Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Khaira 03-16-05, 10:24 PM	((Okay, I'm starting this thread up tonight but, after Friday, i won't be posting again until Monday, probably...that should give y'all sufficient time to organize yourself.)) Dante lay upon the ground, a vulnerable figure to the violent, bloodthirsty Thayan Knights, clad in black spiked armor, and to the experimental Red Wizards, whose horrific experiments spanned countless results. He was physically beaten, mentally weary, and emotionally exhausted; to the average eye, Dante was exhaustively knocked unconcious after the fury of Piper Youth's onslaught of mentally-affecting attacks. The truth wasn't further from that perception, however; Dante, as he lie there, thought back to his time at the tavern. Would they become sympathetic to him? Would they heed his warning to not remember his name nor face throughout the course of the rest of their - no doubt, longer than his - lives? Or would they seek to become the unexpected heroes? For the latter, they would die an unbelievably long, grueling death, if captured...and that wasn't exactly an impossibility, considering his current predicament. For the former, they would have their lives, but for how long? Until the next band of Red Wizards came through the forest? By all appearances, Dante was weak, vulnerable, pitiful...it was a wonder that Piper's master had wanted him recovered. After all, who want this pitiful, weak, worthless excuse of a magic user? Strangers shunned him, his family was dead, and surely he was no threat to the might of the Red Wizards... Unbenknownst to Piper's Youth and the rest of their cruel, evil band, however, Dante was plotting, deep inside his mind...plotting his own escape. It was very hard to denote the unconcious, deformed elf from concious; after all, he had spent all too many years in their clutches. He'd become exceptional at acting, particularly when it came to being unconcious. He'd even learned how to slow his heart and his mind, in the case that mind-detecting magics were performed upon him. For now, though, he was in their clutches. In fact, even as he spoke, one gruff, Thayan Knight walked up and, none too gently, grasped Dante by his already muddied, tattered cloak and, grasping him by the collar, threw him over his shoulder. In his bass voice, the Thayan Knight Captain, who had clawed his way up the ranks by deceit and backstabbing, looked to Piper with his one good eye. The other one had been stabbed in a bar fight. "My Lord, do ye prefer to carry the infidel? Or shall one of our men carry him back to the caravan? Or do you prefer a more ... interesting form of transportation?"
Ramoth 03-17-05, 08:54 AM	Walking quietly out of the tavern into the fresh air of the woods, Ramoth leaned up against the wall to think upon the nights events so far. It started with the family meeting that feel apart. Of course, getting all those dragons into one room probaly wasn't the best idea to begin with but it had to be done. Then the odd characters coming into the tavern as she sat there recovering from the dissappointment she felt in her family, including one Dante Ambrose. An intersting person he had been, to put it mildly. He's story seems to have been one of Torture and expermiantation by those no good, ugly idiots, the Red Wizards of Thay. At one point in the night a wolf had let out a odd howl, Dante had jumped up and left. As he left he tried to place a spell upon the residents of the tavern, but unfortantly it did not work on everyone. A few of the more common people seemed to forget him, but for people like Ramoth who had a natural or constant spell restitance, well they could not forget him. Not long after he had left this other man walks in demanding information. By this point Ramoth was so angery that it was not even with a second thought that she joined the knight in killing what would turn out to be a werebeast. Before he had died she had glimps in his mind why they were Chasing after Dante. Ramoth told what she had found and it was decided to start a rescue party. So now, she waits. Soon the others will be ready and join her......
Lord Tarran 03-17-05, 07:34 PM	Tatri-el was weary. Having been flung from his home world by a devil lord, the Archangel had wandered for months before he had found this world. Upon arriving, his mind immediately touched with another from his world, another named Tarran of Moonsong. Tarran informed Tatri what he had heard, about these Red Wizards, and this man named Dante. Tatri sadly learned that Tarran could not pursue the kidnappers. However, Tatri could. He arrived at the Tavern shortly before the party decided on their course. Tatri knew few of the details, only those who would be coming upon this adventure. Using some of his inherent magic, the Archangel hid his angelic self, instead appearing as a simple, rookie paladin, with shiny, never worn in battle armor, and a sword quite the same. Seeing Ramoth as she exited the Tavern, Tatri-el came close, concern in his blue eyes, devoid of their normal angelic glow. Excuse, Ma'am, but you seem troubled. My name is... Michael, and I'm new around this area. But, I have pledged myself to helping others. May I ask what is wrong?
Khaira 03-17-05, 08:16 PM	((Hey...did you know there's a reason that people have "(Closed)" in the titles of their threads? No, really! There really, truly is a reason that people do that. No, it's not just because of the bandwagon thing. It's so people know to post in the OPEN OOC thread first, and get ok'ed by the DM, in case those DMs have concerns about epic level characters overpowering everything and everybody.))
Pipers Youth 03-19-05, 01:09 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongpipers.gif Artwork copyright © 2005, Gordon R. Quigley Piper gave a satisfied smirk as his last attack laid low the renegade elf Dante Ambrose, that attack would hopefully leave him unconscious for hours. But he could not shake the puzzlement in his mind where all of this fog had suddenly come from. It had appeared at the moment a distant lycanthrope howl was heard throughout the Cloakwood. It was fi though, after tracking the shifty elf for several tendays, he had caught him and his objective was complete. Heavy footfalls attracted his attention as the burly Thayan general scooped the fetal Dante off the dense brush over the forest floor and over his shoulder. The man disgusted Piper, he was missing one eye and carried several scars upon his grungy face. Though the vertran warrior did have his uses and they were effective. "My Lord, do ye prefer to carry the infidel? Or shall one of our men carry him back to the caravan? Or do you prefer a more ... interesting form of transportation?" Smoothing out the wrinkles on his crimson robe from the last skirmish involved with Dante he waved back at the general," Do what you wish with him, I am going to see about our lycanthrope friends still waiting. Prepare for everyone to leave hastily before I return." Upon entering the Cloak Wood the beast of the forest were immediately displeased at the recent invaders, and bid them to leave. However Piper took this to his advantage and hired them to do his dirty work in retrieving Dante from an establishment not far from here. Once the deed was done he agreed in leaving with no harm or foul done. Now he was having second thoughts about that matter. Perhaps he would reward them for their helpful cooperation.
Ramoth 03-19-05, 02:36 PM	At first Ramoth did not react when the man walked out of the tavern. She looked up into the night sky, apparantly lost in thought. When the man spole Ramoth turned to look at him, her voice saying little yet her silver eyes speaking volumes about the saddness she felt. "It is nothing knight. A family problem, nothing more." Ramoth then took her first good look at the knight. Polished bright armor, never tested sword, and a bright attitude that seemed to say that nothing effected him. In essance, a rookie. Ramoth shook her head sadly as she looked him over. "What about you Palidin, where do you hail from and what brings you into this tavern on this fate filled night?"
Lord Tarran 03-19-05, 03:19 PM	Tatri-el smiled inside, seeing that the illusion worked. He speaks, however, to Ramoth, Nothing more than a need to help others, my lady. Even the illusion can't hide that 'Michael' doesn't want to discuss why. Quickly, he changes the subject, But you said Fate-filled? How so? I have heard from some of the people I met along the way of a kidnapping, but nothing of Fate? What is going on here?
Ramoth 03-21-05, 09:30 PM	Ramoth sighs slightly, this was going to be a long night as she could already tell. "Wouldn't you think that some kind of fate had to be involved to put the type of people in this tavern at the same time Dante came through that would want to go help him? A man like that must have been chased for a long time before this, and I doubt this is the first tavern he's been too. Yet in this tavern he runs into people that are more then willing to go up against the Red Wizards. I believe that is fate." She looks up into the sky again as her thoughts take flight once more, soaring the starry sky as she puzzles upon the answers to her family problems while waiting for the rest of the group.
Khaira 03-21-05, 10:39 PM	The one eyed guard, after Piper left, motioned to the rest of his guards to begin moving towards the caravan. Then, grabbing the cloak of the unconcious and ugly Dante, the captain began moving at a quicked pace, dragging Dante behind him roughly, ensuring that the head of the sorcerer hit every available rock along the way. The werewolves, meanwhile, watched Piper from a safe distance as he began to look around...
Pipers Youth 03-22-05, 09:31 PM	After searching for a moment I spotted the familiar gleaming red and yellow piercing eyes that belonged to the lyanthropes, huddled together and looking anxious they made this feral growling when I approached. I suppose it was more a threatening growl to keep my distance so I did so looking rather casual, and relaxed to set the beast on edge. Then one of them stepped forward and in a guttural primal voice spoke. "Now you must leave the forest as you promised wizard." Piper took a step closer causing the beast on their heels. Bowing slightly he grinned from the amusement, but hid it from the keen eyes of the beast. "I'm insulted, already I have dispatched my troops to leave. Always am I loyal to my word. I just came to thank and reward you for your most useful cooperation, It is the least I can do for invading your home uninvited. Here is your reward!" The werewolves first perplexed look to each other for a reasonable answer, and sensing the false plea realized the true peril they had brought upon themselves. They're question was shortly answered as a large gout of fire erupted from Piper's upraised hand. The intensely burning stream threatened to burn them alive and catch the surrounding forest aflame.
Lord Tarran 03-22-05, 10:24 PM	Michael/Tatri sighs, gazing up at the stars as well. I think that, if that is the case, you are most probably right. Tell me, who is this Dante fellow? And who are these red wizards Ra... Tatri cuts himself short before he almost says Ramoth's name. Such a slip up might bring scrutiny he could no afford. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- However, far away, a dark knight walked back through the forest which the Red Wizards were in. This fellow was tall, strong, but not huge. His skin had a healthy color to it, as did his blond hair. His black armor, unspiked except for the shoulders, had the symbol of Thay on the chest. His blue eyes were cold and deadly. At his side bounced a lethal looking sword, spiked, grooved, and shining. Runed in dark sigils, this sword looked as evil as the man carrying it. This man's name was Fericlos, Captain Fericlos, nicknamed Fer by Piper. The warrior was obviously looking for something as he trotted back to where the wizard had ordered everyone to vacate. As a flare of fire came, he found what he was looking for. Running quickly, the warrior comes through the underbrush sword ready, standing beside the wizard. Greetings Lord Piper, I thought that I would personally see to your safety back to the rest of the entourage, as soon as this rabble is finished.
Ramoth 03-23-05, 08:30 AM	Not batting an eye at Tatri's near slip with her name, because she of all people knows that no one is what the seem, Ramoth answers him. "The Red Wizards of Thay are some of the cruelest people around. They take great pleasure in hurting others in order to achieve their twisted goals. This Dante is one of their escaped Experiments, he lives his life on the run from them. And now the Red Wizards have turned the forest against him as well, forcing the animals into service with threats of violance on their homes. And now......." Ramoth suddenly trails off, her eyes survaying the forest as she catches a wiff of something. *Sniff* There it was again. Running through her head are the possible sources of this smell, but being who she is her mind settles on the obviouse cause. "Fire." She pauses and looks at Tatri. "The forest is on fire." Running back inside Kulideb's Tavern she runs up to Kulideb's room, knocks on the door and shouts. "Kulideb, come quick! There's a forest fire not far from here, we need to get going and see if we can stop it before it reaches your tavern!"
