'm feeling better. Watch out for Leetah. Beware the mage!" Kat draws one of her daggers, still holding the "wounded" arm stiffly behind her. Leetah seems oblivious to everything. Agudo is staring at Jerado, biting back some protest or other. And the dwarf is grinning like a madman at the evil mage. Kheldar is the only problem. Turn... turn away, dammit... so I can make the wound real...
Agudo Archmage 08-01-03, 11:26 PM	“Hold Rocky” Agudo say’s in an authoritarian voice. “Jerado you have what you want, now hand over the child!” Jerado was smirking at the Dwarf when the Light wizard spoke up. “Well I see you have found your spine Agudo” Jerado gladly mocks Agudo. “I will do as I please when I please. As far as our bargain, you have brought me Kat, Leetah, and this betrayer of the Guild-Kheldar.” The evil mage starts casting a spell, as he speaks. “If you want the child, then follow the map.” He then turns to Kheldar. “So you wish to save Kat from me? How predictable you are. But I suppose I should give you a heroic fight, that will make this all look good.” With that the spell he was casting is released.(( ZAP!)) Chain lighting goes everywhere hitting Agudo Kheldar and Rocky. They are thrown back and have some burns, but otherwise are ok. But Jerado is gone! The bad news is the flesh Golem that was standing by the door passively is now charged and ready for a fight. He goes after Leetah first grabbing her by the hand. Then dragging Leethah the Golem try’s to hit Kheldar. ((The Laboratory)) Luika is passive as the Golem was, not caring what happen, but then as clear as he ever heard a voice. {{Luika it is I, the one who knows you best. Show me your faithfulness by doing my command. Save Leetah!}} Then the voice was gone.
Luika 08-02-03, 09:13 AM	(OOC: for sake of game continuation and blah-blah-blah, I decided to hear what was said precedently. Agudo, if you think this makes no sense and that I know nothing about it, ask and I'll edit) When Rocky left the laboratory, I approached its door in hope of grasping a few informations during the passionating dialogue that took place in this dreaded moment. What shock did I receive when I saw the strange little comittee, in which most of the people were either crying, trying not to weep miserably, or building up their agressivity in hope that they would not humiliate themselves through tears. The black wizard was a wonderful mastermind, whom could teach me a few tricks. He had reunited many old friends in he same room. THis was quite interesting, for Kheldar did meet a wounded woman from his past. He seemed to be quite perturbed by this sudden meeting, and Leetah had noticed that as much as me. o O (These are goods news indeed.) The black wizard, who claimed to be named Jerado, also said in front of all of us that Agudo betrayed us. I knew all too well, however, than to believe most words of anyone. Unfortunately, our less than lucid leader decided it was time to jump gladly in battle, preventing me from gaining any further gain in information. Before the killing started, Agudo still had a few things up his sleeve. He revealed us the nature of his horrible bargain : Letah, Kheldar, and Kat againt the life of a child. Fantastic, I told myself. Rocky and I would just have to leave this creepy lair, leaving Kheldar to the miserable punishment he deserved, and forgetting Leetah. Then, we would finally sink this dwarven waraxe through the Light Wizard's back, stealing every ounce of life from him. {{Luika it is I, the one who knows you best. Show me your faithfulness by doing my command. Save Leetah!}} o O (Why now?) I entered the room, probably deceiving those that would have loved to blame me later for my lack of action. I closed my eyes and extended my arms, from which extended misty clouds of darkness and purple. "Ho mighty god, compass of my destiny, direct the wills of men to please me. Curse enemies with unknown weaknesses or, Provide newfound allies with rightful new vigor." The mist slowly separated itself. A purple cloud quickly surrounded Kheldar, Leetah, Rocky and I, granting us increased efficiency for a few minutes. A dark cloud, of similar shape and consistency, wrapped Agudo and Kat, distracting them at every moment. (This is my own version of prayer. Enjoy! (I love to do the enjoy thing.))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-02-03, 09:18 PM	Another? they have another with them?.... mage?... or cleric? Kat eyes the new arrival as his hands pour forth magic clouds of purple and black. But she's confused as the purple streams towards some, and the black towards her and Agudo. And, one hopes, the flesh golem. What is the difference then? what is he doing to us!? but shouldn't bother with that yet... first things first... As the black cloud covers her and as Kheldar turns in dismay towards the flesh golem and Leetah, Kat slashes quickly and roughly at her own arm to make the fake wound into a real one, clenching her jaw to avoid even the lightest gasp at the pain. She then turns her attention to the flesh golem, but for some reason she feels oddly weak... as weak as she had pretended to be when she was clinging to Kheldar. She can barely concentrate on the golem's form. I used the clean dagger... didn't I?
Kheldar Devaentar 08-02-03, 09:46 PM	. . .
Golddigger Dwarf 08-03-03, 02:36 AM	The attack was sudden and painful, Rocky was on his side twitching from the pain and burnt flesh. “Thy is a tricky mage, I be giving ye that.” Rocky blurts out more in pain than rage. But Dwarfs have strong immunity to magic, and what would have killed a lesser person; just makes Rocky bleed and taste the blood lust. He gets up anger in his eyes “Where ye be and thy stinking carcass of a body?” About the same moment, Luika kicks in with his clerical magic. “Now that’s the Cleric we have all grown to hate and fear! It be a good thing that ye is on our side. Rocky sees the Flesh Golem and that sweaty of a girl Leetah “Die thou fiendish creature of the abyss.”:mad:
Agudo Archmage 08-03-03, 12:40 PM	((((OOC No problem hang in there, the story can make do with the bodies of Leetah and Kheldar)) The flesh Golem knocked Kheldar hard to the ground strangling him. Rocky was attacking it but the creature kept trying to kill the Rogue. Leetah fainted at the sight of her friend dying. Agudo could not cast protection on Kheldar because of Luika Cleric spell. Agudo yelled to Kat “Try to trip the Golem if you can” for he could barely see her, and the battle at hand. The Archmage of Light started swinging his staff, blindly at the enemy. Not knowing if the evil wizard was in the room.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-03-03, 01:55 PM	Trip the golem???... on top of Kheldar??? The flesh golem is leaning above the rogue, reaching down with one hand clenched around Kheldar's throat. No... not supposed to let him die... no! The black cloud around her thins as Kat tries to pull herself together to help Kheldar and the others against the flesh golem. She snarls at the figure and moves forward enough to slice her dagger heavily across the wrist of the hand holding Kheldar. The wrist isn't severed completely, but the muscles can no longer grip. The golem's fingers loosen and Kheldar drops to the floor. But its other hand reaches towards Kat. Kat steps back as quickly as she can, using the furniture to block it, not willing to face the golem directly. Let the dwarf have that honor!
Luika 08-03-03, 04:54 PM	The situation didn't get really better. It seemed as if we were losing forces as the battle went on. Kheldar had a few problems of his own, an Leetah was really apt to do anything. Agudo had a few problems with casting his own spells, and the thief Kheldar knew wound herself voluntarily. Was my spell having more effect that what I supposed it would have? Did that had any link with the statuette I found precedently? "Obscurity, surround me in your dark embrace; protect me, greatness, from these pryings eyes. Only this way will should I accomplish thy grace, in dark areas where vicious treachery lies. " A mist surrounded me, protecting me from incoming attack. Under such a protection, I ran to the golem, trying to get Leetah away from it.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-04-03, 09:24 AM	The dwarf... or the newcomer. Kat doesn't mind who attacks the golem as she backs further out of its reach. She bumps into the chair and the staff that was leaning against it clatters to the floor. "What?! ah..." ... mustn't forget that... but still don't know how to use it... but Agudo knows? "Agudo! That staff you gave me?! Can it help? Tell me!" But time to do more damage in any case... Kat swiftly plunges her dagger into whatever part of the golem is closest and leaves it there, then ducks away from his returning swipe. But not fast enough, and she's knocked to the floor. Kat shakes her head and tries to get up before the golem can reach her again. This time she has a glowing green dagger in her hand. Can't risk a throw in here... too crowded... but should still be effective... She slices again at the golem's arm. Its flesh smokes as the acid bites into it. ((OOC: so Luika saw the arm cutting? Heh, he would! as for the effects of the prayer spell, my apologies but I'm not a regular D&D player and didn't look it up at first, though I like the explanation that the figurine may be responsible.))
Golddigger Dwarf 08-04-03, 01:27 PM	Rocky head hurt but he wasn’t out yet. He lunged for the Golem, and jumped on it back. “Now Ye have made me mad, thy will pray to your crazed wizard maker for death! When I be done with thee!” Rocky eyes looked insane as he took a bite into the ear of the fleshy Golem. It has a lame hand from Kat’s hit, but Rocky was not so lucky with the rest of the arm. As it swung up its hurt arm, its mighty strength knocked Rocky into the chair behind Kat.. The Dwarf fell from the cushy seat and spit out the ear. “NOW FOR THE HEAD!” Like a crazed dog, Rocky runs at the Golem :mad: :behold: :mad:
Agudo Archmage 08-04-03, 07:56 PM	Agudo hears Kat voice in the haze of battle. "The Staff?" Agudo try's to think of what she is talking about. "Yes the staff! hit the Golem with it, for it will take away any magic that is cast on the monster." Agudo says this with hope that the Golem, will lose any it spells given to it, to make it move so fast; and its extra strength. Luika sees the fight take place with more and more violence. He also sees Leetah being dragged around like a rag doll. Then the Golem picks her up, and is getting ready to throw her at Rocky; who is coming at the Golem fast. The voice returns this time with more anger. (((Luika the girl is innocent and purity, she has strong powers inside her; that have yet to be reveled. All that you need for your own destiny. Her power will be your power, she will be guided by you, tempted by you, and brought to the dark-side under your wise guidance.” ))) BUT IF YOU LET HER DIE, I WILL TAKE ALL YOUR POWER AWAY…… AND GIVE YOU TO AGUDO, AS A NEW PET OWL TO FONDEL OVER, LIKE SOME GOODY GOOD PLAYTHING FOR ALL ETURNITY” :smirk: Just then Luika sees the future and its Agudo making kissy faces at him saying "Does owly want a dead mouse to eat" Then the shocking dream goes away :sad:
Agudo Archmage 08-04-03, 08:07 PM	The Golem could not see Luika as he has sanctuary around him. Then he throws Leetah at rocky she goes flying........:smirk:
Luika 08-04-03, 09:07 PM	While I was slowly growing into panic, I saw the most curious, yet exquisite, blessing that could be offered to someone engaged in my desperate situation. o O (This is a great thing. My task was to retrieve her from its grasp: it's sending her away from itself. Thank you for your lack of intelligence, machine.) Leetah landed on the ground, quite brutally. Her face was scratched to the blood, and her leg now formed a strange angle with the rest of her body. From now on, she could walk as a crab as easily as she precedently walked. I hurried to her side, litterally crashing on the floor despite of uneasiness of such exploits when wearing heavy armor. I put my hands on her broken leg, reciting a brief prayer, though I was not sure if it deserved even a shallow respect from myself. "Albeit your horribly vengeful nature, and that you despise those who are pure, I ask you to forfeit your destructive way, so that these critical wounds, heal, I may." While I waited for the spell to take effect, I coevered Leetah's body with mine, knowing we would both escape the golem's view that way, thanks to the sanctuary spell. However, as I did so, the warmth of her soft skin made me a bit...uncomfortable. I felt something I never did feel, and it was not the time for me to confront new challenges at the moment. I tried to put back these swirling thoughts from my brain, only to succeed with a relative success. (spell: cure critical wounds. Enjoy!)
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-04-03, 09:39 PM	Kat throws herself to the floor as the golem hurls Leetah past her toward the dwarf. She can't see where the girl landed, but the noise does not sound good. It even carries an odd echo. Sure hope that other guy's a cleric... with healing... maybe I'll just stay down here? ... whack the golem? hah!... let Agudo do it! But from here, at least, she can grab the fallen staff, and draws it towards her. The green dagger still in one hand and the staff in the other, Kat pushes herself on elbows and knees under the heavy library table. Not a good position for whacking... but maybe this will be enough? As the dwarf rushes the golem, Kat jams the staff between the golem's legs, bracing the other end against the legs of the table with her body, trying to trip the thing.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-04-03, 09:53 PM	Rocky came closer at the soon to be eaten Golem, of a wizards crazed idea of a pet. But then the body of Leetah came at him. Rocky ducks and rolls, and then starts runing at the flesh thing. "HA! Ye be thinking I care about the girl HAAAAA!" Rocky laughs as he jumps at the thing. He digs out his Axe from the body of the Golem, that he left in there from his last attack "Now we be having choped meat for dinner" Rocky then hits as hard as he can at the thing.
Agudo Archmage 08-04-03, 10:28 PM	Leetah is in such pain she has to open her eyes, from what she can see, her arm and leg are mangled. Then even though eyes are blurry with tears, she sees her HERO Luika Healing her making the pain go away, and protecting her. Leetah feels safe and smiles at Luika The strange thing for Luika is that for the first time in his life he feels good! :love: And to his surprise looking into Leetah eyes he likes this good feeling. (OOC this part of the temptation of Luika and Leetah ) Kat has a good shot at the Golem and trips him. she also now knows how to use the staff, to ward off magic when she hit something. The Golem take down Rocky as well who was in front of him. The Golem uses it sharp teeth on Rockys shoulder. Blood goes everywhere.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-05-03, 01:20 AM	The battle was almost fun for Rocky, he had the flesh thing right were he wanted him. Until the golem landed on top of him, and the pain from the bite. “BLLOOODY HEEELLL” Rocky screamed louder than he thought he could. “Do something Ye lazy Cleric” He said this to Luika but Leetah would do as well. The golem kept digging into him as fought back
Kheldar Devaentar 08-05-03, 03:06 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar blinks at the ceiling. . . The sounds of combat where all around him. . . .Where am I. . ? Pain pulsed through Kheldar's body. Especially around his neck, it felt as though some giant hand had tried to choke the life out of him. All he could really remember was looking into Tara's face. . . Jerado's voice echoed in the back of Kheldar's mind. . . So you wish to save Kat from me? How predictable you are. But I suppose I should give you a heroic fight, that will make this all look good . . . A heroic fight? Picking himself up, Kheldar looks straight ahead and sees his friends attacking a large flesh golem. Jerado must have left it with them. Look good my ass. . . He knows assassin training is useless against a bloody golem! . . Where is Jerado!!?!??! Kheldar hastily puts on his glasses and scans through the room. . . If Jerado was invisible, Kheldar wanted to know about it! The room brightened a bit when he looked through the lenses. . . and something immediately looked wrong with Tara. . . or was it Kat? So you wish to save Kat from me? Of course it wasn't Tara! Jerado had given it away right there! Kheldar had been acting like a complete jack-ass all this time! Damn that wizard for playing with him like that! Kat's appearance, however, wasn't the only thing that looked wrong about her. . . There was something else. . . something about the way she moved. . . Kheldar speaks in a quiet voice. "Detect Poison." Kheldar's eyes widen. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 08-05-03, 04:03 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah's eyes continue to shimmer with tears as she looks up at her tall, dark, and handsome savior. Her smile was quite friendly. . . o O ( . . .Mr Luika. . . ) Staring into the Clerics eyes for a few moments, Leetah tightly wraps her arms around him and begins to murmur something in a soft voice. Luika could feel the gentle passing of Leetah's breath run along his chin and neck. The Sancuary spell shielding Leetah and Luika immediately intensifies, making it near impossible for any attack to breach the spell's protection. Six seconds later, a soothing sensation fills the room as all of Leetah's allies are healed of their wounds. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-05-03, 09:49 AM	The Dwarf is going crazy with the pain but then he sees Kheldar move. "Kheldar! Kheldar, is ye done with thy nap? Use something to pull this thing off of me" The flesh golem had fallen of the dwarf, but was a live a chewing on everyones loveable Dwarf;) "Thy girlfriend is to busy hidding with her new man." Rocky hits the flesh thing in its ears, trying get this bulldog to let go.
Luika 08-05-03, 10:34 AM	I languished next to her, hoping my prayers would be heard. Then, slowly, she lifted her eyelids, reavealing two sparkling saphirres. A row of pearls appeared as she faintly smiled. She tied me in her gracious arms, while her gentle breath passed down my visage. These new sensations were not exactly disturbing. In fact, they were even... pleasant. Pleasure: A numbing venom, paralysing wits and reason, transforming the most minor odds in overwhelming cataclyms, only because one has been used not to fight. As I felt well in Leetah's arms, as I discovered, progressively, the nature of joy and the desire to stay with her, I had to stand up. If only to forget about all that I just learned. (OOC: Agudo, what are the exits around us, aside from the one leading to the laboratory??? )
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-05-03, 10:46 AM	((OOC: all of Leetah's allies, hmmm? but *is* Kat an ally? lol! )) Kat grins tiredly at Kheldar from under the table as she pulls back the staff, out of the way of the others. "Awake again? Afraid you were missing the fun?" She turns to the fallen golem who is still doing so much damage to the dwarf. How in the nine hells do you kill this thing?... maybe just hack it to pieces?... at least should keep trying to cripple it... The golem's legs are closest to her. Kat throws herself on top of them and saws at the back of one knee with the dagger, letting the acid do its work. She manages to do significant damage before the other leg breaks free and kicks her roughly back under the table. She lands heavily and holds on to her side where the flailing foot caught her lower ribs.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-05-03, 03:44 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Hiding with her new man? Kheldar looks around and sees Leetah completely wrapped around Luika. She looked delighted to be so close to him. At least Luika looked a bit uncomfortable with the situation. Still, that didn't stop the jealousy flaring up inside of Kheldar. Kheldar pulls out his broom of flying. What was he doing? This was no time to be smacking people in the back of the head. Kheldar looks back at the golem. Eyeing Kat's tired smile along the way. It made him smile. Well, Rocky needed that golem off of him, and Kat needed an anti-venom. Sadly, the poison's secondary damage wouldn't take effect for about another minute. . . So he should help Rocky first. Kheldar mounts his broom and darts towards the golem, keeping track of when the golem's mouth opens between biting the dwarf. "Ha! Open wide!!" Just before the golem gets another taste of Dwarfy flesh, Kheldar dismounts his broom and lets it fly into the creatures body. Kheldar rolls to a stop beside Kat. "Broom, up!" The golem's back goes up, then drops back down. "Ahem-* Broom, up!!!!" The golems back starts to raise a little, but it forces itself back down. "Dammit you useless broom! Pick it up!! With tremendous force, the golem raises a hair more. Now the broom could be clearly seen against the creature's back. It's skin begins to tear. "That's about the best I can do Rocky! Hurry out of there!" Kheldar looked uneasy, somehow he doubted that the gap was big enough for the stout Dwarf to fit through. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-05-03, 03:50 PM	Agudo thought for a moment oO’ What’s the use of being an Archmage of Light, if you cant show what that means! Oo He casts a spell of bright light, vanquishing the darkness around him and Kat. “Ah Ha!” Agudo blurts out as he smiles, then he sees Rocky in what could only be said as ((Perverted)) . The Golem body going up and down on him. :embarrass But then Agudo sees the broom. ;) “Oh Yes! Of course, silly me its the broom” Agudo runs up and jabs his magic staff deep into the head of the Golem. It goes right through almost hitting Rocky between the eyes. The Flesh Golem shakes then falls solidly on Rocky even more. “Kheldar snap out of it and pull this thing off of the Boss!” Agudo turns to Kat as he try’s to free his staff. “Kat? Kat are you all right? I knew you could use that staff just as good as a knife………..Kat?” The wizard sees Kat in pain but must stop this Golem from squishing Rocky. “Keldar never mind Rocky just help Kat! She looks bad” (((ELSEWHERE))) The evil wizard Jerado sits safely far away, looking through his crystal ball. “That’s it Kheldar put on those glasses and see the truth” The wizard laughs evilly. “Now that you can see Leetah deep in the arms of Luika, you know that her feeling are real. Jerado gazes at Luika through the crystal ball. “Yes I paid a high price for you to your handlers so that you could join my revenge.” He smiles at how evil Luika is and will be in time. “Yes indeed so worth the price for this one.” Jerado puts his hand on a switch and stops for just a second, then he chuckles and pulls it. SWOOSH a trap door opens up and takes Luika and Leetah for a ride. Down they go through a shoot. Then with a soft thud they’re in a bedroom with one large bed and soft curtains and plush furniture. Food is sitting on a near by table. A window and door can be seen in this room, the window shows a big cave, that has a very bright light. The light allows trees and lovely flowers to grow, rabbits and squirrels run around outside in the bright cave. It all seems very peaceful. (((Back at the Library))) The trap door closes and another door opens from behind a Simi-closed curtains
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-05-03, 04:58 PM	Something cracked there... idiot... should have stayed under the table... "Nice trick...hope it works!" Kat tries again to grin at Kheldar as the assassin rolls agilely to a stop nearby. The broom certainly seems to be keeping the golem from doing any more harm. Then Agudo snaps out of his daze and ends it. About time!... except that Rocky's underneath... and where are the other two? She looks around in time to see the trap door in the flooring close again. She's too distracted... and hurt... to notice the new door. "Guys... um... guys? did we just lose our healers?"
Golddigger Dwarf 08-05-03, 06:18 PM	“Kheldar I new ye wouldn’t abandon thy old pal Rocky” As he says this the broom drops the heavy golem, back on Rocky. “Ugg, Get it off of me not Ooofff flatten me” But then if things could not get any worse, the light mage comes out of know where, and nearly takes the golem and Rocky’s head off. “I be helpen me self” Rocky says as he wiggles out from the dead thing. As he stands up he hears the new seductress Kat, mention they had lost a few people. “Its ok people die all the time in battle.” The Dwarf says as he shrugs his shoulders. He then takes his Axe out of the fleshy thing, and licks the blood of.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-05-03, 07:13 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Well, the broom didn't exactly drop the golem on Rocky, so much as it ripped through the golem's back, hence causing the creature to fall. Kheldar smiles at Kat and shrugs. Bad smelling fluids and broken-off ribs were everywhere. "Well, it was worth a shot. . . Sorry about that Rocky." Kheldar hears Leetah yelp. He looks in the direction and also just sees the trap door shutting behind them. "LEETAH!!!" Kheldar rushes over to the trap door, and gets there just after it clicks shut. He immediately starts looking for a way to open it. . . But has no luck with it. No! I didn't want either of them out of my sight! Damn her! Why did she have to come and check up on me!? Why did she have to put herself in danger like this?!? Ugh-* Relax Kheldar, at least Luika's with her. . . If nothing else he should keep her safe. Leetah with Luika, that was hardly a reassuring thought. Feeling defeated, Kheldar picks himself up and goes towards Kat. . . She was also important to him. At least he could keep her safe, maybe. "Rocky, you shut up! We're not letting her die. Kat, sorry for running. I thought maybe. . . maybe I could open it. . . Any way, you need some healing methinks. . . Something's inside your veins, and I have just the thing for it!" Kheldar's hand dives into his cloak and he thinks about the proper antidote he needs. His hands grabs nothing. He thinks about the antidote again. . . His hand grabs nothing again. In desperation Kheldar thinks of another potion. He grabs it and pulls it out of his cloak. The bottle was shaped as a heart. "Umm. . . Agudo? Got anything else that will heal shadow essence?" Well, This potion *will* do the trick. . . But it's not exactly meant for healing poison. . . It'll make Kat act a bit weird for a while. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 08-05-03, 08:09 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah's yelp follows her all the way to the bottom of the shoot until she softly land on the cousins of a large bed. Not so soft, however, is Luika's heavy armor as the Cleric comes crashing down on top of her pinning the girl to the bed. If it hadn't have been for the soft cousins underneath her, Leetah would have been squashed! Letting out an uncomfortable moan, Leetah tries to get Luika off of her. She didn't blame the Cleric for what had happened, but she certainly didn't want all of his weight on top of her. He was heavy in that suit of armour, and it was hard for her to breath! Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley *Edit* (( Oops! I almost forgot. Yes Kat, you got healed as well. Leetah may be jealous, but she's not heartless. Pretty much everyone in the room except for the flesh golem got healed. Even Rocky and that traitorous Archmage! lol ))
Luika 08-05-03, 10:32 PM	Suddenly, the ground opened under us. A terrifying fall followed during mere seconds which seemed nonetheless to be weaved with fragments of eternity, extending until it reached absurd proportions, allowing me to consider the disaster that happened. I had been unable to save Leetah. She would die, but I would face an even more fearsome humiliation : transformed in an owl, I would have to listen an obey the most silly wizard that ever lived! At my greater dismay, thus, I landed brutally on Leetah. My weight, combined with the one my armor had was more than enough to crush her. I left this precarious position as soon as I took back my spirits, mumbling incoherent excuses to the fair Lady.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-05-03, 10:43 PM	Rocky puts away his little friend his Axe and takes a look around the joint. “Well this be a death wizard that be for sure. He has this flesh Golem made and lots of books on the death.” Rocky holds the a book like someone holding a skunk. He sees Kheldar trying to help the girl Kat, but then he remembers something. “Ye be a smart one Agudo, for ye saved me life, thinking I would forget what the other wizard said. Don’t be looking stupid at me Agudo! For we all heard what was said about thee. That you betrayed the group, for a child? Ya that be it a chilled!” Rocky takes out his Axe and looks at Kat and Kheldar. “Get ready for this so called light wizard be a tricky one. Just tell us all Agudo why we should not kill ye now?”:mad:
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-06-03, 09:37 AM	Kat shakes her head at the dwarf. "I can tell you that! We can't kill him because we're still dealing with Jerado and we've lost track of the clerics... that other one was a cleric, right? So otherwise it's only the three of us and Agudo's useful. He *did* finish off the golem." "Kheldar, I'm alright... probably just loss of blood from my... um... wound?" Which isn't there any more. One of the clerics must have managed a healing spell before the sudden departure. So why does she feel so weak? And what was that Kheldar had said to Agudo? Shadow essence?... oh dammit... I grabbed the second dagger, not the first... I've never made that mistake before... what is wrong with my mind?... Kat eyes the bottle that Kheldar is holding. The heart-shaped bottle. Oh well. She lays one hand lightly on his arm, and leans over to speak to him more privately, her breath soft on his cheek. "Kheldar, I'm sorry. I fear you are right about the poison, and if that will help, then I will take it. I do trust you... though I know I shouldn't. Only... may I also trust you to help me through any... um... side effects? And not to think too badly of me as you do?" Her green-gold eyes smile at him as she holds out her hand for the bottle.
Agudo Archmage 08-06-03, 01:14 PM	With the sudden departure of two of the party members, Luika and Leetah. Agudo was left alone with an angry Dwarf, a Rogue Kheldar, and Kat? Was she a Rogue also the wizard thought? Agudo put his hands up, to show that he was not going to fight back. “Yes well….Um Kat is right! We need to work together. He then sat down in a near by chair and sighed. “Its true though, that it does look like I betrayed you all. Yet if you would hear me out, I do have my reasons” Agudo says this as he holds up one hand, to prevent any protest. “My reasons for joining this expedition of ancient artifacts, was not just what I told you in the beginning. Yes I am trying to raise money for my school, and the artifacts would bring prestige and scholars, from around the Realm. But by the Light, I must tell you the whole story.” “You see the object we are looking for, is called the Soul-Reaper. As some of you may know, that when a body is destroyed completely, then the person cannot be brought back from the dead. The key word is the “body” that’s where the Soul-Reaper comes in.It was made by a desperate Druid named “Jaheria;” she lost her husband Khalid, to a mad man named Irenicus'. He did unbelievable things to Jaheria’s husband, and mutilated the body beyond Reanimation." Agudo stops and with tears in his eyes, he seems to be remembering this sad tail, as if he was there. “The point being is this sad Druid made this device, to bring back the only man she loved. Khalid. That in it self is not the problem, the fact is that it has been stolen.” Agudo looks at Rocky and shakes his head. “You see Rocky that night at the Tavern, when you gambled for this map that you now have . It was not by chance that you won it, for as you know; I had been watching the game, and used my magic to help you win it. After Rocky stopped blustering about his skill as a gambler, and not needing help Agudo continued. “That night we in fact were all there, going about our busyness. Kheldar was talking to Dwin, and Kat was at her own table, making small talk to those in the tavern; and not by chance was Kat talking to Kheldar as well. " The wizard looks to Kheldar and Kat. “I believe that some how, and I don’t know exactly, Jerado had arranged for the both of you to be there that night.” Agudo then realizes something Kheldar had said and stops his story. “Oh Kheldar that heart bottle your holding, I think its very nice that Kat trust you so well. But is that potion dangerous, any side effects?” (((OOC that was part one, on the mystery between Jerado and Agudo. Also I hope you Baldurs Gate fans, like my add on of some old favorite characters; and what really happen in the game to them.))) (((Elsehwere))) Jerado gazes at his crystal ball and looks on at Leetah and Luika he smiles. “Time for the first test” As Leetah and Luika look around, they see a hurt bunny rabbit come up to Leetah. It seems to have broken it ear, and looks so sad at Leetah, and seems to be asking for help. Luika who is standing next to Leetah, stumbles on some wine and two glasses. One long rose laying next to the bottle, as if some one wanted them to be together.
Luika 08-06-03, 07:51 PM	I was still quite puzzled at this new situation, not to mention the absurdity of the incoming rabbit and the appearance of the glasses, the wine and the rose. I silently sat on the bed, trying to suppress from within myself the turmoil Leetah lighted only a few moments ago.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-06-03, 09:23 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar blinks at Agudo. The mage had said quite a lot. . . "Ahem-* So, to sum everything up. . . We're looking for something called the soul-reaper. . . and you suspect we were played like puppets to all be here at once?" Kheldar stares at Agudo. . . "That begs a lot of questions. First, who are we really working for? Jerado, who's arranged all this? or Jaheria, who wants the item back? . . What's really on that bloody map Rocky has been carting around? . . Why were Leetah and Luika left out of your story? Does it have something to do with why they're not here now? And lastly, maybe it's off topic - I don't know, who's this little girl!" Kheldar notices Kat's hand. It began to quiver. Oh no! Kheldar looks back at Kat. . . Her face was looking weaker. . . She was starting to tremble. Not trusting her hand to do the job any more, Kheldar firmly grabs the quivering hand with one hand, and pours the potion down Kat's mouth with the other. He then tosses the bottle aside to help support Kat more. Kat's face begins to relax. Worry creased Kheldar's face. "Kat? . . Can you hear me? Kat? Kathryn?!?!" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-07-03, 12:23 AM	For some reason, Agudo's explanations, surmises, and excuses don't seem to bother Kat. The poison probably has something to do with that. Oh please stop talking, Agudo, and don't question the potion... the side effects are just what's needed... and I can't wait much longer... or I'll use my own antidote! Kat feels her muscle control slipping, but luckily Kheldar sees it, too, and feeds her the potion. A little late... she slips briefly into unconsciousness. She sighs as she recovers, feeling the potion working against the poison. Regaining muscle control. But losing another control? One already weakened. Her face is slightly flushed as Kat smiles warmly up into Kheldar's oh-so-concerned eyes. She runs her hands gently along his arms, entwining her fingers behind his neck. "It's better... I'm much better... thank you... " As she draws his head down for a kiss.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-07-03, 02:31 AM	Rocky took time to clean his Axe some more, as the mage yapped about his manipulation of Rocky’s own perfectly fine gamboling skills. When Kheldar found his voice, asking some good questions. But before Rocky could speaks up Kat shows why she a woman of many talents. “Wow that be some kind of thank you!” the Dwarf laughs and gives a sly grin. “Now what would you be betting ,that Leetah and Luika are up to right about now. But more importantly wizard! Rocky turns back to this socalled light person. “Ye need to be telling me more on why I had to win the map? With me own skills Thank You! And what about Luika and Leetah, how did they get involved? Like Kheldar asked.”
Leetah 08-07-03, 03:22 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah continues to lie on the bed looking up at the ceiling. Her entire body hurt, and she was incredibly exhausted. The effects of not getting any sleep earlier this evening were beginning to show on the girl. All she wanted to do was keep her head against the pillow and fall into a deep slumber. . . o O ( But I can't. . .Not yet. . .I have to find the others. . . ) Giving her head a quick shake, Leetah forces herself to sit up. Her body protested against the movement greatly, but somehow she managed to pull herself up. Looking around the room, Leetah spots and injured rabbit. "Oh, you poor creature! Here, let me help with that." Climbing out of the bed, Leetah kneels beside the rabbit and gently runs her hand up and down the creature's ear. Without showing any signs of magic, the rabbit's ear looks completely healed. Leetah smiles at the little creature and begins to softly storke it's fur. "There ya go little friend. . .You're all better now. . ." Leetah continues to stroke the rabbit's fur for a few seconds before quietly speaking again. Her back was to Luika, and small spots of red were forming on her cheeks. "Thank you Mr Luika, for saving me back there. I'm glad to see someone cared enough about me to see if I was okay. . ." Leetah releases a sad sigh as she lets go of the rabbit. She watched the creature happily hop away, wishing she could share it's bliss. "That's twice you've helped me now Mr Luika. . .I. . .I want to know why. Why are you being so good to me? Ever since I asked you about your god back in the sewers I figured you must hate me! I haven't even done anyhting to deserve this kindness. . .Why Mr Luika?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 08-07-03, 03:34 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar smiles. . . Kat was alright. . . "Oh thank the Gods Kat! I was afraid we'd los-* mpphh" Kat pulls Kheldar in for a kiss. . . Kheldar was so happy to see she was alright he nearly forgot about the side effects. Well now, this put Kheldar into quite the dilemma. He wasn't exactly opposed to receiving a kiss from Kat. Since the day he met her during Reesa's spring dance he had grown an attachment to her. But. . . but she was relying on him to protect her from any side effects, and this would be the side effects! Kheldar pulls himself away from Kat. For some reason his face felt hot. "Well Agudo, to answer your question now. . . No, the potion isn't directly dangerous. . . And yes, there is a side effect! Kat's going to act a little. . . well. . . excitable for a while." Kheldar looks towards the remaining party. "I don't want either of you taking advantage of her while she's like this! *Kheldar eyes Rocky in particular* Although that's exactly what she's going to want. Her hearing will be pretty selective too, please be careful with what you say. Do not tempt her to do anything you know she'd be ashamed of! . . This usually only lasts for a few minutes. . . But it could be as long as an hour. In any case, lets make this as painless for Kat as possible. . . please?" Oh Gods, don't let them say something they shouldn't! Kat, please don't embarass yourself too much! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 08-07-03, 11:17 AM	o O (She is only a helpless little child. Won't you understand? This is what made you think it would be so easy to subjugate her, fool! Her innocence, her candid charms, are what will take you down. Still, t'is crazy...Would it be possible that my heart encountered this weakening feeling? No, it can't be..) Then, she reached down, taking care of the coming rabbit. She played a little with him, scratching him behind his ears, healing him. o O (She does not like me. She is only kind with everyone, like a stupid child. Despite the fact we're both prisonners here, despite the fact we might need all of our forces to get away, she let away a part of her only to heal a ridiculous rabbit. What a pity...) "That's twice you've helped me now Mr Luika. . .I. . .I want to know why. Why are you being so good to me? Ever since I asked you about your god back in the sewers I figured you must hate me! I haven't even done anyhting to deserve this kindness. . .Why Mr Luika?" "Why would I be upset about such a question?" I answered. "It was a perfectly correct query, even more from you, who are representing and showing your devotion with no concern. You even took back this question, hence preventing me of taking any harm from what you asked. To tell you the truth, I'm... I am perplex about you. I can not see how you can believe in your faith, and I am interested in the persons handling and making it alive."
Agudo Archmage 08-07-03, 02:55 PM	When the Archmage of Light, was looking at Kheldar with more than slight amusement. “Yes Kheldar I believe there is no dangerous side effect.” Agudo hides a smile with his hand, from the now red-faced Kheldar. “But as far as honorable I am of the Light! There should be no doubt of my intentions.” Agudo says this calmly enough, as if he is talking about the weather. “But as far as Rocky is concerned” The wizard eyes him. “ I wouldn’t worry to much, for those love potions and Dwarfs don’t go well, when a human woman is under it.” Agudo could tell that got Rocks attention, as he stopped looking at Kat. “You see Rocky, it has a nasty side effect for your race. To be blunt it makes your Axe a little dull!” Agudo smiled at Rocky “Something about a Magic and Dwarfs” The wizard was obviously playing with Rocky, and anyone educated in the filled would know it was a bluff at best. But from what Agudo could see, Rocky was not the book reading type of person. The wizard then sat back in the chair trying to think. “To answer both of your questions I would have to tell you how Jerado and I met.” “You see a few months ago, just a few days after some thieves stole the Soul-Reaper. I was able to hunt down the pair of dirty thieves, who had taken it from Jaheria.” Agudo pause for a moment as he collects his thought. “They died for there greed, and I was more than pleased to collect the reward; on theses two nameless cut throats. Just after dragging their bodies to the constable of a small fishing village, and receiving great praise for my good deed. Jerado pops up demanding the “Map,” that I had found on one of the dead thieves body.” Agudo looks at his comrades, “You may want to take a seat! This will take a few minutes. And remember you asked me!” The wizard takes out his cantina, and drinks deeply the last of his water. “Now where was I? Oh yes! Jerado was in no mood for niceties, and just wanted what he says was his property. In retrospect I believed Jerado had paid the two thieves to take the Soul-Reaper for his very own.” Agudo put his finger up in the air, as it dawns on him. “But like any to strong willed wizards, there bound to be a wizards duel, and there was! We fought for hours just out side of that little town. Spell after spell was cast, different variation, to completely new ones, that we both had thought up.” The Archmage of Light head tilts back as he muses at the grand event. The others in the room, cant help but think, what is it with these wizards? And seeing who has the biggest Fireballs!
Agudo Archmage 08-07-03, 02:57 PM	“Anyway we were equally matched, and it was obvious, after leveling half the trees near by; that we weren’t getting anywhere. Jerado offered a solution to this predicament, he felt that we should work together and we would split the treasure in half” “I must admit I should have realized there was know treasure, and that he really knew all along; that this map was the key to finding the Soul-Reaper. But at the time I thought it was a better deal, than blasting the town side, with further magic.” “Latter we made our way to the location, of the Artifact, but it was sealed by Dwarven wards.” Agudo looks wistfully at his now empty cantina. “And not just any Dwarven wards, but a special ward, made by a most heinous and evil clan of Dwarfs. Agudo looks at Rocky and points his finger at him. “That’s right Rocky your clans own wards guard the entrance. Now you know why I was there that night in the Tavern, we had tracked you, one of the last of your clans down. It took us nearly a month to find you. But with all the (dead or alive) wanted posters about for your criminal hide. It wasn’t hard to figure out; you would go to the closes town, that you had yet to commit a crime in.” “But the trick was to get you involved, without suspecting your own clan wards. For as you know Rocky, it’s a rather cursed way to die, by betraying your own clan. And what better way than to convince you, than to gamble for it. Thinking all a long it was a treasure map, to some simpletons grave.” Agudo stopped seeing how mad Rocky was getting. It was clear to anyone paying attention, that Rocky life would be sacrificed, to get the Soul Reaper. But Agudo could not help but to say it out loud to the evil Dwarf. “Yes Rocky, we would allow your evil life to die, so that we could get inside.” With that Agudo turned himself invisible, and quickly walked away from the chair. (((OOC ROCKY should go a little nuts here, but he should not be able to find Agudo, so that I can finish the rest off the story.)))
Agudo Archmage 08-07-03, 02:58 PM	As Rocky curses and breaths acid words at Agudo trying to find him, the wizard continues his tale. “Now how did Kheldar and Kat get involved? Well Jerado made it clear he wanted Kheldar in the group, or the deal was off. Why? Well at the time he said that Kheldar was one of the best Rogues around, and he did not want amateurs. So Jerado said he would make sure Kheldar was there that night, in the Tavern; to hear about the treasure hunt.” “All I had to do was make sure Rocky won the map, and to put the symbol of some guild; on the advertisement, that Rocky put up on the tavern wall. ((OOC This would be Kheldars old guild, that only he would know the symbol of. And want to find out who’s grave it was from the guild.)) Agudo turned to Kat, who was purring away at Kheldar. “Kat was the hardest job of all, Jerado turned himself into an old woman, a child you name it! He tried and tried to get her to join the group at different times during this last month. But she wasn’t interested in joining a bunch of thieves she said.” “So Jerado came to me, and asked me to give her a cursed magical item. I refused being of the Light and all. But that’s where the little girl comes in. He had this servant girl that would carry his stuff around. Jerado would never let me talk to her, knowing I would try to free her I suppose. But when I refused to give a cursed item to Kat, so that she would be forced to join. He did what all evil people do when they cant have their way, he threaten to kill her.” “Right then and there, he would slice her up! The deal would be off, and we would be fighting again.” The wizard walked around some more to throw off Rocky, for Agudo was still invisible. “Jerado said the girl was related to someone in the soon to be group. Jerado also said that the curse would be lifted, once Kat was near the Artifact. Why Kat was so important? That never came up, after the threat to kill this unnamed servant child. But he did say he had his reasons for wanting Kat, but that was all he would say.” ((OOC Kat the player already has some idea, but Shhh! Keep it to yourself for now TeeHee!)) Agudo stood near Kat as he continued. “Leetah was a surprise to me, for I did not know she would be here. But the evil wizard did say, that he had a big surprise for Kheldar; and she was some one he loved. I believe that may have been her? And that he would be bringing them closer together on this trip” Agudo says nothing as he ponders the thought for a second. “What of Luika ? You should ask. Jerado was a bit giddy about Luika and was more for coming about him. Jerado kept saying something about needing an evil Cleric for this job. At the time I thought he meant for healing and grave robbing. But now I don’t know? I do know that he paid some people that Luika knew, to convince him to join the adventure. But it was most likely manipulation, like the rest of us, that Jerado has been so good at doing. ((OOC ok that brings most of you up to snuff. And I promise no more Loooog post)) (((Elsewhere with Luika and Leetah)) After about twelve hours they see that the food is all gone, but this one sweet rabbit, that prances around Luika’s feet. They are becoming more hungry But what to do? Teehee
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-07-03, 04:05 PM	And Kat had thought that Kheldar sometimes talked too much... She curls herself against Kheldar's side as the mage blathers on and on. Right, Rocky (ah, the dwarf) needed for wards. Kheldar for skills, and revenge probably. Kat for what? Unclear. Leetah for... for Kheldar?! Kat grimaces briefly in irritation. And Luika for his evil nature, it seems. Must be the man who left with Leetah. Her hands keep trying to slide around Kheldar's neck, or move up and down his leg, but for some reason he keeps pushing them away. No matter. She continues the attempts, brushing her fingers lightly across his skin and curling them through his hair. The mage *is* handsome... blond... cute ponytail... and the dwarf is... interesting. But when she looks at them, the voices yell at her. Two voices in her head right now, one louder and more painful, the other one barely heard, buried deep by even more magics than before. But when she looks at Kheldar, the voices stop. Both of them.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-08-03, 04:57 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar pays close attention to what Agudo says. Trying to ward away Kat's attempts to snuggle into him. "Kat, please pay attention to what the mage is saying." No good, she kept trying to get closer. . . How annoying. . . Oh well, It's not like it was entirely her fault. . . At least she was safe. . . Kheldar could be happy about that. "Agudo, lets get a few things straight. . . Killing those two thieves was not a "good deed." Killing is never a good deed! Killing always causes pain and misery, the least of which is felt by the victims. . . I'm disappointed that a mage of the light would think so well of slaughter. . . . . .Second, you match Jerado in power? Ha. Well, either you're a very powerful mage, or he was just playing with you. . . Tell me, did you see his giant black ball when you fought him? No. . ? Hmmph. . . He carries something with him known as a Talisman of the Sphere. If you know what that is, good. . . If not, that's even better. Ignorance is probably bliss in this case. . ." Khedlar looks at Rocky and sighs. ". . .Although I detest this scoundrel of a Dwarf. . . telling him he's got no choice but to die doesn't sound like a fair deal to me. . . In fact, unless he's a complete idiot I can't see why he'd sacrifice himself to help us. After all, Those who live, only wish to keep on living. . . There must be a way around that ward! . . Every good rogue knows there's more than one way to get to where he wants. . . . . .Speaking of which. You're wrong if you think Jerado wants me here because I'm a good rogue. I know exactly why he wants me here! And frankly, it's making me abandon all hope of ever escaping this place. . ." A tear leaks out of Kheldar's eye. . . . I don't want to die. . . But if I can just get Leetah and Kat out of here alive. . . Maybe that'll be good enough! ". . .Ahem* I don't understand why Leetah and Luika are together. . . Was Leetah supposed to get closer to me?!? Sheesh, the last time I talked to her she told me I was hurting her!! Now I can't tell whether I should be sad or happy! Could I possibly be ruining someone's plans already?. . . Kheldar shakes his head. . . .Hmmm, and this girl. She's related to one of us? Well, you've had a good look at her and all of us! Which one does she match? . . . . .Oh, and lastly, I want you to tell me what items you gave Kat, and what one has the curse. And please enlighten me as to what this curse is. . . Surely a mage of your power can figure it out!" As soon as Kheldar finishes, Kat stops snuggling with him and looks towards the others in the party. He was rejecting her, so the potion was telling her to find a new partner. Kheldar couldn't help but let out a disappointed sigh. . . . . . He was quite surprised when Kat resumed her cuddling with him!!! Wha? . . Why would she do that? Kheldar looks at Kat, unable to understand her actions and too stunned to stop her. ((provoking many attacks of opportunity! ;))) Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-08-03, 12:40 PM	Rocky was not happy Dwarf, first and for most that bloody light mage, could talk forever before shutting up. Then Kheldar started talking so much that the Dwarf lost all his anger at Agudo, and set down with a big headache. “Now ye listen to me thee two blabbering drunken of a woman, I no be dieing like the thief said. But I like Luika for his backstabbing ways, and you Agudo is one sneaky wizard.” Rocky rubbed his face and gave a nasty look at them all. “But I not be fool when I hired thee all for my trip. Good or bad ,I knew that being betrayed was a normal act in my line of work. But now I know, so what is your new plan of getting in us there mage? “And by the way wizard, we all will be paid by thy own coin, if we not be finding treasure got it!” :smirk:
Leetah 08-08-03, 07:19 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif * * * ". . .To tell you the truth, I'm... I am perplex about you. I can not see how you can believe in your faith, and I am interested in the persons handling and making it alive." Leetah stops watching the joyous little bunny and looks up at the man sitting on the bed. She wasn't entirely sure how to best answer the man's inquiries. "I'm really not all that perplexing Mr Luika, I. . .I just can't bear to watch other people suffer. . .That's all." Leetah turns her head away from Luika and resumes watching the rabbit. The little creature made her feel happy, and at the moment, the girl could use all the comfort she could get. "I never finished telling you why I became a Cleric, did I Mr Luika? Well. . .After I heard the bandits leave my house, I ran from my hiding place to see if my parents were okay. . . . . .Father was dead, but my mother was still breathing. . .I tried everything in my power to bring her back. . .But. . .But I failed. . .She died in my arms. . .At least I got to say good bye to her. . .It's all that I could do. . ." Leetah stops for a moment and adjusts the way she was sitting on the floor. She needed something to lean her head against, even if it was just her own knees. Hugging her legs, the girl continues. Her voice was a bit shakier now. ". . .I thank the heavens that mother was already dead when the bandits returned. I wouldn't have wanted her last dying memory to be of me screaming as I was carried away by those men. . .They claimed that they had used all their rope tying stolen goods to their horses, so they broke my legs to prevent me from running away." Leetah hugs her legs even tighter, remembering how much they hurt back then. Those men were monsters! Leetah's voice begins to gain strength as haltered fills her. "Traveling with those bandits were the worst days of my life. I was constantly hurt, degraded, insulted, embarrassed. . ." The girl's voice trails off, as anger quickly becomes anguish. Tears were beginning to fall from the girl, and she was starting to tremble. Her voice was now as shaky as it had ever been. "Those thieves were terrible people. I hated them! Oh gods how I hated them! I prayed every night that someone would take me away from their cruelty. They even heard me pray for it! It was just another thing they used to insult me with. However, after weeks of prayer, my pleas were finally answered. . . .I remember waking up to the sound of panicked shouting and clanging weapons one evening. A group of people had found the thieves' encampment and were attacking them. Before I could see who the attackers were, a thief jumped on top of me screaming about how this attack was all my fault and that he was going to kill me. He kept screaming that again and again as he pulled out his knife striking me. . ." Leetah's trembling reached it's peak and then suddenly stopped. The girl remained still for a few moments, then continued. "I don't really know what happened after that. I think I blacked out. When I opened my eyes again I saw a kind man staring down at me looking over my wounds. He was wearing a holy symbol of Pelor. . .All of the men around me were. That's when I was first introduced to the Shinning Lord, and when I first learned about healing. I could have saved my parents if I knew how to heal back then. . .That's why I became a Priestess of Pelor. . ." Leetah continues to hug her legs and bury her face into her knees. That was the first time she had ever told anyone why she had become a Cleric. . . * * * (( Sorry about the long post all, heh. Luika, you can start the argument about killing the rabbit if you wish. Also, please note that Leetah has probably fallen asleep for 8 hours during these 12 hours of captivity. She was quite tired. I'll mention her slumber in my next post, or you can allude to it if you want to Luika. )) Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-08-03, 11:27 PM	Jerado had a pleased look on him as he watched the two rats in his love maze squirm together. They had been alone together for several hours, taking naps an yapping away. “Ahh I must say its been fun playing with these two anti social people. They have drunk all the water and have no food left. Will Luika do the right thing, and win the girls heart, by not eating the rabbit? Or will Leetah give in and kill the rabbit, to save Luika from starving to death?” Jerado laughed an evil laugh at his playthings. “It’s a good thing that they are in a Anti magic room so that they cant pray for food and drink.” (((Elsewhere in the Library))) Agudo returned to normal sight as everyone calmed down. The strange thing was that Kheldar was perturbed at Agudo, for killing the evil thieves, and Rocky seemed to respect Agudo more for trying to get him killed. The only one who has an excuse for being odd was Kat and her cursed body. “I must say you two are perplexing to say the least.” Agudo looks at Rocky first. “You a hateful Dwarf, who would over look betrayal, for some coin in your pocket; and you Kheldar who show mercy to some dirty thieves that he knows nothing about.” “For example, as I said there was an award for them dead or alive, from the small town. They had burned down a local temple, with the congregation still in it, and this is after they had robed them.” Agudo pauses for a moment. “Now of course I relies this goes against your belief Kheldar that killing is never good. But as you said Kheldar I am of the Light! And the Light vanquishes the darkness, in this case murderous thieves.” “ Yet this brings me to Jerado and my battle with him.” The wizard holds his chin with his hand for a second, as he thinks about it. “It obvious to everyone, that Jerado has been manipulating us from the beginning. I for one, am humble enough to see that it is possible that he was toying with me in the wizards duel.” Agudo smiles at his next words. “But you should have seen Jerado’s eyes bug out when I put a giant magic hand around him and squeezed.” The wizard chuckles then continues. “But Jerado new how to teleport out of that hold, faster than I could squeeze him.” Agudo shrugs his shoulders. “But like I said, so far we have all been manipulated, so I give you the benefit of the doubt in your old enemy’s power.” Just then the door behind the curtain moved, even more and a hand could be seen
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-09-03, 09:45 AM	Kat smiles at Kheldar's surprised... and pleased... expression as she resumes her attentions. No need to tell him the potion is beginning to wear off and her mind is starting to regain control of itself. Or rather... the wizard's mind is regaining control? What idiots... spending all this time on talk when the dwarf could have been chopping his way through that trap door... but won't remind them of that! getting Leetah back is not on *my* agenda... The dwarf doesn't seem that bothered by Agudo's actions, and Agudo doesn't seem to feel much shame. Kat notices that the mage leaves out any answer to Kheldar's question about a cursed magic item, but she forgets quickly. The notion of being under a curse refuses to stay in her head. Kat sighs and pulls Kheldar's arm around her, eyeing the door, enough of the effects of the potion still remaining that the danger doesn't really register. And still no one else notices? Maybe she should mention it. She leans into Kheldar to speak softly into his ear, running her tongue lightly along it first. "Kheldar, so who is it at the door? that one, by the curtain. Is there someone else in your group that I haven't met yet?"
