Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jar Head 06-15-05, 01:48 AM	This is a story I'm writing for a character I may one day decide to play. Right now I'm just getting my creative urges out by writing this. ---------------------------------- The streets, if you could call them that, of the Great Crag were as rough as the architecture of the buildings. Atleast of the little amount of buildings there were. Tents of different sizes were everywhere. The city was grimy and harbored too many stenches that mixed into one horrible smell. At times, I even thought of cutting my own nose clean off. Even though the damned city was my home for three years, I still couldn't get use to it. I always use to feel bad for the weaker beings that got pushed around. I even use to stick my neck out for them, but I ceased doing that long ago when I recieved no appreciation from those I helped. In a city like this, it's hard to be a kind. It makes you weak, and you get spit on for even thinking of doing a kind thing. Maenya's forces don't even attempt to stop the criminal actions against the weaker creatures, mainly the goblins. Those trolls just sit back and watch, until bigger stuff goes down. When property damage, or something that could start any sort of riot occurs, that's when Maenya's pets step in. Really, I have no respect for those Hags. They let anyone get walked on as long as it doesn't interfere with their plans to keep Droaam intact. I don't show such dissapproval in Crag, however, lest it start a fight with some thug who appreciates their rule. I constantly missed it back home, in Malleon's Gate. It was rough there, but atleast I had some sort of respect. Sticking up for the weaker goblins was a lot easier too, I was one of the strongest in that district. Even Gasslak showed me some respect, as long as I didn't do too much damage. Once I got some recognition, the Ja'khor came to recruit me. I was against mercenaries at the time, but I needed a little adventure and excitement. My only exception was that I would work to protect and not to hunt or assassinate. That request was honored, and my first mission was to help protect a caravan en route to the Great Crag from Graywall. On the way there, a band of gnolls attacked the caravan. After an exhausting battle, the gnolls were defeated. Unfortunately, I was the only one left alive. When I looked back to my companions, they had all been slaughtered. I cursed myself for being too weak to protect them, and continued to the Great Crag. There I met with the individual that was to recieve the caravan's goods. The client, an ogre mage, was outraged by what had happened, and in response to my failure he decided to keep me as a slave. I was eventually able to recieve my freedom from the giant, although it was a bloodier freedom than I would have liked. I spent half a year in the giant's servitude, and the other two-and-a-half years trying to keep my head and freedom intact in this dreaded city. I dare not leave the city due to the dangers outside of it, although I sometimes wonder if the plains would be safer than Crag. Still, I fight in the arena for respect and coin. Many a time I leave my opponent alive, which occasionally came back to bite me in my ass. I heard rumors that House Orien was trying to make a safer trade route between Graywall and Great Crag, although most attempts have been in failure. I saw a caravan arrive safely now and then, but I was always too afraid to venture back to Graywall with them. I didn't want three years ago to happen all over again. I spent my arena money in the taverns most of the time. The tavern I went to most often, the Yullik Mar, giant for "No Way Out," was ran by a male medusa named Kyft. Kyft was an interesting fellow, generally listening to what everyone had to say. No one fought in the tavern either, knowing the consequences of such actions, since Kyft used the last two that had as decorations. I went to the Yullik Mar mainly for the fact it was the only peacefull place in the Great Crag, and that Kyft was generally nice to everyone that came in. It was also a good place to escape those arena thugs who wanted to settle things after the match. Those days, Kyft would even let me stay past closing. Although his bar wouldn't protect me from everything, especially the covey's guards. The door to Kyft's tavern was large enough to fit a troll, though the seating wasn't for all sizes. Iskar, one of the troll guards, barged into the Yullik Mar demanding the whereabouts of a hobgoblin warrior with three scars on his right eye. Everyone in the tavern looked straight over at me. I sighed painfully as Iskar made his way over to my seat, towering over me like I do goblins. I swallowed my own saliva as he grabbed my shoulder and spoke, "Come to court of the hag sisters. Teraza wishes to have meeting with you." I looked back at Kyft, who was standing so still I wondered if he looked himself in a mirror. I put my head down in defeat, and didn't fight Iskar's grip. I cursed my luck