Khaira 03-23-05, 01:22 PM	Indeed the forest was on fire and, with it two of the were-wolves that had been caught too close together during the sudden attack of the evil Red Wizard. The third one, however, immediately took off running, away from Pipers Youth, heading north out of the forest, which also coincidentally happened to be towards the Flute and Boot Inn. Meanwhile, the werebear, now in the less conspicous form of a human - albeit, a very muscular and gruff human - was walking away from the last encounter with the conniving Red Wizards and the doomed man. 'Twas a pity really that he could... His thoughts were suddenly halted as his keen nose picked up the scent of ... burning. Burning .... fire .... An inhumane voice roared out at the top of its lungs at the pure horror and rage of what had obviously transpired. "NOOOOOO!" As he continued to speak, the fur began to shoot forth from his skin, a small, round nose beginning to replace his skin, and claws began to shoot forth from his fingers...within minutes, he was once again the ferocious werebear and, roaring again, the huge beast began to charge towards the smell of the burning fire...and right past the frantic shapes of both Tatri, Ramoth, and Kulideb's tavern.
masonicword 03-24-05, 01:58 PM	Joseph heard the commotion and turned around. This night was far from over, he saw Ramoth run upstairs to try and alert Kulideb. Joseph quickly drew his sword and ran outside to see what all the commotion was about. His muscles throbed with anticipation, his mind already running through tactics and strategies for what possibilities he might soon face. Jospeh looked around at the situation and studied this all the choas. The forest was alight and it was moving quickly toward the Flute and Boot inn!!! Joseph called to everyone in the inn.. "My friends, come quick, we must dig a trench here to help delay the fire until we can tap into a source of water to help put out the flames!" Joseph begand to carve out a trench with his sword. He worked feverishly as the flames advanced. He called out again to anyone who might here. "If there be a druid or cleric near that can assist, now would be a good time!" Joseph knew he could create water a bit like his cleric friends, but his little amount he'd be able to create would not be enough to stop this inferno! He kept carving out as much dirt as he could. The tavern had to be protected! But that fire just kept getting closer and closer........
Pipers Youth 03-24-05, 05:03 PM	He couldn't help but laugh at the werewolves as their whole world melted before them. They clawed helplessly at their fur and skin to smother the flames and howled with agony, but the onslaught was to powerful taking both their lives in minutes. Now all that was left of the them was two charred smoking corpses curled on the ground. But hadn't he swore their has been three in the beginning? Greetings Lord Piper, I thought that I would personally see to your safety back to the rest of the entourage, as soon as this rabble is finished. "Rabble? I don't see any rabble here do you? the Red Wizard sneered. Piper composed himself and turned a calm look upon his Captain,"We had new allies under our domination, and thus we are stronger. But so too mounts the danger of discovery you see. As usual you have the most inexplicable timing ever Fer. If it is your wish to escort me, lead the way." With that said Piper leaved to the encampment, leaving the fiery chaos behind him.
paula_sirine 03-24-05, 07:03 PM	Paula steps carefull through the woods under her deep blanket of mist. Her keen ears picking up the sound of voices.She felt she was close and grew cautious before reaching the out line of the clearing she drifts into her Mist form and loses herself in the bllankets cold embrace The voices of animals and humans linger in the air and she stops to watch what passes between wolves and wizard. Then there is the magic and the flash of fire. It sears her and drives the moisture from the air around her. Struggling to drag her being back from the heat she summons a light breeze that bares her away
Lord Tarran 03-24-05, 07:07 PM	Of course, Lord Piper, follow me to the rest of the entourage. The black knight walked beside his commander, in order to not allow the devious mage to get behind him. He kept an eye on the forest around him, and the flames taking it, just as he kept a wary eye on his boss. Lord Piper, may I know where I should direct the company to? Our prisoner seems quite important to you. Are we returning to Thay, or should we set up camp a little farther away from this fire. If we are staying here, may I suggest that I run ahead. The fire barriers need to be made quickly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back near the tavern, Tatri stands alone outside, watching in his mind's eye the approaching fire. He shook his head. Magical, obviously, spreading much to fast to be an accident. He doubted that a fire barrier could be dug in time, the trees above the inn to close. If they caught fire, it would be over. Seeing Joseph, and therefore someone to help him stop the fire, Tatri momentarily falls out of the character of Michael, though he keeps the body. You there! Don't bother with ditches and ground without plants. The trees around here must be removed within 10 yards of the inn, or when the go up, the ash will set the tavern ablaze. Run inside and get all capable out here. If we work quickly, we may be able to prevent the tavern and innocent human lives from being lost. Unless there is a water god nearby, this forest is lost.
Ramoth 03-24-05, 09:07 PM	After Ramoth warned Kulideb she ran back outside to see what could be done. Just as she did Tatri yelled out that there was not time for a barrier and that they needed to get the trees down. Shaking her head to clear it she yells out "Get buckets of water to put out any small fires that start near the tavern, I'll take care of the trees!" With a roar of anger and a bright flash of light Ramoth Reverts to her true form, a Silver dragon. Using her tail and forelimbs she starts ripping up the trees and and pilling the away from the tavern. She starts moving in a slow circle around the tavern, tearing up the trees as she goes, but will it be enough and done in time to Save Kulideb's Tavern????????????
Khaira 03-28-05, 11:50 AM	Indeed, the fire continued to rage; soon, it would become a vast inferno if more was not done. While the destruction of the trees around the tavern was enough to save the tavern itself, the forest itself would not be so lucky. All around, the frightened sounds of various escaping animals is heard as they retreat away from the threatening, life-snuffing force of the fire as it continues to spread wider and farther... Meanwhile... The great lumbering bear soon became disoriented as it continued through the burning forest. Everywhere, it's fur was singed and soon, it would become impossible to get anywhere alive. There was only one way to exact revenge against the evil wizard... Turning around and roaring at the top of its lungs, it began running once again, leaping over this fire and an occassional falling tree, soon nearing the tavern and the humans that sought to protect it...
Lord Tarran 03-28-05, 10:39 PM	Tatri calmly, possibly too calmly for his Michael form, watched as Ramoth ripped the flora away from the building. A piece of his mind and heart prayed for the animals and plants being murdered by this mistake of a fire, as another part of him wondered what caused it. Had Tarran and Ramoth both mentioned something of Red Wizards? If they were the multiverse famous Red Wizards of Thay, no doubt that it was they who started this fire, either on purpose or by reckless accident. But, at the moment, Tatri knew, he could not slip away into the sky to find the source. The needs of the few people who could have possibly been burned, and the roaring animal he heard somewhere nearby were his concern. Tatri was certain that no one would notice the skill of his healing magic if he needed to use it. Most common folk expect mighty healing from the touch of a paladin. What worried him was the closeness of the roaring animal... no the roaring bear... no wait. Tatri walks around the building, out of Ramoth's eye sight, and the view of any windows. The roaring of a injured werecreature. A Werebear, then. Hmmm. Now where is it? He looks around calmly, his true eyes ignoring the glare of the fire, soon picking out the running creature as it approached. Not sure whether or not he should strike the bear with force or with calming magic, the angel in disguise waited until the bear was within reach. Hoping that no one would see, the angel attempts to cast 'Calm Emotions' on the bear.
Khaira 03-28-05, 11:28 PM	Before the angel could finish casting his calming spell, the intimidating, imposing werebear came to a halt before the tavern, his tanned skin replacing the fur, though he still retains his claws and snout, now that he is in his hybrid form. Raising a hand, the hybrid were bear/human yells to the inhabitants of the tavern. "Hold, good people! We are not enemies, you nor I; our enemy this night is one and the same, the same who undoubtedly sparked the flames that started this horrible fire. I would lead you to him that we may rip his head from his shoulders together..." Looking behind him, the former bear growled at the spreading flames, looking down then at his singed fur. "We have a sleightly bigger problem to take care of at the moment, however!"
paula_sirine 03-29-05, 05:28 AM	Paula was back at the inn . Before the main door she dragged her mist form together in a controled implosion that formed her human form at its centre. On her hands and knees she is there, her hair loose and hanging in a thick curtain about her face . She pants taking in great deep lungsfull of air whilst a haze of steam rises from her body. "heat..of all things must it be heat" She lifts her head and looks into the approaching fire. Its light reflects off of the paleness of her skin between sooty smudges.Her deep green eyes speckled with orange "creatures of the sea hold no power on the land" she turns around for the first time to see who else is near
masonicword 03-29-05, 09:57 AM	[QUOTE You there! Don't bother with ditches and ground without plants. The trees around here must be removed within 10 yards of the inn, or when the go up, the ash will set the tavern ablaze. Run inside and get all capable out here. If we work quickly, we may be able to prevent the tavern and innocent human lives from being lost. Unless there is a water god nearby, this forest is lost.[/QUOTE] Joseph turned around to look at Tatri and realized that the only course of action now was to indeed uproot the trees and plants nearest the inn. He heard the great roar as well and saw Ramoth morph into a silver dragon, he knew he didnt have time to be either greatful or worried about that whole situation, he just quickly sheathed his sword and ran quickly to the nearby storage shed which belonged to the Inn. Luckily it was a wood shed with two axes propped up near a pile of logs. Both axes looked pretty good, albeit probably both needing a bit more sharpening, Joseph quickly took the sharper looking one and ran back to the scene. He charged into the nearest line of trees and started on the largest one first. His powerful chops could have heard for quite a ways if it weren't for the roar of the oncoming fire. Joseph was sweating and new the dangers of the approaching flames, but he toiled on. He hurt in heart that he might be endangering a wood nymphs home or the favored tree of a druid. He hoped they would forgive him in this circumstance.....