Luika 08-09-03, 09:53 AM	(OOC: I prefer to continue having some interest in your faith, dear. I assume we both slept, and the rabbit is not my principal concern at the time. Agudo, is praying and requesting spells magical, or only the act of casting them?) Leetah felt a light pressure upon her hand. It was my hand, that rested on her. She needed comfort at the time being, a comfort she never had, for her wound seemed deep, and had become more lethal through all the years, during which it grew and developped to turn into a constant companion of misery, the herald of all her pain hidden but not forgotten. She inspired me pity. But only for a few times, must I admit. Soon enough, the thought of duty, the thought that It had chosen me brang me once again on the right path. We were both alone, there was no Mr. Kheldar to stand in my way nor was this damn Archwizard. My voice rose, a whisper in the surrounding silence: "My dear Leetah, is your faith a pure act of opportunism? What would have happened if, by any chance, those who rescued were Mystrans? Would you be Mystra's messenger today? All clerics can heal....even those like me." I added, my a sound of regret in my voice. (OOC: If you don't know who is Mystra, she is goddess of magic in FR. Alignement : NG)
Agudo Archmage 08-09-03, 12:17 PM	(((OOC The Anti-magic filed, was requested by another player for your location.So to make it harder to find food.))) (((Keep up the good work!))) :angel: :cool: :angel:
Kheldar Devaentar 08-09-03, 04:40 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Khedlar begins to chuckle. He couldn't understand Kat's actions at all. But she was certainly improving his mood. "Agudo, you managed to say all that without answering a single one of my questions. . . First, I couldn't care less about the lives of those damn thieves. . . What I said was more out of habit. . . Killing is something I used to lecture about. As for Jerado. . . Well, maybe you are just as good as he is. . . Jerado just. . . Terrifies me? No, don't say that! . . .umm, like you said. . . He likes to play with people. . . it's hard to be sure." Kheldar grins a touch. "But I'm glad to hear you almost squished him." Then Kheldar felt a strange sensation around his ear. "Kat what ar-* oh?" She was pointing at an open curtain. Someone was behind it. "Not anyone I know. . . Ring hide me." Kheldar suddenly disappears in front of Kat. She feels him slip out of her hold, strangely, without moving her limbs at all. Neither his foots steps, nor the shuffling of his cloak could be heard. He was as silent as a shadow. He approaches the curtains to get a better look at the visitor. Short sword drawn, just incase. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-09-03, 10:52 PM	“Blast ye all what is with thee cowards that thy should is to afraid to fight and be seen” Rocky gets ready for a fight with the unseen person? At the door. “Now we be getting back to business, lets make friend shall we!"
Agudo Archmage 08-10-03, 12:14 PM	Jerado taps his fingers as he drinks his black wine. "Such a pity that Leetah will be killed. I so do like the thought of her being my lap dog." He then focuses on Luika. "Now he could be of more use in time. All I need is his blood and a little skin. Jerado leans back and smiles, and thinks about the ending of this love story. "All in do time" Jerado laughs ((Library)) The door slowly opens as the hand can be seen to be human. At the same time Agudo and the others are listening to Kheldar berate the wizard about not answering his question. “Not answer your question?” Agudo protested. “I was just getting to the cursed object whe...en...?” Kheldar disappears into thin air as he looks to the door. Rocky has that less talk more killing look in his eyes. The door opens all the way, and what walks through is a young naked woman. She has this zombie like look about her face, and she screams at Rocky and Kat, who she sees first. Noooo! I will not be her! No more experiments! Those close by to this deranged woman can see that she has a deformed foot and her eyes are all glossy. Agudo stands up and holds opens his hands wide, showing that he means no harm. “Young lady we come in the Light, and I we will do you no harm.” To the wizards surprise the deformed, and very angry woman; starts casting a spell. An acid arrow flys out of her hand and misses Kat by inches. Agudo trys to duck out of the way. But he is hit in the arm and is knocked back into the wall.
Leetah 08-11-03, 03:43 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah looks up Luika again, tears trailing down her face. A part of the girl wanted to stand up and give Luika a big hug for being so supportive, but her shyer side told her told her to remain sitting on the cold floor and listen to what the man was saying. Leetah listened to her Shy side too much. . . "Mystrans? Those who serve the goddess of magic? I. . ." Leetah's face begins to darken, and she shifts her gaze back to the rabbit. "I would rather not answer that question Mr Luika. . .It betrays my faith." The priestess' face suddenly turns a deep shade of red as she realizes that she pretty much answered the man's question. o O ( I'm sorry Lord Pelor, but it's true! Had I have been rescued by Mystrans on that day I would be a priestess of Mystra. Please don't think little of me because of it my Lord! I'm sorry. ) Leetah was tightly clutching her holy symbol and holding it close to her heart. The priestess was whispering quick apologies and pleas for forgiveness in a voice too quiet to be audible. She really felt quite awful about admitting what she did. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Luika 08-11-03, 11:54 PM	It happened. She was there, just next to me, vulnerable, broken. I knew I had to act now, that my victory, my hour of glory was only a few moments from now. Only a few more questions, a few more words, and I would win my fantastic prize, as well as Its undefectible trust and recognizance. "I...I am sorry, lovely Lady. Never did I meant to be so rude, so blunt with you. I am just concerned with you, concerned with what you will become when... when you will leave this world. " Calmly, I took her right hand in both of mine, turning her outstretched palm upward as the last words I pronunced made their way in her tortured brain. I passed a single finger on her delicate palm, gently caressing her exposed skin. "What I tried to mean is that... You probably know it already, anyway. When you'll pass away, sou shall be granted a siege next to the One you followed in your life, to honor and suppot his beliefs for eternity. However, what if you chose badly? What if you were misguided Leetah? I don,t want anything bad to happen to you" I added, strenghtening my grasp on her gracile wrist.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-12-03, 12:05 AM	“Kheldar stop hiding and smelling your arm pits, and help the bloody wizard.” Rocky sliced deep and fast into the naked woman. His Axe came back bloody and ready for more. “Die ye banshee of a prostitute.” He dived quick and deadly at the woman but she was prepared for a second shot. With a thrust of her hand Rocky was hit in the chest. He stagers back but not out. :mad:
Kheldar Devaentar 08-12-03, 01:39 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif That's right Rocky! Alert the bloody thing that there's another person in this room! I can see why there aren't very many Dwarven rogues. Kheldar eyes the enemy. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it. At first he would have thought it was a zombie. But zombies didn't cast Melf's Acid Arrow! Could it be some misguided human? . . . It definitely wasn't an illusion with a real spell caster behind it. Kheldar glasses would have told him that much. Well I can't plan an attack on it until I know whether it's alive or undead. . . and there's an easy way to figure that out! Kheldar steps behind the woman and attempts to pinch a spot on her neck. If she blacked out - good! If not - bad. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-12-03, 07:38 PM	The woman was deadly with her attacks, she was crazed with anger. Just after hitting the wizard and the Dwarf, she feels something on her neck. With a quick turn she trys to see who it was. But as she does so she falls to the ground and vomits....
Agudo Archmage 08-12-03, 07:41 PM	Through the door bubbling noises can be heard and strange sounds. ((OOC a bit short I know but know one has looked yet))
Kheldar Devaentar 08-12-03, 09:27 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/golemattack.jpg
Golddigger Dwarf 08-12-03, 11:13 PM	“ooc I never new how good looking I am. Great job and ye be a credit to the thieving community of artists.) Rocky charges at the nasty woman just as Kheldar knocks her out. “Blast Ye Kheldar I was going to chop her head off. But now look at her, she be vomiting on thy shoes.” He then walks closer and asks “Who she be? Another friend of thyn Kheldar?"
Kheldar Devaentar 08-13-03, 04:56 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar blinks at the unconscious woman. He really didn't think that would work. "Ya know, I don't really mind it when succubi dress like that, but-*" Kheldar stops, Kat was still with them. "Umm. . . Ring reveal me. . ." Kheldar materializes behind the woman. "What I meant to say was. . . No, I don't know her. . . Hell I don't even know what she is." Kheldar looks at the body and tries to puzzle it out. He then looks at his boots and frowns. "Wonderful. . . Next time your right Rocky, say something like Jerado is dead. . . or that chest over there contains a thousand platinum pieces, and I know it's not trapped!" Kheldar wipes his boots with the curtain the woman had been standing behind. Better to have zombie-woman barf on Jerado's decor then his fine clothing. Bubbling could be heard in the other room. "Oh, well if that's coming from a cauldron then I think I have a pretty good idea as to what she is. Still, why would she meander around butt-naked? Jerado isn't that desperate. . . I don't think . . . If you want to kill her Rocky go ahead. . . It's easy hitting a stationary target. But I would rather tie her up and ask her a few questions. . ." Still that could be quite foolish. . .Spell casters can be pretty unpredictable captives. Hhmm I wonder. . . Kheldar leans close to the woman's body and pulls out a mushroom, then begins to crumble it over her. "Stupor. . . There, now if we let her wake up she'll be too confused to cast spells. . . Maybe even too confused to resist questioning. . . She should wake up in a couple of minutes. . . In the mean time who wants to go see what's behind curtain number 1?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-13-03, 05:54 PM	((OOC Wow very nice Kheldar, you show real talent on your picture.)) Agudo brushes himself off and shakes his head as he thinks. oO. Well these ruffians don’t seem to concerned about my health. “No! no my friends I am ok, don’t worry about the wizard. I am sure it has nothing to do with your eyes on a naked girl” He walks over in a huff and bends down to inspect the disfigured woman. “Its an abomination, I agree with Kheldar, you may kill it if you wish Rocky. We don’t need more mutants in the Realms, corrupting the purity of creation.” Then Kheldar points out a door where the woman came from. “Oh don’t be so timid Kheldar what could happen” Agudo gets up and walks over to the door. “What?….NO!” something green grabs Agudo and throws him inside. For those who rush in, see a room full of gizmos and strange things. Several pools of water are on the sides of this large room. In the middle is a small Gnome banging on pot that’s bubbling. “Stay in there, bad slime! Bad slime! Agudo can be seen struggling with the slimy hands, as it chokes him. The Gnome looks at Agudo, and tips his hat in recognition. “Oh Hi Agudo it me Gadget!” ((OOC for those following the siege he was Keldorn Fircams creation of a friend for Namako)) “Sorry for the mess, Agudo your body wont be ready for an hour.” Gadget sees the others who come in and smiles at them. “Why this is wonderful you all are here. Your bodies are standing against the wall.” Up against the wall is a clone of Kheldar, Kat, Luika, Leetah and Rocky. Just standing there, with a blank look on them.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-13-03, 11:55 PM	"It be funny to see all of us agree that we should be killing a woman." Rocky says in an evil way, that makes the other think twice about being in agreement with the Dwarf. “Tis a shame that this thing could not be sold for profit. I could use more silver in my pocket.” Rocky lifts his Axe and? Then it’s the wizard again. “Bloody Hell! What now ye fool wizard?” To Rocky’s amusement, he sees Agudo go flying into another room. “Tis a fun day after all” Rocky chuckles, and slowly walks his way into the room. A funky gnome gives greetings to the group, as if he was their best friend or something. “Who ye be? And what ye mean me new body? I still be attached to this one?”
Leetah 08-14-03, 04:24 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif "Chose poorly? Misguided? NO!" Leetah quickly stands up and takes a step away from Luika, tearing her delicate hand away from the man's grasp. She looked horrified by what the dark cleric was proposing. "Lord Pelor is a good god! He supports those in need and vanquishes all that would destroy our realm's peace. How can you even think that serving him after death would be a mistake!? I owe him my life!" Leetah was beginning to raise her voice, but then suddenly stops herself. Something was clearly bothering the girl, as if she felt uncomfortable arguing with Luika. Dropping to her knees, Leetah turns around and looks at the rabbit again. Her voice resumed it's usual quiet tone. "I'm sorry Mr Luika. . .I didn't mean to rasie my voice. You only said what you did because you were concerned for me. I. . .I apologize for reacting the way that I did. . .Please forgive me. . .it was wrong of me to shout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr Luika. What makes you think that it would be a bad idea for me to serve Lord Pelor after I die. I believe in his teachings, and I'm grateful to be a one of his servants. . ." Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-14-03, 03:16 PM	Kat listens to the supposed archmage of the supposed Light in stunned disbelief as he says: “...Its an abomination, I agree with Kheldar, you may kill it if you wish Rocky. We don’t need more mutants in the Realms, corrupting the purity of creation.” Or what would have been stunned disbelief, if she still had the ability to react on her own. As it is, the woman (... mutant? over one deformed foot?!?...) interferes with Kheldar's attentions to Kat. So let her die. She follows the others into the chamber, and eyes the clones with intense interest. Her curiosity is strong enough that the thoughts are actually voiced: "So why does he want the real things? Are we to be replaced? but we're hardly so important to the world that duplicates under his control would be of that much use to him. Why not just control us directly?" ouch... my head... why? oh... probably shouldn't have said that last out loud...
Luika 08-14-03, 04:02 PM	I assured my position on the ground, crossing my legs under my body and joining both of my arms over them. I did no movements to reach or approach Leetah, leaving her at a reasonnable distance from me. "You are, really? I must have assumed incorrectly, then, when you refused to answer my questions earlier. I am sorry that I said such things if they are unfair, for I have no right in doubting nor your well-spoken words, nor your lifelong commitments. Please forgive my audacity, Lady of the Shining One." I lowered my head, hoping to give her the false impression I did regret my curious questions. What I wished, though, was to hide myself from the crystal-clear ponds that werewhere her eyes should be, trying to find a possible explanation for all these inquisitive interrogations without such amrvelous distractions. "Mr Luika. What makes you think that it would be a bad idea for me to serve Lord Pelor after I die. I believe in his teachings, and I'm grateful to be a one of his servants. . ." "That must be the problem. I do not understand such a faith. I know that those helped will still suffer. Even you, who are a shining beacon of Goodness suffer constantly, despite the protection you should be enjoying. I guess all these questions came from my ignorance, my lack of perception making me unable to understand your ways. That is why I wished you to explain it to me, in all its subtle nuances..."
Kheldar Devaentar 08-14-03, 04:29 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar blinks at the clones. . . It was like looking into a mirror that didn't reflect your feelings, your personality. . . or your clothes! Actually, it felt very awkward. No - people weren't directly looking at you naked. . . but they might as well have been! "Broom, five feet in front of me!" Out from the other room came Kheldar's broom, still dripping with the insides of the flesh golem. it stopped directly in front of Kheldar's clone. Right where he wanted it. Kheldar sighs a breath of relief, then curiously looks over to the other clones. Well, I've already seen Leetah. . . I wonder what Kat's like. . . Kheldar's eyes widen. He glances at Kat, then back at her clone, then Kat, then her clone, then Kat, then her clone. . . Did all that really fit in there?!? Kheldar rips his eyes away from Kat's clone and goes to the next one. . . His horrified yell echoed off the walls. Dammit!! I said if I ever saw him naked again it'd be too soon! Kheldar shakes his head and tries to look at all the clones without really looking at any of them. A clone for each of them. . . "Kat brings up a good question. . . These clones are useless. All they are is just soulless bits of inert flesh. . ." . . .unless a soul is put into them. . . ". . .Um, at any rate, you're still quite the crafty little Gnome, Gadget! Tell me. . . are you also the crafty kind of Gnome that makes trap doors, flesh golems, and ugly women? . ." Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-14-03, 09:47 PM	Kheldar face seem to be a bit red, and not because of the sun. Rocky had to admit that his clone was almost as handsome as his own body. “Ya I know what-cha be thinking Kheldar, but the large Dwarven hammer does not fall far from the anvil.” Rocky ribs Kheldar with his elbow. “Now just what be thy plan Gadget?
Agudo Archmage 08-14-03, 10:31 PM	Gadget slaps the slime off of Agudo saving him from its grasp. He then turns back to see Kat. “Yes it is good to see all, for I must say I had fun with this batch of clones.” He then winks at Kat. “Especially your clone Kat” Bur Rocky was more into himself and wanted answers like Kheldar did. “Well to answer all your questions, Yes I did make these clones, and yes I make lost of things. But as far as why the lord wizard wants this done, is not for me to know. But I do know that these new bodies are for you, because ……well your all going to DIE. ((ELSEHWERE)) Jerado was looking now at the laboratory through his crystal ball. “Well now this will speed things up, I am sure they want answers and will soon have more than they want. But not yet.” He drinks some black Ale and then changes the seen to Luika and Leetah. “Come now Luika tell her that you care deeply for her, or some such mush. She just the type to swoon with her big puppy eyes, at anyone with the slightest bit of kindness to her. Probably destined to have her heart broken by everyman she meets.” Jerado mumbles out loud to himself as he looks on.
Dniew 08-15-03, 01:32 AM	A small voice erupts from the green-slime filled couldron followed by the occasaional bubbling sounds. "Master! *gurgle* I am still trapped here! *gurgle gurgle* HEEEELP!!! *gurg...*"
Kheldar Devaentar 08-15-03, 05:25 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar angrily grabs the small Gnome by the scruff of the neck and lifts him up. "Because we're all going to die? Is that some kind of threat little man? Listen here. . . Neither I or any of my friends plan on dying any time soon! I was going to ask that abomination out there some questions but you'll do just fine!" Something was making noises inside the bubbling cauldron. Kheldar lets out an annoyed grunt. "Agudo? Rocky? Could you please pull whoever that is out of there. . . Assume he's our enemy! Hell, everyone who isn't us is an enemy in this bloody place!" The assassin looks about the lab, then viciously looks back toward the Gnome up in the air. "Well, I don't see a clone of you any where. How unfortunate for you. . . Now then, where was I?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-15-03, 11:10 AM	Kat hides a smile as she notices Kheldar's reaction to her clone. It's true that the heavy leather vest she wears does tend to reduce attention to a couple of otherwise very prominent aspects of her unclothed appearance. One of the reasons for wearing it, in fact. But nice that Kheldar seems to appreciate the difference between her clone and that of the less-generously-endowed cleric. As for the other clones... a good thing the potion's worn off entirely by now. And that the broom is in place. How attractive... and how cute that it seems his - vanity? or perhaps the opposite - is greater than his care of either Leetah or myself, since he doesn't seem to mind the dwarf eying either of us!... hmmm... Leetah must be having fun... or should be, silly girl... As Kheldar threatens the gnome, Kat moves up beside him, staying close. She shakes her head, "It's still not making sense! Why kill *these* bodies just to put our souls into other bodies that seem exactly the same? Unless it's just that Jerado is looking forward to torturing us to death over and over again? Maybe the slime thing has more answers. But you're right, Kheldar... we can't trust either of these two completely." But you can trust me...
Agudo Archmage 08-15-03, 12:28 PM	After choking a bit and once again no help from his comrades. Agudo picks himself up, and try’s to wipe off the residue slime. “Thank you all again for hel… “ But before the wizard could finish a scream for help from the pot could be heard. Gadget looks scared for a moment as the angry Kheldar grabs him. But then sees an opportunity change the subject, at least for a second. “Yes help my assistant Dniew!” Gadget smiles back at Kheldar. “He a good man but a little clumsy. Not as careful as a Gnome like me. Dniew was trying to feed the Slime monster. I guess he was offering himself as an after dinner mint.” Gadget try’s to laugh, but sees no one else finds it funny. “But I am not going to kill you, the master said you all were already poison and needed these bodies to save you.” Agudo steps up the ladder to the pot and grabs hold of the drowning person. “Its ok I have you, can you pull yourself out? Yuk, more slime on me”
Leetah 08-15-03, 04:13 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah turns her head around and looks back at Luika. When she sees the mask of guilt the cleric's wearing, she quickly stands up and makes her way towards him. Regret filled her eyes; she really felt terrible about yelling at him now. "Mr Luika, please, don't be upset with yourself. I just over reacted, that's all. You have nothing to feel bad about. Your a good person. Really." Luika still looked guilty, which made Leetah feel even worse. Kneeling beside him, the priestess tries her best to explain her ways to him. Perhaps that would chear the man up. "The truth is, I can't bear to watch the suffering or torment of others. Each time I do, all I can see is my mother in front of me, slowly dying. . .Every creature in this realm is important to someone. Humans, Dwarves, Elves, even Orcs and Koblads. It doesn't matter what the race is. Each time someone dies, a father and mother lose their child, a husband or wife lose their mate, a son or daught-*. . . a son or daughter lose their parent. . ." Leetah was beginning to tremble again, questioning whether or not she could continue speaking. She wasn't used to sharing these feelings with other people. No one had ever asked her about them before. It was painful sharing them. Difficult sharing them. She wasn't even sure if Luika understood her. Was she was just blabbering at this point? A flash of uncertainty wipes across the girl's face. What was she doing? She had mislead Luika after his previous question, was she being clear enough this time? The desire to have something comforting again was almost enough to make her scream! Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Dniew 08-15-03, 06:24 PM	"Yes... I think... I can... activate... minor contigency." Once finished pronouncing this phrase, the hatted figure within the green couldron vanishes and reappears 10 feet away from it's previous location. "Ahh, it's so good to be back on the surface again!, thank you...er..." Dniew gawks at the room, baffled by the amount of people within it. "... whoever pulled me from that green nightmare..." Dniew observes the newcomers more closely... "Wait! I know you! My master and I were busy all last week creating you! How come you have clothes... wait... why are you moving?" Suddenly Dniew notices the same identical bodies he and his master created standing near the far wall. "*gulp!* Master? er...help?"
Golddigger Dwarf 08-15-03, 08:06 PM	Rocky slaps his head in disgusted, “Two wizards! That cant be good for me” Rocky turns away from the babbling mages, and walks up to Kheldar and the gnome. “Now if I am poisoned how come I feel so good? Just what cha up to gnome? How come ye working for this master of yours?”
Kheldar Devaentar 08-15-03, 10:28 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar stares at Gadget inquisitively. We've been poisoned? But nobody is showing any symptoms. . . I guess I really wouldn't know. . . But Rocky says he feels fine. . . "Dniew, your master is a little busy at the moment. . . But don't worry you can have him back in a minute. . ." Kheldar thinks for a moment. "This still doesn't make any sense. . . Why would we be poisoned just to be brought back to life? Does he really want to see how all of us would react if we're naked. . . Jerado is twisted. . . but I didn't think that twisted. . . Jerado? He is who you're working for isn't he Gadget? Well? Answer our questions!" This Gnome annoyed Kheldar. . . which was too bad because he didn't seem like that bad of a person. . . Still anyone working for Jerado was no friend of his. . . or was he? "Oh Agudo. . . Agudo? Oh stop walking like that - you're fine. Agudo, it appears this Gnome recognizes you. . . Maybe that shouldn't be so alarming because you did stab us all in the back. . . but all the same, I trust you enough to tell me whether or not we can trust the little guy. . . Or him." Kheldar looks at Dniew. . . Not quite sure what to make of him either. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-16-03, 12:25 PM	Agduo walks over and shakes Dniew hand. "How do do, I am Agudo Archmage of Light. I did not know Gadget had brought on new people, to help in his medical research" Gadget winks at Dniew, “Don’t worry I have got everything under control.” He then turns back to Kheldar. “Could you put me down now, I am really not all that bad. As far as why you still feel good, is because, those over there are your real bodies; and the ones your in now are the fake ones.” Agudo slaps his head “You probably should not have said that Gadget, I don’t think they were ready for that kind of information.”
Luika 08-16-03, 03:44 PM	Leetah spoke. It seemed as if she was explaining her faith for the first time, the which was quite a wonderful news. If she never explained it, it inly meant that she never rationnalized it within herself, and that it was, at last, fragile as glass, and instable as a spider's silky web. Even her very first explanations, those muttered under the cover of confidence, made no sense, after I thought about them. She herself did ask Kheldar earlier if his current mark was good or not, did not she? I also promptly guessed that, for her, gorgeous demonnesses roasted in the moonlighted night did not count when it came to bearing the view of other persons' suffering. Probably were these succubi born from molted lava, disappearing from all thoughts when dying. "Leetah, I need to ask you. I barely see the Light, while illumination should be striking me now. Tell me, my lady : should I ask you those things, that make me unable to understand the tremendous complexity of your Church's beliefs, or should I rather still my inquisitive tongue, and let you the necesary time to find those words that you seem to agonize over, simple sounds burning like acid balls behind your soft lips?"
Kheldar Devaentar 08-16-03, 04:34 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar's look goes from inquisitive to surprised. That couldn't be possible! He angrily throws Gadget at Dniew and pulls out his short sword. To Gadget this may have been quite alarming, except that Kheldar immediately starts cutting his own arm! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-17-03, 04:49 AM	Kat blinks at Kheldar as he repeats her own gesture from earlier, but with much less reason. "Kheldar, stop it! what are you doing?! Whichever body is the real one, this is the one you're in now, so why injure it?" She turns to the clones, or what they thought were clones, thinking quickly. This isn't something she's been warned about... there doesn't seem to be any limits on what she can tell them. "It should be easy to tell the clones from the real ones. Surely there are scars that healers never bothered with? Scars that wouldn't appear on a clone? And as for poison, what about that potion you gave me, Kheldar. Was it only good against one poison? or others?" Kat turns to Gadget and Dniew and narrows her eyes. "And maybe one of you made the poison for the wizard? and know its antidote?"
Dniew 08-17-03, 05:18 AM	"Poison?!" Dniew seems to be enraged by the little rogue's words. "Soul replacement? My master would never do any such horrible things! And what wizard are you talking about?? For the past...er.." (When did I meet my master? Funny, I can't seem to remember that day. But never mind.) "...long unforgetful time that I am serving my best and only master, he had done nothing wrong! He had treated me..." (as equal? truthfully? benevolently? argh) "... like any good master should! Take those accusations back and apologize immediately!!" He than turns to Kheldar. "And for crying out loud! Stop sawing your own body off! It won't do you any good, you'll just faint and cause us only trouble rebuil(WHAT??)... i mean... healing you."
Kheldar Devaentar 08-17-03, 06:42 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif As Kheldar searches through the cut in his arm he smiles a touch. After all the time he spent worrying about Leetah and Kat, it was nice to see one of them concerned about him. . . Even without that crazy spell on him, Kat still reminded him of Tara. . . That put Kheldar in a good mood. Unfortunately that good mood didn't last too long. Kheldar glances at Dniew "Shut up you!" Kheldar continues to search the cut in his arm. He was going too deep now. The wound was staring to trickle blood on the floor. Giving up his search, Kheldar lets out a defeated sigh. "The scar is on my arm. . . but the-*" lock pick isn't inside?! Don't tell them that you fool! Kheldar clears his throat. "Umm well, these are difinitely not our real bodies. . ." That made Kheldar wonder all kinds of terrible questions. How had this happened? Had they all been killed? How else could their souls be trapped in these other bodies? Why did the bodies against the wall look fine then? ". . .And to answer your questions Kat. Any scars on the original body are duplicated onto the clone. . . scarred flesh duplicates just like un-scarred flesh. As for that potion I gave you. . . No, it's not a universal antidote. . . it only heals certain poisons. . . it wont heal any lethal poisons. . ." Kheldar looks at Gadget and Dniew. Normally I wouldn't be worried about poison, since I'm protected against it. . . But does that protection carry onto this body? I'm not sure how it works. . . I guess I'll find out if I drop dead. "So what's the plan fellows? Kill off these duplicated bodies and put us back in the real ones? As much as I'd like to be reunited with my real body - it sounds pointless to me." Kheldar walks by Kat and whispers something to her. "Your bag, please give it to me." He remembered her showing it to him on the day of Reesa's spring dance. He also remembered her telling him to never try taking it. "Ahem-* So Gadget, if we are poisoned - how much time do we have left?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 08-17-03, 07:22 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Leetah stands up, looking away from Luika. The girl still looked troubled. . . "Forgive me. . .Your not seeing the light only because I'm failing to explain it to you. . .I can't do anything right!" Leetah clenches her hand into a tight fist and walks off to a lonely corner of the room. She was completely frustrated with herself! She didn't deserve to sit beside Mr Luika! He came across to her as a very strong willed man with a vast amount of wisdom, knowledge, and experience. What was she!? A mixed up little girl who couldn't even get a grip on her own past! No wonder the future was falling apart in front of her! o O ( I can't do anything right. . .I can't do anything right. . .UGH! What have I done so far!? I've gotten lost in a sewer, nearly killed by some horrible monster, wept infornt of these men so many times that it's humiliating! ) Leetah buries her face into the wall. o O ( Lost Mr Kheldar, fell unconscious when faced with a flesh golem, become a prisoner of whoever that cursed wizard is! ) A fist slams against the wall, next to the girls head. o O ( And have now left Mr Luika more confused than he's probably ever been in his entire life! What have I done!?!? ) ". . .You've helped me. . ." Leetah jumps upon hearing a high-pitched squeaky voice that she's never heard before. The voice couldn't possibly have belonged to Mr Luika, but who else was in the room with her? ". . .Down here. . ." Leetah jumps again upon hearing the unfamiliar voice, and then looks down at her feet. Sitting on the ground beside her was the little white rabbit. ". . .You know, your much too hard on yourself. You've been more useful to these men than you give yourself credit for. . ." Leetah continues to stare at the rabbit in disbelief, and then looks up to where Luika had been sitting. He wasn't sitting there anymore, infact, he wasn't even in the room! "HEY! Don't ignore me like that! Look back down here!" Letting out a startled yelp, Leetah looks back at the rabbit. How on earth was it talking to her? "That's better! Now, where was I? . .Oh yes! Stop kicking yourself for not being more useful to your team. It's not accomplishing anything and it's not even true!" "How do you mean?" "Take the succubi encounter for instance. They’d all be dead if you hadn't have been there." "That's not true. Mr Rocky would have saved them" "My dear, Mr Rocky would be dead! The other three would have slaughtered him while he was resting! Also, don't forget that your attack against the succubi's leader and spell which freed Kheldar's mind were critical keys to winning that battle." "Were they really all that important?" "What!? Of course they were! Stop doubting yourself! Besides, you don't have enough time to be standing here. Your friends need you. Kheldar needs you!" "Mr Kheldar doesn't need me. . ." "Correct!" Leetah quickly turns around and sees Kat standing behind her. The woman wore an amused grin. "No one needs you Leetah, Khedar least of all, so why don't you remain trapped down here and DIE like a good little girl. He's never going to accept you back into his life you know. He has me." Leetah looks at Kat with a snarl. It had been a long time since the priestess had been this angry. She felt like strangling the life out of Kat. The woman just laughed. "Oh how cute, the pawn has feelings." "I'm not a pawn!" "Oh yes you are. Your a tool Leetah, just like how Trand said you were. And now that you've safely delivered Kheldar into my arms, I no longer have any use for you. Perhaps our dark wizard friend dose. Hmmmm? . .Oh. . .yes. . .He could have multiple uses for you." Kat lets out a terrible laugh as her form slowly begins to fade into a black mist. Even after the mist had vanished, the laugh still echoed off the walls. Leetah just stood there, horrified by what she had seen and heard. What was going on? Why was this happening!? Suddenly, the room begins to shake and bits of debris begin to fall from the ceiling. Looking up in a panic, Leetah notice a large hand slowly opening up the ceiling and a massive dark figure looking down at her. His black hood hid most of his face, but his long white beard was easily visible. . . "There you are my Dear, right where I left you. Come here. . ." Leetah lets out a shriek as a large Hand reaches down and grabs her. "NO! I wont be used like this! Let go of me!" Leetah's screaming falls on deaf ears as Jerado tightens her grip around her. The young priestess's world went black. * * * "No!" Leetah wakes up with a start. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley (( Wow. . .That was much longer than I planned for it to be. Sorry guys! Hee hee ))
Agudo Archmage 08-17-03, 01:10 PM	((Leetah and Luika)) Jerado was puzzled by the strange sight, of seeing Leetah become emotional, and talking to the wall? “Now I think Lukia has made crack, under his constant question.” Jerado set back in his chair, “This is more fun than I thought” He smiles and looks at the crystal ball some more. ((The Lab)) Gadget was caught by surprise at the many questions to him. “Lord Agudo could you tell them what happen? For I am making him madder, and you know how I faint at the sight of my own blood.” Agudo let out a long breath, and shook his head for a moment. “To be honest ……” Agudo pauses for another moment. “This is not the first time we have tried to get the artifact. We failed the first time, Kheldar was trying to disarm a trap, and may I say you were successful.” The wizard gives a reassuring smile to Kheldar. But this was fiendish trap and by turning off one, it set another trap. Rocky took the lead at the entrance, that Kheldar had just opened and what we all thought was safe. Sadly the second trap let loose with about a hundred poison darts made by the Illithio. ((Mind Flayers)) The wizard chuckles at his next words. “It was very well thought out trap. The Mind Flayers used some type of Underdark material that they have, to react opposite of all heal spells." "Well of course we all used potions, and I of course was casting heal spells, after heal spells. Trying to save of us, but it just seemed to go faster.” The Archmage of Light looked at Kheldar, “This is the hard part. Jerado saved our lives, for he was the only one not near the action; when it all went down. "Now before you ask.......... everything you remembered happen, Twice!" "The Tavern, Leetah coming to find us and Kat dropping in at the Library. It was easier to have you magically programmed to all meet at the Tavern except for Leetah and go through the motions of the first time.” “But the question is why? Or so you should ask………… ”When your clone awoke……… The You Now……….. It was decided to erase the last part of your deaths. Because….. to be honest the memory of dyeing, over whelmed some of your young clone brains; and caused your new body’s to die." "It was best to erase that part." Just then Kheldar grabs his head in pain and Kat screams with the shock. Rocky died before he hit the ground,. “Quick Gadget grab them and get the real bodies ready” Gadget does as he is told, putting them on the bed prepared for them. “Agudo turns to Dniew, Ok hit the switch and as the Dniew does so, a bright orange light in gulfs there clone bodies. Within a few minutes they start to open there eyes Rocky, Kat, Kheldar. “Agudo stood there smiling and continues like nothing happen. “As you can see you’re in your old naked bodies, and Rocky please be the fist to put some cloths on.” The Archmage looks away rather sickened, at the sight of the naked Rocky.” The only thing new that did not take place before was Leetah and Luika being together………….Um alone? Why well I suppose Jerado wants manipulate them some more, with everyone out of the way. I think he wants Leetah to fall for Luika.......... Why? he was not very forth coming with his evil plans” Agudo turns to Dniew“Ok now where is my Body?”……….. What do you mean you lost it?” ((OOC Dniew you can make up something, just don’t destroy it! Agudo is rather a attached to it…………. Also if I left out something you can all Email me and I will fix it.))
Kheldar Devaentar 08-17-03, 02:35 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar's head felt funny. . . the last thing he could distinctly remember was disarming a trap. . . After that it was all blank. Hmm, something must have hit me hard. . . I guess I was carried here. . . Kheldar grabs a wooden rail in front of him and rubs his head. It really hurt. His vision was slowly coming back. What he saw in front of him was strange. Three curious looking wizards were staring at the area around him. One small fellow looked particularly pleased with himself. There were other people in the room too. people lying on the floor. WHAT!?! There before him was his party. . . well some of them any way. But they all looked dead! Kathryn was dead! Rocky was dead! Hell even he was dead! But. . . but. . . this isn't where we. . . Kheldar's head hurt. . . his world felt surreal again. And he didn't like that feeling at all! Was he real? He looked down at himself. Well that was certainly enough to wake him up! No, this had to one of those bad dreams. Kheldar pinches himself. Dammit! that hurt! Well, at least this wooden pole thingy was covering everything. . . No that was his broom of flying. . . He didn't remember taking it out. . . He looks back at the three wizards, he recognized one of them. "Dammit my head hurts! Agudo you look healthy enough. Who are those people with you? And why the hell am I only armed with my broom?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-17-03, 04:59 PM	“Blooody Hell, I am a good looking Dwarf!” Rocky was more than pleased with his rebirth. “Now I don’t know how ya fixed me ye little gnome, and thy side kick wizard.” Rocky winks at Dniew, But if thee need an Axe in someone’s back ye let me know!” Rocky then ignores the hurtful remark by Agudo, and walks naked up to the body of Kat. “We should be more friendly in the group don’t ye think?”
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-17-03, 06:02 PM	The artifact... they were going after the artifact... and there was a trap... and needles... and pain... and now? And now she's here. Naked, oh great, but at least alive. But with someone... herself?!... wearing her clothes and lying dead on the floor. And the others? also alive... and also dead. Except Agudo who seems merely alive. Kat carefully blanks her mind of any embarassment over her current state, and walks over to her bag. Her fingers move lightly over the catch in a complex pattern and she pulls out a loose skirt and silk shirt that she slips on quickly, not bothering with anything else at the moment. Those can wait till she strips the... um... her?... body. "Rocky, we're just as friendly as I have any intention of ever being. Kheldar, your weapons are on your body, the dead one, it seems. Agudo, why don't you have a dead body? Why *are* there dead bodies of the rest of us?! And who in the nine hells are these other two here?!?!" ((and what's happening with Leetah's and Luika's "clones" ? ))
Dniew 08-17-03, 10:34 PM	"Wait, I haven't lost it! Master said there were only 4 bodies to prepare! A halfling-like, a dwarf, a hlafling female and a wizard! The wizard is beautiful blond-hair girl, right?" Wait, what am i talking about? What preparation? I thought we created these for a very important experiment! I must te... bzzt... your wish is my command, master. "Ohh, terribly sorry, I actually let my fantasies overcome me, always thought that wizards supposed to be young blond girls. Eheheh..." Dniew notices Gadget's face expression, which makes Dniew to get all uptight and turn to Agudo " ...ahem, I suppose your body lies along with another one, a black-haired human... I think... in that room behind you, I covered them in white sheets so they won't get dirty from the other corpses" (WHAT OTHER COPRS...bzzt) "... eh, did I say corpses? I actually meant reaserched bodies... heh." Than Dniew draggs back a surgeon desk with a sheet-covered body from the abovementioned room. Ahh, yes, i must apologize, i MUST be friendly with them "Pardon me, I am such a klutz! Please forgive me for accusing you and confusing whose body is real." Dniew removes the sheet from Agudo's second body and puts the wizard's flesh against the wall. "By the way, my name is Dniew, the infamous magician. And the extremely intelligent small folk near me is my most trustful master, Sir Gadget. Although I agree that the circumstances are rather...ehh... unusual to say the least, yet I am still am very pleased to make the aquaitance." Dniew pushes the switch forcing the current Agudo to die and the newly brought body to revive. "Let's start this all over, shall we? I am still somewhat confused with your identities, although i was involved in creating your duplicates so-to-speak. Plus, I don't really understand your reason for been here... But it seems we are all on the same side and there is no reason for hostilities I thought you were planning against us. So please relax, and... eh... get dressed."
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-18-03, 12:32 AM	Halfling-type? heh, well, Kheldar's not that tall but hardly halfling sized. Dwarf? Rocky, obviously. Blond-haired girl? That's Leetah. Black-haired man? And that's Luika. And the real wizard, Agudo. So who's the halfling female... huh? HEY! Kat snarls at Dniew and stalks up to him, pushing her finger into his chest and eyeing him at something much closer to face-to-face level than he seems to have thought. "Did you just call me a halfling, you little twerp?! Sharp Mulberry may be a friend of mine but that doesn't mean I care to be confused with someone that much shorter! If you can't tell the difference between a human and a halfling then your intelligence level must be more suited for a fighter than a wizard! No wonder this is such a mess! How could anyone have the idiocy to give *you* any responsibility, you babbling piece of mindless magical incompetance!" Still muttering to herself and not caring to hear any frail excuses, Kat turns impatiently away to start retrieving her clothes from the body that still wears them. Feeling extremely hostile and not at all relaxed... and somehow oddly disobedient. But hard not to feel hostile with such a pounding headache.