and hoped I hadn't done anything to upset the sisters. I let the troll guardsmen lead me into the court of the hags. He halted at the front gate, where two troll guards came to escort me to Teraza's chamber. There wasn't much to say about the facility. It was bland, horribly crafted, and infested with insects. The stone walls lead into better crafted tunnels, which could have only been crafted by my Dhakaani ancestors. It felt wonderful walking through true Dhakaani artichtecture, instead of the disgraceful rebuilt ruins of my race's former glory. The two guards had to hunch over a bit, since the Dhakaani architects didn't design the catacombs for giants. Uleshk, the guard in front of me, stopped in front of an adamantine door. This door was much newer than the catacombs, and clearly such a door was meant to protect something valuable. Uleshk opened the heavy door, and motioned his hand for me to enter. The room I stepped into was nothing but darkness, and the room was bleak. "Come and sit, child of the Dhakaani." The voice was shrill, yet there was a peace within it. I obeyed the voice, and followed it's direction. Sitting on the ground before me was what appeared to be an elderly human female. I knew though, it was Teraza of the Daughters of Sora Kell. The mystic of the three sisters, I heard rumors that her dreams of the future were more intense and detailed than those of other dusk hags. I sat on my knees in front of her, my chainmail stretching and digging into the joints of my knees, though I was use to the pain now. "Your chamber is quite interesting." "The blind need not light nor decor." Teraza was naked as I looked upon her, and she sat with her legs cross with one another. It was as if she was meditating, focusing her mind on something important. "I have called for your presense because I believe you should be told of things I have foresaw." Her voice was raspy and soft, yet I felt great wisdom flow even from the simple words she spoke. "I have had many a dream about you." "I'm flattered you have been dreaming about me, really, but what is it you have foreseen?" I attempted to look into her eyes, but knew it would be pointless. I kept still, resting my palms against my knees. I was very curious what my future would be, hoping greatly it would be getting out of this dreaded city. "You are the son of a great mercenary, Jrosdad. Military skill and leadership runs deep in your race, but much deeper in your blood." "How do you know of my father?" My father had served Cyre in the Last War. I feared the worst when I heard about its destruction. "Is he..?" "Your father suffers the fate of many Cyrans have. His body lies dormant in the sea of bodies that is now the Mournland. However, you can mourn of events passed later, for now we must focus on the current and the future." I obeyed, just happy to know the fate of my father at the least. "You walk a path to somewhere." I wanted to laugh at this silly comment, but I continued listening, "You have searched day and night for glory and honor. However, you cannot find these, instead you must earn them. Glory does not come from being kind. Honor does not come from helping the weak." I couldn't understand where she was going, I wanted to ask for her to clerify, but I had much doubt she would. "To gain honor, you must restore glory. To restore glory, you must gain honor. Your path is to set a path. The path you set is the path you must take. Your mind is that of a noble leader, but your heart is that of a vicious killer. Only when you learn to combine both of these, will you be able to walk the path to set the path. You will find companionship among the common beasts, and they will help you set forth the path you must inevitably follow. Your path to set the path will start in the city among the clouds. "I will arrange for a caravan to be guarded by our most elite guards to take you from here to Graywall. The ending of this war is approaching, so travel from Graywall to Sharn will not be difficult. I will send you along with gold for transport and meals. Your journy begins midday tomorrow." The door had opened again, and Uleshk was standing at the doorway. "Now leave me," Teraza commanded. Without any further questions, I left the chamber and followed the lead of the guards. --- "Now leave me," I bid to the hobgoblin as he left my room with the guard. I had hoped the dreams would cease to happen after talking to the subject of those dreams. They were as cryptic as I, which is odd for my dreams. Though, I sent the hobgoblin to the only place I could see in those dreams, the city of towers. As the kind-hearted warrior sat in front of me, I felt restlessness in his very soul. He sought glory and honor, but differently than those single-minded Silver Flame followers or the warmongering Valenar. He wasn't like most of his race. Then I found it, the heart of it all. The reason for his thirst of glory and honor. It's all writen in his very being, inscribed into his destiny. I saw many great things in his future, and