Khaira 03-29-05, 11:41 PM	As Ramoth took down a huge amount of trees and Joseph began taking down the trees as well, the hybrid human-bear prepared to assist in downing the trees. It was then, however, that he felt the effects of a mind-affecting spell beginning to take place. Shaking his head to clear the muddled feeling of the after-effects of such a powerful spell by a powerful creature, the half-human/half-bear roared in the general vicinity of Tatri. "Damn you, fool, whomever ye may be; we are on the same side! Quit casting your fancy spells and get yer sorry arse out 'ere and help wit' the fire!" Turning to the fire, the lyncanthrope thought quickly and then, raising his clawed hands to the air, spoke in an enchanting voice, seemingly to the wind itself, his deep, bass voice seeming to be one with the very land. "Smooth, caressing wind, Watchtower of the East, I call upon your aid now to quell this destructive force of Fire! Life-giving, sustaining, blessed presence of water, Watchtower of the West, I call upon you to sustain the life threatened by these elemental powers! I call upon your aid now!" With those words, the hyrbid lyncanthrope raised his hand, watching as a great whirlwind began to form. As he continued to widen his arms, the whirlwind eased in strength until it was a smooth, impenetrable dome, 100 feet in diameter. His features tensed, the creature then brought his hands crashing down and, along with it, the giant dome of air came crashing down as well, directly upon the great fires in the trees, effectively smothering the wildfire. In almost an instant the fires were out and the hybrid lyncanthrope, pale with the expenditure of energy required to accomplish that feat with the land, fell down on his knees as he watched the last of the smoke of the previous wildfire rise and dissipate in the air. In a soft, strained, and hoarse voice, the creature spoke again as he looked to the sky. "I thank thee, Elements of the East and the West, for your life-giving gift unto me..."
Ramoth 03-30-05, 09:51 AM	With a hoarse cough as she tried to clear the soot and smoke from her lungs, the silver dragon appears from behind the Inn where she had been pulling down trees after the were bear puts the fires out. She looks over the group, almost as if she is counting them, before turning her head to look back out at the forest. Then with a flash of light much smaller then the first one, Ramoth appears back in human form. Walking a few steps towards then Inn she stumbles and lands on her knees near the were-bear. After another coughing fit she turns to it and says queitly. "Thank you forest friend." After another coughing fit she stands again, a little steadier this time and walks towards the others. She sits on the steps of the inn, takes a cloth and a water skin out of her bag and after taking a swig of water she pours some on the cloth and washes her face off. Once she was slightly clean she looks up at the group and says "Well if there was any doubt about needing to stop these Wizards I hope you doubt no longer. Those damnable Red Wizards of Thay need to be stopped and stopped now!"
Pipers Youth 03-30-05, 11:05 AM	Piper turned around and narrowed his eyes as brilliant light shot forth from the edge of the forest, followed by a boisterous roar. The roar of a great wyrm! "A dragon living in these forest? Before the Red Wizard could make further conclusions the leaves on the tress began to tousle, then thrash widely. In the sky a great funnel started to take shape. The flames dancing on the trees flickered out and died. "Their trying to put out the fire Fer....Fer Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!" Suddenly one of the winds from the funnel came down upon him, plucking him up, and throwing him across the forest. Soon after he ripped through the clearing and landed in the encampment with a most discomforting groan. Servants scrambled to their masters aid and hoisted a disoriented Piper up by his arms. He no longer was in his glorious scarlet garb, now he stood stripped naked to the waist, except for a pair of torn and dirty breeches. He sporting several cuts on his arms and legs, and a large bloody gash on his forehead. A long scare was reviled running up his chest to belly.
Lord Tarran 04-01-05, 12:19 PM	At the inn: Keeping his righteous fury in check, the angel-in-disguise moves around the patrons of the inn checking for injuries and such after the fire. Seeing none that shouldn't be allowed to heal naturally, or were beyond his capabilities if he wished to remain hidden, the paladin returns outside. My thanks, druid, for that powerful spell. Here, let me help you up. Please, are you injured? Is there any way I can help thee? Meanwhile, walking slowly to the camp: Fer made his way into the camp slowly, suprised to see so many people trying to help up Piper instead of taking the obvious chance to knife him and take control. However, loyal to a fault, the black warrior made his way to his master. Taking a potion from a pouch just inside his armor, he holds it to the injured mage's lips. Drink, Lord Piper. I bought these just before we left home, and this should help at least slightly. Come now. Whether or not Piper drinks the healing potion, Fer gives orders. Give this man some room, you fools! Bring a cot, and fetch the healers! Stop gawking you idiots, or I'll have all your heads for failure to follow orders. Move peons!
Khaira 04-01-05, 09:52 PM	As Tatri approached and bent to offer a helping hand, the creature growled warningly, holding a hand to stop the advances of the angel. Briefly (and weakly) he shook his head. "I am in no need of help, stranger; one of us had to do something." Finally, the bear/human stood up, moving over to the fallen trees, shakily crouching down near them as a hand softly caressed the burned bark. He murmured a few words softly, in the secret Druidic language, and then looked up, gazing through the forest, towards the source of where the fire had come from. "Wizards in Red...you have not kept your promise. Sacrilege in greatest degree you have committed. Run. Run, Wizard, while you can..." The creatures body tensed then and he threw back his head, roaring in a very inhumane way. He was breathing raggedly then and slowly, the fur began to melt away, being replaced by skin, and the claws and all melted away, being replaced by human features. In a moment, what stood in the bear/human's place was a very muscular, tall human, breathing raggedly. Shaking his head, he began to - falteringly - move towards the Inn. He turned to Tatri as he was moving, however, and in a gruff, no-nonsense tone of voice, spoke to him. "If you humans desire to hunt the Wizards down, we're going to have to talk first."
paula_sirine 04-02-05, 02:02 PM	Paula climbs to her feet her chest still shaking with soft coughs The blast had been so swift she had failed to stop the smoke's entrance to her lungs .Her clothing is singed. Patches of the artfully exposed skin now show red with burns.She looks toward Tatri and the bear creature starting forward towards them on faultering steps.Her voice is still beautiful even with the smoke edging it with a husky breathless quality. "Wait ...I have seen him.. I saw the red wizard I was there at the fires start.Include me and I shall show you to the place
Lord Tarran 04-02-05, 08:47 PM	If you humans desire to hunt the Wizards down, we're going to have to talk first." I know little of this group of Thayans, but I believe that we must hunt them down. I heard mention from the others around here of a man that was kidnapped. What do you know of the situation? Michael seemed pensive, wondering if now would be a good time to slip away and take to the air. He decided against it, but only because he needed to talk to the werebear.
Khaira 04-02-05, 09:38 PM	The were bear turned to look at the paladin. He nodded solemnly. "Yes; the Scarred Elf was captured by the evil Wizard in Red. I know this because my tribe was forced by he to cooperate in the capture of this man. It was only through this evil act that he would leave our forest unscathed. Obviously, as you can see, he kept not his part of the bargain. We cooperated with him in order to survive but now...I believe I am the only one left of my tribe. If you desire to hunt the Wizard down, you'll want to pack enough provisions to last you several weeks; it's a long journey."
Pipers Youth 04-02-05, 09:56 PM	Pipers head spun as he tried to distinguish the voice speaking to him and others. Then a burning liquid was brought to his lips, from some sort of flask and forced down his throat. First reluctant in coughing the liquid out, he let it consume him. Grabbing the bottle from Fer's hands Piper began chug it down, the substance spilling off the edges of his mouth, as every precious drop must not go to waist. Laying back into his servants arms he let the bottle fall from his grasp. Rapture soon came over him, great shuddering pleasure that he'd once felt before. The low sound he's been hearing now feel away from him, receding into forgetfulness like sun-chased mists, was his own endless moan of pleasure as he writhed in his servants arms. Opening his eyes Piper noticed a healer was now standing over him, a cleric of the Temple of Kussoth. The cuts on his nearly bare body had been mended closed, as if sewn with invisible thread, and the bleeding had stopped on his forehead. Now the cleric was applying a salve on the gash and wrapping his forehead. "Where am I...and where are my clothes furthermore? Leaning forward and clutching his exposed belly with the large scare, he took in the scene before him. Supplies were being tied to horses, gnoll soldiers were ordered in tight formations by their Thayan masters, men were scattering each way, all preparations for leaving. One thing in though caught his eye, a burly general with one eye loading a tattered figure in chains inside a wagon. The renegade elf prisoner, Dante Ambrose. Before Piper could ask any more questions the old cleric tending him spoke. "You are outside the forest, where your clothes were lost in a terrible whirlwind. Please let me guide you to your horse my Lord. Fret not, for everything is taken care of."
Lord Tarran 04-02-05, 10:17 PM	"Thank you, Fire Father, but I can take care of our commander from here on out." Fer came to the tent flap holding the reins of Piper's and his own horse. On Piper's horse's back, folded neatly and ready for wear was a new, clean, set of robes, to replace those lost in the whirlwind. "Are we feeling better now, my Lord? You gave everyone in the camp quite a shock, until I smacked them back into shape. Though I wish it hadn't been such a young recruit whose head I had to take. One idiot, during the healing, tried to run off with a healing potion for our captive. I decided not to wait for you to awaken. I can take you to the site quickly if you would like to see where I slew him. I think his name was Carl something or other."
Ramoth 04-03-05, 08:02 PM	Ramoth coughed harshly one last time and with another gulp of water she finally says. "We were preparing to leave when this fire happened. I'm pretty sure we have all the supplies we will need and anyone who wants to go is welcome to come. So you and you ((She looks at Paula and the were-bear)) Could take us to where they last were yes?"
Khaira 04-07-05, 08:43 PM	Javier the WereBear The were bear nodded, looking to Ramoth. "My brothers and sisters call me Javier, but since they are most probably grotesquely slain by the wizard, you may call me by that name I have seen them...and I can smell them. Still I can smell the horrid, rotting stench of hatred, destruction, and violence that they have left behind. They'll be moving fast; the fire was merely a cover-up for their escape. I can lead you to where there horrid stench still emanates from; from there, their tracks should be easy to follow." The Baddies In fact, the evil group of Red Wizards were, in fact, only preparing to leave. Two Thayan Knights got into the driving portion of the carriage and prepared to head out as soon as the word was given. The remainder of the Thayan Knights were finishing packing up their horses, as were the majority of the Red Wizards, save the few who were already packed and chose to stay and attend Piper's Youth as needed.
Ramoth 04-07-05, 09:28 PM	Ramoth nodded. "Thank You Javier. The woods mourn your dead and the evil ones will pay." Ramoth stands and looks at the gathered group. "So who is coming along. I don't intead on letting this go unanswered, esecially after the distruction those Wizards just caused. How many innocents where lost this time, how many more will be lost next time?"
Pipers Youth 04-10-05, 12:12 AM	"Thank you, Fire Father, but I can take care of our commander from here on out." Fer came to the tent flap holding the reins of Piper's and his own horse. On Piper's horse's back, folded neatly and ready for wear was a new, clean, set of robes, to replace those lost in the whirlwind. "Are we feeling better now, my Lord? You gave everyone in the camp quite a shock, until I smacked them back into shape. Though I wish it hadn't been such a young recruit whose head I had to take. One idiot, during the healing, tried to run off with a healing potion for our captive. I decided not to wait for you to awaken. I can take you to the site quickly if you would like to see where I slew him. I think his name was Carl something or other." A slew of curses came from his lips as Piper snatched his robes and hastily started to put them on his naked flesh that the wind was so biting at now. This strenuous travel would be the death of him he swore. No pilgrim am I to a masters hungry ambitions. One day he would slay his shaded master in a fit of rage and become one of the eight Zulkirs. A wizard of his talent shouldn't be reduced to such vile grunt work. Traveling all the way to the Sword Coast in search of one man, not even of any significance in his mind! "Come, let us not stray another moment in this cursed place!"