Agudo Archmage 08-18-03, 02:29 AM	((OOC Leetah and Luika were in another place so they still dont know if they have been cloned.)) Dniew seem all befuddled, It reminded him of someone, Ah yes myself Agudo thought. For the fifth time since Agudo met Dniew all those days ago he has reintroduced himself as Dniew. “Yes Dniew I know, I really should talk to Jerado about his manipulation of you.” Gadget tries to fix that will you.” As Agudo was talking Dniew stopped babbling, and remembered where Agudo real body was. Before the Archmage could say any thing, Dniew pulled the switch. A bright orange light engulfed him and the next thing he knows, just like the Dwarf he is naked. Agudo smiles as he looks at himself for a second. “I can see why Rocky likes being this way” He then shakes his head with his sudden return of modesty. He snaps his fingers and a flash of blue and white light surrounds him and Rocky. To those near by can now see them fully dressed. “Yes now that much better” Agudo walks up and pats Dniew on the shoulder. “Very good you have made your master happy, or at least me and Gadget. Gadget jumps up and down grinning. “We did it! we saved them all! It only took five tries and a whole bunch of mistakes but we did it.” Agudo then returns his thought to the others, he is bemused by the partial memories of his colleges. “I suppose Kheldar in time you will all remember everything, it must be the stress of death.” He then looks at Gadget “Did you use all the intelligent potions on them like I said?” Gadget gives an awkward pause then looks down. “Lord Agudo I used most of it…..almost all…… barely any left. But don’t worry, I am sure this laps of some memory will fade, and Kheldar and Kat, will remember it all soon.” Agudo walks up to Gadget and lowers himself, to look into the eye of the short Gnome. “I hope you weren’t planning to use the rest on your clone, in an attempt to make yourself a girlfriend.” Gadget blushes and turns a lovely shade of red. “Agudo…….you promised that would be a secret………But….but….no……. I mean……..Not planning on it anymore” Gadget rocks back and forth on his heals. Trying to not seem too much of a fiber. “Agudo stands “Well I suppose as your all getting dressed, you want to know why my clone body didn’t die.” The Archmage smiles but then try’s to look humble. “You see my very high intelligents, allowed my brain to handle the news of death, better than your own. Agudo looks in the face of everyone and sees that they are angry. “But I am sure just barely more than yours” He could tell he wasn’t very successful, at looking humble on that last statement.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-18-03, 03:41 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif "Phffft. the average assassin is more intelligent than the average wizard. . . You're just making lousy excuses. . ." Kheldar didn't even try to sound humble. It sounded more matter-of-fact. ". . .How reassuring to know you've been scrambling our memories. . . Is that why my head hurts so much?" Kheldar goes over to pick up his belongings. He couldn't help but chuckle at how mad Kat was with that other wizard. He'd have joined in alongside her but she was doing just fine by herself. Besides, he wanted to get his clothes back on. Kheldar looks at his body, it wasn't that far from Kat's. His chuckling turned into laughter. "Well Kat, either I tried to steal your bag before I died or I'm a pervert. . . What in the world could I have been thinking? Oh I suppose I'll "remember" it sooner or latter." Kheldar grabs his body and starts to drag it when he notices a large metal ring fall out of his cloak. That was odd. . . Why would he have detached it from his cloak? Kheldar grabs the ring and stacks it on his corpse. Then drags it back into some warm-looking library. Well it would have been cozy if not for the giant dead thing and an unconscious, deformed, naked woman. "So Gadget is it? Is this your girl friend? You've got a strange taste for women." Kheldar starts putting on his clothes and equipment. . . His reason for privacy wasn't just too keep himself from being embarrassed in front of the others - Although that was a part of it. He wanted to check a bunch of magical items that he preferred to keep secret. . . There was an odd potion bottle not too far from the deranged woman. . . It was shaped like a heart. "Wow Gadget. . . you must be desperate!" Kheldar continues to equip himself. The odd command word can be heard along with some peculiar noises that could only be strange devices being activated or deactivated. Hmm more memories are starting to come back to me. . . Leetah and Luika fell down a trap door. . . !!!!. . . sigh-*. . . I hope she's alright. . . maybe Luika broke his neck on the way down. . . What other memories are there? Hmm hmm hmm. . . Dammit! I hate getting dressed! Takes forever!! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Dniew 08-18-03, 06:24 AM	"Hey, what is all this anger all of a sudden! Just more accusations when I clearly said that I am no enemy of yours! I feel as if i am in a local tavern or somesuch place of lowlives who only seek trouble!..." He looks at Kheldar "... eh, no pun intended." "And I called you halflings only because that's the metaphysical naming for any of Richard's digusting summoning created duplicates." Dniew notices the puzzled expressions on all the faces in the room. "Let me explain you in more simple a tongue: For as you see, the original alien substructure been traversed through the astral is been subchanged into quasi-elemental shape in the process, resulting in multi subterfuges and chaotic tranformations of the entity been summoned though still creating the same result if used sub-arcane accelaration..." "ehh... Simply said, since we had to use this spell in a hurry, all your bodies, I mean the dark-cloaked figure here and the lovely lady over there, were initially created halfling-size, so I deicded to call you halflings. No need to point your fingers and shouting stupid remarks about wizard's intelligence which is, might I add, quite higher than yours, in all fields... Allow me also to point that all living creatures do mistakes and none can be safe from them so keep your comments aside." "Speaking of which... master, if we created these bodies to save the people we just met than where are the owners of the beautiful girl and that dark-haired man bodies that still lies in the experiment's chamber? As far as i can remember, their souls would immidatley return to their bodies should they die in their cloned bodies.... or was it only possible if we used the machine of true possesion... hmm. I need to recall these details " Than Dniew removes a potion he had stashed under his robe and drinks it. "Ahh, so refreshing... buweeh *shrug*... Does this damn potions always have to reaincarante ALL the recent events?! Damn magic..." Whew, the lovely blond girl and the black haired man are safe, i must inforbzzzzzt... Oh, dear me! These poor sods are in danger! "Hmm, let's see, I am afraid that if your companions, which I assume they ARE your companions, will die in their bodies, their souls would enter the fugue plane regardless and it won't be possible to revive them in thier original flesh without the use of strong clerical magic. Which I assume you don't have... all in all, I advice you to start looking for them, I humbly present my assistance in doing so... being a spellcaster and all." Prodly remarks Dniew, waiting for the obvious answer. ((OOC: CRAP! This is a long post! Please, don't throw any large tomatoes... ahh!! :nonono: ))
Luika 08-18-03, 09:28 AM	Strangely, Leetah didn't answer my last question, even though I retained within myself the pressuring envy of shaking her beliefs, playing with her mind. She simply rose to her feet, seeming quite unhappy at an unfortunate event I could not see. She slowly walked up to the bricked wall holding us prisonners, leaning fully against it. She even hit it hard with her clenched fist, she who seemed as sweet as an elven mead that flourished for centuries before being drank. Immobile, she stood gainst the wall, silencious. Curious, I approached her, only to notice she fell asleep from exhaustion. "These humans", did I say aloud, "they lack even the endurance of the most frail halflings. Still, I must admit that..." That they were truly adorable. Confident, she had nothing against falling asleep here, even though she was trapped with a man as vile as the most venimous snake, even though she didn't seem to consider me as such lately. Her carefully trimmed blond hairs, like rays of sunshine, fell gracefully on her delicately chiseled figure, surrounding her pale skin like an angel's golden corona. The closed eyelids, hiding the pure blue ponds of refreshing water that were her pupils, were the fine receptacle hiding an inestimable jewel from many thieves filthy hands, as were the maddening curved lips, recovering the obscenely beautiful pearls that were her perfet teeth. Still loering my gaze, I met with these rond, fleshy appendages that, for an unknown reason, appealed to me like fire to nocturnal butterflies. "NO! Please, Ilthrandyr, calm down. " shouted I, turning away from the feminine wonder that laid next to me. "You know you must not be lured at all of these worldly temptations. What would happen, if you ever did lose you cleverness, your cold intelligence? That... demon is the quintessential embodiment of all you fought against, for her nature is the same as the one that lighted life in all of us, thus threatening us to sadness and danger, preventing us from gaining, once and for all, the final and eternal rest of merciful death. If ever, EVER, you do fall for her, you know what whi happen. What if you eventually become as weak, as desperate and dependant as she is? Do not ever elt that happen to you." It took several minutes for me to calm down, constantly tortured by the silent, yet delightful presence of this girl. It was evident that fatigue had also reached me now, and that I should use this time to get a little of rest. I transported Leetah to the masive bed, that stood in the center of the room, trying not to think of deranged things while I carried her tall, seductive body through the room. When it happened, I turned back, and went to the wooden chair standing next to the table that precedently bore much fruits over it. Closing my eyes, I concentrated on my breath, coming in, coming out of my tired body, losing consciousness of everything aside from the light breeze I created through my lungs. In my relaxed mind, the breeze took an humanoid form, mine, distancing itself from its anchor at every minute, free of its mortal bounds. **************************************** ******* Violently, I came back within...myself. I truly hated these painful moments, when the free spirit is forced to meet once again with its physical counterpart. Happily though, I was not as lost as much humans when they awoke, nor was I cursed with the dreaded fear they all shared in the morning : bad breath. I stood up, looking around the room. Leetah still was sleeping in the comfortable bed. Only then, though, was my attention drawn to that massive bookshelf, standing by the bed. I searched though its shelves, in hope of finding some tome of lore, of any interest within it. If it is the case, I will take it and get back to my chair, reading. If not, I will be looking at the black book I already was studying during last camp, in the illusory forest. (OOC: I don,t know if you noticed it, for it was barely mentionned, but Luika has always been an half-elf, as subtly hinted in my first post. Thus the comment about humans and the trance he went in instead of sleeping, allowing him to be up before Leetah. Ho, and Leetah : HAHA, you also have a long post to read!)
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-18-03, 09:55 AM	Kat's temper gradually subsides as she methodically strips her previous body of clothing and items. She pointedly ignores Dniew's predicably lame explanations and starts re-dressing. Luckily some underthings and the breeches are easy to pull on under the skirt, but the breast band will have to wait. She's not taking off her shirt again in front of these others. By the time the skirt is away again, the daggers are at her waist and the leather vest is fitting comfortably over her shoulders, her temper is calm. The headache eases as well... and her mind seems so much clearer. Feh, it's as Kheldar says, not every intelligent person choses to play with spellcraft... only those not competant in anything else. Kheldar... now where has he gone off to? Mustn't lose track of him... But who cares what happens to Leetah and Luika? not I... Kat finds the assassin in the library as he seems to just be finishing adjustments to his own appearance. She looks around curiously at the woman and the remains of the golem, recent memories seeping back. Kat picks up the heart-shaped bottle which seems so familiar, then glances at Kheldar, blushing slightly but also smiling, "Ah... I seem to remember that it wasn't Gadget who used this?" She puts down the bottle and finds the staff that was once again left behind. "And I've got to keep better track of this! Just not used to carrying something so awkward... at least both of the other magical items I chose were pocket-sized: that deck of cards... and the... the... whatever it is." The deck of Many Things... she'd researched that and hadn't dared to use it. But it can probably be sold for a good sum. And something else... some sort of rock? Hard to concentrate on that one, for some reason. (( OOC: don't worry about post length, Dniew, as you see you've joined a pretty wordy bunch... except for Rocky? lol! ))
Golddigger Dwarf 08-18-03, 11:50 AM	(ooc What? Have you not heard, it’s not how big your Post is, its how you use it) Rocky was just about to get romantic with Kat, when she bumped him out of the way. What really hurt was that she was now talking with, and poking that new guy Dniew. “What ya don’t like short guys, maybe it me Dwarf body. Ok but remember what they say about Dwarfs and the bed!” Rocky doesn’t explain, as if it obvious to anyone. “Now what the?” Rocky was caught by surprise, as Agudo magically puts his pants on him. “I am not ashamed of me body Agudo, but I can see why ye are! And what do mean you wizards are smarter, you guys cant even use an Axe!” He huffs at Dneiw and his high-minded words. “Just remember I be the boss of this outlandish group of thieves” He then walks over to Gadget. “Ye think thy magic can make me a girlfriend also?”
Gene_Kynes 08-18-03, 08:40 PM	Near Agudo, the shadows fluctuated violently, thinning, lengthening, before they settled into what seems to be the shadow of a bloated Agudo. This by itself was strange, but even more uncommon was that a black-cloaked figure suddenly appeared inside the shadow, hooded head tilted down. You notice the residue of sewage on his cloak, and a length of masterwork blade sticking out from the folds of the cloak. The vague indentations of symbols line the blade, but none are given a clear view as the cloak shifts, the hood dissapearing and a sash-like length appearing across it's wearer's mouth, creating a simply yet effective mask. Silver-flecked blue eyes regard Agudo first, then the rest in the room slowly, some of his features to the side of his face are concealed by silver hair. His cloak parts without a movement from the man, revealing a black chain shirt underneath a simple, very loose dark gray shirt. The chain shirt terminates at his wrist, where a simple pair of black gloves and bracers protect his arms. His pants aren't as loose as the shirt, tucked into black boots.One could only guess where he keeps his belongings, as there are no packs on his person. Quickly sheathing the blade, appearently aware of the surprise his sudden appearence might create, he slowly crosses his arms. With the faintest hint of a grin underneath that concealing mask, he casually says: "...Forgive the sudden enterance, and greetings." To those attempting to detect his motive, his primary concern seemed to be Agudo, but seeing the man was in relative good health, he then looked to the others. (( ...hiya, everyone! Mind if I tag along? ))
Agudo Archmage 08-18-03, 11:36 PM	((OOC The grand story is now even more so. Welcome Gene! The only thing is Luika and Leetha are in another cave, so that Jerado and Luika can make Leetah evil or nuts! What ever comes first. You are now with Agudo in the Lab. Rocky, Dniew Kat and Kheldar are there. Gadget is the lab master if you will, and as you know from the Siege created by Keldorn Fircam. I liked him so I brought him here.)) Agudo gives a reassuring smile to Dniew. “Don’t worry about them, we wizards are often hated for our large brains.” The Archmage of Light decides its time to get the show on the road. “Well ok Rocky if you’re the boos, then take out the map and find us away out of here. Gadget do you have any idea where the exit is?” Gadget happily points to the last room where Dniew found Agudo’s body. “That must be they way back to the cave. The good news is we are close by, to the treasure room, to the Artifact.” Just then a familiar face to Agudo comes out of his shadow. “What? Oh my! Why hello Gene. It’s good that you have come. The way is dangerous, and we are trying to find an Artifact called the (Soul Redeemer) I hope your ready for along and difficult adventure ahead.” ((Elsewhere)) Jerado cant wait to see Kheldar reaction, at what he does next. “Well now lets see how Kheldar does when he sees Luika and Leetah in bed together. Of course nothing has happen yet but….. Tehee he doesn’t know that. Just then a magic image appears, before Kheldar and cat in the Library. They see that Leetah is sleeping near Luika who is keeping an her.” (( If Luika was in a chair then he was magically put near her. By the nasty Jerado))
Gene_Kynes 08-19-03, 12:50 AM	"Mmm. I knew you had to've had True Seeing when you first met me." His eyes dart to everyone in the room yet again, coldly distrustful. "...I always wondered why you looked as if resisting a grin when you saw me cloaked by illusions. And who're these...people?" His arms remain crossed, and the mask still rests across his lower face; but his pulls the concealing lock from his vision, revealing another silver-flecked blue eye. A tiny scar runs across the lower end of his eye socket, one that questions how such a blow didn't blind that eye. Closer observation towards his cloak reveals tattering at some parts, but that it seems to be slowly lengthening, it's movements like that of a minute hand...only noticiable if you're either of accurate gaze, or after a while of time. (( Hmm. There should be a law against how many bloody commas I use. *sighs.*))
Golddigger Dwarf 08-19-03, 10:39 AM	“Rocky is feeling a little hungry and grabs his back pack. “Now me body must of not eaten lately because I be hungry enough to eat a halfling.” He takes out a large slightly green around the edges cheese. Chomping down on it, he then brings out a jug of brown Ale. “Ya that be good” BURP! “Now lets see, since the map did not say we would be here. We may just have to go through that door. Rocky turns to Agudo, ye go first! If no traps kill thee, well then I go next.”
Kheldar Devaentar 08-20-03, 03:54 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kat finds Kheldar frowning at a ring on this right hand. Mumbling something about the useless thing not starting until tomorrow. As soon as Kheldar notices her he brightens up a bit. Her comment on the bottle even made him blush. His memory was all coming back to him. "Can't concentrate on that rock? Well that's hardly surprising. If your head feels anything like mine, then you should have the attention-span of a humming bird. . ." Kheldar looked at Kat. . . Memories of Tara start spilling into his brain. . . Maybe it was her eyes? Or that smile? Or his memory with the love potion? Well no, Tara was never quite like that. . . He wondered if he should tell Kat about Tara. Tell her what happened, and why she reminded him of her so much. . . It had been something he had wanted to get off his chest. . . It seemed important to tell Kat about it somehow. . . "Hmm Kat - I hope you don't think I'm making light of the situation with your past. . . But. . . I must admit. . . I envy how easy it is for you to not. . . remember anything about your past. . ." Kheldar's words were uncertain. . . He hoped Kat didn't take what he said the wrong way. But it was the honest truth. "I mean. . . what if you did something terrible? Or just remembered something really going wrong. . . If you couldn't remember it, then you wouldn't be haunted by that memory. . .right?" Kheldar closes his eyes and a tear leaks out. "You wouldn't be haunted by that memory all the time." Kheldar shudders. . . forcing himself to go on. ". . . I suppose I should just get on to the point. . . What I really want to tell you is. . ." Kheldar opens his eyes, looking into the space in front of him. "I'm going TO KILL LUIKA!" Kheldar looks murderously at the image in front of him. How dare he take advantage of Leetah when she was like that! She probably lost consciousness after the fall! Now that sinister cleric had her all sprawled out on a bed - That could only mean one thing! Kheldar pulls out a small metal cube and looks ready to pitch it at the trap door when all of a sudden he stops. No, doing that would very likely kill both of them, And probably me and Kat to boot! Kheldar calls out to the other room. "Guys! Forget the soul rape-her. I mean - ugh, never mind. . . How the hell do I get to where that trap door leads? Dniew? Gadget? Anyone who's not useless?!?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((My sincere apologies if I offended anyone. I mean, no one likes to have their character called useless. :rolleyes:))
Dniew 08-20-03, 06:40 AM	"I was trying to tell you all along! If those you call your friends should die in their cloned bodies they won't be able to resume their orignal bodies... i.e. they will die permanently!!" "Hmm, regarding the trap door, I believe there are some methods to past it without damaging my master's home. For starters I can teleport you there... although... no, it's not a good plan, i have no idea what the destination looks like which might send mister black assasin here to some unescable abyss. My second idea would be to try and give you ethreal form... wait... this spell has can only affect the caster, which happens to be me, ohh, shoot!... in that case I have a back up plan of disintegrading the door itself, it won't damage the floor or the surroundings but the spell might fizzle creating a negative energy hole killing all within 100 feet should I be interupted in the process of casting the damn spell, whose duration is 10 minutes... more or less." "So I give you a choice, you ungrateful, dispicable intruders, either 'I' will go through the door or the door will go to oblivion. So don't you dare call me OR my master useless, you even haven't thanked us for creating these clones! Although I didn't know it was meant to save you but nonetheless, you haven't thanked us!"
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-20-03, 09:25 AM	Part of Kat is fuming at the image displayed in front of them. How is she supposed to interfere with Kheldar's feelings for Leetah if he's deliberately incited to be jealous and protective of her?! And he had been getting so close to Kat... had been wanting to tell her something important from his past. A much deeper part of her smiles coldly at this evidence of Jerado's flaws, letting his desire for amusement and bedevilment disrupt what ought to be a more important goal. Maybe this trait can be used against him? Somehow. "Kheldar, she doesn't seem harmed. Leetah *is* a cleric of Pelor, she has powers of protection as well as healing. Or do you think her still a child? She's not, and Luika had been trying to save her from the golem, and he's not unattractive... (not unattractive at all! having seen rather a lot of his not-clone)... maybe this is what she wants? Why would it upset you so much? Unless... oh... but you had said before that the two of you weren't together, didn't you? ... but perhaps... I must have misunderstood... " Kat lets her voice falter at the end, and turns slightly away from Kheldar in false dismay, then turns back blinking away false tears in equally false bravado. She tries to smile at him, and says softly, "It's alright... though you know I care for you... it's your choice of course. And we should try to have them re-join us, in any case. But Dniew, I don't see how turning wraith-like will help? Unless you can lead them through some secret exit, wouldn't you just end up stuck there with the two of them? Can't we first just try chopping through the trap door? I don't think most of us mind what damage we do to Jerado's place." As Kat talks to Dniew, she moves back to the laboratory door, and finds yet another new face inside the room. She stiffens slightly, staring at the cloaked and masked figure. Who reminds her of another... but isn't. "Who are you? Are you with Jerado? Agudo, do you know him?"
Agudo Archmage 08-20-03, 02:04 PM	“That’s a good Idea Rocky I’ll just walk thr…. HAY!” Agudo decides that he doesn’t want to be the rat for any traps. But before Agudo can chastise Rocky, Kat seems upset about something. "Whats that my dear?” The Archmage turns away from the tricky Dwarf. “Oh you mean Gene, he has been on a few adventures with me. Gene has become very attached to me as of late, he is like a bodyguard in some ways." Agudo turns to Gene, “This is Kat, she is part of are expedition into these caverns. Feel free to tell her about yourself” Agudo looks to Kat and smiles. “I am sure he will of great use in helping us deal with Jerado." Gadget runs up to Kheldar “I would try just pulling on the door latch first, I don’t think its even locked. :rolleyes:
Gene_Kynes 08-20-03, 04:02 PM	Silently, he watches Kheldar's anger, then his eyes drift to the image, if it wasn't soley for Khledar and Kat. Moving towards the trap door, he places the tip of his blade against it. " "Kat", it'd be nicer meeting you if it wasn't in such an odd position . I am here to repay Agudo's trust, nothing more." Satisfied with 'telling her about himself', his cold gaze then settles on the door, and he raises his blade to his shoulder, preparing for an almost golf-like swing against it. "I could care less what this 'Jerardo' thinks of petty vandalism. If this healer is endangered, then the proper reaction is simple. We must rectify this." He seems to look towards Dniew, his gaze never softening; Agudo may think that the man standing before him is somebody else clothed in Gene's flesh. "Carefully craft what words the wind carries, little man." He then looks to Agudo, a look that seems to ask for consent to slip the door open with his weapon, heeding Gadet's comment.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-20-03, 11:34 PM	"Wait! Agudo dont be chicken" Rocky spits on the ground in disgust. “Why cant ye do what I say. Ya maybe thy life will be short, but at least it was quick. Seeing that everyone is leaving the room for a lookse in the book room, Rocky follows. “Now I be no expert but I am sure Jerado is no dope. He may want ye to go down there, and we all know it wont be for ye happiness. “But then again we could leave through the other door and make our way to the treasure. Besides Kat seems more fun of a woman for thee Kheldar, than that scrawny Leetah.”
Gene_Kynes 08-21-03, 12:30 AM	Narrowing his eyes at the Dwarf, Gene murmurs in a tone as cold as his gaze: "We'll see if your opinion changes when you've steel sticking out of your gut, Dwarf. Anyone can kill a flower. But not everyone can plant and nuture one." And not waiting for further permission, Gene attempts to pop open the trap door. If it resists, he kneels and tries to remove the hinges. If that's impossible...he simply slices the door, diagonally.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-21-03, 04:35 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar watches Kat leave him. . . she seemed upset. . . Had he said something wrong? . . Candle light glistened off her checks. Oh crap. . . I really did say something wrong! That's the second time I've upset her when I meant to tell her something important. . . Kheldar could feel his heart being pulled apart in two directions. What was he supposed to do? Some quiet voice in his head told him Leetah would be safe with Luika. But a louder one reminded him that he never wanted either Leetah or Kat out of his sights. Not in this dangerous place! ". . .Kat, I'm sorry. . . I just worry too much. . . you can thank my bloody father for that. . . . . . I'd be doing the same thing if it was you. . ." She probably didn't even hear that from the other room. . . But dammit it was the truth. he had a weak spot for women. . . D'win, Ariana, Bhryn, Poizen, and many others. . . He had risked his safety, even his life to help them out. . . He had taken knife wounds for them, jumped in the way of spells, seared and torn his own flesh. . . all so they wouldn't suffer. . . or at least suffer as much. What Gadget said surprises him. "N-Not locked?" Kheldar quickly looks at Gene as the man goes to open the trap door. . . Oh dear, how terribly embarrassing. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-21-03, 12:40 PM	The trap door pops open and?…………….. Gadget eyes grow wide as he sees the puff of smoke come out. “OH NOOO!…………….. “ The puff of smoke dissipates and nothing happens. Gadget turns red. “Well you see! I told you it was safe” He wipes his brow, and sweat. Down below voices can be heard, but not clearly, and nothing can be seen for its very long shoot. Agudo walks up “Yes, I do believe Kheldar and Gene should go down, to see if they Leetah and Luika are ok.”
Gene_Kynes 08-21-03, 02:14 PM	Looking towards this "Kheldar", Gene seems to eyes the man, as if assessing the assassin's abilties. Nodding to himself, he says: "Come, and make haste of it." Then jumping into the hole, the man's enlongnated cloak thins to a scarf-like width, and attaches itself to the lip of the cavity. It continues to lengthen as Gene descends quickly at first, but then digging his blade into the sides of the gap, if those sides are accessable as he slows down in anticipation of the impact.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-21-03, 02:38 PM	Kat watches Gene with mild irritation as the man strides by her to test the trap door, his gaze and his tone of voice as dark as his cloak when he speaks to the others. Well, at least he shows some initiative. And is wise enough to use his sword and not his hand to open the trap door. As for Kheldar... Is he *really* that dense??? ... I practically said I was in love with him and that he needed to choose Leetah or me... and he seems to be saying nothing more than that he cares for both of us! Well that won't get us far... Kat sighs, then smiles at Kheldar warmly, putting her hand on his arm and saying quietly. "I know you would do the same for me... and you do worry too much. You're so much kinder to many than you try to show... I only wish I could make things easier for you. To help you... to ease your mind... to know you better." She moves to more practical matters as the smoke disperses throughout the library. "But Gene and Kheldar to go down there? would you want a rope? to get back up the chute? Or do you expect the broom to carry everyone back. Kheldar?" Then she sees Gene's cloak essentially becoming a rope itself as the man jumps into the opening, not waiting for Kheldar. Well now that's an interesting trick... wonder what else that cloak can do? I'll need to keep an eye on that one.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-21-03, 04:32 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif It was an effort not to blush when Gene opened the door. Kheldar had looked for all sorts of fancy ways to open it before, it never occurred to him to just simply - well, open it. Gene's judging stare also made Kheldar feel uneasy. . . the man probably figured he was an idiot. Kheldar quickly looks at Kat, then the hole, then Kat. Now isn't the time to get into a long talk. . . Dammt what can I say to make her feel better? At least get her to stop crying. . . Kheldar walks over to Kat takes her in his arms and gives her a kiss. If this didn't make her feel better, nothing would. He lets go of her and steps back. "Now wish me luck!" Kheldar dives into the hole after Gene. Sure enough, Kheldar was using his broom to cheat again. Well, I wonder what will happen when I come back out of this? I suppose I'll either get kissed back or slapped for still going. . . Probably better if I don't think about it. . . . "Ahem-* Hey that's a pretty nifty cloak you got there friend! Must come in handy! I suppose it uses magic to anchor itself and stretch like that?" * * * Above the hole, a large coil of black rope lays by Kat's feet. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 08-21-03, 04:56 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif * * * "No!" Leetah wakes up with a start, staring wide-eyed into the distance and shaking violently. Instantly she looks up at the ceiling, and then quickly towards where Kat had disappeared. She was relieved to to see that the ceiling was still in place but a little surprised to see Luika. "Mr Luika? Where did you-*" A flash of realization wipes across the girl's face, and she begins to feel her cheeks get warm. o O ( A dream. . .It was only dream. . .But that must mean. . . ) Leetah looks down and lets out a gasp when she realizes she's in a bed. "What am I doing here!? Mr Luika! Please don't tell me I was stupid enough to crawl into bed at a time like this! I must have rocks in my head! What was I thinking!?!?" Leetah quickly tries to get up from the blankets, but only ends up tangling herself even more in her haste. She then looks back at Luika as her eyes light up and her face turns an even deeper shade of pink. . . (( Is Luika still in the bed with Leetah? Or has he moved since Leetah woke up? Guess we'll find out soon! And I'm very very sorry for the long waits between my posts. I'll try to post more frequently from now on. )) Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-21-03, 06:21 PM	Looking to the man on the broom, he simply gives a small smirk. "Would you believe me if I said it was alive?" Soon after that, the cloak detaches from the hole, and when it's owner falls to the floor in a kneeling position, it curls around him a little later. Standing up, he looks around, blade withdrawn within the depths of the cloak...which now looks more like a sash than anything else. Walking cautiously towards the healer and Luika...if they *did* appear in the bedroom, he then taps his blade to the floor when he reaches the front of the bed. The assassin seemed to enjoy this healer's company. Perhaps...perhaps I should...assist him. The way he spoke to that woman in the leather vest...well, he seems...unable to portray emotions as skillfully as he wishes. "Khel...dar...is here to escort you to the rest of the group, Healer." He motions towards Kheldar, if he arrived roughly the same time as Gene, or after him. Looking towards Luika, he gives a simple nod. "You too, are to join us in the ascent back to the others." The blade tip still on the floor, he makes no aggressive gestures, other than the painfully obvious distrust visible in his gaze.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-21-03, 07:28 PM	Kat doesn't hide her pleased smile as Kheldar disappears down through the trap door, though she tries to keep the smugness out of it. So I have pierced through some of that armor... good... maybe it will last through whatever happens with Leetah down there. She eyes the rope left behind and nudges it with her foot. "Well, gentlemen, it seems Kheldar's left us a way to get them out again if the broom fails, or to join them less precipitously than just sliding in the chute if we need to go down. How long do we wait? "And meanwhile, Agudo, can you tell me more about this staff? So it dispels magic when it hits something? Very useful, that. But you also said something in the tavern about lightning bolts? and fireballs? How do I make it do those? Because we'll probably need it."
Kheldar Devaentar 08-21-03, 08:45 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif ((Still going down the hole)) Kheldar smirks at Gene. "Strangely yes, I believe you. . . I had a friend with who owned an intelligent item. . . His, however, was more of a nuisance than anything else. . . I think it wanted to kill him. . . It was quite benevolent actually. . ." Kheldar eyes Gene's cloak as it turns into a sash, that was interesting. Before Kheldar could really give it a second thought he felt something wrong with his broom. it wasn't flying so much as it was falling now. "AAH!" On instinct Kheldar twirls the broom out from his legs and jams it into the walls of the chute. Catching the wall just a few inches before it opened into the room. . . So much for making a cool entrance. Kheldar drops the rest of the way down and immediately starts scanning the room. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((Assuming we're in the right spot, we have to keep in mind that there's an anti-magic field around this place. . . I know it effects all of Kheldar's magic items. It may also make Gene's cloak/sash act like a regular article of clothing. :)))
Dniew 08-21-03, 09:27 PM	Damn, even master and Agudo had turned away, explaining something about fireballs and lightning bolts to that woman. Sure, if there is something about magic you need to know about ask that white archmage who helped only by GUESSING that the door was unlocked, not the wizard who humbley could disintegrate it. Feeling alone and depressed as ever, Dniew walks to the corner of the library room and sighs. He takes his pipe from within the back reaches of his robe and lights it using minor magic. Well, dear pipe, at least you haven't abandoned me, you stayed the same good old pipe for many years. Never lying or taking new masters. "Pueeh, yuck!" Dniew spits the pipe as soon as he tried to take a single inhale from it. "Damn pipe! Why couldn't you tell me that you were filled with that green goo?!" "Arghh, enough with the self pity, let's do something interesting instead... hmm... I wander who really was this non-wizard blond girl." Dniew quietly takes his heavy dusty spellbook, and browses through the pages. "Let's see... ahh! Here it is!" He quietly reads the contents of the current page and than puts back the book waiting for the spell to take effect. Slowly, Dniew's vision become blurry, colors turning into something surealistic, barely recognizable as a library room. Dniew raises his arm only to see something yellowish with 3 fat fingers. He quickly shakes his head and recalls his training, the which allowed him to control this phenomenah. Soon after the vision stabalizes and although it's still unreal Dniew can easily recognize the blobs of color in the far corner as his false master, Agudo, Kat and Rocky. "Now, for some wall-through walking!" Dniew dives in the floor and walks through bricks until he reaches the underground room. When he touches the ground he commands for his vision to return to it's normal state for a moment. Than he notices Kheldar and Gene reaching the floor, it seems Gene used somekind of protection cloak to reach the floor while Kheldar flyed in on his magic broom. Well, well, I am not the only one here capable of doing magical tricks. But regardless, that character, Kynes, seems mighty suspicious, appearing out of nowhere claiming to be Agudo's friend, maybe he is some kind of an assasin sent to hurt master? Better to keep a close eye on him... and another eye on that black-robed half...I mean the one who calls himself Kheldar. Dniew inspects the room more closely and than orders for his ghost form to return, only to find out that he no longer can resume ethrealness and be in the room itself in the same time. An anti-magic field? Well, I guess I'll have just to stick to the wall and hope nobody will notice me... although, in retrorespect I never managed to sneak past anything, even with magical assistance...
Gene_Kynes 08-21-03, 09:45 PM	Kheldar "Strangely yes, I believe you. . . I had a friend with who owned an intelligent item. . . His, however, was more of a nuisance than anything else. . . I think it wanted to kill him. . . It was quite benevolent actually. . ." "...No, I mean...it's a living thing. Not an animated...object." He looks at Kheldar, giving that same analyzing gaze, before his landing occurs. (( There...are we , uhm..on the same timeset, now? :) ))
Kheldar Devaentar 08-21-03, 10:15 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar looks back at Gene, both were now looking at each other analytically now. "Umm yeah. . . that's what I meant. . . A living thing, capable of thought. . . animated objects can't be benevolent. . ." Heck, come to think of it, I know someone with an animated object too. . . Voll's shield is animated, I think. . . Kheldar goes to looking back in front of him. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-21-03, 10:30 PM	(( Hmm? Oh, his tale of comparing the cloak to an animated object sorta...had him thinking the wrong thing? And...erm, I'd guess we are. I think what I posted with his approach...was a kind of ready action, eh? ;) ))
Luika 08-22-03, 08:09 AM	When Leetah awoke, as well as after the arrival of the two newcomers, Luika was calmly reading a strange book, its cover painted in a light shade of green, like the healthiest leaves during MidSummer. At the first sounds, though, I snapped it shut, hiding it from inquisitive gazes in my tired backpack. When I highered my own gaze, looking to see what was the cause of all that sudden ruckus, I distinguished a man clothed in black, silver hair contrasting most of his dark appearance. For an obscure reason though, I did not like him. Something, a faint voice having established itself within my own head, told me it was unsafe to trust him, for he already betrayed us in the past. I looked at the newcomer, coldly and talked, separating each of my words to speak in a clear, detached manner. "Who are you?"
Kheldar Devaentar 08-22-03, 12:33 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar stares at the scene in front of him. Leetah's bed sheets were all over the place, she looked quite embarrassed or ashamed, and she was slightly quivering. "Dammit Luika! You monster!" Kheldar pulls out his short sword and glares at the dark cleric. "You have 18 seconds left to live! Lay a finger on Leetah and that time will be considerably less. . ." The assassin pulls his cloak around him and vanishes from plain sight. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((Roll-playing: I umm. . . roll a hide check. . . yeah, ok. Now I have to wait 3 turns until I can make a death attack. . . yup. (Roll-playing's no fun, role-playing is where it's at! Great job everyone!) This OoC comment will self-destruct in T minus X seconds - where X is unknown.))
Agudo Archmage 08-22-03, 12:58 PM	Jerado wasn’t surprised that they went to rescue Leetah and Luika. But he felt that they needed to get his prize. “Lets see most of them are in the room with the goody good blond girl and trickster Luika. Whats this? A fight! Oh good, I am hoping for at least one death by to day.” The STATUE that Luika found back in the first room, when they all arrived. Jumps from Luika and grows in size. It immediately takes out two swords and follows Kheldar, even though he is invisible; it can since the magic about him. Its trying to kill Kheldar and defend it master Luika. ((Up top)) Gadget looks around for Dniew “Now where did assistant go? Probably taking another nap. So hard to find good help.” Agudo smiles at Kat and asks to see the Staff. “Lets see if I remember you hold it like this and touch the red jewel…………” And nothing happens; Gadget walks up and scratches his head. He takes it from Agudo and lightly taps the staff. A loud electrical noise can be heard, and a flash of lighting shoots out of the staff. Right after that the fireball goes off. It’s heading towards the lab, and with a huge explosion, the whole building shakes. Agudo grabs Kat and throws her down the shoot with him on top of her. Bam! Bounce and Splat! Agudo and Kat hit the bed barely missing everyone near and in it. They do a nice summersault and flop on to the floor. Smoke can be seen coming from the shoot in the ceiling. “Oh my! What? Are you ok Kat? It must have been defective, or at least to sensitive” Agudo slowly gets up and looks around, he see a statue chasing know one; but everyone seems up set. “Gadget did you make this Statue?………….. Gadget? GADGET? Agudo looks up realizing the Gnome didn’t make it down. "Rocky did you see Gadget?...............ROCKY? Agudo looks back up thinking if Rocky was burnt Dwarf or alive
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-22-03, 01:20 PM	Kat picks herself up from the floor, rubbing the sore spots where Agudo crashed into her, then eyes the ceiling. And smiles. Well... so much for Leetah's real body? oh... and Luika's too, I presume. As Agudo calls for Rocky, Kat checks the rest of the inhabitants of the room. Leetah, Luika, Gene... Dniew? must have made it down quickly before she noticed. But Kheldar? Before she can check the shadows further, the strange statue with the swords starts swinging them through the air. "Dammit Agudo! It's another golem and we've wasted the staff's spells! Do something!" Kat takes her own advice and tries to block the swords with the staff. ((OOC: is the anti-magic field in the room still active? Kheldar seems to have used thief/assassin hiding rather than magic invisibility, but what about the statue? ))
Gene_Kynes 08-22-03, 01:33 PM	Looking between Agudo, Kat, Luika, where Kheldar last was, and finally Leetah, Gene shakes his head. I swear. He moves calmly to Leetah, vigorously trying to wake her up if she isn't already so, yet if she's awake, his cloak slinks like a snake back up the chute. "Climb that, Miss Healer, but please wait for me to scout the above room first. It seems to've...experienced some sort of severe elemental trap, or something similar." His features lost their frigid edge, even if just for a moment. The cloak latches itself into the chute wall, about a foot from the top, and allows it's fabric to tighten, providing a type of rope. Then when he falls silent once more, 'Miss Healer' can notice his eyes chilling once more, as he looks towards Luika, having delayed the answer to his question. "A friend of a friend." He then looks back to Agudo and Kat, and one could see the faint arching of an eyebrow. For someone who's in a room with an animate statue chasing an unseen assassin, Gene seems awfully calm as he readies his blade, and then rushes at the thing, swinging his blade once as he passes it. He turns to face the animate statue, as his weapon seems to have no immediate effect. (( If you feel like having his weapon hit, it's a delayed effect as vibrations from the strike take their effect. Whether a chunk falls off, the entire creature collapses, or if it just causes a nick...well, that's up t'you. Your creature, right? ))
Kheldar Devaentar 08-22-03, 05:23 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar's eyes widen as he sees the statue's sword fly directly towards him. How the hell did the statue activate in this place?!? and how did it find him so easily? Kat's staff meets the sword and parries the blow. Kheldar jumps out of the shadows, figuring his hiding spot was more or less compromised. . . "Thanks Kat! But hey, I'm suppose to be saving you!" Well, that's what Jerado had said. . . Kheldar dodges the statue's next attack, now that he was expecting them it made it easier. "Kat! What do you mean that staff is out of spells? It has to have some charges left! . ." Kheldar jumps, preventing his legs from being sliced off. ". . .Wait never mind! It wouldn't work down here any way. . ." Kheldar rolls to the side as he avoids another one of the statue's attacks. ". . .Jeez! Can't this thing attack someone else?" Once again we're fighting a construct. . . which means I'm pretty much useless! . . It doesn't look like we can rely on magic. . . So Agudo is useless. . . Leetah's in no position to start fighting. . . Kat's weapon would be effective against it, but she needs a lot more strength behind those attacks. . . it being a statue and all. . . This dark fellow's sword might do a bit of damage. . . But a stout axe would be much better! Kheldar ducks out of the path of the statue's sword, this was getting quite tiring! "Hey Rocky! We need you down here! Don't worry about the fall, I hear Dwarves are bouncy! Rocky!? You up there?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 08-22-03, 06:29 PM	Still, I sensed immediately something moving around my leather purse. I blatantly acknowledged that Kheldar wasn't the brightest light on this face of the multiverse, but enver would I have thgought he would have bothered to steal something he could've taken from my cold, dead fingers a few moments later. I would've been right to complain about his mental sanity, would not it be for the statuette I saw emerging from my pocket. It grew as it fell, gaining incredible strentgh, and a far more fearsome appearance, rushing for the disappeared person of Kheldar. Meanwhile, as my prized treasure ran amok, terrifying the poor assassin, the betraying archmage fell from above in a darkened cloud of smoke. "What? They allowed him to live through all that we learned about his betrayal!?!?" Only two of us kept calm in the surrounding ruckus. Leetah still laid awake in the bed, unable to move. Kheldar stupidly ran away, having all the combined grace and intelligence of an headless chicken, and the woman wielding the staff fought to the best of her abilities. Agudo, true to himself, did nothing except yelling. Only two of us remained calm. Two of us, darkened twins who had similar trainings. Able to control shadows, dwelling in dark corners when most humans preferred to live under the boiling heat of the sun and using deception and intrigue instead of solid steel of flashy magic, we came from the same background, we were brothers. Even, he claimed to be a friend of a friend. Yet, my best friend did not trust his mysterious allure. He left, anyway, leaving once again Leetah and I together, if only for a few seconds. She would soon react against the threat laid on Kheldar, though. I crossed my arms on my chest, looking at him, trying to fend his way away from the statue's deadly swords, a pleased expression on my face. "18 seconds, did you say? I count. 18. 17...)
Golddigger Dwarf 08-22-03, 06:32 PM	“We should be leaving and thee all like the playing.” Rocky finds this rescue my friend too much. With an annoyed look he walks over to see the body Leetah. “She’s a little scrawny, but with some good Dwarven food and Ale” He chuckles at the thought of fattening her up. “Now lets see what me hands can find in this wacky wizard room.” He slowly walks away from Leetah body, as his greed takes over from his lust. “Ahh now, this will do nicely.” Rocky grabs a box and opens it. “Platinum!” Rocky quickly puts it in his pocket.” If me momma didn’t tell once, she told me twice. That when know one is looking then its yours” Rocky grins at the thought of his old mum. “She always knew how get what was coming to her. I be doing the same thing, so don’t worry mum. Ye know I get what’s coming to me” On cue lighting and a fireball come rushing in. “BACKSTABING WIZARDS” He screams as he falls to the ground. The heat was intense but what really did it was the lighting hitting the potions on the table. It caused a double explosion.
Leetah 08-22-03, 06:42 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Quickly untangleing herself from the bed sheets, Leetah gets up and observes the chaos unfolding around her. What was going on? Who were these new people. One of them appeared from behind a wall, and the other climbed down an odd article of clothing that looked like it kept changing it's shape. Mr Kheldar was also there, along with Miss Kat and Mr Agudo who nealry landed on top of her on their way down. And just as Leetah was trying to puzzle out what exactly was going on, Mr Luika's statue grows to a monsterous size and begins chasing Kheldar around them room. . . ". . . . . . . . . I'm still asleep. . .Aren't I?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-22-03, 07:01 PM	Stalking around the running golem, he looks towards the confused Leetah. And shrugs. He then attempts another slice at the construct's legs, with the same attempt to set up vibrations within the artificial body. (( This...may be just me, but I think Kheldar's death attack is a little delayed, Luika. Maybe just a tad bit. ))
Kheldar Devaentar 08-22-03, 07:32 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar lets out an annoyed grunt. . . What an inconvenient time for Rocky to decide to die. . . Kat and Agudo looked a little banged up. . . But surely that sturdy Dwarf could have survive what ever they had. Oh, he probably got himself killed while trying to steal something! Damn, no helping axe. . . hmmm. . . Kheldar's limbs where getting pretty tired. . . On the outside it looked like he was dodging the statue's attacks with ease. . . On the inside however, it was beginning to feel like a lesson in pain. Luika looked amused. . . and why not? Had this golem not appeared his life would have been in danger. Killing a cleric without magic was easy. . . Trying to line up a killing blow while dodging a golem was. . . impossible! Kheldar's arms were beginning to weaken, but of course the statue wasn't slowing down at all. The inevitable happened. . . The golem clipped Kheldar's shoulder with it's sword. Blood began to spill. Dammit. . . if all I do is tumble around, I can see how this battle will end. . . I don't suppose I'll be doing any more hiding until I get this patched up! Kheldar could hear Luika counting down. . . Now the dark cleric was just mocking him. . . "15. . . 14. . . 13. . ." Kheldar eye's narrow. . . 12 more seconds was all he needed. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gorodn R. Quigley
Leetah 08-22-03, 08:02 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif "Kheldar!!!" Leetah's eyes widen upon seeing Kheldar take the wound. Something about the assassin’s injury convinced Leetah she wasn't dreaming anymore. "Mr Luika!? What are you doing!? Please stop! You’re going to kill him!" Luika didn't appear to hear her, or he was simply ignoring the girl. The dark cleric just continued to count down the seconds, the grin on his face becoming more and more amused. "Why are you doing this!? Stop! Please I beg you, STOP!!!" o O ( . . .Please don't make me hurt you Mr Luika. . . ) Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Luika 08-22-03, 08:24 PM	The morbid counter stopped, as I turned my head to gaze into Leetah's terrified eyes, muttering: "As if I could do anything. I never called the statue myself : it protected me when your friend promised me to meet the afterlife in less than several seconds. Now, I should have to take action, and save him? Don't you realize the risk I am putting myself at, only for thy sweet eyes?" I looked at Kheldar, battling against his own fate after his own threat. It was too ironic, too darkly beautiful to be lost. Yet, I had to keep Leetah around me, caring for me. As for him...he would know that I always carried my guardian demon on me. "You, onyx herald of my faith, Do not become his life's wraith. Rather, subdue this assassin, preventing him from further sin." I dearly hoped, without any better solution, that this would force the construct to listen to me, to keep Kheldar down without killing him.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-22-03, 08:43 PM	Kat's agility is stretched to its limits as she keeps attempting to block the statue's swords, while trying not to get in the way of both Gene's attacks and Kheldar's dodges. No way she can get any force behind her blows under these conditions, but at least the statue seems directed only against Kheldar and isn't swinging at anyone else. Agudo and Dniew are being useless, and Leetah as well, and Luika is acting very oddly. Having not heard Kheldar's threat, having not been there when Luika got the statue, Kat is very confused. Why is Luika doing that infernal countdown?!?! Is he directing this golem against Kheldar? Leetah seems to think so... but now what is he chanting? Is he launching another attack? Should I stop him... or not? The blow from the swords that sends the staff flying from Kat's hands answers that question. Kat backs up against the far side of the room from Luika, with the statue, Kheldar, and Gene between them.
Gene_Kynes 08-22-03, 09:34 PM	Disgusted with his blade's fruitless attempts at shattering the golem, Gene glances towards his rope-like cloak. Odd. My blade's never been this dull. The rope seems to be gone, and the shadows around Gene congeal and fade as the garment re-appears on his shoulders, still at it's ridiciously long length. It then is sent at a blurring speed between the golem's legs, wrapping between the constructed limbs and tightening into a vise grip, the dark creature in cloak form abandoning it's owner, and anchoring itself into the floor.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-22-03, 10:08 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar watches Gene's cloak wrap around the Golem and catch it off balance. What is that cloak doing?!? I need that golem! 12. . . 11. . . 10. . . 9. . . Kheldar cuts the golem free. . . and tumbles behind Luika. . . The obedient statue chases after the assassin. . . Sword ready to strike. . . 5. . . 4. . . 3. . . 2. . . . . .? Time to gamble. . . Kheldar kicks the chanting cleric towards the golem's charging weapon! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley.
Luika 08-22-03, 10:28 PM	Steel tearing through his offered flesh, revealing Luika's organs. He fell to his knees, holding his crippled skin, but unable to keep the massive flows of blood from staining the floor that would be his dying ground. He managed to mumble, mocking himslef, in a voice audible only for those around : "Only for thy sweet eyes...", before closing his forever.
Leetah 08-22-03, 10:59 PM	. . .
Leetah 08-22-03, 11:56 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif "MR LUIKA!!!" Leetah watches in horror as the statue's blade tears through the half elf's armour and deep into the cleric's side. A large arc of blood follows the dripping blade as Luika collapses to the floor. Leetah dashes to the half elf's side. "Mr Luika? Mr Luika! Please! Speak to me!!! Luika!?!?" The girl places a trembling hand against Luika's neck checking for a pulse. It was horribly weak, but it was still there. . . "Your not going to die. . .I wont let you die. . .No one has to die. . .CURSE YOU KHELDAR!!!" Leetah suddenly finds herself crying as she tries to co-ordinate her hands over Luika's wound. There was still time. . .She could still help him. . .It wasn't too late. . . ". . .Heal. . ." . . .Nothing happened. . . Leetah blinks in disbelief and tries again. " HEAL!" . . .Nothing again. . . Starting to panic, Leetah checks Luika's pulse again. It wasn't gone yet. "What's happening!? Why wont the spell work!?!? MR LUIKA!" Leetah desperately starts looking around Luika's body, searching for something. Finally she lets out a panicked yelp. "Guys! I don't know how to remove this heavy armour!!! Please! I need someone's help! There isn't much time!!!" Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-23-03, 01:12 AM	Swiftly, his movements as graceful as if he was in a never-ending dance, Gene moves towards the Cleric, ignoring the ill omens the Chakram on the man's chest told. Managing to look at Kheldar...this time, the man can hear a chilling whisper of "This..is what you wanted, no?", as if such was meant soley for his ears. The now near-ruined cloak slowly returned to it's companion, and Gene stops from his attempts briefly, his blue eyes staring blankly at the armor as he hears something others cannot, the tattered and torn fabric wrapping around his shoulders once more, hanging thinly. Within his mind, he savored this both new, and old upsurge in emotion. Rage. Keeping the storm within hidden by his same expressionless visage, he then continues looking upon the wound. Working on removing the armor as fast as he can, he looks up, his voice colder, and more distant as ever, with a faint hostile edge to it's words. "I need assistance with this, to hasten the man's healing." Slipping a blade into his own hands, he slices away a leather strap. ...This...this...is senseless. "Hurry your healer's kit, girl. Magery alone will be but a candle in the path of the Black Wind's howl."
Kheldar Devaentar 08-23-03, 01:57 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif The thrill of killing Luika didn't last long. . . In fact it didn't even last a second. Kheldar sniffed. . . if these people didn't like death this much they should have seen him 4-5 years ago! No that wasn't it. . . Kheldar's thoughts caught up to speed with him. . . He had done something terrible! . . He had harmed the cloak in order to kill Luika! . . No that couldn't be all of it. . . it didn't explain why Leetah was so upset. . . unless. . . Did I make a mistake? . . It looked like Luika was. . . Leetah looked like she had been. . . But. . . But could I have been wrong? Kheldar continued to dodge the statue's attacks. . . He didn't even feel the pain in his limbs now. The quite voice is his head was screaming at him for being a fool! The loud voice didn't defend itself at all. . . Common sense told Kheldar to get away from Leetah and the others unless he wanted their blood on the statue's sword too! Kheldar listened to common sense! . . The quite voice continued it's lecture. . . As Kheldar jumped back to the wall opposite Kat he thought he felt himself slam into someone else. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-23-03, 03:49 AM	Kat stands frozen for what seems like hours in indecision and pain, with voices in her own head screaming at each other. For some reason her hand keeps reaching for the stone from Agudo, but touching it makes the pain so much worse. Help him... no... needed for getting the artifact?... if he dies, Leetah will never forgive Kheldar... other ways ... but this one sure?... the injury alone enough?... perhaps... and Luika alive will help separate?...true... then yes?... yes. Able to ignore the statue since it's now moved past Luika's body in its search for Kheldar, she breaks her stance and almost stumbles to Gene's side, drawing a narrow razor-sharp dagger from the top of her boot to help slice quickly through armor straps, and pulling folded lengths of cloth from the hidden pockets of her vest. "Use these, there are the sheets too. Leetah, if magic isn't working then just use your other training... you must have some?" She glances beyond Luika to Kheldar, and stares at the sight of him crowded against the wall by the statue. "NO!"