allies that he could trust with his own life. I knew more than he about his ancestors, but not everyone should know everything. I gave him only hints, hints that I knew he would not understand until the day would come that he does. My thoughts were interupted quickly by a voice, familiar and constantly filled with energy. "Are you sure this is wise, sister?" The voice was of Katra, standing behind me. She was there the whole time, invisible to the eyes of the hobgoblin. She too knew more about the goblinoid than he himself did. "Helping him like you have could ruin things for us." "Ruin things, or help in a much greater way? He is a leader at heart, Katra, and that is apparant in his very blood. If he succeeds in the path I have paved for him, then it could mean much to the nation of Droaam. He will not forget the ones that helped him out, and he could very possibly become a great ally." I smiled as I spoke, hoping my words would turn to truth. "And he doesn't even suspect the truth," my sister asked. "Why would he? The Dhakaani empire has been lost for millennia. No. No, he will indeed learn the truth, however. And when he does, he could very possibly overthrow Lhesh Haruuc. Only when he, his companions, and all other goblinoids realize that he is the true heir to the Dhakaani throne. Then, even Haruuc will bow to him." "And what will stop him from trying to conquer all of Khorvaire and bring forth the Dhakaani empire once again?" Worry filled my sister's words as she asked. "Do not fret, Katra. Conquest is not this one's goal. Only building a strong empire and uniting goblinoids all over is his goal. Under his rule, Darguun would become prosperous." "But the Dhakaani goblins want their nation back." "Yes, but they will listen to the true heir's words before their own temptations." "I hope you are correct, Teraza."
Jar Head 06-15-05, 04:23 PM	Please, do feel free to comment and tell me what you think.
Dwarven Jazz Bassist 06-16-05, 12:33 AM	First of all I want to say that I love the story, it is in depth and original (at least i have yet to read anything about the "true" Dhakaani heir). Now one thing that really catches my interest is the the obvious turmoil the character is going through or will go through when he sets on his inevitable path of conquest. Your mind is that of a noble leader, but your heart is that of a vicious killer. Only when you learn to combine both of these, will you be able to walk the path to set the path. I believe this is the going to be the obvious cause for the turmoil, and how it is played out and what he does is going to be quite riveting I believe. Thats all for now, I really enjoyed the read and I hope you have more where this came from.
Jar Head 06-16-05, 01:47 AM	Thank you. I had a friend proof read the story, so I'll be making some adjustments. As well, I'm going to cut back on the "path to set the path." Just leave it as one path to make it less...Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions like. Thanks for the input, and I'm glad you enjoyed. I might make this an online book once I get a website running where I'll make online short stories, fanfics, and books based on my own ideas, and those of video games(Knights of the Old Republic mainly), and role-playing games(WoD and Eberron).
Jar Head 06-20-05, 02:51 AM	---Sheshkaarn The streets, if you could call them that, of the Great Crag were as rough as the architecture of the buildings, at least of the little amount of buildings there were. Tents of different sizes were everywhere. The city was grimy and harbored many stenches that mixed into one horrible smell. At times, I thought of cutting my own nose clean off. Although the damned city was my home for three years, I still couldn't get used to it. I always used to feel bad for the weaker beings that got pushed around. I stuck my neck out for them, but I ceased doing that long ago when I realized that I recieved no appreciation from those I helped. In a city like this, it's hard to be a kind. It makes you weak, and you get spit on for even thinking of doing a something kind. Maenya's forces don't protect the weaker creatures, mainly the goblins. Those trolls just sit back and watch, until bigger stuff goes down. When property damage, or something that could start any sort of riot occurs, that's when Maenya's pets step in. Really, I have no respect for those Hags. They let anyone be walked on as long as it doesn't interfere with their plans to keep Droaam intact. I don't show such dissapproval in Crag, however, lest it start a fight with some thug who appreciates their rule. I constantly missed it back home in Malleon's Gate. It was rough there, but at least I had some sort of respect. Sticking up for the weaker goblins was a lot easier too, I was one of the strongest in that district. Even Gasslak showed me some respect, as long as I didn't do too much damage. Once I got some recognition, the Ja'khor came to recruit me. I quickly accepted their offer, and within days I already had a mission. My first