Ramoth 04-11-05, 04:04 AM	Kulideb Before the fire: As the rest of the group prepared to leave, Kulideb asked Halfloaf to gather some food stuffs for the group as she went upstairs to gather her traveling supplies. Once in her room she opened the chest in which she kept her swords. As soon as she opened the chest, Shady jumped onto her hand. Smiling at him she says "Yes my friend, we are off adventuring again." Shady dissappears back into the Shadow Realm just as there is a knock on the door..... Durning "Kulideb, come quick! There's a forest fire not far from here, we need to get going and see if we can stop it before it reaches your tavern!" Dropping her stuff Kulideb runs down to the tavern's main room and starts telling everyone to grab a bucket with water and help stop the fire. Soon she and all of the patrons/staff of the tavern are out armed with buckets trying to stop Kuli's tavern from going up in smoke...... After "I am" Kulideb had just came around the corner from the other side of the tavern when Ramoth had asked who was coming to stop those Red Wizards. She looked around the gathered group and said "Just give me a few moments to set things in order and grab what I need." Going back into the tavern she tells her staff what is going on, puts one of them in charge and heads back upstairs to grab the small bag she had packed and her swords. Once back downstairs Halfloaf hands her the bag of food stuffs that had been gathered and a few extra water contaniers. Outside Kuli sets the contaniers of the ground as well as the bag "Ready"
masonicword 04-11-05, 11:13 AM	Joseph listened intently not speaking a word. He couldn't get out of his mind the thought that Thayan treachery was involved. It seemed like it was always them with their hands in some plot or some scheme. It was enough to make one sick. How many times had the Templar and the Thayans clashed over the years and decades and on and on. How many multitudes of people hurt and killed? Wasn't it enough that these Thayan fools in their lust for power continued to step on anyone in their way? When where the other civilized nations and kingdoms going to ever rise up and put an end to this tyranny? Joseph wondered and remained calm throughout this ordeal. Joseph finally spoke to rest gathered here, "You continue to have my sword and my honor my allies. Let us prepare for the long journey and bring down the sword of justice upon these wicked Thayan fools." With that Joseph began the preparations for the arduous journey ahead.
Pipers Youth 04-11-05, 10:41 PM	Trying to mount his horse was absolute hell. In all of his years in training, not one was spent in learning the trait of horse riding. It seemed like forever trying to get up on the damn beast, and even when the Red Wizard did, the horse forced him back off. Exasperated and perturbed Piper narrowed his eyes menacingly at the horse, as if facing a foe. This in which attracted the attention of many eyes that dared laugh at their master. "Nay foul beast, stay put or I'll blast you! I said hold!" A moment later the old cleric of Kossuth came running to his master, calling out his name. The clergy laid a wrinkled hand on his shoulder to coax him. "My Lord, I would not think it wise if you charred the horse to a husk. Please come with me so I may guide you to a wagon. Let's make all haste, afore we get left too far behind."
Lord Tarran 04-11-05, 10:47 PM	Fer seems to have little trouble chuckling at the plight of the wizard. From his own horse's back, he guides the wizard's old horse back to the others, before coming along side the mage and the priest. Riding at their walking pace, the knight asks calmly. Should I send back forces to make sure that no one follows us, my lord? I worry that that fire you created might have attracted unwanted attention.
Khaira 04-12-05, 03:46 PM	Javier "Are you ready, my new companions? It will not be a fond journey and there is no doubt in my mind that there will be much bloodshed involved from both sides. It will take all of our skills as a team and all of my skills as a friend of nature to track these fiends." Javier paused, looking around at the burned forest and the amount of damage that had been done. He appeared long in thought, and even seemed to get emotional as he viewed the damage that'd been done. "Some of us may not return from this journey. Those of us that do make it back will have our work cut out to restore this land to her previous sense of pristine beauty. May whatever forces that watch over us be kind to us now..." Dante He felt groggy, sore, and out of place in the caravan. He was trapped now but at least, soon, his torture would be ended. That didn't mean, of course, that he wouldn't curse these murderous, apathetic fiends for their crimes. Pausing and cocking his one good ear, the deformed sorcerer listened carefully as he heard a few sets of heavy footsteps approaching the side of the caravan. These footsteps were soon accompanied by muffled voices. Contorting his body, the sorcerer closed his eyes, no sign of conciousness now upon his body. For all appearances, Dante was out cold still, in pain, and perfectly harmless. Light finally flooded full force into the dirty caravan as a guard violently threw open the flap that covered it. Rushing in, he fiercely kicked Dante aside, throwing down a silken, red cloth that was clean, soft, and pure. As the guard kicked Dante over once again, he leaped out of the caravan. In the next moment, two guards, arrogant smirks splayed upon their expression, accompanied by the Cleric of Kossuth, appeared in the entrance, supporting the weaked Piper Youth. Zinnalyassa Silverkin, the Cleric of Kossuth, looked to the incapactitated sorcerer, smirking sadistically. Turning to Piper, Zinnalyassa's voice held a tone dripping with sarcasm and stabbing mockery. "It looks like you'll be able to journey with your best friend, my lord. Look on the bright side; you can swap stories of the good old days. Maybe he'll even instruct you on how to not be weak." Smirking still, Zinnalyassa motioned for the guards to escort Piper in. Holding his arms, they both led Piper into the caravan where they - surprisingly - laid him gently down on the cloth. One of the guards, missing teeth from one of his many brawls, grinned gaudily. "Mishter Piperfhs Youfs,haf fun wif yer new playmate! Har har har!" Turning around, then, the two guards exited the caravan. In only a moment or two, galloping of horses speeded past the caravan and the crack of a whip signaled the movement of the two draft horses. In only a moment, the caravan was moving at a steady pace across the land. Across from Pipers Youth, Dante smiled. He smiled and waited.
paula_sirine 04-12-05, 04:57 PM	Paula smiled at Ramoth . It was a soft smile. The nod of her head with its gentle incline only serving to make it softer still and graceful. She looks around at the gathering. Paladin, Werebear, Dragon, Elf and also it seems a Sirine oO(what strange bedfellows this Dante creature has made of us all). In her pocket a triangle of warmth presses against her thigh and aches to be recognised. Wordlessly she promises oO(soon) and turns away just briefly to mutter under her breath a cantrip that restores her clothes but fails to touch the burns to her body
Pipers Youth 04-16-05, 09:58 AM	Though Dante still looked unconscious, Piper knew that the elf's mind was working, thinking of how to use this new opportunity to his liking. But, Piper would have none of that, as he shot him a venomous glare, like vipers that awaited to strike, and bare their fangs into his face pumping deadly venom. This glare promised a grueling demise, and made that promise all the sweeter with it's hints of danger, mortal danger for a creature immortal by nature if needed be. This brought upon the words that Piper whispered under his breath, followed by a sinister laugh that he allowed himself, as he thought how ironic this truly was.
Khaira 04-19-05, 09:28 PM	From his position, Dante smiled a feral, voracious smile. Propping himself on one elbow, a crazed look in his one good eye, he grinned mockingly at Pipers Youth, his voice carrying a venomous, stinging quality. "Look at mighty Pipers Youth, the great Red Wizard, reduced to a weak, sniveling, incapacitated brat. How unfortunate. And here Lord - or, should I say, Lady - Pipers Youth, keeping company with a sorcerer." Dante continues to regard Pipers Youth, the mocking, stinging grin still engraved upon his face, even as he whispered one last thing while he leaned close to Pipers Youth. "You will suffer my fate. Fool is the one who thinks himself all powerful, for his power, too, shall fall..."
Pipers Youth 04-20-05, 08:40 PM	Pipers lips curled into a snarl as he was being insulted, like some peasant, or other filth of the street, and he even questioned his manhood! Yet as he began to speak his voice and features turned to a calm, cool demeanor. "Such bold words for a man in your position Dante. Save your breath for I am not affray by empty threats. And let me tell you something about power Dante. Listen well and maybe you'll actually learn something. Those fit to succeed will do so. The reward for successful ambition is power. Reaching a higher state is inevitably accomplished by difficulty and personal pain of some sort. Know this, that I am powerful, and you are weak. As Dante neared his person closer the Red Wizard held out a pale hand, fingertips now only a hair away from the elfs face. "Now heres a threat that holds truth. If you come any closer to me, any torture you have ever endured before, will seem a minor thing to my wrath. In other words, touch me and die."
Ramoth 04-21-05, 08:43 AM	Ramoth looks around at the group. "Well are we ready? We should probaly head out before they get to far away, I hear fighting these Wizards in their own territory is not a smart thing. So we should push to reach them before they get that far." Kulideb nods, signiling her readiness.
Khaira 04-21-05, 11:44 AM	Dante The sorcerer smiled innocently, though his eyes held a look of pure serenity. Oddly enough, Dante didn't seem to be worried in the sleightest bit by Piper's words. His hands resting behind his back, the sorcerer leaned against the side of the caravan, regarding Piper calmly. When he spoke, his voice still a steady tone, a tone that made it seem like he had the upper hand this time... "My poor, dear, ever-paranoid Piper...still using your eloquent use of words to make up for other certain areas that you lack, I see." He smirked as he regarded the Red Wizard, then continued. "We both know who will emerge, in the ultimate outcome, the survivor here. How long can you and your merry little band of misfits hope to survive for much longer? Strange forces are at work against you. You are out of your prime, little boy. The cushy comforts of Thay have softened your resolve too much by now; already have you let your guard down. It'll only be a matter of time." As Piper went on to explain power and weakness, Dante actually laughed. It was not a mere nervous laugh nor was it a laugh out of necessity; it was a jovial, almost mocking laugh at Piper's smooth words. "Power? Weakness? They are relative terms, little one. The world at large holds more power than you ever shall and, in time, that yearning for power will consume you..." Dante leaned forward sleightly "...if it has not already. No, my dear, incompetent magical friend, I need not touch you to see you unravel so; that will happen quite easily of its own volition. I shall merely be elated to outlive you to see such things." Dante leaned back again, regarding the Red Wizard quite comfortably, not seeming worried in the sleightest sense. Javier He looked to Ramoth, Kulideb, and the rest of the group. "Indeed, already they have a good lead on us. If we hope to catch up with them, we should depart soon. I shall go to scout ahead..." Javier crouched down upon the ground, his mind at ease with the earth and, in a few moments' time, he was once again in his bear form. His great, black nose sniffing the air, he began to lope ahead at a brisk pace.