Dniew 08-23-03, 06:47 AM	((Rewind: 20 seconds before Luika's death)) "Now where did assistant go?..." Coming master! Just let me get out of this anti-magic field first. Ahh, I think it's boundries are ending with this wall, very good, on the count of 3 while no one has noticed me...1...2... "Luika, you monster!...You've got 18 seconds to live..." ...3. Dniew, immediately after ethrealness has been activated flies back to the labaratory, only to find the it burning and his master lying unconcious on the floor. "NO!!! Master, are you alright?? Please, say something!" ... "Very well master, I'll do it but than I will come back for you!" *** ((Somewhere below))"...15...14..." *** "First, something quick to extinguish the fires... ahh, i've still got Quickened Tadiran's coolnat ready!" Than Dniew casts it, immediately freezing the lab and all the inhabitants within, which happen to include Rocky and both Luika's and Leetah's body. *** "...11...10..." *** "Now, master said I've got to save them... hm, I know! I just hope the machine haven't damaged severly yet." Dniew flies towards the soul transfering lever. And inserts his head to the wall. "Augmented wheels, check. Water power, check... everything else, check." *** "...4...3..." *** "Okay soul-transferer, do me the black haired man!" Self post-scriptum: I wonder why master chose him first instead of that nice girl, oh well.. *** "Only for thy sweet eyes..." *** Dniew pulls the switch. (( OOC: If the transformation is succesful than Luika will revive in his old body in the lab. The lab itself is completely frozen, more or less, 10 celsius. Dniew won't feel it because he is still in a semi-ghost status. Good luck! PS: I hope I haven't ruined any future plans you had. :rolleyes: ))
Agudo Archmage 08-23-03, 01:01 PM	Jerado bounces up and down on his chair laughing away. “This is wonderful! More! More!” He claps his hands as Luika gets sliced up. Jerado wipes away a tear, but not of sadness but joy. “Now to turn the Anti magic off.” With a snaps of his fingers the magic in the room is free again. The statue runs out of time that it normally has, and returns to Luika pocket. Agudo rushes over and fumbles for a potion that might help luika. "Now where did I put them?" ((OOC Dniew you did great! As far as saving Luika by causing the magical machine to reach out for Luika soul?…………….Well that’s up to Luika to decide. But So far so good with me!:angel:
Leetah 08-23-03, 01:27 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portnewleetah.gif Watching Gene and Kat remove the last pieces of Luika's armour, Leetah pulls out her healer's kit and kneels beside the wounded half elf. The girl had managed to stop her shaking, and was trying her best to regulate her breathing. Agudo joined her. "Mr Agudo, please keep Luika on his back with his knees in an upright position. That should relax the abdominal muscles and relieve any pressure. Miss Kat, I think I have enough clean cloth here but please leave what you have and start tearing a long strip out of that bed sheets over there." Leetah felt a little odd asking Kat for help. She wasn't entirely sure if the woman was a friend or foe. Regardless, even if she was an enemy, her help was desperately needed right now! Leetah begins to apply a cloth to Luika's open wound "Everything's going to be okay Mr Luika. . .You don't have to worry. . .We're going t-*" Something wasn't right. Luika's skin was beginning to fade to grey. Leetah gently places her ear against Luika's chest listening for something. . .What she heard was nothing. . .Leetah's eyes widen. "NO! His heart! Mr Luika's heart! It's. . .NOO!" Leetah scoots over towards the cleric's head and tilts his chin up, opening the air passage. The half elf wasn't breathing. Still keeping one hand on his chin, and using the other to pinch his nose, Leetah leans over Luika and releases two slow breaths into his mouth. If the man were conscious, he'd have felt tears trickling down his cheek. Leetah checks his pulse again. . .His heart still wasn't beating. Trying her best to keep strong, Leetah straightens out her arms and plants both her hands down on Luika's chest. She then begins to count out loud as she pushes down on the cleric's chest fifteen times. ". . .1. . .2. . .3. . .4. . .5. . .6. . .7. . .8. . .9. . .10. . .11. . .12. . .13. . .14. . .15. . ." Stopping the compressions, Leetah leans over to Luika's head and delivers another two slow breaths. She then resumes pushing down on his chest. o O ( Please Mr Luika! You have to start breathing again! We can't help you otherwise. . .Please!) The cycle of compressions and breaths continues for about a minute before Leetah checks Luika's pulse again. His heart still wasn't pumping blood. Leetah lets out a frustrated cry, and then attempts to star over again. She hoped that Kat, Agudo, and the other cloaked man were having more luck with stopping Luika's bleeding then she was having restoring his heart. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley (( Hee hee, I'm operating under the assumption that Luika's clone has been activated, and thus, no amount of work on this body will restore it back to life. ))
Agudo Archmage 08-23-03, 06:50 PM	Agudo thinks for a second then smiles, he casts a minor "Shock" spell. He looks at his hands and sees they are charged. "Ok stand back Leetah, I am going to apply my hands on his chest. Everyone stand back and dont touch him." With that Agudo place his hands on Luika chest. (ZAP) The body of Luika shakes. "Stand Back" Agudo places his hands on the dead "OR" dying body of Luika again. (ZAP) Agudo does this sevearl more times, before stoping. "Is his heart moving?"
Kheldar Devaentar 08-23-03, 09:32 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Both Kheldar and whoever it was fall to the floor. What terrible timing! The statue was coming down on him again. . . there wasn't any chance of avoiding another wound! . . .The statue stops. . . Puts away it's weapon and purposefully marches back into Luika's pocket. Kheldar just blinks after it. . . That was weird. . . Picking himself up, Kheldar offers a hand to the person he had knocked down. . . What he saw underneath him was a black dress-form. Huh?!?!?. . . Well, at least I didn't offer to help it up out loud. The quite voice had stopped yelling. . . Kheldar was grateful for that. He looked over to where Luika had fallen. . . Everyone was grouped around him. Kat had even turned her attention back to him. . . Kheldar felt terrible. . . Yes he felt sorry for himself, but he felt worse for the others. . . Kheldar walks towards the group. . . "Agudo that wont bring him back. . . Could you please cast mending on that fellows cloak? . . I'd do it myself, but I don't know the spell. . . Here, this should pay for it. . ." Kheldar pops off one of his rings and drops it in Agudo's lap. He then continues to walk towards the trap door chute, he couldn't bring himself to talk to any of the others. . . Under the chute was his broom. Well, the broken pieces of it anyway. . . Kat and Agudo would have smashed through it on their way down. Guess I wont be using that anymore Kheldar carefully eyes the distance up the hole. . . and leaps up into it! That jump naturally didn't make it all the way up, so Kheldar skips off one walls inside the chute, then skips off the opposing wall, then skips off the other opposing wall. After a few more jumps he was back in the library, almost out of breath and still bleeding from his wound. Ugh. . . I think I just tore it open more! . . Oh well, I can worry about it after. . . Kheldar walks into the laboratory and gasps. It was nearly destroyed!! Rocky was there. . . he looked nearly destroyed! Leetah and Luika didn't look wonderful either. Dniew was hard at work. "Dniew. . . I remember someone saying neither Luika or Leetah's soul could return to their original body. . . Is there any way to change that? I think we're going to be bringing one of them back pretty soon! . . .Ah. . . What chya doing?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 08-23-03, 10:51 PM	Many sounds echoed around me, yet for the first time in my whole life I did not want to hear any informations. Excited, I had nothing else on my mind than the demise that Kheldar would probably, and the ascension that I would reach, upon reaching finally the Plane of Eternal Rest, the Plane of Shadow, my real home. It called. I let go of my last grasp on life, and slowly I fell down, gaining a new counsciousness, unreachable for most humans. I regained my senses, altough I doubted it for a few times. My surroundings still were pitch-black, and I couldn't even see my own hand, placed at inches from my eyes! But this fact was somewhat unimportant, for I felt, around me, the many presences of invisible beings. "Where are you? Who are you?" I shouted desperately, scared, panicked to know that my beliefs were not as I had made them up, as my demanding god asked me to believe in. Still, many hissing voices, all answered at once, as if controlled by a single, complex mind. "Shadowssss we are. Greetingssss. Welcome here, deceased. Your misstresss is quite pleassed with your deedsss, and she shall prosseed to.. " However, thew many undeads' serpentine voices were cut by a glowing flash of orange light. Disturbing, threatening even for these messengers, it was as spectacular as a small sun settling by my side. Or was it on me? The bulging emanation engulfed my whole body, pulling me, tearing through what I considered as my new body. Unelievably painful was it, worse than dying. "They try to sseize him!" "What can we do?" "She did not tell anything to uss!" "He'll get killed back if he returnsss!" "Then let him go!" "But it is a loss of time!" "His death may be lessss meaningful to the Lady." "Yet, hisss influensse over her will perpetrate." "What can we do?" "Let him decide!" shouted a bold one, throwing itself in the swirling chaos created by the arcane forces, penetrating my torn body, that quickly lost its solidity under the action of the orange light. After a tremendous flash of blinding illumination, the world, once again, faded back to black. < Hello, flesh. I am within you, now. You are a strange subject, that is for sure. You lost life, yet you didn't have enough time to die before your eternal soul did find its eternal rest, its position along our Lady of Loss. Even though you will walk, once again, amongst the ranks of the living, the layer separating you and death is not as large as it once was. Any time, call upon me. Just once though, for there will be no return.> This litany repeated in my head, until it lost any meaning to me, fading into the swamps of my tired brain. I reintegrated my body, finding once again all the little traumas we have to live with daily. Oddly, it was also cool, but the temperature was bearable. I opened my eyes, wondering what would the world look like this time. Some things really seem to be arranged. "You!" I muttered agressively, seeing the assassin in front of me. (OOC: Dniew, I know you're from Israel, and thus our grasp on temperature is quite different. Here, winters approaches - 30 Celsius, and thus 10 Celsius seems only mildly cold to me.)
Kheldar Devaentar 08-23-03, 11:39 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar grins. The rogue looked quite different without his cloak on. In his hand he held a large metal loop. Luika could feel something warm all around him. "Guess you were right Dniew. That didn't matter. . . And here I was afraid we'd permanently lost him. . ." Kheldar looks at Luika, trying to think of something to say. . . "I. . . I'm sorry. . . about what I did back there. . . When I saw Leetah with all that horror in her eyes and you beside her I thought. . . well. . . I simply thought you deserved to die." Kheldar still didn't know why Leetah was so stunned and shook up when he first saw her down there. . . He'd have to ask her about it. . . if she'd ever talk to him again. . . Well, this - and lending Luika his cloak was all the apology Kheldar's pride would allow him to give. . . Kheldar's voice began to pick up. "Any way! The next time I say I'm going to kill you and ya don't think you deserve killing, tell me about it! It would have saved me a whole lot of grief! What else? Oh, you're naked under that cloak. . . I wasn't sure if your race liked prancing around naked or not, but I thought I'd give you the benefit of the doubt. . . Your stuff is still in the bedroom. . . You should probably go down there and get it. . . a. . ." Kheldar has trouble saying the words. ". . . a lot of people will be happy to see you. . . I think. . ." Kheldar eyes Luika. . . Then looks over to Dniew. "Well, you did it! I'm impressed. . . Now all we have to worry about is your master and Rocky. . . Rocky's probably alright. . . I mean sure he looks dead. . . but he's a Dwarf, and they're pretty tough. . ." Kheldar kicks Rocky in an attempt to wake him up. A small box falls out of the Dwarf's pockets, spilling cioins onto the floor. "Ah-ha! I knew it! Sheesh. . . can't trust anyone these days." Kheldar scoops up the coins and box, and walks out of the lab. . . The assassin leans over Gadget's body and checks his pulse. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-24-03, 01:38 AM	His eyes narrow slightly, after watching 'Healer Girl's attempts, as he sees no response from Luika. Standing up, the tatters of his cloak embracing him as he moves towards the shaft. "Sometimes...even the strongest flame dies before the dark wind." Slipping his blade into it's concealed sheath, he crosses his arms. "Well, unless there's more to this place, aren't we to return?" Motioning to the shaft above, a strange occurence happens to the man. A faint luminance of white outlines of his body flicker around him, and then fade. His skin color seems to lighten faintly, and his hair seems to lose it's own shine. Appearently completely oblivious to this, he looks up, hearing the faint echos of Kheldar's voice.
Dniew 08-24-03, 01:50 AM	((Minor ooc note:I hope everyone understand that Dniew is still half-ghost, which means you can see through him... most of the time.)) Although Dniew was praised, a comment that he had very rarely heard, he was still troubled. "It was a minor task of checking the machine, but something is amiss, it took the machine 8 ticks to work, while the effect should be immediate, the machine have undegone a process it wasn't meant to go through! I believe I'll have to repair it in order for the blond girl you named Leetah to revive too. In another words, you'll have to wait. And master is feeling perfectly well, he...er... *said so* to me." Dniew thought it was quite strange, half a minute ago he could swear that he heard Kheldar threaten this man, and now Kheldar apologizes and gives away his cloak. And I thought only beasts from the plane of Limbo and females are rationless. Enough thinking, time to get back to work. Let's see, i'll need a hammer, a bucketful of water and some prime arcane material... Dniew gets back to work, browsing the shelves for potions and than searching the cupboards beneath for some tools. Completely ignoring the beat-up dwarf in the middle of the lab. "This should do it!" Dniew proudly announces, only to find himself talking to an empty room as Kheldar and Luika had already left. Damn, oh well, never mind, let's make things rumble. Though it would be a good idea to cover the recipient's body. Whilst doing so, covering Leetah's body with white sheets, he pulls the switch, hoping that this time everything will work as it should be.
Leetah 08-24-03, 02:02 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah's eyes light up as Agudo casts a spell directly into Luika's body, causing the Cleric to vibrate. o O ( Maybe Mr Agudo can save him! He did claim that he was and Archmage of the Light afterall. . .Right? That must mean he has strong Clerical abilities! Oh please Pelor! Please let this spell work! ) Leetah quickly leans over Luika's body again and places her ear against the man's chest. After a few seconds, Pelor's Priestess burts in tears. "I don't understand. . .Why wont anything work!? He should have been revived by now!!! I promised myself I'd never lose another. . .why. . ." Leetah buries her face into Luika's chest, not wanting to believe that the man was actually dead. It was all her fault too! She begged for him to stop attacking Kheldar, and then the assassin slew him while his guard was down! Why did Kheldar kill Luika!? Why didn't her spells work!? Why couldn't her training as a healer save Luika's life!? WHY!? Leetah knew she should get up, but her body didn't feel like moving. Nothing was making any sense! Her dream was more coherent than this! Maybe this was a dream. Maybe this was all just a terrible dream! Oh who was she kidding. . .She just wanted an excuse for reality! Leetah continues to cry. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-24-03, 02:17 AM	As the cries reached his hearing, Gene's endless dance seems to cease, even for a moment. Well, you were the one who declared his death, Gene. And...why's she crying? She's a cleric, isn't she? Ressurection...no? Moving slowly back towards the corpse, regaining his inhuman grace after a few steps, the cold appearence remains, despite his intentions. "Stop...stop crying..." almost as if in afterthought; he tags on a "...please. " His voice betrays a slight bit of emotion, but she can't tell easily if it's a wish to end the waterworks, or a faint hint of sympathy. Guessing it won't stop, he simply stands there, arms crossed, thoughts tracing through his head. Thread by thread, the cloak seems to be slowly weaving itself together, something noticable only by close observation.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-24-03, 02:26 AM	As the statue turns from Kheldar, Kat relaxes, but turns at Leetah's request to help make more bandages from the sheets. When she checks again, Kheldar is gone... but noises are coming from the chute and the opening. He's left?!... now what? Kat feels strangely more relaxed without Kheldar around, and continues to help the others with Luika. Not much to help with. Leetah and Agudo fuss and fumble around the body, but nothing seems to help. Finally Agudo, and Gene as well, seem to give in. Leetah is still obviously upset. As Kat watches the girl, the headache starts growing again. But how oddly pleasing to watch her sob over the body, despite Gene's attempts to quiet her. And even more pleasing (... painful...) to see Leetah's body collapse.
Agudo Archmage 08-24-03, 11:53 AM	He wiped the sweat from his brow as Agudo saw that Luika was gone. Just then Leetah throws herself on Luika. “Now, now dear, he new this was a dangerous job and was not surprised at his death. I am sure he finds comfort in you compassion for him. Agudo sees that Gene has returned. “Try to help the poor girl” The Archmage of Light stands up and looks for away out. Reaching into his magic bag he takes out a rope. “Now lets see if this was worth my lucky four-leaf clover, that I used to pay for this rope.” With that the rope goes erect standing perfectly stiff and ready to climb. Alright everyone, we should try to find the treasure room, where we met our dea….ths” He says this as he is climbing up and hoping Leetah did not hear that. At the top Agudo looks around. “What a mess” Gadget trys to get up but cant. “Ill be ok….cough…. go with them Dniew, you have earned your freedom.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-24-03, 02:29 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Leetah's crying could be heard from below. . . it made Kheldar sigh. They must all think I'm some sort of monster. . . Can't really blame them though. . . not after pulling a stunt like that. . . hmmmmm. . . I even damaged that one guy's cloak. . . and there was no reason for that. . . none at all. . . I only did it to satisfy my own fool pride. . . Just trying to impress people. . . But who's impressed?! Nobody, that's who! . . Hell, I'm not even impressed. . . Kheldar takes his finger tips off Gadget's neck. . . The Gnome was indeed still alive. . . . The only one I've probably impressed is Jerado. . . He orchestrated it. . . He knew what I would do! . . Why else would he suddenly show me that scene? . . Dammit! . . He knows me better than I know myself! It's just as he said. . . I am bloody predictable! . . Kheldar reaches inside the metal loop and pulls out his favorite short sword, it made him frown. . . .He can manipulate me like a puppet. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 08-24-03, 02:30 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah lifts her head from Luika's chest and gives a slight nod. The girl's golden bangs were all over the place now, and her face was still creased with sorrow. She knew that Agudo was right about them having to leave, but that didn't make leaving Luika's body behind any easier for her. Forcing herself to stand up, Leetah begins to walk away from the corpse. ". . .I'm okay Mr Agudo. . .I just ne-*. . .Wait. . ." Leetah stops herself and turns around. ". . .There's still one last thing that we can do for Mr Luika before we leave. . ." Quickly making her way over to the bed, Leetah grabs the largest bed sheet. She then looks down at Luika's body again, wishing she could do more. "It isn't great, but this is the best burial we can make for him." Leaning over Luika's body, Leetah begins to lay the large bed sheet over top of the cleric's corpse. It was all that the girl could do. . . o O ( . . .I'm sorry Mr Luika. . . I failed. . .Please forgive m-* ) Leetah's world went black. . .Her corpse collapsed beside Luika's. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley (( Note For Gene_Kynes: Leetah's Clone was activated. That's why she died ;) ))
Gene_Kynes 08-24-03, 02:37 PM	He's kidding, right? Gene's eyes...for once, seem to allow a single glimpse at his thoughts...which currently seem to be disbelief. Looking to Kat, then to Agudo, and finally looking at Healer Girl. He shakes his head at Agudo. I don't do that, Agudo. Isn't my style. He watches the "burial", and then narrows his eyes as the living cleric...seems to fall. (( Oh, gotcha! ))
Luika 08-24-03, 04:30 PM	I untied the black cloak's attaches, only to wrap the cloth around my waist, hiding from prying eyes my legs. "Indeed Kheldar, you can't trust anyone these days. You protect one's friend when a golem tries to kill her, risking your own god's approvance in the process, and yet, possessed by a terrifying jealousy, you get your heart on a sword blessed by the priests who trained you, because of a fool's honorless tricks. Heh. Life's not that marvelous, after all. Couldn't you leave me...How did you bring me back? What's that body, there?" shouted I, pointing to Leetah's one. Holding myself with my bare arms, my teeth knocking, I tried to warmth my frozen body, yet I didn't wished to leave this place before getting further informations.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-24-03, 06:26 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar takes is eyes off Gadget and looks back at Luika in the laboratory. The playful smile he usually wore across his face was back on. "Oh I don't think anyone disapproves when I protect people from golems. . . Besides, I don't have a God to disappoint. . . My experiences with Gods have never been pleasant. . . I just try to leave them alone, and hope they'll leave me alone too. . ." Kheldar gets up and walks back to the lab. Maybe Leetah could help Gadget out. "As for honorless tricks. . . Well, that's my profession now isn't it? I normally attack people when I'm invisible. . . and with poisoned blades no less. . . I lie about who I am to get into important places. . . I'll even turn around and kill my employer if the victim is willing to pay more than the employer's loyalty fee*. . ." Kheldar chuckles a bit before going on. "And if Leetah ever caught you saying life isn't marvelous, She'd probably start beating you with her staff. . . But you're wrong Luika. . . Life is marvelous. . . Bad things will always happen during people's lives. . . sometimes things get so bad, people want to kill themselves. . . and the foolish ones do. . . But no matter what - life is precious! As long as there are good people left in this world, life is worth living! . . Now learn it, know it, live it, love it!" How ridiculous! . . a trained assassin telling this to an evil cleric. . . I wonder if he actually believed in any of it. Kheldar looks at Leetah's body. . . he was grateful that Dniew had been able to cover it up. Now that Leetah might see it. "And how did you come back to life? Sorry, should have probably started with this one. . . Well, in short we were all cloned. . . You're back in your original body. . . Seems crazy? Well, pretty soon you'll remember us all dying in some God forsaken trapped room. . . Or if you want confirmation before that memory comes, look at the two identical Dwarfs on the ground. . . The naked one. . . Ahem* That Rocky probably forgot to turn over on purpose. . . was a clone. . . It's dead because Rocky's soul was taken out of it and put back in his original body via that machine over there." Kheldar points at the machine Dniew was fiddling with. "Same thing happened to me, Kat Agudo. . . and now you. If it still doesn't make sense wait for your memory to catch up. . . There's a long back story for all this too. . . Ask Agudo about it if ya want. . . he seems well informed about everything." Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley *loyalty fee: The fee Kheldar charges his employers on top of the fee for the assassination. If the target of the assassination out-pays the employer's loyalty fee, Kheldar will go back to kill the employer. . . Some exceptions apply, the cycle only lasts for as long as it's profitable.
Luika 08-24-03, 07:54 PM	Luika's laugh rose in the damp laboratory, as thunder clapping over a silent savanna. "You! You are telling me life is marvelous? You who killed me, you who just admitted being ready to poison people, to assassinate your own employers, you're trying to make me believe in life!! Either you're being hypocritical, or you are just plain stupid, Kheldar...that is, unless you mean that only your life is amrvelous, and that others don't matter as long as what you have to get done is done. Your life must be wonderful, indeed. Lost in these sewers in a body that is not yours, you almost blew yourself up because of your own incompetence. Worst than that. it is since that time that you planned my death, consumed by your jealousy, your possessive desire of flirting with anything feminine around you. I saw you in Jerado's library, assassin. I saw that woman, stil unknown to me, wrapping herself around you, trying madly to entangle in her charms. I would not be surprised that you fall for them. What would you do, without me? Would you turn your agressivity to Leetah, or the other one? I am a great scapegoat, am not I? I am amazed at how you handle the problems in your life, Kheldar. Really. At least I had a good time before departing." I added. :smirk:
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-24-03, 08:32 PM	Kat had eyed the newcomer with a slight smile at his reaction to Agudo's words. Ahhh... another assassin type?... hardly the sort to comfort anyone in any case. Then Leetah's gesture at conventions, and her collapse. Kat tries to hide a larger smile that comes unbidden as her first task seems complete. But a gnawing anxiety grows in her mind, and her eyes suddenly widen. "The clones! the... um... not-clones? original bodies, they say, but it's hard to believe them... Gene, the bodies in the lab, did you see? do you remember? That's what happened to Luika... and now Leetah! They're still alive up there... we've got to get up to them!" Kat moves quickly to Agudo's rope and starts climbing, letting the other take whatever action he feels appropriate. She certainly doesn't bother with any of Leetah's or Luika's effects.
Gene_Kynes 08-24-03, 09:13 PM	Sighing, the man seems to dissapear into an umbral pool. ...How can I hope for a bit of calm admist the chaos to stand upon, when people are dropping two at a time? Back with the rest of the group, suddenly appearing in the darkest patch in the room and reluctantly leaving the shadow's embrace, he looks between Luika, Leetah, and Kheldar. "...Doesn't anyone stay dead anymore?" Crossing his arms, he cloak seems to be much more fluid around Kheldar, and Gene seems to be intently staring at the Assassin, as a ghoul would a grave, or a butcher would a cattle.
Golddigger Dwarf 08-24-03, 10:03 PM	The pain and the smell of? Burnt flesh? Rocky was not doing so well. “Its so cold, whats going on?” He gets to his knees and looks at everyone. “Stupid wizards!” As he stands up he sees that his cloths have been burned off, and some of his skin is hanging. “Where me pants?” He then looks down and sees that he is in the buff again. “Hay! Its to cold in here” Rocky covers his private parts up, and turns as red as the rest of his burnt skin. “Stop laughing everyone, its cold so that’s why it looks so small. Well never mind, does anyone have some pants that I can borrow? “ He then chuckles. “Or shall I go in the buff on are trip?”
Dniew 08-24-03, 10:18 PM	Dniew is outraged, "Now the man is talking about how life is marvelous! Never thought I would live to see the day that cold-blooded killers would exclaim that life is marvelous. Thanks to my training at the acadamy I am still... wait, what acadamy?? I was trained under master's tutage all my life...I...oh! my head!!!" Dniew swirls and falls on the floor, barely concious. Old memories are climbing and to his brain killing all the new ones. Dniew recognized this phenomenah, it is the feeling of been released from a domination spell, although the effect is much stronger than he had ever had the bad forune to encounter with. If he wouldn't do something soon, his mental power will fade out, and this could only result in a fatality while hovering in the ethreal. He had to do something, fast! "...A potion... i need a potion, third shelf starting at the bottom...second vial...right..." He hovers his hald-invisible self towards the shelf, while trying to think of nothing in particular. Than he takes a sip from the vial labeled 'one drop to cure headache, if you value your sanity do not drink more than one drop!!!!' "Ahh, that's better, now, regarding that breeches of yours, sir I believe the cupboard holds spare clothes in case of a fire crisis let loose." He than turns to Kheldar and Luika, grining widely. "And please do not fight gentleman, I am sure that you can solve this in a quiet, non-violent way. I would suggest you would tend to your friend who had just revived and might feel a little uncomfortable and very confused." Than Dniew goes away to a corner while whistling non-chalantly.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-25-03, 01:44 AM	Once at the top of the chute, Kat grimaces at the mess of scattered books and papers knocked about from the explosion in the lab. She glances down briefly but doesn't see Gene. She does hear voices coming from the lab and steps through the mess towards the noises. Kat pauses in the doorway, surprised by the scene. The dwarf is in burns and tatters, obviously caught by the explosion. Kheldar, cloakless for once, glaring at Luika. Luika, naked except for a black cloth... Kheldar's cloak?!... tied around his waist, glaring at Kheldar. Gene, also eyeing Kheldar, but with more ice than fire... and how in the nine hells did he get here so quickly? Agudo standing around, looking as oblivious as usual. The strange new wizard, actually showing signs of usefulness. And Leetah... beginning to move? Kat's eyes flash with sudden fury. And *she* gets a sheet to wake up under?!
Kheldar Devaentar 08-25-03, 04:49 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar's playful grin was wiped right off his face. "I'm a cold-blooded monster? Is that what you people think!? . . ." Kheldar was trembling. . . but not with rage. ". . .I wanted to go back to save our friend in the sewers! . . I was the first one to suggest searching for him! Remember?!? I don't think you people understand who I am at all!!. . . What the hell do you people know?!?" Kheldar's mood was getting worse. He was doing the number one thing he couldn't stand watching other people do. . . whine about how people didn't understand him because they didn't know him. . . Kheldar's trembling picked up. . . His vision was starting to blur, his knees were feeling weak. No amount of fake smiling would help. He had to get away from these people. The assassin turns on his heel and walks back to the library. . . Gene gave him an icy glare, but Kheldar didn't even make eye contact. . . Kheldar also walked past Kat, she seemed upset about something - probably him - he avoided looking at her too. There. . . Now nobody could see his face. Now he could let those tears escape. Muting-out the sobbing was pretty difficult. . . But regulating his breath did the trick. . . For some reason crying felt worse without his cloak securely wrapped around him. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 08-25-03, 05:34 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif A delicate hand is placed on Kheldar's shoulder and a pair of concerned eyes stare into the back of the Assassin's head. Leetah's voice sounded as quiet and tranquil as ever. "Mr Kheldar, what's the matter? Why are you crying? Is there anything I can do?" Removing her hand from Kheldar's shoulder, Leetah feels something moist. It was blood. Kheldar was bleeding! "Oh my! How did this happen? Here, please hold still, this won't take long." Leetah walks around Kheldar so that she can get a better look at his wound and then gently places her fingertips near the open sore. I soft white glow emits from her hand as a wonderful soothing sensation fills Kheldar's shoulder. In a matter of seconds, the wound is completely healed. "There you go. How dose that feel? . . .Mr Kheldar. . .Mr Kheldar? Why are you blushing?" Laying on the floor beside where Leetah awoke was a pile of white sheets. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-25-03, 12:30 PM	“Alright now,” Agudo says as he eyes Leetah and Rocky. “If everyone could get a tunic on at least. Then we could get going from here, and back on track.” He walks over to the last door that has yet to be open. He snaps his fingers, and a blue and white magical light engulfs the door. Agudo then reaches for the handle and it easily opens. “We should be careful from here on out, the Drow are in these tunnels. Why are they so close to the surface?” Agudo ponders that thought for a second. “The artifact is in an old burial chamber, possibly belonging to early elves, that descended long ago.” With that he walks out the door and into the cave.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-25-03, 01:48 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar smiles warmly at the sound of Leetah's voice. "Thanks Leetah. . . That feels a lot better. . . I* ah. . ." The white towel had completely fallen off her. Leetah didn't seem aware of it at all. "Leetah? What happened to your towel?. . . You'd better put this on!" Kheldar pulls off his shirt, revealing his surprisingly muscular body. He hands it to Leetah. Kat wont be happy about this at all. . . But it's not like I had a shirt to offer her when she was naked and awake. Kheldar thought it made sense. . . Kat probably wouldn't. Kheldar waited for Leetah to put on the shirt on. Thanks the gods it was long enough. Now she was blushing. Kheldar hoped she wouldn't cry. . . It was hard to tell with Leetah. Well, maybe she wouldn't if he gave her something else to think about. Kheldar holds her hand. "There. . . Thanks again for the healing Leetah. . . Now, could you please flatten your hand. . . Yes, just like that. Keep it really firm like that too!" Kheldar's grip had slid down to Leetah's wrist. He had seen Leeath slap people when she was angry with them. . . And she had certainly been angry with Kheldar not too long ago. SLAP! Kheldar let go of Leetah's wrist. "Don't worry, I'm afraid I deserved that. . . You'll understand when your memory catches up. . . Your dead clone is down there Leetah. . . Your back in your original body, but your clothes are still on the clone. . . Long story. . . I can fill in the details later if ya want. . . If ya need confirmation about this cloning business - my dead clone's over there!" Kheldar points at the body he left in the library. "Any way, you go get your clothes first. . . Luika can get his after. Then we can go. . . Will ya be alright down there?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-25-03, 02:11 PM	Gene seems to listen to Agudo, moving swiftly towards the "treacherous" Archmage. Looking at Kheldar and Leetah, a faint murmuring of: "...this place bleeds drama..." can be heard passing over his lips. "May I scout ahead?" The cloak's autohealing seems to've been worth it, as entire rips dissapear. His glaring at Kheldar seems to've passed, and his features are once again emotionless. (( For future, present, and past purposes...Gene's a tad bit of a jerk while he's wearing that mask. :P))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-25-03, 04:38 PM	Kat doesn't try to stop Kheldar as he brushes past her, so obviously upset. Then Leetah follows him... leaving her sheet behind. In utter and complete bemusement, Kat leans against the library side of the lab door, arms crossed over her chest and one eyebrow quirked up almost to her hairline. While Kheldar and Leetah play out their little farce only a few feet in front of her. She's not going to intervene, or join the others in the lab for that matter. All the nasty internal voices in the world aren't going to stop her from catching Kheldar's reaction when the cloakless, shirtless assassin turns to see her quietly smiling at him. "You are such a nice person, you know, Kheldar? Practically a paladin." Oh, yes, the headache is worth it.
Leetah 08-25-03, 11:43 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah stood beside Kheldar pulling down on the Assassin's black tunic. The girl was completely embarrassed, her face as red as a cherry! How on earth did she lose her clothes!? "I. . .I don't understand. . .What are my clothes doing down there? What do you mean by clones? Is that your-* EEEEK!!!" Leetah catches a quick glimpse of Kheldar's cloned body before she promptly turns away and covers her eyes. She would have considered the assassin's body handsome if it wasn't to horrifying to look at. Leetah starts trembling. "Mr Kheldar. . .what's going on? I'm scared. . .I don't remember any of this. . .The last thing I remember is you disarming that one trap and then watching Mr Rocky step into that room. . .What's going on? Why are we here?" Leetah uncovers her eyes and lets out another shriek as she see's Kat's dead cloned body staring back at her. Now thoroughly terrified, Leetah turns to face the rest of the group. Her face was a ghostly shade of white and her bare legs were clearly shaking. "Guys. . .What happened? Did we all die? How?" Leetah looks around at her party again and notices that Agudo and another man were heading towards the entrance of a cave. Leetah eyes widen as she chases after the two. "Wait! Mr Agudo! Please! What's going on? How did we-* EEE!" Leetah turns around and dashes back towards the hole were her clothes supposedly were. . .It was a long way down to the bottom, and Mr Agudo and the other man didn't look like they were prepared to wait for her. Looking hopelessly away from the hole, Leetah spots a collection of large white sheets. Maybe she could tie them into a makeshift outfit later. Scrambling to pickup the sheets, Leetah chases after the two men bombarding them with questions. Her voice trailed off in the distance. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-26-03, 12:14 AM	He suddenly stops...and turns around, to look at Leetah. "Calm. We've all the time in the world, you know. And please...get dressed?" Sighing, he looks across the group he'd fallen into. His eyes linger across Luika, the symbol from the clone's equipment burning into his mind. Glancing at Dniew, Kat, Rocky and Kheldar (whom he had christened the favored name of 'Cloak-Cutter'), he simply shakes his head, letting the rest of the questions fall upon Agudo's concern. His form seems to dissapear as he enters the shadows of the cavern, and the lingering hiss of his blade being drawn can be softly heard.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-26-03, 05:05 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif ((On the other end of the party)) Kheldar smiles back at Kat. Then bursts out laughing. "I went from being a cold-blooded killer, to a paladin awfully quick! Thanks Kat! I was afraid you'd get mad. . . To answer your questions Leetah we-* Uh. . . Leetah? Where are you going?!? Hey! Stop! I kinda wanted that shirt back!!" It was no use. She was gone with her white sheets, chasing after the party. . . Kheldar gives Kat a whimsical smile. Then shrugs. "Well at least she's eager. . . Damn I really wanted that shirt back though. . . I hope Luika doesn't also go chasing after them with nothing but my clothes on. . . I do need that cloak back. Hey, want to help me get their stuff? One trip is faster than two!" Kheldar grabs his ignored black rope on the way to the trap door, and puts it through the metal loop. . . The rope vanished inside it. Kheldar didn't mind Kat seeing this. . . She already knew everything about how Kheldar stored his equipment. . . Although when Kheldar offered to let her pull something out of the loop she absolutely refused to put her hand any where near it. Kheldar jumps down the hole, his voice echoed off the chute. "If you'd prefer it - I'll do Luika instead of Leetah!" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-26-03, 08:42 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-small.gif "You're damn right you're doing Luika! You lay a hand on Leetah and you'll lose it!" Kat follows Kheldar down the rabbit hole, shaking her head, half-grimacing and half-grinning at the rogue's incurable insouciance. Cold-blooded killer? is that what he and Luika were arguing about? heh, that attack on Luika was more hot-blooded idiot! now Gene, on the other hand, ... cold-blooded seems an excellent description... Once down, Kat moves quickly to remove Leetah's clothing and other items from the body, tying everything up into a bundle with part of the remaining pieces of sheet. Then tying the bundle, and the once-more-left-behind staff, to her backpack. She keeps an eye on Kheldar as he goes through Luika's effects, watching to see if he includes the statue or not. "The staff, the charges on it? I've no idea how many are left. But when Agudo gave it to me, he said something about one fireball and one lightning bolt... oh right, but three times a day! So we can use it twice more. I don't usually rely on magic items, I prefer just using my wits. Which tell me that though it's a good idea to have the others go into that cavern first, it's a bad idea to let them get too far ahead." Kat waits briefly for Kheldar to finish, then climbs the rope and hurries quickly after the other party members. (( edited to play with the newly-received commissioned picture of Kat, copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley, hehe! ))
Gene_Kynes 08-26-03, 09:26 PM	(( Alrighty...Agudo, you know the e-mail, or you can tell me right here, what Gene's scouting accomplishes. He's virtually a shadow, invisible in plain site, yet producng close to no sound. Yeah...he's high-leveled...but..but...! :P Also, I sorta gotta take this offa my chest. I dig your art, Quigley's. You use Photoshop at all, or do you rough it? :P ))
Agudo Archmage 08-26-03, 10:26 PM	Lettah runs up to Agudo, She looks rather Romanist in her white sheets. “I see you have a touch of flare to you my dear. But what is it that you want? Could it not wait until you were better dressed.”? Out side in the cave-tunnel water can be heard dripping from above. Gene sees dark shadows moving around ahead. But cant see who or what it is, for they run off when he trys to get close.
Leetah 08-27-03, 04:25 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif "Better dressed? How could I be Mr Agudo? You and that other man were already leaving for this cave; I wouldn't have had enough time, and besides. . ." Leetah lowers her voice to a whisper. ". . .I. . .I don't think I would have been able to look at my dead body. . ." The young priestess shifts her gaze towards the ground and begins to shiver. It was cold in the cave, but that was the least of what was on the girl's mind. "What happened Mr Agudo? How did we die? I. . .I don't remember any of it. And why did Mr Kheldar make me slap him? Did he do something wrong? Please Mr Agudo. Please. I have to know. . ." Leetah continues to walk beside the archmage, hoping that he could answer some of her questions. There were holes in the girl's memory, and she desperately wanted to fill them in with answers. . . (( Thank you so much for your complement Gene_Kynes!!! Nothing's more rewarding to an artist than to know that other people enjoy their artwork! To answer your question about roughs and Photoshop, first we draw a sketch of our characters on a sheet of paper, and then scan the image into a computer and ink/color it in Photoshop. Below is a diagram of the process. I'll remove it once I know you've seen it. Also, thank you for showing my picture of your character Kat! :) )) http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/leetahchart.jpg Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 08-27-03, 11:27 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar carelessly threw Luika's belongings in the metal loop. For a wonder he included the statue. When a bag or pocket looked interesting he'd open it and take a look inside. Black onyx. . . herbs. . . oils. . . incense. . . You can sure tell he's a cleric! It didn't take long to strip everything off of Luika. Everything was soaked in blood, but maybe Agudo could cast some cheap spell to clean it all up. "Good thinking Kat! Don't let them get too far ahead! I'll see you with them all pretty soon!" Kat gracefully climbed up the chute. . . Then she must have started running, Kheldar could hear her quick foot steps above. Both Leetah and Kat seemed pretty eager to get started again. . . Kheldar eyed the rope. . . she had just used. . . Agudo's magic rope. . . Magic ropes were worth a lot of gold. . . Yoink! "Well I think that's everything here! . . I should go join the others now. . . let's see. . ." * * * ((Back in the cavern)) All the shadows before the party scout had fled. . . All except for one. . . It was hunched over and staring at Gene. Staring at Gene with it's gleaming, green eyes. . . It let out a weak sigh. Kheldar took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. . . Damn is was cool in this cavern! He wished Leetah and Luika would catch up and give him back his stuff! He talked in a quiet voice. "You alerted them of your presence. . . What were you thinking dragging your sword out of the sheath like that? It sounded like a giant serpent slithering down a tunnel. Any way, it's pointless to unsheathe your weapon unless you've acquired a target . . . better to have both hands free. . ." Kheldar puts his glasses back on and looks down the tunnel. . . Outside he looked calm and placid. Inside he was battling against his body's attempts to start shivering! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((YAY! Back to adventuring!! Have we got three rogues in the party now?!? Two of which are assassins? lol. Well good role-playing all! Thanks for the comments on our art Gene! And thanks for showcasing our work Kat! :)))
Agudo Archmage 08-27-03, 11:47 AM	Agudo put his hand on Leetah shoulder and smiled. "Its always upsetting to die the first time. Why I can remember my first time,” Agudo says this as he tilts his head up and blinks. “It was shocking to say the least, but it goes to show you. Never cast a Fireball in a Dwarfen powder room.” The Archmage of Light laughs at the memory. “But as far as you and the rest, it was very sudden. A diabolical poison by some Mindflairs caused us all to die. It was a trap of course and we came so close to braking in to the chamber. But Kheldar dint mean to miss the trap, and it was a hard one to detect.” Agudo leans in and whispers to Leetah, “Kheldar is kind of Kinky…… I guess” Agudo shrugs his shoulders. “He may be like some men, who like a good “slap” now and then. Its a bit bizarre I know, but you have to admit he is kind of a violent person.” Agudo pats her on the shoulder, and try’s to give her a resurging smile once more.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-27-03, 12:35 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-small.gif Kat stopped briefly after entering the lab to look back towards the library and the trap door. No sign of Kheldar? Kat frowns slightly but then walks quickly through the opening to the cavern. I am *not* going to think about what he might be doing... and given the number of magic tricks he has, he may even end up ahead of me... as Gene did last time! She soon catches up to Agudo and the others, trying to manage enough noise not to startle them while not letting the sound carry further than that. Her eyebrow raises at the sight of Leetah, black shirt well above her knees and white sheets tied around her, looking like a child in some odd play-pageant. "Leetah, your belongings are here, whatever I could find of them. It seems safe enough to change over there? Luika, Kheldar has your things, wherever *he* is. Should be around soon. " Kat eyes the recesses of the cave and the passages beyond. "Did I hear you mention drow, Agudo? Remember that sunlight, or similar, blinds them. If it weren't for the other things down here, I'd even suggest carrying as much light as possible right from the start. Though Kheldar and Gene might not enjoy it." Kat slightly grins, thinking of the reaction of the two assassins if asked to carry torches. And where were those two anyway? Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-27-03, 12:43 PM	...even without the glasses, and once Kheldar spots Gene like an image hidden in an illusion...Gene becomes much easier to spot. However...he seems to be glaring at him. Kheldar sees a complex variety of handsigns from Gene, in Drow Handsign. (( If Kheldar understands it...)) "Stop talking, Cloak-Cutter. I take you can see in the darkness, and as can I. We will communicate like this. If I warned them of a snake, then let them think a snake's in the cavern." Kheldar notices the blade's not even in Gene's hands...or anywhere around him. When Kheldar puts his glasses back on, the blade is hovering near Gene in etheral space. Then the darkly dressed man seems to dissapear once again, but without magical aid...his body contouring to the rock wall. As his legs move, his body moves accordingly, his cloak wrapping around him and warping it's surface to give the illusion of a moving pool of shadow...which then dissapears. It re-appears further in the cavern, the rush of the Shadow Plane leaving his mind with an afterimage that would confuse most. He proceeds to hide in plain sight, in the illusion of being a pool of shadow, that even shifts when the light does. (( ...Heh, your art caught my eye way back with Sivex and Voll and the Enchanter-...or-ess, thread. :P And...glad to encourage you 'bout it! ))
Luika 08-27-03, 01:27 PM	"Kheldar has my things?? Are those good or bad news?" "I am also wondering about us. I mean, sorry to interrupt this journey, but how are you, brown-haired lady, who are you, semi-consistant man, where is the strange man I saw downstairs, and why, for the shadows' sake, haven't you already stabbed that archmage who betrayed us, while claiming himself brave herald of the Light? And, also, only in the name of good sense, couldn't you have waited for Leetah and I to get clothed back before running madly on drowish, adamantium pikes, risking our lives once again? For what are we risking our lives now? For a relic of incredible power, or are we chasing Jerado? For it seems to me that the treasure hunt was only a story invented by our bearded friend, hoping to lure us to Jerado's lair!"
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-27-03, 03:58 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-small.gif Kat smiles at Luika, understanding his confusion since she shares some of it herself. "I'm Kathryn, but most just call me Kat. It's so much simpler that even I prefer it. I'm here because..." She blinks. "Um. Because I'm a friend of Kheldar's and Leetah's? We met in the tavern and had a slight adventure there. When I saw them in the wizard's place, I was so glad they were willing to help me. And now, of course I'm willing to help them. I met Agudo in the tavern, too. He traded me some magic items for a strange dragon's tooth. Very nice items too... so I'm not interested in harming him! Without him, I wouldn't have this staff, and the deck of cards...well...of "many things"... and a stone that...um....oh. " Now *that* was painful...what was I saying? "So it seems I've joined you before, and that we really are looking for this Soul-Redeemer artifact. If we can avoid the next trap along the way, the one that might kill us forever." "Oh, and the shadow-like one is Gene, a friend of Agudo's. And Dniew is the other wizard that was briefly in the downstair's room and is... I suppose... another friend of Agudo's?" Kat eyes Agudo. If he wasn't trustworthy... well there did suddenly seem to be people around that only he knew. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-27-03, 06:36 PM	“Come on now lets not waste anymore time talking to each other like a bunch of drunken? Dwarfs!” Rocky snickers at his own joke. “Now let me see the map, ahh yes it’s this way. Don’t be afraid ladies, if ye become afraid I can kill it” He takes out his Axe and kisses it. He walks along the path, and seems to slow down every once in awhile, just to make sure it’s not a trap. “Careful I be smelling blood near us.” He walked on, but more slowly.
Agudo Archmage 08-28-03, 12:45 PM	As the group made their way along the beaten path, of this dark cave. They start to see a light ahead. “It seems someone has beaten us to the entrance.” Agudo says somewhat nervously. “Who goes there?” A drow walks up and smiles a most evil smile. She has long white hair and a beautiful face. “I have lay claim to this tomb, and will not tolerate jumpers.” Agudo holds his hand up as a peaceful jester. “We seek no harm, we come in peace. My group was already digging here.” The drow turns around and flippantly says “That was then….. this is now. Oh by the way just…..DIE! Before anyone can do anything a sickly screech can be heard. Rocky and Leetah see it first. A bazaar looking zombie comes out of the side tunnel, it has three arms made of swords. But unlike slow moving zombies this one is fast and deadly. Just behind it, is three drow with crossbows, they open fire on Gene and Kheldar. The first drow woman starts to chant and looks at Luika. She cast holy smite on Luika and praises her dark goddess. Agudo turns to Kat “Be careful with your staff its very close in here. We don’t want to get caught up in any blast, from the fireball or lightning. Now where is Dniew? We could use some more magic here.