mission was to help protect a caravan en route to the Great Crag from Graywall. On the way there, a band of gnolls attacked the caravan. After an exhausting battle, the gnolls were defeated. Unfortunately, I was the only one left alive. When I looked back to my companions, they had all been slaughtered. I cursed myself for being too weak to protect them, and continued to the Great Crag. There I met with the individual that was to recieve the caravan's goods. The client, an ogre mage, was outraged by what had happened, and in response to my failure he decided to keep me as a slave. I was eventually able to recieve my freedom from the giant, although it was a bloodier freedom than I would have liked. I spent half a year in the giant's servitude, and the other two-and-a-half years in Crag trying to keep my head and freedom in this dreaded city. I dared not leave the city due to the dangers outside of it, although I sometimes wondered if the plains would be safer than Crag. Still, I fought in the arena for respect and coin. Many a time I left my opponent alive, which upset my opponents as much as it did the audience. Arena fighters believed it to be disrespectful to be left alive when defeated, and would challenge me to a deathmatch in the streets. I heard rumors that House Orien was trying to make a safer trade route between Graywall and Great Crag, although most attempts have been in failure. I saw a caravan arrive safely now and then, but I was always too afraid to venture back to Graywall with them. The images of the dismembered and slaughtered bodies of those I were to protect never left my mind. I didn't want to go through that again, and those images were what kept me from venturing to Graywall. I spent my arena money in the taverns mostly. The tavern I went to most often, the Yullik Mar, giant for "No Way Out," was ran by a male medusa named Kyft. Kyft was an interesting fellow, always listened to what his patrons had to say. No one fought in the tavern either, knowing the consequences of such actions, since Kyft used the last two that had as decorations. I went to the Yullik Mar mainly for the fact it was the only peacefull place in the Great Crag, and that Kyft was generally nice to everyone that came in. It was also a good place to escape those arena thugs who wanted to settle things after the match. Those days, Kyft would even let me stay past closing. Although his bar couldn't keep the covey's guards out. His bar couldn't protect me from everything, however, especially the covey's elite trolls. The door to Kyft's tavern was large enough to fit a troll, though the seating wasn't for all sizes. Iskar, one of the troll guards, barged into the Yullik Mar one day demanding the whereabouts of a hobgoblin warrior with three scars on his right eye. Everyone in the tavern looked straight over at me. I sighed painfully as Iskar made his way over to my seat, towering over me like I do goblins. I winced in fear as his massive hand grabbed my shoulder and spoke, "Come to court of the hag sisters. Teraza wishes to have meeting with you." I looked back at Kyft, who was standing so still I wondered if he looked himself in a mirror. I put my head down in defeat, and didn't fight Iskar's grip. I cursed my luck and hoped I hadn't done anything to upset the sisters. I let the troll guardsmen lead me into the court of the hags. He halted at the front gate, where two troll guards came to escort me to Teraza's chamber. There wasn't much to say about the facility. It was bland, horribly crafted, and infested with insects. The stone walls lead into better crafted tunnels, which could have only been crafted by my Dhakaani ancestors. It felt wonderful walking through true Dhakaani artichtecture, instead of the disgraceful rebuilt ruins of my race's former glory. The two guards had to hunch over a bit, since the Dhakaani architects didn't design the catacombs for giants. Uleshk, the guard in front of me, stopped in front of an adamantine door. This door was much newer than the catacombs, and clearly such a door was meant to protect something valuable. Uleshk opened the heavy door, and motioned his hand for me to enter. The room I stepped into was nothing but darkness, and the room was bleak. "Come and sit, child of the Dhakaani." The voice was shrill, yet there was a peace within it. I obeyed the voice, and followed it's direction. Sitting on the ground before me was what appeared to be an elderly human female. I knew, however, it was Sora Teraza, the mystic of the three sisters. I heard rumors that her dreams of the future were more intense and detailed than those of other dusk hags. I sat on my knees in front of her, my chainmail stretching and digging into my joints, though I was used to the pain now. "Your chamber is quite interesting." "The blind need neither light nor decor." Teraza was naked as I looked upon her, and she sat with her legs cross with one another. It was as if she was meditating, focusing her mind on something important. "I have called for your