Lord Tarran 04-26-05, 10:04 PM	Feringal: Having had enough of riding at the front of the moving column, Lord Fer swung his horse around, ordering his nearby subordinates to take the caravan forward, and warn him if any trouble should even pass through their small skulls. Riding his black horse down to the prison wagon, the dark knight swung off his horse, giving the reigns to a nearby slave, and knocking on and entering the small wagon. He bows to his master, before sitting on the bench opposite Dante. I'm sorry if I interrupt, Lord Piper, but my boredom would have had me fall off my horse if I continued at the head. I felt that I should meet this brave fool before you cast him to his death. Fer smiles, revealing his very white, and slightly pointy, teeth. He turns to Dante, seemingly truly curious. You've defied us for the last time, Dante, my friend. His eyes seem to light up. But where are my manners. I'm Lord Ferigal of Thay, <his rank, which I think I should know. I've been assuming captain, and definitely high up in this particular group, but I need something tangible. Captain? Commander?>, and personal servant of Lord Piper. Michael/Tatri-el: Realizing that he has no way to keep pace with the bear, Tatri searches his memory of ways to get transportation in this world without calling attention. Suddenly, he remembers that the paladins of Faerun could call horses to themselves through magic, and so formed a magical eidolon of a equine to allow him to keep up with the bear. On his white horse, the angel in disguise followes Javier.
paula_sirine 04-28-05, 04:31 AM	Paula watches as the group begins to pull out. Her cool green eyes pass over from one to the other. It was obvious that they were all inspired by different reasons to go on this quest. They were individuals most of whom knew nothing about their companions. Not one amongst them she included could manage to achieve their aim alone. But from where she stood the idea that they could work together seamed like an unlikely event. Paula looked now for the likely leader. One of them will have the strength of character and the knowledge to guide the others and hold them together. If not the quest was lost before it was begun. Her eyes fall on the back of the Paladin as he urges his horse forward to follow the bear. She smiles a smile that comes preloaded with unspoken conclusions and her body contorts, blends and flows into a new form the transformation eluding the eyes ability to follow. In the form of a sleek grey wolf Paula lopes after the paladin
Pipers Youth 05-07-05, 11:08 AM	How does this inert manage to get under my skin, when not even my most powerful colleagues in Thay could not, Piper thought? Even when faced with dire danger the elf would regard him so casually, without showing a flicker of pressure. Dante was either in denial from his fate, or he could mask his emotions well. For a brief moment Piper felt helpless. Yet the spells in his memory were just odd little rhymes, his robe and cloak, mere flimsy cloth, and his weapons, just inert sticks and ornaments? No, these were his weapons, his mind and instincts, in which he could match that of an archmage. He would give something for him to worry about. Reaching into his robe he produced the squid tentacle that was needed as the spell component and began reciting the incantation, not even aware that someone had slipped in from the outside. Piper finished casting the dweomer he had chosen, and a collection of black tentacles sprang up, situated between himself, and the renegade prisoner. Each of the slimy, writhing started squirming around, edging closer to Dante.
Khaira 05-07-05, 09:19 PM	((Hey! Where'd my post with response to Feringal go?! Maybe I just dreamed I posted it...*growl*)) Dante Dante smiled at Feringal's empty threats and shrugged, unworried and nonchalant. He seemed perfectly at ease even now, sitting vulnerable in front of two very dangerous and skilled men. He had no defenses to offer, nothing to save him from certain death ... or did he? Once again, Dante spoke with perfect calm, this time to Feringal. "Nothing that you could ever hope to do, slave of the Red Wizards, could even come close to what has already been done to me. To the Red Wizards, you are scum; worthless and expendable. Nothing more, though most certainly much less. If you intend to kill me, I welcome your attempts. Death would be a release and besides...when you receive an empty reward and a painful death from the one who seeks me out, my soul shall enjoy the plight of your misery. As for any other torture that you could possibly hope to employ against me...no matter. I have been an experiment to the Red Wizards for ten years; what's ten more?" Piper finished casting the dweomer he had chosen, and a collection of black tentacles sprang up, situated between himself, and the renegade prisoner. Each of the slimy, writhing started squirming around, edging closer to Dante. Dante, once again, sat calm and relaxed, apparently undisturbed by the multiple approaching tentacles. It warmed his cold heart that at least those at the inn would be spared from the cruelties and the bluntness of these fools. Still, he sat relaxed, at ease, even as the tentacles grew ever so close. Smiling - an odd reaction for one so doomed - Dante regarded Piper, who sat so smug and sure of himself on the other side of the wagon. The deformed elf himself felt smug and sure of himself; no spell nor torture that they could exact upon him would ever equal that which he had received from their master. "Striking at me so soon, Red Wizard? Funny...I thought you Red Wizards of Thay were supposed to be fearless, uncapable of intimidation. You dissapoint me, Piper; truly, you do. To think an underling such as I am capable of striking such fear into your void of a heart; really, it touches me. Deeply. If you will kill me, I thank you. If you will torture me...well, have your fun before your master disposes of you. Surely, your master would not send such a force against me, only to have a pitiful being like yourself kill me on the journey. I am all too familair with your master; aye, and your kind." Leaning back, apparently completely comfortable, Dante closed his eyes and let out a weary sigh as he prepared to fall into trance, even as the tentacles began to brush his skin. The Heroes Javier picks out a path, one that was conveniently cleared by the fire. After moving, for an hour or so through the underbrush, Javier stops, looking down; it is obvious a battle has taken place here. Tracks criss-cross each other, and it appears that something or someone had dragged themself away - or been dragged - before being caught... This was the place where Dante had been caught...
Pipers Youth 05-08-05, 07:30 PM	"Explain to me again what I have to gain by sparing your insignificant life?" Even as one of the black tentacles wrapped around Dante's midsection, threatening to crush him, the Red Wizard beckoned him with a meaningful stare. "Really if I wanted to kill you, I would have done so already. So in tale you are correct, I can't kill you, but not because I was told otherwise. Oh no, I would much prefer to watch you struggle for your life, and then when your on the brink of death I'll give it back to you, so you'll beg to die. And though you might have endured the most cruelest torture before, It will still be entertaining to watch." Now Piper sat back and relished his own work as the conjured extremities went to work on the slave. Awaiting the screams he turned to his attendant as if he had been there the whole time, and remembered what Dante had told Fer about how he was slave scum, and expendable, only to further the Red Wizard needs. In truth he thought, he was correct. But a little cohorsion could change that. "So tell me Captain, what entails our progress to the next portal home?"
Lord Tarran 05-08-05, 08:28 PM	FERINGAL Fer merely smiled in the face of the prisoner's taunts, threats, and truths. Fer was a soldier, yes, but no moron. He had grown up in Thay, and knew quite well the back stabbing nonsense of the Wizards. Lucky for the dark warrior, he had grown in strength to a point that he had surpassed many of the wizards, now only worrying about those like Piper and above. However, it was useless worry. In sleep, all wizards are mortal. However, such treasonous thoughts did not enter his mind as he answered Piper's question. Besides several hours or days of monotonous riding, and watching for any potential rescuers? Nothing, honestly, Lord Piper. Assuming all goes well, we will reach the portal within the next day or two, I believe. One of the men at the head of the column had mentioned that we could reach the portal in a few hours if we really hustled, but we would essentially have to forget about watching for attackers. He sighs. I believe, however, that a rushed march would be the wrong decision. The amount of power that it took to put the fire out was tremendous. We should keep our eyes open. Michael/Tatri-el Michael slows his horse down as he stops besides Javier. Jumping off the steed, the angel-in-disguise sees the marks. This is where the sorceror was taken, isn't it?
Ramoth 05-08-05, 11:32 PM	Kulideb had provided horses for both herself and anyone else who needed one. Soon the group stopped in the little clearing, the paladin gets down. Both Ramoth and Kulideb stay on their horses as they wait to see which way the group will go next. Ramoth observes the area from her horse offering up one suggestion to the group. "Well if the fire is any indication, there really is only one way they could have gone. This fire seems to spread in all directions but one, might be safe to assume that was the escape route."
Khaira 05-10-05, 04:43 PM	Javier He looks to Michael as the angel-in-disguise speaks. Leaning down, the were-bear sniffed the ground, moving forward a few steps. Looking back to the group, he pauses before speaking. "This is where the deformed sorcerer was apprehended; it is this location where the wizards stopped his escape." The bear paused, cocking his head to the side as he pondered something... "This sorcerer...from what I've seen of him, he's a crude sort - rude, cold, and apathetic to the lives of others. His actions today seem to speak otherwise...he ran almost directly into their clutches, when he could have gone another way. Even fought back. THere is not much of a battle here...I wonder what their motives were - why would they want a weak, deformed sorcerer such as your friend?" Javier shook his head; they were not here to ponder philospohy and states of the mind. They were here to avenge this victimized man. "Herein lies the problem...we know not how fast the Wizards are moving, what sizable force they are carrying with them, whether or not they will change direction, or if a larger force awaits ahead of them to meet the smaller party. Furthermore, as cunning as the wizards are...this supposed trail may very well be a decoy. It may be wise to send some of our quieter, more elite companions to scout ahead - if they will volunteer - to see what truth lies ahead." Dante He maintained a brave face even as the tentacles, made from the stuff of nightmares, continued to approach him. Eventually, one of the tentacles circled around his midsection and began to squeeze harder and harder. Dante felt himself losing his breath, even as he glared right back at Piper. "You...do not...b-begin to ... equal...the pain ...he began to cough then, assaulted by the loss of breath. It took sometime before he could finish his sentence...of your superiors!" Dante watched, in disgust, as more tentacles wrapped around his legs and arms. They still had not reached his head, however, and so he glared venomously at Piper and clenched his teeth. During his many years suffered at the hands of men much crueler than this Red Wizard, he had trained himself to recede deep inside his mind to avoid the pain. Pain, after all, was a fact of leave, and sometimes preceded death. Thus, through clenched teeth, Dante uttered another statement at Piper. "Still...your skill does...Dante begins to cough then, so vigorously that a couple of spots of blood shoot out ...it does not even come ... close to your ... superiors!" Summoning a great strength of will, Dante roared at Piper. "You shall never have the pleasure of hearing me scream for mercy, worm!" With those last words and the echoing of the sorcerer's scream, Dante lost his battle with conciousness, and he felt into a druggish reverie, his mind floating through the mists of time, space, and reminiscience.
paula_sirine 05-11-05, 04:46 AM	Paula moves forward and at each step her wolf form slips away. by the time she comes to a halt beside the were bear she is again in the form of an exquisitely beautiful women .Her soft smile is radiant as she turns her face to him . “If information is what you wish you shall have it If you have the courage and the trust to open your mind to a sirine you shall see as the birds see and I shall open up the land to your gaze.” Her smile now is more than warm it is inviting, daring, laced with both mischief and mockery "Can you trust? The touch of a sirine can be deadly and that is what I shall need to allow you to see through my eyes.." Her ivory shoulders rise in a small shrug "Then again you might have less perilous options that you would prefer. Something less intimate perhaps?" . Her dazzling green jade gaze passes over the other rescuers slowly. "But I see no better way to cement our mutual intent"
Lord Tarran 05-17-05, 07:29 PM	Tiring of the mortals slow actions, Michael leaps back upon his horse. I shall scout along this path, and return here if it be false. Otherwise, I'll signal you with a great light into the sky. He rides fast and hard down the supposed path.