Gene_Kynes 08-28-03, 01:01 PM	Gene's breathing rises sharply, as his blade suddenly appears in his grip, and with a swing...he knocks the offending bolt away. Shadowjumping behind the three drow, Gene then seems to simply crouch from the 'jump. As a single drow turns, reloading his crossbow and pulling back the winch, Gene suddenly stands up, and with him, a fan of knives spreads from his body in three directions. Each blade seems to be composed of psuedo-solid shadowstuff yet as effective as a blade of mithral. If the fan of blades didn't harm the drow, Gene then jumps back, and swings his blade with such speed that it seems a blur. The blade glows faintly as it strikes nothing ...yet he effectively created a vaccum of air behind the drow, drawing them backwards, hopefully knocking them off balance. Gene_Kynes screwed around with this message at 3:44 PM. *sigh.*
Luika 08-28-03, 02:25 PM	A flash of blinding white light erupted from the priestess' outstretched fingertips, engulfing my unarmored body, burning, calcinating my exposed skin. < HSSSS! It burnssss! Let me out!> roared a panicked voice, captured within my own head. "WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU!!" < Sssilenss, fool. I'm your dark ssoul, I'm the losst part of you, the dead part of you. Let me get her.> o O ( NO! I won't be able to return to my former self, if I ever let you loose. What about her?) asked I, eyeing Leetah. < She would....> But I didn't hear the last part. I did not wish to hear the last part, despite its suffering, despite its captivity, depsite the wonderful promise of power, I didn't want to hear the frightening shadow hidden among my self. Instead, I covered its pleas with my own clear, loud voice. " You, son born in the darkest hour, Surrender to your sinful master. Come, my child, you're greeted. Choose wisely, or be defeated!" many OOC notes : 1. It was my own version of rebuke/command undeads. Enjoy! 2.1 If my attempt is succesful, follow the guidelines under the OOC notes. 2.2 If my attempt is succesful, I ready an action to take Leetah's symbol from her hands if she tries to turn/destroy the zombie. 3. An evil drow priestess praising a dark goddess can't cast holy smite :P. 4. If my attempt is succesful, the zombie's task is to prevent the archers from firing, and the priestess from spellcating (AoO at its best.) ***If attempt succesful*** Only then, though, did I understand what would do my allies. One ally, particularly. I had to stop her at any cost, yet it was impossible to me to disable her completely. I fell violently on my knees, holding with my left hand my many burns, while holding in my right hand Leetah's arm. "Once again...I need your help."
Kheldar Devaentar 08-28-03, 02:51 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portkheldar.gif Kheldar looks distastefully at the Drow in front of him. Anger building in his eyes. "Uggh! Drow! I can't sta-*" Gene leaps into action, Kheldar blinks after him. "Hey! What about my angry anti-Drow speech!? Dammit! The effect doesn't work unless I tell it to them while they're alive! Oh jeez. . . Ring hide me." Kheldar disappears. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-28-03, 03:30 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-small.gif "More magic here?! How about a LIGHT spell, Agudo?! Didn't you hear me before? Blind them!" Kat dives for any cover by the walls of the cave as the drow priestess starts chanting, then sees her gesture is towards Luika, with obvious effect. Great, just great! Don't use the staff, he says! We'll see about that! Drow are poison-resistant and the zombie won't care -- so much for my throwing stars, they'll only be annoying unless I hit the exact right target... ah but this will have more effect? with a little extra distraction ahead of it. As the priestess starts another spell, Kat sends a couple of throwing stars whirling towards the woman's face, and follows them immediately with a throw of the green-glowing dagger, aimed lower, to the drow's body. Let her block or deflect the first ones, if the last makes it through... a little acid damage may ruin her concentration! Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-28-03, 09:00 PM	“A drow woman! Ye be the one for me, for I like it ruff” Rocky makes a clear straight run for the dark lady. Axe in hand and ready for a little fun. “Now I have ye” A dart hits Rocky in the arm spinning him around. But with the speed he has he quickly recovers. “Die thou dark skinned freaks!” Rocky hits the crossbow from one of the sneaky buggers and slices at him. “That’s it take out your swords, and play with me.”:mad:
Leetah 08-29-03, 01:29 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif * * * Agudo leans in and whispers to Leetah, “Kheldar is kind of Kinky…… I guess” Leetah's face turns a deep shade of pink as she frantically looks around her to see if anyone else heard that. She didn't know how Agudo was going to answer her question, but she certainly didn't expect that! Agudo shrugs his shoulders. “He may be like some men, who like a good “slap” now and then. Its a bit bizarre I know, but you have to admit he is kind of a violent person.” "No he's not!" Leetah was still blushing, but she didn't look embarrassed anymore. "Mr Kheldar's one of the nicest people I know. I always see him trying to help out others. How can you say that he's violent?" "Dammit Luika! You monster!" Kheldar pulls out his short sword and glares at the dark cleric. "You have 18 seconds left to live! Lay a finger on Leetah and that time will be considerably less. . ." Leetah stares at Agudo, blinking. Her face looked concerned. o O ( Where did that come from? Why-* ) "Leetah, your belongings are here, whatever I could find of them. It seems safe enough to change over there? Luika, Kheldar has your things, wherever *he* is. Should be around soon. " Leetah tries her best to hide her concern with a smile as she turns around to face Kat "Oh! Miss Kat. . .You climbed all the way down that hole to retrieve my clothes?. . .Thank you. . ." Leetah takes the clothes from Kat's arms and walks over to the area that Kat had pointed out. As soon as she's away from the rest of the party, Leetah begins to undress. Her eye's were full of worry again. o O ( When did Mr Kheldar threaten Mr Luika? Is that why he made me slap him? 'Lay a finger on Leetah and that time will be considerably less. . .' Mr Kheldar was going to kill Luika if he touched me. . .But why? Was Mr Luika trying to hurt me? NO! I don't believe that. . .But then why else? ) Kheldar's black tunic and a white sheet lied discarded by Leetah's feet. The priestess could hear her allies slowly walking deeper into the cave so she picked up her pace. She didn't want to be left behind! "I don't understand. . .None of this makes any sense. . .Hm?" Slipping into her dress, Leetah hears voices up ahead. Someone had stopped the party. "I wonder who that is? She sounds pretty angry. . ." Leetah continues to dress herself until she hears the female voice scream "DIE!" The healer then Jerks her head up and dashes towards the rest of the party. What was going on? Were they under attack!? Leetah hears Luika roar in pain as she sees an abomination jump from out of a tunnel towards her and Rocky! Leetah shrieks as she frantically reaches for her holy symbol. The creature looked undead. . .She knew what to do. "Blessed Pelor who conserves the light, Repress this creature from my AAH!-*" Leetah jumps back as Luika tears the healer's holy symbol from her grasp, effectively breaking the clasp which held Leetah's cloak together. Leetah stares and Luika curiously as the grey cloak slips off her shoulders. "Mr Luika? Why did you-* . .Oh my!!!" Leetah's eyes widen when she sees the condition that the dark cleric is in. Quickly kneeling beside him, Leetah unleashes a particularly potent cure spell. Luika's burn wounds were no more. "Mr Luika, what's going on!? Who are these people and why are they attacking us!? And why didn't you let me turn that beast!?!?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-29-03, 07:45 PM	The zombie with its swords is thrown off balance by Luika actions. The drow are dazed but not out. Gene is able to badly wound one and trys to run away. Kat hurts the drow woman, she falls to the ground in pain. Rocky was able to cut deep into the other drow, and he falls to the ground dieing. ((That leaves one for Kheldar)) Agudo understands what Kat wanted him to do, and gives a wink. He closes his eyes and suddenly a bright burning light hits the drow woman cleric. She screams in pain and with Luika and Kat own attack, causes the evil dark woman to run for her life. “Now that’s what I call teamwork” Agudo says as he looks on at Kheldar battle with the last Drow.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-29-03, 08:52 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif The last Drow crossbow man lazily spins around, fiercely slams the fleeing Drow priestess across the back of her neck with his crossbow, then collapses to the ground. * * * A bundle of bloody clothes splat against the ground in front of Luika. * * * The black tunic Leetah left behind in the cave flys up and vanishes into the air. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 08-29-03, 09:41 PM	(OOC: nice pic, Gordon. He's a little show-off, though, and it gives Luika one more reason to wish to harm him ;)) "DO NOT HARM THE UNDEAD", shouted I in the quite calmer cavern, despite the strength of my new exclamation. "It is not under my control now, yet it will not attack any of us, unless if he is attacked. And no Rocky, that is not the best reason to sink your axe down its rotten spine. In fact, I may try to command to it now that I can use a little more concentration." However, I allowed myself a few times to clothe once again. I started by sliding my pants on my legs, leaving Kheldar's cloak on the ground only when I got presentable. I felt the comforting feeling of the cold metal over my body when I donned my armor. The common weight of my mace, hanging at my waist, was also another reason to celebrate, even though I only sighed with pleasure when my hurt feet left the rocky ground to enter my boots, which for the first time seemed soft and comfortable. I finished my little clothing by putting my symbol back in its place, proudly resting upon my chest. These technicalities completed, my chakram brandished inf ront of the zombie, I chanted once more : " You, son born in the darkest hour, Surrender to your sinful master. Come, my child, you're greeted. Choose wisely, or be defeated!"
Gene_Kynes 08-29-03, 11:39 PM	The shadows swirl around the fleeing drow, and soon, the dark elf find himself colliding with Gene's chest. Gene looks down at the man, shoving him backwards, and the cursed blade finds itself dug into throat. The blade is cruelly twisted...and for just a moment, Gene's eyes provide a window to his emotion...which seems to be sorrow. He murmurs softly: "I'm...sorry. Perhaps my destiny...is to end yours." The blade is then withdrawn to strike against the elf's neck cleanly, giving Gene's clothing a crimson tone to it's front. Stalking towards the rest of the group, his features hardening once more, he readies his blade again. If the Priestess is still awake and fleeing, he strikes at her with the blunt side of his blade, attempting to knock her out with deadly accuracy.
Kheldar Devaentar 08-29-03, 11:56 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif ((lol, I'd want to harm Kheldar if I had to travel with him! Thank you for the comment on the pic!)) Kheldar's cloak disappears almost the second it touches the ground. "Sheesh. . . First Leetah and now you? Couldn't you guys hand me back my generously offered clothes instead of throw them on the ground?" Kheldar wasn't exactly annoyed about the tiny amount of dirt on his clothes, it was the principle of it all. "Well ok, I guess Luika has an excuse. . .I did dump all of his things on the ground. . . But it was all bloody and dirty in the first place! . . . Oh, Agudo? . . could you throw a spell on Luika to not make him smell like his insides? . . . Ring reveal me." Kheldar materializes with his shirt and cloak back on. . . He looked like himself again. Some members of the party looked a bit confused. "Kat why are you looking at me like. .? Oh yeah!. . . I got here via some magic scroll someone gave me a long time ago. . . Took me two tries to convince it I was a cleric. . . It's a good thing Agudo had one of my rings or it wouldn't have worked at all! Oh that reminds me, You there." Kheldar looks towards Gene. "Did this mage fix your cloak? He better have or I'll tear his lungs out!! Any way, I didn't catch your name before. . . My name's Kheldar Devaentar. . . what's yours?" Kheldar eyes Gene as he approaches the Drow priestess. "Oh let her be. . . Elves are pretty fragile. . . she should be out for a while. . ." Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-30-03, 12:24 AM	Gene does something that often signalled trouble for those who knew of his low-key reputation. He smiled. Letting a gloved hand reach behind his head, untying the knot to his half-face mask and letting it fall to his chest, twin scars leading down from his cheek to the underside of his jaw are visible. Someone of shorter height would notice they lead down to the top of his neck. "My name is Gene. And Agudo's life is in my care. If you were to make a move against him, sadly, I'd have to prevent that by eliminating you." He grins lightly. "Nothing personal, of course. It's nice...meeting all of you. And...erm...Kheldar, this isn't a cloak...it's..." He scratches his head briefly. "Nevermind me. Now...if you'll excuse my bluntness, we've an artifact to recover...no?" The knot is then retied, and with his mental, physical, and emotional barrier in place...his features chill, and his grip on the blade becomes stronger. "Into the breach once more." And dissapearing into a pool of shadow...he stalks ahead.
Leetah 08-30-03, 05:30 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah looks up at Luika with a wounded look in her eyes. She didn't expect the half-elf to yell at her, especially after she healed him. Quietly bending down, Leetah picks up the bits of her broken brooch. The clasp was completely destroyed, the fine chains had snapped when Luika removed the brooch from her while she was trying to turn the Zombie. Why'd he have to go destroy her holy symbol? He could have just asked her to stop. . .Leetah sighs. . . "I'm sorry that I made you upset Mr Luika." Standing up again, Leetah looks at the bodies of the drow up ahead. The sight of the two bleeding ones adds more distress to the girl's visage. Leetah turns to face Rocky and Gene. Her voice was quiet. "You two are heartless. . ." With her cloak and broken brooch in hand, Leetah returns to put on her boots, belt, gloves, and circlet. Now fully dressed, the healer makes her way back to the group. She still look heavy-hearted. "If at all possible, please avoid taking the lives of other living creatures. I have no problem with you destroying constructs, the undead, or evil creatures from another world, but please, spare the lives of the rest. It's wrong to kill another, no matter how good your intentions may be. No one has the right to end another creature's life. . .Please. . ." Leetah walks up to the two knocked out drow and casts some minor spells on them to help heal their scars and bruises. She then shifts her gaze to the two dead drow and sadly shakes her head. "There's nothing I can do for those two. I don't have enough diamond dust to resurrect them. . ." Standing up, Leetah looks at the party. Half of them were looking at her as if she were crazy and the other half were impossible to read. Leetah turns around and starts walking down the cavern. She was used to getting strange looks from other people, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Luika 08-30-03, 07:44 AM	(OOC: Gene, I'll need more infos on you now...) Gene let down his black velvet mask, revealing his white visage, as well as two scars, reaching down to his chin. <THAT'S HIM!! THAT'S HIM, I SSAY!> o O (Him what? Will you stop shouting in my head, torturer?" < AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!> *CHUCKLES* < Now that this formality is accomplished, I guess it is time for me to make your education. The man, standing proudly in front of you, claiming to be the wizard's personnal dog, is one of the worst enemy of our church. His inconsiderate actions almost sent our church to dust, even though he was among its own ranks.> My eyes hardened a little, eyeing at the murderer that stood in front of me. I promised myself that he would meet our wrath. However, I knew he was far more trained in the martial arts than I was... "I'm sorry that I made you upset Mr Luika." I turned my head to her, wondering what I did that could,ve made her think I was upset at her. Worst than that, though, she added with that blow another speech of her own, trying to convert us to the foolery of her beliefs, telling us that we should spare very life we don't have to take, before going on her way in the damp cave. I waited for her to go farther along in the black cavern to loot the corpses. Only when she happened to be far enough not to hear me, I spoke. "It would be stupid to leave witnesses here. Should we?" I asked, unsheathing a small dagger from my belt.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-30-03, 11:46 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat re-sheathes the green dagger that returned so nicely to her hand, then stares after Leetah, her expression unreadable, as the healer walks away from the group. What world is that one living on? not this one, it's certain... She turns to Luika, and shrugs. "Of course. I'll help. We've already killed two, so we can't pretend not to be dangerous to them. And as soon as either of the others wakes up, they'll mind-send and bring a hundred more down on us. But make it look like it happened in the battle, not after. Leetah's healing didn't help that!" Drawing a more normal dagger, she leans over one of the unconscious bodies and slices its shoulder, then stabs it through the heart. Then she goes to retrieve her throwing stars before following after Gene and Leetah. Interesting scars on that one... wonder how long it will take to find out how they came to be? ((checking off: Kheldar and Gene each definitely killed a drow, the two knocked out must be the priestess and Rocky's, who was dying but that must have been stopped by Leetah)) Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 08-30-03, 02:49 PM	Re-appearing as he lets his body straighten, no longer hidden as a piece of rock wall,h e looks to Leetah...and seems bemused. "Never pretended to be, nor did I say I was a pure-hearted pacifist, Healer. Quite the opposite." He takes a few more steps into the light, turning his head to Leetah's direction, but not turning his shoulder. "Don't get me wrong, I love people like you. You wouldn't believe blood was red if your heart was ripped out and shown to you, and you wouldn't accept an idea until it was thrust under your nose by bloody hands." He then continues down the cavern, the blade fading into the etheral, it's wielder fading into the shadows.
Leetah 08-30-03, 03:15 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah looks up at the cloaked figure, as the man disappears. She then leans up against the wall and whispers something in a sad voice too quiet to be heard. ". . .I know the color of blood better than you think. . ." Still looking terribly depressed, Leetah pulls out her holy symbol and casts a mending spell on it. She then attaches it back to her cloak and gives it a quick yank to see if it would hold. It did. Leetah smiles. "I'm glad that I can still do some things right." Releasing her holy symbol, Leetah continues to walk down the cavern. She didn't make it very far, however, before she felt the anguish of two souls part from the material plane. Leetah stops dead in her tracks. ". . . . . . . . .They killed them. . . . . . . . ." The healer continues to stand still for a few more moments before resuming her march forward. She had cast a status spell on the two drow before she left. . .Someone in her party had killed them. . .Leetah was crying. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Leetah 08-30-03, 03:17 PM	(( Darn double posts ;) )) (( Oh, and just in case some of you don't know, a status spell allows a cleric to track the health of someone from a distance. So as soon as the drow were killed, Leetah knew about it.)) (( Hee hee, one more thing before I go. Kheldar didn't actually kill the drow that he attacked. He only knocked him out. The two drow who died were slain by Gene and Rocky. That's why Leetah called them heartless. :) ))
Kheldar Devaentar 08-30-03, 07:20 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif Kheldar frowns at the murderers hovering over the Drow corpses. Dammit! I kept both of them alive for a reason. . . A bloody stupid reason but a reason none the less. . . Arggh. . . So what do I say? Do I get mad at them?!? I would have done the same thing myself! No Drow deserves to live. . . Every one of them deserves to die! I can't believe Leetah puts Humans and Drow in the same category. . . Kheldar looks over at Leetah. . . she was naturally upset. . . . But she does. . . And that's why I wanted to keep them alive! Dammit! Why did Kat of all people have to kill them! She's smarter than that. . . She saw me cast a spell to disable the abomination in the library. . . Why wouldn't she assume I'd do the same to prevent these Drow from creating problems? Hmm. . . maybe she is more of a killer than I thought. . . I kinda like that. . . But not where Leetah can see it! Killing in front of her is like cursing in front of a child. . . It's just something good people shouldn't do. . . I'm not exactly pure of heart either. . . but at least I have one! Kheldar started at Kat, she was retrieving her tools now. What could he tell her? She was walking by him now. "Kathryn. . . Please don't betray Leetah's trust like that again. . ." Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 08-30-03, 08:01 PM	(OOC: " bla" indicates speaking. o O ( bla) indicates thinking. <bla> indicates inner talking by my own personnal shadow I got while "dead". You can not understand <bla>, and thus I'd like to erase your post's last part. Thank you.) I walked fastly within the dark tunnels, leaving in my trail most of my companions. I knew I would,ve to speak with Rocky, sooner or later, yet it was impossible to approach him right now, as he had the whole group to lead. I thus decided to spend a few times with the lovely blond girl, who displayed only a few minutes ago a wonderfully touching display of her naive beliefs. No wonder Pelor was a priest promoting healing : with such philosophies, its followers must be stabbed in the back pretty enough. I distinguished her shadowy form, blurred by the hovering shadows. I almost called her, when I heard a slight sound of sobbing, tearing a small bit of my cold heart. She was crying. She couldn't know of what we just did.... could she? I tried to find a gentle way to approach her, yet I felt, oddly, uncomfortable speaking with her now. Any questions I may have asked would probably be turned against me, or against anyone in our group. It was time, once again, for a little mind game. I "accidentally" hit a few rocks, only enough to make my presence known by the priestess. I eyed her with insatiable curiosity, trying to pierce the secrets hidden within her, observing the least of her gestures. Soon, I knew it, she would have to speak her mind under the pression, even though it would probably send her in a shouting frenzy, followed by a fountain of tears. o O ( I wonder what effect it would have with a silence spell centered on her... No, don't do that. She seems angry enough.) (Agudo, don't forget about the zombie and the loot. Thanks.) (wondering why we have three rogues, and yet the priest thinks about looting :confused: )
Kathryn_aka_Kat 08-31-03, 04:17 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat glances at Kheldar and frowns slightly. "So you think it's better to bow to her wishes than help ensure her survival? I don't have any hatred for the drow, I was only doing what made sense under such bad circumstances. Or do you want us to die again?" She sighs and instead tries to smile at him, rubbing her temples. "I'm sorry, that came out badly. I don't enjoy killing, but if it needs to be done, then I won't force anyone else to do it instead. But I'm not an assassin as you are, and I'm not a thief, I'm just trying to survive? As you seem to say, Leetah is too young and innocent to see that. I will try not to upset her again. And I can see you're only trying to keep her away from any darkness... I suppose you can't really talk to her much about your life, can you?" Kat manages to smile reassuringly at Kheldar, then she starts off after the others, with a quick wary glance at the zombie. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 08-31-03, 06:48 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif Kheldar's face becomes slightly amused. "Not a thief?!? Kat, you know I'll never believe that! And no, I'll never let you forget it so don't ask! . . As for protecting Leetah from darkness. . . well. . . I guess I feel like I owe it to her. . . I've felt that way since I met her crying in Reesa's lap in the Crossroads Tavern." Kheldar frowns. "And since last night I think I understand why I feel that way. . . It's really kind of creepy. . . I hope Leetah didn't have a sister. . ." Kheldar perks up. "Hey! I remember when I first met you! It was also inside the Crossroads Tavern. . . Let's see. . . you were calling me an idiot and I was telling you to shut up. . . it went something like that didn't it?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 08-31-03, 01:03 PM	The Archmage of Light smiles at the successful ending, to a other wise bloody battle. But before he can congratulate his adventuring partners, Leetah lets lose with her righteous indignation; and proclaiming that all life is sacred. As she walks away Agudo mumbles to himself. “Yes well…. Such a pure girl of virtue, so young and sadly so naive.” Agudo rubs his short blond beard and watches Leetah stomp away. “Ahh to see the world in such rose colored glasses.” He smiles at the thought. He then turns and see Kat skillfully kill the drow. “The Dark Drow are a cancer on humanity. Like any doctor, we should always seek to remove such disease from the body. Good job everyone on a fine battle and protecting the teams lives.” With that Agudo walks up to the Zombie and sees that its just looking at Luika. “I believe it has lost contact with its master, and can be easily control by your clerical skills. But be careful, these things aren’t known for loyalty.” Twenty minutes latter, the group reaches the entrance to the artifact. Several dead drow are on the ground. “Well they died in the same spot we did, and from the looks of the bloody tracks. Some of them were able to make it through the deadly walkway. I count three tracks that lead off into the next room. That’s means the trap is disarmed. Ok everyone lets be careful, and try not to slip on the drow blood.” Agudo, Gene and Kheldar lead the way in to the next section. To their surprise, the last three Drow are just laying on the ground dead.. In front of them is the young girl that Agudo was talking about that belonged to Jerado. Behind her is an alter with blood on it, she doesn’t move until she sees Leetah. With tears coming down her eyes she opens her mouth and says….. ((You’re my sister!)) Leetah looks at the chilled, and is shocked to see someone that has been gone from her life for many years now. Its Tara! :confused:
Gene_Kynes 08-31-03, 03:56 PM	Gene cautiously moves to the girl's side, and it seems...as if he regards her as a threat. He says simply: "Who're you?"
Leetah 08-31-03, 05:36 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif * * * Leetah hears Luika stumble on the pile of rocks and quickly turns her head around to see if the cleric was okay. He didn't appear to be hurt too badly. Perhaps his footing slipped. Leetah takes a step towards the dark priest and then stops. A look of uncertainty and sadness dominates the girl's expression. Not sure what to do, Leetah quickly turns around again and dashes down the cavern. Sobbing can be heard echoing off the caves walls. * * * Twenty minutes latter, the group reaches the entrance to the artifact. Several dead drow are on the ground. “Well they died in the same spot we did, and from the looks of the bloody tracks. Some of them were able to make it through the deadly walkway. I count three tracks that lead off into the next room. That’s means the trap is disarmed. Ok everyone lets be careful, and try not to slip on the drow blood.” Leetah sadly looks down at the pile of dead drow, and then back up at the archmage. "You honestly couldn't care less. . .could you Mr Agudo?" Leetah waits for a reply, but instead the archmage moves forward into the other room, followed by Gene and Kheldar. Leetah gives one last look at the pile of drow before following them in as well. Upon entering the room, Leetah lets out a gasp! What she saw in front of her couldn't possibly be real! Tara looked exactly as Leetah had remembered her. . .But that was impossible! Tara ran away from home fifteen years ago when Leetah was only four. The girl in front of them looked no older than thirteen. So how in the heavens could this little girl be Leetah's older sister!? "Tara!" Leetah dashes to the little girl and wraps her arms around her. It didn't matter if it didn't make any sense! Leetah missed her sister dearly! "Tara! Oh my gosh! Tara! I can't believe it's you! Where have you been? What's happened to you? Oh never mind! I'm so happy to see you!" Leetah tightens her embrace around her sister, and begins to weep. "Promise me you'll never leave again! You’re the only one I have left! Please promise me that Tara." Leetah continues to hold the child in her arms. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 08-31-03, 08:44 PM	"Whats be this? No silver! No gold! Not even a we bit of jewels for me hand. Tis a girl of all things" Rocky walks over to Agudo and taps him on the shoulder. " I think ye and me need to talk this over with me Axe. For if I find no Artifacty thingy, or what cha ever be calling it. Well thy head will be on the floor, so tell me my so called partner. Where is the pay off? The pleasure of the coin in me hand? Rocky waits as he evily glares at the wizard.
Gene_Kynes 08-31-03, 09:22 PM	Gene narrows his eyes, moving towards the Dwarf. "Watch your tongue, dwarf, you may find it missing." He watches both the girl and Leetah for a moment, before looking back to Golddigger.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-01-03, 01:34 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "I meant, of course, I'm not a thief by profession. If someone hands me a magic ring, and then I happen to need to leave the area quickly... well that's their problem, really? And as for calling you an idiot, whatever reason could I have had for doing that?" Kat shrugs, smiling at Kheldar, as she continues on with him. But her thoughts are more on Agudo's words about the Drow than on past incidents in the Tavern. What he said... a cancer... remove disease... a harsh light then? or something else? And should I care? Kat keeps the staff close to hand now through the passageway, and through the entrance with the bodies and the supposedly disarmed traps, and into the room beyond. She begins to wonder if any traps remain unsprung to hinder their exit but for some reason the thought stays unformed and the words aren't spoken. What's found in the room beyond is distraction enough. Oh how sweet, Leetah has a sister... well maybe that will distract her from Kheldar. Kat ignores the family reunion and goes to check the altar and anything further in the room. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 09-01-03, 02:42 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif Kheldar enjoyed the small talk with Kat as they traveled further into the cavern. Some of her logic made no sense to him. . . But women were sometimes tricky to understand. . . In any case it was nice to just talk to someone. . . That is, until he realized Kat was trying to keep her mind focused on something else. "Hhmmm. . . Well I suppose I should catch up with the others. . . See if they've found anything new. . . Looking at nothing but rocks is tiring." And with that, Kheldar quietly made his way to the front. The cave was slowly becoming more recognizable. Gene and Agudo were just passing through the trap that had killed them all last time. Judging from the dart-riddled Drow all around the place, the trap had been re-armed not too long ago. "How convenient for them to beat us here. . . And look, the entrance is open too!" Kheldar stepped inside the place, he couldn't believe what he saw. . . Tara! Only smaller. . . Leetah immediately ran to the little girl. . . Kheldar just blinked through his glasses. . . this time it wasn't an illusion! I - I - I can't believe it! She's back! Oh my goodness I can't believe it she's really back! Thank the Gods! Kheldar steps towards the little girl then stops. No Tara would be 28. . . That little girl couldn't possibly be her. . . No, your wrong! Look at those eyes! Look at that hair! It is her! Some how someone's figured out a way to bring her back! Kheldar! You tried to bring her back! Remember? For years you sought out the most respected clerics and mages and begged them to bring her back. . . Every one of them said it couldn't be done! But It's it not is her! her! Her You soul can was see destroyed! it! Souls Leetah can't can be see recovered it! or Why replaced! is Every it single that person you're you so asked blind told to you the that! obvious Jerado fact is that just it playing has some to sick be game her!? with You've you! lost He all knows hope! how She's to been pull gone your for strings so and long he's that trying you're to actually manipulate starting you! to At believe the she'll very never most come the back. girl You could were be once a told clone that of some Tara's things body can with be another achieved, girl's even soul when inside! it's All beyond it the would power take of is a a wish mind or rape miracle. spell She to has convince come the back other to soul you that Kheldar. it's Go Tara! to Use her, your make damn sure brain she's Kheldar! alright. You And know make it sure can't you possibly never be loose the her real again! Tara! Kheldar drops to his knees and grabs his head. Nothing made sense! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 09-01-03, 09:44 AM	Leetah didn't broke. Perhaps I misunderestimated her, for only a few men were able to keep their feelings hidden under scrutiny, and even fewer women. Perhaps...perhaps I broke her trust. Perhaps was my task ruined, only because of my foolishness. Soon enough, though, I had more pressing interests than what thought of me a naive, preaching overzealous priest. We reached the place in which we died, even though drow corpses took the place of ours. After Agudo's cold epitaph, followed by a snapping answer shrieked by Leetah, I smiled. Perhaps would she understand, if even the self-proclaiming Archmage of Light was on our side. From there on, however, I didn't understand a single thing. Firstly Leetah, followed by Kheldar, entered a mad frenzy when they saw a little girl. I could understand the shock this discovery, as we were searching for an artifact, but why so much emotion, instead of plain deception? "Who's Tara, anyway?"
Agudo Archmage 09-01-03, 12:21 PM	“Its ok Gene, the little man Rocky only wants to be paid, and he will. But first things first. Ok Jerado you may come out now, I know by the Light your there.” A sick but evil laughter can be heard, as Jerado dissipates his invisibility spell. Why spoil my fun Agudo? Don’t you see it’s a happy time in this little family reunion. Just look at them so much in love, Leetah with her sister and Kheldar…..Well he is as insane as ever, with his simple brain” Jerado winks a Kheldar. “Don’t be mad, for I have given to you what you always wanted………Tara! Agudo steps between Kheldar and Jerado, in hopes of stopping Kheldar from doing what Jerado obviously wants, that being to attack Jerado. “Stop tormenting the boy! I for one can see that those Drow, were working for you. Let me guess, a back up team? Just in case we did not succeed. but my question is how did you get past the ward?” Jerado shrugs his shoulders, then gives a toothy grin. “Now Agudo, its very simple, Rocky many clones helped us out. Yes it took several of them to die and die again, until I figured out the right “Bio frequency and Dna” to Rocky’s body. But hay! Its not like I didn’t want the lovely Kat, or the sinful Luika.” He gives a nod to them both. Of course I needed Kheldar and Leetah to be here. The guests of honor as it would be, and you Agudo have been very helpful in bringing them here to me, and I thank you” Jerado gives a humble bow. “By the way Kheldar, that is where I put Tara soul; so that you and those bumbling priest, you paid to bring her back, could not find her.” He stops and waits to see if Kheldar is going to attack him, he then shrugs and continues. “It’s called a “Soul Emerald,” and is able to hold a person soul…Duh!” He chuckles then goes on. “Once the body is destroyed of course. Then all I had to do was cast some shadow magic, and she was safely away.” Agudo looks disgustedly at Jerado. “But why this farce in finding the Artifact?” Jerado pretends to be hurt. “I did need the Soul Redeemer! Its one thing to take someone’s soul, and imprison it in the blasted thing; its another thing to take it out of the emerald. Sadly with her original body destroyed, the emerald would not release Tara’s soul to the clone body. But this Artifact did the job nicely” Jerado holds it up and gives it a kiss. But the real question should be why are Kat and Luika here? And why have I brought Leetah and….Well… Kheldar knows…… I love making his life miserable. But why Tara?…………Well don’t you want to know? He laughs and gives a wicked look :b: :b: :b: :b: :b: :b:
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-01-03, 04:06 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kheldar...wants... *Tara*??? why in the nine hells would he be interested in that child?! and try so hard to get her soul back? this all makes no sense... so what now? but what happens now? I just can't think now... Kat's head is pounding again at Jerado's return. Part of her wants to move, to join him. The rest wants to stay as far away as possible. So she stands, just watching, the bloody altar between her and the rest of the group, her grip on the staff shifting nervously. He has the Soul-Redeemer... the others can't get it from him... they wouldn't dare... they mustn't dare... why does he want us here?... why does he want *me* here? Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-01-03, 11:46 PM	Rocky spits at the ground near Gene and then looks at the two wizards with distaste. “So ye wizards are working together, that much we all be knowing. Now for me, I know why ye want me, or me body at least. Thy words about DNA or blasted what ever ye be talking about, that is with my handsome body. But tell me, as if ye dont already want to say it. Why Kat? Or this sickly cleric Luika? I can see like thy words said, that Kheldar is thy plaything, and Leetah is? Well now I don’t know that either. But me axe is telling me that someone needs to die, and I think either I get paid soon, or it be the wizards in this room”
Kheldar Devaentar 09-02-03, 05:04 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif The two voices were still arguing in his mind. . . He wished they'd both shut up! Kheldar gets up and looks at Jerado. Fear was starting to crawl over him again. . . He tried to hide it with a look of defiance. "Oh? Am I suppose to believe what you're telling me now? Jerado, you're a notorious liar. . . How do I know this isn't another game of 'get the key out of the Dwarf?'" Kheldar looks around the party. "I almost pity these people. . They have no idea in hell what's going on around them. . . Well, maybe Agudo does. . . He's as well informed as ever. . ." Kheldar starts scanning the room. He was thankful that not a lot of people understood exactly what was going on. . . ". . .But you might as well continue to spoon-feed us information. . . You've carried on like a fanatic preacher for this long. . . why not finish the job? . . . Oh Agudo. Unless you want a dagger in that back get it behind me! Leetah get Ta-* get that little girl behind me too!" Kheldar flaps his cloak to loosen some folds and continues to scan the room. Hoping his true seeing will pick up something. . . He wasn't going to be tricked by polymorphed characters or illusions this time! Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-02-03, 08:25 PM	His eyes narrow, and he begins slowly...very slowly, circling Jerardo, and Kheldar can see the blade positioned in Gene's hand, yet not phased into the physical plane. With Kheldar's training,he notices Gene's eyes drifting over every single vital point, his eyes showing a visible hostility and calculating edge. "Listen to me, Spellslinger, I couldn't honestly care less about your idiotic plan. In fact, my apathy has no bounds for what ever crap you have to spew. You could talk all day, and...really don't care. So, are you going to hand over the artifact, or will I have to show you how colorful your entrails are while you're hanging from them, and I'm spitting on your filthy shoulders?" Wisps of energy seemed to be forming on his left hand, making subtle motions in the air as he readied a relatively simple spell.
Leetah 09-02-03, 11:14 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah stares at Jerado disbelievingly and then looks at the little girl in her arms. "B-But if Tara's soul is in that gem then. . .who's this?" Leetah stares deeply into the little girl's eyes and sees two bright blue sapphires staring back up at her. This girl had to be Tara! She looked just as Leetah remembered her! Why she was so young still puzzled the priestess, but this girl was definitely her sister! Wasn't she? "What did you do to my sister you fiend! You say her soul's locked in that gem, well how did it ever leave her body in the first place!? Did you kill her? Well? Did you!?" Leetah was staring at Jerado murderously, a look that seemed completely out of place on the young healer's face. "Who's soul is in this little girl's body then? Why put a soul in it at all? What are you planning wizard? Why are you tormenting us all like this?" Leetah begins to approach Jerado but then hears Kheldar call her back. Staring at the mage for a few seconds more, Leetah quickly withdraws behind Kheldar scooping the little girl up in her arms. She had no idea what the assassin was planning, but she trusted him. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-03-03, 01:26 AM	“Jerado listens to Rocky and Gene, and then gives a surprising nod of his head. “I believe that you will get your just reward in the end Rocky. In fact I plan to pay you very well for your services. As far as *killing* any wizards, well lets just say you can start with Agudo. He has served his purpose well enough, but now it time for his life to end permanently.” Jerado doesn’t move as Gene comes closer, in fact he seems almost pleased at Gene’s actions. “Oh please come closer wont you, I plan to use your natural tendency towards violence in a minute.” Just as he is done talking with Gene, Leetah becomes her classical emotional self. “what’s that Leetah? Oh don’t worry, that is your sister and her lovely soul. You see the artifact has worked already, I just couldn’t wait to get Tara back in my arms. But now you did ask that all-important question……….. Jerado clears his throat, “How did TARA DIE!” he yells the last part as he looks at Kheldar. “Don’t be shy Kheldar, tell us how you saw Tara Die!……..Teehe!
Kheldar Devaentar 09-03-03, 04:16 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif Kheldar tries to block out Jaredo's voice. . . Anything the wizard said had only one purpose. . . To destroy the party piece by piece. Kheldar established eye contact with Gene and starts conversing with him in Drow Handsign. Jaredo would undoubtedly recognize they were communicating via hand signals - But maybe he wouldn't understand what he was saying. «Gene! You're going to get yourself killed really quick! Don't let him provoke you! Get back here! Or do your thing quickly and get out of there!» Dammit! I can't activate this thing with Gene so close to him like that. . . First Leetah and the girl, now him. . . Damn teams. . . It's always awkward working around them! . . Hmmm. . . activating this thing really isn't a good idea down here. . . It'll probably destroy that soul-thingy. But If Tara's soul is inside that girl's body, then "I" don't need it! Any way, a wish spell ought to fix it as good as new. . . With two "friendly" mages here I'm sure they'll think of something. . . And if not, it's not my problem! "Jaredo. . ." Kheldar speaks in a hurt and offended tone. ". . .You know very well how she died! How dare you laugh at it like that! HOW DARE YOU, YOU MONSTER!!!" Alright Gene, do what ya have to do and get out of there! Jaredo, start laughing like a demon!!! Kheldar secretly grips onto a small metal cube. ((Hee hee, Gene - If you read the Kheldar, Voll and Ariana adventure all they way through then you know exactly what Kheldar is going to try!)) Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Luika 09-03-03, 08:25 AM	Silent, I lent all my attention to Jerado's demented. The man was clearly in a megalomaniacal state, forgetting that secret and mysteries are your best allies. Otherwise, he wouldn't have revealed all his plans so easily. Still, he was far from being the most dimwitted one in the crowd. While they could, easily, increase Jerado's ego's influence over himself, thus leaving him much time to reveal his nefarious schemes, allowing us to craft a hasty strategy to subdue him, they threatened him openly, at the exception of the lovely Kat, and the horrible Archmage. Slowly, predicting the battle that would soon explode around the little room, I ordered my zombie to protect me at all cost, also bolstering it in the meantime. (preventing against turning) Myself, I reached Agudo's side, ready to prevent him from harming Jerado if he ever tried to cast a spell... :smirk: (Ready action : bestow curse ( -6 INT) on Agudo (I planned that since page 5 ))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-03-03, 08:44 AM	((Hey, Kheldar, no fair suggesting people read up on a story from the old message boards, not without providing a link? http://archivedboards.wizards.com/community/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=12;t=0003 36;p=1 Seems to be on page 3. Ugh, messy!))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-03-03, 10:19 AM	Kat shakes her head in confusion, and pain, and steps out from behind the altar towards Kheldar. "What is he talking about? *you* saw Leetah's sister die? is it that you tried to protect her and it didn't work? oh, that's terrible!" When she nears Kheldar's side, Kat stares at Jerado, her eyes flashing as she draws the green dagger. "How dare you torment him like that! Why are you playing with us? What more do you want?! " ...what more do you want me to do... Kat readies the dagger to use on whatever target seems most appropriate. :rolleyes:
Agudo Archmage 09-03-03, 11:57 AM	Jerado almost frowns….almost! “Now Kheldar, do you want Tara to tell the story? Or shall I up the anti, and tell Leetah who killed the town watchmen, that her family lived next door to? You know Leetah, the kindly old man who would always help your mother and father, when they asked. In fact he died the same horrible night that your mother did. Isn’t that right Kheldar? Jerado starts to hand signal in drow at Gene…. (Hurry Gene don’t be late in your final dramatic episode. I so do love predictable people.) Jerado then gives a quick look at Luika, and sends a mental note to him. ((Soon you will have what your goddess wants you to have…..trust me))
Gene_Kynes 09-03-03, 05:28 PM	(( *shudder.* I would compliment you on that strategy...but...damn.:P. And I thought Animate Rope on a Whip was underhanded. )) Gene simply grins at Jerardo's silent words...his eyes almost burning bright blue as if on cue. "But of...but of course..." And with that, he takes his blade out after it phases in, holds it to his own neck, and...draws it swiftly against his own throat. A spray of dark crimson fluid stains the killing blade as it falls with a silent clang...and the Shadovar's corpse falls to the ground.
Golddigger Dwarf 09-03-03, 09:43 PM	Rocky puts his axe on his left shoulder, Agudo is near his right. He thinks to himself that when it all goes down, that Agudo will be his first target. Rocky just hopes Luika will help kill this Arch-mage. Not that Rocky can take him, but you can never trust a magic suckers. Then for a bloody end Gene takes a bath in his own red blood. "Thou knows how to end in a fun way Gene" Rocky gives a happy smile and a pleased look. "Now who will be next to die?" he smiles at Agudo! :smirk:
Kheldar Devaentar 09-04-03, 06:28 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif Kheldar's eyes widen as Gene's body collapses to the ground. He didn't know what Gene would do, but he certainly didn't expect that! NOOOO!!!. . . AH HA HA HA HA HAA! How delightful! Well?!? What are you waiting for Kheldar? Even Leetah would tell you it's appropriate to bury your friends when they die! Kheldar grabs onto Kat. . . It was nice of her to come to his rescue like that. . . Maybe he could repay the favor. . . "Don't worry Kat. . . I know just what to do. . . ." Kheldar's voice sounded confident. . . Like he did know how everything could be solved. "RUUUUNNN!!!!" Kheldar picks up Kat, starts running, and throws the metal cube just above Jerado's head. "Instant Fortress activate!!" As the tiny cube flies above Jaredo's head, it instantly springs into a 30 foot adamantine tower! Or at least it tries to. . . The foundation of the tower comfortably grounds itself 10 feet deep into the cave floor. But the top of the tower shows obvious difficulty reaching it's full height in such a small place. Cave roof is forced upwards and parts of the tower begin to crumple into itself. The wooden door facing the party starts making loud creaking noises. "uumm. . . EVERYONE FIND COVER!" Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-04-03, 10:28 PM	"What ye trying to do kheldar? get us killed? But then again maybe thy idea is the right one." With a quick swing of his axe he slams it deep into Agudo that back-stabbing wizard. "Now we have some fun" Rocky slams his his foot into the head of the axe, to put it deeper into Agudo. :smirk: :b: :b: :smirk:
Gene_Kynes 09-04-03, 10:46 PM	The axe spawns sparks as a tendril rises from the pool of shadow at Agudo's feet, and stops the attack by sheilding Agudo. A haunting, rasping mockery of...what one could guess was Gene's voice is heard. "And so...I asked Life if I could meet Death...she then heightened her voice, and said "You are speaking to her."" From that same pool of shadow rises a tattered black cloak that assumes a vaguely humanoid shape. "...A part of me died...a long time ago. You cannot kill what's already dead...the dead can only eternally lie." The cloak then tightens into a distinctly human shape, before unravelling at a blurring speed and falling behind pale shoulders. When the cloth's length finally settles behind the form...you see a contrasted Gene, with pale skin and jet black hair. Clothed in a black version of his school attire, he simply smirks at the dwarf. Raising his hand, as if he was completing the spell he was previously weaving, his blade fades into his hands from a slight etheral jump. "...Do you wish to challenge Death itself, little dwarf?" He seems to completely ignore the rest of the party.
Kheldar Devaentar 09-05-03, 12:30 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif Kheldar blinks. . . Gene had come back? That was good 'n' all but what were Gene and Rocky doing?!?!? "You idiots! Get down!!!! Can't you hear that door's about to-*" And that's when the heavy pressure on the door burst it to splinters! "AAHH!" ((Slow Motion Time: What does your character do to protect himself or the party from the evil splinters "o" doom! - Accepting fate is an option. . . just a real painful one! :))) Artwork copyright © 2003 Gordon R. Quigley
Leetah 09-05-03, 02:41 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif * * * Jerado almost frowns….almost! “Now Kheldar, do you want Tara to tell the story? Or shall I up the anti, and tell Leetah who killed the town watchmen, that her family lived next door to? You know Leetah, the kindly old man who would always help your mother and father, when they asked. In fact he died the same horrible night that your mother did. Isn’t that right Kheldar?" Leetah was still positioned behind Kheldar holding onto her sister as if she were the most percious jewel in the world. Knowing that Tara's soul was indeed back inside her body had helped make Leetah feel a bit better, but recent news about Kheldar possibly being involved in the attack against her town shattered any comfort the healer once may have felt. "What you're implying is a lie! Mr Kheldar once told me that he never harmed anyone who wasn't evil. You're lying!!!" Leetah's shrieks against Jerado sounded as frustrated as they did hateful. "Tell him Mr Kheldar. . .Tell him that you never did such a terrible thing. . . Leetah looks towards Kheldar with an aura of confidence. o O ( I know Mr Kheldar killed an innocent girl to get accepted into his old guild of assassins, but he told me he later took that girl to a cleric friend in order to resurrect her. He has a good heart! I know he dose! After that he told me that he only ever assassinated evil and corrupt people. . .So there's no way that he killed the sweet old watch man and allowed those bandits to invade my village. . .There just isn't! ) Leetah continued to wait for Kheldar's reply. . .The assassin kept quiet. . . o O ( He isn't evil Leetah! Mr. Kheldar would never do such a thing! But why isn't he speaking? ) Leetah's look of confidence slowly deteriorates into a look of desperate hope. Starting to shake, Leetah repeats herself. . . "Mr Kheldar? . .Please tell him you never-*" "RUUUUNNN!!!!" Kheldar picks up Kat as he dashes away, tossing a small metal cube behind him. Leetah stares at Kheldar in sorrowful disbelief. o O ( . . .He did kill him. . .He let the bandits kill everyo-* ) Had Leetah's heart not have been shattered, and had her head not have been someplace else at the time, perhaps she would have heeded the assassin's warning. The adamantine walls of the fortress strike Leetah hard, sending the priestess spiralling into the air. When the healer lands, her contact with the ground is followed by a series of summersaults and a loud snap. Crashing against the far wall, Leetah's body comes to a stop. A small girl was still wrapped in Leetah's arms. Tara was trembling. Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 09-05-03, 05:30 AM	. . .
Agudo Archmage 09-05-03, 12:55 PM	Kheldar yells to run, but before Agudo can do anything, Rocky introduces his axe to Agudo. But just as the Axe slices into Agudo’s robes, Gene deflects the blow. Agudo smiles brightly at Gene, “Glad to see you on the job, Gene!” He gave him a slight pat on the shadowy shoulder. “Well Rocky, I am beginning to take that personally.” Jerado was about to name, names as it would, when Kheldar decided to cause a diversion. Jerado chuckled then a giggled and then he just couldn’t help but burst out laughing. HHHAAAAaaaa. Rocky makes his move on Agudo and Luika had cast a spell on Agudo. “Talk about dumb and dumber!” Jerado barely spits out as he looks on. Bam-Snap-BANG! Splinters fly everywhere Agudo has just turned around, to see what Kheldar was upset about, when the explosion took place. Shrapnel hit Agudo in the face and sides, it sent him flying over Gene and slamming him hard onto floor. He landed at the feet of Jerado, Agudo’s neck was broken,. The Archmage of Light tried heal himself, but could not remember the spell because of Luika’s (Intelligent Draining Spell) that he cast on Agudo. Those near by could see Agudo’s blood slowly drip out of his mouth. ((Agudo was dead.)) Jerado took several hits himself, but thanks to Agudo, most missed the evil Jerado. “My, my aren’t you to good to be true Kheldar. That was an obvious attempt at hiding from the truth! Do I make you that nervous Kheldar? “Come now, by not answering the question about the nightwachman and ….(Haaaa) killing Agudo…….Well you practically admitted to being the murder, that you know you are.” Jerado starts walking to Leetah and Tara, but then looks to Kat. “Kat my dear sweet woman, be a good helper and kill Kheldar now for me. Oh and Kheldar, I just did all this to take away the ones you love… ALL OVER AGAIN!. Jerado laughs some more. “This time twice the fun, with Leetah and Tara. Maybe I will let you kill Tara again, with your left hand, and then manipulate you to kill Leetah with your right.” “I so love a good puppet like you Kheldar, and like I said you are predictable!” :b: :smirk: :b: :devil:
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-05-03, 03:08 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat's eyes flash and she twists out of Kheldar's grasp enough to stab at him with the acid-bladed dagger. He stumbles, pushing her away and she catches her balance, turning quickly back to face him and slash at him again. She grins coldly, "So thanks for protecting me from the collapse? You really don't want me harmed, do you? But you have to get over that.. you'll have to kill me now... can you do that, Kheldar? Can you kill me? or will you be killed instead?" :smirk: Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Leetah 09-05-03, 03:56 PM	(( Oops! Sorry Kheldar. We'll just say that when the door burst into splinters a rather large peice of wood slamed into Leetah which sent her tumbling into the wall. I could have impaled Leetah with a large piece of the door, but then Tara would have been skewered as well. ;) Great posts all! ))
Gene_Kynes 09-05-03, 04:29 PM	(( Sorry all...my previous post was a bit rushed. And if it matters, Gene doesn't have a trace of Undeath on him, he's just a little insane. ;) )) The splinters dig into the Shadowvar's dusky cloak, and yet...despite his stated intents, he doesn't seem amazingly hurt at Agudo's death. If one spared the time to look into the halfbreed's eyes, it seemed as if he was collecting factors...and calculating them. He mutters "Understood." to nobody in particular, and then his cloak flies towards Kat, attempting to constrict her movement, and eventually tie her up. Even if the cloak's attempt fails, he rushes towards the woman, preparing to execute a shoulder-throw.