presense because I believe you should be told of things I have foreseen." Her voice was raspy and soft, yet I felt great wisdom flow even from the simple words she spoke. "I have had many a dream about you." "I'm flattered you have been dreaming about me, really, but what is it you have foreseen?" I attempted to look into her eyes, but knew it would be pointless. I kept still, resting my palms against my knees. I was very curious what my future would be, hoping greatly it would be getting out of this dreaded city. "You are the son of a great mercenary, Jrosdad. Military skill and leadership runs deep in your race, but much deeper in your blood." "How do you know of my father?" My father had served Cyre in the Last War. I feared the worst when I heard about its destruction. "Is he..?" "Your father suffered the fate of many Cyrans did. His body lies dormant in the sea of bodies that is now the Mournland. However, you can mourn of events past later, for now we must focus on the present and the future." I obeyed, just happy to know the fate of my father at the least. "You walk a path to somewhere." I wanted to laugh at this silly comment, but I continued listening, "You have searched day and night for glory and honor. However, you cannot find these, instead you must earn them. Glory does not come from being kind. Honor does not come from helping the weak." I felt the need to argue her words, but a part of me told me it was the truth. "To gain honor, you must restore glory. To restore glory, you must gain honor. Within you lies a great conflict, a conflict which stirs many questions that you ask yourself. Your heart is that of a noble leader, but your soul is that of a vicious killer. Very soon the questions you ask yourself will surface in your mind, and you will begin your quest to find the answers. You will not go on this quest alone, however, you will find companionship among the common beasts, and they will help you through your hardest of times. Your quest will begin where my dreams began, amongst the city in the clouds. "You will go there immediately by caravan, but worry not Sheshkaarn, our most elite guards will protect you from here to Grawayll. The ending of this war is approaching, so travel from Graywall to Sharn will not be difficult. I will send you along with Galifars for transport and meals. Your journy begins midday tomorrow." The door had opened again, and Uleshk was standing at the doorway. "Now leave me," Teraza commanded. Without any further questions, I left the chamber and followed the lead of the guards. ---Sora Teraza "Now leave me," I bid to the hobgoblin as he left my room with the guard. I had hoped the dreams would cease after talking to the subject of those dreams. I sent him where my dreams told me I should. As the kind-hearted warrior sat in front of me, I felt restlessness in his very being. He sought glory and honor, but differently than those single-minded Silver Flame followers or the blood-thirsty Valenar. He wasn't like most of his race. Then I found it, the heart of it all. The reason for his thirst of glory and honor. It's all writen in his very being, inscribed into his destiny. I saw many great things in his future, and allies that he could trust with his own life. I knew more than he about his ancestors, but not everyone should know everything. I gave him only hints, hints that I knew he would soon understand. My thoughts were interupted quickly by a voice, familiar and constantly filled with energy. "Are you sure this is wise, sister?" The voice was of Katra, standing behind me. She was there the whole time, invisible to the eyes of the hobgoblin. She too knew more about the goblinoid than he himself did. "Helping him like you have could ruin things for us." "Ruin things, or help in a much greater way? He is a leader at heart, Katra, and that is apparant in his very blood. If he succeeds in the path I have paved for him, then it could mean much to the nation of Droaam. He will not forget the ones that helped him out, and he could very possibly become a great ally." I had great hope that the words I spoke were true. "And he doesn't suspect the truth," my sister asked. "Why would he? The Dhakaani empire has been lost for millennia. No. No, he will indeed learn the truth, however. And when he does, he could very possibly overthrow Lhesh Haruuc. Only when he, his companions, and all other goblinoids realize that he is the true heir to the Dhakaani throne. Then, even Haruuc and the Dhakaani clans will bow to him." "And what will stop him from trying to conquer all of Khorvaire and bring forth the Dhakaani empire once again?" Worry filled my sister's words as she asked. "Do not fret, Katra. Conquest is not this one's goal. Only building a strong empire and uniting goblinoids all over is his goal. Under his rule, Darguun would become prosperous." "But the Dhakaani goblins want their nation back." "Yes, but they will listen to the true heir's words before their own foolish temptations." "I hope you are correct, Teraza."