Pipers Youth 05-30-05, 09:25 PM	Much later Piper stirred and looked up from his spell books as the wagon came to a soft hault. He quickly glanced to his right to see the bound Dante still in deep reverie, and then his left to Fer. With a curt gesture he said to the Captain. "Wake the prisoner, I'll be outside." Then before he continued outside Piper whispered the spell that would allow him to speak with his master across far distances. The message only allowed the capacity of twenty-five words, so he paused to think and to choose his words carefully. I have reached the portal with the elf. All goes well ,and if were lucky I should be in Thay less than a ten-day. Not waiting for a response, and complete with his report the Red Wizard stood and stepped outside ready for the next challenge that presented itself.
Lord Tarran 05-31-05, 10:20 PM	Fer stands, walking to the prisoner. He rears his left foot back, going to kick the prisoner awake, stopping shortly before contact. He looks down, as if remembering something, putting the foot down, before shifting his weight to the leg. He brings his right back, quickly kicking the mage sharply, but not lethally, in the stomach. Get up worm, Piper wants you awake before we arrive at the portal, and I need you awake to help me out.
Khaira 06-07-05, 12:25 AM	Pipers Youth The formidable, daunting, intimidating presence of Piper's Youth mysterious master suddenly sounds in form of the magical communication that the Red Wizard had initiated. In just moments, the gravelly, conniving voice of his master sounded in Piper's head. As it is, so shall it be, associate. Remember: the infidel must arrive with breath yet in his body. Ware of rescue attempts. With that, the presence of Piper Youth's master was, once again, departed from the Red Wizard's mind, with only the memory of the queer master remaining. Dante One eye, the one set in fluid crystalline, opened and gazed at the Lieutenant, in quite a nonchalant manner. Propping himself on one elbow, the jolt of the pain of the boot still in his side, and his ribs aching with the none-too-fond memory of Piper's recent tentacles having have broken a few. Still refraining from showing any outward sign of pain, the deformed sorcerer smirked at the lieutenant. "Help you? Y'mean to tell me that the mighty lieutenant slave needs assistance? Huh. I'll pass kindly, sir; I'd much rather just sit and lie here." Dante smiled mockingly at the lieutenant and rested his head against the wall of the wagon. Michael As he is riding, Michael does, in fact, find wagon tracks as well as multiple footsteps of walking humanoids. Whether this is the caravan that the group is tracking is up to him to decide, however. The tracks appear to be a couple hours old. Javier He looks to Ramoth and Kulideb, then turning his head to the Sirine. Looking to the dragon and elf, the werebear points to the two of them. "You two stay here and await for your other companion, but be ready to move soon." He turned to the Sirine then, looking down the opposite way that Michael had went. "Shall you accompany me as I scout ahead?"
paula_sirine 06-07-05, 06:02 PM	Paula’s smile warms “You have chosen then? Yes we scout and you can see as I do although the vantage will be a lofty one.” She sets her exotic green eyes to his and blows gently onto her fingertips as she seams to concentrate or consider. She reaches out to touch those cool fingers to his cheek ((If permitted)) Then words come tumbling in an elven tongue and the power of the lady is invoked. “tul arwen en' hisie lav amin llie iva karn lye vee' enna aul corm ent aul elea!.” ((the spell is raport and only effective on the willing)) No soon has the spell been cast then the sirine’s form has changed. The eyes still locked to his for a brief moment are the same deep jade and hypnotic green, then they are pure jet and her form is one of a magpie whose heavy wing beats keep it stationary for only a few moments before she takes to the sky
Lord Tarran 06-08-05, 04:46 PM	FERGINAL "That's very funny, Dante. I had thought that you would leap at the chance of possible escape," Fer laughs. He sits back down across from the prisoner, making it obvious that he felt in no way threatened or slighted by the deformed sorceror. "But, I do suppose that it would make sense that you wouldn't. We would just have to capture you again if you ran. But, if you were willing to help me, I could make things... easier for you until you are out of my hands. Interested now?" Fer's face in unreadable, though something seems somewhat out of place. The obviously ambitious soldier seems to have a special glint in his eyes, as if a great plan was hatching within his mind. MICHAEL/TATRI-EL Michael slows the horse, to jump off it to look at the tracks. Realizing that by the time that he rode back to the party to tell them and back to this point to show them, it would be too late for Dante. If memory served, there was a massive magical focus within a few miles, possibly a portal. If it was, there was not a chance in all the Planes that they party could ever hope to catch up with the Thayans before they jumped. So what was he going to do, he wondered. A idea ran through his brain like a thunderstrike. Send this horse eidolon back with a note or something. Since he was supposed to be a paladin, a paladin's horse being intelligent wasn't too far-fetched. The horse could bring the party back here, and from there they could follow the tracks, meeting up with him at some point along the road. But in order to possibly catch the caravan, he had to be sure that this was the path. He closed his eyes, in thought. Yes, this was the path. The signs of human encampment and recent movement were too there to not be real. But more importantly, he would have to take wing to ever even try. He looked ahead, trying to determine if there was enough tree cover to try. Could he risk others seeing him? How could he explain wings away? What was more important, the innocent's life, or his hidden identity. The life, Tatri decided as he climbed from the horse. Quickly writing a small note to the party that this horse would lead them to him, Tatri-el set the horse on his way, as his disguise fell partially away, allowing his great wings to extend from his back. In two beats he was off the ground, keeping under the trees as best he could, flying along following the trail.
Khaira 06-09-05, 03:22 PM	Dante and Feringal Dante sat up, eyeing the Lieutenant with a hefty amount of skepticism. After a few moments of regarding Feringal, Dante chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "Let me get this straight: you want me, a lowly prisoner, with less social status of a bug - in the Thayan's eyes - to help you out, in some as of yet undisclosed task and, as a result of my helping you, and you, a rising soldier employed by the Red Wizards of Thay - who, might I remind you, see my life as nothing more than an experiment - are going to go out of your way to make my life easier." Dante paused for a few moments. It almost seemed that the deformed, doomed sorcerer was considering this proposition. A crooked smile cracked on his lips as he formulated his next words. "In my experience, the only help that a Thayan would offer one like me is to free such a disgraced individual's soul from the shell of their body. More like than not, this help, this attempt of yours to make it "easier" for me would be either detrimental to my well-being or short lived since we are more like than not close to our destination. No, my Captain - or Lieutenant or Private or Slave, whatever you are called - I do not desire to dig my own grave and I most especially do not desire the so-called "help" that a Thayan, such as yourself, would offer a pitiful worm such as me. I may be doomed and I be trapped, but I am certainly no fool." Michael Michael's horse slowly, but surely, makes its way back to the remaining party members, Kulideb and Ruthia. It seems impatient, particularly about a certain slip of paper tied to the saddle. Meanwhile, approximately 15 minutes later, Michael sees a single wagon up ahead, flanked by four horsemen, all holding swords. Atop the wagon, he sees the driver of the wagon and a man holding a crossbow at ready. The wagon itself is covered, so Michael cannot ascertain the contents. Javier the Were Bear He nods and, wordlessly, soon begins to lope down a separate path, one opposite to the one Michael had taken. So far, Paula sees nothing of any wagons or people down this path, though a little ways ahead, she can see what appears to have been, at one time, a camp site.
paula_sirine 06-10-05, 05:25 PM	Paula soars skyward the thrill and elation of flight passes over her as the air rushes through and over her flight feathers. She gains height and the rescuers become dots amongst the trees. Below. Along with his own vision on the back of his mind Javier sees what she sees, feels what she feels from breeze to hot thermals. The smell and taste of burnt woodlands assails their combined senses. They are aware of the smoke still lingering above the ruined lands behind them and ultimately ahead they jointly see the campsite. Her tiny heart racing she soars plummets, beats, glides to that place and swift heavy beats keep her air born a few meters from the ground as her round dark eyes take in the details of occupation and vacation. oO(What think you my friend? Perhaps we could see better with some more height. But the cloud may obscure our vision. I’ll take us further. If you wish I could travel fast as the wind above the trees is at my back.)
Lord Tarran 06-11-05, 09:36 AM	FERINGAL "Then you are useless to me," Fer comments as he kicks Dante again in the ribs. "May you suffering tenfold of what is was originally, you idiot fool." Feringal walks to the door, and once back at the prisoner. He shakes his head, disgusted, before opening the door, leaping out, and closing it. Obviously ruffled, he punches the first private who looks at him funny as he makes his way to the front of the column, and Piper. Keeping his voice low, Fer comments, "Our back is precariously unprotected, my Lord. Should a rescue party catch up, they will swath a path through our forces all the way to the prison wagon before any of us have a chance to hiccup." MICHAEL/TATRI-EL Tatri comes to a stop, landing and folding his wings back out of sight as he stalks behind the wagon. Closing his eyes for a moment, he activates part of this paladin body's power, the detection of evil. Looking at the wagon, he examines it more closely for Thayan insignia, and its guards and handlers for evil.
Khaira 06-11-05, 11:39 AM	MICHAEL/TATRI-EL Tatri comes to a stop, landing and folding his wings back out of sight as he stalks behind the wagon. Closing his eyes for a moment, he activates part of this paladin body's power, the detection of evil. Looking at the wagon, he examines it more closely for Thayan insignia, and its guards and handlers for evil. [I]Michael detects no evil in the vicinity of the wagon or its occupants and finds no Thayan symbols Dante He grunted as the heavy boot of the Liutenant connected solidly into his ribs, the forceful jolt by the Lieutenant causing waves of pain to course through his body. He'd forgotten how much the Thayan's enjoyed to beat their prisoners and slaves, and how little they healed those individuals so that they'd feel the pain for a very long time. As Feringal walked out the door, Dante called out a final remark. "Don't hit your head on the way out, soldier." Whether he was offering a simple warning - something that would be truly out of place for the sorcerer - or if there was some hidden insult underlying Dante's words weren't clearly distinguishable. Javier We should investigate the camp site; if it is the Thayans, we may be able to catch a glimpse of how fast they were moving, how burdened they are, and how long ago they have gone. Javier continues to lumber through the forest, heading towards where he suspected that he had "seen" the campsite.
ruthia 06-12-05, 06:53 AM	Kulideb and Ramoth Stand where the others had left them. Talking quietly together the at first didn't hear the horse walking towards them. Kulidebs shrap ears hear it first, though Ramoth soon hears it also. When the horse appears with no rider, lokking calmly at the, they both look at each other in surprise. When the horse starts acting impatient Ramoth notices the note and takes it off the saddle. She reads it quickly and passes it to Kulideb who reads it also, then looks at Ramoth. They both discuss wither they should take his path or the path the others took. Finally Ramoth sends the horse back to his master, they decide to wait.....