Luika 09-05-03, 06:02 PM	After Kheldar's inconsiderate attack on Jerado, the events happened in a striking, blurring rythm. Rocky's axe, swinged to Agudo's old body, owuld have touched its target but for the miraculous intervention of Gene, the revenant. Puzzled by these new events, to which I tried to attend with the sharpest attention possible, I proved unable to foresee the attack of the fortress' magical wooden pikes. Fate, however, was not such a hard mistress for me. The pikes pushed me along the walls, but didn't sunk in my flesh, deflected by my metallic plate. My trusty minion didn't benefited from my incredible chance, though. His fragile and decayed skin almost broke instantly at the impact, sending tiny bits of dead body all around the tight room. Fastly, I got up, looking around me what happened. Gene, Kat and Kheldar were battling under Jerado's brilliant praises. Also, I distinguished the Archmage's body laying down, in a position most humans bodies could not bear really long, dripping blood between his closed lips. Leetah....where was she? And then I distinguished her. Holding the little girl in her arms, terrified after the shock of meeting headfirst with an adamantine wall, both were holding each other, shaking. I ran to them, tending the wounds of Tara firstly, then taking care of Leetah if the need arises.
Kheldar Devaentar 09-05-03, 08:21 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/musicnoteblue.gif Turn Back Time - Evangelion Theme http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/musicnoteblue.gif ((Play the above theme and imagine characters falling dead to the ground. . . lol. . . I think I'll make it Kheldar's new theme song!)) "AAHHH!" Kheldar feels at least two heavy shards of wood dig in his back. . . It felt like being hit by two crudely made javelins. The pain was excruciating! ". . .uummmmmgh. . ." Kheldar pulls one chunk out of his back. . . It hadn't made it very deep. . . The other one felt worse. . . He looks at Kat. . . she had been tucked in his arms, and didn't look harmed at all. . . That was good. But something about her face looked wrong. . . There was no thanks in her eyes. . . just cold golden-green pools. Kheldar looks behind him to see how the rest of the party had managed. . . . . . Horror filled Kheldar's eyes! Both Leetah and Agudo looked dead. Blood was building up by their bodies. . . Jerado was looking at Kheldar. . . The tower hadn't phased him at all. . . This was horrible! It couldn't get much worse! . . . You killed them Kheldar. . . they're dead. . . it's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. It's your fault they died. hhiiiiisssssssssss Kheldar stumbles, pushing Kat away. She immediately catches her balance, and slashes at him again. She's taking orders from him?!?! - "AaHHH!!" Kheldar stumbles back more and shakes his head. . . there were so many immediate things he wanted to deal with. He pulls the second wooden chunk out of his back. . . It had made it in a lot further. . . Kat was taunting him. "Luika, Gene! . . get those bodies out of here! . . A still target here is as good as gone! . . worse, in fact! Keep them as far away from the walls as you can! Keep as far away from the walls as you can. . . Hell, it'd be nice to keep off the ground!" . . .Visions of a black ball coming to take away the people he killed entered his mind. . . If they don't carry them away I suppose I could try. . . Don't know if I have the strength though. . . Kheldar pulls out his favorite short sword. It felt like a lead weight. With his other hand he pulls out lots of little lead weights. "DIE!" A rapid stream of six daggers fly towards Jerado. "Ring hide me!" Kheldar vanishes. Artwork copyright © 2003 Gordon R. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-05-03, 10:08 PM	Guessing Kat is either now in a tightly-wrapped bundle, or is tearing his poor cloak to ribbons, he looks at Kheldar...and for just a moment, his eyes openly portray his emotion, a firey pathos. "Luika, Gene! . . get those bodies out of here! . . A still target here is as good as gone! . . worse, in fact! Keep them as far away from the walls as you can! Keep as far away from the walls as you can. . . Hell, it'd be nice to keep off the ground!" "You call yourself "assassin". Yes, you have killed. But you've killed the wrong people." Turning towards Leetah's body nonchalantly, he turns his head as is usual for him when he wishes to make a point without giving too caring an impression. "The first you're taught to is to ensure that you are never, ever caught. The second is to ensure the Client's...termination. The third...is to kill the client, and only the client. Any who get in your way can be killed, but the more blood on your hands, the dirtier a trail you leave." And despite the chaos, despite the danger of Jerardo, the threat of Kat, and the effects of the fortress...he seems as calm as can be. He faces the Healer's body, watching Luika. "Don't think for a moment I'll follow your orders. You are too easily manipulated. Too emotional. The mage knew exactly what strings to pull. The price of a bazaar ware leaps as soon as you show a glint of interest. And...and this is how high the price has jumped, Kheldar." He gestures to the bodies, as he calmly moves towards Agudo, righting the man's neck as weak magical energies sieze the Archmage's corpse, and...the body dissapears, after a glowing torch symbol appears on Agudo's wrist. Despite the outcome of Kat's struggle, her damned acidic blade is beginning to weaken the cloak's resistance to such substances, and the undeniable scent of umbral ichor spreads throughout the cavern. Finally moving to Leetah, unsure of her death or not, he lifts a small vial to the woman's lips, tilting her head back gently. (( Potion of Heal. )) He then crouches near Tara, looking to Luika before looking back to the small girl. "Tar...ah, is it? Listen. You have to get to safety as soon as possible, it's...too dangerous for you here." He looks to Luika, narrowing his eyes. "Shadow-kisser, cast as many protective spells on this girl as possible, except the Protection from..., and Magic Circle Against... series of spells. If so much a little nick grazes this kid's cheek, and it'll be your throat." Giving a small grin, Gene then slits his outer shirt down the middle, revealing a more form-fitting black sleeveless shirt. Close observation to his arms reveals symbols carved into the limbs, the scars appearing...somewhat exotic. Dipping his hand into Luika's shadow, and another hand into Leetah's shadow. His gloved hands return with a curved dagger that burns with a eldritch purple flame from the healer's shade, and a cruelly serrated dagger pulled from Luika's shadow that seems to be made of black ice, chilling the air around it. Stalking towards Jerardo, Gene's outline seems to blur past recognition, and a short series of shadowjumps occur, the change happening so fast that a blurred afterimage of the being sticks to one's vision, lingering in the same spot before the dark blur appears in another spot. (( OOC Shtuff. Agudo, he tries teleporting your corpse to the School's kitchen larder...where naturally, Gene asked a particularly adept student to create a permanent Gentle Repose effect. Kat, like I mentioned many times, the Cloak Attack is entirely FoD, either way, she starts burning it unless the dagger was knocked out of her hands. Leetah, the potion...is...well, a heal potion. Kheldar, sorry...Gene's a bit critical when something like that happens. ;) Luika, Gene hates everything Shar. And...like Kheldar's who's been slowly teaching me politiness in OOC, I'm not trying to force my character's view on your character's OOC. Only IC. :P Rocky: Keep on doing what you're doing, man. Being a dwarf. With an axe. ~Fin! ))
Agudo Archmage 09-05-03, 11:24 PM	Jerado comes closer to Leetah and Tara, where Gene is trying to help them. “Yes we need to help poor, poor Leetah” Jerado turns at that moment to Luika. “I want to sacrifice her on the alter, near the dead drow. If you would Luika , please take her there and do the honors, and Rocky help Luika would you? Thanks” Just then Luika remembers his vision of Leetah, and the little girl cowering from Luika. Then his goddess spoke to him. ((Luika this is it, take what is yours! Make me happy, sacrifice Leetah to me!)) (((OOC Ok everyone this is the big ending.))) Gene should fight with Luika and Rocky…….please email each other on who wins the fight and what happens. Kheldar should fight Jerado……….its up to Kheldar how the fight turns out. Leetah unless you have some strange need to be sacrificed, you can wake up and help out everyone with your clerical skills.
Gene_Kynes 09-05-03, 11:38 PM	(( OOC: Heh...Gene honestly wouldn't give a crap about Rocky, nor Luika, as long as Agudo got out alive. That's a battle he'd escape from, most likely to attack Jerardo. ))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-06-03, 03:33 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "Damn that ring! I *should* have kept it!" Kat's attention was too much on Kheldar's all-too-familiar disappearing act to dodge shadows. Even solid ones that wrap around her, binding her arms too quickly and tightly to slash through it. Eventually the acid dagger burns through enough that she can move her hand, and each movement of the blade lets the next movement be greater, till the cloak is again in tatters. But the cloak is not her target. Kat quickly eyes the area, looking for traces of the assassin. Jerado seems still pleased enough... Kheldar must be waiting for something to distract the mage further. So those two must be close together. Kat reaches into her vest to grab a handful of the throwing stars, her head still pounding with frustration from the cloak's binding of her. Instead her hand pulls out... a rock. Kat stares at her own hand that holds the stone that was one of Agudo's three "trade" items. ...important.... use it.... Shaking her head, she mutters angrily to herself, "Use it? How? Throw it at Kheldar?" Kat again scans the room, but there are too many bloodstains around to trace his path and she clutches the stone with white-knuckled fury. "You're still hiding, Kheldar? You alway rely on tricks like that, don't you? So fond of your playthings, your cheap little magic toys! Maybe you need them too much? Maybe you aren't that good without them? But you rely on your ring to hide you from me... I wish that ring of yours would stop working! then we'd see how good you really were!" There might just have been a small flash of light showing between the fingers of Kat's hand. Kat grins ferally and her hand releases the stone, already reaching for another blade to attack Kheldar with two daggers, the one with acid and the one with poison. The stone drops onto the floor by her feet. ((Agudo, you did say three wishes per month on that rogue stone, heh? )) Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-06-03, 11:51 AM	Rocky couldn’t help but give his evil eye to Gene. Its not that he didn’t hear Jerado about Leetah. But he figured that bimbo would get whats coming to her latter. “First things first Gene, I don’t mind playing with ye a little longer, before I take your head for my new foot rest.” Rocky charge sat Gene, he gives a fake jump to the right; but then dives low, with his pointy axe at Gene. :smirk:
Gene_Kynes 09-06-03, 03:55 PM	Gene simply glowers at the Dwarf, leaping at an inhuman height above the dwarf's blow. When he lands, his blades instantly point upwards, even though ill-fitted for the task, prepare to deflect blows. The assassin seems to be fighting defensively, and analyzing the Dwarf's movements. "Come now, you don't want my face, do you?" The cloak's ribbons simply smack Kat's face ineffectually out of weak retribution, threads spanning the lengths of cold cloth as the severed garment crawls towards Gene.
Luika 09-06-03, 04:42 PM	Kneeling beside Leetah and Tara's bodies, igoring what course of action I should take, I let absently let Gene reach the priestess, giving her a vial of a red, vivid mixture. Only then did my mistress contact me, clear for the first time. ((Luika this is it, take what is yours! Make me happy, sacrifice Leetah to me!)) An evil grin took place on my figure:finally, I had simple and straightforward commands. The fact that Leetah could, in less than a few seconds, get completely healed was a problem I had to take care of, though. "Thee who can not, in nothingness, find solace, Thee who threaten us, children of a brilliant race, Thee shall stop now, by my master's grace, Thee shall, the bottomless shades, embrace. (hold person on Leetah. Yeah!)
Kheldar Devaentar 09-06-03, 06:51 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif ((Does this mean I have the liberty to control Jerado?)) Kheldar sniffs in frustration at Gene's belittlement. Did the man actually think he was trying to assassinate Jerado? This was not an assassination! This was trying to escape a force that was most likely beyond any of them. . . However, more than a small part of Kheldar did feel terrible about the unwanted damage. . . His back was bleeding furiously. . . "I wish that ring of yours would stop working! then we'd see how good you really were!" Nice try Kat, but just wishing the ring to not work wont wor-* huh?!? Kheldar materialized into plain view. How did she? That stone?!? Kat drops a simple looking stone on the ground. She threw it away?!? Dammit! That probably means it only had one wish on it. . . Hhhmmmm. . . maybe. . . Kheldar makes up his mind and charges towards the stone anyway. . . It was at least worth a shot trying to find out if the stone had more wishes on it. His charge was met by Kat's. The sound of steel on steel echoed off the cavern walls. "Dammit. . . Well Kat, I'm trying to figure out whether you've been working for Jerado all along as a member of some secret guild. . .or are under some accursed spell. . . Unfortunately, I can't detect magic well enough to tell. . . And I killed the party mage. . ." Kheldar manages to make a shrugging gesture while keeping his blade and body elegantly in motion. It wouldn't take Kat very long to realize the rogue was only defending against her attacks. Artwork copyright © Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-06-03, 10:21 PM	Jerado was more than confident that he could handle Kheldar. After all it was he who brought Kheldar to this place. Yet ever since Jerado used the artifact, he had felt strange. What was happening to him? He wondered. Was this part of the after effects of the magic? Would not be the first time for Jerado to recover from some type of powerful incantation. But he normally knew it would happen to him. Jerado snapped out of his thoughts and focused at the task at hand. “Kheldar don’t run just yet for Kat’s toys. Allow me to make you my puppet” With a few magical words Jerado pointed his hand at Kheldar and……(Nothing?) “What!…….. What happen?” Jerado is shocked. Just then Agudo Archmage of Light, appears near Kheldar. But Agudo is not alone, with him is his faithful companion and wise whit owl, Lady Hoot. “Your judgment day is here Jerado” Lady Hoot yells out in an authoritarian voice. Jerado turns at her with dismay. “YOU!……my old enemy, I should have known! “Yes it is I Lady Hoot, it has been many years since our last encounter, and I pray this will be your last.” She looks to Kheldar and smiles. “Kheldar I have not see you since the tavern with Viconia and Agudo. As I remember Agudo died there also.” She winks at Agudo. “ The Archmage of Light seems to blush at that memory, then he speaks. “Yes Jerado I intentionally went into debt with the school, to gain your attention. I knew you had gone into loan-sharking after the demise of your Assassin guild, by Kheldar. You could not resist the thought, of blackmailing an Archmage of Light, to do your dirty work. It was all part of Lady Hoot’s trap to show the soul Redeemer to you. Jerado spits at Agudo “I should have known you could not be so easily tempted to do evils bidding. But it was still a worthwhile gamble, for I have gotten what I wanted . (Kheldar and those he loves.) Lady Hoot interrupts. “Yes but as you have felt, in your feeble attempt to do magic. That your power is (Half) what it used to be. The (Soul Redeemer) has one flaw., it demands part of the soul who uses it. And that means part of your power goes to it as well.” Jerado turns red. “NOOOOOO! IT….CAN…..NOT ….BE!” But Jerado some how knew it was true, that all his planning and manipulating, had in the end trapped himself. “BLAST YOU LADY HOOT AND AGUDO!” **((OK Kheldar Jerado is yours, he has lost half his power to the Artifact. (BUT) that’s like saying half of Elminster! So good luck with that))**
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-07-03, 12:12 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "Not working for him..." His short-sword has the reach on her daggers, but Kheldar seems to have problems keeping it at full extension. Kat feints to Kheldar's face with one knife while slashing at his sword-arm with the other. "Not in a guild..." He manages to twist the sword quickly enough next to his body though. Her blades keep being blocked, or dodged, but at least no attacks are coming through in return. "Not under... not... no..." No attacks are getting through? Because no attacks are being made? Kat's eyes flash with an odd delight and her own attacks grow more fierce as she no longer cares about any defense. Even the headache seems to lessen in the heat of the combat, and any thoughts of the others in the area are driven away completely. Except thoughts of Jerado. "He says kill you! So I will... so I must!" Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Leetah 09-07-03, 06:09 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Shortly after Leetah feels the final contents of Gene's healing potion slide down her throat, she slowly begins to open her eyes. Her vision was all blurry and her entire body ached. Trying to move her head to see if Tara was alright, the priestess notices something terribly wrong. . .she couldn't! Immediately fearing that she had broken her spine Leetah tries to call out for help. . .But finds out that she couldn't do that either. What was going on? Leetah's vision slowly comes into focus. o O ( Mr Luika! Oh thank the heavens he's here! Maybe he can help me. ) Worry slowly begins to fade from the priestess' eyes. Luika was a talented cleric so whatever was wrong with her he'd be able heal. o O ( Mr Kheldar was responsible for the deaths of my friends and family. . .Mr Agudo betrayed us all to this accursed wizard. . .Rocky's been scheming against us all along. . .Mr Luika's the only one left I can trust. ) Leetah would have wrapped her arms around the dark cleric if she could. . .or maybe she wouldn't. . .Something wasn't right about Luika. He was looking at her like how Rocky had done so many times in the past. He was smiling, but his grin held no mirth. Leetah's eyes fill with panic again. o O ( Mr Luika? ) Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-07-03, 11:56 AM	Gene and the dwarf had been going at it for ten minutes, and they had been taking hits from each other. Rocky spits out a little blood from his mouth, “Thy is a fast one Gene, but ye days are numbered! I be doing the math and that day is to day.” Rocky blocks a quick hit by Gene to his shoulder, and goes in for the kill. Rocky slashes at his competitor’s throat. Gene steps back just in time, only taking a nick in the chin. “Thou will have a scar on that one!” Rocky blusters as he sees blood on Gene chin. Like a shark Rocky moves around his enemy in a circle. The dwarf then takes out a knife and throws it at Gene, at the same time Rocky swings to the left. Gene shrewdly deflects the Knife and merely dodges the Axe. “HA! I almost had your family jewels on that one.!” :behold:
Luika 09-07-03, 01:28 PM	Next to me, Leetah opened her eyelids, looking around her, at first slowly, then in a panicked, terrified way. It was clear that my spell made its effect, and that she did not understand what happened. For a brief moment, she relaxed when she distinguished me - only to return to their state of intense panic. Sorrow filled my empty heart. That woman, Leetah, with which I spent wonderful times, away from the constant disturbances of her friend Kheldar, was perhaps the one I cherished the most in this worthless life. <Never follow hope or promises of success> But my greatest love, the woman to whom I owed my life like my death, was not the one laying down, betrayed from her birth to her death. My companion, if I may dare call my goddess as such, planned and devised all these lifelong tortures, relishing in the complexity of the affair, delighting in taking away Pelor's follower's life. <Quench the light of the sun wherever you find it.> A terrible error did you make, acolyte, when you thought you could join this group without failing your oaths. Comely, peaceful, caring she is, and even though you thought you were strong enough to retain all your sanity. <Consorting with the faithful of good deities is a sin.> Face it. You have no choice left...and it is not even a quesiton of choice! It's your duty! What if you left her alive? She would promote life and well-being everywhere, thus maintaining people alive, ideal targets for sufferings and diseases, instead of granting them sweet, eternal repose. I grabbed my deadly chakram, which exuded black light that covered the whole room, obscuring everyone's vision except mine.(blacklight spell-FRCS) < The dark is a time to act, not to wait> "Obscurity, surround me in your dark embrace; protect me, greatness, from these pryings eyes. Only this way will should I accomplish thy grace, in dark areas where vicious treachery lies. " (sanctuary) Invisible to everyone, protected by Shar's delicacies, I took Leetah to the altar, and, eyeing the furious fighters risking their lives around me, I took the chakram from its chain. Soon, the cold metal met with the priestess' warm skin.
Kheldar Devaentar 09-07-03, 06:42 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif Kheldar laughs at Kat's ruthlessness. . . At least some things were starting to make sense. . . "Well Kat, if we both get out of here alive somehow - you have to promise me to wear that spring dress again and treat me to a dance in the tavern." Parrying Kat's blades felt like stopping boulders now. Kheldar could feel the strength being drained from his arms. He was dying - and all because he wanted to save the person who was trying to kill him! The room dimmed a bit around him and objects started casting shadows. Kat squinted her eyes and sliced the air in front of Kheldar's face. It had been the first time she missed him by herself. Hmm? Frustration began to show on the woman's face. Kheldar rolled away from her and looked above his glasses lenses. Everything was pitch black. Looking through his glasses again he could see the room. Without making a sound Kheldar dashed towards the stone. . . If there were good gods it would have some wishes left on it. But what to wish for first? Kheldar scanned the room. Kat was by herself. Agudo was back with his owl - they both looked pleased with themselves. Jerado looked furious, and given the conversation Kheldar overheard he had every right to be. Gene and Rocky were viciously attacking each other. Rocky was surprisingly quick for a dwarf. Luika was hovering over Leetah with a sharp metal disc - WHAT?!?!? Kheldar panicked. "I wish Luika's weapons would - would turn to flowers!" It was an ill-thought, desperate wish. . . but it was the best Kheldar could do. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-07-03, 07:28 PM	Gene quickly makes a slice of opportunity towards the dwarf, only succeeding in harming his armor. "That was a low blow, Dwarf. Speaking of low blows, how fairs your mother?" His other dagger isn't as inaccurate as the other, and pierces the dwarf's thigh, the black flame within the blade finding purchase, and spreading before being killed off by the dwarf's constitution. In his folly, Gene failed to notice the underhand swing into his gut, leaping back unevenly as his waist almost buckled under the pressure, his pelvic bone shattered. "N-nice hit. But you just got lucky." He takes an even more awkward pose that reminds one of a marionette, leaning in on one side of his body, tilted and remaining low. He makes another stab, but with his own defense mechanism...evasion...crippled, Gene barely avoids a lethal stab to his chest, the axe's edge still opening up a wound along Gene's arm. If Rocky cares much for it, Gene seems to be very slowly regenerating, the longer he stays in shadow.
Golddigger Dwarf 09-07-03, 09:28 PM	Gene had gotten a good shot at Rocky that left him dazed, for just a split second. Rocky wasn’t scared though, for he could see he had broken a bone or two on Gene. “Now I may be lucky like you said, or thy luck has run out, think about it!” With a dodge and hit on Gene amore, Rocky could see the pain on his enemy face. “Don’t worry ill be quick with ye, Nay! I will be killing thee for a long time.” Gene comes in faster than he should have with his wound, and nearly takes off the dwarfs ear. “Ha, your getting slower, for I thought I would be dead with that mistake.” Rocky was bluffing, but it never hurt to fake it with his adversary. The dwarf gives his blood lust look, and makes a run at Gene with “Die! Ye shadow fool!”
Gene_Kynes 09-07-03, 10:08 PM	Ironically, with his speech to Kheldar about the intricate rules of assassins, Gene's fighting style seems to be far from the tactics of a being who could kill with a single, surgical blow. The Shadovar seems to be in an endless dance once again, a feign that always seems to give the appearence of him about to lose balance becomes a stab, slash, or defecting block. Watching the rush, Gene continues running towards the dwarf..and using his height to his advantage, leaps over the "little man", jumping from the dwarven axe to a shoulder shielded by finely craft armor, and then to the ground behind the dwarf. His pelvic bone seems to've recovered slightly, yet it's still a wonder his body didn't collapse from the strain of the act. "If lucks on your side, why're you wasting so much time with the lies?" For just a moment, the man's eyes seem to peer right into the dwarf's mind... A vague vision of a swing at his head is granted to Gene, and as the sharpened edge nearly cleaves his lower skull off, an iced dagger is suddenly the barrier between pale flesh and cold metal (Dunno what he made his axe outta, heh.), inhuman strength tilting the blow of the axe away from Gene. The cruel tip of the axe traces a line below Gene's eye dangerously close to his eye socket. The line soon leaks a bit of crimson fluid, but nothing more than cosmetic. In retribution, Gene stabs into the dwarf's back, the armor allowing only the flame of the weapon to affect the dwarf, singing the skin beneath and heating up the metal near it.
Agudo Archmage 09-08-03, 12:58 PM	Lady Hoot wasn’t surprised that Jerado was still eyeing Kheldar; he had admitted that this was the one person he sought revenge against. But it was surprise that Jerado didn’t try to run away to free some of his power, from the “Artifact” Then Jerado was not the type of person to give up on his kill so easily. Kheldar was worth any sacrifice, on Jerado’s part. Lady Hoot thought but why? What did Kheldar do to earn such hate? And what happen to Kat? why was she attacking Kheldar? Agudo was busy looking on at Gene, and his battle with Rocky. The wizard seemed concerned for Gene; the fight didn’t look like it was going at all well. On top of it, Luika had taken Leethah, was it for good he wondered? Agudo felt Luika had some good left in him, but was it enough to protect Leetah from his evil desirers?
Kheldar Devaentar 09-08-03, 04:47 PM	((lol, we have a lot of characters looking about the place as though there was no blacklight spell cast. . . Remember, it's pitch black in here unless you have a way of negating magical darkness. . .))
Agudo Archmage 09-08-03, 10:03 PM	(((OOC ))I thought he said that he shadow jumped, to the same area to take Leetah to the Alter. As far as turning everything dark, I didnt see it that way. Also as the all powerful and much loved DM:love: I Seem to think that the others would like to finish their own fights. But if it helps try this......... "Agudo see a dark mist forming around the room. By the Light! I They dont call me the Archmage of Light for nothing." Agudo holds his hand up high and a bright flash of Light blasts forth from him. "Ahh thats better, now what happen to Leetah and Luika?" Unknown to Agudo and Hoot, Luika had shadow jumped into the same room. To those who never heard of shadow magic ,it like going into a ((Parallel dimension)) or the other side of the mirror as it would be. :angel:
Leetah 09-08-03, 10:13 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Darkness consumed Leetah's sight as she felt herself get picked up and carried away. The healer prayed that Luika was going to take her someplace safe, but deep down, she somehow knew that just the opposite was going to be true. Luika's grin had stated the half elf's intentions all too clearly. . .He was going to kill her. . . Leetah desperately tries to flail her arms and legs, but her magical bounds would not yield. All that came out of the young priestess were quiet squeals drowned out by the sounds of combat all around her. . . Feeling the cold stone of the altar make contact with her back, Leetah's pleading squeals turn into a pathetic whimper. The girl tightly closes her eyes as she feels tears roll down her cheeks. The cold pinch of steel follows shortly after. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-08-03, 10:13 PM	((OOC Or maybe Luika had Email me before, about shadow walking; and I thought thats what he met. Oh well! at least its all fixed. :cool: :rolleyes: ;)
Golddigger Dwarf 09-09-03, 01:28 AM	In the heat of battle, Rocky wasn’t sure what had just happen. He figured that know good Gene had used his drow like magic, to make it dark. But then that crazy wizard showed back up. Causing it to be brighter than day in the room. “Blast ye all, me eyes! Cant ye stay dead wizard?!? I can barely see with all yer tricks. With tears of pain running down his cheeks, rocky throws his Axe at the face of Gene. “May thy face be chopped off or an eye, to blind thee! Ye sneaky dog!”
Luika 09-09-03, 06:47 AM	(OOC: I guess that Agudo meant "transferring to the plane of Shadows" ??) Everything went well. Nothing could prevent me from transcending to my next, powerful state. I tightened my grasp around my chakram. "I wish Luika's weapons would - would turn to flowers!" ...only to feel it turn to a mass of little flowers, flexible and exuding a nauseous odor. Agudo holds his hand up high and a bright flash of Light blasts forth from him, strangling the darkness, converging around its source : me. Soon enough, I only emanated a small circle of darkness, that covered the entire altar. With a blinding flash of light, that blinded everyone looking at the altar for a few seconds, all remnants of the magical night were disappeared, as well as the two priests. Leetah, still, was laying down on the altar. That one, though, was even more fearsome than the precedent. Its bricks, soft to the touch, circled by four statues of the Dark Goddess, and the shackles all were specifically designed to induce fear and despair in the victim's mind, and cruelty in the torturer's. I quickly bound Leetah to the shackles, allowing myself the time necessary to think of how I would achieve the sacrifice. "What a pity! That sacrifice, thatritual : prevened because the stupid Kheldar, and of even more useless flowers." I slowly opened my hand, looking at my new possessions. "What is that? It remembers me...something." And then I knew. I read about these, in my book, the tome that Shar herself gave me. These flowers were no ordinary flowers. They were not roses, nor jonquils, not even common as daisies. Those were henbanes, an herb known for its deadly effects since the Age of Cormanthor's glory. Provoking numbness and nausea almost isntantly after absorption, and causing fevers and convulsions until the victim's freed by death, it was one of the deadliest natural poison possible to find on the black market. Quickly, I took all the flowers I had with me in my hands, compressing them until it made a strange, green paste, from which a venomous juice squirted sometimes. I returned to the altar, and gave Leetah the mixture newly created. I took some distance, and observed.
Agudo Archmage 09-09-03, 01:49 PM	The Archmage of Light, was happy about half his plan, Jerado was hurt, and had lost half his power. But where was Leetah? And Luika? He saw darkness around the alter start to falter. Yet Agudo knew evil was being done, and he had to act quickly. Agudo began to pray and pray hard he did…….. {Tara………Tara……..hear me!……..you are bonded with your sister……..she can not be hidden from you………..Tara…You have a new future to redeem yourself with…your past is gone………but you must not let evil win………help Leetah……….she is……} Tara was scared, never in her new short life had she felt so helpless. The evil Cleric took Leetah. Then the voice?……it was Agudo………he………had spoken kindly to her before………trying to get her away form that sick Jerado. But now?………Leetah? “No! don’t hurt Leetah” Tara snaps out of her haze, and runs at Luika……..grabbing his arm. She little now, a young teenager, not masterful Assassin, like she was. “Leave my sister alone!” but it was to late, Luika had given the (Poison) to her sister. Jerado started to cast magic, he took a moment to wink and Lady Hoot “Yes Lady Hoot you have cost me some off my power. But I am not here to hurt you. But the snail of a man Kheldar. So enjoy your temporary victory……….. After he is done casting the magic, Jerado looks up at the ceiling. As if he can see something coming.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-09-03, 04:17 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif As the darkness falls over everything, Kat tries one more slice at Kheldar. It fails. She tries a few more strikes but pulls back in frustration when her blades hit nothing but air, unsure whether the assassin is even nearby. He moves too silently even when hurt... can't hear him, not with that dwarf yelling his head off... but how can he move? Those glasses! More magical gimmickry! But who will he be after now? Jerado? or Luika? Kat keeps her daggers out as she moves carefully around the area, hoping to get some clue of Kheldar's whereabouts. Then Agudo's spell is cast, and Kat winces at the sudden glare as her eyes try desperately to adjust to the change of light. For once, she agrees with the dwarf. But the light shows her target, and Kat rushes quickly towards Kheldar, blades ready to attack. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Jerado 09-09-03, 06:12 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif The dark mage's eyes flicker with delight. "Yes my dear - Kill Kheldar! Pay attention to nothing else but him!" Jerado stops concentrating on the roof and gives both Lady Hoot and Agudo a viciously triumphant stare. His head then snaps back to focusing on Kat. "GO BLACK BALL OF OBLIVION! Destroy the rouge woman!" A pitch black sphere quickly pops out of the roof, and rapidly makes it's way towards Kat! Artwork Illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Kheldar Devaentar 09-09-03, 06:36 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif A bright flash of light fills the cavern. And everything was back to normal. Except that both Luika and Leetah had completely vanished. Kheldar cursed in his head - His wish had been a wasted one. But there are wishes on this thing! Maybe I can-* Kheldar heard something rapidly approaching him. . . It was Kat! "I wis-*" "GO BLACK BALL OF OBLIVION! Destroy the rouge woman!" What?!? NO! Not here!! Jerado's sphere of annihilation was on a collision course with Kat! "Kat! look out!!" Kheldar dives towards the charging rogue. If that thing hit her she'd be lost forever. . . Kheldar didn't want to go through that again. . . The little girl in the room with them may or may not be the real Tara. . . But Kheldar was damn sure this was the real Kat, and there was no way he could loose her to Jerado like this! Kheldar firmly grabs onto her and sends them both tumbling out of the way of the sphere. (Provoking attacks of oppurtunity!) Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-09-03, 07:38 PM	((OOC very good post Kheldar!, I like it allot! Good job using Jerado.)) Lady Hoot wasn’t going to see her finely laid out plans defeated by Jerado. “She prays for (Righteous Wrath of the Faithful) this inspires all good characters to fight boldly without fear. Agudo still cannot see Leetah? But right now Gene was in a fight for his life. “Agudo closes his eyes for a second, and casts {Lance of Disruption} at Rocky. Then suddenly a crash through the ceiling comes and a giants black orb heads at Kat and Kheldar. “Look out!” Agudo and Hoot scream.
Gene_Kynes 09-09-03, 08:46 PM	(( Blindsight, 20ft...kinda a custom feat. Decent enough excuse? ;) )) It was the first time...in a while...that he had ever the felt that pain that he had given to his Clients. It was the first time he ever uttered out a sound from sheer reflex...out of pain. Ironically, it wasn't even the Dwarf's axe that dealt the blow. As Gene's body twisted, the axe had missed him completely, igniting his sightless senses as he felt the wind generated by the weapon. But the dwarf's armored first drew across the assassin's eye socket, and an uttering of "Gwah...!" is heard, as Gene clutches his left eye, jumping backwards from the dwarf. His mind becoming a sea of pain, too shocked to be enraged, too pained to strike back, Gene simply used his longer blade which somehow found it's way back to his hand from an Etheral Jaunt as a crude blocking tool. "You...little...buh-bastard."
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-09-03, 09:25 PM	(( all *good* characters, Lady Hoot?... uh... well... ah! Leetah! :rolleyes: )) http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Totally oblivious to the black sphere, Kat is at first certain that Kheldar is finally going to fight back. But instead of trying to slash her, he grabs Kat and rolls out of the way of... something? No matter. He's here. Though one dagger is unavailable, held by the arm still trapped beneath the two of them, Kat stabs Kheldar deep in the side with the other, drawing the blade up with all her strength to make the wound wider, a death wound. Then drops the dagger as the inside of her head explodes with agony. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-09-03, 10:40 PM	Rocky felt the pure satisfaction of Gene blood on his hands. He takes a step back and licks his fingers. All along smiling at Gene, “What,s that ? bastared! Ha Ye may be right, I never new me real Pa.” Just as Rocky was enjoying himself, the tricky wizard Agudo lays into him with magic. “AHHH! Owe! Ye sick wizard. Thy magic cant save Gene!” But rocky felt his whole body start to falter. "I will get my revange on thee Gene! Next time AGudo wont be there to protect thy sorry Arss!" The Dwarf takes out a small rock, and throws it in the air. Poof! The Dwarf is gone! But not forgoten :b: :smirk: :b:
Leetah 09-10-03, 04:13 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetahbw.gif Tears pour out of the young priestess' eyes as the foul tasting toxin is poured down her throat. With the hold person spell still active, Leetah was completely powerless to stop Luika. Only after every last drop was consumed did the healer regain control over her body. Luika stepped back. . . Instantly Leetah lets out a terrified shriek and begins to desperately toss and turn. The girl wanted nothing more at that moment than to be able to roll onto her side, but the shackles around her wrists and ankles robbed her of any such luxury. Giving up on adjusting her position, Leetah immediately begins to cough violently. It wasn't a pretty sight watching the priestess try to vomit out the deadly herbs, but she knew that she had to! Leetah had studied herbs as a part of her clerical training, and was all too familiar with the effects of henbanes!!! Suddenly, Leetah feels a dreadful numbness come over her entire body as her coughing slowly turns into crying. The henbanes was now actively coursing through her veins and it would only be a matter of minutes before the herb’s legendary pain started. Leetah's sobbing became even louder. She really didn't want to die. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kheldar Devaentar 09-10-03, 05:38 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongkheldar.gif "ugh. . ." Kat's daggers drive deep into Kheldar's flesh. . . His world was starting to get dim. . . Everything was becoming soft and fuzzy. . . . . . I don't want to die. . . But if I can just get Leetah and Kat out of here alive. . . Maybe that'll be good enough!. . . But where was Leetah? Kheldar begins to speak. His voice coming out in desperate, agonized gasps. . . "I. . . wish. . . Kat had full control of. . . of. . . her mind and. . . body." Pain was everywhere! There was no escaping it! Even breathing hurt. Kheldar pulls off his ring of sequestering. . . He had wanted to give it to Kat a long time ago, but when he tried giving it to her all his words came out wrong and she got angry at him. . . How could he tell her he wanted her to have it? He wanted her to remember him. . . Air wouldn't even come out of his mouth now! He dropped the ring, the rogue stone, and Tara's dagger. . . Nothing hurt anymore. Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-10-03, 11:50 AM	As the evil dwarf vanishes Agudo frowned, “I was trying to kill the evil axe crazed munchkin.” He gives a shrug “ The good news is that I helped my friend Gene.” Lady Hoot goes over to Gene and offers help to his bleeding eye. At the same dramatic moment Kheldar seems to be in trouble. Kat has showed her deadly skill very well. Agudo was looking in his bag for something, to help Kat snap out of it. When Kheldar mumbled some words as he held on to the Rogue stone. Agudo feels the magic vibrating out of the Rogue stone, and walks up to Kat. “Kat are you ok? Kat?” He seems very concerned for her.
Gene_Kynes 09-10-03, 02:15 PM	Gene seems to've been reduced to panting...and sheathing his blade, a hand covering his wounded eye. He...stares at Agudo, following the man silently. After a few moments, he removes his hand, revealing a straight line running down the side of his face, Gene's eye serving as a center for the wound. It seems...barely functional, as it hadn't deflated yet. But as be bumps into Kat, nearly trips over Kheldar, and has to hold himself against the wall...one could guess he lost some vision along the way.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-10-03, 03:11 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif It takes Gene's stumble to break Kat from her trance, from stariing at Kheldar's body in horror at what she's done to him. "Why did I...? Why would I...? Agudo! Help him! What can we do to help him?!" Kat's face twists as she sees the damage. She quickly sheathes the acid dagger still in her other hand, and reaches into her vest for a small vial and a large wad of folded cloth. "The other dagger was poisoned! Not fatal... it shouldn't be, not by itself. And this is the antidote... if we can get it down him. But he's lost so much blood! We need to find something to help..." She has no potions. Kheldar had trouble finding a potion to cure poison, but maybe there's a basic healing one in his store of many things. Kat grimaces as she finds the metal hoop and reaches through, muttering to herself while trying to hold the cloth against the wound with her other hand. "A healing potion? something to stop the bleeding? something to help? anything? something to stop..." ...something to stop that infernal cackling from Jerado would also be nice... Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-10-03, 04:55 PM	"So...she isn't a psychotic traitor afterall." Gene rummages through his cloak, which gives the strong impression that the cloak might as well serve as a portal of sorts. He blinks. "I...could've...sworn-Dah. Agudo, heal the kid! Search a lil'faster, Miss Kat!" ...so...it takes a reminder of my own morality to change my attitude, huh? And where're those bloody clerics?
Agudo Archmage 09-10-03, 06:16 PM	Kat seems to be free from the the spell and shows concern for her Kheldar. Even as raged as Gene was, he showed more interest in saving Khledar, than his own well-being. Lady Hoot Followed Gene back to the others she saw Kheldar in direr need. Agudo knelt down besides the dieing man. “It looks bad Hoot, do your best.” Agudo then looks up at Kat “What was on your blade that is making him bleed so fast?”
Jerado 09-10-03, 07:01 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Jerado chuckles with joy as the would-be heroes gather around Kheldar's broken body. "Why Agudo, a body bleeds profusely when stabbed through the heart! . .Heh heh heh. . . How amusing that you all show such concern for that pathetic worm's life. You really ought to re-think your priorities. . . Now be good and be gone!" Jerado raises his hand and flicks his finger as he would to get rid of a pesky insect. Everyone around Kheldar's body scatters away as the force of a brick wall smashes against them. "Heh heh heh. . . Ah. . . Lady Hoot, I had almost forgotten you were a cleric. That does cause some discomfort. But I won't let you bring the boy back. In fact, lets tie up that loose end right now." Jerado twirls his finger, and quickly brings it down. Following it's master's instructions, the sphere of annihilation does a loop in the air, and smashes down against Kheldar's body. . . The rogue's body warps and distorts as it gets sucked into the center of the sphere. . . into the center of oblivion. In just a few seconds all that remains of the rogue is the three objects he'd left behind. The dark mage bursts out in gales of inhuman laughter. If Jerado was happy when Kat had struck Kheldar down. His mirth had gone up one hundred-fold! "Heh heh heh. . . ah ha ha ha ha - AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAAA!!!!" Artwork Illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-10-03, 09:39 PM	Growling as he flies back, his wound re-opening, and he drags his blade into the ground. For just a split second, those left are given a glimpse of Gene's cloak dissapearing...into Gene, and a much more beaten-up cloak taking it's place. Where his flesh was left split, umbral ichor seeps from within, sealing over the wound and fading into a pale patch. Despite the near-flawlessness of the replacement flesh, his eye still seems unsettled, it's motions jerky....and oddly enough, it seems stained a firey red, with a dot of black floating in the middle. The questionability of such a color possible from a shadow is put aside briefly, as he spins once at a blurring rate, finishing the move in a kneel. Somewhere near Jerardo, a diversion...a mere shuriken composed of Shadowstuff...shoots out from one of the abundant shadows, aimed at the Wizard. (( Love the Charie Images! ))
Agudo Archmage 09-11-03, 01:04 AM	Lady Hoot was about to heal the poor Rogue, when Jerado lets loose with some type of force spell. Agudo Hoot go flying back with the others, they skid along the floor. Agudo shakes himself off, and reaches for Hoot. “Are you ok Lady Hoot?” The wise white owl slowly moved then opened her eyes. “It seems Jerado is making use of the half, of his power that he still has left.” Then a dark sphere engulfed Kheldar, Agudo rose with Lady Hoot. He then turned to Kat, “Kheldar may be lost, but we can still bring justice; by taking the ((Artifact away)) from Jerado. Use your Staff Kat!” Lady Hoot fly’s into the air and call on her Clerical power. (Sole’s Searing Orb) is let loose on Jerado. Agudo casts Black-Blade of Disaster) A sword comes to Agudo of Magical energy.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-11-03, 01:25 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "No!!!" This can't be happening... it was like a stupidly mixed up dream before... now it's a nightmare! Kheldar dying... from my attack... and now this black ball of nothingness?! and no body, almost nothing left after it? Just three things and Kat moves quickly to pick them up, ignoring the horrible sound of the mad laughter from the evil mage. The useless (for now, for probably ever, not likely to survive an hour much less a month) stone is tucked inside her vest again, and the useless ring is slipped onto her finger, but the dagger is in her hand when she turns to face Jerado, white-faced and glaring with fury. But Agudo calls out, making sense for once, and Kat spins away to grab up the staff again. Her fingers fly to the touch-points that the other wizard used to set off the spells, as she points the staff at Jerado. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Jerado 09-11-03, 05:37 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Gene's black shuriken passes right through Jerado's head and TING's into the back wall. Jerado turns to regard the shadow dancer. "That was interesting lad. . . But surely you have more tricks up your sleeve than one tiny throwing star. . ." Jerado casually raises his hand against Agudo and Lady Hoot's spells, summoning forth a gigantic, shimmering, multi-colored wall of light. Both magical attacks fly into the wall, but don't come out the other side. Jerado's voice speaks from the other side. "Even with my powers diminished, I can still cast simple spells like that one. . . Tell me Agudo, do you remember which spells negate which layers?" Patches all over the wall shimmered and flickered into 7 different colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. "Heh heh heh. . . Remember, You have to destroy each layer in the correct order to move on to destroying the next. . . Let's hope you paid attention in your magical studies." The colorful wall effectively blocked Gene from the rest of the party. "Well boy, I don't know what you're planning but let me make things more exciting for you!" Jerado makes a gesture like magic and suddenly Gene is confronted with the most terrible beast imaginable! A beast that represented the epitome of Gene's fear! The ultimate monster that lurked in Gene's subconscious mind now made flesh before his very eyes. . . horrible, heinous, and horrifying!!! The monster advances towards Gene. . . Jerado grins viciously. ". . . have fun with it boy. . ." Leaving the shadowdancer to deal with his own nightmare, Jerado looks back at the wall. ". . . And you my dear, I suppose I should give you a target to aim that formidable staff at. . ." A simple mirror pops into existence in front of Kat, showing off her lovely reflection in it's dim, metallic surface. Although the reflection was beautiful, it looked wrong somehow. . . It wore a hideous, almost mocking grin across it's face. . . It then jumped out of the mirror and swung it's ornate staff towards Kat's face! ". . .There. . . Just remember. . . That annoying pest of a rogue went through this exact same experience before he died. . . Can you imagine fighting that reflection through his eyes? Ha ha ha! Wonderful isn't it? The boy was so naive." Jerado looks back at the alter were Luika and Leetah had disappeared. It was good that Luika had disposed of the woman cleric before she could become a problem, but he had wanted the act done in front of Kheldar! No matter. . . That chapter was over, and Luika had done a fair job. . . Luika would be paid. Rocky had preformed his tasks decently enough too. His unexpected disappearing act was an annoyance. . . But the Dwarf's help had certainly sped things up. No harm would come to Rocky. . . Gadget and Dniew, on the other hand, were both in trouble. They had helped the enemy in ways they were not meant to and that could be counted as betrayal! As soon as Jerado was finished down here he planned to have one final talk with the both of them! ((There! Real D&D challenges for all of you! Have fun with them! :smirk: )) Artwork Illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Luika 09-11-03, 02:23 PM	Strangely, I felt no joy, nor pride from what I did. In front of me, laying on a dark altar rested Leetah, who would soon leave us forever. Alone I would remain, did I guess. Slowly, regrets invaded me. I could've got a great life. I could've, with some luck, forget the excruciating sharran dogma, and leave it to live happily. I spat. Living happily? What kind of apradox would that be! Me, whos tudied history, should know better than anyone else the aberration that is life. Before the dawn of times, before an uncaring Overgod created life, renewal and profusion, nothing did exist. Peace was everywhere, and no suffering would ever be inflicted on anyone. Then, on a whim, suffering, diseases, and tyrans appeared, leaving the world to the calamity it was itself. If I am unhappy now, it is only because I am still living. If I am still living, it is to promote reason, and to help those who wouldn't understand it without our help. "To think I'm helping you...." I turned away from the crying young girl, aiming for the exit of the room, when...
Leetah 09-11-03, 02:37 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetahbw.gif "Wait!" The desperate cry came from the altar. Leetah's voice sounded almost as shook up as the girl looked. "Please. . .I want to know what I did wrong. . .What did I do to offend you? Why am I-*. . .Why-*" Leetah began to fumble with words as grief caught up with her again. The young priestess knew she was going to die, and she had to know the reason why. "I don't understand Mr Luika. . .You were always so kind to me. . .You offered me gentle words. . .You held my hand when I needed it. . ." Leetah closed her eyes, feeling more tears trickle down her face. ". . .You once called me precious. . ." Leetah remained quiet for a few seconds, finding it almost impossible to speak. All that came out of the girl was the soft sound of sorrow accompanied by the occasional snivel. When Leetah did speak again, it was in a voice almost too quiet to hear. . . ". . .What did I ever do to betray that friendship Mr Luika? . .What could I have done differently? . .” Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-11-03, 06:30 PM	((OOC Luika and Leetah get best "Dramatic" moment )) :king: :weep: :tantrum: :mage: :king: extra good job!:tiphat:
Luika 09-11-03, 06:32 PM	As Leetah spoke, my eyes watered...a bit. Calmly, I approached the priestess of light, chained on the altar. I lowered my body so that my lips would be only next to her ear, and then I muttered: "You never betrayed me, Leetah. The cause of your demise is what caused you to meet me: your blind love for he who can't be named in here. Indeed, you are precious to me, Leetah."said I, a little weep escaping from my throat. After a deep breath, I proved able to continue. "I think I love you, Leetah. You are beautiful, you are courageous, you always put your allies's well-being before your own. But, you have a massive, a titanic flaw. All the Light in which you dwell has blinded you! Your love of life, of this painful way of meeting, at last, eternal repose, seems to be unchanging, impossible to separate from what you are. At first, never would I have thought of harming you, neither of having you put down there. I wished to earn your ineffable trust, to become your friend and, with time, to make you see the errors of your ways, and ultimately alter your beliefs. " Now, my face was covered with water, infinite flood of my sins and thoughts leaving my soul, as I confessed them. "Do not think I am happy to see you there, Leetah. Your pain probably is the worst torture I will ever have to endure, yet I have to accept, and suffer it. I am still alive, and I still have to bear that burden, and will have to until, at last, our cause will be understood and not feared anymore. To think that you, my sweet Lady, could have alleviated that impressive weight from my shoulders, is only one more burning blade through my wounded heart. If only....if only you could've contemplated the error of your precedent ways, the new glorious path that is offered to you... ..maybe my goddess could show you mercy." OOC: For further fun, I want to tell you that henbane also induces delirium, visions, hallucinations.