Pipers Youth 06-17-05, 10:43 PM	Piper took in the scene before him, with great anticpation. A giant cave stood before him, like a dragon's mouth yawning, sharp stalactites hung from the roof of the mouth, and a foul waft a smell came forth from it, causing him to cringe his nose. The most noticeable of all though, was the darkness, a cold darkness. It clung there, in the dragon's throat, as far as any human eye could see. The Red Wizard wouldn't be surprised if the cave actually sprung to life and swallowed the caravan whole, to be forever lost in that Erie darkness. Keeping his voice low, Fer comments, "Our back is precariously unprotected, my Lord. Should a rescue party catch up, they will swath a path through our forces all the way to the prison wagon before any of us have a chance to hiccup." "Fer, always you burden me with your backhand comments, and military strategies. You are truly a loyal advisor, and soilder, but when I seek advice, or information, I will call upon your audience. Besides, we are already here. Beyond this cave lies the portal that will take us one step closer to home." Piper reached into his spell component pouch and pulled out a pinch of some ground up black mineral. Holding it between his thumb, and forefinger he whispered something under his breath and sprinkled the material over his eyes. The spell would allow him to see in dark places, his usual eyesight couldn't pick out. "Now,don't you have something else to busy yourself with? Like telling yonder troops there to light torches, hmm?"
Khaira 06-22-05, 04:27 PM	Looking into the cave, Piper sees a long, dark tunnel, sloping sharply down after approximately twenty feet. One particular thing that catches his eyes, however, are the blood stains that mar the walls of the entrance of the cave, and the rotting, flesh-ridden bodies of several indistinguishable bodies. A few of the bodies, Piper keenly notices, seem to have fallen her rather recently, and the stench of recently rotting flesh drifts out of the cave. From the cave, quite all of a sudden, a chilly breeze, reminiscient of a bitter cold winter day floats from the depths of the darkness. This seemed rather weird since it wasn't winter and there should be no breeze within a cave... After only a few moments, the horses begin to become skitterish, stamping wildly and looking around fearfully.
Khaira 06-26-05, 03:59 PM	The sound of rustling armor sounded in Piper's ears, preceded by the swishing of the robes of his Red Wizards. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Thayan Captain, Ghatlin of the Fires, come leading the remaining Red Wizards to the open maw of the dark, foreboding cave. Coming before Piper, the Captain bowed and knelt on one knee before his master. Behind him, the Thayan Guards flanked the Red Wizards in a protective semicircle, their swords and axes hanging easily at their sides, and their shields strapped firmly upon their backs. Flashing Piper the sadistic, apathetic, and rotten grin of a cold-blooded, backstabbing killer - the only one of which who could rise to the rank that he had - the Captain gazed at the lead Red Wizard. "Massa, da troops are ready! All that revmains ish to reedy the infidel."
paula_sirine 06-26-05, 06:52 PM	Paula settled on the forked stick that had once been used as a pot stand beside the remains of the campfire. She stretched out a wing and used her beak to straighten a few flight feathers. A breeze came into the clearing and caught some of the fires ash. It sent it up in a puff that caused her to squawk and flap with irritation as she waited for the werebear oO(how much time slow one? The quarry makes good its escape whilst we dither) The obsidian black bead eye blinked and angled to look back in the direction she perceived Javier to be
Lord Tarran 06-28-05, 11:41 PM	FERINGAL Feringal enters the semicircle, to bow once, but remain standing next to Piper. He leans in towards the wizard, whispering in the mage's ear while covering his mouth with his hand. Lord Piper, there are whispers among the men of a plot between Ghatlin and Dante, where our prisoner attempts escape, to be blamed upon a certain captain, in order for the Captain to raise in rank, and the prisoner to be given better treatment. Normally I would not report such things, but the proximity to the portal and the confusion we both know will insue worries me. What would you have me do? He drops upon one knee now, his head kept low, but not before leaving a hastily scrawled note in Piper's hand. This cave is possibly infested. MICHAEL/TATRI-EL The angel slams a foot into the ground, annoyed that he had followed the wrong path. Guessing that by this point the Wizards were much farther out then could possibly reached, Tatri-el considered his options. He could either soar into the air, and find them from above, but leave the group behind and possibly, no, definitely not have the back up he would need, or turn back and track more slowly. He stands in thought.
Pipers Youth 06-29-05, 08:03 PM	Piper grimaced in disgust, at what his newly acquired spell vision had shone him. The foul smell that had wafted up before him, was actually the rotting husk of what looked like to be people, or were once people. These people were clearly murdered, by the tell-tale ribbons of dried blood. But why at the very entrance of the cave? Before further observation, the rustling of armor, and footsteps, caught his keen hearing, and he turned down just in time to see Ghatlin of the Fires, knelt down, with the most un-charismatic grin splayed on his scared face he'd ever seen. He said something indistinguishable, but Piper just nodded and waved him off. The next voice however, was closer, and from a clear familiarity. Lord Piper, there are whispers among the men of a plot between Ghatlin and Dante, where our prisoner attempts escape, to be blamed upon a certain captain, in order for the Captain to raise in rank, and the prisoner to be given better treatment. Normally I would not report such things, but the proximity to the portal and the confusion we both know will insue worries me. What would you have me do? Pipers now sharp features grew fierce with such untamed anger, it seemed he could match the Fire Lord himself at this very unpleasing news. oO(A plot conspiring between Ghatlin, and the prisoner? An attempt of escape? This was blasphemy! I can't allow all my hard work to flee, and come to Thay empty handed. He must die for such treachery! What would I have him do indeed....) From within his component pouch, Pipers fingers delve, until producing a vial of some acidic substance. This was one of his mostly powerful concocted poisons, that once consumed would immediately work it's way into the body, eating away, and zapping that person's energy until they eventually died. It would suffice. Piper then let the vial fall from his fingers, to land gently on the ground next to Feringal. In such a cramped space one wouldn't had been able to catch the subtle movement. Staring daggers back up at the gathered Red Wizards, and their escorts flanking them Piper said, "I trust you all have the necessary spells prepared? Good, then follow me."
Khaira 07-08-05, 01:15 AM	The Red Wizards Piper's other lackeys simply nodded solemnly, bowing to their master. Their strict discipline would not allow them needless, pointless words to be spoken, unless need dictated otherwise. If and when Piper moved into the mouth of the tunnel, he sees only the swift sloping of the tunnel and, approximately twenty feet ahead, where the floor of the cave levels out, he sees what appears to be a fork in the tunnel; one leading to the left and one leading to the right. Javier Through Paula's eyes, Javier surveys the abandoned camp. Clearly, this had been a deserted camp; they had made a hasty camp here, and moved on quickly. In only a few moments, there lumbering bear came into the same clearing as the small bird that was Paula. After poking around the remnants of the campsite, he shook his head. "Abandoned for some time this camp has been, but not too long. Less than a day and, most likely, a couple of hours at least. But Red Wizards or no...my nose tells me this is our quarry."
Lord Tarran 07-08-05, 09:56 PM	Feringal kept his feature humble as he bowed even lower on the ground, taking the poison easily into his hands, just as subtly as Piper. Fer knew the drill, he had performed the act more than once for his commander, in uprooting those who defied the wizard's will. Piper learns of the crime, makes his judgement, and in cases of the ultimate sacrifice being the punishment, drops poison to be the deathdealing agent, administered by his loyal hand, Fer. However, as the loyal Fer stands and pockets the poison, he smiles. It was a satisfied smile. Not an evil smile, not a devious smile, merely satisfied in some way. He stands besides his master when he comes to the mouth of the case, noting the look of the caves, and picking out Ghatlin near the front of the ranks. If he remembered properly what he knew of Ghatlin, the man was a fool, easily cowed by the proper people, spineless by all means, and fooled with the utmost ease. Which got Fer wondering. Would it be worth hiring an assasin, or back stabbing the man himself with the poison? Or would it not be easier to lead the man to believe the vial was not poison at all, but instead, a haste potion... Fer raised his arm from his side, appearing to be examining his gauntlet, and not the poison in his hand. The vial was unmarked, as were all of the wizard's poisons. The viscous liquid was the strange electric green of the poisons that Fer learned were partially acid, the quick killers. And, also, the same shade of green as the haste potion on his own belt. The decision made, Fer bows onces to Piper, making eye contact with the mage making it obvious that the wizard's murderous wishes were to be carried out, as he walks towards the higher ranking Ghatlin. He approaches the man with his head level, making the older, stronger warrior aware that he (Fer) was not intimidated, but knew his rank. Feringal salutes Ghatlin once, before holding out the vial of poison. Ghatlin, sir, Lord Piper wished me to bring this haste potion to you. He instructed me to transmit his order than you drink this upon the first sign of trouble.
Pipers Youth 07-12-05, 02:19 PM	Piper watched his death dealer go and then passed the threshold into the body strewn cave, and the outside world. He was now standing before two paths. It was this simple fork that could decide a potential future full of fortune, or the farther. One could bring them to the portal, or the other could decide a fate less than pleasing. Fortunately these circumstances only proved true for any normal man, but not a wizard. There were several spells that could be used to choose the right path, and one just came to mind. oO(But why not let someone else to it? Let's just see how nerving these magelings can be. Perhaps there is some fun to keeping these sniveling worms around.)oO "You!"Piper said turning around to point at one of the Red Wizards behind him. "Find the way to the portal, but beware, if you choose wrong.... well let's just say you don't want to do that."
paula_sirine 07-12-05, 05:26 PM	Paula looks skyward a few feathers ruffling in the slight breeze. Javier can feel her tenseness and her aching for flight. The way the transformation brings its desires to bare on her personality is tangible and the fierce will that holds those desires in check is also open to his empathy. Her raised beak tastes the air o0(we fly then yes? Or will you fetch the others now? Time is wasting soon all will be lost) Her black beady eye blinks as she turns her head with a jerk to inspect him .Her beak slightly open reveals her dark tongue, as without the aid of the cooling higher air she must pant to loose the heat of her exertions
Khaira 07-13-05, 06:30 PM	Javier and Paula Javier paused a moment, weighing his decisions...to fly or to go back to the others. This, clearly, was the trail of their quarry, but how far ahead were they? He looked up to the small bird that was Paula, weighing his decisions carefully. "You shall fly ahead, to attempt to pick up their trail or, at least, where they have gone. I shall gather the remainder of our friends and I shall lead them back this way." The lumbering were bear turned, then, beginning to lope back to where he had left the rest of the party. Feringal and Ghatlin The veteran Thayan Captain seemed to smirk - almost knowingly, which was further shocking, due to what most perceived as the man's intelligence - taking the vial of greenish liquid. He looked at it, sloshing the liquid around for a while. Then he began to chuckle as he tucked the contents of the bottle into a belt pouch hanging at his side. "Very well, Lieutenant, I shall take your potion...one that I have no need of! I highly doubt it shall ever be put to use; I have no need of such magical trinkets! But for your - and Lord Piper's - ease of mind, I shall keep it." Piper and the Red Wizard The Red Wizard bowed and nodded to his master, moving forward to regard the two tunnels. He closed his eyes for a moment and then moved to the right going down the slanted tunnel and dissapearing into the darkness. A minute passed, then five, ten, even fifteen minutes. Finally, twenty minutes after Piper had dispatched the subordinate, the sound of rushed incantations and loud curses were heard far down the tunnel; a displaced, echoing voice sounded out, making Piper's subordinate sound closer than he really was. A moment later, there was only silence...