Leetah 09-11-03, 06:43 PM	(( Thank you Agudo. ))
Kheldar Devaentar 09-11-03, 07:10 PM	. . .
Gene_Kynes 09-11-03, 07:24 PM	...What ever semblance of hatred Gene had for the Wizard, it now froze harshly to cold, hard determination to bring about Jerardo's demise either directly or indirectly...and using Ressurection magics, kill him again...and again...and again. The figure wasn't horrible at all, phyiscally. (( Guessing Jerardo's depravation leads to his curiousity towards his enemy's greatest fear, I guess it's fine to describe this.)) What was expected to twisted, horrible...and amazingly corrupt, instead swirled into a shapely form, pale in skin tone, icy blue eyes framed by knee-length black hair. Obviously feminine, clad in Drow Silk armor that managed to often distract the eye...one could only wonder how someone could fear a being like this. Jerardo could almost feel the Weave tighten around Gene's mind, seeking out memories best left alone. The figure speaks, and almost instantly, a chakram appeared in a pale hand. "...You've grown. But you're still as pathetic as ever." With these simple words, Gene's muscles freeze, his beat and breathing accelerating past what would be safe, even for someone with his health. The now-complete yet illusionary woman speaks once more. "...The same little boy...who wasted his gift of being Shar-spawned. You instead traded the glory of becoming something more than...more than that mere meat." She points with disdain at his torso. "Say, Gene...did I ever tell you how she managed to cry out, even when her throat was almost slit halfway into her neck?" The Shadowdancer seems...utterly frozen still, his breathing moving out to a swallow, rapid plateau. The conversation is very one-sided, as she stalks slowly towards him, the hallucination as real to the hallucinator as the sweat that collected underneath his shirt, as real as his cloak, as real as...him. The closer the spell is to killing off the victim, the closer she walks, raising her chakram. "...Now...you killed me much too quickly, Gene...we had so much unfinished business...you proved yourself not a pawn, but you'll never be a player." His grip around the cold, cursed steel weakened, as the bitter helplessness overtook his every urge, as the paralyzing fear pressed his body to the limit's edge, so focused on escaping this figure that it forgets what it's escaping in order to preserve. The Weave seems to tighten even further around the shadowdancers mind, but meets a slippery last defense...and in response, the hallucination flickers for just a moment . And therein, Gene finds shocking hope...right where her shoulder was a little too squared, her waist a little too narrow, her hair not dark enough, and her smile not nearly cruel enough.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-11-03, 08:10 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat manages to stop herself from hitting the last touch-point as the mirror pops into place, avoiding the chance of a reflected fireball or lightning bolt. Then her image steps out of the mirror, swinging the staff. Kat blinks but jumps back in time to avoid the hit. The mirror-Kat follows quickly and Kat blocks this time with her own staff. A flurry of blows proves the point that the match is all too equal. Myself?!... I'm fighting myself?... but how much myself?... the same moves... the same skill... the same knowledge... Kat starts what looks like an overhand swing but instead jabs the lower end towards the mirror-Kat's midsection. The image side-steps and grabs at the staff, pulling her in, as Kat would have done. Kat goes with it, and slams into the side of the image, twisting the staff back out its grip, but getting hit hard on the shoulder as she steps back again. She gasps with the pain, trying not to let it affect her moves. Not exactly the same... but anticipating too much.... and she looks... like me... before... The mirror-Kat is grinning coldly, as Kat was at Kheldar before the mind control was broken. When Kat's mind felt number. More... controlled. So don't fight like me? Suddenly Kat is smiling at the image, and swings the staff hard towards it. A blink of confusion crosses the mirror-Kat's face since Kat's staff seems too far away for a decent strike, but at the last minute Kat lets the staff fly out of her hands towards the image. The mirror-Kat snarls and knocks the staff away, but by then the acid dagger is flying towards it, followed by Kat herself. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Leetah 09-11-03, 08:48 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/leetahchained.jpg Tears continued to trail down the priestess' cheeks as the dark cleric spoke to her. Leetah knew that Luika was trying to keep his words as gentle as possible, but each sentence that escaped from the man's mouth felt like another slap in her face. Throughout her life, people had constantly mocked Leetah for her seemingly blind mercy and her absolute desire to help other living creatures. No one understood how she felt about violence, death, or pain. . .and even if they did, they never respected those feelings. Even other members of her church questioned Leetah's judgement. Clerics and Paladins of Pelor were among those who teased her! ". . .Mr Luika. . ." Leetah opened her eyes. Tears glistened everywhere. ". . .Maybe your right. . .Maybe I am wrong. . .But please consider this. . ." Leetah stared into the eyes of her murderer. ". . .It's my beliefs that make me who I am. . ." Tears fell freely, forming small puddles along the altar. ". . .and you said that you think you love me. . ." The Priestess closed her eyes again, taking a deep breath. ". . .so is it at all possible that your heart has a place for what I belive in? . ." Leetah then remained quiet, waiting for Luika's response. Unfortunately for her, she would never hear the answer. The numbness which had earlier engulfed Leetah's body had now developed into a terrible irritation. It wasn't long at all before that irritation erupted into shear agony. Leetah tried to suppress her screaming but failed miserably. Tears flooded the altar's surface as the girl helplessly thrashed back and forth, pain dictating her movements. Looming above the tormented priestess stood four statues of Shar. All of them appeared to be smiling. < Excellent work Luika, you have done well. Your services are no longer required here. You may now go. . . > Leetah screamed out for Luika. < DON'T answer the girl's question. You should consider yourself lucky that I don't punish you for speaking with her as much as you did! NOW GO! > Leetah tried to call out to the priest again, but all that came out was a horrifying screech. Something was amplifying the girl's pain. Someone wanted the girl to stop talking. < I SAID GO!!! > Leetah's screams continued to echo off the cavern walls. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-11-03, 10:17 PM	As Kat is dealing with herself, Agudo is looking at the wall. He touches his chin and rubs his blond beard. "Lets see red, and blue then orange?" Lady Hoot was more concernd for Kat, than the puzzle. She started chanting a prayer, Kat receives (spiritual strength) Suddenly Kat can feel her muscle flex, she is more confident as well. "I am sorry Kat, thats the best I can do at this time. i must help Agudo with the wall." She then flys back over to the wizard. Agudo is now smoking jis corncob pipe, as he thinks. "Ah yes. Lets try Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. Red, Orange," It was to late for Lady Hoot to help Agudo, what came next was......................... :bump:
Kheldar Devaentar 09-12-03, 03:12 AM	. . .
Kheldar Devaentar 09-12-03, 03:14 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/cunningkheldartitle.gif Kheldar jumps out in front of everything and the picture stops. "HEY! I'm hardly in this story any more! I only made two real appearances on the last page! . . Lets give Kheldar some lines! That's what you're thinking, right?" Kheldar jumps back and pulls down a map. He then reaches in his cloak and pulls out a pointing stick. http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/kheldarhatmap.jpg "Now then, a number of you have e-mailed me and PM'ed me questions about the position of your characters. Well. . . as you can see on this map - the cave has now been split into two halves via Jerado's prismatic wall. . . Jerado, Gene and Gene's nightmarish vision are all on the top half. While Agudo, Kat, and Kat's evil reflection are on the bottom. . . . . .So Gene is basically severed from the rest of party until that prismatic wall is brought down. And bringing down a prismatic wall isn't easy! A prismatic wall is made of 7 layers. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Each layer is enchanted with some sort of effect. It's starts out pretty simple, but becomes more exotic the further you go in it. The layers are: Fire, acid, electricity, fatal poison, turn flesh to stone, turn creature madly insane, and lastly, destroy the creature and spit out it's remains in some other plane. . ." Kheldar shivers. "And those are just the effects on physical objects! . . Spells are handled much differently. . . But let's not go there. . . Ahem-* Now there are two hurdles to breaking a prismatic wall. First, is knowing the order in which to take each layer down. Second, is knowing the specific counter-spell to each layer. Counter-spells range from easy level one spells to difficult level 6 spells. Some of the counter-spells are also infrequently used in every day adventuring, so many mages don't prepare them all. . . Perhaps not unlike our pipe smoking friend here! . . *Sigh* . . . When are ya gonna get it together Agudo? . . Well, don't smoke that pipe too much. . . It's bad for your health! . . http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/kheldarsignlb.gif
Agudo Archmage 09-12-03, 12:19 PM	((OOC Kheldar and his shoes? Lets see.....Kmart?:heehee Now as far as my pipe......what I put in it is my concern. :looloo: :mymy: :looloo: On the other hand, Khledar maybe Jerado would had time to post if Kheldar wasnt making maps! "Nice" map by the way, :thumbsup: :ayyyy!: And Leetah..........um.....WOW..... I....thought you had more cloths than that..... your all grown up:love:
Gene_Kynes 09-12-03, 05:03 PM	(( *Falls over laughing.* Love the chibi-ish Kheldar! And...er...Boots of Lightning Speed? Mantle of Great Stealth? Glasses of True Sight? I...think I...got the rest down, heh..right? Anyways, thanks for lightening up the entire thread. The Luika-Leetah thing is good, which is saying something considering it's text. And pictures. )) When the spell's effects were about to take place, Gene's "reality" flickered, wavered, melted and reformed as the illusion struggled to get a grasp on his mind. The illusionary woman still held her chakram to his throat, as if she was oblivious to her very pseudo-existance crashing around her. "...Wait...Lunaria...your eyes...were green." The woman paused, the illusion's existance being given a few more moments to live as the dark spell still attempted to kill the man by fear alone. She replied with a "...what?" Gene continues, as his muscles cool, the icy flood of realization awakening his every fiber. "...You always wore that mask in front of the others, and...and I imagined your eyes...to be blue. But when the mask tore in half...you...your eyes were really green." He pauses...and for just a moment, nobody but Jerardo and the false woman witness his face losing all rage, his face losing all guilt, all sorrow, all anger. "...It's been a long time since then...and....I only believed what I wanted to believe, I guess." Around him, the spell begins frenzied attempts to shatter the shadowdancer's psyche. The room is littered with obviously Sharan clerics' corpses. Gene simply looks at them. A brown-haired, blue-eyed woman appears between Gene and Jerardo, tightly clutching a black-haired doll. She looks down to the doll, softly saying "Gene...we're...going to visit Waterdeep." She then glances up towards...the real Gene, and seemingly ignores him. "...I guess we should bring that boy along with us, shouldn't we, Gene?" His fists shaking, his breathing rising again, he says with gritted teeth: "She...she...replaced me. She went...she went insane. When she killed herself...sh-she was still holding...that...god-damned doll." The woman dissapears, and then re-appears, hanging from a noose...with the same doll in her hand. After this final flickering image, the spell dissapates, leaving a panting, rage-filled Gene, the corpses all dissapearing. "Your....pain...shall be...legendary..." And with that, Gene started stalking towards the Mage.
Luika 09-12-03, 06:54 PM	(OOC: Never did Luika mock Leetah. She may have perceived it as such, but never did he commit such an evil act. His boots are the "boots of swiftness" from the ELH. What do I win? ;) ) o o ( Wouldn't it be possible that you were my only balm, the only one I had to care about during my lifetime, and thus the only one I felt I was attracted to? You could've been a fiendish abomination, a night hag, that I probably wouldn't have cared. The worst thing, I think, is that you can not see the blessing I am granting you : deliverance from your life of torment.) My lips opened... < DON'T answer the girl's question. You should consider yourself lucky that I don't punish you for speaking with her as much as you did! NOW GO! > and closed. I looked at Leetah for the last time, contemplating her usually beautiful features, now twisted and torn by the mark of poison, the convulsions and the visions she probably had. When, my vision blurred by my tears, I couldn't see her anymore, I left the sacrifice chamber, leaving the priestess to her dark fate. It is a saddened hero, a miserable herald who has been welcomed, in this sad day, in Shar's Cathedral of Shadows. Silently was he observed by the gathered, mystic clergy: acolytes afraid of what passage awaited them, if they were to be succesful in their oaths, and the Ancients resigned, knowledgeable of the excruciating pain asked by Shar from her most devout followers. A young, dark-haired woman approached the half-elf. She took his hand, without a word, and brang him to the room in which he would rest before leaving once again to meet his new master.
Jerado 09-12-03, 10:54 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Jerado chuckles softly at Gene. "Pain, boy, is how living creatures know they're still alive! Let me demonstrate - Fireball!" A glowing, pea-sized bead shoots out from Jerado's stretched index finger aimed at Gene. * * * The reflected Kat ducks, and raises an arm. In one fluid motion she grabs the acid dagger and sends it spinning back towards Kat. Kat just barely turns her body in time to only receive a nick in the arm from the returned projectile. The dagger makes a light hissing sound as it passes by. Kat's reflection then points her Staff at Kat. "Oh I see what you're doing. . . Well two can play at that game!" The evil Kat quickly kicks her stretched out staff, and out shoots an explosive bolt of flame! * * * The prismatic wall continues to stare down at Agudo. . . Artwork Illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Agudo Archmage 09-13-03, 01:05 AM	"Nothing?" Agudo mumbles as he ponders some more. Lady Hoot takes a look as well. "It would seem, that the wall is to keep you preoccupied Agudo.” “Yes it something we both can see, but as you know destiny is at hand; and we must not change Tara’s redemption.” Agudo gives a sad look at Hoot, after he was done speaking. The wise white owl thought for a second “ That’s is true, but we have an obligation to Tara and her sister.” The wizard let out a long breath. “Then we will have to act in away that does not change things. Yet allows us to deal with the manifest destiny.” The owl just nods her head. Agudo turns back to the wall and begins to cast a spell.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-13-03, 02:54 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat hisses with pain as the acid dagger slices her arm. Dodging the dagger has thrown her off, and she's in perfect range for the staff's attack. What to do? Keep doing the unexpected... she thinks like me... but can't think as quickly... at least not as freely... Kat's first instinct is to jump away, trying to find cover. Instead she throws herself in towards the mirror-Kat, rolling quickly under the staff's bolt, too close within its range for the staff's power to be used on her. She comes back up with a dagger slice to the image's inner leg. Again her instinct would be to pull back her attack, waiting for the poison's loss to the image's dexterity to take effect. But perhaps the image is immune? For some reason Kat's abilities suddenly seem greater than those of the image, and she feels more confident as she presses the attack by trying to twist the mirrored staff from the image's grasp. (( Very fun map! and lovely sketch! )) Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Jerado 09-13-03, 04:45 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif The ornate staff easily slips out of the mirrored Kat's grasp as she yelps in pain and falls on her side, hitting the ground with a thud. . . And there she lay on the ground, faced away from Kat and twitching. Twitching less and less until her body becomes dead still. Jerado laughs at what the wizard of light has to say. "Agudo, I don't know what you're talking about and neither do you! Don't get too worked up about redemptions or manifest destiny. . . Keep your thoughts focused on other things. . . like how redeeming it will be when death comes to take you away!" Artwork Illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Leetah 09-13-03, 04:49 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/leetahcry.jpg Originally posted by Agudo Archmage And Leetah..........um.....WOW..... I....thought you had more cloths than that..... your all grown up:love: Leetah bursts into tears. "I do have more clothes than that Mr Agudo! But Mr Artist was mean and took them away from me!!! Whatever happened to my beautiful grey cloak and my gorgeous shoulder length gloves!?!? And why is my suit drawn so tightly around my torso like that!?!?" Leetah glares at the artist, then looks back towards Agudo. "And what did you mean when you said 'I'm all grown up'? Hey. . .What are you looking at? EEEEE!!!" Leetah dashes in front of the sketch trying to cover it as best as she can. Her face was the color of a strawberry. "Please stop staring at me like that Mr Agudo! It makes me feel uncomfortable. And you too Mr Gene!!!" Leetah begins to tremble as she notices more eyes staring down at her. Being the center of attention was a terrible thing when you were exceptionally shy. Leetah starts crying again. "Why are you all looking at me like that!? This isn't fair!!!" < WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? > Leetah lets out a yelp as the booming voice of Shar surrounds the area. < GET BACK ONTO THE ALTAR!!! YOU HAVE ANOTHER SCENE COMING UP!!! > "But the shackles are too tight. . .and my wrists and ankles are starting to get sore." < MOVE IT!!! > ". . .Okay. . ." Leetah lets out a sad sigh as she drags herself back onto the altar. The shackles tightly bind the girl's limbs again as she winces in pain. After a few moments of adjusting her position, Leetah settles in. "Wait! Before we start up again I have to talk to Mr Luika. I want to let him know that I never thought that he was mocking me. It's just that when he told me that my beliefs were wrong it reminded me of-* < Oh shut up. > Dark bolts of energy course through the shackles of the altar causing the young priestess to resume her violent shaking and screaming. The silliness had come to an end. < Good. . .Now If it's not asking too much, LET'S GET BACK TO THE STORY!!! > . . . (( And the moral of this post is, NEVER write posts at 4:00am in the morning! )) Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-13-03, 11:57 AM	(( *Has very little chance to recover from Kheldar when more silliness strikes! Falls back over, laughing.* A moral learned, indeed.)) Gene blinks at Leetah. "I...er...wasn't staring...Miss Leetah. I can't find something attractive...when it's on the pulsations of death, you know?" "And Jerardo...a Fireball!? On a rogue?! Any idea how high our Reflex Save gets up at those levels?" Gene sighs, and quaffs a Potion of IC. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gene allowed his instincts to sieze control of his body, as he rushed towards Jerardo, his body a dark blur as it twists, rolls, and makes metre-long shadowjumps in an erratic pattern. When it's finally over, he's facing Jerardo, grinning. "There's no tomarrow for you, sunshine." And with that, Gene's blade is swung at the dark Wizard, after Gene feints an attack to the Wizard's left. ((Edit: Reflex Save, Bluff, Feint, trying to get Sneak Attack Damage...aaand, hurry up, Agudo and Kat! A single character that hasn't been in the storyline from the start can't take on the main villian! It just ain't right! *mutters: Leetah would be invited, but she's...kinda in trouble of her own, heh. ))
Agudo Archmage 09-13-03, 01:02 PM	((OOC Agudo was reading his lines, when Leetah caught him checking her out. :drool: Agudo turns a nice shade of red. “But!…But Leetah…Are you accusing me…. the Archmage of Light!….Who is pure and righteous….and…and… who Santa Clause comes to for advice…… That I would look at …at …at…..your….well um….” Agudo thinks for a moment, then snaps his fingers…. Snap!…. “Your Big Round…..EYES!…..Yes that it Eyes…..yes…..and they were a lovely shade of….green right? :mymy: :rofl: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::: Agudo casts dispel magic on the wall, when Jerado takes a verbal jab at Agudo. “What? Your ease dropping!….that’s just rude and evil……… and you will see what happens to you kind.” Lady Hoot casts (Protection from Petrifaction) on Agudo and her. Agudo recovers from his bickering with Jerado; and takes out a potion of for poison antidote, he then drinks it.”
Jerado 09-13-03, 06:28 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Gene's blade enters deep into Jerado's right shoulder's and exits out the left side of Jerado's neck! Jerado looks at Gene and smiles. The mage should have been dead, and blood didn't even exit his wound! "Well done boy. You control your actions and wield that blade with great skill. . . Perhaps I've underestimated you. . . But perhaps you've underestimated me as well." Jerado flicks his fingers horizontally and Gene goes spinning back in the air from whence he came. Before he hits the ground he notices a little, glowing bead waiting for him to land. It bursts into a magnificent explosion just as Gene's feet are about to touch the floor. ((Delayed blast fireball, no reflex save while spinning in the air!)) Gene feels no pressure from the blast - just extremely overwhelming heat! Jerado begins to chuckle as he takes out a scroll and reads the text in old common. * * * ((On the other side of the wall)) Lady Hoot can feel a terrible spell being cast. Agudo's dispel magic hits the wall hard! Layers in the wall start to flicker until it gets to the Indigo layer. At the indigo layer Agudo feels the dispel magic spell fail. The other layers recover and the wall becomes whole again. Artwork illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-13-03, 06:43 PM	Jerardo is granted a glimpse of Gene...for once, looking suprised, as he sticks his blade into the air, and it somehow drags along the space, yet fails to keep it's wielder from becoming a victim to the fireball. ...My first lecture. "My crime is that of outsmarting you. Something you can never forgive me for."...looks like I've been rather rash. The tattered remnants of cloth provide a meager sphereical shield around the shadowdancer as he lands, as the bead blooms into a brilliant explosion.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-13-03, 07:03 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Breathing a sigh of relief, and of exhaustion, Kat watches the mirror-Kat's end. She glances wearily towards Agudo in time to see the mage's anti-magic spell fail. Kat stares at the wall. So what is happening on the other side? I can only hear the words... but it doesn't sound good for Gene... is there nothing around to help? Kat blinks and grabs up the two staves, hers and the one the mirror-Kat was holding. "Agudo! The staff? there are two now!!! surely these can help? but I'm not sure I trust the mirror one entirely... " Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Jerado 09-13-03, 09:21 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif As Kat talks to Agudo she feels a burning sensation quickly slice across her hip! Her bag's straps get sliced as well and the bag falls into the hands of another woman. . . Kat's reflection of course. "Fake weakness to hide strength dear. . . sound familiar?" The spot were the reflected Kat's body had been was completely empty save for a discarded, empty vial. Kat recognizes it as one of her antidotes. She also recognizes the color of poison from her mirrored image's dagger. A potentially fatal poison if over used, and judging from the dripping dagger, Kat had obviously received an overdose! Her mirror image grins and lightly shakes her bag, then steps back and chucks it towards the idle sphere of annihilation. * * * Jerado's scroll burns up after he finishes reading it. The only effect it seems to have is closing the wound across his neck. He seems impressed with Gene's magic. "Hmm. . . Permit me to ask you a question boy. . . I've seen you teleport a body out of this chamber. . . why don't you just teleport yourself out of here? . . You could even teleport them out of here? Why engage in this pointless battle? Jerado stares at Gene. His face was more amused than inquisitive. Artwork illus. by Gordon R. Quigley ((Someone better stop that bag or it's gone! :))) __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-13-03, 09:48 PM	After the explosion settles...Gene is no longer there, but leaning against the opposite roughly-hewn wall, the tattered cloak hugging him...appearently. He seems utterly carefree, as his arms are crossed and he slowly walks towards Jerardo. "Can you not smell the Weave about me, Spellcaster? Can you not see how tightly, or how loosely it hangs around me? Therein lies the answer to your question." Gene's blade is drawn once more, now glowing eagerly a deep crimson. "I've seen what you did to Kheldar...b-back when he was still existant. I've seen how easily you show your cards. I won't make the same mistake." And with that, Gene swiftly strikes his blade against the air again at a blurring speed, and another vaccum shoves out towards Jerardo, attempting to knock the mage into the Prismatic Wall. (( If Jerardo could honestly see the Weave, he'd notice it seems to warp around Gene's scar/symbols, and his blade. If Jerardo took enough care to look where the cloak permitted a glance at these scars, one of them which read "Shift" in Common Oriental was glowing deep red...very, very faintly. ))
Leetah 09-13-03, 10:39 PM	* * * What do you think you're doing Leetah!? Are you Stupid!? Leetah. . .They were Orcs. . .Deal with it. . . You can't save everyone Leetah. . .It was either us or them. . . Would you stop protecting the enemy Leetah!!! Do not cry child. As followers of the Shining One we were simply performing our duty. . . Why the hell did we let her come again? She only slows us down. Do they train Clerics of Pelor to be this stupid? Heh heh heh. . .You can try to help them all you like. . .But it's too late to save them. . . Your wrong Leetah! Your stupid Leetah! Your naive Leetah! Grow up Leetah! Shut up Leetah! . . . I think I love you, Leetah. You are beautiful, you are courageous, you always put your allies's well-being before your own. But, you have a massive, a titanic flaw. All the Light in which you dwell has blinded you! . . . Umm, here ya go. . . Leetah was it? It's melted chocolate mixed with milk! It'll help you feel better! Now, can you tell me what's the matter? * * * No one has the right to take another's life. . . All living creatures have the right to live. . . It's my beliefs that make me who I am. . . You said that you think you love me. . . Is it at all possible that your heart has a place for what I believe in? * * * AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetahbw.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-13-03, 10:50 PM	As Luika slowly walks away ignoring her, Tara runs up and holds the body of Leetah as she lays on the alter. Tears run down her face. She sobs deeply for her sister and shakes as she does. "Why?.....WHY!.....Noooooo" ******** ******** "By the Light I got it!....." Lady Hoot wonders what Agudo is talking about. The wizard smiles and turns to Hoot " Its like the voice of Kheldar has come to me and told me the answer." Agudo quickly casts the Spell ((Mordenkainen's Disjunction)) and stands back! At the same time Kat seems to be in pain.... 'Whats wrong my dear? Oh my! He sees her get stabbed.
Golddigger Dwarf 09-13-03, 11:04 PM	The bag that belongs to Kat was heading to that black thing of destruction. It was just about to hit when. A hand grabs it? Those who are surprised that a hairy, scared arm is comeing out of nothing. Then the rest of the body shimmers, and the familer face winks and Kat. “Tis I me love, Rocky!” He hold her brown bag takes out his Axe. “Now ye thought where did that handsome dwarf go, didn’t ye.” He then runs at the double of Kat and slams his foot in her back “The Mirror one” Rocky runs right over the double and stops in front of the real Kat, and gives a bow “Here’s yor Bag me lady” He then grabs Kat hand and kisses it.
Jerado 09-14-03, 01:07 AM	http://www.members.Shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif ((Mordenkainen's Disjunction? lol! That spell breaks campaigns almost as well as a Deck of Many Things! Kat, don't even think of it! Or I'll pull out my tarrot deck and make you keep the results! :))) Gene's vacuum effect slams hard into the dire mage, causing Jerado's shoulder to go into the prismatic wall!!! Jerado pulls it out and laughs. ". . .You impress me almost as much as you disappoint me boy. . . I can't be harmed by my own-*" Something terrible happens! Something Jerado didn't think Agudo would do! The Mordenkainen's Disjunction spells spreads out into the area around the cavern, destroying magic where ever it can be found! The prismatic wall completely phases out. After Kat's mirrored image receives an ((unexpected boot)) in the back she lets out a shrill scream before she and all of her equipment burst into dust! The sphere of a annihilation blinks in and out of existence - but in the end remains where it is. Every person in the room, excluding Agudo, who wears magical equipment can feel some of their items stop working, while others seem completely unaffected. Jerado stares wide-eyed at Agudo. "ARE YOU COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR MIND?!?! How can you even risk casting a spell like that in here??!?" Jerado quickly looks at his sphere of annihilation, then at the soul reaper. Both object seemed fine. He almost looked relieved. "Had you have destroyed the magic in these artifacts the Gods would have severed your connection to magic!!! If that instant fortress over there had have turned back into a cube the roof would collapse and killed you all!" Jerado was getting quite upset. All those things could have happened - but they hadn't - His enemy was winning by dumb luck and all his plans had been destroyed in an instant. At the very least some of their magic would have been destroyed as well. . . "And you!" Jerado points to Rocky, "I certainly hope you're not expecting to get paid now. . . What could you possibly gain by helping them? Death, that's what!" Instead of flicking his fingers Jerado makes a sweeping slapping gesture. No one feels anything except for Rocky who, even with his lip's amazing suction, gets blasted away from Kat and hits the far wall with a loud CRUNCH! Artwork illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.Shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-14-03, 10:41 AM	Gene simply laughs darkly, slowly twirling his blade around...and...smiles towards Agudo and Kat. "Thank you, Mister Agudo." Looking back to Jerardo, Gene seems awfully content at the man's rage, even as Gene feels his potions become mere bitter drinks, his scars losing some, but not all, energy, and his blade's flame flickering as if in a howling wind. In the end, only his blade and a few of the more powerful enruned scars remain. "Who said anything about slamming you into your own wall, Jerardo? I was just trying to share the fun with Mister Agudo, and Miss Kat...that's all." His simple smile remains, as he looks at Rocky's flying form. His red-irised eye seems focus on the Dwarf, but Gene soon changes targets, and then tumbled towards Jerardo, attempting to harm Jerardo with his blade...yet again.
Agudo Archmage 09-14-03, 01:25 PM	At first Kat had two Staffs, then there was none. {Poof} they disintegrated. Agudo mouth drops then starts checking his own stuff out. “Wow, that was lucky” he says as he sees nothing was lost. Then it hits him “Oh my Kat! Your staffs!” He bends down, to lift the now charred remains of her staff. Like fine sand it easily slips through his fingers. He then gets back up and gives a sheepish smile. “Sorry Kat, I owe you one staff, The good news is I know where to get one.” He says this as he eyes Jerado. Lady Hoot has flown off to the side, and is praying. A soft mist appears and swirls around the room. At the same time Agudo is walking over to Jerado, “Your time is up Jerado, its over. You will be tried in a court of law, for crimes against humanity.” Just then the mist stops swirling and a yellow light flashes. A ‘Vortex’ takes place right in the middle of the room. The dead body of Leetah can be seen in the middle and Tara crying over her. Tara screams in fear, as Leetah is pulled towards the Artifact. The young child holds on to Leetah for dear life. Luika hears the explosion of light and the rush of air, the alter is deforming. Agudo turns to Tara, “Now child, do what I told you to do! It is part of your redemption.” Tara is pulled along with her sister, into the chamber next to Jerado. “But its to much for me, I am to small now Agudo.” Tara is panting as she speaks. “Lady Hoot calls to Tara. “You can do it chilled, you must have faith. in yourself.” Tara closes her eyes, then rushes forward at Jerado. The dark mage is still recovering from the anti magic used in the room. But he does slap hard on the face of Tara. {SMACK} At that moment Agudo and Gene charge Jerado. Jerado recovers long enough, to cast a force spell at the two. “Agudo goes flying back, and Gene barely holds his ground. But Gene’s nose is broken, and his eyes are black and blue. Thats all Tara needed as a distraction. She grabs at the Artifact, and pulls with all her might. Jerado snickers at the girl. “Pathetic chilled its time for you to die with Kheldar.” But he failed to relies she was activating the Artifact. Jerado body distorts for just a painful second. “What have you done Tara!…… Lady Hoot lands on Tara shoulder and winks at the brave girl. “The soul of Leetah has been taken back from the After Life” Jerado spits at Lady Hoot. “Do you think I care about that rat of a girl!?!” Lady Hoot interrupts. “I planed this all along Jerado, Tara was touching the device yes; like I told her. But she let you hold it! You know what I told Jerado. That when you hold the device, it takes part of your soul, in replace of the other. That means your even less powerful now than before. In fact its only by your evil luck; that you have a fraction of your soul left to live.” Agudo gets up and proudly comments. “But for how long? Think about it Jerado, your power is failing, your body looks even more old than before. Jerado shakes with anger……”Kheldar is still dead…and …and I will kill you all for this…… ((The dark goddess of Luika and Jerado, speaks to the evil wizard out loud)) ***I HAD HER! She was in my grasp! Destroy that Artifact or face my WRATH.*** Agudo was shocked to hear a deity speak out loud, so everyone could hear. Lady Hoot wonderd how important Leetah must be, to have the gods fight over her.
Gene_Kynes 09-14-03, 04:04 PM	Gene spits out a small bit of blood. Blood. Not that umbral ichor that usually wept from his wounds...but blood! Gene simply smiles weakly, as he withdraws the blade that anchored him from the ground. He spits again upon hearing the Diety's voice. "Oh, shut up, Shar." Wiping his face once...the bruises seem to dissapear, as does the final active runescar on his arms. As Shar...the Goddess of secrets, darkness, and destruction...just showed what mattered to her, Gene quickly moved towards the artifact if it was idenitifiable, and his blade readied...prepared to stop anything or anyone that dared harm it.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-14-03, 05:56 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "Fake weakness to hide strength dear. . . sound familiar?" Too familiar, it's how Kat often tries to stay out of combat... by seeming too weak to bother with. But of course her mirror image would use that against her. And now she pays the penalty of her carelessness... ...Or not? Kat can't help but laugh despite the pain of her hip and the weakening effects of the poison, as Rocky slams across the relection's form and delivers her bag with the force of a earthquake and the attitude of a cavalier. A kiss on the hand is a minor reward to grant for his gallantry. "Thanks, sir! You've saved me!" Her eyes widen as the dwarf is suddenly flung away by Jerado's spell, but there's no time any more to help Rocky. She needs the antidote, and quickly! Kat sinks to the floor with the bag, pulls out one of the two remaining vials in her bag and downs the contents. As the strength flows back into her, she turns to Agudo. "Don't mind about the staff... staves... Deal with Jerado!" Kat manages to stand again as Jerado is attacked and pulls out the green dagger to help. It no longer glows. No matter, it's still sharp. The initial commotion with Tara ends, and Jerado steps back in fury and dismay at hearing his power has again been drained. Kat moves carefully forward, ignoring the voice from wherever that seems so angered by Leetah, and flings the dagger towards Jerado. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-14-03, 07:48 PM	The romantic dwarf goes flying backwards, and the only thing he can think of is. What a kiss! Rocky is just about to slam into something, when he takes out a small gnomish like gun. Even though he is twirling in the air, Rocky is able to shoot it. The projectile has a thin cord to it, and its able to raps around a column. With hard tug and a thump, the dwarf falls to the ground. “Bloody hell, what a KISS!” He sees the lovely Kat drink the antidote. Then he hears Jerado words about no coin for him. “Don’t be daff man, I can read the cards, thy life be losing and these goody goods be wining. It’s a simple business decision. You be dead, and no treasure from thee. I be switching sides nothing personal. Don’t be to surprise there is no (honor among thieves.) Rocky gives good laugh at his easy joke. “But I be killing like I always do, now its you Jerado. Besides I don’t care for that sluty Shar anyway.” With that last shot to his god, Rocky charges Jerado with always close by Axe.
Gene_Kynes 09-14-03, 09:02 PM	Forsaking his protection duties...Gene yells "You short little waste of-" And timing his movements so after he shadowjumped...he'd swing perfectly into Rocky. Except one...minute problem. Where he expected to swing into Dwarven metal and flesh...he instead hit obsidian stone. Glancing around with his contrasting eyes...Gene seemed...a bit...shocked. The faces of Sharan clerics seemed to stare at his, and a little farther from him, a certain being in the form of a dark-haired woman was standing. A moment later, the shadows around Gene swarmed once again...and he appeared in a small room, facing a familiar face...a cleric. Crap.
Luika 09-14-03, 09:44 PM	Sitting in his comfortable mattress, Shar's cleric mindlessly stared at the bricked wall in front of him, trying to force out of his brain the horrors he just committed and would never forget. So lost in his thoughts was he that he didn't notice, at first, the shadowadancer that appeared in front of him. Then., suddenly, I awoke, enraged. "What are YOU doing here?"
Agudo Archmage 09-14-03, 10:38 PM	Seeing the dwarf trade sides like that did not give Agudo confidence in Rocky. Yet he did save Kat’s life by giving her the antidote. The good news is that Jerado had more proof that he was dying. “By all that is Light! You shall end your evil now Jerado.” Tara new she did all she could. But what happen Kheldar? Where was he? Kheldar?…….No!” Jerado had said he was dead. “ She ran back to Leetah grabbed the body. Starting to pull her away from the action. “Why don’t you open your eyes Leetah?” Tara could feel how cold the body was. “You can’t die, your all I have left.” ((SHAR look down on the group of adventures. “I am a goddess, they will soon see what that is for them.”)) The soul of Leetah is descending to the material plains. As it does so Shar in her evil for comes forth. But before she can grab Leetah. The god of Leetah comes forth fight for her. His beloved follower of goodness Leetah. And who is that man that looks on? ((OOC All this takes place, in the heavens and cannot be seen. Except for Leetah. It so up to her if her soul is saved by her god or taken by Shar.))
Jerado 09-15-03, 05:25 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif 5. And the DM has the last say on keeping the game going......have “Fun” its just a game. Jerado feels his skin get tighter around his bones. He could feel the strength being drained out of his body! It enraged him!!! "Be gone child! You've caused quite enough trouble already!" With the speed and agility of a monk Jerado twirls the staff around and thwacks Tara in the side of the head, dropping the girl to the ground. He looks up at Kat and Rocky's attacks and quickly makes a familiar slapping gesture! It has no effect. Jerado's eyes go wide as he takes Kat's dagger in the chest and Rocky's axe in his side! Had Tara really taken that much of his power away!?!? Jerado's flesh splits open in wide gnashes but blood still fails to shed. ((Umm ok, can't cast level 8 spells. . . now I can only cast level 4 spells. . . time to open up the BOOK OF VILE DARKNESS!)) "Foolish Dwarf, face my grim revenge!" Rocky feels an intense pulling sensation on his right wrist. . . A terrible pulling sensation!!! With a loud R-R-RRRR-I-III-PPPP! Rocky's right hand pulls itself away from the Dwarf's arm, taking the Dwarf's axe with it and leaving nothing but a bloody stump behind! Incredible pain jolts across Rocky's body! But that wasn't the end of it. The severed right hand turns and swings the axe towards the amputated Dwarf! Then swings again, and again! Jerado runs by the preoccupied Dwarf and enters a melee with Agudo. Agudo had crossed spells with this wizard, but nothing had prepared him for the amazing dexterity and grace the once leader of the Black Daggers possessed. Jerado's staff became a whirling blur, almost impossible to keep up with! The black sphere of annihilation sat silently while battle raged around it. ((lol, there is some reason to Jerado's madness. Keep in mind that Agudo can't cast spells while engaged in melee. Rocky - ummm - we'll see about getting you a new hand. At least Jerado didn't say: "I am your father!" :))) Artwork illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-15-03, 05:52 AM	(( Dude! I had a dream that I got killed by Darth Vader in the old Star Wars trilogy before I was awakened to turn the power back on...because a fuse blew this morning! Myeh. Ignore me. )) Rather than seeming shocked, or suprirsed...Gene rolled his eyes. Gods damn it, the little Shar-brat too!? How th'hells did I screw up a shadowjump?! He sighs, readying his blade, adrenilin's glow still not leaving him. "I'll appear where I please, woman. If you've any qualms about it, I'll see to it that you lose your breathing privlages...much, much too early." (( Adrena...adrene...aw, screw it. I just made a new word: Adrenilin. If you want to know it's meaning, you must first look inside yourself. ))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-15-03, 09:00 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "No matter how subtle the wizard, a knife between the shoulder blades will seriously cramp his style." Apparently, a knife in the chest isn't good enough. Kat shakes her head briefly and hurries to check on Tara. The child is woozy, but not unconscious. Kat presses the girl down next to Leetah's body. "Stay here, stay down, girl! Protect her body? Maybe we can still get Leetah back." Gene has vanished. Kat checks the other combats for possible actions. Jerado is moving too quickly around Agudo to be a safe target; she doesn't dare injure Agudo. And Rocky's hand? (urgh... the sickness of whoever came up with that spell... ) Maybe not a throwing star, but something else. Kat pulls her wool cloak out of the bag and moves in to throw it over and around the hand and axe. Even if the axe slices through, it may foul enough to catch what's wielding it! ((OOC: Gene does know Luika is male? Or am I the one confused by the post?)) Quote from Stephen Brust's "Jhereg", of course. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-15-03, 12:06 PM	((OOC Loved the post Jerado, just one question? Did Agudo hit Tara in the head because of Jerado magic or Jerado own staff and you wanted his name there? ….. Its ok both ways I just wanted to clear it up on your post. As far as Luika being a guy? from Kat's post Well unless Luika has a surprise for us! I always thought he was!)) :mymy: :P As the staff hits Tara and she falls to the ground next to the cold body of Leetah. Agudo screams out. “That’s just sick Jerado! you will pay for your evil.” Then with the bloody hand of Rocky flying around and Jerado jumping at Agudo with battle harden skill. It was all Agudo could do to hold his own with the evil mage. “Kat do something”? Agudo says as he goes down on one knee, with his arms up, to block Jerado attack with his own staff of Light. Lady Hoot rushes to Tara to heal her as best she can.
Leetah 09-15-03, 04:27 PM	Thunder rages in the heavens above as the cataclysmic battle between Pelor and Shar continues. Leetah watches in bewilderment as the two forces of light and darkness battle each other for a prize which still remained unknown to her. Lord Pelor? B-But why is he here? And who’s that woman? Shar nimbly evades the Shining One's mace as she raises both her hands unleashing a beam of twilight. The stream of darkness reaches within inches of Pelor's gaze before it is shattered in thin air. The Sun God smiles. "In the end Shar, light will always prevail over darkness. Even a candle possesses the strength to split apart the shadows." Shar grunts in frustration as Pelor stands proudly before her. Then the Mistress of the Night puts on a grin of her own. "But no matter how long the candle may be, eventually its wick will run out. And when that happens, the shadows shall be free to roam as they wish!" Pelor's smile broadens. "You cannot put out the sun my dear." "HA! The sun is a coward who leaves his people each night!" Leetah's soul continues to descend as she watches the two deities quarrel. She was still oblivious to what exactly was going on. Was she dead? Pelor parries a flurry of attack coming from the dark goddess. His confidence never seemed to falter. "The sun abandons no one Shar. It continues it's patrol around the realms sustaining the life of all. And even when the sun is not present, his ally, the moon, shall always keep darkness under control." Shar was becoming livid! The moon was none other than her own accursed sister! Selune. "Don't forget, Shining One, that some nights the moon fails to show up for it's duty! How do you propose you'll defeat the darkness then?" Pelor smiles at Shar, then looks down towards Leetah like a proud father towards one of his children. "That's where the candles come in." A brilliant radiance engulfs Leetah's soul. . . * * * Leetah lets out a soft groan as her body slowly begins to stir. She felt the warmth of someone else on top of her. Leetah opened her eyes. ". . .Tara? . ."
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-15-03, 04:34 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Agudo's call makes it sound like he's in serious trouble, and Kat sees him go down on a knee. No telling right now if he's injured or not. But now at least there's a better chance at Jerado. Leaving Rocky to deal with his hand and whether or not the trick with the blanket worked, Kat quickly grabs a handful of throwing stars from her vest and flings them towards Jerado's back. Her aim is both at him directly and to either side, and high enough so that any that miss should pass over Agudo safely. Still not a dagger in the back, but something almost as good? Just don't stand up at the wrong time, Agudo! Please... because there's not much antidote left to the poison on those stars... Kat glances back briefly to see how Rocky's managing, almost hoping he's having problems so she'll have an excuse not to attack Jerado with anything more. Her other daggers are not designed for throwing. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-15-03, 04:39 PM	(( Heh, I know Luika's male! Gene's just insulting him. Yes, it's insulting to a guy to be called a girl. :P ))
Luika 09-15-03, 05:42 PM	(nope. I got called a girl often, and always replied by giggling and battin my eyelids. Never did they call me a girl again :D) "And if I don't? Are you out of your mind? What are you doing here? You should know that your head is worth more than all that could be found in all the dwarven kingdoms reunited!" (ready action : If gene threatens Luika, Luika calls for Help and then plane shifts for the material plane)
Gene_Kynes 09-15-03, 05:56 PM	Gene smirks. "It's not by choice, boy. Where's that healer girl you seemed so attatched to?" His blade seems to lower slightly as the chemical rush seems to drain slightly.
Kheldar Devaentar 09-15-03, 06:37 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif ((umm Jerado hit Tara with the staff. . . not Agudo! Oops! Nice dream Gene, lol.)) Kat's cloak drapes over Rocky's right hand and axe. It scrambles under the cloak, trying to get out of it! Jerado smiles as he beats hard on Agudo. Why hadn't he tried this on the country side? As a fighter, the wizard was pathetic! Something told Jerado an attack was coming from behind! He quickly turns and spins his staff into a shield, deflecting the throwing stars and sending them whizzing in all sorts of directions. For a second his attention was off of Agudo. ". . .Tara? . ." A sneer blinks across Jerado's face and he makes a gesture like magic. The sphere of annihilation starts tumbling towards Tara and Leetah, Jerado resumes his focus on Agudo. Artwork illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Golddigger Dwarf 09-15-03, 07:05 PM	“AHHhhhhh,” a sick cracking sound is heard, as his favorite hand, The one that holds his big axe. Is ripped from his handsome body. “Blast!” Rocky gasps, “Ye, pig of a Shar, prostitute.” It was a bloody sight, his hand dripping with blood. His blood! Then something is put on his raged stump. “Kat? Thy love for me knows no end.” He smiles at her. “Its not just because thy eyes saw me naked is it? Ye want me for whats inside, Right?” Rocky gives Kat a wink, at his joke, then his favorite axe try’s to kill him, with his own hand at that! Rocky dives for the side and then comes up. The room is getting dark; do to the loss of blood. “Tis a shame that such a good looking dwarf as me self must die. "But me mum would be proud, for I be dieing as the hero, who tries to save the girl." The Axe gives a chop at him, and takes a deep slice out of his shoulder. “Ahhhh! By me bearded face, that be hurting” Rocky starts to swoon. “Kat tell me friends, at the bar, that I died a hero, for thee, me pretty Kat” Rocky gives himself a puzzled look. “If I had any.” And any bar! It doesn’t matter, I be drinking in them all at one time” The dwarf stagers to the left, and he uses the “cover rap” that his woman Kat gave him. {Or at least in his drunken world} Rocky tries to entangle the dangerous weapon. But his axe and hand hit him in the leg. Rocky goes down, holding himself up with his one good hand.
Agudo Archmage 09-16-03, 12:54 AM	As Kat throws her weapon and Jerado Agudo gives a shot with his staff in Jerado eye. He then stands and grabs the neck of Jerado. He uses his ring of shocking grasp, on the evil mage. Electricity shoot from the Archmage of Light hand up and down Jerado. Tara finds her strength and pulls harder on Leetah “Don’t worry I have you, I wont let you die again. Hoot is praying over the struggling body of Leetah. Offering healing prayers as they move farther away from the action.
Luika 09-16-03, 06:23 AM	I raised an eyebrow. "Leetah, you mean? She is....dead, by now. Shar asked her as a sacrifice, as a proof of my faith in the sharran doctrine. I had to make her ingest a lethal poison, and I even had to watch her in convulsions, screaming and asking me what she did to deserve that. I could say that I understand your pain, shadowdancer. " I offered my hand to Gene.