Pipers Youth 07-16-05, 08:46 PM	Piper leaned forward as he heard the last muffled curses from the deeper recesses of the cave telling of a struggle, until all was silent. The Thayan smiled thinly, and straightened his back, "I hereby reaffirm my earlier statement. It seems young Starangh, has something else to worry about at the present time." Piper pondered for a moment, or two, nodded his head, and beckoned the remaining Red Wizards over. He saw the whites in their eyes, the apparent fear of running blinded into a cave, to face whatever it was that silenced their pupil. With a flourish, he spread his hand to the right passage. "Oh, don't gabble gentlemen! Be bold! I'll be right behind you."
Khaira 07-17-05, 07:19 PM	...it was silent for a time, anyway. The Red Wizards began to move forward down the cave, their Light spells creating an illuminating glow. It was by this light that they saw their badly scarred, pale faced, panic-stricken companion come running up from the right tunnel, waving his arms frantically as he made a vain attempt to speak. In fact, he was running so fast, he ran right into one of the Red Wizards in the front. "Run, run, begone from here! Make all haste from this horrid place! It's a..." Before he could finish speaking, bolt of light jolted from the shadows and, in only moments, all that was left of the doomed man was particles of dust floating to the ground. There, floating in the entrance of the right tunnel was a most horrid sight to behold. It was a creature with a dozen tentacles, all bearing their each, individual eyes. All of these tentacles were connected to one, bulbous head, complete with a mouth full of sharp, gnashing teeth, and one huge eye. It was a terrible sight to behold. It was floating terror to all of those who relied on the Power of the Weave. It was a beholder.
Lord Tarran 07-17-05, 10:59 PM	Feringal looked at the Beholder, immediately annoyed that such a creature lived here. His initial suspicions of undead were more welcome than the beast before the company. However, he could not always have his way, ducking quickly back to near Piper, the captain was soon giving orders to nearby subordinates. "Archers to the front, take out the damn central eye now! Our wizards are useless unless that eye comes down now. Swordsmen, shields at the ready! Get in front of the Archers and the Wizards! Sacrifice yourself if you must, but keep them alive. MOVE UNDERLINGS! " He ordered, drawing his own blade. "Any idiot who doesn't listen will find his head on a pike in front of my tent at our next camp!" Feringal then stands before Piper, trying to act as a shield between his lord and then beast before them, his sword humming with energy. Feringal whispers back to his master. "If you give the word to Ghatlin to drink now, he shall be removed quickly." So said, Feringal reaches down to his own belt, drinking the electric green potion, and feeling his entire body come alive with energy.
paula_sirine 07-18-05, 06:03 PM	Paula picked the thoughts from the surface of his mind mear moments before they became words.Having already seen the direction which the wizards had took in leaving the camp she takes to the air with swift beats and the last of his sentance was told to the empty air. Adrenaline pumped as she gained hight.Alternated her wing flapping with soaring and diving ,Instinctively she knew how to make the most of her strength catching thermals to give her height them plummeting forwards gathering speed with her wings part closed to her body. The land streaked away beneath her
Pipers Youth 07-21-05, 09:36 PM	"Oh my, well it seems we have found the thing that dwells in the cave." Piper said, right after Starangh Darkspells met his timely demise, by a ray of raw electric power. He looked up to gaze upon the bulbous creature, as it hovered in midair, each of its eyestalks swaying menacingly. One of those same eyestalks, that had completely vaporized a man. Then below the twisted fleshy appendages sat the central eye, for some it appeared as a giant red slit, examining the intruders that had the misfortune to wander off into it's lair. Just as he was recalling what he knew about theses deadly creatures that combated with magic, Feringal stormed the cave, along with more troops, that seemed to be pouring in. This enacted surprise in the beholder as it ran it's slimy tongue over sharp yellow fangs. You fool, it can understand everything your saying, Piper thought as the Thayan guard ran about barking out orders. One of the few things he knew about beholders, is that they were indeed intelligent beings. So intelligent in fact, that they dabbled in the art of arcane. This could prove quite a fatal foe. With this in mind, Piper stepped from behind Feringal, and held up his hand, closed around something in his palm. Then immediately he recited a quick evocation, and cast what was in his hand into the air. Five glass marbles flashed in midair, and each turned to multicolored orbs, that hovered before him. Pointing to the beholder, each orb shot forth to strike out at it, each with different effects. (Tirumael's Energy Spheres)
Khaira 07-22-05, 07:58 PM	As the archers moved tentatively to the front of the column to take aim at the huge, formidable beholder, the giant creature moved one of its many eyes, causing a huge, blanketing veil of darkness to fall over the archers. In the next moment, the archers began to frantically move about but, as the hidden creatures next eyestalk moved, a crashing boulder soon silenced many of the archers' screams and movements. It was then that mini sparks of elemental power exploded just beneath the beholder. Of the main elements (fire, cold, and electricity), the beholder seemed impervious. However, it seemed to get irritated when it got struck with a splash of acid and when hit by the sonic energy, it appeared to become enraged. Ghatlin, meanwhile, drew his spear quickly, moving up behind Feringal, the butt end of his spear nailing the Lieutenant the back of his head. "Fool! You have just sentenced half our troops to a death sentence; does that make you feel successful?" Standing at the entrance, Ghatlin's voice rang out through the thick shadows and, this time, he proved why he was a Captain of the Thayan Knights. "Swordsmen, follow my voice! Come back out of the shadows and regroup; we must spread out to defeat this foe! Do not let yourselves be clumped together to provide an easy target. Hook arms, and bring the remaining archers with you. Brute force will not fell this enemy!" It took a couple minutes, but eventually, three archers and the swordmen were out of the shadows, awaiting the Captain's next command.
Khaira 07-27-05, 01:25 AM	Paula picked the thoughts from the surface of his mind mear moments before they became words.Having already seen the direction which the wizards had took in leaving the camp she takes to the air with swift beats and the last of his sentance was told to the empty air. Adrenaline pumped as she gained hight.Alternated her wing flapping with soaring and diving ,Instinctively she knew how to make the most of her strength catching thermals to give her height them plummeting forwards gathering speed with her wings part closed to her body. The land streaked away beneath her AFter about twenty minutes of rapid fleight, Paula sees a cave and, lined up outside of the cave, many horses and a single wagon. Of course, while it took her twenty minutes to get her by fleight, it's nigh impossible to know how long it would take her land-based companions to arrive....
Khaira 08-26-05, 09:36 PM	((all right Tarran, I'm tired of waiting for you to post. If you don't post in two days, I'm moving on without you. After that, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to join us again.))
kulideb 08-27-05, 06:56 AM	Kuli looked at Ramoth, the elf shifted slightly from one foot to the other. "How long do you think we ought to wait for?" she asked. Time always seemed to slow when you are waiting, so the elf knew they hadnt really been standing for long but even so... "May be we should just go a little way down the path..?"kuli said nodding to the path the others had taken.
ruthia 08-28-05, 09:01 PM	Ramoth nods to Kulideb and says. "Let's take the path the Werebear went down. I have a gut feeling thats the right one." Her and Kulideb start walking down that path.......
kulideb 08-29-05, 05:58 AM	Kuli nodded at Ramoth. The elf walked softly, she peered into the shadows, her body tense and ready if danger should threaten them as they made their way along the path.
Pipers Youth 08-29-05, 12:39 PM	An eyebrow quirked in amusement, as Piper's watched as his acidic orb splashed into the beholder, enraging it. It was then that he heard the verbal commotion of the two officers fighting, and the crash of boulders crushing the line of archers, that were standing beside him a minute ago. He desperately wanted to punish both men, but instead keep a stern gaze held on the beholder. His hands flashed into complex gestures again, and muttered the words of his next conjuration. Finishing, he waited, for this type of magic took type to enter the material plane. A tangent burning in his throat told him that it was working, as Piper leaned forward, opening his mouth, and breathed forth a large cone of acidic droplets. Let him have a taste of that, Piper thought as the deadly spray reached forth to shower the beholder in spew. (Mestil's Acid Breathe)
Khaira 08-29-05, 04:16 PM	Red Wizards As Piper cast his spell, and the painfully devastating acid spewed from from his gaping mouth, the beholder roared in utter, feral rage, it's actions delayed due to the utter pain of the biting acid now covering it's circular body. Meanwhile, Ghatlin was roaring out commands. "Archers, spread out, and aim for the eye - any of them! Hit the central eye if you can! Knights, we have to give the archers time to take out the eye...support the wizards and the archers!" Bodies began moving here and there while, at the same time, arrows began flying through the air, heading for the many eyes of the beholder. Ghatlin moved beside Piper, his spear now flaming as he prepared to defend the Red Wizard. Unfortunately, at that time, the beholder's central eye blinked once. In the next moment, Ghatlin's flaming spear died out and the Red Wizards began looking frantic as the beholder's most fear ability - a ring of Anti-Magic - was initiated. Ramoth and Kulideb As the pair began making their way down the path, Javier came running towards them in a hybrid bear-human form when Ramoth and Kulideb had been walking for 15 minutes. Pointing farther down along the path, he spoke his urging. "Hurry, my friends, it is this way - we have caught their scent."
ruthia 08-30-05, 09:22 PM	Ramoth quickly follows Javier's path while silently praying. o O(I hope we're not to late)
kulideb 08-31-05, 03:11 AM	Her heart rate picked up a beat as the elf caught the sounds of footsteps rushing towards them. "Javier!"she said once she recognised the voice. Picking up her pace she followed the strange form, her hand moved to the hilt of her slim sword in readiness for what lay ahead.