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-16-03, 09:57 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif ..."words are my main weapons, daggers are only for when those fail"... dammit I'm *not* a fighter... or a thief... how did I get into this mess???... But words won't help here. And the throwing stars didn't help either as Jerado sends them flying away. Kat dodges one that comes much too close and looks around again. Rocky is dying. Much as she abhors the dwarf's attentions, he'd helped her. So first, prevent further damage. Kat grabs at the cloak, throwing the ends under and around, tangling the hand and axe further. The blade starts slicing through, but it's still held enough that she can drag and push the whole mess towards the one thing she's sure will stop it. With one last shove, Kat leaves the bundle closely in front of the black sphere and jumps back, then rushes ahead to help Tara and Leetah out of the way. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-16-03, 04:45 PM	Gene seemed....surprised. "Forgive my distrust...but one of the oldest tricks of mine is to shake hands with enough of Black Lotus' Kiss to make even a smack across their face deadly. I'd guess the trick may've passed down." His hand stays at his side. "And...I pray that even you don't understand my emotion. What happened to me..." He sighs. He leans against anything nearby. "I could've saved her. I could've, if I took initiative. But I would be cut to ribbons. I would only be able to kill or stop so many, before I was overpowered. In...a way, she traded her life for mine." His arms tightly cross, more from an unfelt cold that his usual dark moods. "Hence...I became convinced...that I never deserved happiness. I only stay alive in order to make sure I can undo what I've done. I won't throw away my life while it's still indebted to hers...because of guilt, or self-pity. I...don't deserve happiness, until I bring her soul back from Shar's dark infinity." His lean lowers. "And neither do you, until you undo what you've done. You won't understand my pain until the...guilt...starts settling in." He sighs. "I may be mad, but I may've not been mad if the rest weren't so silent about it." He shrugs, the blade simply being held in his hand, but not wielded. (( I'm leaving Shar's reaction up t'you, Luika. ))
Luika 09-16-03, 05:35 PM	"Hence...I became convinced...that I never deserved happiness. I only stay alive in order to make sure I can undo what I've done. I won't throw away my life while it's still indebted to hers...because of guilt, or self-pity. I...don't deserve happiness, until I bring her soul back from Shar's dark infinity." Luika suddenly bursted violently in laughter. He lowered his voice, leaving Gene the opportunity to finish his emotional soliloquy. "Are you mad? Every soul once was nothingness, and will come back to nothingness after it will be snuffed out by Shar's glacial breath...and you know as well as me that nothingness is under Shar's complete dominion. " I sighed, smiling at Gene, somewhat maniacally. "No wonder you're still alive, my friend. I'll even tell you a secret : I won't be guilty, because I gave her a blessing. Death is our final goal to all, and the sooner achieved the better. Leetah will never understand that, but when I ... shortened her life span, I annihilated all of her torments, her pain, her doubts, and took all of them with me. The martyr is not the one under the one whose name shouldn't be spoken here, even if that's what most would think. Unlike the other hypocrite, surrounded by his blazing servants, we do care about our faithful and those living on Toril. "
Gene_Kynes 09-16-03, 05:52 PM	Gene simply...smirked. "So, you really are convinced that all life'll bring you is pain?" His arms remained cross, not quite as tightly as before. A PlaneShift should get me out of here...but...I don't know if I can still tap the dead nodes... "You've never felt much...happiness in life, have you? I...know...I shouldn't be preaching about it, yet it's a wonderful thing...once you felt it. Leetah may've had scars that still hurt, but all you did was re-open the wounds, and betray her, bringing more pain. Think, will you? What would've happened if you let her lived? She would feel pain, yes...but there would be even a miminal tinge of happiness somewhere along the line, even for a girl as delicate as her." He sighs. "She cries alot, you know. I could never kill something that cried that much, especially if I saw it crying. Makes me wonder how you could even force her death with unrefined poison. You...did nothing as noble as you say you did. You brought about her death, in hopes to gain favor with an apathetic goddess. You killed her."
Luika 09-16-03, 06:09 PM	Weary, Luika looked back at Gene, suddenly serious. "Is that all you had to say? I had a difficult day today, and I would like to rest in peace."
Gene_Kynes 09-16-03, 06:51 PM	Gene simply chuckles. "And I thought Sharrans had decent debating skills. Was hoping for at least...one witty comeback, ah?" And where he'd be expected to stab the half-elf...Gene simply turns, and creates a complex symbol in the air, twelve oriental common signs linked by lines to a central symbol. The Shadowdancer then draws his hand across the symbol,and a small flame ignites, signifiying the spell as non-shadowweave. When the flame has burnt out in the middle of the symbol, Gene is gone. -------------------If no intervention by the cave's anti-teleportation properties, nor by Shar---------------- Gene re-appears with an overly-showy flash of crimson light, slammed into a roll, an attempt at saving grace. He moves into a kneel, and then glances around, feeling a bit weaker after the spell had drained his most bountiful source, his life. (( For sake of "not-being-confused"...who, and what does he see? ))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-16-03, 07:07 PM	(( Unless someone says otherwise, Kat believes Gene will see: Agudo delivering a shock to Jerado, Rocky leaking major amounts of blood from wrist, shoulder and leg, a cloak containing Rocky's hand and axe being taken by the sphere of annihilation, Kat helping Tara pull Leetah out of the path of the sphere, and Jerado reacting in yet-unposted ways ))
Golddigger Dwarf 09-16-03, 07:28 PM	Rocky opens his eyes and sees Kat bravely save his life, by throwing his axe and hand into the dark sphere. Rocky dry mouth opens and he scratches out some words. “That was me favorite hand ye know, I killed with it, I ate with it, I gratified meself with it.” Rocky gives a wink at Kat. “Nay! Just gratifying meself with a back scratch” He try’s to laugh but lays down bleeding.
Gene_Kynes 09-16-03, 07:35 PM	"Damn." Gene seems to be both relieved and annoyed...before he snaps into motion, narrowing his contrasting eyes. Agudo? I cannot interfere effectively in melee combat, without draining my cloak to death. Dwarf? I could care , but the bastard nearly took out my depth perception. Kat? Helping that girl, and the girl that refuses to stay dead. Understood. His mind lingering in the seemingly endless eons it usually did as reality slowed for a moment. He nods to nothing at all, and then Shadowjumps to the two helping Leetah, and adds his own strength to the pull. He manages to say to Kat: "Can you give me a debriefing on what's going on, Miss Kat? Things...seemingly've lost their sense."
Leetah 09-16-03, 07:55 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Slowly becoming more and more aware of her surroundings, Leetah can feel herself being pulled. "Ow. . .Ow! Miss Kat? Tara? Sir? What's the meaning of this?" Leetah looks back at were she was being dragged from and notices a large swirling black ball of oblivion gliding towards them. Letting out a shriek, Leetah jumps to her feet and picks Tara up, dashing as far away from the sphere as she could get! "EEEEEE!!! What's going on!? What is that thing? Why am I-*" Leetah tries to think of how to finish her sentence, but fails. What was going on? One moment she was chained to an altar, the next she's floating down in some surreal environment, and now she was back in this cavern confronting the evil wizard! The priestess's head hurt. "Mr Rocky!" Seeing the wounded dwarf lying on the ground, Leetah dashes towards him. Gently setting Tara down, and keeping her eye on the relative position of the black sphere, Leetah kneels beside the bleeding dwarf. "Mr Rocky? Mr Rocky! Are you okay!? Oh gods!!! What happened to your hand?" Leetah studies the dwarf's bloody stump and then looks around the surrounding area for an amputated hand. "Miss Kat? Do you know where Mr Rocky's hand is? I can reconnect it to his arm if I have it." (( Meanwhile. . . )) Rocky's hand continues to thrash and spurt blood everywhere as it remains trapped in Kat's cloak. Just as the hand slashes its way out of it's confines, a swirling black ball passes over it. All the remains is a wet blood splatter on the floor. . . (( And now. . .back to our story! )) "Miss Kat? Miss Kat? What's wrong?" Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-16-03, 09:37 PM	Gene sighed. How come...each time you think she's dead...she...er...ah... Damn. The shadowdancer motioned Tara and Kat away from the ball, guessing the final problems are...Rocky, and Jerardo. Gene grins darkly, and slides near Rocky. "Odd. I thought I going to lose an eye, and here it is. And yet...you lost a hand." Gene smirks. Sheathing his blade, using one hand to steady the dwarf's wrist, and another to twist his veins and arteries shut. "Stop struggling! You're just prolonging the bleeding! And Miss Healer, you should know a regeneration spell, right? Or at least a small cure spell..." Gene may or may not confuse Rocky, as the part-Shadovar begins trying to stop the bleeding of the dwarf's hand, oddly seeming experienced in the non-magical healing field.
Jerado 09-16-03, 09:46 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Jerado bars his teeth and electricity arcs across his body. "Let's see how well you can cast spells when you can't breath! Drown!" Agudo feels wrong as his lungs completely fill up with water! The mage can't speak let alone cast spells! Jerado thumps Agudo hard with his staff before disengaging and charging - away from the party? Jerado gets to a clear space then spins to face the party. With a grin across his face he begins performing a dance in front of everyone. A very primitive dance! There wasn't a lot to it except for thrashing his limbs about and doing a few spins in the air. But, just as quick as the dancing had started, it stopped. Looking quite pleased with himself, Jerado eyes the party of heroes in front of him. A giant, crackling wave of energy shoots forth from the mage's body, striking everyone around him and making his enemies feel as though their insides had just exploded! ((Unless they're a demon, do we have any demons in the party?)) As the party recovers from the shock of that attack, Jerado starts casting another spell. Artwork illus by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-16-03, 09:49 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat glances at the bloody spot on the floor. "Um...his hand just went into the black sphere. Sorry. But it *was* trying to kill him? Leetah, I don't know how you got back, but welcome! Gene, Jerado's been losing more of his power each time something happens with that Artifact... seems to be the only reason we're not all dead... speaking of which... we may not have time for much healing!" Keep together to aid each other? or separate to improve the chance of someone surviving? Kat tries to keep an eye on the sphere while keeping herself between Jerado and the child Tara, the one who seems to hold his and Agudo's interest most. The action is rendered moot by the wave of energy that hits everyone, regardless of position. Kat gasps in agony and sinks to the floor, then desperately tries to pull herself up to attempt to avoid the next spell. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-16-03, 09:50 PM	Gives out a faint groan, not being one to voice pain normally...and he falls to a crouch, clutching his stomach. As he shaikly gets back up, he looks to Kat, giving a small whistle if she isn't even close to facing him. His hands make a complex symbol, and he then nods his head, as if asking is this alright? (( The symbol he showed her was a rough diagram of a pincer attack. He doesn't want to gamble with "What languaes does Kat know?" kinda game. ))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-16-03, 10:01 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat tilts her head at the whistle and nods grimly to Gene, understanding his gesture. Holding her stomach as if still in great pain (...not much acting required for me there!...) she moves off to one side of Jerado, surreptiously drawing one of her remaining daggers, and palming the last of the throwing stars. Waiting for Gene to signal, or start the attack. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-16-03, 10:03 PM	The Archmage of Light stagers back and grabs his neck. "Yoooou...." Gasp...."Evil...gasp...cough... Agudo runs at Jerado, some what slowly, but at him. Once he is out of the spell area that that kept Agudo from breathing. He starts his own spell he casts {Acid Arrow} but being an Archmage this spell of Acid is much stronger than the average lower level spell. It burns deeper and longer than the normal ones. Just as Agudo lets it fly at Jerado, the evil mage gets done with his strange dance of magic. As he is hit hard by the magical energy shot forth from Jerado. Lady Hoot is now above, but low flying on the other side of Jerado. She prayes (Holy Word) that Causes havoc on evil creatures, from spell failure to making those of good alignment stronger.
Gene_Kynes 09-16-03, 10:14 PM	Gene nodded, and dissapeared into the plane of Shadow. Tara's skeleton was on the floor. Kheldar was frozen in mid-disintegration. Agudo's throat was cut so deep, his neck barely hung off his head. How he hated Shar's final gift, the flash of illusions right before he 'jumped. Gene re-appears across from Kat, his own form blurred...as if he was blending in with the air itself. He then gives a deep nod, and sends his blade stabbing at chest-level towards Jerardo. In mid-swing, the man shadowjumps to the right, momenteum still carrying his stab to the wizard. (( GamePro Tip: Being sick sucks. Awfully. ))
Leetah 09-16-03, 10:40 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Still recovering from the terrible pain inside her body, Leetah lifts her head up and looks towards Tara. The young girl was down on the ground beside her. . .quivering in pain. . . . . .Tara! . . Gene and Kat were already up, preparing an attack. Before the shadow dancer had left he asked Leetah about casting a regeneration spell on the dwarf, but the healer just sadly shook her head. Despite her amazing abilities as a healer, Leetah still had a lot to learn. . . Then before Leetah could say anything to her two allies, they both charged towards the evil mage, weapons drawn. Gene managed to catch Jerado by surprise, striking the mage deeply in the side. Leetah awaited for the terrible color of crimson to come out of the mage's wound, but not blood came. . . Placing her attention back on the dwarf and her sister, Leetah lets out a simple cure spell on both of them. Tara shaking seemed to be at ease and Rocky's stump was no longer bleeding. Leetah then narrows her eyes, studying the dark mage. After a few seconds her eyes go wide again. . .Jerado wasn't all that he appeared to be. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-16-03, 11:05 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif As Agudo's acid hits, and as Gene attacks from front and side, Kat quickly leaps to her own attack, using both hand to try to drive the dagger deeply into Jerado's upper back, leaving it there if successful. But with our luck he'll just dissolve the blade... and that dagger's one of the few things Kheldar left... Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Jerado 09-17-03, 04:36 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif ((Leetah - what happened to being subtle? ;))) After receiving so many hits Jerado's chanting comes to an immediate end and his spell fails. He cries out in agony and tears away at the objects sticking into his body. . . . Still no blood . . . When he sees the short sword Kat jammed into his back his eyes burn bright red. He throws the short sword towards Kat, while taking another vicious slash from Gene's blade. Gene's attack must have affected Jerado's aim, because the spinning short sword didn't come close to hitting Kat! However, Jerado keeps his gaze on the projectile, and makes a magical gesture under his sleeves. He then focuses his attention to Gene and attacks with a ferocious flurry of blows with his staff. The dark wizard's speed and agility catches the nimble shadow dancer by surprise! Jerado's attacks also seem impossibly accurate considering Gene's hazy appearance. People behind Kat see Kheldar's short sword make a wide 180º turn in the air, and redirect itself towards the nape of the rogue woman's neck. Artwork illus by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-17-03, 06:08 AM	Gene parries some of the blurring attacks, dodging a weaving when his blade proves too slow...until the blunt end is shoved into his midsection, draining his balance as he moves backwards. Two more strikes to the head area, and a strike to the neck are all that it takes to convince him to pull back...and seeing the small projectile, he sees something to do while he considers another attack. To Kat's surprise, Gene in her shadow, crouching. When the thrown blade approaches, Gene lunges forward, and strikes the weapon! Maybe I enjoy showing off...just...a little bit?
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-17-03, 04:03 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat spins at the clash of metal and laughs with sheer surprise at Gene's display of skill. "Well done! My thanks!" Then turns to eye Jerado in ever-growing dismay. No blood... "Gene, you saw? No blood? a lich maybe? and then what to do?" I don't know enough of things like this... my worlds have been too plain... vampires and lycanthropes were almost the worst and even those bleed somewhat! Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-17-03, 04:59 PM	"A lack of blood...that's...discouraging. Yet I believe if we manage to decapitate him, he should at least...be a little hindered. Ugh." Gene keeps his blade steadied, as he watched for attacks. Despite his showmanship, and appearently near-endless stamina, his breathing was ragged, and his heart was beating almost as fast as it had under the effects of the Phantasmal Killer. "I've heard two rogues flanking one target were amazingly deadly...but..this one seems immune to backstabs. Any ideas of your own, Miss Kat?"
Golddigger Dwarf 09-17-03, 07:21 PM	"Thank ye miss Leetah" He spits to the side, and some blood. "I will be ok but it be looking like thy friends be needing thy help. Thou is a tuff girl, I know ye can do it, Jerado that sick mage is evil. Just use thy good power and it will hurt him." Rocky thinks for a moment "He may be as evil as a demon, and if that be true, thy healing powers will hurt him, not heal him. But know matter what were all going to die unless we all help out." With that Rocky for the first time in his life, gets up to do battle. Not for coin or riches but for his pretty girlfriends Kat and Leetah. Rocky takes out a knife with his only good hand and looks at Leetah. "It better to die for ye friends than live forever alone" And a mighty yell goes out as he charges Jerado
Jerado 09-17-03, 07:33 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Kheldar's short sword clatters to the floor beside a perfectly circular hole in the ground. Jerado smiles as Gene backs away. "Here's an idea boy. . . Teleport your friends to safety. Don't make the same mistake twice. . . If you had have done to Kheldar's body what you did to Agudo's he would still be. . . heh heh heh. . . retrievable. . ." Jerado glances at Kat, then back to Gene. "Or perhaps it wasn't a mistake at all? I seem to remember you stumbling into that woman right after Kheldar died. . . Heh heh. . . maybe you're more clever than I thought. . . Too bad for you the longer you fight me the shorter your lives will be!" Artwork illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-17-03, 07:50 PM	Gene blinks. Red and blue eyes narrow. "You think..." Gene's blade is slid, in an almost machine-like motion, to his right, sticking out slightly behind him. Despite the ache of his muscle, despite the opportunity for a small physical break, the shadow dancer seems to be preparing for another strike. From the way his eyes seem to dart all over Jerardo, Gene seems to be...calculating, something. "Feint forwards, use ranged attacks, Miss Kat. Fall back. Circle around him, and then rip him apart." The words are heard through gritted teeth, in a low tone. And with that, Gene began slowly walking toward Jerardo, his blade still low to the ground.
Leetah 09-17-03, 09:52 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah watches Rocky as the stout dwarf charges into battle. She then shifts her attention to Jerado again. Rocky's advice was still fresh in her mind. . . "Here's an idea boy. . . Teleport your friends to safety. Don't make the same mistake twice. . . If you had have done to Kheldar's body what you did to Agudo's he would still be. . . heh heh heh. . . retrievable. . ." WHAT!? Leetah's train of thought is shattered as she quickly scans the surrounding area for Kheldar. The assassin was nowhere to be seen. Choking back a cry, Leetah desperately looks down towards Tara. The young girl just looked back up at her sister, the sadness in her eyes answering the priestess' unasked question. Leetah's face darkens as she looks back towards Jerado; her hand gripped tightly around her golden staff. That man killed Mr Kheldar. . .But Mr Kheldar took the lives away from everyone I cared about back home. Leetah starts shaking. . . . . .But even saying that. . .Why is it that I feel So. . . . . .So. . . Leetah's eyes flare up with anger, as the young priestess holds her hand above the purple gem on the top of her staff. ". . .Heal. . ." A brilliant radiance is released from the gem as it stores the heal spell. Leetah looks up towards Jerado, then lets out a shrill scream as she charges towards the mage! Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-17-03, 10:02 PM	((OOC I am assuming Jerado new about the dark illusion, given to Gene about Agudo and Tara being dead.)) Agudo slams into the back of Jerado grabbing his head, and with magical strength twists Jerado head totally around. The disturbing thing was Jerado bones did not crack, the evil wizard just laughed at Agudo. “What? By the Light! Your not alive!” Agudo screams out. Just then Jerado makes a smart comment to Agudo. “Nothing gets by you Agudo.” And throws the Archmage of Light off of him. Lady Hoot sees Agudo thrown back and dives to grab him. She uses her Clerical power to slow his fall. At that moment Rocky and Leetah run at Jerado. Lady Hoot prays for them both.
Gene_Kynes 09-17-03, 10:32 PM	Ironic, what Gene had said. "Leetah! Don't let his words get t'you. If you don't control your actions, your opponent will control them for you." His voice somehow carried, despite it's low tone. If Leetah continues the rush, Gene soon shadow jumps behind the dark wizard, and makes a neck-level slash. (( Nuh-uh, it's visible soley to Gene's mind. Also, another GamePro tip: Never...ever watch The Ring before bed. EVER. Once you realize the thrashing black thing is a human being being killed with a plastic black bag, it haunts you.))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-17-03, 11:54 PM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "Feint forwards"?... "ranged attacks"??... "rip him apart"???... he really doesn't know me!... Nevertheless, Kat moves forward to carry out Gene's tactics, readying her throwing stars. But no clear path is there as Agudo tries to twist Jerado's head off, while Rocky, and then Leetah rush towards Jerado. "No! Leetah, stop, you'll get yourself killed!" Well that's the distraction to Jerado's front... so Kat should hit Jerado from the rear now? Kat snarls at the confusion of people and attacks, and moves instead to intercept Leetah, to try to get her out of the path of whatever Jerado will certainly throw at the young cleric. Sorry, Gene... Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Jerado 09-18-03, 04:25 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Jerado grins. People were being manipulated in ways he hadn't imagined! Leetah's sudden taste for vengeance was certainly delightful, if not a bit alarming. . . Gene and Rocky wasted no time charging into Jerado after the dark mage had thrown the mage of light off of him. Jerado goes to trip the Dwarf and has some minor success. The Dwarf falls, but amazingly goes into a roll and ends up stabbing Jerado in the leg! The knife in the leg tips Jerado a wee bit off balance and Gene's blade ends up going across one side of Jerado's face, just under the mage's left eye! Hissing in pain Jerado whirls his staff around, producing loud cracking noises when his staff hits armor, weapon, and bare flesh. Behind his opponents he could see Kat intercepting Leetah's attack. This put both women quite close together, a perfect attack of opportunity! "Fireball!" A bead of bright light shoots from Jerado's hand and explodes in the center of the two women! Agudo and Lady Hoot are also engulfed in the flames. Rocky and Gene feel the intense heat up against their backs. Jerado smiles at his handiwork and resumes wielding his staff against his two opponents. . . Artwork Illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-18-03, 08:32 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "Fireball!" Kat doubles her effort to get to Leetah and attempts to slam roughly into the girl, knocking her out of the spell's path. Using the recoil, she throws herself backwards into a roll, holding her breath in case the flames still manage to engulf her. She comes up grinning, singed but otherwise unharmed. "Thanks for the warning, Jerado! You must be losing your intelligence along with your power! Pretty soon you'll be down to nothing but cantrips?" Kat finds herself next to the circular hole, giving it a brief glance... so that's where the sphere went to?... but sparing more time to collect Kheldar's short sword. And rushes back to help those attacking Jerado. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-18-03, 12:21 PM	Rocky was laughing as he stabbed at Jerado. "Die ye ugly monkey of a baboon!" Just then Rocky gets an idea. He turns on his seid, so that his feet are the closes thing to Jerado. "Say good by to a family" Rocky slams his foot in between Jerado legs. "Now how do thy eggs feel?" But nothing happen, Jerado didnt even seem to notice the painfull kick to any man. "Agudo, tis true, Jerado is dead, for no man can take that." Rocky turns his head, as he is saying this and a flash of fire burns his beard.
Leetah 09-18-03, 08:18 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah's scream becomes a cry as Kat slams into her tumbling the healer away from the fireball. The burning bead harmlessley strikes the ground, but the explosion released from it engulfs the priestess. Leetah shrieks as her flesh sears and her clothes burn. When the flames die down Leetah's seen lying on the ground. She was terribly wounded, but her trembling showed that she was still alive. Her staff had fallen out of her hands, the purple gem on top of it still glowing from the held heal spell. Without even thinking to cure herself first, Leetah desperately tries to reach for the staff; her eyes still blazed with furry. I'll kill* you. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley *Jerado. . .not Kat. . . ;)
Gene_Kynes 09-18-03, 09:27 PM	Gene cursed, and shadow-jumped in front of her. What he did would be comparable to a modern American Football tackle, as...she gave pretty powerful resistance. "Leetah! If you die, then your death would be worthless! Don't waste Kheldar's death with a vain attack!" If he manages to actually shove her backwards, or he misses her entirely, he snatches her staff. He turns his back to her, his face to Jerardo, as he prepares to keep her safe while she recovers from the attack.
Jerado 09-19-03, 01:43 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Jerado looks and Rocky and waves his index finger back and forth. Suddenly Rocky feels the worst pain known to man! It felt like it had been kicked in with a steel toed boot! Rocky wore steel toed boots. . . ((Jerado's own version of bestow wound)) The look on Rocky's face was almost as delightful as Gene's predictability. The dark mage approaches Gene and Leetah. Kat charges into Jerado, but immediately has difficulty breaching Jerado's whirling staff with Kheldar's short sword. Jerado continues to strut forward. When Gene turns to face the mage he's already directly in front of him. "Touch of Juiblex!" Jerado's palm pounds into Gene's skull and flashes green. Gene suddenly finds it hard to think. His heart feels like it's pumping Jello. His skin starts feeling like Jello! Gripping Leetah's staff becomes difficult because the harder Gene grips it, the more it goes through his fingers! Jerado twirls his staff straight though Gene's body!! Gene can feel the staff travel through his insides and knock Leetah's staff right through his hand!! The staff clatters to the ground away from the party. "You have 20 seconds before turning into nothing but a pile of green slime. . . Perhaps you should have took my advice and ran when you had the chance." Gene's flesh slowly drizzles through his body and into his clothes. . . Jerado walks back. Kat tries another attack on Jerado but the evil mage's sweeping palm flashes green and she ducks out of the way. "How's that for cantrips my dear? Jerado makes his way back to Rocky. "As for you. . . I'll do you a favor, you'll never have to worry about people damaging the family jewels again." Jerado produces a rusted curvy dagger. Artwork illus. by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Agudo Archmage 09-19-03, 01:59 AM	Agudo sees all that is Taking place, Kat and Rocky fight for dear life. Gene was turning into slime and Leetah was almost burnt to a crisp. Lady Hoot rushed to Leetah to offer what Healing she could. But would it be in time? Lady Hoot wasn’t so sure. Agudo runs up to Gene and casts a spell that changes him from slime to a Lion. “Ha ! Jerado, any to bit wizard knows all you have to do is counter a transformation spell with another one.”
Leetah 09-19-03, 04:03 AM	Jerado seems to ignore Agudo as he continues his advance towards Rocky, dagger in one hand, staff in the other. Eerie chucking escapes the mage's throat as he draws closer and closer to the suffering dwarf. "If you think that's painful boy, then just you wait. . ." Jerado raises the curved dagger high into the air, but before he can bring it down, something sharp pierces through the wizard's back and straight through his torso. Feeling the normal numbing sensation that he experienced with every attack, Jerado looks down out of curiosity to see what the party had impaled him with. When he sees the glowing gem at the end of Leetah's staff protruding through his torso, Jerado's eyes light up with fear. ". . .Impossible. . ." Jerado quickly looks up again but sees everyone where he had left them. "How? Agudo. . .Gene. . .Kat. . .Rocky. . .Leetah. . .Your all over there. . .Then Who-*?" "Me" Tara was standing behind Jerado, the staff firmly gripped in her hands. Jerado begins to tense as he feels the positive energy seep into his body. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this Jerado. . .Ever since you ordered Kheldar to attack my village and then tricked him into butchering me on the same night!" Tara twists the staff cruelly, causing Jerado's eyes to bulge out as pain seized the mage's body. "And then you revived me just so I could watch Kheldar die! You sicken me mage! Your plans end here!"
Jerado 09-19-03, 06:06 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongjerado.gif Jerado's face crumples into a mix of absolute horror and pain. After all he had done, how had he allowed this little girl of all people to beat him!!! "You. . . you little pest. . ." Jerado turns to see the party of Heroes. He moved as though it were the most difficult thing in the world to do. Quite a contrast to the agility and grace he had displayed before. He began to shake as the holy energy consumed his body. "No! . . Not like this!! I wont let it end like this!!! I'll kill you all!!!" Jerado drops his staff and dagger to the ground and forces Tara up against his chest!. The little girl cries out in pain as Jerado dashes to the back of the cavern, towards Kheldar's damaged instant fortress. When the dark mage reaches the fortress he turns around and bursts into hideous laughter. Tara's body was now also skewered through Leetah's staff. Jerado places a withered palm on the fortress. "Fortress. . . con. . . TRACT! . . . AH HA HA HA HA HA HAA HAAA HAA HAA HAAA-! The Daern's Instant Fortress implodes into a bent metal cube and the cavern ceiling immediately collapses on top of Jerado and Tara with a thunderous CRASH! Even after the deafening sound Jerado's laugher can be heard clearly echoing off the walls! The rest of the cavern begins trembling. . . Rocks start falling from the ceiling. Artwork illus by Gordon R. Quigley __________________ http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/bloodisrp.gif
Gene_Kynes 09-19-03, 09:18 AM	When Gene's flesh began to melt, his eyes betrayed no emotion of suprise, as if he accepted fate. This...is the worst bloody way for to go. But...was I killed by a little girl? Gods no. Heh. That's satisfaction. But he did show surprise, when he returned as a lion, of all things. Thrashing to get out of the clothing that trapped his new form, guessing his mind can still manipulate empathetic items, he sends the blade into the Shadow Plane, and locks the cloak in his jaws. Crap! He stares at Agudo with appreciation, before looking to Leetah. Being unable to speak, he motions to Tara. Growl. Questioning look. He looks back to the annihilating sphere if it's visible. Growl. If she had particularly good animal empathy, he seemed to be questioning about Tara's situation, and Kheldar's situation. (( A lion! Wootzor! And...Gene...isn't predictable. You can just guess what he's going to do next pretty easily. ))
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-19-03, 09:36 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif Kat's eyes widen in shock and horror at Jerado's final evil deed of taking Tara with him to his grave. Then the cavern starts collapsing around them. "Quickly! We have to get out of here! Rocky, can you walk? Agudo, can you help him? Do you need it yourself? Is the owl alright? Gene...uh...right... Leetah! Let me help you..." Kat tucks Kheldar's sword through her belt and starts to help the others out, for some reason more of luck than skill being relatively uninjured except for a few burnt ends of hair, some bruises, and the slice from the mirror image. But before she reaches Leetah, Kat suddenly stops and spins another way. Dashing through fallen rocks and trying to dodge others still falling, she reaches for what Jerado also dropped when Leetah's staff went through him... the Soul-Redeemer. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-19-03, 12:19 PM	The crusty old dwarf is walking as fast as he can, with the help of the others. "Tis a shame for the girl, but she didnt die vain. Jerado is dead and gone." He trys to move faster as the place comes down all around. "He be roten in hell to night, thats for sure" Rocky felt sad for the young lass, for she never got to see Rocky naked, like Kat and Leetah did.:smirk:
Leetah 09-19-03, 04:28 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif "TARA!" Leetah quickly scrambles to her feet and dashes towards the pile of collapsed rocks. Her ability to evade falling pieces of the cavern seemed to be based more on luck than agility. "I'M NOT LEAVING YOU HERE TARA!" Making it to the pile of stones, Leetah begins to clear away some of the rocks. It was obvious that her effort would be in vain though. In the time it took the girl to clear three stones, half a dozen more had buried Tara's grave even deeper. Suddenly, a large piece of the cavern crashes down beside Leetah, accompanied by two more enormous pieces. Leetah quickly stumbles back to avoid being squished. Standing up again, Leetah looks at the three large stones blocking her. There was no way she could move them, but at the same rate, she didn't want to abandon her sister. . . ". . .Tara. . ." Leetah. . .She's dead. . . No! LEETAH! . .There's no way that she could have survived through that. . . But there has to be a way. . . LEETAH! Get out of here alive! . . . Leetah turns around and dashes towards the entrance. Kat seemed to making her way towards the healer to drag her away, but stops when she sees the healer running back. Leetah looked ashamed of herself. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Agudo Archmage 09-20-03, 12:20 AM	Agudo was being hit by falling debris, but Lady Hoot was able to guide him through it all. The fact that the place came a part so easily, showed that Jerado magic had made the cavern. “Leetah Agudo yelled out, as he was ushered out of the deathtrap. But Kat was already making her way to the young Cleric. An hour latter the group set outside in the sunlight. A near by stream leading to the city was just a few feet away, and trees swayed in the wind. All in all a peaceful looking day. Yet they were as dirty as when they first started, in the sewer that faithful day The wizard wiped away a tear, that he shed for the loss of Tara. “I cant believe she is gone” Lady Hoot head lay low as well, and she spoke very softly. “It was my plan to stop Jerado, I must take responsibility for the outcome.” Agudo frowned as he took notice of the white puffy clouds, in the deep blue sky. “Jerado had to be stopped, and its not like Tara didn’t know how dangerous this would be to challenge a dark mage.” The wise white owl shook her feathery head. “ No I knew she was in a young childes body, unable to defend herself against Jerado.” Agudo put a hand on Hoot. “When Jerado brought Tara back from the dead, it was I who spoke with her. She wanted justice for each of her family and for her own murder at his evil hands. She was prepared for the out come, no matter what the cost. Thanks to Kat, we have recovered the Artifact; and will see if we cannot dig up the body of Leetah’s sister. Come lets us go down by the stream and comfort the brave young Cleric Leetah” Agudo and Hoot slowly came up to the sad Cleric “ Leetah?……I am sorry that Tara was taken from you again. but know she was doing this for you Leetah” As Agudo spoke softly, Lady Hoot looked into the Leetah’s eyes and spoke from the heart. “Even now we have sent word to a near by temple, so that they can send diggers to retrieve the body of Tara. When we find her, we will do everything in are power to bring the sweet girl back. But I must tell you….. Tara wanted stop Jerado, from hurting others like he did to your mother and father.” Agudo had asked Leetah about Luika, all she would say was, that he had gone over to the dark side. What had happen? She was not ready to talk about yet. Agudo did not press the matter, until Leetah could open up on that dark time alone with Luika. As Lady Hoot spoke with Leetah Agudo decided to walk up to Rocky. “Thank you for coming back to help. I was more than surprised, that their was any honor among thieves. Agudo put his hand on the Dwarfs shoulder and gave him warm pat. He saw Kat near by and smiled at her, as he sat by the side of Rocky. “Kat you saved Leetah life, and fought bravely for the side of good, against an evil man like Jerado. I know that the loss Kheldar was terrible. Never the less, what you did will be sung by the bards for centuries to come, and we all thank you.” Agudo got up from Rocky and made his way to Gene, who was still a mighty lion. “I must say Gene, you have been the best shadow I have ever had, and you fought bravely and even lost an eye. You asked for nothing in return, not treasure nor glory. I will always consider you a friend; and I am sure that goes for everyone here. As far as the new fury look you have…..well you should change back to your normal self by nightfall.” Agudo said this as he wondered…… Would Gene change back to slime first? or just go back to his humanoid body? “Don’t worry my friend, I will see you through the or deal” Lady Hoot asked all for a moment to pray for the fallen comrades. “By the Light above may we not forget the young Rogue Kheldar. Who looked out for Kat and Leetah, as if they were his own family. His dark past came back to haunt him, yet he did not run away. Lets us never forget his example of (Sacrifice and Redemption) for those he loved.” Just then several gnomes and dwarfs came up with shovels. Agudo pointed they way and told them were to look. A female Dwarf gave a tip of her hat. “Don’t worry me mage lord Sir. Me and my crew can do the rest, just wait here.” With that they made there way in to the darkened tunnels.
Gene_Kynes 09-20-03, 01:17 AM	Gene puts one paw atop another, and sets his jaw atop the upper paw. He seems...saddened, an amazingly rare look. His eyes dart up to Agudo, giving a small nod, before he looks between all who remain...Agudo, Kat, Lady Hoot, Leetah, and Rocky. One betrayer, and one rogue removed from existance. A very un-lionlike intelligence is visibly working behind the felines eyes, as it nods at nothing at all...and slowly pads over to Leetah. He flops down lazily next to her. In a way...she reminded him of his sister. Heh. They both...cried alot... He stretches out, before laying down...and the same pseudo-human intelligence is sparked once again..and Gene's cloak snakes out in front of the young cleric. the entire thing flattens in a rectangular black square...and rips and tears adjust to form into letters, letters into words. After the silent ordeal is done, the cleric has a sheet of cloth in front of her, with clean tears that read: "Feeling a little better?"
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-20-03, 11:46 AM	http://www.dragonbear.com/images/Kat-port.gif "Agudo, what you're saying... you mean we can't... not even with... oh... " Kat's voice trails off. So he really is gone. Sacrifice? Redemption? What idiotic terms. Agudo was making him sound like some noble hero when what she'd miss most about him was that evil smirk whenever he pulled one more rabbit out his hat, disconcerting those who'd thought he was done for. He hadn't meant to die for them, he'd been doing his best to get everyone out together and it was just bad luck, luck running out, running out of time. Running out of blood. From my dagger wounds. Without those he could have gotten out of the way of the sphere. She shakes her head wearily. Can't do that, can't think that, or it will never end. It was over, let it be over. And she'd come out of it alright, with nothing missing except things she'd never gotten used to having, that never really felt like they belonged to her anyway: The staff of the magi, turned to magic-less dust... The deck of cards, probably just paper now... The stone of wishes, just another rock... The acid dagger, no acid any more... Kheldar. "Agudo, I need a drink. I'll be at the tavern if you need me." Kat gets up, not even bothering to brush off the dirt and the dust and the dried blood, and turns to go. Artwork copyright 2003 by Christopher C. Quigley
Golddigger Dwarf 09-20-03, 11:58 AM	Rocky felt strange to say the least, He had fought on the side of good, evil even his own side. Well he always fought on his side he had to selfishly admit. Yet know coin in his now burnt purse, no strange looking ornate jeweled statues to sale. Just the satisfaction of fighting for his friends? Well the dwarf wasn’t ready to go that far, but he could some day he thought. “Well Agudo I know its not easy trusting me, but know that I be chaotic soul. Tis good to fight for something ye believe in and well maybe someday ye all can see me more than a cut throat. Even ye Gene, for thy skills were brave in battle with me. I cant apologies, because when I fights, I fights to win. Thou is someone I would gladly fight with as a partner, and not an enemy next time. But I have to admit thy lion look makes ya kinda fearsome in a don’t eat the DWARF sort of way” Rocky gives a wink and toothy grin at Gene. Rocky didn’t know what to say to Leetah, it was hard to say those last words to Gene. Let alone trying to convince a lass, that death of a sister isnt the end of her world. “Don’t be so sad Leetah, I saw you take on that wizard. Ye can be proud of all that ye did in that cavern. I saw Tara, she wasn’t afraid to die for you. I know that look I have seen it in plenty of people I have killed. When they defend their family and loved ones.” Rocky laid back on his side, letting the healing potion help his battered body. The crust old dwarf then took along look at Kat as she was walking to the pub and thoughts he hadent thought of in a long time. “Kat me girl I know thy heart could never be for me grumpy face. But if ye ever get to old an ugly for another man, well I still be wanting ye, ugly and all.” With that he had to laugh at himself. :smirk: :rolleyes: :smirk:
Leetah 09-20-03, 05:59 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongleetah.gif Leetah quietly reads the letters on the black piece of cloth and then nods her head looking towards Gene. The girl didn't appear to be crying anymore, but her eyes told that she was still very much troubled. I shouldn't have yelled at Mr Gene or Miss Kat after we got out of that cave. . .They were only trying to help me by holding me back. . .But still. . .It pains me to think that maybe Tara would be alive right now if they just had have let me go. . . Leetah remained silent, looking off into the distance at nothing in particular. Maybe Mr Luika was right. . .Maybe I did choose the wrong path. . .I thought that by becoming a Cleric I would never have to re-live the misery I experienced when my parents died. . .I thought that I would be able to save people. . . The priestess clenches her fist. So why is it that I'm so utterly useless when those I care about are in danger! . .Maybe everyone's right. Maybe I am a fool! I should have learned how to fight! Leetah felt like breaking something but then immediately suppresses the thought. The priestess was horrified that she had felt so violent. What's come over me!? I couldn't honestly take the life of another. . .It's wrong! . .Killing is wrong! . . Leetah wraps her arms around her legs and lays her forehead against her knees. Too many thoughts were swirling in her head. But Mr Kheldar killed people and he wasn't evil. . .He was nice. . .He helped others. . .and fought for those he cared about. . .I. . . Leetah feels tears coming but forces them back. She had promised herself that she wasn't going to think about Kheldar until after she got back. She didn't want the others to see her start crying again. She would save her tears for when she was alone somewhere. Just then, Rocky walks up to the young cleric. “Don’t be so sad Leetah, I saw you take on that wizard. Ye can be proud of all that ye did in that cavern. I saw Tara, she wasn’t afraid to die for you. I know that look I have seen it in plenty of people I have killed. When they defend their family and loved ones.” Without thinking, Leetah quickly stands up and SLAPS Rocky hard across the face. The priestess then takes a step back from the dwarf, looking at what she had done, and runs away in tears. She knew she still owed Kat and Gene an apology for yelling at them earlier, but right now she desperately wanted to be alone. . . Artwork copyright © 2003, Christopher C. Quigley
Gene_Kynes 09-20-03, 06:47 PM	Without his own thoughts, his own words, his own emotion cluttering up his mind, Gene realised...even someone like him had some grasp of empathy. Giving the closest emulation to a frown he could, he simply watched the priestess run away. He looked to Rocky, the frown deepening. I didn't come here for praise. I didn't come here to feel good about myself after it's all over. I came here to ensure Agudo's life doesn't end prematurely. His chin falls on large tan paws once again. ...then why do I feel so bad? People die, over and over again. People feel sad in return. Eventually...everyone feels Thanatos, but...until then...I suppose Eros reigns...supreme, and It yearns...even when it's own purpose isn't removed.
Kheldar Devaentar 09-21-03, 07:05 PM	The echoes of Dwarven and Gnomish screams could be heard from within the dark tunnels. "What type of sorcery be this?!? Oskar? . . OSKAR!??!? - NOOOOO!!!" The entrance to the tunnels completely collapses, kicking up dust cutting of the sound of screaming like a knife. * * * 3 days later. Jerado sat in his study writing something important in a large, dusty tomb. It was in a language few but the very eldest of Elves would even recognize, let alone understand. . . Jerado's pen began to skip. "Oh? I mustn't have done it to this one. . . I wish this pen would never run out of ink." The ink came smoothly out of the pen again. Jerado smiled. His control over magic was returning. Behind the dark mage sat an empty cage. He had disposed of her body in the usual fashion. He doubted he would ever need her again, and if he did, it would be better to come up with another plan. Not that his last plan with her had been an absolute failure. . . It's primary function had been a complete success! It made Jerado want to laugh with delight! . . So he did! Hideous laugher escaped from the old man's mouth. He put down his pen and picked up a small, ornate, metal box. Hundreds of perfect tiny skulls were carved into it, a black onyx dagger proudly sat on it's top. He had crafted this himself, and he owed his very existence to it! http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/theendgb.jpg ((Hee hee, some how this ending feels more like a prologue - but maybe it's just me. :) Thank you all for the wonderful fun! I must say this has been quite the enjoyable experience for me. You all had interesting characters and it was a pleasure into interact with them! Not only that, but it was a pleasure to interact with the players!!! Everyone in this group was terrific! I've been in too many threads where I've secretly wanted to kill someone's player due to the obvious lack of respect they have for everyone else. . . (ahem, I mean. . . I don't want to kill anyone. :rolleyes: ) But I didn't see any of that here at all! Even though a lot of our characters hated each other (*cough* Kheldar and Luika *cough*) it didn't show up (that much) in OoC messages! :) And I must say! I've gained a lot of respect for Agudo for being a DM! It's not easy work! lol. Or at least I found it pretty difficult and I'm not even sure how well I did. . . (Agudo knows how many times I begged for him to take control over Jerado) ;) But it was a good learning experience I suppose. . . My main goal was to try giving every player an equal opportunity to act out an interesting scenario. . . while buying me time to actually think of a way to end the encounter, lol. . . I hope I didn't look as desperate as I really was. To make things a bit more tricky, I was told to make Tara a key player in Jerado's destruction. . . . . .I think I might have segregated the party too much though. . . I don't know. . . Ha ha, There's so much more I want to say and share - but I must be off. . . Thank you all once again for the fun, I had a wonderful time! Take care! Gord / Kheldar / Jerado (Notice how once again I meant to post as Jerado but instead posted as Kheldar - sigh*)))
Agudo Archmage 09-22-03, 01:28 PM	Thank You all for (Playing) each of you did such a good job with your Characters and each of you added such interesting twists and turns to the story. :invasion: :bounce: :invasion: :bounce: :invasion: ((Now for award show.)) A little silly story** As Agudo the host of tonight event, called out Leetah’s name, for best dramatic actress. Leetah heard her name and couldn’t believe it. “Me they picked me?” She gets up out her seat, dressed in a stunning embroider dress. She smiled and wiped away tears, as accidentally steeped on Kat’s foot. Leetah approached the podium, and takes the gold statue in hand. People in the audience were commenting how she is so sweet, and nice. Leetah clears her throat before speaking. “ I didn’t prepare a speech” Then she takes out a ten-page hand written peace of paper. “Ok so I did, its not like the award would possibly go to anyone else.” Kat claws the velvet chair but continues to smile. The audience laughs, and repeat how nice, and wholesome she is. Leetah finishes her speech by saying. “I want to also thank all the little people, I stepped on along the way. She points to the hobbits and Gnomes. Leetah was given the opportunity to make the next award announcement. “And the winner for best Over all actress goes to……” Leetah almost said her name, until she read the card more closely. “KAT?”…..”I meant to say my dear friend Kat” Kat gets up and proudly walks up, and with a little struggle, from prying it from Leetah hands. She takes the award, and makes several bows, for her fans who applaud her. Kat waits until her adoring fans stop cheering her. “This is such a wonderful day, after years of working night and day. You have made my dreams come true, and I …..” Kat wipes back a tear. “Even though my marriage fell apart, and I had my engagement to Kheldar is off. Kat gives a nasty look to Leetah. “Because of some bimbo, who shall remain nameless. I would also like to say that it wasn’t easy, getting this award. Do to the fact that one off my cast members, “ She glances at Leetah again. “Was always up staging me, and little miss Boo Hoo poor me! Crying on the set all the time.” Just so she could get more camera time.” Leetah turns red “I know your talking about me! Its not my fault Kheldar loves me more than you.!” Kat throws her award at Leetah “That’s because you were throwing yourself at him. Crying all the time Boo Hoo what is little poor girl like me to do.” The bouncers run out to separate the two as Agudo walks back on stage. “Well that was……” Agudo looks for words to sooth the audience. “That was part of the next movie… Yes that’s it!… we are to do together. Aren’t they great at acting.” The audience gives a standing ovation. Agudo smiles as he reads the next award. “Best Villain award goes to Luika” As he makes his was up to the stag,e Jerado and Rocky get up and stomp out of the building. Mumbling “Ill get my revenge, they cant do this to us… Al Gore Jerado… and Jennifer Lopez ex-husband Rocky . We demand a recount. Luika was on his way up and hears how he so evil and just plain bad from audience members. So he gives a wonderful speech, on how he s not really a bad guy, Its just a job. “ I want everyone to know, that I give my time at the four different Orphanage’s. I even gave Khledar both my Kidneys; so that he would have a spare. While I suffer on dialysis five times a month.. I am also back-up Santa Claus, for the real Santa mind you.” But just when Luika was about to finish…. three lovely ladies run up on stage, and scream his name, and tare his cloths. “OH! Luika your so Hot and Bad, take us now!” The last thing the audience hears from Luika is “When will they respect me for mind, and not just my hard cut body.” “Agudo makes a special announcement “Our good friend Gene could not be here tonight because of rehab. So please ignore the ridicules rumors about his fetish with Lions and Kat shoes. Those pictures floating around on the net are fake.” Agudo proudly makes the next award known “For best Actor…. Kheldar!” The young actor makes a dramatic jump on to the stage the audience applauds “Yes it good to be a handsome actor!” Kheldar takes another bow. “Its been a great year for me, I have two woman fighting over me and now this award. I would also like to say thanks to you all, for standing with me. During that Michel Jackson incident, on his ranch. I know now that I will be ok, with a little therapy. And I want to let you know I will be running for governor of California.” With that he takes his award and waits for Agudo to make one last (Announcement.) “Now for the best part of the show, The award for best Righteous actor’ Agudo holds the card. “I wonder who it will be?” Agudo gives a wink to the audience. “And the winner is ……….WHAT?…………..NO ONE!” Agudo looks at Kheldar “Didn’t you vote for me Kheldar?” Kheldar shrugs “Opps I was to busy getting ready for my next movie, with Jennifer Lopez in “GiGI” Agudo turns red “After all I have done for you!….. Agudo runs and tackles Kheldar making his eye bulge out as Agudo strangles Kheldar. “I don’t care if I am your uncle, your mother can yell all she wants. Because I putting you back on your old job…… The voice of Bart Simpson! Kheldar trys to speak ‘But its not my fault…. Leetah…. was crying at the time, I was voting” Agudo becomes more enraged “That because she knew you had broken up Rocky’s marriage”…… Just then the curtin closed and the police rushed in………… THANKS AGAIN FOR PLAYING EVERYONE.. READ YOU ON THE BOARDS :angel: :cool: :angel::bounce:
Kathryn_aka_Kat 09-25-03, 08:52 AM	Kat sighs. The note's been written, it may as well be delivered, even if Agudo has already been drawn into new foolishness? But courtesy demands a thank-you note after an invitation, and Kat is always polite... http://www.dragonbear.com/images/thanks.gif